The Cheating Jenga Game

The day after the trapping incident, I temporarily prohibited the experiment of sending people into the ‘Corridor’.

Because compared to the gnawing hunger, the true torment was the aching and squirming sensation in my lower body when I forcibly held back my urge to urinate.

Back then, as I clutched my skirt and repeatedly rubbed my thighs, even my mind felt utterly chaotic. I truly never wanted to experience that feeling again.

Of course, I could still accept other experiments. Therefore, the three of us were now—

Playing Jenga.

This was no ordinary Jenga, though! It was a super-duper, inexplicably ‘Corridor’-cheating version of Jenga…

Naturally, I had haphazardly come up with this incredibly tacky name. Yet, I genuinely believed there was no more fitting title for it. (Seriously!)

Because—

“Hmph hmph~ It truly is much more convenient once you can use the ‘Corridor’~”

Leidi, a triumphant smirk on her face, dangled the “pulled out” block before me.

“Oh, please—what’s there to be so smug about? You wouldn’t have been able to do it without me…”

I retorted, a hint of speechlessness in my voice, then shook my head and rolled the dice for my turn.

The reason I emphasized the words “pulled out” was because Leidi hadn’t actually extracted that block.

Instead, she had utilized the ‘Corridor’ to phase it in and out, all while holding my hand, of course.

This ability was incredibly convenient!

If the “phasing in” and “phasing out” could be refined even further, she would undoubtedly be the champion of any Jenga tournament—a cheating champion, of course.

And if this power were used in an eating contest, did the outcome even need to be considered? With just a thought, she could surely set a new world record!

Why wasn’t I the one with this ability? I wished I had an all-purpose pocket that could hold anything.

A pang of jealousy stirred within me.

“Leidi-chan, your control over the ‘Corridor’ is becoming so proficient, and it’s only been a few days…”

“I feel like I’m finally understanding the meaning of ‘the younger generation is formidable’…”

Sister Ruka said with a wry smile, then rolled the dice and steadily removed the corresponding block.

Sister Ruka could probably do the same as Leidi, couldn’t she?

However, doing so now held little meaning for her, as there was no longer any novelty to show off. Wait, upon closer thought, did she even need to show off? Perhaps I was overthinking things.

“Oh, no, not at all. I’m merely showing off a little, like a novice before a master, in front of Sister Ruka.”

Leidi smiled modestly, and another block vanished from the tower, only to reappear in her hand.

“You two, at least consider my feelings…”

“I can’t even ‘show off a little’!”

I puffed out my cheeks in protest, a hint of dissatisfaction coloring my words.

I was against showing off! Especially Leidi! Just pick up the blocks with your hands, honestly!

“Oh, don’t be like that. This is training, you know. My mind is clearly getting exhausted with these precise, one-to-one manipulations.”

Leidi smiled at me, then let the dice materialize in my hand. She was treating even this as practice.

“Is that so?”

If that was the case, then perhaps I shouldn’t complain.

“Besides, even though my mind feels a bit more tired than before, I definitely sense something growing within me. I think it won’t be long until I can steadily control the ‘Corridor.’ How about we go inside again then?”

Leidi said with a laugh, leaning closer to me.

“Oh, come on. If I get trapped in there for another day, I’ll definitely bite you…”

I playfully nudged her with my head, a smile gracing my lips as well.

“Oh, right, Leidi, after this round, you should be the one to stack the blocks. Use the ‘Corridor’ method of stacking, alright? Your precision in placement is still lacking, and regular practice like this will help you both when entering the ‘Corridor’.”

“Mhm, I will.”

Leidi nodded, returning to her original position, though our hands remained clasped.

“There aren’t many blocks left, are there? Should we just knock it over?”

I suggested, still waiting for my turn to roll the dice.

“No, let’s not. It looks like it’s almost over anyway.”

“Even if you knock the tower over, it won’t change the fact that you’re always losing. At most, you’ll just have one less loss, just one~ Give up~”

My suggestion was regretfully rejected by Sister Ruka… And gleefully mocked by Leidi…

Seriously, I was just making a kind suggestion! Sister Ruka aside, what was with Leidi’s utterly punchable expression? What was wrong with “one”? Was she looking down on “one”?! If it weren’t for all those “ones” accumulating, I wouldn’t have lost so many times!

Huh?

It seemed I had just contradicted myself… Damn it!

I was furious!

I would absolutely deliver a three-dimensional mental assault upon her! She could just cover her meager A-cups and weep profusely!

First, I flung Leidi’s hand away. Then, rolling the dice, I carefully pinched out the corresponding block with two fingers.

And then!

“Ah, my hand slipped!”

Feigning a panicked expression, I flailed my arms as if trying to catch the block before me. But, as expected, I missed!

Of course!

What would be the point if it didn’t miss?!

What would be the point if the block didn’t land on my magnificent three-digit mounds?!

What would be the point if Leidi’s expression didn’t turn into a Picasso self-portrait?!

Just you watch me!

“Thwack~~”

As if bouncing off a pudding, the spinning block traced a precise and beautiful arc through the air. It perfectly struck its target! It perfectly struck Leidi’s fragile nerves!!!

“……”

Hahahaha! That blank, gray stare of hers was utterly satisfying! Regret it now! Who told you to make me unhappy?

“Hmph~”

With a victorious hum, I turned to look at Sister Ruka.

“……”

“Eh?”

Why had her eyes also gone dead?