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(Gentlemen: I'm attempting something a little different from this episode onwards. At the beginning of each new day, I'll present the options available at the Hollow Sun, to streamline the process.

What this means: You can choose from the options and/or research projects available, to unlock upgrades. Each option selected will have effects on the Armoury and the Dominion's capabilities.

In addition, you alter your loadout of secondary weapons as according to your preference.)

HOLLOW SUN: 61.1%

At present, you have sufficient energy to select two options from the list below:

http://pastebin.com/s2ZXJLYm

We were going to get that blade for Spaghetti-san. That's one of our options right there. As for the other? Lemme look over the list.

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>>26975148
>>26975293
Holy balls it's Christmas, except instead of presents we get full-sized Warhammer figures that actually shoot things for us.

Uh. Um. Well, I say Apex Blade and researching the Phase Resonator.

I'm most amazed that there's an option to expand the Armory. There are already too many awesome things there.

>>26975485

I was mainly hoping for a way to make our current production lines use less resources.

If there was a way to increase our resource gathering, by moving the Joker Cave to better location or sending out drones to kidnap and then portal back with Players to break down into essence, we'd be in business.

As it sits, I'll go with whatever anyone else wants for the second option. Currently trying to figure out why this laptop is bluescreening..

>>26975148
[ ] PHASE RESONATOR
and
[ ] RESEARCH: SERAPHIM COMMAND MODULE

Commanders and longer lasting units will help when we use this thing. And we will need to

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It's the end of the world.

That's what everyone's been saying, at least. Ever since the skies tore open to reveal the crimson hell beyond - It's the only thing you've been hearing.

All things considered, the rift was a short-lived one: Open for less than a moment, vanishing as inexplicably as it'd come. Not everyone saw it, either - But that just makes the stories circulate faster, growing more grotesque with each retelling.

The news has been...conflicted. A freak weather pattern; A mass hallucination. Some kind of solar phenomena, the talking heads suggest, nodding wisely - That's saying nothing of the countless conspiracy theories making the rounds, the wild guesses and wilder fantasies...

The world might have ended yesterday, but you still have to go to school.

************

Backstage at the school's concert hall. With less than a week to go, rehearsals are progressing fairly well: Your role's a fairly minor one, but still - The others are coming together. Yui hasn't had to chew anyone out for flubbing their lines, and Kazuya's rather fluent for a last-minute addition to the script - Kouichi still has a *bit* of trouble with the 'tortured hero' role, but his noble bearing makes up for most of it.

Right now, Natsumi's onstage - Giving a soliloquiy on the nature of love and isolation that strikes you as surprisingly poignant: Her eyes intent, holding herself poised beneath the golden spotlight beam, to a scattering of spontaneous applause. She bows, her face flushed - Script flourished in one hand, though she doesn't particularly seem to need it.

You're watching it all happen, from the wings. It's not a full dress rehearsal (thankfully), so your shark costume has been bundled away for now. After all - All you *really* need to do is look vaguely menacing.

Asuna...

-Asuna's still avoiding you.

(Continued)

Ah before I forget, we need to scan the one Relic we got from the one Twin we electrocuted way back when.

And access the Joker Cave's datalogs. We know from a previous thread that we hijacked the Cave from Kraken. Who did Kraken take it from?

>>26975572
Scrapping Players probably won't do much to increase productivity. The Hollow Sun supposedly draws power straight from the Red World's core, so feeding Players to it would be like using human sacrifices to turn a water mill.

Decompiling Players probably allows the Hollow Sun to analyze quirks in their construction to improve the Hellions or make Relics.

>>26975718

Hence the drones going out and stockpiling player essence so we can make fashionable clothes. Joker has to be stylish when he murders people or causes yet more mass hysteria in the Real.

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>>26975665

You haven't had a chance to talk to her, since that day; The few times you've seen her today, she looked...Well. Not *upset*, but distant. You wonder if-

"-Hey."

Kazuya's footsteps clop on the wooden floor, as he pushes the curtain aside - He's still wearing the fur-trimmed coat that's his costume, a little groan of relief coaxed from his throat as he settles to the ground beside you.

"...Y'know, I never thought I'd say this, but: I'm actually *looking forward* to the real thing." He cocks his head to the side, watching in silence for a moment - "Nat-chan's *really* good at this, too...Never thought she'd be a natural."

[ ] "-You're doing pretty well, yourself."
[ ] "Eh, I wouldn't know."
[ ] "I'd say."
[ ] "Not as good as me, I'd hope."
[ ] "How's Asuna doing?"
[ ] "You're looking a little tired. Long night?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26975485

The Phase Resonator sounds like a must-have, but I think that the SERAPHIM COMMAND MODULE is significantly better for now.

The sooner we get the long-term research projects on the burner, the better-off we are.

>>26975795

>fur trimmed coat

He better have three popped collars, AR glasses playing a porn vid, and be playing a character named Jackson.

>>26975795

"As natural as they come, my man. What'd you think of the crazy rift? Surely you've heard about it by now. It has a lot of people spooked. Hell, even Nat's been avoiding me..."

"Can't imagine why."

>>26975795
"You look tired, think you'll be able to match her? I'm looking forward to the show too, except for the part where I'm a shark."

>>26975795
>[X] "How's Asuna doing?"

>[x]"How have things been going with you and Natsumi? I have been busy so I thought I'd ask about how my two friends are doing."

>>26975293
>HOLLOW SUN: 61.1%

Hold up.

What happened here?

It was at like 86% last time I checked? It was nearly done finishing repairs - what happened?

>>26975293

[x]Relic Unlock: EMULATOR MODULE

CODEBURSTS CODEBURSTS! All my want! All of it!

>>26976187

We got new relics and we fed a Player to the Joker Cave to create clothes.

>>26976187

(My apologies: The gauge is the amount of energy currently available to the Hollow Sun. Each Research Option/Upgrade Option/Armoury Option depletes the energy available, which gradually recharges.)

>>26975939

> "You look tired, think you'll be able to match her? I'm looking forward to the show too, except for the part where I'm a shark."

"Hey, you're perfect for the role. *Perfect*."

Kazuya chuckles, giving you a friendly slap on the back. He can't help but glance over at your shark costume, the head grinning at you from the corner. From a certain light, with that painted-on toothy smile and those beady black eyes...It's strangely disturbing.

"-Most of the other guys are looking forward to it, too," Kazuya goes on. "...Or rather, they're just hoping to meet girls at Seisin High. A prestigious all-girl's school...Now, *that's* something to see."

>>26975909

> "What'd you think of the crazy rift? Surely you've heard about it by now. It has a lot of people spooked."

"Yeah, well..." For a fleeting moment, Kazuya looks troubled. "-I didn't actually *see* it, you know. I was indoors at the time - But I've had an absolutely *splitting* headache ever since. A splitting headache, and crazy dreams..."

His voice trails off, and he shakes his head. "But hey...It could be worse. Personally, it feels like people are *looking* for a reason to panic, you know?"

> "Hell, even Nat's been avoiding me..."

"Really?" His brow furrows. "I didn't know that, either. Didn't see her over the weekend..."

>>26975293

Wait? What's Essennce Core production?

>>26976296
Hellions are a shell and a core. The shell determines the typing, the core contains its essence.

>>26976242

>splitting head and crazy dreams

IT BEGINS.

>>26975293
I have a question, can we cannibalize weapon parts from the armory to improve our special weapons and such? I've had a few ideas rolling around and I'd like to confirm if they're feasible first before flooding the quest with walls of text.

Research items:
[X] SERAPHIM COMMAND MODULE
[X] PHASE RESONATOR

>>26976296

(Essence Cores animate Hellions - Each Hellion is composed of a Frame/Chassis with a Core powering the automaton. It's equal parts reactor and CPU...The Hellion's brains and heart at once.)

>>26976368

(Not at present, unfortunately. You lack the technical know-how to take items apart and put them back together again.)

>>26976010

> [x] "How have things been going with you and Natsumi? I have been busy so I thought I'd ask about how my two friends are doing."

He smiles, at that. "I'd rather not say, for now...But it's going fine." You must look faintly dubious, because Kazuya goes on: "Hey, don't look at me like that." His voice takes on a lofty tone. "Some secrets can only be borne by *one* man, you know?"

Well, he seems cheerful enough.

> [X] "How's Asuna doing?"

Kazuya sobers, abruptly.

A long, uncomfortable silence looms - Until Kazuya clears his throat, in an awkward cough.

"-Uh."

That's not very encouraging.

"...She sounds fine, but - I don't know, man. It's like...She's acting like everything's all right, but I think she's still ver-"

"Very what?"

Asuna's voice is soft, a little thready - And coming from somewhere behind you. As you turn, you can see her standing there; Her eyes downcast, never looking directly at you - An annotated copy of the script clasped in her small hands.

"-Kazuya-kun, your scene's next; I'm sorry, but - We need to run through it again." she says, as Kazuya scrambles to his feet - A 'speak of the devil expression' on his face. He shoots a glance at you, clearly torn.

"You want me to-" he begins, looking uncomfortable.

[ ] "Go ahead - It'd be fine."
[ ] "Don't worry about it."
[ ] "Asuna, I need to talk to you."
[ ] "What about me? Is there anything I should do?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26976368

(However, feel free to suggest things. I'd see if I can incorporate them at a later date.)

>>26976466
>[ ] "Don't worry about it."
>[ ] "Asuna, I need to talk to you."

BBY u wan sum fuk

Shitposting aside, we dont want her to be alienated but we'd also like her not to hate us

>>26976466
"Asuna, I need to talk to you."

Because avoiding the issue is what caused it in the first place.

>>26976466
[X] "What about me? Is there anything I should do?"

>>26976521
>>26976513
And what exactly do you plan to say to her?

>>26976466

nooo! Our relics!

>>26976484
The first thing that jumped out at me back when we unlocked the full armory, was the friction axe. Taking a few of those phase field emmiters and applying them to our interceptors, scrander, triskellion missiles, the crisis arm, and a bunch of spots on our armor? The passive speed increase alone would be worth it.

>>26976562
"I'm sorry" to start. The rest comes after.

>>26976622
Hey, that's going back to the roots. I like it.

Anyway, are ALL of our friends Red World linked?

>>26976466

"You're so demanding, Nat. Did you see how hard working our Star is? He even took the time out of his busy schedule to talk to me."

Slap him on the back.

"Go on ahead, Kaz. I'll catch up and make myself useful later. I need to have a word with, Nat real quick... if you don't mind that is? Right, Nat?"

>>26976606

(My apologies: I'm still working through the system at present, to avoid an imbalance towards either side. Currently, I've decided to err on the side of caution.)

>>26976513
>>26976679

Kazuya moves *fast*. You can tell he doesn't particularly want to hang around for this, given the immodest haste in the way he moves - Scrambles, really - for safety.

> [X] "What about me? Is there anything I should do?"

A pause.

"I..." Asuna begins - She bites her lip. A trace of a stammer returns to her voice. "N-no, not...I-I mean...Not right now." Her shoes scuff against the floor, as she backs away-

> [X] "Asuna, I need to talk to you."

She stops. Her head's down, staring at the floor; Enough that you can't see her face, her slight frame tensing: A slow breath hitching in her throat, as her trembling fingers reach up to adjust her glasses.

"W-what..." she says - Catching herself, beginning again.

"...What do you *want*?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26976668
Probably every named character is. Hecate called normal people NPCs. Well, NPCs with names are either important, or not NPCs, and in this game importance is derived from the Red World.

Maybe a bit too bit meta?

>>26976737

Shit. Someone help me out, here.

>>26976737
Hey, we've been having troubles since the last debacle, and im just getting worried. the world is going mad, and everybody is just getting too insular. we might be a little alienated, but i appreciate you as a friend in this crazy world. im sorry, life was just getting too hectic, but, lets clear the slate?

>>26976737
"First, to apologize. Again. You deserve better. Second, to ask if you're alright. You're working harder than anyone for this and the last couple days have been stressful. Third, I wanted to ask if you thought the Red Sky looked... familiar."

>>26976737

>Kazuya moves *fast*. You can tell he doesn't particularly want to hang around for this, given the immodest haste in the way he moves - Scrambles, really - for safety.

Kazuma knows what's up.

BAIL OUT BAIL OUT BAIL OUT

>>26976887
lets not bring up the red world immediately. its a bit too freaky to bring up in a makeup situation. lets leave it slow for the moment, and see if we can have a civil conversation first

>>26976368

You know, i'm curious too - i'm the other anon with weapon tweak ideas.
Lets pool resources!

if its excessively spammy, just pastebin it.

>>26976940
Just toss ideas out. It's likely to be interesting, and it's not like we're using the space for discussion.

>>26976884
> but i appreciate you as a friend in this crazy world. im sorry, life was just getting too hectic, but, lets clear the slate?
First part was fine, second part was not.

Out of the 50 odd threads we've had, we have never once been introduced or heard about Joker's family...

Makes you wonder if they died when shit hit the fan last time.

>>26976737
>(My apologies: I'm still working through the system at present, to avoid an imbalance towards either side. Currently, I've decided to err on the side of caution.)

I'd like to see a mechanic by which we can increase the essence flow - by capturing locations that other factions seem to be able to do - but at the same time, having the hollow sun's own requirements divert that power in unchangable ways might be a good idea.
We have been reminded that we're its guardian/caretaker, not its master.

I mean, like, obviously you want to stop us from spending tons of energy on lots of relics at once.

So a good way would be to like: Choose one upgrade, or one Relic.
Or upgrade a relic a level for two slots.
Or have the hollow sun DEMAND one choice be to improve itself/its hellions/its purpose as a token tax.

>>26976622
Another combination that struck me as fairly obvious and REALLY useful is the line launcher paired with the phalanx chain mines. It would make the cobalt boosted chain mines the most accurate weapon in our arsenal bar none. The line launcher's target painting syncronized with EXEC_HARROW, the heat seeking properties of the boosted chain mines, AND the Argus system... can you imagine, I mean really think about how much that sucks for a future opponent.

>>26977008
All of this mind you, before even considering the photon web. That's merely icing on the cake.

>>26976965
>Just toss ideas out. It's likely to be interesting, and it's not like we're using the space for discussion.

Alright.

Since we know that essence signature are unique and can be manipulated, I think we could use this to improve our mobile decoys and ECM/afterimages by changing it to better mimic our player/essence signature.

Also, I think the Sotto Vocca - i think we gave one to the tristars - would compliment our ECM and our new melee abilities nicely. Its the Cloaking Field, i believe.

Those two things should give us terrifying evasive capabilties.

>>26975148
>(FUSION ANNHILATOR updated
Last thread another anon had the idea to revisit that area afterwards, and try to ID Lock it - is that something we can do again?

>>26977061
Given what happened last time we came in contact with that thing, do you really want to risk blowing another hole in reality?

>>26977109

We know it will more than likely take time to recharge, and counterpoint: Do we want someone ELSE risking blowing another hole in reality?

if it can open portals to places, then we hella want this thing to rescue hecate - it could save us the hastle of getting the other nihl sphere and charging it.

>>26976887

Asuna's expression softens - Slightly. There's something weary and vulnerable in her eyes, as her gaze meets yours...In the instant before she looks away, drawing a slow, shuddering breath. Her eyes close, for a moment, behind her glasses - Her lower lip trembling, as she reachs up...Then lets her hand fall back, halfway.

> "First, to apologize. Again. You deserve better."

For a moment, you think she might be on the verge of tears - Her shoulders drawn tight, her lips pressing together in a thin line. But then-

"...All right," she says. It's a small sound, as she struggles to keep the hurt from her face - Even as she hugs the script to her chest a little tighter, as if for comfort.

> "Second, to ask if you're alright. You're working harder than anyone for this and the last couple days have been stressful."

"Anon-kun, I'm all right. Really." Asuna manages a tremulous, but brave smile - "...I, I just want it to go well. I don't - I don't want to think about anything else, for now. *Please.*"

The smile slips from her lips, and she returns to studying the floor.

>>26976884

"I don't-" Asuna begins, shaking her head. "Anon-kun, I don't..."

She swallows. There's a redness to the corner of her eyes, that wells up heedless of her best efforts to restrain it.

"...I, I don't think I can forgive you. N-not yet..."

She sounds faintly ashamed by her own admission, looking entirely miserable.

"I was *hoping*...T-that you'd be-" Her hand covers her mouth, her throat working - "I, I can't-"

"...I just *can't*, Anon-kun. I'm, I'm sorry."

Standing perfectly still, Asuna looks away, again. "I don't...I don't think you're a *bad* person, Anon-kun," she says, at last. "It's just that - It's just that...I know there's things you can't tell me, a-and that's..."

Her voice trails off, the rest unspoken. She exhales, slowly.

"...And that's why." It's almost a whisper, now. "-It's why I can't t-trust you."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26976965

I'd like to see us change our Bit weapons out.

They don't get a lot of love. Maybe some mini-cobalt-boosters (argent seems to know how to make them, since he slapped one on our jetpack) to give them better endurance, or different weapons, or enhancing them with our own schematic-system.

There's also the potentially silly/hilarious/costly Hellion Bits project, where we take a hellion and slap on the bit's remote power system, and instead of releasing bits release a hellion.
It would be hilariously expensive since ghost-gear needs to be primed, but we have all this decoy/afterimage/fortress stuff - and none of it can actually pack a PUNCH.

>>26977157
We all have things we won't share. You admit you can't trust me, and i can understand me, but does that preclude you from forgive me?

>>26977199
i can understand that*
goddamnit bourbon

>>26977157

Remind me, what did we do to asuna?

Broke her heart on a date, right?

>>26977157

God damn it. We really sunk the Asuna route good and proper, didn't we?

Wow, she is really, REALLY upset.

>>26977157
That's alright, it'd be wrong to ask that of you. I don't want to make a bigger mess than I already have.

>>26977214
Yes, pretty much. Though there seems to be a little something else to this as well.

>>26977157
"That's probably for the best, I'm afraid.

No, no, hold up. That sounded callous, but it wasn't supposed to be. There are things I can't tell you, because they're too much of a burden. People aren't meant to carry that sort of weight, we just aren't build for it."

>>26977061
>another anon
Oy.

re: Sotto Vocca, it's a very LOUD cloaking field--the name translates into English as stage whisper. Given that the Crisis Arm, Argus System and Rifle Bits are all persistent Meter drains, I think we're best off avoiding it. We should grab as few of the Relics as possible to put more into the Hellions.

>>26977157
Oh fuck I'm shaking as I write this. God damn you OP, they're fictional characters!

Catch her eyes. "I was right, you *do* see better than anyone gives you credit for. Asuna, I... No. You deserve to make your own decision. Do you value the truth above your happiness, above your safety? Answer me as truthfully as I you want me to you, because there's no takebacks. Ever.

"Before you go to sleep, think on this phrase: 'Bardiel vs. Red Joker, two weeks ago. Stage: Dis.' If nothing happens, tell me and I'll do it the hard way. If I'm right, find me and I'll explain what you saw."

And yes, I think this is the best path.

>>26977310
This is Asuna, not Natsumi. Natsumi=Chrome Cypher=already knows.

>>26977008

I was thinking that a custom shell for our Longinus railgun might be nice too.

a "smartbullet" that can actually link up with the argus system would be amazing. It just needs little fins or a variable aerodynamic profile for course correction - not just predictive targeting, but using high velocity and airflow to get there faster.

Or just make a rocket-propelled gyrojet shell.

>>26977310
Wrong girl, yo.

I'm pretty sure Asuna would flip her shit eight ways from sunday if we said that we murder people.

>>26977310
nigga whut. why would you say that. vetoing this

>>26977325
>I you want me to you
What the fuck does that even say
*Answer me as truthfully as you want me to,

>>26977157
>mfw I'm reading this and "Moonlit Night" plays
Good for the emotions, a hard blow for the mind.

>>26977157
"So I'm not trusted, again. Well, I guess that's my own fault."
A gentle smile.
"But you know... sometimes the truth has nothing to do with trust or feelings. At times a gentle lie is better than the harsh truth. Especially when the line between the two is so blurred that you can't tell the two apart."

>>26977325
You actually want to show her the Bardiel fight? The fight where Red Joker was at his most fucked up, screaming bloody murder and pretty much more monster than person or player?

And you want to trap her watching it until she wakes up?

Duuuuude. Fucking metal.

>>26977332
>>26977335
>>26977325

Ah.. the name did not click for some reason. I'll delete my post before OP decides to use it..

>>26977325
>We should grab as few of the Relics as possible to put more into the Hellions.

Given our reliance on codebursts, I think we really need the emulation chip. That's the one I really want

>>26977377

To be fair, I've mixed them up before too. You're not the only one.

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>>26977369
>>26977325
I like this. About time we went ahead and started driving girls insane (literally).

>>26977325
im not sure about showing her that one first, wata, but i'll go with you on this one. how about helix gygas, or that one abomination where we flashed into the real world in the arcade? then she can graduate to watching bardiel

>>26977369
That's a side benefit. The main reason I chose that one is that Anon appears in the Red World fleshily, then transforms into Red Joker.

>>26977379
Oh, I agree. The list of important Relics are the Emulator Module, Lucifer Bits (built in charging cores), and Immolator, for cooking calamari. Maybe the Hellion Launcher, but that's more a gift for Cypher, if it has non-lethal options.

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>>26977325

>>26977325
>>another anon
>Oy.

Was that you?

Welp, i'm bad.

I think we may want to tell her to look at a different scene, though - is bardiel really the best place to start?

>>26977199

> "You admit you can't trust me - And I can understand that - but does that preclude you from forgiving me?"

"I-" Asuna begins, hesitantly.

"I...don't know."

Her words are leaden with uncertainty, her slender arms folded over her chest. For a moment, Asuna just looks sad - Sad, and more than a little disappointed; At you, or at herself? You can't be sure.

>>26977246
>>26977350

She nods, slowly.

"That's why," Asuna says, in the same small voice. "Anon-kun, I think...You're really kind. The kindest person I know. But..."

"-Kindness can hurt people, too."

>>26977320
>>26977325

Something in your voice. The urgency, or just the ring of truth?

Just for a moment, an...uncertainty...flits across Asuna's features. For a moment, you think she's about to dismiss your words...But there's the strange ring of familiarity, as if it's something she may have heard before - Something distant, half-remembered...

"I'll..."

"I'll *try*."

Asuna's about to turn away, to withdraw, when she hesitates. You can see the tightness to her shoulders, the lines of her back.

"I just-" she begins, then shakes her head. "...Anon-kun, I just want to be *happy*. Is that...Is that so terrible?"

Before you can answer, she walks away, crossing the brief distance to the changing room; You hear the hinges creak, as - Very gently - Asuna eases the door shut behind her.

Silence descends.

(Continued)j

>>26977452
I'm pretty sure seeing that fight would do more harm than good.

She'd probably have a mental breakdown. Red Joker was really not fucking around in that fight, there was pretty much no humanity left there; Just boiling rage and killer intent.

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>>26977507
>convince her to watch something that could fuck everything up
>" I just want to be *happy*. Is that...Is that so terrible?"

>>26977507
>I just want to be *happy*. Is that...Is that so terrible?
;_; Fuck you OP

>>26977507
damnit watashiwa. why do you do this?

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>>26977551
>>26977569
Oh yeah, that's going to end well.

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>>26977507
>I just want to be *happy*. Is that...Is that so terrible?
I can literally taste the impending despair and sanity loss.
>inb4 we fuck her up so badly she becomes Genocider Shou.

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>>26977507
>"I just-" she begins, then shakes her head. "...Anon-kun, I just want to be *happy*. Is that...Is that so terrible?"

Whoops.

>>26977622

>woops

Ur a Butcher.

>[X]Trap an innocent girl in a recording wherin her friend/ex-crush murders a guy in an incredibly brutal fashion as he screams for blood

Check!

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>>26977643

Is that you Carlos?

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>>26977622
I am looking forward to the backlash of that one.

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For a long moment, it's just you and your shark-costume: The plush head grinning toothily at you, in an idiot's gaping smile.

You wonder what it thinks is so funny.

"-All right, that's a wrap!" Yui's brisk voice cuts through the turmoil, to a general upheaval; With a dozen-odd cast and crew all hurrying off in different directions at once, eager to be off. There's always plenty of things to be done when a rehearsal ends: Ensuring the stage's swept, that everything's packed away for next time...

Kazuya buttonholes you, once you're done manhandling a crate back into the storage room.

"...Any good?" he asks, doing his level best not to sound concerned; His voice is mild, but he looks worried.

[ ] "-Some good, I guess."
[ ] "I think I just made things worse."
[ ] "You were right. She's still pretty upset at me."
[ ] "I hope so."
[ ] "I'm...not sure, actually."
[ ] "Well, at least I managed to clear the air."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26977684
[ ] "I think I just made things worse."

>>26977684
"I think I made a huge mistake."

>>26977684

Yui is kind of hot.

No need to scare Kazu, for now.

> [X] "-Some good, I guess."

>>26977684

"Is this what it feels like to be an idiot? Because there is dozens of voices in my head telling my I'm an idiot right now."

File: 1378115703275.gif-(1.17 MB, 170x113, huehuehue.gif)

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Fantastic

>>26977684
oh, man. i fucked up. not much else to say. How'd practice go?

>>26977684
[X] Free

"You know, I didn't set out with the intention of playing with the hearts of three attractive young women. I just... seem to have a problem saying no."

>>26977752
>I fucked up

Biggest understatement of the year

>You wonder what it thinks is so funny.

Well, aren't you a sh-nark-y chum, OP.

>>26977684
"I got her to listen, that's something. God knows if I made things better. I just wish I could make her happy."

>>26977762
No, that's "Maybe trying to fight Pazuzu wasn't such a great idea."

>>26977661

carlos is busy!

>>26977684
"For a moment there, I thought I may have mediated a peace treaty. Shortly after, I realized that I just made one mistake that will probably doom both of us. Not sure if literally or metaphorically yet, though."
"It also seems like she herself doesn't understand this... "

>>26977769

Nah. Fighting the King Tiger inside of an enclosed space was probably one of our bigger fuck ups. We didn't even try to blow a hole in the wall until we were crippled!

>>26977800
Are you kidding me? We blew up an entire field, shattered the Thief's composure, killed Kaiser temporarily, screwed over whatever plans he and the Smilers had, and created the Hollow Sun. 11/10 would make that mistake again.

>>26977711
>>26977712
>>26977720
>>26977752
>>26977794

Kazuya sighs, enormously and exhaustively.

"Oh, great."

>>26977759

"Yes," he says. "That's what we call 'philandering'."

Kazuya pauses, seemingly turning this over in his head...Before he nods, thoughtfully. "Yeah, it's pretty much that."

He stabs a finger at you, to illustrate his point. "That's always been your problem, you know that? You never say 'no' to anyone. Or rather - You *want* to say no, but you're never *clear*."

"...That's why. *That's* why the girls always think you're saying 'yes'."

"-That's how everyone ends up hurt."

It's a...surprisingly impassioned speech. It seems to surprise even Kazuya, because he adds, rather lamely:

"...Or so I've been told, at least."

>>26977769

"You and me both," he mutters. "-You and me both."

(Continued)

>>26977842

We poked an ass agitated Ironclad with a 9 pound cannon.

In an enclosed space.

Of course it can only end in our favor as we're Tea swilling chaps. What'd you expect?

>>26977712

Yuuuuuuuup

>>26977935

"It's just...She seems so *down*, you know? Before, she was so...Ah, you know what? Never mind."

He catches his breath. "-The thing I'm trying to say is...Anon, don't screw this up, all right?"

There's a momentary silence, as Kazuya looks away. Then:

"Look," he says. "-I, uh, promised Natsumi I'd meet up with her, after; I have to head off." He looks around, at the scattered crates and half-packed props that still need to be returned to storage.

"...You mind if I go ahead?"

[ ] "Sure, don't wait up on my account."
[ ] "-I use a hand, actually."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26978012
"Have fun on your date. Tell her hi for me, too."

>>26977935

That's actually surprisingly good advice.

>>26978012
Sure, dont wait around. If you can be tactful rather than your usual lummoxy self, can you try and worm out if she's angry at me? i'd try to talk to her, but im sure youd rather not have her cranky before your date

Anyone else expecting the other half of wolfy boy to attack, any minute now? that half an emblem worries me

>>26977935
>"...Or so I've been told, at least."
>"You and me both," he mutters. "-You and me both."

What? Is he really talking about Asuna here? I didn't think they were that familiar?

>>26978059
Inox will cock block us during the festival. She goes to that school.

>>26978098

I think he's just upset that Asuna was upset. He's met her on a few occasions, so he can probably tell she's down in the dumps.

>>26978059
Wrong girl again.

Unless Natsumi is mad at us as well?

>>26978012
[X] "Sure, don't wait up on my account."

>>26978133
Last we saw her was when she was feeling conflicted after finding the Nihl.

>>26978059
Not until we go back to Seisin, the Inox sisters were students there.

Also, why do people think Natsumi is angry at Anon? She was horribly distraught because she realized how bad off Anon is, not angry.

So how should we spend any free time we have? There's a few Red/Smiler related places we should check, though it may also be a good idea to check up on Mio.

>>26978133
she's not sure how to deal with us, and has been maybe avoiding us. it was more something to involve our only real non-player male friend with us

>>26978173
>She was horribly distraught because she realized how bad off Anon is

I'm not so sure, what about that bit about Hecate and the sphere?

>>26978177
>though it may also be a good idea to check up on Mio.
We did that last thread, there's no point for now.

>>26978206
Oh, that was her being torn between Argent wanting the sphere and Anon having it as a keepsake. She doesn't like being torn over that, but most of that conversation's emotional kick was about Anon's experience in the Red World.

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>>26978034
>>26978145
>>26978059

"Right, right." He waves it off - Though he does look slightly confused by your request. Either way...

The thing about tedious, time-consuming tasks is: You never really get used to do. Like packing, for instance - It's just a case of folding tarps, lifting and hauling boxes back into place...Normally, it'd be more boring than strenuous, but...

-By the time you're done, your left palm is aching like a hot coal, and your ribs creak with each motion. You're almost startled by the effort it took out of you - It seems like you haven't fully recovered, just yet.

You catch yourself. It's only been a handful of days.

A few deep breaths later, the dark spots have faded from your vision, and your hand doesn't hurt *quite* so much once you've adjusted the bandages; The cool outdoor air is a relief from the rather stuffy storage room.

"Anon-kun, good job."

Yui's voice is as reserved as ever - The Student Council President's expression a little tentative, as she offers you a plastic bottle: Condensation still beading on the cold surface, the faint *slosh* of ice-cold soda just at the very edge of audibility, as she gives you a concerned look.

"...Are you all right?" she asks, the words halting - As if unfamiliar on her lips.

[ ] "Just a little sore."
[ ] "I'm fine."
[ ] "-I might've overdone it a little."
[ ] "You're still here?"
[ ] "You could've lent a hand, you know."
[ ] "Yeah. Look, I really need to go..."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26978272
"Do you have any painkillers? I probably should have gotten help."

>>26978272

See now, this is exactly the kind of shit Kazuya just warned us about.

> [X] "Yeah. Look, I really need to go..."

>>26978272
>[ ] "-I might've overdone it a little."
[ ] free: just a little bit dizzy.... thanks.

>>26978272
[X] Free
"It's been a rougher week than I expected."

>>26978264
>there's no point for now.

Are you serious? Considering how needy the girl is and how cryptic we were when we last saw her, then the Rift. She's probably stressed as hell right now.

>>26978379
Talking is fine, it's the flirting that gets us in trouble.

>>26978431
And while I feel bad for that, visiting her twice in a row isn't going to do a thing to tie up any of the dozens of loose threads we've got out right now, like the Salvation Children's Home.

Besides, anywhere we we visit we cause an event. Do you want to traumatize her two days in a row?

>>26978333

"I don't..." Yui looks around, reflexively, as if expecting a dispensary to be right on hand. "-No, not really."

>>26978388

Fortunately, there's a row of seats nearby, which you gratefully lower yourself into. The bottled soda's wonderfully cold, tasting of codeine and ice and artificial sweeteners. Yui - With a kind of reserved grace - smooths down her skirt, settling herself two seats away; Her hands resting on her lap, sitting straight even at rest.

>>26978399

She nods.

"-I can tell," she says, sympathy to her voice. "...It's been a *really* busy week, so far - The...*last*...president left a lot of things to do." Yui's words trail off - Long enough for you to reflect, uncomfortably, that you fought ALECTO - ALECTO, and the thing RAMBLING FEATHER had become - mere weeks ago.

Yui sighs, softly - Perching her chin on steepled hands, looking at you.

Just...Watching you. Not in an unfriendly way, with a kind of mild concern - Concern, and a little interest. She looks almost fascinated, in an odd way.

[ ] "...Is there something on my face?"
[ ] "-Thanks for the drink."
[ ] "Were you waiting for me?"
[ ] "Can I help you with anything?"
[ ] "Is something wrong?"
[ ] "Thanks; I should be going."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26978512
>[x] "Is something wrong?"

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>>26978512
>[x] "-Thanks for the drink."
>[x] "...Is there something on my face?"
Time for Shirou.

>>26978512
[X] "-Thanks for the drink."

Yui was the one we saw at that smiler arcade, right?

>>26978512

> [X] "Is something wrong?"
> [X] "Thanks; I should be going."

Cute as she is, we have places to BE.

>>26978512
[X] Free
"Well, it's to your credit that you've kept everything running, considering."

>>26978680

> Yui was the one we saw at that smiler arcade, right?

Come to think of it...

You remember, briefly - The *skid* of your armour, gouging long furrows in the floor - the Amaglam's roar: The screams, as you scrambled to your feet...

-And Yui, her hands to her mouth, a half-choked scream wrenched from her throat.

>>26978715

"Mmmmnn." Her expression doesn't change, but you catch a pleased note to her voice; "-It...hasn't been *easy*," Yui admits, faintly - a kind of self-conscious pride to her words. "Most people don't appreciate how much there is to do..."

> [X] "Is something wrong?"
> [X] "...Is there something on my face?"

She starts - Visibly starts, a little gasp teased from her lips; Her cheeks colouring, as if only now realizing that she's been staring.

"N...no," Yui says, sounding distinctly flustered at once. "I, ummm..." she casts around, looking in every direction except the one you're facing. "I wanted to ask...When we get to Sei - I mean, I wanted to..."

And suddenly, she's on her feet, her hands clasped before her as she bows her head.

"-Thankyouforstaying," she says, all at once - "Thank you very much!"

Then she takes to her heels - Or rather, walks away at a brisk pace; Her back ramrod-straight, as she faces away from you - But not enough to hide how she's slowly going red in the face.

...You can't help but wonder what was *that* about.

There's a *clunk*, as you finish off the rest of the bottle - Depositing it in the nearby bin, with a flick of your wrist. Now, that took rather longer than you'd expected; It's late in the afternoon, now, the sun hanging low and red in the sky.

Today, you should-

[ ] Contact the Black Tri-Stars.
[ ] Contact Argent Prominence.
[ ] Collect the drop from Sterling Industries.
[ ] Visit the Papillon.
[ ] Visit the Salvation Children's Home.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

I say we

[x] Visit the Papillon.

>>26978785
>[ ] Collect the drop from Sterling Industries.

I forgot what this is about, remind me?

Anyway.

>Check out the GRAVCANNON area, id lock it
>Check out Thief's former hideout, snag his purple crystal from there - with some kitchen shears or other grabby impliment so the trap we know about doesn't trigger - and beat some corrector hive butt for xp. Or beat up the hive, then snag the prize.

>>26978785
Oh for goodness sake. We'll nip that in the bud next time we talk.

For now, Salvation Children's Home. Longest running unresolved plot thread.

>>26978785
>[ ] Visit the Salvation Children's Home.

What was this for? Asking about... uh, bardiel wasn't it?

>>26978785

Damn, our options are shrinking. For now, I vote for the:

> [X] Salvation Children's Home.

It sounds like the obvious place to go. Didn't we already go to the maid-cafe yesterday?

>>26978809

Eh. Let's not.

>>26978824
urgh. Yeah, its about time we stopped letting that slide

>>26978820

(My apologies: To clarify - You were contacted with an email, informing you that your 'application had been accepted', and that there were materials awaiting your collection.)

>>26978850

well hell yeah, those are probably time-sensitive.

Check out phone map, see if we can't hit both at once.

>>26978824
>>26978828
>>26978835

The Salvation Children's Home.

After the disaster - And the long, long mourning that followed - most of the city's old landmarks were swept away, or under: The reconstruction effort made the destruction complete, with cinderblock housing and ready-fab storefronts slapped over the zones of ruin.

Still - Of all places, this one has endured...In a roundabout way, however, it's not truly a surprise. After all - From what you dimly remember, mentioned in newspapers and half-watched documentaries - it was the favoured site for Father Mikogami of City Harvest...

-Know, most famously, as the Church of the Last Hour.

>>26978865

Your replacement phone smells like rubber and linoleum, still with the shiny plastic film over the screen.

As the train rattles on to it's destination, some quick mental calculation tells you: It'd be easier to make the pickup on your way back, with a little luck.

(Continued)

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>>26978925

You're in the older area of the city - The part closer to the outskirts, less touched by the devastation of that day. There's a significant difference in the atmosphere; The place is less...*crowded*, somehow, less densely packed - Built for a purpose, instead of simply to cover up the shattered streets and yawning chasms.

The train station has seen better days. You make out graffiti, still refresh - A recurring phrase that catches your eye-

THE BELL TOLLS, THE WORLD UNFOLDS.

It's a brief walk to the tram, and from there, a short bus ride: A bus that's mostly empty, travelling along rows of shuttered buildings and closed warehouses. There's a sharp divide where the ugly, squat modernity of fast-assembled apartment blocks gives way to rows of housing...

-And at last, you're there. The Salvation Children's Home, as proclaimed by the sign on the fence. For a moment, you're startled by how *large* it is, how sprawling...And how little of the land (In the fenced-off compound) is actually used.

The Home itself looks worn, but stately - Brownstone, reminding you vaguely of old-style student dormitories. There's a faded look to things, but it's hardly in disrepair - You make out, through the fence, a large coach-bus, an old car, and a startlingly modern motorcycle...

The patient hum of opening hinges inform themselves upon you, as the gates swing open.

(Continued)

>>26979021
>still refresh
F5 F5 F5 F5

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>>26979021

(Apologies for the delay.)

As you approach the main gate, you hear the growl of an engine - A sleek black limousine, like a landbound torpedo, emerging from within. It's large, and has clearly been modified: The doors on one side are open, the late afternoon sun catching the glint of a steel frame as an attendant - His face set in a neutral expression of professional effort and carefully restrained disgust - rolls a wheelchair up the gantry.

The figure on it is the most pathetic one you've ever seen: Hunched, shrunken, prematurely wizened - Like the crumpled ruin of an old man - almost entirely ensconed in the frame of his automated chair. You can just barely make out the strands of fine hair rising from a faded scalp, the claw-like fingers tapping slowly against the armrest...

The snaking coils of a breathing apparatus swarm thickly around it, like a cocoon; Servoes and pistons hissing as it rocks unsteadily, levered into place.

As the doors shut, you catch a glimpse of a figure in white - A man, standing tall and straight, with the demeanor of a priest; His face deeply lined, but kindly, hair just beginning to shade to grey.

He lifts a hand in a gesture of farewell, standing at the gates:

"Go with God," you hear him say, as the limousine peels away, smoothly - With a purr of engines.

He watches it go, for a long moment - His shoulders stooping, at last, as if a great burden has suddenly settled on him...Before he turns, noticing you at last.

"Hmmm?" It's a low, almost mellifluent rumble, as his brow furrows - In an expression of mild surprise. "...And who would you be?"

"Are you a visitor, or another pilgrim?"

[ ] "A visitor."
[ ] "A pilgrim."
[ ] "Is there a difference?"
[ ] "I'm...not sure I understand?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26979141
"It can be hard to tell at times.

Do you get a lot of pilgrims?"

>>26979141

Show him the cross from kotone?

>>26979141
A visitor, a pilgrim, what matter? I don't know myself. who knows? However, A friend and I have some business *shows cross* and it would be good to finish that up soonish

>>26979141
Visitors are there to see the kids, pilgrims are there for the church. I think... "A visitor today, Father."

>>26979141

also, someone remind me WHY we're here. Its been far far too long since this came up, which is why we need to get it out of the way.

Which thread should I s tart looking in?

>>26979141
Show the cross.
"A visitor this time around, Father"

>>26979227
A lot of Smilers have come out of this place, chiefly Bardiel. It's come up a few times since, so we're looking into why so many kids from this place join up with them.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/22162131/ is the thread where it first comes up.

>>26979227
Megumi, who might be Bell Zephyr, stays here. Bardiel and a few others in the Smiler camp seem to have ties as well.

>>26979290
>>26979189
Wait, why?

>>26979324
So should we visit Megumi?
We are on friendly terms, iirc.
Then again, didn't we murder her brother or something?

>>26979341
She doesn't know that.

Unless she know we're the Re Joker.

Then she knows that.

>>26979398
Last time we saw her, we ended up fighting Magare alongside Bell Zephyr, right? We also not-so-subtly implied that if Megumi is BZ, then we are the ones who just fought on her side.
So... yeah. Mostly depends on wether she's BZ or not.

>>26979398
Either way, we're her visitor.

>>26979182

He considers this, for a moment. "More often than we have visitors," he says, at last - A quiet amusement in his eyes.

>>26979221

> "A visitor today, Father."

For a moment, he looks pained - "Not any longer, I'm afraid," he corrects you, gently. "Just 'Yasuda' will do." He steps aside, with a little nod; His smile is welcoming enough, belying his words.

>>26979290
>>26979216
>>26979189

Visible surprise flits across his worn features, at the sight of the cross; But then he regains his composure, inclining his head, in a little bow.

"-Be welcome, young man," he says, his voice solemn. "...I'm afraid there's little we can offer - Aside from our gratitude, but - I thank you for returning this." He doesn't quite smile, but there's a undercurrent of deep and regretful emotion in his voice.

Carefully, he lifts the cross from your grasp - Handling the tarnished, heavy silver with exquisite care, as if holding something infinitely precious, and infinitely delicate at one.

"...I only wish our founder could thank you personally."

He gestures for you to follow, his hands at his sides - Walking with purpose, slow strides towards a building detached from the main compound: With the raised steeple and sloping roof, you realize, of a chapel.

Further into the compound, you can make out a grassy field - A group of children playing a (rather rowdy) game of football, with the high, reedy yells that come naturally to all. You catch a fleeting glimpse of russet-brown hair-

"May I ask," Yasuda says, with measured but unaccusing care, "...How you came by this?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26979189
>>26979216
>>26979290
Just a bit pissed at you guys right now.

>>26979437
>he took the cross
Well, damn.

Anyway:
"A keepsake that I was given to by a friend, you could say."

>>26979437
"It's a gift from a friend who's been there during some tough times."

>>26979437
"Kotone gave it to me, of course. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave it with you, my intention was to return it to her when we next met.

"She... is Mikogami's daughter, yes? I didn't ask, but it made sense."

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>>26979533
You're not being subtle. I like that.
Gentlemen, I propose that we let free our inner Kotomine if the guy starts talking riddles.

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>>26979561
It tends to move things along faster.

>>26979468
>>26979473

"Indeed?" His tone is politely quizzical; You can tell he doesn't quite believe you, but not from mere suspicion. The straight, well-kept tiled road he's following takes him right to the chapel's doors...Before Father Yasuda turns aside, and keeps going.

There's a discreet slope that descends to the left-hand side of the chapel; Slanting behind the faint rise of the hill, taking you towards...

-It's a graveyard.

>>26979533

"-Yes." A slow shudder works it's way through Father Yasuda - A slow exhalation of grief. If anything, he seems to visibly age, at your words; "I confess: I don't recognize you, young man. But...It's truly magnanimous of you."

He doesn't seem perturbed by your words, in the slighest - Rather, his stride firms, his pace lengthening.

"...It is good to know that there are those who still remember her kindly - So much has been forgotten, since that day."

> "I'm afraid I won't be able to leave it with you, my intention was to return it to her when we next met."

"But of course."

The grass has grown thicker, now - There's been an obvious effort to keep it neatly trimmed, but it's clearly a difficult task. Tombstones, as regular and orderly as a row of soldiers, dot the landscape in raised monoliths of basalt, granite and marble.

(Continued)

>>26979590

There's one, slightly aside from the others - Unmarked, with nothing to distinguish it. Not even a name, on the grey stone. However, this one has been carefully maintained - The moss cleared away, kept clean with immense and painstaking care.

The ground before it seems slightly less regular than the others.

A stick of incense smolders, quietly, in the holder.

"-The original marker was destroyed when she was...exhumed," Yasuda says - There's real pain in his voice, as he kneels; Stiffly, as if his legs are troubling him. "But...This remains her resting place."

He turns to you.

"...You may have a moment alone, if you require one."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>26979664
>>26979590

Wait.

Wait, WHAT?

>>26979682
You didn't expect that the moment we saw his reaction?
Yes, she's sure as fuck caught in the Red World.

Now we've got TWO girls to rescue.

>>26979664
I wonder
[X] Free
Hold the cross. Transform

>>26979720
Seconded.
Let's use the minute of contemplation to contemplate another world.

>>26979664
"Thank you."
Transform. I feel like it's time for an important event.

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>>26979720
>>26979729
>>26979761

You take a knee, as Father Yasuda shuffles away to a discreet distance. You draw a slow breath, focusing your mind - Letting the Red World flood in -

And everything goes wrong.

Impossible light floods into your mind, and - For one terrible moment - you see the yawning vastness of eternity. You see the angles of space, where they intersect with time: The ravening tides of the Red World, the wasted fringes deep, deep beneath the cracks in the earth, the fluid spasms of reality.

You see light and darkness and nothingness, colours without name - Vast shapes baying to each other across the gulfs of infinity.

You see yourself, toiling across black sands beneath a red-dark sky without a sun.

You see bones buried in rich, black mud.

You see a gaunt, cadaverous man gouging at the loamy soil, his hands cracked and bleeding - A form cradled in his arms, his expression contorted in ultimate suffering-

You see an explosion of blood-

Familiar blood.

You see...

-Too much.

And you crumple, as you begin to convulse-

...As somewhere, across a vast distance, a bell begins to toll.

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 59

TO BE CONTINUED

(Gentlemen: I apologize, but it's extremely late on my end, and I have work tomorrow. This looks like a natural breakpoint - This has been a fascinating chapter so far, and I can't wait to see how things play out.

You've been a wonderful audience; As always, good night and God Bless, and I hope to see you again soon.)

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>>26979867

>>26979867

Is that Kotone's father?

Did he DIG HER CORPSE UP?

Holy shit, he looks utterly terrifying.

>>26979867

Wow, this got dark fast.

>>26979867
Oh God. I am expecting someone to propose checking the truth with our own hands when Yasuda isn't looking.

>>26979958

He already told us she was exhumed, though. That means she was dug up.

>>26979967
Oh, I missed that part.

>>26979909

Does that mean Kotone is one of the Hyades? Because I'm fairly certain the Hyades are dead or comatose girls.

>>26979987
A similar systme used for the sake of her revival?
Not sure, but I don't think that Kotone's one of the Hyades. From what we've seen, her nature is very different from them. Maybe her father used Black Joker's relics to revive her and thus infused them with her?

>>26979867

Good lord, can you imagine having to fight this guy?

>>26980026

How many Black Joker relics are there, anyway? Just the gun?

>>26980085
I think that's the only one we know of. And that thing alone is probably enough to make a Lovecraftian Deity of Mindfuck terrified.
It's almost certain that there are more of them.

>>26980085

I think ALL of the special relics are Black Joker relics.

The Fatal Abyss is a BLACK SWORD.
Pazuzu has a BLACK STAFF.
Our armour has a BLACK CORE.
The Nihl Spheres are BLACK ORBS.

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>>26978272

This girl has a crush on us, too? God damn, that could be problem. She's pretty stacked, however.

>>26980251

Suddenly I'm very interested in watching this show.

>>26980462

Don't, it's terrible.

Is someone going to archive this?

>>26980545
I wish we could just use foolz for this.
I fucking hate suptg's retard admin.

>>26980643

Why, what did he do?

>>26980462

Makes you wonder what a Joker Quest animu would be like. For some reason, I think it'd fit the toku format better, if you got the guy who did GARO to do everything.

>>26980952
>Joker Quest anime
It's basically Accel World and [C] written by the Butcher on a nice day.

>>26981170

With a significantly better main character. The dudes in Accel World and [C] were horrible, whiny tosspots. The Red Joker would literally murder them in a matter of moments.

>>26981189
Haru was actually really okay.
It was a show where I actually felt like the main cast were teenagers. So I could excuse typical teenage behaviour far more easily than in most other anime.

>>26981239

They kind of spend the entire novel series shitting all over Taku, to be honest. It's weird that our Taku-analogue, Kazuma, is so much happier and generally better-off than we are.

>>26981285
>Kazuma
Kazuya.
Also, he's that well-off because half the people who follow this quest saw Accel World and metagamed this aspect.
Basically everyone here hated how much Taku was shat on.
That's why Natsumi being a player was a twist and why we tried to get the female childhood friend hooked up with him.

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>>26981334
>>Kazuma
>Kazuya.

>>26981285

And don't forget that Kazu isn't even a Player. Not yet, anyway. I'm wondering what kind of powers he'd have, or what weapons he would even use.

While we're at it, how 'bout those new Hellion upgrades? They're cool, but why would we EVER need so Hellions?

Does anyone else think

The game will eventually have mass battles?

>>26979867

Things are beginning to make sense, actually. We have nearly all the pieces of the puzzle.

So the Cardinal was Kotone's father, and somehow responsible for the creation of the Black Joker? She died, and he stole her body before he disappeared with a shit-ton of money?

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>>26981616
We know that he's good with both guns and swords... actually, the guy seems to have a good hand for everything he actually tries.
>inb4 he's gonna be Alvin and have a Greatsword in one hand and a big-ass revolver in the other.

Sooo... whats this quest based on? I can't figure it out and I want to watch/read it to understand and participate.

>>26982879

It's an original setting, actually.

There's a summary of the first ten episodes here:

http://pastebin.com/j4DPiFku

>>26982948
Oh, that makes more sense. I saw the first thread as it was being made but I thought it was based off of something I couldn't understadn it. I figured I'd catch up after some research but never got around to it.

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>>26982879
Spiritually it's based on "[C] the money of soul and possibility - control" and Accel World.

Pic related.

>>26982948
It's better to just read the threads, though.

>>26982986

I think Watashiwa's making a full summary.

>>26982986

That's a fucking awesome picture. The blue guy is so much cooler than Silver Crow, tho.

You know, I was joking when I said the Crux was a resurrection item.

>>26983098
The partial summary's mine too, I'm still editing the rest down.

>>26986027

Oh, cool. Can't wait to see the rest.

I don't think the Crux is a resurrection item, however. I'm still reeling from the incredibly unpleasant revelations so far.