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“I don't understand,” you mutter. “Removing an Archdemon without killing the host... that's impossible, isn't it?”

“Is it?” Miyoko asks. “I'll admit, I certainly thought so myself, but I've found myself pleasantly surprised in recent times.”

“You know I don't believe you, right?” you fire back. “What you're saying it a load of crap. This is all some sort of trick, and you're planning to kill us or something.”

Miyoko wags her finger. “Now Kazuma, if I wished to kill you, I would have done so by now, wouldn't I? You've been unconscious for the last few hours, and there isn't a single way you could defeat me in a struggle. Surely the fact that I haven't acted upon that opportunity must tell you something. I don't wish to kill anyone.”

“And how am I supposed to believe that?” you ask. “Your friends have attacked us several times.”

“Yes, but never with intention to kill,” Miyoko explains, rising from her chair and moving to a nearby bookcase. “It was only our intention to retrieve the stone. With all due respect, that item is extremely powerful, and I simply can't trust it in your hands.”

“Why didn't you tell us that, then?”

Miyoko chuckles. “Yes, I should have told you. Then you would have handed the stone over, yes?”

You sigh. “Well, no... I wouldn't...”

“Then you can see why asking for the power gem would simply be a waste of very valuable time.”

“How can I trust you?” you ask.

Miyoko shakes her head. “The answer to that is simple. You can't. I'm wise enough to admit that as I stand before you, there is not a single solitary trustworthy thing about me. My smile could be fake, my demeanour intentionally disarming, and the reason I've allowed you to live could just be that I have some other use for you before I lop off your head. All understandable concerns and thoughts, and nothing I can say will convince you that I am not your enemy. All you can trust is that you cannot trust me, and I can trust that I cannot trust you. Mutual distrust sets us on the same level. Now we can see eye-to-eye when we talk.”

You glare at Miyoko as she opens a book and sifts through it. “Now tell me, which of your friends, if any, you would call... an avatar of Artemis?”

“What?” you ask.

Miyoko snaps the book closed. “Never mind. Perhaps we should focus on one thing at a time. Such as our method of helping your friend Alice.”

“You're not going to help her,” you reply. “You're going to kill her. Your method for killing Archdemons doesn't exist.”

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“It doesn't?” Miyoko chuckles. “Well... this is one of my claims that I can prove. You've seen what we can do, Kazuma. Your friend... The Stranger... sensed the power of Archdemons within us.”

You want to point out that Ryoji isn't your friend, but figure that now is not the time for that.

“And yet...” Miyoko mutters as she grabs a small pin from her shelf and pricks the tip of her finger. Not a lot, but just enough to draw blood. Crimson blood. “I bleed red. How is that? Those possessed by Archdemons bleed black, their inner workings made up of the same thick darkness that composes a Darkworlder. Is this an illusion? Perhaps... but perhaps I might just be telling the truth.”

Miyoko smiles as you grunt. “I want my stone back. It was a gift from my father.”

“And your father stole it,” Miyoko wags her finger. “If you trace back the roots, you'll see that you do not have a strong argument as the stone's rightful owner. I understand the sentimentally you must have attached to it, I'm certain you have many fond memories of your absent father imprinted on the relic... but you must ask yourself, does losing that stone cause you to lose those memories? Sentimentality is a state of mind, no physical object is needed to trigger it. Of course, something such as a photograph can preserve a memory, but if said memory is truly important to you, it would already be preserved within your mind. My personal theory is that-”

“Can you get to the part where you stop rambling?” you ask.

Miyoko pauses, then laughs. “My apologies. Sometimes my mind leaves me going off on tangents. You must have little patience for such things. Excuse me, I think it's time you joined with your friends. Being separated from them surely isn't doing much to quell your fears.”

“How many of my friends did you take?” you ask.

“All except for the government worker and the two older children,” Miyoko explains. “Most of them have woken up by now. We offered food and drink, but some of them seem to be as hostile as you are. Your taller friend especially. Do you wish to see one of them?”

>[WHO DO YOU CHECK ON FIRST?]
>Kiriko
>Alice
>Gado
>Kuin
>Tami
>Risa
>Sae
>Io
>Mayu
>Anri

>>736333
God fuck this bitch I cant wait until she dies

>Gado
We dont want him starting shit just yet, but we can plan an escape

>>736333
>>Gado
Taller friend is Gado yeah? Probably should try to calm him down. Or maybe check on Kuin first to tell him she's alright.

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>>736333
>Gado
Probably best to check on him first just so he doesn't fuck things up.

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>Gado

If Gado's picking fights with these people while in their territory, it could lead to bad things. Gado's tough, but he isn't going to beat them on his own. He'll be massacred.

Miyoko nods and smiles. "Ah, Gado's the tall one, correct? Very well, he's currently making a mess of the dining room with Soshu and Omitsu watching over him."

Miyoko stands up and leads you out into a lavish looking hallway. This place... it looks so regal. So upper-class. You expected a group like this to be hiding out underground or something, not living it up in a lavish manor home. "Where is this place?" you decide to ask.

"It's my family's home," Miyoko explains. "When I returned to this world, I found that it had long been abandoned, so I felt it appropriate to claim it. I had to clean the place up and do some decorating, but I feel it turned out for the better. How is your head?"

"What?"

"Utako was a little excited when she knocked you unconscious, hit a little too hard... Nari, our doctor, patched you up, but I hope you're still not in any pain."

You shake your head. Your head feels fine, but... why is she being so nice? Is this a disarming tactic? She alluded to as much... but is admitting how untrustworthy she seems something to make her more trustworthy... or is this all some strange game of reverse psychology. Your head doesn't hurt, but your brain does from all this stressing.

As you walk along the hallway, you hear the sounds of crashing and banging getting louder and louder. Miyoko lets out and exasperated sigh as she leads you into a large fancy dining room, where you see Gado grappling and rolling along the floor, throwing punches at the tattooed boy.

"Ah, the sight of raw masculinity," Miyoko chuckles. "Always wanting to show your strength, to be the toughest, lest others think less of you. I take it your friend is as stubborn as mine?"

"You people are friends?" you ask. "I figured demons didn't have friends. Allies maybe, but not friends."

Miyoko glances over to you. "I tell you Kazuma, we aren't demons. We are demon slayers... and I assure you we are the closest of friends. You don't go through what we have together without developing a close bond. Soshu, stop fighting! I have brought Kazuma!"

"Kazuma?" Gado mutters, as he raises his head to see you. He stands up, and shakes himself off, and you note the black haired girl simply staring at the proceedings with a blank look on her face. "I figured you would have gotten involved."

The girl shakes her head, but doesn't speak a word.

"Are you shy?" Gado asks.

"No, she's mute," Soshu explains as he rises to his feet. "And she didn't get involved because I told her not to. I wanted to see your strength."

Gado smirks. "You didn't just see my strength, you tasted it."

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"Yes, that's all well and good!" Miyoko chuckles. "But your friend is here now. There's no need to lash out. The two of you can talk it out here. Would you like soup."

"I'll pass on the poison," Gado mutters, glaring at her. The two of you sit down at the table, as he bangs his fist against it. "So Kaz... we're going to escape from here, right?"

Miyoko exits the room, as Soshu and the girl... Omitsu you believe she was named, watch over the two of you, looking stern and hard.

"Of course," you reply. "But we need to gather the others first, and we need to do that before we take off."

"Good," Gado whispers. "I was worried you were going to say something stupid like... Let's hear them out before we come to a decision."

"Well..."

"Kaz, no."

"We need to at least know what they're about," you explain. "What their plan is. This is the time for us to gather the information we need to stop them."

"Fine... so what's our next order of business?" Gado asks. "Apparently, we're allowed to just roam around this place at will. Almost makes you feel like you're not a prisoner."

>Let's talk to these two, find out what we can about them.
>Let's look for the others. I'm sure you're worried about Kuin.
>Let's explore the area, see what we can find.

>>736365
>>Let's look for the others. I'm sure you're worried about Kuin.
OUR LEADER

>>736365
>>Let's look for the others. I'm sure you're worried about Kuin.
O3-chan over there looks nice and cute but she isn't going to be talking any time soon.

>>736365
>Let's look for the others. I'm sure you're worried about Kuin.
FIND OUR GLORIOUS BENEVOLENT DICTATOR AND THROW THE REBELS TO THE GULAGS

>>736365
>Let's look for the others. I'm sure you're worried about Kuin.
We're going to find her getting piggybacked, calling it now.

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>Let's look for the others. I'm sure you're worried about Kuin.

Gado nods. "Of course I am. Who knows what they could be doing to her? I'm worried about the others too... Kiriko, Risa, Anri-"

"I thought you hated Anri?"

"Just because that kid pissed me off doesn't mean I want to see her hurt," Gado replies. "Or worse, killed. She doesn't deserve that, she's just a kid."

You nod, as you rise from your chair. "Let's get going, then."

Gado stands up as well, as he follows you out into the hallway. He looks back towards the dining room and grunts. "What?" you ask.

"Interesting," he mutters. "I would have thought at least one of them would have followed us, try to keep tabs on us."

"They seem pretty lax about all this," you remark.

Gado nods. "Yeah, they really want us to feel comfortable. I don't like it. Usually when some bad guy has you in their custody, they keep you in place and gloat about your schemes. This... this is much more unnerving, if you ask me."

As the two of you wander the hallways, you find yourself being completely lost in this huge house. "How are we supposed to find any of the others like this?" you ask.

"Let me try something," Gado remarks, as he raises his hands to his mouth and calls out. "Kuin!"

"Gado!" you hear from one of the nearby rooms.

The two of you rush into the room to see Kuin standing on a bed, glaring at the blonde-haired girl, Nishi, standing in the room with her.

"Gado!" Kuin exclaims, before pointing a finger at Nishi. "It's good that you're here to rescue your benevolent dictator! Now, execute her!"

"E-execute?!" Nishi exclaims.

"That's right!" Kuin replies "Chop off her head!"

Nishi places her hands around her neck in a panic. "Oh no! Not my head!"

You can't tell if she's playing along or is genuinely worried about having her head chopped off. "What's Kuin doing in here?" you ask.

Nishi turns to you and nervously giggles. "Well, she looked so cute and all... there were plenty of bed, so people didn't have to sleep on the floor! I even tucked her in!"

"How dare you belittle your glorious ruler!" Kuin snaps. "And tucking me in is Gado's job!"

"You tuck her in?" you ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Someone has to," Gado shrugs.

Gado walks over and picks Kuin up, placing her nicely on his shoulder. "They didn't hurt you right?"

"No," Kuin replies. "You arrived just in time! She was going to kill me, I know it!"

"I wasn't, I swear!" Nishi cries. "I... I'm sorry!"

You shake your head as Gado turns to exit the room with Kuin in tow. You've been reunited with another friend, that's a relief.

As you turn away, Nishi begins to speak. "Umm... sorry we had to knock you out! Do... do you people... h-hate me?"

>Yeah, we do.
>Nah, we don't.
>We don't know yet.

>>736393
>>We don't know yet.
Nishi a cute, let her keep her head for a while longer.

>>736393
>Yeah, we do.
MUH MAGIC MINERAL RRREEEEEE

>>736393
>Yeah, we do.
This is all an archdemon ploy, don't fall for it.

>>736393
>>Yeah, we do.
Fuck all your bullshit
Just cause you are funny doesnt mean youre not evil.

>>736393
>We don't know yet.
People be confusing and shit.

>>736393
>>Yeah, we do.
Remove Not-Demon

>>736393
>>We don't know yet.
Fuck, Kaz is in a situation that may involve social skills his true weakness, Other than Magic rocks.. OH NO they have Kaz's Magic rock held hostage

>>736393
>We don't know yet.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>736395
>>736401
>>736407
>>736409
>We don't know yet

>>736396
>>736397
>>736400
>>736403
>Yeah, we do

Rolling to break the tie.

>>736393
>>We don't know yet.

>>736412
YEAH FUCK EM
>>736414
BOO NOT FUCK EM

>>736414
Well, this broke the tie instead. Calling for
>We don't know yet
Writing now

>>736415
Oh I am intending to fuck them.
Also mute girl a cute

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>Yeah, we do.

Nishi stares at you, before nodding. "Oh... okay! Utako told me you would! I guess that makes sense! Uhh... I don't hate any of you..."

"You don't?" you ask.

Nishi shakes her head. "Why would I? Hating somebody is hard... people are so good!"

"Right..." you mutter, before leaving the room.

Gado growls. "Why are they so damn nice? It's getting on my nerves. At least that Soshu guy talked about wanting to fight me. The others... I don't know what's up with them."

"Let's not let it get to us," you reply. "They're just trying to lure us into a false sense of security. Don't let that happen."

Gado nods as the three of you begin to look through the other rooms in search of the rest of your friends. You open a door to find Io lying asleep on a bed inside. In the bed next to her is Anri, who seems to have kicked the blankets off of herself and is sleeping in a much sloppier position than you would have expected from the usually composed detective. She's even snoring a little too. Io meanwhile is like a delicate flower as she sleeps, a small smile on her face.

Gado claps his hands together in order to wake the two up. Anri rolls over and falls out of bed before bolting to her feet, looking drowsy, while Io let's out a yawn before rubbing her eyes. "Kaz...? What's going on? Wait, this isn't the hotel!"

Io springs from bed in a panic. "Where the heck are we?"

"We've been captured by that group of demons," you explain.

Anri gathers herself as she hears the bad news. "Oh no... is everyone okay? They haven't hurt any of you, have they?"

"No," Gado replies. "Are you hurt?"

Anri pauses, patting herself down. "I... feel fine. They must not have done anything while I was asleep."

"Kaz!" Io cries, before rushing to your side. "What do they want with us? What are we going to do?"

"Hey, keep it down in there!" a voice cries out. Stepping into the room is the eyepatched girl, Utako. She smirks as she leans against the doorframe. "You know you folks really ought to stop panicking so much. Hell, you have us outnumbered."

"We do?" you ask. "How many of you are there?"

"Six," Utako replies. "We're hardly an army. We're more of a super-secret club... one that could probably take on any army and whup their asses!"

Utako punches her open palm with enthusiasm and smiles. "By the way junior, you should thank Nari for patching up the back of your head. Didn't realise you were so soft when I knocked you out, and I nearly cracked you open!"

"You did what?!" Io gasps. "You can't hurt Kaz!"

"Yeah, and don't call me junior!"

Utako chuckles. "You can't control what I say, and I sure as hell aren't learning your real name! So, you want to go thank the doc or not? She's pretty damn weird, but I know she'll appreciate it."

>Fine, I guess she did heal me...
>Piss off, I don't have to listen to you.
>Just lead me to the rest of my friends.

>>736432
>>Just lead me to the rest of my friends.
Go fuck yourselves yet again

>>736432
Fucked up and wrote the wrong prompt at the beginning, my bad. But this IS Nishi's reaction to the "We don't know yet" reply, hence why she's more pleased to hear it.

>>736432
>>Just lead me to the rest of my friends.
I am always open for a better SCIENCE girl than Satomi but reuniting with the rest is a priority.

>>736432
>>Fine, I guess she did heal me...
If she patched anyone else out then we could go after we pick up some more folks.

>>736432
>>Just lead me to the rest of my friends for now. I might thank her once I know everyone's actually safe.

>>736432
>>Just lead me to the rest of my friends.

>>736432
>Just lead me to the rest of my friends.
>>736440
This too

>>736432
>Fine, I guess she did heal me...
Very well.

>>736432
>Just lead me to the rest of my friends.

>Breaks our skull
>Heals it
>Expects us to thank them for it
Yeah, fuck off.

>>736440
Ill change my vote to this.

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>Just lead me to the rest of my friends for now. I might thank her once I know everyone's actually safe.

"Trust me junior, you got the worst of it," Utako chuckles. "I didn't know you'd be so soft. You looked a lot tougher from where I was standing. Nari was really annoyed that I hurt you, but she was happy to help."

"Stop trying to convince us you're good people," Gado mutters.

Utako chuckles. "I never said I was a good person! But they are... they saved me, you know."

"How?"

"Junior, do you know what it's like to be possessed by a demon?" Utako asks. "Not just a demon, but a freakin' demon god? It's hell, pardon the pun. A creature of pure evil controlling you... not fun. Miyoko rescued me from that, returned me to myself... granted it was a little too late. The life I knew before that thing came along is... well, you don't want to hear about this crap. Come on, let's go get your friends."

As Utako turns around, you see her pop a pill into her mouth and swallow it. She leads the five of you into a lounge room with many comfortable couches to sit on. She tells you to wait there while she gathers the others.

You sit down, as Io sits next to you, clutching at the knees of her pyjamas, hunched over with great tension in her shoulders. "Gotta admit, Kaz... I'm a little scared."

"It's okay," you reply. "Everything's going to be fine, I promise."

Io giggles as she rests her head against your shoulder in seek of comfort. "Kaz, did'ya forget who you're talking to? I can always spot an obvious lie."

"Well, what did you expect me to say?" you reply. "I don't know what's going to happen."

"I didn't expect you to say anything," Io smiles. "I just expected you to... you know... be scared with me."

You place your hand on Io's shoulder as a sign of comfort. She wasn't kidding when she said she was scared... poor girl is shivering.

"So, nobody was hurt?" Anri asks.

"Doesn't look like it," Gado replies.

Anri raises an eyebrow. "Then perhaps you should explain the shiner just below your eye."

Gado grunts. "Got into a fistfight with one of them... to be fair, I started it. It's no big deal."

"It looks painful."

Gado looks over at Anri with an unimpressed look. "Stop worrying about me. No more prying."

"Sorry..." Anri mutters. "It's just good to know you're okay. That everyone is okay."

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"What's your verdict on them?" you ask Anri.

Anri shakes her head. "Too early to say. I'm simply... surprised by their casual attitude. They don't seem to be aggressive, and even the green-haired one's body language tells me that she has no intentions of breaking into a fight. It makes me think they may in fact be genuine... but I don't understand why they would be."

Soon, Utako enters the room with the rest of the group in tow, bar Alice.

"Kaz!" Kiriko yells out as she rushes you with a hug. "You're okay!"

"Yeah, we all are," you reply.

"Where's Alice?" Io asks.

Utako shakes her head. "She'll be by in a sec. Miyoko's talking to her, and Miyoko sure can ramble. She's such a pain in the ass sometimes, you know? Sometimes I just want to punch something but she's all 'No, you have to be delicate and think it through'! To hell with that! I'm a fighter, not a thinker!"

Utako sighs as she leans against the wall and pops another pill. While you're waiting for Alice to be brought in, you have a chance to speak to one of the others.

>Kiriko
>Mayu
>Tami
>Risa
>Sae
>Gado
>Kuin
>Anri
>Io

>>736481
>Kiriko
Let's see if she's found anywhere she can teleport out from.

>>736481
>Utako
Ask her what with the pills.

>>736486
Seconding this
Im choosing to try and escape from this plot because fuck this group.

>>736481
>>Sae

>>736481
>Io
Honestly, any character will do. I am just intrigued by the mystery.

Looks like its a supressant. Not a full kill.

Very interesting.

>>736481
>Kiriko

>>736481
>>Kiriko

>>736481
>>Kiriko

>>736481
>>Sae
>>736489
It could be worse, it could be a demon cult full of crazy. At least this one has cute girls.

>>736503
Anon has a point.

That and running away from this plot will only make it worse if they are/aren't on our side. We're jumping to conclusions again and I know I will be outvoted though, so it will be fun to see this go pear shaped.

>>736503
>cute girls
All but one of them suck
And the one that doesnt suck is just an akemi rip-off

>>736512
I only accept 100% fresh, organic Akemi's. All fakes must perish in hellfire.

>>736512
Mute girl a cute, Nishi a best, Utako seems good for a rough time, Miyoko is for sticking a dick in her mouth to shut her up. We could probably set the other male up with Atasuke or something for max pairings.

>>736512
A great way of letting them not suck is giving them a chance to proove that they are more than what they appear. It has been that case for almost every single character.

Look I don't exactlt trust them. But I am willing to see where this goes.

>>736520
Mute girl a fucking nothing who cares
Nishi a discount probbaly evil Akemi
Utako a shitty Rini
Miyoko just a worst in general
Male a boring

>>736523
Ahh but here's the thing, I dont care how deep their backstory is, or how interesting their development is, I want them to go away forever.

>>736512
She is more than that, she is an Akemi and Hanako fusion, the ultimate daughterfu

>>736527
>not wanting a bloated cast of characters
It'll be fun I promise.

Here's the thing though, these girls are single. If somebody wanted a Rini, they can go for the next best thing since Rini is taken.

>>736527
Welp, Booker. I wish you luck. Looks like you're going to have to work for it.

>>736514
>>736520
>>736527
>>736528
>>736530
Guys, guys. None of this matters since we'll soon be getting Best Girl Michiko.

>>736536
You're right, how could I forget! The only question is do we ship her with Kaz or Ryoji?

>>736536
Shit taste, best girl is clearly the plot rock.

>>736537
Why not both?

>>736538
DreamDad is Best Husbando.

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>Kiriko

Who better to talk to than the person who is currently clinging to you in a tight hug. "Hey Kiriko... do you know how to teleport out of here?" you ask.

Kiriko shakes her head. "Sorry bro... I thought about it, but I have no idea where we are. I can only teleport through walls if I can visualise what's on the other side... plus, I can only teleport with one person at a time, only five feet at a time when I'm carrying them... I'm no use here."

Kiriko hangs her head low, as you place a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't beat yourself up about it," you reply. "We'll find a way out of here, I promise."

"Little bro, I can tell when your promises mean nothing," Kiriko replies. "You have no idea if we can make it out of here, admit it. We could be completely boned for all we know."

"Don't worry," Mayu mutters. "I will protect you, Kiriko."

"Thanks," Kiriko smiles. "But I'd rather you put more time towards protecting my little bro here."

Mayu looks over at you with a solemn look on her face. The brief talk you had with her last night is still fresh in her mind. "That won't be necessary," she replies, shaking her head. "Kazuma is already a fine swordsman in his own right. I fully trust him to be able to protect himself."

"What, and you think I can't?" Kiriko replies. "I'm a ninja!"

"You're also very small," Mayu replies.

"Hey! I could be smaller!" Kiriko remarks. "I'm not that squishy!"

As Kiriko protests, Miyoko enters the room with Alice by her side, and the rest of her group following behind her. Among them is a girl with green-hair in a lab-coat with heavy bags under her eyes. This must be their doctor, Nari.

"Thanks for patching me up," you decide to say on the spot.

Nari stares at you vacantly. "It's no issue," she replies in a nasally voice. "Your head has an interesting shape."

What's that supposed to mean? Whatever, she's weird.

"Now, I'm just through talking to our friend Alice," Miyoko explains. "I've explained our methods, and left her with the offer to take part."

"And what is this method?" Anri asks. "I don't fully believe that you can kill an Archdemon without also killing the host."

"It's a ritual we discovered during our time in the Darkworld," Miyoko explains. "A sort of baptism if you will. A pool of water, said to be blessed by The Elder One himself... dip your head inside, and the waters will banish the demon from your body and your mind, while you live on, free once more. You are even able to keep the powers you once had during your possession."

"No drawbacks at all?" Risa asks.

"None."

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Io clears her throat and stands up in her chair. "Hi there. Io Tanaka, professional liar, and can I just say... you're pretty good."

"Excuse me?" Miyoko asks.

Io shrugs. "I'm just saying you've got it all down. You sounded completely genuine there. But you can't fool a fooler. You're hiding something, what is it?"

"We ain't hiding anything, you little-" Utako begins, but Miyoko raises her hand with a weary sigh.

"You're right..." Miyoko frowns. "I have to admit... we've been keeping an important detail from you all."

"I knew it!" Sae burst from her chair, ready to throw a punch. "You piece of crap."

"Please, let me tell you the truth," Miyoko sighs. "The ritual... it's not entirely without drawbacks. Yes, it kills the Archdemon without killing the host... but the end of that sentence does require and asterisk attached."

"How so?"

"You see..." Miyoko shakes her head, as she pulls out a small box of pills. "The host won't die... as long as they continue to take these. A suppressant, developed by Nari, that keeps the... well, the poison of the blessed water from affecting the body. We lost many in our attempts, until we were able to create this suppressant... but now with it, the ritual is safe. That said, if you don't continue to take the suppressant... there is a good chance you will die."

"So it was all a lie?" Anri asks.

"No!" Miyoko protests, a strange vulnerability appearing behind her eyes. "The ritual works as long as you follow the rules... it's merely a risk. We would never force Alice into it... it's her choice."

"Besides, isn't it better for us to be dead than for their to be another Archdemon?" Utako asks. "I'd gladly die if it meant that I could take one of those things out for good! The fact that I can kill one and still live by popping a few pills now and then is a blessing!"

"Screw that!" Sae snaps. "You clowns better let us out of here!"

"Of course," Miyoko nods. "The exit is that way. Omitsu will show you out."

"Yeah, and we better-wait what?!" Sae remarks. "That's it? We can just... go?"

"Indeed," Miyoko nods. "I brought you here through... shameful means because I knew you would never come otherwise, but it would be wrong of me to hold you here against your will. Simply step outside, and you're free to go at any time."

"No tricks?" you ask.

"No tricks," Miyoko promises.

You look over to Io, who nods. "She's not lying."

"Right..." you mutter. "Fine then, let's go."

"Just a minute," Miyoko replies. "You're free to go... I am yet to hear an answer from Alice."

Miyoko stares expectantly at Alice, who bites her lip hesitantly. "I might die?" she asks.

"It's a possibility, I have to admit," Miyoko replies.

"I see... I always wanted to die," Alice replies.

>Don't do it, Alice. Come with us.
>The rest of you can go, but I'll stay here with Alice.
>Fine, let's go. Alice, this is your decision.

>Say absolutely nothing because goddamnit these kinda situations are always rough no matter the decision.

Nope, abdicating this one, chief.

>>736585
>The rest of you can go, but I'll stay here with Alice.
I have a bad feeling about this.

>>736585
>Don't do it, Alice. Come with us.
>How do you think Chihiro would feel if you just killed yourself and left her without saying goodbye?

Plus we'd lose your sweet Archdemon skill in combat.

>>736582
>"I'm not that squishy!"
She is very squishy.

>>736585
>>The rest of you can go, but I'll stay here with Alice.
Nurse-chan a cute. See they aren't bad at all! Just a couple of druggies. I do hope we can stop Alice from taking it, she has a pretty nice relationship with Dreamer so there's no real benefit for her.

>>736585
>The rest of you can go, but I'll stay here with Alice.
I would like to talk to Alice on this. It is her decision. But I am very worried for her.

>>736595
>Spoiler
Well, we don't know that. Its a possibility. That and this group seems to be doing okay on the powers department.

>>736585
>The rest of you can go, but I'll stay here with Alice.

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>The rest of you can go, but I'll stay here with Alice.

"Kaz..." Kiriko mutters. "I'll stay too. You need someone to watch your back."

"No, you should go," you reply. "I need to talk to Alice about all of this."

"What?" Io protests. "I can't just leave either of you behind!"

"No harm will come to them, I promise you that," Miyoko replies.

Io bites her lip. "Are you sure, Kazuma?"

"Positive," you reply. "Now go."

"We must respect his wishes," Mayu replies.

"Right," Gado nods as he tosses Kuin onto his shoulder. "Kaz... good luck. You too, Alice. I wouldn't go through with it, if I were you."

"I don't think it's wise for us to just leave..." Anri mutters, but her protesting is cut short by Gado grabbing a lifting her by the waist, tossing her over her shoulder.

"Are we all ready to get a move on?" he asks. "Or is there anyone else I have to carry. Come on."

The rest hesitantly make their way out of the room, as you are left behind with Alice. "Do you really want to do this?" you ask.

"I'm thinking about it..." she pauses, placing a finger to her chin.

"Thinking is good," Miyoko nods. "Take your time. This is an important decision, Alice. For now, let us show you the pool."

Miyoko lures you and Alice through the corridors, and opens a door in the floor, hidden under some carpet.

"What's this?" you ask. "A basement."

"Indeed," Miyoko replies. "But the basement is not the important thing. What's important is what lies within the basement."

She opens up the door, revealing a small flight of stairs. You travel down to find yourself in a dark room, illuminated by a light in the middle of the room. Not a lightbulb, but the glowing light of a large pool of water inside.

"This is only some of the water we were able to bring back with us from the Darkworld," Miyoko explains. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Hard to deny that. The pool is glistening with some sparkling energy, a mystical vibe radiating off of it as you look in. You're almost tempted to take a dip in there yourself.

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"Miyoko, we never got the chance to do the intro!" Nishi complains, causing Miyoko to turn her head.

"I'm sorry Nishi? What intro?"

Nishi pouts. "You know, the one I had planned for us! We would do the poses and announce ourselves!"

Nishi throws her arms out, demonstrating her idea. "Nishi, The Pretty Reaper! Utako, The Dread Fighter! Soshu, The Warrior Artist! Nari, The Forlorn Doctor! Omitsu, The Silent Light! And Miyoko, The Elgant Thinker!"

"Oh, that's very cute Nishi!" Miyoko claps. "But I'm afraid this calls for a more serious approach."

"Alice, think about this," you reply.

"I'm thinking!" Alice fires back, scrunching up her face as she does. "This is... my chance to die..."

"Alice, no!" you reply. "You're not going to die. But this... it can remove your demon."

"But I want to die," Alice replies. "I've lived too long to be this small. It's not right. I look in the mirror... it's not right. Nothing's right. But if I die... things might be right again, right?"

"Wrong," you reply.

"Confusing..." Alice whines. "Demons should die, right? I'm a demon, so I should..."

>Think about who you'd be leaving behind. Your niece, your friends.
>You're not a demon. You're Alice, and you should live.
>If you do this... I'll miss you.
>It's your decision, Alice.

>>736652
>Think about who you'd be leaving behind. Your niece, your friends.
In the end though.
>It's your decision, Alice.

>>736652
>You're not a demon. You're Alice, and you should live.
but
>It's your decision, Alice.

>>736652
>>Think about who you'd be leaving behind. Your niece, your friends.
>>You're not a demon. You're Alice, and you should live.
Want to add the third choice, but I dont think Kaz and Alice are that close.

>>736652
>Think about who you'd be leaving behind. Your niece, your friends.
>You're not a demon. You're Alice, and you should live.
Oh god Booker's going to make us roll for this like he did with Sayeka isn't he?

>>736672
RIP Alice, or at least her demon, darker, sexier side.

>>736652
>Think about who you'd be leaving behind. Your niece, your friends.
>You're not a demon. You're Alice, and you should live.
But ultimately
>It's your decision, Alice

>>736673
RIP Ken, stuck with the leftover waifu.

>>736672
Convincing people to dont kill themselves count as a social roll? Because if it does she is fucked.
>Blunt: -10 to all social rolls

Calling for:
>Think about who you'd be leaving behind. Your niece, your friends.
>You're not a demon. You're Alice, and you should live.

Roll 1d100 please. Best of 3.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>736687
Hoo boy.

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>736687
HE FUCKING DID IT

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>736687
here we go.

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>736687
Fuck

>>736693
>>736694

>12:01:16
>12:01:16

...Well. Crisis of fate, here.

>>736691
>>736692
>>736693
Assuming the -10 is there. That is dicey...

>>736694
As always.

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>>736692
>>736693
>>736694
>All 3 rolls at 18:01:16
>Last roll was 89
Why Dice Gods?

>>736704
Sometimes the dice gods feel like putting a little extra work into their trolling efforts.

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>>736733
So this is what the anon that couldnt save Nina felt.

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>Rolled 64 - 10

"But I am a demon..." Alice mutters. "That's what everyone calls me. The little girl I was died... she died a long time ago. I can't be her..."

Alice bites her bottom lip. "My niece, the nice boy, the pirate... no... that's not their names. Chihiro, Ken, Nanami... Ryoji, Io, Kazuma... I love them all. But... this is good. If I go, they'll miss me, right?"

"Alice..." you mutter. "Please don't do this."

"I have to die," Alice nods. "Sorry... it's the only way I'll feel right."

You shake your head. You suppose it is her decision after all... but this can't be good. There's no way she'll follow those guidelines, remember to take those pills... she'll die. Alice will die if she goes in there... you have to stop her.

"A good choice," Miyoko smiles, taking Alice by the hand. "Now, let yourself be submerged in the blessed water, and the demon be purged from you."

Alice pauses. "Purged... purged... what does that mean?"

"The creature within you," Miyoko explains. "The Dreamer, it will be destroyed, and you will be free once again."

"The Dreamer... destroyed?" Alice pauses. She scratches the top of her head in thought. "But... I don't want to do that."

"I'm... sorry?" Miyoko asks, confused and somewhat taken aback, losing some of her usual composed demeanour.

"I want to die," Alice explains, "But I don't want Dreamer to die! She's my friend!"

Miyoko pauses, completely flabbergasted. "The Archdemon is... your friend?"

"Yeah!" Alice smiles. "She talks to me all the time! She's very nice!"

"Are... are you serious?" Miyoko asks, before shaking her head. "Are you trying to say... you've already mastered your Archdemon without purging it?"

"Master?" Alice asks, biting on her tongue and scratching her head some more. "No, I'm not a master! I just like Dreamer, and she likes me!"

"She?" Miyoko shakes her head. "No... a demon is an 'it'. A lesser spirit of evil. It doesn't understand the concept of-"

"Mine does!" Alice laughs. "We're best friends!"

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"I... see..." Miyoko grimaces. "This is... most interesting. In that case..."

"Miyoko..." Nishi mumbles. "Are we going to have to slay this demon? Because I don't want to..."

"I so wish you had agreed to the ritual..." Miyoko mutters, shaking her head. Oh no, they've got you cornered. If they attack now, you won't be able to fight them off- "But, I understand."

"What?" you ask, shocked by Miyoko's reply.

Miyoko lets out a weary sigh. "Indeed... it was always your choice, Alice. But I must say you are very interesting indeed. I feel that I would like to keep a close eye on you."

"So... that's it?" you ask. "We can go?"

"Yes..." Miyoko replies. "You can stay around as long as you like, but you are free to go as you please. Except... if the others ask, you took the ritual. Particularly Soshu and Omitsu... should they learn that you are allied with your demon, they will not be so understanding.

"So... Dreamer gets to live?" Alice smiles.

Miyoko nods. "Indeed... as do you, of course."

"Oh..." Alice sighs. "Well... I suppose if it means Dreamer can live, then I'll just have to stay alive too!"

Miyoko chuckles. "Oh... you are very interesting."

>Well... thanks. Come on Alice, let's go.
>We're going to explore around here for a little longer before leaving.
>Mind if I ask you some things before going?

>>736774
>Mind if I ask you some things before going?
>You say you are against Yami, but I have to ask...why?
>Who exactly are all of you, really?

MY 64 DID IT! YEEEEEEEES!

>>736774
>Mind if I ask you some things before going?
That right there is a big juicy plot hook if ever I saw one.

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>>736774
>Mind if I ask you some things before going?
>If you were possessed by an Archdemon how did you get enough control to find and complete the ritual?
>So are you going to try and "cure" Yami as well?

>>736774
>>Mind if I ask you some things before going?
>Are you sure the archdemons are dead? Not just,...... suppressed? They have no real body, and I doubt you rambled all the time before you had your archdemon.

>>736774
>>Mind if I ask you some things before going?
>Who are you exactly?
>Where do you and your group come?
>What do you know about my stone and my father?

>>736786
Had my roll passed The Dreamer would have gotten a physical body, Alice would be able to age but woulnt be suicidal, and Kaz dick would have grown 10 inches and would have threesomes with Alice and the Dreamer whenever he wanted.

>>736774
>Mind if I ask you some things before going?

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"Of course!" Miyoko smiles. "I'm sure you have many questions!"

You do. Lots and lots of questions. "Okay... starting off, who are you people exactly?”

Miyoko wags her finger before you. “Now, that's an interesting one to answer, as to do so we must first explain who we once were before telling you who we are now. Suffice it to say, most of us were students.”

“Of Dark Gate?” you ask, your eyes widening.

“Indeed,” Miyoko nods. “That academy of yours. Most of us were students who had gone missing, presumed dead within the Darkworld, only to have been possessed by Archdemons instead.”

“That's what happened to me!” Alice laughs. “I was the first!”

“You were?” Nishi asks. “That's so cool!”

“So, when you say most of you...”

Miyiko chuckles. “Yes, it would appear I'm very much your senior Kazuma. I was possessed a long, long time before these others.”

“You can't mean...” You mutter. “During the first breach? But that was hundreds of years ago!”

“It was, wasn't it?” Miyoko smiles. “I was possessed by a demon known simply as The Thinker. However, shortly after I was possessed, the Darkworld had been sealed off. The Thinker had no way of escaping to your world as it had originally planned. Instead, it had no choice but to roam the Darkworld with nothing but a useless husk of a body in its control. It was after a long time that The Thinker grew bored, and wondered to itself... what if I gave the host complete control for a while? Entertaining this thought and wanting to see what became of it, I was return to a conscious realm.”

“That must have been terrifying.”

Miyoko nods. “It certainly was. Can you imagine? One day waking up to find yourself in hell, with a demon speaking within your head. It was a daunting experience, one I remember vividly all these years later.”

“So, what happened?”

“There was no way out of the Darkworld, so I simply wandered for years. Eventually, not too long after the second breach was made, I met Nari, a freshly possessed host who still had some control. She tagged along with me as we attempted to search for the exit to this world... a near impossible task. The expanse of the Darkworld is so... massive, and the portal changed positions every night... it was like trying to find a needle within fifty haystacks, with the needle constantly shifting. With The Thinker and The Doctor plaguing our minds yet giving us the powers we needed for our survival, we picked up more host along the way. In our search, we had built a sort of... family for ourselves amongst the death and desolation. We never found the exit... but what we did find was this. As I said before, we lost many testing these waters, but we were eventually able to banish our demons, and now we live to slay and banish all demons. We lived within the Darkworld, and we believe that the inhabitants of that awful place do not deserve to exist.”

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“What about Dreamer?” Alice asks.

“We will respect your wishes,” Miyoko explains. “And it also seems that you're in full control of the demon. I do have many interesting thoughts about this Stranger within your school...”

Miyoko places a finger to her chin. “Oh well, it can wait for another day! Our main focus is slaying this Yami before he causes more destruction.”

“Slay?” you ask. “Don't you want him to go through with this ritual.”

“Kazuma, are you aware of which demon is possessing Yami? It's one known as The Darkness,” Miyoko explains. “That Archdemon seeks out a host that already has a corrupted heart. This Yami was a monster even before his possession... and that is what makes him dangerous.”

“So... what about these stones?” you ask.

“The Power Gems?” Miyoko replies. “They are powerful artefacts that we cannot allow to fall into the wrong hands. If Yami were to use one of them to strengthen himself... we would be in trouble.”

“Why can't you trust me with mine?” you ask.

“Make no mistake, I know that you would never willingly give your stone away,” Miyoko explains. “But I don't feel confident that The Darkness, or even The Stranger could forcibly take it from you... and there is no telling what destruction they might cause with it.”

>You can trust me. I'll hold onto it with my life.
>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.
>I want my stone back, it means a lot to me.
>Fine... keep it.

>>736976
>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.
>I want my stone back, it means a lot to me.

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>736976
>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.
>I want my stone back, it means a lot to me.
Rolling to resist the urge to stab.

>>736976
>>You can trust me. I'll hold onto it with my life.
>>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.

>>736976
>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.
Probably going to lead to us having to do some explaining, but lets keep our McGuffin if we can.

>>736976
>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.
>I want my stone back, it means a lot to me.
Good to see that I was right on my predictions from the start.

This is going to be a very interesting neutral party in all this.

>>736976
>>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.
>>I want my stone back, it means a lot to me.
Surely we can trust in the words of stone dad right?

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>Visions have told me that it's safest in my hands.

"Visions?" Miyoko tilts her head. "Interesting... what kind of visions?"

"Visions of..." you hesitate. "Visions of my father. Telling me that I need to keep the stone to myself."

"Your father?"

You nod. "Kankuro Asai. He's the greatest demon slayer in the history of Dark Gate Academy, possibly the most powerful human to ever live. He... went missing within the Darkworld three years ago."

"I see..." Miyoko places a finger to her chin. "Very interesting..."

"Why? Do you know something?"

"I don't," Miyoko chuckles. "That's what makes it so interesting! It opens up many questions... all of which I feel are the right questions to ask! Then again, I also feel that these are questions that should be left for you to ask yourself..."

"What's that supposed to mean?" you ask.

"Nothing," Miyoko smiles. "Very well... I fell I can trust you with this power gem. Just this one, is that okay?"

Miyoko pulls out the blue orb from her pocket and hands it over to you. "I'm placing a great deal of trust within you, Kazuma. Please don't let me down."

"I won't," you reply.

"Good..." Miyoko smiles. "Our paths are destined to cross again in the near future... let us hope that it will be as allies next time."

"Yeah..." you mutter. "Goodbye."

"Before you go..." Miyoko begins. "Do you believe in prophecies?"

"Prophecies?" you ask.

"I've been debating it with myself, you see," Miyoko explains. "I do not understand or comprehend... or even fully accept the existence and the nature of fate. On the one hand, I would like to believe that we all have free will, and are bound only by our own actions in the grand scheme of the universe... yet there are so many happenings, so many outcomes and supposed coincidences which occur that I can only tell myself... that must be fate. The grand design of a higher power? Or perhaps simply an invisible thread which links us all? It doesn't matter which, only that fate may exist, and that some may be able to perceive what comes next for us. What of it, Kazuma? Do you believe in prophecies?"

>No. I believe in myself, and my own actions.
>Yes, I believe in fate and prophecies.
>Who cares? Stop trying to keep me here longer with your pointless questions.

>>737121
>No. I believe in myself, and my own actions.
Then again we live next to a blind prophet so...

>>737121
>>No. I believe in myself, and my own actions.

>>737121
>I believe in fate and prophecies
>But I believe that in the end, it is our own actions that matter.

Sayeka exists so it becomes a moot point, that and Kaiya has a thing for prophecies as well.

>>737121
>No. I believe in myself, and my own actions.

>implying Fate is stronger than THE DICE GODS.

>>737141
>implying the dice gods themselves aren't fate

>>737121
>I believe in fate and prophecies
>But I don't think they're really absolute.

Sayeka is a thing, so it's hard to argue against at least the concept being a real thing. It's just a matter of how mutable fate really is. Maybe the end result is locked in, but how you get there can be varied? I dunno.

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>No. I believe in myself, and my own actions.

Miyoko giggles. "And that's a very good thing to believe in, isn't it?"

"Fate means nothing," you reply. "I know this girl who has visions of the future, Sayeka... and her visions change all the time. That means that the future isn't determined by some concrete laws that say what will happen will happen no matter what, but instead by what we choose to do. I have free will, and so does everyone else."

Miyoko smiles at you brightly. You realise that when you've stopped seeing her as the enemy, she actually appears quite charming. You also realise that there is a strange vulnerability behind her eyes when she smiles, something you can't quite put your finger on. "Thank you for your honest answer, Kazuma. Most others don't entertain my questions."

"I try!" Nishi protests. "I just don't understand very well, is all..."

Nishi pouts as Miyoko chuckles. "So Kazuma, you don't believe in fate?"

"No, I don't."

"Interesting... does the phrase 'Shadow of a Shadow' mean anything to you? Or 'Young Dragon'?"

"Yeah... I think I heard those before..." you mutter. That's right, stuff like that was mentioned in The Order's book... and Kaiya spoke of that stuff too. "When I first arrived here, you were asking me about something else too, weren't you? Something about an... avatar of Artemis? What is that? What was that supposed to mean?"

Miyoko smirks as she wags her finger in front of your face. "Now now, I'm still allowed to hold some cards close to the vest, aren't I? No go, I'm certain I will see you again soon."

Miyoko leads the two of you out of the basement and motions you towards the exit. Alice gives a respectful bow as she turns to leave. As you walk out the door, you hear some mutterings between Soshu and Miyoko.

"She's not wet. Why isn't she wet?"

"Hmm? Oh, we dried her off after the ritual! That's what took us so long!"

"Hmm..."

You and Alice step out of the manor to see it's situated atop a grassy hill. At the bottom of the hill is a row of trees leading into a small town. The shine from the sun almost blinds you as you step out, and you have to cover your eyes. That sun is way too bright for Autumn. You can't wait until the snow begins to fall.

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"Kazuma, Alice, over here!" you hear Anri's voice. You turn your head to see her standing, leaning against her motorcycle.

"Anri?" you ask. "You waited for us?"

"Someone had to," Anri explains. "And I had the necessary transport that would help us catch up with the others..."

"Where did you get that?" you ask.

Anri pauses. "Hoshi's enchantments? The ones that allow us to bind and summon our weapons at will? Before heading out on the mission, I asked for her to use it on my motorcycle as well."

"That's... actually kinda cool," you reply.

Anri shakes her head. "Don't call me cool," she admits, "I have no idea how to handle being called that. It's stressful."

Anrio hops on her bike, and urges you and Alice to do the same. It's a little cramped, and you find yourself pressing close against her, with your arms around her waist, and Alice's arms around yours as Anri drives down the hill. You reach the bottom after a very short, but very bumpy wide, and you are welcomed by the rest of the group, who are all sitting and waiting by a fountain in town.

Once again, you a rushed with a hug from Kiriko. "You're back! Nice!"

Io approaches you as well, giving a quick hug before turning to Alice and asking. "So... did you do it?"

Alice smiles and shakes her head, leading to a sigh of relief from Io. "Good... I didn't like the sound of that ritual. Glad you decided against it."

"So you turned it down and they still let you go?" Risa asks. "Hang on... is that your rock?"

"Yeah, Miyoko gave that back as well," you explain.

"Miyoko?! Their leader?" Sae asks. "That prissy bitch who thinks she's smart just because she rambles on about a bunch of bullcrap?"

"That's a pretty accurate description of her yes," you reply bluntly.

"So what does this mean?" Anri asks. "In your opinion, Kazuma... can that group, the demon slayers, be trusted?"

>I trust them, yes.
>No, they can't be trusted.
>Some of them can... others I'm not so sure of.

>>737356
>I trust them, yes.
I know I'll be outvoted, but I think they are much more legit than I expected them to be.

>>737356
>>Some of them can... others I'm not so sure of.

>>737356
>It's stressful."
Anri a cool kid.

>>737356
>>Some of them can... others I'm not so sure of.
The guy seems a bit sketchy if his own group didn't trust him to react well, but everyone else is a top tier QT.

>>737356
>Some of them can... others I'm not so sure of.

>>737356
>>Some of them can... others I'm not so sure of.
Is not that Utako or Tatoo kun are evil, is just that they are probably the Sae and Gado of their group.

>>737393
You're probably right.

Now to wait for the grand summit of Nishi/Akemi/Hanako baking in a kitchen...

It'll be like a Gallagher show.

>>737356
>No, they can't be trusted.
They are going to put their own objectives first. Maybe it lines up with ours, maybe it doesn't. But that isn't trust, even if it does.

>>737416
>But that isn't trust, even if it does.
Can you run that by me just one more time? Maybe with actual english this time?

>>737430
Just because it's more likely than not that our goals line up with them wanting to destroy demons doesn't mean they're on our side. They're only allies of convenience. One of them has literally been in the dark world for centuries and all of them have had their brains screwed with. If they are helping us, all well and good, but we would be fools to trust any of them. We don't even know for sure they did kill their demons.

>>737356
>>>Some of them can... others I'm not so sure of.
Fine Booker ill trust em, but i fully expect a heel turn

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>Some of them can... others I'm not so sure of.

"Others?" Io asks.

"Miyoko seemed pretty wary of not telling a couple of the others that Alice didn't take part in the ritual," you explain. "I guess she thought they wouldn't be as accepting of letting a Archdemon live and go free like they did. That guy Soshu seems more angry."

"Hmm... It's understandable," Anri replies. "In any grouping, you can't expect everyone to have the exact same goals. It's reasonable to think that someone within the group is less trustworthy than the others."

"Yeah, just look at us!" Sae remarks, staring over at Gado.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Gado asks.

"Come on, we all know the detective dug up some dirt on you!" Sae yells. "She won't share what it is, but I'm sure as hell not trusting you!"

"I don't care what you think."

Anri looks guiltily over at Gado as you address the rest of the group. "Okay, so I guess our mission is complete? We should head back to Kingudoro, meet up with Hoshi, Reiji and Akuro, and then catch the train back to Dakugeto so we can report in on everything we've learned."

"Yeah..." Kiriko mutters. "First of all, to find a map... because I have no idea where we are!"

"I do!" Io exclaims. "My hometown isn't far from here!"

"Cool!" Kiriko pumps her fist. "Then we can stop in at your parents place and pay them a visit!"

"Uhh..." Io mutters. "Let's not. They're busy people, don't want to disturb them."

With the knowledge of where you are, your group makes their way to the nearest bus-stop, catching the soonest bus heading in the direction of the city of Kingudoro.

Sitting by the window, you are soon joined by Alice. "Hi!"

"Hey..." you mutter. "I guess you must have a lot on your mind right now."

"Yep! Like... are cats faster than dogs? Are horses better swimmers than donkeys? And-"

"I meant about the ritual."

"Oh..." Alice replies. "No! I'm not thinking about that at all!"

"You aren't?"

Alice shakes her head. "Nope! Why would I? My decision was the right one. Dreamer's my friend, I would never hurt her!"

"Huh..." you mutter. "But what about wanting to die? Isn't that eating at you?"

"No," Alice smiles. "I can't die now! Not when it hurts Dreamer too! I wanted to die... but now I know it's selfish of me! It's better for me to live for someone else!"

"Someone else?" you remark. "You think an awful lot of this Dreamer."

"Yeah..." Alice replies. "And I think an awful lot of you."

"Huh?"

"My friends," Alice smiles. "I... I'm living for them too."

"That's good..." you reply.

Alice yawns as she rests her head on your shoulder. It's been a long day... you feel like drifting off yourself. You shut your eyes and get a little bit of much needed rest. After all, your work is far from done, with The Darkness still out there. You were left with a large responsibility by Miyoko when she entrusted you with the stone. You can't let her down. You're going to hunt down Yami... and you're going to kill him.

END OF EPISODE 13

>>737559
Fucking Sae, don't be cunt. Alice a cute though.

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAZiWvwW6u0

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

Thanks for playing! Will be busy this week, but I hope to have the next thread up on Tuesday! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

>Player Question
Shorter thread today, with lots of new information. What's your thought on the Demon Slayers? And what are your thoughts on the cryptic prophecies?

>>737623
>Shorter thread today, with lots of new information. What's your thought on the Demon Slayers? And what are your thoughts on the cryptic prophecies?
TAKESHI IS YOUNG DRAGON AND WILL BE AN MC IN SEASON 3

>>737623
Good thread Booker.

>PQ
I really really like them. I think they are going to be a very fun neutral party, and the fact that Miyoko is so old and interacting with people like the twins, or Hoshi, etc.

I look forward to what they'll be doing.

>>737623

>PQ
Iiiiiii don't trust them 100%, but I'm willing to playact as long as our goals align and they aren't complete dildos- which despite what some others might think, I don't think they are at the moment.

Prophecies are meant to be defied.

>>737623
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
We'll probably work with them for a while until we end up having to fight them over an Archdemon or something. Also:

>Expecting prophecies to come true
>With /qst/ dice
Ha, nice one.

>>737623
>>Player Question
They don't seem that bad but I expect some friction between some of the members.
I am kind of curios about the spirit of Artemis, it might be Kiriko or her demidemon.

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>737750
>doubting the dice gods
Ye of little faith, watch as I demonstrate the blessing of the gods!

>>737623
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
They're alright. They let Dreamer get away so they aren't bad and they're hunting down Yamchan 2.0 so they're good in that aspect. They're still hiding some stuff and probably have a ton of handy info but I think we can be friends with them.

>>737623
>PQ
I don't like them. They are against the same enemy as us, but my paranoia is telling me that they will try to fuck us at one point. Plus, even though they gave it back, they took the magic mineral

>>737623
>PQ
I'm wary of Miyoko, but I'm more concerned about her friends.

They might be... relatively benign now, but at any moment, tragedy could strike and suddenly 'pls gib archdemon' becomes 'DEUS VULT ILL TEAR THAT MOTHERFUCKING CUNT FROM YOUR HEAD'