Second Trial Posts

2022-04-19 (Fūta's Birthday)

Fūta: Ahh… I’m not wrong… I wasn’t doing anything wrong…
Shut up, why are you going on an on about something so minor…
It has nothing to do with you…
Aaahhh…

Amane: Oh, were you talking to yourself, Fūta-san?
Or maybe there’s something there you’re able to see?

Fūta: …!
O-oh, it’s just you. It’s nothing.
…but well, on that note.
Hey. Don’t you have anything happening too? Since being in here, just suddenly getting anxious.
Feeling as though loads of people are all there condemning you, telling you you were wrong.

Amane: …I’m fine.
I don’t know what you’ve done or what it is you’re worried about, but I think if there’s something you believe in, you should stay true to it.
It’s not something that should waver just because other people said something.
I personally don’t plan on changing my own beliefs even if I’m told I’m wrong either…
…today is your birthday, correct?
I’ll pray for God to keep you under his care.

2022-06-22 (Haruka's Birthday)

Mū: What’s wrong, Haruka-kun?
Did something happen?
You shouldn’t look away like that when you’re together with me.

Haruka: Ah, s-sorry, Mu-san.
Um… No, it’s nothing.
I just, suddenly got a feeling.
That something is about to happen.

Mū: Isn’t that because it’s your birthday?
Or perhaps it’s a sign the guard is about to wake up again soon?
Fufufu, I bet they’ll be really surprised at a lot of things.

Haruka: That, might be true.
But, I want the the guard to see.
…the new, me…

2022-06-27 (Amane's Birthday)

Kazui: What’s up, Shidō-kun?
You’re looking pretty down.
I guess you must be tired, I’ve been relying on you a lot lately.

Shidō: Yeah, I just remembered… today is Amane’s birthday.
I’m just getting a bit sentimental.

Kazui: Hmm, it’s unfortunate, but at the moment we can’t worry about that.
…you understand, right?
There’s something that you need to do right now.
And if you tried talking to her, your words definitely won’t reach her.
Don’t look at me like that. We’ll just wait until the situation changes. Let’s do our best.

Shidō: Yeah. I’ll do what I can.
I can’t have a child making a face like that.
Even though we’re “murderers”… we’re also the adults here.

2022-07-05 (Mū's Birthday)

Mū: Hey~~~
Isn’t everyone a bit gloomy lately?
I get that this situation isn’t ideal, but you’re really bringing down the mood for my birthday.

Yuno: Haha, surely even you can tell now’s not really the time for something like that right.
Nobody’s really in the mood, or rather nobody has time time to deal with something like that.

Mū: Boo, how boring.
You seem to be free, you can celebrate for me. Go on, celebrate.

Yuno: Wow, what a pain.
I’m reading the atmosphere properly and keeping quiet.
Well, you just go and have fun with Haruka. In the corner somewhere so you’re out of everyone’s way.

2022-08-05 (Kazui's Birthday)

Kotoko: …Kazui Mukuhara.
Thanks to you, I wasn’t able to properly serve justice to those who did something unforgivable.
I’m currently acting as an agent for our prison guard Es. Don’t get in my way next time.

Kazui: Oi oi, don’t be silly, Yuzuriha-chan.
There’s no way I could just look away from your outrageous display of violence.
Anyway, even disregarding the fact violence against those voted unforgiven isn’t a part of Milgram’s system, what you’re doing is just acting recklessly based on a broad interpretation.
As long as I’m free myself, I’ll stop you.

Kotoko: …what a pointless argument.
Hmph. Since Es forgives you, I have no choice but to forgive you myself too.
If you to keep to your words, then you’d best do what you can to keep being forgiven.
If you’re not, then next time you’ll be one of my targets.

Kazui: Oh, how scary.
That girl truly is frightening.
…well then, I wonder what the guard will decide to do with me. That’s the one thing I really can’t make out. Honestly…

2022-09-02 (Yuno's Birthday)

Mahiru: …no, I’m fine.
As long as I don’t move too much, I don’t even feel any pain.
Sorry for making you worry.

Yuno: Oh, really? That’s good then.
Mahiru-san, if there’s anything you want then just ask. It’s not like it’s a huge burden, I can just ask for it along with my own stuff.

Mahiru: Ok… I’m fine for now. Sorry, for making you worry.
Ah, Yuno-chan… Today’s your birthday, right? Happy birthday.

Yuno: ……
Haha, thanks. Thank you, but y’know.
Is it really okay for you to be saying that to me when you’re in that situation?
…you really aren’t suited for Milgram, huh, Mahiru-san.

2022-10-06 (Mikoto's Birthday)

Haruka: Mikoto-san.
Um, are you ok…?

Mikoto: Ah, Haru-kun.
It’s been a while since we last talked, huh.
Yeah, I’m fine. Are you doing ok…?

Haruka: Ah, I’m fine. I’ve been enjoying myself, a lot.
Um, I’m sorry, for avoiding you.
I was a bit scared. Of you, honestly…

Mikoto: Ahhh, yeah.
I’ve been lashing out whenever I go to sleep, right?
…it’s fine. Even I think you’re right to be scared.
You know, I kinda just hate that I don’t even know what’s going on myself… haha.
Ah, but despite all that you still came and talked to me because it’s my birthday, right? Thank you, you’ve grown into a good man.

2022-10-24 (Shidō's Birthday)

Amane: …Shidō Kirisaki.
How long do you plan on continuing this foolish behavior?

Shidō: I wonder what you might be referring to there.
I’m just doing what I need to do.
If anything, I’d be happy if you would lend me a hand.

Amane: I warned you.
I can no longer turn a blind eye to this wickedness taking place right in front of us. You’re bringing ruin unto yourself.
Do you understand?

Shidō: No, I don’t understand.
It’s my job as an adult to teach you that throwing a temper tantrum isn’t going to make everything go your way.
If it’s a test of endurance you want, I’m happy to oblige, Amane.

2022-12-15 (Kotoko's Birthday)

Mikoto: Ah, Koto-chan. It’s been a while.

Both of us have kinda split off from the group, but how’ve things been? A lot’s happened, but for now let’s try to get along.
I mean, it’s your birthday today, right? I got the feeling nobody else was going to do anything, so I came to celebrate.

Kotoko: …how carefree.
It doesn’t matter, a villain like you won’t be forgiven next time either.
And when that time comes, it’ll be the end for you. I’ll make sure of it myself.

John: Ahh?? Just try and do it, you nutjob.

I’ll crush anyone who hurts me…
You’re gonna be totally beaten at your own game…!

Kotoko: Hm. The border between the two is getting a lot vaguer.
Your entire existence is a crime. And I will see you’re punished for it.
That is what Milgram, and Es, and I have chosen.

2023-01-17 (Mahiru's Birthday)

Amane: Happy birthday. Mahiru-san.
How is your body feeling?

Mahiru: …ah, Amane-chan.
Thank you. Yeah, I’m fine. Now I can move around if I use a wheelchair…
It’s all thanks to Shidō-san looking after me…

Amane: I’ll give you one warning. The two of you are dabbling in something taboo.
If you continue to go against the way of nature like this, you’ll just bring an early death upon yourself. Think hard about this.

Mahiru: Amane-chan…?
Are you really Amane-chan…?

2023-02-19

Haruka: Guard, can you hear me?
You can, can’t you?

Haruka: I meant what I said in the interrogation.
…please forgive Mū-san.

2023-04-07

Haruka: Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. Please forgive Mū-san. PleaseforgiveMū-sanpleaseforgiveMū-sanpleaseforgiveMū-sanpleaseforgiveMū-sanpleaseforgiveMū-sanpleaseforgiveMū-san

2023-04-19 (Fūta's Birthday)

Fūta: …! Oi, is it just you. Don’t scare me like that. You shouldn’t just stand there saying nothing.
Hah, what? Did you just come to laugh at me for being weak? Dumb brat.

Amane: No. I just came to observe.
To see what people are thinking. To see who is being corrupted.
What about you, Fūta Kajiyama?

Fūta: I understand even less of what you’re saying than I did before.
Brat, you’re on the side who weren’t forgiven too, right?
…so why can you still stand.
Can't you hear it too? The voices blaming us.
…I don’t have the energy to do anything like this.

Amane: It goes without saying.
Because there’s something far more important than the voices of people we can’t even see.

People are able to get back up again. As long as there’s something to guide them.
Fūta Kajiyama, by coincidence today happens to be your birthday, correct?
Don’t you think it’s a good opportunity to be reborn?
If, right now, you could shake off those around you trying to drag you down to depravity, and could change—

2023-06-22 (Haruka's Birthday)

Mū: Haruka-kun, I brought your food.
Are you still alive? Has any mold started growing?

Haruka: …ah, thank you very much.
Mū-san. Sorry, um… I…

Mū: You shouldn’t just lock yourself in your room all day.
You have to eat your food properly.
Hm, well… I do understand why you’re feeling down.
It feels bad. The atmosphere recently.

Haruka: Um, I’m totally fine… Just a bit, I’m thinking, about how to do it.
What to do, what to do, to… fulfill my promise.
For Mū-san’s sake…

2023-06-27 (Amane's Birthday)

Amane: What is it… Yuno Kashiki.
Don’t sit so close to me. Go away.

Yuno: Sorry for barging in when you’re getting into your own little world.
But Mahiru-san’s finally managed to get to sleep.
Humor me with some small talk while I take a break.
By the way, Amane. Have you ever wished you were never born?
I’ve thankfully lived a pretty fun life so far, so haven’t really. But you seem to be struggling with something.
So I kinda wondered if you thought like that.

Amane: …I don’t think that.
Being born into this world is the first miracle any person experiences, and is something to celebrate.
Even if after birth I was put through trial after trial, the value of that will never disappear.

Yuno: Hmm. Okay.
…happy birthday, then. It’s good that you were brought into the world, I guess.

2023-07-05 (Mū's Birthday)

Fūta: Oi, you.
Is he ok?
He’s not even left his room lately.

Mū: You mean Haruka-kun? Hmm. Yeah, probably.
I’ve been bringing all his meals to him so he should be fine. Isn’t that great of me?

Fūta: Hah? Who the hell says that sort of thing about themself. …ah, no, well, right now I understand a bit.
When you’re feeling down, it’s nice to have someone who relies on you and accepts you.
The rest of us can’t really understand you from where we’re standing. But well, if you’re Haruka’s “salvation” then I guess it really is great.

Mū: Salvation…? I don’t know what you mean.
Fūta-kun, you don’t sound like yourself. Did you hit your head or something? Oh, wait, you actually did, didn’t you. Ahaha.
Ah, putting that aside though, did you know it’s my birthday today?

2023-08-05 (Kazui's Birthday)

Kazui: Hey, it’s been a while since we last talked.
You’ve been working hard lately. Are you doing okay?
Should I give you a shoulder massage?

Shidō: …no, there’s no need to worry.
You’re surely on edge at the moment too, after all, Mukuhara-san.
Since I’ve been devoting my time to Shīna-kun, I haven’t had time to help with the rest of the prison. Sorry for leaving everything to you.

Kazui: No, it’s fine.
I haven’t done anything really.
…you take on too much responsibility on your own. Make sure you rest a bit too.
Oh, that’s right, today’s my birthday.
So how about you join me for a smoke? As a present.

Shidō: …I guess it’s precisely because we’re in this situation that things like that are necessary too.
Happy birthday. I’ll join you.
Can you lend me a cigarette?

2023-09-02 (Yuno's Birthday)

Kazui: You're helping Shidō-kun, aren't you?
Well, to put it this way, it's a bit surprising.
You don’t seem to be very interested in others.

Yuno: Hmm? What is it all of a sudden?
Yeah, I'm not really interested.
But if someone is about to die in front of me, I'd somewhat help out. That's just normal.
Aren't you also the same, Kazui-san?
You're not interested, fundamentally.

Kazui: ...I wonder. This old man is not as quick-witted as Kashiki-chan.
You see, it’s because I came from a world that's all about physical strength. I've never even thought about things like that.

Yuno: Haha, we are both liars.
The difference is the reason for lying.
Kazui-san, you see yourself as important, and so you lie in order to protect yourself.
For me, no one is particularly important.
That includes myself as well.

2023-10-06 (Mikoto's Birthday)

Mikoto: …Is there really another me?
Is it that person's fault that my clothes are torn up and everyone's afraid of me now?
Me, a murderer…?
There's no way I can believe that.

Mikoto: Can you hear me when I talk like this?
If you can, say something.
Why are you doing these awful things? C'mon. It's your fault things turned out this way, right? Answer me already!!

John: …Ahhhh!!
I [ore] did it for myself [boku]…!
Because… I'm [boku] going to break!

Mikoto: —What the hell am I doing…
There's no way you'd conveniently answer me.
I don't want to think about any of this anymore… I'm so tired…

2023-10-24 (Shidō's Birthday)

Mahiru: Shidō-san, you have a family, right…?
To have a family, have children, how does that feel…?

Shidō: …Um, it’s a very good thing.
Children are …that’s right. They're hope itself.
When you have kids, it makes growing old more fun.
I think about how the older I get, the more my kids grow.

Mahiru: Ahh……how lovely.
I, had a dream to become a wife.
I might be a little bit old-fashioned, though.
I wanted it to come true, you know…

Shidō: It’s not too late.
Shīna-kun, I’ll keep you alive, so…
Let’s leave this place, and make it come true. That dream.
…Because, it’s only the beginning for you.

2023-12-15 (Kotoko's Birthday)

Haruka: …Please, be quiet about this.
And you, please don't get involved.
All I can do is ask this of you...

Kotoko: Fufufu, fufufufufu.
You're thinking some outrageous things.
To be frank, it's abnormal.
But I don't dislike it.
If only all sinners were like you.

Haruka: No... That's not it...

I don't mean it that way...

This isn't for me... it's to protect... so, Kotoko-san... please...

Kotoko: Eh? Yes, yes.
Well, I promise not to interfere with your plans.
Even though I'd like to do it myself, I'll leave it to you.
What happens after that... depends on Es, doesn't it?

2024-01-17 (Mahiru's Birthday)

Fūta: …Hey, oi. Mahiru.
Are you really unwell…?
Is there, like, something I can do about it?

Mahiru: What’s wrong, Fūta-kun?
Yeah, I’m not well, but…
But Shidō-san has been looking over me the whole time…
I’m sure that as long as my treatment continues, I'll get better…

Fūta: …I see. If you continue treatment, huh?
I wonder, how can you be saved.

Mahiru: Can be saved…?? I wonder, are you worried about me?
…Somehow, you’ve become kinder. Fūta-kun.
Just by thinking about that for me…
Mahiru is saved. Already.

2024-04-19 (Fūta's Birthday)

Fūta: —Hey, are you really okay with all that? If you come with me, you might also be saved, you know… Haruka.

Haruka: Yeah… since I already made a decision. I, have something that I must do.

Fūta: Ahh, is that so…
Hey, Haruka, you truly are an idiot.
If that’s the case, you won’t be able to be saved.

Haruka: Yeah, thank you.
Fūta, I’m happy that you called out to me.
Um, I’m happy that you were so kind to me. I mean it.
But, this is the only way I can do this.
I’m sorry…

2024-06-22 (Haruka's Birthday)

Shidō: …I’m worried about Sakurai-kun. I haven’t seen him for a while. Kusunoki-kun, you've been able to communicate with him, right?

Mū: It’s perfectly alright. Here, look at this. I've been bringing food to him. Aren't I admirable?

Shidō: Quite. Sorry for leaving Sakurai-kun in your hands. Normally, this should be an adult’s job, but I ended up putting a burden on all of you. 

Mū: It’s okay, don’t worry about it. Me and Haruka-kun are friends, after all.

2024-06-27 (Amane's Birthday)

Kazui: I never thought about having children, so Amane, I'm fascinated by you. Even then, I still worry about you. If things had turned out differently, I would probably have a child that’s about your age.

Amane: …Not having children is also a form of life.
The act of living is something to be respected. However, it does not guarantee absolute happiness, nor is it a measure of happiness. If it’s a choice you made within the extent of your own responsibilities, then you should be proud of that kind of life.

Kazui: Ah, that’s right.
Well, that is, even if you could hope for it. What a parent says to a child can easily change how the child turns out. That's what really gets to me. I couldn't handle that kind of responsibility.
Yeah.
Well, that's what old man Kazui has to say to the youngsters. I think it’s good to do as you like. You should do what you want to do. It doesn’t matter if you’re a child or not, don’t lie about your own feelings. 

Amane: Who are you lecturing… your words are unnecessary.
I, follow my own feelings.
I, my own.

2024-07-05 (Mū's Birthday)

Mū: I think in the end, it’s all your fault, Kotoko-san. Because you acted so violently, everyone is all frantic. They barely give me any attention. Soooomehow, it’s boring. I just don't get it. 

Kotoko: …Did you go out of your way just to tell me that?
You aren’t scared of me?
Next time you might be the one my fangs carve out, you know.

Mū: Why?
Kotoko-san, you punish bad people right?
I'm not a bad person.
Hehe, then again, you talk like you’re fine but—
Aren't you the one who won't be forgiven?
What will you do then?
You're gonna bite yourself, right? Hehe, that’s funny.
I wanna see that~

Kotoko: …You’re good at provoking people.
I hope you won’t be forgiven.
When that time comes I will crush you completely.

2024-08-05 (Kazui's Birthday)

Mikoto: Well, you know... I appreciate your feelings, but... even I don't know what I might do.
So I think it's best if we don't spend time together for a while.
Besides... haha, aren't you scared, Kazu-san?

Kazui: Hmm, due to my job, I'm used to dealing with troubled youth.
You must have your own reasons. I don't feel like prying.
Well, come over if you feel like it. Staying alone all the time will make you feel down.
I can keep you company if you need to relieve some stress.

Mikoto: Yeah... I'm not really used to relying on others, you know.
How should I put it, I feel like I'm being a bother.
I can't handle feeling so pathetic...
I guess I'm being very Japanese about this, haha...

Kazui: Hm... well, that's fine. If that's easier for you, I won't force you.
But you know, people in their 20s are still kids.
It's admirable that you're hard on yourself, but I think it's okay to cause a bit of trouble for others.
After all, I'm nearly 40 and I'm still a kid at heart.

2024-09-02 (Yuno's Birthday)

Shidō: Thank you so much for keeping Shīna-kun company during her treatment.
We're saved thanks to you, Kashiki-kun. Both her and me.
Even if something were to happen to me, I feel relieved knowing you're here.

Yuno: No way. Shidō-san, I can’t do anything by myself.
The most I can do is help you.
I'm just roleplaying as a nurse.

Shidō: I mean it, you've got a knack for this.
You’re very observant, calm and courageous.
If you haven’t decided on your future, how about aiming to go into medicine?

Yuno: Really?
…Haha, cut it out. I haven’t thought about things like the future.
Being involved in people’s lives in the first place… I can’t laugh about that. 

2024-10-06 (Mikoto's Birthday)

Amane: …Who are you?
Interesting.
So you're not Mikoto Kayano?

John: Hah, "who am I?"
That's what I wanna know.
Whoa, don't come any closer.
I'm in my rebellious phase, so even if you're just a little brat, I can't guarantee I won't kill you.
Just go away quietly.

Amane: …I will follow your advice.
However, if you want to be saved, then you should join us. Let's pray together.
Salvation exists for everyone.

John: That's fucking ridiculous…
If there really is a God, he'd better save us.
If that happens, I'll pray to God as much as your little heart desires.

2024-10-24 (Shidō's Birthday)

Kazui: You're truly incredible, you know?
You're so dazzling.
…But, I think I understand it.
Sometimes I get sentimental, thinking about how my existence is nothing more than the population of Earth plus or minus one. It's unlike me.
Just like you say, I hope to be able to do something for all the bad kids here.
But I feel like that won't prove easy.

Shidō: Haha.
…I'm counting on you, Mukuhara-san.
Please protect the children for me.

2024-12-15 (Kotoko's Birthday)

Mahiru: Kotoko-chan… are you there?
Sorry for calling you over.
I'm kind of… struggling to move.
I also have to say my thanks to Shidō-san.

Kotoko: I can’t even laugh at how carefree you are, going out of your way to call me over.
Well… if you have any grudges in your last moments, I guess I’d consider listening.

Mahiru: Grudges?
It's not that sort of thing…
Happy birthday.

Kotoko: ……
You're nuts.