Everyone is pretty satisfied with the game's new update.
The theories about the game completely fell apart when this update came out because they realized the game itself has no storyline whatsoever.
Yup, they've been fooled by us all this time.
Pretty funny, I guess?
Oh, and the game got some YouTubers making videos about it, making it go viral.
Especially those two guys, Jackeye and Markpinklier.
But in return, it came with some insane consequences we've never seen before.
"What the hell is this??" I was lying in bed, my face full of disbelief as I witnessed this stuff.
A bunch of videos made for kids about the Baldi game characters by those content farm channels.
Holy crap, are they not afraid of getting copyright strikes?! That's bold!
If they were making good content, I wouldn't say anything, but making stuff for kids to get them curious about this horror game?!
"...File a copyright claim!"
So I reported a bunch of them with a smug smile.
"Oh right, I wonder how Harry's doing?"
Tomorrow's the start of the first semester exams, not much time left.
I've tutored him in so many subjects; if he doesn't pass this time, I'm done.
Gwen, on the other hand... Meh, I don't need to worry about her.
"Please, Harry, just pass!" I prayed, clasping my hands and invoking every religion for Harry to make it through.
[Why don't you try praying to me?]
"Not you."
[But I'm a god too, you know?!]
"A god of human destruction, maybe."
[Kuuu... Why do you always treat me so badly? What did I ever do?]
"Then get out of my head."
[Keep dreaming.]
After that, I fell into a deep sleep.
***
Class Arrangement
Yeah... To prevent students from cheating, they arranged us by our exam IDs.
Worse, our grade was split into different classrooms.
This means friends who know each other can't help each other anymore, and even if you're lucky enough to sit near someone you know, the proctors aren't kind enough to let it slide.
But if they think this will stop students, they're dreaming. Some are willing to get caught red-handed rather than fail, so they'll try to befriend everyone sitting near them just to get answers.
Luckily, nobody takes me seriously, so no one bothers to get close to me to ask for help.
It sounds kind of sad, but it's actually a huge advantage.
You don't know how frustrating it is to have an idiot constantly asking you for answers, only for them to score higher than you.
Even worse, getting caught by the proctor for helping someone and then getting a bad reputation with the teachers.
That's something I avoid at all costs, so I'm grateful these guys don't take me seriously.
Well... unless someone figures out that I'm a genius and always get high score. I hope that doesn't happen.
"Time to hand out the papers. Remember to write your name, exam ID, and all that stuff clearly," the proctor said as they distributed the test papers to each student.
The first subject was literature, my weakest subject.
But even if it's my weakest, that doesn't mean I can't do it.
"Why did Napoleon give up? The heck? Why are we studying French history now?"
"What the hell is this? Why are Native American girls so sexy?! Bruh, they're extinct, and you still won't let them rest??"
"Why did the U.S. drop bombs on Japan—"
Wow, these guys really talking so loudly they want the proctor to hear everything?
Also it's kinda weird, I thought I was taking a literature exam, not history.
Slowly, the 90 minutes passed.
The proctor collected the tests, counted them, and left.
Everyone started complaining about how hard the exam was or whatever. I went outside to check on Harry.
As soon as I got to the classroom where Harry was taking his exam, I saw him exhausted, face planted on the desk.
"Dude, how'd the exam go?"
"Huh? Oh, it's you... Probably fine."
His tone already told me it wasn't fine. I wonder if he'll pass.
"Keep it up, just four more days!"
"Ughhhhhhh..."
After that, I went to check on Gwen.
"Hug!"
"Not now."
"Hug!"
"Are you even listening?"
"Hug!"
"..."
So I had to hug Gwen. She happily snuggled into me for a bit before pulling away.
"Energy fully recharged! What do you want?"
"Uh... How'd the exam go?"
"Easy peasy!"
"That's good."
I left after that but noticed a classroom.
That classroom had a girl named Emma.
Yeah, her name's like a familiar female hero, but it's definitely not her.
She lives with her dad, a butcher.
Her dad is a drunk, loves gambling, and is extremely violent, meaning the bruises Emma has all come from him.
...I think I should find a way to help her get away from her dad. If not, things will only get worse, and I'm afraid I'll regret not being decisive.
So I approached her right away.
"?!" She saw me and immediately tried to cover her face.
Oh great, the bruises are getting worse. This is seriously not okay.
"Why don't you report him to the police?"
"..."
"Are you scared?"
"...Go away. It's not your business, don't get involved."
"It's called concern. Am I not allowed to care about others?"
"..."
She really has no will to stand up anymore...
What should I do?
...Hmm, maybe I should start by giving her some hope?
To prevent her from refusing, I'll just force her a little. It's a bit harsh, but it's necessary.
"Hey, when the exams are over, are you coming to the beach with us?"
"...Huh?"
"No refusing! I already got you a spot! And I'll go to your house and ask your dad for permission!"
"What?! Don't do that!"
"Emma, trust me, your dad will let you go."
Because if he shows any sign of wanting to hit someone, too bad for him, because I'm the one he'll be dealing with.
"But—"
"Come on~ Please go!" I put on the most pitiful look I could, even taking off my glasses to charm her.
"...Let me think about it."
Wow, taking off my glasses actually worked? Am I secretly handsome without them or something?
"Alright then! I'll wait for you, and I promise I'll go to your house and sort everything out!"
Ring ring ring
"Oh crap, time for the next exam. Don't forget, Emma!"
"..."
I left, leaving Emma sitting there, lost in thought.
"...So persistent, trying to talk to me for two weeks straight."
'I hope... his efforts aren't wasted on me.'