Disclaimer: I know it. You know it. Dangan Ronpa? I don't own it.

Welp! Here's the second half of chapter 5 and, for sure, it is the final chapter of Hope's Reconstruction Act 1.

I'll tell you, these two last chapters were difficult to work on. But I finished it and it's ready for my dear readers to see!

Also, in regards to when I will be posting up Act 2. . .

I'll be taking a few weeks off because I'll be ending my first semester in college soon and I would like to focus on my school work. I would also like to have the time to plan out the chapters for this series. I'll most likely post the first chapter of part 2 sometime around December or January so please stay tuned.

Now, I think it's time that we end this story right? Overall, I want to thank you to all my readers and I appreciate all the support I was given.

Finally, without further adieu, I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 6- Part 2: Hope

It was around 2 in the afternoon when he came over the next day.

The headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy.

"Mr. Komaeda, it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Jin Kirigiri. May I come in?"

I allowed him in and sat him down in my father's old study. Not wanting to be rude, I poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him.

"Thank you," he said.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes as he took sips of his tea.

I was so nervous. The very presence of him; this individual who runs the school of talent and hope, made me nervous. Feeling so low compared to a man like him, I couldn't dare look at him straight in the eyes and kept my head down. My hands clenched tightly on my lap; beads of sweat forming on my forehead.

Finally, the principal placed his cup down and cleared his throat.

"So Mr. Komaeda," he said. "I heard from one of my administrative staff that you wish to decline your acceptance into Hope's Peak Academy."

"Ah! Y-yes!" My voice was shaky. 'Calm down! Calm down!' I screamed in my head.

"Mr. Kirigiri, Sir, I appreciate such an amazing offer but I can't accept it.

Mr. Kirigiri eyebrows rose. "Yes, I recall her telling me that. I also heard you didn't want to explain to her why however. Care to explain now?"

"Well I. . ."

How was I going to tell him my answer without sounding crazy? I sat there for a few seconds pondering. I needed to think my words carefully.

"You wouldn't want someone like me in your school. I'm just an average high school student," I said defensively. "Besides, luck isn't really a talent anyway. At least, not my luck."

Mr. Kirigiri shook his head in disagreement. "On the contrary," he said. "Luck is a very special talent. It's one of our most important talents at our school. And I will say, you are no longer an 'average high school student' with a talent like yours."

My lips formed a tight line. 'That's not true,' I thought in denial.

"You seem nervous Mr. Komaeda," Mr. Kirigiri said. "It's alright to be open with me."

I slowing nodded and took a deep breath.

"You wouldn't want my luck. . .because you see. . .it's. . .rather extreme. It causes a lot of good things to happen, but it also makes bad things happen as well. I'm sorry if it sounds confusing. . ."

"Mr. Komaeda, we are already aware of the kind of luck you possess."

"Huh?" I looked up at him confused.

"When Hope's Peak Academy select our students, we make sure we look into their backgrounds to ensure if they are really the best in their given fields," Mr. Kirigiri explained. "The same goes for you when you and the previous class lucksters were chosen from that lottery."

My fists clenched even tighter.

"So," I said with a shy, nervous grin. "I guess you know a few things that happened to me in the past I presume?"

He hummed in response. He seemed to have a look of pity or sadness in his eyes. "It's unfortunate that you had to endure many terrible incidents at such a young age. My condolences for your parents by the way."

I shook my head. "No, no it's alright. It was a long time ago after all."

"In any case," he continued. "From what we've gathered, you definitely deserve the title of Luckster Mr. Komaeda. Surviving multiple accidents, your increasing amount of wealth, living through that kidnapping incident during your second year of junior high, and even the sole fact that you were chosen in our lottery. Based on what we've read, without a doubt, those are not just coincidences and you know already why. Am I correct?"

I nodded in agreement. Of course I knew. As I had said when I first received the letter. No one's a better choice for the title except me.

The principal took one last sip of his tea and looked at me with determination. "I must say I'm impressed. Your luck is the most extraordinary and extreme case we've ever seen. Hope's Peak needs a talent such as yours."

I gulped. What he said was true, that my luck was amazing. However, even through he was trying his best to convince me to attend the school, my thoughts, my past, and my fear told me otherwise. I stood up from my chair and shook my head.

"But Sir!" I yelled. I didn't want to shout at him but he needed to understand. "Since you know about what happened to me, you should know that my luck is a danger to your school. Please, I wish to decline the acceptance! I. . .I couldn't bare it if something were to happen if I was a student there. Please just choose another student to have the title. I just can't. . ."

The room was silent except for the sound of my heavy breathing. Mr. Kirigiri just sat there staring at me unfazed. After for what seemed like eternity, he gave a long sigh and pinched the bridge of nose.

"I understand your distress Mr. Komaeda. But having you decline is something I cannot do."

Slowly, I sat back down. "Explain."

"Hope's Peak Academy chooses a Luckster in a lottery every year. It is important that whoever is chosen is the one and only person who receives that title. If we simply allowed you to decline and chose another person from the lottery, that doesn't make that person lucky out of talent. They were lucky because of circumstances. It's the talent of that one and true luck that we need to research in our school."

I scratched my chin in wonder. "Research?" I questioned. "The woman I was talking to yesterday said something similar. My luck being research? What do you mean?"

Mr. Kirigiri looked shocked for a moment. "Oh, you don't know. I believe the informational packet informed you about it didn't it?"

I looked away feeling a tad embarrassed. "Um yes, I did read it however I didn't really understand the whole researching talent, at least, how my luck could be researched. Isn't that impossible?"

The principal nodded; understanding my confusion. "From what you've read, Hope's Peak is not only a learning facility for it's students. It is a place where talent is researched. The teachers there aren't just for teaching. They are scientists whom cooperate and work with the students in order to study and enhance their talents further. We do this so that we will one day create a better future."

'For the sake of a brighter future. . .' I thought to myself. The troublesome feeling crept into my mind. My breathing slightly increased.

'There's that urge again.'

I tried to ignore the feeling in order to pay attention to Mr. Kirigiri as he continued his explanation.

"For a few years now, our staff have been trying to figure out the talent of luck and I admit, it has been difficult. But in order to achieve that goal, we have to solve and nurture every single talent from every field. Luck has been one of the most challenging talents that we've ever studied. However, we have a breakthrough. . . And we believe it's you."

"Eh?"

"As I said before, you're luck is a very a special case. Out of all the previous class lucksters we've research, we are very must interested in understanding your's. For luck as extreme as your's, if we were able to finally solve this talent, no doubt the school will be one step closer in the right direction. Maybe helping you even. And also. . .it's crucial that you need to attend as soon as possible before it's too late."

'As soon as possible? Oh, I see,' I thought. 'Wow, they sure do get their information rather quickly.'

I smiled sadly. "I assume you found out about my diagnosis?"

"Yes," he answered. "That's why we implore you to attend this year before. . .I'm sorry, Komaeda but we need your talent. We need to figure it out. It's what Hope's Peak Academy needs right now. It has to be you."

I didn't say anything. What was I suppose to say? No matter how many times I would try to decline, they'll keep begging and begging me. And, I don't blame them. Hope's Peak is such a special school and what they are doing there is marvelous. Their work. Their goal. Their ambition. All of it is absolutely marvelous. And they need to research my luck for that hope. So why shouldn't I help them out? I felt so honored at what Mr. Kirigiri said.

I felt. . .special even for such an inferior person like myself. To hear that the idea of trash like me could help them made me feel an incredible sense of happiness. . .But I didn't know what to do. I couldn't make up my mind.

I still believe that my luck is such a pathetic talent compared to other known talents, and that I shouldn't be considered an Ultimate. Not to mention, Mr. Kirigiri wasn't bothering about how dangerous I was. My luck cycle was bad news, however they didn't care. They needed that luck.

I wanted so much to appeal to their wishes so badly. Urgh, I was so frustrated. Conflicted. It was like my mind was going around in circles; debating back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. . .No.

"Are you alright Mr. Komaeda?" Mr. Kirigiri questioned but I didn't answer. I was drowning in my thoughts.

'Now that I think about it. . .'

"Mr. Komaeda?" The man said with a bit of worry in his voice.

'. . .despite what I think about my luck, there's no use fighting is there?'

"It seems that it was a mistake to talk to you about this now," he said sounding exhausted. "I'm sorry to have stressed you even further, especially with your condition. Forgive me for troubling you," Mr. Kirigiri got up from his chair. "I'll leave for now. Excuse me."

'I wanted to help those students. I wanted to help this talent-filled school. And I could. I really shouldn't be selfish right now.'

"Mr. Kirigiri," I said weakly. Mr. Kirigiri stopped; surprised to hear me speak.

"Yes Mr. Komaeda?"

I looked at the man with tired yes. "I don't have much of a choice in the matter of my decision do I?"

He looked down from my gaze and slowly shook his head. "I'm afraid you don't."

Without saying anything, I smiled passively at him. He got the message.

'This school is so important. It deserves whatever it needs to inspire Hope.'

Knowing that seemed to make a bit of my fears disappear. I felt reassurance.

I licked my lips; taking a deep breath.

"So," I said. "What's going to happen when I become a student at Hope's Peak?"

The headmaster sat back down and cleared his throat.

"Well, once you're admitted into Hope's Peak Academy, you'll be placed in the 77th class where you will begin your studies while living on campus. Everything will be provided to you for free. During your time in school, you'll not only be attending classes like regular schools but, of course, you'll have multiple sessions where you will work with the scientists in order to research your talent. Every student is required to do so. You understand so far?"

"Mmhm," I nodded. "Continue please."

"Yes. Furthermore, in regards to your dementia and Lymphoma, our school will provide regular check-ups with you to monitor your health, which you will be required to participate in. No exceptions. You will be taken care of by our medical staff and even some of your fellow students whose talents involve those certain fields. In fact, there will be a student attending school the same year as you are in. His title is the Super Duper High School Neurologist and you'll be having multiple appointments with him. This will not only be in order to try and find a cure for dementia, but also to aid and enhance his talent as well."

"An Ultimate Neurologist?" I said curiously.

"Here." Mr. Kirigiri pulled out a photograph from his briefcase and handed it to me. "This is him. He's got a sharp tongue and a pretty sour personality," he chuckled a bit. "But he's definitely a genius when it comes to the brain."

I nodded and looked back at his picture. 'So he and I are going to be classmates,' I thought. 'I wonder how I could help him with his talent.'

"Now then," Mr. Kirigiri started. "Let's discuss the professors you'll be working with. . ."

Mr. Kirigiri and I talked for another hour or so until he got a call saying he needed to go to another meeting.

"Thank you for your time and allowing me to come over Mr. Komaeda," Mr. Kirigiri said as he headed out the door.

"Not at all." I smiled politely. "Ah, please let me walk you to your car."

Mr. Kirigiri entered inside his car and looked up at me reassuringly. "We'll make sure Hope's Peak provides you with all the help you need to make you're life easier. We also promise you that the students will be safe. In the meantime, you're schedule will be sent to you in a few weeks. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us."

I nodded but I noticed there was a slight uneasiness in his expression.

"Thank you again Mr. Komaeda," I muttered. "And I'm sorry."

Then he drove off.

As I watched his car leave the driveway, I heard snickering coming from behind me.

"Huh?" I turned around. To my surprise, it was my neighbor whom had recently moved in the estate a few meters away from mine. But that doesn't explain the fact as to why she was here standing in front of me.

"Opps, I got caught spying hehe~ Oh well!"

The girl just stood there smiling at me. I must admit, she was very beautiful. If I recall, she was about a year younger than me and she just recently became a growing star a few months back. I think I saw her in a lot of magazines for fashion and make-up or something like that. She's pretty famous among the kids at school.

'What was she again?' I thought to myself. 'An actress? A singer? Dancer?'

Well whatever occupation she had, she stopped giggling and walked up towards me.

"Hi there neighbor!" she beamed enthusiastically.

I sort of stood there confused for a moment but I politely smiled back.

"Um, hello."

"You're Nagito Komaeda right?" she asked. "It's nice to finally meet you face to face."

She offered her manicured hand to me and I reluctantly shook it.

"Sorry I never got the chance to do so before but I was so busy with photo shoots, commercials, talk shows, and all that stuff. Being a model can be pretty hectic you know?"

I nodded. 'Ah right, now I remember. She's a model. Makes sense.'

"It's nice to meet you too," I replied back. "Junko Enoshima correct?"

"Yep!" Enoshima-san answered cheerfully. "The one and only~" She giggled while flipping her long blonde locks of hair.

She was definitely picture perfect, even for someone so young as herself. Her ideal body and face; all natural with no make-up or any body alterations whatsoever(or so I heard from her interviews), could make any other famous experienced model be put to shame. Enoshima-san also seemed to have this sort of charm that was very likable. No wonder she was able to gain so many fans shortly after her debut.

"Um, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing in front of my place?" I asked.

"Oh right, silly me. I was just walking around the neighborhood and all, and I couldn't help but notice the symbol on that guy's car."

'That guy's car? Oh, she's talking about Mr. Kirigiri's car.'

"The man you were talking to was from Hope's Peak Academy right?" Enoshima-san questioned.

I nodded. "Ah yes. Apparently I was chosen to attend their school."

Giving a surprised yet joyful expression, she clapped at my news. "Oh wow! Hope's Peak Academy! Very impressive."

"Thank you Enoshima-san."

"That sure is something to brag about to your friends isn't it?" she said teasingly.

"Hehe yeah," I said feeling a tad uncomfortable. If only she knew I didn't have any friends to brag to. 'Nor don't I deserve them. . .'

"Ah but anyways,"she continued. "Congratulations Komaeda-kun. Or should I say Komaeda-senpai~"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Eh?" Enoshima looked slightly offended. "What do you think I mean? Come on Komaeda-kun, you seem like a smart boy. You can figure it out."

"Senpai. . .Oh! Does that mean you're. . ."

She laughed, nodding her head. "Exactly! Hope's Peak scouted me as well to attend their school. Once I graduate junior high, you're looking at the 78th class's Super Duper High School Supermodel!"

I smiled at hearing her news and excitement. "I see. Congratulations to you as well Enoshima-san. The title of model sure does fit you."

"I know right!" she says in agreement. "I've always wanted to be a model ever since I was young so me going to be the Ultimate Supermodel at Hope's Peak feels great. Of course, I hope to do other stuff besides modeling there. Otherwise it'd be boring."

"You certainly do have a point there Enoshi-."

"Oh yeah that reminds me," she interrupts. "I never got to hear what you're talent is Komaeda-kun. What is it if I may ask?"

"Oh, my talent. . ." I said sort of hesitant. "Well. . .you see. . .my talent isn't that great. In fact, it's pretty pathetic."

"Come on! Just tell me," Enoshima-san insisted. "It's a talent that got you in Hope's Peak so it HAS to be something special right?"

'Special isn't really the word I would like to describe it as,' I thought in my mind.

"Well, according to a lottery that's held every year to normal average students like myself, I was chosen to be the Super Duper High School Luckster."

"Luckster?" she questions disbelievingly. "That's you're talent?"

"I'm afraid so," I answered honestly.

The next thing I knew, Enoshima-san is laughing nonstop; holding onto her stomach and in a bent down position.

"I'm so sorry Komaeda-kun," she says trying to contain her laughter. "But you're right. That sure is one lame talent if you can even call it that."

Normally one would be offended or angered by her taunts, but all I did was nod in agreement; chuckling along with her. She was technically correct so I couldn't feel insulted.

"Well, I'm glad you're getting a good laugh out of it. I admit it's pretty funny," I said pleased.

In all honesty, this was the first conversation I had in a long time that I didn't see as hostile or trying to be mean-spirited. Even lowly trash like myself can feel enjoyment in one's company sometimes. Besides, after that meeting with Mr. Kirigiri, it was nice to talk to someone about it, albeit only the minor details.

Also, unlike my previous conversations with people, I didn't even see Enoshima-san as inferior like I did to my classmates at school. Perhaps it was because she was an Ultimate and I found her being at much higher levels than I did with any ordinary person. Being in Enoshima-san's aura was truly a fantastic feeling, even Mr. Kirigiri presence made me feel a ton of respect to a man I had just met. I guess that's the grand superiority and prestige of Hope's Peaks Academy's students.

'Although, does that really count me as one of them?' I curiously wondered. 'Probably not of course.'

Looking at Enoshima-san innocently laughing made me determined to want to help her once she enters school. Being her 'senpai' felt like such an honor. The thought made me slightly quiver with that crazy urge.

Enoshima-san stops laughing; taking out a handkerchief from her purse.

"Ah~ but that's not the only thing I can say about your lame talent," she says, wiping a tear from her eye. "It's just simply ironic."

"Hmm? I know my talent's pathetic but ironic you say?" I said, a little confused.

Suddenly, Enoshima-san's attitude seems to goes from upbeat and positive to a one that's downright melancholic.

"Of course," she continues. "Not only is it lame and pathetic as you say. The talent you possess is also painfully and excruciatingly ironic."

Her voice seemed to go down an octave in low, rather dull, mutters. I started to become a little worried. 'Did I say something that I wasn't suppose to?' I thought in paranoia. 'Did I say something wrong without realizing it?'

"Ah. . .Enoshima-san?"

"It's depressing really," she continues in a deflated manner. "You should know what I mean when your luck is ironic."

She absentmindedly twirls her hair with her fingers, looking away from me with her head down.

"It's sad. So sad. It's ironic for an unlucky person like you, from the day you were born up til now, to have a talent such as luck. Your title should be more like Super Duper High School UN-Luckster instead."

She sighs, shaking her head.

"Really, I just wanted to learn a little bit about my young white-haired neighbor who lives alone in a huge, cold, dark mansion. But from what I heard from our other neighbors, reading the news articles, hearing all about those dreadful things; I got more than what I bargained for. I feel so bad for you. Oh poor Komaeda-san. . ."

I was dumbfounded. I had no clue what was going on at that point. Clearly she was upset but I still really couldn't tell what she was thinking in order to feel for her.

"Hey," I said nervously. "Are you alright Enoshima-san? You seem a little strange."

"I'm perfectly fine Komaeda-san," Enoshima said in a calm, well mannered voice as she was putting on a pair of slim glasses. Now, she seemed to have an air of sophistication in her personality. It was as if the sudden depression she was once feeling had disappeared in an instant. "I was just trying to make our conversation less boring. So, as a result, I decided to mix things up a bit. Is that alright with you?"

I couldn't keep up but for some reason I wasn't bothered at all.

I shrugged. "Well, if it's just to make the conversation more entertaining than I guess it's fine. I'll go along with what you believe is right Enoshima-san."

"Ooooooh alrighty then~" Enoshima-san says acting very cute now. "Soooooo Komaeda-kun, what do you have to say to all those sad boo-hoo stuff I was talking about towards your luck? Huh? Huh?"

"Hmmm. . .I admit that, now thinking about it, you're right. My title is not only fitting for a person like me but ironic as you said. Haha, I'm really pitiful aren't I?"

"Oh yes yes~" she says gleefully. "Very much so. Not oooonly that but having no one to love you. ..It must be quiiiiiiite despairing isn't that? Oh such Despair you must feel. . ."

Suddenly a strange mix of emotions and feelings overcame my entire mind and body.

That word. . .

That word. . .That word. . .

That word she rolled easily out of her tongue. That word that made me shiver in disgust. That word that felt repulsive for my ears to bare.

That word. . .

My stomach turned and I felt like I wanted to vomit. This felt worse than my long nights of high fevers. 'What in the world?'

That word seemed to remind me of all the guilt and shame I've dealt with. All the deaths in the past. All the times I've been alone. The cycle of good luck and bad luck I've endured. . .

I couldn't explain it. There was this feeling toward this word. This anger. This hatred.

That word, Despair. . .That was something I did not want to feel. I did not want to experience. Ever.

"E-Enoshima-san. . .Perhaps you shouldn't say that wor-"

"BUT HOWEVER!" Enoshima shouted abruptly. I looked back up at her. Now she had a look of triumph on her face and had a crown donned her head. "I can see this very clearly~ Even after all this, all your poor agonizing and suffering back story, after such obstacles and endeavors, after such utter despair. . .you always seem to find a way to be hopeful. Don't you Komaeda?"

Ba-thump. . .

My heart started to beat rapidly. My forehead and palm began to feel sweaty. It was that familiar urge creeping into the picture again. This time, I welcomed it with ease and let my curiosity at Enoshima-san statement grow.

Ba-thump. . .Ba-thump. . .

"Hopeful?"

"Yes. Hopeful." Enoshima-san was now just inches away from my face. Her eyes wide open; intense and serious.

"Umm. . .I don't really-"

"Do you not see Komaeda?" She continues. "You're so full of hope. So full of longing. Every thing you've dealt with, you've counterattack them with hopeful thoughts and remarks even if you've never realized it before. Fueled by luck, it's that hope that keeps you living. It IS the sole reason why you were actually chosen for Hope's Peak Academy."

"I was?"

"It's the reason why anyone's scouted to join the school. You. . .me. . .it's hope."

Ba-thump. . .Ba-thump. . .Ba-thump. . .

"But Mr. Kirigiri said it was our talents that gets us into Hope's Peak," I interjected. "They want our talents for research."

"Oh dear dear Komaeda. You're so forgetful. Remember, where do you think all that research goes to?"

Remembering my meeting with Mr. Kirigiri, I palmed myself in embarrassment and laughed; understanding perfectly what she meant.

"The sake for a a better future," I answered. "To achieve that goal and inspire hope right?"

"BINGO!" She cheered. Her crown is gone; now back to how she originally was at the beginning of our conversation. "I knew you'd figure it out."

"Ah, however Enoshima-san," I interrupted her with a frown. "There's something that's been eating me though. . ."

"Eating you?"

"Could someone as low and worthless like me have the same amount hope that compares to talents like your's and the other students. That school deserves all the research they can get and I'll help them as much as I can. However, there's this sliver of shame that I feel. It's a small feeling telling me that it's impossible for my useless talent to actually do something important."

Enoshima-san giggles and pats her hand on my back; slightly tugging at my parka. "Oh but that's what makes you so much more hopeful. To them. To us."

"How so?"

"That sickeningly sweet hope manifesting in your talent has the potential to do wonders for your future schoolmates and teachers," Enoshima-san explains. "Lucky outcomes need to stem from somewhere right? The ultimate enemy of despair, the things that tries to bring you down, is hope, your lucky outcomes. You see Komaeda, humans thrive off of hope. They can't live without it. Hope comes from all the little special things some humans can do or wish to do. What we want for our lives and dreams to be like. Hope is the unconscious feeling of expectancy, the curiosity of the unknown, and the positivity and optimism we strive for on a day-to-day basis. Without it, there will never be the bright future we oh so desire."

Ba-thump. . .Ba-thump. . .Ba-THUMP. . .BA-THUMP. . .

"I see what you mean." I felt strange hearing her say that. Not in a bad way though. It felt comforting actually. I admired every word she said about the concept.

"That's what Hope's Peak Academy is. If it wasn't, then our school would be called Despair's Peak Academy and it doesn't-. . .actually it really has a nice ring to it hehe~" she joked.

I shivered at the word again. Enoshima-san sure had a strange sense of humor. But. . .

BA-THUMP! BA-THUMP! BA-THUMP! BA-THUMP! BA-THUMP! . .

"Hope huh?"

This piercing feeling of intensity. This heart racing experience I was having because of what Enoshima-san said felt truly and wonderfully amazing. Such excitement. Such immense satisfaction. And all because of a simple but powerful word.

'Hope. . .Hope. . .Hope! That's it! That was it's name!'

"Oh Komaeda-san,"Enoshima-san said. "The look on your face tells me that you've discovered something important. Do tell me~"

I began to laugh joyfully; nodding my head at her in affirmation. 'I'm so stupid for not figuring out the name until now. That urge I craved day and night nonstop. . . It was always Hope!'

"It's simple Enoshima-san. It's true that throughout my life this luck of mine has been a rollercoaster of uncertainties, sufferings, and miracles." I spread out my arms, looking up into the afternoon sky. "But in the end, I was always inwardly looking at the positive outcomes that my luck provides to me despite my pessimistic views."

I looked back at her. "In my trials, I hoped for many things. I hoped to be part of a family as a child. I hoped to stop being constantly alone. I hoped to survive a hijacking and plane crash. I hoped to make it out of a killer's grasp. I hoped not to die numerous times and to die plenty of times. I hope to live through my cancer and dementia. Now. . .I hope to be a part Hope's Peak; watching and helping them grow."

"Oooh, such devotion and drive~"

"But that's not all," I continued. "That can't be all. There's something else I feel. Something more than that. I hope to be something. A purpose of some sort for insignificant me. Something of my own. Something that can help reach to somewhere far greater than a brighter future and inspire not just hope but help create something on a higher plane."

I couldn't contain myself and started laughing again. I never felt so good like this in many years.

". . .Help. . .aim for. . .that hope. . ." I tried to say in between my laughter. 'I must thank my good luck once again!'

Enoshima-san, intrigued at my unsightly display of happiness, giggled in a mocking tone.

"Oh gross~ how disgustingly hopeful you are Komaeda-kun haha. . .yet so incredibly despair-induced you are at the same time. How fun to watch~"

I stopped my laughter and reverted my attention back to Enoshima.

"Hmmm? I'm sorry Enoshima-san," I said looking at her a bit suspiciously. "Did you say something?"

"Teehee~ Oh no, nothing," she answered. "Anyways, I must be going now Komaeda-kun. I really had fun and enjoyed talking to you. We should totally hang out again once I go to Hope's Peak."

Eyeing her for a moment, I smiled back in response. "Yes, I had fun too. You also helped me realize something which I am very grateful for."

"Glad to be of service. So I assume you have everything figured out once you go there huh Ultimate Luckster?"

I nodded with a grin on my face. "Ah yes, I know what my role is. What I'm suppose to do."

To become a stepping stone in order for Hope's Peak Academy. . .

"I'm glad you feel that way."

. . . ,for those talented embodiments, aim for that one true hope. . .

My grin grew wider. "Me too."

"Well then, bye-bye~"

. . .a hope that can overcome any sort of despair. . .

"Goodbye Enoshima-san."

Enoshima waves goodbye to me as she starts walking away. Before she disappears out of my sight, she shouts; calling out to me one last thing.

"I hope everything works out for you Komaeda-senpai!"

My grin grew wider and wider and wider.

"With my talent of luck, I know it will."

. . . An Absolute Hope.

Hope's Reconstruction

Act 1: The Endless Cycle of Good Luck and Bad Luck

End