9-nine-: Episode 3

About

9-nine- Episode 3 is a visual novel simulator blending supernatural mystery and romantic relationships. You follow Kakeru Niimi and his allies as they investigate a string of petrification cases linked to the "Evil Eye Artifact" in the eerie town of Shiromitsugawa. Choices shape interactions with classmates, family, and enigmatic groups like Rig Veda. The story balances investigation, dialogue decisions, and uncovering secrets behind the artifacts’ power while navigating growing bonds with key characters. This entry stands out for its layered narrative and branching scenarios that mix romance with a serialized mystery. Community ratings highlight its strong character writing and tense climaxes, though newcomers may need context from prior episodes. With over 100,000 copies sold across the series, Episode 3 continues the franchise’s focus on moral dilemmas and supernatural stakes. The conflict between personal connections and external threats keeps the plot tight, even as it expands the world’s mythology.

Storyline

Shiromitsugawa City: an academic city with no other particular features. A large earthquake hits the city, damaging the sacred treasure in the Shrine of the White Viper's Relic, and causing strange items to appear from a parallel world. These "Artifacts" grant strange powers to their owners, with incidents of an owner abusing their powers and turning people into stone. Having learned of the item that causes this petrification, the "Evil Eye Artifact", Kakeru Niimi teams up with his classmate, Miyako Kujo, and his sister, Sora Niimi, to investigate and put a stop to the culprit. During the investigation, they find themselves at odds with "Rig Veda", an organization of Artifact users. Among their members, they spot their upperclassman in school, Haruka Kosaka.