SDRA2 Redux: Trouble on Jabberwock Island

The Final Trial - Part 1

My vision warped into a long spiral hallway that I ran through. It was disorientating, but I pushed through and entered the trial room. This time, Monocrow had decorated it to resemble a dungeon - solid stone walls glowed with an eerie light, and much of the curtains, draperies and candle sconces had been taken away. The podiums were now silver with a glowing green tip.

One new portrait had joined the 10 portraits. It was Nikei's, three lines of pink Fs typed perfectly over his face.

If there was one good thing to be seen right now, it was how one portrait was now swapped. Instead of the awful picture of Yuri that was to my left, the stand was now filled by Kokoro.

And her former stand was now filled with that horrible picture.

At least Monocrow blessed me with sitting right next to my non-binary cosplayer.

So, this is it... we may be finally allowed to leave this island, but he wants us to seriously consider whether we want to or not... But why...? What does he have planned for us now...?!

We were all backed into a corner, now. Monocrow had made that very clear. It was finally time to make our final choice in the killing game... would it be the right choice? Or... the dreadfully wrong one...?

What do we even have to discuss...? What do we even have to help us decide...?!

"Now, then! Let's begin the Graduation Exam!" Monocrow roared gleefully, plonking down on the throne.

CLASS TRIAL, IN SESSION!

Monocrow didn't tell us about the rules of the class trial this time. Yuki was sitting in a comfortable chair, drinking red wine and eating ice cream, a treat provided by Monocrow himself.

How odd...

After a few minutes of silence, Yuki finished her ice cream and started the debate.

"Now, for those who want to find the mastermind now, please keep in mind that we won't be finding the mastermind until much further down the line." She told us.

"Knowing about the outside world seems like a good place to start, but this might be a questionable starting topic..." She said. "Let me ask you this: What is this world's true identity ?!"

Kokoro furrowed her brows. "Huh? This world's true identity? What an odd question..."

I cupped my chin. This world's true identity...

If I answer that, it'll become true...

I grimaced and lowered my face a little to hide my eyes.

And the lie... will become the truth. But...

I looked up through my bangs at the other students. The rest of the surviving students were glancing around the circle dejectedly and then towards Yuki.

There's no way I can leave it unanswered. Nikei always uncovered the truth, so I can too!

I just needed to think. Come on... Why was it hard to think ?!