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HOLLOW SUN: 34.3%

http://pastebin.com/mYktqqWh

RESEARCH:

> ESSENCE ASSIMILATOR - COMPLETE

[X] AUDITO ARRAY
[X] SIEGEBREAKER CHASSIS
[X] PHOTON SHIELD GENERATOR
[X] TELEPORT HOMER

VOID ANCHORS:

ORIGINAL HIVE
THE TRIBUNAL

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/7vzY4Zp2

UPDATES:

- LEECH MODULE added to the FOUNDRY. (For the HELIX GAUNTLET.)
- MIMETIC ADAPTOR I and MNEMOSIS BINDER added to the FOUNDRY (For the ASSAULT SHROUD.)

>>31154159

ALL THAT HOLLOW SUN CHARGE

THIS IS GOOD.

MWAHAHAHAHH

>>31154159
>> ESSENCE ASSIMILATOR - COMPLETE

Holy shit what's it do :D

HOLLOW SUN: 34.3%
>Buy another void anchor, i guess!

>>31154313

[X] ESSENCE ASSIMILATOR
(When a Hellion is destroyed, adjacent Hellions absorb the Essence core to empower themselves.)

>>31154159

Purchase additional void anchor and begin research on Micro-scale suspension please.

>>31154378
>Micro-scale suspension please.

I'd like to vote against this. We have far better options at this time, and its not going to be done in time to help us fight at the tournament today.

Also, there was some seriously good suggestions about mio last thread. Lemme dig em up

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The Red recedes. Reality returns, in an echoing rush; The static buzz of your optic sensors fading, the actinic flare of Bishamon's departure leaving dark spots in your field of vision - But when you inhale, you can feel the cool, dry air of the concert hall on your face; Hear the crisp round of applause, as the final rehearsal comes to an end.

Onstage, Kazuya waves - It's a jaunty gesture, one that matches his ear-to-ear grin as he swings himself from the stage; It's a short drop - His knees flexing to take the impact - and he comes up to take the bow, spurring another brief round of cheers.
"Thank you, thank you, I'm here all day," he laughs, his face glowing with sweat. He's absolutely nailed the part, and he knows it - He sounds absurdly delighted, even as he straightens to adjust his blazer, his shirt rather crumpled from his efforts. For her part, Natsumi paces down the sloping steps on the far side; She looks relaxed enough, but there's the shadow of a frown on her features - She smiles less and less these days, come to think of it.

Kouichi's already gone - The door to the dressing room creaking on rusty hinges, as he vanishes into rooms beyond.

There's a *smack* as Yui's palms come together, the sound like a rifle shot; "All right, everyone - Well done." She sounds as brisk and unflustered as ever, looking around the cavernous hall one final time.

"-It's a wrap." A pause. "...I'll see you all at Seisin High."

The last round of cheers is loud enough to shake the rafters - The hall echoing with white noise, the rush of footfalls as the place empties out. There's a kind of finality to it, too; Relief that it *is* almost over.

(Continued)

>>31154399
>fight at the tournament today.
What tournament.

And as for you-

"Yo!" His hands behind his head, Kazuya's ear-to-ear grin never falters - He drops into the seat next to yours, exhaling a long breath. "-Think I've got the hang of it, at last," he says. "Man. Never thought I'd be saying this, but...I'm actually *looking* forward to this thing." He tips his chin, in the direction of the stage.

"...Still can't believe it's all going down tomorrow. I mean, I *know* it is, but...It's hard to wrap your head around it, y'know?"

A pause; Then, a little too casually -

"-Yui says you should see her after this. Any idea what's up with *that*?"

There's - Well, it's not really *what* he's saying. It's more about *how* he's saying it - An eyebrow arched, his expression ever-so-slightly dubious. He's probably guessed more than he's letting on.

[ ] "Don't worry about it. There's nothing going on."
[ ] "-Is that so? Thanks."
[ ] "...It's probably about yesterday."
[ ] "Apparently, I'm Kouichi's understudy."
[ ] "It'll have to wait. I have to go."
[ ] "What are you *not* saying?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31154423

Today/Tomorrow is the Culture faire.
IE the day all the hyades shit goes down.

We want a void anchor to plant there, and then we want all sorts of shit to help us survive it.

>>31154400
JQOP, can we only use one upgrade artifact/module at a time, from the hollow sun?

I was wondering if we could use both the Dirge Caster and the Signal Booster for the argus system at the same time.

Anyway: Things I forgot to say last thread but didn't get a chance to, and I hope to got we get a chance:
"Bishamon, has anyone *ever* tried winning the hyades game in co-op? Everyone is too busy infighting to thing about winning *together*"
"Also.... I know a way to bring a girl home without engaging in the hyades contest - there's another way. If you help me, I'll try to make sure we BOTH win."

>>31154502
>"I may need to put that lesson you gave me recently to use."

>>31154521
[ ] "-Is that so? Thanks."

Yui privacy.

Poor girl.

>>31154537

> JQOP, can we only use one upgrade artifact/module at a time, from the hollow sun?

(Generally, yes. However, as with the MIMETIC ADAPTOR for your Assault Shroud, there'll be options to hold more than one Module when your AUDITO ARRAY research is complete.)

>>31154521

>shirou explain further.jpg

"If you ever figure out how a woman's head works, lemme know man. I'm just as lost as you are."

Volt's going to end up biting the bullet if we don't curtail whatever that's going to kill him to death. Should look into increasing his survivability as well as actually talking with the dude in person.

>>31154521
>[ ] "-Is that so? Thanks."
>[ ] "...It's probably about yesterday."
[ ] "What are you *not* saying?"

>free: "If you want to ask her hout, kazuya...."

>>31154613

Hes dating natsumi. The last bit is rude to both our friends. Veto please.

> [X] "If you ever figure out how a woman's head works, lemme know man. I'm just as lost as you are."

"-You and me both." Kazuya tries a laugh, but it comes out as more of a sigh. For a moment, he looks pensive; "...You and me both."

> [X] "What are you *not* saying?"

He grimaces. "Nothing," he says, too quickly - Glancing away at the last moment. "It's...Ah, never mind me. Less bother this way."

> [X] "If you want to ask her out, kazuya...."

"What? No! *God*, no." He glances around, to ensure she's out of earshot. "She's, uh...Kind of a cold fish, and that's putting it nicely." He cocks his head to the side. "You know how - When you screw up - and she *looks* at you, and it's like an ice bath?"

He shudders, makes a face. "Brrrrrr."

> [X] "-Is that so? Thanks."
> "I may need to put that lesson you gave me recently to use."

"Yeah, well...That's a first." Kazuya stands, claps you on the shoulder - His chair creaking as he vacates it. "All I'm saying is..." He waves a hand, in a gesture that means nothing in particular. "-Just...Be careful, all right? Try not to do anything..."

There's a pause, as he searches for the words - For a moment, he looks almost pained. "-You know what I mean." He scratches at his cheek, with evident relief; "Man, I need a drink. Yell if there's anything, yeah?"

It's only half-joking, as he makes his way to the exit; The illuminated sign over the door flickering, as it slams shut behind him. You get the feeling he won't be coming back.

[ ] Talk to Natsumi.
[ ] Look for Kouichi.
[ ] Meet with Yui.
[ ] Leave.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31154759

(My apologies, I missed that one.)

>>31154822
>[x] Talk to Natsumi.
Need to talk to her before she explodes.

>>31154822
>>31154822

Our social link with crazy spear lady is diminishing. Gotta rectify that.

..maybe we can convince her to show up at our doom fortress and pass word up the grapevine to Argent that we weren't bullshitting about having a joker cave.

Also, Volt. Gotta get ahold of the tesla coil at some point during the day if it's possible.

>>31154873

You have to wonder what's going through her head.

>>31154912
Probably heartbroken for the second (third?) time already, but is repressing her emotions.

>>31154822
>[ ] Free

Send a text to mio. Ask if she'd like to stay the night - she admitted she was tempted to/wanted to instead of the church - before the culture festival.

We've got one day to put this corrector/oldjokershyadespartner shit to rest, lets make the most of it.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/31054639/#p31056723

>>31154905
>Also, Volt. Gotta get ahold of the tesla coil at some point during the day if it's possible.

People who want to talk to us:

Volt
Cybele
Yui
Mio

Who else am I forgetting?

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>>31154873
>>31154905

> [X] Talk to Natsumi.

Natsumi's ensconced herself in the left wing of the stage - There's an array of (non-splintery) plastic crates that make for halfway decent seats - her gaze abstracted, pensive, as she stares at...Nothing, really. At your approach, she blinks once, in surprise - Sitting up a little straighter, setting down the juice box she's been sipping from.

"Ah-" Surprise, then a flicker of relief, flits across her features - "...Anon-kun."

She draws a slow breath, knotting her fingers together as she leans forward; A little sigh purring from her lips, her smile exhausted, wan, but honest.

"So...Dare I ask how it went?" she says - Glancing to the side, her voice going soft. "...Or why that - sign - of yours is on everything?"

Her shoulders slump, slightly, as Natsumi makes herself comfortable - Her slim fingers smoothening down the hem of her skirt.

"-Want to talk about it?"

[ ] "...Probably a bad idea."
[ ] "-It depends. Do you really want to know?"
[ ] "Armaros - Aoba - is a *handful* to deal with."
[ ] "How are you holding up?"
[ ] "Is your boss still mad at me?"
[ ] "My...what?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31155028
>[ ] "My...what?"

"You mean, beyond the usual 'someone tried to mess with me?' marks"

Follow with a more serious tone
[ ] "-It depends. Do you really want to know? Your boss is probably still mad at me, and his second in command is a *handful* to deal with. But i've always got time for friends"

>>31154980

Raid survivors.

I bet they want to speak to us. And we, them.

>>31155028
>[ ] "-It depends. Do you really want to know?"
>[ ] "How are you holding up?"

>>31155062

Right. got a lot of ground to cover this thread, then

>>31155028

Grab one of those ever so prevalent folding chairs and take a seat.

"Oh, them? They're just coming off their high for coming out alive. The armaments I supplied for the incredibly low price of 19.99, allowed a thirty man team to penetrate and them eliminate the Original Hive. We went in. We smashed up the place. Took over a tower. Stopped the bad guys. Dropped a device. And now we wait for the Original Hive to cease to exist. Was pretty boring up until the end there."

>>31154980

And little hazes.

He will our inheritor, one of these days if it comes to it.

>>31155028
I should have found the time to ask earlier when I first noticed it, but you seem like you've got something weighing on you more and more lately. Want to talk about it? I'll always have an ear open for my friends."

Give her a bitter smile. "At least you haven't been screwing up as much as me. Seems its all I've done lately. Seems I can't save anyone no matter how hard I try, maybe killing's all i'm good for anymore.'


"There's something I need to show you, that I tried to show your boss.' Show her the hollow sun. Warn about Black Joker/

>>31155143

I really, really don't want to hand the Hollow sun over to Argent. Fuck that guy, we can't trust him at all. Let that remain our ace-in-the-hole.

Okay, so
34.3 charge.
Void Anchor 15$
=19.3
Maybe we can get a 20% buy this time if we wait, maybe not.

I'm not saying to buy anything other than the anchor to replace the one we put down, but I want to open the floor to discussion

I think one of our best buys is a Talon.(10%) JQOP confirmed last thread we could mount the Hailfire to it for the stabilization. This is the same cost as the micro-suspensor, and also frees up a heavy slot by keeping it on our arm. If we want to fire it, we just grab it with the other hand and go to town.

I'd also like Reactive Plating, because boosting the shroud is good, and figuring a way to regenerate it would be amazing, and it seems the most likely to lead to further improvements.
Cobalt Lasers are good. We're upgrading hellions, but are neglecting their weaponry.

Red Comet: AI Upgrade: because robot buddies are good. Panoptic array, for reasons watashiwa keeps mentioning.
Grinder: We should at least see what we can make out of things we're carrying around.

Saving. We're going to get a ton of shit unlocked via research soon, including master/slave communication modules.

>>31155162

The talon doesnt solve the problem of need more charging points. We use it we can't wield anything else.

>>31155162

I think we can start research on one of the weapon systems.

Would be good to have more options in the hellion stuff.

>>31155174

Well, its a situational thing. If we want to use the gun, we have to use it in two hands.

using a talon makes it significantly more accurate, and thus killey, and costs just one of our hands.

There's a slight problem of possibly losing the gun if we have to jettison it, but..... I'd agree, its better if we get more charging elements.

>>31155053

> "You mean, beyond the usual 'someone tried to mess with me?' marks"
> [X] "My...what?"

"You haven't heard? You're *popular*, now - We're seeing the mark all over the city. Here, and..." Natsumi coughs, lightly - "...Over *there*, too. It's...a little scary, actually." The confession makes her smile, wanly.

"-We're still trying to figure out what it means."

> [X] "Your boss is probably still mad at me, and his second in command is a *handful* to deal with. But i've always got time for friends"

"Don't be too hard on him," Natsumi says, softly. "-His wife and son died last month."

She looks away, in the momentary silence that descends. "Aoba-san was...He was really torn up about that. Still is. He's - Anon-kun, you're seeing him at his worst." Her words dissolve into another sigh.

"-I can't imagine what that must be like."

> [X] "-It depends. Do you really want to know?"

Her eyes close, for a moment. Her brow furrows, as she thinks it over.

Then she shrugs - Stray strands of red hair fanning across her eyes - and nods.

"-Tell me everything." Another brief smile, one that really isn't like a smile at all. "I'll hear about it soon, anyway; Might as well be from you."

>>31155101

The chair scrapes against the ground, as you drag it close.

Natsumi's lips shape a perfect 'O' of surprise - She inhales, sharply, her hands on her knees. "No kidding," she says; Concern flickers in her eyes. "Are you all rig-" she begins, but catches herself at the last moment.

"I'm sorry, it's just...I *know* - what you *are* - but when you *tell* me like this..."

A deep breath.

"That's - That's incredible. What you did...It's unbelieveable. No *wonder* the readings were going insane - All of *that* happened in...In one *night*?"

(Continued)

>>31155202

I'd say we hand the chaingun off to Tyrian for analysis at the Joker Cave. Someone pointed out a few threads ago it might unlock some nifty upgrades for our vulcans.

>>31155202

Well thing is I like our current option of having the tau gun and our vulcans. We get the rapid fire + heavy hitting.

>>31155212

Tell her everything. What we found, about barbiel, about rook being taken control off and how our security system marked it as the black joker.

When shes asks, offer to show our base to her.

>>31155200

Maybe. Which one though?

as Generic as it is, I think cobalt tech is most immediately applicable - since armory guardians work on it, too, as does our cobalt booster.

Disintegrator cannon sounds amazing, but expensive to use, and the mass driver sounds pretty excellent since probably adds railguns - which is high damage/mid or long range stuff the armory doesn't have.
Then again, both are derivates of Red Comet weapons, not sure how much of a differnece it makes or if it will lead to upgrades.

>>31155212

Her hushed tone belies her clear admiration - Her disbelief - as Natsumi shakes her head, slowly; "I can't believe that they - That *you*..."

She looks up. "No wonder Aoba-san isn't happy. I think...You've embarrassed him."

> "At least you haven't been screwing up as much as me. Seems its all I've done lately. Seems I can't save anyone no matter how hard I try, maybe killing's all i'm good for anymore.'

"Don't say that!" It's a sharp reply - Almost instinctive. Natsumi herself seems startled by the passion in her voice; "Anon-kun...Please don't say - Don't say things like *that*." She seems to consider her own words, as a low shudder races up her spine - Her perfect teeth working against her lips, as she holds back a bitter chuckle.

"I know that - You've *had* to do things. But...Don't say something as, as *awful* as that. Please."

The look in her eyes is imploring, and somehow desperate.

Natsumi looks away. It takes her a moment to compose herself, once more - Her hands smoothening down her skirt, abstractedly.

Then, rather more shakily:

"Anon-kun...What happened to Ro-" A deep breath. It's clear that's not what she really intends to ask. "...W, what - What was it *like*?"

[ ] "Imagine your worst nightmare, then scream as loud as you can."
[ ] "-The same as always, only with more people."
[ ] "Confusing, mostly."
[ ] "Simple. Pure."
[ ] "I'm not sure I have the words."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31155263
>Ro-

Who's she asking about?

>>31155281

Probably Palladium Rook.

>>31155281
Rook?

>>31155263

"The groups went in strong but repeated assaults wore us down. One I saved in a fight, died in the next.

Other than rook and hazes, all of those who followed me to face Kraken died and I rooks case im not sure if it'll have been kinder to let him die."

Tell her what happened down there. What happened. What happened to rook and what we found.

>>31155263

"Rook's fine. The one I'm worried about is Haze - Rook's friend. He's.. he's seen some shit."

"And what was it like? Well, I can give you a guided tour and let you test the weaponry and introduce you to a few people if you're feeling bored. Who knows, maybe you'll let slip that I wasn't crazy and pass word up the grapevine that I actually DO have a secret base."

"I call it the Joker Cave."

>>31155263
>[ ] "I'm not sure I have the words."
>[ ] Free

If she's asking about Rook..

"I'm not sure I have the words. But.... Terrifying. They found a way to bridge the red and the real, get inside a player, turn them into correctors, which they could then control - and carry it over into the real at the same time. It was.... vile."
"Anyway. be *very* careful in the red, natsumi. Old powers, like the black joker and phantome edge, are waking up."

>>31155212

>"-His wife and son died last month."

Shit. That explains a lot.

>>31155251

I was thinking of mass driver but im happy with any of the options.

>>31155300

.... Yeah, i like this angle.

Lets get two birds done with one stone.

>>31155263

"Do you know the circumstances leading up to the deaths? Were they Players?"

Something to look into when we get internet access.

>>31155309

I have a good feeling about the cobalt tech.

modules for our booster, maybe?

>>31155300

We ask her to come along for the meeting with the survivors?

Two birds with one stone as well. Since we're probably showing those who are interested the joker cave too.

>>31155302

...that big bastard we fought and killed using the black hole gun?

>>31155319

Or upgrades to the tyrant burst system.

>>31155263
It's my fault. It's all my fault. I sent rook's team right into a trap, when I pulled rook back to the surface I had no idea it was part of their plan. The parasite made him gather 50 of Argent's men and marched them to their deaths. You warned me, Argent warned me. I wanted so badly for rook to be telling the truth about Argent, that he was merely using players like puppets. I followed rook to get leverage over Argent, because I could'nt bring myself to trust him. Even now, I still doubt him.

>>31155371

Lets not.

>>31155340

That thing's kinda shitty, actually. Really expensive for what it does.

But we have yet to unlock its shielding core, too

>>31155393

Level 1 is always relevant at least. Saved our collective butts so many times.

>>31155371

Cut down on that edge, son.

>>31155393

Are you kidding? That thing has saved our asses so many times. Blinding fools, coring players like an apple with our chest mounted particle beam... it's a situational weapon. The only real terrible part to it is the particle scatter gun.

>>31155294
>>31155300
>>31155301

Natsumi's lips press together in a thin line - Her face is expressionless, but you've known her long enough to tell that it's just a facade; All the same, it's hard to read her. At length, she exhales, slowly;

"I - I don't know what to say, Anon-kun," she begins, softly. "It sounds...It sounds incredible. Insane. I'm just a - I'm just in charge of one squad, that's all. That, I can deal with. That's...Simple. Stable."

"The *things* you're saying..." Her hands go to her shoulders, and you realize that she's shaking, and trying her best not to show it.

A deep breath. "-They're...terrifying. I don't know how you're not - scared out of your mind."

> "And what was it like? Well, I can give you a guided tour and let you test the weaponry and introduce you to a few people if you're feeling bored. Who knows, maybe you'll let slip that I wasn't crazy and pass word up the grapevine that I actually DO have a secret base."

A pause. Natsumi considers this, then shakes her head, slowly -

"-Not tonight," she says, firmly. "I need to meet with the others...And, Anon-kun, I can't be seen with your...Your crew. Not yet."

"But-" Natsumi goes on - "...I'll be excused for the next few days." Her lips curve in a faint smile. "You could say that I'm, ummm, on leave. That would be a good time...Assuming nothing else is on, of course."

She regards you, sidelong, a note of quiet amusement in her voice.

"The 'Joker Cave'," she echoes. "Do you *really* call it that?"

(Continued)

>>31155410
>"The 'Joker Cave'," she echoes. "Do you *really* call it that?"

I don't want to interrupt the update, but just nod and grin like a madman.

...please finish by warning her to be careful tomorrow

>>31155417

We also need to have her spread that blanket offer of weapons for argents people. If they want them, we'll give them as many as they can carry.

>>31155432

Something tells me we're going to be producing A LOT of light fusion cells..

>>31155405
>>31155402
>>31155393
>>31155376
>>31155340

We should....actually see what the tristars want at the hsun before we buy things.

Thats probably why op hasn't bought anything yet. Look before we spend everything.

>>31155438

Well we have the squad suppprt option.

If a whole squad gets weapons, one can carry the generator.

>>31155410

> "Do you know the circumstances leading up to the deaths? Were they Players?"

"I don't - I don't *think* so," Natsumi says, frowning. "He won't say much about it, but...I heard there were - complications - with the birth." She looks at the ground. "Sometimes, it's hard to believe - Things like *that* - Things that aren't anyone's fault - still happen."

> "Rook's fine. The one I'm worried about is Haze - Rook's friend. He's.. he's seen some shit."

"-That's always how it is..." Her gaze meets yours, for a heartbeat - An instant of shared, rueful acknowledgement. "-Isn't it?"

She sighs, rubbing absently at her eyes. "Normally, I'd want him to sign on, but...This isn't a good time, Anon-kun. For...anything." Natsumi lowers her voice, to an almost-whisper.

"...You know what the Bastion's like, now? It's almost as if - It's almost as if he's expecting something. Like he's rushing to finish things, before...Before-"

Natsumi shakes her head, as she stands. "-I have to go," she says; "Anon-kun...Whatever you do, be *really* careful. I don't - You probably know better, but - I don't think you can *trust* any of these people. They don't..."

"-They don't believe in anything, or anyone. Not even themselves."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31155451

More upgrades or void anchors. Gotta get more of those vampire devices out in the field.

>>31155477
>Natsumi shakes her head, as she stands. "-I have to go," she says; "Anon-kun...Whatever you do, be *really* careful. I don't - You probably know better, but - I don't think you can *trust* any of these people. They don't..."
>"-They don't believe in anything, or anyone. Not even themselves."

Is she refering to our crew or argents?

In any case:
>[x] Go find Yui

I'm sorry yui, I hope you'll find happiness elsewhere.

>>31155501
I think she means our guys. Argent's people are pretty dedicated to his cause, even if they're note completely in the loop.

>>31155477
"Is something happening between you and Kazuya? He hasn't really said anything but I got that impression when i talked to him."

>>31155451
>Thats probably why op hasn't bought anything yet. Look before we spend everything.

>>31155484
>More upgrades or void anchors. Gotta get more of those vampire devices out in the field.


GUYS LOOK AT THE LEECHER UPGRADE.
IT HEALS US AFTER KILLING SOMEONE. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED TOMORROW.
Also, it makes us less dependant on Cybele. It would basically have been the requirement for the Raid without her.

>>31155477

"The only thing they care about is Strength, Nat. As long as they have a solid figure to stand behind and lead from the front, they'll pull through. Plus it also helps that I'm sexy in red. Ladies love red."

"You keep that offer in mind, you hear? If you think you know anyone who is trustworthy and won't try and vandalize the Doom Fortress, too much, bring them along as well. As difficult as it may seem, I actually do want to help people survive the oncoming shitstorm."

>>31155477
Natsumi . I'm serious. Be careful. Whatever's happening will happen in the next few days. The visit to Seisin High tomorrow... I don't thinks its an exaggeration that what happened in the hive might look like a kid's schoolyard scuffle.

Then go see Yui

>>31155527
This. If we end up running into the Smilers again, it's guaranteed they'll throw multiple Players at us. Plus if this were available at the start of the raid we probably could have literally soloed the entire Hive.

>>31155527

Still tomorrow. We might need to lay a void anchor today.

I still agree its something we want.

>>31155527
>IT HEALS US AFTER KILLING SOMEONE. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED TOMORROW.

maybe. But the Hyades Game has the power to move a hyades to the real world permanently. Thats like twice the nihl power.

If cybele's emblem L2 is enough to get us through, isn't that the kind of power we want to tap ourselves?
isn't that the kind of thing we might want to punch a hole between the worlds if argent succeeds?

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>>31155535

She cracks a smile - Her hand goes to her mouth, to smother a laugh.

> Natsumi. I'm serious. Be careful. Whatever's happening will happen in the next few days. The visit to Seisin High tomorrow... I don't thinks its an exaggeration that what happened in the hive might look like a kid's schoolyard scuffle.

"-I'll do that," Natsumi says; The note in your voice makes her sober a little, her brow furrowing in a nod. "Maybe it'll be all right," she says, fervently. "Maybe - somehow - everything will be all right."

Then: "Take care of yourself, Anon-kun."

By the time she's descended the steps - The girls from her club flocking to meet her - Natsumi's all smiles again; She says something light, casual, that makes them laugh - One glances in your direction and giggles, before the whole gaggle wheels away.

> Then go see Yui.
> [x] Go find Yui

Yui's makeshift 'office' - Really, just an annex to the storage/dressing room - barely deserves the name; She's tidied it up a little, but it's still cramped and filled with props from long-forgotten shows, some of them draped in moldering dust-shrouds. She's diligently signing out the logbook when you enter - Her head bowed, the pen moving in a firm hand as her brow furrows in concentration...

When she sees you, however, it's a different story entirely.

The table rattles as she stands up - Colour blooming in her cheeks, for a brief instant - the flush lingering. Her expression's more animated than usual - Her gaze settling on a brown envelope she's left on the table, before it darts (Curiously enough) to a shrouded stand close by, one that seems rather less dusty than the rest of the place.

"A, anon-kun..." Yui begins - She fidgets with her pen, drawing a deep breath - Clearly steeling herself for something. She rests a hand on the desk, as if drawing strength from it - Or to keep herself from toppling over.

"-I'm...glad you came."

(Continued)

OP, does MNEMOSIS BINDER also work on our locusts?

>>31155653

>everything will be all right

YOU FOOL WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

>>31155653
>Her gaze settling on a brown envelope she's left on the table, before it darts (Curiously enough) to a shrouded stand close by

...

...

HMMM...

So Yui writes fapfiction about her and Anon. We must acquire that envelope. For science.

>>31155688

Dude its a love letter.

...cute. she likes doing it the old fashioned way.

>>31155700

>love letter

Now you're just being silly.

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>>31155656

(Thinking about it: I would say, yes - I'll update the entry later. However, recalling the locusts would mean cancelling EXEC_SWARM's effect - And the reclamation would be limited to the Assault Shroud. That is, you won't recover any Cobalt Booster energy.)

She sets her pen down - It makes a light, clattery sound - as she picks up the envelope instead; The silence lingering, as her fingers tremble minutely with the effort of *not* folding or spindling it.

Then:

"-How are your lines?"

It comes out all at once, abrupt, as if she's saying the very first thing that comes to mind. Yui's eyes widen, slightly, as if she's startled by her own words...But then forges ahead anyway.

"F, for the *play*, I meant. Because - In case...In case Kouichi-kun can't make it-" Her eyes squeeze shut, for a moment. "...Just - Do you know what you're supposed to say?"

[ ] "-I think I've got it, yes."
[ ] "I haven't actually spent that much time on it."
[ ] "Calm down. What's this actually about?"
[ ] "What's in that envelope?"
[ ] "Kouichi's going to be fine. He doesn't need a replacement."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31155718
>[ ] "-I think I've got it, yes."
>[ ] "Kouichi's going to be fine. He doesn't need a replacement."

Let her approach the letter thing on her own time. Dont rush it.

When after this bit and yui starts panicking:
"Yui, take a deep breath, slow down."

>>31155718
>[ ] "-I think I've got it, yes."

"A little practice wouldn't hurt, though. Yesterday, you mentioned something.... ? Is it still on your mind?"

>>31155718

"Oh.. Oh god.. I have lines..? What.. what have I been doing all of this time.. I can't.. can't seem to remember.."

...

"Of course, boss. Sheesh. You worry too much."

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>>31155718

"Are you feeling better from last time?"

>>31155761

Pls no.

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>>31155744

> "Oh.. Oh god.. I have lines..? What.. what have I been doing all of this time.. I can't.. can't seem to remember.."

"That's-"

It's interesting to see how quickly her face can change colour - From flushed to worried to appalled, a *gasp* pulsing from her lips...

> "Yui, take a deep breath, slow down."
> "Of course, boss. Sheesh. You worry too much."
> [X] "-I think I've got it, yes."

-And then Yui exhales, a slow, shuddering sigh. She pouts - Actually pouts - in pique, looking chagrined and put-out and *relieved* at once...And deeply, deeply embarrassed by the unguarded play of her emotions.

"That's - That was a...terrible thing to do," she says, with a sniff - A rather unladylike sound, in her thready voice, as she folds her arms over her chest. She has the envelope between both hands, now, and she's crumpling it a little.

> "A little practice wouldn't hurt, though. Yesterday, you mentioned something.... ? Is it still on your mind?"

She goes red. Completely red.

...Now you've done it.

(Continued)

>>31155718
>(Thinking about it: I would say, yes - I'll update the entry later. However, recalling the locusts would mean cancelling EXEC_SWARM's effect - And the reclamation would be limited to the Assault Shroud. That is, you won't recover any Cobalt Booster energy.)
Addition:
Can we make them explode?

Or is the ability for them to eat into someone and then explode them from the inside with Capa too broken?

>>31155811
Guys, you know how to approach it.
Keep your dick in your pants. And don't even hint at even a possibility of changing that.

>>31155822

agreed.

Also, man. I kind of want to see the shroud get a grey goo module that lets it eat essence to repair itself, nanoswarm style.

>>31155811

>Now you've done it

No we haven't. We haven't checked her temperature yet!

>>31155840
>grey goo module
On that note, there's a new RTS scheduled. It's called Grey Goo, is done by the people who started the RTS genre, has a proper publisher and the faction designs seem promising.

There's only a teaser trailer currently, though, and only one faction revealed.

I think a melee attack to replenish shroud health would be awesome. Rip out pieces of an enemy and make them your own.
...And then the shroud becomes the real BBEG.

>>31155813

(I'll definently have to consider that further.)

>>31155811

"Annnhh-" It's a little whimper, at the back of her throat - The flush climbing it's way to her *ears*, now, Yui's face as red as a tomato. Somehow, valiantly, she manages to fight it - Though you're afraid she might be hyperventilating, given the palpitation of her throat.

"I didn't - I just - I was so...*indecent*..." she begins; "When I, I..."

She wavers, balancing precariously on the precipice for a moment longer - And then she takes the plunge. The words come spilling out in a rush, as she thrusts the envelope forward with both hands-

"Anon-kun, please...Accompany me tomorrow~!" she blurts out - Her head bowed, as she stares fervently at the floor. "I, I *know* - It's so *sudden* - but...But please - A, accept my invitation...Please g-go-" Sweat beads on her brow, her fingers trembling minutely.

"-Please...go out - with me?"

You can see how much it costs her to say that; She almost cringes at the last words, a full-body ripple thrumming through her as she forces them out. She's biting her lips, petrified - The shudder working it's way through her shoulders, down her spine, holding herself so still the tension is writ large in every involuntary motion.

"...Is that - okay?" Yui murmurs, almost to herself - She sounds appalled at her own boldness, as if she can't believe she's actually done it.

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31155811

She is so fun to bully. Would hold hands with/10.

>>31155863
"I'm sorry, Yui, but I'm afraid I already have plans to go to the festival with someone else."

I'm not remember incorrectly that we already promised we'd go with Mio, right?

>>31155863

...fuck me. I love yui and hurts to hell.

[X] "I'm sorry, I cant."

>>31155811

I honestly feel sorry for her. She would have been a great love interest. She's wonderfully easy to embarrass, has an adorable personality, and is incredibly hot. I bet sex with her would be amazing.

>>31155866
I hope you realize that she's under severe stress and constantly feeling as if the ground was pulled away from underneath her.
The inevitable rejection will turn it all into a nightmare, because you guys got her hopes up.
And then she will hate herself for her "indecent" behavior and think that was the reason. So she'll stay extremely far away from boys for the next few years and get increasingly imbalanced.
As an adult she then realizes what she missed out on and starts fucking around and completely breaking down by imbalancing in the opposite direction of her prior behavior.

Good job, RJ.

>>31155889
All in a day's work for RJ.

>>31155863

Oh god, why can't we say yes. Goddamn you OP.

>>31155898

I want to say yes so bad. God damn.

Yui is such an amaxing girl.

>>31155863
"Sorry, but I'm already taken."

>>31155904

Damn, that's cold.

>>31155863
Lay a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, but I already have plans.
I didn't understand it until now, but I'm honestly sorry. There's already girl in my life."

Depending on how she reacts, it might be good to hug her.

>>31155904

Not so cold. Let her down gently. Shes deserves it.

>>31155905
True, but I just felt that any other reaction would give her false hope.

>>31155907
>There's already girl in my life.
This is both the truth and a lie. Of the irony.

>>31155923
I would like to tell her that we are a cheating scumbag and that she wouldn't want to be involved with us.
But it would shape her image of boys greatly, as well as open the possibility of our actions being revealed by outside forces.

>>31155907
Holy fuck, you are the god of mixed messages. Don't do that.

>>31155863
>>31155873
Be straightforward. Make sure she knows it's not because of anything she did wrong, or else she's going to be beating herself up about it even more than she already is.

>>31155863

"Please. Sit down. Have a drink."

"I cannot, in good conscious accept your invitation, Yui. I do like you, do not get me wrong, but I'm taken. As much as you want, this relationship - this thing between us, it can't blossom into what you desire. I'm sorry."

Be a good little philanderer Joker and hug her when he inevitably bursts into treats, "We can still be friends, alright?"

>>31155934
>Be straightforward. Make sure she knows it's not because of anything she did wrong, or else she's going to be beating herself up about it even more than she already is.

Aye. This.

>>31155936
This makes me sick for some reason.

>>31155934
>Holy fuck, you are the god of mixed messages. Don't do that.
What the hell is the mixed message here?
I suggest flat-out telling her that we already have a girlfriend, after killing her hopes with the first sentence to make it more gentle.

>>31155936
THIS is how you create false hopes.
Holy fuck.

I...I think I will need that yui-if soon.

All this sadness for best girl.

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>>31155936
No nope nyet no thank you no.

>>31155946
And if you mean the "I didn't understand it until now, but I'm honestly sorry." that's just because of the retarded stuff that you did last time, you assholes. To apologize for our flirting by pretending that we didn't notice her interest. To make it an honest mistake instead of playing with her feelings.

>>31155941

Sick ain't the word man. It's downright evil We're friendzoning her harder than anyone... We pawned off our childhood friend onto our best friend, got our first GF killed, scared the shit out of library girl so she no longer wants anything to do with us, hooked up with a yandere, hooked up with ANOTHER yandere...

It just keeps tumbling down tumbling down tumbling down...

>>31155969

And yet its the best thing for her too. To be away from the shitstorm that engulfs red joker.

>>31155863
Nope.
Sorry.
Taken.
Didn't mean to lead you on.
Forgive me.

>>31155871

> "I'm sorry, Yui, but I'm afraid I already have plans to go to the festival with someone else."

You hear her breath catch, in her throat - She seems to flinch, slightly, as if you've slapped her. Yui makes a low sound; It's a gasp, a sob, like a spring slowly unwinding.

The silence that follows is very much like the hush that comes after a bomb's detonation. It lingers, long enough to echo in your ears - Even as Yui's fingers begin to tremble, minutely, her slender arms lowering limply to her side.

"That's-" she begins; There's a hitch to her voice, her eyes brimming with tears - She sounds choked up, one pale hand pressed to her mouth - "That's-"

Her words are muffled - She can't look at you, not directly, as she begins to weep. Somehow, she manages to keep her voice admirably level: But not the wounded look in her eyes, the deep and cutting shame and self-loathing and (somewhere beneath it all) the perverse relief that comes with knowing that the worse has happened.

And then:

"...T-thank you-" Yui manages; Her eyes are red, as she resists the urge to rub at them - Gathering up the shreds of her dignity that remain, the carefully-crafted composure of her expression entirely belied by her tears. "Thank you f-for...For *telling* me like this-"

(Continued)

>>31155964
No, I meant the part where you advocate physical contact (which is half of the flirty bullshit that had her shaking in her fucking chair last time) not once, but TWICE while ostensibly telling her we've already got someone important to us.

>>31156008
>"...T-thank you-" Yui manages; Her eyes are red, as she resists the urge to rub at them - Gathering up the shreds of her dignity that remain, the carefully-crafted composure of her expression entirely belied by her tears. "Thank you f-for...For *telling* me like this-"
I feel that this is meant to be sarcastic.
Will she now attempt to kill us?

>>31156008
Man, even when we're being honest, we utterly break girls' hearts. We just can't catch a break.

>>31156008

Fuuuuui

It hurts.

>>31156016
I would understand if you argued that it might be evil to dangle on front of her what she can't have.
But that's NOT a mixed message. That's an attempt at comforting her.

>>31156021

And still the best way to let her down.

She'll cry and she'll get over anon some day.

>>31156021

>can't catch a break

Wait until we stomp over the feelings of the Hyades servitors.

I'm waiting for that shitstorm with baited breath.

>>31156028
Comforting someone after you rejected them is a bad idea, really. Doing so only hurts the rejected person even more.

>>31156039
It helped me.

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>>31156008
Oh yeah, that's the stuff. They don't make suffering like this anymore.

Daddy needs his medicine

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>>31156029

>let her down
>Yui cries herself to sleep in grief
>wakes up as a Player
>gets mauled by BETA

Truly the suffering hasn't reached critical mass yet.

> Be straightforward. Make sure she knows it's not because of anything she did wrong, or else she's going to be beating herself up about it even more than she already is.

"A, anon-kun...I know - I'm so terrible f, for t-taking advantage of...Of your kindness - But...But, annnhhh - The tears won't *stop*-"

She seems to crumple into herself - The sobs clawing their way from her throat, as she sinks into her chair. Yui's fighting to restrain herself - Weeping silently, but weeping all the same.

"I don't - I don't even know *why*...I shouldn't be feeling like, like-"

The dam breaks. You find - Just for a while - you have to look away; You don't think Yui would want you to see her cry. It's all the worse, somehow, for how little noise she makes - Even in extremity, she doesn't want to make a fuss.

It's the span of a few minutes, but it lasts forever.

By the time her tears have dried - When her body has, at last, wrung itself out - Yui's muted sobs fade to the occassional sniffle, tissues crumpled in her hand. Her eyes are very red; Her voice thick, still choked-up as she whispers - Like someone probing at an open wound...

"...W, what..."

A deep breath.

"-What's...s-she *like*?"

It's a small sound, as she looks down at her lap. She draws a slow breath, and that almost brings on a fresh round of tears. Yui dabs, tentatively, at the corner of her eyes - Hushed, like an echo of herself.

"T, the..." Another slow breath. "The one y-you..."

She bites her lip, steeling herself.

"...The one Anon-kun likes."

There's something beseeching in her voice, something plaintive - As if she *needs* to know, to make the break complete, to give up hope entirely. "What...does she - What *kind* of girl is she...?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31156091
>Joker saves her
>They become an awesome team
>Cybele is jealous

>>31156093

Wow. This is beneath the belt. Do we describe Hecate generally, or do we describe Mio?

>>31156093
So about which girl do we tell her?

If we go with Mio, we'll need to describe Mio.

"She's... well, she probably wouldn't be able to live without me. And I don't mean that in the 'She would be heartbroken' way.
She's not as strong as you are. I'm not even sure if I could be as strong as you are."

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Welp.

>>31156133
>If we go with Mio, we'll need to describe Mio.
FUCK
I meant to say:
If we go with Mio TO THE FESTIVAL

FUCKING POST TIMER

>>31156093
"She's from space, and I have to kill people and use their souls as fuel to bring her to this world."

pls no

>>31156093

YOU CAN'T MAKE ME DECIDE, OP. YOU CAN'T MAKE ME DECIDE.

>>31156093

>what's she like

If she tries to change herself to be the ideal 'mate' from our description.. that's twisting the knife even deeper.

>>31156093
"She may or may not be dead and helped me kill people in an alternate reality where souls are a currency. Coincidentally, I spent one hundred years caught there in a mechanical body.
There's also the yandere with the magic light powers, as well as the yandere from the Moon who can't leave that alternate world.
They don't know about each other and I have no idea how to prevent it from blowing up."

...No, I'm not serious.

>>31156093

"She lovely with a great sense of humour. She knew and understood the different sides of me, even my ugly side and accepted me for who I was.

Whimsical yet seriois when it mattered. A joy to be around and brave despite her weakness."

Joker describes hecate.

>>31156093
How the fuck do I answer this

I feel like I'm walking onto a minefield, except my shoes are also made of mines.

>>31156133
>>31156144

No we dont.

We just need to describe her character traits but not how she looks.

>>31156161
I'm pretty sure that Yui will see us with Mio at some point.

This is more than just deciding for a girl.

If it was about who we love, I would describe Hecate. But, as we are telling Yui, Mio would be the save bet.

>>31156129
Obviously you do both. Fight the power.

>>31156093
"She's definitely playful, and maybe a little bit mysterious.

...and I don't know if it's my place to talk about it, but she's also felt isolated. Alone. But I've tried to do everything I can for her even in spite of everything that entails, and I hope she still feels like she can depend on me."

>>31156175

Nothing in that description references her outward appearance.

>>31156093
Seeing as Hecate is the only girl that RJ has actually been established to love, I'll make it vague:
"Someone who knew who I really am and accepted without hesitation. My first ally."

>>31156184
It describes very obvious character traits.
Mio is totally different. You can see that at a glance.

>>31156175

Well it only tells yui about the personality of the person. Not the outward appearance. She'll draw her own conclusions when she sees her.

>>31156185
That's good.

So, do we tell Mio to stay in the kitchen/bomb shelter during the festival?

>>31156175
Voting for this.
>>31156175
That's the point. We're vaguely describing a person's character, not appearance. Yui doesn't know who we are actually talking about and will naturally assume that it's Mio if she sees us together.

>>31156189
Somehow I dont expect her to spend thay much time around mio. It'll hurt way too much.

If she does, we've birthed another yandere.

>>31156093
"The kind of girl who wouldn't be able to take it if I let her down. Innocent, sweet and... Naive. Probably more than I deserve. Even more so, given some of the things that have happened."

>>31156176

Voting for this one.

>>31156197
>Somehow I dont expect her to spend thay much time around mio. It'll hurt way too much.
She's the kind of person who'd try to behave normally around us and our girlfriend, no matter how much it hurts.
Hell, she might even try exposure therapy in order to get accustomed to this feeling.

>>31156199
>>31156176

These two look like the best, but which one should we go with?

>>31156195

> both quotes are the same post

>>31156093

This >>31156161

Or at least describe hecate.

>>31156161
I'm going with this one.

>>31156176

This one sounds good to me.

>>31156237
Goddamn.
I meant to quote this >>31156161 one

>>31156161
I vote for this one, despite knowing that it will bite us in the ass if Mio and Yui ever meet.

Follow your heart, Joker!

>>31156176

This works well for either girl, to be honest. It favours Hecate more, but parts of it can also apply to Mio. Gets my vote, anyway.

>>31156280
>This works well for either girl, to be honest.
That was the idea, yeah.

We're going to be with Mio during the trip to Seisin, and there's no arguing that we don't care about her.

But at the same time, even in spite of how rough it's bound to get, I don't think that giving up on Hecate has ever been in the cards.

I never really liked Yui except until now, this makes me really want to keep seeing her sad. Cheating in particular seems like something that kill her soul, or making her change for us and then telling her it'd never be enough.

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>>31156176

> "She lovely with a great sense of humour. She knew and understood the different sides of me, even my ugly side and accepted me for who I was.
> "Whimsical, yet serious when it mattered. A joy to be around and brave despite her weakness."

"-I see."

Something complex and undefinable flits over Yui's features - As she says, very softly; "Am I...boring, then?"

Her gaze meets yours, for a fleeting instant - "Or - Just not good enough?"

The painful silence is broken by the rattle of the door; Yui flinches back, guiltily, as if she's been caught in the act. From outside, faintly - "Miss President, I h-heard...Is someone in-"

"Oh-" Asuna's voice catches, as she comes to an abrupt stop. She takes in the scene at a glance - Then averts her eyes, as high points of colour begin to burn in her cheeks. "I just-" she begins, fighting down a stammer - "...I just - I left my s, sketchbook *here*..."

She's acutely aware of the tension that lingers in the air, even as she shuffles sideways, towards a likely-looking book left on a nearby table. With a slight cough, she adjusts her glasses - Moved to ask...

"Ummmmm...Yui-chan and...Anon-kun..." A deep breath. "-Are you two...Are you all right?"

[ ] "-We're fine."
[ ] "It's not like that."
[ ] "I was just leaving."
[ ] "We were just talking."
[ ] "Yes."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31156318
>there's no arguing that we don't care about her.
Sorry, this is supposed to be the other way 'round. Or be worded "there's no one arguing that we don't care about her". Kind of an ambiguous turn of phrase, but I shouldn't have fucked this up either way.

Further proof that I should probably sleep.

>>31156336
>[ ] "-We're fine."

Other
>[ ] "sorry asuna, can you give us some space?"

Dont let it fester.

When she leaves and we're alone again.

"You are neither. And if was a cheating scumbag, I dont think you'd have felt the way you did. It was just poor timing."

>>31156336
"Can you give us a moment, Asuna?"

At Yui:
"Yui, you are wonderful. No, I'm not just saying this to make you feel better. You are a genuinely good person.
However, this happened before I got to know you. It's not a matter of whether I like you, but a matter of staying faithful to my girlfriend."

>>31156336

Hand her her sketchbook.

And this >>31156357

The hypocrisy is overwhelming because Anon IS such a cheating scumbag. But its what Yui needs to hear.

>>31156336
"Neither are correct. It's simply an irony of fate. And it can't be turned back."

> "Can you give us a moment, Asuna?"
> [X] "sorry asuna, can you give us some space?"

"R-right. I'll just-" Asuna nearly upsets a jar of - Of all things - paint-streaked marbles, perched precariously next to a grinning lion's head. She backs up, and nearly trips; She's clearly discomfited by the strange atmosphere, which makes the narrow distance to her sketchbook as painfully uncomfortable as possible.

> Hand her her sketchbook.

She clutches it to her chest - Sheer relief writ large on her face.

"I'm sorry!" she manages, and beats a hasty retreat - Backing out of the door, swinging it shut behind her. The *bang* is loud enough to make Yui start, stationery rattling against the desktops in sympathy.

>>31156374
>>31156357

> "Neither are correct. It's simply an irony of fate. And it can't be turned back."

Yui nods, tightly - It's clear that she doesn't trust herself to speak.

> "However, this happened before I got to know you. It's not a matter of whether I like you, but a matter of staying faithful to my girlfriend."

"I was just...too slow, then." Yui murmurs, sounding hurt - She looks so small, so vulnerable, her head down; Intent on looking anywhere else but at you. A moment passes, like this, before she turns away-

"Anon-kun. I just...I just wanted to tell you-"

(Continued)

>>31156468

Her voice hitches, and she bites her lip until it passes. "...Your costume's ready. In case-" Another deep, steeling breath. "...In case Kouichi isn't there..." There's a dull, unhappy note to her voice - Forcing herself to go on, with a leaden wave in the direction of the covered stand.

"-It's in your size, so..." Another pause. "You can - try it on now, if you want."

Then - "If not...We'll bring it with us, tomorrow. Just in case. I thought - I thought you should be the first to know." Yui sounds like she can't bear to be in the room any longer - But her expression is carefully composed, though her voice is low, listless.

"That - That's all."

[ ] "I'll take a look."
[ ] "Did you make it yourself?"
[ ] "Some other time, then."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31156481
>[ ] "I'll take a look."

>>31156481
>[x] "I'll take a look."

>>31156481
>[ ] "Some other time, then."
>[ ] Free
"I'm sure it fits perfectly. Thank you."

Release Yui. I think she needs some time to be alone now and if she did make it herself, I think there won't be any problems.

>>31156481
>[ ] "I'll take a look."
>[ ] "Did you make it yourself?"

>>31156500
>>31156506
You are evil.

>[ ] "Some other time, then."

>>31156563
>>[x ] Some other time, then."
Changing vote to this

>>31156522
this

>>31156481
>[x] "Some other time, then."
Better leave.

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>>31156500
>>31156506

The shroud billows, as you pull it back. Beneath is-

The costumes for the play, thus far, have been rather eclectic. Period-appropriate wear was never a high concern - It was hard enough making it look good, easy to move in, and (In more than one instance) breathe. There was always a rather European aesthetic to things, with an eye to budget and epic fantasy - Kazuya's coat (Or rather, the rich and jovial Montaigne's) is a fancy number, studded with golden rhinestones and a faux-fur trim.

Kouichi, too - As the doomed but dogged Auguste - has a sombre black costume that's very much like a priest's cassock, buttoned at the right with a stiff collar that's hell to wear for long periods of time. Gloves and black boots completed the image, his prop sword buckled at his waist - In the right lighting, it makes him look imperious and appropriately Byronic; A man driven by dark and baleful passions.

Yours, however, is different.

For a start, it's red.

It's black, too - Of course - with a decent imitation of celtic knotwork on the sleeves, stitched out in thick thread: Close-up, it's slightly sloppy, slightly rushed, but it would actually be startlingly intimidating in the right lighting.

It's the symbol on the back, however, that catches your eye. An uneven circle, broken and jagged - A serrated sun.

And within it, the mark.

(Continued)

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>>31156617
>It's the symbol on the back, however, that catches your eye. An uneven circle, broken and jagged - A serrated sun.
>And within it, the mark.

holy shit cunt dicks

>>31156617

Not *your* mark, the one you're familiar with - Or even the Smiler symbol. These are fangs of broken glass through a killer's smile, three bloody eyes marked out above the brutal slash of the maw.

The sign of the Black Joker.

> [X] "Did you make it yourself?"

"Well-" On more familiar ground, now, Yui clears her throat - Her voice still choked-up, slightly hoarse. "I...helped a little," she admits. "Asuna picked out the designs, and..."

Perhaps it's something in your expression - Or some other, involuntary motion - but she stops, mid-sentence. Wary.

"-Is...Is something wrong?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31156599
>>31156591
>>31156581

(Gentlemen, my apologies: I didn't catch the following posts before I submitted this one. I would rewrite it, but it seems pointless after the revelation.)

>>31156655
>[x ] Free
Leave now, she's very stressed and needs some time alone. Call or text her later to ask who made the symbol.

>>31156655

"...not really. I just might need to speak with Asuna regarding her choice of artistic inspiration."

>>31156655
Go and catch Asuna.

>>31156655
"Noticed an interesting detail, is all."
Chase Asuna.

>>31156681
>>31156686
>>31156689
>>31156695

> "...not really. I just might need to speak with Asuna regarding her choice of artistic inspiration."

Yui nods, hesitantly - It's clear that she doesn't understand, her gaze going to the duster; She gives it a dubious look, uncertain as to what your response might mean.

> Go and catch Asuna.

You cross the distance to the door in four long sides; The concert hall beyond is mostly empty, now - There's one or two people left, cleaning up in a desultory way...Or just the usual hanger-ons, enjoying the climate-controlled hall for a while longer before heading out into the evening cold.

She can't have gone far. It takes you a moment to look along the rows of seating, down the empty aisle, until you see-

She's waiting by the exit, her sketchbook cradled in her arms - As you approach, Asuna looks up; Seemingly unsurprised, but conflicted. If you had to put a name to it...

-You'd say that she looks afraid.

"A...Anon-kun..." Her voice is low, hesitant - She casts a quick glance over her shoulder, as if what she really, truly wants is to flee; Or just to be anywhere but here. She holds the sketchbook out to you, with both hands -

"...I don't - I don't know what any of it means. It doesn't m, mean anything to me. But..." A pause - Her eyes soft with worry - "But I think..."

"-I think you should have this."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31156768
>[x] Free
First, calm Asuna down. "Relax, there's nothing to be afraid of, we're friends etc."

>>31156768
Take the sketchbook.

"Was the symbol on my costume related to the contents of this sketchbook?
If my guess is correct, you might be saving my life. And the lives of many people.
Thank you."

>>31156768
"Where did you see the symbol you put on my suit?"

>>31156768
I wish we'd know if she was consciously aware of these things or if it came through her subconsciousness.

>>31156768

JokerOP, I was thinking, is it possible to setup manufacturing lines for items like the small fusion cell?

Like an initial cost in hollow sun charge to tool a line to mass produce items like that.

The Light fusion cell might see alot of usage soon.

>>31156825
This all of this then let's check out the red world

>>31156825

In her dream obviously

>>31156840
Good plan, unless the initial cost is too much.

>>31156768
"Asuna, where did you see that symbol?"
And take the sketchbook.
"Thanks, I think I know what this is about."

>>31156797

She nods, wide-eyed; But there's a skittish air to her, a skittish air that lingers.

>>31156804

Asuna nods, very slowly - Her expression softens, ever-so-slightly, though the worry, the *fear* of the unknown has her in it's grasp.

> "Where did you see the symbol you put on my suit?"

She hesitates. It's obvious that she's uncomfortable - But yet she steps forward anyway. The pages crinkle, as she opens the book to a well-thumbed page; A soft, unsteady "-Here." coaxed from her lips.

You catch glimpses, as she turns through the pages. Her technique has improved - Even with rough sketches, even with charcoal pencil and sometimes pen, there's a talent that shines through. But the *content* of it-

It is, you realize with a start, not just what she's drawing. Some of the symbols and decorations scratched into the images - Alien cityscapes, unnatural horizons, aching cyclopean vistas and fiendish, writhing shapes that defy analysis - are disturbing in and of themselves.

The one she indicates, however, is the one that catches and holds the eye.

It's your armour, through a lens darkly. Baroque, like medieval plate; Jointed and slender in places, to suggest unnatural dimensions to the form cradled within. Limbs splayed, like the Vitruvian man-

And beneath the translucent plate of the cuirass - Beneath and to the left, drawn in such a way as to imply depth - with barbed twists of night uncoiling in fibrous, writhing tendrils, sketched with a shaking hand...

-Right where your heart should be-

...Is the diseased mark of the Black Joker.

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 89

TO BE CONTINUED

>>31156929
>-Right where your heart should be-
>...Is the diseased mark of the Black Joker.

...Oh goddammit

>>31156929
>-Right where your heart should be-
>...Is the diseased mark of the Black Joker.

So we where actually on Kurome's Route the whole time?

>>31156929

(Gentlemen: My sincerest apologies - I would love to continue, but it's extremely late on my end. I'll admit that I'm rather exhausted by certain scenes in this chapter - Which, unfortunately, means that we covered less ground than I'd hoped for.

However, you've been a wonderful audience: Good night and God bless, and I hope to see you again soon.)

>>31156929
>...Is the diseased mark of the Black Joker.
JOKER AND KOTONE OTP

So, wait, does that mean that the Hollow Sun rejected US?

And, by the way, shouldn't we have spent the Hollow Sun charge?
The Leech would have been a good choice.

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>>31156929
Just keeps happening.

>>31156965

Thanks for the thread JokerOP.

Can you clarify this please first: >>31155501

And your thoughts on this: >>31156840

>>31156929
This is either the Black Joker or the Red Joker corrupted by the Black.

Wait, what if the Vitruvian device only removed the symptoms from when we got infected?

>>31156982

>>31155501

(She's referring to your crew in this instance.)

>>31156840

(I would say that this would be unlikely. The Foundry generally lacks the capacity to create more machines from scratch - You could produce a large number of Light Fusion Cells, but not a manufactorium that constantly produces them.

There are also, I'm afraid, game balance issues to consider.)

>>31157004

Right, thanks then, JokerOP.

Have a good rest, Yui's scenes were very intense.

>>31156968
>So, wait, does that mean that the Hollow Sun rejected US?
Interesting question for Tyrian (when we get to it)
Also, if we want to ask tyrian anything, I suggest we do it soon.He might be less cooperative if it comes to blows with Bishamon.

>>31156008

Awwwwww yeah. That's what Daddy likes.

>>31157355

Anon, I dislike your interest in yui's suffering.

>>31157367

That's actually why I've been here all this time. Our mistakes have sowed a rich crop of schadenfreude, and it is a bitter crop indeed. I can't wait to see what happens when we let a main heroine like Mio down.

>>31157395

It's really going to come down to Mio, Hecate or Kotone at the end. Those are the Quest's three main girls, unless I miss my guess. Can't help but wonder what Megumi's route or Yui's route would be like, though.

>>31157521

I'm hoping Yui-If explores it abit.

Yui's a great girl. Teasing her is so fun.

I also wonder what her connection to the red is.

>>31157521
>Kotone
Kotone is more like the Damsel in Distress that will be forever grateful to us. And also make for a kick-ass ally.

It's really either Hecate or Mio.
And, considering that we only kissed Mio up until now and didn't go further, it might still be possible to somehow go for Hecate.

>>31157664

Even today, the choice is still to speak of hecate.

I honestly think shes the only option.

>>31157664

I would personally have preferred to try and bang them all.

>>31157723
This is not Fate/Stay Again.

...AC-Guy and JQOP exchange quests.
What happens, aside from Joker's napalm invading the real world and Joker Quest never updating?

>>31157732

I meant more that all the girls are extremely appealing. Cybele is the only one I actively dislike. It feels a little frustrating that we can only have a relationship with one.

>>31157760
...I never understood why anyone would want polygamy.
It's a major inconvenience for everyone with basically no pay-off.

>>31157760
We can end the relationship with Cybele if we don't feel like killing Bishamon for her. In fact, this is something I would approve of. Being a Hyades' champion means we are fighting a war on many fronts- and that never turns out well.

>>31157974

It seems increasingly clear that we're not really doing this for Cybele. Our Emblem has been modified for SOME REASON, and she doesn't even know about that.

>>31157987
Were the copies of the Joker's emblem made from the "altered"emblem ?

>>31158005

I meant our hyades crest. The one the woman who looks like mio's older sister modified.

Dropping the moon on Seisin High when?

>>31158155

SOON. The three-day festival is going to end violently for everyone, from the looks of it.

>>31156992
Black Joker doesn't look human. At all. It's been described in Lovecraftian terms as a hideous, huge, scaled...thing made from the coagulated souls of all the city's dead.

>>31158155
No need. Either Argent or the Smilers will instigate something worl-shattering event during the festival
(Argent will do it for good reasons, though)

>>31158381

It's a civilization-ending weapon. Kotone is most likely only a facet of it, possibly the primary facet. You have to wonder what kind of dark, dire, morbid shit her father did to turn her into that thing.

>>31158480
Remember that there's likely a whole set of Black Joker artifacts.
Maybe those artifacts would change the look of that lovecraftian Black Joker into something more like us.

>>31158480
She's actually a Frankenstein's Monster-type abomination put together out of pieces of the catastrophe's victims, with only the face and most of the brain being hers.

>>31158480

> You have to wonder what kind of dark, dire, morbid shit her father did to turn her into that thing.

He did a lot of that. The whole thing with the Smilers reeks of a death fixation.

Theorytime: Correctors are animals-turned-players.

The first time we fought against one, there were some spiders that turned to ash.

There were some birds looking at us that one time too, I think.

>>31157521
>>31157664
We can't save Kotone. She's gone. There's nothing left to save; she's an Eldritch Abomination.

The three main girls are Mio, Hecate and Natsumi. We killed two of those, one through choice, one through stupidity.

>>31158539
>>31158518
>>31158511
>>31158480
Personally, I think her father succeeded, but overtly so. He didn't bring back just his little girl, oh no. He brought back the Black Joker and fused it with the entire city's worth of the dead.

You see, Argent seems to see the Black Joker as a threat but...Not to the same degree as we do. I think its changed, mutated. The one time we confront even a facet of it, it wasn't described like a player or a corrector but something else. It would make sense why its artifacts lie about the place then; it doesn't need them anymore because it can't use them.

Also, I think the Black Bishop =/= the Smilers. They have very different goals towards what they want, even if the Smilers have improved upon his methods.

I'm glad we're finally starting to upgrade the hellions and maybe red comet. Hope we get enough essence for a massive research/upgrade spree at the festival, with everyone advancing their doomsday weapons, we need to up our ante

>>31156929
Joker met a monster in the underground tunnels. It tore out his heart. That flashback fight with the Black Joker might have been our character after all.

Last thread someone asked me to take a look at a pair of theories they had about Mio and the Misericorde. I, being blitzed on cold medicine, didn't realize it until after the thread 404'd, so here's my take.

Hard to say if Mio's Hellebore or Megaera. Without knowing what Hellebore's power is, and what the Chalice Queen armor can do, it's hard to determine which. At the same time, it's hard to tell what releasing Hellebore means for Mio. Personality overwrite? Power strengthening? Next time we meet we ought to ask how Mio knows the name Red Joker.

The Misericorde was made from Frost Cestus. Old Joker stretched out a hand and turned part of the old armor into a knife. It grants a painless death by shutting down Red Joker's systems all at once. It's almost certainly not how we're supposed to open the Joker's Memory, since it could destroy the device in its entirety. Of course, this could be a Gordian Knot situation. I recommend trying to produce the black sphere at the Red Joker's center and using that to open the box before we go poking it with the anti-Red Joker knife.

So we got about 20% charge this time.
Next time we will be around 50%.
We should spend it by now, to not reach 100% and waste it.

We definitely need the Leech. I would also suggest the two Shroud upgrades, but they don't need to happen instantly.

>>31163216

I'm thinking we need to ramp up Hellion Production, honestly.

>>31160089
And yeah, I'm thinking thats why we want her to spend the night at our place before the culture festival.

Get those questions out of the way the night before

>>31163216
The only shroud upgrade that seems worthwhile is the Mnemosis Binder. The others don't really improve the Assault Shroud, just make us drain armor power faster.

Leech is excellent, so let's get that and start more research. I suggest the Arc Charger for Volt or the Panopticon Array for the reasons Watashi keeps repeating.

>>31160089

My personal theory is that Mio is her Trapped Hyades player body's Autopilot, that's been running so long that its kind of gone rampant/self aware.

The other people we keep encountering are the ones trapping her there.

>>31163216
>We definitely need the Leech. I would also suggest the two Shroud upgrades, but they don't need to happen instantly.

Leech is really fucking expensive though.

I think we should wait and see what other bounties the other research yields. Don't blow all our sun energy on one charge

>>31163565
The Leech is what will keep us alive in the Highlander tournament during the festival.
It's a totally passive ability to really increases our lifetime, even if we should ever use Cybele support.

>>31163565

The guy's right, we'll probably end up with a charge in the 50s. There's no point in hoarding Hollow Sun energy, it doesn't unlock more options as it goes up. Spending it on research now to cut out more threads of waiting is best.

And what if Leech works on Correctors?

>>31163649

We can last-minute buy it like a void anchor, though.

>>31163546
So the way Mio acts is like what happens to Anon when his body's in the Red? Ouch. That's harsh, if Hellebore is freed then Mio dies.

>>31159899
After the next Void Anchor we should start building Hellions again. There's a lot of Correctors to kill, after all.

>>31165068

Well we'll probably be doing low production rates with all the new types of hellions we're producing.

>>31165862
That's fine, as long as it gets started soon. The clock is ticking down.

>>31165862
>>31166146
Come to think of it, does anyone have the build guide? It's time to give it a final once-over.

Maybe add some level up material as well. Limiter->force->guard, etc.

>>31166177

The what guide?

>>31166792
Some anon did a build guide for Hollow Sun research and items. I disagreed with a lot on it, but it laid out some solid points.

>>31166833

Oh. How did it go?

>>31167211
Can't recall, I didn't write it. I remember thinking it was too weighted towards items with potentially strong secondary effects rather than shoring up weaknesses or improving on strengths. It also made several assumptions that I disagreed with, like Interceptors being useful in and of themselves.

>>31167369

Well they are kind of useful when properly used in a supporting role. Hell they can kill scrub players by their lonesome.

Speaking of which, should we unlock the argus bits? They look nice and dakkay.

>>31167596
Thing is, the Vulcans can kill anything the bits can without paying. And while you can say it's a small investment, it still holds us back from higher meter tiers. And for the bits to be good we need to spend cobalt, which is best spent on codebursts and only regenerates when not in use.

Watashi's in favor of the Argus, and he's got a point about Comet's vulnerabilities. Don't think we need them for Joker.

>>31167922

Well if we upgrade the firepower of the bits, maybe they wont need more cobalt to be better and kill stuff good on their own.

>>31168851
No.

Absolutely not.

We have sunk more than enough into them and they are still useless unless being boosted.

No more.

No lucifer bits. No upgrades from leveling. None. Never again.

They will never be useful and even if they could be, the amount of resources spent there could be spent better elsewhere for more effect.

I think they are the piece of gear I hate the most because of how useless they are, despite all that's been suck into them.

>>31169032

Not level up bonus, I meant. Using the hollow sun to unlock the argus bits.

>>31168851
That's what the people who voted for the interceptors the first time thought. And then when they voted for the bits. They were wrong both times.

The bits have not been good investments. The solution is to make good investments, not try to make the bad ones good.

And no level up will solve the meter drain issue.

>>31169099
The Argus Bits don't have firepower, they're scout drones for Red Comet.

>>31169212

Wrong one then, meant Lucifer Bits.

>>31169258
Hell no. There's so much more to do with that energy, we're not wasting it on the interceptors.

>>31169258
>Wrong one then, meant Lucifer Bits.
NO

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

We are not wasting ANY more on the damn interceptors. Especially when there's more we can do with the hollow sun's charge instead of that.

>>31169258

I won't mind swapping out the bits.

JokerOP mentioned that they have about 4 times the firepower of our rifle bits while taking up 2x the support required. Meaning we can probably use up to only 3 lucifer bits but with an overall increase in firepower.

We're reaching a point where upgrading our guns means we're forgoing using another. The bit upgrade allows us to increase the firepower we can bring to bear immediately.

>>31169465
Four times zero is still zero.

There's so much more that can be donr with the energy, we're not startimg another shitstorm by spending energy on the interceptors.

>>31169537

Considering that they can kill players by themselves, that firepower isn't zero.

Also we're going into carnifex mode more often than not these days.

>>31169614
they can kill players WHILE BOOSTED.

They peashooters otherwise and maybe a few mooks might go down eventually. Otherwise? No, they're shit.

Its embarrassing that they're considered part of the weapons on the death machine that is Red Joker.