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>>Akasha-Alea: Reintroduce everyone.

…

This is Keiichi Hirayama. He is seventeen years old, a Japanese citizen and my one and only student. I formed a contract with him when he was fourteen years old. Despite the lofty privileges his mentorship brings, he still finds ways to complain about my existence. It is likely because two of us are bonded mentally, allowing me to communicate with him at all times. Then again, he should learn to endure. He will have to deal with much worse when the inevitable marriage occurs.

His magic potential isn’t the greatest, but he possesses a talent for perception and analysis. I developed this talent through his magic art, by basing it around firearms and the numerous ways to apply magic to them. He frequently manages to surprise me, whether it be from surpassing my expectations in battle or by being caught in a near-fatal accident and then forgetting everything I taught him last year. It can be quite annoying. Nonetheless, he listens and learns well. I would say he is an adequate student. Do not tell him this. I do not want his head to grow any bigger than it already is.

His words are blunt, but are truthful. He is what you call the ‘main character’ of this story and thus has most of the focus, for better and worse. The academy he attends is True Hearts Academy in Shibuya.

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This is Keiichi’s sister, Airi Hirayama. Like her brother, she is also seventeen years old (albeit a few months younger) and a Japanese citizen. Unlike her brother, she has greater magic potential, an affinity for blood magic and wields a variety of weapons—most notably a curved blade and throwing knives. She also has a spirit partner—a spirit who lives fights by her side. More about that particular spirit soon.

From what I have observed, Airi is a gentle, compassionate girl who is willing to stand by her brother no matter what the stakes. She is a frequent donator of blood and seems to be better with children than her brother. She also enjoys blowing things up, regularly finds herself bathed in her own blood and has on more than one occasion traumatized he opponent by willingly sending her spirit partner to chomp on their testicles. Make of it what you will.

Unlike countless spirit siblings, Keiichi and Airi have no interest in pursuing a lovers’ relationship. That has not stopped a friend of mine from speculating otherwise.

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This is Shesmur, a blood spirit with canine tendencies. He (not it) is Airi’s partner, meaning they live and fight side by side. Most of Airi’s knowledge about the blood arts comes from him. Outside of battle, he takes the form of Airi’s red, living scarf. In battle, he transforms into her blade, at the cost of some of her blood. It is thankful that the girl has five times more blood than a regular human.

As expected from being in close proximity for three years, the two of us are acquaintances. Shesmur is one of the few spirits who is allowed in my domain without being shot by my familiars. His taste in liquor is vulgar, his taste in humor and architecture more so.

He is also a steady bachelor.

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This is one of Keiichi’s few friends. Her name is Michiko Tsukiwaki. She is referred to as the ‘diva’ of Keiichi’s Academy, which apparently means someone who can sing well and is worshipped by her younger peers. Her magic art is based around sound and song. She can summon a microphone stand, which she uses as a fighting stand.

She is good friends with the Hirayama siblings, having known each other since last year. No small feat, considering on the first day at his new academy, Keiichi accidentally molested her. Then he shot her with an entire magazine of an automatic rifle. A strong first impression, indeed.

Michiko is cheerful and assertive in that irritating way humans tend to be. Although, Keiichi has privately referred to her as ‘bitchy’ at times. I wonder what would happen if Michiko was made aware of this. He has also compared her to me. I did not appreciate the several times this happened, and I made my position clear through the exercise of my mentor privileges.

The less said about her chest, the better.

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This is another of Keiichi’s friends. His name is Hideki Nishio. He is a long-standing member of the True Hearts’ the journalism club and a mentee of the great spirit Cat. My first impression of him, which occurred on Keiichi’s second day at his current academy, was that of an obnoxious, loud yet criminally strategic and clever youth. This has not changed much. I shudder to imagine the report he would produce if he got the chance to interview me.

Did you know that men who live in female-dominated environments tend to suffer brain damage after a period of time? Despite this tendencies, I am glad Hideki is there for Keiichi.

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This is one of Keiichi’s frien—pardon me, acquaintances. Her name is Florence Rutherford. She is the heiress to a mighty business conglomerate. Skilled, powerful and ruthlessly intelligent, she proved to be quite the formidable opponent for Keiichi and Airi last year. Her magic art is based around the manipulation of ice. It fits her.

Unlike the other children mentioned earlier, she attends a rival academy: Stonewolf High, where she is one of the top students there. If you asked Keiichi about her, he would vehemently deny any positive relationship with her. Indeed, any meeting between them will descend into a verbal war where insults are the bullets and roaring mouths are the guns.

Despite this, Keiichi rarely ignores her and has even rushed to her aid before. Florence, on the other hand, seems to have a fascination with Keiichi, prioritizing him over others and never fails to greet him with a knowing smirk. There have been several occasions where the two could have avoided each other, yet sought out each other regardless.

This is something I understand all too well, as much as it pains for me to admit it. I think Florence and I would get along well, compared to Keiichi’s other friends.

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This is the student council president of True Hearts. His name is Makoto Kushikawa. He is responsible for assigning tasks to Keiichi and Airi. I’m afraid I do not know much about him. He did not interact with Keiichi much last year. I will say that he has a certain tendency seen in spirit bureaucrats, in that he could cut out half his words and still say the same thing.

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Lastly, this is me. Akasha-Alea, the only existing spirit of firearms, a high Waffegeist and a daughter of Hephaestus. As the dangerous, mysterious and elegant female mentor of the main protagonist, I am naturally the best character in this story.

My duties are simple. I guard my domain and guide Keiichi through his development. Both have been met with resistance, but I have endured both in seven centuries of existence and no doubt I will continue to do so in the future. It is uncertain, but it always is. I, however, predict it will be full of violence and Keiichi will grumble a lot.

Some of my accomplishments include having possession of all firearms and ammunition produced by man, fluency in over a dozen human tongues, ownership of a domain the size of Tokyo and putting up with the whims of pubescent human boy for several years. If you wish to give me faith, simply use your firearms. Every bullet fired, every firearm assembled, every magazine reloaded and more make up the faith that sustains my existence.

As for my likes, dislikes and hobbies…they shall remain a secret for now. Ask Keiichi if you are so desperate.

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That should do for all the main players…so far. As for a summary of the events that have transpired, please consult this handy reference: http://pastebin.com/GRTRCX5u

I hope you enjoy the rest of this story.

>>Resume.

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>>23rd April, 2016 (three weeks since the start of the first semester)…

>>Be Keiichi Hirayama.

Leave.

>>Be Keiichi Hirayama.

Did I not make myself clear? Leave. It is four-thirty in the morning. The boy is sleeping and I will not have you disturb his rest. He needs his rest.

Furthermore, there is nothing in his mind you want to be near at four-thirty. I’m serious;. Come back at a more appropriate time.

>>Be Keiichi Hirayama.

Do you not think I’m serious? If you do not comply, you will face the wrath of my arsenal. I will show you the power of humanity’s limitless imagination towards their tools of war. I will perform a display the Berserker spirits of the King’s personal guard would shudder at. Now, leave.

>>Be Keiichi Hirayama, two hours later.

You awaken to the light shining through your bedroom window. The air is warm, as felt by your lips. The sounds of Shibuya’s morning—the cries of urban animals, the rush of vehicles—are lively as ever. You yawn once and feel drowsiness tugging down on your eyelids, threatening to push them down into a peaceful darkness. Not a moment later, you feel a grip on your soul, steady and firm.

“Wake up, boy.”

“Morning to you, too, Akasha…” You grumble, “I’m already up, dammit.”

She doesn’t respond. There’s no reason to do so. Your daily routine has long been ingrained into your mind. It slipped during your stay in hospital, but a few threats from her and it all came flowing back. To that end, you start picking clothes from your bedside drawer.

You put on a clean T-shirt with a white logo and a pair of tracksuit pants. Your foot tugs on cloth and you look down to see a pile of used clothes on your floor (though not your school uniform, thank god). You then remember that Saturdays are housework days in the Hirayama household, which means that Airi is going to be coming around asking for dirty clothes this morning. If she sees this, she’s going to flip.

You sigh, kicking a dirty shirt on your bedroom floor. First things first, you think. You can deal with laundry later. On the other side of your room, past your bed and opposite the curtains and small window, stands a metal locker. The plating is chrome grey and it's about the size of a fridge. You disengage the padlock and take out your firearms. There used to be more guns here—two more pistols, a six-shot revolver, an automatic shotgun used in the JDSF, a couple of bolt-action rifles including one Akasha-Alea bought for your birthday—but they’ve been lost, purposefully ditched or ruined in the many incidents you and your sister got caught up in the past year.

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There’s plenty of ammunition, sorted into clips, cardboard boxes and pre-prepared magazines. You take a bunch and place them inside your space. Instantly, the weight settles on your back like a fat toad. Your fourteen-year-old self groaned and complained about it. Now, it feels comforting.

“Get moving.” Akasha-Alea whispers.

“At least let me take a piss first!” You exclaim.

It’s time for your morning training and there’s no way in hell Akasha-Alea is ever going to forget. Trainers on, door secured and out into the open air. You start running immediately, pounding concrete down the streets of the city, all the way to Yoyogi Park. It’s quiet at this time of the day, save for the music of early exercises for the elderly. You pass by other joggers. Traces of magic can be felt on some. They’re the ones who aren’t as tired.

Akasha-Alea pushes you. She urges you to run faster, harder; to stretch out your endurance to breaking points. She snaps at you when you start to fall behind and twists her grip on you, even as sweat is pouring down your back and your legs feel as if someone had roasted them with a fireball. The only rest comes from brief periods when she orders you to fast walk, instead of run. You’ve thankful that magi have higher physical abilities than regular humans.

A good solid hour and a half passes before she lets you stop.

“You were adequate. That’ll be enough for the morning.” She says, in a tone neither pleased nor displeased.

“Thank god…” You stand in front of a water fountain, drinking in the beautiful liquid.

“Remember that you have target practice this afternoon.” She says and her presence vanishes. You swallow all you can and fast walk back to your apartment building.

You get back home to find that Airi is awake, cooking breakfast in the kitchen. She greets you as you shove the keys in your trouser pockets. “Good morning, onii-chan!” she says, with a chipper, bright smile that matches the sunshine outside.

“Morning, sis.” You mutter and take your shoes off. Airi’s cheeks are a bit pale, you notice. She must’ve been filling up her blood packs again. Not that it’s troublesome for her, what with her altered biology. Breakfast consists of rice, leftover grilled fish and pickled vegetables. Airi takes the opportunity to eat some natto and picked spinach. You once joked about how she might as well eat iron shavings if she desperately needed the mineral. She actually considered it.

You see Airi fondle her scarf and know that you won’t be the only two at the breakfast table. She mutters something beneath her breath, then gets up from her chair. She unwraps her scarf and holds itself out in front of her. It shifts into a ball, bounces and liquidizes into Shesmur. A hurried, impatient chirping sound rings from the spirit’s meaty jaws. Airi smiles and grabs a shallow bowl form the kitchen. She leans down and places it on the floor. She then takes out a blood bag and slits the cover.

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The blood trickles into the bowl, looking for all the world like a plate of thin tomato sauce. With a delighted yip, Airi’s spirit partner runs over to the bowl. The canine beast extends a long, green tongue and laps hungrily at the blood. Its tail wags back and forth. Airi crouches down the next to the spirit, patting its amorphous body with a smile.

“Good boy,” she says and giggles.

“Creepy,” is what you said the first time Airi did this. Now you’ve gotten used to it. It better not make a mess of the dish, because you’re the one who has to clean it up.

Breakfast passes in relative silence. When the plates and bowls are nearly empty, Airi asks you a question.

“Onii-what are you going to do today?”

“Me?” You ask, “I don’t know. What about you?”

“I’ll be doing some shopping this morning. We’re almost out of food.” She answers, “Maybe some time with Shesmur and study after lunch.”

Sounds like an average Saturday for her. You expect she’ll call up Michiko and chat with her once the sky turns dark. What about you, then? Today is a Saturday, which means there’s a whole range of possibilities for you to explore. The exception is calling up Makoto and asking him about the next task; you are not engaging in that sort of bullshit on your day off.

Well?

>“I’ll help you with your shopping.”
>“Hey look, a text from Michiko.”
>“There’s something I need to ask Akasha-Alea.”
>“I think I’ll stay at home today.”
>“Maybe I’ll take a walk around Shinjuku.”
>“I am going to engage in bullshit and call up Makoto.”
>Custom option.

>>983618
>>“Maybe I’ll take a walk around Shinjuku.”

>>983618
>“I’ll help you with your shopping.”

>>983618

>“Maybe I’ll take a walk around Shinjuku.”

>>983618
>“Hey look, a text from Michiko.”
>“Maybe I’ll take a walk around Shinjuku.”

>>983618
>“Maybe I’ll take a walk around Shinjuku.”

It's good to be back. Writing now...

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“Hmmm, I didn’t make any real plans for today.” You mumble, picking at your rice, “I guess I’ll wander around the city a bit.”

“Whereabouts?”

“Shinjuku. I don’t know. I’ll think of somewhere.”

Airi hums. “Be careful, onii-chan. It’s going to be hot today.”

“Eh, I’ll be fine.”

You phone beeps. It’s a text from Michiko. It reads: Hey! I won spare tickets to a movie. Let’s go and watch it together.

…

You decide to decline, because you’ve seen Michiko’s taste in movies and it is awful.

Sorry. I’m busy today.

For real? Oh, these tickets are going go to waste!

What movie?

Blonde Bear.

I’m glad I said no.

Wow, rude, Keiichi!

Oh please, Michiko. I just saved you two hours of me complaining about how romance doesn’t work that way. Sell those tickets to someone else if you’ve desperate to get rid of them.

Is your sister busy today?

Didn't you two see that movie already.

Yeah, but maybe she'll want to see the movie again! It was good, you know.

Sure, sure. Airi is going shopping. You know how she is. She's definitely not free until the afternoon.

Drat.

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After chatting with her for a while, you finish your breakfast. You spend a good quarter of an hour cleaning the dishes and washing up. Shesmur runs around you, barking and sniffing at your legs. You don’t know what he’s saying in that weird spirit tongue dialect Akasha-Alea claims him to have, but it’s probably something he finds very amusing.

Airi doesn’t like to waste time doing her chores. By the time you’ve finished cleaning up, she’s showered and changed. You catch sight of her drying her hair with a towel. Then she’s by the front entrance, slipping on a pair of leather-brown summer. sandals.

“I’ll be off, onii-chan!”

“’Kay. Take care.” You blink. “Hold on, you’re wearing that?”

Your sister tugs at the skirt fabric of her one-piece dress. It’s a curtain of white, with a string of red holding up the front. In her other hand is a portable trolley, made out of firm cloth and very squeaky wheels. “Is something wrong?” she asks, sounding innocent. She shifts on the spot and the sides of her dress move with it.

“You’re getting dressed up for a simple shopping trip?” You ask, folding your arms.

“I just wanted to wear this. Micchan bought it for me, remember?”

“No, I don’t,” You say, flatly. “And I think we both know why I don’t remember.”

She shoots you a glare, pouting. “You need to open your mind more, onii-chan. Get away from your guns for a bit.”

“The same could apply to you, sis.” You grumble, “Anyway, be careful.”

“I’m not going to get into a fight today.” She brushes her scarf. “See? Shesmur agrees.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” You reply, folding your arms.

“What, then?”

You examine your sister closely, an eyebrow raised. Her attire, to be specific. She stares back, puzzled. Sighing, you shrug your shoulders. “Never mind. Have fun or whatever you girls do with shopping.”

“Okay, then! See you later!”

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She’s gone. You dawdle around the house a bit longer, before leaving yourself.

In many respects, Shinjuku is a lot like Shibuya. Clogged roads, concrete towers, the grey of steel and the inky black of tarmac for miles. Air conditioners buzz, horns honk, pedestrians surge across the pavement and the heat swarms above it all. At night, the lights shine to cut off the stars. There’s less youth culture here. Less billboards with anime characters and a lack of commercials blaring out the latest idol show or whatever.

You stand on a bridge above the overpass, watching the vehicles pass by. A breeze rustles your hair. The combined mass of your guns weighs down on your back. It feels quiet, despite the rush below.

What will you do? Or more specifically, where will you go?

>Stonewolf High.
>A firing range.
>The gun store.
>The arcade.
>A shopping center.
>Walk around and maybe something interesting will happen…
>Start running.
>Custom option.

>>983777
>>The gun store.
Maybe try and get some hyper magic conductive bullets to make our anti-barrier bullet art better?

>>983777
>Start running.

>>983777
>>The gun store.

>>983777
>The gun store

>>983777
>A firing range.

>>983777
>>The gun store.

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It’s reasonably warm. Pollen from flowerbeds drifts through the air, mixing in with the mechanical smells of the city. Airi hums a tune in spirit tongue—a habit from her language practice with her partner—as she mingles with the crowd and walks down the path to the nearby supermarket. The place is part of a large chain spread across the country. It’s twice as large as the biggest shop in her hometown; she remembers being awestruck at the range of products on sale, all the way back on her first weekend of last year.

She pushes her trolley through the sliding double doors. The interior is cooler. In the distance, there is the distinct beep of a checkout-scanner. She nods to a store worker and snatches up some plastic bags from a serving display.

“Let’s see…eggs, milk, rice, a bunch of vegetables and snacks. I should start with the vegetables first.”

She walks over to the fruits and vegetable section and begins searching for carrots. She picks them up one by one and turns them over, examining them for blemishes and scratches. She finds the ones that are long and full of color and wraps them in a paper bag. Smiling, she turns to the potatoes.

She reaches out for one with her hand, thinking about the soups and fried dishes she can make with it. Her fingers then brush against something that is soft, warm and most definitely not belonging to a vegetable. She flinches, and her fingers twitch. She looks to the side and her eyes go wide.

“President Makoto?” she enunciates.

“Eh?” The boy stares at her, mouth open, “Airi Hirayama? You shop here, too?”

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>>Keiichi: Go to the gun store.

Yeah, that’s a good idea. It’s been a while since you last visited and they’ve might brought in some new merchandise. Besides, your gut tells you you’re get into a hell lot of fights into the near future, so it might be best if you stocked up on ammunition and firepower.

For the record, there used to be a gun store in Shibuya, but it struggled to maintain business and had to close its doors. A real shame. The lady at the counter was nice to her customers.

The decision is made. You retreat into the depths of the city. The overpass fades into the distance.

>>chatlog_guns.txt

[Blitz]: do they let kids in japan carry weapons too
[xxDeadshotxx]: A better question is what country doesn’t let its magus spawn carry weapons.
[captain_freak234]: Cambodia
[xxDeadshotxx]: They don’t count.
[Blitz]: why not?
[xxDeadshotxx]: Because a. the place is a tyrannical shithole
[xxDeadshotxx]: b. no-one takes them seriously in the first place
[captain_freak234]: You say that but what if they successfully fire the nukes
[xxDeadshotxx]: Then China moves in and wipes them off the face of both realms
[xxDeadshotxx]: Anyway back to Blitz’s original question
[xxDeadshotxx]: Magus fights are just as big a deal in Japan as they are in the USA
[Blitz]: got a source on that?
[captain_freak234]: Me
[captain_freak234]: I live there
[captain_freak234]: Also Wikipedia
[Blitz]: you’re good at english for a jap
[captain_freak234]: Gift of tongues mate
[xxDeadshotxx]: You can get your hands on any second-rate weapon if you say that you’re taking part in magus battles
[xxDeadshotxx]: Or using it to practice your magic art
[xxDeadshotxx]: Concealed carry is a thing like over here
[xxDeadshotxx]: Some kids even get to carry guns around
[Blitz]: whoa for real?
[captain_freak234]: I’ve heard it’s a real pain in the ass to get a permit but it’s possible
[captain_freak234]: The best chance for the thing to go smoothly is to have connections in the government
[captain_freak234]: Even then the ones who get the permit only carry one gun at a time
[captain_freak234]: Pistols revolvers and shotguns mostly
[captain_freak234]: Some might get their hands on rifles or even light machine guns
[captain_freak234]: Non-lethal ammo only too
[xxDeadshotxx]: I’d imagine firing ranges are hard to find in the big city
[captain_freak234]: Like humanity among the spirit world
[Blitz]: is one the limit?
[xxDeadshotxx]: Why so interested?
[captain_freak234]: No not really
[captain_freak234]: Most people don’t take kindly to heavy firepower in their midst
[captain_freak234]: One gun is fine if you’re a young magus
[captain_freak234]: Two is pushing it
[captain_freak234]: Four is excessive
[captain_freak234]: That’s basically those two in a shellnut huh
[Blitz]: what two?

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>>Keiichi: Actually arrive at the gun store.

You do that. Metal practically outnumbers the wallpaper here. Boxes of ammunition line shelves. Display cases hold firearms of all types. Some are for sale, others you have to bargain for. A few customers give you weird glances as you enter. The elderly shopkeeper, a bundle of aged muscle with a bristling stark-white mustache on top, raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t comment.

You check your wallet for your license card and your debit card. The good thing (and likely the only one) about completing tasks for the Japanese government is the money. From the last task, you saved up some cash to buy one item of your choosing. No doubt it will give you advantage in whatever battles you find yourself in.

What is it?

[Select one only]
>Armor piercing rounds for the pistol.
>Armor piercing rounds for the rifle.
>Incendiary rounds for the pistol.
>Incendiary rounds for the rifle.
>Taser rounds for the shotgun.
>Sponge grenades for the riot gun.
>Submachine gun.
>Bolt-action rifle.
>An in-depth manual on magic techniques relating to firearms.

>>983930
>>>An in-depth manual on magic techniques relating to firearms.

>>983930
>>Taser rounds for the shotgun.

>>983930
>>An in-depth manual on magic techniques relating to firearms.

>>983930
>>An in-depth manual on magic techniques relating to firearms.

>Taser rounds for the shotgun.

>>983930
>An in-depth manual on magic techniques relating to firearms.

>there are fewer waifus than there are threads
this is unacceptable

>>983930
>An in-depth manual on magic techniques relating to firearms.

>>983974
This ain't Persona. And besides, the less potential waifus, the better it is to organize them. Wouldn't want a harem to breakout and a 5 front waifu war.

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The two students look at each other. Neither of them know what to say. The air-conditioner blow. Plastic bags rustle and hands move around fruit boxes. Airi chews on her lip. Even Shesmur has gone quiet, although that’s more because he doesn’t care for such conversations.

Makoto is the first to break the silence with something of a forced laugh. “Man, this is a coincidence. I didn’t think we would meet here, but in retrospect I should have realized. You guys live around here, don’t you?”

“Oh, um, yes that’s correct.” Airi blinks and hurriedly spills the word from her mouth. She also tries to smile. “How do you know that?”

“Because I’m the student council president. I have access to the files of all the students.” He pauses for a few seconds.” I’m not doing anything weird with them, okay?” he states.

“I…I see.” Airi says, trying not to frown. Another pause.

“Anyway,” Makoto quickly clears his throat, “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

Makoto extends his hand. Airi cautiously takes it. They shake.

“So, shopping today?”

“Yep. I do it every Saturday. It’s a routine of mine.”

“Wow, that’s organized of you. I only do it when I run out of stuff to eat.”

“Oh, you live alone?” Airi asks.

“Yeah.” Makoto replies, “My parents are elsewhere in Tokyo. I live in the school dorms. So, what are you buying now?”

“Just some apples.” Airi replies, rummaging around in the box. She picks one up, inspects it and places it down. The next one is more to her favor and she puts in her bag with satisfaction. Makoto watches with building interest. He selects an apple for himself, turning it over in his hands. He looks at Airi with confusion.

“What are you looking for in these apples?”

“Oh, the better ones. You know, ones that are firm, heavy and have a rich color.”

“I…didn’t know that.”

“Oh.” Airi says. An idea flashes in her brain. She grins at the boy standing in front of her. “Why don’t I teach you?”

“Eh? Is that okay?” Makoto gasps. “You’re not busy?”

“It’s definitely okay!” Airi smiles, “There’s not much on my plate today.”

Shesmur reminds her about training. She ignores it.

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>>983997
time for husbandos

and for protective onichan

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>>983997
>>984030

>>983997
B-But this guy is a fucking stooge!

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You select an in-depth manual on magic techniques relating to firearms. ‘Tried and tested spells for any self-respecting magus with a gun!’ the blurb advertises. Thick enough to break a neck and dyed the color of mud in the rain. A quick skim through the contents reveals that the book is legit. Most of the contents comprise of techniques Akasha-Alea has mentioned in the past, along with some skills you learned last year and then forgot. You suppose you could save money by visiting her library, but you’ve been meaning to do some self-study at home.

“I’ll take this.”

The shopkeeper grunts and swipes the book against the laser scanner. That’s what you like about the man—he doesn’t ask questions, not even when you bought all that incendiary ammo for your battle against Florence. You don’t even know his name.

You exit the shop with a lighter wallet and a plastic bag hanging off one arm.

“A decent choice.” Comes the voice of your spirit mentor.

“Thanks.” You respond. “Where were you? I haven’t heard you all morning.”

“Sorting out some internal affairs. It was rather droll.” She says, “When are you planning to read that book?”

“When I have some free time.”

“As in, now?”

“I...wasn’t thinking about training but you do have a point.”

“Do you want to come to my domain? I’m free now. I can provide you with assistance.”

You walk past a corner and into a main road. Traffic lights flash, engines start and mothers urge their children to stay away from the curb. In the distance, a fast food shop plays a jingle to advertise its new selection of breakfast dishes. Try the new pancakes that totally won’t make you swell up like a rubber balloon. It’s quickly devoured by the noise around it, a futile gesture. MgRonalds has better muffins, anyway.

“Let me think about it…”

Silence follows your statement. You intended for it to last a couple of seconds as you contemplated your options. Then you saw Florence Rutherford brush past you, her mouth set in a firm line. You blink and the girl in question is a few more feet past you. There’s no mistaking those refined cheekbones, that hairstyle and those calculated, elegant strides. A mobile phone rests next to her ear and she’s talking quickly into it. No chance of eavesdropping, given the distance and number of bodies between the two of you.

You squint. Why is she wearing casual clothes—a beret, a sky blue jacket and a black cotton skirt—as opposed to the fancy dresses she normally carries herself in? What the hell is going on?

“Boy?”

“What?”

“What is your answer?” Akasha-Alea asks, “Are you coming to my domain or not?”

>“Yeah, of course.”
>“No, I’m busy at the moment.”
>“I think Florence is about to do something stupid again.”
>“Can you wait for a bit?”
>Custom option.

>>984130
>>“I think Florence is about to do something stupid again.”

>>984130
>>“I think Florence is about to do something stupid again.”

Waifus *and* husbandos in the same thread? Thorn, you're spoiling us.

>>984141
Same

>>984130
>>“I think Florence is about to do something stupid again.”

>>984130
>>“I think Florence is about to do something stupid again.”

>>983989
>>984130
what a baka

>“I think Florence is about to do something stupid again.”

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“Since we’ve here, why don’t we shop together?”

“I don’t see why not. Let’s go!”

One thing leads to another and now Airi and Makoto browsing the shelves together. If a certain gun-wielding boy were here, there would be words to say. Sarcastic, mildly venomous and ultimately protective words. He however isn’t and thus the duo continue their mutual shopping with more enjoyment than either of them expected.

“You like that brand of yogurt? You should try this one.”

“These oranges are the better ones. See how they’re fuller and a bit heavier? Pick those out.”

“Instant noodles? Oh, my brother used to snack on those a lot when he got back from school. This was back in the countryside. He stopped halfway through the last year of middle school.”

“Oh, man! This egg box is wet on the underside. Yeah, we definitely can’t buy these!”

“Bananas grown in magic-infused environments…hmm, I dunno about those. On the other hand, they’re good for mana replenishment…”

Time passes and now they’re in the line together, with Airi at the front and Makoto behind her. The woman in front of Airi drops a trough’s worth of assorted goods on the moving counter and harried-looking cashier moans. Mechanical beeps and grumbles fill the surrounding air. Makoto picks up a chocolate bar—lokum-flavoured—inspects the label and puts it down. He pauses for a moment. Then, he speaks, with some hesitation.

“You know, I was surprised you talked to me, Airi.”

“Excuse me?” Airi says, turning around, the basket on her arm shuffling.

Makoto shrugs. “I mean I am working for the government that sent you guys those ten tasks. Part of me thought it would make me your enemy. We don’t talk much at school because I’m not in any of your classes. I wouldn’t be surprised if Keiichi hated me…”

"Why would you think that?'

"Because you know, I'm technically working for the government and he probably thinks the government as the enemy. By proxy, that includes me..."

“No, no, no, please don’t get the wrong idea!” Airi exclaims, waving her free hand around. “I don’t think you are my enemy and onii-chan doesn’t hate you. He’s just a bit cranky sometimes.”

“I see.” Makoto chuckles, audibly sighing. “That’s good to know.”

“It isn’t your fault the government is forcing us to do the tasks. You’ve just a middleman anyway. We both know that and we don’t hold it against you.” She pauses, mumbling. “Please don’t feel guilty about it.”

Makoto smiles at her. “You’ve convinced me. I won’t anymore.”

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>>984188

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“I think Florence is about to do something stupid again.” You say.

“And you are going to follow her?”

You pause. “Yes?”

“You are neglecting your duties in favour for chasing a woman.” Akasha-Alea replies, “I believe there are more than a dozen tales that warn children against this. Would you like me to tell you some?”

“Look, it’s not like I’m neglecting my training. I’ll just do it in the afternoon.”

“Procrastination.” Akasha-Alea murmurs, “He’s already regressing.”

“Oh, shut up. Just go somewhere else if you’re so bothered by it.”

”Why are you so fixated on that Rutherford girl?”

“What, are you jealous?”

“Perish the thought.” Akasha-Alea sniffs. “I am simply wondering about the basis for your decisions.”

“Like I said, I’m wondering if she’s going to do something stupid.”

"Which prompts you to follow her."

"So?"

“Why do you care?”

“Because it might involve me in the future. The stuff she does always does.”

“Ah, so you’re trying to nip the situation in the bud. You are already getting involved with her, you know.”

“It’s a reasonable sacrifice.”

“Boy, you need to think speaking of her as your enemy. You are closer to her than most in your class.”

“Oh, piss off.”

"I believe there's a certain term in Japanese for this type of behavior..."

"No there isn't!"

>>Keiichi: Tail Florence.

After arguing with your mentor some more, you decide to do that. You are going to follow a lone, seemingly defenseless girl who is about your age to wherever she is heading. A girl you have yelled at and thought about hitting over the head in the heat of the moment. To support you, you are carrying four firearms and enough ammo for all of them. As in, weapons you’ve used to shoot and bash people with. And you’ve done it all with little regret.

Yes, you are a magus, a subtype of human that is characterized by potential for destruction and lust for power. Nevertheless, is…is there something wrong with you? Should you see a counselor about these so-called violent tendencies?

>>Keiichi: Recall Florence’s standard gesture of mockery.

Naaah…

>Roll 1d30 to tail without being caught.
>Best out of three.

Rolled 26 (1d30)

>>984322

Rolled 29 (1d30)

>>984322

Rolled 24 (1d30)

>>984322
I think its pretty conclusive that we followed the fuck out if her.

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“Okay, It’s our turn next.” It’s after Airi says this that Makoto notices something. He looks through her basket.

“Eh? You’re not going to buy any meat?” he says, facing sharpening in surprise.

“Oh, I do that at a meat market a few blocks down. It’s fresher and has a better range.” Airi replies.

“Really? Any good deals?”

“Plenty.”

“Wow, I should go over there some time. Can you show me around today?”

“Sure!”

Makoto thinks. “You know, if we’re going to go elsewhere once this is over…”

“What is it?” Airi asks.

“There’s actually a tea shop I’ve been meaning to try out. Want to accompany me?”

“Before the meat market?”

“Is that okay?” Makoto asks.

Airi contemplates this. She judges her options, her planned activities and the times at which they occur. Priorities are made, events are laid out in her head and she weighs the consequences of dragging a portable trolley bag around. She rests her finger beneath her chin before answering.

“Are you sure? We’re dragging around all these groceries…”

“Don’t worry, I’m positive we’ll be fine.” Makoto says, “If you want, we don’t have to take too long.”

“No no, you don’t have to rush for me.”

“So you agree, then?”

Airi thinks some more. “Um, well…alright then! Is the place air-conditioned?”

“I think so? Why? Are you afraid the fruit might spoil in the heat?”

“Well, it never pays to be careful.”

Somewhat grunts behind them, annoyance evident. Airi apologizes and steps forward. Airi rushes to push her goods on the counter and the line surges forward.

>>984417
Cute

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You follow Florence through the streets of Shinjuku. The entire time, she does not let go of her phone. It’s always at her ear. At times, she speaks with peace. Others, it is with mild irritation. It’s a little difficult to tell what this happens, but you’ve stuck around her long enough to see the signs…regrettably. When Florence gets annoyed, her eyebrows shift towards each other and her smile grows just a bit thinner.

Her trail is straightforward. Past the train tracks, up a staircase, down an underpass and past a selection of small eateries. You mingle with the crowd, avoiding her line of sight. If it means you need to duck behind a wall or a dumpster, so be it. You think you can hear Akasha-Alea’s exasperated sighs in the corner of your mind.

Florence comes to a halt in a park. She sits down on one of the benches. Her smile turns wide and she chuckles into the phone speakers. After a pausing for a moment, she hangs up and places the phone in her pocket.

Now you watch as she rests there, watching the sky.

How will you approach her?

>“Who did you kill this time?”
>“Please tell me what you just did.”
>“Hello, Florence.”
>Just leave her be.
>Attempt to creep up to her.
>Custom option.

>>984489

>“Who did you kill this time?”

>>984489
>“Who did you kill this time?”

Rolled 12 (1d30)

>>984489
>>“Who did you kill this time?”

>>984489
>>“Who did you kill this time?”

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>984489
> Attempt to creep up on her

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917 KB PNG

You walk up to her. “Okay, who did you kill this time?”

Florence tilts her head backward. She smiles as she catches sight of your frowning face, her eyes glinting like dusk reflecting off a snowflake. “Keiichi Hirayama.” She greets, “What a surprise. You were following me, no? I knew something was strange, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. What brings you here?”

“You know, it’s rude to answer a question with a question.”

“My apologies.” She simpers. “Unfortunately for you, I am incapable of hiring mercenaries to take care of my opponents.”

“Yeah, I don’t buy that for a second.”

“And why is that?”

“Because it’s the sort of thing you would do.”

“Keiichi, It’s rude to judge a book by its cover.”

“Yeah, but I’ve already read part of the book.”

“How bold.” She sighs.

“Explain why you wouldn’t hire mercenaries to rob a bank or something.” You frown.

“For one, it’s would be in awful taste. Secondly, I do not require such methods. I would simply twist the motivations of the bank owners to my own ends. Now then, would you mind explaining your purpose here?”

You fold your arms. “I want to know what you’re doing.”

“And that would be because…?”

“Because whatever bullshit you do always comes around and involves me and my sister.” You proclaim.

“So, you want in?” Florence smirks.

“No, I want you to explain it so when the explosions start flying I can the two of us as far away as possible.”

“My my Keiichi, I didn’t know you detested me this much. And here I thought the two of us had something together. Did we not co-operate in that delinquent case last week?”

“More like you dragged yourself in.”

“Denial is an affront to the truth, Keiichi.” Florence says, her hands steepled, “You and I both know that I am very attractive. I don’t think you’ll be able to stay away from me for long.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” You growl. You sigh. “Just tell me already.”

“In that case, sit by my side.”

“I’m fine with standing, thanks.”

“No fun at all…”

Florence pouts. It’s obviously a fake. Her smile is soon back. She turns her body around to face you. You get a whiff of her perfume, lavender-scented. She smells nice, a part of your brain whispers. You urge it to shut the hell up.

“Very well, do something else for me and I’ll gladly explain my actions.”

“What is it?” You say, cautiously.

Her smile grows. “Have tea with me. It won’t take long.”

>“You’re paying.”
>“Okay, let me go over to that vending machine.”
>“Sure, why not.”
>“I absolutely refuse.”
>Custom option.

>>984703
>“You’re paying.”
>“Okay, let us go over to that vending machine.”

>>984703
>“Okay, let me go over to that vending machine.”

>>984718
Seems good

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The trolley trundles along the pavement, bumping and making soft grinding noises against the hot concrete. Makoto wipes sweat from his forehead and points to a building entrance in the distance, past Shibuya’s thick crowd. A light, chocolate-brown building, with glass doors, a red-blue-white patterns awning and small round tables outside. There’s a sense of delicacy about the place. Cute, Airi thinks. It’s nothing special, is what her brother would say if he was here.

They enter the café. The lights are faintly dim, hung by thin wires and small chandeliers. Wooden beams crisscross in rigid lines across the ceiling. A waitress greets them as they go in. Airi takes a moment to stop and inspect the menu.

“Oh, it’s an iced tea shop.” She remarks.

“Is that okay?” Makoto asks.

“It’s perfectly fine. Let’s go.”

They take a seat near the window, sitting on soft white sofa-like chairs in front of matching square tables. Makoto looks over his menu.

“What are you going to order?” He asks.

“Ummm…I might have I have the coconut milk tea.”

“Hey, nice choice. I tried that last time. I’ll have the lemon with blueberries. Let’s order then.”

The service is quick, much to Airi’s satisfaction. It turns out Makoto also ordered some sweets for them. They sit opposite each other, sipping their drinks and taking bites out of the tiny chocolates.

“So, how you and your brother going? Are you guys doing fine?” Makoto asks.

“Yes, the two of us are living well.” Airi replies. “Onii-chan is quite happy that nothing weird has happened for a while. He said he was sick of hearing the rumors around school.”

“Well, it can’t be helped. You two do have a penchant for property damage.”

“It’s not our fault…” Airi groans, a little gloomy.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s alright. We should more careful anyways.”

“Even if Florence Rutherford caused half the damage in the supermarket?”

“Is that what happened?” Airi says, eyes widening a little. “She must be more immature than we think.”

“Or maybe she just didn’t plain care. You’re lucky the government is able to cover it up all.”

“Yes, we are. I do wonder how they manage it all.”

“I don’t think that’s something we should try and find out. Seriously.” Makoto mumbles, putting up a bitter smirk. “Has anyone from the two gangs contacted you?”

“Megumi called us to give her thanks. She told her boyfriend got a job delivering pizzas. He’s even thinking of leaving the gang. Other than that, not really.”

“Huh, that’s a real turnaround. You guys sure know how to make waves.”

Airi laughs, cheerful and airy. “I guess that’s true. So, how are you, Makoto?”

“Me?”

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“Yes. How’s the student council work going? I’m afraid I don’t know much about it.”

“It’s not very exciting. I’d rather talk about something else.”

“But I’m curious.”

“About me filling forms and debating with the clubs all day? Really, Airi?”

“I think you must have some stories to tell.”

“Well…”

“I know for a fact that the clubs can be a real pain. Micchan complains about the budget all the time.”

“S-seriously? I know I gave a bonus to Tsukiwaki’s club for her efforts in the school choir.”

“Don’t worry about it. She’s blowing hot air. I didn’t know you favoured Micchan.”

Makoto blushes. “She’s a good singer and she’s volunteered to be in the choir. It’s hard not to respect her.”

“I don’t think anyone’s denying that.”

“Still, I don’t think I should show such blatant favouritism. What if word gets out? Is my vice-president going to glare at me like I’m garbage, like the way she does to all those love letters in the school locker?”

“You mean, the word you just told me?”

“O-oh crap!” Makoto exclaims, almost shouts, and Airi giggles.

Lunch break time. Be back in 30 mins.

>>984703
>>“You’re paying.”

Back and writing...

it's ok guys, airi can take care of herself

>>984943
Welcome back.
I'm more "worried" about Keiichi than Airi. She seemes to have a firm grip on the situation at hand.

>>984943
Nonsense. Imoutos are for pure. Onichans are for protecting that pure. That is the way of things.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XZJ5mD6nSU

“Okay, let me go over to that vending machine over there,” You point to aforementioned device in the distance. Florence looks at it, then back at you, still smiling.

“I believe you have misunderstood, Keiichi.” Florence says, pleasantly, “I was referring to a lovely little café I discovered yesterday. That is where we shall have our tea.”

“How about no? How about we have whatever is in the vending machine? Maybe it’s time for you to drink something that doesn’t come in a cup and saucer.”

“I suppose the mentalities of the plebeians do merit some investigation…”

“By the way, you’re paying for your own.”

You pick yourself up and saunter over to the vending machine. In goes the iron coins, out comes two bottles of refreshing iced green tea. You head back and toss a bottle to Florence. You wonder if she’s ever opened a soft drink bottle before. Wait, what are you thinking? That’s ridiculous. Everyone knows how to do that. Even if they didn’t, they could figure it out by twisting the cap. It’s not like these are medicine jars you’re holding.

Florence takes a swig. Geez, that is not a Florence word. How unnatural. The sides of her lips crinkle a fraction. A display of distaste, made subtle by years of upper-class conditioning. She’s obviously unused to these kinds of drinks. It’s almost funny, in a way.

The two of you are sitting next to each now. There is nothing that could be interpreted from the previous statement, and you will shoot anyone who dares to imply otherwise.

“Now then, where should I begin?” Florence wonders. Rhetorical. “I assume you are aware of the scale my family’s conglomerate operates at. Did you know that my family owns the Brickmart chain of hypermarkets?”

“No, but it isn’t surprising.” This means that Florence will one day inherit the ownership of a multinational retailing corporation, whose stores and activities stretch across the entire globe. She will have access to all its profits, stock and land. Another statement that fails to shock.

“Then, did you know that I have to prove myself to my family if I wish to gain my inheritance?” Florence asks.

“No. That’s not surprising either.” Such trials are common among the numerous sects that sprung up when magic was first reintroduced into the world. Particularly those with special bloodlines. “What does this have to do with Brickmart, though?”

Florence smiles. “I have received control over a nearby Brickmart store. It is currently struggling against a rival supermarket: Marget.”

“Wait, so you work in an office now?” No, that’s wrong. Florence used the word ‘control’. But what could that imply?

“It means I must use whatever skills and resources I possess to ensure Brickmart dominates Marget this year.” Florence explains. “I don’t work there. I’m still a high-school student, after all.”

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“So you’re not the executive or anything?” Florence shakes her head. “Then, how…?”

“By calling the store manager and giving him orders, of course.” Florence replies.

“…what?”

“I have him wrapped around my thumb.” Florence giggles. Her phone then rings. A cello begins to play, loudly. “Oh, I believe that’s him. Excuse me for a moment.”

She presses the phone to her ear. “Hello? Yes, it’s me. Did you follow the instructions I gave you? Yes? Then what’s the problem? Hmm…you say that an employee wants to take the next day off? Despite the big event? It’s his girlfriend’s birthday?”

You can only stare. In Horror, awe, relief or anger…it doesn’t matter, because Florence is rattling off commands like that one friend of yours does when she plays those strategy games on hard mode.

“I believe the solution is simple. Convince him not to. His rights? He’s a new employee, yes? I doubt he’ll be fully aware of them. Tell him that the company needs him. If he refuses, well then, hint that something…drastic might happen to him in the future. Yes, hint. Do not outright say it. Subtlety is the key, my good man. If he still refuses…well then, contact me and I’ll give you further orders.”

She talks for a bit more then hangs up.

>“Impressive.”
>“I don’t know what to think.”
>“I knew you were doing something stupid.”
>“I feel sorry for all parties involved.”
>"That was mean."
>“I’ll never understand the customs of rich people…”
>Custom option.

>>985151
>>“Impressive.”

>>985151
>>“I feel sorry for all parties involved.”

>>985151
>“I knew you were doing something stupid.”
>"My 'Florence-Henderson-is-doing-something-stupid' radar pinged and I couldn't ignore it."

>>985141
>"That was mean."

>>985141
Fucking unreal, I was just listening to that song

>>985151
>“I don’t know what to think.”

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“I knew you were doing something stupid again…” How else are you going to describe a situation in which a rich high-school girl is manipulating the manager of a department store to gain market dominance? You are seriously conflicted right now. On one hand, it’s impressive in a shocking, look-at-this-car-wreck kind of manner. On the other, you feel sorry for everyone Florence has touched with her icy claws. Missing a girlfriend’s birthday? You don’t have a girlfriend, but you can imagine it involves a lot of screaming, sobbing and begging to make up with gifts.

Come to think of it, that’s sort of what happened when Michiko got drunk. In any case, that poor bastard…

The rest of the store employees are likely not aware of Florence’s presence. As for the manager… “Does he know your name?”

“No.” Florence answers. “He does not know my name, age or status. All he knows that a guardian angel named Frost saved his branch from going bankrupt, thus saving him from the ultimate humiliation. He’s such a desperate man, enough to listen to every word Frost says. Even if he doubts it, he still has faith in Frost.”

She chuckles. “Amazed, are you?”

“This is kinda mean…”

“I don’t see why it is. He follows my instructions, I deliver him success.”

“You’re manipulating him.”

“Yet we both benefit from it. Me more so, but it can’t be helped.”

There’s no point in asking Florence if she would entertain showing her face to the manager. She wouldn’t do something like that unless it benefited her in some way. Which in this case, it wouldn’t and might even put her plans into jeopardy.

“So, how long has this been going on for?”

“Oh, a week and a few. My trial will end at graduation.”

“And what are you going to do once it ends?”

“Cease contact with the manager. He’ll be left to his own devices. Hopefully he’ll have learned something by then.” Florence says, “Is there a problem, Keiichi?”

>“What do you think?”
>“Sounds like you’re hanging him out to dry.”
>“Forget I said anything.”
>“I guess I agree with you.”
>“Corruption, much?”
>Custom option.

>>985288
>"And there's no chance of me or Airi bring involved if he loses that 'faith?'"

>>985288
>>“Forget I said anything.”

>>985288
Supporting >>985304

>>985288
This: >>985304

>>985288
This
>>985304

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“And there’s no chance of me and Airi being involved when this guy loses his ‘faith’?”

“I would imagine not. Unless of course, you wish to become involved.”

You merely grunt in response. Alright, looks like this is something Florence is pursuing by herself. If you keep out of her affairs, there should be little chance of you and your sister getting involved in it. Still, you never know. You thought you weren’t going to get involved with Florence’s kidnapping and yet you ended up helping her anyway.

“Good luck to whatever it is you’re doing, Florence.”

“Why, thank you.”

“Ugh…”

You chug your tea down. Airi was right. Today is a warm day to the extent. You’ve faced worse in the deserts of Akasha-Alea’s domain, but there’s always something delightful about drinking cold tea on a sweltering morning. Florence doesn’t appreciate this, judging by her mostly full bottle. She’s using her ice magic internally, cooling herself down. If only you learned how to do that in all those summers back home…

“Now then, it is my turn to ask something of you.”

Oh god, this can’t be good.

“How are you feeling?”

Wait, what?

>“What, are you concerned about me?”
>“I think you might not be Florence.”
>“Hot. And I’ve been talking to you for a while.”
>“I’m fine, thanks.”
>“Terrible.”
>Custom option.

>>985405
>>“I’m fine, thanks.”

>>985405
>“I’m fine, thanks.”
>...
>“I think you might not be Florence.”

>>985405
>>>“What, are you concerned about me?”
>>“I think you might not be Florence.”

>>985405
>“Hot. And I’ve been talking to you for a while.”
I'm not sure if this is a double entendre or not...

>>985405
>“Hot. And I’ve been talking to you for a while.”

>>985405
change>>985457
to>“Hot. And I’ve been talking to you for a while.”

>>985405
>“I’m fine, thanks.”

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“Hot, and I’ve been talking to you for a while. In short, it could be worse.” You stare at her, eyes narrowed. “Why do you care? Are you actually Florence Rutherford?”

“I care in the sense that I’m curious towards any trauma that you might have regarding your accident.”

Of course. Yeah, there’s no way Florence Rutherford could ever care about you like a normal person.

But yeah, your accident. The accident, from two months ago, that put you and your sister in the hospital. The memory stings like an old burn wound. You doubt you could ever forget.

The other incidents you and your sister found yourself into were frustrating, but at least you would get something out of it could complain and laugh about it with your friends. Not the accident. It could only be described as sheer torture.

Sunday, near the beginning of Feburary. Date, unknown. Time, sometime in the afternoon.

Winter was refusing to release its bitter grip on the streets of Shibuya, even as spring encroached. The sky was a pallor of light grey, thick clouds dotted the sky and mild frost coated the grass. The streets were wet from a downpour last night. It didn’t stop you, your sister, Michiko and Hideki from arranging a time to head down to the TOHO theater to catch the latest blockbuster.

You can’t really remember what the movie was about. An anime about giant robots and girls that shot lasers out of their glasses? You do know a debate erupted when you and the others existed the theater, if only because how ridiculous. Hideki was ranting his head off about how awesome the movie was while Michiko rolled her eyes and grumbled about how anime was inferior compared to live-action. Hideki then made the mistake of insulting Michiko’s favourite movies, which led to them arguing about their respective tastes, drawing the attention of all moviegoers in the vicinity. You ended up dragging the two out as Airi tried to placate them with promises of snacks.

You remember wolfing down burgers at a nearby restaurant and tuning out the gripes of your mentor in the ear. You walked along the road past the train station, chatting garbage with your sister and your friends. You grumbled like usual and deflected Michiko’s casual insults, but deep down your heart was light as a feather. You were thinking today was a perfectly fine day and how lucky you were to have come to Shibuya. Airi had a big, stupid and happy smile on her face and you knew that she shared your sentiments.

The four of you made the decision to split up and go your separate ways at the Scramble Crossing. You remember the little green flashing, the coldness in the air and the neon signs of nearby shop. The clouds parted, revealing rays of light that bathed you in gentle warmth. The road was empty and you and your sister walked across it.

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Then, out of nowhere, a truck flew past a red light. Big, gray with weathered steel and puffing exhaust fumes like a furnace on overdrive. It was a rolling boulder of metal and petrol, barreling down the small street towards you and your sister at a speed far past the city limits. The chasis was white, the glass on front was blackened and its headlights flashed and buzzed like warning signs from the darkest corners of the spirit world.

Whoever was in the driver’s seat slammed the brakes. Airi screamed and grabbed your arm, hauling you backwards. Your instincts sparked off the mana inside you, sending it flowing up your limbs for protection. They were all futile gestures. The truck slammed into you and your sister and sent you both tumbling across the concrete.

All magi possess stronger bodies than regular humans. When danger approaches, mana instinctively floods through their system, providing them with a bare amount of protection. None of this helped to censor the agony you and Airi felt as your ribs split themselves in two and flowers of blood erupted from your skin as it scraped against the concrete like sandpaper.

You were lying there, blinking through blurry vision, time seemingly having slowed to a crawl as the haze of pain enveloped you. Dimly, you were aware of shouts and screams of nearby traffic and passers-by. Michiko and Hideki were there. Or were they? Everything was growing cold.

You looked up and noticed something falling off the back of the truck. A series of yellow barrels with a symbol of consisting of three crescents locked together and overlaying a circle. Their lids split open and their contents spilled out.

A slimy, purple-blackish liquid, smelling of chemical poisons, animal wastes and nuclear byproducts. It drenched you and your sister. Your touch, numb as it was, wailed at the presence of it. Then something clicked inside of you and you began to scream, raw and loud, as the toxic mana inside the waste burrowed its way into your soul and wreaked havoc, inflicting damage that was not only just wrong on a physical level, but also at odds with your very existence. In seconds, your magic circuits were coated in oil, set alight and burning with flames that reeked of poison.

You writhed on the spot, clutching yourself, howling your lungs raw as you begged to whatever god that existed to just make the pain stop. The world faded into a swirling miasma of disconnected sounds and colors. Even the voice of your dear mentor, who was wrestling with the grip on your soul, pleading at you to calm down, lest the poison do any more damage, disappeared into static. You remember letting off a round of high-pitched, manic giggles.

Then you saw Michiko and Hideki charge into the scene and drag you and your sister out it, coating their hands with the toxic waste as they did so. You remember the same sunlight from earlier shining down your pale face. Warm and brilliant.

Then there was more agony and all went black.

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“I…I don’t know what to say. Sorry.”

“It’s alright. It’s all in the past, anyway. It’s not like I dwell on it for very long.”

“So, what happened after that? You two are alright now, so they must have purged the toxins from your souls.”

“Yes, they did in the end. They had to repair our magic circuits too. It wasn’t impossible, but took a very long time. For the first fortnight, we were in a coma, barely aware of what was around us. For the next, we could hardly move and had to have everyone do stuff for us. It was only after the first month that we could move closer to normal.”

“It must’ve been very hard.”

“Yeah, it was.”

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“Boy!”

“…”

“Are you there? Talk to me, boy!”

“…w…who?”

“Akasha-Alea, spirit of firearms, your very own mentor. Have you forgotten already?”

“A-A-Akasha…w-what? I…I can’t…”

“Conserve your strength. Take what awareness you have left and concentrate it into a point.”

“That’s...I don’t know…”

“Imagine you’re doing target practice on the firing range. There’s a target 450 metres away and you’re trying to hit it with your Howa Type 89. There is no wind and you’re in the athletic rifle stance. This is all within your capabilities!”

“O-okay, I’ll try. Ah…”

“There, that’s it.”

“You…you still talk too much…”

“What do you feel?”

“It hurts. It’s so dark. I feel cold. Where am I? What happened?”

“You and your sister were hit by a truck. That alone wouldn’t be too bad, but waste spilled from the back of the truck. There was toxic mana imbued within and it covered your body. The two of you were rushed to hospital.”

“T-toxic? Shit! Am…am I going to lose…”

“There are doctors operating on you as we speak. There are peering at your magic circuits and removing the damage. They have you in a cast. We are communicating through our soul link.”

“I…I don’t want to lose my magic. Not at this stage. Not after I’ve met you. Not after I’ve finally caught up to Airi...!”

“Calm yourself. You are still alive. Your damage can still be healed.”

“I…I don’t…agh!”

“What is it, boy?”

“It hurts…it’s worse this time. What is happening to me? I can’t…"

“You must stay awake! If you lose contact with me within your very own soul, then…”

“I’m sorry, Akasha…I can’t…”

“Boy, listen to me!”

“I’m scared. It’s so cold. I don’t wanna go. Please don’t make me…”

“Calm down!”

“It hurts. It hurts so much. Help me. Help me. Help me…”

And then she was in front of you, a beacon in the middle of the emptiness, slapping you across the cheek. It hurt. You felt your consciousness snap back from whatever mess it had become into a firm shape. You blearily gazed in front, into her intense, dark eyes. She had hold of your shoulders.

“Get a hold of yourself, Keiichi Hirayama!” She barked. “You are not going to die, nor are you losing your magic.”

“Akasha…”

“Talk to me, boy. It will help you keep your awareness. What did you have for lunch today?”

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“It was terrifying. It felt like I was submerged inside a sea of crude oil with no rescue in sight. I couldn’t see anything, I couldn’t hear anything, I was simply aware of my existence floating through a black void. What’s worse was that the toxins temporarily obscured my link between me and my spirit partner.”

“So you couldn’t feel him at all?”

“Not really. Whenever I tried talking to him, it wouldn’t connect half the time. The other half his voice was very distorted. It was frightening. I felt like I was truly alone.”

“You couldn’t sense Keiichi at all?”

“No. When I opened my eyes and saw him in the bed next to me, I cried with relief.”

“That’s heavy…”

“You know, Michiko and Hideki were very brave to pull us out from the accident. They risked their hands being crippled from the toxins.”

“What was the damage?”

“Only minor cases of mana burns. It got fixed quickly.”

“Did they visit you two in hospital?”

“Yes, they did whenever they could, in the first month at least. Along with Takai. I think Florence Rutherford came to visit once. She and my brother got into an argument, as usual.”

“Wow, sounds like the two are an old married couple.”

“You shouldn’t tell my brother that. He might hit you.”

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“He’s awake! Keiichi and Airi are awake! Oh, thank god…”

“Buddy! Keiichi, Airi-chan! Are you guys alright? Wait, that’s a stupid question. Um, are you guys in any pain? Do you need us to get something?”

“…I’ll go and get their parents. Wait here, you two.”

“I hope you don’t mind if I intrude.”

...

“Seriously, you two need to be more careful next time! I’ve been losing a lot of sleep, lately! It hasn’t been good for my health!”

“You guys should take it easy. I know it’s pretty much all doom and gloom in here, but at least you guys get to miss out on schoolwork! Don’t worry, I’ll let you two copy my notes.”

“…here. You can have this old console of mine. Please give it back once you guys get out. Oh…you can’t move your hands. Then, I’ll leave a good show of mine on the doorstep. Ask the nurses to play it for you. It’s best if you watch it together.”

“My my, it seems that not even an incident of this caliber can keep in the infamous Hirayama siblings down. They say you will recover soon. Please do so.”

…

“Onii-chan…”

“I’m here, Airi. We’ll be fine…”

In the end, it was Florence who paid for your hospital stay. She even allocated you to a first-class room. Her reasoning was that she wanted to pay off a past debt towards you, but you clearly remember saying that she didn’t need to worry about it.

She’s so annoying, damn it!

>>985560
>>985566
>>985584
>>985591
>>985600
>>985604
Welp, seems like someone wanted the siblings out of the picture.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e15VUsxqtbY

Why would a truck carry toxic waste through Shibuya? It doesn’t make sense. After you and Airi landed in hospital, your parents immediately demanded the police launch an investigation into the accident. They arrested the driver, his supervisor and looked into the records of their company. Apparently there was a mixup with the routes and the type of trash the driver was supposed to carry.

So, was it an accident? It's the most likely answer, but after talking it over with your mentor you started to believe otherwise. Then, if it was an intentional attack, what was the purpose? To make you suffer? To disable you? To remove your magic? To kill you?

Why would anyone attempt to murder two high school students, whose only claim to fame are beating up a bunch of guys from private schools and causing a bit of vandalism around the city? Besides, if they wanted you dead and buried, why didn't they do anything in the two month window? There are too many questions and not enough solid facts.

You got a call last night from your parents. They said that a hearing regarding the investigation would be held near the start of May. Perhaps you’ll get your answers then.

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“Our parents came by as well. Micchan told me that they were waiting outside the operating room the entire time. They refused to head home until we woke up.”

“They’re sound like very caring parents.”

“They are.”

The glasses are empty, save for dregs. Only a few sweets remain. They are ignored.

“Yeah, I spend a lot of time in meetings. It’s all admin stuff. People show me their proposals and the student council reviews them. If we think they’re okay, we sign them off. I have to sign sheets and record them in the computer.”

“Who’s there?”

“Me, the vice-president, the secretary, treasurer and other miscellaneous roles. There’s like a dozen of us in total.”

“Sounds like a big fun party.”

“I’m only really acquaintances with them. I nod and say hello to them and have casual conservations, but I wouldn’t call them my friends.”

“Aw, that’s no good.” Airi sighs, sympathetic. “They aren’t nasty to you, I hope.”

“No, they’re all good people. It’s okay. I have friends outside the school. Besides, I eat lunch with the rest of the student council a lot.”

“Do you ever battle?”

“You mean in the arena? Nah, not really. I don’t think I fought once last year. I mean, I know everyone expects the presidents of the four academies to be powerhouses, but I only got the job through voting and stuff!”

“Out of curiosity, why did you decide to become the student council president?”

“Mostly because I thought it would look good on my resume.”

Airi nods. “I remember fighting a lot with my onii-chan last year. Not so much recently, even though I’ve received invitations.”

“It’s all optional, so you shouldn’t feel pressured.”

They decide to finish off the meal. Makoto pays with bills and coins. They stand up, pushing the chairs back in like proper private school students.

“Shall we be off?”

“Yeah, sure! I’m going to buy so much chicken.”

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>>985670
>“Yeah, sure! I’m going to buy so much chicken.”
This... this triggers the chicken spirit...

image related, yes this is really a thing.

>>983590
>As the dangerous, mysterious and elegant female mentor of the main protagonist, I am naturally the best character in this story.
Can't disagree

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“Well, that was an enjoyable conversation, but I’m afraid it’s time to take my leave.” Florence says, standing from the park bench.

“Bye, then.” You say, raising a hand.

“I did not dislike meeting you here.” Florence smiles. “Perhaps we should do it again.”

“…I’ll think we about it.”

“Until we meet again, Keiichi Hirayama.”

You see her stride into the distance. Then you pick yourself up and head home. The rest of the weekend is spent studying, training under Akasha-Alea and shoveling whatever delicious meal Airi makes into your mouth.

“So you met Makoto at the supermarket?”

“Yup. The two of us bought our stuff together.”

“Huh. Never thought he would shop there.”

“Neither did I. We also went out for tea afterwards.”

“…what?”

“Is something wrong, onii-chan? Ooh, the water’s boiling. Excuse me for a moment!”

Before you know it, the weekend has flown by. You’re dressed in your school uniform, bag in hand, prepared for another five straight days of education and learning. In other words, a dreary slog that makes you wish you were firing your guns in Akasha-Alea’s range.

>>Skip to Monday afternoon.

Okay, it’s Monday afternoon now. You and your sister are in the student council room. It’s the usual setup. Makoto is trying to eat his lunch without getting crumbs on his laptop and failing miserable, you are thinking back to how this mess started and Airi is asking all the important questions, because she has more tolerance for government-sponsored fuckery.

“What tasks do you have for us, Makoto?”

“Oh, just the one. Take a look.”

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My Fancy Chef Can’t Be This Upset!
In Supein-zaka, there’s a fancy restaurant called the Universal Retreat. It most specializes in high-class Western foods, including those from the Mediterranean. It also has some of the most expensive prices in the street. Critics say that its prices are well deserved, though.

The head chef of the restaurant was contracted to cook for the opening party at the Festival of Magic, but for some reason he isn’t complying any longer. He’s saying he wants out! There’s probably some misunderstanding between him and some officials. It shouldn’t be hard for the two of you to sort it out.

“But there should be seven tasks remaining…” You point out.

“Like I said, I haven’t finished writing the other six yet…”

“Sorry, but you could explain what the hell that means?”

“N-never you mind!” Makoto coughs. “Anyway, let me give you a brief rundown on the chef. His name is Bruno Bartoletti. He’s one of the pioneers in the art of enchanted culinary.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of it!” Airi claps her hands together. “That’s when they infuse magic into the food to draw out the taste, isn’t it?”

“Spot on. I’ve heard they can make the foods more nutritious and give it a healing effect, too. As you can imagine, Bartoletti is pretty famous.”

“I wonder how much a plate of his food would cost…” You mutter. Probably tens of thousands of yen, you think. The kind of food that a certain chilly girl could eat on a regular basis.

“The chef says he wants out.” You state. “Hey Makoto, is there any reason for this?”

“Hmmm…” Makoto puts a hand beneath his chin. “Don’t quote me on this, but someone told me it’s because of a high school kid.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“It’s just a rumour. Sounds silly, right? There’s no way a high school kid could piss off a super chef to the point where he wouldn’t abide by his contracts. It must be some business thing.”

“If that’s the case, why are we the ones to go after him?”

“You don’t have to resolve the situation. Just find out the reason and grown-ups will handle it from there.”

He’s about your age, but it sounds patronizing when he says that.

“Don’t worry, Makoto, we’ll do our best! You can count on us.” Airi is the optimistic one, as expected. Well, you can’t exactly disagree with her. If it’s finding out the reason why the guy is so mad, it shouldn’t take more than a bit of prodding.

“Okay, we'll do it.. When I get back, you better explain what I dodged earlier!”

“Yeah yeah…good luck, you two!”

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>>Keiichi and Airi: Actually go to the Universal Retreat.

“Apologize? ABSOLUTELY NOT!”

It’s like a wet gale has flung itself into your face. Foul-smelling spittle clings to your blown back hair. Through your squint, you can make out a bristling mustache, twin bloodshot eyes and rough cheeks that could only be the product from standing in front of a stove for too long. Oh, and the anger. Can’t forget that. There’s a lump of anger, contempt and disgust masquerading as the heavily built chef in front of you, and it looks ready to take those trunk-like arms and snap you in two.

Yeah…

This could take a while…

And that'll do for now. Apologies for all the massive text dumps. I wrote them before the hiatus and might've gotten a little excited posting them.

Quest will resume tomorrow, same time as today (10:00 pm UTC). Feel free to discuss or criticise my writing while you wait. Hope to see you all there!

>>985862
Thanks for running Thorn

>I wrote them before the hiatus
Explains how you typed them out so fast

>>985862
Thanks for running! Didn't you start at 9 UTC today?

But anyway. it's been too long since the last waifu poll.

http://www.strawpoll.me/11980210
http://www.strawpoll.me/11980210
http://www.strawpoll.me/11980210

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>>supermarket_email.txt

TO: <All Employees>
FROM: Manager Ko
SUBJECT: Just a quick reminder…

To all employees,

I know that you’re all frustrated about the recent vandalism. I feel your pain, I really do. The damage caused to our shop was nothing short of devastating and I want the hooligans responsible behind bars as much as any of you.

Having said that, it does not mean I condone any of us making scapegoats out of random third parties. Over the past couple of days, I have heard several employees accusing various private magus academies of being the ones behind the vandalism. Not only is this blatantly false (as the police have already found links between the damage and a local biker gang), it also paints us in a negative light. What will our customers think if they see us spreading falsehoods? We have crafted ourselves an image as respectable, hard workers and it would be a shame to destroy it. Please consider your words carefully the next time you chat about work in public.

On the positive side, the repair work on the meat counters and the fruit section is proceeding smoothly. We should be able to get everything back to normal in a few days.

Have a nice day!

Ko Tanaka
Shibuya Pantry Branch Manager

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

This email including any attachments and data is confidential and may be subject to privilege and privacy laws. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately by return email and delete all material pertaining to this email. Shibuya Pantry accepts no liability for any damage caused by this email or its attachments due to viruses, interference, interception, corruption or unauthorized access. Shibuya Pantry reserves the right to monitor all email communications through their networks.

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>>headlines.html

NOTORIOUS DRUG DEALER AND THIEF CAUGHT IN UDAGAWA!

The police have managed to arrest a known drug dealer and thief in the backstreets of Shibuya. They received a tip approximately 48 hours ago, informing of the location in which the criminal was operating. Upon entering the residence, the police found the drug dealer unconscious on the floor, with boxes of contraband stacked around him. The reason for this sudden unconsciousness is unknown, but it is expected that the criminal will face multiple charges relating to…

Please pay the necessary membership fee to access the rest of this article.

[More headlines]
>Drugs Found in Lady Sagisawa’s
>Fire in True Hearts’ School Shed
>Suicide in Caelestis College
>Lawsuit over Nepotism in Stonewolf
>Idol Group Splits Up Due to Complaints by Fans

>>986659
>>Fire in True Hearts’ School Shed
Somehow the blame will fall on us.

>>986659
>>Suicide in Caelestis College

>>986674
>>986683
This is not an actual choice

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>>986685

>>986685
What happened to (you)s?

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>>986757
They got replaced with dotted underlines. Here's how to get them again.

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A month after the formation of your contract, Akasha-Alea let you have a meal in her domain0. Sounds dramatic, but it only happened because you were in the area at the time. Your fourteen year old self (who in retrospect was kind of an idiot) sat in banquet hall, nestled deep within Akasha-Alea’s main residence. In front of you were all manner of knives, forks and spoons. Only three were recognizable—the types you used in daily life.

“Apologies.” Your mentor, who was sitting next to you, said, “That familiar is slightly defective. It always insists on bringing out the full set of cutlery.”

You glanced at the humanoid, female-looking figure standing at the end of the table. It was dressed in a traditional black-white maid’s outfit. A handgun rested at the side of its body. It met your gaze and stared back with eyes of lifeless glass. You tried to resist the urge to shiver.

There were many of these familiars under Akasha-Alea command. Their body shapes, hairstyles and the amount of firepower they wielded varied, but they were all without emotion, following Akasha-Alea’s orders down to the very last letters, speaking only when permitted.

A few had cat ears, for some reason. You would later find out this had to do with a weird pun your home country came up with.

You looked back at Akasha-Alea. “Will it be fixed soon?”

“It will.”

“So…I don’t have to use this much cutlery?”

“No, use whatever is comfortable. There is no need for you to learn banquet etiquette, not at this stage.”

“Why is there so much cutlery, anyway?”

“It was a gift from an admirer. A rather useless one at that.” Akasha-Alea sighed. “The spirit nobility, much like the human nobility, tends to engage in useless activities.”

“Does that count you?”

“In some instances, perhaps.” Akasha-Alea responded. “Now, eat up. Including your vegetables.”

“I don’t like vegetables…”

“Those vegetables are a sign of good health. Eat them or you won’t get your dessert.”

“You don’t serve dessert!”

You were proven wrong. It was a nutritious raspberry yogurt. It tasted nice, and it filled up your mana too!

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Back in the real world, you are finding a resemblance between the sauce of the yogurt and the crimson pulsing on the cheeks of one furious Bruno Bartoletti. Also, you spy fancy cutlery on cloth-covered tables. It reminds you of the time Akasha-Alea told you about the time she disemboweled a sword spirit with a fork.

“NO MEANS NO!”

Another thing you are contemplating is how the punchable the face of Mr. Bartoletti is.

“YOU COME INTO MY RESTAURANT, A PAIR OF YOUNG RUFFIANS—”

Not that you’ve a punching person. Those kinds of magi are a dime a dozen in the youth battle culture. You’ve more of a smash-noses-with-a-shotgun-butt type of guy.

“THE SHEER AUDACITY OF THE TWO OF YOU—”

If you bashed this guy on the nose, would it cave inwards? Would blood spurt out like a miniature fountain? How much would the cartilage break? Would it get him to shut the hell up for five seconds?

“I AM A BUSY MAN AND I DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR THIS GARBAGE OF YOURS—”

…you’re thinking violent thoughts again, but they can’t blame you for that. You’re contracted to one of the most violent women in the spirit world, after all!

“ARE YOU LISTENING, YOU IGNORANT BOY—”

Then again, maybe you’re just pissed off at the man in front of you. No-one likes having their face and clothes covered with spit. Nor would anybody appreciate having their little sister insulted.

“I CANNOT BELIEVE THE CHILDREN OF TODAY—”

He’s still going. His voice is a typhoon of mouth fluids and foreign swear words. Are his lungs bottomless or what?

“IF THE TWO OF YOU DON’T LEAVE—”

Either way, it’s time to shut this guy up. If only warning shots worked as well in real life as they did in fiction. Still, maybe you could take out your shotgun and point it at his—

“Excuse me, sir.” Airi speaks. Her voice is soft, but her words are layered with the weight of her blood magic. It seems to stiffen the air, drop the temperature and silence whatever is in the background. She looks straight at the man and rage meets a calm ferocity. “Could we have a moment of your time, please? We have something we would like to ask you.”

Mr. Bartoletti’s rant screeches to a halt. He clenches his meaty fists, snarls and folds his arms. He glares at the pair of you.

“What is it, you brats?” he says through clenched teeth, in a loud but quite not roaring voice.

>“Did you violate your contract with the Festival of Magic?”
>“Apologize to my sister.”
>“You seem mad. What happened?”
>“Is there something wrong with us?”
>“Do you need some aspirin?”
>Custom option.

>>987695
>>“You seem mad. What happened?”
>“Do you need some aspirin?”

>>987695
>“You seem mad. What happened?”
>“Do you need some aspirin?”

>>987695
>“You seem mad. What happened?”

>>987695
>>987695
>>“You seem mad. What happened?”

I've got a Christmas special prepared, but it won't be posted until later this session. Please wait patiently until then.

Writing now...

>>987695
>“Apologize to my sister.”
>“You seem mad. What happened?”
>“Do you need some aspirin?”
>or to rephrase that keep yelling at us like we were some sort of vermin and covering us in your spittle, and you'll need more than one. Likely several.

>>986170
We voting for best girl in general or best girl for Keiichi?

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“You seem mad.” You answer, which is an understatement if you’ve ever heard one. “What happened?”

“The two of you barged in the middle of my restaurant, in the middle of my preparations and without adhering to the dress code!” Mr. Bartoletti growls. You fiddle with the end of the tie. True Hearts’ school uniform is formal, compared to a lot of public schools. And this is a fancy restaurant, so shouldn’t the two of them match?

“What’s wrong with our dress code?” Airi asks.

“Did you not see the sign at the entrance?” Mr. Bartoletti snarls. He points a meaty finger at the entrance. “No children in school uniforms allowed! If you want to come in, wear something else!”

You pause for a moment. “Do you need some aspirin?”

The numerous veins on Mr. Bartoletti’s neck and forehead bulge like pipes about to explode. “NO! I am perfectly calm!”

“Sir, I’m confused.” Airi speaks up, “Is there a particular reason why school uniforms are banned from this restaurant?”

“Why should I have to explain this to you children?” Mr. Bartoletti yells.

If he clenches those molars any harder, they’ll crack. Maybe that’ll get him to shut up. Or maybe it will cause him to scream loudly in pain? Both options are looking more appealing right now.

>“Because I have a shotgun and you don’t.”
>“Because we’re here to help.”
>“Because you’re a reasonable man.”
>“Because I’ll sue you for slander against my sister.”
>“Because I’ll post on the Internet about how bad the service is.”
>Custom option.

>>987855
>“Because we’re here to help.”

>>987846
the former

>>987855
>Because we're here at the behest of the government to solve certain issues, and if you don't start helping I'll take the insults that you directed at my sister personally. You DON'T want that. Things that draw my ire, as well as the immediate area around the get blown up, shot, frozen, exploded, gassed,etc. Collateral damage you see.

>>987855
>>“Because the government sent us here to help.”

>>987855
>>987855
>>“Because the government sent us

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“Because we’re here at the behest of the government to solve certain issues, and if you don’t start co-operating I’ll take the insults you directed at my sister personally. I don’t think you’d want that.” You say, blunt as a nail, “Things that piss me off, as well as the environment me, get shot, blown up, exploded, gassed, frozen and more. Collateral damage, you see. Last year, I saw someone get bullied, helped and set the school shed on fire.”

“Excuse me?” Mr. Bartoletti says, after a moment of silence. “Are you threatening me with arson?”

“Onii-chan!” Airi elbows you in the side, frowning. “Don’t be rude.”

She tries to smile at the enraged chef. It’s strained, but she puts all her effort into making it genuine. “Sorry about that. The two of us have had a rough day. He’s right about how the Japanese government sent us here to help.”

“Help with what?” Mr. Bartoletti sniffs.

“You had a contract with the organizers of the Festival of Magic, didn’t you?” You say, “Why aren’t you upholding it?”

“They’re becoming quite desperate.” Airi adds.

“They must be, if they’re sending two brats to negotiate. Did they think your youth would charm me back into agreement?” Mr Bartoletti folds his arms again and snorts. “I made it perfectly clear that I didn’t want anything to do with those magus academies!”

“The Festival of Magic isn’t a magus academy.” You point out.

“Yes, but the participants of that battle royale are all young magi! It’s the same thing, either way!”

You’d like to point out that Mr. Bartoletti is supposed to be cooking for the officials, not the students, but it’d probably soar over his head like usual.

“With all respect, what changed your opinion about magus academies?” Airi asks, “We’re quite curious.”

Mr. Bartoletti curls his hands into fists. His shoulders shake, not with sadness, but with barely contained rage. The toque blanche above his portly head wobbles back and worth. It reminds you of steam pouring up from a boiling pot. It takes the man a few seconds to bite out the words through his teeth.

“I’ll tell you what.” He snarls. “A student from your academy, yes yours, dared to insult my cooking!”

“Did they say it sucked?” You ask, not bothering with tact.

“Even worse! She dared to favour MgRonalds over my cooking! That trash, whose ingredients are made from slop and reject, was chosen over the dishes I have spent years and years crafting! A burger of less than five hundred yen won against a sushi plate constructed of the finest ingredients in the country! My unique magic art meant less than nothing in that girl’s eyes! How dare she?”

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Well, there’s the reason. A girl from your academy, huh? There’s over two hundred of them, but at least the pool is limited.

“That girl with the dimmable silver hair. She didn’t even finish her meal! Does she understand nothing about the magic art of cooking?”

Wait, silver hair?

The chef continues his rant. “To think she came into my restaurant wearing her clothes in tatters. I won’t forget those idle eyes, that mocking silent expression, the aura of uncleanliness she brought with her…”

This is sounding familiar. Dangerously familiar. The type of familiar that creeps up your back and oozes down the back of your shirt, leaving a cold and sticky trail in its wake.

“She ignored my passionate explanation about the ingredients. She shoveled the goodness into her mouth without bothering to savour it properly! She watched a child’s cartoon while eating! At the end, she gave me a thumbs down and told everyone in the restaurant how the meal was ‘inadequate’ and a piece of…” Mr Bartoletti then roars out loud, tears streaming down his cheeks. Airi gasps. “How dare she? How dare she ruin the pride of this restaurant! How could such an evil woman exist in this world?”

While Mr. Bartoletti sobs, the gears in your head spin and click. Somewhere in the city, a child puts the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle and solves it, much to his elderly grandmother's delight

You slam your palm into your hand and groan out loud. “Takai, you fucking idiot.”

“You know this girl?” Mr Bartoletti glowers, taking steps until only a metre lies between your faces.

>“Don’t worry, we’ll get her to apologize.”
>“It changes nothing. Sign the contract.”
>“Right now, I wish I didn’t.”
>“Apologize to my sister first and I’ll tell you.”
>“This is still a stupid reason for hating magus academies.”
>Custom option.

>>987855
>“Because we’re here to help.”

>>988051
>“Apologize to my sister first and I’ll tell you.”
>“Right now, I wish I didn’t.”
>>“This is still a stupid reason for hating magus academies.”
Kinda like hating each and every chef because one decided to start yelling at me and covered me in his spittle. Yeah so one of us is a total witch, doesn't mean the rest of us are. For example despite all the mean, nasty, and utterly horrible things we've done wince you got here I'm not going to blow this place up.

>>988070
you've done since we got here

>>988051
>“Right now, I wish I didn’t.”

>>988051
>“Apologize to my sister first and I’ll tell you.”
>“This is still a stupid reason for hating magus academies.”

>>988051
>“Apologize to my sister first and I’ll tell you.”
>“This is still a stupid reason for hating magus academies.”

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“Right now, I wish I didn’t.” You mumble. You then glare at him. You push every ounce of your fighting spirit into it. Within your soul, your magic circuits spark and fire up, light shooting down the myriad of paths. You watch, with eager satisfaction, as the chef trembles and retreats, even if it’s by a fraction of a foot.

“Hey, can you do something for me? Can you apologize to my sister?” You state, “I don’t know what kind of beef you’ve got with that girl, but my sister has nothing to do with it, nor do the magus academies. They’re innocent. How would you like it if I called all chefs screaming lumps because of you?”

“Onii-chan…” Airi tugs on your sleeve. “It’s okay, I wasn’t offended at all—”

“Stop it, Airi.” You growl. “It’s not right to let this man push us around.”

You eye the chef again. “How about this? You apologize right here and we’ll see what we can do about the girl who offended you.”

“So you do know her.” Mr. Bartoletti growls. “How do I know you’re reliable?”

“Like you said, we know her. Very well, infact. Now are you going to do it at not?”

Mr. Bartoletti gives you and your sister the once over. He opens his mouth again, then closes it. His mustache bristles, sweat pours down the side of his neck, his color shifts from red to purple and back again. The restaurant space has gone quiet. You think he’s about to start shouting again. There hasn’t been any customers since the two of you came in here, which is good because otherwise there would be a lot of awkward explanations to make.

“I’m sorry.” The man utters. It’s bitter, low in voice and immersed in a grudge, but you suppose it’ll have to do.

“Thank you.” Airi says. She bows, gently. “Let’s go, onii-chan.”

You’re more than eager to leave.

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It’s past four in the afternoon. The streets are filled with the echoes of relieved students. It’s noisy, crowded and there’s loose change flowing around the street stalls and fast food joints. One girl managed to find a way to block all of this out, and you are standing outside her dorm door.

You press the doorbell. It rings, shrilly. Then you hear nothing, not even footsteps. You wait.

“Who is it?” A voice calls from the intercom.

>“This is the pizza delivery man. You ordered pineapple, right?”
>“The mailman. Why did you order a porn book?”
>“It’s us. Open the door.”
>“You are in big trouble, Takai.”
>“The guy who has a gun and is staring at your lock.”
>Custom option.

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>>988217
>>“The mailman. Why did you order a porn book?”

>>988217
>>“This is the pizza delivery man. You ordered pineapple, right?”

>>988217
>“This is the pizza delivery man. You ordered pineapple, right?”

>>988217
>“This is the pizza delivery man. You ordered pineapple, right?”

>>988217
>>“This is the pizza delivery man. You ordered pineapple, right?”

>>988217
>“This is the pizza delivery man. You ordered pineapple, right?”

>>988217
> pizza delivery

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“This is the pizza delivery man. You ordered pineapple, right?” You respond.

A pause. “Pineapple on pizza is atrocious.” The voice replies. It sounds half-asleep. “Send it back and get the meat lovers instead.”

“For having such shit taste, I’m doubling your fee.”

“Then I don’t want it. Besides, I’ve got MgRonalds in the fridge, already…”

“Too bad, you ordered it, now you pay for it.” You answer, “Now open this damn door already.”

“Hold on a second…” Another pause. “Okay, done…”

You hear the rattle of a lock being disengaged. The door swings inwards, creaking slightly, revealing the interior of the dorm room. There’s nobody in the hallway, not even behind the door. Which is perfectly expected.

Neither of you take off your shoes as you enter. Wouldn’t want to get your socks dirty.

The rooms in the dorms sponsored by True Hearts always follow a common layout: shared between two students, a bunk bed, a tiny bathroom and a closet. You and Airi make your way down the hallway and step into a room that is distinctly separated from the aforementioned standard. At first glance, it seems to be the interior of a drug den, but with anime and video game paraphernalia instead of illegal narcotics.

“Goodness, look at this mess…” Airi murmurs. Another understatement. They seem to occur a great deal in your life. You take a quick look around. The place hasn’t changed much since you last visited.

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The posters on the wall are a torrid of filthy, bright colors and wide-eyed anime characters, all with the same hollow-eyed, smiling expression. A miniature fridge hums next to the closet, stuffed with easy-made meals at junk food. The only cooking appliances are a microwave and a kettle, both worn and dirty. Instead of clothes, the closet is full of figurines of different poses and states of undress, some of which are still in their plastic boxes. The bunk bed has been replaced with a futon, simple, ruffled and cheap. Clothes, mostly shirts, skirts and socks, are scattered across the floor.

Oh, can’t forget the trash bags. They’re in a neat pile in the corner, but they’re still bags of garbage. The top one is overflowing too. You stepped on a discarded chocolate box on way in. You sneak a look at your sister. Her eyes are wide and her hands are twitching. It doesn’t take a genius to understand what her instincts are begging her to do. You put a hand on her shoulder and shake her head.

At very back, a girl sits at a desk. In front of her is a trio of computer monitors, all on. Slowly, without using her hands, the girl swivels on her revolving chair to look at you and your sister.

Pale ghostly skin, long silver hair like an overflowing bird’s nest, wide and tired cerulean eyes, messy black tank-top and pink skirt won from an anime convention. Yup, it’s Nina Takai, the resident shut-in of True Hearts. Exhaustion clings from every patch of her skin, dangling from every muscle movement she makes.

“Hello Keiichi, Airi.” She mutters, rubbing her eyes with a hand and then yawning. “What brings you here?”

>“You look like shit.”
>“Why did you decide to upset a chef?”
>“Are we interrupting something?”
>“I see you’ve upgraded your collection.”
>“For god’s sake, get rid of those trash bags!”
>Custom option.

>>988347
“Are we interrupting something?”
>“I see you’ve upgraded your collection.”

>>988347
>>“I see you’ve upgraded your collection.”

>>988347
>>“I see you’ve upgraded your collection.”
>>“You look like shit.”

>>988347
>“I see you’ve upgraded your collection.”

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“You look like shit, Nina.” You say.

“Do I?” Nina mumbles, “It’s been a while since I looked in a mirror. I’m pretty sure I got at least five hours of sleep last night…”

“Five hours?” Airi exclaims, “Nina, that’s not enough! You need at least eight. Have you been showering too? Look at your hair, it’s all frayed…”

“Let go off me…” Nina grumbles, flicking her fingers. Instantly, Airi is pushed back, her shoes sliding against the wooden floorboards. She regains her balance, grunting. “I’m fine, Airi. I’m fine…”

You feel the tingle of magic in the air. From a spot on a desk, a potato chip floats from a bag and deposits itself into Nina’s open mouth. It’s all done without lifting a finger. Nina chews slowly, then gets another. The crunches bite through the gloom of the room, rising above the hum from her desktop computer.

“I see you’ve upgraded your collection.” You say, scanning Nina’s little setup. You’re pretty sure that flatscreen television hadn’t been there in the past.

“Yup, I got a lot of revenue from my streaming…” Nina replies. She nudges her shoulder to the television. “See, someone even bought me a CoolStation 4…”

“Seriously?” You gasp, “How?”

“Because I’m a girl.”

“What.”

“Keiichi, would you buy things because I'm a girl?”

“No, I do it because you can’t be arsed to get up and you beg me until I lose my patience.”

Nina nods. “But there are some people who’ll buy things for girls even if they hardly know them. They try to act so kind. One guy in my stream sent me that game console. I don’t even know his name. I think he was really desperate.”

Airi winces. “That sounds cruel, Nina.”

The silver-haired girl shrugs. “His choice. It even came with some of the latest games. I won’t turn away a gift like that.”

“Are you taking care of your eyes?”

“Airi, can you stop being a housewife for five seconds…” She points to a rack of DVDs on the shelf. "Another guy bought he those Ouroboros Infinity blu-rays too. The ending sucked, though..."

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You sigh. “Well, disregarding that, there’s something we need to ask you.”

“Hold on a second. Someone is messaging me.” Nina swivels around to her desk. Her fingers dance over the keyboard, typing at a speed that is near incomprehensible. A few second pass and she’s facing you again, yawning again. “It was just a fellow streamer. Carry on…”

“Did you piss off the head chef of the Universal Retreat by saying his dishes were worse than MgRonalds?”

A beat. “I reserve the right to remain silent.” Nina says.

“Nina, are you aware of the tasks the Japanese government put us on?” Airi asks.

“Yeah, Michiko messaged me. She called Keiichi an idiot, too…”

“Every time.” You groan.

“What about them?”

“If we don’t finish those tasks we’re basically fucked.” You answer, “So I’d really appreciate it if you were honest with us.”

Nina raises a finger. Then another chip enters her mouth. “Is it the I-will-do-you-favours kind of appreciation?”

“Nina, please. ” That’s Airi.

“Fine…” Nina shrugs her shoulders. “Yes, I remember. The guy looked like he was about to explode. What do you want me to do about it?”

“He hates magus academies and is refusing to cook food for the Festival of Magic. He’s bound by a contract, but guys like him relish in dragging everyone down with their red tape” You say. “He’s only acting like this because you pissed him off. If you apologize to him, he might reconsider.”

“Why should I apologize?” Nina asks.

“I thought the answer was rather obvious.” Airi mutters.

“But all I did was express an opinion.”

“It wasn’t in good taste to insult him straight in his face.”

Nina shakes her head. Her features are blank, but there’s an undercurrent of smugness about the whole thing. A spike of irritation flourishes within you.

“The steak was delicious—”

“Hold on, you enjoyed the steak?” You blurt out.

“—but it wasn’t filling enough. Also, it was way too expensive. Sixty thousand yen? Get real. Not a worthy investment. Now, MgRonalds...that's filling and cheap, making it a better investment of my money.”

You didn’t even know Nina had that amount of cash splashing around. Does playing video games for an Internet audience make that much money?

“The sign at the front entrance said that the chefs liked to receive feedback, so I told the head chef about my opinions. I gave him a lot of useful cricitism. It's not my fault he reacted so badly." Nina drones, "Well, since it’s my opinion, there aren’t any faults in it. So I'm not in the wrong here.” Nina finishes.

“What about the dress code?” Airi asks, a little hesitantly, as if already expecting the answer.

“Oh, I don’t care about that.”

"There was a sign about the dress code outside!"

"See above."

You glower at her. This girl…this girl is simply outrageous!

“Yes, she has even less tact than you. I didn’t think it was possible, but here we are.”

>>988633
It's not about who's at fault, it's about moving forward. You're gaining nothing from the current state, why are you so invested in it?

> playing video games for an internet audience
Keiichi, that's not what she's been streaming...

>>988685
>>“Fine…deal.”
>Give reassuring shoulder squeeze to Airi. We'll try to make up for the lost blood.

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You brush off your mentor’s remark and close your eyes. You take three deep breaths. Nina is a difficult wall to climb when she’s like this, but she’s not completely without reason. Ignore the way she’s feeding without having to move at all. Blank out her idleness, her casual apathy and focus on the goal here.

“Okay, what do we have to do to make you apologize?” You say.

Nina spends an agonizing minute mulling over your words. Her phone, a brand new version covered in glittering decorations, picks itself off her futon and lands in her palms. She sits cross-legged in her chair, mumbling and humming to herself.

“Well, there is one thing you could do for me…” she responds.

“What is it?”

She tosses the phone at you. You stare at the screen.

“Akihabara Maid Café?” You read with a growing sense of dread. “Couples’ event? Rare merchandize as a prize? What the hell is this?”

“A contest. The ‘best’ couple gets to win a bunch of super exclusive merch.” Nina answers. “Not that I like the franchise it’s based on…”

“Then why are you asking me to do this?”

“Us.” Nina corrects. “Since you’re the only boy I know, you have to come along. You’re a little dumb when it comes to these things, but you’ll find a way to make us win.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” You yell.

"By the way, I want the merch so I can sell it online. And Airi?”

“Yes?” Your sister perks up at the mention of her name.

“There’s an event where you donate blood to get posters and stuff. Give a few pints and I’ll consider your part done.”

“But I need that blood!” Airi cries.

“You have too much blood in you. You won’t miss it.” Nina then lets out her biggest yawn yet and slumps down further in her chair. “So tired…wanna sleep now…”

>“Fine…deal.”
>“You better make this worth our while.”
>“How about we drag you to the restaurant instead?”
>“I’ll buy you juice for the rest of the semester.”
>Custom option.

>>988707
>>“You better make this worth our while.”

>>988658
>Keiichi, that's not what she's been streaming...
I'm fairly sure that's what she;s been streaming. Who would want to look at some hiki-NEET's body anyway?

Gonna take thirty minutes for a lunch break...

>>988719
Hey, you never know...

>>988707
> I'll buy you juice for the rest of the semester
Is Airi's blood even compatible with normal people's?

>>988707
>“You better make this worth our while.”

>>988707
>>“You better make this worth our while.”

>>988707
>“You better make this worth our while.”

Back and writing...

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>>988735
>Hey, you never know...
THORN CONFIRMED FOR LIKING NEET BODIES ALL OTHER GIRLS WORST GIRLS

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Come on, now? Fake dating in Akihabara? Actually going into a maid café of your own free will? What a stupid proposition. You’ve seen the kinds of degenerates that willingly enter those places. You wouldn’t touch them with a fifty foot iron pole. Besides, what has Nina done to deserve going there with you? Absolutely nothing, that’s what!

The obvious solution, is of course, to tell her to fuck off and come up with something else—

“Fine…”

Wait, what? What are those words coming from your mouth?

“Listen Nina…”

Hold on, the sensible part of your brain screams, Hold on hold on! Stop stop stop! You need to reconsider! This is a code red situation you’ve got here!

“…you better make this worth our while.”

Nina nods solemnly, giving you a faint smile. “Thank you, Keiichi.”

What the hell are you doing? STOP! Your brain must be wailing right now.

“Onii-chan, are you sure this is the right idea?”

You stare at her. This is your chance to reconsider. It's definitely something you should do.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”

…

You are not going to Akihabara. You are not playing along with Nina. You are not going to pretend date her, because everyone knows how that always ends. You are not doing this at all.

>>Keiichi: Do this anyway.

>>Time: Be tomorrow.

Akihabara, Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Once an old Electric Town, now a district of anime girls, fetish shops, pornography and men playing video games way past the recommended age. You stand in your tracksuit, beneath a glaring sun, your eyebrow twitching. Around you, otaku chat, maids hand out coupons and pop songs blare from speakers clash together into a barely comprehensible, sugary-sweet mess. In the distance, a girl with white hair and blonde eyes cuts down her lover in an advertisement for a video game sequel.

You take it all in.

You yell to the heavens.

“Goddammit!”

“What are you yelling for?”

Now that’s one voice you hadn’t been expecting. You spin around and can’t help but say, “Aren’t you supposed to be in school?”

“Me?” Michiko asks, “Oh, I didn’t want to miss the fun. It’s a long story.”

“Sorry we made you wait, onii-chan.” Your sister gasps. “We had to catch up with Nina first.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You peer at the girl in question. Again, your expectations are blown away.

Holy shit, you think, Nina is wearing real clothes for once. Her outfit is basically the same as her usual dress, plastered in the anime style she adores, but for once it's all clean. No stains, no crumbs, nothing. Not to mention, the girl herself has gone through some grooming. Her braids have been straightened properly, no bags hang beneath her eyes and her skin is shining. You sniff and catch a whiff of…perfume? What in the Spirit King’s name is happening here?

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As if to answer your question, Nina looks at you, then glares at the two girls next to her. They whistle innocently.

“Rape.” Nina says.

You blink. “What?”

“Breaking and entering. BDSM without my permission.” Nina continues, unfazed.

“What.”

“Forced violation of my privacy and my sexuality. Dominance, submission, masochism. I’ll never become a bride now.”

“WHAT.”

“I could sue.” Nina adds thoughtfully, staring into the distance.

In an effort to save your brain from further meltdown, you focus your gaze on Michiko. The blonde girl, wearing a casual light-pink summer dress, is pressing her hands to her mouth in an effort to stem an eruption of giggles. Airi is more or less the same, just a bit more subtle.

Well, onii-chan…” She says, “This is what happened last night…”

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>>Yesterday...

There were only two types of people Nina Takai considered worth getting out of her chair for: couriers and pizza deliverymen. When she stood up from her computer and headed to the front of her door room amidst the ringing of her doorbell, she expected to sign off a package and receive a limited edition platinum Takashi Wakui figure, courtesy of a famous anime fansite.

Instead, she got one Michiko Tsukiwaki, dressed in the True Hearts girls’ summer uniform with its pink modifications.

“Good morning, Nina.” Michiko said.

“…hi.” Nina greeted. “Where’s the deliveryman?”

“Deliveryman? Oh, were you expecting a parcel? I don’t know, sorry.” Michiko replied, “Isn’t it awful how unreliable the public services are?”

“What do you want?” Nina grunted.

“So, I heard from Airi that you and Keiichi were heading out together tomorrow...” Michiko began.

“Yes, that’s right. I made Keiichi take me to Akihabara to visit a maid cafe. It’s based about a series of role-playing games famous for their storytelling and dating sim options. They involve a group of kids playing a game to create a new world.” Nina replied.

Then she narrowed her eyes. This wasn’t right.

Normally this kind of talk (labelled as the anti-Michiko tactic in her mind) would make the blonde, busty girl visibly groan in disinterest and attempt to avoid the topic. But the Michiko in front of her wasn’t moving. She was smiling pleasantly, politely. Without changing her expression, she flared her psychic powers and made a grip around the doorknob.

“What, are you jealous?” Nina asked.

“Of course not. Who would be jealous of that blockhead?” Michiko scoffed, putting her hands on her hips. “Say, what are you planning to dress in?”

Nina looked down at her clothes. Her combination of a black tank-top, pleated pink skirt and white boots. There was a faded sauce stain on the tank-top. The skirt hadn't been washed in a week and a half. “This?” she said, jabbing at herself.

Michiko sighed dramatically. She shook her head. “Yeah, I knew this would happen. Look Nina, I’ll make this blunt. You look terrible.”

“And you’re here to offer me fashion tips.” Nina said, taking a step back.

“That’s right.” Michiko gave her a grin. To match Nina, she took a step forward. “That, and the merits of personal hygiene and how to take a proper shower.”

“I see. Sounds interesting.” Nina said. “But would you look at the time. I gotta start streaming again. Really sorry Michiko, but I don’t have time to chat. See you at school.”

She activated her magic out to slam the door shut, only to find that Michiko now had her hands on the doorknob and was pushing it forward with all her might.

“Come on, Nina!” She grinned, “It won’t take long, I promise.”

“I appreciate the thought, but like I told you…” Nina grunted, clenching a fist and concentrating. The door budged backwards by an inch. “I’m busy!”

>>988347
>>988521
>>988633
A hikikomori, telekinetic camslut as a new haremette? I'm in.

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“Are you seriously going to go out in that getup? It smells and it does not look good at all!”

“I like what I like; I can’t help it.”

“What would Keiichi think, Nina?” The door creaked to Michiko’s side, “When he sees you like that, he might die of embarrassment!”

“No, Keiichi would groan and mutter about how this whole thing is so troublesome like the negative guy that he is.” Nina rebutted. Michiko stopped. Yeah, she had to admit that made sense. “But he wouldn’t give a crap.”

“Are you willing to take that risk?” Michiko challenged, smirking.

“You sure are concerned about him.” Nina shot back.

“Well…” Michiko began, and thought. Much to Nina’s displeasure, her grip did not waver. The blonde girl was stronger than she looked. Either that or she had taken the time to bolster her strength with an uplifting exercise song. “He is my friend and all, so I suppose I am!”

“Then worry about him somewhere else!” Nina gave an almighty heave with her magic and the door slammed forward. She smirked. Then she saw that the door hadn’t fully closed Something was stuck in the middle, something long grey and constructed from expensive electronics.

“Seriously, Nina?” Michiko said, gripping on the shaft of her microphone stand. “You didn’t think I wouldn’t come prepared?”

“I hoped you would be too stupid to realize that.”

“I’m not the same girl from last year. I’ve been training for the festival too!”

Nina glared at the blonde girl. Coming from her sleepy eyes and messy hair, it wasn’t particularly intimidating. “Michiko, get out.” She hissed.

“Not until you let me in.” Michiko retorted, tightening her grip.

“I’ll call the cops.”

“They’ll see your room and mistake it for a drug den.”

“You look fat.”

“And your hair looks like someone writhed and died in it!”

And thus the epic struggle continued. On one side, a shut-in with heavy psychic powers. On the other, the school diva with surprisingly high physical strength and will that couldn’t be quenched by words alone. For every push Nina gave, Michiko would retaliate with her own. It was a deadlock, a classic case of an unstoppable object against an immovable force.

Nina stood in her dorm room hallway, hands curled, eyes squinting and sweat trickling down her forehead. Every ounce of her focus was being sent towards shoving Michiko out of her dorm room for good.

This was very fortunate for the figure creeping up the side of the dorm block, courtesy of a drainage pipe. When Nina was biting insults at Michiko, the figure had reached Nina’s windowsill. When Michiko laughed back, the figure was undoing the lock and slipping in. When Nina was considering using her Ultimate Skill for one final push, the figure was climbing into the dorm room.

If Nina had been paying attention, she would have noticed the familiar presence of magic being molded.

>>988719
Pale and soft NEET body
>amongst other stuff she does for money

>>989064
>It’s based about a series of role-playing games famous for their storytelling and dating sim options. They involve a group of kids playing a game to create a new world.

We see what you did there.

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>>988521
>"Another guy bought he those Ouroboros Infinity blu-rays too. The ending sucked, though..."

>>989064
>limited edition platinum Takashi Wakui figure

Thorn...

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>>989108
Takashi Wakui Limited Edition figure, many were displeased they went with the anime design instead of the VN version.

>>989120
THIS MUST BE THE WORK OF AN ENEMY PERSONA!

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>>989064
>limited edition platinum Takashi Wakui figure
>maid cafe based on the P2129 maid cafe

So instead of Persona 5, they released P2129, huh?

>>989145
And there are strat guides on how to date every girl in the game, including the Death SL

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“Leave!” she roared, summoning the mana for the biggest shove yet. Then, from behind, crimson chains wrapped around her waist and legs and pulled, sending her tumbling to the floor. In that brief moment, Michiko charged into the dorm room and slammed the door behind her. It made an incredible bang. Then she fastened the lock. It slid into its slot with a resounding thud.

Trembling, Nina looked up to see Airi Hirayama standing above her. Her right hand was wrapped in the chains. The grin she had was without mercy. Nina had seen it before. More often than not, Airi wore it during intense battles in the school arena.

“Nice one, Airi!” Michiko cried from the door. She stomped over and grinned deliriously at the captive girl.

“You traitor…” Nina snarled. “You planned this together, like thieves!”

“Sorry Nina, but this is for your own good.” Airi said. “I can’t let you walk around public like that. It won’t do anything good for your reputation.”

“I don’t care about that. I thought you were my friend!”

“Correction. We’ve both your friends. That why we have to pretty you up.” Michiko laughed. “Consider it the girly bonding time we’ve been sorely lacking.”

“I’ll have to do something about this mess here, too.” Airi said. “Micchan, does one girl need this many figurines?”

“Don’t you dare touch them!” Nina shrieked.

“Hey, this machine is still on.” Airi muttered. “It’s wasting power. I’ll just turn it off!”

She did that and hours of progress were lost. Nina let out a piercing wail wailed and thrashed around in her bindings, her magic tossing and sending random objects spiraling around the

“Now now, you need to hold still.” Michiko slammed her microphone stand on the floorboards, so hard that Nina swore there was a crack. The blonde diva then creeped forward, brandishing a shampoo bottle and a comb. Her smile had turned sick and sweet, like poison from the tree of life. Her brilliant white teeth were now the fangs of a wrathful goddess. “How else are we going to clean you up?”

“Don’t worry Nina, this won’t take long.” Airi stepped forwards her, her hands fill with perfume and cleaning equipment. “You’ll be thanking us later.”

Nina tried to yell for help. But there were no allies to her rescue…

So, this was the end. There was nothing she could do.

“No…”

She was going to perish at the hands of two harpies. They would carve this on her tombstone and the world would laugh for eternity.

“Nooooo…”

There were so many things she wanted to do. So many anime movies to watch. More video games to play. She hadn’t even gotten the romance ending with that genocidal angel girl yet!

“Noooooooo…”

“By the way, today we’re washing and grooming you. Tomorrow we’re picking out clothes for the outing.” Airi said and let out a girlish squeal. “Isn’t that awesome?”

No more words needed to be said. Nina closed her eyes and resigned herself to her fate.

>>989169
This is adorable

>>989169
>not saving everything every five nanoseconds
NO TRUE SHUT-IN

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>>989169
>She hadn’t even gotten the romance ending with that genocidal angel girl yet
WORST ROUTE

>>989186
There is no romance in that route, only female on male rape.

>>989195
Don't forget exhibitionism.
>>>/tg/48155161
>Afterwards, she stands up and absentmindedly adjusts her skirt.
>Takashi is still on the ground, moaning and drooling a little bit.
>Kaede meets the aghast stares of the Void's Chosen.
>"What? Nobody was telling you to watch."
>"YOU DID! You were screaming out, 'Witness, peons! Know that I have won!'"
>"And yet, you didn't look away, or even try to stop me, as I rode the man you love like a mechanical bull. What does that say about you, I wonder?"

Yellingbird, I know it's fairly early in the quest, but I expect smut of at least one girl by thread 20.

So who was best husbando of P2129?

>>989276
Tsundere delinquent

>>989276
Akikazu no contest, assuming default Mc exemption.

>>989261
Birb only does red heads.

>>989276
Kaz, by way of Akikazu being best girl hands down.

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>>989285
If only pic related was the NEET girl instead

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>>Time: Go back to the present.
>>Keiichi: Be yourself again.

You wanted an explanation, and you got one. It had the opposite effect of what you wanted, but you got one. Do you feel proud?

“Keiichi.”

“What?”

“Be my witness.” Nina says, tugging at your tracksuit. She sniffles in what she probably thinks is a genuine and pleading manner. “Together, we can put these two succubi to court and win compensation money.”

“Yeah…no.” You grunt. “So Michiko, what are you doing today?”

“I’m going with Airi to the blood donation thing.” Michiko replies, jabbing a thumb in the direction. “Someone has to look out for her. I might check out the clothes here as well.”

“Right, see you in a few. This shouldn’t take too long.”

“See you, onii-chan!” Airi smiles and waves. “Have fun together!”

“Yeah, have fun. Try not to blow the place up.” Michiko smirks. The two girls head off into the distance, chuckling and chatting together. They disappear into the crowd.

“Now it’s our turn…”

With the power of a GPS, you quickly manage to locate the maid café. You approach the front, gazing up the display. It’s tacky, both in visuals and soundtrack. There are girls in costumes outside, some of which are putting on fake smiles. Advertisement posters are scattered on the walls and windows. The name sucks too. Lovely Nine? What’s so great about a number that looks like an engorged English ‘g’?

“It seems that you don’t want to be here.”

“Would you?”

“Fair enough.”

Suddenly, you feel a weight at your side. You look down to see Nina’s tiny body pressing against yours. She is gently holding your arm with her fragile, underworked hands. Her braids flutter in a gentle breeze. The two of you lock eyes.

“This is what couples do.” She reminds you, innocent. "We have to play the part."

…nope, you aren’t feeling it. If it was Michiko instead of Nina, then this would be pretty sweet...

“Welcome to the Lovely Nine café!” The maid at the front entrance greets in a sing-song voice. Her hair is dyed orange-red, there’s a set of headphones around her neck and she’s sucking on a lollipop. Lemon flavored, from the color. Something’s off though, you think with a grimace. Maybe it’s the weight. Yeah, that must be it. She’s too tall. But for what?

“How may I help you, master and mistress?” The maid continues. You scan across the interior of the small café. It’s warm, and only half the tables are full. It’s noisy, so you guess the place is relatively popular. As for the number of magi, there's only a couple. None of them seem particularly strong...

>“A table for two, please.”
>“This is a stickup. Give me the merchandise.”
>“I found this lost girl outside. Is there anyone in here who could help?”
>Run inside and leap over the serving counter.
>Custom option.

>>989298
Any other cute redhead would work in a pinch too. he Follows BRQ exclusively for the red headed kingsguard coworker.

>>989306
>“A table for two, please.”

>>989306
>>“A table for two, please.”

>>989306
>“This is a stickup. Give me the merchandise.”

>>989306
>“A table for two, please.”
Might as well try to win this fair

>>989306
>>“A table for two, please.”

>>989306
>“I found this lost girl outside. Is there anyone in here who could help?”

>>989306
>>“A table for two, please.”
We didn't listen to the sane voice, we're in it to win it now.

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“A table for two, please.” You answer. Even if you’re out of your element, it might be possible to relax in here. The maid smiles and leads you and Nina to a table in the middle of the room. You sit on the plush chairs and rest your hands on the white cloth-covered tabletop.

“What will you be having, master?” The same maid asks. A brief scan of your menu reveals the options.

“I want the lemon cheesecake.”

“Give me the strawberry parfait.”

“Your desserts will arrive soon. Are the two of you a couple?” The maid doesn’t wait for an answer. “Please give our once-in-a-lifetime dating game a consideration. The instructions are on the table. Enjoy yourself, master and mistress!”

The maid shuffles away, humming a lively tune. The menus disappeared with her, but there’s a sheet of laminated paper on your side of the table. Nina is already inspecting hers. You pick it up and hold it in front of your face.

>THIS SHOP IS BLESSED BY THE SPIRITS OF LOVE AND BONDING. THUS, WE ARE HOLDING A GAME IN SERVICE OF THEM.

>THE DATING GAME RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS. COUPLE-LIKE ACTIONS WILL GAIN POINTS. GENUINITY WILL GAIN EVEN MORE POINTS! ACCUMULATE ENOUGH POINTS TO WIN PRIZES. SOME OF THE RAREST PRIZES IN AKIHABARA COULD BE YOURS!

>WHAT ACTIONS GIVE WHAT POINTS? IT’S A SECRET! NEVERTHELESS, GIVE IT YOUR ALL!

>WHEN THE HEAD MAID GIVES THE WORD, THE COUNTING WILL BEGIN.

>ARE YOU READY TO DATING START?

>1st Place: Set of exclusive figurines, video game beta access, body pillow of main heroine, gigantic candy jar.
>2nd Place: Two exclusive figurines, video game coupon of high amount, box of candy
>3rd Place: Exclusive figurine, 80% discount coupon.
>4th and Below: The leftovers.

>EXAMPLE ACTIONS AND POINTS:
>(Sorry, we changed our minds at the last minute! Good luck anyway!)

…

…

…

You stare mutely at the pamphlet.

Remember what you said about relaxing? You take it all back. What the everloving hell have you gotten yourself into?

Nina reaches over the table and rests her hands on yours. “Don’t worry, Keiichi.” She smiles, gently. It is so unlike her. “We can win this. You promised, remember?”

>HAND TOUCHING: 30 POINTS.
>GENTLE SMILE: 25 POINTS.
>MEMORY OF PROMISE: 50 POINTS.
>CONTEXT BONUS: 10 POINTS.
>REPETITION PENALTY: 0 POINTS.
>INGENUINTY PENALITY: 0 POINTS.

>But the game hasn’t started yet, so it doesn’t count…

Nina pouts. "Aw..."

>CUTE POUT: 20 POINTS.

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>>989411
we're gonna die

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtYwq4aBr0E

Before you can get your bearings, you notice a maid with a gold badge step up to the front of the room. She talks. It is drowned out by the bender your mind is going through. Her speech finishes. There is the calm before the storm, the reprieve before the fall.

She picks up a megaphone and smirks wickedly. Raising the device to her lips, she shouts in a raucous voice, "DATING START!”

More than a dozen levers are flipped. At once, the atmosphere in the room shifts from relaxed to intense. An aura of romance with an underbelly of competition and foul play. It’s almost as overpowering as the matches in the arena.

And you...

You're just sitting there in front of Nina, staring down past the table and into the woodwork. The maid from earlier brings the food you ordered. You barely recognize it.

What the fuck are you going to do.

[Input your command]
>RECIPROCATE. IT IS WHAT GOOD BOYFRIENDS DO.
>PAT HER HEAD. IT MIGHT BE PATRONIZING, BUT IT’S CUTE.
>TOUCH HER CHEEK. VERY SMOOTH.
>FEED HER. BOLD, BRAVE AND ROMANTIC.
>HYPERVENTILATE. MAYBE THAT WILL DO SOMETHING.
>FUCK THIS. YOU ARE TAKING THAT MERCH AND RUNNING.
>[This space is reserved for a custom command]

>>989428
>>TOUCH HER CHEEK. VERY SMOOTH.