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The Sphinx is needlessly vague as an episode title and likely doesn't work on any level. It being "The" specifically, not "A Sphinx" or even "Sphinx" stands out. It's likely not referring to the mythological creature directly, but meant to invoke Oedipus and the Sphinx. An oil painting done in 1864 by Gustave Moreau, which can be viewed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Or it could be completely arbitrary and ultimately meaningless. Who even knows with this game.
FORT
Let's start the briefing.
First, Yamato. We need to check if he's the Original.
For that, we need something that'll shake his mind...
Yesterday, you got the word Yuhigaoka House from him.
Something should come up.
Also, the art teacher, Arthur Mays.
If he's not at school today,
Just check the Residual Shinen from outside.
I want to know about the Shinen of the people there.
It's the Production Art building in Area3.
Go check it out this evening.
We've got a busy school day ahead of us before we can worry about anything else. A whole lot of people feeling differing degrees of sadness, though. We might as well start with Akira, since it makes logical sense and all.
Bucolica
Didn't know you got to school this early.
I guess it'd be bad for a transfer kid to be late.
...H-hey.
Well, like...
And that little "threat..."
I just got really mad. I've been like that recently...
I'm sorry man, but please.
About a month ago in town I was in a fight and,
I got spotted by Mrs. Aoi.
She didn't tell anyone then but...
It's not like I'm doing it because I wanna.
Maybe it's just me, but people always test me.
Meh, whatever. That's how it is. Thanks, Saijo.
Akira stops mid-stride and comes back.
Saijo, you look tough, but you're pretty cool.
Well, see you in class.
So, Akira's spontaneously anger yesterday wasn't an isolated incident. And he's consciously aware of it being a problem, huh? If it was my call, I'd consider him worth keeping an eye on for if when it flares up again.
But it's... it's not up to me, so we'll just move swiftly on and go talk to Mika next I guess. She did go running off yesterday over a lead, so it might be pertinent to our investigation too.
Malum
They were of different ages and occupations and such.
Wills and diaries too, they all gave no leads.
It took their families by surprise, terribly sad.
It's all really unsettling.
Hey, over here!
Come and hear the latest story from Mika.
Umm, it's not released to the public yet. Press-only.
R-really?
So what. I mean, you just told me afterall.
I may have, but still...
Bucolica
I couldn't talk to him at the police station.
So we talked on the way.
You skipped school! That's why Mr. Yamato got mad.
Uh, yeah...
I'm trying to come up with a good excuse.
I'll worry about it later. I discovered something.
There's something strange about that suicide...
There's no link between them, but they're together.
...No, we have no idea who she's referring to here. This really came out of nowhere.
Really?!
That's why after school I have another interview!
"Hey Nozaki! Ms. Matsumura is looking for you!"
Darn it! She's loooking for me...
I can deal with Mr. Yamato but not Ms. Matsumura.
Help me, Rui!
Ok, we'll be together so don't worry!
Alright, let's do it.
See you later, Atsuki.
I guess that ended up being less enlightening than I would've hoped. Didn't even get to probe for anything either!
I s'pose no harm in making this an official left-to-right sweep of the building. That puts Yayoi up next.
Mirage
Ah, of course Shinji's here too. I'd be more surprised if he wasn't, thinking about it.
It's just unusual.
I'm sure they have a valid reason.
Ugh, jeez...
Besides, their leaving earlier is good news.
What!?
Heh, yeah I was surprised when I got them as well.
I think it's for real, too.
I looked at the sender. It's someone over in Yuhigaoka.
I'm looking into more. Wonder who it's from?
It may be a student here.
Ah! Saijo!
Hmm?
Malum
What? We're classmates...
I guess. But I don't think we mesh well.
I just get that feeling.
We're not that close, so maybe that explains it?
Maybe...
Well, should we head to class then?
I'll head out after I'm done here. You go ahead.
Alright, see you later.
See ya.
At least we got something relevant from this one. Shinji definitely picked up the nonspecific recipient email and is investigating it himself. I'm sure this can only end well.
Ryo being happy stands out here, because he's the only one that applies to this morning. Wonder what's up with that? Conveniently it is next on our sweep, so let's find out.
Bona Fide
Mrs. Matsumura Aoi watches as Ryo thinks and quickly scribbles on the page.
...Ok. Ok. The translation referring to Aoi in a bunch of different ways is bad enough, but it can't seem to make up its mind on if she's married or not.
She isn't. She most emphatically isn't.
This is not the first, last nor even most egregious thing it flip-flops on, either.
I don't really prefer them. My handwriting is terrible.
Oh? I think it's perfectly fine. Letters are nice.
Too many people settle for easier means nowadays.
Letters are more evocative and they add a nice touch.
...yeah...welll...
...gotta go seeya!
Bucolica
Writing letters at home gives me writer's block.
So I thought to write them here, but...
Ryo hunches his shoulders as he leaves, looking shy.
...Does he? The dude's a gigantic weird nerd who runs a bookstore. That's like the exact opposite.
He really is a shy person deep down.
By the way, writing letters is good.
Maybe I should write one to my parents today...
Honestly, it seems completely irrelevant and out of nowhere but Ryo's reaction was pretty interesting. If it's just a random penpal, why all the embarrassment?
Anyway, we've been everywhere else so lets go check in on Takano. Hopefully Yamato is here too.
Now there's a sentence nobody should ever say.
Kisaragi
What should we do? Study on our own for now?
I think that's a good idea for now at least.
If the teacher shows, I'll speak with him first.
I'll be going now.
Bona Fide
He's never done this before.
I hope he's not sick or was involved in an accident...
Yamato's conspicuously not here today, huh? He wasn't here our first day either, but that one had a kind of explanation. This one stands out because it, well, doesn't. Not yet anyway.
Malum
And it's time for class now too. Well, alright then...
Well if it isn't Saijo!
We're studying good old medieval Europe this week.
Let's get started.
Let's start with the questions?
I'm not particularly, no. I know that this really existed, but that's all. Seems like an obscurely deep pull to me.
Well, anyone?
I think everyone's at least come across it once!
Same goes for this one. I'm not sure this is entirely accurate or not, but 7th and 8th century Franco-Germanic history isn't something I'd consider myself particularly good at. It did apparently lead to the rule of Charlemagne, so there's that at least.
Either way, this is a little odd. Stuff like this is accurate and seemingly researched, but basic sentence structure falls by the wayside. Not sure whether or not this was actually there originally, but it's impressive all the same.
Correct!
Any gigglers must've been thinking the same as I was.
If you didn't, get it just ask after class.
...I'm not always pointing out when mistakes are in the script because we don't have all of time itself. This one I will, because putting the comma there instead of after "get it" makes the sentence completely break.
Also I definitely didn't, get it. Is this supposed to be a joke? Probably, but what is it? I have no idea!
Now, back to the main topic
Turn to page 264.
Bell rings out here, signalling the end of class.
Aww geez. We're running out of time.
It was just getting good...
I wish we had more time to continue the lesson.
I have to see Ms. Honoka, so can I go now?
Huh!?
Haha, oh that's right. See you all tomorrow!
Lunch time, and we've got plenty to do here too. We'll check in on Honoka and presumably also Shinji second.
Because first...
Sky Blue
...It's time for the news! We couldn't view it in the morning this go around, you see.
Chinese national media: Mars explorer "Shinen" safe return celebrated; big topic: mining.
Unapproved ingredient found in S Pharmaceutials' new cold medicine; side effects feared.
This morning I had about 5 pieces of toast
all of them burnt.
I guess I can make "hot" news, too!
It comes to Kisaragi every Nov. 1st.
Pretty sure neither of these are real.
Their voices will flow across town from the shore.
We'll have great weather for the festival, too!
Actually, I'm a big fan of J. Anka!
I'll be reporting from downtown.
If you see me there, come & say hi!
At about 11A.M. at the Kisaragi Waste Incinerator,
a metal bar was discovered.
It's pure gold, worth several hundred thousand.
Wow, what a waste!
People are saying it must be the result of
Should they donate it to charity? What do you think?
Heck, they could donate it to me!
And that's the news. See you again!
Compared to yesterday's, this was positively mundane.
And also relatively inoffensive. I'll take it over magical crime genes.
...Anyway, nurse's office. Right.
Malum
Lies!
...
It's you staring at computer screens, isn't it?
You know, don't you...
Blinking lights that cause epileptic seizures,
loss of sleep or apetite, feelings chronic illness.
This occurs often in jobs like daytrading as well.
It's a big problem, really.
Oh hey! Saijo!!
Kisaragi
Well, I'm going!
"Wait!"
When I look at him I wonder about the world today.
It's good that things have gotten more convenient.
But I don't think it's good to hole up inside all day.
Everyone was calm & warm.
Oh no...
I'm a old lady now, saying things like that.
With that, Honoka scratches her head in embarassment and goes back to her desk.
Not too big of a surprise this was a light scene, but whatever.
Moving switfly along, we have Ryo in the cafe now. Might as well pop in to see what he's up to.
Sunny Spot
Aoi asks Ryo something and he nods in response.
Aoi stnands up, smiles at Ryo, then leaves.
These days, guys think they need to diet.
You really shouldn't.
If you don't eat lunch, you won't be healthy.
See you in our afternoon class!
You're a strange one.
Huh? What...?
She's very persuasive. I couldn't say no.
She's so kind-hearted so she's really worried.
Even though he's not related to her at all.
Since she's so empathic, we can feel what she does.
You do? That's cool and possibly useful. That reason is...
...the scene just spontaneously ending.
What even...? 
Kisaragi
Not bad.
That's good to hear.
The town's Od flow has been strange recently.
Odic force is "a thing" in pseudoscience, naturally. It was theorised by Dr. Karl Reichenbach in the 19th century, and the game is incredibly accurate on what it is and how it allegedly works. Don't worry, Takano is more than willing to fill us in on it.
...And, yes, it was named after Odin.
When it goes off-balance, it's easy to get exhausted.
I'm going to conduct a little experiment today.
I have to find out how its affecting the school.
I'll experiment in the Quad after school, come watch!
If we get the chance, I would definitely not miss it.
Intentionally saved Akira for last here. Wonder what's gotten him so agitated.
Malum
Nope. If we don't go tomorrow then when?
Even my father got invited.
Then you should go without me shouldn't you?
You told me you wanted him to go in the first place.
That's beside the point. Boys are the ones who celebrate this, right?
How should I know.
Ok. Enough!
Don't show, and I'll spread embarassing stories about you at school! See you!
Hey! Hey wait a minute! Hey!
Embarassing?
Ticktack
Sorry to expose you to more drama.
Mika's always like that.
She says her mind then splits, just like that.
She's been like that since Elementary school.
I don't think that'll ever change.
Loud, brash and self-centered. What a girl...
Wow, it's been quite a while since we've seen this wheel huh? There's four "correct" options this time around, so let's go with this one in particular.
I know! Definitely!
...I... have no idea what that means. That's not an idiom I've ever heard.
She gets what she wants and hates interference.
That's her personality.
But I didn't think you'd help me out.
Wait, what? We did? When?
That kinda caring will get you involved with Mika.
The missing quote marks here makes this seem like we're getting rejected. Alas...
...Is what she'd say.
But her bluntness is a good think, I suppose.
She won't get it if you don't spell it out for her.
She can write an article, but she's kinda thick.
Well, I'm gonna grab a bite to eat.
See ya around.
Akira better eat quick, because our next class is starting right about... now.
Malum
A hearty meal aids sleep. It's a key to good health.
I'm seeing bags under quite a few eyes lately.
Especially Shinji's.
Oh yes, it's rather obvious Mr. Naruse.
Hmm, he must be uner a lot of stress?
Like I always say, start healthy habits while young.
It's very crucial you know.
Really, it just goes without saying, doesn't it?
Wha-? Seriously?
Weeelll, sad but true.
Well, let's begin. Turn to page 127 of your textbooks.
Mr. Naruse, no less than 6 hours, right?
Total or per day? Those are very different.
Until next week then. Plus, think healthy this week.
One final lap of the school to go before we can leave for the day. We already know roughly what to expect at the Quad, so let's start there!
Malum
Wiping his sweat, Reiji Takano sets the strange machine near the fountain.
Thinkin' about measuring this area's energy with it.
The energy level here's spiked a lot lately.
Maybe the school's been influenced by it too...?
Well, guess I'd better investigate!
Well, it's more like a health-test for the school.
See, I kinda like that this accidentally implies that his machine DOES work. There'd naturally be a spike considering we're here and both Atsuki and Natsuki have been using Tristan/Lancelot. Atsuki very regularly. It's almost certainly not intended, but it's a fun thing to think about.
"Mr. Takano!"
Aoi Matsumura runs over with amazing form.
Well, y'see... Um...
Please tell me the truth!
Just what do you intend to do with that machine?
That's what I'm asking!
I was just thinking to give the school a checkup.
This town's energy's odd so I brought this machine.
That's bad, y'know!
I'm very sorry, but I have no idea what you're saying.
And I've never heard of a 'school checkup.'
What if the students here started to think like that?
But... This isn't a toy...
Hurry up and take that machine outta here!
...Ok...
Reiji heads towards the machine, very dejected.
It's a bit hard to hear in-game, but the machine is audibly being turned on and doing... something.
"What are you doing!!"
As if being chased by Ms. Aoi, Reiji runs away machine held tightly.
I can definitely picture that in my head. It's looks very much like a Hanna Barbera cartoon to me, yes.
We'll break from our pattern a bit and head to the PC room next. It might be hard to tell, but we have this seen this silhouette twice before.
Sunny Spot
"...I'm finally done."
We met yesterday, I think.
Rumors are going around of a cool exchange student.
Finally have a name for her. Only took three scenes. Weirdly long, but whatever works I guess.
Hey Saijo, you interested in computers and stuff?
Yeah.
Really. That's why we often bump into each other here.
You probably know this, but I'll tell you a secret.
It WILL weird you out!
It's a game shop, but the owner's real charming!
I'm gonna grab a game now!
Well, see ya tomorrow!
We'll likely end up going there... once? Depending on what you care about, it could be important to check occasionally.
Now we can head on over to the cafe to see Rui.
Ticktack
Whatcha doin? Drinking tea alone?
I'm alone too... Wanna drink together?
Everyone comes here for great tea. Didn't you know?
They buy the tea leaves from some famous store.
Rosehip tea is popular among girls!
It's tangy, and best for dieting!
It's also easy to drink, so I come here every day.
Oh hey! Isn't that Yayoi?
Rui finds Yayoi drinking tea nearby and runs over to her.
Nocturne
Your face says otherwise.
I can read faces very well, you know.
Really, it's nothing.
So...trying to shut me out, eh?
Haha, oh Rui...
With that much pudding, I may just gladly eat it.
Although, with all that pudding I'd fatten right up
Think of all the rose hip tea I'd need.
Plus, I couldn't from being so bulbous.
Ow... it would be torture.
Haha, it certainly would.
Well, you seem to be feeling better now.
I know it looks like Yayoi speaking here, but she isn't.
Where to?
Leave that to me.
Sky Blue
You don't work today do you?
We haven't gone shopping together, so let's go!
Uh, sure. I did want to buy new clothes anyway.
Right! Let's go!
I'm going to go home and change my clothes.
Hey! Hurry! Time is money!
See you tomorrow, Atsuki!
Hurry up Yayoi!
Wait up Rui!
Goodbye Atsuki!
Just leaves Akira who you might've noticed was purple before. Unfortunately, this is on the map so that's the bad kind of purple.
Kisaragi
As Atsuki turns around he sees Akira running toward him.
Hey, Saijo. You free anytime tomorrow?
That... y'know. The cake shop...
The one that women like...
I know! I don't have the courage to walk in alone.
Please? Oh, pretty please?!
Sure, no problem.
Really?! Thanks, man!
Well, see you after school tomorrow!
Man, this helps a lot!
Atsuki feels an uncertainty in Akira that's very unlike him.
Finally got to our first Shinen of the day, huh? Nice and quick one too.
Memoria
Kisaragi
Well, I do now at least.
If you don't, just call me. I'll come get you.
Well, see ya tomorrow!
And with Akira's contact info, we're now officially done with the entire school day.
That just leaves visiting Arthur's place and whatever else the day has in store for us.