Danganronpa: Komm Susser Tod

Chapter 1, Part V

Chapter 1: Hell is Other People, Part V (Class Trial)

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The elevator stopped.

Usagi: Huh. Wonder where it took us.

Her question was immediately answered by the elevator doors - once again by themselves - opening up, allowing us the first glimpse into what appeared to be a rather... grandiose room. The walls were blue. The columns were gold. The curtains were red, and the carpet on top of the chess board-esque floor was a rich crimson. There were also a pair of doors on the other side of the room, far more ornate than the relatively bland elevator doors we just came out of.

What was most striking about the room was a circle of 16 podiums, so that we would all be facing each other. Unusually, one of them had already been occupied - a monochrome portrait of Mamoru, bordered by black funeral ribbons, had been neatly attached onto a stand and propped up behind one of the podiums. Goddammit. It was a reminder that he was gone. Gone forever.

Of course, there were a few questions.

Masato: Huh? Why is that there?

Tetsuo: Why did it lead here?

Kira: What are we supposed to do?

Monokuma: You know what they're for!

My head turned towards the bear, sitting upon a throne positioned between two of the podiums, towering over everyone else. Of course he had to be compensating for his relatively small size himself. But nevertheless, I walked towards one of the podiums, and with a deep sigh, took my position, and so did everyone else.

Monokuma: Good, everyone's settled. Now then-

Shouko: Just get to the point.

Monokuma: We'll get there when we get there! Anyways, without further to do, let me explain the Class Trial!

Chie: What do you want us to do, croak?

Monokuma: It's simple! You get a set amount of time to discuss who you think killed him over there! And once time's up you have to cast a vote about that!

Homura: What happens if we get it wrong?

Monokuma: Rocks fall, everyone dies. Except for the culprit, that is. They get to go home, have a drink, and completely and utterly forget about all of it. The end.

Asuka: And my theory is that-

Monokuma: I know what you're gonna say. If you're correct, then only the culprit gets punished! And sooner or later, I'll gladly tune in next time for another Class Trial! Upupupu~

Iori: This is an all-or-nothing gambit on part of the culprit, right?

Monokuma: Obviously, you bastard.

Homura: What the-?! We don't have anybody here who knows the legal system-

Monokuma: It's simple, really. All of you are the plaintiffs, defendants, prosecutors, attorneys, et cetera.

Reiji: And what are you, then?

Monokuma: Three roles! The judge, the jury, and above all, the executioner! Now then, if you all don't want to be found guilty of wasting my time, then get to it!

Chie: What?

Monokuma: The Class Trial, duh!

Shuya: ...Just play along. Get it over with, okay?

Reiji: Fine.

Monokuma: Good! I'm looking forward to a wonderful debate! Upupupu~

And thus, this Class Trial, the event that would kill at least one of us, began...