[Rewrite] Classroom of the Elite: Amnesia Haven (CoTE x Grimgar)

0. Awaken

I opened my eyes, confused.

I can hear someone's voice just now. A male with a hoarse tone. Who was that? I turned my head slowly, scanning my surroundings.

It was dark but not pitch black. Candlelight flickered weakly against the walls, their feeble glow stretching into the distance like markers.

Stone walls loomed around me, uneven and coarse, just like the rough surface beneath me. A cave? Could be. But why a cave? And more importantly, how did I get here? My mind scrambled for answers, though it felt like trying to scoop water with a sieve.

I knew my name, weight, height—down to the date of birth. Strangely specific details that refused to connect with anything substantial. Where I came from, how I got here, and who I even was —nothing. Blank. Off-putting wasn't quite the word, but it'd do for now. Drugged, maybe? Or worse? The possibilities were endless and equally unwelcome.

My gaze flicked toward movement. Shadows stirred in the flickering light—seven figures, scattered at varying distances, none close enough to reach without effort. A small mercy, considering I had no idea whether they were friendly or planning to slit my throat.

A male voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Uh... is there anyone else here? Other than me, I mean."

"There is," I replied, flatly, my voice intertwining with another, feminine and sharp.

"Guess I'm not alone, huh?" another male voice chimed in, casual but still noticeably concerned.

"Why are we here...?"

This time, it was a girl.

"It's baffling, yeah," came another voice, quick to second the sentiment.

"Tell me about it."

"Damn it all..."

I studied each of their facial expressions—though it was all dark, it didn't prevent me completely from observing them. They look just as confused as me... Oh, wait, who am I kidding to? I can't express myself.

Anyway, I knew that they probably really didn't know anything either from that simple observation. The uncertainty in their tones suggested they were as much in the dark—literally and figuratively—as I was either.

"Maybe introductions would help," suggested the first man, his tone oddly calm considering the situation. The faint light revealed a gentle face, approachable, perhaps even reassuring. "My name is Yousuke."

"Yousuke? Uh, I'm Kanji," another man piped up quickly—a short guy. His voice tinged with nervous energy.

"I think my name is Kikyou," one of the girls said hesitantly, her voice soft and uncertain. "...That's all I remember."

"Uh, I guess mine's Kei?" Another chimed in, her tone similarly unsure.

"I'm Chiaki," said a third, this time with disinterest. "Now that you mention it, I can't remember anything else either."

"Kiyotaka," I said curtly. No point in adding flair to the obvious.

I glanced at the last girl who hadn't introduced herself yet. She sat closest to me, her presence noticeable even in the dim light. Her dark hair was straight, neat, and fell evenly around her shoulders. She had a balanced frame and a sharp gaze.

I wasn't staring—well, not intentionally—but she happened to make eye contact right then.

"—whatever. You can call me Ken," the red-haired guy muttered irritably. He sounded like someone who had already run out of patience, which, given the circumstances, seemed understandable.