As you wandered the halls of Alpha Sanctuary, your footsteps echoed in the uneasy silence. Then, without warning, the sharp blare of the megaphone split the air.

"Attention students. A body has been discovered. Please report to the boiler room immediately."

Your breath caught. The words echoed in your mind like a cruel riddle unraveling. A body...? Already?

You broke into a run.

Down the corridor, others were doing the same, rushing toward the stairs, panic in their expressions. As you turned the corner, you could’ve sworn you heard a scream. Kai’s, maybe. It cut through the halls like a blade.

The door to the boiler room came into view, already half-open. You pushed through it, and then time seemed to stop.

Wolfgang Akire lay face-down on the ground, half-submerged in the shallow water below the boiler pipes. There was no blood, no visible wounds, just a contorted, pained expression frozen on his face. His bottom half hung lifeless in the water. And yet, the absence of gore did nothing to lessen the horror.

Screams erupted.

Eva took a sharp step back, her hand covering her mouth. Jean stood in shocked silence. Eloise clutched Desmond’s arm, her eyes wide with disbelief. Cold sweat dripped down more than a few brows. The weight of despair filled the air like thick smoke.

Then, Tozu’s voice returned.

"A life has been taken. That means the first class trial is upon us. It’s investigation time, students. Use it wisely."

No one spoke for several seconds. Then, slowly, students began to collect themselves.

Damon, Eva, Jean, Ulysses, and Wenona stayed inside the boiler room, their expressions grim as they began the grim task of examining the scene. Cassidy lingered just outside, who seemed too laid back about the whole situation.

Desmond and Eloise were assigned to check Wolfgang’s room, but Grace, who had recently switched bunk partners to room with Wolfgang, stood in front of the door, refusing to move. Her posture was rigid, and her expression unreadable.

"No," was all she said, her voice low and final.

Back in the dining hall, Kai, Jett, and Mark remained seated in silence, unwilling or unable to join the investigation.

Toshiko, devastated, had fled to the garden, unable to stop her tears. Ingrid followed her, staying close and gently trying to console the sobbing girl.

Diana, usually a beacon of optimism, had withdrawn to the laundry room. When someone checked on her, she simply said, "I'm fine. Just tired. And a little sad, is all," though her voice betrayed the truth she couldn’t admit.

You are now walking slowly through the halls, faced with many options. Should you help with the investigation and look for clues, or should you recover from the shock and stay with the others? The class trial is approaching either way.