Masked Hope (Nagito x Fem!Reader)

Knowledge Gained (Daily Life Part 2)

Across the bridge, I saw a large stone building overgrown with thick vines and foliage. Nearby, I could see another building, at least three stories, with a brick exterior. It looked like a library. Finally. . . something familiar.

"So this is the new island. . ." Hajime commented behind me. "The ambience seems different. . . compared to the 1st island with the hotel."

"I agree. . . It's a whole other atmosphere here." I concurred. "That building looks like it could be a library, see? Over there?"

He nodded and I continued. "There may be some useful information there. I can go investigate while you look around. We'll meet back here in a few hours, okay?"

What do you think you're doing? Telling him where to go like you have some kind of authority. . .

"Ah! U-Unless you'd have me do something else. . . I don't mind."

"No, I think you're plan is great." He assured. "See you in a few hours?"

I nodded slowly and started making my way to the library. Inside, I found Sonia and Peko already looking through some of the books. The blonde princess was skimming through some kind of magazine. I looked over her shoulder and questioned what it was about.

"What are you reading, Sonia?" I asked.

"Oh, it's the newest issue of Occult Magazine!" She happily answered with stars in her eyes. "It breaks the lid off underground mysteries and the wonders of the world!"

"That's quite the topic. . ." I muttered, a little surprised by her level of interest.

"I-It is not like I read it often." She responded, a little flustered. "I am just reading it because it has a special article about serial killers! It seems. . . this writer has very good taste."

"I see. . . So you're into those sorts of things." I spoke quietly, more to myself really. . .

She didn't hear me and continued. "I mean, even Genocide Jack is mentioned in the article. . ."

"Hm, that name. . . Genocide Jack. . . It sounds familiar somehow. . ." I trailed off. "She's a Japanese serial killer, right?"

"Correct! She has made a reputation for herself even among casual internet users." She explained. "She is very popular among youths and is know for writing messages in blood at the scene of the crime."

"That's right, I remember now. She always uses special pairs of scissors and only ever kills men." I found myself getting as excited as she was. "It's impressive that she's managed to elude authorities for as long as she has--"

You're rambling. Dolls don't talk for longer than they have to.

I stopped and felt myself get a little embarrassed. Regardless, Sonia didn't seem to mind.

"Apparently she is a high school or middle school student who wears a sailor uniform. The boys should be careful." She warned playfully. "I am glad to have met someone as interested in this topic as I am! This one is a particular favourite of mine. . ."

She flipped the page and pointed to a photo of a mask designed to look exactly like a character from an anime. Below it was a name printed in bold: Sparkling Justice. The name, like Genocide Jack's, sounded some kind of familiar. Unlike Genocide Jack, however, it was more like a faint recognition.

"Sparkling Justice is a regular subject of these kinds of exclusive articles." She beamed. "I shall explain it to you just in case. . . Sparkling Justice is a serial killer who calls themselves 'The Ally of Justice'! Wearing a wide variety of hero masks like this one, Sparkling Justice is a delightful serial killer who only kills criminals!"