I’m actually quite adept at deduction games. However, this completely open-ended format, with so few clues, left me feeling rather uncomfortable.
I wasn’t sure where to begin. Defining a role for a character first, and then interpreting their actions, seemed like a sound approach. Yet, the outcome of the analysis would naturally differ depending on which role I chose to embody.
Thus, my previous analysis of Kane—the middle-aged man—as a Rival couldn’t be entirely trusted. While it appeared logical, errors were always possible, though caution was certainly warranted.
Now, a stalemate had been reached. The lack of additional information for a breakthrough was undoubtedly disadvantageous for the game itself. However, for me, it presented a significant advantage.
I attempted to step into the Killer’s shoes, meticulously scrutinizing the current situation. I soon realized that, from their perspective, there were no clear openings either.
‘If I were the Killer, what would my target feel like?’ I lowered my head, lost in thought. ‘Firstly, they definitely wouldn’t actively participate in the game. Then… they might unconsciously avoid me. And finally, there’s a high probability they’d actively try to get themselves eliminated.’
With my analysis complete, I solidified my next course of action.
The scales of victory in this game were tipped in my favor, and the reasoning was simple. The Killer had only one opportunity to strike, and no other means to ascertain my identity. All I needed to do was actively participate in the game, disguised as one of the other roles.
Crucially, I absolutely could not reveal my true identity to anyone. Inevitably, they might expose me out of fear of being mistakenly targeted.
Therefore, impersonating a Prosecutor, a Gatekeeper, or a Rival were all viable options. My preference leaned towards being a Rival, for a simple reason: Rivals were practically aligned with the Killer. This would help me leave an impression in the Killer’s mind that I was definitely not the Reporter.
From there, I would merely need to “accidentally expose” my identity as a Rival. As long as the Gatekeepers and Prosecutors didn’t vote me out, the game would conclude.
The thought instantly reignited my motivation. This game seemed quite straightforward. ‘My dear Killer, it appears the game you designed isn’t particularly advantageous for you, is it?’
Confidently, I set down my notebook. I wasn’t inclined to read further, as the remaining information was likely misleading. However, I felt it was still necessary to approach Kane, given that he was the most probable candidate for a Rival.
‘How to approach him?’ It was exceedingly simple. I would walk over and quietly ask him, ideally within the Killer’s awareness, “Are you a Rival?”
Regardless of his true role, his answer would undoubtedly be “no,” as he would suspect me of trying to glean information. However, if he *was* a Rival, I might just be perceived as a potential ally. If not, it wouldn’t be a significant setback, though the risk of being mistaken for a Rival myself and quickly voted out was slightly higher.
Deciding to act immediately, I discreetly moved towards Kane. Fortunately, the Killer across the room seemed to notice my subtle maneuver. “Um, are you… a Rival?” I leaned in and whispered.
His face remained impassive as he glanced at me. “No,” he replied.
It was the answer I had anticipated, yet my objective was still achieved. All that remained was to leave it to fate. Still, there was no way I could lose this game; I just had to keep lying low.
****
At noon, the television in the living room flickered to life once more. Everyone immediately dropped what they were doing and rushed over, anxious not to miss a single detail.
“Ah, it seems this game hasn’t made any progress so far…” The uniformed woman on the screen smiled. “I believe it’s time to reveal the game’s hidden rules.”
Everyone exchanged bewildered glances. Hidden rules? They hadn’t been mentioned before.
“Do you recall a rule about eliminating someone by triggering a hidden condition?” The uniformed woman’s smile turned slightly wicked. “Well, there are actually two hidden conditions. One is common to everyone, and that is—to be eliminated.”
It was brutally simple, incredibly easy to execute. But wouldn’t that fundamentally change the nature of the game?
All those conditions I had painstakingly analyzed just moments ago were now utterly useless, damn it! It was as simple as getting “eliminated” by the other side. Anyone could do that!
As I fell into a state of exasperation, I suddenly recalled a plan I had temporarily shelved. ‘What if I just really clobbered him with a brick and finished it in an instant?’