Otherworld TRPG Game Master-Chapter 323: The Culprit Is Inside Here (4)

The Toolset of the Malicious God

The Malicious God’s toolset was originally created for enjoyment and entertainment, designed to manipulate the entire real world as a stage for its amusement.

However, its power was so immense that it could easily be used for purposes beyond mere "play." This aspect resembles destiny.

The four dark mages gained access to the toolset by forging an idol of the Malicious God, each withdrawing one tool from it.

The Succubus Queen’s "Heroine" had the power to choose a partner in her story. By designating herself as the "Heroine," she could make all adore her.

Likewise, the power of Duke Maximus Redburn's "Antagonist" or the Corpse Flower’s "Villain" could function in a similar way, drawing people into the plot, assigning roles, and making the world revolve around the story.

And finally,

The "Pain-Swallowing Lamb" had withdrawn from that distant chest—

"The Inheritance and Transcendence, ‘Gear: Protagonist.’"

The power to designate the story’s protagonist.

Click, click, click.

The protagonist of the Purple Tower story was that inexperienced young boy detective. The genre was mystery, and the tone was set as a tragedy.

Because the protagonist was a detective, the role of the Mad Wizard—merely a supporting character—would remain limited. Fate would suppress him accordingly.

While facing the Mad Wizard was challenging, the young detective would be far less so.

This story would end with the detective and his friends losing someone dear, suffering, and ultimately failing to catch the true culprit.

Creek. Creak.

Perhaps the Mad Wizard sensed the divine power and was now trying to keep the gears of fate from turning, using all his might. But that struggle would only slow the pace.

Even if he used all his strength, he could barely wrench the gear once. Such is the disparity between gods and mortals.

And even if he were to display great wisdom and ingenuity to overcome this ordeal, uncovering every truth and finally plunging a knife into the neck of the hidden mastermind—

It didn’t matter.

For the “Pain-Swallowing Lamb” was immortal.

Click, click, click echoed, like the tapping of a typewriter. freewebnoveℓ.com

[Interrogation: Why Did You Bring an Assassin into the Tower?]

“I... don’t know...”

“...?”

Melburton spoke with his head hung low, his tone revealing he knew how suspicious he sounded, yet unable to tell a lie.

“I didn’t even know he was an assassin!”

“That guy’s eyes and mouth were stitched shut. How could you not think that was suspicious?”

“Huh? To me, he looked perfectly fine. Wasn’t he just... a cold, handsome type?”

Beside him, Lorei chimed in.

“She had illusion magic over her face. Since most people coming to the tower have their own tragic stories, we thought she was just self-conscious and didn’t look too deeply into it.”

So, it seemed the assassin habitually concealed her face.

Those who could sense illusion magic likely dismissed it as a personal matter, while those who couldn’t simply accepted it as her real face.

“So then, what do you mean by saying you don’t know? You recommended her.”

“That’s what I don’t understand. It says I’m the recommender, but... I have no memory of making that recommendation. She was a complete stranger to me!”

“So, are you saying someone forged your recommendation?”

“N-No... It couldn’t be that. The recommender must bring the applicant in person for the interview... At that time, Senior Lorei conducted the interview. But I swear, I don’t remember attending any interview. Honestly!”

Melburton rambled on, a flood of bewildering information spilling out.

In summary, he was listed as the recommender but had no memory of recommending anyone. This aligned with the hint the Mad Wizard had given me.

It was a case of someone claiming innocence while exhibiting suspicious behavior.

But if we assume Melburton is the culprit, then he must have manipulated the panel in the Central Control Room and turned off the tower’s lights... How could he have done that?

One final question remained. I needed to investigate further before concluding my deductions.

[Interrogation: How Did the Culprit Enslave the Mages of the Purple Tower?]

When the Mad Wizard and I reached the fifteenth floor, the enslaved mages, alongside the hidden assassin, attempted to take our lives.

If Melburton had indeed brought the assassin in, that still left the other tower mages. When and how they were controlled was an essential part of the puzzle.

Charlie spoke up.

“Well... couldn’t it have been planted beforehand, Detective? Like the assassin, it could’ve been something set in motion a month or two ago... over time, when the opportunity arose.”

“......”

Right. We didn’t know when they were enslaved. It was too broad to pinpoint, and any of the suspects could have prepared for it in advance.

The investigation was complete.

[Deduction: The Culprit Is...?]

The case was chaotic. All four suspects had a suspicious point each, and it wouldn’t be surprising if any one of them was the culprit. In the end, I couldn’t narrow the deductions down to a single path.

How could that be? Were they truly all in on it?

“......”

Yes.

If that were the case, it would all make sense. Lorei or Luche turned off the lights, Melburton let the assassin in, and if they brainwashed the tower members gradually, all four of them could have done it.

They didn’t even need to be cooperating willingly. The malevolent “Goat” could have used powerful illusion magic to control them all... That explanation worked as well.

But there was a flaw in this hypothesis.

The Mad Wizard was looking into their minds. If there had been traces of brainwashing, he would’ve discovered it. If there was brainwashing, it would have to be “brainwashing that leaves no trace.”

And, ultimately, “Goat” is a single person...

I needed to point out one of them. If I picked the wrong person, I would wrongly accuse someone who’d been enslaved. Out of the four, I had to single one out. But how...?

My mind was hazy. The answer felt unclear.

Hazy, like the wavering form of the Mad Wizard himself... ghost-like...

“...”

A ghost?

I thought of possession. Certain undead beings could infiltrate a living person, seizing control of their body.

What if “Goat”... was something like that?

At that moment, the sense of vengeance I had inherited from my master struck me like lightning. In an instant, I was filled with hatred and resentment toward “Goat.” Illusion magic could do that.

So, if “Goat” existed as a sort of informational entity. If it entered the suspects’ bodies to act and then immediately exited...

Then the trick worked.

Everyone was the culprit, and yet no one was. Anyone could be the culprit, yet it was also a trap where any answer would be both right and wrong.

If “Goat” wasn’t actually inside any person but outside, looking in, even the Mad Wizard wouldn’t find it by peering into their minds.

I was on the verge of picking the wrong answer, no matter who I chose...

“Whew.”

Alright, time to give my answer.

“Goat” had to exist in some form within this Central Control Room. I’d start by inspecting everyone’s belongings, search the room thoroughly, and examine the control system.

That’s how I would solve this case.

“...I’ve [N O V E L I G H T] found the culprit.”

The suspects murmured in surprise.

“You... found them?!”

“Mmph... mmph...!”

“Oh, thank goodness. Shall we hear your deduction, Detective?”

“No matter what the answer, I just hope you realize my innocence. I can’t leave my younger brother behind and disappear like this...”

Just as I was about to reveal the truth to them—

“...”

I paused, as though something got caught in my throat—a grain of sand irritating my mouth or a persistent ringing in my ear. Not serious, but annoying. Something was bothering me.

What was it? Had I missed something?

It was gnawing at me, like an itch I couldn’t scratch. Frustrated, I loosened a button on my shirt.

“Mmph! Mm-mm...!”

...I quickly buttoned it back up as I saw Luche, agitated, looking at me.

I thought hard. I retraced every detail with my increasingly restless mind, and then... I recalled a single word.

The Mad Wizard.

Creak, creak, creak.

[Deduction: The Mad Wizard’s Intent]

Yes, the Mad Wizard. The man who had left me to handle the deduction from the sidelines. I hadn’t figured out his intent.

He had given me hints at the right moments, and even the way he maintained that dark, formless mass, like swirling black mist, might have been a hint. I’d found the answer by observing him, after all.

The Mad Wizard is a genius. His understanding of illusion magic far surpasses mine, and he knows the suspects’ magical abilities and personalities inside and out. It’s very likely he already deduced the answer.

If so, that means he knew the answer and chose to wait.

...Why?

I looked back on everything. Actions follow intent. By examining his words and actions carefully, I might uncover his intent.

Q: Did he ever directly warn me?

A: “A person under hypnosis... doesn’t know they’re under hypnosis. A character on stage is the same. Only the audience can tell the roles apart.”

Yes, he talked about the nature of hypnosis. I’d considered the suspects might be hypnotized, but perhaps that warning was... about me.

I was under hypnosis.

And the simplest way to break hypnosis is to use an “outside observer.”

I needed to remove myself, read the Mad Wizard’s intent, and act accordingly. If I was indeed under hypnosis, then this was the correct approach.

I declared as if I were about to reveal the culprit and then fell silent. Confusion spread across the suspects’ faces as they waited. To buy time, I began to drag out my words.

“...The culprit. The culllprit iiiis...”

Honestly, I was only half-convinced. Maybe... he just wanted to see me exact my revenge through deduction. But better cautious than reckless.

If my theory was correct, the Mad Wizard would have left a clue for me. So I could grasp his intent.

Q: Was I truly under hypnosis?

A: The Mad Wizard is maintaining a certain form.

Yes, the Mad Wizard has kept that bizarre state he displayed when we first entered the tower—the combat stance that made him seem like the embodiment of illusion magic, every movement casting spells.

Breathing alone sends illusion magic flying everywhere. It couldn’t be without cost. If he’s been doing it all this time, then—

──He’s still “fighting.” Against something I don’t know. Against the “hypnosis” I’d been under from the moment I stepped into the room.

If this entire situation was part of a massive illusion spell beyond my understanding, then how could I help him?

What am I supposed to do, Mad Wizard...?

Q: Were there any words or actions hinting at his intent?

A1: When I began my deduction, wondering why I’d suddenly started, the Mad Wizard patted my back, endorsing my deduction.

A2: He calls me a kid, but here, he’s repeatedly referred to me as “Detective.”

He wanted me to continue the deduction. I had to take on the role of detective and see it through. That was his intent. But... that’s strange.

Telling me to remain in hypnosis...

And yet, he hinted that I was hypnotized, letting me realize it on my own.

It’s a contradiction.

But within that contradiction, there must be a purpose. To remain hypnotized but break free, to stay within the role yet do something...

I am a detective.

The Mad Wizard confirmed this for me repeatedly.

A detective’s task is one thing: to deduce and identify the culprit.

But what could a detective do that wasn’t a detective’s task?

...To deliberately present a “wrong” deduction.

[Hesitation: Really?]

To purposefully say the wrong answer...

It sounds absurd. This was a perfect opportunity for revenge on Goat. I’d figured out the answer. I just needed to say it, and I could end it. Just... say it!

How would things change if I deliberately failed the deduction? It wouldn’t. It would just add confusion. I wasn’t even sure if I’d truly grasped the Mad Wizard’s intent.

I was afraid. I hesitated, my throat dry as I swallowed hard.

Q: What if I’m wrong? What if...

A: “Don’t be flustered or nervous, Detective.”

“......”

Right.

A detective’s job is to get the right answer. But I am the “Hypnotic Detective.”

“The culprit is──”

More important than getting it right is... what lies beyond. If anything goes wrong, it’s on the Mad Wizard for entrusting such an important task to a child.

So I won’t worry. I’ll do it.

“──It’s me!”

“...?”

Click. Click. Creak, screeeech── thud.

[■■■ ■■]

The “Hypnotic Detective” made a nonsensical confession.

“I’m actually the culprit. With my incredible hypnotic powers... I brainwashed everyone and committed the crime. I confess.”

The suspects were visibly startled by the abrupt confession. Lorei even glanced at me with concern, seemingly worried about her younger brother.

“...Were you attacked by someone?”

“No. I’m perfectly fine. Anyway, I took control of the Purple Tower, turned off the lights, and manipulated Melburton to bring the assassin in.”

“Ah, yes! I knew it all along!”

Mel-whatever jumped up with a look of triumph. You knew nothing, idiot. There’s a reason he’s lost all his money despite his business.

Stretching, I rose from my seat. Time to wrap things up.

“Well done, kid.”

“...I... got it right?”

“Yes. That’s the correct answer.”

The kid let out a deep sigh and collapsed.

Not that a wrong answer was necessary; just enough discord to throw off the story’s flow would do. But the kid’s choice... was better.

“The Malicious God’s toolset... what a power. I know it well from my time as the ‘Heroine.’ I almost died fighting for dominance in this control room.”

Because of that, I understand roughly how the toolset series works. Its power imposes destiny, influencing the story as a whole, much like when I used the Succubus Queen’s power of love.

In other words—

“You activated it, but you’re not the only one who can control it.”

Creak, creak, creak──!!

“Counterfeit Inheritance: ‘Gear: Fate Reversal.’”

I clenched my fist. I seized the hidden gears behind the scenes, wrenching them in the direction I desired for just a moment.

At the same time, Aisha, who was reinforcing the tower’s outer wall with draconic scales, cast her own spell. With her help, I linked my mana to the toolset, wresting partial control.

Only one forced turn was possible, but that was enough.

A closed room, suspects, a detective... and thanks to Yuri Ranster’s cameo appearance as the police aid to the detective. But there was one essential role missing for this mystery to conclude.

The victim.

Everything was here, but there was no victim.

I turned to the little detective, who lay sprawled on the floor, and asked with a grin.

“What happens if a detective fails their deduction?”

“...A victim emerges.”

Exactly.

Creeeeeeek── grind, grind, grind, grind!

“And that victim is you, Painkeeper.”

Accompanied by a noise only audible to me and “Goat,” fate crumbled, bringing down the mastermind.

[Protagonist Activation Terminated]

The clicking sound ceased completely. It seemed Painkeeper managed to cancel the inheritance just before his death.

Plop. Plop.

Drops of blood began to trickle from Senior Charlie’s nose. And at some point, a syringe was deeply embedded in the back of his neck.

The viscous liquid inside the syringe seeped into Senior Charlie’s veins.

The syringe was enchanted with everything—disguise, sensory distortion, concealment. I’ve always been bad with inorganic weapons. Maybe I should create something similar to a metal detector.

Well... I hadn’t had the chance to strip everyone and check their belongings, as I’d been struggling to gain the upper hand since entering.

Finally, Senior opened his eyes, grinning as if he were someone else entirely.

“...This is quite a blow. Manipulating even the tools of the gods as you please... Truly, the world is vast, and geniuses abound.”

“You were terrible at using the tools. You should’ve twisted the story further, creating a self-destructive atmosphere. And what’s with that syringe?”

“Oh, let me explain. This syringe is called the ‘Pain-Swallowing Lamb’... It contains my consciousness and information—my identity—stored as liquid. Anyone injected with it becomes the ‘Lamb.’”

“...”

He took out two more syringes, each filled with the same liquid, one of which was boiling, bubbling with a silent scream.

Feeling a sense of impending annoyance, I closed my eyes tightly.

He’d created copies of himself, distilled his consciousness into liquid, and stocked up multiple versions. By the looks of it, he had quite a few.

Outside the tower, there could be dozens of “Goats” just like him.

Pointing to the syringe, he declared.

“The culprit was here all along, inside this.”