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[4:00 pm, 18-May-2129 (WEDNESDAY)]

It’s another fine afternoon. The final bell of the day rings, eliciting sighs of relief from the members of class 5-3. You are among the graciously released. Double History had been a serious pain in the proverbial behind. The content itself was fine, but did the lecturer really have to deliver his speeches in one of the dullest voices known to humanity? The experience had been akin to pressing your ear to a washing machine for several hours.

Well, at least you can relax for a bit. Then you’ll go home and work on your homework because Japanese education is a long, nigh-unbearable bus ride that never seems to end.

You pack away your books and sling your bag over your shoulder. Akikazu has bolted already. Typical of him. There’ll be plenty of time to catch up with him later, though. You still have a duty to do. You would have forgotten about it, if it weren’t for Kanade marching up and reminding you during the transition between English and History.

“Um, hey Aria.” You greet the silver-haired transfer student. There is a noticeable gap, burgeoning on the edge of discomfort, as she puts down her tablet and tilts her head backward to look you in the eye.

“Takashi?” She states, as if she is a teacher reading a name off the class roll.

“Yeah, it’s me. Hi.”

The composed look on her face doesn’t change, but you get the impression that from her point of view you’ve just said something stupid. Maybe it’s paranoia. “Why say hello?”

“Huh?” You blink. What an odd question to put forward. You ignore this sensation and reply like a normal person would. “Oh, no reason. Just saying goodbye, because it’s the end of school and stuff. I mean, I was supposed to show you around today. This is last part of it.”

“Okay, then.” She says.

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“So, uh, what are you going to do now? I’m going to martial arts club with Takauji.”

“Staying at the school dorms. Going back there.” Aria replies.

“Oh, I think Kanade lives there. They’re across the road from the academy, aren’t they?”

Nothing is said. Aria continues to stare at you with those soul-searching, cerulean eyes of hers. Her doll-like features are arranged into a picture of impassiveness. If this were a cartoon, a comically-large bead of sweat would have appeared in the region around your forehead. Once again, this is becoming uncomfortable, mostly because it reminds you of how you used to act in middle school. Even then, you weren’t this bad at conversing with classmates, were you?

Maybe she was homeschooled for most of her life and thus naturally shy. Yeah, that’s probably it. Shut-ins have a hard time talking to others. Kanami told you Akumachi-Kirijo is unlike any other academy in Japan. It’s a place where the strong and abnormal gather. Companionship lurks in the very air its students breathe. Friendships and rivalries are forged in the fires of competition. Give her a few weeks, and she’ll be smiling and chatting like all the other girls in your class.

“I guess that concludes me showing you around. I think you’ll be okay from here on. You can talk to Kanade is there’s anything bothering you. She’s basically in charge of our class.” You say.

Aria nods again. “Yes. Will do that, if necessary.”

You instinctively rub the back of your neck. “That’s all I’ve got to say, really. Looks like we’ll be seeing each other in class for the rest of the year, so let’s try and get along.”

Aria at first does not respond. You shrug your shoulders and are about to say goodbye, when you see her lips twist into a funny shape. She opens and closes her mouth thrice before finally blurting out the words she desires.

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“Really?” You can’t help but grin. “Thanks, Aria. I’m glad it wasn’t useless.”

“Welp, I have to go or else the coach is going to yell at me. See you tomorrow, Aria.” With that, you leave.

What happens next is an area of non-existence in your memory, for you are no longer inside the classroom. Aria watches your figure retreat through the classroom door and merge into the bustling crowd outside. She is alone again, in a room of unfamiliar faces and foreign sounds. Topics about study, snacks and club meetings tunnel in and out of her ear, merging into an incoherent mess of a language outside her mother’s tongue. Boys and girls, her classmates, shuffle around her and disappear into little cliques and circles.

A ring of silence, formed in her own mind, dampens out the clamor surrounding her. She glances towards the classroom door. Her tablet, a slim grey rectangle lies, still on her desk.

Slowly, she raises her palm and speaks to the person will soon be near her, yet at the same time also far away. He cannot hear her words, but she does so nonetheless.

“Bye-bye, Takashi. See you tomorrow, too.”

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<THE_FIRST> So everyone
<THE_FIRST> Today a new transfer student arrived in Class 5-3
<THE_FIRST> Aria von Wittelsbach the totally not German girl
<THE_FIRST> I got shoved with the job of showing her around
<THE_FIRST> And now Fumika thinks she is the next Player
<Azure Scholar> The ‘Observer’, as you told us when recounting the Folorn Abyss, mentioned that future Players are those connected to the current Players, yes? Furthermore, you are the only Player who has been granted the title of ‘Leader’. No doubt it is of significance. This is evidenced by your nature as the Wild Card and your Sector taking on a hub-like quality.
<Azure Scholar> As it contains the safehouse and the Hollow Express to travel to other Sectors.
<Azure Scholar> Perhaps this significance extends to those who enter the game? If so, then it does not seem farfetched to suspect this Wittlesbach girl.
<chocolat_orange> good points, Fumika-chan!
<chocolat_orange> takashi-kun, you shouldn’t detest showing a new girl around. i’d jump at the chance to do something like that.
<THE_FIRST> I didn’t say I hated it Celeste
<THE_FIRST> It was a statement of fact
<THE_FIRST> Not meant to be offensive in any way
<THE_FIRST> But getting back on topic
<THE_FIRST> I don’t see how me becoming acquainted with Aria makes her candidate for a new Player
<THE_FIRST> If we use that logic then literally anybody we know could be a Player
<THE_FIRST> Such as our families
<Akagi21> if my old man becomes a player i will toss myself off the school roof
<THE_FIRST> Or any of our classmates
<Azure Scholar> Do you subscribe to my theory that future Players have a higher chance of being those you are acquainted with? The evidence is as follows. Celeste lives in the same apartment as you. Akikazu is a member of class. I am in your Information Technology class.
<Azure Scholar> Through whatever contrived coincidence, you met all of us and thus we became marked to enter the Blackened Void.

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<Azure Scholar> For reference, I am aware that there is no solid proof that Wittlesbach will be the next to enter. It is all conjecture. However, I wouldn’t exactly discount it.
<THE_FIRST> Okay say I agree with you
<THE_FIRST> But what you are saying could also mean that literally I know could be the next Player
<THE_FIRST> Like nee-san or kaa-san
<THE_FIRST> Or Takauji, Kanami, Kanade, Yoshino, Kaz, Veleis-sensei or Kozue
<Akagi21> who the hell is kozue
<THE_FIRST> Oh just a little girl I met one night
<Akagi21> oh
<Akagi21> wait hold that shit
<Akagi21> what the fuck man
<chocolat_orange> takashi-kun…
<chocoat_orange> um, i don’t know what to say…
<chocolat_orange> -_-
<Azure Scholar> I hope you are aware of the myriad of ways that statement could be interpreted.
<THE_FIRST> All of you idiots
<THE_FIRST> Get your minds out of the goddamn gutter
<THE_FIRST> All of our meetings have been on accident
<THE_FIRST> I really don’t get what’s up with her
<THE_FIRST> I mean she doesn’t know how to use vending machines
<THE_FIRST> What kind of kid lacks that knowledge?
<THE_FIRST> Besides I haven’t seen her for a while
<Akagi21> should we call the police
<Akagi21> seems fitting
<Azure Scholar> Please don’t. I’ve seen photographs of holding cells and they are not pleasant. I’d rather not have our Leader arrested and our plans for the future thrown into disarray.
<THE_FIRST> Why are all my friends pretending to be retarded today
<THE_FIRST> Anyway I haven’t really interacted with Aria much
<THE_FIRST> All I did was show her around and talk with her a bit
<THE_FIRST> It’s not a lot to go on
<THE_FIRST> I don’t I’ll be interacting with her much over the rest of the semester
<THE_FIRST> She’s very quiet
<THE_FIRST> And kinda weird now that I think about it
<THE_FIRST> She kept staring at me with those big blue eyes
<THE_FIRST> Anyway let’s talk about something else
<chocolat_orange> like those new notifications we received!

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<chocolat_orange> the last one’s format looks kind of off to me. it should be on X of Y a Z will take place at location A.
<chocolat_orange> but it’s different this time around. and the date isn’t given to us, which is strange.
<Akagi21> so it could be anything from tomorrow to the thirty-first
<Akagi21> what a pain in the ass
<chocolat_orange> what do you guys think is going to happen? are we finally going to meet a new player?
<THE_FIRST> I get the feeling you’re excited because of the mission completion money
<THE_FIRST> In any case we’ll just have to sit out and wait
<THE_FIRST> Might as well do the other lower priority stuff in the meantime
<THE_FIRST> What do you guys want to do?
<chocolat_orange> hmmm…i want to check out the hazebound woodlands! something interesting is going on there. we might even find a new companion like that mission in the valley.
<Akagi21> tch i don’t care
<Akagi21> area 019 or pyre ruin valley or whatever
<Akagi21> im fine with beating up shadows
<Azure Scholar> I wouldn’t be averse to exploring the Forlorn Abyss. It is apparently unlike any other area in the Blackened Void. The promise of objective, truthful information about AETHER is alluring, I have to admit. I also wish to study Area 019. The technology there might be of some use.
<chocolat_orange> in the end, it’s up to you, takashi-kun :)
<chocolat_orange> you’re the leader and we’ll follow your word.
<THE_FIRST> I’ll think of something soon
<THE_FIRST> Guess that’s it everybody
<chocolat_orange> goodnight, takashi-kun! see you tomorrow!
<Akagi21> later

...

<THE_FIRST> Something you want Fumika?
<Azure Scholar> Yes. I wish to let you know that our discussion has yet to take place. The one about the nature of your powers.
<Azure Scholar> No rush. I have plenty of projects to occupy my time. Contact me at your leisure.
<Azure Scholar> However, I would appreciate it if you did so in the near future.
<Azure Scholar> That is all. Goodnight.

>>44902267
><THE_FIRST> She kept staring at me with those big blue eyes
Careful, Takashi. With the way the rest of the party is choosing to interpret your words tonight, they're going to think you have a crush on the foreigner. Which maybe you do, since you also are attracted to Celeste, so I wouldn't put it past you to have a thing for European-derived features.

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<chocolat_orange> takashi-kun i need your help!!!
<THE_FIRST> It’s eleven at night Celeste
<THE_FIRST> jesus fucking Christ
<THE_FIRST> Can’t this wait until tomorrow?
<chocolat_orange> no, takashi-kun. this is urgent. very urgent! Very very very very very very very very very very urgent!!!!!!!
<chocolat_orange> see how many veries and exclamation i used?
<THE_FIRST> You better be suffering from terminal cancer or something
<THE_FIRST> Fine what is it
<chocolat_orange> there’s a math problem i need help with. it’s got to do with logarithms. i just can’t get over their identities!
<THE_FIRST> That is not terminal cancer Celeste
<THE_FIRST> What the fuck
<THE_FIRST> I’m going to bed
<THE_FIRST> See you tomorrow
<chocolat_orange> nooooooo!!! D:
<chocolat_orange> please come back, takashi-kun! it’s the last problem in the worksheet and i need to solve it now!
<THE_FIRST> That isn’t due in two days!
<chocolat_orange> i hate leaving my studies unfinished! if i don’t do this now, i’ll have nightmares about it. then i won’t be able to study in class. then i’ll be forced to study while working in the lovely eight and lucianne will yell at me!
<THE_FIRST> All I see is hyperbole for miles
<THE_FIRST> Also how the hell is a maid café related to you having nightmares
<chocolat_orange> pleeeeeease? i’ll make it up to you, i promise!

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<THE_FIRST> Sigh
<THE_FIRST> Ah what the hell
<THE_FIRST> Maths is my strong suit
<THE_FIRST> It’s the last problem right
<THE_FIRST> Give me a minute
<chocolat_orange> yaaaaaay!
<chocolat_orange> :D
<chocolat_orange> you’re a life-saver, takashi-kun!

>>Takashi: Teach Celeste logarithms.

You do that.

<THE_FIRST> That’s how you solve the problem
<THE_FIRST> It’s easy if you use this formula
<THE_FIRST> Is that all?
<chocolat_orange> yes, no objections here. thank you so much, takashi-kun!
<chocolat_orange> i really owe you one.

>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”
>“Teach me English tomorrow.”
>“Just study harder next time.”
>“Could you please not do this again? My head is pounding right now.”
>“Don’t mention it.”
>Custom option.

>>44902363
>>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”

>>44902363
>“Teach me English tomorrow.”
>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”

>>44902363
Make it up to me by
>>“Teach me English tomorrow.”

Also
>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”

>>44902363
>“Teach me English tomorrow.”
>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”

>>44902126
>>44902149
>>44902175
>>44902208
>>44902267
>>44902296
>>44902336
>>44902363
>8 opening posts
Calm down!
>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”

>>44902363
>“Don’t mention it.”
>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”
They've fought killer robots together. Once you've reached that stage in a relationship I think that honorifics aren't necessary to show respect.

>>44902149
>She opens and closes her mouth thrice before finally blurting out the words she desires.

>>44902175
>“Really?” You can’t help but grin. “Thanks, Aria. I’m glad it wasn’t useless.”

Is there something missing here? What did Aria say?

>>44902438
Ah whoops. I left it out. It was supposed to be...

>“Thank you, Takashi. For the tour. It was helpful.” She says, slowly. Her eyes dart to the side, away from you. “I…appreciate it.”

>>44902267
Takashi is now known as a pedo

>>44902208
>Do you subscribe
Yes I subscribe to your blog.

Okay, so current priorities, absent of any particular order:
>Tell Fumika about the Velvet Room (possibly also rank-up Hermit in the process)
>Explore Hazebound Woods for quest trigger
>Explore Area 019 for quest trigger
>Enter the Abyss
>Raise MAGIC POTENTIAL to D-
>Raise our Social Links, ideally to equal levels on all (rank 4, that being the highest we have currently)
>Prepare for next Player entrance
Anything I'm missing?

>>44902580
>Explore Hazebound Woods for quest trigger
>Explore Area 019 for quest trigger
>Enter the Abyss
These have the highest priority in that order.

>>44902363
>“Teach me English tomorrow.”
>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”

>>44902626
>Explore Area 019
While Mr.fuck our shit that we can't run away from, is still there? I'd rather level first.

>>44902363
>“You know, you don’t have to refer to me with honorifics.”
>“Teach me English tomorrow.”

>>44902672
All we need to do is beg for mercy

>>44902419
I'll think about it.

Writing now...

>>44902692
Nah. Let's level and kill it.

>>44902100
>INTELLIGENCE: 93 points (Rank 3: Decent)
>UNDERSTANDING: 48 points (Rank 2: Average)
>CHARISMA: 62 points (Rank 2: Ordinary)
>WILLPOWER: 74 points (Rank 2: Reliable)
Did you forget to update it?

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>>44902692
You don't know that.

>>44902721
Eight posts is fine.

>>44902100
current status: hype

>Thorn didn't update our gains from eating the curry

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>>44902805

>>44902721
>I'll think about it.
Please don't. I like your opening crawl.

>>44902940
I do too

>>44902742
>>44902897
Just remind him I'm sure it's an honest mistake

>>44902897
By my count we should be at
>Intelligence 96 (Rank 3: Decent)
>Understanding 49 (Rank 2: Average)
>Willpower 78 (Rank 3: Reliable)
>Charisma 66 (Rank 3: Assertive)
So we've got everything but Understanding at Rank 3. I guess we should be grinding Drama Club and How To Think Big until we get the 11 points needed for Kindly.

>>44903024
Fuck yeah! I love the drama club.

>>44903079
Time for more Harem Bro drama!

>>44903079
Yeah, Kaz is fun.

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>>44903099

>>44903024
>>44903079
So hit 3 everything, then split time between stat grind and game grind?

>>44903116
And Social Link grind. Though that can be incorporated into stat grind in the case of Lovers, Strength and Justice.

>>44903024
I actually kinda like Takashi not being balanced in ranks. Has a bit of personality to it.

>>44903116
No we balance them out, then go hard in the books again.
Intelligence is the most important stat.

>>44903152
Highest INT shows that he is a typical Hermit. By the way it's time to guess what Aria's arcana is!

>>44903143
And Hermit through programming class.

>>44903169
God, I'm dreading the next exams. We got some incredibly good rolls last time, we're not likely to be able to keep up that level of performance. Mom will be so disappointed in us, now that we've raised her hopes.

>>44903172
Empress, maybe? After all, the player hinted at through the logs was "Empress"somethingsomething

>>44903169
Nah, Charisma and Understanding are.

>>44903211
The squatters implied that our mom was our Empress SL, and we just haven't interacted with her enough to activate the link yet. Then again, they could be bullshitting.

>>44903211
Pretty sure our mother is Empress

>>44902175
>See you tomorrow, too.”
Aether flag

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<THE_FIRST> You know
<THE_FIRST> You don’t have to refer to me with honorifics
<chocolat_orange> :?
<chocolat_orange> why not, takashi-kun?
<THE_FIRST> Well
<THE_FIRST> I dunno
<THE_FIRST> Maybe we’ve past the stage
<THE_FIRST> I mean I don’t call you Celeste-chan or anything like that
<chocolat_orange> i wouldn’t mind if you called me that :P
<chocolat_orange> but isn’t ‘-kun’ a honorific you use for males you’ve know for a long time? we’ve only known each other for around two months, but you’ve saved my life. so i think it’s appropriate.
<THE_FIRST> I guess so
<chocolat_orange> but it’s mostly my personal preference :D
<chocolat_orange> if you really find it annoying i’ll stop using it. but i think i will miss it!
<THE_FIRST> I’ll think about it
<THE_FIRST> Now since I taught you maths tonight
<THE_FIRST> You have to teach me English at lunch tomorrow
<THE_FIRST> There’s an essay I need help with
<chocolat_orange> okay! consider it done!
<THE_FIRST> Goodnight Celeste
<chocolat_orange> see you, takashi-kun!

[8:10 am, 19-May-2129 (THURSDAY)]

You are walking to school, alone. At the front gate, you see a familiar girl with short brown hair and a class badge on her uniform.

“Good morning, Takashi.” Kanade greets, smiling.

“Morning, Kanade.” You look around the entrance. “Hey, where’s Takauji? He’s not with you?”

“That lazybones?” Kanade rolls his eyes. “He never comes in early unless he’s pushed. Usually by Ishimura, but what can you do?”

The two of you decide walk to class together and strike up small conversation. Halfway up the path towards the main building, Kanade asks you a question. “Takashi, you’re in FALCO house, right?”

“Yeah. What about it?”

“I heard Yoshino Sagisawa, the house Captain, is looking for House Assistants.”

“Really?”

“She posted an announcement on the academy forums last night.”

You stare at her, incredulously. “We have an academy forum?”

>>44903250
Oh, they did? I'm afraid I missed that. On the bright side, she's kind of a badass.

>>44903211
Nah , empress is probably hat under bread

>>44903268
Look, Kanade, whatever you're thinking stop right now. We have omnipotent narration telling us that we don't have the stats to interact with Yoshino in any meaningful way yet. We'd like to help her, but we can't.

>>44903268
If I remember correctly we need a rank up to become House Assistant. Let me check the archives

>>44903270
...looking at it, it was "HeartOnBlade" anyway. I'm just dead wrong.

>>44903316
Here it is.
>If you truly wanted to make friends with Yoshino, the most efficient way to do so would be do become a House Assistant. To do so, you’d need Assertive CHARSIMA, Reliable WILLPOWER and Kindly UNDERSTANDING…

>>44903340
Okay, yeah. So we need another 11 points of Understanding before we can be House Assistant. Then again, we could have that pretty quickly if we wanted to.

>>44903340
So grind understanding up to 3 and we're set.

>>44903268
I hope Bill Cosby is the next player.

I know but that nickname showed up before we knew about all the rapes.

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“What, don’t you know? The link is on the front page. Anyway, not many people have responded. It’s a little disappointing, but Yoshino is apparently the least popular out of all the six House Captains.”

You wince. That does makes a degree of sense, given what little you know of your senpai. “That sucks.”

“House Assistants need a lot of commitment, too. They basically help the House Captains with everyday tasks. You might be called out after school at random, though most of their work is done at lunchtimes. It’s not for someone who has a lot of stuff going on. Unfortunately, that’s most students in the academy. They’re also overlooked in favour of a lot of other things like dueling or club activities. It’s unfortunate, because they are important jobs.” Kanade shrugs. “Plus, you need certain requirements to even sign up.”

“What sort of requirements?” You ask, out of curiosity.

Kanade thinks. “Hmm…you have to be understanding of your fellow house members, possibly to the point where you are Kindly. You need to be Assertive to deal with large amounts of people, you need Decent grades and smarts and you have to be Reliable in doing your work and delivering results. That’s just the start. They’ll probably toss you into an interview before fully accepting you.”

“You seem to know quite a lot about this…”

Kanade puffs up her chest with pride. “Well, I am the class president, after all. I’d imagine being a House Assistant would be something similar. And I do read the academy news every day. So? Are you interested in becoming a House Assistant?”

“Eh…let me put a raincheck on that response.”

The rest of the day proceeds as usual. In homeroom, you glance over at Aria’s seat. She seems to be studying like a normal student…

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[4:00 pm, 19-May-2129 (THURSDAY)]

Class is over. What will you do now?

>Study in the school library (Increases INTELLIGENCE)
>Go to the gym (Increases WILLPOWER, trains self)
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)
>Search for Kozue Yusa (Death S-Link)
>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.
>Wander around the school (Random Encounter)
>Call the team to the Blackened Void (Exploration)
>Return home (Skips to night)
>Custom option.

>>44903398
>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.

>>44903398
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)
We'll go to the Void tomorrow and Saturday, so we have time free.

>>44903398
>>Call the team to the Blackened Void (Exploration)

>>44903398
>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.

>>44903398
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)
Grind up Understanding

>>44903398
>>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)
Refresh my memory, can we visit the Void at night?

>>44903398
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)

>>44903398
>>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.

>>44903431
Yes. Everything but clubs and school wandering can be done at night.

>>44903398
>>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)
Twofer

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>>44903398
>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.
Fumika a cute. CUTE!

>>44903398
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)

>>44903398
>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.

>>44903496
FAT
A
T

>>44903398
>>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.

>>44903420
>>44903427
>>44903440
>>44903461
>>44903496
>>44903525
>>44903552
You guys realize we can talk to Fumika after we do the only on certain days club right?

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>>44903552
Breasts are not fat, they are made out of hopes and dreams.

>>44903565
yeah, that's a good point.
Switching my vote to
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)

>>44903398
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)

>>44903575
Meant to link>>44903542

>>44903565
I like Fumika more than I like Kaz.

>>44903587
>Switching
Delete your original vote then.

>>44903373
>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.

>>44903398
>Contact Fumika and tell her you are ready.

Samefagging is out of control

>>44903625
So instead of being logical and planning a day out for best affect, you're waifu fagging? Wonderful.


>>44903650
>>44903652
ok at this point it's getting suspicious.

Fine, tiebreaker. Note: you can contact Fumika at night.

>Go to drama club
>Contact Fumika

>>44903398
>Go to drama club (Justice S-Link)
We need that UNDERSTANDING. I will not be happy until we have so much UNDERSTANDING that we shit DVDs of Gundam Unicorn.

>>44903685
>>Go to drama club

>>44903685
>Go to drama club

>>44903685
>>>Go to drama club

>>44903685
>>Go to drama club

>>44903685
>Go to drama club

>>44903685
>Go to drama club

>>44903685
>>44903690
Fair enough
Well get Fumika next time

>>44903685
>Go to drama club

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>>44903685
>Contact Fumika
>>44903664
Hey I am just voting for what I would do.

>>44903735
>Not getting her to talk to you at night, alone together.
Pleb

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>>44903685
>Go to drama club then spend the night with Fumika.

>>44903767
L-lewd.

>>44903685
>Go to drama club

>>44903685
>>Go to drama club

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“Oh, drama club is starting soon. I better go now…”

You take the rest of your stuff, wave goodbye to your classmates and head over to the back of the school auditorium. The club is already in full swing, which is impressive considering that it’s only been a minute since it started. Kaz Inaba, the captain, is at podium, calling the roll.

“Good afternoon to you, Takashi Wakui!” He waves and calls as soon as you push past the large, ornate doors. “Take a seat, my good man.”

“Uh, hi captain.” You try to smile respectfully and crash onto an empty seat near the back. It still gets you how Kaz manages to remember every single one of his club mates. There’s around forty or so boys and girls in drama club, each with their own unique names and personalities. Not only does Kaz know all of their names, he’s also aware of their House, ranking in the school and even where to find them during lunch. It’s maddening! Hell, you can’t remember the names of most of your martial club fellows!

Maybe he’s a born leader? Or a teacher, now that you think about it.

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Kaz finishes calling the roll. He taps his phone and a projector hums to life.

“As most of you are aware, the drama club holds a stage production at the academy festival inNovember.” Kaz rubs his hands with glee. He would’ve looked like a stereotypical big-brained villain if it weren’t for the sheer excitement plastered on his face. “It’s half a year away, but I feel there’s merit in preparing early. We’ve accepting suggestions for the genre right now. I’d like to see what you all think.”

A girl raises her hand. “Captain, will this be an original work or an adaptation of another material?”

Kaz’s smile widens. “Ah, that is something I want you to vote on. An adaptation would be easier and more efficient, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the auteur work. It’ll be up to you, though! We are all in this together, ho ho ho!” He chuckles. “We’ll hold another vote later on to decide the story. Perhaps in another month?”

“If it’s an adaptation of a light novel like last year then I’m going to shoot myself…” A boy at the front grumbles.

...

He probably won't be missed.

You take out your phone and hop onto the Internet. Kaz has posted a poll for everyone to vote on. These are the choices presented.

[What genre?]
>Comedy
>Tragedy
>Something with lots of adventure.
>A love story.
>Mystery and crime.
>Abstain.

[Original or not?]
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.
>Adaptation of another material, the drama club writers can’t write for shit.
>Abstain.

>>44904154
>Comedy
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

>>44904154
>Mystery and crime.
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

>>44904154
>Mystery and crime
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

>>44904154
>Mystery and crime.
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

>>44904154
>Tragedy
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

>>44904154
>Mystery and crime
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way

>>44904154
>Tragedy
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

>>44904154
>>Something with lots of adventure.
>>Mystery and crime.

>>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

The knight and his missing shield

>>44904154
>>Something with lots of adventure.
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.
Donut steel

>>44904154
>Something with lots of adventure.
>Original, it’ll feel more satisfying that way.

>>44904154
>Mystery and crime.
>original
There are mysterious murders happening in a small country town and its up to the new transfer student with strange powers to enter another world to solve the mystery. There's love, murder, and comedy. The crowds will go wild!

>>44904154
>A love story.
>Mystery and crime.
They can be both.

>>44904497
I like it. What should we name the town, though? I feel like it would be fun to make it a reference to one of the production crew, like have it be the director's last name or something.

>>44904497
Would the murderer get away if it weren't for some meddling kids?

>Make a play about P4/3
>Take role of protag
>Nobody will suspect a thing

>>44904560
>"Wow, how do you think they did the special effects with him switching Personas?"
Shit, this might actually work. It would be the perfect cover.

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You vote for ‘Mystery and crime’ and the ‘Original’ options. You chose the former because you haven’t seen many crime plays and it could be a good chance to explore outside your comfort zone. For the latter…well, you remember the snippet of adaptation material from the last drama club sessions. It exactly isn’t giving you confidence in the variety of source material available. Plus, it’ll be interesting to see how good the writers in the club are. There is a chance they’ll be absolute garbage, but you get the impression that Kaz is going to make everything alright.

“Everyone, thank you for voting!” Kaz pumps a fist into the air. “We’ll be sure to take each and every one of your suggestions into account. Now then, let’s get started on some exercises!”

You spend the rest of the afternoon in drama club. You participate in speech and acting exercises with a group of eight. You learn how to speak more fluently and express yourself more vividly. Kaz comes along to each group and offers advice. As expected, his skills blow each and every one of you out of the water…

It was a fulfilling experience, except for the part where you had to pretend to be a girl. You cribbed Celeste’s mannerisms and swore to never tell her about it.

>Your CHARISMA has increased by 4 points!
>Rank up! Congratulations! Your CHARISMA is now Assertive!

>>44904560
>make p3 play
>[based on real life]

>>44904560
>take the role of P3's protag

I mean, I like P3's girls, too, but I'd rather not become a gate.

>>44904589
Damn it, I wanted Understanding. Curse you, two stat clubs!

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At the end of drama club, you receive a text from Shizuka.

>Takashi, do you want to eat noodles or rice tonight?

…

You decide to answer with rice.

“Hello, Takashi. Not going home yet?” Kaz has strode up to you. He’s standing to your seat, smiling eagerly.

“Not yet, captain.” You reply. “Well, soon anyway. Just gotta send this text to nee-san.”

“Ah, your older sister.” Kaz nods with approval. “I’ve always wondered what it’s like to have one.”

“Captain, do you have any siblings?”

“Quite a few, but no older sisters. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s it like?”

>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”
>“It can be a bit of pain, but we both look out for each other.”
>“I think my circumstances are a bit unique, sorry.”
>“I wish she’d stop trying to suffocate me all the damn time.”
>Custom option.

>>44904589
Please update the character sheet.

>>44904589
RANKU UP

>>44904624
>>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”
>>“I think my circumstances are a bit unique, sorry.”

Love her to death, but she also kills things to death.

>>44904624
>“It can be a bit of pain, but we both look out for each other.”
but
>“I wish she’d stop trying to suffocate me all the damn time.”

>>44904624
>>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”
>>“It can be a bit of pain, but we both look out for each other.”

>>44904624
>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”
>Custom option.
"I do wish she wouldn't be so weird when waking me up, though. Every morning, like a freaking anime."

>>44904624
>>“It can be a bit of pain, but we both look out for each other.”

>>44904624
>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”

>>44904624
>>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”
>>“I wish she’d stop trying to suffocate me all the damn time.”

>>44904624
>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”

>>44904497
That cop who hates women did it!

>>44904624
>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”
>“It can be a bit of pain, but we both look out for each other.”

>>44904624
>>“It can be a bit of pain, but we both look out for each other.”

>>44904695
He was right

>>44904624
>"She may be a bit too carefree, but I both respect her and look up to her."

Who /magician/ master race?

>>44904811
Of all the girls so far I feel like Celeste has the best chemistry with Takashi.

>Inb4 she challenges us to all sorts of competitions and always ends up juuuuust losing.
>inb4 it ends up in the bedroom.

>>44904811
Celeste a best for Takashi
Me, I'm more of a Yoshino-man myself

>>44904922
Ends up being the only place she wins

>>44904922
You'd think by now she'd be used to coming second.

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>>44904939
And she just keeps on winning, night after night after night.

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>>44904985
Finally, somewhere that she comes first.

>>44904985
We'd have to level up willpower to Courageous. to win.

Twilight I hope you're taking notes.

>>44904922
>>44904929
To be fair the other girls barely appeared since we still are very early in the story.

>>44904589
>You cribbed Celeste’s mannerisms and swore to never tell her about it.
Lets tell her about it.

>>44905109
That's the problem. Fa/tg/uys are always so damn impatient.

>>44905151
No. Tell it to Akagi in confidence, then let him spill it to Celeste.

>>44905109
True but we have
Celeste: Bubbly, competitive, outgoing, cute
Fumika: wells tacked, smart but nigh on Rei levels tism
Yoshino: Cute, capable, but crippling self esteem issues
Aria: Tism, unsure, not especially attractive, Clone of Kaede Kurusu
And those are the romanceable girls so far if we don't delve into illegality, social taboo and NTR.

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“It can be a bit of a pain at times. It’s how siblings get.” You recall the countless times Shizuka has nagged at you to eat healthily or interrupted you when you were playing video games. “But we look out for each other. She’s been with me ever since I was born.”

“I see. The two of you are very close.”

“Pretty much.” You say. You look at him in the eye. “I have no hesitation in saying this. I love my nee-san.”

Kaz roars with laughter and claps you on the shoulder. It sends a shudder through your spine. He’s surprisingly tough. “That’s the spirit, Takashi! A man shouldn’t feel shame in showing his love. Without family, where would we be?”

“Uh, yeah, I guess so…”

“As for me, my family is rather large. I have two younger brothers and a little sister.”

“Oh, you’re the oldest child.”

“Ha ha ha, yes! My youngest sister is wily one, indeed. Always running up to me and hugging me at the end of the day before anyone else can. My brothers are actually twins, both in their last year of junior school. If it weren’t for the way they dress, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. Like peas in a pod, I tell you…”

It is then you discover that, if left unchecked, Kaz Inaba will ramble on and on. He’s entertaining though, the way he makes large sweeping gestures and always sounds so happy. You end up spending a lot more time then you originally intended. This must be why the drama club has such a high attendance rate compared to other clubs.

“Wow, I did natter on for quite a bit. I’m afraid we will have to call it quits, Takashi. It was especially fun! I wouldn't mind doing this again.”

“See you next time, Captain.”

“Farewell!”

You exit the auditorium with a lightness inside your heart. You feel as if you as if you have grown closer to this energetic, sociable drama captain...

>>44905204
>And those are the romanceable girls so far if we don't delve into illegality, social taboo and NTR.
There's also the Prez, but we haven't really "met" her yet.

>>44905204
Yoshino and Aria are cute! CUTE!

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>RANK UP!
>The Kaz Inaba Social Link has increased to Level 3!
>Archangel’s STRENGTH has increased to D-! ENDURANCE has increased to D-! Learned Mahama!
>A new Persona is available in the Velvet Room!

>>44905275
>>A new Persona is available in the Velvet Room!
Fuck off twins

>>44905275
Ooh, Mahama, that should be useful.

>>44905289
I like the twins.

>>44905329
I like them too but they don't have our best interests at heart.

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[7:30 pm, 19-May-2129 (THURSDAY)]

“I’m back…”

You eat dinner with Shizuka. She goes to work. The night is yours. What will you do?

>Study in your room. (Increases INTELLIGENCE)
>Go to the gym. (Increases WILLPOWER, trains self)
>Read ‘How to Think Big’. (Increases CHARISMA and/or UNDERSTANDING)
>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.
>Go to sleep early (Rest for tomorrow)
>Custom option.

>>44905372
>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.
Let's see if we can get two rank-ups this thread.

>>44905372
>>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.

>>44905372
>>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.

>>44905372
>>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.

>>44905372
>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.

>>44905372
>>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.

>>44905372
>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.
DEITO

>>44905452
A SLUT

>>44905452
>implying she's human enough to be part of a date.

So, anyone else expect her to call us an idiot for associating with the squatters? "So you're letting these horrific alien things that you have no idea what their intentions are, but do show incredible contempt towards everything you do, just...rummage around in your soul? You don't see anything wrong with this?"

>>44905275
>Kaz now has higher SLink rank with us than Brosaragi
THIS MUST BE RECTIFIED

>>44904624
>>“I love my nee-san. I have no hesitation in saying that.”
>>“It can be a bit of pain, but we both look out for each other.”

>>44905521
>"So you're letting these horrific alien things that you have no idea what their intentions are, but do show incredible contempt towards everything you do, just...rummage around in your soul? You don't see anything wrong with this?"
It's not like we can stop them! It's always a cutscene!

>>44905485
Wasn't there that glimps of the future where Fumika was competing for the right to sit next to Takashi at the dinner table? Seemed like she was more than human enough for a date there.

>>44905452
>DEITO

I hope in the future that we don't go full retard and manage to reverse one of our S.Links. Even if we don't go full harem end we cannot, for the love of YHVH, go playing with anyone's feelings.

>>44905530
Kinda late there, boyo.

>>44905521
And we'd reply we don't have much fucking choice in the matter.

>>44905372
>>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.

>>44905544
it's character growth. For now though I doubt she even knows what one is.

>>44905548
Oh, sure, even if we didn't go into the Velvet Room of our own will they can always draw us in while we're sleeping. But I still expect her to call us stupid. She's blunt enough that she'd just come out and say it as her first response.

>>44905521
We didn't really have any choice at the beginning, when we were so weak that we had basically nothing to lose by letting them do what they want.

And now, if they wanted to fuck us over, they'd probably already have done so, so we may as well keep on with it until we have a reason not to.

>>44905372

>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.

>>44905372
>>Contact Fumika and let her know you are ready.
S links with party members are important.

>>44905583
>For now though I doubt she even knows what one is.
Ironic shitposting is still shit posting.

>>44905917
What does your comment have to do with the subject matter? Because right now it seems you're the one shitposting.

That was a nice meal. Back to writing...

>>44905941
when everyone is shitposting, nobody is

>>44905941
Fumika is aware of what a date is.

Please let's visit the Void tomorrow.

>>44906078
Then vote for it.

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<THE_FIRST> Fumika
<THE_FIRST> I’m ready to have that discussion with you
<Azure Scholar> Excellent. Come to the Forgotten City safehouse. We shall have our talk there.
<Azure Scholar> Make sure you are not followed.
<THE_FIRST> Uh
<THE_FIRST> Who the hell is going to tail me
<Azure Scholar> You never know. See you in fifteen.

After putting on your coat and locking the door, you take the elevator downstairs and head into the back alley. You open the door to the Blackened Void and close your eyes as the familiar surge of light envelops you and transports you to another dimension. When you reopen them, the Forgotten City is in full view. Towering, ruined skyscrapers, cracked roads that stretch on for miles, a blanket of thick, grey clouds smothering everything and a layer of dust hanging in the air.

You wind up sitting in the living room of the safehouse, perched on one of the raggedy sofas. Fumika is opposite you, her laptop resting on her knees. She gazes up at you.

“Let us begin.” She snaps her fingers. “Moros!”

Her Persona is summoned. The metallic, circular form of Moros appears behind her, struggling to stand up on its spindly steel legs. It wraps its arms around Fumika and bathes her in an eerie, grey light. She closes her eyes.

“Even though your Arcana is the Fool, it is displayed as the Hermit here. That is due to the ‘Disguse Hermit’ skill. Furthermore, there is no hint of your true Arcana. It is a very powerful skill, if overspecialised.” She clicks her tongue. “Can you switch Personas?”

>>44906507
Switch to Koppa Tengu, just to mess with her.

>>44906552
Do this!

>>44906552
How would that mess with her?

>>44906552
Let's not. We're trying to have a serious talk here.

>>44906616
>"Hey, can you show me what swapping Arcana looks like?"
>swaps to a Persona of the same (apparent) Arcana

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>>44906552

>>44906552
Fuck off.

>>44906667
She asked to switch Personas, not arcana.

>>44906552
>Switch to Koppa Tengu
Yeah sure, that should be a good idea.
> just to mess with her.
Bad reasoning.

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>>44906641
>>44906706
>>44906719
>>44906761

>>44906667

It's a reasonable idea, changing as little as possible so as not to throw buckets of info at the scan.

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“Sure.” You switch to Jack Frost, arguably the strongest of your auxiliary Personas. Moros beeps and whirrs as it processes his sudden wave of new information. Fumika’s eyebrows raise by a few centimetres. She reopens her eyes and begins typing furiously on her laptop.

“Almost instantaneous switch, with no apparent impediment on the wielder’s behalf. The tarot card changes as well. How natural is the motion?”

“Switching?” You shrug. “Like moving one’s arm or leg. It’s nothing like the movies make it out to be.”

“I see…” Fumika says. “I detected a slight flicker in your soul. It was very faint, but noticeable by an adept Spotter. It may be enough to break one’s concentration and draw attention to you.”

“That bad?”

“If interference is run, then it won’t be as noticeable. I would still exercise caution, if I were you.”

“I think I’m well aware of that…” You grumble. “Considering who my predecessor is…”

“I’ve heard you do not think highly of Kaede Kurusu, seeing her as a destructive psychopath. Frankly, I cannot find fault in your logic.” Fumika muses. “Is it possible for you to remove your ‘Disguse Hermit’ skill on your main Persona? I’m curious as to what the Fool Arcana is like.”

“I haven’t tried before, but I’ll give it a go.” You switch back to Ippon-Datara and shut your eyes. You draw out of the potential deep within your soul. The list of skills Ippon-Datara knows flashes before you, like a virtual list. With tentative motions, you grasp Disguise Hermit and attempt to turn it off. You succeed, briefly.

“A boy carrying a bag and heading towards a cliff edge, with a dog yapping at his heels. Number 0.” Fumika reads out. Her expression does not change. “It is exactly the same as the old photographs. Otherwise, it is like reading another number.”

“You sound kind of disappointed.” You remark.

>>44906803
No, its just completely not the time for it and Takashi does most of his pranks in chat.

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“On the contrary.” Fumika begins, pausing to type some more. “I’m quite satisfied. You have behaved in accordance with my predictions. Although, that may not last for long.”

“What are you going to do now?”

“Ask some questions. I’m shocked none of the others have bothered to ask.” Fumika looks up at you. There is utter seriousness in her eyes. “First one. You are capable of wielding multiple Personas. But where do these Personas originate from?”

Uh-oh.

>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.
>[Half-Truth] From my dreams.
>[Lie] I receive them randomly.
>[Lie] I get from defeating Shadows.
>Sorry, but I can’t answer that.
>Custom option.

>>44906943
>>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44906943
>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44906943
>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44906943
>>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44906943
>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44906943
>>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44906943
>>[Truth] Explain the nature of the Twins and converting SLs into personas

>>44906943
>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.
Can't see what could possibly go wrong by giving her the truth.

>>44906943
>>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44906943
>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.

>>44907004
The Twins are going to get very pissy that their secret was so brazenly revealed, and to a piece of shit Hermit, no less.

>>44906943
>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room.
>Custom option.
Explain that the Velvet Room only stores them, though. They're created from emotional bonds, with the strength of the Persona corresponding to the closeness of the bond. Then switch to Koppa Tengu and spend some time getting to know her better, see if we can make the Hermit SL level up so she can see it happen.

>>44906943
>[Half-Truth] From my dreams.

More true in some ways that an exact explanation.

>>44907106
That just makes it better.

>>44907106
They'll laugh

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>>44907004
>Can't see what could possibly go wrong by giving her the truth.
Something can always go wrong.

>>44907106
>The Twins are going to get very pissy
Seems ok to me.

>>44907106
I think they more likely wouldn't give a shit.

>>44907106
Is that supposed to be a negative?

>>44906943
>[Truth] From a place called the Velvet Room

No point in hiding it from her.

>>44907146
I love those sweaters.

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>>44907106
When the Twins are gone, I'm hoping that Fumika replaces them in the future.

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>>44907404
Why?

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>>44907404
Your desire is shit.

>>44907488
>sample
Shaking my head to be honest, family

>>44907510
Explain how that image is bad in a way that you would have noticed if I deleted the part that says sample senpai desu.

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>>44907596
Because it means you copped out and didn't get the full-sized version of the picture.

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>>44907702
>wanting even more useless meat

>>44907702
Would you have noticed?

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There’s no sense in hiding the truth. You haven’t known her for very long, but Fumika is inquisitive. She’s a skilled hacker and is relentless in pursuing the information she wants. Her past as a mercenary is a mystery to you, but you have no desire to get on her bad side. Plus, lying to her could cause friction within your fellow Players.

Your mother had said that a lie always returns to hurt its teller. It may not be today, or tomorrow, or within the next year. But what goes around often comes around.

“There is a place called the Velvet Room. A pair of twins live there and they give me my Personas.” You tell Fumika the truth. About the first time you entered, answering their questions, the way they grasped at your heart and squeezed the life out of you, their mocking taunts and their otherworldly, monochrome forms. Throughout your rant, Fumika stares at you with an eyebrow raised and her lips twisted into a frown.

“And…you don’t believe me, do you?” You trail off, before letting out a sigh of exasperation.

“It’s hard to accept it as truth when you have no evidence for the matter.” Fumika replies. “You could be simply making up this story.”

You take out the Hollow Deathstone and the Blank tarot cards. “What about these? The Velvet Twins gave me these items in my dreams.”

“The stone looks like a chunk of obsidian and the blank cards can be purchased from any third-rate junk shop.” Fumika’s response is swift and cold, like a pillar of ice fired from the hand of a god. “It is not enough to convince me.”

You groan. “Dammit, Fumika. Okay, what do I have to do to convince you?”

“Take photographs. Show me the door to the room.”

“I can’t. The Velvet Room is only visible to me. I told you that, didn’t I?”

“Then it seems we are at an impasse.”

You slump back in your seat and moan again. Fumika types some more. A minute passes.

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“However, I have heard rumors of a place called the Sea of the Unconsciousness.” Fumika ponders. “It is a term sometimes thrown around in the field of magical study. Supposedly the Sea of the Unconsciousness is the area where souls are birthed from. It is also said to be the home of all Personas. I couldn’t help but draw parallels between it and the Velvet Room you speak of. It’s a myth of dubious origins, no doubt about it. But we live in an era where myths and legends have become commonplace throughout this world.”

“And that means…”

She sighs. “I suppose if I was born a hundred years earlier, I would have dismissed your claims. I am also sitting with you in a room in another reality. That alone is considered to be ‘unbelieveable’.”

“So you believe me, then?” You sit up, eyes shining.

“Not completely, but I’m willing to consider it. As I said earlier, it would be better if you could show me some evidence. But it isn't more outlandish than anything else in AETHER. Now, next question. You mentioned that your power comes from your relationships with others.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Then, does that mean you are manipulating others for your own ends?”

>“My bonds with others are not lies!”
>“You’re pissing me off, Fumika.”
>“What do you think?”
>“Yes, you are correct.”
>Custom option.

>>44907881
>>Custom option.
>"Short answer: No. Long answer: Fuck no."

>>44907881
>No.

>>44907881
>>“My bonds with others are not lies!”

Also we're pretty sure it wouldn't work if I didn't actually care for them

>>44907881
"That's the most loaded question I've ever heard, and you know it."

>>44907881
>>“My bonds with others are not lies!”

>>44907881
Don't mock our nakama!

>>44907881
>No.
>Get visibly angry

>>44907881
>"My bonds with others are not lies!”
>"I would be friends with the people I'm friends with even if my power didn't come from there, Fumika! Or I'd like to think so, at least."

>>44907881
>Custom option.
"No, I know I'm not. I'm not nearly good enough with people to manipulate them. Besides, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't work if the bond was only one way and I didn't actually care about them."

>>44907881
>>“My bonds with others are not lies!”

>>44907881
>“Yes, you are correct.”

>>44907881
>No.

>>44907881
>“Then, does that mean you are manipulating others for your own ends?”
It isn't even possible since it works only with genuine bonds. Besides it's beneficial for both sides.

File: 1451531678695.jpg (92 KB, 1280x720)

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>>44907834
>useless

>>44907881

>Custom option.
Yes? No? I mean, jeez, I always wanted to have friends. I can't deny that those bonds help. But I don't want end forever alone.
Bonds can't work unless they're real.

>>44907881
>Custom option.
"I don't know. I worry about that, sometimes. Tell me if you ever see me acting outright manipulative. That's now who I want to be."

>>44907881
>Custom option.
Wouldn't informing you of that be completely retarded if I wanted to manipulate?

>>44907881
I always wanted friends.

>>44908202
You don't get to bring friends

>>44908178
>completely
No.

>>44907881
>“Yes, you are correct.”
Nailed it

>>44907881
>Custom option.
I don't want to make friends but the voices in my head force me to.

Seems like everyone hates the main answers and is going for a custom answer but no one agree to which custom answer

>>44908400
Plenty of votes for core answers.

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“My bonds with others are not lies, Fumika.” You growl. Part of you knows riling up is the wrong thing to do, it is ignored. Maybe it’s condescending tone in Fumika’s voice, despite her enunciating her words so calmly. “I’ve always wanted friends and I’ve come to understand that friendships are a two way street. Both sides should care about each other. Besides, if my friendships weren’t real, then I wouldn’t have received their power for the Wild Card. Got it?”

Fumika gives you a long, hard look. “I apologize for offending you, Takashi. It was not my intention.” She says.

“That was a loaded question and you know it.” You argue. “And look at me, do I look like the type of person who goes around manipulating others?”

“Not if, but whether or not you have the capability. In my defence, Kaede Kurusu, the previous Fool, showed no signs of developing power from relationships. She refused to interact with anybody, even her fellow Japanese. When I heard that you received strength from bonds, the only idea I could think of that matched with her case is you manipulating and deceiving others. Although one could make a case for her powers being different to yours, as she possessed the World alongside the Fool.”

“Well, I’m not like Kurusu.” You huff, crossing your arms. “I actually give a shit about other people.”

“So I’ve noticed.” Fumika takes a deep breathe. “I think it’s best if we move away from this topic. Can you show me your other Personas?”

You spend more time in the safehouse as Fumika grills you on the nature of the Wild Card and your experiences with it. Your anger is quickly forgotten as a barrage of questions assaults you from all directions. You answer them all, telling the honest truth.

Fumika appears to be satisfied. “That will do for now. There are still some questions I wish to ask, but those can wait until a later date. As for what I’ve typed, I’ll compile them into a report and send it to Celeste and Akikazu.”

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“So we’re done.” You state.

“We are. I shall take my leave.”

“I’ll come with you.”

You walk with Fumika towards the exit. Your footsteps crunch against the worn, concrete floor.

“What are you going to do now?” You ask.

“Return home and work on projects.” Fumika replies, simple and straight to the point.

“Oh, more hacking stuff.” You mutter. “Have fun.”

“It’s more sophisticated than that, but essentially, yes, that is what I’m doing. And I will derive satisfaction from completing the job.”

>“Hey, does that mean you can get all of my friends into my class?”
>“I haven’t forgotten what you said to me, Fumika. Don’t twist my words.”
>“Good work today.”
>“See you tomorrow, then.”
>Custom option.

>>44908761
>“Good work today.”
>>“See you tomorrow, then.”

>>44908761
>>Custom option.
Wanna see something cool?

lets update the safehouse!

>>44908761
>>“Hey, does that mean you can get all of my friends into my class?”
Shot in the dark, but could be worth it.
>>“Good work today.”
>>“See you tomorrow, then.”

>>44908761
>>“See you tomorrow, then.”

>>44908789
We have 21 build points

>>44908789
Her input on our base might be really helpful, seconding.

>>44908789
This.

>>44908761
>>“Good work today.”
>>“See you tomorrow, then.”

>>44908761
>“Hey, does that mean you can get all of my friends into my class?”
>“Good work today.
>“See you tomorrow, then.””

>>44908761
>>44908789
may as well

>>44908789
Backing.

>>44908761
>“Good work today.”
>Custom option.
"We should hang out more. I know you've got other things to do, but I enjoy your company. I'd like to spend more time with you. And hey, maybe if we're around each other enough you'll be there when one of my Social Links upgrades, give you the chance to observe the process."

>>44908789
... wouldn't that just encourage Celeste and Fumika to permanently move into the safehouse just because?

>>44908936
>two girls living in a place only us and our bro can reach
I fail to see the downside.

>>44908936
I don't see how this is a problem, considering they could farm macca for us.

>>44908936
I don't mind, besides what are you going to do, never upgrade it?

>>44909036
Is it possible to hand off safehouse customization to another party member? If so, we might have to do so if we're gonna let it sit.

>>44909116
Why would we do that?

File: safehouse.jpg (83 KB, 900x506)

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“Fumika, do you want to upgrade the safehouse?”

“I don’t mind. But shouldn’t we have the other members of the team with us?”

“Eh, it’ll be fine.”

You hop onto the safehouse computer and access the safehouse building program. It has been updated, you notice. Certain upgrades are divided into ranks now…

[RANK 1]
>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)
>Bigger Bunk Rooms: Expands bunk room size. Bunk rooms will still have to be shared between two people. (Cost: 7)
>Bigger Living Room: Expands living room size. Furniture must be supplied by Players. (Cost: 7)
>Garage: Adds a small garage for a single small vehicle. (Cost: 12)
>Storage Room: Adds a small room for the storing of objects. (Cost: 8)

[RANK 2]
>Hidden Village: Places a stealth field across the area around and including the safehouse, thus hiding it from everyone except the Players and their chosen allies. The field is not very strong and the entrance can be found with a combination of Decent INTELLIGENCE and Assertive WILLPOWER. (Cost: 20)
>Extra Bunk Room: Places an extra bunk room. Contains a single double-bed. (Cost: 4)
>Bigger Storage Room: Expands the size of all storage rooms. (Cost: 8)
>Extra Floor: Adds an extra, empty floor to the safehouse. (Cost: 25)
>Extra Kitchen: Places an extra kitchen. Contains a stove, a small table and a fridge. All other furniture must be supplied by the Players. (Cost: 10)
>Extra Living Room: Places an extra living room. Contains a couple of small couches and a coffee table. All other furniture must be supplied by the Players (Cost: 12)
>Extra Bathroom: Places an extra bathroom. Contains a toilet, a sink and a showerhead. (Cost: 8)
Bedroom: Places a bedroom with a single bed. Different from a bunk room. (Cost: 9)

>Available Build EXP: 21
>Make your selection.

>>44909036
As much as I would like to save up in the hopes that a Flying Zeppelin Fortress Equipped with Lasers and Missiles upgrade will show, the pastebin does say that upgrades are plot-relevant and advise us to get upgrading.

>>44909116
I say we give it to Fumika. She'll make it a proper warehouse for shadowrunning

>>44909206
>Bigger Bunk Rooms: Expands bunk room size. Bunk rooms will still have to be shared between two people. (Cost: 7)
>Bigger Living Room: Expands living room size. Furniture must be supplied by Players. (Cost: 7)
>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)

>>44909206
>>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)
>>Storage Room: Adds a small room for the storing of objects. (Cost: 8)
>>Extra Bathroom: Places an extra bathroom. Contains a toilet, a sink and a showerhead. (Cost: 8)

>>44909264
Second.

>>44909206
>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)
>Storage Room: Adds a small room for the storing of objects. (Cost: 8)
>Bigger Living Room: Expands living room size. Furniture must be supplied by Players. (Cost: 7)

>>44909206
>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)
>Bigger Living Room: Expands living room size. Furniture must be supplied by Players. (Cost: 7)
>Bigger Storage Room: Expands the size of all storage rooms. (Cost: 8)

>>44909206
>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Extra Bathroom: Places an extra bathroom. Contains a toilet, a sink and a showerhead. (Cost: 8)
>Extra Living Room: Places an extra living room. Contains a couple of small couches and a coffee table. All other furniture must be supplied by the Players (Cost: 12)

>>44909206
>Storage Room: Adds a small room for the storing of objects. (Cost: 8)
>Extra Bunk Room: Places an extra bunk room. Contains a single double-bed. (Cost: 4)
>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Extra Bathroom: Places an extra bathroom. Contains a toilet, a sink and a showerhead. (Cost: 8)

>>44909206
Message Akikazu and Celeste for input, perhaps?

>>44909206
>Bigger Storage Room: Expands the size of all storage rooms. (Cost: 8)
Shouldn't we have to get a storage room first?

>>44909206
>>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)
>>Bigger Living Room: Expands living room size. Furniture must be supplied by Players. (Cost: 7)
>Storage Room: Adds a small room for the storing of objects. (Cost: 8)

Well so far, we have.

RANK 1:
Internet Connection: Exactly what it says on the tin.
Hot Water: Because the plumbing in the Forgotten City is awful.
Bonfire: A bonfire is placed oustide the safehouse. It's possible to cook on it.
Microwave: Fast and efficient, capable of heating up meal packs within seconds. Technology sure is amazing!
Deep Web Access: Allows access to hidden parts of the Internet, most notably the Nocturne City BBS mercenary forum. No child pornography.


I don't see any bunkbed rooms to sleep in. Did we ever have that?

>>44909206
>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)
>Bigger Living Room: Expands living room size. Furniture must be supplied by Players. (Cost: 7)
>Storage Room: Adds a small room for the storing of objects. (Cost: 8)

>>44909373
I think that came with it. Everything else was what we chose when we first had the option.

>>44909206
>>Extra Living Room: Places an extra living room. Contains a couple of small couches and a coffee table. All other furniture must be supplied by the Players (Cost: 12)
>>Extra Bathroom: Places an extra bathroom. Contains a toilet, a sink and a showerhead. (Cost: 8)

>>44909373
I believe a very basic room came with the start.

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You select the upgrades you want. Fumika provides no input at all.

>Brighter Lights: Increases potency of light sources and adds a switch to toggle the level of brightness. (Cost: 1)
>Bigger Kitchen: Expands kitchen size. (Cost: 4)
>Bigger Living Room: Expands living room size. Furniture must be supplied by Players. (Cost: 7)
>Bigger Storage Room: Expands the size of all storage rooms. (Cost: 8)

Total Cost: 20 Build EXP
Are these the upgrades you want?

>Yes
>No

>>44909625
>Yes
If we get bedrooms our friends will move in.

>>44909625
>>Yes

>>44909625
>>Yes

>>44909625
>Fumika provides no input at all.
fumika pls

>>44909625
No bathroom but fine.
>>Yes.