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File: Chapter 2 Episode 1.jpg (537 KB, 1280x720)
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The Hunter Organization, an association of powerful individuals who’ve banded together with the goal of exploring new and unknown lands, conquering dangerous and deadly foes and protecting the peace, ensuring the safety of the world and all those who inhabit it.

The life of a Hunter is far from an easy one, those who choose to live it will face numerous challenges, every day will be a new test of your will, life or death conflicts are daily and those who can’t stack up are sure to be brought down.

But for those who endure, those who stand up to meet the challenge and face down adversity and suffering, bearing it all with a grin.

To those brave, crazy fools a life of fame and fortune, adventure and mystery, power and glory lie before them.

But is there a man strong enough? Brave enough? Foolhardy enough? Downright crazy enough to go through hell everyday smiling all the while?

Yes there is and that man’s name is Derrick Holums.

This is the tale of a single man who dared to stand up one day and do the impossible.

To live his life as a Hunter and do it proudly.

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/309thChairman

Quest Archive:

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=hunter%20x%20hunter%20quest

Combat rules (Newly updated):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E1_tCGvhrTS4FQtt_JDsz07GgQsGRDUUxPwDC7PT5xc/edit?usp=sharing

Character List:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXgcNDtnN0IGbKiDQepbayP85dD4QbYAIk7E_Jbw5w8/edit?usp=sharing
>>
I can't believe this is actually back
>>
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https://youtu.be/FyUNbrgLezI

Darkness, all around is a deep black darkness surrounding you on all sides, it this darkness is all-consuming, all destroying and ever present.

You know this darkness, you’ve been inside it before, many times before, in-fact, you were birthed in this darkness.

Within this darkness, there is no space, for it is emptier than emptiness itself.

Within this darkness, there is no time, for there are no events, no passage, no movement, it is stagnant in the purest sense.

Within this darkness, there are no people, there is only you, you and you alone.

No, in-fact, it would be more accurate to say this darkness is you, it’s you compressed and brought down to your purest essence.

The essence of nothingness.

However, within this world of yourself, the nothingness isn’t truly pure, there is one thing besides you in this place.

That is the sound of the piano.

The playing the of piano is the one thing besides yourself that resides in this place.

Ever since you were born, you’ve heard it, again and again, it’s the same tune, every single time, yet it is different each time you hear.

It is a tune of love, one of affection, peace and happiness.

It soothes you, gives you peace inside this world of nothing.

But it also irritates you, because it makes you curious, where, in this world of nothing, can a piano be coming from?

The curiosity grows, grows and grows, until it becomes unbearable.

You must know, you can’t continue without knowing, but to know is to reach out and to reach out means facing the truth of the world.

Can you do it? Face the truth of the world? You?

What do you do?

>Reach out to the truth

>Relent and stay
>>
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>>3801715
Well believe it anon, I'm back, Hiatus is over!
>>
>>3801729
>>Reach out to the truth
>>
I've been looking forward to this day

>>3801729
>Reach out to the truth
>>
>>3801737
>>3801755

You and me both.

>Reach out...

>Writing
>>
“Welcome back, it’s been a while hasn’t it?”

Your eyes pry open slowly and a face comes into view.

The face is a lot like yours, but calmer, more sincere but almost with a strange sinsterness about it.

That’s the face of the one you know as Genesis, the voice in the back.

You look around to find yourself in the familiar yet strange cafe he resides in, in the background the humming of a piano rings out slowly.

He smiles at you, once he realizes you’ve come to your senses, “It’s nice to see you again.” he says.

You blink once, your mind comes to and just like that you sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose.

“Oh god dammit, did I die again?” you ask.

Your name is Derrick Holums and it seems you’re in some deep shit.

He laughs, “You always say the most fun things! No, no, no my friend, you have no perished, you are alive and well.”

That confuses you, “Huh? But I thought the only times I can come to this place is when i’m in a state of half-death or whatever the hell you said before.”

He reaches down and picks up a cup of steaming coffee, “That’s usually how it is, yes, but this is a special occasion, you see, I called you here.” he answers.

“Called me here?” you question.

“Yes, I have something I wish to speak to you about, thus I’ve called you here in the misdist of your sleep.” he answers.
>>
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You squint at him, “Since when did you have the power to just drag me here willy-nilly?”

He gives a flaky look, “I couldn’t tell you precisely when I acquired this power, all I know is, quite recently and very conveniently.” he answers.

(What a half-assed answer…) you think, the droning of the piano playing Trois Gymnopedies on loop annoying you slightly.

What will ask?

>Be more specific, how the hell are you getting these powers anyway?

>Okay, whatever, what is you want to talk about?

>Where the hell is that piano music coming from? Who’s playing that?
>>
So much for the "finale".
>>
>>3801788
>Gilgamesh
Oh no

>>3801794
>Where the hell is that piano music coming from? Who’s playing that?
>Okay, whatever, what is you want to talk about?
>>
>>3801794
>>Where the hell is that piano music coming from? Who’s playing that?

>>3801795
It was the "Chapter 1 Finale" anon
>>
>>3801808
>>3801813

>Where's that music coming from?

>Writing...
>>
"Errr..." The keys of the piano play on and on, you wish to get straight to the point, but as the song loops and loops, the pleasantness of the song quickly becomes a frustrating ringing in your ears.

Noticing your frustration Genesis gives a concerned look, "Whatever could be the matter?" he asks.

"Yeah, where the hell is this piano music coming from? Who's playing?" you ask.

Quickly his look of concern becomes a look of deep annoyance, "Oh that? Just ignore it, I wish I could get it out of here too." he answers.

"Huh? What do you-"

"You would do well to call me by my name, rather than It you insolent brat." A new voice cuts you off.

"Huh?" you push your head from behind the booth you sit in and look towards the adjacent wall to see a piano sitting against.

In front of this piano, you someone's back, a woman's back, the playing finally stops as she addresses your conversation.

Upon hearing her voice, a deep frown takes Genesis face, "As far as I knew, you hold neither name nor a right to exist you disgusting monster."

The woman gets up and speaks, "And yet I do have a name and I most certainly exist, despite popular belief, rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated you see."

It's hard to get a direct look at her face from where you're sitting, but you can swear you've heard this voice before, somewhere...

"And that's down right shame isn't it? Abominations like you are curses on this world we just can't get rid of." he insults.

She laughs at that, "My existence may just be a curse, but that makes your existence a plague you cowardly worm."

He snarls at her as you look on confused, "Uh, is this like a personal thing you got going here? Is she like an ex-girlfriend or something?" you ask.

Genesis gags, "I'm sorry, but please, i beg you, don't ever insinuate that I would lower myself to even touching that mistake of nature."

"And I would appreciate you if don't think I have any other feelings but pure hatred and disgust for that high and mighty upstart brat." The woman states.

You nod your head gingerly"Uh-huh...I'll remember that."
>>
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Genesis waves his hands, "Come now Derrick, ignore the fly over there and let's get back to the topic on hand, the reason I called you here-"

You blink and the second your eyes open again, the woman at the piano sits beside Genesis at the booth.

"Ignore me? Oh no, no, no, we cannot have that. I'm fine with avoiding you, but my dearest love here? The last thing I want is to be ignored." She says with a smile.

You flinch as you realize how close she's gotten so quickly, giving her a quick look, the first that that sticks out about her appearance is how dark-or rather- black it is.

She wears a black full-body dress with hints of yellow mixed in here that has a very businesswoman-like air about it, which contrasts to her skin, which is pale as death.

She wears a smile that is at the same kind of motherly yet seductive and devious, she looks at you with loving look in her eyes.

"Why hello my darling, you're beautiful and shining today as well." She compliments.

"...Excuse me?" It takes you a moment to process what's going on.

Genesis rolls his eyes, "How absolutely disgusting, you dare harm my friend with your awful appearance? A filthy harlot like you is best looked upon from the back in a dark alley, you whore." he insults relentlessly.

She turns away from you and all at once, the kind gaze she showed turns into a look of complete abhorrence, it was like she was looking at walking garbage.

"I'm sorry, did you say something boy? I could swear I heard the whining of a child but I see no babies nearby, merely your pathetic figure." she bites back.

He snarls, "I swear, this mongrel... Why can't you just disappear? You're like a cockroach, no matter how many times I stomp you out you keep coming back." he berates.

"Tell me worthless child, do you keep speaking because you wish for death or humiliation? I'm willing to give you both, you merely need to keep prattling." she attacks.

The two of them go on and on, you feel like if you don't step in, they will insult each other into infinity, frustration grows as you get impatient and very annoyed.

What will you do?

>Get their attention gently.

>Get their attention violently.
>>
>>3801909
>>Get their attention violently.
The true Derrick way, nice to see you back champ, if it makes you feel better your Hiatuses are shorter than Togashi's. LAZY BASTARD I WANT MY ARC FINISHED STOP PLAYING DRAGON QUEST
>>
>>3801909
>>Get their attention violently.
They won't stop otherwise
>>
>>3801923
>>3801928

>Get their attention the Derrick way.

>Writing...
>>
SLAM! Goes your fist as you smash it into the table, scattering drinks and shutting the two of them up as they look back to you.

"Can you both shut your damn mouths!?" you shout.

Genesis sighs and collects himself, "My apologies, it's merely that this woman is the lowest scum of the earth, so I can't help myself you see." He insults.

"I'm scum? you rat, where do you get off-"

you growl and point your finger at them, "Listen alright, I don't have time to listen to two asshats bicker on and on about whatever the fuck kind of grudge you've got going, you're answering me these two question alright!?" you demand.

You point to the woman, "First, who the hell are you!?"

then you point to Genesis, "Second, why the hell am I here!?" you demand.

"...." The two of them go quiet for a moment, stunned by your complete belligerence, before speaking again.

"Right...Right, I'm sorry my beloved, truly. You're right, I should introduce myself." The woman apologizes.

She stands up so you can get a full view of her visage and bows to you, "I go by many names, The Omega, Vishnu, The Moon, Fate, Inevitable, recently people have been calling me The Angel of Black..." She lists off.

She then pulls her head up and smiles at you, "But all those names are rather scary and unappealing, I would rather you call me something cute like...Why not...Lucy?" She guesses.

"Lucy?" you question.

"Yes, Lucy Furona. That's the name I would like you to call me by." Lucy states.

"Okay then Lucy, what are you doing here? Why is this my first time seeing you?" you ask.

"Technically this isn't the first time we met. We actually met a long time ago." She corrects.

"A long time ago?" you question.

"You wouldn't remember it, not clearly anyway, but you were lost in a time of despair and agony and I, who I must confess, fell madly in love with you upon first laying eyes on you, came forward to save you." She explains.

"...Huh? What?" you question, not quite getting it.

She shakes her head, "It would be tedious and long-winded for me to go into the details, just know that I've been here for a long time, even longer than the whiny brat over there." She says pointing at Genesis who shoots a glare back at her.

You get that at least, "Okay...Then why haven't you come out till now?" you ask.

She puts her hands together in a fawning motion and looks away from your eyes, blushing, "T-To be honest, it's because I'm quite shy..." She answers.

"...Huh?" you blurt out.

She grabs nervously at her hair, twirling as she talks, "Well, I must admit, it took me quite a while to work up the courage needed to speak with you, you're just so...Beautiful and amazing, I felt I would faint if I approached you causally..." she answers.

Genesis looks on with a frown, he coughs into his hand as he speaks, "coughDon't go acting cute, when you're an old hagcough"

"Huh!?" She shouts back at him.
>>
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"Sorry, it seems I've come down with the Truthing coughs I can't help but cough out the truth, my apologies." He explains.

"Never once in all my years have ever heard of such a disease." She counters.

"Cough And a great many years it has been for you, grandma cough" He insults.

"Hey!" She shouts.

"cough Sorry, I meant great grandma cough" he adds.

She snarls at him and you feel an argument coming up if you don't intervene again.

You wave your hands, "Whatever, Nice to meet you Lucy, can we get back to the topic at hand?" you ask.

"...Right." Lucy sits back down reluctantly as Genesis smiles, feeling triumphant that he got the last word in.

"Now what did you bring me here for?" you ask.

"Yes, you see, I would like to divine fate for you." He answers.

You give him a confused look, "I'm sorry, I don't speak ye old fancy tongue, what does that mean?"

"Basically, I'd like tell your fortune, as the kids are calling it these days." He answers.

You give him the stink eye, "Fortune telling? Really?" you question.

"Yes, is there some problem?" He asks.

"The last person that tried to tell my fortune tried to scam me out of 30,000 Jenny with promises of hope, happiness and horseshit." you explain.

"Ever since then, let's just say I'm not too keen on getting my fortune told." you state.

He laughs, "Now don't be like that, you can rest assured, I am most certainly not trying to scam you, this is totally free of charge after-all, the only thing I ask of you, is your attention." He states.

You roll your eyes, "Well I'm debating whether I should even give you that much, besides, I don't even believe in fate, so isn't this pointless?" you ask.

Genesis's eyes go wide,"You don't believe in fate? Now this will not do-"

He brings his hand and points to the roof, suddenly, a deck of cards come falling down from above, landing squaring on the ceneter of the table.

You look on, mesmerized by the spectacle
as Genesis reaches out and places his hand on top of the deck, "Fate is most certainly real my friend, don't dismiss something so important so causally." he states.
>>
Now it's Lucy rolling her eyes, "Oh please don't tell you feel proud of yourself for performing that parlor trick, a chimp with half your power could do that." she berates.

Genesis's smile fades as he shakes his head, "You're spitefulness is only half as ugly as your face." He counters.

You sigh, "Get on with it please..."

She clicks her tongue as he sighs and continues, he swipes his hand and the deck of 4 cards spread out perfectly evenly on the table.

"Now then, since we've already taken up so much of your time, allow me to spare you the whole reading and I ask that you flip two of these cards." he asks.

"Just two?" you question.

"By your own hand preferable and one at a time, that way the divination isn't mixed or gets confused." he explains.

"...." you go silent as you look upon the cards.

They're all identical looking, each a blank black sheet of what looks soft plastic, no different from regular cards.

But at the same time, each one has this strange aura about it, an aura of foreboding and intimidation about them, each giving you a different, mostly negative feeling about them.

From the 1st card, you feel anger and a deep sadness, the kind of pain a knife to the back would give you.

From the 2nd, you feel, you feel loss, a feeling much like mourning, as if you've lost something precious to you.

From the 3rd you feel, destruction and hate, like the entire world is collapsing around you.

From the 4th...you can't quite put into words the feeling the 4th one gives you, it feels both amazing yet terrifying, glorious yet intimidating, right yet wrong.

What will you do?

>Flip the 1st card

>Flip the 2nd card

>Flip the 3rd card

>Flip the 4th card
>>
>>3802124
>>Flip the 4th card
>>
>>3802124
>Flip the 4th card
>>
>>3802135
>>3802156

>The 4th

>Writing...
>>
You reach out towards the 4th card, a strange feeling of trepidation consumes you, making your hand moving gruelingly slow, despite the fact you're trying your hardest to move quickly.

It feels like several minutes pass before you finally manage to place your hand atop the 4th card, but even then, it's a struggle to actually flip the thing for some reason.

"...." you go quiet a strange feeling hits you, just touching the card fills you with this feeling of intense dread, fear, and hate.

But more than anything, as you touch this card you've filled with this indescribable feeling of emptiness, like absolutely nothing matters, like you're better off dead.

You feel a cold sweat run down the side of your head, for some reason, you can't bring yourself to flip the card.

As you sit there, you can swear you hear a voice flash through your head.

You must choose, for if you do not choose, you will do this again and again, into infinity, you will suffer this fate 10 million times over again, so you must choose.

In your mind, someone says these words and by god, the feeling of dread they fill you with nearly knocks you off your feet.

"...." you go dead silent.

Lucy and Genesis give you a look of concern as you sit there.

"Is something the matter? You look troubled" Genesis asks.

"Huh? Uh..." You only now notice your hands are shaking.

"Are you not going to flip the card dearest?" Lucy asks.

"...Hey, Genesis." you call out.

"Yes?" he answers.

"What's on the otherside of this card?" you ask, too frightened to flip it yourself.

"I do not know, you have to flip them to find out." he answers.

"What do you mean you don't know? Didn't you make these?" you ask.

"Those cards are written by your own fate, they transcribe events as they will happen to you as long as you continue your current course." He answers.

"My current course...?"

"they were blank in my hands, only when you flip them will they have something on the otherside." he answers.

"...." Hearing that. you realize there's no easy way out, you just have to do it.
>>
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"Right...here goes nothing!" you decide to bite the bullet.

Turning the card over, a strange design shows itself, a black sky with a single, bright glowing sun in the center, directly below it, a lion with a skull for a face stares back at you, it's empty eyes peering into your soul, the roman numerals XVIIII inscribed at the bottom.

"What the hell is this?" you question.

Genesis smiles, "Oh how wonderful! This is an excellent reading!" he sings.

You pull back in surprise, "This creepy ass picture? This is a good reading?" you ask.

He points down at the card, "This is the 19th Tarot, The Sun in the upright position. This transcribes a fate of glory, strength and a future most bright at the end of your journey." he explains.

"Huh...I could've sworn I heard a gysp tell me much the same thing once and I chased her out with a broom for it." you remember.

"Well if you've had this fortune told to you twice, it just means it has that large a bearing on your fate and how excellent at thing that is, you have a great fate awaiting you!" he promises.

"Right..." you stare down at the card and as look, you just can't shake that earlier feeling, that feeling of wrongness

"Uh, Genesis, are you sure you're reading this thing right?" you ask.

"Excuse me?" He asks.

Lucy chimes in, "He's asking you if you're divination isn't a load of hogwash, a fair question if you ask me, most of what you say is complete garbage after-all." she explains.

He gives her the stink eye as he answers you, "Once again, I am not the one deciding what's on these cards, I am merely reading and interpreting what is being said by them, this is your fate, and that is what the cards say." he explains.

"What do you mean by glory or greatness or whatever, what's so great about my future?" you ask.

He shakes his head, "I do not know, I know how to interpret but not how to see into the future, all I can say is, whatever's going to happen, it will be of great benefit to you and the entire world it seems." He answers.

"...." Even as he says that, you can't help but wonder what that really means.

"But enough of all that, we're nearly out of time, tell me, which card do you want to read next?" he asks.

What will you do?

>Flip the 1st card

>Flip the 2nd card

>Flip the 3rd card
>>
>>3802275
>Flip the 1st card
Living dangerously
>>
>>3802275
>>Flip the 1st card
>>
>>3802275
>>Flip the 1st card
>>
>>3802287
>>3802306

>Flip the 1st card

>Writing...
>>
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You reach out to the first card on the table, unlike the last one you don't feel nearly the same feeling of hesitation as the last card, so gripping this one is easy.

However,the 2nd you get your hands on the card, a feeling of rage and sadness grips you, it weighs heavy on your shoulders, making your heartache as you turn it over.

The card turns over and you see a design of two dead, desiccated skeletons hold hands and look into each other eyes-sockets with a strange, creepy kind of love to between them.

The strangest thing about this one though, is that the picture seems to be upside down.

Genesis doesn't seem nearly as elated to see this card, "Ah...This isn't good." he says.

"Isn't good? What's not good?" you ask.

"This is the 6th Tarot, the lovers, in an upside down position, this represent, mistrust, misplaced faith, hatred and...betrayal." he explains.

"Betrayal? What do you mean betrayal?" you question.

"Exactly as it sounds, somewhere in the near future, someone you misplaced faith in will betray you and with them trust will become a rarity, not just to you, but those around you as well." he explains.

"Someone is going to betray me?" The concept sounds foreign to you, you're no stranger to dealing with scam artists or people trying to trick you, but you're very meticulous about choosing your friends.

You scan through your mind for anyone you would call a friend: Noell, Rea, Flourette, Etheline, Bradford, Landon...none of them seem like likely candidates, at least not to you.

"Can you tell me who it is?" you ask.

He puts his hands up, "Unfortunately not, just that if you continue as you are now, it will come to pass."

"...." that makes you go silent.
>>
Genesis then suddenly claps his hand and speaks, "Okay, that's all the time we have." he states.

"Huh?" You blurt out as you hear the sound of a door opening beside you.

You look to the left and see a door you're sure wasn't there before creaking open to reveal a brilliant white light, blinding you as you look straight into it.

"What is that!?" you shout.

"That would be your exit, the door back to real world and your only way of waking up, so it would be prudent for you to step into right away." He explains.

"Huh!? Why? Don't I have two more cards to read?" you ask.

"Indeed dearest, but you see, while time in this world is stagnate, the time in the real world is not." Lucy explains.

"Wait what!?" you blurt out.

"The harlot is right, if you linger here any longer, you'll be late for your waking arrangements, so it's best you leave right away. "

"Damn..." Today is an especially important day for you, you can't afford to be late.

Knowing that, you stand up and head for the door, but before you head out, you turn back and speak, "Thanks for the divination or whatever, but even now, I still don't believe in fate." you state.

Genesis shakes his head but Lucy gives you an approving glance, "Not don't discourage him brat, he might not even be wrong, Fate is not absolute, it can be changed, at least, that's what I Like to believe." she agrees.

You laugh, "There's something you and I can agree on, if there's anything I hate, it's the idea I can't change anything or something is inevitable. So Fate or no fate, I won't be bound to anything."

Both Genesis and Lucy smile and nod to that, "See ya, you two weridos!" you say as you step into the light, returning to the world of the waking.

The door shuts behind you, leaving the two of them to their own business.
>>
Lucy gets up and makes as much distance between herself and Genesis, she then speaks, "Tell me, was it really a good idea to send him off without the other two readings?" she asks.

Genesis laughs, "I know it may be a task for you, but trust me, he'd be better off not knowing what the other two cards had in store for him." He answers, flipping the two cards and looking at them himself with a forlorn look.

"That stuff you said about the cards being blank was a lie then? Go figure you would dupe even someone you call a friend you snake." Lucy accuses.

"No you harlot, unlike you, every word I say is the truth, the cards were indeed blank when I made them, but you see, he had has already flipped all 4 cards in the past thus there designs were already set in stone." he explains.

"Wait, you mean..." Lucy suddenly gets it.

Genesis sighs and looks sadly outside the window of his cafe, "Yes, you two went on and on about changing fate this and not being bound to that, but the both of you should..."

Genesis shows a rare glare, "Fate is not something you change, it is something you break free from and unfortunately, none of the 3 of us have broken free of a thing."

"....." She goes quiet incapable of rebuking such a statement.

"We're all slaves and we have been since the beginning of time..." he trails off as he stares at the cards again.

"Our precious vessel has no idea the hell he has lying before him, this entire exercise was merely my small way of giving comfort." He explains.

He then tosses the cards away like their trash, "Not that it makes any difference, nothing does."
>>
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Time: Monday, January 29, 2000, 6:32 AM, Early Morning.

Location: Yorknew City, Seaside street, Drowned Sorrows bar, Attic

It’s a slow burn, A slow burn of light, glazing your eyes, as ray after ray pierce the film of dust lining your room’s window. Those rays of light creep their way up to your old cotton bed, crawling up across your thin, washed out, white sheet.

The burn of the sunlight rolling over body like a gentle wave of water is slow, but sure, right until it hits your eyes, stinging your eyes a little causing them to pry slowly awake.

And as your eyes pull open, you stare at the motley, low-hanging wooden roof, you spot a few cobwebs here and there as you pull yourself from your sheets and sit across creaky frame of your bed.

Hahhhh...Today’s the day huh?” Are the first words to escape your mouth, along with a sizable sigh.

You woke the same as any other day, but today is something special.

With that in mind, you pull yourself up from bed, stretching as you trot across your cramped room, you make your way over to your make-shift closet, which is really just a costume rack Maxwell had no more use for, you grab the first pair of clothes you feel comfortable with and make your way downstairs.

Stopping at the bathroom, you head right in and shower your wake-up weariness and early morning tiredness right down the drain.

Once you’re out of the shower, you look yourself over in the mirror, looking into your eyes, you notice dark circles have begun developing your eyes.

You cringe, “Ugh...That asshole Max keeps making me do overnight shifts working the bar…” you realize.

Every night since the party, you’ve been having to work well into 2:00AM, maybe later if the boys are feeling extra wiley that night.

“You’d think after everything I went through just a few weeks ago, the bastard would give me a damn break, but nooooo…” you grumble as you grab your clothes.

Fortunately enough, he didn’t pull that move on you last night,because today you had to wake extra early to drive out and get to the Hunter association building by Noon, but place is nearly 6 hours away on the other side of the city, even going by car.

But even so, you have to wonder why he’s been working you so damn hard, cause it’s not like he’s low on cash, you handed him your Hunter license, so he’s got a literal fortune in the palm of his hands, so you’re sure he’s doing it to make you suffer.

“Damn bastard…I swear he’s a slave driver for god’s sake...” you complain as you push open the door to main bar.

“Just who is a slave driver?” Maxwell asks from behind the bar.

You look towards him to see him cleaning the glasses as he looks over at you with a smile, “Surely you can’t mean little ol’ me?” he asks.

You return that smile as you answer, “Oh, no, no, grandpa, you’re much too frail and old to hold a whip, so you can’t be a slave driver.” you answer.
>>
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He sighs, “Oh give me a break, I’m not that old.” he counters.

You move a little closer and give him a snarky smile, “You really think so? You’re showing all the symptoms of being an old senile man though.” you state.

“Don’t make growing old sound like a disease and just how do I look like an old man to you?” he asks.

You shrug, “I don’t know, maybe it’s the grey hair, the wrinkles on the face, always waking up at ungodly hours, always in a bitching first thing in the morning-”

You see a vein pop up on his forehead, “Ill do more than bitch at ya if you keep talking…” he threatens.

“-The constant nagging, crankyness, always complaining about youngsters doing that or this wrong.”You ignore his threat and continue.

“I see you’re itching for a beating today kid, too bad I’m far too tired to give it today.” he shakes his head in annoyance.

You laugh, “See what I mean? Tired old man, the only you aren’t yet, is senile.” you add.

He gives a wry look before speaking, “Just a question kid, why are you in your work uniform?” he asks.

“Huh?” you look down and see he’s right, you’re wearing your bartender clothes.

“Sure it’s not you going senile kid? I could sworn I told you, you ain’t coming to work today.”

“Huh…” You unconsciously went for these clothes before realizing it, strange, but not unwelcome, “Well whatever, the people at the association will recognize me in this suit anyway, so I won’t change.” you conclude.

Maxwell simply shrugs at that as you approach the bar, “But still, you truly are a real early bird huh, Max? I wish you’d let me see you sleep in for once.”

“Oh, why? So you can see my cute sleeping face?” he asks.

You walk over and sit down at the bar, “No, so I don’t have to deal with you first thing in the morning.” you answer.

He laughs at one, “Oh yeah, well I could do for another few weeks without your snarky ass to deal with in the morning.”
>>
“Well lucky you, guess what day today is? Today’s the first day of-”

Maxwell waves his hand at you, “Yeah, yeah, I know, today’s the first day of your new job, you’ve only been reminding me about it all damn week.”

“You’re the one that wanted me out the door, I thought you’d celebrating, considering you’re gonna be rid of me real soon again.” you state.

He laughs, “Oh I’m celebrating alright! I’m just waiting till you’re out the door before I call all the boys in for an early morning round!” he says as he grabs a bottle of Vodka.

You give a wry smile, “Well at least you’re honest…”

“Ah don’t give me that look! You’ll make me feel bad! If it makes you feel any better, I could pour you a glass right now.” he states.

You squint at him, “You want me to down a glass of vodka when I have to be at work in a few hours?” you ask.

“Think of it as parting gift, a way to remember me before the fancy hunter life makes you forget all about me.” he answers.

What will you say?

> “Eh, what the hell, pour me a glass.”

>”Yeah, no, I think I wanna stay frosty for my first day on the job”
>>
>>3802415
>>”Yeah, no, I think I wanna stay frosty for my first day on the job”
>>
>>3802415
>> “Eh, what the hell, pour me a glass.”
Let's take a shot with him for the road, he's a pretty cool dude
>>
>>3802415
>> “Eh, what the hell, pour me a glass.”
One glass won't hurt that much
>>
>>3802424
>>3802426
>>3802448

>10% irresponsible, 90% awesome.

>Writing...
>>
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You mull over it a bit, before realizing it can’t hurt to throw back one glass, “Screw it, pour me.”

Maxwell looks delighted, “Ah, I knew you’d come around.” He says as he grabs a small glass, pulls out some ice and pours the pure white vodka in.

You cringe a little as you bring the glass to your face, “Did you have to go straight to the hard stuff..?”

Maxwell turns away as he answers “Hard stuff huh? I wouldn’t call that little glass of water hard compared to what you’re about to go through.”

You stop the glass just before it reaches your mouth and look to Maxwell, “Now what’s that supposed to mean?”

He turns back with a serious, stern look in his eyes “Derrick, if you couldn’t tell, I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed-” he starts.

“You said, it not me.” you counter.

“-But even an uneducated dumbass like me can tell you’re about to get yourself into something real dangerous.” he counties.

“...” it’s rare for Maxwell to be this serious and even rarer for him to be SO serious h’d even let snide remarks pass him by, so you decide to shut your mouth and listen.

He points towards your head, “If there’s anything you’ve shown me over the years, it’s that your smart, maybe a little too smart for your own good, but smart.”

“You survived that hell of an Exam they gave you because you’re not only smart but you’re strong, but are you strong enough to handle what they’re gonna throw at you in that place?” he asks.

You shrug your shoulders, “How the hell am I supposed to know that?” you answer.

“I’m asking you cause you’re the one that went through it, remember, you’re the smart one, not me.” he counters.

“So let me ask you again? You think you’re strong enough to handle anything they throw your way?” he asks.

What will you say?

>”I am, I know I am”

>”I’m not really sure yet…”

>” I don’t know, but hell if I ain’t gonna try”
>>
>>3802486
>>”I am, I know I am”
If we went through that goddamn exam we sure as hell aren't dying now
>>
>>3802486
>”I am, I know I am”
>>
>>3802486
>>” I don’t know, but hell if I ain’t gonna try”
>>
>>3802504
>>3802512
>>3802525

>I am ready.

>Writing...
>>
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You smile, “You're damn right I'm ready!” you answer.

You grab the glass of vodka tightly and bring it up to your mouth, throwing it back in a single chug.

It nearly knocks you flat on your ass, but you keep steady as you look back at Maxwell.

“I made it this far damn it, I'm not stopping now. I'm not even sure how I got this far, be it by my own power, luck or the providence of God, I don't know and I don't give a damn!” you state.

"What I do know though? I ain't stopping, not anytime soon." you declare.

Maxwell smiles brightly at that, “See, told you were a smart one.” he praises.

You get up from the stool, a little shaky from the vodka, but still mostly sober, you make your way over to the front door, “Is everything ready?” you ask.

He gets from behind the bar and heads towards the front door, opening it up before answers, “Follow me and I’ll show you.” he answers.

You do just that as you head out the door.

You make your way over to a shoddy little shed of a building, a tattered, broken up concrete drive-way makes up the path to the so-called garage, it’s really more of an oversized storage shed,

“I can’t believe you’re still using this damn thing after I gave you my license, you could buy an entire parking center for yourself and yet you still use this trash heap?” you can’t help but question.

He eyes the overgrown mess with pride, “It’s a trash heap, but it’s my trash heap.”

You shake your head, “I give you a fortune and you still live in a trash heap, I swear, have you even used the license once since I’ve given it you?” you ask.

“Hey now, this place is special! One of the first things I ever bought with the money I made at the bar, got it on sale too!” he answers

“You got a garage on sale?” you ask.

“Well it was more of a storage room before cleared out all the previous owners chemistry junk and drugs but it was real spacious after that!” he answers.

“Ohhh, so it was a meth lab, that explains the smell.” You nod as it all comes into perspective.
>>
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Maxwell shakes his head and gets walking, “Shut your mouth and get inside already.”

“My stuff already in the garage?” you ask as you approach the metal, slide garage door.

Maxwell pulls up the slide door as he answers, “Packed and loaded kid. Don’t worry, I made sure not to break anything.” he answers.

“You damn well better not have.” you walk out into the dark garage, a small amount of light pouring in from the opening you’ve made as you hit the lights on the wall.

As the lights come on, you see a beauty come into view.

You gaze proudly upon the bright white star emblazoned unto the side of your Harley motorcycle, leather holsters and pouches hang-off the beautiful machine, with it’s military green paint job completely that early 1930’s to late 1940’s war bike look.

You can’t help but feel an ounce of glee, “Oh Baby you’re as beautiful as you looked yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that...” you compliment the bike.

Maxwell scratches his head, “You’ve really got tacky taste kid, that thing is even older than I am and you wanted that rather some fancy new bike?” he asks.

You walk over and pull the footpegs, allowing the bike’s weight to lean into you, “Oh shut up! I’ve always had a thing for post great War aesthetics alright!”

This was the only thing you spent the cash on your license on, so far, you bought an authentic one made in the early 40’s and had it rebuilt and re-worked with some more modern parts so it can legally run on the road.

“Still, did it have to be an old motorcycle? Couldn’t have picked one of those new environmentally safe electric cars or whatever?” he asks.

“As if you’re one to talk about safe cars!” you point over to the corner and point out a god-awful junk heap of a car, one half as old as your bike, but 10 times more worn down and broken.

“You still drive around in that gas-guzzling sloppy jaloppy! That thing isn’t safe for the environment or the people riding inside it!” you counter.

Maxwell gets fed up, “Now don’t you go calling Chloe a sloppy jaloppy! She’s been the family car since my grandpa’s days and she’s been rolling smooth since then! Hell, she was even the one that drove you to the airport for your exam!” he counters.

“Yeah I nearly crashed 3 times in that old hag of a car cause the brakes barely work and steering is as stiff as pig iron! Don’t go calling my beautiful bike old and tacky when you’ve got a junkyard on wheels over there!” you complain as you hop on the seat of your bike, balancing it between your legs and knees.
>>
Maxwell is aghast, “Junkyard on wheels!? After everything she’s done for you, you dare call her-! Why I ought of-!”

You check you watch under your sleeve, “Save the fisticuffs for later, I need to be getting out of here now!”

“Gah-! Errr…” Maxwell relents once he realizes you’re really running up the time talking to him.

“You made sure to pack everything I gave you right?” you ask once again as you put on your helmet and pull our your keys and place them in the ignition pull.

“Yep, water, food, bodyarmor...even those weird sparky gloves and bow and arrow you got are stored in there.” he answers.

“Good, then I guess I’m going now.” you state as turn the keys and listen to the engine of the bike roar on with a Whirrrrr.

“Ohhhh, that’s sexy.” you can’t help but say as you prepare to hit the gas pedal.

“Hey wait kid! Aren’t you forgetting something!?” Maxwell shouts.

“Huh!? What!?” you ask as you turn back to him and notice something flying your way.

On reflex you catch it and examine it, only to realize it’s your Hunter license.

You’re a little blown away, “W-What? Why are you giving this to me?” you ask.

Maxwell smiles as he leans against the garage wall, “I’m not giving it to you, I’m returning it, it wasn’t mine to begin with, I was just holding onto to it for you.”

You have mixed feelings about this, most of them happy and confused, “But wait! Don’t you have things you want to buy with it!?” you ask.

He waves at you, “I never spent a dime on the damn thing, that much money is wasted on an old fogey like me.” he counters.

“What!? So you never used this thing!? You had it a whole week and you didn’t use it even once!?” you question, astonished that the known penny pincher Maxwell restrained himself from a basically limitless fortune.

He smiles at you, “You earned that piece of plastic with your own two hands, it should be those same hands that get to use it.” he states.

“Wait, is that why you kept working those long nights!? Cause you never used-”

“Hey! Don’t you have somewhere to be!?” He cuts you off.

“...Yeah, you’re right.” you answer.

You rev up the engine and look to the open road ahead of you, “Anything left you want to say kid?” Maxwell asks.

What will you say?

> “I’m gonna knock’em dead Max, just you watch!”

> “I’ll repay you for this, I promise!”

> “You’re a shit parent, but an awesome guy and I’m gonna do you proud!”
>>
>>3802610
>> “I’m gonna knock’em dead Max, just you watch!”
>>
>>3802610
> “I’m gonna knock’em dead Max, just you watch!”
>>
>>3802641
>>3802650

This next series of posts will be the last ones for the night.

>Knock'em dead kid.

>Writing...
>>
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You don a military style helmet complete with pilot goggles as you speak, "Keep an eye and ear out Max, cause my name's gonna be all over town! I'm gonna knock'em dead!" you declare.

Max laughs as you blast your way out of the garage and onto the road, heading off for your destiny, “Heh, good luck kid.”

As you ride on the road, blasting your way down the street as you head for traffic clogged roads, you come across Seaside’s street name’s sake.

As you exit the main street and head to the sides, near the beaches, a beautiful beach complete with a clear blue sea meeting a clear blue sky to bless your eyes.

You can’t help but take a second to admire, a second, suddenly becomes a minute as you stop the bike entirely, get off and watch the glamorous landscape, hypnotized by it's beauty.

A flash of sunlight hits your goggles, blinding you a little and bringing you back to reality, “Damn sun...I really can’t stand you…” you groan as you reach down into one of the pouches on the bike and pull out a pair of earphones connected to an MP3 player.

You pull them in and ready yourself for a long drive.

Cause today is the day you’re going to try-No, today is the first day you’re gonna live.

New intro: https://youtu.be/rPFGWVKXxm0
>>
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You blast down the free-way to the tune of your favorite band's music, it's a long drive but one you enjoy every second of.

After exiting Seaside's beautiful beaches, you enter the freeways of the main city, familiar high-rises, skyscrapers and offices fill your view as you make your way through the traffic heavy driveways.

People commute left and right, businessmen and women living the hustle and bustle of city life, kids on the street corners playing around and to their favorite songs on Boombox's.

The city is alive, perhaps a little too alive in-fact, because of the 6 hour drive you're in for, you've already spent 2 of them stuck in the seemingly never-ending streams of traffic.

"Goddammit...At this rate I'm gonna be stuck here all damn day..." You realize with a sigh of despair.

"I know man, long drives just sucks monkey balls huh!?" A man shouts in agreement beside you.

"You're telling me buddy...Wait, that voice...?" you look beside you to a supped up Mustang painted a gaudy gold sheen.

Inside said abomination of a paint-job, the familiar face of Bradford comes into view, "Hey fucker! How are you doing this Morning!?" he shouts.

You laugh, "Terrible, now that I've seen your ugly mug out here!" you answer.

"Well don't worry, I'm happy enough to see you to make up for both of us! It feels like it's been forever since I last saw your blonde ass!" He shouts.

You shake your head, "Forever? It's only been a week since the party at the bar dumbass!"

"A week!? Felt more like 3 months! Ah whatever, you're here now and that's all that matters!"

"I'm here and rather not be! What the hell are you riding in!?" you ask.

"A 1970's Shelby Mustang! Or as I like to call her, The Bitch Buster! She's the first thing I got with my new license!" He answers.

"No, I already knew the make and model, I meant that paintjob man! How the hell can you ride around on something like that and not feel like an idiot?" you ask.

"What!? Fucking why!? This bitch is beautiful! A Mustang is a piece of engineering gold, so it makes to paint gold like gold right!?" He counters.

You shake your head, "That logic is so damn stupid I can't even counter it! All I can say is, you might be riding gold, but you sure don't look it!"

He laughs, "That shit coming from the guy riding a bike that went out of style almost a century ago is fucking laughable!"
>>
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"Shut it! Ah, I wish I could just blast the hell out here, but even if I get out of this damn traffic jam, there will be another right ahead so what's the point." you complain.

Bradford wags his finger at you, "Hear that shit Derrick, that's the logic of a Bitch you're spewing there! We're Hunters now, we can't be thinking the same as regular ol joes anymore!" he counters.

"Oh? What do you mean?" you ask.

"What I mean is, we're basically like, super cops now right? So when cops are running late for work or to a crime scene, what do they do?" he asks.

"Turn on their sirens to get people to move for them." you answer.

"Exactly, so the second that light goes green, we do as the feds do and get the nice people to get out of the way." he states.

Cars from the other end of the intersection stop flowing in, the light will change soon, "Ah, full-proof plan there buddy, but you forgot a real important detail. We don't got any Sirens, how are we gonna get people to move for us?"

"Well you see, the answer is simple, I got me this muscle car because it can plow past most other cars on the road!" He answers.

"Yeah, soooo..." you don't like where this is going.

"Don't you get what I'm getting at you dumbfuck!? If the nice people of the city won't move for us...." He trails off as the light goes green.

"Then we gotta make'em move!" he shouts with a crazy look in his eyes.

SCREEEEEEEHHH! The next second Bradford is speeding down the driveway, he swerves around and passes any car that's going even remotely slower than he is.

In doing so, goes onto the on-coming traffic lane several times, nearly crashing, but always manging to get out of the way just in time to save himself and any unlucky fool that might get in his way.

As Bradford etches the line between life and death, he beeps his horn to warn everyone of his arrival, "Beep beep motherfuckers! Anyone who doesn't want to get sent to fucking scrap-heap better swerve or get their asses severed!" He shouts, laughing all the way.

You look on at his traffic rampage, amazed but not surprised at his insanity and stupidity, "At least he's giving everyone fair warning before he slams into them, hahhhhh..." you sigh.

Well, at the very least, he's cleared a path for you to drive through the traffic jam, cause no one sane would get within 10 meters of his insane driving, you're free to make your way to work unimpeded.

As you drive down the road, following in Bradford's destructive wake, you silently apologize to all the inconvenienced drivers he makes along the way.
>>
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And with that I'm stopping for the night, I hope everyone is enjoying the thread, though I will admit we're off to a slow start, worry not, the main bulk of the exciting stuff starts tomorrow!

If you all can't tell by the way, I'm trying to get through sequences and scenes a lot faster, mainly because a bring problem with the last chapter was that I dragged scenes out a lot.

So now I'm going for a quality over quantity style of writing, which also means I'm going to try and pull an OPStudios here and attempt to finish this within 2 days, meaning by tomorrow, if possible (Though highly doubtful).

Anyway, I hope you all look forward to the rest of the thread! See you all tomorrow!
>>
>>3802806
Thanks for running, glad to finally be playing this quest once again
>>
>>3802806
Love the new theme song. Thanks for coming back to us!
>>
The Thread continues in 30 minutes!
>>
>4 Hours later

Time: January 29, 11:00 AM, Morning

Location: Yorknew, Balance Square, Hunter Association building

The drive to the Association building is shorter than expected, mainly due to Bradford’s road rage driving which magically ended up causing no casualties, just many annoyed and very frightened drivers on the road.

But you’ve exited the main road, away from anymore unsuspecting victims and now enter a massive plaza with many intertwining roads leading to many different buildings, this is Balance Square, the eye of the chaotic storm that is Yorknew’s roads.

Situated basically right in the center of the city, the place is home to some of the biggest business headquarters and major government buildings like embassies or tax offices, but your main concern is with the building dead in the square’s center.

Standing tall and brilliantly in the very epicenter of the city, like a sentinel watching over the people of the world, lies the Hunter Association building, Yorbia branch, the red and black symbol of the Hunter organization stamped to the front of the building can mean there is no mistake, this is place you’re looking for.

As you and Bradford near the building, you both take a second to gawk at the tower in amazement.

“Hot damn! The only way they can make that tower more fancy is if they made that shit out of ivory!” Bradford shouts.

“You’re telling me, I passed this building a bunch of times, but getting close now, I never realized just how damn grand it is, how much did all this cost? It’s a little overwhelming…” You agree.

“Well the money these fuckers tote around is probably more than a little overwhelming, when you get as rich as these guys buildings like these are probably small-time! I mean this isn't even their HQ, just a branch right?” he states.

“I know, but for me, this small-time stuff is big business.” you state as you approach the building, hitting a curve in the road as you come upon something strange.

Bradford is the first to speak, “Hey Derrick, was that here the last few times you passed?” he asks.

You squint your eyes, “No...that’s definitely new.”

You look ahead to see a security checkpoint with some armed guards up front.
>>
“Now what do we have here…” Bradford squints his eyes as he checks out the thick armor and assault rifles of the guards behind a guard post with road barricades up ahead,

“Those bastards look like SWAT agents...What are they doing up front?” he asks.

“Why do you know what SWAT agents look like?” you ask.

“Let’s say me and the police force have had more than a few run-ins.” he answers.

“You’ve had run-ins with SWAT? What the hell did you do?” you ask.

He turns his head from side to side, “Well this was back in my mafia days, there was an illegal boxing match here, a drug lab raid there…” he answers.

He shakes his head, “Look it’s in the past man, don’t ask about it. I’m a Hunter now, so now of that shit matters, my past criminal record has been wiped clean.” he answers.

“Well yeah, but how did you avoid getting caught by SWAT before you were a Hunter? There’s no way they just left you alone right?” you ask.

“Let’s just say I’m banned from entering a few states across the country.” he answers.

“A few? how much is a few?” you ask.

“Well...just...22 of ‘em.” he answers.

“....” you’re left silent.

“23 if you count all the shit we did in Kukan’yu!” he shouts like it’s an achievement.
>>
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Before you have a chance to respond, you’ve already reached the checkpoint, where the armed guard ahead stops the two of you and approaches.

He stops beside the two of you and speaks, “What’s your business here? Are you a civilian or a Hunter?” he asks.

“We’re here of work, we’re Hunters.” you answer.

“Show me your license.” he demands.

“Oh! Sure…” you reach into your pocket, thank God Maxwell gave this back.

“You too.” The guard points to Bradford.

“Sure thing friendo…” Bradford goes for his license as well.

You both pull out your licenses and hand them to the guard who takes them without a word, heads back to his guard post and seems to run them through a machine to check them.

All the while the other two guards watches you both intently from behind the post, leaving a tense sort of feeling in the air.

“Hey man, what the fuck is with these guys? I didn’t think my knew workplace would look like a Federal Agency!” Bradford voices your concern.

“Yeah and I can swear this guard post wasn’t here the last few times I was here…” you state.

“When was that?” he asks.

“About a month ago.” you answer.

“I dunno, maybe they had a break-in or something and decided to ramp up security?” Bradford suggest.

“Yeah, maybe…” you concede.

“You don’t sound too certain there buddy.” He notices.

“Well, I mean, that sounds logical, but would something like a break-in even faze the Hunter Association, surely the people inside don’t need protecting…” you realize.

“You got a point there...why not ask the guy when he gets back, you’ll never know if you don’t ask.” he states.

“...I’ll think about it.” you state.

As you say this, the guard exits the post and comes back to the two of you with your licenses in hand,

Bradford smirks, “Looks like you won’t get much time to think.”

“...” you go quiet.

The guard returns with your licenses and hands them back to you, “Everything’s valid, you’re cleared for passage, go on ahead.” he allows as the other guards bring up the barricade.

What will you do?

>Question the guards about their presence

>Go ahead
>>
>>3804176
>Question the guards about their presence
>>
>>3804176
>>Question the guards about their presence
>>
>>3804194
>>3804196

>Question guards
>>
You grab your license as you speak, “Hey man, when did this guard post get set up here?” you ask.

He cranes his head to the side in confusion, “Were you not informed of the changes a few weeks ago?” he asks.

“Oh no, we’re new here.” you answer.

“That explains why I don’t recognize your faces, well this checkpoint got set-up about two week ago, all Hunters must now present their licenses to us before they’re allowed in the building.” he explains.

“I see...why?” you ask.

“Safety reasons.” he answers plainly.

“Whose safety? Surely you can’t mean the Hunters? And again, why?” you ask.

“Safety reasons.” He recites.

Seeing you getting nowhere with the polite approach, Bradford chimes in, “Safety reasons? Uh, friend, you’re guarding a fucking fortress filled to the brim with badass fighters, who’s safety are you protecting?” he questions.

Bradford’s brashness seems to get on his nerves, “The organizations safety you dumbass. We got put up here to keep a track of everyone who comes in and out of the building in case something happens!” he answers.

“Something like what?” you ask.

“I dunno, tell me, what could happen?” he retorts, clearly fed up with your questions.

“Right…” you trail off.

“Listen, aren’t you guys gonna be let for work? Why don’t you hurry on inside already?” he asks.

“Sure thing man, just one more thing, who had this built here? The Chairman?” you ask.

“Upper brass.” he answers.

“Who’s Upper brass?” you ask.

He sighs, “Listen, it ain’t in my contract to answer questions, can you just go already?”

“Fine, fine man, sorry for the trouble.” You relent, seeing as he clearly isn’t in the mood to answer anything more.
>>
Okay two questions. And I don't mean to be a dick, but:

1. Why give your quest a finale if you're just going to write more?

and

2. How have you been at this so long and your spacing hasn't improved?
>>
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You and Bradford drive on ahead, until you reach the front entrance of the building, it’s a small staircase leading up to a set of 3 different glass doors.

At the base of that staircase, you see another familiar face, it’s Etheline, who looks to be mulling over something.

“Hey! Is that who I think it is!?” Bradford shouts.

“Go figure she'd get here before us.” you state as both come to the end of the road and come to a stop.

Turning around and noticing you, Etheline sees as you both park, “Hm? Oh! Derrick! Bradford!” she cheers, the face of confusion she wore quickly turns into elation.

You both leave your vehicles and approach her and return her smile, “Hey there baby girl! You look right and limber for your first day of work!” Bradford compliments.

She nods, “Thanks! I’m super excited for my first day here and also kinda nervous...but mainly excited!”

You laugh, “Good to know, but don’t get too excited alright? You aren’t completely healed yet are you?” you question.

Her smile fades “Yeah, that’s the part I’m kinda nervous about...I hope we don’t have to do anything too crazy for our first day, it still kinda hurts to move around…”

Bradford’s eyes take a concerned look, “You’re still not fully healed from the Exam?” he asks.

She scratches the back of her head, “Well I’m better than I was 2 weeks ago, I’m probably not ready for combat yet. not to mention MUMA got destroyed beyond repair in my fight, so I have to build myself a new one…” She explains.

You see a surge of rage in Bradford’s eyes, “Yeah, that’s cause they let you fight that Tincan bastard, I still can’t believe they let that happen…”

You chime in, “Yeah, well in-spite of that, you still passed and you’re here now aren’t you?” you look on the brighter side of things.

She smiles at that, “You’re totally right Derrick, I’m here now and that’s all that matters.”

“Yeah...that’s right.” Bradford lets out a sigh to calm himself.
>>
>>3804291
1. It clearly said "Chapter 1 Finale". What would be the point naming that if there wasn't another chapter? It was very clear that it wasn't the end

2. Go back to the first thread. It's improved a ton since then
>>
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>>3804291
Retard, either stop fucking speed-reading or stop your gay ass bait.
>>
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>>3804291

It's alright Anon, for your 1st question, that was the Chapter 1 Finale, or maybe it would clearer if I had to call it the end of season 1? Either way, no, that episode was not the end of the series.

2nd question, has it not? I fee like I was wayyy worse in the beginning, but perhaps I could stand to improve a little more.

but either way,

>Still writing...
>>
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“Anyway, what are you doing just standing out here Ethe?” you ask.

She gives a wry laugh, “Well, the truth is I’ve been standing out here a few minutes trying to work up the courage to walk inside…”

“I thought you were only kinda nervous?” you counter.

She pulls her head down, “Okay, maybe I’m a lot more nervous than I said...While I was sitting here, a bunch of people already headed inside.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve just been sitting here thinking about how you’re gonna deal with the crowd?” Bradford questions.

“Well...Maybe…” She confesses.

“Oh baby…You need some serious help.” Bradford shakes his head in disappointment.

“Yeah...I know...I was sitting here waiting for someone I know to help me get inside…” She explains.

“And no one besides us arrived?” you ask.

“Well, actually, Vanilla and her clown friend passed by!” She answers.

“Oh? Did they help you?” you ask.

She looks away, “Uh no…They headed inside without me..."

"What? Why?" you ask.

"Well..." She trails off.

>20 minutes ago...

Having just arrived Etheline stands at the entrance to the building, peering through the glass door to examine the inside.

Within the building, she sees a crowd of 50 something people gathered around waiting, a collection of tough and tumble men and women who she doesn't recognize wait within the entrance hall.

"Oh no, I'm terrible crowds, I don't see anyone I know, I can't go in like this..." She despairs.

"Oh Pinky! What's up?" That's when Vanilla, with her Carnie friend in tow stop to greet her.

She looks back with a gaze of elation, her heroes had arrived, "Oh Vanilla! I'm so glad you're here, I need someone to follow me inside!" She announces.

That's when Peachnia, confused, speaks, "Hey Vani, who the hell is this Fatso?" she asks.

Etheline shoots back in shock "Fatso!? I'm not a Fatso! I'm just a little soft around the edges"

"Yeah that's what they all say pudgy." Peachnia berates.

Etheline gives an annoyed look, "Well aren't you rude! But whatever!, Vanilla help me, I really need someone to help me inside-"

Vanilla holds a hand up, "Up,up,up Pinky! I'm afraid I have to stop you right there."

She gives her trusted friend a confused gaze, "What? But I really need you to-"

Vanilla shakes her head, "Listen here Pinky, what do you thinks gonna happen when we walk through that door?"

"Um...We get inside the building?" She guesses.

"Yeah, but you see, we'd be going inside with you." She corrects.

She still looks confused, "Andddd? What's the problem?" she asks.

Peachnia shakes her head, "Don't you get it fat for brains, she's saying she doesn't want to be seen with your lame ass!" She clarfies.

A shock strikes Etheline like lighting, "Lame!? I'm lame!?"

"What gave it away?" Peachnia laughs.

"T-That can't be true! Vanilla, say it isn't so!" She looks to her friend.
>>
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She looks away, not meeting Etheline's sad eyes, "Look Pinky, here's a lesson in life, Workplace life is a lot like Highschool life." Vanilla starts.

"Highschool life?" She questions.

"Well you might not know this since you were pampered to hell and back, but in highschool, you have these things called cliques, you can think of them like a social hierarchy."

She then brings her finger up, "In this social hierarchy, there those at the top, the Jocks, The Queen bees, The popular kids, the Chads, the Stacies, these people are at the top of the hierarchy." She explains.

Etheline looks very confused, "Wait, what do people named Chad and Stacy have to do with hierarchies? You don't know if anyone is named Chad or Stacy in there!"

Vanilla shakes her head, "Listen the point is, that those people are at the top, now, when it comes to people at the bottom, we have the losers, the drop-outs, the Virgins and of course, the Nerds, the category you happen to fit into."

"I'm a Nerd? Is that...a bad thing?" She questions.

Peachnia laughs, "Only the worst thing ever! If you're a nerd, you might as well be a combination of a loser, virgin and a drop-out, hell, maybe worse!" she answers.

Etheline looks terrified, "W-What!? But only like...2 of those terms apply to me..."

"Doesn't matter, you're at the bottom of the food chain baby, that's the truth." Peachnia states.

"And because you're a bottom feeder, we can't be seen with you, or else we'll be considered bottom feeders too." Vanilla explains.

"Really? Is that how it works? What part of the food chain are you two? Chads? Stacies?" she questions.

"No, no, we're the cool in-between that lives outside the hierarchy." She explains.

Pecahnia nods, "The kind everyone looks up to and no one fucks with."

Etheline's eyes twinkle, "Whoa, that does sound cool! Can I join your club?" she pleads.

Peachnia cringes, "Ewww, no, you're way too much of a nerd."

"Oh..." Etheline looks down sadly as the two of them walk by her and into the building.

"Sorry Pinky, just find some other Nerds to walk in with okay!" She says as she kicks her friend to the curb.

>Back to the present

"..." You and Bradford stand there amazed.

Etheline looks away in embrassment, "Yeah...apparently I'm too much of a Nerd to hang with them..."

Bradford shakes his head, “Seriously? What a cun-Uh- Contemptible person she is!”

“It’s Vanilla, I would honestly be more surprised if she had actually helped her." You state.

"I mean, you're kind of right , but still, I feel like she was telling the truth." She states.

"Huh?" You both go.

"Tell me guys, I am really that big of a Nerd?" Etheline asks.

"...." you both go silent.

"Guys...?" she asks again.

What do you say?

>Honestly, yes.

>No, not at all.

>You're a nerd, but you're our nerd!
>>
>>3804401
>You're a nerd, but you're our nerd!
>>
>>3804401
>>You're a nerd, but you're our nerd!
She's the cute kind of lame, if that makes sense
>>
>>3804408
>>3804424

>Nerd life

>Writing...
>>
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Bradford goes first, "You? A Nerd? Noooo, no, no not at all baby girl!" He starts.

"Really, you really think I'm not a Nerd?" She asks.

Bradford looks away, "Not even slightly!" He comforts.

Etheline squints at him, "...You don't look very certain."

"What? Me, not certain? Nooooo, not at all!" he begins to sweat.

"Bradford, you're not lying to comfort me right? Cause that's worse than just calling me a Nerd." She calls him out.

"...." Bradford struggles to fight back.

Etheline sighs, "Just be honest."

"Well if you ask, for it, it's you're actually slightly a Nerd! Well, more than slightly, you're a nerd! You're a huge Nerd! A complete and utter Nerd!" Bradford starts sounding like a schoolyard bully as he lets loose the truth.

"...." Etheline looks sad.

"Bradford, tone it down man." you counter.

"Sorry, force of habit, I had to rob a few nerds of their lunch money to get by when I was young alright." he explains.

"I didn't even get lunch money today..." She adds, almost sobbing.

you sigh, "Man people need to learn to give you a break, all you are is nice to everyone but everyone around seems to be a massive dick." you state.

"You say that man, but you're thinking it too aren't ya? Don't act like you're innocent." Bradford calls you out.

Etheline looks truly hurt now, "Really? Even you Derrick?"

"...." You can't bring yourself to lie.

That's the strike that cracks her soft shell, she suddenly throws her head down and begins to walk away.

"Etheline where are you going?" you ask.

"Home...I don't think I can go to work today...or anywhere ever again...I'm too much a Nerd..." she says as she walks away.

You grab her shoulder and pull her back before she goes anywhere, "Listen, it maybe true that you are a massive nerd-"

"You're really not helping there buddy." Bradford cuts-in.

"-But you should know while everyone else may judge you for that, we won't." you explain, ignoring him.

She lifts her head back up, "Huh? Really?" She says with a hint of hope.

You smile, "Yeah, you may be a nerd, but you're out Nerd!" you exclaim.

Bradford cheers on, "Damn right man, no truer words ever spoken!"

"...." But Etheline goes quiet.

"Uh Ethe...? I guess that didn't really help huh?" you realize.

She shakes her head and shows a bright smile, "No, sorry, I was just lost in thought about how great the friends I have are!" She exclaims.

>Moved by your acceptance of her nature, you gain +20 bond points with Etheline!

You smile, "Yeah...most of them anyway, Vanilla not so much."

Etheline laughs nervously, not quite sure how to respond, "She was just protecting her reputation, she didn't mean anything by it."

Bradford clicks his tongue, "Valuing your street cred before your friends is how a scumbag thinks, why the hell do you even hang out with her?" he asks.

"I think a better question would, why do any of us see it fit to stay near each other." But it's a different voice that answers.
>>
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You turn back to see 3 more people you now coming up, Noell with his Maid Flourette and...Landon?

"Good morning all! How are you this fine morning?" Flourette asks.

Bradford gives a perverse smile, "Oh ho, wayyy better, my morning got fine the moment you walked up."

Flourette laughs, "Oh Mr.Bradford always with the jokes! I am happy to see you this morning as well."

Bradford looks a little discouraged, "Yeah, joking...I was joking."

Landon steps up, "It's good to see you all again, I know it's only been a week, but even a week from all my friends is too much to bare!" He greets.

Etheline laughs, "Good morning to you Lanny. It's nice to see you so full of energy."

"That's my line, you all seem quite lively this morning what with all the fun you seem to be having!" he states.

Noell shakes his head, "Yes, you all seem to be having an excellent morning, hopefully not half as excellent as the morning I've been having."

You squint at him, "Yeah, you don't look like you're having all that dandy a morning. Also, aren't you kinda late? I expected you guys to be more punctual."

Landon shakes his head, "Well, usually I'm most punctual when it comes to dates, but my dark delight and his beautiful servant made things...difficult to say the least."

"What do you mean?"

"This stalker spotted us on our commute to work and decided to make it his business to harass the entire way here." Noell explains.

Landon looks offended, "Excuse me? I did no such thing, we were heading the same, I decided to say hi like a good friend should, then you and Flourette decided to run off into the nearest alley to avoid me!" he exclaims.

"Yes and it would've worked to if had not followed and stalked us." Noell counters.

"All I wanted was to say hello! But you kept dodging this way and that in an attempt to confuse me." He explains.

"Wait, so the reason you guys are late was because you were running all over the city to avoid Landon?" you ask.

Flourette nods, "Indeed, in order attempt to out-run him, we must've made at least 20 different detours, we ended getting lost twice because Mr.Landon insisted on giving chase." She explains.

"And yet not even once were we able to escape his clutches, truly the skill of a professional predator, he will chase you to the ends of the Earth to have his way with you." Noell states.

"Please don't go back to calling me a predator, people misunderstand me when they hear that!" He begs.
>>
Everyone continues to chat and catch up as you check your watch and see the time is now 11:57, only 3 minutes till it's time for you to get inside.

you cut everyone off by waving your hands, "Guys, sorry to cut the fun short, but we need to be inside in 5 minutes." you explain.

"5 minutes!? Jesus Christ! How long have we been just standing here talking!?" he asks.

"Far too long it seems, let's get inside." Noell says as he steps past you all and heads into the building.

The rest of you follow suit and enter, and upon entering, you come to see a beautiful large entrance, tiled with marble and walled with what looks like two reception desks on either side of the room that are currently unoccupied.

On the opposite wall you spot a waterfall pouring water down into a fountain, a little away from it, there is a podium with a mic in front the gathered up crowd.

As you and everyone else joins the crowd, you
look around to see a few familiar faces scattered around the crowd.

You see the likes of Dillion and Reynauld, who despite their strong disdain for one another look to be having a good conversation about something.

A little ways in front of you Arztz stands around with a kind of creepy smile that everpresent on his face.

To your right, you see Pecahnia and Vanilla, who've strangely enough despite their murderous hatred for each other have become quick friends.

And while it takes you a little while, you spot Literalli Whu and Watts standing near the front of the crowd, inseparable in their unnoticeablility.

(Wow looks like everyone is here except Brovoski I guess, but he had to go do some errands with his fiance so I guess he's too busy for this...) You think.

You then look to the empty podium in the center and check your watch again to see it's 12:01, "Looks like someone's gonna come up and speak to us...I wonder if it's the chairman?" you question.

Bradford who stands next to you chimes in, with an excited look on his face, "Probably, oh what I wouldn't give to go at that old fuck one more time! He gave me the run around last time, but damn I will show him if shows up again!"

"Please don't fight chairman again, didn't you humiliate yourself enough last time?" you ask.

"Oh shut up! Humiliation is the first step to improvement! The 2nd, is to beat the shit out the one who humiliated you!" He states.

"What a nice philosophy..." you quip.

"I know, I made it up myself!" he exclaims proudly.
>>
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Excuse me all, but I need 30 minutes to eat and take care of some things, be back.
>>
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Everyone in the hall chats amongst themselves, waiting for someone to come or something to happen.

Clack!Clack!Clack! Soon, you hear the familiar clacking of heavy shoes, different from the sound that the chairman makes as he walks with his Geta silts.

"Oh shit! Someone's coming!" Bradford exclaims.

"Those sound like business shoes, so it can't be the chairman, but then whose coming...?" you question as the clacking closes in.

The entire hall goes slient as the sound gets closer and closer, you see no figure yet you can feel their presence.

"Well whoever the hell is coming must be someone like the chairman, just his footsteps sound badass..." Bradford admires.

You're left in suspense as the clacking gets closer and closer, till it feels like it's right on top of you.

"Ohhhhhh!" the crowd goes for some strange reason.

"What? What's going on!?" Bradford questions.

"The speaker's arrived." A nearby bystander states.

You look around confused, "They have? Where are they? When they get here?" you question.

"Look there man, he's over there." The bystander points to the podium.

(What!? By the time I was looking to the entrance he already gotten to the podium!?) you think, astonished.

"This fucker's fast, I didn't notice him at all..." Bradford break out in a cold sweat.

"I know, neither did the rest of us, till we looked down." The bystander adds.

"Huh? Down?" you and Bradford say insync.

"Oh? Ohhhhhhhh." That's when you realize why the crowd had made such a sound earlier.

You were looking high, far too higher, lowering your view several inches, you notice a very, very strange figure.

He's a little green man, he looks like some kind of alien, though not the kind they show in the movies, more like the kind you would on a kids TV show, he even comes complete with the weird bobble eyes.

"...." you're left speechless.

"Holy shit man...Oh my god...Holy shit...!" Bradford on the other hand can barely contain his laughter.

He wears a classy little business suit with business shoes, though you can believe they make them in that size, it's right there in front of you.

He lowers the tall mic to his short stature, he corrects the several sheets of paper in hands (That are honestly a bit too large for him), and begins to speak.

"Ahem...Hello Dear Hunters, I've come here to say-" He speaks with what must be the most cartoonish ridiculous voice you've ever heard, you cannot believe this creature is a real thing.

And neither can Bradford, for that voice was the final straw that broke the camel's back.

"HOLY SHIT MAN! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT THING!?" Bradford shouts at max volume, loud enough for the people down the street to hear his roaring laughter.

Beans looks a little disturbed, but not deterred, "Um, Ahem I've come here today-"

"MY FUCKING GOD, WHERE DID THEY FIND THIS GUY!? HE LOOKS LIKE YOU DRAGGED HIS ASS FROM EXTRA-FUCKED DOLL MADE BY THE CABBAGE PATCH KIDS!" He shouts.
>>
>>3804760
This is great
>>
Beans is looking a little annoyed, but tries anyway, "Um, if I could have your attention please, I would like to say-"

"I MEAN SERIOUSLY! THIS GUYS LOOKS LIKE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THEY RECAST THE GREEN GIANT TO MAKE HIM A LITTLE SHORTER AND THEY HIRED FUCKING PETER DINKLAGE OR SOMETHING!"

A few gaffs and laughs choke from the bystanders, the only one not so amused is the green man himself.

"Are you satisfied now sir? Can you let me get on with my speech?" he asks.

"WAIT! WAIT! ONE MORE! I GOT ONE MORE!" He shouts.

The man sighs, "Go ahead..."

"YOU LOOK LIKE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF SHREK DIVIDED BALLS FIRST INTO A RADIOACTIVE WASTE POOL AND ONE OF TESTICLES STARTING TALKING!" He finishes.

And now the entire hall is bursting with laughter, the politeness that one constrained that has been overpowered by Bradford's crassness.

Beans looks truly annoyed, "Yes, yes, laugh at the short green man, ha, ha,ha. You know I didn't have to come out here today, I made sure to wake up extra-early for you people and this is how repay me?" He complains.

"Sorry! Sorry! We interrupted your beauty sleep right!? On your good days you probably look like the incredible hulk's left bicep!" Bradford shoots one more for the road.

"Hahhhhh...why do I even try sometimes..." He complains as he waits for the hall to settle.

A few more seconds of laughter before the quiet settles in and then The man is speaking again.

"Okay, now as I was saying before, My names is Mr.Beans-"

"Yeah you sure look like one...heheheh" Bradford whispers.

"-And I've come before you all today to congratulate you all Hunters of the 294th Exam, we are very grateful to have your competence and skill with us today!" Despite the insults he faced before, he conducts himself with pride and compose, he must be very used to being made fun of.

He checks his sheets as he continues, "This is one of the best years we've ever had, where as in previous years, only 1 or 2 people passed per Exam, or sometimes, none at all. This year, we have a record-breaking 56 applicants pass!" he exclaims.

"It was real damn hell to pull that off, so damn well better be grateful." You hear Reynauld grumble in the back.

"Now, considering you have a very busy day ahead of you all, I will keep proceedings short by saying that I will now be taking all of you on a tour of the facilities!" Beans announces.
>>
That gets the crowd excited, "I was wondering when I'd get the chance to see the whole of the lovely facility, you have my thanks, Mr.Beans..." Arztz states.

That makes Beans smile, "You're welcome! I'm going to try and make this quick, but we have a long tour ahead of us!"

Beans switches sheets and speaks again, "Within the building, there are 3 different wings! The left wing, which houses the support faclities! Within the left wing, there is the Enigneering divsion! The combat gym and the shooting range!" he explains.

"Enigneering divsion? They've got my attention..." Etheline looks excited.

"A shooting range is it?" Flourette questions.

"What? Are you excited to test your marksmanship skills?" Noell questions.

"Apologies young master, but yes, it's been a while since I've had the chance to fire freely..." She confesses.

Noell shrugs, "Feel however you like, I was just curious why you had the face of an excited pig all of a sudden."

"M-My face is piggish when excited young master?" she asks, going red in the cheeks.

"Well you always look like a pig so it makes no difference really." Noell corrects.

"R-Right young master, of course, my apologies for asking such an obvious question." Flourette states.

Bradford gets real excited beside you, "Combat gym huh? Oh that sounds like a good time right there! That's basically fancy talk for free fight center right!?" he thinks.

"I mean if you find someone stupid enough to fight with you, sure." you agree.

Bradford turns to you, "Oh, don't worry, I know someone plenty stupid!" he laughs.

You shake your head as Beans continues, "Then we have the right-wing! Which houses the Terror and Crime investigations center! And the Medical Division sector!" he explains.

Arztz eyes light up, "Medical sector? Now that sounds like the place for me! Finally a land where I'm freely allowed to save lives!"

"Terror and crime investigations? if I'm right, that's Jesper's section..." you remember, he invited you to join his division when you got the chance.

Beans continues once more, "And finally! We have the center-wing! Which houses the dining hall! And the office of the Chairman!" He finishes.

Dillion smiles, "The office of the Chairman? Now there's somewhere I would love to be."

"Ah fucking finally they're talking about food! I didn't eat shit on my way here, so I'd love a quick bite at that dining hall!" Peachnia shouts.
>>
Beans settles the crowd again, "Anyway, as you have just heard, we have quite a few areas to explore and since you all have to get together to pick your respective division and then do some introductory activities-" he says slowly to emphasis.

"We're going to get through this quickly! So I ask all of you to now vote on the wing we start with so I can begin the tour!" He exclaims.

He raises his hand, "Please your hand and put up 1 finger if you'd like to see the right-wing, 2 if left-wing, 3 if center-wing. Please start now!" he asks.

What will you do?

>Start with right-wing

>Start with left-wing

>Start with center-wing
>>
>>3804868
>Start with left-wing
>>
>>3804868
>>Start with right-wing
>>
>>3804868
>>Start with right-wing
We gotta meet our boy, Jesper
>>
>>3804918

>Start posting about left-wings and right wings and /pol/ starts recruiting in your quest 20 minutes later

Man you /pol/fags work fast don't you?

>>3804871
>>3804906
>>3804917

>Right wing wins

>Writing...
>>
You throw your hand with 1 finger raised, (If I'm gonna start anywhere, might as well be with the people that are expecting me.) you think.

Beans looks around and scans the hands, "It seems Right-wing wins by popular vote! Then let us begin the tour!"

With that, Beans steps off the podium and heads due right to a set of double doors that leads into a hall heading deeper into the building.

After a few minutes of walking, you come upon a set of wooden double doors that beans pushes open to reveal the interior of a hospital.

The walls are a mix of white tile and pleasant brown wood panels, waiting chairs sit across the walls of the rooms and you can see stairs that lead to various different part of the facility.

Beans speaks as you walk around the place, "This is the medical division, in this facility, we train medical and Health Hunters in all matters of the healing." He starts.

"We train physicians to study the human body, Veterinarians who study and research magical beasts, Surgeons who deal with field injuries, pharmacist who deal in the art of making and distributing medicines to combat diseases-" He lists off.

Arztz's happiness seems to rise with every word he hears, "Oh me, oh my...Hospitals of this size and degree are a rarity in my country, as I thought, coming to Yorbia was an excellent idea!" he sings.

Beans chimes in, "Well if you really think so young man, you should enlist for this division as soon as the tour is over, we always seem to be understaffed when it comes to Hunters who want to practice medicine or heal people." He explains.

"Oh yes I would love to! How would I go about doing that?" Arztz questions.

Beans is a little taken aback by Arztz excitement as he continues, "Well you would have to speak with the Head of the division and have them agree to take you in, unfortunately, she doesn't seem to be in today, so I'll help you enlist after the tour is done." He explains.

Arztz nods and smiles, "Yes! Thank Mr.Beans!"

Beans smiles at that, "Ah, it's nice to see someone excited to heal someone for a change! Everyone is always so quick to join combat-based divisions, they never even consider the need for someone to heal them after they're done fighting."

"Yeah but that because studying medicine is boring! Are we done here!?" Bradford shouts.

Beans eye twitches a little, but he otherwise stays composed, "I would like to show you the various floors and where all the rooms in this division are, but yes, we are starved for time, so we will move on."

"Thank god! If we stayed in here, I would've fallen asleep and they'd have to take me in for fucking Narcolepsy!" Bradford complains.

"Well, we have plenty of excitable people like yourself here this year, I'm sure all of you will become well acquainted with the layout and function of the medical division, moving on!" Beans turns around and leads you out the door,
>>
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You exit the medical Division and head back through the Hallway you entered before and you go deeper still.

Eventually, at the end of the hallway, you reach a massive mechanical door, one so big it takes you a second to realize it's actually a gate instead of a wall.

"Now what in tarnation is this?" Reynuald is the first to ask.

Dillion answers, "It's an industrial gate, huge, thick doors that can't be opened by human hands, usually they're placed in factories so no one can get in without permission, or, so things get trapped and don't come out."

"Yes, cause I'm damn sure you know a ton about trapping people in factories money-bags." Reynauld laughs.

Dillion shoots him an annoyed look as Beans walks over to the side, where some-kind of keycard scanner is, he pulls out his Hunter License and slips it in.

After taking a second to scan the card, a ringing sound beeps out and suddenly the massive gate is coming open.

"Never let anyone say the association doesn't know how to make things dramatic." Whu says with a whistle.

"Did someone say Drama!?" Suddenly, as the door opens wide, you hear a familiar pair of voices.

A pair of voices that leave you and everyone else in the crowd with a feeling of dread and despair.

"Oh Gods no, is that...!?" Noell's worst fears become a reality.

Spinning into view with a dynamic pose, the Carlton twins, Sheldon and Ami are the first thing you see as the gate opens wide.

"Ahhhhhhhhh! Why are you two here!?" Bradford shouts, voicing the crowd's thoughts.

"Where there is drama ripe for the milking, we are farmers..." Sheldon starts.

"Where there is despair to be dished out, we are the servers..." Ami continues.

They then speak in unison, "Where there is pain to be dealt, we are your dealers! We are the Dynamic Duo! We are-"

"TIRED OF YOUR SHIT!" Everyone shouts.

"Beans, I beg of you, please shut that door and trap those monsters back inside." Noell asks.

Beans sighs, "Though it seems like you all already know them, these two are Sheldon and Ami, the Carlton twins, both 1-star Hunters and direct assistants to the Head of Terror and Crime division, Jesper Myscercough." He explains.

Sheldon nods to his introduction, "Yes, we happen to be your seniors, so you best show us some respect!"

Ami nods aswell, "One word from us could cost you your careers in this place, so you better learn to polish shoes real well!"

Reynauld shakes his head, "At least they're being honest about how much they want us to kiss their asses."
>>
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And with that, while I know it's abrupt, I'm stopping the thread here and unfortunately I won't be able to continue till tuesday!

You see anons, college has restarted and I've made the terrible mistake of booking one too many subjects for the semester, one I will pay for tomorrow when I'm in school from 12:00-8:00PM!

I'll be free from tuesday on at least, but I cannot run tomorrow, so wait for my return on Tuesday, (So much for that 2-day thread finish, I'll have it one of these threads, I swear it!)

Anyway, goodnight for now, feel free to shitpost or discuss anything to keep the thread going, or don't, just do whatever you all feel!

See you soon!
>>
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"The hell are you two on about?" And just like that, the man of the hour appears, clad in his overcoat and sunglasses he wears even indoors.

"Boss!" The duo shouts.

Beans presents him to the crowd, "Yes, this is Jesper Mysercough, he is a Two-star Hunter who is famous for-"

Jesper cuts beans off by holding a hand up, which he then uses to take the cigarette out of his mouth, "Save them the long-winded introduction beans, they're here for the division, not me." he says as he turns around and walks back into the facility.

“Follow me.” He orders, bring the tour group behind him with Sheldon and Ami at his side.

Once inside, it feels like you barge your way into one of the busiest, most stir-crazy places on earth.

The room is massive, almost like an entire building unto itself, but even with all the extra-space, it still kinda feels cramped thanks to the sheer number of people running around inside it.

Computers screens typing up reports and searching camera feeds, filing cabinets with multiple open drawers, monitors broadcasting multiple news stations across the world.

But it’s not just the environment itself that seems busy, the people are too.

“We’ve got reports of a group multiple armed robbers breaking into the central bank! Hey you! Can you handle this-!?” you hear a man shout from across the room.

“Hell no! Me and my men are still dealing with the serial killing case in Hanmatten! Find someone else!” A man rebuts.

“Hey! Forget all that, we’ve located a drug den built by the James family mafia! We need a squad to bust it right now!” You hear a woman, already swamped with work typing on a computer screen, shout.

“Alright, my squad’s on it! Do we have a time limit!? We were already heading out to deal with a hostage situation so that has to come second!” a man with a group of armed men with bodyarmor says as he heads to the door.

“No don’t worry! The bust can be pushed back to later in the night, we’ve already got two other cases to deal with, so you and and another squad will-!”

As you walk through the large facility, people run around and past your group being led by Jesper.
>>
“Jesus Chirst, this place looks like a federal agency hopped up on crack rocks!” Bradford comment as he looks around amazed.

"Do you even realize the irony of that statement? Wait, don't answer that, of course you don't." you remark.

Sheldon scoffs, “Federal Agency? Don’t compare us to pushovers like those washed out, useless windbags!”

Ami turns up her nose, “Those bunch of errand boys are only useful to send us reports about everything they can’t handle! It’s a wonder how those waste of tax money manage to stay running!”

As they say that, you reach what looks to be the command center of this place, a single chair surrounded by a mass of computers that link to a multitude of newsfeeds, cameras and maps of areas all across Yorknew.

Jesper swiftly takes a seat in this chair as he continues, “Listen here kids, here’s all you need to know about this Division, we’re the guys that get shit done.” he states.

He takes a puff of his cigarette as he continues, “Unlike the rest of these support divisions, we’re the field agents, we’re the people that go in the thick of it.” he explains.

“We handle terrorist attacks, both international and domestic, murder investigations, drug busts, Toppling criminal empires and, of course, we protect the good people of the city somewhere along the way.”

He leans back in this chair, “If you couldn’t tell by all the Joes and Janes running around the place, we’re swamped pretty much 24/7, we never have too many hands on deck, cause trust me, the deck is never not covered in shit to deal with.”

Mr.Beans chimes in, “Uh, with all due respect Mr.Myscercough, I’m the one that’s supposed to be telling them all this…”

“I’m aware, but I’m also aware you’ll sugarcoat the whole thing with bureaucratic lingo and talks of duty this, mission that. All a bunch of horseshit really." He counters.

"I’m the head of this division, so let me all give you youngsters some advice, from a veteran in this field.” he starts.
>>
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“If you value your life, Don’t. Join. Us.” He knocks some ash off his cigarette as he speaks.

That gets the crowd worried, “What’s that supposed to mean?” someone asks.

Ami steps in, “Exactly what it sounds like, this Division is by far the most dangerous one! We have the highest mortality rate out of every division! The people who join usually don’t last for very long before we’re dragging them home in a bag…”

Sheldon steps in, “That’s assuming there’s enough left of them to fit in a bag sister! And even if you don’t die a gruesome death, you can bet almost everyday will be hell for you!" he states.

Ami nods," People of this division don’t get days off, or breaks, we’re on the clock 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year!”

Jesper gives the crowd a cold stare, “That’s why I recommend that any of you that feel like you can’t handle that kind of thing, go join any other division, cause this one is only for two kinds of people.” He starts.

“The stupid and the suicidal.” he finishes.

“....” After that introduction, most of the crowd is left silent.

Mr.Beans looks worried, “Uh, Mr.Myscercough, maybe you should tone it down on the grim details-”

“Oh hell yes!” Most of the crowd is anyway.

Bradford on the other-hand looks raring and ready to go, “That’s the best thing I’ve heard on this tour all day! You mean I can make it a job to kick people’s asses 24/7!? Where do I sign up!?” he asks.

Most of the crowd is left amazed at his excitement and a little disturbed, “Jeez, I wonder where it is he draws that well of energy from?” Landon questions, giggling a little.

“Where ever it is, I hope I can find it and destroy it, he’s an embarrassment to the title of Hunter.” Dillion berates.

“But he’s got the right attitude! This is the kind of job dumbasses like him are made fer. So o course he’s ready to join, I’m feeling a little excited myself!” Reynauld admires.

“Then why don’t you join him and drop dead alongside him? Would save me two headaches for the price of none.” He laughs.

“You say that, but yer joining too, I can feel it!” Reynauld counters.

“We’ll see about that…” He trails off.
>>
Jesper watches the few of you still able to talk after that intro with renewed interest, He laughs a little, “Seems we’ve got quite a few suicidal dumbasses this year. Fine, maybe this division is suited for some of you…” As he trails off you see him shoot a glance your way before continuing.

“But still, I ask you give the other divisions a chance, the less people throwing their lives away the better.” he suggests as he gets up and heads away from the group.

“Hey! Where are you going!?” Bradford shouts.

Sheldon answers, “You think the boss has time to lead a tour group around!? Unlike you all, we’re all on busy schedules!” he counters.

Ami answers, “If you’re all done gawking like a bunch of snot-nosed brats, get going will you! This isn’t a show!” they say as all three of them walk away.

“God those fucks never fail to piss me off…” Vanilla groans.

“Just don’t join the division then sister, leave dealing with stupid shit to the dumbasses.” Peachnia suggests.

With that, Beans steps to the front of the group again and speaks, “Ah, well, that’s the right-wing for you! Otherwise known as the combat-wing, for those of you looking to do more field action, please consider signing up-”

Bradford raises his hand, “Me! Me! I want to join, screw the rest of these division, I want this one!” he shouts.

Beans sighs, “Sorry Sir, but enlistment choices are after the tour, for now, I ask you all to raise your hands again and decide on the next wing we are to explore.” he orders.

Where will you go next?

>Left-wing

>Center-wing
>>
>>3808144
>Left-wing
time to go full /leftypol/
>>
>>3808144
>>Left-wing
>>
>>3808147
>>3808157

>To the left, to the left

>Writing...
>>
>20 minutes later...

Time: 1:02PM, Early Afternoon

Location: Yorknew City, Hunter Association, shooting range

After another quick vote, everyone decided that it'd be best to head to the Left-wing to take a look at all the support Division and facilities, the first of which being the shooting range.

Just like any other area in the building, the space is huge and very well-maintained.

Many, many aisles accommodate a number of Hunters, using weapons like pistols, rifles, shotguns and other small arms, the ringing of their gunfire is loud, but thankfully you were all supplied with earmuffs before entering.

You walk across the many aisles and observe the many people shooting down the long range as Mr.Beans speaks.

"This the first of the training zones in the building, the shooting range. Here, Hunters who who want to practice ranged combat are allowed to use these facilitates at any time." He starts.

He points to some cameras watching over the room, "it's open 24/7 and security is always watching to ensure nothing happens, so don't feel like you ever need to make time to practice, we of the Association encourage Hunters to always be practicing, staying at the top of their game to ensure-"

Bradford throws his head back in annoyance, "Oh, blah, blah! You always make this shit drag on man!" he interrupts.

"Excuse me?" Mr.Beans says taken aback.

"We get it, we come here to practice blowing people's heads off right!? Anything else noteworthy about this place or are we done here!?" he asks.

Mr.Beans sighs for what must be the 6th time in an under hour and speaks, "Well, yes there is one more thing, follow me."

With that he walks you over to the far end of the room where you come across a pair of twin steel doors with a sign reading Special weapons training area

"Special weapons? Whazzat mean?" Bradford questions.

"Follow and you shall find out." he says as he pushes open the steel door and you follow him in.

Once inside you enter, the first thing you notice is that you're behind some kind of screen, then you notice behind the screen, that a strange-zone of a place, much less a shooting range and more of a shooting themepark.

Several platforms, suspended high in the air, surrounded by targets, some very small, some extraordinarily big and thick, hang above you.

WHIRRRRR-BRAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Suddenly, right above you, you hear an onslaught of noise, a hellish cacophany of gunfire that sounds like 100's of men fire in unison.

You trace the source of the noise to a large man standing on one of the platforms with many targets lugging around what looks to be a gatling gun in his hands as he fires.

"What the fuck!?" you hear Bradford shouts as he watches the man open fire rapidly, tearing apart the various targets in the area in rapid succession with terrifying levels of accuracy.
>>
Mr.Beans smiles, "Welcome to the special weapons training zone! This is an area that sets the ranged weapons training done by Hunters apart from the rest of the world!" He exclaims over the sound of the galting gun firing.

"As you can see above, in this zone, you're allowed to carry in any weapon! No matter how dangerous or destructive and practice with it to your hearts desire!" he explains.

"Even goddamn gatling guns!?" Reynauld shouts in surprise.

"Or grenades launchers, RPG's, heavy machine guns, anything you can't use in the regular range, comes here for practice!" he explains.

Dillion looks over to the screen, "Okay! I understand all that! But what is this window here for!?" he asks.

"Oh that!? That's for in case-"

BRAAHHHHHHHHHH! The targets around the man with the galting gun suddenly begin to move rapidly as he fires, forcing him to change directions suddenly.

In doing so, one target hangs near your screen and opens fire against, riddling the glass with a hail of concerted fire so powerful it tear off limbs or rip a person in half.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Dillion screams in a high-pitched voice as he thinks his head has come, but the screen does not break, instead it simply shows several black spots where the bullets hit.

After that, the man with the galting stops firing and Mr.Beans continues, "-In case someone misfires at anyone entering the room." he finishes.

Reynauld laughs, "Right, great to know, but before that, money-bags, what was that shriek just now-"

"Shut up! You heard nothing, nothing happened!" he counters.

"It sounded like a little girl sucked up a balloon o helium and then screamed into an empty room-"

"Drop it! I swear to god if you don't drop it, I will use you for target practice!" he shouts.

Mr.Beans clears his throat to catch your attention, "Anyway if you would follow me again..." He says as he leads you deeper inside the facility.
>>
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Following along the screen, you come across multiple rooms also covered in screens that have many strange set-ups to them.

In one, you see a room filled with gaping holes everywhere, as you pass it by, you see a man with two pistols, sitting in it's center, waiting, until a loud noise rings and a ball with a target painted over bounces out.

He shoots it, then another that pops out behind him and another that pops in front of him.

BOOM....BOOM....BOOM! Next you pass by a room filled with all kinds of walls, some made of steel, others of plastic, others of drywall and see multiple burnmarks scattered on them all as people lob grenades or shoot rockets at them.

Mr.Beans present rooms like these to you as you walk around, "In here! We host a range of challenges that even the most experienced of marksmen would have trouble handling!" he starts.

"Ranges here test your accuracy, speed-shooting, ranging and other skills needed to become a master in all forms of ranged combat." he continues.

You then reach a room you stop at and head inside, once inside, everyone comes to a stop in astonishment.

What you see looks more like a classic gun range, but the room itself looks like it extends into infinity, from where your standing, the backwall and the targets hanging from it look so far away you have to squint to see them.

"Hot Damn!...Damn...damn..." Bradford's exclamation echoes in the distance.

"This is our sniper's course, targets start at 300 meters and go up to 3000 meters." Beans explains.

"3000 meters!?" Reynauld pulls back in surprise.

"I consider myself something of a sniper, but is there a man out there that can hit a target at 3000 meters!? Are there guns that even shoot that far!?" he exclaims.

"We wouldn't have this course if there weren't Hunters here who could shoot at such ranges, in-fact, why doesn't someone step up and take a chance? How about a target at just 1000 meters?" Beans asks, obviously to scare anyone out of trying.

Which works for the most part, most of the group is pulling back, "Ah, ah, I'm confident I can shoot straight, but I ain't no hawk friend, I can't pull that shot, save me the shame." Reynauld states.

"Well would you mind if I do it?" However, one person still volunteers, Flourette steps up much to Beans surprise.

"Are you sure? Ms...?"

"Ms. Flourette Rutland, just Flourette will do." She answers.

"Uh, well, to be honest, I wasn't being serious, I don't even have a rifle to give you-"

"Worry not-" Flourette assures as she pulls out her AWM rifle, "I brought my own." She says with a smile.

"...Well, alright then." Mr.Beans says not sure how to respond.
>>
Flourette steps up to the range, gets into an aisle and loads her rifle as she speaks, "You said 1000 meters yes? How many shots do I get?" She asks as she pulls out a few bullets.

"Um, 3 will do." Mr.Beans answers.

"Are the targets still or moving?" She asks as she loads 3 shots into her magazine and checks the cylinder to see if the bullet fed correctly.

"Well, I could make them move with this remote, but I imagine you would want them-"

"Make them move. This won't be a challenge otherwise." She orders.

Mr.Beans is taken aback, "Y-Yes, as you wish." he hits a button on a remote that causes the targets in the distance to move slowly back and forth.

"Faster, that's far too slow." She says as she looks down her sights and takes aim.

"Really? Faster Miss? Are you sure that-"

"I said. Faster." Flourette orders in a surprisingly intimidating voice.

"R-Right." Without another word, Beans hits the button again.

Even from the distance, you can see the targets nearly double in speed, to the point where your eyes have a hard time keeping track of them.

"That's good, this will work." She thanks as she readies herself.

Reynauld looks on bewildered, "What in sam hill...? Does she really think she can land a shot like that?" he asks himself.

Bradford leans over to you, "Yo Derrick man, this is badass an' all, but do you really think she can pull that shot off?" He asks.

What will you say?

> "Hard to say...guess we have to watch and see"

>"Probably not, a shot like that's just impossible..."

>"She can do it, she wouldn't have stepped if she couldn't."
>>
>>3808385
>>"She can do it, she wouldn't have stepped if she couldn't."
>>
>>3808438

>She can handle it

>Writing...
>>
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You give a look of confidence, "If she wasn't confident in her skills she wouldn't have stepped up, I'm sure she can do this." you answer.

"Good answer Derrick." Noell responds.

"You were listening spider-monkey?" Bradford questions.

"No, you two just have no sense of volume control, but regardless, good answer Derrick, I see you have an eye for talent." he compliment.

Bradford looks doubtful, "Wait a damn second, how are you two so damn certain, she's gonna make this shot?"

Noell scoffs, "Clearly you haven't been watching her work, I've had Flourette in my service for many years and over the course of those years I've learned two things." Noell states as Flourette begins to squeeze down on the trigger.

"One: That she's a disgusting woman with the mind and body of a pig." He insults, much to both your dismay.

"And two:-"

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Before Noell can speak, the shots have already been fired, the bullet whizzes out, the sound cracking over the long distance before it fades away.

After the shooting stops, the room is silent as Mr.Beans pulls out a pair of Binoculars, and checks the target.

"...Shots confirmed, 2 out of 3 landed, both shots center-mass." He confirms.

The crowd is an uproar as Flourette pulls back, "What!? Holy shit really!? She just put two shots into a target over 1000 meters away! Moving too!" A man exclaims.

Reynauld is holding his head in disbelief, "God Lord heaven...Seems like monsters do exist among us after-all..."

Whu whistles, impressed, "I've seen a lot of things in my life, but someone shooting a target that far away? Now it feels like I've seen everything."

"Well I'll be damned" Bradford nearly left speechless at the sight.

"Two: is that despite her piggish body, she has eyes that would make a falcon jealous and patience that even a statue couldn't match. She's a true sniper." Noell adds as Flourette returns to his side.

"Are you satisfied now?" He asks her.

She shakes her head, "Not even slightly, as I thought, my condition has worsened."

"Worsened!? You could do even more back in the day!?" Bradford questions.

"Far more, in the past, I've could've hit a target like at 2x the distance and 3x the speed and yet here I am struggling only landing 2 of my shots at a measly 1000 meters." She shakes her head.

"..." And now he's been left truly silent.

"I've been using close range weapons too much, I'm out of practice." She explains.

Noell sighs, "Well at least you're good enough to be a semi-decent sniper, you've certainly impressed everyone here. Derrick even said he knew you could pull it off."

Flourette smiles at that, "Did he now? Thank you for the vote of confidence Mr.Derrick, having a friend place their faith in you is always strengthening. I'm on the fast-track back to my old record!" She says excitedly.

>Both Noell and Flourette appreciate your confidence in their skills! +20 Bond to their relationships.
>>
After that whole debacle, your tour group continues on, this time heading to the gym, which, much like the firing range, is filled with people improving their combat skills.

People train using weights, lifting them off benches, the ground, up their backs and over their shoulders.

Across from them is section devoted to striking training, men train their fist by smashing them into leather bags, wood, stone, cement and other substances, to train their knuckles, better their pain resistance.

And those that do not train their bodies train their skills, sparring with others nearby in learning how to block, strike, grapple, throw. Watching the other Hunter spar, you can barely count the number of different martial arts each of them is employing.

As you get inside beans speaks, "This is the combat gym, here is where Hunters come to improve their bodies and martial prowess by training with others."

"As you can already see, we provide a large range of equipment, you are free to train your muscles, cardio, speed and skill, all in the name of surviving in the field, or really just for fun if you wish." He explains.

As Beans prattles on, you look to Bradford and speak, "Hey you're weirdly silent, isn't this the place you were hoping to come to the most?" you ask.

"I mean, yeah, but..." Bradford looks around, unsatisfied, "This place is...pretty boring." He answers.

"Boring? But people are fighting, isn't that what you want?" you ask.

He shakes his head, "No, no, no man, those guys aren't fighting, they're sparring, sure they're pulling off some intense moves, but they'd never put enough force to hurt each other. That's baby shit over there." he explains.

"Well, what more could you expect? This is a gym, not some death arena." You counter.

He holds his head to the side, "Yeah that makes sense...but what's this feeling I'm getting? I feel like there's some real crazy shit going on nearby that I just haven't seen..."

You give him a side-long glance, "What are you somekind of violence bloodhound? You're imagining things man-"

"Oh by the way." Mr Beans cuts you off.

"If for some reason you feel that simple sparring is not enough, or that you would like some real battle experience, then please, if you would follow me..."
>>
Mr.Beans leads you to a more secluded area of the room, away from the weights and casual sparring and practicing, a darker area, far away from the normalcy and sanity of the brighter one.

"Where are we going...? This place is a little creepy..." Etheline states, clearly not liking the change in atmosphere.

"-ut...bea...hi..ss" In the distance, you hear chanting, what about, you can't tell.

"Wait...is that!?" However, Bradford seems to recognize it.

That's when you come upon a single door, shaded black and made hard to notice, with a sign above it that simply reads Fight club.

Everyone looks up at that sign with a hint of worry, "Uh...This feels kinda off don't it..." Peachnia mentions.

Watts shows a wry grin, "Why do I get a feeling kinda like deju vu?"

Mr.Beans speaks again, "Good people, before we head, I am legally required to tell you that we, of the Hunter Association, do not promote violence, gambling or the endorsement of illegal fighting rings."

"Hey, wait a damn minute! Is this...!" Bradford starts riling up with excitement.

"With that said-" Mr.Beans puts a hand against the door, "Know that we are not legally liable for any disturbing sight, shocking instance or otherwise physical or mental damage you suffer from what you're about to witness. Or as the chairman would say..."

He pushes open the door and you see quite a sight.

"The faint of heart have no place in my Association" Mr.Beans quotes as you bare witness.

"Beat his ass! Knock him out!" The chanting from earlier becomes clear and loud as you see a stadium of people sitting around you, watching a bloody spectacle.

The room is concave, sinking deeper into the ground as you go further in and at the center, an arena, surrounded by a cage lies.

Within this arena, two fighters go head to head, no holds barred, bare knuckle ,or in this case, Bruised knuckle as both fighters have clearly been going at it a while.

Their heads are cracked, bleeding, their faces, swollen in several places, however it's clear they refuse to give up, because both still have their dukes up.

"What.The.Fuck." Vanilla eeks out, blown away, much like the rest of you.

Mr.Beans looks less than calm for once in the tour, "This area, you can think of as an unofficial facility of the gym. Here, two Hunters agree to fight without holding back, going so far as to even hospitalize there comrades if the fights are too intense."

"Unlike the area outside, this area was made with no safety protocols, no regards for the of health of our agents and won't appear on any maps of the building." he explains.

"What the hell is it doing here then?" you ask.

"A few years ago, a group, let's say, rambunctious Hunters found an unoccupied space of the building and decided to build this area, which they then labelled, The fight club" He explains.
>>
"DROP DEAD ASSHOLE!" Below, the sound one of the fighters shouts flies up to your group as they rush in and pound their fist into the other one's face, knocking a couple of teeth out and spilling blood.

"OHHHHHH!" The crowd goes, doubling their excitement once they catch a whiff of blood, much like hungry sharks.

Watts chuckles a wry laugh, "Oh man, this reminds me of my pit days, good times, good times..."

"Really, you consider those good times?" Whu questions.

"Hell no, it's a saying idiot, those were terrible times." Watts answers.

CRACK! Goes the sound of some bone, probably the nose, as the guy who got hit retaliates with a swift kick that sends the other guy reeling.

Vanilla cringes, "Jesus christ, isn't this kind of thing super illegal?"

Mr.Beans looks away, "Well, technically, yes, but as you know, one of the benefits of having a license is being made an exception to many rules and laws..." He explains.

SLAM! One of them headbutts the other, dealing damage to both their skulls.

"Including the ones that stop you from killing your fellow workers?" Peachnia asks.

"Okay, Listen, I didn't approve of this alright, it was the Chairman who continues to let it happen, he says it's Just Hunter's letting off some steam..."

SNAP!

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" One man screams as something vital breaks, perhaps the bones of his arms, perhaps a leg, you can't tell anything besides the fact that will take some time to heal.

"That seems like more than a little steam." Vanilla comments.

"Take your snide comments and throw them the chairman's way, if I had mine, these sorts of battles would never be allowed." He explains.

"But the chairman says, as long as both parties have consented-"

CRUNCH! With a bone crunching uppercut, the other fighter is sent into the air before toppling to the ground, beaten to the point that he can't even stand.

"Aw fuck! I had 200,000 jenny bet on that guy! Stop being such a pussy and get up!!" A man from the crowd demands, but it's already too late, the other man is unconscious and the fight is over.

"Then it's okay for Hunter's to kill each other?" Vanilla asks.

"Well, technically murder isn't allowed in the ar- You know what, sure, take from it what you will." Beans gives up.

"Just know, if you feel that simple sparring isn't enough, you may volunteer to fight here, where you can get as much fighting experience as you want." He explains.

You look to Bradford, "This exciting enough for you?" you ask.

"sniffffffffffffff" Instead of answering you, he takes a big whiff and extends his arms out.

"Oh man! Do you smell that Derrick! It's the smell of pain! Blood! Violence! It's the smell of a good day!" He says, taking in the iron-filled air in the room like it's the first breath of fresh air he's had in ages.

What will you say?

>"How can you enjoy this shit man?"

>"I guess I'll be seeing you down here a lot."

>"How about you and me go a round down there later?"
>>
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Hmmmmmm?

Did I manage to bore everyone to sleep? We're so close to the important stuff too, shame.
>>
>>3808721
>>"I guess I'll be seeing you down here a lot."
Sorry busy
>>
>>3808805

It's no worry anon, We're in no rush, not yet.

>This will be your favorite place
>>
"I guess we found your new favorite place huh buddy?" You state.

As the man who was beaten gets pulled out of the blood-soaked arena via stretcher, his face a swollen mess of pain and suffering, Bradford looks down upon the area as if he's a kid in a candy store.

"Oh you have no idea man, no idea at all!" He exclaims.

Mr.Beans looks on in disgust, "I believe we should be moving on, we've seen quite enough of this place, quite enough..." says as he leads you out of the area and far away from the bloodthirsty crowds.

>A few minutes later.

After another short walk, you find yourself in another interesting area, from the hallway, down from the combat gym, you come across a pair of large steel doors, much like the one that concealed the Terror and Investigations center.

It's much less shocking this time around and more curious than anything else, "Are these doors behind every major division place or sumthin? Do ya even need 'em? Or are they just to look cool?" Reynauld questions.

"They are mainly for security purposes, unlike other minor facilities, which are actually open to the public should they have the money to afford them, these major ones are locked off purely for Hunter use only." Beans explains as he moves to open the door again.

"Well I guess that makes sense, don't won't the commonfolk catching unto all the secret weapons we're building right?" Reynauld laughs.

Mr.Beans slots the card and speaks, "You say those words sarcastically, but you should know that the government has given us permission to make our own weaponry. We actually do have secret weapons to protect." he explains.

"Secret weapons?" Etheline recites, clearly interested.

"What really? I was just joshing, jeez, ya'll really have everythang don't ya?" Reynauld admires.

Mr.Beans smiles proudly as the door open up, "Yes, it would be no exaggeration to say we do! And that's mainly thanks to these good people you're about to meet!" he exclaims as the room comes into view.

"Oh my lord..." Reynauld's countryside mind can barely fathom what he sees on the otherside.

The door opens up to, what on first glance, you swear is a forge, as you see iron smelting, bending and being crafted by mechanical hammer and made into tools.

But then you stand corrected, it's also a robotics lab, where people fiddle with long arms that move by remote and grip like a human, or machines on two legs and four, alongside drones flying through the air.

But then you stand corrected again, it's actually a Ballistics factory, people make guns, rocket launchers, heavy machine guns, attachments like scopes, range-finders, blast extenders, bullets of all sizes and calibers.
>>
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All around you, you hear the sawing of metal, the clamping of steel, the combining of tech and the advancement of the future, but most of all.

You hear Etheline squeeing in excitement, "Oh my gosh! Oh my GOSH! is this- is this-!" with stars in her eyes, she's much too excited to even form sentences.

Mr.Beans is elated to see such genuine excitement, "Yes indeed my fair lady, this is the Engineering Division!" he exclaims.

"....." Etheline goes quiet.

"What's wrong young lady?" Mr.Beans asks.

She comes to her senses, "Oh, sorry, I was just so overwhelmed by how awesome this place is I couldn't breathe." She admits.

That brings a smile to his face, "Why aren't you just a absolutely delightful young lady!" Beans exclaims.

Meanwhile, the two mean girls in the back, Vanilla and Peachnia giggle to themselves, "Holy shit she's such a fucking nerd..." Peachnia laughs.

"The fact that the living green thumb there thinks she's cool just makes it even worse...!" Vanilla whispers.

"This is the primary Division for those want to create for a living, as you can see, we have tools for engineers in every field, robotics, computing, ballistics, architecture and many, many more!" He exclaims.

"This place is Heaven...!" Etheline is practically drooling.

"GOD she's so lame...." Peachnia gossips in the loudest possible voice.

"But she's kinda cute when she's being lame don't ya think? And this place is kinda sweet..." Vanilla compliments.

"Vani? Girl? Listen to yourself, you're losing yourself to the nerdyness, you're catching the DISEASE." Peachnia points out.

Vanilla realizes her mistake, "Oh god you're right, it's spreading!" she panics.

"Man someone really needs to just smack the stupid out those bitches back there-" Bradford suggests.

"Just leave them man, it's not worth the effort." you counter.

Mr.Beans presses on, "This area also happens to be where you can have your equipment modified and upgraded or have entirely new weapons and armor made for you!" he explains.

That gets the crowd going, "Now you're catching my attention Bean-man, you saying I can get my Raging colt a fine-tuning here?" Reyanuld questions.

"A fine-tuning, a check-up and a boosting if you wish, this division is by far my favorite, but don't let the other leaders know I said that alright?" Beans asks.

"Oh speaking of leaders, the leader for this Division-"

"Isn't here." A man's voice cuts Beans off.
>>
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That's when out of nowhere a man you've never met comes up to your group, dressed in a tacky yet classy suit, a bed of hair made up into a perm on his head, he strides in lazily as he speaks,

"Our leader isn't here, not that he ever is." The man informs you.

"Oh? Major March isn't in today?" Mr.Beans asks.

"Nah, he went off with the Med Division leader...again, well even if he was here, it wouldn't make much difference, I would have to do all the talking anyway..." The man states.

"And who might you be?" Dillion asks.

"Oh him? He's Major March's assistant, a one-star Ballistics Hunter-"

"I can introduce myself Beans." The man cuts him off, a little annoyed.

He holds his head and speaks with a sigh, "The name's Karver Crimson, as you heard, I'm a Hunter just like you bunch, just a little higher-ranked is all. I run the Armory...and this place basically." He explains.

"Wait? Karver?" Vanilla recites to herself, finally noticing something is happening outside of her bullying.

"Wait that voice? Is that you Vanilla?" Karver questions a little excited.

Peachnia looks curious, "Wait, you know this guy Vani?" she asks.

She gives him an annoyed look, "I wish I didn't...This asshole's a headache..." She complains.

"Ah don't be like that baby! Aren't we partners!? Or at least, we were anyway." He counters.

Peachnia looks taken a back, "Wait, Partners, did you date this-"

"No! No I didn't! He always phrases it like that just to make that misunderstanding, that should show how much a dick he is!" She corrects swiftly.

He laughs, "I only do it cause you're so fun to rile up baby."

"Wait, so what is your relationship?" you ask.

"We're former business partners." She states, not giving away any unnecessary details.

"Oh, I get it." you realize he's also a gun dealer then.

"Yeah, we used to work together, raking up profit back in the day. her guns were top of the line and my negotiation skills sealed the deal, we were quite a team, you and I." He explains.

"Were Karver, were" She emphasizes.

"The hell happened?" Bradford asks.

"Ugh, it's real pain in the ass to get into, let's just say there was a big deal to be done and he I had a disagreement over what should be done with the money and we decided not to work with each other cause of it." She summarizes.

"Wow, that is really omitting the details, but I guess we shouldn't hang our dirty laundry huh?" He agrees.

"Not where a bunch of assholes like these can smell it." She says, eyeing you everyone.
>>
"Anyway, just let it be known that if you wanted to meet the Major, not happening today. Sorry to disappoint you all." Karver explains.

Etheline looks disappointed, "Ah...That's a shame, I would've loved to meet the man skilled enough to lead this place, he's probably an expert in field of engineering I've never even heard of."

"Ah, again, he really isn't like that-You know what, I'll let you all figure it out when you met him for yourself." Karver says he turns back and walks away.

"Is that all you wanted to say Mr.Crimson?" Mr.Beans asked.

"Yep, get back on with your tour, I've got equipment reports to write up, summary to make, numbers to crunch, the usual, get on out of here." He explains as he walks away.

"Hm, well that guy didn't seem too terrible." You state.

"That's only cause you've known him for 5 minutes, give a few minutes more, you'll come around." Vanilla states.

"Anyway, all of you, we're reaching the end of the tour, just one last wing to explore and it's the smallest." He explains.

"The center-wing yeah?" You realize.

"Indeed, it only houses the chairman's office and a cafeteria, let's see, by a show of hands, which of these two sections would you like to see first?" Mr. Beans asks.

Where will you go?

>Straight to the Chairman's office

>Go to the cafeteria first.
>>
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And with that I'm stopping for tonight, I'm leaving this vote till tomorrow

This is taking much longer than I expected, I know that sounds stupid for me to say, considering I'm the one writing all this, but all of these sections are vital to both gameplay and story and introducing each aspect is taking far more words than I expected.

Either way, we're hitting the truly important stuff tomorrow for sure, I'm happy to say main story stuff is coming soon, so look forward to it!

See you all tomorrow!
>>
>>3809025
>Straight to the Chairman's office
>>
>>3809014
>>Go to the cafeteria first.
Might as well save the chairman for last
>>
>>3809014
>>Straight to the Chairman's office
>>
>>3809036
>>3809159
>>3809234

>Let's go visit the chairman!

>Writing...
>>
Time: 2:02 PM, Afternoon

Location: Yorknew City, Hunter Association, The Chairman's office

After taking a walk from the left wing, you head back towards the lobby and then head up an extremely long flight of stairs, that was absolute hell to climb up.

Not at all owing to the fact that in addition to you having to climb what must have been over a 100 floors worth of stairs, but also the fact that you had to do it with a 50 other people, each more impatient than the other.

As you all reach the top, you sight a single, beautifully carved wooden door with a sign reading Chairman's office, however, you don't go straight in, reason being...

You're all deathly exhausted.

Dillion drops to his knees, sweat dropping off his face, "Pant, pant Oh god...I thought the torturous exercise ended after the Exam..."

Arztz holds his knees while trying to catch his breath, "This much cardio...without proper preparation, is very...very bad for the lungs...very unhealthy..." He warns.

"Curse the devil the devil! Don't you damn city folk usually have elevators for this kinda thang!?" Reynauld questions as he holds himself against a wall to stay standing.

Mr.Beans looks just about ready to topple over himself, wheezing, he speaks, "We...hahdo...but we couldn't, haah fit all 50 inside so...we had to go the...hahhh... the long way." He explains.

"So it's the number of people huh? Just say the word...I can bring it down by at least 40..." Peachnia uses her bat as support as she threatens.

Mr.Beans shakes his hands, "Please no violence! Haaah! we've all spent, haaaahhh enough energy as is...Oh god I think I need my inhaler..."

Bradford, dripping with so much sweat his suit looks like a wet towel, points at Beans angrily, flicking some liquid at him, "You shove your inhaler up your Bean Burrito-flavored poopchute later! Just let us inside already!" He demands.

Mr.Beans obeys as he walks slowly over to the door, "Right...Right...I'll...Oh gosh I'm going faint..." he complains.

"Oh you goddamn lopsided bean-sprout! I swear if you drag this out I'll make veggie meat out of your-!"

"I'm doing it! I...just...need a minute..." He pants.

You wipe off a thick film of sweat off your face, "Does the chairman walk up these stairs everyday? That can't be possible..." you think.

"Maybe he just really likes the exercise..." Etheline suggests.

"That's insane! He'd have a heart attack and drop dead by the 50th floor!" You assert.

"Death...haha...Oh man...that sounds super nice right now..." Etheline , who appears to be going faint from the heat starts talking crazy.

"Hpmh, you all lack training." Noell berates as he stands around, perfectly normal, not a drop of sweat on him or Florette.

"How the fuck are you fine!?" Bradford asks.

"We've marched longer distances in the hot summer sun for practice, this is child's play, you all are simply weaker than children." Noell counters.
>>
"Oh fuck off! All I know is, seeing that old shitbag again better be worth all this bullshit, I had enough of this during the damn Exam...." He counters.

As Bradford says this, Mr.Beans finally finds the willpower to open the door and let's you all inside.

As you enter the office, the first thing you feel is the blessed winds of an A/C baring down on you, alleviating you of the hellish heat that plagued you.

After that, you notice that you've just entered one of the cushiest offices you've ever seen, cushions and modern couches sit in one corner of the room, on the other, a long window that stretches all the way across the room, allowing one to watch over the entire city with a single glance.

There's a long desk with a leather swivel chair behind it, clearly where the leader of this place is to sit and yet, the only thing you don't see, is the chairman himself.

"Uh...where is he!? Where's the chairman!?"Someone questions.

"Don't tell me climbed that mountain of stairs for fuck all!" another complains complains.

"Oh he damn well better be here, or else I'll roasting Beans over there on spit for dinner!" Bradford threatens, making Mr.Beans flinch.

"Please no threats! I'm sure he's here! I was with him this morning, he must be hiding somewhere-"

"Fret not, young ones, I am here..." Suddenly, the voice of the chairman echoes through the room.

Everyone looks around confused, "What!? Where is he! I can't see him!" The frightened crowd asks.

"If one is lost, they must look first to the heavens to find a way..." Netero recites in a mystic voice.

"What!? What does that mean!? I'm not lost! You are dumbass!" Bradford counters.

"We are all lost, young lamb, we all have yet to find our way in life..." He quotes again.

"The only thing I'm losing is my fucking patience for this crap! Where the fuck are you!?" Peachnia asks.

"Oh for the love of...look up!" Netero demands.

You all do just that, and look up towards the surprisingly tall roof of the room and see Netero there, standing, upside down on the roof, seeminingly defying gravity.

"How is he...doing that...?" The crowd can barely believe their eyes.

"Is he flying or something...? Is that sort of thing even possible?"

Netero laughs, "Say not such things child, one can even defeat the laws of gravity with enough power, you see but a fraction of my ability-"

"HOLY SHIT! THE OLD MAN IS MAGIC! COOL!" Bradford shouts excitedly.
>>
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Netero looks annoyed to be interrupted, "It is not magic per se, it is-"

"How is floating like that! I wanna do that! Come down and teach me you old windbag!" Bradford demands.

Netero frowns, "I am trying to teach you but you keep-"

"Are you using wires or some shit!? This better not be like that other douchebag magic guy who keeps trying to fly! What was his name again? Chris Mingel? He called himself Mindfag or something?"

Netero sighs, "I see you're not intent on stopping..."

Mr.Beans nods, "Trust me, it's been all day with him I swear, just come down, Sir."

"Fine, fine." With that Netero proceeds to drop from the roof, correct himself with a flip in the air before landing on his feet like a cat.

"So this is the chairman huh? He's as amazing as the rumors say..." A man whispers.

Another person nods, "Yeah, that wall trick was amazing, however he pulled it off."

Another gives a scrutinizing look, "Yeah, that was cool and all, but how long was he just standing on that roof waiting for us?" he asks.

"Hey that's a good question! How long were you up there!?" Bradford questions.

Netero returns to his leather chair with a sigh, "I don't know, I was expecting you at least an hour ago, so perhaps 2? I haven't been keeping track."

"You were standing up there, upside down, for 2 hours?" you ask.

He nods, "I read a very interesting book while I was waiting." he answers.

You shake your head, "I can't tell what I'm more impressed by, the fact that you managed to deal with blood rushing to your head for 2 hours, or the fact that you had 2 hours to waste on standing on a roof..." you wonder.

Netero gives you a flaky look as he picks his ear, "It's not like I've got anything better to do! Ever since this new structure got put in place, I don't even get to go out in the field anymore! I've got nothing better to do!" He complains

Mr.Beans gasps, "That is not true! You have numerous reports to be stamping chairman! We have so many recruitment reports to check for these new Hunters, don't tell me you've been slacking again-!"

"Ah shut up! I should be stamping out enemies! Not papers, I hate being stuck in this stuffy office all day, but since you won't let me leave, I'm trapped here! Bored out of my mind!" he explains.

"These reports and papers you're stamping are vital to the Associations continued business, it is your role as chairman to be respectable and prudent in all things-"

Netero plugs his ears, "Ah, nag, nag, nag! I swear that's all I hear from you! When did you become my mother!?" He complains.

"My word, sometimes it is just a chore with you..." Mr.Beans shakes his head.

The crowd seems much less impressed now, "This is our chairman? The legendary warrior? Greatest Hunter who ever lived?" One man questions.

"He talks and acts like a 10-year old..." Someone else notes.
>>
Netero points to the people in the crowd, "Hey I can hear you! Don't you talk down to me! You would be fed up too if you got forced into a gloried office job! Ah! I can't stand to see anymore papers!" He complains.

Mr.Beans sighs as he speaks, "This is Chairman Netero, as you all probably know by now, he's the 12th and current chairman of the association, a three-star Hunter and one of the greatest and most well respected Hunters to ever live." He explains.

"You forgot to put was before all that babble Beans..." Netero puts his head and sighs.

"The only time I ever get deployed for battle is when the threat is so great that all our other Hunters can't handle it and that hasn't happened in years." He explains.

He then looks to you all, "Likewise, all of you new youngsters probably won't see much of me outside speeches and news broadcasts." He starts.

"The heads of the divisions will give you your missions, so the only time you'll be seeing me is before either a very important mission, or when I get bored and decide to mess with you." He explains.

"Well at least he's honest about it..." Someone mentions.

Netero then brings up a stack of paper and speaks, "If you understand, then please continue onwards, as my nag of a secretary has said, I have much paperwork to deal with, no fun for this old man today..."

Mr.Beans turns his nose up, "I'll have you know I take being called a nag as a compliment, it means I'm just doing my job Sir."

"Can you please get out of here!" Netero shoos you all away.

With that, the whole crowd heads out the door and back to the long staircase, "Oh dear lord, not again..." Dillion dreads.

"Don't worry, people often say the trip back is usually shorter, then the trip forward." Arztz assures.

"People also often lie, trust me, I know from experience." Dillion counters.

"Ah wait! Is a Hunter by the name of Derrick among you!?" Just before you all head out the door, Netero calls for you.

"Hm?" you stop and face Netero.

Netero gives you a serious look, "After you're done with your activities for the day, come see me, we have something to discuss."

"Something to discuss...?" you question.

He nods his head, "Indeed."

What will you say?

>"Can't we talk about it now?"

>"Understood, I'll be there."
>>
>>3810113
>"Understood, I'll be there."
>>
>>3810144

>Got it boss.

>Writing...
>>
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You nod, "Sure, I'll come by when I've got time."

"Please do so and let me be very clear about something..." He gives you a piercing stare.

"You must come, alone" He repeats.

"...." you don't know what to say, but nod anyway.

"Okay, you may go." Netero finishes.

As you exit the room, you're left with confusion and slight anxiety, (Something to discuss? What could want to talk to me about? From the way he looked at me, must've been something very important...) you think.

"Ohhhh, you're in troubleeee!" Bradford sings and laughs.

"What are you a grade-schooler? I'm not getting called to the principals office for being naughty alright." you counter.

"Yeah keep telling yourself that buddy, you sure you didn't do something to piss that guy off?" he asks.

"You should be asking yourself that question, not me." you counter.

"The hell have I done? I've been a good boy all tour!" He exclaims.

You give him the stink-eye, "Are- are you being sarcastic right now? I can't tell..."

"Why would you even ask that!? I'm always serious man! Even when I'm not!" He answers.

"...For such a simple idiot, you're real hard to get a read on sometimes, you know that?" you state.

>30 minutes later...

After another impossibly long walk down the stairs and the few minutes you all took to break after them, you're all gathered up in the lobby again.

"Hey, guide! Aren't we supposed to the cafeteria now?" A man asks.

Mr.Beans speaks as he checks a tiny watch under his suit, "We were supposed to, but unfortunately, we've just run out of time."

"Run out of time? Time for what?" Someone asks.

"Time for me to be giving you all a tour is gone. I have a busy schedule you know? I can't spend all day just walking around with you. We'll have to give up on the cafeteria." He answers.

"Oh come the fuck on! That was the one part of the tour I was looking forward to damn it! I'm hungry!" Peachnia complains.

"Nevermind that, what are we supposed to do now?" Whu asks.

"It is now time for you all to begin your daily training session." he answers

"Training session? What kind of training? And From who? you?" you question.

Mr.Beans shakes his head, "No, not from me, you'll be getting taught by-"

"Me."

"Huh?"

Everyone looks over to the front entrance of the building to see a man, walking in, his heavy boots thudding against the ground as he comes closer.

The first thing you note about this man's profile is how intimidating it is, despite being rather short, probably only 5'7", his cold, deathly eyes still give you the chills.

He carries with him a sniper rifle in one hand while his other hand corrects a, long, loose, piece of his hair that keeps flying into his face.

"I'm the one that will be training you...I'm pretty sure." He stops before the crowd and explains.
>>
"You're pretty sure?" Watts questions.

"Well, I'm not exactly clear on the details, but I think I remember I'm supposed to train some recruits today? Right?" he asks.

Mr.Beans nods, "Yes you are Mr.Okabe, and are you just getting here? You were supposed to arrive over 4 hours ago..."

"Sorry, I forgot that I was supposed to be in work today, real sorry, Mr....uh..." He trails off.

"Beans. Mr.Beans, Mr.Okabe." he reminds.

"Yeah! Beans, that was your name! I remember now!" he states.

"This guy is our trainer? I don't mean to be rude, but he seems a little...absentminded." Etheline comments.

"Seems high off his ass is what you mean. This guy looks like he just got off a flight to Mars." Vanilla states.

Reynauld squints at the man, "Wait, that uniform...were you in Bergerosse?"

The man looks confused, "Bergerosse? Where is that again? I forget, it's a place right?" he questions.

Mr.Beans steps in, "You are correct in your guess. This man's name is Shinkai Okabe, a native from Jappon who's been in the service of the Yorbian military since the days of Bergerosse, he's a veteran with a plethora of combat experience and is a one-star War-Hunter." Beans introduces.

Reynauld laughs, "A jap huh? I knew a few fought in the war, but I never met one that survived! How are you doing friend?"

"Huh? A war? Oh yeah, there was a war wasn't there. I forgot I fought in that, slipped my mind." He remembers.

Reynauld looks baffled, "Fighting in the war...Slipped yer mind...?"

"Yeah, that happens a lot with me. But I remember it clearly now, really sucked." He agrees.

Reynauld gives a wry laugh, "Being able to just forget the war...ah man, I envy you..."

Mr.Beans chimes in, "I should mention, Mr.Okabe happens to suffer from memory problems. He often forgets things like dates, names, faces and appointments."

"Is he suffering from Alzheimers?" Arztz questions.

"A minor case yes, nothing that affects his work performance too much-"

"My main problem is just that I can't remember the faces or names of most people I meet. I don't believe that's my memory failing me though, I just think most people are too boring to remember." he explains.

"Well isn't that a little rude." Dillion comments.

"I only say that cause I remember the people that stand out to me. Leave a big enough impression and I'll remember your name and face...50% of the time anyway." he explains.

Dillion laughs, "I'll try my best to be interesting then, you can count on that."
>>
"Yeah...but that's enough chit-chat..." Okabe's tone clearly changes as he says that, a certain, dark tenseness takes his voice.

"We've got work to do today, all of you, follow me, I'll take you to our training grounds..." He says as he walks and leads the way.

"I guess that means I can take my leave..." beans begins to head off, but turns back to address Okabe.

"I trust that you remember which way you're leading the recruits? Correct Mr.Okabe?"

"Oh shut up...uh...whatever your name is again, I may forget the faces of the people I meet, but I never forget the paths I've walked." He declares.

>30 minutes later...

Time: 3:00PM, Afternoon

Location: Yorknew, Hunter Association, Training field

Half an hour after all that, you and everyone in your tour group is lined up in a thick grassy area with many different training implements, tires to jump, through, mud with barded wire over it to crawl through, what looks to be a huge wall to climb over.

You've all been lined up by, rank and file and told to hold your arms behind your backs as Shinkai paces back and forth in-front of you all.

He gives each and other one of you a soul-crushing glare as he speaks, "Welcome! All of you! To your very first training session!" He starts.

"You see, one of the few rules we have here at the Association, is that Hunters must be strong and must always strive to be stronger! So it for that reason, that for the next 8 hours, you all will be going through intensive training with me!" He shouts.

"8 hours!? Oh Jesus Chirst..." Someone from the crowd groans.

Okabe laughs, "Does that number scare you? It shouldn't. This is basic training, Hunters with harder regiments spend up to several days, doing nothing but training, without getting even a wink of sleep."

"Though allow me to say, don't think that just because this is basic training, that means this is easy training." He explains.

"Far from it, the first few days are always the worst for new recruits, or as the people who lived through it call it, the first week of hell" He explains.

The crowd begins to sweat and worry as the explanation continues.

You on the other-hand are filled with a sense of deja-vu, (Oh man, Rickard used to do this bootcamp act with me a bunch too...this is kinda nostalgic...) you think.

As you think that, you feel something nudge your shoulder, you look over to see Bradford pulling back his elbow, "Hey...Hey man!" he says in his best whisper.

"Shut it man, we're in training, you know the trainer will give us shit if he catches us talking." you state.

"Yeah, I know alright. But I just remember something okay! Remember the party?" He asks.

"Yeah, despite all I had to drink, I do." you answer.

"Okay, so i was just thinking how bullshit this all is and there's a thousand things I'd rather be doing and then it popped into my mind!" He mentions.

"What did?" you ask.

"Your friend Janet's Tits! That's what!" He answers.
>>
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You cringe, "Goddamn it man, is now really the time for this-"

"No, no hear me out man! This isn't what you think! So I was remember your friend's massive tits and then it hit me! I'd seen them somewhere before!" He states.

You give a confused look, "You did? Well that's probably because you've seen her perform elsewhere." you suggest.

"She goes out and performs?" Bradford questions.

"Yeah, Janet doesn't just sing at our bar, she's a pretty big time singer on her own, she sometimes goes on tour for weeks, even months at a time before coming back. Hell, I think she went on one just a few days ago, haven't seen her since." You explain.

Bradford doesn't look convinced, "You sure man? I don't think that's where I saw them." he states.

"Where do think you saw them then?" you ask.

"Well, back during the Hunter Exam actually." He answers.

"What? During the Exam? How?" you ask.

"I don't know if it was all the alcohol or how dark it was in that bar, but I'm pretty sure of it now that I remember her face- or- now that I remember her huge bust." He explains.

"But that makes no sense, she didn't apply to the Hunter Exam and I never saw her, what are you talking about?" you ask.

"No man, not as an applicant, I remember, she was the chick who-"

"Now! Before we get into the main training, I have to introduce my assistant!" Shinkai interrupts your talk and catches your attention.

And when you look over, your attention is caught, that it is.

Shinkai gestures to a woman next to him, "This woman is a fellow Hunter and an Expert in Nen, she will helping me instruct you over the course of your training-"

"No way...." The woman you've met before, though her hairstyle and clothes are different, you would never forget the size of her, two, giant-

"Her name is Alice Young and I ask that you give her a warm welcome." Shinkai finishes as the woman you thought you knew as Janet Ringer gives the crowd a stern look and speaks.

"I will be teacher for the next few months, I hope that just because I treat you strictly, doesn't mean you will come to look at me coldly." She states.

"I'm quite nice, once you get to know-" As she speaks those words, her eyes scan over to you, stop for a moment, surprised, before recovering and bringing back her cool gaze.

"-The real me"
>>
While you're left starstruck, Bradford remembers, "Yeah, her! Alice from the 2nd test! The one with the enormous tits and even bigger-"

"Mr.Bradford!" Janet, or Alice, you don't know anymore gives Bradford a piercing stare.

"I believe it's quite rude to gossip about someone while you're still in their presence. Perhaps you would like me to join the conversation?" She asks in a tone that rings of death and fury.

"Eeep! N-No, I never said a t-thing Madam!" Bradford whimpers.

"That's what I thought. As for you, Mr.Holums." She looks your way.

"I suppose you and me will have to talk, once we find a moment to ourselves." She declares.

"....." you can't find words respond.

Okabe looks on a little confused, "You have history with some of the recruits?" he asks.

"Something like that, you needn't worry about it for now. Continue." She states.

"Alright then..." He turns away from her and raises a finger as he speaks.

"Now! Before we begin, I have one question! How many of you here can see what's above my finger!?" He questions.

The crowd murmurs in confusion, "Above his finger?" you wonder as you stare there.

That's when you see something strange, a glow of energy is flowing around him, culminating towards and up to his finger, which then comes together to form a skull.

(Is this...Nen?) you realize.

"Huh? The fuck am I supposed to be seeing? The trees? The fucking sky!?" Bradford rages in confusion, unable to see as you do.

"By a show of hands! How many of you can see what's above my finger!?" He asks.

You and a few other people, including Landon, Literalli Whu and Watts raise their hands.

"Huh!? You can see something!? What is it! Tell me man!" Bradford demands.

"It'd be super hard for me to explain alright, you're better off not asking..." you trail off as you notice the others who raised their hands.

(I already knew Landon had Nen, but Whu and Watts as well Huh? They're really full of surprises huh.) You're a little surprised.

"Only about 25 huh? Okay, all of you that raised your hands, follow me! The rest of you are going to watch!" Okabe demands as he leads you deeper into the training zone.
>>
"Oh noooo, I have no idea what the fuck you guys saw, but I'm glad I didn't see it, looks like you're first on the chopping block man!" Bradford states.

"Oh don't make it sound so bleak, It can't be that bad, can it?" you question.

>A few moments later...

What you're led over to is far from a pleasant sight, before you lays a path pulled from Hell itself, searing red and scalding with anger, a path of coals, super-heated and laid on the ground spans at least 8 meters in-front of you.

"Alright! This is your first test recruits! Cross this path, suffering no burns and you'll have cleared the first exercise!" He orders.

"Excuse me? You want us to cross a path of burning coal...unburnt?" Landon questions.

"Yeah. Oh also, you have to do it while handstanding." He orders.

"Is that a part of the exercise?" someone asks.

"Nah, I just think it would be fun." He answers.

"....", You, along with the 20 other people he pulled, are left regretting raising your hand.

(This is far worse than anything I could've imagined.)

"Line up in order and go ahead and start walking! We don't have all-day!" Okabe orders as you file yourselves into a line.

"Alright good! Who's going first!?" He asks.

Landon, at the front of the line, looks bewildered, "Oh my, this is quite a first time we're having here, usually you're to treat virgins in exercise gently, but I see you like it rough." he jokes.

"Rough and hard, just like life friend. Now get walking." Okabe brushes off his joke and orders.

"Fine, fine, I best do this quickly..." With that Landon steps up and takes off his gloves.

Getting down, he puts his hands to the floor and lifts himself into the air and faces the burning coal path.

"...." A few moments before he begins moving though, he concentrates and you notice energy flowing around him, surging towards his hands.

Once the energy has settled there, Landon lays his hand on the first coal.

FIZZZZZZ You hear a searing sound, like something being cooked on a grill.

"Oh dear god! That's terrible!" You hear someone from the crowd shout as they all pull back in 2nd-hand pain.

"This training course is no joke huh..." Everyone looks terrified as Landon presses on, one hand after the other on the coal path.

Which makes sense, from their perspective, it just looks like he's getting terribly burnt, but from yours, you can see no real damage is being done.

"Gah...!" While smoke rises off Landon's hands, as he pulls them up, you see there's barely a burn on them, while a little damage is still being done, it's being significantly mitigated.

Eventually, Landon crosses all 8 Meters, pulling back his energy as he returns to his feet, he stretches as he speaks, "Is that good Okabe?" he asks.

"Excellent, you've passed. You can join the crowd and watch." He congratulates

"Thank you!" He says as he prances over and joins the crowd.
>>
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The crowd is curious and disturbed by the lack of pain being shown on Landon's face, "Hey man, how are your hands, shouldn't you be rushing to the medical division or something?" A man asks him.

Landon cranes his head at him, "No, I'm fine!" He shows them his hands, which are more red from the heat than burnt.

"The hardest part was honestly just keeping my balance, I'm not very good at handstanding..." He explains.

"O-Oh, okay then..." The people don't understand, but seem to have lost interest in questioning.

Instead they just watch as one after another, other Hunters complete the same feat, others receiving worse burns than others, but so far, none getting them so bad that they need medical attention.

Before you realize it, it's your turn, you stand before the path of burning coals and find yourself having wonder what brought you to this place.

(What bad decision in life did I make to end up having to handstand over burning coals? Was it being born, it was probably being born.) you realize.

"What's wrong recruit? Aren't you going to do it?" Shinkai asks.

"Yeah, I'm going..." You answer as you formulate a strategy.

(Well no point in fretting over it now...Clearly I need to use Nen to get past this, but I'm not very experienced in even dealing with this mystic bullshit...) you realize.

(let's see, how can I do this...?)

What will you do?

>Pump the engine full, focus as much Aura around your body as possible and move.

>Focus the flow, try and put energy mainly into your hands and cross.

>Reverse the flow, the moment your hands hit the coals, place your aura over them like a mat and move across it.
>>
>Focus the flow, try and put energy mainly into your hands and cross.
>>
>>3810493
>Reverse the flow, the moment your hands hit the coals, place your aura over them like a mat and move across it.
>>
>>3810498

I would usually just take this vote and move on, but unfortunately I need at least 2 other people before I continue, so I shall keep this vote going till two more people roll in.

Hopefully I haven't scared them all off with walls of text, I do apologize for that by the way, I'm trying my best to minimize the verbosity here, but clearly I am failing.

Anyway,

>waiting...
>>
>>3810493
>>Reverse the flow, the moment your hands hit the coals, place your aura over them like a mat and move across it.
We're an Emitter, this is what we specialize in. If I had to guess the first one would be Enhancement and the second would be Transmutation
>>
>>3810498
>>3810535
>>3810600

Sorry for the wait, and good choice anons.

>Reverse the flow

>Roll 1d100 (no bonus)

>DC: 60
>>
Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>3810645
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>3810645
>>
>>3810650
>>3810678
>>3810688

>Rolled 71

>Over a burning sea...

>Writing...
>>
At first, you try and flow the energy much the same way Landon did, pushing it up your arms and keeping it around your hands.

You quickly realize this is impossible for you, as the energy you pump goes all over the place, popping up and depressing, opposite to your commands.

(Shit! I can't control the flow, I just don't got the experience in this stuff...) you realize.

(Moving it around is hard...And if I just try and pump tons of power into it to compensate, I feel like I might just end up exploding, this stuff is volatile.) you notice.

(How I am supposed to get across this thing when I can't control the flow around my body...wait, around my body?) That's when an idea strikes you.

(Maybe I'm thinking about it wrong...Maybe I don't need to flow my energy around my body, maybe I can-)

"Are you going to have us wait all day recruit?" Okabe hurries, growing impatient.

"Sorry, I'm going now..." Realizing you have no more time to think, you get on your hands and begin to put your idea to the test.

Once you get your balance, you steady your heart as you ready yourself, (Okay, this might be super stupid, but if this works...)

Instead of trying to control the flow around your body, you just push energy into the palms of your hands, it doesn't matter how much, just that it's there.

(Okay! Okay! Here we go-!) You then work up the courage to place your hand atop the coals.

FIZZZZZZZZZZ! The burning begins right away, a sizzling sound rings close to your ears as you make contact with the coals.

The crowd cringes in unison, "Oh no...I just can't get used to this...It's giving me flashbacks of home..." Arztz says in a pained voice.

"I can't stand that prick, but even I have to say this is a bit much." Vanilla states.

"Oh no...Derrick..." Etheline looks on with worry.

However, strangely enough, everyone else is more worried for your safety than you are.

"Oh...whoa..." You simply feel amazed as you see your plan work.

The moment your hands made contact with the coals, the film of Aura you placed on your palms spread out, creating small platforms on the coals for you keep your hands hovering just above the heat.

(This is incredible! I can't believe that worked!) You burst with excitement inside.

"Hmmm...Interesting..." Okabe looks down at you with a renewed interest.

"I...I'm..." you don't know what to say.

"Well don't stop on my account. keep going." he orders.

"...Right!" You comply as you trace your way across the coals.

The walk is slow and the heat is intense, hanging your face just above what might be either a grizzly death or a very bad face scar is an experience to say the least.

But at the same time, you feel calm, you feel in control, with each step you take, the platforms protect you from any real danger, the most you feel on your palms is a little heat that gets through the sheet of Aura.

All along the way, Okabe follows you, watching your technique closely, unlike the others who attempted this.
>>
Before you know it, you've reached the end and you're touching soft, warm grass.

"...."You make it back to your feet, barely a burn on you and you don't even know how to feel.

"Recruit. Look at me." Okabe catches your attention.

"Y-Yes?" you respond.

"Tell me. Where'd you learn Nen?" He asks.

"Uh...That's..." You're not sure you should answer.

"You'd rather keep that private? Understandable, answer this instead. How long have you been a Nen user?" He asks.

"Oh, uh, at least a month now." You're rolling a little high, but in give or take a week, it'll have been a month.

"Just a month..." Okabe looks taken aback by this.

"Is something the matter?" you question.

He turns away from you, "Alice, what do you make of this?" He asks.

She gives you an analytic look, "I find the claim hard to believe, but from the sloppy way he was distributing his aura, he's probably telling the truth. The kid's a newbie." She states.

She then smiles, "That being said, he shows great promise, not only thinking up that technique but being able to pull it off what I can only presume is his first try..."

"If I had to pin him in one word...Amazing is all I can say. He must be a born Emitter." She answers.

"Ah, an Emitter, now it makes sense." Okabe now understands.

You completely do not though, "Uh, Emitter, what's that mean? And how am I one? Did I do something crazy or something?" you ask.

Okabe smiles, "You can say something like that, let's just say I'm very impressed by you, uh...What's your name?" He asks.

"Derrick Holums." You answer.

"Derrick...Derrick...I'll remember that name, you've caught my interest." He says with a happy grin.

"Ah...Thanks." You say, not quite knowing if that's a good thing or not.

>Your employing of Aura outside your body has given you insight into new means of manipulating your aura.

>20% progress made on Hatsu training!

>10% progress made on emission mastery training!

Alice smiles as well, "Let it be known I've been interested from long before this, but I believe I've fallen for you a little more because of this." she says.

"Uh, Janet, you-"

"Shhhh." she puts her finger up to quiet you.

"Leave it for later, you must have many questions, but don't worry, due time. For now, your next lesson will be with me, so just get ready." She gives you a playful wink as she walks away.

"...." Things have been very confusing all day and you feel it's only gonna get worse from here on out.
>>
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>2 hours later

After you, a bunch of other people went, most of which got through fine, expect one guy who panicked mid-way through the walk and screwed up his Aura flow.

Fortunately they said the burns on his face and body were light and would fade in time, leaving only minor physical scarring, making most the damage mental.

People tried their best to ignore the scent of burnt human flesh (Which smells weirdly like bacon...), As Alice gathers everyone around a pulled up board she has in the middle of the field.

On this board, a drawing of a hexagon with the words: Enhancer, Emitter, Transmuter, Conjurer, Manipulator and specialist.

Walking up to this board and facing the crowd, Alice speaks, "Now, many of you who watched the previous spectacle are probably very confused as to what you just saw."

"You're telling me!" A multitude of people shout.

Alice calms them down, "Yes, yes, but don't fret, what you just saw is another vital part of being a Hunter. In-fact, it is written right in the Hunter ten commandments, that you must know what this is mysterious power is." She explains.

"We have ten commandants specifically for Hunters?" Literalli Whu questions.

"They're also called the 10 hunter bylaws, you'd all do well to learn them, as if you break any of them, you will be branded a traitor to the Organization and either removed or hunted yourself." She explains.

Bradford looks annoyed, "Wait, so I get his license that lets me break most normal laws...But then I get 10 more laws that I can't break? What the fuck was the point then!?" He complains.

"If you think Hunters are above the Law, you'd be sorely mistaken, we, more than any other citizen are the ones that must most closely follow the law."

Alice gives the crowd a soul-piercing gaze, "As we are the ones with the greatest potential to break it and with it, the very fabric of society. Those with power are obligated to use it, not abuse it, is that understood?" She asks.

The crowd nods to her orders, you do as well, but you can't help but think this feels nothing like the woman you know.

The Janet you knew was playful, cheery, talked like a complete dumbass one second, a very horny one the next.

This one is stern, hard, strong-willed and has this powerful, commanding aura of respect about her, it's uncanny, the switch of face almost gives you whiplash.

(Which face is her real one...?) you wonder.

"Anyway, back to the lesson!" She points back at the board.
>>
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"Now for those of you that don't know, that power you just bore witness to, we call that mysterious power Nen." She begins.

"Nen? What?" Someone from the crowd goes.

"Nen is a little hard to define, but basically, you can think of it as a force made from the life energy of living beings." She starts.

"It resides in anything that draws breath, a power that, as far we know, seems to be capable of doing anything, within certain restraints and limitations of course." She explains.

"We call this energy Aura and those who can utilize this energy, Nen users." She explains.

She then points at her chart, "There 6 categories a Nen user falls in, differentiated by the style and way they use their power."

"Enhancers, as their name states, enhance or empower their bodies, their senses, objects they hold...Strengthening them, giving themselves superhuman strength, speed, sight or otherwise."

"Likewise, Transmuters, covert their auras, Manipulators control their aura, Emitters separate their auras from their bodies and maintain it over long distances, and so and so forth."

"I would go into detail, but before you can be taught all of this, those of you who have yet to awaken their aura, must be made to train in that regard and those who are only starting, must train to master the 4 basic principals." she explains.

She then draws on the board with a nearby marker, "According to the Shingen-Ryu school, those are: Ten, Zetsu, Ren and Hatsu. These 4 basic skills are the fundamentals by which all other Nen abilities stem and will be the training we focus on today, along with awakening training for those that have not unlocked yet."

She then looks back to you all, "Now with all that out of the way, any questions before we begin?"

People look at each other with a mix of confusion and disbelief, "Life energy? Power within? Ten, Ren, Men, Ben!? What the fuck are you even saying!? What is this mystic guru sounding bullshit?" Bradford questions.

Dillion nods, "While I wouldn't put it so crassly, I must agree, this sounds completely nonsensical, there isn't hint of science behind anything you are say." He counters.

"That is where you are wrong. Nen may seem like magic, but it is, in-fact a science and we Hunters, are the scientists." She counters.

"Besides, you all saw the display earlier did you not? You saw something with your own eyes yet you deny it? That doesn't sound very scientific." She counters.

Dillion shakes his head, "I don't know what I saw, any number of things could be a play that I simply haven't seen-"

"-And that's what I'm going to show you, now all of you who have no idea about Nen, follow me, I'm we begin training now." She orders.
>>
After that order, the 30+ people that cannot use Nen begin awakening training, which basically means, mediation practice.

Apparently, unlike the way you were awakened, the natural way of doing it, is finding your most comfortable position and mediate and focus on opening up the various pores that restrict the flow of Nen.

So they all sit down, close their eyes and attempt to focus, "I cannot believe this is happening...I go through such suffering just to sit in the dirt and meditate..." Dillion complains.

"I must say, this does seem a little ridiculous..." Arztz agrees.

"Beats having to cross a path o burning coals if you ask me, I'll mediate all day as long I don't have to deal with that!" Reynauld counters.

"Hey...hey girl..." Peachnia beckons to the Vanilla next to her who is trying to focus.

"What?" She answers.

"What are you thinking about?" she asks.

"Nothing, I think the point is to clear your mind of worldly desires, or whatever mystic shit they say in the movies." She answers.

"That's a lie! You're thinking about how hot that Okabe guys is aren't you?" She asks.

"Stop projecting Peach. Also, you have the weirdest taste in men, didn't try and mac on Derrick's stepdad and get burned just the other day?" She questions.

"What can I say, I'm a girl who can't resist a strong man! especially the commanding types..." She says in a dreamy tone.

"Even a guy shorter than you are?" She questions.

"What do they say about short men again? Half their height goes into their pants-"

"No worldly desires...No worldly desires..." Vanilla begins to chant like a monk.

Those of you with Nen, look upon the group as they try and kinda fail at focusing, Meanwhile, Alice speaks to you all, "Now, while they're off doing that, the rest of you, will practice the 4 principals." She states.

"Which one shall we focus on?" Landon questions.

"We'll try and do all of them, but for now I want to work on what each of you feel you are weakest in, so I will go to you one by one and tutor, starting with..." She looks over to you.

"You, Mr.Holums." She says with a smile.

"Which would you like first? Ten? Ren? which do you feel you need the most practice in?" she asks.

"Uh...what about that 4th one, Hat-su or maybe Zetsu?" you ask.

"Ha-tsu and no, that one is a bit special that you have to learn it on your own in your own time, you'll probably learn most about it during Nen combat and as you refine you're own style." She explains.

"Also, while Zetsu is a very useful technique, it doesn't take much practice to master, concealing one's aura is a natural-born ability, as you learn to control your ten, Zetsu will naturally follow." She explains.

"Ah...." you barely get any of that.

"But aside from that one? Which one?" She asks.

What do you want to do?

>Ren Training (Increase Ren Mastery)

>Ten Training (Increase DP & AP threshold)

>Try to do a little of both
>>
And with that, I stop for the day, I hope you all are enjoying me finally deep diving into Nen! I've been wanting to do this since Chapter 1, but too few enemies in the previous chapter would've used Nen for me to really need it.

This 2nd Chapter though, oh man, You will need to master Nen fast if you don't want to crash and burn!

Goodnight and see you tomorrow at the same times anons!
>>
>>3810886
>Ten Training (Increase DP & AP threshold)
>>
>>3810881
>>Ten Training (Increase DP & AP threshold)
>>
>>3810881
>>Ten Training (Increase DP & AP threshold)
No better way than to start with the basics
>>
Wait, I'm confused. Wasn't Vanilla all but confirmed to be a Nen user during the train show?

>>3810886
>Ten Training (Increase DP & AP threshold)
>>
>>3811767

There is a reason why she didn't step up which I will address, but not this episode, though if you really want to know right now, I shall put a spoiler below as it's not a very crazy reason.

Yes she does posses Nen as she learned it in her days working with the Bergosse Union military, They worked with certain people (Who shall not be named for story reasons) were teaching people how to awaken their Nen.

She thought it was a bunch of bullshit and skipped most lessons with them, but the few she did attend unlocked her potential and taught her basic Ten use and not much else, the reason she didn't step up is simply she didn't want the attention.

>>3810903
>>3810987
>>3811133

It's pretty clear Ten training has won and I'll be writing the next post up, but unfortunately I have some work to do, so I might be an hour late or so.

Just come back when I post next alright?
>>
"Let's start with Ten." you decide.

Alice smiles, "Good choice, why'd you pick it?"

"Gonna be honest, I barely understood most of that technique and fundamentals talk, but I did get that this Ten stuff is important right?" you question.

"That it very much is..." She circles around behind you and grabs your shoulders.

"Uhhhh, I need an adult?" You say, a bit confused.

"I am an adult. Now relax, don't be so tense, you need to get comfortable." She answers.

You look over to the crowd who're giving you all kinds of eyes, ones jealous and amazed, "Is now really time to be macing on me?" you ask.

"For once, I'm not, this is a part of the training, so I ask again, please, relax." She explains.

"Alright then..." Hoping she's telling the truth you relax your shoulders and let all the tension in your body fall away.

"Now close your eyes and focus on your aura." She orders.

"Right..." you take a deep breath and focus on the energy around you.

"Try controlling it as precisely as you can, move it around, constrict and contract it, harden and soften it." She asks.

"That sounds a little weird coming from you, but alright..." You comply.

>Roll1d100 (No bonus)

>DC: 50

I am truly sorry for the wait anons, that little bit of work took me a lot more time than I expected, I hope I have your forgiveness.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>
Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3812827
>>
Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>3812827
>>
>>3812844
>>3812902
>>3812929

>Control your power.

>Writing...
>>
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"....." you go quiet in contemplation and meditation, focusing purely on the energy in around body.

You pull and push, strengthen and weaken, move it to every corner of your body, you try constricting it closer to your body and pushing it further away.

You feel much like an infant learning how to walk or that their arms are part of their bodies for the first time. It's a strange but exciting feeling.

"It feels like you've grown an extra limb that expands all over your body, yes?" Alice inquires.

"Yeah...It feels kinda like I've grown a whole new set of arms and legs..." you agree.

She then circles around you as she speaks, "Of the 4 principals, Ten is probably the most basic of the basics, it is the first thing any Nen user learns how to utilize and by far the most simple thing to learn to control."

"But easy to learn does not mean easy to master. While it is the most simple technique it also one you will have to refine the most for the longest time." She explains.

"In-fact, a good way of telling how experienced a Nen user is by seeing their Ten. The most experienced masters have auras that flow around them like gentle waves splashing against the shore." She explains.

"Oh? How does mine look?" you ask.

"Like an idiot splashing around in the water." She answers.

"Oh...." you feel a little discouraged.

"Worry not, that's what most Nen users energy looks like when they first start out, besides-"

PLAP! You feel something bash against your stomach.

"Gah...!" you grunt as a small shock of pain goes through your body.

You open your eyes to see Alice's high-heel boot pressed into your stomach, "-Even with shoddy flow, just having Aura around your body makes most serious blows minor." She explains.

She grinds her foot into you, but you feel no pain, no damage being done, just the feel of something pressing into your stomach.

"That kick I just gave you was meant to knock you off your feet, but instead it felt like I just kicked a hard wall." She explains.

"I see...Are you going to stop grinding your heel into me?" you ask.

She smiles, "Do you really want me to stop? Most men would be dying to be under my heel."

"I'm not most men." you answer.

"But they are." She points to the crowd, where you see various men glaring at you with jealously and hate in their eyes.

"Fucking lucky bastard...I'll kill his ass when I get the chance..." One of them whispers.

"God I wish that was me..."

"Haha, imagine getting stomped on by Alice guys, how embarrassing! I'm totally not thinking about that at all!"

"You think maybe she'd do that to me too guys? There's no way right...Unless..."

You look over to the crowd with a hint of disgust, "What is wrong with them...?" you ask.

"They're just honest with their desires, unlike you." She states, still grinding her heel.

"Can you just stop?" You beg.

"Fine, if you really want me to." She finally takes her leg off you.
>>
>>3813040
>"God I wish that was me..."
That made me chuckle
>>
"Anyway, just now that by practicing and strengthening your Ten, most normal attacks will barely be able to faze you as you improve with your Nen." She explains.

"Damn...Really? That sounds amazing..." You say, feeling a little invincible.

"Can I block stuff like Bullets and explosions and stuff?" you question.

She shakes her head, "Don't get ahead of yourself. Nen is powerful, but not all-powerful. While most normal people won't be able to hurt you, things like gunshots and explosives can still be fatal to you." She counters.

"Oh...Well that sucks..." You feel a lot less invincible now.

"As you grow in strength, you will gain physical prowess greater than that of a normal human, that will give you speed that may allow to dodge bullets if you wish. But deflecting them? That's something only a master Enhancer who specializes in defense can pull off." She explains.

"And I'm an Emitter or something right? So I can't pull that off?" you question.

"That's right, though a master emitter wouldn't even need be in range of a gun to attack. A master in emission could attack someone from miles away without ever so much as being seen, so you have that....If you specialize in that kind of style anyway." She explains.

"That's something to think about..." You realize this Nen stuff is probably way more complex than you realize.

As you think on the various ways you can employ your style, Alice flicks you in the head, "Yes, but all of it begins with you, mastering the basics, get back to practice, we're going to be doing this for the next 2 hours." She explains.

"Fine, fine..." you retake your stance and begin to mediate again as Alice walks over and lectures the rest of the crowd.

>You spend quite a bit of time practicing control over your Aura.

>This pushes the threshold of your AP And DP from 200 to 220!
>>
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>2 hours later.

After refining and honing your Ten for a while, you and the rest of the Nen users of the group get pulled away by Okabe while Alice focuses on teaching the Non-Nen users.

You're group is pulled over to a clearing in the grass, a flat level area, drawn in a circle with sand covering the ground over the dirt, reminding you a little of a battle training ground from the classical Era.

Okabe steps into the center of this ring, laying down his rifle and taking off his shawl as he speaks, "The next training exercise is simple, I want you all to spar with me."

The crowd is a little underwhelemed, "That's it? You just want to spar with us?" someone questions.

"Do you want to be made to crawl through a bunch of hot coals again? Because we can go back to doing that you know." He asks.

"We aren't complaining, we're just surprised we're going to do something so mundane after everything else..." Someone else explains.

"If this seems so Mundane to you..." Okabe lowers his body, spreading his legs to shoulder length and assumes a precise, masterful Judo stance.

"Please, one of you, step into this ring and test me." He requests.

"...." Suddenly the crowd goes quiet, a certain tenseness in the air makes them feel as if his words have a hint of danger behind them.

He smiles, "No one feeling brave today? But I need someone to face me if I'm going to teach this next lesson, so I guess I have to force one of you..."

He looks around the worried crowd before his eyes fall on you, "Derrick! Since you're the only person I remember here, you're going first." He states.

You sigh as you step up, "Why do I feel like there's some kind of bias against me here?" You ask as you step into the ring, keeping a good distance from Okabe.

"So, what are the rules? Perform a certain technique? practice defense and offense?" you ask as you take your combat stance.

"You'll see, for now, strike me." He orders.

"What? You just want to hit you?" he asks.

"I want you to try." He answers.

That snide comeback gets you riled up, "Fine then, don't get mad if I knock something important out though." you counter.

"Just hit me." He hurries.

>Roll1d100+5 (From the Overcome Trait)

>DC: 150
>>
Rolled 1, 2, 2, 4, 5, 4, 4, 1, 1, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 5, 5, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 2, 2, 4, 5 = 82 (25d5)

>>
Rolled 36 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>
Rolled 73 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>3813127
>>
Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>3813127
>>
>>3813137
>>3813142
>>3813150

>Don't feel bad, there's was no way to win.

>Rolled 78

>Writing...
>>
>>3813142
I'm just happy we at least got over half of that required DC
>>
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You stare down Okabe for a moment, circling around him as you look for a gap in his stance.

It doesn't take long, as he looks to you not rushing him and proceeds to drop his guard, "What are you doing?" you question.

"Trying to get you to hurry up, we don't have all day, hit me." He demands.

"What?" you're baffled, does he honestly just want to get punched?

"What? Are you one of those spineless cowards who's afraid of hurting people? Or is that you're scared of a man half you're height?" he taunts.

"What's your game?" you ignore his insults and question.

"I don't have a game, I just want you to hit me. Unless you're too chicken. You aren't chicken are you? Eh, Blondie" He eggs on.

And just like that a flash of rage takes you, "Oh now you've fucking done it. Don't go crying when I break your damn jaw!" you shout as you rush forward.

"Finally." He sighs as you close in, still not moving a muscle.

You can't help but think this is weird, but you're far too pissed off to think very deeply about it, you get into striking range, pull back your fist for a haymaker and swing it right into the side of his head.

SLAM! That blow was packed with enough power to send a lighter man flying off the ground, however, as your fist lands, the only one left feeling pain is you.

Okabe is left unflinching against your blow, his head barely even moved despite the force you packed into that punch.

"What...the..." You and most of the crowd is left blown away, but then you see it.

It's slight, but their's a film of aura on his skin that must've adsorbed your blow.

He looks up to you with a smile as he grabs your wrist, "Ow, that actually hurt a little."

"Damn...!" You grunt as he proceeds to twist your fist and pull you forward, tripping you at the foot and sending you flipping unto your back.

The wind in your lungs is pushed out by the drop, giving you no time to recover as Okabe thrusts a fist just above your head, stopping before hitting you.

"...And with that, you're dead." And he taunts as he let's you go.

You're pretty annoyed as you get back up, "You didn't tell me we were fighting with Nen." you complain.

"Your opponent often doesn't when it comes to Nen battles, a good Nen user can mask and hide his Aura so well that other Nen users don't realize the truth until it's too late." He explains.

"Yeah, but even if I had known, there's no way I could've busted through your defense right? You're wayyyy better at Nen than I am." you think.

"That's not true. Even a Nen user with half the power of another can eek out a win if they use their heads. Though things like that are usually up to who has more experience." He answers.

He re-takes his combat stance, "Which in this case, I do. So to be nice, I want you to try and hit me again, this time using your Nen, I'll make my Aura easy to read, so try your best to break through and hit me for real." He asks.
>>
"And how do I pull that off?" you ask.

"Don't ask, feel. Read the flow of battle and the answers will come to you." he answers.

"Read the flow of battle huh..." You try open up your eyes and scanning your oppenets strength.

"You win this Sparring match the moment you land a solid blow against me, so try give it your all if you don't want me throwing you around." He taunts.

Battle commences

>Shinkai Okabe

M.A.P: 4000

Life: 600/600

Armor: 200/ 200

AP: 100, DP: 150

VS

>Derrick Holums

M.A.P: 1024

Life: 110/110

Armor: 200/ 200

AP: 100, DP: 100

*>Okay! Before this battle continues, a quick Tutorial.

>Nen combat is different to regular combat, while it still works under the rules as normal combat, but now there is the addition of a AP (Attack Power) and DP (Defense power)

>As their names give away, this is how much power you're pouring into either defending yourself from Nen attacks or how you're putting into your defense.

>The exact specifics how they work in are in the combat rules, but just know that to break through Okabe's defense, Derrick will need to put out more AP than Okabe's DP, try doing that now!

Nen-user options

>Increase DP (By how much?)

>Increase AP (By how much?)

Combat options

>Just rush at him, try and land the hardest blow possible

>Attempt to confuse him with a series of feints before the real attack.

>Lure him into striking you and counter.
>>
>>3813268
Will Okabe also be adjusting his AP and DP based on what we do?
>>
>>3813278
Not for this fight, no, since this is just sparring, he will keep it the same.

In other fights, yes, but for now, no need to think about that.
>>
>>3813268
Increase AP by 75
>Just rush at him, try and land the hardest blow possible
>>
>Increase AP (By how much?)
50
>Attempt to confuse him with a series of feints before the real attack.
>>
>>3813268
>Increase DP (By how much?)
60, if we hurt him with a normal punch before, we only need a small amount higher to get a good hit off

>>Lure him into striking you and counter.
He's better than us, the only advantage he have is our brain, predictably rushing at him is just asking for a beatdown
>>
>>3813268
>AP - 75
>DP - 25
>Lure him into striking you and counter.
>>
>>3813290
>>3813294
>>3813300

I didn't realize I would get such differing numbers for AP and DP, I may have to find a way to adjust for that as we go further, but for now...

>Increase AP by 75

>Lure him into striking you and counter

>Roll 1d175 (No bonus)

>DC: 120
>>
Rolled 50 (1d175)

>>3813328
>>
Rolled 101 (1d175)

>>3813328
>>
Rolled 43 (1d175)

>>3813328
>>
>>3813330
>>3813340
>>3813370

Oh boy, the dice gods are not with us Tonight are they...

>Rolled 101

>Not quite sneaky enough

>Writing...
>>
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https://youtu.be/BxeVKoTIj8g

You think up your strategy fast as you circle him again, (It's clear that just rushing in is a good way to get knocked on my ass again, I need to bait him out and strike him with hard hit, it doesn't matter where-)

"Surely you don't think you can just walk around me all day? We have other applicants waiting you know? Hurry up and get knocked on your ass again so we can be done here." He taunts.

You feel a tinge of rage, but you can tell he's trying to bait you, that gives you an idea.

You scoff, "Sorry, I was just lost in thought on how the hell I'm going to be able to hit your tiny ass when you're so far below me!" you taunt back.

He laughs, "Oh, feeling snarky for someone who won't dare get in throwing distance of me."

You signal him to come closer, "I'm not going over there, If you're so insistent on saving time, why not come at me?" you bait.

He scoffs and turns towards you, "Fine then, if that's what you want!" He shouts.

He dashes towards you with an unexpected amount of speed, before you realize, you're caught off-guard by the time he gets in striking distance of you.

With a swift right hook, he swings towards your head, an attack you narrowly dodge as you hop back.

before you land, he tries sweeping at your legs, making you hop into the air with your legs retracted, this in turn leaves you open to the palm strike he pushes towards your body.

You manage cross your arms and block the strike, but the force of it nearly knocks the wind out of you as you're shot back, barely managing to land on your feet which plow the sand as they skid against it.

"What's wrong!? Why so defensive!? Attack already!" Okabe rushes forward without pausing giving you no time to think.

You dodge a series of fast strikes, looking for even one opening, in his strikes, it comes, you seem him overextend a little in one of his hooks, leaving his flank open.

You decide that must be moment as you pump energy into your striking fist and go for his exposed flank.

"Heh..." you notice the smirk on his face all too late.

Bringing his knee up and his extended hand down, he clamps your fist inbetween his knee and elbow, stopping you dead in your tracks.

Before you have a chance to pull back, he's already gotten a hold of your wrist again, pulling you closer, he places a hand under your bicep and pulls you to his back as he throws you over his shoulder.

SLAM! The sand is kicked up into a cloud as you crash into the ground, bouncing off it once more from the sheer force of the landing.

>-20 Life, 90 points remaining.

>-20 Armor, 180 points remaining.

"Gah!" You're lucky your Aura stops most of the power of that attack, because without it, you're sure your a disc in your back would slip out from the force.

Okabe smiles down at you at the floor, "Well would you look at that, you ended up on your ass after-all." he taunts.
>>
"That makes two deaths." After beating on your pride a little, he lets you go and let's you get back to your feet again.

"You've got good form and you're clearly experienced in hand-to-hand combat, but Nen battles are different from your usual bare-knuckle brawl." Okabe explains as gets back to the center of the ring.

"Just because you see an opening doesn't mean there actually is one. That punch you threw would hurt quite a bit, but if you were looking closely, you would've noticed my Aura shifting to my knee and elbow and you could've seen my counter coming." He instructs.

(Damn, he's right, I was too caught up in watching his normal strikes, that I forgot to watch his aura...) You think as you circle him again.

"To read the flow of battle is to see everything not only from your perspective, but the enemy's as well. Master Nen users don't become master's by training harder, but thinking better than their opponent." He explains.

"With that said, you clearly have a good head on your shoulders, that attempt to lure me was a good idea, but you shouldn't let me have the advantage, in terms of raw combat skill, I'm vastly you're superior." He compliments.

"I can see that now..." you admit.

"And because you've got such a good head, I'll reward you with one more chance to hit me." He states as he re-takes his combat stance.

"Give me your best shot, this is your last chance, get thrown again and it's over, what do they say in baseball again? Three strikes and you get knocked out?" he states.

"Three strikes and you're out." You correct.

"Oh yeah, I remember now, still, both sayings apply to your situation, so don't get hit again." He states.

ROUND 2

>Shinkai Okabe

M.A.P: 4000

Life: 600/600

Armor: 200/ 200

AP: 100, DP: 150

VS

>Derrick Holums

M.A.P: 849*

Life: 90/110

Armor: 180/ 200

AP: 175, DP: 100

*>Quick note about the change in your M.A.P as you put aura into either AP or DP, M.A.P goes down according to how much you put in.

>Now this isn't too bad, as the M.A.P isn't being lost with each attack or Defense, but as you learn Nen techniques and Hatsu, or put even more points into either AP or DP, your aura will drain over the course of the battle.

>Lose too much and you lose the ability to use Nen for the duration of the fight, that doesn't mean instant death of course, but it usually means the battle will be much, much harder to win.

>A way of alleviating this is using Zetsu to spend a round recharging Nen (At the cost of all your attack and defense power) but such techniques are a bit advanced for you right now, so don't think too hard about that.

>For now, continue!

Nen-user options

>Increase DP?

>Increase AP?

>Decrease AP?

Combat options

>Just rush at him, try and land the hardest blow possible

>Attempt to confuse him with a series of feints before the real attack.

>Try using the environment, splash some sand into his eyes!
>>
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And with that post I leave this vote open for the night!

I hope you all don't mind having to deal with this tutorial at the beginning too much, but this will be necessary for survival later in the chapter.

Now a little bad news, I'll be running the thread 2 hours late tomorrow, work and school are a plague you see and I hope you will forgive me for that, but don't worry, we're nearly to the end of the episode, so we won't need much more time than this.

With that, I bid you anons adieu for the night!
>>
>>3813489
>>Increase AP?
25 more points

>Try using the environment, splash some sand into his eyes!
>>
>>3813489
>>Increase AP?
By 25
>Try using the environment, splash some sand into his eyes!
>>
>>3813489
>>Try using the environment, splash some sand into his eyes!
>>Increase AP?
>25
>>
>>3813500
>>3813755
>>3813778

And I'm finally back! And today we will (Hopefully) bring this episode to an end, now let us continue!

>Increase AP by 25

>Splash some sand.

>Roll1d200 (No bonus)

>DC: 90
>>
Rolled 63 (1d200)

>>3814977
>>
Rolled 3 (1d200)

>>
Rolled 42 (1d200)

>>3814977
Holy shit, these rolls are God awful
>>
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>>3814983
>>3814994
>>3814998

Oooffffff, Good thing you can't die in this battle, because...owwww.

>Rolled 63

>Not good enough...

>Writing
>>
https://youtu.be/CGTPvEDIeMc

You pant as you think, (This is bad, I knew the difference in skill and strength was huge, but I didn't think it be this big a gap)

You groan in anger, (This is fucked, But this isn't the first time I've faced someone way stronger than me, there has to be some way for me to at least hit him...I think there is anyway...) you're not even sure anymore.

Noticing you're uncertainty, Okabe smiles, "Feeling overwhelmed? Like you trapped and you can't possible think of a way out?" he questions.

"..." you don't answer, but you don't deny either.

"That feeling's natural, you're facing someone you would otherwise have no chance of beating after-all, but here's a piece of advice, coming from someone who's stood in much the same place you do now." He starts.

He flashes a stray hair from his eyes as he speaks, "Don't bother thinking about how strong your opponent, only focus on how great it will feel when you beat them. If you only think about all the ways you can lose, you'll never see the way to win." He advises.

(He's right...All the time I've spent thinking has gotten me knocked down twice...if I waste my time just thinking, I won't get anywhere!) you realize.

it's then an idea strikes you as you look down at the sand below, "Yeah...you're exactly, right, I should knock it off with all the overthinking..." you admit.

"Does that mean you see the way to victory? You found the path?" He asks.

"Not sure..." You kick off as you dash at him, going straight for the gold.

"But it can't hurt to try!" you shout.

"Now that's the spirit!" Okabe shouts as he readies himself for your assault.

As you rush straight at him, lowering your fist as you run, you make it look like you're going for an uppercut.

"Still Derrick, going for a head-first assault is pretty stupid! I'll just throw you again you know!" He warns.

"If you think you can, go ahead and try it!" you egg on as you keep moving forward.

"Well if you're gonna ask for it-" As you get into his range, he reaches his hand out to grab you, that's when you employ your plan.

The fist you kept low to the ground opens up and grabs a fistful of sand which you flash right into his face.

Your plan works like a charm, the sand goes right into his eyes, his hand too far to block it, he's completely blinded.

"Argh!" He groans.

"You're mine" you cry as you pull back your fist, readying even more power for this strike than any before it as you go for the opening you see at his solar plexus.

"Fighting dirty to bridge the skill gap between you and a stronger opponent eh? Smart, that kind of thinking can save you in a street fight." he compliments as you're moments before driving your fist home.

"But-"

SLAM! It happens fast, so fast you barely register the feeling of pain in the side of your head as he kicks you in the temple and sends you careening to the ground.
>>
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"That kind of thinking is meaningless in a Nen battle, you're common sense and experience won't help you when you're fighting an opponent that can defy all forms of reason." He explains as you crash into sand, a burning pain in the side of your head.

"W-What happened...?" The moment your fist was about to touch his body, he seemed to realize exactly what was happening and perfectly twist his body out of the way of your strike, counterattacking with a swift kick.

"You couldn't possible have seen me...so how...?" you question.

"You're right, I didn't see you, I sensed you." He rubs the sand out of his eyes as he speaks

"Sensed?" You struggle to get yourself off the ground as he explains.

"You should know this already, but you're aura is a part of your being, it's like a second layer of skin, anything that comes in contact with it, you can detect it." he explains.

"Not only that, but you can even make out the form, size and dimensions of whatever enters it with picture perfect accuracy. So the moment your fist entered my aura, I knew where you were, how you were standing, where best to hit you since you left your guard down." He explains as he comes over to you.

"Damn, so I never stood a chance at all huh..." you realize.

"That's not true." He offers you a hand and looks down at you with a proud smile, "Your plan was excellent, if I was a moment too slow in reacting, I would be the one on floor, not you." he explains.

You take that hand, "Really? You're not just trying to boost my confidence?" you question as he lift you off the ground.

"Do I look the kind of person who would pat you on the back when you fuck up? I'm serious, the only I didn't just get floored is simply because I'm more experienced with Nen is all." He puts a hand to your shoulder.

"Keep at this for long enough and you'll be a force to be reckoned with, for now you're tasting sand, but tomorrow...You're probably still be tasting sand, but you might be able to touch me before I knock your ass flat." He encourages.

You laugh, "Was that supposed to be inspiring? Thanks, you're not as much of an asshole as you look." you compliment.

"Oh? Am I coming off as nice? That's not the image I'm going for at all, I'll have to remember to be more of a prick next time." he says as he pushes you away.

"Now go, we've got plenty of people waiting in line, we're nearly done for the day!" He orders.

"Got it!" you say as you exit the ring.

"Now, who wants to get their ass kicked next!?" Okabe shouts as the next opponent enters the ring.
>>
>2 Hours later.

>Time: 9:23 PM, Late night

After many sparring sessions and many people left crying as Okabe kicked them into the sand, the moon rears it's beautiful white hue from behind the clouds and the darkness of night sets in as the entire group is gathered up again.

The Nen-users of the group are left tired, groaning and dirty, "Jeez, they don't play around, I feel like we've been thrusted back in the Exam..." Someone mentions.

"You're telling me man, Chirst, ah god my back hurts...Did he have to throw us so hard..." Another groans.

On the other-hand, the more normal people seem rather relaxed and underwhelemed, "Well that wasn't bad, we just kinda sat around and felt the breeze for 8 hours." One notes.

"I know right, when they called this the week of agony, I was expecting the worst, but this is a pretty nice break." Someone else nods.

Okabe shoots a glare their way, "Now don't get too relaxed you worms, you got it easy today because we wanted to test the skill of the more advanced Hunters early, tomorrow, you bunch will get your taste of hell too." He threatens.

"...." The crowd goes quiet at that.

That's when Alice steps in, "But don't worry, we're at the final hour of training and are now entering something of a free period, those you who want to relax are free to, or you could spend the time training if you want." She states.

"And where exactly are we supposed to relax? We're all pretty far from home and as far as I know, The Hunter Association doesn't have a barracks." Dillion questions.

"Don't worry, that's where our limitless bank accounts come in handy, there are a number of good hotels nearby that have been booked under your name ready for you." Shinkai answers.

"Just find Mr.Beans after you're done, he'll tell you where they are." Alice explains.

"Man, being a Hunter comes with some awesome benefits! That it does!" Bradford exclaims.

"Yes, yes, but get to practice first, you're free to use any of the various facilities, so get moving will you." Okabe orders.

"We're free to go where-ever huh?" you think about what to do as you remember the tour earlier.

How will you spend your time training?

>Get some physical practice in, go train in the gym. (With who? Bradford (Hand-to-Hand training), Noell (Sharp Weapon training)

>Maybe you need to refine your ranged skill, go to the firing range, (With who? Florette (Heavy arms training), Vanilla (Special Arms training)

>You don't know enough about Nen, you should keep praticing that, (With who? Okabe (M.A.P boosting), Alice (Nen Technique training))

>You need rest, just drop training anymore for now, instead, go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about. (Skip free session)

Bare in mind, every option but the final one takes 30 minutes to complete.
>>
>>3815159
>>You don't know enough about Nen, you should keep praticing that
>Alice
We need to get better at Nen if we wanna catch up after that loss and we should ask Janet what her whole deal is if we're alone
>>
>You don't know enough about Nen, you should keep praticing that
>Alice
>>
>>3815184
>>3815202

>More Nen practice!

>Writing...
>>
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(If that ass-kicking from earlier is any indication, it's clear my weakest skill is Nen, mostly, my knowledge of it, I have to know more...) you think as everyone scatters off to go and do their own various forms of training.

Bradford approaches you, "Hey man, I was thinking of heading back to the gym to have a little fun in that arena! Wanna see me beat some ass!?" He asks.

You shake your head, "As tempting as that sounds, sorry man, I gotta go see Jane- I mean- Alice real quick, maybe later." you answer.

"Oh? Ohhhh, I get it." Bradford nods his head.

"Get what? It's rare for you to get anything." you counter.

"You want to go off and have some nice private time with the huge-titted teacher who's got the hots for you, I totally understand man." He explains.

You give him an annoyed look, "No, you clearly don't get it at all, how many times do I have to say she's basically my sister?" you ask.

"And how many times do I have to tell you you're sister is way too hot and horny for that excuse to work? Besides, I wouldn't really call her your sister per se, considering hers is probably bigger than yours-"

"Can you just fuck off please and let me go?" you beg.

Bradford throws his hands up, "Fine, fine! If you want to sword-fight with your extra big sister, feel free to go right ahead, I won't judge you for whatever weird shit you're into." He says as he walks away.

"Man you can be a real asshole sometimes..." you groan.

"Be sure she doesn't bust yours buddy!" he shouts as he leaves.

"goddamn it..." you shake your head as you approach Alice who's packing up her stuff and preparing to leave.

She notices you coming closer to her and gives you a happy but clearly fearful look.

"Uh, Hey." you say as you get close to her, not really knowing how to greet her anymore.

"Ah...Yes Derrick?" She questions, trying to get past the awkward atmosphere.

"I....I need some practice with Nen, like the techniques and stuff." you explain.

"Oh, well, I'm more than happy to give you that-"

"And I want to talk, about...whatever this is." you add.

"Ah, yes, that...of course, follow me, we can do both at the same time." She answers.
>>
You walking away from the more public area, going to a more secluded zone of the field, one where the moonlight shines brightly down upon the mildly damp grass, making the area appear strangely bright despite the darkness.

Janet looks at the bright shiny moon and beautiful landscape with a calm look in her eyes, "What a beautiful night yes? An excellent time for a good chat."

"Janet, or Alice, I don't know what to call you....." you don't know where to even begin talking.

"Before you start with that, why not tell me what you would like to train in? It would be more efficient for both of us if we tried multi-tasking." She explains.

"Fine...What techniques can I even learn?" you ask.

"Well, since we're going one and one like this, I can get more in-depth with a little more advanced stuff, for example..." She trails off.

What will you train in?

>Ren (Basic technique, gives you strong boost of Defensive aura that allows you to increase your DP beyond the current threshold and gives a boost of +10 towards defense rolls for a round, at cost) (Current training level: 0, 0% mastered)

>Ten (Basic technique, determines the Threshold of your AP and DP) (Current threshold is 220)

>Ko (Advanced technique, learn to precisely control the flow of your aura to provide a boost of AP beyond the current threshold and gives a +10 to attack rolls at a cost) (Current training level: 0, 0% mastered)

>En (Advanced technique, Learn to expand your aura in order to better detect threats and attacks, grants a +10 boost to evasion at a cost.) (Current training level: 0, 0% mastered.)
>>
>En (Advanced technique, Learn to expand your aura in order to better detect threats and attacks, grants a +10 boost to evasion at a cost.) (Current training level: 0, 0% mastered.)
>>
>>3815284
>>Ren
Let's lead the basics first. Ren will naturally lead into Ko and An later on
>>
>>3815284
>>Ren (Basic technique, gives you strong boost of Defensive aura that allows you to increase your DP beyond the current threshold and gives a boost of +10 towards defense rolls for a round, at cost) (Current training level: 0, 0% mastered)
Isn't Ren for both attack and defense?
>>
>>3815341

>Isn't Ren for both attack and defense?

Technically yes, but I'm taking a bit of liberty here for gameplay variety reasons.

>>3815304
>>3815312

>Ren training is a go!

>Roll1d100

>No DC, The higher the better!
>>
Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>
Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>3815353
>>
Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>3815353
>>
>>3815355
>>3815364
>>3815365

>Rolled 64

>Writing...
>>
>>3815353
>Technically yes, but I'm taking a bit of liberty here for gameplay variety reasons.
That's fine then. But honestly there's already a Nen technique that does that called Ken. It's not used much in series and mostly forgotten but it's pretty useful
>>
"Ren training sounds good, how does that work?" you question.

"Another one of the 4 basic principals, to do Ren is to intensify your Aura." She starts.

"You must release your limits, distribute your power to it's uppermost limit and use it as a shield to protect yourself." She explains.

"I don't really understand when you phrase it like that, how do I intensify my aura?" you question.

"A simpler way of looking at it is to think of it like you're tensing your muscles. You're in a sense, flexing your aura to it's limit like a muscle by putting out as much energy as possible to maximize the output of your strength." She explains.

"Like tensing my muscle...Okay, I think i get it." you nod.

"Yes, now, unlike Ten, which you practice by getting as comfortable as possible, Ren you must practice by exerting as much energy as possible, so I'm warning you now, it's very stressful to the body and if you try too hard, you could faint."

"Thanks for the warning, now should I go ahead?" you ask as you prepare yourself for the task.

"Whenever your ready." She prompts.

"Alright..." you trail off as you focus.

(Think of your Aura as a muscle and tense it...) you repeat to yourself as you try your best to mimic the sensation of flexing your bicep to flexing your Aura.

phoooooooo-

As you focus, you hear a faint wind emanating from you, being kicked by the gathering strength of your Aura which is letting out quite a bit of force.

"Is this good? Am I doing it right?" you ask as Alice appraises you with analytic eyes.

"You're on the right track, but you aren't trying hard enough yet, more." she demands.

"More? It's already kinda tiring..."

"That's why we're training, we have to test your stress limit, give me more." She orders.

"You got it!" You push even harder, pumping even more energy into your Aura.

PHOOOOOOOO-

The breeze-like wind from before turns into a strong gust that jostles the leaves of nearby grass and causes Alice's hair to sway a little.

She smiles, "Now you're putting out some good Aura, keep that up!"

"This-Is-Already-Really-Tiring!" you can barely speak, the amount of force you're exerting is causing your muscles to feel like they're being worked all at the same time.

"Yes, I know, but you must keep going, at least try and last for a minute, it's only been about 30 seconds." She demands.

"I-Hear you-But....Gah!" You release the charge, freeing your body from the strain as you fall forward on your hands and knees.

"But that's all I've got...anymore and I'll fall over..." you admit.

Alice sighs, "Well, even just 30 seconds is pretty good for someone who literally just started, so you've earned a moment's rest."
>>
You sit in the grass, too weak to get up, "Yeah...Thanks..." you try and catch your breath.

"...." As you do Alice looks away and to the moon once more, leaving a silence between you two.

"....So, Janet, since we have a moment, why not start?" you ask

"Start what?" She asks.

"You know what I mean, start telling me what...What this all is? Who's Alice? When did you join the Hunter Organization? Weren't you on tour or something?" you ask.

She laughs, "Who's Alice he asks...Oh yes, I have some explaining to do..." she recites.

"What? Is it something hard for you to say?" you question.

She spins herself in a circle perfectly and faces you with a familiar smile, "Oh not all! you know me, I just love teasing you is all! You're serious reactions are just so cute!" She says in a more playful voice.

"....Can you not do that?" You can tell she's trying to emulate her normal self, but now it just feels unnatural.

"Whaaaat? Come buddy, don't you want to talk to your good friend Janet? Alice is way too depressing for a cutie like yourself, not fun at all! She's a stick in the mud! Come on!" She continues.

You shake your head, "No, I just want to talk to the real you, right now you just seem bipolar." you counter.

"Ah, I see...." With that her smile drops and she returns to a more dour demeanor, she looks away from you, not meeting your eyes.

"The real me huh? Well if you insist, but as I said, the real me is quite a bore..." She states with a sour smile.

"Of all the things I've felt around you, Bored isn't one of them." you counter.

She giggles, "Now what does that mean~ What sort things do you feel when you look at me, hmmmm?"

"Can you take this seriously?" you ask.

"Right, sorry." she apologizes.

"Now, let me ask first off, who are you, really?" you ask.

"....That's a good question. I'm not too sure myself anymore." she states.

"But if you want a literal answer, my name is Alice Laziada Young, Only daughter to the Young Military company." She states.

"The what?" you question.

"It's a private military company and one of the first and many stockholders of the Hunter Association." She starts.

"Our history with the Hunters goes wayyyy back, like before either of us were born, kind of far back. The company would supply the Organization with weapons and High-Quality fighters and in exchange, we would make quite a profit off the work the Hunter's do." She explains.

"Private military? Handing weapons out to a private business? I'm no legal expert, but that doesn't sound like the most clean business practice." you counter.

She looks away, "It wouldn't be a lie to say we, along with many other companies have been benefiting from the fact that Hunters have extra-judicial rights, it's something I rather not talk about..."

"I see...", (Sounds like the Hunter Association has quite a few business ties that aren't the most wholesome you'll ever see...)
>>
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"So what does that have to do with you joining the Hunters?" you ask.

"...Remember how I said I was the only daughter to the leader of the company?" She asks.

"Yes?"

She looks away, "Well I wasn't supposed to be. I wasn't even supposed to be born." She states.

"...."

"You see, my father is...a strict man, if I was to put it gently, he puts business before family, or, if I'm to be honest, it's more that he sees business as family." she explains.

"Our family was the first to start the business long ago and since the first day of starting, there's always been a tradition, The first son of the leader, is the one who must take over the company" She states.

"My Father is a proud man, who takes great pride in his image, espescaily in the eyes of the greater family, so he was eager to carry on the legacy, expect...he couldn't, because my mother couldn't give birth." She explains.

"Your mother is infertile?" you question.

"Well, I call her that, but she's not my real mother, I'm actually a bastard child, you see." She answers.

"Oh..." you begin to see where this is going.

"My Father loved my mother very much...but he loved the family more and refused to let the line end with him." He explains.

"So told my Mother that he was going to get another woman pregnant in secret and have everyone pretend that it was her child. Of course my Mother disapproved, but my Father threatened divorce if she didn't comply, so..."

"You don't have to go into too much detail, I think I get it." you state.

"Right, so I was born of a union between two people with no love for each other at all, my true mother a Mistress who got paid to get knocked up with me and left and my father...Well, apparently the first thing my father said to me when he saw me was: This isn't what I asked for." She states.

"Oh god..." you groan.

"I heard there were even plans to abandon me, act like I never happened, but Mother wouldn't let it fly, she never wanted me either, but she thought it too cruel to let a child die just because she was unwanted."

"So they kept me and they raised me, not with love mind you, I was raised as a tool." She states.

"As a tool?" you question.

"I was to be the boy my Father never had, I was to be the one to take his place as leader of the company, just because I was his daughter didn't mean he was going to treat me like I was...or as he put it, Just because you're defective goods, doesn't mean i can't get use out of you." She explains.

You feel a tinge of rage, "What delightful guy he sounds like. I would love to meet him and help him arrange a dentist appointment, after I'm done knocking all his teeth out."

She sighs, "Please don't get angry on my behalf, I don't want you to see me as pitiful..."

"Ah...Sorry..." you apologize.

"No, it's okay, I know it's just cause you care for me... and its cute comments like that makes me love you so much!" She laughs.
>>
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You laugh too, "Yeah, so I'm guessing the reason you're here is-"

"Yes, because my Father wants me to train to become someone good enough to take his place, or die trying, that way he can justify knocking up some other lady so he can try again." She states.

She scoffs, "Not that he even could at this point, he's really getting on in the years, It wouldn't surprise me if he started getting ED at some point, well, not that would stop him..."

"So that's why you're a part of the Hunter Organization huh? So how then did you become a singer at the bar?" you ask.

"Oh? That's a little nicer of a story, you see, it was after a particular nasty hunt and my Father gave me crap about how I'm not living up to him, so I visited the first bar I found and happened to meet Maxwell..." She trails off.

>Some Years ago...

"Ah...My life fucking sucks..." Alice lays her against the slightly damp bar, her cheeks flushed from all the drinking, yet no matter how much she drinks, the pain doesn't go away.

"Goddamn it...Giving me so much shit because I'm not Ms.Perfect, telling me how useless I am, how I never should've been born, I didn't ask for this!" She slams her fists against the bar.

"Now calm down lady, if you break down the bar, you gotta pay for it." Maxwell, who at the time did everything around the bar, was serving patrons while cleaning glasses.

"Don't worry, I'm filthy rich...Or just plain filthy apparently, so I can pay for the bar, just let me air out a bit..." She complains.

"It breaks my heart to see a girl as pretty as you breaking down like this. What's got you down in the dumps baby?" He asks.

"Are you coming unto me old man? I'll warn you now, I'm probably bigger than you down there..." She laughs.

Maxwell laughs, "Oh no! I'm a bit too old to be going after girls like you anyway so don't worry! I'm just asking you you're troubles. Maybe I can help?"

"And what makes you think you can me?" She asks.

he serves her another drink, "Drunk people are honest, honest people are the easiest ones to comfort, so why not drink and let the bartender hear you out?"

"What are you? So kind of alcohol therapist?" She asks.

He laughs, "No, just a very concerned man who wants to scam patrons out there money by making them talk while buying more drinks."

That gets her laughing, "Well aren't you honest?"

"Don't worry though, that one is on the house." he states.
>>
"...Thanks." She downed the honestly shoddy beer and let Maxwell know her troubles, even though she had just met the man, she was so desperate to vent at someone she just let it all pour out to him.

Maxwell nods along the whole way, "...So you're trying to live up to your Father's expectations but he won't give you a break because he never wanted you?"

She nods as she holds her head in frustration, "I didn't ask to be born....I didn't ask to be born like this...But I can't leave, I can't run away, I feel trapped, I can't get away..."

"If you're feeling trapped, why not try and free yourself?" He asks.

"You make it sound easy, if I try and reject the role of future leader, my Dad will disown me in a heart beat and I didn't get into the Association through my own merit, but through his recommendation, the second he takes that away, they'll probably give me the boot too..." She explains.

"I never said you had to escape from everything, but you need to escape a little at least, just in your own small way, do something you truly want to do, not what someone else tells you to do." He asserts.

"What I want to do...? I never really thought about that..." She states.

"Well now is a good time, what have you wanted to do but felt too trapped to pull off?" He questions.

"Well...I always kinda wanted to be a singer, I enjoy doing that in my free time." She answers.

Maxwell smiles, "Well what do you know? I happen to need some entertainment to attract guests and I don't want to spend on getting a proper singer, so why don't you sing for my bar?" He asks.

"You want me to sing for you? For all these people?" She questions.

"You can be sure the audience will love you, even if your voice is garbage, your tits will be your saving grace for sure!" he states.

She laughs, "You are a terrible negotiator, if I was a smart woman, I'd have slapped you in the face and walked out on for saying that!"

"Well, my face is fine so far, should I take that to say you're not that smart of a woman?" He questions.

"...." Alice quietly considers things for a moment, before smiling "....You know what, I don't think I am! Maybe I will be your singer, just for a little while."

"Just a little while is all I need! When do you start? What hours are you free?" he asks.

"I have a pretty busy schedule, so I'll be gone most of the time, but I sometimes get a few weeks to play around free, so I guess I'll spend my time here when that happens." she states.

"Oh. but when I do come, you can't use my real name, could mean trouble for me and your business. So I'll go by...Janet, Janet Ringer." She adds.

"Sure thing, how much do want per hour?" He asks.

"Didn't I tell you I was already filthy, stinking rich? I don't need your money, but if you really insist on paying me..." She shows her empty glass.

"I want another drink on the house." She orders.
>>
>back to the present...

"And that's how that came to be." She explains.

"Go figure that Maxwell would try and recruit to get more free labor, I swear, if we just formed a union we could have his ass in legal hell in no time..." you state.

She laughs, "You got that right! But I don't really care if I don't get paid for all the singing I do, it's not about the money." She states.

"For me, it was about finally doing something I wanted, finally having people I wanted to be around. You, Maxwell, all the patrons at the bar, they feel more like my family than my actual one..." She says with a smile on her face.

"So that's how you feel..." You finally understand it all now.

"And how do you feel Derrick?" She asks.

"Huh?"

"Now that you know the real me? How do you feel about me? Am I...still fake to you?" She asks.

How do you answer?

>"You were never fake, I just wanted the truth, thank you for sharing."

>"I understand, you had your reasons, you had a hard life and I won't hold it against you."

>"I Hate being lied to, you could have told this to me way earlier and saved us all the trouble you know?"
>>
>>3815579
>>"You were never fake, I just wanted the truth, thank you for sharing."
>Coulda clued me in once I made the cut though. Hell Bradford recognized you in the exam by... well.... your chest. That was awkward.
>>
>>3815579
>>"You were never fake, I just wanted the truth, thank you for sharing."
>>
>>3815589

>Thank you for sharing+Write-in

>Writing...
>>
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You give her a smile, "You were never fake to me, I just...didn't like that you were hiding this from me, I had to deal with quite a bit of embarrassment because you gave me the runaround on this." you state.

"Embarrassment, how so?" She questions.

"Let's say a friend of mine talked quite a bit about the role you played in the exam and I was the only one who couldn't figure out it was you." you explain.

"They knew it was me? I mean, I'm not trying that hard to hide my identity, but I try and make my singer identity as distinct from my real one as possible, how'd he figure it out?" She asks.

"He said he recognized you by...The size of your chest." You state.

"Ahhhhh, that makes sense." She nods understanding.

"Speaking of things he mentioned, he also says that your breast aren't the only massive thing you lug around..." You mention.

"Hm?" She's a little confused.

"All this talk about you having...Uh...is it true? Do you have a..." You can't find a good way to phrase the question.

She catches on, "Oh! You mean that! Well..."

"If it's too much for you to share, I'm good not knowing that!" You state.

"No, no, this is clearly a night to be sharing the truth, so I'll come right out and say it. Yes, I do have one down there." She states.

"Oh....Do I dare ask why?" you question.

"Simple reason, I was born intersex." She answers.

"Oh...and they never...cut it off?" you question.

"My Father never cared enough to deal with it, plus, ignoring that little additional package, I'm 100% woman everywhere else, you can check if you want too~" She teases.

"I've heard that package is far from little, so I'll refrain." You deny.

She laughs, "Oh Derrick! I'll catch you in my trap one of these days!"

"Not if I have any say in it, can we stop with the jokes and keep up the training?" you ask.

"You think I'm joking? Oh well, sure, you've had enough of a break, so get back up will you!" She demands.

You do just that and continue on with training for the next 30 minutes.

>Your first time with Ren is quite a strain, but one you feel you can get used to!

>Training level 1 gained! (You can now use Ren in exchange for 30% of your Aura to go 100 points above your usual DP threshold!)

>Mastery increased by 12%!

You're exhausted afterwards, but feel you've learned something very useful, "Alright, if that's all, I do have to get going for the night you know." Alice states.

"You don't have time for anymore lessons?" you question.

"Well, I can teach you one more thing if you'd like before I go, but after that, I really will be pressed for time." She answers.

What will you do?

>Train another Nen Technique

>Let her go and do something else
>>
>>3815692
>>Let her go and do something else
>>
>>3815717

I shall take this vote and sleep on it, I shall leave the options from the previous vote here, as to let you all decide what we are to do tomorrow, this time, at the usual time of 2:00PM EST.

What will you do?

>Get some physical practice in, go train in the gym. (With who? Bradford (Hand-to-Hand training), Noell (Sharp Weapon training)

>Maybe you need to refine your ranged skill, go to the firing range, (With who? Florette (Heavy arms training), Vanilla (Special Arms training)

>You might benefit from some additional Nen training from Okabe (Boosting M.A.P)

>Go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about.

(1 Hour and 30 minutes remaining)
>>
>>3815757
>Go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about.
>>
>>3815757
>>Go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about.
>>
>>3815757
>>Go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about.
>>
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>>3815692
Hermaphrodites? In our quest? It's more likely than you think! Good on you QM for inserting your fetish, I would do the same
>>3815757
>Go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about.
>>
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>>3816684

>That spoiler

No, no anon, that's not my fetish, my fetish is:

Embarrassed, spaghetti cute girls who act innocent but are secretly very lewd, and enjoy things like handholding and kissing

There is one such girl in this very quest, it's on you all to figure it out.

>>3815769
>>3816109
>>3816132

I see you all want to go to the chairman and I'm more than ready to write all that, but just making sure, you're all aware that this will skip the rest of the free time correct?

I know I didn't write that in the option itself and that's my mistake if you couldn't tell, but just telling you all now before we begin, this option will end the episode.
>>
>>3816836
You can never have enough

>You might benefit from some additional Nen training from Okabe (Boosting M.A.P)
Nen training. Voting for this then, you should have added that yada yada. I'll let you off assuming you were tired.
>>
>You might benefit from some additional Nen training from Okabe (Boosting M.A.P)
>>
It is time for the thread to continue, but since I haven't gotten confirmation that everyone is cool with ending free time, I will wait for a few votes to roll in.

>>3816880
>>3816918

These two will count towards that, I shall wait 15 minutes.

>Waiting...
>>
>>3816836
Oh, it'll just end the episode entirely? In which case I'll change to
>You might benefit from some additional Nen training from Okabe (Boosting M.A.P)
We need him to teach us how to kick his ass
>>
>>3815757
>You might benefit from some additional Nen training from Okabe (Boosting M.A.P)
>>
>You might benefit from some additional Nen training from Okabe (Boosting M.A.P)
>>
>>3816929
>>3816945
>>3816947

>Train a little more with Okabe

>Writing...
>>
You shake your head, "Nah, if you're busy, I won't keep you, go on ahead."

"Thank you, I'll be seeing you then." She says as she turns away.

"Oh! One more thing! Do you know where Okabe might've gone? I want to train a bit more with him." you question.

"Where he might of gone? Now that's a good question, one I don't think i can answer." She states.

"He didn't tell you?" you ask.

"He didn't, but even if he did, there's no guarantee he would even be there, he ends up in the most random locations cause he keeps forgetting where he wants to go." She explains.

"What seriously? So he's just wandering around then?" you ask.

"He's an oddball that one, even odder than me. Despite me working with him numerous times, I don't really know anything about him...Well, other than the fact that he seems very lost all the time, in more ways than physical..." She states.

"...What does that mean?" you don't get it.

She smiles, "What indeed? That's something you should ask him. If I had to guess, he's probably still around the area, you just gotta look around a bit." she says as she walks away.

"Look around a bit...." you repeat, slightly confused as you wander around the area.

>A few minutes later...

After walking around the area a little bit, you find yourself getting to a more forested area of the grassland, the forest isn't nearly as thick as say the Moonlight forest or the Mt Kil-aman-jaro, but even in this bright night, it's a little hard to see things inside it.

You scratch your head, feeling a little frustrated, "Well I've wasted quite a few minutes just walking around and I haven't seen hide nor tail of this guy." you complain.

"Maybe it's best I just find someone else to train with-"

Rustle, rustle...

"Hm?" You're about to give up searching when you hear the shifting of leaves and branches coming from deeper within the forest.

You turn to face the direction the sound comes from and when you look over, you see a light, a small, glinting light that blinds you for a second.

In addition that, you see what might be a figure behind the light, confused, you duck your head a little and squint,

"What is that? Is that a person-?"

BANG! A bullet whizzes just over your head, tearing off a few strands off hair as you narrowly avoid getting your brains blown out.

"HOLY SHIT!" you scream as duck behind the nearest tree.

"Oh? That scream sounds like...Derrick?" It's then you hear Okabe's voice coming out from the distance.

"What the- Okabe!?" You question.

It's then you peek from behind your tree to see him hop down from the branch of a tree he was sitting in, "Yes that's you...That's blonde head...Could only be Derrick's...I'm pretty sure." he says as he pulls back the action on his rifle.
>>
You surge with anger, "This Blonde head of mine nearly got blown off! Why the fuck did you try and shoot me!?"

"Sorry, sorry about that, I forgot I was at the Association and not on a battlefield and when I heard you looking around in the darkness, I just shot at you on reflex." He explains.

You're baffled, "You forgot you're not in a war?"

"Yeah, happens from time to time, sometimes I just forget the time of year and I mentally go back in time. When that happens, I just start basing my memories on my surroundings." He explains.

He looks around, "I guess this forest must have reminded me of the Forests in Bergerosse and I just lost myself, sorry about that."

You sigh, "Jesus Christ, what did Beans say about you only having minor memory problem? I wouldn't be surprised if you forgot how to put your pants on."

"Oh don't give me that, I've never forgotten how to get dressed...I'm pretty sure, as far as I remember anyway." He explains.

"That isn't very far clearly, What are you even doing here?" you ask.

"What am I doing here?" He looks up to the trees as he repeats your question.

"...I don't know, but I feel like I was close to remembering something...someone...important...but even now, I still can't..." He mumbles to himself.

"Huh? What are you saying?"

He shakes his head, "Let's just say I forgot okay? What are you doing here?" he questions.

"I'm here for you actually, I want to get some extra-practice, if you're alright with that..." You're curious about whatever he was mumbling about, but you need to get to the point.

"Extra-practice? Extra-practice in what?" he questions.

"I don't know, aren't you the Nen professional, what can I train in?" you question.

He shakes his head, "I can't train people in Nen, Because of my memory, I don't actually remember how most Nen techniques work, I just work through muscle memory and reflex mostly, that's why I brought Alice, because she can teach what I can't." he explains.

"So, what? You can't teach me anything?" you ask.

"Well, I can't teach you anything you don't already know, but I can help you reinforce what you already now." he states.

"What? How?" you question.

"I May not know any techniques, but there is one thing I've never forgotten..." He takes his rifle over to a nearby tree and hangs it up by the strap.

He then turns to you, drops into a combat stance and faces you, "And that is if you want more powerful Nen, you need more Aura and to get more Aura, you need more battle experience." He explains.

You move into your combat stance, "Is that so? So you do know some stuff after-all. This trip wasn't completely worthless. "

He smiles, "Oh I know plenty, I just forget most of what I know. But one thing I haven't forgotten is how easy you are to floor. Why don't we work on that first?"

"Oh you're on!" You shout as you both activate your auras and get to training.

>Roll1d500

>The Higher the Better!
>>
Rolled 190 (1d500)

>>3817124
>inb4 we job again.
>>
Rolled 152 (1d500)

>>3817124
>>
Rolled 391 (1d500)

>>3817124
eesh bad rolls
>>
>>3817129
>>3817130
>>3817135

>Rolled 391

>Writing...
>>
You and Okabe go at each other for a good long while, the battle was intense, but not very different from your time against him on the Training grounds, you simply can't find a way past those masterful defenses of his.

So you can sum up the fight as a lot of quick exchanges that usually ended with you getting tossed to the dirt, grass and sometimes, even into a tree.

You feel frustrated, but at the same time, it doesn't feel pointless, with every little defeat, you slowly gain more and more insight in how to control your aura and you can feel your limits being pushed!

>Your training session is painful, but helpful!

>You gain 391 Aura, giving you a new total of 1415!

Eventually, after you feel like you've tasted enough dirt, you decide it's time to give up.

"Alright! That's enough, anymore throws and my spine really will break damn it..." you complain.

"Really? You were doing well too, You nearly managed to graze me once or twice." He compliments.

"Yeah? Well I lost count the number of times I've hit the ground now and if you beat me any more than this, I won't be able to walk for the rest of the night...." you counter.

"Fine, fine, We're done then." He agrees.

You sigh, "Christ you know how to fight well for someone who can't even seem to remember how to walk straight."

"Well I can't help that, my fighting skills are the one thing that I've never forgotten, not even once, they were drilled into me so hard that even if I forgot how to breathe, I'd never forget how to fight." He explains.

"Well that sounds good, at least you'll never forget how to protect yourself." you compliment.

He looks away, "Yeah...but in never forgetting how to protect myself, I always seem to forget about how and what I should be protecting, so then what the hell are these skills good for...?" he questions.

"What are you saying?" you question.

He shakes his head, "I don't really know...I feel like I've forgotten something that I never should never be forgotten..."

"Yet, it also feels like if I remember it, That I'll regret it, because then I'll never forget again and that thought feels me with dread....That face...That face fills me with such dread..." he mumbles again.

You crane your head, "Do you hear yourself half the time you speak? You sound like you're losing your mind."

He laughs, "Does it matter if I am? I don't have much of a mind left to lose after-all..." He says as he walks away.
>>
"Where are you going?" you question.

"I just remembered that I have a job to do, I've got to be going, hope you have a goodnight...Uh...Derrick." He states as he holds his head and walks away.

"...Janet was right, that guy is a real oddball." you say as you walk off as well.

(Now then, it's been an hour, don't got much time left, what should I do now?) you wonder as you exit the forest.

What will you do?

>Get some physical practice in, go train in the gym. (With who? Bradford (Hand-to-Hand training), Noell (Sharp Weapon training)

>Maybe you need to refine your ranged skill, go to the firing range, (With who? Florette (Heavy arms training), Vanilla (Special Arms training)

>Go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about. (End Free time Session)

(1 Hour remains)
>>
>>3817192
>>Get some physical practice in, go train in the gym. (With who? Bradford (Hand-to-Hand training)
I
CAST
FIST
>>
>>3817192
>>Get some physical practice in, go train in the gym. (With who? Bradford (Hand-to-Hand training), Noell (Sharp Weapon training)
Bradford
>>
>>3817192
>>Get some physical practice in, go train in the gym. (With who? Bradford (Hand-to-Hand training)
>>
>>3817198
>>3817214
>>3817221

>Time to train with Bradford.

>Writing...
>>
>A Quick walk later

Reasoning that you've gotten plenty of Nen training, it's about time you get back to more familiar territory, brawling.

And who better to practice your brawling with than someone who lives for the sake of breaking skulls like Bradford?

With thoughts like those, you head back inside Association and go to the Fight Club, where you're absolutely sure Bradford has been spending the last hour cracking bones and punching faces in for fun.

After a short walk, you reach the area in question and upon entering, your thoughts are firmly confirmed.

PLAP! PLAP! PLAP-! You hear the action long before you see it, the raw sound of flesh crashing into flesh, the familiar sound of a violent battle.

Looking below, you see Bradford, all the world's happiness packed into his face and his opponent, all the world's regret packed into his.

Bradford Lays into the poor bastard with his distinct, violent flavor of madness, relentlessly pounding into his face, ribs, stomach and anywhere else he can get his hands on as he beats the life out the man.

His opponent can barely block any of the strikes and even if he manages to counter-attack, it doesn't matter, even if Bradford gets bashed in his body, head or below the belt, nothing seems to faze him, on the contrary, for every strike his opponent lands, he only gets more excited, feeding his desire to fight even more.

"Yeah! Fuck him up! I wanna see some broken teeth!" The crowd has gone wild, clearly enamored with Bradford's unflinchingly, animal like fighting.

"Goddamn, this guy's crazy! That guy is one of the best fighters in the arena and he's serving his ass back to him on a sliver platter!" Another one cheers.

"I'm making bank tonight boys! I knew betting on the underdog would pay off! YEAH!"

(Hasn't even been 2 hours and he's already beating the champ of this place senseless, that's Bradford for ya...) you'd be amazed, but you've known him for too long now to expect anything less.

"GAH! WAIT! WAIT! I GIVE, I GIVE!" The man screams, his voice nasally, probably owing to a broken nose.

Bradford doesn't relent though, "This is fucking fight club! There ain't no fucking giving up dumbass! Only falling the fuck down!" he shouts as he slips a fist past his guard and slams it into his jaw, sending him falling to the floor.

Bradford then finally pulls back once he sees that the man simply lies on the floor, groaning from the pain, but refusing to get up.

Someone comes into the arena, the referee you gather from his Black and White attire and checks him, "Can you still fight?" he asks.

"You...fucking...tell me...Ref..." The other fighter sarcastically quips before falling unconscious.
>>
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The referee scoffs, "Snarky asshole. Get us a stretcher stat!"

Bradford laughs, "Really? Over already? All I did was break your nose? back in my arena days, You were called nice and considerate if you let your opponent walk away with both legs working!"

The referee approaches him, Mircophone in hand "Oh we can see you're fucking nice alright, you just beat all the contenders and the champ in a single night man! What do you have to say to the folks in the stand!?"

He hands Bradford the mic as he speaks, "This is asshat was the best you guys had!? One of you fuckers from up there better come down here and face me, cause I'm still ready for more!"

That gets crowd going absolutely wild, but as he looks up to the rafters, he sees you looking down at him and hands the Referee back the mic as he runs along.

"Hey where you going man! Now that you're the champ, you got a bunch of challenger fights to do!" He asks.

"Sorry, friend I want to talk to just got here, but keep those fists warm for me, I'm coming back after I'm done with him!" He shouts as he rushes up to you.

It takes no time at all for Bradford to get over to you, he's smiling and still brimming with excitement, only half of which is from the adrenaline rush.

"Hey man! So you came by after-all! Did you see that sick-ass fight just now!?" he asks.

You nod, "That I did, I see you've been having...fun." you comment as you examine the bruises all over his face and body.

"More fun than I've had in fucking years! Just as I thought, joining the Association was one of the best choices I ever made! With a place like open 24/7 I'll never be bored again!" He laughs.

"Well good to know I won't have to deal with your bullshit half the time." you state.

"Oh, you say that, but I know you'll miss me! But don't worry man, anytime you want hang out, just step into the ring, always open for ya!" He states.

You laugh, "Really, I think I'll take you up on that offer, I could use some practice, I've been feeling sloppy lately."

"That's probably because you've been getting tossed like a salad by a Jap for one half of the day and your salad tossed by a chick with a schlong twice your size for the other." He states.

"God you really have no filter do you?" you question.

"If I did, would I be half as fun?" he asks.

"No, but you would twice as bearable." You answer.

"Whatever! So you want to go a few rounds with me? I'm happy to oblige!" He agrees.

"Sure, but not here, lets go to the regular ring, I'd rather not have these psychos watching us go at it." you state.

"Fine, doesn't matter to me, as long as I get to knock you around a bit." He laughs.

"Oh we'll see about that..." you trail off as you return to the ring outside and prepare to train.
>>
Yet another quick tutorial!

Weapon proficiency, is a new but simple system, weapons are now divided into various categories (Check the combat rules to find out which) and each character is ranked by profciency level in their use of it.

The ranks go like this: Rank 1 (-5 to all rolls with that weapon), Rank 2 ( No loss but no Bonus), Rank 3 (+5 to all rolls with weapons of that type.) and Rank 4 (+10 to all with weapons of that type)

Currently, Derrick is Rank 2 in both Hand to Hand combat and Special arms (Aka his Bow) with 20% mastery to the next rank in both categories, granting him no bonuses but also no weaknesses to his rolls

So to increase proficiency is simple, train and go into battle that particular weapon, like now for instance!.

>Roll1d100 (No bonus)

>The Higher the better!
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>3817379
>>
Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>3817379
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>3817379
probably not going to beat that 76
>>
>>3817382
>>3817390
>>3817396

>Rolled 76

>Writing...
>>
You and Bradford find your way to a ring in the normal gym and begin to spar.

With you both being boxers with a history in street fighting, you naturally play off each other experience and talent, refining one another's technique by acting like a mirror to each other.

Of course You didn't gain any particularly stunning, new moves, but you definitely feel like you're, much more comfortable with your own fighting style now than before!

>You and Bradford fight intensely for a while, gaining you new skills in close quarters combat!

>You gain 15% more mastery! Bringing your total to 35%!

After you feel like you've gone through the motions enough times that fighting begins to feel like a grind, you bid Bradford fare-well as he rushes back into the fight club, still not even close to tired of beating people up for the night.

(What I wouldn't give to have that kind of energy...It's getting super late now, but I think I have time to do just one more thing before I need to go see the chairman...) you think.

What will you do?

>Maybe you can start learning new a new fighting style with Noell? (Sharp Weapons training)

>Maybe you need to refine your ranged skill, go to the firing range, (With who? Florette (Heavy arms training), Vanilla (Special Arms training)

>Go see what the Chairman wanted to talk about. (End Free time Session)
>>
>>3817435
>Maybe you need to refine your ranged skill, go to the firing range
>Vanilla
We don't use guns or blades
>>
>>3817435
>>Maybe you need to refine your ranged skill, go to the firing range, (With who? Florette (Heavy arms training), Vanilla (Special Arms training)
VAnilla
>>
>>3817465
>>3817466

>Take a trip to the gun range with Vanilla

>Writing...
>>
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Figuring that it's best you cover all bases before you finally get moving, you go off and get Vanilla, with her intricate knowledge of all forms of firearms, normal and odd, she's sure to have some lessons to teach you about your bow.

That being said, finding her is no easy task, apparently from the moment she was done training, she and Peachnia had gone off to their hotel and bunked together for the night, forcing you to drive out for the night and drag her back to the Association, making her more than a little cranky.

"You absolute shit-head, can't you let a girl fucking sleep?" She says with a belligerent yawn.

"I would, if you were actually sleeping in your room, you think I could hear you gossiping with the clown girl in there, you would've up all night talking to her if I didn't drag you out." you counter.

"Doesn't make a goddamn difference, If I have to deal with some annoying dumbass tonight, I'd much rather it be her than you." She complains.

"What is it with you and her anyway? I don't get it, why are you friends all of a sudden? Didn't she try and kill you the moment you guys met?" You ask.

She scratches her head and looks away, "Uh...Well...It's complicated alright, it would be hard to sum my relationship with her up in a single word or phrase..."

"A basic explanation is good enough, usually if someone tries to cave your skull in with a bat, you don't end up gossiping like a couple of schoolgirls with them a few weeks later." you counter.

"Well what can I say, despite how fucked in the head and weird she is, there's this strange charm about her that I just can't hate." She answers.

"That makes no sense to me, what the hell is so charming about hanging out with clown make-up wearing psychopath?" you counter.

She gives you a doubtful eye, "Does it not now? Let me ask you a question Derrick? Why are you such good friends with Bradford?"

"Why? What do you mean?" you ask.

"Well, if I've heard right, you two hated each other and even tried to kill each other when you first met, but now I rarely ever see you without him yapping his ass off beside you." She explains.

She then points at you, "So then Derrick, what is it with you and him? Why are you friends all of a sudden?"

You look away, "Well...It's complicated alright, I couldn't sum up what me and him have in a single word or phrase, he's got this werid charm about him that's- Oh shit wait." you stop yourself as you realize you've said the same thing she did.

She smiles smugly at you, "That doesn't make any sense, what's so charming about a shotgun toteing psychopath?"

"...Okay, you've made your point." You concede.

"Yeah, now let's get to the point, you want me to help you learn how to shoot straight? Go figure you couldn't pull it off yourself." She berates.
>>
"Don't give me shit, you're the only person here who would know how to work with this kind weapon." You say as you present to her your bow.

"A Recurve bow huh? Yeah, I've made and sold a few in my time, usually to mountain troopers or Forlorn Hipsters looking to feel cool for a few days." She states.

"Yeah well I'm no mountain trooper and I'm definitely not a hipster, but I still wanna master this thing." you counter.

"Sure, I can give you a few pointers on how it works, but quick question, why a bow?" She asks.

"Why?"

"Surely you could've chosen something more modern like a pistol or rifle or something. Bows are great, don't get me wrong, but they have been out of style for several millennium now." She explains.

"So, why?" She questions.

"....." The question brings back memories of your past, the painful feeling of taking lives, the regret you feel when you see a gun, the failures you've made, of the people you've lost...

"Uh, Derrick, you're making a hell of a face right now." Vanilla points out.

"Ah...." Before you realized it, you were glaring off into space.

"Sorry, uh, well...Let's just say I don't really like using guns, I...uh...have a bit of history with them." You explain.

Vanilla frowns, "Rightttt, You know what, I'll just assume it's a touchy subject for you and move on, let's get to it!"

>Roll1d100

>Give it your best shot!
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>3817574
>>
Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>3817574
>>
Well the thread's moving a tad slow right now, but whatever, this is pretty much the final roll of the episode so it's fine, I've got some business I have to take care of right about now, I should be back in give or take an hour.

When I get back, I'll take whatever rolls are here and move on, so for now

>Waiting....
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>3817574
>>
>>3817653
>>3817679
>>3817717

And so it is, that I return.

>Rolled 86

>Writing...
>>
You and Vanilla then spend the next half and hour practicing in the art of using one of humanity's oldest weapons of war, the bow is of a very simple design, broken down to it's simplest components, it merely a string tied to both ends of a very strong stick or piece of a plastic.

but perhaps owing to that simplistic design, is what makes it uses so far-reaching and complex, which might even be why, despite bows being extremely obsolete, they still find extensive use even to this day.

Vanilla gives you a good understanding of the various uses of the bow, from simply how to range and shoot with one, to the use of use of various different kinds of arrows, like fire arrows, bomb arrows, poison arrows and so on and so forth.

For all her complaining, Vanilla makes a surprisingly good teacher and you can almost say you feel you enjoyed the time you spent with her, almost anyway.

>You got thorough practice in the use of your bow!

>Special bow mastery is increased by 17%, bringing you to 37% Mastery!

Afterwards, she figures she's drilled you enough to be satisfied and decides she's leaving, whether you want her to or not.

You almost want to make her stay longer just to spite her, but you're officially out of time.

You check your clock and realize it's 11:02, "Jesus, time sure flies when you aren't looking..." you think to yourself.

"It's about time I get to bed, but before that, I do have that appointment with the chairman himself, I probably shouldn't skip a meeting with my new boss..." You think as you head up to his office.
>>
>10 minutes later...

Time: 11:12, closing in on midnight.

Location: Yorknew, Hunter's Association, chairman's office

It takes a little while to take the elevator up to the chairman's office, but the wait is well worth having to avoid that 100-floor staircase.

Before too long though, you make your way into the chairman's office and find him sitting quietly behind his desk, looking out into the starry night sky and down upon the bright city.

"Netero? You called for me?" you ask to catch his attention.

"Indeed I did, I hope you informed no one you were meeting me now?" He asks.

"No, you said you only wanted to talk to me right?" you answer.

He pries his eyes off the window and looks at you, "Good, please, sit, we have much to discuss." He offers.

"...." His tone tells you're in for one hell of a talk, so you take a seat as and ready yourself.

The Chairman sits on the opposing couch to your seat and looks you straight in the eye as he speaks, "So, Derrick, how are you settling into the Association? How does it feel to be a Hunter?" he questions.

"Oh? Well..." The rather tame nature of the subject catches you off-guard as you consider your answer.

How will you answer?

>"This is pretty great, the training is hard, but I say worth the effort and the rewards!"

>"Honestly pretty stressful, I can see things aren't going to get any easier as time goes on."

>"Kinda hard to say considering it's my first day, can I come back to you on that?"
>>
>>3817970
...Honestly it's pretty good so far, but first appearances can be deceiving. I'm reserving judgement, especially given some things I have seen make feel as if something is being hidden.
>>
>"Kinda hard to say considering it's my first day, can I come back to you on that?"
>>
>>3817970
>>"This is pretty great, the training is hard, but I say worth the effort and the rewards!"
>>
>>3817970
>"Kinda hard to say considering it's my first day, can I come back to you on that?"
>>
>>3817978
>>3817984
>>3817989
>>3818007

>kinda hard to say...

>Writing...
>>
You scratch your chin, "...A bit hard to say, this is my first day here and I can't really give a straight up answer, mind if I get back to you on that?" You ask.

"That's a fine thing to say, so you're not quite sure yet? Perhaps you find some things enjoyable, others stressful, others...strange, perhaps out of place?" he questions.

"Out of place?" you repeat.

He nods, "Tell me, what do you think of the Division leaders How do you feel about them?"

You shake your head, "That's even harder to say, the only one I've met so far, is Jesper, the rest where away for the day and I couldn't see any of them...oh, speaking of which, when can I enlist for that?" you question.

He holds a hand up, "Worry not, I shall have it arranged that you make your way into the Terror and investigation unit, that's what you desire yes?"

You nod, "Good, aside from that, I just wanted to hear your thoughts on Hunter Association as
a whole, your first impression." he explains.

"Well you heard it, I don't have much of one yet, the place is very orderly, almost federal and kinda strict, I honestly thought being a Hunter would be more free-spirited, but this isn't bad either..." you state.

"Yes, well what if I was tell you, I thought much the same thing back in the day? That the Hunter Association as it is now is nothing like I imagined it would be?" He agrees.

You narrow your eyes, "...What do you mean?"

"...." Netero goes quiet, seeming to appraise you.

"What is it? Why are you trying to say?"

Netero gets up from his chair and faces away from you, "....Derrick, Do you know how we at the Hunter Association continue to exist?" He asks.

You crane your head in confusion, "If I've done my research right, you regularly receive funding from not only the government, but a multitude of massive private businesses, right?" You answer.

"There are many, many stockholders in the Association, which why you have a never-ending supply of money." you add.

"Correct, at least, that is supposed to be correct." He states.

He then looks back to you, "But what if I told you that it isn't that numerous businesses funding us, but a single, supremely massive business, who owns not a small share, but 50% of the entire company?" he questions.

The very idea baffles you, "What? That sounds impossible, that would mean that one business would have to be worth the power of 50% of your other shareholders!"

"I had the very same thought, that's simply common sense. But that way of thinking is foolish." He counters.

He looks back out against the backdrop of the city, "In the world of Hunter's common sense is meaningless, anything can happen at anytime, for any number of reasons. A Hunter as old as myself should know that, and yet I still..." he looks down at the floor, a look of stress and disappointment on his face.
>>
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"...." A sense of anxiety takes you, something is clearly wrong.

After a long bout of silence, Netero speaks again, "Derrick, does the name...Moon Medicines mean anything you?"

"What!?" Just the utterance of the name garners quite the reaction out of you, it reminds you of everything Rea once told you.

"I see that my guess was right then, you're privy to the innerworkings of what's going on, even if only a little." Netero states.

"...." you're not sure how to respond, Rea told you not to trust anyone from the Hunter Association.

"Do you find me untrustworthy? Don't worry, I do as well." He states.

"...Tell me, what did you really call me up here to ask me?" you question.

He turns back to you, "Before I answer that, do you mind if I tell you a short story?" He asks.

"A story?" You question.

"Of the day I was approached by Moon Medicines, of the day I saw with my own two eyes what a monster looked like...of the day I met Soren Moon..."

>4 Years ago...

Time: February 12, 1996 2:20 PM, Late Afternoon.

Location: Hunter Association, Chairman's office,

The afternoon Sun hung dryly in the air, peering light through the office, illuminated the pristine room as well as the vast city it hovers over.

Netero sank back into his chair, looking at the businessman before him with a mix of slight confusion, bafflement and annoyance.

However, the business man did not mind, he sat calmly before the Chairman of the Hunters, one foot propped over the other as he checked his watch for the time.

"So tell me, Chairman, what do you think of my offer?" That businessman's name was Soren Moon and he asked a simple question with a smile.

"What do I think? I think it has to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." He answers.

Soren laughs sweetly, but in a clearly calculated manner, "Ridiculous? What's so ridiculous about it?" he questions, though he already knows the answer.

Netero sighs as he bridges his fingers, "You want me to give you 50% of the company stock, effectively handing over half the reins of the company to exclusively you? What else can I call that but ridiculous?" He counters.

"You say that, but I've offered you an adequate sum of money haven't I? It's not as if I'm asking for all that power for free." He counters.

"We at Hunter Association are not starved for cash, it matters not how high the sum, your offer is simply too insane to even consider." He counters.

He laughs at that, this time for real, "Not starved for money eh? That's not a good attitude to have, one must always be starved for money, for money is the first step towards power and with power, you've taken you're second step to changing the world." He declares.
>>
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"What are you getting at?" Netero questions.

Soren looks around the office, pleased, but not satisfied with what he sees, "This Hunter Association...This is a great place, an excellent idea!" He praises.

"However, in it's current state, it might as well have simply stayed an idea, it's reach is far too small, the things it can change, far too little in the grant scheme of things." He comments.

Netero scowls, "Is it not bad manners to bad-mouth a business you are trying to negotiate with right in front of the owner's face?"

"Oh no, no, no, I am not insulting you or the Organization. I am merely saying, this place is so amazing, but, it could be so much more!" He exclaims.

"What do you mean by more?" He questions.

Soren checks his watch again as he speaks, "Tell me Netero, Assume money is not an issue, where do you see this company going in 4 years if you took my deal?"

Netero is confused, "If I let you have your way? Why I'm not sure, what would happen?" he asks.

"Well if you're going to answer a question with a question, then put simply, I would like to take your business to new heights!" He starts.

"I would like to make a global conglomerate! One with branches and offices on every corner of the planet, it's reach exponentially greater than it is now!" he exclaims.

Netero laughs, "What a dreamy future you've sung, but even assuming that was in fact, possible, what's to say you won't use my organization to fulfill your own ends? Use our power to complete your agenda?" Netero questions.

Soren laughs, "Well of course I'm going to use you to fulfill my own ends! Why else would I want to buy your company?"

Netero can't believe his ears, "Well, of the many philandering businessmen that have approached me with insidious intent, you are the first to be so...honest."

Soren bows, "Why thank you. But why wouldn't I be honest? My ends are not insidious and my agenda is to the benefit of all mankind, so of course I'm going to come right out and same it, yes, I want this company because I think I can use you!"

Now Netero is the one laughing, "My god, you can't make this kind of babble up, you my good friend have presented me with one of the most interesting business offers I've ever considered."

"Thank you very much, I pride myself on being an interesting person."

"Yes, And you have also given me one of the easiest deals to reject I've ever born witness to!" Netero adds.
>>
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"Ah is that so..." Soren goes to check his watch again.

"Yes that is so! This is beyond ridiculous now! Your ideas are fantastical at best, childish in all other cases!" Netero berates.

"You admit that you want to manipulate me to your own ends and say you have enough money to turn a simple business into a world-wide conglomerate!? The very idea is laughable really! I was debating whether I should even hear you out when you presented this deal and I see now this was a complete waste of my time!" He scolds.

"Oh is that right....yes, yes I see..." Soren nods along as he continues reading his watch.

"Are you even listening to me!? And why do you keep checking your watch! Is that you have some other business to attend to? Well it might be best you go deal with it now!" He shouts.

"Oh no, not at all. I actually cleared my schedule for the day because I expected this to be a harder sell, but clearly I was mistaken." he counters.

"Excuse me!?" Netero questions.

Soren then taps his with a look of glee and stands up, "If it's money you think is the issue, I told you already, you were to assume it's no issue." he states.

"Yes but we are not working off assumptions, we are working off reality-!"

Whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....

"Huh? What?" It's then Netero catches the sound, the distinct sound of an airship passing over head.

Soren heads over to the window and looks out of it unto the city, "Yes, oh Netero, oh chairman of Hunters, we are talking of reality, you and me."

"What is that sound...hm?" Netero then looks out the window to see entering his field of vision through the window and from it, he sees something unbelievable.

Money. From the airship falls a rain of cash, thousands of bills fly from the ship and fall upon the district below.

But that's not all, then he sees a second airship, then a third, then a fourth, then a-

"-We are both talking of the reality before us. The reality of the changing world that is coming and what our respective places in it will be." Soren says, watching the money rain down by the 100s of 1000s and the 1000s of 10,000s.

"Did you arrange this? Were you the one who-"

"Yes." He answers straightly as he turns away from the window, some of the many thousands of bills pressing up against it and blocking the incoming sunlight and casting a shadow over Soren as he turns to face Netero.

"...." Netero can't even begin to find the words for what he sees, this kind of power is beyond the scope of what he could've possibly imagined.

Soren smiles from ear to ear as he speaks, "Now let me ask you again, tell me Mr.Chairman, assume that money- Or sorry, let me just be frank-"

He extends a hand to Netero as he speaks, "Money is not an issue. So if you take my deal, where do you see this company going in 4 years?" he asks.

"....." Netero is left unable to even speak back.

Soren laughs, "Do you want to hear my answer? I see a great future in store for this company..."

"A Very great future indeed..."
>>
>Back to the present...

"...." You're left utterly speechless as you hear the end of the story.

"That was my first meeting with that man and it's one I shall never forgot, not as long as I draw breath." Netero explains.

"That's...That's completely insane...And you took his deal?" you question.

"Indeed I did." He nods.

What will you say?

>"Are you serious? You actually let him takeover? Why!?"

>"Are you a fucking idiot!? You should have turned a psycho like that away at the door! What were you thinking!?"

>"Can you tell me why? I can't understand why you would let someone like that have his way."
>>
>>3818361
"May I ask why?"
>>
>>3818361
>>"Are you serious? You actually let him takeover? Why!?"
Seems like the natural response
>>
>>3818400
>>3818410

I guess I'll count this first as basically a vote to the first option, though to be abide by the write-in a little, I shall tone down the rage a little.

>But why!?

>Writing...
>>
You have all kinds of things to say and ask about that, but before anything else, only one questions comes to mind.

"Why? Why!? Why did you just accept!?" you question.

"Why indeed..." Netero trails off.

"You said it yourself back then! You weren't starved for cash and he admitted he had a secret agenda he wanted to accomplish and yet you still took the deal, why!?" you question.

"...It's because I was scared." He answers.

You're blown away, "Y-You, you were scared of him?"

Netero turns away from you, clearly ashamed to admit this to you, "If I am to be honest, on that day, it was not the money, or the amount of power he wielded that had frightened me, but the look in his eye."

Netero looks down to the floor again, "After he pulled that massive stunt, the look he had given me was one I had seen many times before...It was the look of a monster, a beast most savage and ravenous, one with an appetite that could not be sated." He states.

"And if my plethora of times faces such beasts as A Hunter has taught me anything, it's that such beasts are to be feared, for if left to their own devices, they will destroy everything they come in contact with." he declares.

"That man, Soren, was no different...." He turns his head slightly, just enough to allow you to see the fear in his eyes.

"I could tell from just that look, that if I had said no that day, he would've gone ahead and done something to topple my company, had me disposed of and taken over the entire thing all on his own. In a way, by taking the deal, I managed to ensure he only gained 50% of the company." He explains.

"Jesus Christ..."

"And the Hunter Organization you see before you now is a product of his power, just as he had told me those 4 years ago, the Hunter Association has become a world-wide conglomerate, one he uses to fulfill his desires." He explains.

"And you can't do anything to stop him? You're Chairman!" you point out.

"That title is meaningless now, I'm a figure your head, only good for public appearances and paper stamping now, he's the one with the real control, on my own, I can't do anything to stop him." He explains.

"That's...just...damn...Is there nothing we can do?" you can't even begin to see a way out of a situation like that.

"And that's precisely why I called you here today, yes there is something we can do." Netero states as he returns to his office chair.

"What?" you question.

"You see Derrick, The reason I've become a pencil pusher now is because I'm no longer a field agent. The reason for that is because of the division leaders." he explains.

"The Division leaders?" you question.

"They and a few others here hold the true power around here. They are regents in a sense, deployed by Soren to act as his agents and watchdogs against me." he states.
>>
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"They keep me in check and report not to me, but directly to Soren and because of that, I can make no moves against him." He says as he bridges his fingers.

"Really? Even Jesper?" you question.

"Yes, even him." He answers.

That disturbs you a little, but you continue anyway, "Okay, that makes sense, but what does that have to do with me?" you ask.

"That's simple, Derrick, I wish to ask for your cooperation...in eliminating them." He asks.

Your eyes go wide, "You want me to what!? Kill them!?"

"Not necessarily, but if pushes comes to shove, that may be an option as well." He explains.

"You-I-I don't even know what to say, this is so sudden and-" You babble.

"I know this is sudden, but I need your help Derrick, if you do not help me, I fear for the future of not only the Association, but the very world." He states.

"What!? But you still haven't explained so much to me, I can't just agree when i barely Know anything!" you counter.

"Well I must first see to it that you agree to work with me before I reveal my plans to you. If you were to say no and report all said to Soren, I would truly lost at that point, there would absolutely nothing I could do to stop him." He explains.

"....Good God, you've put a lot on my plate...." You complain.

"Go ahead and take some time to think if you need." He allows.

"...." you do just that as you go quiet and contemplate.

After a moment, you collect your thoughts, rationalize things and realize there's a question you still haven't had answered.

"Why me?" you ask.

"Excuse me?"

"Why are you telling me all this? Why not someone else?" you question.

"Why you...Yes, why you..." He repeats to you.

He looks you straight in the eye, "Tell Derrick, do mind if I ask a personally question?"

You squint at him, "Depends, how personal we talking?"

"Tell me, how much of your own past do you remember?" He asks.

"Huh?" The question is baffling and out of nowhere.

"Well? Tell me? How much?" he asks.

"I-uh- I don't really see how that's your business, but if you gotta know, all of it I'm pretty sure!" you counter.

"Oh? All of it you say? Well then, tell me, where were you born?" He asks.

"Where was I born? Well...I don't know the hospital or anything, but in Yorknew, I lived downtown most of my early life with my mother and 10 other brothers." You answer.

Netero gives you a side-long glance, "Oh? Is that how you remember it? Interesting, you lived with your Mother did you?"

You glare at him, "Why are you looking at me as if I don't know what the hell I'm talking about!? This is my past, I fucking remember it well alright and it's a real pain to go through over and over again!" You complain.

"Oh no, it's just that, I've been through your files Derrick and let me tell you something..." Netero trails off.

"The past as you remember it, is incorrect." he states.
>>
"....What?" you can't believe your ears.

"I'm telling you, most the memories you have are false, or maybe it would be more factual to say, inaccurate" He explains.

"And who the hell are you to say that? How do you know my life?" you question.

"I referenced the info you submitted with the actual info I collected by digging deeper into your past and there quite a few things that don't line up." he answers.

"What the hell does that mean!? How are my memories fake!? Are you saying I can't even trust my own memories!?" you shout.

"Why are you getting so angry?" He asks.

"Of course I'm fucking angry! you drag me up here, thrust all this crazy shit on me and now you tell me I can't even trust my own memories! How the fuck am I even supposed to believe you!? Where's your proof!?" you demand.

"Proof? Okay, allow me to ask you a simple question then." He states.

"Derrick, can you please tell me you're Mother's name?" He asks.

"What? My Mom's name?" you repeat.

"Yes, just tell me your Mother's maiden name please, that's all I ask."

"What the fuck is this nonsense!? What's the point of-"

"Just answer the question Mr.Holums." He demands.

That gets you extra-pissed, "Well if you must fucking know, her name is-......Huh?"

"What's wrong, why aren't you saying anything?" Netero questions.

"Um, that is, her name is....it is....fuck...why can't I..." You suddenly feel very woozy, your head is twirling with a force and every time you try and recall your Mother's name, or face, or even any deeper detail than her mere existence, your mind seems to hit a road block.

"Now what's this? You can't remember your mother's name?" Netero questions.

"I-I-I...What is this? Why can't I....Remember?" You question.

"That's because you're being blocked from remembering Derrick, someone has manipulated your memories and shown you events that never truly happened. The woman you call Mother, is not your true Mother." He declares.

"...Excuse me, what the fuck?" Is all you can say back.

"You heard me." he states.

"But-But then who is she? Who is this woman I remember? And who is my real mother then?" you question.

"I know, but I can't tell you." He answers.

"Why not!?" You demand, growing impatient.

He sighs, "Allow me to try then. Derrick the name of your true Mother is: 𐑒𐑘𐑵 𐑰 𐑛𐑰."

"W-What?" at the end of his sentence, you couldn't hear anything as static fills your ears.

"You didn't hear me? 𐑒𐑘𐑵 𐑰 𐑛𐑰 I said, 𐑒𐑘𐑵 𐑰 𐑛𐑰." He repeats over and over.

"G-Gah...Stop..." But with each time your head is filled with more and more static, blocking all the important info out.
>>
"Just as I thought...You can't hear me can you, it must sound like Static or something to you." he reasons.

"W-What's happening to me? What is this?" you question.

"You've been brainwashed Derrick, your mind has been manipulated and your memories falsified, your mind is already in enemy hands." he explains.

That drives a stake of fear right into your heart, "What am I supposed to do then!? How do I fix this!? How can I get my real memories!?" you ask.

"I'm not sure." He answers plainly.

"What!? What do you mean you're not sure!?" you ask.

"I'm not sure how they did this to you, just that they did and any attempt to try and tell you the truth is futile, your mind won't have it, it will reject it, as per your brainwashing." He explains.

"Then...What am I supposed to do...? What can I even do?" you question.

"That too I am unsure about, but..."

He looks you straight in the eye again, "A good place to start, might be helping me bring the people who've done this to you to heel. What say you?"

How do you answer?

>"I don't know...I need more time to think..."

>"I'll do it, these guys are plotting something big and clearly someone needs to put a stop to it!"

>"Alright, I'll join you, but only because I want to get this terrible brainwashing off me and learn the truth of my past!"
>>
>>3818703
>>"Alright, I'll join you, but only because I want to get this terrible brainwashing off me and learn the truth of my past!"
>>
>>3818703
>>"Alright, I'll join you, but only because I want to get this terrible brainwashing off me and learn the truth of my past!"
>>
>>3818703
"And how can I be sure it was not you who did this to me instead of them."
>>
>>3818730
>>3818740
>>3818741

>Alright I'll join you, but how can I be sure you aren't playing me?

>Writing...
>>
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You grit your teeth in rage, "If there's anything I fucking hate, it's having my head fucked with! And this has to be the worst case of it I've gotten so far! So you're right, I need some goddamn answers!" you declare.

"Should I take that as a yes?" Netero infers.

"That depends, how do i know you aren't the reason my brain's fried?" you question.

Netero laughs, "A healthy sense of suspicion, I like that, you're going to need it to survive the trails and tribulations before you."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"Well unfortunately, I can give you no assurance that I'm not the secret mastermind of this conspiracy, but I can tell you this, if you were to join and learn of my plans, then you would have leverage to tattle on me to Soren would you not?" He offers.

"If nothing else, then that means I'm far more viable to lose here than gain than you are, so do you really want to say no to such good black-mail?" He questions.

"....You got me there, fine then. I'll join you." You agree.

You then shoot him a glare, "But don't get me wrong! I'm not doing this because I care about your internal political struggle! I just want my memories back, nothing more! Nothing less!"

Netero smiles, "Not the most selfless reason, but a good one all the same, then the deal is made I suppose, now, before i get into detail about my plan-"

He reaches under the table and presses a button hidden from sight, as the button gets pushed, metal curtains come down over the windows and the lights dim in the room as a digital display sheet comes behind the Chairman as well as a projector over his head.

"Allow me to introduce the enemy we will be fighting." He says as the projector beams it's light against the sheet.

As it does so, 4 faces and 4 names are displayed, each one strange and distinct.

Of course you see Jesper's face there, his name and title written right under a picture of his face.

Beside him you read the Name May, though apparently that's not her real name, leader of the Medical Division who you didn't get to meet, you can't tell much about her profile under then she dresses very darkly and wears quite a bit of make-up.

Beside her is someone even stranger looking, instead of face, all you see is a man wearing a dark hood and a metallic mask attached to his face. His name is March (Also not real name) and he's the leader of the Engineering division.

And finally you see....

"Wait...What?" you utter to yourself, your mind blown away by the last face and name.

"Hm? Do you know this man? Netero asks as he points to him on the projector sheet.

"Oh fucking do I...To think this is where you've been for so long...Austin..." You say the name of your friend aloud and you can hardly believe it.

Ending Theme: https://youtu.be/ruQsv709MA0

Netero laughs, "It seems you have a long journey ahead of you indeed child. Oh so very long..."

[To be Continued...]
>>
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And that's the end of the thread...for now!

I do have one more little preview plus some stuff to say now that I'm finally back, but that has to wait till tomorrow, as I'm very sleepy right now!

So for now, goodnight anons!
>>
>>3818858
Thanks for running, see ya tomorrow
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>>3818851
interesting set up QM, have a shitty edit from yours truly.
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>>3819248
This is fucking amazing
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>>3819248
I whole-heartedly appreciate that you took the time to edit anything for my sake, you got a kek out me first thing in the morning.


Now then, for those of you still around waiting, and those of you who will be reading all this through the archive, allow me to post a quick preview for the next episode...

>Writing...
>>
Time: January 29, 2000, 12:42 PM, Midnight.

Location: Yourbia, Venada State, McZalin Airfield base aka Area 49

In the dead of night, while the Moon was being obscured by the clouds above, casting an overwhelming darkness that clouded vision of the area all around, a single shining star could be seen on the ground.

In a remote location, distant from any major cities or town, a single airfield stood at the edge of a desert, it's brilliant lights cascading light all around the otherwise dark area, it's host of jet planes, carrier aircraft, drones and other flying war machines.

Alongside those, many loads of equipment are put out to protect these aircraft, surveillance cameras, gun nests with heavy machine guns attached, automated turrets and armed guards.

And two such armed guards sit around by a guard post around the entrance of the secret military base, to them, this was a night like any other, having to sit around and stare into the darkness in case someone might come wandering where they are not supposed to, so they can escort them away from the location or remove them permanently if need be.

But despite the serious nature of their work, these guards have never done anything of the sort, with a base location so remote, the most dangerous invader they've ever faced is a rabbit or coyote that comes near the gate from time to time, attracted by the bright lights that they have to shoo away.

So naturally, these guards were quite lax on this darkest of nights.

The two guards sit adjacent to one another in their respective guard posts, one checks his phone idly as the other whistles some obscure tune, staring into space.

The guard on his phone suddenly chuckles as he speaks, "Hey, man, get a load of this, there's a event being made by a bunch of civvies to raid area 51."

"What? You can't be serious, no would be that dumb, they'd be turned into a cereal bowls worth honeynut crunch before they even made it to the gates." The other counters.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's just a bad joke, but still, they're going on about finding aliens, secret government projects...Anime girls too apparently."

The other guard laughs uproariously, "Now that shit's funny! Little do they know the real alien shit's actually hidden here, in good ol' area 49!"

"Don't call it alien shit dumbass, we're housing newly made, secretly developed weapons and aircraft, we didn't steal this shit for a bunch of little grey men."

"Say whatever you want man, but if you seen some of the stuff we got in the back up close, you'd think it all came from outer space too." he counters.

"Well what you think doesn't fucking matter! All we have to do is ensure that no Ochiman or Kakin spies break in." He counters.

The other guard rolls his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, not that anything that exciting is ever going to happen...hm?"
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He then stares out into the darkened distance, suspicious, "Hey, what is man? You see another coyote or something?" the other guard questions.

"Uh...No, that's a little bigger than a coyote...and it's walking on two legs too..." He notes.

"What are we playing 20 fucking questions? Is it bigger than a bread box? What is it?" He asks.

"I'm pretty sure that's a person..." He answers.

"Excuse me? That's a pretty huge deal, we can't let anyone near this place! Where are they?" He asks.

The other guard points up at a nearby sandy hill, "Look there, there's a silhouette."

The guard takes out his binoculars and zooms in and his partner is right, on the hill, a single figure stands over the base and watches from a distance, unmoving, much like a statue.

"What the fuck? How did this end up here? We're over a 100 miles from the nearest town and in the middle of a desert!" He questions.

"I don't fucking know, but one of us is going to have to deal with that guy." He states.

"And I guess that's gotta be me huh? Fine, watch this post just in case, I'm going in."

"But what if he's armed?"

The guard brandishes his flare gun, "In that case I'll make sure to shoot a flare at the first sign of danger and alert the whole base, but from what I saw, the guy is unarmed."

With that the guard steps out of his post, taking his automatic rifle with him and heads out to the hill, "Don't die man! I'll be bored as shit without you!" The other guard chants.

"Right back at you buddy, I'd go crazy if I had to sit here alone all night!" He calls back as he steps out of hearing distance of his friend.

After that, the guard slowly approaches the mysterious figure, who even now, has not moved an inch from where he once stood.

The guard, careful to make sure the man isn't hiding any weapons in his clothes approaches silently, using the darkness to his advantage till he gets within shooting range of the intruder.

Once there-in, the guard pulls out a flash-light and brandishes it on the intruder, "Okay buddy, what the hell are you doing-huh?"

The guard is cut-off mid-sentence as he notices the strange attire.

https://youtu.be/GMbvaJm9LnY

The man, at least, the guard assumes he's a man, considering his tall and butch body type, is wearing a large shawl, one that covers his body from head to toe, obscuring almost all details about him expect for his strange hands, which have been blackened, almost as if they were roasted in a flame.

The guard is taken aback by the figure, "What the fuck...? Who are you?" He asks.

The statue like man finally moves, almost like a robot, he responds only to stimulus as he turns his head to face the man and speaks, "Good Sir...Would you like to take a moment to partake in God's good grace?" he questions back.
>>
The guard squints his eyes at the strange man, "Is this is some kind of shit joke? Cause if it is, it's not funny man."

The figure shakes his head, "I dare not jest, surely not of God, I come here to spread his love, do his bidding, enact his will. I come to unto your house today with only honesty and blessings."

The guard is not amused, "Oh, so you're not stupid, you're just a crazy preacher. One that somehow found his way across 100 miles of desert to find this place, mind telling me how you did that by the way?" he asks.

The cloaked man extends his outwards, high to sky and speaks, "By the same means that the many other messengers of God found their way, through his will and grace, I am here this day to spread his word. Like many prophets before me, he guided me to you this day." he answers.

The man nods along, clearly not really listening, "Yeah, alright, sure buddy. I'm sure you hear God talking in your head day and night."

The man nods, "Indeed it is I do! He whispers promises of love and compassion for all mankind to me. He wishes me to make his will done-"

The man puts a hand up to stop him,"Okay, yeah you've made your point, you're so kind of extra determined door-to-door preacher, Usually I'd send you away like all your buddies, but you know what, you deserve a reward for all your effort."

The guard closes in on the shawled man, grabbing him by the wrist and speaking, "You can follow me into the base, so we can question you properly." He asserts.

The man in the shawl looks down at his grabbed hand, "...Oh I see, so you do wish to hear of God's grace..." he whispers.

"No not today buddy, Sunday mass was yesterday, today, all I need God to give me is a break." He quips.

But the man in the shawl does not listen, instead he looks up to the heavens and speaks, "....Indeed, yes almighty...Once again humanity is rejecting your grace...your love, much like they did with your son, I speak the truth and they shun me for it..."

"Hey? You okay there buddy? You listening?" The guard questions.

"....Yes, yes, I agree, it is not their fault, they simply do not know, they are ignorant, so they reject what they do not understand..."

the guard shakes his head, "I was never good at dealing with you super religious types, just be a good boy and come along with-"

Crunch...

"Huh? What the..." The guard hears a sound coming from his left, turning his flashlight that way, he sees more figures dressed in shawls, at least 3 of them.

"Uh....I see you've got friends." He mentions, nervousness taking his gut.

Crunch...

He hears the sound again to his right and turns his flashlight that way, to see even more figures, "I see you've got lots of friends..."

The first shawled man, still staring up to the heavens, speaks again, "Yes, I understand, as cruel as it is, it must be done...They must be made to to understand, lest they cannot be saved..."
>>
Before the guard realizes it, he's completely surrounded, the figures are standing on all sides of him, entrapping him in a circle.

The guard looks around with fear in his eyes, "So...Should I assume this is your choir group or..."

The shawled man he was grabbed swats his hand away and then points to the guard, "You must be made to understand! If you will not find salvation of your own will, then it must be made to be so!" He shouts.

With those words the ring of cloaked figures begins to close in around him, The guard points his assault rifle at the lot of them, "Stay back! I will shoot if you get any closer! I'm warning you!"

But the cloaked figures show no fear, they continue to walk closer to him, enclosing the circle around him, all the while, the first man shouts at the top of his lungs.

"The foolish, sinful nature of man must be rectified! It because of our denial of the love of God that we are eternally plagued by War and suffering! It because we refuse to accept grace and love that we are given day after day, that we keep repeating the same mistakes! Over and over again!"

The guard drops his flashlights to the ground as he reaches for his flare gun, using one hand to keep his rifle up, "I am serious! One more step and I'll-"

The man with blackened hands points to the guard and shouts, "Mankind must be punished! As the good book teaches, we must not spare the rod, lest we spoil the child! Seize this man! He must be made to understand!"

With that, the cloaked figures begin to rush at him.

"Goddamn it! I warned you!" The man opens fire upon the rushing figures.

DAKAKAKAKA-! Rings the fire of his rifle as he sprays at the many figures, he riddles two or three of them with bullets, making them drop like sandbags in the ground.

But the rest remain undeterred, not stopping for anything as they move to grab him, one or two of them manage to pull at his arm and pry the gun from his hand.

"Get the fuck off me!" He shouts as he kicks the grabbing figures off and dashes through the opening he made by killing those other people.

The man with the blackened hands points to you and shouts, "Fear not death good people of God! For the kingdom of heaven awaits those willing to die in the Lord's service! After him, do not let him escape!"

"Fuck! Fuck! FUCK! Have to warn the others!" As he dashes through the dark, he grabs at the flare gun at his side and fires it into the air.

The flare shoots up like a firework before bursting into a brilliant light, like a miniature sun that shines through the dark night.

"Huh...?" But it is in seeing what's in the darkness, that the guard is made aware of how dire his situation is.

The moment the are is brightened, he sees 10, no 50, no 100, no what must be 1000s of cloaked figures, lurking inside the darkness, surrounding the base and making their way inside it.
>>
All around him as well, at least 20 other people are chasing him, their dashing, desperate and swift, the man barely makes it 20 meters before he's tackled to the ground and hauled up.

"NO! NO! HELP! SOMEONE-" Naturally, the guard looked to his partner that should still be in the guard post to help him.

But as he looks over, he sees that his friend, who's watched over this place with him night after night, who he's truly bonded with over the long years of boredom.

Had already been killed, his throat rended open and he's made to watch as his body along with a few others gets dragged deeper into the base.

After baring witness to that harrowing sight, the man is dragged back over to what must be the leader of this strange group, he kicks and fights the whole way, but unable to escape as he is brought before him.

"NO! GOD PLEASE! STOP! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?"

"Now that your life is in danger, do you beg God for forgiveness? Do you seek salvation?" The man asks.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!? WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!? WHO ARE YOU WORKING WITH!?" The man questions.

"I see...so you will reject grace to the very end...Worry not, oh little lost lamb, I will show you salvation-" With that, the man takes his black, burnt hands places it on the guard's head.

"WHAT THE FUCK! WHAT ARE YOU DOING-"

"-I will show you forgiveness." The man states as an odd glow takes over his body, a surging of energy engulfs the figure.

After that, something beyond common sense happens, the strange energy turns a dark shade of orange, the distinct color of flames.

These flames run down the man's arms, engulfing his hands and reach into the guard's body.

In mere seconds, burning fire explodes from the man's body, roasting him from the inside out.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-GARHAGHHHHHHHHH-" The cries he lets out are inhuman, disgusting, heart-rending, as his vocal cords are roasted to a bubbly grease, you can barely tell they were the screams of a man.

The other figures let the man go as the flames takes his entire body, turning him into a walking pile of charcoal as he falls to the ground, still burning, his corpse now illuminating the area like a campfire.

The man with the blackened hands, which are still on fire speaks, "Did you see that, oh followers of God? That was the power God has given to me, these flames that exude from my body, they were a gift given to me by God, to save people!" He exclaims.

The 1000s of cloaked figures bow down before him, standing before the flaming pile that was once a person.

One of the cloaked figures moves close to the man and speaks, "It is done Messiah, we have secured the base and taken any who wouldn't fight as hostages, we can begin the plan now." He reports.
>>
"Excellent..." The man nods as he turns and looks to his army of followers.

"Today is the day my good men and women of God. Today is the day we change this country, no, this very world for the better!" He preaches.

"Today is the day we will change the hearts of the evil people of the world! Today is the day we will save the souls of every man, woman and child!"

"When the Morning sun rises and they learn of this deed, they will call us monsters! Radicals! Murders! Psychopaths!" He predicts.

"But it matters not what the ignorant say! They are lost and want others to be lost with them! They look at salvation as a curse! Grace as folly! And God's love as insanity!"

"Well I am here today to say, I think they are the crazy ones! I think they are the ones who are the psychopaths! Murderers! Monsters and Radicals!"

"So I ask of you all! Follow me! They will fight us for this! But we will fight back twice as hard and we will win, for we have God at our side! For you have me on your side!" He exclaims.

The crowd cheers and cries with joy at his words, "Yes Messiah! We will follow you into battle! We will follow you into hell if need be!" One person shouts.

"Let us show the sinners the error their ways!" Another shouts.

"We shall be the ones that save the souls of the lost and damned!"

The man in the shawl nods to his followers as he removes his cloak and smiles.

"Indeed good men and women of God. Let us save some souls. shall we?"

[See the rest, next time on HXHQ!]
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And with that I really am done!

Jeez, this episode went on wayyyyyy longer than I had planned for, this was supposed to be a Short episode to start off the season, believe it or not, but ended being so long that I had to cut out several things along the way just to make it so this didn't take an entire week to finish, which it almost did!

But anyway, I thank you all for putting up with this rather boring episode that was mainly just for setting up new systems and introducing the people and facilitates of the Hunter Organization.

As you can see by the preview, I have something much, much more excited planned for the next episode! Which I will have ready for you in....Probably 2 weeks?

Don't get me wrong, I already have everything prepared for this next episode, I could run it right now in-fact! But my real life schedule is a hectic one and I must find the time to run these shows without cutting into my real schedule too much.

If I try and make time just to run this Quest again, I might seriously stress myself out to max, like I did with last season and I'm sure we don't want a repeat of last season!

So with all that, go ahead and ask me anything, I will answer any and all questions while the thread is still up, follow me on twatter and please join for the next episode of Hunter X Hunter Quest!

Chapter 2, Episode 2: The X Path To X Salvation

See you all there!
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>>3820179
Take your time QM, you deserve a break considering the sheer amount you write.
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>>3820179
I've been super busy but I've finally found the time to catch up. Great episode, it's the perfect reintroduction. I especially like the new OP, I've been listening to it for the past few days and it's pretty fitting (especially the title considering this season seems like it's gonna focus a lot on Noell). Hope to see you soon
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>>3822800

I'm very glad you enjoyed anon, the sole reason I keep going is because of the people that genuinely enjoy what I do.

>I especially like the new OP

I'm happy you do, I had a bunch of candidates for what the new OP was going to be for this Chapter, but Doom and Gloom won my heart for 3 reasons:

1.It most fit the theme I'm going for this season, both literally and thematically, as, literally, it feels like something Derrick would listen to as he goes about his harrowing adventures with a crew of drunk and insane passengers.

And Thematically, it's song about the regrets of those who've fought in a war and the damage it does to countries that fight them, which will be the major theme for this entire Chapter.

2.Lyrically, it works well to describe Derrick's adventure so far and the events of what's to come (up to you guys to figure out what I mean by that...)

3. And because it's just a damn good song and Rolling Stones seems to have become the favorite band of this Quest next to Dear Hunter



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