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“Okay everyone, it's time to assign roles!”

The Endless Night, as Settan dubbed it, has begun. You've built up a small camp in what appears to be a relatively safe area within the Darkworld, but people are still jittery and demotivated. Saki's working hard as head of class to keep the ball rolling and act as a leader, which is why she's currently divvying up responsibilities. So far, your girlfriend is doing a good job of staying confident and perky and... firm... okay, you need to get your mind out of there. This is a time for important business.

“Akemi!” she exclaims, pointing toward the small airhead. “This camp should be our safe point, so we're going to need as many defences built as possible. I know it will be tough seeing as we're sparse on materials...”

Akemi nods her head and gives an eager thumbs up. “Don't worry! I had enough wires and spare parts on me while I was adding the finishing touches to Ryoji's gauntlet that I can at least make something out of them. Just leave it to me!”

Good to see someone who's attitude isn't affected. Everyone else seems to be on edge. Even Saki's struggling a little to keep it together, and you don't like the vacant stare on Sayeka's face...

“Akio!” Saki exclaims, pointing towards the cocky popular kid. “Can I trust you to lead the main scouting party?”

“Of course!” Akio replies. “It's about time someone gave me a leadership position!”

“Akio, it's not enough that you're a good fighter,” Saki explains. “I need you to carry yourself with a cool-head and some maturity. Understood?”

“No problemo!” Akio smirks, though Saki isn't quite convinced. She points towards Ken.

“On second thought Ken, you'll be co-leader,” Saki adds. “Akio's confidence is a big boost, but we needs someone who can act more rationally to step in if he goes too far.”

“Such little trust!” Akio pouts.

“Ryoji!” Saki points towards you.

“What? I've got a big position?” you laugh. “This isn't just nepotism because you're my girlfriend, is it?”

Saki shakes her head. “We all need to pull our weight here. I'm placing you in charge of morale.”

“Morale? Me?” you ask.

“Of course. Let's not play dumb, Ryoji. Most of the others look to you for advice, and for whatever reason... you're a calming presence. They could use you to keep their spirits afloat.”

She's got you there. You do spend most of your time solving people's problems, and this new development has opened a whole ton of them.

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“Sure, you can count on me then.”

Saki smiles. “Great! Our two biggest priorities at the moment are finding Rei and Akira, as well as retrieving food!”

“Food?”

Saki nods. “Yeah. Like that Settan guy said, we'll be here for a while, so we need to find some food to keep everyone going. Some slight problems with that, though...”

Saki stretches out her arms as you look out at the red wasteland ahead. “There's nothing in our immediate area. There's small creatures scattered around the place, but I doubt anyone wants to chow down on roast Darkworlder... that's even without considering whether or not anything here is edible to us. Who knows? We're all awakened, maybe we'll be able to digest food here. Hopefully.”

You look out into the distance and point out a greener area out on the horizon. “That looks like some kind of forest,” you reply. “If we want to find food, maybe some Darkworld apples or something, that's probably our best bet... though knowing this place the apples probably have faces and scream at you, and then the trees root themselves out of the ground and try to gobble you up...”

Saki laughs. “Wow, I'm glad I placed you in charge of morale.”

“You're doing a good job in charge so far,” you smile.

“Am I?” Saki crosses her arms. “Or are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

“Well, I am in charge of morale,” you joke. “Speaking of, I should probably work on that. Who do I need to talk to first?”

Saki shrugs. “Can't say for certain. Everyone's at least a little shaken up. The ones who seem the most dire right now are Hoshi, Nanami, Sayeka and Reiji. Alice also seems a little on edge, but she's usually like that anyway, so I don't know. I'll leave it up to you.”

Well, this is going to be a hassle. You might as well get this over with, before people start losing their minds.

>Talk to Hoshi
>Talk to Nanami
>Talk to Sayeka
>Talk to Reiji
>Talk to Alice

>>236646
>>Talk to Sayeka

>Talk to Nanami
I mean fucking obviously.

>>236646
>>Talk to Nanami

>>236646
>Talk to Nanami

>>236646
>>Talk to Nanami
she got hit hard, what with darkworld bs AND seeing the guy she has a crush on kissing another girl

>>236646
>Talk to Sayeka
She might be able to deal with it alone but she could have some helpful info that might save our ass later. Nanami is a decent choice too, but I doubt we can fix her immediately. Hoshi would be my normal choice since she's a cute but I'll put aside my waifufagging for once.

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>>236680
>He waifus Hoshi

>>236684
Hoshi is a cute. Not my waifu or favorite character or anything but she's super cute.

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>Talk to Nanami

"I think I'm going to talk to Nanami," you reply. "I mean, she threw up when we got here. Plus, I know her problems go beyond the Darkworld. It might actually be something I can fix with words."

"Well, good luck," Saki states, as you turn around to make your way to Nanami. "Ryoji, wait."

You turn around, as Saki reaches up and plants a brief kiss on your lips. "What was that for?" you smile.

Saki blushes slightly. "We're going to be caught up in defending ourselves for the time being. It'll be a while before I get the chance to kiss you again."

"Don't worry Sak, our next make-out session will be sooner than you think," you laugh, as you turn around.

You discover Nanami sitting in the corner of the camp, and the look on her face... it isn't good. You've never seen Nanami looking so upset. Actually, you've never really seen Nanami look upset at all, but here she is cowering alone, separated from everyone else. Most damning of all, though... she's not wearing her hat. In fact, she's tossed the thing to her side, as it lies on the ground, crumpled up.

You sigh and hunker down next to Nanami. “You okay?” you ask.

“No...” Nanami mumbles, not even trying to put on a brave face. “We're stuck here, for who knows how long... and Ken loves Alice.”

Ken liking Alice is hardly the biggest of your problems, but you can see how it would affect Nanami this badly. “I know... it sucks, but you can't just sit here moping like this, can you? Where's the Nanami who always puts a smile on people's faces? Keeps everyone's spirits high? Look at your hat!”

Nanami glances over toward the pirate headwear she once adorned ever moment of her life. She sniffles and shakes her head. “What's the point? Everyone's scared and afraid and kissing Alice... you think me acting like a pirate is going to make things better?”

“It always did before,” you say. “Come on, don't pull the Tears of a Clown card, you're Captain Nanami! You raise everyone's spirits!”

Nanami bundles her knees up closer, sulking. “It's just not fun anymore...”

>I think it's fun. We could use some fun right now.
>It was just a kiss. You don't know what's going to happen between them. Don't lose faith.
>Stop being a baby, Nanami. You're tougher than this.

>I think it's fun. We could use some fun right now.
Anyway.
>It was just a kiss. You don't know what's going to happen between them. Don't lose faith.

Dont let the Nanami be sad.

>>236720
>>I think it's fun. We could use some fun right now.
and
>It was just a kiss. You don't know what's going to happen between them. Don't lose faith.
It's hard to pick one, we need nanami to keep it together and yeah, we can honestly say we don't know if Ken and Alice will last

>>236720
>I think it's fun. We could use some fun right now.
+
>It was just a kiss. You don't know what's going to happen between them. Don't lose faith.

>>236720
>>I think it's fun. We could use some fun right now.
>>It was just a kiss. You don't know what's going to happen between them. Don't lose faith.

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>I think it's fun. We could use some fun right now.
>It was just a kiss. You don't know what's going to happen between them. Don't lose faith.

“There's no point,” Nanami mutters. “I'm no good... I'm just a silly little girl playing a silly little game... I've never been a help to anyone...”

“Nanami, don't say that about yourself,” you reply, concerned. You'd never imagine these words coming out of Nanami's mouth. This whole Ken incident has hit her hard.

“Besides, a kiss is a kiss,” Nanami replies. “It means he likes her, and not me. If he liked me, I would be getting kissed. I wasn't kissed, so why should I have faith?”

“Nanami...” you mutter, placing your hand on her shoulder. “You're making me pretty damn worried about you right now. It's not like me to feel this worried, same way it's not like you to feel this down.”

“I'm... sorry I'm not more useful...” Nanami mumbles, her eyes watering. “But I'm done. I'm never wearing that stupid hat again!”

Okay, now she means business. This... just isn't right. You pull Nanami in close for a hug, but she pushes you away. “No... just... leave me alone, Ryoji. I'm not in the mood...”

Nanami lies back and on her side, choosing to ignore you. You pick up her hat, and sigh as you dust it off. You gently set it down next to her, for when she's ready to put it back on. You should have figured it would be unreasonable to get her to snap out of her pity and despair so quickly. Her wound is still fresh, so of course she's going to wallow in sadness. At least she knows you're there for her.

As you back off, you smile as Nanami rolls over, facing her hat with a forlorn look. That smile fades as she bats it away and continues to sulk.

With Nanami of all people upset, you can feel the ripple effects throughout the camp. If the cheerful, good-hearted girl who loves to have fun is devastated, then there's good reason why everyone else is on edge. Damn, if Akemi was down, the blow to morale would be impossible to recover from.

First name on your “Cheer up” list remains uncrossed, but maybe you'd have better luck with someone else for now.

>Talk to Hoshi
>Talk to Sayeka
>Talk to Reiji
>Talk to Alice

>>236783
>>Talk to Sayeka
Well, shit.

>>236783
>>Talk to Reiji
We need the win here, if we talk to Sayeka we could get caught up in her future vision fear
>>236784

>>236783
>Talk to Sayeka
Sweet, we might be able to go help Hoshi after all.

>>236783
>Talk to Reiji
Man, we need a patented Akemo slap for Nanami. But I can't say I am surprised. Her wound is going to be tricky to heal.

Going to have to be an annoying big bro for her for a while, methinks.

>>236783
>>Talk to Sayeka

>>236783
>Talk to Sayeka

>>236783
>>Talk to Reiji

>>236709
>waifuing a prostitute

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>Talk to Sayeka

Nanami's pretty emotional right now, so maybe you'll be better off talking to someone who's concern lie in a more rational, analytical place. And hey, maybe Sayeka's got a new vision she might want to fill you in on. You never know.

You approach Sayeka, who is staring off into the vast distance beyond the camp. "See anything interesting?" you ask.

Sayeka shakes her head. "There's not much out there."

"I didn't mean if you saw anything out there," you explain. "I meant the other kind of seeing you do. It looks like you've had a new vision, and it's left you rattled."

"Not a new vision," Sayeka replies, crossing her arms and taking a deep breath. "The same one I've had before. All of us... dead. Only now it's more prominent... it's all I can see. I tried to focus, envision Rei and Akira's conditions... but nothing. Just the same vision. I tried to see an end to this night... nothing. Just all of us. Lying dead, at the feet of that man. He's even more powerful than I could have possibly imagined. I'm worried that no matter what we do... this vision will come to pass. It's inevitable."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," you fire back. "Come on Sayeka, now is not the time to be giving up hope. We just got here. We're all still fine so far."

"Yes, but it's only a matter of time, isn't it?" Sayeka repeats. "My visions... I have no sense of the timeframe between the present and the prediction... so it always feels as if I'm living out the image in the present. Every time. I've lived the same fate... all of us, butchered, hundreds of times now. I'm not keen on living it again."

"Then you won't," you say, reassuringly.

"I wish there was something I could do," Sayeka states. "Some... action I could take that might change the course of fate. I just don't know what..."

>Maybe it's time you told the others about your gift. Maybe warning them about their fate could help change it?
>You already do enough for this group. No need to put pressure on yourself.

>>236882
>>You already do enough for this group. No need to put pressure on yourself.
I feel revealing herself would put a ton of pressure on her and people might blame her for this whole situation and anything bad that would happen

>>236882
>>You already do enough for this group. No need to put pressure on yoursel

>>236882
>>You already do enough for this group. No need to put pressure on yourself.
>>I would be willing to bet Settan/Crone has some way to interfere with your visions. Seems a great way to get everyone to despair.

>>236882
>>You already do enough for this group. No need to put pressure on yourself

>>236898
Seconding

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>You already do enough for this group. No need to put pressure on yourself.

Sayeka stares vacantly as she speaks. "Ryoji... I've seen Saki die. Many times. When I close my eyes, I see that man in white murdering her in cold blood. I see her reach out to you, only to be cut down. She dies screaming and in pain. You love Saki, how would you feel if you saw this?"

"I'd be horrified," you answer truthfully. "I'd be angry, I'd want to kill him, I'd want to-"

"Do something?" Sayeka finished your sentence. "Do anything in your power to make sure that vision doesn't come to pass?"

You sigh. "Yeah... of course I would."

"Then you see my issue," Sayeka replies. "I've seen great atrocities, that I desperately want to prevent. And yet, I see no way for me to do that... it's frustrating."

"There's only so much one person can do," you reply. "You don't have to beat yourself up over it."

Sayeka sighs. "I suppose you're right, Ryoji... it's just becoming so much more difficult to keep myself distant, to stay removed from all of this. I want to be as helpful as possible, both out of duty and... well, because I care about all of you a great deal."

"That's good to know," you smile. "We care about you too, Sayeka."

"Thank you... I'll be sure to keep myself useful. I'll join the scouting party, help find Rei and Akira," she explains, before biting her lip, hesitant. "I'm... sorry I used Saki as an example like that."

Sayeka wanders of to speak to some others. You feel as though you got through to her... at least a little. Right now though, you have something important to do.

You shake your head as you turn around. You march up to Saki and tap her shoulder. She turns around, surprised to see you. "Yes, Ryoji? Have you finished talking to-MMPH!"

You don't let her finish before you wrap your arms around her waist and embrace her with a long, passionate kiss. She pulls away, blushing and stammering. "R-Ryoji! That was very... inappropriate!" she giggles nervously. "Why'd you do that?"

"No reason," you answer. "Just... wanted to."

Saki smiles as she fixes her hair. "Well... it was nice, but like I said, we'll have to lay off on the couple stuff and remain focused on the task at hand. I have to make sure the scouting party is properly equipped, so you should have time to talk to one other person before we're set to go."

You watch Saki as she leaves, before turning your attention to the task. Only one more person before you move out? That's a tough decision. Who could use your attention the most?

>Talk to Hoshi
>Talk to Reiji
>Talk to Alice

>>236962
>>Talk to Alice

>>236962
>Talk to Hoshi

>>236962
>>Talk to Reiji
He could make himself useful

>>236962
>>Talk to Alice

>>236962
>Talk to Reiji

Calling in 5 minutes.

>>237017
I'll switch to Reiji

>>237025
Calling for
>Talk to Reiji
Writing now

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Reiji's been through a lot this last while. He was part of the cult that brought all this shit raining down on your heads alongside his parents, but then he left in order to help you out. It must be weighing heavily on the guy.

You approach Reiji, who is nervously pacing back and forth around the main campfire, with Hiro trying to talk to him. “Reiji, I know what you must be feeling, but this is no time to panic...”

“Of course it's time to panic!” Reiji fires back. “Look at where we are! Did you listen to what Settan said? He's won!”

“Okay, calm down,” you say, stepping in. “Settan hasn't won anything yet.”

“Don't lie to yourself,” Reiji fires back. “This is what he wanted. This is what the order has always wanted, and now it's finally happened. There's no way we can stop him. There was no way we could stop him before, but now he's made a deal with an Archdemon? We're doomed. We're doomed!”

You grab Reiji by the shoulder in order to stop his frantic pacing. “Get a hold of yourself! It's way too soon to turn into a scared little idiot!”

Reiji takes a deep breath and shakes his head. “I'm sorry Ryoji... but you can see where I'm coming from, can't you? How are we supposed to stop Settan? There's no way. I just... I don't want to get involved in this. I just want to go home...”

“When you say home, do you mean the school or back to your parents?” you ask. You didn't really mean for it to sound accusatory, but that's definitely how it came out.

“The school,” Reiji answers, glaring. “I no longer have parents... that said...”

You removes your hands from his shoulders as he takes a few steps, staring out into the wasteland with his back turned to you. “They're out there... somewhere. And when they come for us... I just don't know if I can bring myself to fight them.”

>You don't have to. You can leave that to the rest of us.
>You've stood up to them before, and you can do it again.
>I don't have time for your stupid doubts. Your parents are monsters, don't try to feel bad for them.

>>237076
>>You've stood up to them before, and you can do it again.

>>237076
>>You've stood up to them before, and you can do it again.
"You're also not alone. We'll back you up."

>>237076
I'll go with >>237088

>>237076
>>237088
this

>>237076
>>237088
this

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I made a promise to a good man, a Booker Man, and I deliver on my promises. Ladies and Gentleman, I present "feed"

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>You've stood up to them before, and you can do it again.
>You're also not alone. We'll back you up.

Reiji nods his head, but he still looks unsure. "I know I can count on you guys... but still, I'm scared."

"We're all scared," Hiro chimes in, "But it's not good to let that fear consume you. Now's the time to stand our ground and face it like men."

"Hey Hiro!" you hear Nariko's voice call out. "You still haven't apologised to Daisuke for rudely refusing to pet him!"

"Oh no, I have to run," Hiro mutters, before sprinting to the other side of camp, a crazed girl and a cat chasing after him.

"Hiro has a point, even if he immediately went against it," you sigh. "Now's not the time for worry and fear. We have to keep cool-heads if we want to make it through this. If we let ourselves get caught up in a panic, then there's no way we'll defeat Settan."

"You're right..." Reiji nods, before giving a small chuckle. "You know, I was spying on you for the order pretty much the whole time you were at the school... I thought you were nothing more than a crude, tasteless rude jerk. I still felt bad about the spying, but I didn't think much of you. But you surprised me Ryoji. You've got a strange leadership quality to you. It's likely what drew Saki to you... heck, it's probably what drew everyone to you. I don't think I've ever said this, but... you're my friend, Ryoji. I don't have a lot... but you're my friend."

"The feeling's mutual," you smile, patting him on the back. "Now come on, we've got business to attend to."

Saki calls for everyone to gather around the campfire as she gives out instructions to the group. "Okay, we have two pressing missions... the first is to find Rei and Akira. The two of them are separated from the rest of us, and Rei is obviously not in any condition to defend herself in this environment. The second mission is to find food. If we're going to stay here, we're going to need to find something edible. There appears to be a forest not too far from here. It should be the best bet for food."

"There's only one scouting party," Ken states, "And if we try to split up duties and decrease our numbers, we'd be putting ourselves at risk. We need to take these tasks one at a time."

Saki nods. "You're right Ken. The scouting party will need to handle these tasks one at a time. I'm not sure which we should focus on first..."

>If we don't find food soon, our chances of survival are slim.
>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

>>237180
>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

>>237180
>>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

>>237180
>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

>>237180
>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

>>237180
>>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

Rolled 12 (1d12)

Rolling for Saki ass depth

>>237225
HOLY SHIT.

>>237180
>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.
Poor Raiden...always forgotten...

>>237235
He's with Class 3, safe as he could be.

>>237241
I was under the impression he wasn't anymore post Yamato and was just being aloof.

>>237249
Nope still in class 3 custody because crazy murderhobo trying to kill us.

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>Nobody's starving right now, but Rei and Akira could be in danger. They're our first priority.

Ken nods. "Agreed. We need to make sure Rei and Akira aren't in any immediate life-threatening situation before we focus on anything else."

"That's fine with me," Akio mutters. "Okay, who's on the scouting party?"

Ken, Seishiro, Sayeka, Reiji, Hikaru, Satomi, Hiro and Nariko raise their hands. A decent enough group, though some are more lacking in terms of combat skills than others. Saki approaches you and places a hand on your shoulder. "You'l be on the scouting party too, Ryoji," she says.

"Really?" you ask.

Saki nods. "Yeah... I know you were probably planning on going anyway. Besides, they would benefit from having you around. You're good at coming up with plans, and we don't know exactly what's out there. They could use someone with the ability to adapt under pressure."

"Okay, I'll go with them," you reply. "You're going to be okay defending the camp like this?"

"We'll be fine," Saki smiles. "Akemi's got some turrets set up, and there don't seem to be any enemies nearby anyway. Go on, we'll talk more when you've found Rei and Akira."

You join the scouting party as you all begin to march out into the vast wastes in search of your two missing classmates. "They can't be far off," Ken states. "At least... I hope not. Maybe we'll run into Class 3 or Class 1 while we're out here too."

"I'm concerned we might already be too late," Sayeka mutters, still not shaking off her bout of hopelessness. "Akira is a capable fighter, but I don't know how she'd fare on her own, while also having to carry around a comatose Rei..."

"She's not on her own," you reassure the group. "Taka from Class 3 was with them, last time I checked. Plus, Tekina would be there too. Both of them are very capable, we just need to show them the way to camp."

"Let's hope so..." Ken replies, as you march on. As you walk side by side, he whispers to you, "Hey... what's up with Nanami? I didn't get the chance to talk to her, but she looks real upset. She wasn't even wearing her hat... I'm worried."

That's a tricky question. You want to answer Ken truthfully, but that could open up an even bigger can of worms...

>Tell Ken about Nanami's feelings
>Remain vague.

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>237225
Bruh, the ass goes way deeper than that, intestines bruh

Lemme roll for sensual sensitivity

>>237258
>>Tell Ken about Nanami's feelings

>>237263
Sheeeeeeeit. Guess Saki is a true butt slut.

>>237258
Be vague and hint he should talk to her himself

>>237258
>Tell Ken about Nanami's feelings
inb4 Ken has feelings for Nanami and we are just making everything worse.

>Tell Ken about Nanami's feelings
As good a time as any.

>>237258
>Remain vague

>>237258
>Remain Vague.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>237266
What is her secret kink?
1 BDSM
2 Extreme Insertion
3 Cuckoldry
4 Pegging
5 Bloodplay
6 Holding Hands

Calling in 5 minutes.

>>237258
>Remain vague.
We should tell him eventually, but now doesn't seem like the time to complicate things even further.

>>237312
>Extreme Insertion
Well that's fortunate

>>237312
the dice are consistent at least

>>237312
>Extreme Insertion
Wew, glad we rolled well on those penis rolls.

>>237258
>Tell Ken about Nanami's feelings

>>237323
>>237322
>>237320
>Extre Anal Buttslut Size Queen

>>237258
>Tell Ken about Nanami's feelings

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I made Ryoji a keychain because Booker hasn't told me to stop yet.

I made it under the assumption that the school gives them out in case of lost bags and such.
Or if your face gets so badly mauled that they need something to identify you with.

Apologies for the slight delay. Calling for
>Tell Ken about Nanami's feelings
Writing now.

>>237351
Huh, neat.

We're gonna need it for the latter purpose

>>237382
Oh we don't have ours, Booker said we don't even know which of the lockers are our, so I had to choose a random number.

I suppose more technically I chose Daisuke's locker number.

>>237392
Makes sense.

Wait does Ryo actually own thing?

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"Ken, there's something you need to know about Nanami..." you begin.

"Oh?" Ken asks. "And what's that?"

You hesitate to answer. It's probably for the best that he knows, but you feel bad telling him... you feel as if you'd be betraying Nanami's trust. You take a deep breath and let it all out. "She likes you a lot, Ken. When she saw you kissing Alice... she was crushed. I think you should probably talk to her about all this."

Ken stares at you, wide-eyed, nervously scratching his arm. "Nanami? She likes... me? Since when?"

You shrug. "Not sure, but it's been a while. You really didn't pick up on it?"

"No!" Ken exclaims. "I... I had no idea. Nanami... oh, that poor girl. I'm just starting to realise how many times I blew her off to hang out with Alice... she must have felt terrible. I'm such a jerk."

"Hey, don't blame yourself," you say. "You had no idea."

"Yeah, I guess so... can't help but feel guilty...."

"Oh Boo-hoo!" Seishiro yells, interrupting. "Wah-wah! I'm Ken! I've got two hot girls who want me! How can I live like this!"

Seishiro smirks and shakes his head. "Seriously, you two are ridiculous. You've got all the girls you could want and you both still find ways to complain. Meanwhile, not a single lady wants a piece of me, but do I whine about it?"

"Yes, all the time," you reply, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh... well, I have reason too!" Seishiro fires back.

"Can we cut the juicy gossip and the petty arguments?" Akio states, taking charge of the conversation. "If Hikaru and Satomi can go without bickering on this trip, maybe you guys could shut up for five minutes!"

"I hate to say it Aki," Seishiro replies, "But you've changed. You've gotten a hell of a lot softer since you started chasing the nerd."

"Do we really have to have this conversation now?" Akio yells. "I don't want it to fall to me to make sure nobody gets killed because the rest of you are a bunch of idiots who care more about personal drama than surviving? Do you see me hitting on Hikaru right now? No! Because there's a time and a place! Clearly, I'm the only person in this group smart enough to realise that!"

Wow... you've never seen this mature a side to Akio before. Maybe placing him as group leader was a good move.

"Come on, let's keep moving," he says, as he continues to press on.

"Some best friend he is..." Seishiro mumbles. "What happened to us, man?"

>Akio grew up. You should try it sometime.
>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.

>>237436
>>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.

>>237436
>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.

>>237436
>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.
He wants to keep you alive, so you can hit on girls later. He's just taking the "Keep everyone alive in the crazy cultist induced forever hell dimension," seriously.

>>237436
>Akio grew up. You should try it sometime.
Just some tough love, I really do feel for the guy.

>>237436
>>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.

>>237436
>>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.

>>237436
>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you

Man, I really kinda wish we didn't say. I feel just like Ryoji feels. I just hope that Nanami forgives us. Because she'll find out eventually. One way or another.

That said. Man, Akio has really grown. Wonder if it was all on Hikaru, or something else that helped him grow as well.

Maybe out strange leadership quality reiji was talking about is stranger's influence. I'm saying this since we didn't mesh well with anyone but Kosuke and rini and we were straight up told that our survival depends on the people in our class liking us and looking out for us. Survival being our wish with stranger I just thought it was something that could explain ryoji's MC charisma.

>>237436
>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.

File: Darkworld Golem.jpg (270 KB, 400x572)

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>He's still your friend, Seishiro. He's just watching out for you.

"Sure doesn't feel like it," Seishiro mutters. "Aki hasn't bothered to hang out with me in a long time now. All he cares about is chasing some girl. You know he actually studied for our end of term exams. He studied! I don't know if he think it'll impress her... or maybe Aki's just a different guy now... either way, I don't like it."

"You don't have to like it," you reply, "But Akio's making sure you stay safe. You can't fault him for that."

Seishiro crosses his arms, dejected. "I just want my best friend to go back to the way he was. Aki's no fun anymore..."

"Hey guys..." Hikaru states, pointing the spot on the ground. "Check it out. Tracks."

You gather around the tracks left in the ground, and note that the head out further... West? You don't know what direction, seeing as there's no sun to go off of. "Two sets of footprints... and they're pretty big shoes," Hikaru adds, "If I were to guess, I'd say these belong to Taka and Akira."

"That's good news," you reply. "We just follow these, and we'll find them."

"Guys...?" Nariko calls out. "You might also want to look at this..."

You look to where Nariko's pointing and... shit, those are some big footprints. Whatever left those must be huge, and it's headed in the same direction as Akira and Taka.

"These tracks are fresher," Satomi remarks. "Whatever made them is following their trail."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Akio replies. "We need to get to them quick! They'll need our help!"

You break into a sprint, following the tracks of your friends. Eventually, a figure appears in the distance, followed by two smaller figures. As you get closer you're pleased to see Akira and Taka alive and well. You're less pleased to see that Rei isn't with them, and even less pleased to see the creature they are battling. A red Golem-like creature made from crystals... huge, about 25 feet in height.

"Looks like we're going to have to take that thing down!" Seishiro yells in excitement, rushing ahead of the group.

"Seishiro, hang on... Dammit!" Akio exclaims, readying his spear. "Okay everyone, let's do this!"

>Time to see what this gauntlet can do. [ROLL D100]
>I should focus on pulling people to safety, and acting as meat-shield to the creature's blows. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>237522
>>I should focus on pulling people to safety, and acting as meat-shield to the creature's blows. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>237522
>>I should focus on pulling people to safety, and acting as meat-shield to the creature's blows. [ROLL D100]

>>237522


>Time to see what this gauntlet can do. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>237522
>Time to see what this gauntlet can do. [ROLL D100]

>>237537
>>Time to see what this gauntlet can do. [ROLL D100]
Oh fuck with that role how could I note vote for this.

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>237522
>I should focus on pulling people to safety, and acting as meat-shield to the creature's blows. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>237522
>>Time to see what this gauntlet can do. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>237522
>I should focus on pulling people to safety, and acting as meat-shield to the creature's blows. [ROLL D100]

why are we taking the inferior roll?

74 vs 93?

>>237522
>Time to see what this gauntlet can do. [ROLL D100]
I gotta because >>237537

>>237625
we aren't, which ever option wins will use the 93. at least that's how it usually works.

>>237634
Nope booker says he takes the highest roll of the winning choice.

>>237625
I imagine a 74 is above DC and sometimes the important thing isn't the roll but the choice that's picked.

File: Taka.jpg (417 KB, 740x1100)

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>Time to see what this gauntlet can do.

Akemi made you this thing, it's about time you put it to work. You know that you can't seriously damage any of these things without drawing power from the Archdemon, but you hope that you can prove at least a little useful with this thing. As Seishiro charges at the Golem and it reaches it's hand down to grab him, you aim your hand at the monster and fire. A huge stream of fireworks shoot from the knuckled of the gauntlet. The kickback is insane, and it nearly sends you off your feet. The explosives soar through the air, colliding with the creature. It throws it's arms up, trying to defend itself and swat away the rockets, which leaves it distracted long enough for the rest of the group to make their move. Sayeka slashes at the leg of the Golem, sending red shard flying as the beast is chipped away at. Akio rams his spear into the creature, Seishiro fires a few shots, all taking the beast apart, piece by piece.

Meanwhile, you continue to provide covering fire. Akira readies her bayonet before letting out a massive shot, sending the Golem reeling, before Taka delivers the final blow, leaping up high and swinging down onto the beast with his Greatsword. Defeated, the Golem breaks into several hundred red fragments.

"Haha! Piece of cake!" Seishiro boasts, before immediately eating a fist to the face from Akio. "Agh! What the hell was that for?!"

"You charged ahead and almost got yourself killed!" Akio yells, pissed off. "If it wasn't for Ryoji blasting that thing, you could be dead! Are you out of your mind?"

"Aki, come on! We always used to charge ahead!" Seishiro protests.

"Yeah, and I was stupid!" Akio replies. "Don't ever do it again."

Seishiro glares angrily and huffs. "Sure, whatever you say... Saki."

"Man, is it good to see some others!" Taka exclaims, with his usual smirk.

"Good to see you guys too," you reply, "Except... where's Rei?"

Akira stares solemnly, glancing briefly towards Taka in frustration. "We... weren't with Rei when the Darkworld returned," she explains. "Taka convinced me to leave the room for a while, get some fresh air."

Wow, Taka managed to convince her? You've been trying to get her out of that room for weeks.

"So... if Rei wasn't with you..." you begin, worried. "She still had Tekina watching over her, right?"

Akira slowly shakes her head. "Before we left the room, Tekina was pulled aside by the Class 1 homeroom teacher for some kind of meeting. I don't know if she made it back before the Darkworld came."

"So... you're saying..."

"Rei entered the Darkworld alone," Akira answers.

Oh... shit.

>Don't worry. We're going to find her before anything bad happens to her.
>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?

>>237654
>>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?
Oh shit.

>>237654
>>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?

>>237654
>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?

>>237654
>>Don't worry. We're going to find her before anything bad happens to her.

Oh fuck me then
>>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?

>>237654
>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?
Rei being captive of Cult Lunatic is going to make things even messier, just when it seemed there was little chance of that happening.

>>237654
>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?

Suspicion against Tekina and class 1 homeroom teacher rising.

File: Akira.jpg (211 KB, 700x976)

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>Were you guys searching for her? Did you find any clues to where she might be?

Taka shakes his head. "We've been looking, but we've found nothing so far. I hate to say it, but if she's been lying in the Darkworld for this long, comatose, then she might already be-"

"Shut up," Akira mutters angrily. She's clearly pissed off with Taka for leading her away from Rei's side. Can she really blame him, though? He was trying to do a good thing, and it's not like he knew this would happen. You doubt she really blames him, she's likely just looking for something to be angry at in her time of grief. "She's still alive, I know it."

"I'm just saying, you should probably consider the worst case-" Taka continues.

"I said shut up," Akira fires back. "Don't talk to me."

Akira pushes past as he charges on ahead. You race to catch up with her. "Don't worry Akira, we'll find Rei," you reply. "We can head back to camp now, then work out where to head next."

"Camp?" Akira asks.

"Oh, I guess you wouldn't know..." you begin. "This isn't the regular kind of Darkworld encounter. A cult leader made a deal with a demon to keep this night going for as long as he lived... weird, I know."

Akira shakes her head. "Then we already know what to do. We find Rei... then we kill this man."

That already was the plan, but you're not a big fan of how she said it. Too... bloodthirsty.

As you head back to camp, Taka walks alongside you. "I don't get it, kid."

"What don't you get?" you ask.

"I thought I was doing a good thing, pulling her out of that room. She was in there for way too long, she was starting to stink... and her friend wasn't getting any better." Taka scratches the back of his head. "But I do what I think is the right thing, and do I get a thank you? Any kind of appreciation? No! Just death stares."

>Let her be angry now. She'll come around.
>I appreciate what you did, Taka.
>Can you blame her? You separated her from Rei at the worst possible moment.

>>237808
>>Let her be angry now. She'll come around.
>>I appreciate what you did, Taka.

>>237808
>>Let her be angry now. She'll come around.
>>I appreciate what you did, Taka.
>>Really it was bad luck, had the Darkworld not shown up at the worst possible time things would have been great.

>>237808
>I appreciate what you did Taka, she's just angry because she thinks she's failed her friend.
>Let her be angry now. She'll come around.

>>237808

>Let her be angry now. She'll come around.
>I appreciate what you did, Taka.
>just really bad luck and Settan having the worst timing man.

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>237808
>Let her be angry now. She'll come around.
>I appreciate what you did, Taka.
That said, be careful next time, because this place is out to fuck with us in every possible manner.

If only we had a Reidar.

>>237865
That was bad.
That was really bad.
You should reistrain yourself from doing reidiculous puns like that, reilly.
No one likes puns!

>>237808
Go with >>237829

File: Nariko04.jpg (322 KB, 900x1273)

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>Let her be angry now. She'll come around.
>I appreciate what you did, Taka.

"I don't think she'll come around when her friend turns out to be dead," Taka replies. "But it's good to know at least someone can see I did good. Thanks, kid."

You roll your eyes as he calls you "kid". You're never going to like that. Akira walks on ahead of the group, even though she doesn't know where camp is. Taka stares at her as she does, though to be more specific...

"Dude, stop staring at her ass," you mutter. Whoa, you just had flashbacks to your first meeting with Akira.

You all return to camp, as you are eagerly welcomed by Saki. "You found them!" she exclaims. "Good work guys! I... wait, where's Rei?"

Akira stares mournfully at Saki before shaking her head and walking on.

"What... what happened to Rei?" Saki asks, concerned.

"She wasn't with Taka and Akira," you answer. "She's out on her own, and we need to find her before something real bad happens."

"Okay..." Saki mutters, "Do you guys have any leads to where she might be?"

"Nothing," you frown.

"Hi kitty, did you miss me?" Nariko exclaims, as she embraces the cat she left back at camp. "I bet you did! I bet you-Oh... what have you got here?"

Nariko holds up a small blue bracelet. "Daisuke, have you been stealing again? Bad kitty! I told you not to wander away from camp!"

Wait, you recognise that bracelet. "That's Rei's!" you exclaim, as you approach Nariko. "Where did he get this?"

"I'll ask him!" Nariko replies. You raise an eyebrow, unsure of whether or not she's being sarcastic. Sure enough though, she's hunkering down and whispering to the cat. "He's saying he found it in the forest," she explains.

"That's good, the forest was next on our agenda anyway," you say. "We'll restock, and head out as soon as we can."

You feel a tap on your shoulder. You turn around to see Ken staring you in the face. His eyes glance over towards Nanami. "While everyone else gets ready... should I... talk to her? I don't know if that's a good idea or not..."

>Of course you should talk to her. You're probably the only one who can lift her spirits right now.
>I don't think you should, Ken. You might just make things worse.

>>237920
>Of course you should talk to her. You're probably the only one who can lift her spirits right now.

Now this could get ugly.... but it could also improve our situation so lets just trust in our justice bro.

>>237920
>>237920
>Of course you should talk to her. You're probably the only one who can lift her spirits right now.
I feel tempted to suggest he take Akemi with him

>>237920
>Of course you should talk to her. You're probably the only one who can lift her spirits right now. Just promise me you won't do something stupid

>Of course you should talk to her. You're probably the only one who can lift her spirits right now.

I forget, is it normal that she can talk to cats?

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>237947
Girls have deep connections with their kittens

File: Akemi03.jpg (344 KB, 687x950)

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>Of course you should talk to her. You're probably the only one who can lift her spirits right now.

Ken nods dutifully. "Okay... I have no idea what to say... but I'll try."

You give him a swift pat on the back. "Good luck, man."

Ken slowly makes his way over to Nanami, who is lying back not paying any attention to the rest of the camp as she looks up to the sky. Ken, unsure of what else to do, picks up her hat and places it over her face, blocking her vision. She sits up frantically, and throws the hat away, only to shrivel up embarrassed as she sees Ken standing before her.

Ken smiles weakly as he sits down beside her. You don't want to eavesdrop on their conversation, so you turn away. The scouting party are getting readjusted moments before heading out to the forest. Saki's busy giving orders to the group, so chatting with her is probably not a great idea. You look around to see who is free up.

Akemi is dusting her hands off after placing the finishing touches on one of the turrets. She looks over to you and smiles wide as she turns around. You should probably get around to thanking her for making that gauntlet. It proved pretty damn useful.

Alice is sitting cross-legged at the front of camp, staring out into the wasteland. She doesn't seem to be paying much attention to anyone else. Chihiro comes over to her at one point, trying to speak to her Aunt, but Alice gives her no reaction. Just a complete cold shoulder. You can imagine the effect returning to the Darkworld is having on Alice mentally.

Nariko is still preoccupied with her cat, stroking it's ears and whispering kind words to the little beast. As much as a menace as that cat can be, it has proved useful every now and then, and now it's given you a lead to Rei. You're curious as to how Nariko is so certain of where the cat nabbed the bracelet. You'd hate to think you're looking for Rei in the forest simply because the weird cat-girl is delusional.

You sigh. This is supposed to be the Endless Night, and yet you feel that time is not on your side. You only have time to speak to one of them before everyone's ready to head back out.

>Talk to Akemi
>Talk to Alice
>Talk to Nariko

>>238004
>Talk to Alice

>>238004
>Talk to Akemi

>>238004
>Talk to Alice
But not before thanking Akemi for the gauntlet, it's already saving lives!

>>238004
>>Talk to Akemi
I want to get to know crazy cat lady a little better but I much prefer to stick to someone I know I like.

>>238004
>Talk to Akemi

>>238004
>>Talk to Alice
I think Akemi can wait till our next break, she's strong. Alice could have some valuable info

>>238004
>Talk to Alice

>>238004
>talk to alice

>>238004
>Talk to Akemi

File: Alice30.png (705 KB, 800x1100)

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>Talk to Alice

You feel as though you've been avoiding talking to Alice since you arrived here, and you think you know why... this place is where she resided for sixty years before she managed to create her own world. Her Archdemon is on the brink of death... maybe it's already dead, but returning to this place may have set something off for her.

You make your way over to Alice and sit down beside her. She doesn't turn your head to acknowledge you in any way, nor does she speak. You're the first to say something.

"Feels weird, doesn't it?" you ask, looking out over the wasteland. "Being back here."

"This is it..." she mumbles, looking out.

"This is what?" you ask. "What is this?"

"This is where I belong," she answers. "Not that other place. I think I'm going to stay here."

You shake your head. "Alice... this isn't your home. Back at the Academy, that's your home."

"My home is a shallow grave," Alice replies, a surprisingly serious tone from the young girl. "I'm dead. Alice is dead. I'm just the ghost."

"No... you're her," you reply. "You're Alice Maddox. You're not dead... you've just done an amazing job of surviving."

"I've started hearing it again..." Alice mutters.

You raise and eyebrow. "Hearing what?"

"The whispers. I think... The Dreamer is still alive."

The Dreamer? That's the name of her Archdemon?

"Is it growing stronger?" you ask. "If it asks you for anything, don't feed it. You don't want to lose your mind again."

Alice pouts. "I really liked the world I made... then you came and wrecked it." There's a clear tone of resentment in her voice. "I'd really like to make another one..."

>Alice, you're smarter than that. Don't feed your Archdemon.
>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken? Will they be a part of your world?
>Go ahead, then. Feed that demon, make your own world and get the hell out of here, if you're so adamant.

>>238091
>Alice, you're smarter than that. Don't feed your Archdemon.
>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken? Will they be a part of your world?

>>238091
>>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken? Will they be a part of your world?

>Maybe Alice is dead, maybe you can become someone different.
>but more importantly
>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken?

>>238091
>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken? Will they be a part of your world?

>>238091
>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken? Will they be a part of your world?
>Do you, Alice, want it, or is it what the Archdemon wants you to believe? You have a chance to live a life you couldn't before.

>>238108
This

>>238091
>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken? Will they be a part of your world?

>>238108
Supporting this.

File: Alice29.png (539 KB, 600x750)

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>Is that really what you want to do? What about the people you know. Chihiro, Ken? Will they be a part of your world?

"If they really wanted to, yes!" Alice nods. "My niece, the nice boy... they can come along!"

"They wouldn't," you reply. "And neither would I."

"That's okay, you weren't invited!" Alice huffs, crossing her arms.

You shake your head, and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Alice... I'm trying to help you here. You don't belong here, and you don't need to create your own world either. You belong here, with us. You've got me, you've got Chihiro, I hear you've got a little romantic thing going on with Ken..."

"I... what?" she asks, confused.

"Well... you and he kissed," you reply.

Alice nods, realising something. "Oh... I see. The nice boy asked if he could kiss me, and I didn't see a reason to say no. So I let him! I thought that was it!"

"Wait, you mean you don't have romantic feelings for... actually, that's not important right now. My point is that you don't have to hide away in dreams. You have a family who cares for you right here."

Alice stares at you, deep in thought. Eventually, she sits up and holds out her hand in front of her.

"What are you doing?" you ask.

"I'm testing something..." she says, her face scrunched up in concentration. A swirl of dust begins to appear in her hand, as the swirl slowly shapes up and takes the form of a nice, juicy-looking red apple. So... that's Alice's powers at it's lowest level. She can warp reality itself to an extent. Pretty nifty.

"You want it?" she says, handing it to you you.

You examine the apple and take a bite. It tastes good. Really good. You would rejoice and say that you don't need to find food for the camp anymore, but it seems that apple alone took a lot out of Alice, as she clutches her head and sits back down. "You okay?" you ask, hunkering down to her level.

Alive giggles. "It worked!" she laughs. "I... I'm not dead yet!"

That's good to know. "Hey... how did you know your Archdemon was called The Dreamer?"

Alice pauses. "I... I don't know. I just do."

Huh... odd. It's likely her knowledge of the Darkworld is being revitalised as she has returned, the same way her memories slowly returned to her once she was in the real world.

You'll speak to Alice more later, for now it's time to search for Rei.

"Okay, for this mission, Ken will act as scouting leader!" Saki states, ready to send you guys off.

"What?" Akio protests. "Why? I did a great job as leader!"

"I just feel this is a more delicate operation," Saki explains. "Ken's the more suited for this."

>Good call. Ken will do a fine job leading.
>Actually, Akio should take this one too. He showed some great maturity earlier.

>>238211
>>Actually, Akio should take this one too. He showed some great maturity earlier.

>>238211
>Actually, Akio should take this one too. He showed some great maturity earlier.
>Plus I kinda wanna bother Ken while we're on our way, so he wouldn't keep his mind 100% in it.
We need to keep the morale up, and a sitrep on the nanami situation is a must

>>238211
>Good call. Ken will do a fine job leading.
>But Akio does deserve credit for a job well done earlier

>>238211
>Akio did a good job previously, that said you don't need to lead everytime, take some time to relax a bit.
>Ken, are you up for leading?

>>238211
>Actually, Akio should take this one too. He showed some great maturity earlier

Ken, we are the protagonist here. It is our job to be the dense one, rule no.1 if you are going to confess, don't be so damn indirect.

In all seriousness though, Akio did a good job divorcing himself from his emotions enough to make good calls. I can't immediately trust Ken so soon after talking with Nanami.

>>238211
>>Actually, Akio should take this one too. He showed some great maturity earlier.

>>238211
>Actually, Akio should take this one too. He showed some great maturity earlier.

I'm surprised Chihido didn't gave Alice a quick lesson about boys... then again Chihiro probably gave Alice all the wrong kind of lessons.

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>238300
eolling for how many ducks chihiro has taken

>>238328
Thats an entire lakes worth of ducks. The fiend! It will ruin the ecosystem!

File: The Forest03.jpg (293 KB, 834x1024)

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>Actually, Akio should take this one too. He showed some great maturity earlier.

"Really?" Saki asks, raising an eyebrow. "Akio? Maturity?"

"Yeah, he really surprised me," you reply.

"Come on, is it really that hard to believe?" Akio remarks.

"Yes," Saki states directly.

Akio crosses his arms. "Fair enough."

"But if you have trust in him..." Saki ponders, "Then Akio will lead the team again!"

"Hooray," Hikaru rolls her eyes, speaking with a deadpan tone. "Another thing to inflate his ego."

"Hey, that's no way to talk about your leader!" Akio laughs. "Now, let's move out!"

As you begin to march towards the forest, you walk alongside Ken. "So... how did it go?"

"Not well..." Ken sighs. "I tried handling it as delicately as possible, but... I think she just took my apology as rubbing salt in her wounds. I think she's pretty angry with you, too..."

"With me?" you ask.

"Yeah, I didn't say it was you that told me about her feelings... hell, I didn't say anyone told me, but I think she realised it was your doing. Sorry."

You shake your head. Dammit, it really sucks to see Nanami this upset. The very idea of Nanami being angry with you... it leaves a sinking feeling in your stomach.

"Come on Daisuke," Nariko says as she places her cat down, holding the bracelet in front of him. "Show us exactly where you found this!"

Daisuke moves on ahead of the group, leading the way. Great, the scouting party is relying on a damn cat. This is not a good sign.

The group arrives at the entrance to the forest, a dark, grimy area, where the trees are branching out in a variety of unnatural shapes.The forestation is thick, and for a moment you could almost swear you heard people speaking within the trees. As you enter further, you find yourself turning you head as you think you see something in the corner of your eye... a face... but there's no sign of anyone when you look. This happens a few times.

"This place is so creepy..." Hikaru mutters. "It's like one of those haunted forests you hear so much about..."

"Don't be so superstitious," Satomi remarks, adjusting her glasses. "I shouldn't be surprised hearing that from you though. A superstitious mind is a weak one, after all!"

"Hey genius, we're already in hell," Hikaru replies. "It's pretty safe to be supersti-"

"Shhh," Akio silences the two of them. "I think I heard something..."

You hear it too. Rustling in the trees, except... all around you. You look as the trees are shaking everywhere you look.

"M-Maybe it's just the wind..." a frightened Satomi suggests.

"There isn't any wind," Hikaru points out. "This is... something living."

"What do we do?" Hiro asks.

>Simple. We run. [ROLL D100]
>Whatever's in there, we'll attack them first! [ROLL D100]

>>238333
>Whatever's in there, we'll attack them first! [ROLL D100]
BANZAI!
Ryūjin no ken wo kurae! *teleports behind darkworlder*

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>238333
>>Whatever's in there, we'll attack them first! [ROLL D100]

Go dice go

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>238351
>>238333
Forgot roll

psssh nothin personel

On a more serious note, we should talk to Ken about how he thinks Alice took things between them.

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>238333
gouda for the gouda god!

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>238333
>Whatever's in there, we'll attack them first! [ROLL D100]

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>238333
>>Whatever's in there, we'll attack them first! [ROLL D100]
If it just so happens to be a friendly person, would a good roll result in killing them or would you need to aim for a bad roll to make sure we don't hurt them?

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>238333
>Whatever's in there, we'll attack them first! [ROLL D100]

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>Whatever's in there, we'll attack them first!

You aim your gauntlet towards the brush above you and fire. The fireworks shoot up and ignite as they make contact with the leaves above. The forestation above you burns up, as you hear a howling shriek.

"Was that... coming from the tree?" Hikaru asks. "Is there something in there?"

"No..." Akio mutters, as you notice some of the plant-life uprooting itself from the earth. "That was the tree."

See this is exactly what you were concerned about earlier. Damn Darkworld, even the trees want you dead.

Though the creature you're faced with is more than just a tree. In fact, much of the plant-life around you moves together and merge as one creature. With the tree roots as legs, and various pieces of wood, leaves and moss, forming the body, the creature forms a pair of glowing yellow eyes, glaring at you.

Without hesitation, you open fire on the creature once more, and the other begin to assault it as well. It's a tough bugger, as you come to realise, as the beast is tanking most of your blows. Your fireworks are managing to burn up a good bit of it's outer protection, while Akira's bayonet seems to be doing the biggest chunk of damage.

"Dammit! It's not going down!" Akio exclaims.

"Of course not," Hikaru explains, slicing away at some vines on the creature's leg. "We're in a forest, and it merges with plant-life. It's like a grassy hydra, we cut away part of it, it's just grows back more."

"Then what are we supposed to do?" Seishiro demands to know.

>We lure it out of the forest where it can't regenerate itself. [ROLL D100]
>We need to hit it with a concentrated burst of firepower. Burn it up before it has time to restore itself. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>238431
>>We lure it out of the forest where it can't regenerate itself. [ROLL D100]
One more Time dice

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>238431
>We lure it out of the forest where it can't regenerate itself. [ROLL D100]
Have to try it.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>238431
>We lure it out of the forest where it can't regenerate itself. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>238431
>We need to hit it with a concentrated burst of firepower. Burn it up before it has time to restore itself. [ROLL D100]

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>238431
>>We lure it out of the forest where it can't regenerate itself. [ROLL D100]
Let's at least try not to burn the whole forest down.

>>238431
>We lure it out of the forest where it can't regenerate itself. [ROLL D100]

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>We lure it out of the forest where it can't regenerate itself.

"Sounds like a plan," Akio nods, as he begins the sprint to exit the forest. The rest of the group follows in tow, while you, Akira and Seishiro fire on the forest creature, drawing it ire, and keeping the chase going, as the monster follows you out into the red wasteland.

"Haha! We got it out here!" Seishiro laughs. "That stupid freakin'-"

Seishiro isn't able to finish his sentence. Due to him hurriedly running backwards, with his attention turned towards the creature, he stumbles back on a rock, landing flat on his ass. The creature isn't exactly kind enough to slow down for him, as it comes barrelling forward, it's foot about to come down on the prone Seishiro, who cowers in fear for what he believes to be his last moments.

Thankfully, they aren't, as Akio swoops in and pulls his friend to safety at the last minute. Both men breath huge sighs of relief as it happens, but there's still the issue of the creature to take care of. Now that you've got it out in the open, it's time to continue your assault. You launch your rockets at it, Taka takes huge slices from it with his greatsword, and Satomi pulls a small vial of a strange green liquid from her bag. Seeing this, Hikaru's eye widen, excited.

"Wait... is that...?"

"You bet it is," Satomi smirks. "I've been working on this concoction for a while now. Uhh... you others may want to back up a little..."

You follow Satomi's instructions, as you all clear the way for her to toss the vial at the creature. The glass of the vial shatters upon impact, and the liquid combusts as it makes contact with the environment. Wow, you never expected such a small vial to result in such a huge wildfire, spreading throughout the body of the creature. It lets out a shriek as it's grassy body wastes and burns away, leaving little more than a pile of goop on the earth where a gigantic Darkworlder once stood.

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"Remind me never to mess with you," you joke to Satomi. "That was insane."

Seishiro places a hand on Akio's shoulder. "You... you saved me."

Akio shrugs. "Of course I did. I'm supposed to be leading this team, remember? Can't have you dying on me, making me look bad."

Seishiro smiles as he pulls Akio close for a hug. He squeezes his friend tight as he says, "Thanks pal. I'm sorry about what I said before. I'm sorry I called you Saki."

"No problem," Akio smiles, patting his friend's back.

"Stop celebrating," Akira demands. "We still haven't found Rei."

"Hell, with the destruction caused there, I wouldn't be surprised if her body was crush-" Taka begins, before stopping himself. "I mean... we still need to search the forest."

You examine the piece of goop on the floor. Damn, you guys burned that thing up real good. It's strange to think this small puddle was a giant beast just moments ago. Wait a minute... why isn't this goo dissolving like most other Darkworlders do when they die? Unless that means...

Before you can finish that though, the goo forms an arm that reaches out and grasps it's hand around your throat. You struggle to break free, but it holds on tight, and the others haven't noticed yet. The grasp of the hand tightens around you neck, your vision beginning to blur, until...

A swift slash of a blade cuts through the hand. A blue blur streaks past your vision, before another few slices are added to the Darkworlder, before it dissolves altogether. Free of the creature's grasp, you fall back, raising your head up to see the one who saved you. Sword in hand... long blonde hair placed into a ponytail... an all too familiar blue track-suit, and a determined smile on her face.

"Hey guys!" Rei exclaims, resting her sword at her side. "What did I miss?"

END OF EPISODE 22

Thanks for playing! Let me know what you think!

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>>238565
OH SHIT NIGGA, GUESS WHO'S BACK.

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOU4YiuaxAM

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

New thread Friday! In the meantime, I made a discord channel for all DGA discussion/shitposting. Join it, or don't. I'm not your boss.

>Discord
https://discord.gg/013qKvWOjCLLP8mpP

>Player Question
Pretty basic one here. What was your favourite moment of tonight's thread?

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Also, in case anyone missed it, I posted a non-canon pastebin side-story yesterday. It features Isamu and Akemi shenanigans, which I've heard is quite popular with the kids these days.

Link right here; http://pastebin.com/BGgtZV5h

I'll be working on another one, perhaps tomorrow. I am taking suggestion on what you guys would like to see.

>>238565

So what archdemon does she have then?

>>238575
>PQ
Rei's return

>>238592
I'll check it out now, thanks Booker

>>238575
Favourite moment is Ryoji being more efficient in combat, followed closely by that bit where he had thoughts about Saki being perky and firm, hehe

>>238565
>>238575
Awww yeah good way to end it. Knew it was going to happen, but great none the less!

Sad that I couldn't participate as much as I wanted to but. Barring the Nanami fiasco, we handled everything well, more or less. Then again, the Nanami stuff was kinda doomed to fail for a while at least. I think she'll need some time and Akemi and Nariko's help.

>What did I miss?
Well, for one, we're taken...I am sure that will go over well. And now Taka is part of our Party with a reunited Akira and Rei. Which is everything I wanted now. The trio will be fascinating to watch.

>PQ
Honestly, its all about Akio. I really want to spend some time with him because his growth is fascinating. Hikaru can't be the only reason, right?

Also love the stuff with Saki and Ryoji, its subtle, but its cute.

Meanwhile, Seishiro really needs a gf...but who? Most of the parings I have thought up are horrifying in a hillarious way.

>>238592
This was a great read, as I said before. Was great fun. Do we dare wonder about 'the yogurt incident'?

I would be down for:
>some Prank Crew side story.
>Nanami the pirate's actual factual AU pirate adventure where everyone is a pirate or navy
>Isamu AU where he saves fair maidens from the evil Ryoji. Doing stereotypical stuff like tying girls to railroad tracks
>Some sort of event at the cafeteria
>Dark Gate Academy IN SPAAAAAAAACE!

>>238605
You have to assume something like that is going on, right? Maybe her high will/competativenes keeps it in check?

Good thread, as always.

>>238639
>Honestly, its all about Akio. I really want to spend some time with him because his growth is fascinating. Hikaru can't be the only reason, right?

She's not, but finding someone he was serious about did prove the catalyst for his growth.

>Also love the stuff with Saki and Ryoji, its subtle, but its cute.
The cuteness is also underlined with some bleakness. I don't know if I made it clear enough that the reason Ryoji did the cutesy tap-on-the-shoulder-kiss was because the vision Sayeka told him about Saki's fate fucking terrified him, and he was worried about it coming true. Gotta get that kiss in, cause it might be his last chance.

>>238639

Eh, shadowrunning as always. She was vulnerable and alone when she fell into the darkworld and what wish would be simpler to grant than the wish to wake up.

>>238592
Really enjoyed that OVA. I had a smile on my face the through the whole thing. Maybe you can do one with seishiro? Like asking ryoji to be his good luck charm and tag along while he asks literally every girl out within the span of a day of constant rejection or something.

>>238679
>Maybe you can do one with seishiro? Like asking ryoji to be his good luck charm and tag along while he asks literally every girl out within the span of a day of constant rejection or something.

I like this one. Seishiro is a character sorely lacking in development. The only Class 2 member with less development is Sora, I think.

>>238661
Hey Booker Man, what would've happened if we decided to run away from school back in the beginning of the quest?

>>238661
Oh totally. I caught that bit too. It was cute, but totally serrious too. The fear is real.

>>238671
Possibley. One could also suggest that she doesn't realise that she's in a coma. Or she made a deal way before, unwittingly of course, like Ryoji, and she gained super speed.

>>238698
He has stated that it would have ended the quest, right there.

>>238698
Like I said in that thread itself, the Quest would have ended, worst end achieved.

>>238702

Course could be that all the students have a Darkworlder in them, not all of them have one so powerful as an Archdemon but it could be where the powers come from, why they're always awakened when they first go into the Darkworld, their quirks of personalities are how they feed them, hence why they all fall into their roles so well. I actually wouldn't think that Saki has an Archdemon in this theory, a powerful one to be sure but she works hard enough to be the best that it would make up for the power difference. Also fits with the Principle being so powerful and with such a poor memory.

>>238731
That is definitely a possibility. I would guess that of the class 2 folks, that would likely mean, Hiro, Ryoji, Rei and potentially Sora already have the actual quirks of their powers awakened. The others are still mostly dormant. Though an argument could be made of Nariko and Akemi being awakened alread as well

>>238749
You forgot Sayeka

>>238785
Yep, I did. You are totally right. Sayeka definitely has awakened to the level that the previously mentioned cast members have.

>>238798
Also pretty sure Ryoji's is fully from the Archdemon, he doesn't really have usual powers.
Maybe it's fullbringer type of deal and even if we lost it we keep something but I dunno.

>>238749

Definitely Nariko, just her demon is part of a pairing the other side of which is manifested in her cat. When both of them are fine her demon is as "lazy" as her but when the other half is threatened it unleashes it's built up power reserves.

>>238894
That would actually explain a lot.

>>238592
Nariko's cat grows fond of a member of class one and disappears for weeks at a time, nariko and (insert name) duke it out over the cat's affection.

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>238592
I loved the story, 10/10
>the ship isn't happening
Please don't rub it in, Booker