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>>32322991

HOLLOW SUN: 20.1%

http://pastebin.com/7pjDkmdR

RESEARCH:

[X] PHOTON SHIELD GENERATOR
[X] SAMAEL CIRCUIT
[X] GOSPEL RELAY
[X] SOLARIS GENERATOR
[X] COBALT LASER
[X] TERMINUS SCANNER
[X] FALSEHOOD ARRAY

VOID ANCHORS:

ORIGINAL HIVE
THE TRIBUNAL

HOLDING: 1

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/7vzY4Zp2

UPDATES:

- ESSENCE CORE production set to Medium.
- CHERUBIM HARDSHELL production set to Low.
- Hollow Sun Guide number changed to version 4.0
- MODULAR FRAME - CHERUBIM now correctly listed.
- MULETA listed as Equipped.

>>32323055
Uh... OP, I know we at least voted to turn Virtues off. I don't believe there was a consensus about essence cores, except "maybe later".

>>32323081

(My apologies; I'll edit it accordingly.)

HOLLOW SUN: 37.2%

http://pastebin.com/Nttv1TRf

>>32323116
Most excellent. Thanks OP.

>>32322991
Evening OP. How was your week?

I had a question about the Hellion researches--do the base "Hellion" upgrades (reactive plating, etc) apply to all types?

In keeping with last thread's non-binding resolution to do some work on the Red Comet, I'd like to start the Multicore Converter and Mimetic Alloys researches.

>>32323212
I'll second this.

We need to go over strategy with Cybele. Flatout. If we don't know what she can do then we're boned. If we can transfer some of the power she's given to us back to her when the Reality Marbles overlap would be handy to know.

>>32323055
I have a question about our upgrade research, namely the cobalt lazer. By definition, it enhances all photonic weaponry in the hollow sun- does this apply to the lucifer bits as well?

On a related note, we should've snagged one of those modified photon beamers Aoba brought. I really want to compare the hollow sun's upgrade next to Argent's handiwork. Which would be better, a cobalt lazer teched out photon beamer, or Argent's tricked out photon beamer? Maybe we could... I dunno, guilt trip him into giving us one back since that attack three episodes ago was technically a faux pas on his part.

>>32323370
It's a Relic, not a HS weapon. Cobalt Laser shouldn't affect it.

And this is one reason why we ought to ally with AP. Tech data like nothing else, though Argent seems to have increased the power draw only.

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>>32323370

(My apologies: To clarify, the Cobalt Laser research unlocks upgraded versions of photonic weaponry - It's not likely to apply to the Lucifer Bits, but it *is* likely to unlock a new version that can be chosen instead. The Relics of the Hollow Sun are one-of-a-kind high-performance prototypes and/or unique offshoots of research - Each one is an individual masterwork.)

>>32323212

(Fairly busy. And yes, they apply to all types; The other hardshells are basically 'Hellion Pluses' - Upgraded and specialized versions of the same basic frame. They're compatible with base Hellion upgrades; The reverse, however, isn't true.)

Dream - Or is it a memory?

Static, against solid blackness. The signal trash of a damaged optic sensor - Just fuzz, just buzzing white speckles. An ugly cleft of half-awareness, beneath the aching hand-over-hand effort; Making your gauntlet a blade, driving it home. Reaching up - Acutators grinding from the stress - doing it again.

And again, and again. Pain-dreams, and visions - Myomer muscles aching with phantom fatigue, crimson plate buckled and scuffed by a thousand impacts.

Onwards, and upwards. Through the damnation swarms and across the black rock; Inch by inch, towards the light of the first day.

The most profound sense of loss-

You fool.

What have you *done*, you fool.

You should never have looked back.

----------------------------

The world returns in a rush. Not the slow unfolding of consciousness, but a sudden, abrupt transition - As brutal as a fall from a great distance, bruising and sudden. A wave of disorientation washes across you, your field of vision shifting - Legs threatening to buckle, as momentary nausea churns in the core of your being.

(Continued)

>>32323423
nah. Argent's being a cunt and he's excluded us to work on his project.

>>32323447
That's what I thought: The base upgrades affect the entirety of the force, and the specialist upgrades improve them in their specializations. Though after what I said last time about not making assumptions I figured that actually confirming this would be prudent.

And interesting. Very Orphean.

>>32323453
He'd have done that anyway, he was preparing for it when we talked with him. Now that we've found his heir things ought to be interesting. Unless he's plugged himself into the Red World to oversee the project himself, that is.

>>32323447

"Anon-kun?" Natsumi's voice is soft, her brow furrowed in worry - "-what's wrong?"

Around you - A sun-dappled corridor, warm rays sheeting through the lattice windows, gridwork shadows against the varnished wooden floor. Brass lamps of intricate design; A glimpse of distant greenery, the air fresh, with a faint, stately scent of age...

"...And these are the guest dormitories," a girl says, brightly - There's an irrepressible energy to her, as she paces ahead of your trope; A general, but muted, murmur of admiration as the group shuffles forward, taking in the view. "Each school has one set aside...But since you're the first group, there's plenty of space. Sooo...Take any room you like, 'kay? The forms are right here."

She flourishes a sheaf of papers, with an alarmingly casual gesture; "Ah, once you're done - Be sure to collect your luggage from downstairs. Amane-chan and-" There's the slightest pause, so imperceptible you may almost have imagined it - "...Mio-chan will be there, too - If you need any help, be sure to tell them, 'kay~?"

[ ] "-Sorry, but...I didn't catch your name."
[ ] "Will you be around later?"
[ ] "Can we leave the dorms?"
[ ] "How many people will there be, exactly?"
[ ] (To Natsumi) "What happened?"
[ ] (To Natsumi) "Where's Kouichi?"
[ ] (To Natsumi) "-I'm all right."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

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>>32323659

(My apologies, I forgot my image.)

[X] "Can we leave the dorms?"
[X] "How many people will there be, exactly?"
[X] (To Natsumi) "What happened?"
[X] (To Natsumi) "Where's Kouichi?"

"Are the rooms co-ed?"

I don't think we really want to express interest in any of the Seisin girls until we know which one's Chiffon, so we can avoid her.

>>32323659

>what's wrong

Shake your head slightly in the negative. She'll get the message.

"Not here."

>>32323659
>[ ] "-Sorry, but...I didn't catch your name."
>[ ] (To Natsumi) "Where's Kouichi?"

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>>32323718

> [X] "Can we leave the dorms?"

"Mmmnn~!" she nods - "Actually...Since you're here for the festival, you won't be spending a lot of time here. But - There's a curfew at 9 PM; We'll send a student monitor to make sure everyone's back at the dorm, before lights-out at 10 PM."

Her smile's slightly apologetic; "-It's a really big event; So, please work with us on this, 'kay~?"

> [X] "How many people will there be, exactly?"

"Several hundred, I think~" she offers, by way of answer - Slim shoulders lifting in a slight shrug. "-Most will be coming in tomorrow, or on the third day, when the grounds are open to the public. But until then...The space is all yours."

> "Are the rooms co-ed?"

There's a vague murmur from the group - You've aroused their curiosity.

"-Well, it's two students per room, but..."

Yui, however, cuts in - "No," she says, firmly, pre-empting her counterpart. The audible "Awwwwww-" that follows is disappointed but resigned; That was expected, anyway.

The girl favours her with a grateful nod. She blinks, just once, as if momentarily remembering something: "Ah, I should add-" she hesitates, just for a moment - Her head canted slightly to the side, as if wondering how to broach a sensitive topic; "...Um, how should I say this - Seisin High students aren't supposed to visit the guest dorms, unless they're on the festival Commitee - Or they have prior authorization. So - Be sure to tell us if you see anyone, 'kay~?"

She clears her throat, about to turn away to continue the tour-

> [X] "-Sorry, but...I didn't catch your name."

She colours, slightly.

"Ah, I'm sorry; I'm Funade Shino from Class 2-H. I'm one of the Student Ambassadors, so..."

Shino's voice trails off.

"...Any other questions?"

(Continued)

>>32324163
>I'm Funade Shino from Class 2-H.
Well that was easy. Let's avoid her for the rest of the festival. Sorry sweetheart, the guy we're playing isn't actually THAT crazy.

inb4 we are
We aren't *that* crazy.

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>>32324163

The pause lingers, until she glances away; Drawing a deep breath, as she resumes the tour - The shuffle of feet a counterpoint to the faint tap of her shoes, as the class continues to circulate.

"And now, these are the kitchens - The school's arranged catered meals for the next three days, but the canteen's also open; So are the cafes, and the festival stalls-"

>>32323761

> "Not here."

Natsumi nods - Her expression sharper now, more alert.

> [X] (To Natsumi) "Where's Kouichi?"

"He went pale, all of a sudden - Said he wasn't feeling well." There's a note of concern to her voice, now - A faint unease to Natsumi's eyes. "...He went outside, through that door-"

A soft hiss of breath. "-You don't think...?"

"What?" Kazuya sidles closer, frank confusion on his face. "...You don't look so good, Anon. What's up?"

[ ] "Cover for me. I need to talk to Kouichi."
[ ] "I'm not feeling so good - Need to take a break."
[ ] "-I'm going to look for Mio."
[ ] "It's nothing."
[ ] "It's boring, that's all."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32324235
RJ is exactly that crazy. Luckily, his crazy is coupled with strong survival instincts, so he is likely to avoid her.
inb4 this is just a red herring or actually Velvet

>>32324265
>[ ] "Cover for me. I need to talk to Kouichi."

>>32324265
>[X] "I'm not feeling so good - Need to take a break."
"Kazu, room near the back?"
"I'll come back with our bags."

>>32324272
He's really not. And it's her, she gave us her name.

>>32324265

Give Nat a glance, "Talk later." To Kazuya, "Too many girls around, bro. Too many girls. I'm going to go see what's eating Kou. Keep Nat company?"

>>32324265
[X] "Cover for me. I need to talk to Kouichi."
[X] "-I'm going to look for Mio."

>>32324341
Holy shit dude, have you missed every sign that Natsumi and Kazuya are on the verge of a fallout? Veto that part, at the very least.

>>32324265

Damnit. Alt+tabbing back and forth between this and Unicorn.

>what's up

"Oh, you know. Being mysterious and brooding. Fending off hordes of women. It's a tough job, but someones gotta do it. Hey, could you go pick out a room for us? I think Kou was looking for me."

>>32324265
>[x ] "Cover for me. I need to talk to Kouichi."

>>32324426

An addendum now that I thought of it. If Kazuya actually goes off on his way, should take the time to give the PG13 version of what's happening to Nat leaving out the important bits about the ongoing deathmatches.

"SKIES FALLIN'. EVERYONE GONNA DIE."

>>32324373
>Natsumi and Kazuya are on the verge of a fallout
To be honest im surprised they lasted this long

>>32323453
>Argent's being a cunt
False. Red Joker was a dick by keeping AP in the dark. He trusted us, as we betrayed that trust. If you think we can win everything by being a paranoid loner, go ahead, but /i think you'll be dissapointed.

>>32324426
Too much. Not appropriate.

>>32324548
What's the most dramatic time they could break up? Now of course.

>>32324516
>give the PG13 version of what's happening to Nat leaving out the important bits about the ongoing deathmatches.
We should do that anyway

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>>32324295
>>32324373
>>32324480

> [X] "Cover for me. I need to talk to Kouichi."

"Kouichi? Why?" He blinks, once - A little surprised. "But yeah, sure - I can do that."

>>32324426

"Ha-!" That makes Kazuya grin, almost in spite of himself.

> "Kazu, room near the back?"
> "I'll come back with our bags."

"What, you don't like the Grand Tour?" He glances back at Shino, to make sure he hasn't been overhead; "-Can't say I blame you. The view, though...That makes all the difference."

Natsumi sniffs, loudly - Enough to make Kazuya add a hasty "Just joking," his smile a little sheepish. He nods, just once - "Go ahead, then; I'll fill you in when you get back."

When the group turns the corner, you take the chance, and slip out through the side door.

--------------------

Outside, the view is spectacular. A band of rolling greenery stretches out to either side of the dormitory - The pastoral scene broken only by the white marble of a pavilion, a winding road linking the area to the rest of the compound. It's well-shaded, well-trimmed hedges rising in green walls, casting cool shadows.

And on one of the artfully-arranged benches, set to the side so as not to be an eyesore, cunningly crafted with looping arches and curves, like ivy or kudzu-

-Kouichi sits.

Staring at nothing at particular, his mind a thousand miles away.

(Continued)

>>32324718

The wind picks up. The evergreen trees rustle, a faint surrusation winding through the hedges. You're slightly behind him, behind and to the side - Your footfalls making no sound on the soft grass, as you draw closer.

He hears you anyway.

Kouichi's gaze drifts downward, as he stares at the ground. He's statue-still, but - In his left hand, the one that held the Apex Blade, you detect the faintest tremble.

"I've never-" he begins, so very, very softly. His breath rasps in his throat.

"...I've never killed anyone before."

"Not-" A pause, as he searches for the words. "-Not like that."

"Never like that."

[ ] "-I have."
[ ] "I'm sorry."
[ ] "...Are you all right?"
[ ] "It's not your fault. It's a bad thing, that's all."
[ ] "You had to do it."
[ ] Say nothing.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32324868

"How did you even last this long if something like that bothers you?

>>32324868
"Don't lie. Every time you destroy a Player you do exactly what you did to her. Your hands. Your choice."

[X] "I'm sorry."
[X] "...Are you all right?"

>>32324868
>[ ] "You had to do it."

>>32324868

>never like that

"She traded her life for his, Kou. If you had simply eliminated her Champion, she would disappear. Poof. Gone. It may sound sick and twisted, but her death wasn't so bad. She died in her champion's place, protecting the one she loved, ensuring he would live to see another day."

>>32324868
>[ ] "You had to do it."
"Let's hope this will be the only time for you. It does get easier after a while, though."

>>32324868
It's funny. Anon has killed, but in self-defense. Since no one else will:
>[X] "-I have."

>>32325016
Vetoing the second part. You're terrible at comforting people.

>>32325035
>Anon has killed, but in self-defense.
I don't think he gives a fuck either way.

But yeah, seconding.

> "Don't lie. Every time you destroy a Player you do exactly what you did to her. Your hands. Your choice."

"I know."

> [X] "You had to do it."
>>32324995

"-I know."

> "How did you even last this long if something like that bothers you?

"It doesn't."

His throat works. He swallows, hard.

"I wish it did, but...It doesn't. When - *that* - happened, all I was thinking - All I could think was..." Kouichi's jaw locks, his teeth grinding together - Every word forced out from within. "'Why is she in the way?'"

"And I realized-" A catch in his voice. "...It didn't feel any different."

He turns his left hand over, palm up. His fingers curl inwards, to form a fist.

"I thought - There'd be something, at least. Some kind of, of...Horror. But all I felt, in that moment - The only thing left was..."

Kouichi looks up. There is something depthless and infinite in his eyes.

"-A kind of cold, cruel calm."

(Continued)

>>32325071

Oh shit.

>>32325071
>"-A kind of cold, cruel calm."
At least he's got his priorities straight.
This attitude is no issue as long as he doesn't feel an active urge to murder people.

"tell you what, Kou. Let's go murder some students until you get used to it. We can thin down the competition too."

>>32325114
Get out.

>>32325035
>>32325016

> [X] "-I have."

A sharp, sidelong look; Calculating, somehow, as if he's revising his opinion of you. How, you can't say.

> "Let's hope this will be the only time for you."

He shakes his head, slowly. A laugh - A brief, sharp bark of a laugh - saws from his throat.

"...It won't be." Kouichi's fingers lace together, tightly, squeezing against each other. "-Somehow, at some point...It's easier to accept." An unidentifiable expression flits across his features, as he draws a ragged breath.

"Jok - Anon."

He swallows, dryly.

"What's *happening* to us? What - What are we becoming?"

[ ] "...I don't know."
[ ] "I'm...not sure."
[ ] "Is your Hyades really worth all this?"
[ ] Say nothing.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32325071
>>32325162
Pretty easy to start feeling disconnected when you start living your whole life in the Red, isn't it.

Even if you can't make yourself FEEL it, it's still better to know the way you wish you could feel rather than letting yourself forget. Because even though the former is a shame, the latter makes you a danger.

>>32325162
>"What's *happening* to us? What - What are we becoming?"
"We fight to survive. This is our daily live. A bit like our ancestors.
I bet there are people who would give up their save lives for this kind of danger. We know what it feels to be alive, because we know that we could die any day.
I don't see any shame in it."

>>32325162
"We killed before in a different world to me this isnt much different, its doing the same thing in a different way"

>>32325162

>what are we becoming

"In short? You're a Newtype, Kouichi. This time you have a high chance of avoiding the White Devil's tender mercies and killing 'em instead."

>>32325162
>[X] "I'm...not sure."
"A long time ago I realized that I had a choice between laughing and screaming. I knew whatever I chose I'd never be able to take back."
>[X] "Is your Hyades really worth all this?"
"Kouichi... what does it feel like, being unconditionally and unquestioningly in love?"

>>32325236
There's a time for that, and you've missed it entirely.

>>32325242

He named his team the Black Tri-Stars for gods sake. We know precisely what happened to the original Tri-Stars. Except this time the Tri-Stars opened with dialogue instead of a 108mm bazooka.

>>32325291
>We know precisely what happened to the original Tri-Stars
I don't.

>>32325291
And we're a Char expy with a combat robot named Red Comet and our orbital satellite is Side 3. There's a time and place for Gundam references, and this isn't it.

Besides, White Joker is totally White Devil, and he's our antithesis.

>>32325308
They died horribly.

Huh, deja vu.

>>32325162
"Becoming? We aren't actually changing in any way, you know. This is what we simply are, though we deny it."

>>32325341
I will never understand people like you. Vetoed with the force of a thousand suns.

So OP, any chance we can get some research going? Or no expenditures until we go back to the Hollow Sun?

>>32325433

(By all means. I was just waiting for a consensus.)

>>32325185
>>32325194
>>32325202

"Has anyone ever told you," Kouichi begins. "-Has anyone ever told you that you ta-"

He catches himself. Shakes his head, with a sigh.

"Forget it. After all..."

He looks up. "-I think I already know," he says, quietly.

>>32325236

A snort of laughter. Pained, but honest.

"-It's not all it's cracked up to be," Kouichi mutters. "...Is this what it's like? Is this how it feels to be you?" He rubs his calloused palms together, as if to ward off a sudden chill.

>>32325242

> "A long time ago I realized that I had a choice between laughing and screaming. I knew whatever I chose I'd never be able to take back."

He gives you a Look; Searching, pensive.

And then, Kouichi says:

"Do you ever wonder who you really are?"

"You're so...*calm*, all the time, it's frightening. Don't you ever feel like you should, should..." He casts around for the words, making a vague gesture. "-Act like the *real* you? What I mean is-"

"...How do you know that you really *are* Anon?" There's a startled flash in his eyes; "The armour...Did it do something to you? Make you - The way you are now?"

(Continued)

>>32325453
>(By all means. I was just waiting for a consensus.)
I vote for Multicore Converter and Guardian AI.

>>32325453
Then I'll third >>32323212.

>>32325453

> "Kouichi... what does it feel like, being unconditionally and unquestioningly in love?"

His question hangs in the air; A moment later, so does yours.

A tense silence lingers.

Then - Slowly, lost in thought.

"The...blonde girl. Mio-chan." Kouichi's hands rest on his lap - Scrubbing, lightly, as if to erase invisible stains. "-She's very beautiful."

"Anon..." And there's something intent in his expression, now, a tension in his voice.

"Do you love her?"

"Or-" Kouichi's voice lowers. A twitch of his head, skywards - As if to avoid invoking a name. "-*her*?"

[ ] "-It's not so simple."
[ ] "Does it have to be one or the other?"
[ ] "I'm not sure. Not yet."
[ ] "That's...rather sudden."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32325520
>[ ] "Does it have to be one or the other?"
"I love them both. But in different ways."

>>32323212
>>32323260
>>32325507
>>32325487

HOLLOW SUN: 7.2%

> [X] MULTICORE CONVERTER
> [X] MIMETIC ALLOYS

>>32325520
Is he referring to Hecate or Cybele?

>>32325561
Yes.

>>32325561
Does he even know about Hecate?

>>32325561

(He doesn't actually know either girl. But he's referring to your Hyades, yes.)

>>32325520
>[X] "That's...rather sudden."
"Nothing born of the Red World has any power over me. At the same time, I don't know if I CAN love Mio. That's why I asked.

"But when I'm with Mio I don't remember the screams."

>>32325561
Cybele.

>>32325520
"I think I had a true love. But she died.
But I love those other two girls, too.
What I do know is that I don't want any of them to suffer."

>>32325520
[x] "It's Mio."

>>32325520
>[ ] Free
"Go for it, Kouchi, She isn't my girlfriend."
(There is no sense in deny
ing Mio to Kouchi with all the waifus we have, bros before ho's, etc)

>>32325642
You can't pawn off a girl.
Especially not a yandere.
And I don't think he's interested. He already has a Hyades.

And I wouldn't be against giving up Mio otherwise. Just tell Kouchi about the other dude who wants her.

>>32325520
"I don't know. I definitely care about Mio, but I doubt that it's actually love. At least, it's not the romantic type, for sure."
"*She* is someone I want to help, but can't love. My contract with her wasn't the same as for others. It was... one-sided."

>>32325617
We didn't love Hecate. We liked her and saw her as a kindred spirit. But it wasn't love. Since then it's been obsession maybe.

>>32325642
Near, normally I can tolerate you, but that's a dick move of epic proportions.

>>32325453
>"The armour...Did it do something to you? Make you - The way you are now?"
"It was what came before the armor that did it... The Joker just got me through."

>>32325520
>[X] "-It's not so simple."
"And trust me, I wish it was."

"Even if you don't know how you're supposed to treat it, it feels wrong to step on a connection like that. No matter how it started, or how badly it could end."

"But I wouldn't have asked you what I did if it was the kind of feeling you're thinking of."

>>32325642

I don't think that he's saying that he likes Mio. I think he means that it's going to be either/or: Cybele, or Mio. You can't have both.

>>32325661
>We didn't love Hecate. We liked her and saw her as a kindred spirit. But it wasn't love. Since then it's been obsession maybe.
Pretty sure it was at least the closest RJ ever came to experiencing love, so it might as well be.

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In other news...

Joker's final form?

>>32325520
"Mio. ...I think."

What's he so on about anyway?

>>32325695
>What's he so on about anyway?
He once accused us being incapable of love. Now that we asked him how it feels to be in love, he's wondering if he was right back then.

>>32325655
>He already has a Hyades.
His Hyades will be dead very soon. And maybe him too. Not granting someone what could very well be his last wish is kinda uncool. Although we could ask him about his relationship with his Hyades.

>>32325686
In love, good enough isn't.

>>32325719
It's not his last wish. He's asking us because he's trying to gauge just how fucked up Anon is. He's obsessively in love with his Hyades now. Trying to pawn off Mio to him would be insulting.

>>32325719
Dude, you are currently treating a girl like commodity.
What the fuck?

>>32325719
Near, tell me you're just pretending to be this dense.

>>32325661
>Near, normally I can tolerate you, but that's a dick move of epic proportions.
Certainly not intended as such. I'll retract my argument if it's a problem

>>32325744
He actually didn't get it. >>32325753

>>32325537
>>32325616
>>32325617
>>32325633
>>32325642
>>32325659
>>32325666
>>32325686
>>32325695

He sighs. Stands.

"-You see, that's where we're different. I *know* what I want - You're not sure. Not yet." Kouichi smiles, a little - Looking more like his old self, now, as he brushes invisible specks of dust from his lap.

"It's not wrong, Anon. I don't think I'm right, either. It's just that..."

He thumps his fist against his chest, just over his heart.

"...It's a lot easier, this way. Clearer. Black or white - Win or lose. You have to think about who you're fighting for, or if you want to fight at all; Me, I just have to fight. That's all."

"What I'm saying is...That's why I'm going to beat you."

"Because I'm *sure*."

(Continued)

>>32325797

A soft, rather self-deprecating laugh ends his words. "Well...That's how it should work, anyway. After all-"

A quick glance.

"...You do have a lot of guns."

Kouichi's footsteps crunch against the grass - He pauses, briefly, to rest a hand on your shoulder. Somehow, there seems - In spite of everything else - to be a lightness to his step.

"I'd say good luck, but...I think I need it more."

[ ] "-You really have changed."
[ ] "Guns have worked well for me, so far."
[ ] Rejoin the group.
[ ] Look for Mio.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32325853
>[ ] Look for Mio.

>>32325853
>[ x] Free
"Good luck to you then, even if I think that you don't need it.
[x] Look for Mio

>>32325883

Look for Mio pls

>>32325853
>[ ] "-You really have changed."
"I guess this is where we promise to have a honourable duel?

I wish there was a way to get a happy end. Just promise me to actually reach the end round - I don't want to have to avenge another person. The last time I did, many people died."

>>32325853
>[X] "-You really have changed."

"Besides, you've got guns too, y'know. Where it counts."
Give your head a little tap.

If head-vulcans can't lighten up a situation, I dunno what can.

>>32325853
"You almost make it sound like using guns is underhanded"
"Not sure if I should be glad or not, but you're really changed."
>[x] Rejoin the group.

>>32325771
Don't be a dick.

>>32325797
He's... made a critical error hasn't he? Anon isn't sure what he wants in the Hyade battle, but he does want Kouichi to survive. I think we can force it.

>[X] "Guns have worked well for me, so far."
"You take that samurai thing pretty seriously. You watch many... Westerns?"
>[X] Look for Mio.

Was the plan to make him the samurai to Joker's cowboy?

>>32325853
If we take this a metaphor:
Kouchi has two blades and his head vulcans. This means he's got a true love and two mistresses.

We, on the other hand, have plenty of guns and other equipment and don't have any favourites.

>>32325853
That makes two people who've called out Anon over Mio. Guess we really should see to that now.

>>32325972
Two?
I thought it was about half a dozen.

>>32325957
> The samurai to Joker's Cowboy

Is Kou going to be conquerable?

>>32325957
Appreciated, but I deserved it for overlooking something crucial.

Anyway, why don't we try to keep Iron Ogre alive too if we fight him ? That worked the last time.

>>32326022
>Anyway, why don't we try to keep Iron Ogre alive too if we fight him ? That worked the last time.
He's the type to hang around us and be all like "I'll be the only one to kill you!" if we murder his Hyades without killing him.

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>>32325941
>>32325946

> [X] "-You really have changed."

"I guess so," Kouichi says - He sounds almost melancholy. "-I suppose I have."

> "Besides, you've got guns too, y'know. Where it counts."

"Ha. Regios never lets me hear the end of it." His tone is light, but the sudden, painful reminder brings a bitter twist to his lips. "-Just...Do what you can for him," Kouichi says. "And...I'll do what I can."

> "You take that samurai thing pretty seriously. You watch many... Westerns?"
>>32325947
>>32325941

Kouichi just smiles.

> "I guess this is where we promise to have a honourable duel?

"Well, you know what they say; Honour means pointing out where people aren't allowed to hit you."

It's a parting shot; He dips his head in a nod, as he steps back into the dormitory, the door swinging half-closed behind him.

>>32325883
>>32325893
>>32325921
>>32325957

> [X] Look for Mio.

Inside, once more. The place is larger than it really needs to be; Still, it's easy enough to find your way to the staircase in the main lobby, the wood worn to a tawny finish. It's just a matter of retracing your steps, following the path of the least resistance...

And before you turn the corner, you hear voices.

(Continued)

>>32325957
>He's... made a critical error hasn't he?
I think the big error he's making is thinking we're wired in a way that can see "deciding not to fight" as a viable option. If it were, I feel like we probably would've died before ever becoming the Red Joker.

That said, it doesn't mean the fighting we're going to decide to do is the killing sort. We didn't survive down there because we were an expert killer. We survived because we were stubborn. Picked a thing to do and fought forward until we were there.

We've had a hundred years of fighting tooth and nail for ourselves. It's no wonder we're having a hard time figuring out how to fight for other people again.

But hey, I don't think that's a thing we're going to give up on either.

>>32326009
I have an idea on how to perfectly disable him. I have to think about the exact timing to make it stick, but it should give us enough time to close and apply the Nihl Sphere to the Hyades crest.

Slightly more worried about the Hyade combo that isn't here.

>>32326022
Ogre's pretty cool. Doubt we'll be able to make him surrender a second time, but who knows if we'll be the ones fighting him.

>>32326122
>"Ha. Regios never lets me hear the end of it." His tone is light, but the sudden, painful reminder brings a bitter twist to his lips. "-Just...Do what you can for him," Kouichi says. "And...I'll do what I can."
Will we use the scanner on him?
That might help us help him survive.

The Joker is immune to Red World stuff. Maybe we can fight fate.

>>32326192

Actually I meant "Is Kou fuckable?"

>>32326214
Heh, I figured, but I'd hoped answering seriously would make the mental images go away.

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>32326122

"-know, you didn't really give off a good impression."

The voice is brisk, but not unkind - Slightly lowered, so as not to carry; The conversation not quite hushed, but quiet.

"Amane-chan...?"

There's a note of confusion to Mio's words; Hesitant, almost meek.

"Don't make that face; I'm just worried about you."

"Worried?"

A soft sigh. "...We know you've been cutting class - That you don't really like it here. But - Could you at least *try* to make an effort?" With an audible effort, Amane bites back the annoyance in her voice. "The way you were behaving...Everyone could see it. It's-"

A pause.

"-Indecent." The way Amane, it's the most offensive word she knows.

"Indecent?" Mio's voice catches - Her gasp quickly muffled, "-I...I don't understand what you-"

"You...Do you *want* to get into trouble?" A swish of black hair. "-You know it's not allowed. Whatever you've been doing...Don't bring your problems here."

"What do you care?"

Another sigh, softer this time; "Well, to be honest, I don't. I couldn't care less about you. It's Shizuka-sama I feel sorry for. I don't know why, but it seems like she's taken pity on you..."

Silence.

"-Ah. Was that too blunt? Just because you're around, all the bad rumo-"

(Continued)

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>>32326334

"You-" There's something taut, something tightly restrained in Mio's voice - The volume rising, before she catches herself; The harsh clack of a single step forward echoing in the near-empty lobby.

Then, very softly, hurt - "...Why all you are like this?" Mio says, not quite a whisper. "I..." There's a catch to her voice that might be perilously close to a sob - But then you hear the rapid clatter of her footfalls, as she retreats, the sound diminishing.

A faint, annoyed click of a tongue.

"-What an attitude."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32326443
>"You-" There's something taut, something tightly restrained in Mio's voice - The volume rising, before she catches herself; The harsh clack of a single step forward echoing in the near-empty lobby.
I think she unleashed the dragon.
Enter the Red?

>>32326443
"Indeed. I'm distinctly unimpressed with*you*, Amane-san."

Go after Mio.

>>32326443
Dammit. Follow Mio.

>>32326455
She didn't, otherwise there would be pieces.

>>32326334

Wow. Just wow.

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>>32326463

> "Indeed. I'm distinctly unimpressed with *you*, Amane-san."

She starts. Turns. In profile, her features are sharply elegant, her glasses accentuating her eyes - Surprise flickers across her face, as she bites her lip; Oddly, she doesn't seem especially upset by your words. Instead-

"...Another one, huh."

It's a sigh. A little regretful, a little pained, with a kind of resignation. Her gaze flits up and over you, and the twist to her lips isn't scorn, but pity. Not mocking, but strangely sympathetic.

Her brow furrows, as if wondering how much to tell you - It's an internal struggle, but something pushes her to speak - a complex expression on her face, as if it's something she really shouldn't be saying.

"Listen-"

"-Don't get too close to that girl."

She glances to the side, abruptly. "...If you do - You'll despise her, too."

(Continued)

>>32326479
>>32326463

Mio hasn't gone far. The building's layout confuses you - As does the cheery clatter in the distance - but you catch a glimpse of blonde hair, hear the sound of her ragged breathing, and...

She's ensconed herself beneath one of the staircases - Her knees drawn to her chest, her eyes red as she swipes the back of her hand against them. When she hears you approach-

"Ah-"

Her eyes widen, as she stiffens in surprise - Then, her voice hushed, a little choked - her gaze darting over her immediate surroundings. "Anon-kun...You're not-" Mio hastens to stand, brushing dust from her skirt - "...We shouldn't - b-be seen *together*..."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32326678

I promised we'd be together during the festival, and I'm here to keep that promise.

>>32326678
"Rather, those girls shouldn't enter my view as long as I'm with you.
I can't believe how you can put up with those people."

>>32326678

> [X] Free

Kiss her.

>>32326704
No
>>32326678
No one's around right now, so we can talk for a bit.

>>32326678
"Nobody's looking, and I wouldn't mind if they were.

Besides, Shino-san said I could come see you if I needed any help with anything, after all, and after that, I can't imagine not needing help wrapping my head around this place.

...is it worse because of the Festival, or are they really always like this?"

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>>32326700

> "Rather, those girls shouldn't enter my view as long as I'm with you.
> I can't believe how you can put up with those people."

"You...saw?"

It's hushed, as she looks away - Then down at the ground, unable to meet your eyes. "...I don't know why they're like this. It's like-" Dangerously close to tears, now. "...They can't *help* but hate me. And...I don't know *why*-"

>>32326715
>>32326788

> "...is it worse because of the Festival, or are they really always like this?"

"-It's the festival." Mio clasps her hands behind her back - "Everyone's really stressed, and...and-" There's a catch to her voice, as she looks down at her feet again. "...They're - A little upset. No-one...No-one wants me around. Even after Shizuka-san put me on the Commitee..."

"I thought - I was thinking, once I could talk to them...Things would be better. But - Here, they just..."

> "Nobody's looking, and I wouldn't mind if they were."

"Don't say that. If...If you got in trouble, because of me-"

>>32326691

> I promised we'd be together during the festival, and I'm here to keep that promise.

Mio's eyes go soft - Softer, luminous with tears. She looks like she really *is* about to cry, now, a complex melange of emotions playing across her face; Embarrassment, memory, realization, and...

-And something softer, still. Something that brings a fragile, tentative smile to her face.

"-That's right...You promised," she echoes, as if to herself. A flush steals into her cheeks; "And...You really meant it..."

(Continued)

And now I have got to go...
Somehow, I feel like I will miss a huge shitstorm.

>>32326903

And then you feel it.

The loathing, unwarranted and instinctive - Bubbling up from within. It's an urge, a spasm - To shout at her, to drive her away, to get Mio out of your sight. Something repellent, something awful - As palpable as a force.

"Anon-kun?"

From above, you hear footsteps, chatter. The group's completed the grand tour, it seems - The sounds still in the distance, several floors up.

"...What's wrong?"

[ ] "-Get away from me."
[ ] "Stay there. Just...Stay there for a moment."
[ ] "Don't come any closer."
[ ] "It's none of your business."
[ ] "What's wrong with *you*?"
[ ] Free

YOU H4V3 C0NTR0L

Kiss herrr.

Alternatively Red World.

>>32326989
>YOU H4V3 C0NTR0L
Well that's unnerving.
Enter the Red World.

>>32326989
>[ ] "Stay there. Just...Stay there for a moment."

>>32326989
>[x] "Stay there. Just...Stay there for a moment."
Oh boy.

>>32326989

Why are all of the options suddenly negative?

>>32327067
I guess she give off some magic hate aura

>>32327067
Because RJ is being directly mindfucked. He can't ignore it perfectly.

>>32326989
I don't think we want to go to the red world right now.

>>32326989
>YOU H4V3 C0NTR0L
Hmmmmm... Should go Red to try and see if we can pinpoint what is going on here.

>[X] "Something's weird."
>[X] "Stay there. Just... promise me you'll stay there for a moment."

We don't want to go on autopilot in front of Mio, though, if only because we don't know what our unconscious body will do when we're not stamping down the impulses. Get some distance first.

The aura isn't an on/off thing that only just got turned on around us; we're pretty sure it's what spooked the cat those threads back, at least, and we were right next to each other at the time.

Which means it's actually targeted, and something's changed that is making it want to go after us now.

I'm a little worried having access to the on/off switch is the reason Naoya feels so confident in his chances.

>>32327026
>>32327066

> [x] "Stay there. Just...Stay there for a moment."

It comes out harsher than you intended - Something in the air. Something in your voice. Mio draws up short, as if you've slapped her; "Wha..." she begins, sounding genuinely frightened now - "Why, suddenly-"

>>32327159

You take a step back.

And another, and another.

Each one is easier than the next.

>>32327023
>>32327006

> Enter the Red World.

And then the world blurs, and every shade of reality is cast anew in red.

STAGE: ARCADIA

The Red World, once more. In crimson clad - Your autoreactive talons gouging against the white marble of the floor. Here, the place isn't *too* different; A series of corridors, the windows tightly shuttered - A place never troubled by human habitation, veins of red fraying across the walls in an intricate lattice.

Somewhere, there's music.

Somewhere, there are screams.

Above you, a brass staircase - An intricate, interlocking spiderweb of filaments that defies the laws of all physics - twists up into the impossible distance above you. A shape, descending...

-No. There's something else, here. A kind of anti-presence; Nothing you can identify, not immediately. But a...Discomfort, like a grain of sand in your gauntlet; A sense that lingers, uneasily, like a bad scent.

"Joker-kun~?"

Long-limbed and graceful, Chiffon Doll descends the staircase - Each foot placed perfectly, her step never faltering, descending the slender steps like walking on solid ground. Her head cants to the side - Slim fingers rising, to brush against the side of her facemask; A human gesture, brushing back stray strands of hair that don't exist.

Around her, wispy forms - The shadowy echoes of real people - gather and murmur, blurring into one another. If you listen carefully, you can almost understand their whispers.

(Continued)

>>32327219
Oh goddammit.

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>>32327219

They diminish, with each step; Growing thinner, drawn, wavering, dissolving into mist and reforming...More slowly, each time. The glowing mark on Chiffon's form - Like yours, yet somehow similar - dims, gradually...Like the weak pulse of a failing heart. She doesn't seem to notice, her articulated limbs moving in time to her words-

"...Ah, is it time for your fight already?" You can hear the eagerness in her voice, even filtered through her speakers. "-Is that why you brought us here?"

"Really...I was surprised!" She turns her head - Looking one way, then the other. Her glowing mark has faded to dim embers, now - The pulse slow, sluggish. "...I don't see anything~" Chiffon murmurs, a little dubious, now...

"-Did something happen?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32327286
"No, not exactly. I just felt that there was something wrong around here and decided to investigate."

>>32327286
"Something is wrong. Can't you feel it? Like an ache in a muscle that doesn't exist."

>>32327286
"I was having a perfectly pleasant conversation until something in the area suddenly decided to make itself a less-than-graceful host. I was intending to find out why.

But you wouldn't have done something so rude, certainly, so my apologies for dragging you along.

Might I have a moment to myself to try and shake off the cobwebs? It wouldn't do to spoil the show early, after all."

Argus just as a pretense; I can't imagine it's actually going to find what we're looking for, but it's better than standing around doing nothing.

What we would ACTUALLY like is for her to leave us be so we can poke around searching for the disturbance with the light of the Nihl Sphere.

>>32327369
>>32327386
>>32327433

"Wrong~? Wrong how?"

Chiffon makes a show of peering around the open area; She moves with the same quick, energetic motions that characterized her real form - Her hands coming to rest on her hips. "-I don't really get it, but..." she begins - "...If I can help-"

<LIMITER ENGAGED> flickers across your field of vision, as you key through your arsenal - Your weapons are locked, but perhaps the Argus System-

> "Might I have a moment to myself to try and shake off the cobwebs? It wouldn't do to spoil the show early, after all."

"Haaaaaa~" she sighs - Or rather, makes the sound of a sigh. "...Fine. Since you're here, I'll bring Velvet over, anyway...Maybe she knows what's going on."

Chiffon folds her arms over her chest - Pacing away, out of sight.

The Argus System works. The sensor sweep is less than promising; The green wave of the echolocation suite flickers across your HUD, rolling through the corridors - Lighting up targets as it goes. Faint returns; Chiffon's retreating form, then a weak pulse that might be Velvet Drossel...

-Wait. Chiffon's Essence signature - Her energy reading - flares up, the moment she leaves the area. But perhaps 'flaring up' is not the right word; It's like a fire, coughing and sputtering in a bell-jar, suddenly give space - And air - to burn freely.

(Continued)

>>32327518
>-Wait. Chiffon's Essence signature - Her energy reading - flares up, the moment she leaves the area. But perhaps 'flaring up' is not the right word; It's like a fire, coughing and sputtering in a bell-jar, suddenly given space - And air - to burn freely.
Ok, so it's not just an inexplicable anathema; it looks like whatever this is makes people uncomfortable because it's choking out their Essence signatures or something?

And given what Essence actually means in the Real, I suppose that helps explain why it even makes things like animals that can't be players skittish.

Ok, I'm bailing. Hopefully things don't go too horribly wrong in the next update or two.

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As she departs, it matches Drossel's signal strength; Recovering from the odd zone of diminishment. You raise your right arm - Swathed in the nanomaterial of your Assault Shroud - the Nihl Sphere's violet unlight illuminating the immediate area...

-All except one place. It's a zone, a wide zone that plays about it's own axis; Like an invisible barrier, an anti-presence. The Nihl Sphere's light falls *into* it, but not out - It drinks in the light, and never lets it go.

And then-

Your vision blurs. Motes of emerald light twist upwards from Cybele's Emblem - The glow diminished here, too, as the Hand of Midas irises shut over the Nihl Sphere. There is a groan like a dying whale, as the structure shifts in reactive sympathy...

-A transition is coming, and your form dissolves into the light.

-------------------------------

STAGE: TíR NA NÓG

Grey sky, streaked by white cloud. The hiss and spit of tracers - The great grey monoliths of buildings, scarred by shot and storm; The flat black stone of a cracked road beneath you - The *snap* of distant gunfire, the rumble of engines...

You stand on an open street - The burning wrecks of cars forming impromptu barricades behind you, the high, wailing scream of bombers of attack runs splitting the air; Loud enough to make you glance up, though you see nothing but a great shadow, sweeping across the road.

Gritty smoke, black tyre smoke, coils skywards - Choking and black, the rattle of small-arms fire coming from somewhere close by-

All of it achingly vivid. All of it realer-than-realer, with the stark focus of total war.

(Continued)

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>>32327670

"JOKER!"

The sound echoes across boosted speakers, from a battered overcrossing linking two scarred buildings. Bulletholes pockmark the concrete sides; A drab grey-brown form perched atop the corrugated metal of the roof, shattered glass littering the floor below.

A name, as his multi-eyed visor glows with pink light, shading to red - He leaps down to the cracked road below, landing with an audible *thump* that sends a circle of dust sheeting up around him. His form is blocky, military - His only visible weapon a blunt pistol mag-clamped to his side.

And a name: LEGION ARMIGER

He's walking forward, one empty hand exaggeratedly extended - With about forty meters of road to cover, before he reaches you, the gesture seems prematurely.

"LET'S HAVE A GOOD, CLEAN FIGHT, YES?"

Armiger hollers each word, to be heard over the distant gunfire.

"LET'S SHAKE ON IT!"

"THEN WE CAN HAVE IT OUT WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE!"

HP: 234.0%
COBALT BOOSTER: 128%
ASSAULT SHROUD: 150%
METER: 11%

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>32327832
Hmm

Could be a trick, but what's the worst that could happen. Approach and shake his hand. I think he's a ranged fighter anyway.

>>32327832
He wants to shake, huh?

Detach a rifle bit and have it fly over. He can shake that. Also might as well spool up the Argus again, this stage worries me.

"Considering what we've all done to get to this point, I think that's a little hopeful!"

>>32327832
>HP: 234.0%
>COBALT BOOSTER: 128%
Huh, did the anti-presence zone drain part of our power or something?

Anyway, extend the hand, prepare to dodge.

>>32327913
>>32327940
Guys. Guys. He's forty meters away. He wants us to walk into his gunsights. His name is LEGION, for god's sake.

>>32327969
Hence prepare to dodge.
Admittedly, this is likely a trap that and I expect Hyades bullshit, so I support the Rifle Bit handshake.

>>32327286
>>32327832

Just give the guy a thumbs up. No need to get close to him.

One last thing, I guess.

>>32327670
>-All except one place. It's a zone, a wide zone that plays about it's own axis; Like an invisible barrier, an anti-presence. The Nihl Sphere's light falls *into* it, but not out - It drinks in the light, and never lets it go.

>It's a Player. Pitch-black, regal, without the faintest hint of illumination - An absolute blackness that seems to suck in all light around it.
[...]
>Your HUD locks on, humming fitfully. Odd, alien glyphs flicker at the edges of your vision, as it struggles to find a lock-

So the "pocket-zone absorbing all light" and "corrupted data" bits are pretty good indicators that this aura is Black Queen-Hellebore's way of driving people off.

Whether it's a protective mechanism or a way of suppressing the original, White-Armored Hellebore that was Old Joker's Hyades, who knows.

>>32327832
No handshakes, for the love of god. Address him, then get down to business. There's nothing chivalrous about two people trying to kill each other.

If this is his chosen arena, it's going to suit his strengths like the last Player's did.

>All of it realer-than-realer, with the stark focus of total war.
This is not a place a hand-shaker feels at home.

>>32328008
Okay, good, thank you. I just don't want us moving forward and possibly into range of his sighted artillery or something.

Cybele is still KO'd from out fight with Midas, so I think this stage is INCREDIBLY weighted against us. It is as much a weapon in Legion's hands as that pistol of his.

>>32327832
>"LET'S SHAKE ON IT!"
Extend a hand while subtly turning a bit to the side (so that the other hand is hidden), without actually moving and shake the air.
"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance"
Open up the Vulcan on the hidden hand and get ready.

>>32328036
This

Chat with him, and remain polite, but don't approach. Having a rifle bit shake his hand seems reasonable.

>>32327932

The Argus system hums discreetly - Your arm low and at your side, as the sensor wave sweeps down the street. Not *all* of it is real, you realize abruptly; The flames shed no heat. The walls are a facade, paper-thin in places; Nonexistent in others, like a movie set - This vast recreation of a city, as far as the eye can see, is an odd mix of phantasms and reality...

And there are places - Random spots, like the battle-scarred concrete bridge above - that consist of some superdense matter, impenetratable to your scans.

>>32328051

"YOU WON'T SHAKE A MAN'S HAND, OR LOOK 'IM IN THE EYE?"

"THAT'S DOWNRIGHT UNNEIGHBOURLY, JOKER!"

Thirty-five meters left, narrowing by the stride.

>>32327932
>>32328008

Your wing binders deploy - A single Rifle Bit igniting gravimetric thrusters, knifing through the air -

"THAT AIN'T DOING YOU NO FAVOU - Aw, fuck it."

Armiger stops, abruptly. His hand drops to his side, as he goes for his handgun.

And on the bridge above - All at once, moving in eerie lockstep, like a magician's trick - a row of figures surge forth from cover; Their multi-eyed visors whirring as they lock on, the bulky shapes of identical rocket launchers slung over their shoulders.

The bridge vanishes in a cloud of expanding smoke - Rockets twisting through the fog on their first and final journey. But you're ready for this; Your legs curl beneath you, as the Sinistral's seething field expands - The ghost steel fizzing as tendrils of vapour curl away from the edges-

Then the rockets hit home, and the ground explodes in a volcano of fire and exploded earth. Everything goes outwards - Sharpnel clattering off your armour like hailstones off a tin roof - the combined blast swatting you from your feet, the Tempest Scrander shedding actinic blue sparks as the thrust arrests your momentum, your heels skidding against the tarmac as you brake to a stop.

(Continued)

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>>32328300

And *then* the first grenades rain down from above, as Armigers rappel down the sides of the false buildings - Armoured fingers digging into the surface for purchase, firing their weapons in stuttering bursts, rounds whining and ricocheting off the tarmac at your feet as they come in on a barely-controlled fall - as the first row on the bridge drops to one knee to reload, another half-dozen Armigers rising to level their RPGs squarely at you-

And behind you, the barricade of burning cars - Which is neither a barricade nor on fire - explodes outwards, as the first tank rolls through.

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 94

TO BE CONTINUED

>>32328343
Well fuck

>>32328343
Tired eh OP? Have a good night.

>>32328343

We're being assaulted by multiple assailants.

THIS IS FANTASTIC.

We can easily build up meter and our lock on capabilities are great for dealing with a bunch of weaker but more numerous foes.

>>32328343

(Gentlemen; My apologies for the abrupt ending, but it is extremely late on my end - And I'm completely exhausted. I would love to continue, but I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to retain the same level of quality; Thus, this looks like a natural breakpoint.

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

>>32328378
Thanks for running, OP

>>32328375
Is it time for Maximum Joker again?

>>32328300
>>32328343
Hey.

Hey. Hey.

A lot of the city is fake, right? So to evade we can just... go THROUGH the fake spots. If we're lucky, he doesn't have anything like our Argus and is limited to line-of-sight contact so we can wage a one-man guerrilla war on this one-man legion.

>>32328378

Thank you for running Joker OP, see you soon.

I would like to raise the point that our virtue units are our command and control units of the entire force.

Seeing that they are the conduits to relay orders to and from RJ/Joker Cave, we should be aiming for at least a 10:1 ratio of the virtues to all our total other hellions to ensure we have sufficient redundancy when they get targetted.

>>32328398

Nah, too soon.

Argus lock the enemies and salvo fire our missiles.

Since they're using rocket launchers, our bits will be very useful here, being optimised for shooting down incoming projectiles.

The tank we can hit with the tau gun and see if that works.

You know, the Red Joker is going to seem much more astonishing in these Hyades fights. Not just because of the rumors and our accomplishments, which is a fuckton, but the fact that no one is able to detect even a hint of our Hyades' interference.

Earlier on, Chiffon mentioned Bishamon's Hyades losing out to Aqua Merrow's, thus the battlefield took place in an Oceanic field. Every fight we get in there won't be a bit of Cybele's influence over anything, just RJ going into a fight seemingly rigged against him. God help the poor bastard that forces us to go MAXIMUM JOKER, and even more if they push him to GOLDEN JOKER mode.

Also, do the Hellion weapons take effect here? Is it possible to plant an Anchor (I know it's a terrible idea, just curious) or summon the Red Comet?

>>32329163

We still can use Cybele's healing ability, though. She didn't leave us with nothing. But yeah, the odds are really stacked against us in this one.

>>32329212
Just means that we have to do some tactical thinking this time.

>>32328548
The bits aren't very good at point defense though. And this guys's got a legion of troops. There's not enough bits to stop them.

>>32329163
No such thing as Gold Joker mode. It just means using Consume/Crisis arm and letting people know that something freaky is up with Joker. Again.

I'd actually be down with planting a VA. Would really mess up future fights here. What a shame.

>>32329720

Planting a VA would be a bad idea. Remember, if we win, this realm is going to become Cybele's. The demenses merge into one, so that would fuck her up.

>>32329799
Don't think the battleground is one of the demenses.

>>32329320

I'm wondering which one is his real body. Does he even have a real body?