Once upon a time...

Veronica Shimizu, SHSL Mythologist

[vignetteofextinction]

Once she starts talking, it's over for you guys | Veronica | Chapter 1 | Trial | RE: All of that, ATTN: Everyone

“Instead of wasting our time persuading a clearly uncooperate individual - one who also assisted a murderer, no less -, our time would be more wisely spend on discussing more important matters.”

Given how long this trial had been going on already, it was probably a surprise to suddenly hear Veronica speak up. If one had casted a glance her way beforehand, they may have seen that she had been massaging her head for quite some time. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise to find this whole situation headache-inducing, huh? And the mun needed a reason for someone like Veronica to stay quiet for so long, but ssshhh.

“For the “dummy ritual circle” - as you all dub it -, it was either delibaretly set up that way or it tells us where Murakami-san was assaulred first. Either way, I do not think solving this particular puzzle will bring us any closer to the identity of our culprit - which is our first and foremost priority, all things considered.”

“I am also not quite certain whether our culprit truly needed to have bad eyesight - do not forget that the murder occured in the middle of the night - which means  that it was dark outside. Unless you have night vision googles, everyone would have trouble coordinating through a forest - especially if one wore a bedsheet as a means to obscure one’s identity.”

It’s also possible that someone is simply blessed with good night vision - or bought themselves magic that enhanced their seeing abilities, but tossing out too many possibilities at once may just end up confusing the others.

“I would also like to make a comment about the slashes found within some trees - as Katagiri-san already pointed out, they must have happened either before Murakami-san was stabbed to death or they had multiple knives with them… though it is also possible that they have acquired a dagger from one of the shops - or used magic to do such cuts to begin with.”

Well, so much for not tossing in too many possibilities at once!

“All that aside, there is one fact that we can be relatively certain of - unless Inaba-san is actually our culprit and has lied about seeing a ghost to begin with, but I do believe the chances of such a turn of events happening are relatively low.”

Not to mention, if it were to happen, she knew her headache would just worsen - so she hoped that she would be spared of such an outcome.

“Liu-san, GrimmZB-san, Deville-san and Noariko-san are too short for the description that we were given. I do believe that if they were around her height, she would’ve noted as much. Thus, we can tentatively sort out Valentine-san, Hanada-san and Amajiki-san as well.”

“This would leave us with Cracker Jack-san, Katagiri-san, Imamizo-san, Chiketsu-san, Suzunaki-san, Tsukasa-san and myself. Judging by the evidence that we have uncovered, none of them appear to link to Cracker Jack-san, Katagiri-san, Tsukasa-san or myself. If we can potentially count out those who have discovered the body - after all, the hydra never outright denied that the murderer didn’t count amongst them -, it would leave us with Imamizo-san and Suzunaki-san. If the murderer can be counted within the afromentioned group, Chiketsu-san would also become a suspect.”

At that point, she glanced towards Chiketsu, her face remaining ever-so aloof as she made her case.

“As you were my roommate, you would be well acquainted with my attire by now - so claiming that you can see my cross from afar wouldn’t amount to much - it isn’t that small, either. Regardless, given your talent, I do not think it would be strange to assume that you might wish to carry a knife around in case you wish to acquire some… fantastical blood from the otherwordly creatures here. Or for self-defense purposes, but that could be said about everyone.”

“It also doesn’t help that you appear to get along with Suzunaki-san - something that not many of us can claim, from what I have observed. However, Imamizo-san is also incredibly suspicious in lieu of possessing so many knives to begin with. On the other hand, she does not seem to regard Suzunaki-san in high-esteem and vice-verca - ‘lest they are simply acting it out. As for Suzunaki-san… well, I do think her actions and words speak for themselves. Self-framing is a thing, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she tried her hand on that, as much as she wishes to deny it.”

A hand gingerly placed on her hip, she let her eyes wander around, looking at her classmates calmly.

“… Unless new evidence is brought up or someone can vouch for another during the time that Murakami-san was assaulted, it appears as if we have no choice but to choose from those three.”

[vignetteofextinction]

A direct approach | Veronica | Prologue | Trial 0 | RE: Vermilion, Checks, ATTN: Kouri

Veronica didn’t know what she expected.

In the end, the whole lot of them were teenagers, so naturally, their efficiency in resolving this case wouldn’t be too high - aside from the fact that none of them had probably ever dealt with such a situation beforehand. While some of them were making decent progress, others were more derailing their current discussion than actually contributing to the cause.

Yet again, enough people were getting on Jack’s case, so she didn’t see any reason to pile onto this as well - there were more pressing matters to attend to, after all.

When she spoke up again, she directed her words first to Vermilion:

“I don’t have the faintest idea why you would think that you ought to be a professional at death to not get your hands soiled with blood. I have looked over the body as well and you do not see any blood on my person, do you?”

To empathize her point, she held up her hands - which were completely pristine and clear of any blood whatsoever.

“As long as you’re careful, it’s rather easy to avoid getting yourself bloodied - not to mention that even if you did soil yourself, you could still use the bathroom to get rid of it. It’s not exactly difficult.”

She gave a non-committal shrug and put one hand on her hip, shifting her weight to her left leg.

“As for the matter of where the missing items are… as you can see for yourself, I do not have exactly much in terms of hiding anything away. However, just to clear my own name–”

With that she took the small bag on her belt out and turned it upside down, catching the falling items with her other hand. In the end, there was not much in it - a small notebook, a pencil and an antique compass.

“And in case you might suggest that I have anything hidden underneath my hat, you will be sorely disappointed.”

After returning the items to their supposed places, she reached up and took her hat off elegantly - showcasing that neither was something on her head, nor was there anything in the hat itself.

After smoothly putting it back on her hat, her arms were crossed over her chest again.

“Either way, Suzunaki-san–”

She didn’t waste a second to look directly at the most suspect person here, still maintaing a neutral expression on her face.

“For your own good, you should tell us what actually happened this night. As it was already brought up, bloody shoes were found underneath your bed - and unless GrimmZB-san can vouch that you have simply carelessly walked up to the body when you found it, then it is clear as a day that you are involved in this whole incident. Whether you are an actual murderer or simply a corpse looter is yet to be seen.”

“And trying to threaten us will not do you any good - I truly doubt you could hold your own against 15 people at once.”

[vignetteofextinction]

The Myth of Hot Pockets and Microwaves | Veronica | Prologue | Trial 0 | ATTN: Everyone

A shame that their trip took such a bloody turn.

(Humans were truly unpredictable, weren’t they?)

Gathering in the statue room as requested, Veronica placed herself on the opposite side of the still remaining corpse. While she got close to it for investigation purposes, it didn’t mean that she was quite eager to remain near it if she can help.

Jack’s denial about their reality, as well as her admittance of trying to loot from the dead, managed to raise an eyebrow out of her. Well, she supposes you cannot blame her for not wanting to face the truth - some people simply needed longer to properly face reality.

As Seri all but scolded their resident phantom thief, Veronica saw no need to do the same - it wouldn’t be efficient, anyway.

Gingerly crossing her arms before her chest, she opted to speak up after the previously mentioned student was done:

“Regarding the microwave, we have inquired GrimmZB-san about it. She attested that she ventured out of her room in the late hours to get herself a hot pocket. She managed to blow said microwave up in the process and shortly thereafter, Calvin-san appeared. He was apparently locking up the rooms. Afterwards, he directed GrimmZB-san to the cleaning supplies and told her to rest.”

Veronica stated the testimony their group was given completely matter-of-factly, despite her inner wonderung on how you can manage to blow up a microwave by heating up a hot pocket.

“At the very least, the destroyed microwave tells us that - if GrimmZB-san’s testimony is to be believed -, Calvin-san was still alive at 12:20 pm. Of course, there was a half-eaten hot pocket found within the kitchen, so at the very least, this part of her testimony seems to be accurate.”

“Then, around fourteen minutes later, Calvin-san was murdered. A rather short window of opportunity, wouldn’t you agree?”

[vignetteofextinction]

Welcome, chosen students. Be of good cheer, for you are the ones who have been selected to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Weiterlesen

[phantomauthor]

☆ living on a prayer~

They never much interacted so Jamie’s thoughts on her come from group discussions and whatnot. From what he’s seen/heard of her, he does quite like her, he doesn’t see why peopel would dislike her. She seems chill and maybe not exactly friendly but friendly enough.

He’s regretting not really speaking with her one on one, partly because he does like her attitude, and partly because he managed to Sneak around Haruna’s room and her saying he reminded her of Veronica so. Of course he’d Want to find out why.

Final Thoughts: Mysterious…….he likes that.

[shslmythos]

☆ ;0 ?

“… I would still like to hear you play the piano.”

Despite admiring Ayato for being a pianist - due to the fact that she likes instrumental and classical music a lot -, Veronica never really got to talk to him before the first trial. As we all know, Veronica was one of the main folks who accused Ayato of committing the first crime. She didn’t really feel bad for having pressured him though, because in her opinion, everyone should expect to get suspected if the evidence might align with them. Thus, she never actually apologized for what she’s put through Ayato, nor does she feel particulary sorry about it.

Afterwards, it was just… well, Veronica never paid much attention to Ayato. Honestly, he was largely stuck in the position of ‘that one innocent boy we almost send to death’. However, in the times she did pay attention to him, she… well, felt a bit sorry for him due to his inability to sleep? That kind of carried over in their one actual interaction after the merge; they had a pleasant conversation and she thinks that he’s overall a tolerable existence. If it weren’t for the mutual killing game, she might’ve even tried to pursue friendship with him? And she still thinks that he’d look fabulous with a high-ponytail.

And after that, it went back to… okay, we both know we exist and that’s that. Well, there also was that incident where Ayato got injured by Kazuko and Veronica did feel even more sorry for him. She would’ve been honestly been more pissed at Kazuko if she’d had taken Ayato’s life. However, we only got Veronica’s smug mode, so… yeah, there’s that.

Also, she’s somewhat a bit confused how Ayato and Ailani got suddenly so tight at… Chapter 8? But she didn’t spare the thought more than a few seconds before moving on to other stuff.

Final Thoughts: Chill guy whom she could certainly see befriending outside of any mutual killing games. Still really wants to hear him play and thus, would be up to talk to him again after this game is done.

[shslmythos]

☆ best allies forever

“… You definitely changed throughout this whole ordeal, Matsuo-san. I’m actually surprised, to say the least… and I suppose ‘intrigued’ as well.”

From the start on, Veronica felt like as if she could definitely benefit from maintaining a favourable relationship with Tadashi. Honestly, she couldn’t have asked for a better first encounter after they woke up in Praetis. She really didn’t want to deal with someone who had a huge emotional reaction to their current situation, so to have been approached by someone who kept a level head certainly earned Tadashi plus points.

When the first trial rolled around the corner, Veronica definitely appreciated that he continued to be reliable - and thus, solidified her resolve in gaining him as an ally. She’d been already in favour of doing so before, but after the trial concluded, even more so. And a bit afterwards came their next interaction, where they were merely discussing about… well, various of topics. She was grateful to have found someone with whom she could spea about dire situations calmly and rationally - because lord knows she couldn’t have really done so with most of the class (at least in her opinion). When Tadashi admitted that he also didn’t see any point in forming any memorable bonds in a mutual killing game, Veronica was satisfied with this answer - she’d already pegged him as someone who was similar to her in terms of being careful around a bunch of teenagers.

So far, it was an incredibly neutral relationship where both parties just benefitted from the other for business like murder investigations, trials and whatnot. And it certainly continued on like this, though… Well, there was that one time where Tadashi and Veronica became all buddy-buddy due to Despair Fever. I’m still dying how they both just silently agreed on never talking about it again, especially because it happened after their whole ‘making friends here is really stupid’ talk.

Afterwards, they… didn’t really talk much to each other aside from investigations, trials and maybe the chat. Well, Veronica isn’t necessarily someone who needs to talk to someone every single day and she’s completely fine to let even weeks/months pass away without interacting much with each other. And as someone who didn’t want to form bonds because it would be illogical and dangerous, she wanted for their terms to stay as neutral and diplomatic as possible. At least that one worked out for them, huh?

Admittedly, she’s been keeping her guard up all the time and then a bit more after her secret got blurred out during the trial. After all, Tadashi presented himself as someone who definitely will keep an eye out for any possible dangers and being exposed to having killed someone before was… well, not really to Veronica’s advantage, to say the least. She didn’t want to lose one of the allies she considered the most reliable, but alas, what can you do?

Veronica was actually kind of glad that Tadashi didn’t seem too scared of her and even invited her to play games with him at the arcades. She enjoyed that time, because it was something different and she needs changes in her life. Also, she figured out that something was up between Miko and Tadashi, but only thought they were friends at best. Honestly, she was… surprised that Tadashi went ahead and formed bonds, despite the discussion they had long ago. Veronica honestly didn’t expect for him to make friends here and there… and even less so an actual relationship (like boy, she’s completely flabbergasted at this, I’ll tell you that).

Speaking of, Veronica would’ve been so entirely done if Tadashi got executed as well if they would’ve have gotten the masterminds right. Because honestly, losing one of the few sensible ones here would just mean that her sanity would be even more strained than it already was. Or well, more like patience and… everything, really.

It might surprise you, but Veronica never really suspected Tadashi as the mastermind - it’s mostly because of the evidence/hints that she gathered that made her think that him being the responsible one was less likely than other options. Also, she might’ve targetted him if she ever went ahead and killed someone - for two reasons. The first one is circumstancial, because… well, it’s the same as Tadashi would’ve assaulted her - if there were signs of him trying to stab her in the back, she would’ve retaliated for sure. The second one is actually simple; Tadashi has proved himself again and again to be an invaluable member of figuring shit out - and as he keeps notes on everything, he would’ve been a real threat if she ever went ahead, so neutralizing it only makes sense. However, she would’ve most likely went for other options first, because as logical it would make to get rid of him, she… really didn’t want to lose one of the very few people she found tolerable and even enjoyed to talk to.

Final Thoughts: Strict ally/business relationship which definitely had its perks. Respects him for his intelligence and finds him intriguing due to his interesting personality. Would definitely be up to stay in contact with him, because she could definitely see them being at least good acquaintances.

[shslweddings]

☆ Might as well :'3

even though tadashi’s stated opinions in that early game conversation they had about friends and such in a murder game early chapter 2 went absolutely down the shitter with other people (fun fact yuuf: dash and miko were dating when you told me veronica thought they were friends, oops), tadashi stayed remarkably neutral on veronica the whole time. honestly he set out with a lot of respect for her, which actually never really died- he was very glad that she was the very first person he talked to in this strange new situation, rather than someone losing their mind completely, and instantly pegged her as someone who might be useful and reliable to keep in contact with to logically figure this out. 

and he just….. stayed like that, really? at the time their chapter two discussion happened tadashi was still very much on the train of all he said there, and the fact that veronica seemed to both agree with him AND not be looking to push… whatever the fuck they had any deeper ramped up the respect for her really. it actually did make him break his arm’s distance approach to the conversation to find out just how much she was like him, by asking if she would be looking to make friends with these people outside of the game- she differed from him there, at the time, but it didn’t shake him too much. can’t have it all right. anyway who cares 

that said veronica DID actually dodge a massive bullet with tadashi too, around chapter 5- if tadashi hadn’t learnt previously via his secret being delivered that the whole situation with his parents was an accident, he ABSOLUTELY would not have believed veronica’s explanation of her secret being an accidental situation, and likely would have drifted away from sharing too much with her in the idea that she’d totally kill again and who better than someone in his position right lol. he may have still come out of that situation a little warier in canon just because she’d proved she could kill someone, but it could have been worse, and his opinion didn’t shift much at all.

tadashi never really had a drive to push things much further with veronica because of their shared stance to not make friends etc in a murder game, even with the respect for her. him inviting her to play with him in the arcade was, admittedly, more a shittest of ‘oh this’ll be fucking hilarious to see’ rather than any desire to get to know her better- even if he did actually enjoy himself, really. he might still have killed her, if only under her possibly showing some signs of turning on him in the future or something, but honestly she was never very high up on the list. even though they weren’t close, per se, she balanced out at being someone tadashi considered too useful to lose, considering……. the vast majority of the class here to him lmao. 

and okay. her cracking up when he rubbed a piece of evidence in haruna’s face did amuse him also. maybe they were a bit more like each other, but he never really went looking to dig into it. 

short opinion: Best Allies Forever who may have been a little bit better at getting along than tadashi ever wished to dig into outside of just large amounts of respect. 

he’d be up for talking to her outside of the game still now though. if only out of interest to see what she might be really like outside of everything they discussed.

[shsl-doubttelos-blog]

Currently on the wrong blog, so Veronica just ninja votes Yuji and Chou as the masterminds.

[shslkarutaqueen-blog]

A comiqué from like May

Edit: TUngr is shit so big view here

[shslscifihorror]

Send me a ☆ for my muse’s opinion of yours.

[betwixtstarfall]

So much art for this over the year my guy

[shslbullrider-blog]

some sketches from various points but also i had to see yuka and ebull in the same pic and my heart hurt

[shsl-doubttelos-blog]

Headaches suck | Veronica | Chapter 8 | MM Trial | RE: Vong Results, ATTN: Everyone

The one time Veronica doesn’t participate in a trial due to a sudden, heavy headache incoming, is the one where they fuck up. Or to be more precise, it’s when people genuinly thought that voting for the victim wouldn’t bear any consequences.

Magnificent.

The mythologist sighed, visibly irritated by the ongoings of the trial - and throwing one irritated look towards Ailani especially. Admittedly, she hadn’t voted herself, but only because she was more busy to soothe the pain in her temples and actually sort of trusted for these fools to be a little bit more competent.

(That was a mistake she wouldn’t do anytime soon, that’s for sure.)

Ah well, they’l have to deal with this embarrassing mistrial later. Now, it was time to focus on the mastermind and… well, accusiations were already going around, huh? Her name had been also mentioned, but only shortly.

Hissing slightly as the thudding increased in its strength, Veronica held her head and massages her forehead, closing her eyes for a bit. She needed to say something in this trial, at least - even if it’s just suggestions.

“If I may…”

The mythologist opened her eyes and let her hand down, straightening herself up as she rolled her shoulders back. The only indicator that she didn’t feel particularlywell were the furrowed down eyebrows and the occasional twitch of her eye (though that could be easily interpreted as annoyance, given that she looked overall rather… unpleased with the entire situation).

“If, by any chance, we’re not able to vote off a person based on a likely possibility that they might be the mastermind, I would like to propose that we should vote EBULLIENCE-san. After all, she is one of the most trusted and well-liked students here, so it would make sense to clear her of any suspicions. Unless someone would like to propose someone else. It is merely a suggestion.”

And with that out, the dark-haired girl exhaled out, hand back on her forehead as she messages it again.

(Sure, she could ask for an advil if EBULLIENCE had any, but that would mean to deal with that self-absorbed medic who thinks that everyone should heed her call like she’s the most important person in the world. And no, she really didn’t want to do that, especially when she will certainly lash out at Ailani. No need to worsen her headache due to more idiocy, thank you very much.)

[shsl-doubttelos-blog]

Could the ink-y substance on the tri-cornered, straight-edged ruler be possibly gasoline? Or is it more akin to actual ink? Might as well try to smell it.

….

This substance has no smell.  

This substance… is beyond… part of your comprehension… you think….

Looking at it directly, you feel a headache coming on – it feels almost directly as if it’s intensely fucking with your eyes.  

If you weren’t such a composed woman, Veronica, this might actually have you shuddering a bit.

But you’re a calm girl – a composed one – a lady who is capable: and so as you relax your eyes, you’re able to settle on looking at it –

It seems to make some kind of… almost rainbow prism… appearance….

It… kind of reminds you… of how Cody looked… really….

Mmm….

[shsl-doubttelos-blog]

How exactly are the glasses underneath the motorbike feeling off? As in, strange texture to the frame? Or would it be something that only those who wear glasses take note off more?

It’s difficult to really pinpoint it – especially if you don’t handle glasses in your day to day life; all you know is that the usual smoothness of the plastic doesn’t feel quite right.  There’s more friction than you would have determined from your memories of a pair of prescription glasses.

From a glance, however, nothing looks particularly bad.  

…Besides the fact  that it seemed to have gotten crushed and bent in half at some point.

[shsl-doubttelos-blog]

Do the black smears on the pages of the 'Build Bomb for Dummies' smell like gasoline? Ink? Something that she might recognize? Furthermore, she'll read the instructions, so she can understand how a bomb can be build, too.

Not gasoline, no….

It’s… a difficult scent to place, even now – but there’s a reminder in you, from both Sarara and Ryouji’s cases… that….

…If you had to bet on anything, you’d bet on gunpowder.  It’s not a sure one.  But it seems about right.

And well, now consider yourself an expert, Ronnie!