(Blurb written on 2025.01.14. Blurb and title are subject to change.)
Honma Mitsuki is a Public Security officer, and also a fake liquor. To save his fellow trainee, he bound himself to a livestream rescue System.
And now, he has died again.
In the darkness, several white characters appeared:
[Confirm resurrection?]
[Confirmed.]
Honma Mitsuki opened his eyes amid a bustling crowd.
He had returned to the world of the living.
·
(Camera 1)
[If you had a chance to see your childhood friend, who died in the line of duty, again, what would you say?]
Matsuda Jinpei stared at the transparent window in front of him, looking dazed.
"Are you kidding me?"
[No, no, this is just a hypothetical.]
"I probably wouldn't say anything. I'd punch him first."
[Ah... I see. That figures.]
"So, is this some kind of prank?"
Matsuda Jinpei reached out and touched the window. The camera shook with the motion.
·
(Camera 2)
[If you had a chance to see your childhood friend, who died in the line of duty, again, what would you say?]
Furuya Rei's lips curled up, his eyes cold.
"Hmm? Childhood friend? I don't have one."
[Suppose you did.]
"When you're in the dark, sacrifice is inevitable." Furuya Rei lowered the brim of his hat. "Should I say something?"
[Something like, 'Stay safe' or 'Make sure you live well'?]
"...Thank you."
Furuya Rei walked into a narrow alley and was swallowed by the darkness.
·
(Camera 3)
[If you had a chance...]
"There is no 'if.'" Gin interrupted the words appearing on the transparent screen.
[Don't you want to see him again?]
"What difference does it make whether I want to or not?" Gin took a deep drag of his cigarette and exhaled a white ring of smoke. "Even if I wanted to, would you really come back?"
[...]
Seeing the screen fall silent, Gin gave a mocking laugh.
"I've caught you out. Is playing dead your answer?"
[...]
"Good. Don't let me find you."
* The protagonist is the sixth member of the Police Academy class, on the good guys' side, paired with Gin, who is also on the good guys' side.
* I don't expect this to be very long.
* I'll add more if I think of anything.
Theme: Saving others is also a way of saving yourself.
