Chapter 6

Chapter 6 is the sixth chapter of the Dead Mount Death Play manga.

Synopsis
Inside Shinjuku Police station, Tsubaki Iwanome briefs members of Materials Compiling Group No.3 on the latest status of Shinjuku's troublemakers and two recent special incidents: the skeleton sightings in the fire two days back; and the human knots from the day before.

Saki Aikawa reports that one pair of footprints at the 'human knot' crime scene belongs to Lemmings, causing the men to mutter, and Iwanome adds that the fire at the Shakuzawa Building is believed to be the work of the Fire-Breathing Bug—who, along with Lemmings and "The Grim Reaper," is still at large. He then opines that the close proximity of the two incidents warrants investigation, and affirms that the footage of the skeletons is not fake. While Iwanome tempers his colleagues' unease, Kōzaburō Arase scratches out a skeleton doodle so fiercely that the graphite nib snaps.

Meanwhile, the Corpse God transfers the real Polka Shinoyama's soul from Takumi Kuruya's drone to a stuffed shark toy. He apologizes to the real Polka for borrowing his name and identity for the time being, leading Takumi to ask him what his real name is (as "Corpse God" is an alias). The Corpse God replies that he does not think one could pronounce it in Japanese, so he agrees with Takumi's decision to just call him "Polka."

Misaki Sakimiya opens the door and is immediately taken with the stuffed shark, cradling the toy close to her chest. As the toy blushes red from the real Polka's embarrassment, the Corpse God remarks that he could enable the real Polka to talk with a fresh set of human vocal cords. However, such a procedure would require a large quantity of magic, as would turning Misaki into a vampire.

Corpse God decides that he must prioritize replenishing his magic over saving money for the moment, given how faint the presence of mana and spirits appears to be in this world, and explains to Takumi that necromancers usually replenish their magic by "forcibly exorcising vengeful spirits." In addition, magic users can also harvest magic from "magic-storing strong stones" known as 'jewels' in this world—a far more abundant local resource than spirits. By using magic, he could "make a killing" in this world.

In response to "Polka's" naiveté, Takumi directs him and Misaki to pay a visit to a local jewelry store; Misaki and Corpse God oblige, with the real Polka coming along for the ride. The price of jewels shocks Corpse God in light of how cheap they are in his homeworld—cheap enough that children can afford them—but he concludes he will just have to save up enough money to buy out the shop's inventory. Such a purchase, according to the attending employee, would amount to 3,812,790,800 yen (approx 38.1 million USD).

With Takumi's drone and Misaki following, the Corpse God exits the shop altogether glum. He explains to Misaki that although he could have absorbed the jewels' magic through the glass cases, the process would have caused the jewels to crack; he felt this was not worth hurting the shopkeeper's livelihood.

Neither Corpse God nor Misaki take much notice of the man standing a little ways down the street they are walking, but the man takes much notice of Takumi's drone and grins at it once he appears in its range of vision. Recognizing the man as Arase, Takumi frantically attempts to pilot the drone to safety—but Arase kicks off the walls, snatches the drone, and chastises "the criminal" Takumi for trying to run away.

Iwanome, newly arrived at Youtoukorou, inquires into Clarissa Kuraki's activities before and after the Shakuzawa fire—citing sightings of one of her intelligence drones in the vicinity of the incident. Furthermore, the boss of the knotted men found the day before was Clarissa's protege Jinba. Losing his good cheer, he asks outright just how involved her organization was with the latest incident.

On the otherwise deserted street, Arase lands on both feet with the drone in his left hand. Upon noticing Misaki and "Polka," he requests they ignore him with an apologetic smile before turning his attention to the drone; addressing Takumi by his full name, he says that Takumi must be able to hear him since his drone is able to make voice calls. Takumi does not reply, intending to remain silent provided Arase continues to ignore Misaki and Corpse God.

Corpse God asks Arase refrain from damaging the drone, since it means a great deal to his friend. When he confirms the friend is Takumi, Arase seizes his left arm and instructs him to sever ties with Takumi on the spot. Keeping company with a lowlife would almost certainly turn a high school student like him into a lowlife as well.

Right as Arase notices "Polka's" arm is freezing, the Corpse God declares that he alone chooses who his friends are regardless of societal opinion. The intensity of his delivery causes Arase to take a step back, instincts fully alert—and only then does he realize that "Polka" has reclaimed the drone. Intrigued, Arase asks if he can question the two teenagers. Though his smile is wide and bright, the danger behind it is unmistakable.

Trivia

 * Ranmaru Yatsu is visible in the foreground of the Comps-3 meeting that begins the chapter. Danjō Tozawa may be the seated man on the far right.