Where the End Collides [Creative Awards 2025 Horror Novel Category] Chapter 5

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Chapter 5

Witness Testimony 4

I work at a nursing care facility, and this was the first time I had ever experienced something like this. Considering the age of our residents, it is certainly not uncommon for some to fall ill, and there have been cases where someone simply did not wake up in the morning.

We have a recreation room where everyone spends their time freely, and there, a male resident was muttering to himself while facing the window. I was concerned, so I approached him immediately.

I asked, "Is something the matter?"

Then, he asked me,

"Can't you see it?"

You can see the facility's parking lot from outside, but at that time, there was definitely no one there.

When I asked further, "Can you see something?"

He muttered disappointedly,

"I see, I see. I suppose my time to be taken has come as well."

And with that, he returned to his room. It was about an hour later that he was found dead on his bed in his room.

Since those were the last words I heard him say, I felt a bit frightened. What did he mean by those words...? To know one's own time of death—that is something that rarely happens outside of illness, isn't it?

*Three days later, this man committed suicide by jumping toward the facility's parking lot while screaming that he could see a "black shadow" at the nursing facility where he worked.

Television and social media were in an uproar.

[Breaking News: Simultaneous mass suicides and suspicious deaths across Tokyo. Over 2,000 dead. Metropolitan Police Department establishes emergency task force]

[In multiple wards within Tokyo, a large number of simultaneous mass suicides and suspicious deaths have occurred. The Metropolitan Police Department established an emergency task force as an emergency measure shortly after 3:00 PM. As of noon, the confirmed death toll has reached 2,500, and it is said that this number may increase further.]

The damage is concentrated in major terminal areas and high-rise residential districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Toshima, and Suginami wards, where a series of apparent suicides occurred simultaneously through various methods, including jumping from heights, self-immolation, drowning, and poisoning. Additionally, unconfirmed reports have come in regarding mysterious figures seen around the bodies in some locations.

Due to various witness testimonies, such as 'they seemed possessed by something' or 'someone I was talking to normally just suddenly jumped from the building window,' mass hysteria or abnormal psychological behavior is suspected.

Furthermore, on social media, there has been a sharp increase in inexplicable posts since the night before the incident, such as 'a black shadow appeared in my room' or 'I heard strange sounds,' and their connection to the incident is being investigated.

The government held an emergency press conference earlier, where Prime Minister Kishiba stated, 'This is an unprecedented situation. We will coordinate with all relevant ministries and agencies to prioritize the safety of the public.'

Currently, the Metropolitan Police Department is conducting investigations and analysis. Based on surveillance camera footage from the scenes, mobile device logs, and trends on social media, they are investigating from every angle, including the possibility of terrorism, cults, or mass suicide due to psychological factors.

There are cases where the identities of the victims have not yet been determined, and further investigation and verification are urgently needed. Residents of the metropolis are being urged not to approach anyone acting suspiciously and to report them to the police immediately.

Satomi was looking outside from the passenger seat of the car. A light rain had been falling for a while, and the cloudy sky remained unchanged. For some reason, it seemed to her that there were fewer people walking outside.

'There's no one around at all.'

'Maybe there really isn't.'

Visible impatience could be seen on the face of Kujo, who was gripping the steering wheel.

'Is it okay? Just going there all of a sudden?'

'If a police officer suddenly shows up, people would normally be surprised. But I can't worry about that anymore. Unfortunately, my workplace burned down too.'

'What happens when a police station burns down?'

'Who knows. I was off duty today. I couldn't just sit still, so I ended up coming here. I never imagined something like this would happen. Well, I'll think about what to do next later.'

The car entered a quiet residential area. Not a single person could be seen outside. When the car turned left at the end of the road, a bizarre sight jumped into their view. Several people were standing in front of a house. It was clear that they were all wearing something like black cloth. Kujo stepped on the brakes.

'What is that?'

'I don't know either. But you know whose house it is, right?'

'So that's where it is, Miron Furukawa's house.'

Even though the rain was getting heavier, the group in black clothes did not move an inch.

“We can’t park the car in front of the house like that.”

“What shall we do?”

Kujo pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned off the engine. The men in black suits must have noticed the car, but not a single one of them was looking their way.

“I’m sorry to have dragged you along, but you can stay here if you want, Satomi-san.”

“No way. I’ve come this far, so I’m going. Besides, it’s scarier to be left here all alone.”

“We don’t know what will happen if we go over there. I can’t take responsibility for you.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Alright. If anything happens, run.”

“If a situation like that happens, won’t I just get caught by those people?”

“Then just give up if that happens.”

“Are you serious?”

“I’m joking. I’ll handle it.”

Satomi nodded slowly. In the rain, the two of them got out of the car. Kujo opened a plastic umbrella he had in the car, and Satomi opened the one she had received from Sugisaki, and they slowly began to walk toward the men in black. Even as the two approached, the men in black did not move an inch. When they were about five meters away, Kujo stopped and signaled for Satomi to stay behind him.

“Hello, everyone. What on earth are you all doing here in the rain?”

No one answered.

“Excuse me, but I am, for the record, a police officer.”

Kujo took out his police badge and held it up for the men in black to see.

“I’m sorry, but you all look like a group of suspicious individuals no matter how you look at it. Given my position, I can’t just ignore you.”

Then, one of the men in black standing in front of Kujo looked at the two of them. Kujo recognized that face. It was the man who had sat next to him and talked to him on the day of the wake.

“Oh, I recognize your face.”

Go home.

Why?

You must not come here.

Are you allowed to be here?

We are servants.

Servants? To that little girl?

Reacting to those words, all the men in black suits looked at the two of them. Tension ran through Satomi.

My apologies. It seems I used the wrong term.

Why is someone like you still...

Still alive, you mean?

Kujo stepped right up to the man.

If you guys are up to something, don't think you'll get away with it, you bastard.

Mr. Kujo.

The owner of that voice was Miron Furukawa. She was standing in front of the gate holding an umbrella. The men in black suits bowed to her in unison.

Hello. Do you have some business here?

Yes. I wanted to talk to you.

Mr. Kujo, are you angry?

Well, reasonably so. You should know why.

Well, I wonder. And who might that be...

Furukawa looked toward Satomi and flashed a forced, bright smile.

Aren't you the photographer from the pre-wedding shoot? Hello. I'm surprised to see you with Kujo.

I also came here because there is something I want to ask you.

I see.

We can talk standing here, talk in my car, or, sorry for the sudden request, but would you mind letting me into your house?

Of course. Please, come in.

After passing through the gate, there was a luxurious garden between the entrance and the gate, planted with large trees and various types of flowers. Several people in black suits were standing in the garden as well. The three of them walked along the brick-lined path, and Furukawa opened the front door.

Please, come in.

Kujo and Satomi finally stepped into the Furukawa residence.

Please use these slippers.

As told, they put on the slippers lined up at their feet and followed her guidance.

This way.

The two were guided to the living room. It was a spacious living room that must have been over 30 square meters, with a large dining table placed in front of an open kitchen. A huge television was mounted on the wall in front of a long white sofa, and tall houseplants were decorated by the window. It was a luxurious living room by anyone's standards.

Please have a seat at this table. Make yourself comfortable. I will bring you something to drink now.

That won't be necessary.

Don't say that. Kujo-san... you take black coffee, right? And the photographer...

It's Satomi.

My apologies. And you, Satomi-san?

Anything is fine.

Then I will make black coffee for both of you.

The two sat in the chairs at the dining table and watched Furukawa go to the kitchen.

Would you like that hot or iced?

Either is fine.

Please decide.

Furukawa cut him off, sounding impatient.

...Iced.

I'll have the same, thank you.

Understood.

The sound of Furukawa pouring coffee echoed quietly.

You use gum syrup, don't you, Kujo-san?

I don't need any.

I see.

The glasses on the tray were brought before them, and Furukawa sat in the seat opposite. The sound of rain could be heard from outside. The two of them and Furukawa stared at each other for a while.

So, what brings you here today?

Furukawa broke the silence.

I have a mountain of questions. I don't intend to hold back anymore.

Were you holding back, Kujo-san?

Naturally. You seem perfectly composed, but you'd be better off not underestimating me. Up until now, I couldn't definitively say you were responsible for anything, so I kept my distance. But I can't do that anymore. You know the current situation in Tokyo, don't you?

Yes. So what of it?

I believe you are involved.

A silence hung in the air. Satomi stared intently at Furukawa.

"What do you mean, 'involved'?"

"A lot of people are dying. Mostly suicides. It's an impossible number."

"So?"

"I've been experiencing bizarre things ever since I met you. I'll be honest. I see black shadows. I've even been touched by them. And a dear colleague of mine died right in front of me. He smashed his own head in. That was on the night of your parents'... that wake. The night we met those crazy people! Come to think of it, they were outside just now, weren't they? The people around the house are the same ones from that night, right?"

"What are you trying to say, Kujo-san?"

"I don't believe in unrealistic things. But, if such things actually exist..."

"If they do, then what?"

"I'll crush the source of it. And that source is you, isn't it? You're leading everyone to their deaths. Even before all this chaos started, have you any idea how many people died in front of you!"

"Kujo-san, calm down."

Satomi touches Kujo's shoulder.

"Ever since that day of the shoot... ever since I met you, I've been seeing black shadows too. I can't believe it, but it's a fact. Several people around me have died, and that's also been since I met you. It's not just Kujo-san's story; I also came here because I suspected you might be involved in this series of events."

"I see. My parents did something terrible to you, Satomi-san. It's late, but I would like to apologize here. I am truly sorry."

"The way your parents died, that was... it wasn't normal. I felt a strange atmosphere from the moment I came to the studio that day. Please tell me. What is happening? Don't you know something?"

Kujo glares at Furukawa with sharp eyes. Furukawa takes a deep breath and quietly closes his eyes.

"Answer me."

"I just wanted to take a family photo with my parents. With the parents I loved so much. But I didn't make it in time. My parents couldn't take it. I knew they would die, but I never expected them to die in that way. The timing was also extremely bad. I am truly sorry for what I did to you, Satomi-san."

"You said you knew they would die?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I can tell."

“This is getting suspicious, isn't it?”

“You said you didn't believe in unrealistic things, didn't you?”

“That's right.”

“Then you have no choice but to believe.”

The large television mounted on the living room wall suddenly turned on. A news program began to play.

[We are bringing you a special news report. The Metropolitan Police Department has revealed that mass suicides and unexplained suspicious deaths on an unprecedented scale have occurred in multiple areas within Tokyo, and the death toll has now exceeded three thousand.]

The television screen shows station entrances sealed off with tape, people being carried on stretchers, and others sitting in a daze.

[Numerous testimonies have been received stating that people suddenly jumped all at once, or that multiple people jumped onto the tracks immediately after a train arrived. The damage extends to over a hundred locations, including major city stations, high-rise buildings, and residential areas. The government cannot rule out the possibility that this situation is domestic terrorism or an attack using biological or psychological weapons, and with the cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, the Self-Defense Forces have already begun sealing off and searching the city center. Major hospitals in Tokyo are completely overwhelmed, and residents are being urged to stay at home as going out itself is now life-threatening. In response to this situation, the government has issued an alert to all prefectures. Signs of nationwide panic are also beginning to appear. The cause of this event has not yet been identified. Tokyo is currently facing an unprecedented situation that is on the verge of collapse. We are expecting an emergency government press conference shortly. We ask everyone watching to remain calm and be very careful not to access suspicious information.]

When the female announcer finished speaking, the television turned off.

“How did you turn on the TV just now?”

“As you can see, Tokyo is in total chaos. And this chaos will spread. As long as I am here.”

“By chaos, do you mean people dying?”

“Yes.”

“Don't mess with me.”

“I have no intention of messing with you, Mr. Kujo. I am the chosen one. Of the end.”

“Of the end? Ms. Furukawa, I don't really understand what you're talking about.”

A small laugh is heard from the side. Kujo is shaking his head from side to side with a bitter smile.

“Do I really have to put up with such ridiculous nonsense? Give me a break. What was that about the end?”

“The end. The end of everything. But it can't be helped. Because I have been chosen.”

“Then what? Are you saying people are dying because of your power? And that that is the end?”

“That is correct.”

“That's a real nuisance.”

“It took time, but I have finally begun to be able to control the curse little by little. The curse overflowing from within me is leading everyone to the end.”

“If you don't stop this, this police officer is going to lose his patience.”

Kujo sits deeply in his chair, looking displeased.

“Then how do you explain this situation, Mr. Kujo? Can you explain it with anything other than the unscientific things you don't believe in? Go ahead, try it.”

With an expression like he had bitten into a bitter bug, Kujo glared intensely at Furukawa.

“Now that it has awakened within me, there is nothing more that can be done. All that's left is to wait.”

“Awakened? What has?”

Satomi asks.

“The curse god of the end, Enmiko.”

As she answered, she began to tell everything.

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