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File: Styles & Vedder 2.jpg (1.91 MB, 3840x2160)
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You are Miranda Styles, and fortunately no one seems to be giving you too many stares, despite your clothing. Likely because the event that you’re going to is somewhat international; guests from all over are fairly expected. Yes, the one and only undefeated ‘Tigress of Ryomeki’ Yuu Mitsukoshi is squaring off today in in an amateur MMA bout against New Zealand’s Zoe ‘Hunter’ Gathers.

Cute nickname. At any rate, the Tigress remains undefeated, whereas Zoe Gathers has only two losses to her name, both to the same individual. Current odds are putting Gathers as the underdog, obviously, but there’s a decent number of holdouts. People are promising this will be a fight to remember.

And you’ve got front row seats.

Welcome back to Magical Girl For Hire Quest!

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
General Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler
Character Details: http://pastebin.com/9J70gqM2
FAQ: http://pastebin.com/8unLWUjF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGFHandler
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/Q5Q1MR92
>>
>>3927372
With the admittedly dicey situation from the other day, Izumi’s sitting quiet while her would-be recruiters are busy worrying about the random dead girl- not the best result, by any means, but as Lorelei had groused to you later, she hadn’t really seen any alternative that didn’t risk the fact that there’s three players in the game, not two out. They were close by, she wouldn’t have had time to hide the body, and in general she felt she made the best of a bad situation. As far as you’re concerned, anything that means you don’t have any reason to get spotted by Okada’s people is fine, and you just know that they’re on the lookout for anyone remotely suspicious now. The murder was indeed news, and the girl was identified: Ayano, seventeen, went to a different high school than where Izumi’s going, but was considered a nice girl, if quiet and largely keeping to herself. Nothing particular about her.

Best thing about it, though, is ‘no suspects’. Although many are wondering about ‘The Vigilante’ that’s been going about the city so far.

To your honest surprise, the current public feelings around the situation?

Apathy. Largely shit like ‘probably deserved it’ or ‘sucks for her’. Very little in the way of support or grief or anything. Granted, there’s a lot of assholes out there, but even you can tell that the ratio of sympathy to unsympathetic is a bit...skewed. Wonder if this is the doing of all the Despair magic...would make sense.

“Right-o, so this is the place, I’m pretty sure,” Lorelei says as you shake yourself out of your thoughts. The Ryomeki Grand Arena, standing in a hexagonal shape, its red ‘bladed’ outcroppings normally for style looking oddly sinister in the gloom, especially contrasted to the normally shining white the rest of the building has. It’s their local general purpose venue, currently serving as the backdrop for the big fight tonight. “Wanna go ahead and get our seats?” You nod. Might as well.

“Excuse me!” a voice says; you’re at first assuming that it’s not at you...until you hear rapid footsteps and and see someone with a microphone jogging towards you. “Sorry to interject, but I’m with Channel 7 Sports Worldwide, and we’re covering the MMA match between the undefeated Yuu Mitsukoshi and Zoe Gathers, live! Mind if I ask your opinions on the upcoming match? Any favorites between you two?”

Lorelei’s eyes immediately flick to you in question as you quickly decide how to respond…

> “Sorry, I’m not good with press.” Walk away as quick as possible.
> “I find Ms. Mitsukoshi interesting and will be watching her closely.”
> “Ms. Gathers seems as though she might have what it takes.”
> Other
>>
>>3927375
>“Sorry, I’m not good with press.” Walk away as quick as possible.
Let's not be seen on public as much as possible please.
>>
>>3927375
>> “Ms. Gathers seems as though she might have what it takes.”
>>
>>3927375
> Other
Walk away and pretend you don't know a single word of Japanese. Unless they're asking in English then.
> “Sorry, I’m not good with press.” Walk away as quick as possible.

Holy hell that picture is a blast to the past. My anatomy skill was atrocious compared to what it is now, look at how long Lori was.
>>
>>3927375
> “Sorry, I’m not good with press.” Walk away as quick as possible.
>>
>>3927409
I've saved every picture made.
>>
>>3927422
Big thanks, appreciate it. Been busy for a while but I should be able to deliver some more after 19th.

You ever tried making a model of them yourself?
>>
"No comment."

Writing.
>>
>>3927375
>>3927402
>>3927409
>>3927421
“Sorry,” you say as you turn away, doing your best to affect shyness. You’d rather not risk anyone getting to know your face. “I-I’m not really good with press.”

“Oh, yeah, sorry, we really have to go!” Credit to Lorelei, she immediately steps in afterwards to support the idea, putting her arm around you and helping lead you away as you both fast-walk in the other direction, ignoring her plaintive call.
“Right, let’s not deal with the media right now,” Lorelei says half-jokingly. “I look horrible.”

“You’re fine,” you say without thinking about it. “Let’s just get to our seats.”

From there on, it’s just the two of you sitting and talking for a while before fight time; when Lorelei brings up a salient question. “Say...so what’s the plan for this? Are we just gonna scout her out? Or like...something else? Afterwards, I mean.”

> “We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do.”
> “I wonder if we can’t catch her backstage, actually. Just to talk, though.”
> “It WOULD be hard to catch her in such a vulnerable position again…
> Other

(Sorry, net troubles. AGAIN.)
>>
>>3927603
> “We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do.”
They're on the guard after yesterday. Best to not make any risky acts at the moment.
>>
>>3927603
Okay I'm worried that You (who is a blantant cheater) already have magical enhancing buffs already on. If we seek her out, it would alarm bells on her end.

> “We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do.”
>>
>>3927603
>“We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do.”
>>
>>3927603
>“We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do.”
>>
>>3927603
> “We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do.”
>>
>>3927603
>> “We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do.”
>>
>>3927603
>> “It WOULD be hard to catch her in such a vulnerable position again…
>>
>>3927603
>>3927608
>>3927612
>>3927615
>>3927616
>>3927617
>>3927621
You shake your head in the negative. “We’re just here to watch and see some of what she can do. No reason to shake the hornet’s nest more than it already has been.”

“Makes sense,” she agrees, before she lowers her voice. “I’m wondering how someone cottoned on that there was even anything HAPPENING back there, y’know? Did they know from the get go or what?” Very good question. Definitely something to worry about. Their surveillance abilities have to be comprehensive, but with some gaps, otherwise you’d have been found out by now, so…

Before you can think on that much longer, the lights dim. Seems like it’s fight time.

“LLLLLADIES AAAAND GENTLEMEEN!” the announcer blares. “AAARE YOU READY FOR SOME FIGHT ACTION!?” The crowd roars its approval toward the violence as the introductions are made and they begin the first match- Yuu and Zoe being the main event, naturally.

The majority of them aren’t bad; for normal humans it’s actually fairly entertaining to see a straight up brawl, and you have to admit that you find the showcase more interesting than normal; particularly the young, bronze warrior of a girl from South America that won with an INCREDIBLY risky, but entirely unexpected butterfly kick to the skull that dropped her challenger outright.

“Hey, you’re gettin’ into this, huh?” Lorelei says with a grin. “Goodness knows you need some release- been cooped up for about a week, haven’t you?” She’s not wrong…

“AAAND NOW! THE MAIN EVENT!” the announcer yells once the ring has been cleared and cleaned once more.

>Roll 1d100, best of three.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>3927713
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>3927713
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3927713
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3927713
>>
Interesting.

Writing.
>>
>>3927771
I hope Yuu lose this match.
>>
Say can we *slip* something on Yuu that she won't notice? Like making a certain area a little slippery? It doesn't target her and her alarm bells would not trigger.
>>
>>3927713
>>3927718
>>3927719
>>3927720
Some sort of tribal rock music starts playing as they cue up the fighters. Zoe Gathers comes out first- a buzzcut, lean muscled figure, tanned, with a large, winding tattoo around her upper left arm. She seems as though she’s got a lot of experience, for certain. Very serious, too; she spares no real effort to play to the crowd aside from a single wave and a nod, before she gets into the ring and loosening up.

And then a thumping, J-rock theme starts blaring as the crowd goes wild. “AAAAND NOW! YOUR CHAMPION!” Who cheats. “AT 172 CM, AND 67 KILOGRAMS! THE UNASSAILABLE! THE UNSTOPPABLE! THE UNRELENTING TIGRESS, MITSUKOSHI YUUUUU!”

Huh. She’s...well, she’s something, that’s what you can say. With brown hair in a bob cut, red and black trunks and top, and a confident glint in her eye, the target you know as Yellow Knight steps out, hands raised and gleefully soaking in the adulation as she yells something unintelligible to them. Lorelei, for her part, snorts lightly. “Talk about polar opposites,” she mutters. You silently agree.

She hops into the cage, throwing around a few punches for play and taking a small lap around; before she slows, nearly to a stop as she passes where you are, on the far end of the cage. You’re not sure how many other notice, but she nearly jerks for some reason as she turns around, gripping the cage itself and using it to stretch.

She’s also looking around, almost as though confused, though she’s trying to hide it. She switches positions, still using the cage- and for a moment her eyes lock on you, almost with confusion. Then her gaze shifts to Lorelei...before shifting onto the person to the left of you, and for a few moments, her eyes dart around, before shifting back to you. She suddenly grows a small grin as her eyes connect with you, before slapping the cage in apparently excitement and turning around as the announcer calls for the both of them to begin the final rule explanations. Lorelei immediately leans in. “What was that?!” she whispers.

“Not sure,” you mutter, “but I’ve got a suspicion, and I don’t like it.”

(cont)
>>
>>3927930
It’s then that the bell rings, and the fight starts. At first, Gathers seems like she’s performing well enough- she’s spacing shots, and landing a few kicks, even- not that they seem to be affecting Yellow Knight any, which doesn’t surprise you. She moves in for a strike, feinting once with the right hand and unleashing with the left, only for Mitsukoshi to slip it in a bob and not even bother retaliating, instead backing off. Gathers pursuits, and it’s another brief moment of measuring each other before she goes for a gutshot; this is deflected and Mitsukoshi retaliates with a shot to the chin that scrapes off but still causes her to retreat, clearly sensing the power behind it.

“...ugh. She’s not even trying,” Lorelei moans.

You just sigh, because it’s obvious that she isn’t. She’s moving far too confidently; and the shots that Gathers ARE landing are very clearly being allowed to do so- a stunt meant to show off her resilience, you guess.

Then Gathers comes up with a piston kick that gets caught- and Gathers suddenly leaps up, and swings with her other foot.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3. Again.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3927933
>>
Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>3927933
>>
Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>3927933
>>
Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>3927933
>>
>>3927936
>>3927941
>>3927942
Welp...
>>3927834
you just might get your wish
>>
>>3927944
Yus, if Lori bet on the underdog she would probably take mad cash right now. Odds must be 5:1
>>
Unexpected. For Yuu, I mean.

Writing.
>>
>>3927933
>>3927936
>>3927941
>>3927942
There’s a resounding *crack* as Gathers’ heel connects flush and Mitsukoshi stumbles, letting go of the other foot as the crowd immediately loses it. It’s a testament to her hardiness that it doesn’t down her at all, although she clearly got her bell rung. By the time Gathers manages to recover, however, she’s mostly refocused, and the attempt to take advantage is rebuffed, the Tigress attempting to gain space to breath, and ‘Hunter’ clearly not wanting her prey to escape.

“WOOOO! YOU GOT THIS!” Lorelei cheers suddenly, not that it’s any different from the throng around you…

Wait.

When did you stand up? Huh. Exciting, this is, you guess. Although you know that shot wouldn’t have done much to you, that’s of course with the caveat that you’d actually see it coming. Say what you will, but everyone has a puncher’s chance if the opponent doesn’t have a chance to brace themselves. There’s no getting around that.

Although Yuu certainly seems annoyed by it, and she starts moving in much quicker to try and finish the competitor off, and the girl is gamely trying to fight her off, even nailing her with a check hook at one point, neatly sending the Tigress into the cage wall, leading to a brief attempt at wailing on her before getting pushed off. Gathers quickly moves back, and she seems as though she’ll be able to space her out-

-and then suddenly you swear you see something glow on her leg ever so slightly before suddenly she leaps forward, lashing out with a flying knee that you know good and well the poor girl has no chance of dodging.

The impact takes her off her feet as the crowd roars, and you and Lorelei look at each other in disbelief. Sure, you think that technically humans could do that, but…

Still, to your surprise (and apparently Yuu’s, judging by her face), Gathers manages to get back to her feet in relatively short order, though you can tell that took a lot out of her, and she’ll be lucky to last the round. Brave girl. Wonder if she can pull anything out of her hat.

>Yet another 1d100, best of three. Higher is better for Yuu.
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>3928017
Here goes...
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>3928017
Wooooow really this girl is being pushed around by a normal human?
>>
Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>3928017
Too bad there's no Mi for Yuu
>>
>>3928017
Clarification because I realized it was written badly; Yuu launched the flying kick, not Gathers.
>>
Oof Miranda's going to ROLL over this gal.
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>3928017
Nooooooo I wanna roll for Yuu to be bad. She doesn't deserve to win.
>>
67. Yuu is not brought down so easily.

Writing.
>>
>>3928017
Gathers’ seems to try- she quickly tries for another feint, but this time Yuu scouts it, the leg blocked and responded to with a right kick of her own that takes Gathers in the torso; the girl stumbles, and Yuu tries to close in; Gathers yet has enough sense about her to duck and try for a takedown, but it’s a desperate maneuver, and you’re pretty sure everyone knows it. Despite the struggle, it turns into a clinch, and Yuu proceeds to tee off with knees, one after another until the force breakup- by now Gathers is bleeding from the nose, yet the fight isn’t stopped.

“Maybe she can at least survive the round…” Lorelei opines, her own cheering having died down a bit.

Gathers is approached by a hungry Tigress, and she leaps forward; Gathers manages to duck the initial swing, but the followup lands, and she drops, Yuu pursuing her- Gathers moves to defend as best she can, but she can’t grab hold of anything, and at last the referee gets her off and calls the fight as the crowd goes wild; Yuu Mitsukoshi by TKO in the first round.

“Awww.” Lorelei seems disappointed. “I mean, I kinda expected it, but for a second there…”

“Well, I dunno. I for one learned a lot.” Such as the fact that Yuu liked leg techniques; was a heavy pursuer, didn’t do fantastic at guard; was more a dodger. And most importantly? She could get rocked by a surprise punch. You estimate that she’s not as tough as you, although you’re fully aware that she might well have been holding back to make herself not entirely obviously supernatural. Nothing to go to the bank on, but a good baseline estimate.

As her fight team celebrates another victory, she noticeably looks back- at you. And smiles, though there’s little pleasant about it.

“Well..that’s that.” Lorelei grumbles.

“ATTENTION!” the announcer calls. “FOR ANYONE INTERESTED, THERE WILL BE A POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW AND MEET AND GREET WITH THE CHAMP IN A HALF HOUR! PLEASE, DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOW UP!”

Huh. Well, that could be an avenue to learn a bit more...but with that weird look she’s been giving you guys, it might not be worth it…

>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
>No need to give her more information than absolutely necessary. That is, indeed, that.
>Other

Done for tonight.
>>
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.

Let's meet the cheating champion.
>>
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
Well, maybe we can challenge her to a fight for the information.

Goodnight, boss!
>>
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
Miranda is not wearing damps so she's pretty easy to spot. Might as well walk right in.
>>
>>3928121
>>No need to give her more information than absolutely necessary. That is, indeed, that.
No need to warn her about the kind of ass kicking she's about to receive.
>>
I won't lie, I'm somewhat surprised at the Yuu hate. Not necessarily discouraging it, you guys do you. Just surprised and curious why.
>>
>>3928141
We're channeling Miranda's inner antsy since she's itching for some action (being a NEET for almost a week seems dull for a workaholic) and Yuu is the most suitable. You saw how she stood up in the middle of the fight? Girl wants to clash.
>>
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
>>3928141
She rigs legitimate fights and showboats while doing so.
>>
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
>>
>>3928156
Weren't we doing a similar thing on the last job with Scrappers?
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
>>
>>3928131
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O895_OfwXJg
>>
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
she used her danger sense, it's only right that we do the same to her. Maybe she smells like moldy bread or worse.

>>3928141
What >>3928156 said:
>She rigs legitimate fights and showboats while doing so.
Makes me want to have Miranda lecture her and take her down a peg.
also I don't hate her just very mild dislike
>>
>>3928194
If we ever book a fight should we representing the US of A and bring this girl down a peg?
>>
>>3928180
Eh, we were bored, passing through, and there weren't any stakes. From the looks of things, she's doing this consistently to rig real matches.

Can Randa even turn off her boosted body stuff?
>>
>>3928207
She can - back in the mafia job she sparred with a girl in a boxing club without her powers
>>
>>3928207
Not a good idea, turning it off right in the enemies' turf. They already know she's a MG anyhow.
>>
>>3928250
they know izumi is an MG, but they are still unaware of miranda and lorelei
>>
>>3928121
>No need to give her more information than absolutely necessary. That is, indeed, that.
We came here to scope, and scope we done did, apparently we are shining beacons of omgwtfbbq magic and all the magical girls can sniff us out of a crowd. And also their melee specialist isn't anything special.
>>
>>3928516
The thing is, it's a controlled environment. Not a full blown magic fight. Sure the match is already one sided but maybe this is her way to look for fights when you don't have anything to fight with. Much better than punching a random civilian.
>>
>>3928538
She'd have to be very exceptional indeed to hold a candle to Miranda given the experience gap. And the magical potency gap. And the style(s) gap.
>>
>>3928141
It was to be expected. Yuu being a cheater is fine and dandy from Junko's POV, but its a really bad thing when its seen through Izumi's eyes
>>
>>3928856
She even cheats in Corruptor's Quest.
>And Yuu taught Kanna how to cheat in exams in case if she fails to the disappointment of Sachiko and Rei.
>>
>>3928121
>Hm. Well, she’s in public. And she’s got an idea about SOMETHING. Might as well.
We can try to get an isolated MG fight for fun, and try to go for a capture. Let Yuu be overconfident and then beat her down for intel.
>>
>>3929506
Problem is, then what? We can kill her, sure, and it will give us some extra cash for sure, but that will jeopardize everything.
>>
>>3929515
Why would it jeopardize anything? Junko loses an asset, and becomes easier to beat.
>>
>>3929524
>Anons wanted a peaceful and asks why they are doing this
>Kills best friend

Anons you're doing something stupid now.
>>
>>3929540
What peaceful? I'm all for killing them all like what the employers wanted.
>>
>>3929515
We could just use sticky mana to glue her to a wall or floor so she won’t escape. That shit solves everything.
>>
>>3929524
ok, lets turn it around. Miranda leans that izumi got murdered. what do you think she'll do?

mind you, i want to kill yuu and everyone that is aligned with junko, BUT we have to have a plan.
>>
>>3929550
Wow killing a bunch of misguided teenagers without knowing why. Izumi frowns upon you murderhobos.
>>
>>3929553
Knock her out and use her as bait for Junko. Make the meeting site outside of the city to reduce witness for more uses of magic to fight.
>>
>>3929560
except they (our targets, who include marie and yuu) know.
>>
>>3929560
Izumi may not like it, but if killing them is what the people who hired us wanted then I'm fine with doing that. Besides, that's exactly why Izumi asked Miranda for help right? so she doesn't have to do it personally. Something that Miranda should be perfectly fine with doing.
>>
Never read Corruptor's quest, what do you want to kill this girl for? How do you justify waltzing up here and suddenly making a move like that when we're supposed to lay low?
>>
>>3929580
>what do you want to kill this girl for
she's one of the targets that will give us extra Lotes after the mision ends. we don't need any more reasons than that one.
>>
>>3929580
>what do you want to kill this girl for?
As I remember it, killing Junko is our mission, and every friend of hers are bonus pay to take out, right? So what's wrong with trying to complete the mission?

I mean it looks like people don't want to hurt girls they don't know or something, but given how every single one of them are dangerous people that have killed people I for one don't really care. After all, these girls got the kill order for a reason, which makes it enough for me to just do what we're told and kill them like what the mission giver wanted.
>>
>>3929593
>>3929598
>Low-Profile Rider
>let's go for the kill during the public event
I get it that we might need to kill her but why do you want to do it now? What justifies it IC? Aren't we supposed to dig up more information first and do a proper investigation?
>>
On mission briefing, the clients told that they aren't priority targets. What they are interested in is the shadow queen. Although they left us with the judgement on how we can deal with them doesn't mean we can just kill them like murderers. Remember this is Izumi Quest not Miranda. She's coming on Izumi request and we can't just kill whenever we could just because the opportunity presents itself.

The situation is already volatile. Also remember Arc's intelligence.
>As long as you don't mess with her allies she won't do a thing.

If this blows up beyond comparison and can't contain such menace and we can't contain the situation, it wouldn't hurt only the group but the reputation on how we handle things.
>>
>>3929609
I'm with this guy
>>
>>3929606
No one said to kill now though. I recommend meeting up with her in private and knocking her out like I suggested, not kill her in public. I don't know why you think killing has to be done in public.
>>
>>3929606
i never said that we had to kill her then and there. I said that if we wanted to kill her, we needed a plan.

>>3929609
the mission was already paying very little with miranda and izumi alone. right now we're getting 20 Lotes per head, and that's an incredibly low payment for us. We need to gain more lotes one way or another, and killing junko's allies is the most straightforward way of doing it.
>>
>>3929613
>>3929619
Still a ballsy move right after what happened a day ago. Miranda and Lori are on this job to help their friend, getting paid is secondary objective. We haven't even spent much of the last job's paycheck, we're in the green.
>>
>>3929627
This, they aren't here for the pay but for Izumi. Anything they would gain is just a bonus.
>>
Writing shortly.

Let's see what she has to say for herself.
>>
>>3929674
>Let's see what she has to say for herself.
Speaking of, did Cylica watch Nightmare Run 3 yet?
>>
>>3929689
She's too busy holding off suits and fans from overrunning the HQ to try to meet Miranda.
>>
>>3929699
Miranda Styles: Suffering from success.
>>
>>3929674
Now that Handler internet is acting. How do we deal with ongoing gawkers and paparazzi that would surround our HQ when we get back? Would we get another sequel?
>>
>>3929788
We'll have to take Cyl and Owlia out for a meal if that's really happening then.

A sequel at this time is too early, unless they're doing early cuts. Different movie deals? They're coming alright.
>>
>>3928121
“Not just yet,” you say. “Might as well see what she says about it all. Maybe we’ll get an opportunity to learn something.”

“You sure?” Lorelei asks. “Can’t imagine what she’d spill, but alrighty.”
With that, the two of you leave for the lobby area; there’s apparently a room to be set up for the interview, and then she’ll be doing the whole fan handshake and smile thing most celebrities do. There’s mostly just a lot of pushing and shoving and excitement and waiting before you manage to get to see Mitsukoshi step out, now dressed in much more formal wear. “Thank you, everyone!” Her voice is lighter and more soft than you’d anticipated. “I’ll now be taking questions at the behest of my manager.”

“We’ll be allowing non-press questions shortly, but for now, only those with a press pass, thank you!” the lady at her side asks. It’s not long before she picks someone to start with. “You, in the back with the glasses. Green shirt.”

“Yes, thank you very much!” He states his name and his channel, before quickly asking: “So what were your thoughts going into the match?”

“Oh, well...I knew she was good, but I had faith my skills would take me to victory.” she responds. She’s making it sound like she’s ever so honorable… “I respect Gathers-san’s efforts, and look forward to seeing how she improves.”

“Wow, really?” Lorelei mutters to you. You just elbow her lightly.

The next comes up soon as well. “Do you think you have a reasonable claim to the title of the strongest amateur MMA champion in history?”

“Oh, well...that’s a lofty title, but I would hope I’m considered worthy of such by now!” she answers.

On and on...most of the questions seem to be softballs, and she’s making it sound like she’s both confident, but at the whims of the people, or something like that.

However, at last the public portion of the Q&A comes. Immediately the first question is about what you expect. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

She actually laughs a bit, and shakes her head. “No, no I do not.”

“Next question!” her manager immediately calls.

“Gonna ask anything?” Lorelei asks.

Hmmm…

>Try to ask a question?
>No, you’ll keep in the background for now.
>Other
>>
>>3929795
>>No, you’ll keep in the background for now.
>>
>>3929795
>No, you’ll keep in the background for now.
Let's not make a scene just yet.
>>
>>3929794
>>3929788
lets not get our hope that high too soon. we were an extra, i don't think we'll get a lead in our second move. maybe the third or fifth, but not the second one.

>>3929795
>No, you’ll keep in the background for now.
i don't really have any question that might rile her up.
>>
>>3929788
We'd probably need an advice from Sal. There's still this weird gig with 'selection' by Ingenious.
>>
>>3929795
>No, you’ll keep in the background for now.
She'll probably pick a random guest to "fight" as a show. Then she'll pick us.
>>
>>3929795
>poke her about the *surprise* knee-attack
>>
>>3929795
>No, you’ll keep in the background for now.
Activate danger sense while we observe Yuu
>>
>>3929821
This supporting
>>
>>3929795
>No, you’ll keep in the background for now.
>Danger Sense! GO!
>>
>>3929821
Good idea.
>>
>>3929817
>FORCED KICK: Dashing to the nearest enemy kicking them with your knee.

Yuu just used her skill. What a hack.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>3929795
>>3929797
>>3929798
>>3929800
>>3929808
>>3929821
>>3929823
“Nah,” you decide. “She’s already got my face. Not going to give her a reason to single me out.”

“Fair enough,” Lorelei shrugs.

“Would you say this has been your toughest match so far?” one guy asks.

She seems to think on it, before nodding. “Yes, actually. Though I feel that there are stronger opponents out there just waiting- so I’ll be sure to train more and get even stronger!” That one seems to get her a lot of applause, although you can’t help but frown. Sheer power is far from everything…but her eyes locking on to you at the end of that sentence tells you exactly what she really means by it.

Soon, there are a few more questions, but nothing of major importance; her pre-fight preparation is something you mentally note, as she states she ‘tries to remember those that I cherish’, but that’s about it.

“Alright!” the manager calls. “We’re going to be setting up for the handshake and meet and greet, so if you would all hold for a moment…” Without fanfare, Yuu leans over, whispering something in her manager’s ear- her eyes once again flicker towards you for just a moment as she pauses, before she continues whispering. The woman in question shifts her head a bit, as though confused, but another whisper, and she stiffens briefly, before she relaxes and nods. With that, the two part ways; Yuu being escorted by guards, and the manager walking off elsewhere in the opposite direction, making a call.

“Wonder what that was about,” Lorelei mutters as the crowd follows eagerly. “You caught her eye?”

“Can’t be any good reason for it,” you return. Thinking about it, you trigger your danger scent; easily the most obvious smell is the stench that comes from Yuu's direction; musky and natural- and not in a good way. Rotten meat and roadkill in general; something you can deal with, but with caution. Not what you expected considering her performance in the ring, but you're not going to ignore any warning.

What you DON'T expect is a weaker, but still obvious scent coming from somewhere in the crowd; you're not sure where, as you can't see the source, but there's someone else here that's magical in origin.

In the meantime, there’s a line that’s quick to form, and you’re wondering if you should get into it or not…

“Excuse me?” Hm? That line was in English. You turn to see a rather large man in a business suit and a buzzcut; he’s several heads taller than you, but your scent marks him as just an ordinary human. “Pardon my interruption, but could you come this way for a moment? We merely need a bit of privacy.”

(cont.)
>>
>>3929867
The both of you look at each other in confusion. And, well, a red flag going off in your head. Still, there’s little way you can say no without looking suspect, so you both nod. Fortunately, he merely leads you to a small overhang some ways away from the crowd.

“Ms. Mitsukoshi wishes for you and your associate to remain until after the event is over,” he explains.

Lorelei’s quick to interject before you can say anything- admittedly, probably for the best. “I’m sorry, but may I ask why?”

“She notices that you both seem foreign, and she hopes she’s not being too forwards in presuming that you’ve made quite the journey to come here. She wishes to permit you some exclusive time with her so as to not feel the trip was wasted.” He smiles. “It’s a rare thing, I promise you. Shouldn’t let this go to waste.”

That is...concerning. But interesting, admittedly.

> “Tell her we graciously accept her offer.” If she’s going to call, you’re going to answer.
> “No need; her schedule is likely busy. We wouldn’t want to impose.” Smells of a trap.
> Other
>>
>>3929868
> “No need; her schedule is likely busy. We wouldn’t want to impose.” Smells of a trap.
Let's bait her out then, she's thirsty for a fight.
>>
>>3929868
>“Tell her we graciously accept her offer.” If she’s going to call, you’re going to answer.
guys, lets take this and if we need to spar, lets lose. that will definitely take them off guard and it allows us to scout her powers better.
>>
>>3929868
> “Tell her we graciously accept her offer.” If she’s going to call, you’re going to answer.

I dunno guys but let's do it.
>>
>>3929868
>> “Tell her we graciously accept her offer.” If she’s going to call, you’re going to answer.
Heh, sounds like an opportunity to get a private meeting to capture or kill her.
>>
>>3929868
> “Tell her we graciously accept her offer.” If she’s going to call, you’re going to answer.
>>
>>3929881
its too risky for a kill or capture. specially because the media is right outside the door.
>>
So what's our story and how do we act? Miranda doesn't have dampeners, so I guess she's here to take the heat off the rest of the trio by hoarding all their attention. She could pose as foreign investigator of shadow magic (we got blightsnake katar and Gartoum's ring) and Lori is our rookie companion.
>>
"Sure, we're down."

Writing.
>>
>>3929890
We indeed are foreigners, enthusiasts in the MMA arts and found some tickets for the event.
Remember that we have to keep the lie as straight as possible and avoid revealing who we are.
>>
>>3929890
We need to stay close to the truth since we have been informed that she has lie detection capabilities. So, foreigners with some interests in MMA who were given tickets.
>>
>>3929900
I think we'll have to add more spice to that. Miranda doesn't have damps so they know she's magical.
>>
>>3929900
>>3929905
She obviously gonna ask about our magic and purpose of our visit. MMA could work for the second but the the fact that Miranda is a MG should be obvious.
>>
>>3929868
>>3929875
>>3929876
>>3929881
>>3929882
It’s with a sideways glance to Lorelei, who’s wearing a sardonic smile, that you decide. She’s clearly wanting to confront you on her terms, but...well, sometimes the best way to disarm a trap…

“Tell her we graciously accept her offer.” you say politely. Lorelei nods as well, smile still on her face.

The big gofer smiles and nods. “I’ll let her manager know immediately. Please, I’d be happy to escort you to our VIP area at any time. If not, feel free to enjoy the atmosphere and engage with other fans of Ms. Mitsukoshi.”

Of course he would. “Thank you. We’ll…”

> “Head back there now, if you don’t mind.” Might as well keep focused. (Timeskip.)
> “Stick around for a bit, if you please.” You want to see who that other unknown is…
> Other
>>
>>3929908
>>3929911
we don't need to tell them anything else, though. let them suspect whatever they want, but if we really need to tell them something, can't a magical girl have some goddamn time for herself?
also, isn't miranda the only one with the magical dampner?
>>
>>3929911
>>3929890
Maybe a rich collector of shadow magic curios instead of investigators?
>>
>>3929916
> “Stick around for a bit, if you please.” You want to see who that other unknown is…
>>
>>3929916
>“Stick around for a bit, if you please.” You want to see who that other unknown is…
>>
>>3929919
don't convolute the story too much, also, we know jackshit about sadow magic items and our web of lies would get messy very soon.
>>
>>3929916
> “Stick around for a bit, if you please.” You want to see who that other unknown is…
>3929918
Lori and Izumi have damps on, not Miranda anon.
>>
>>3929916
> “Stick around for a bit, if you please.” You want to see who that other unknown is…
>>3929918
She's the only one without a magical dampener. We gave them to Lorelei and Izumi for some reason I can't remember.
>>
>>3929918
It's the other way around - Miranda is the only one WITHOUT it. They figured out that Izumi was magical when she was wearing the dampener, meaning that Miranda has no chance of hiding it.
>>
>>3929926
>>3929924
oh that's right. oh well, as long as we don't power up ourselves more than what we use in our passive mode, we should be fine.
>>
>>3929923
Being too brief is just as suspicious, and I bet Randa has learned at least something about dark magic over the years.
>>
>>3929916
> “Stick around for a bit, if you please.” You want to see who that other unknown is…
>>
>>3929931
I'm just giving one example of a viable alibi. the lenght of mine or yours will depend of how much bullshit that shouldn't raise any alarms in Yuu mind we can make.
>>
>>3929916
>> “Stick around for a bit, if you please.” You want to see who that other unknown is…
>>
>>3929943
Let's just be true to ourself.
>>
Well we can just try saying half truths. Miranda and co know she has lie detecting powers, so just close to the truth as much as possible:
>What are you doing here?
just observing the MMA scene and your fight
>why?
curiosity.
>where are you from?
[insert Miranda's country from her orginal world here]
>who do you work for?
ask why she wants to know and dodge the question. Get Lori to assist by asking her about why she cheats or something.
>fite me 1v1 IRL
"what's in it for me? It better be big cash"
>>
>>3929998
>who do you work for?
For a goofball that enjoys making fun of me way too much.
that aint a lie and sal wouldn't get mad for it.
>>
>>3929916
>>3929920
>>3929921
>>3929924
>>3929926
>>3929936
>>3929958

“...stick around for a bit, if you please.” There’s an unknown factor you’d rather like to know of before you move on this opportunity.

Fortunately, the man doesn’t seem to think anything of it. “Of course. Should you change your mind at any time, I’ll be over there in the hallway.” With that, he moves off in the direction he indicated, leaving you to pursue the other issue…

“What’s up?” Lorelei asks. She really needs to learn your scenting trick. Maybe you can teach her after this; it’d be ridiculously useful, and you’re surprised she’s never asked before. Maybe she just figures she has her own methods…

“There’s someone else here interesting. I want to meet them,” you say obliquely to prevent any unwanted ears from understanding- you’ve already gotten a couple of stares from the curious and nosy, though few seem willing to try to approach you both yet. With Yuu’s attention taken up by her PR duties, you’ve got a virtually clear shot at the person in question- and you find her in a far corner, where you’re pretty sure she’s surveying the area.

She looks a bit older than you, about a head taller with short black hair, and she’s wearing some kind of headband around it as well. Her face is rigid, and she seems of a more serious mien than most; she’s got slacks on and a tanktop that’s covered with a jacket. She takes a glance at you as you get a bit closer; you stop at the drink bar to avoid making it obvious as you get a glass of ginger ale, but she takes notice regardless, giving a small glare at you before resuming her lookout. Lorelei’s quick to sit next to you. “Corner?” she whispers, and you nod. “Anything to worry about?”

“Hopefully not,” you respond.

You wind up keeping an eye on her through peripheral vision. After a few minutes, however, she to your surprise moves off the wall and walks your way...and sits down next to your other side, ordering a root beer; seems she’s not quite of age herself.

The three of you are quiet for a minute or two, before she breaks the ice first. “Friends with Mitsukoshi-san? Or just fans?” She says it in a way that…

...well, you’d swear there was a threat in there somewhere.

> “We’re planning on getting to know her.”
> “Fans, that’s all. What about you?”
> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
> Other
>>
>>3930013
>“Fans, that’s all. What about you?”
>>
>>3930013
> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
>>
>>3930013
>“We’re planning on getting to know her.”
Technically the truth
>>
>>3930013
>“We’re planning on getting to know her.”
>>
>>3930013
>> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
>>
>>3930013
> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
>>
Gonna have to stop it here for the night. Will resume tomorrow.
>>
>>3930013
> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
>>
>>3930013
>“Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
>>
>>3930013
>> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
>>
>>3930013
>> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
>>
>>3930013
> “Neither, honestly. Just got lucky.”
last thread is not archived yet
>>
>>3930013
>>3930019
>>3930027
>>3930028
>>3930046
>>3930062
>>3930082
>>3930454
>>3930790
“Neither, honestly,” you shrug. “Just got lucky.” Better to keep it safe.

She gives you a side-eye, and you can tell she doesn’t entirely believe you, but she can’t exactly dispute it, can she? With Lorelei giving nothing but a nod, she turns back to her drink. “Fair enough. I’ve heard that Mitsukoshi sometimes gives special guests their own private one on one time. Said to be a real life-changing experience, too.”

“We’re pretty set in our ways,” Lorelei smoothly interjects, the phrasing not escaping either of you, you suspect. “I don’t think we’ll be changing much any time soon.”

“Think so?” The girl sips at her drink. “Well, you might be different. Then again, you might not.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about us,” Lorelei assures. “What brings you here, though?”

“Just trying to learn a bit more about one of Ryomeki City’s bigger stars,” she answers. “I’m from out of town and heard a few things.” Interesting. “I was hoping I’d get a chance to meet with her later, but maybe it’s not in the cards. She seems interesting. Nothing like she supposedly used to be.” She gives you another sideways look, clearly expecting you to take the-

“Do tell.” Ah. Well, you were probably going to ask anyway. No harm in not. Thanks, Lorelei…

“Well, word is, when it reached me, at least, was that she used to be a lot more passive. Very non-confrontational,” she explains. As for what changed her, no one can say. Doesn’t talk about her younger days much, herself.”

Hm.

> “How do you know that, if you don’t mind my asking?”
> “Anything else you might know about her?”
> “Might not be the best idea to talk about stuff like that right now…”
> Other
>>
>>3931247
> “Anything else you might know about her?”
> “How do you know that, if you don’t mind my asking?”
>>
>>3931247

> “How do you know that, if you don’t mind my asking?”
> “Anything else you might know about her?"

For once Miranda do something girly... doing gossips.
>>
>>3931247
>“Anything else you might know about her?”
>“How do you know that, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Handler, the last thread isn't archived.
>>
>>3931247
> “How do you know that, if you don’t mind my asking?”
> “Anything else you might know about her?”
>>
>>3931247
> “How do you know that, if you don’t mind my asking?”
> “Anything else you might know about her?”
>>
>>3931247
> “Anything else you might know about her?”
She took any interest in us, no harm in doing the same to her.
>>
What else might you know?

Writing.
>>
>>3931247
>>3931253
>>3931259
>>3931266
>>3931273
>>3931292
“How do you know that, if you don’t mind my asking?” She’d said she was out of town and ‘heard a few things’? Sure, right.

She affects a small grin at the question. “I know people, is all. They tell me things, and so I know things. Things I should probably know, just in case.” Hm. Some kinda informant, you can’t help but think…

“So, any other juicy tidbits, then?” Lorelei asks, sidling a bit closer to her.

You can’t help but echo that. “Yeah, actually. Anything else you might know about her?”

“Just a few things that aren’t public knowledge,” she says, clearly enjoying being the center of attention despite her standoffish nature previously. Some people are just like that, you suppose… “She’s got someone; that she’s romantically interested in, I mean.”

“Really?” Lorelei leans in on this one. “How’d you plumb THAT?”

“Very carefully,” she says. “And admittedly a lot of piecing together interviews along with some...tidbits from the people that tell me things. I’m pretty sure she’s got more going on than she’s willing to make public. You can tell, too, can’t you?” Well, in a way, yeah. “Part of that is that she’s got someone she’s fighting for. Not sure who, but she likes them a whole lot, I’m sure. I’m also pretty sure she’s got some...shady dealings.” She stirs her drink. “...but then again, I’m sure YOU know that, considering your...rather HOPEFUL attitude.” The way she stresses the word fires off a bell in your head as she gets in closer to whisper riiiight in your ear, and you see Lorelei shift behind her. “I’d be more annoyed that someone else is moving in on our mark, but not much I can do to contest it, can I? ‘Sides, we’re all friends here, right?”

> “...sure. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Might as well get away and get to that VIP room before she can twig to anything else about you.
> “So why here and what outfit do I have the pleasure of pissing off?” You’d REALLY hoped the other day was the end of it- but why here and now?
> “Just stay out of our way, and everyone’ll get what they want, ideally.” You couldn’t really care less why they’re here, so long as they don’t get in your way.
> Other
>>
>>3931361
>> “So why here and what outfit do I have the pleasure of pissing off?” You’d REALLY hoped the other day was the end of it- but why here and now?
>>
>>3931361
>considering your...rather HOPEFUL attitude.
well, that answers one question at least.

> “Just stay out of our way, and everyone’ll get what they want, ideally.” You couldn’t really care less why they’re here, so long as they don’t get in your way.
Don't start nothing, won't be nothing.
>>
>>3931361
> “...sure. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Might as well get away and get to that VIP room before she can twig to anything else about you.
>>
>>3931361
>> “So why here and what outfit do I have the pleasure of pissing off?”
>>
>>3931361
> “So why here and what outfit do I have the pleasure of pissing off?” You’d REALLY hoped the other day was the end of it- but why here and now?
>>
>>3931361
>>3931372
>>3931388
>>3931421

Well. Forget it, might as well be direct. “So. Why here and what outfit do I have the pleasure of pissing off?” you ask straightforwardly. She seems a bit taken aback at that (as does Lorelei slightly), but she soon recovers, nodding her head slightly in acquiescence.

“The Order of the Silver Snake. Our goal is...well, you don’t need to know, really. But we have designs in this area, and we have every intention of accomplishing them, regardless of the issues here. We learned that one of our rivals was likely stepping in, so we decided to move things along on our end as well.”

“Hm. Not going to spill anything, then?” You’re definitely going to have to check in with your client about these guys...

She shakes her head. “You already knowing what you do is more a peace offering than anything else. I’ll concede this to you, as well; honestly, your presence is something I need to report more urgently, if I’m being honest. On that note, in fact...” she pushes away from the bar, drink still in hand. “I hope your meeting with Ms. Mitsukoshi goes well.” She’s quick to step out- you’d like to follow her, but...

You look back at the line; it’s getting thinner already, but you get the feeling (really, thanks to the big guy clearly looking at you) that you probably want to head back there sooner than ‘at the very end of the show’. Not to mention appearing to leave right now might cause some consternation…

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3931437
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3931437
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3931437
>>
>>3931442
Bless ya anon. That was close.
>>
Well. Not the best, but certainly not the worst. At least she's not totally suspicious.
Last one for tonight.
>>
>>3931456
Night, boss. See you around!
>>
>>3931456
I call that a decent result since she has a lie detector and Miranda only has a poker face + experience.

This is turning out to be another gang war soon. This Shadow Queen is really famous.
>>
>>3931437
>>3931440
>>3931441
>>3931442
The rest of the event passes...well, slowly, if you’re being honest, and halfway through, both you and Lorelei agree that there’s little to nothing to really notice; it’s clear that Yuu’s responses are somewhat scripted, and there’s not a lot new to glean from her talking with random people for ten or so seconds.

You’re soon after escorted by the big guy into the back, up a couple floors via elevator, and soon presented in what’s clearly a large VIP room intended for a multitude of people; the room is all sky blues and soft reds in color theming, with a refrigerator on either side, big screen TV on one end, plush couches, and a magnificent view of the now empty fight venue, overlooking the octagon in spectacular fashion. “If you’d kindly remain here patiently until the venue is empty?” He turns without expecting an answer, and you’re not inclined to really say anything about it anyway.

“So...over under on this being some kinda elaborate trap?” Lorelei asks.

You’re honestly not sure. “Even odds.”

She blows a raspberry at that. “Boring.”

The wait, surprisingly, isn’t that long- roughly another half-hour before you hear footsteps, and the two of you quickly stand up. That, plus that scent coming back to you…

Yuu Mitsukoshi, now dressed in a much more casual jean shorts and tank top, and workout headband gives you a thin, but clear smile. Her eyes are cautious, but oddly hopeful. “Hello.” Even her voice still has that ‘soft surety’ that you’d heard earlier. “It’s good to meet you. You clearly already know my name, but I’m Yuu Mitsukoshi.” She bows, and you both do the same- it’s just polite. “And you both are…?”

“April Springs,” Lorelei introduces herself, and you can’t resist giving her a side-eye, which she just responds to with a shit-eating grin. “My parents were big on theme naming.” Yuu, surprisingly, chuckles at that.

“...Shannon March,” you decide. She nods respectfully at you as well. “A pleasure.”

“It’s gratifying to see fans from so far out come to meet me,” she says graciously. “Would you care to sit?” She seems to take a seat regardless, and have a beat, Lorelei and yourself decide to do so as well. “A drink?”

“None for me, thanks- had my fill downstairs,” Lorelei easily waves off. You nod in agreement.

She doesn’t seem to take offense. “It’s fine. Well...I suppose we should get right to it, hm?” She leans forward a bit- the mood in the room drops from the faux pleasantness it had gained, into something a bit cooler. “May I ask just why are you here? I don’t get many magical girl fans as strong as you seemingly are simply on visits, and, well... I’m sorry if I’m a bit paranoid, of course, but fame tends to do that…and, well, I suspect I would’ve known earlier if you were just tourists, no offense.”

>Response?

(See you tomorrow!)
>>
>>3931483

> Don't really know why you'd be so paranoid, we're both magical girls, right? I'm not sure what kind of rivalries you have here, but I'm not here for some kind of territorial dispute.

Setting things straight (In a sense) might make her more open.

Following up is the obvious concern
> But... you've been in this town for a while, right? You can practically feel the despair. I'm just looking for some answers, you know?

For motivation, there's always a 'Friend'

> Because one of my friends went here as a tourist, acctually. I haven't heard of her in a while, and she should have returned by now. I'm just... worried, you know?

And why did we come to her?

> And since I've heard about you from the locals, I was thinking that you might be abled to help. The fact that you won 49 fights, all without losing once, makes it kind of... obvious what you are.
>>
>>3931483
Start with a mention that we are fans of MMA and meeting her was a lucky turn of events, but we do have other business here.
Tell here that we're here to obsereve and investigate what is happening in this city, but have no buisness to get involved in solving its problems. Kinda like an attache.
There's enough on our plates back home, we're here just to see the situation, watch how it unfolds, so we'll be prepared if something similar to what's happening here won't happen on our part of the land. Repeat that we don't want to involve ourselves in local affairs, that'd reflect badly on our 'research'.
>>
>>3931483
>"No, of course we're tourists! Are you kidding me? I don't know what your MG community is like, but I don't know a single girl who wouldn't have a gander at a city with THIS much despair energy. Anyways, I'm a big martial arts fan, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to see for myself whether the undefeated 'Tigress of Ryomeki' is really all that she's cracked up to be."
>>
>>3931483
> "It's fine. A bit of paranoia goes a long way in this age."
> For our cause to be here : mention the overwhelming Despair this city is giving out. We're a curious bunch of sort and wanted to see out this oddity ourselves.
> Take a light poke at how she used MG techs on a normal human.
> Ask her if she knows anything about the Despair of the city, and how long it has been like this.
>>
>>3931543
I can dig these answers 'ere. Supporting.
>>
>>3931483
If we introduce ourselves we should name ourselves Mai (May)
>>
So to open, we wave off her suspicions first with whatever and then ask about the elephant in the room (the city's Despair).

What should be our identity beside being tourists?
- Curious Researchers.
- Private Investigators.
- Concerned friends looking for a missing person.
- Just tourists who's attracted by the city's Despair amount.

The reason we came to her can be that we're MMA enthusiasts + >>3931543.
>>
>>3931667
No curious researcher. Not even private investigators. They would doubt anyone who pokes with abnormal despair around the area. But we can ask why. Curious Magical Girls is fine but not investigators/researcher. That's a red flag. Looking for a missing friend is also fine. My only qualms is we should have looked for a name that was missing. A name from the organization agent that was sent here. Say that we're from the "insert country here" and since her employer didn't answer back our questions and with what little clue we have that we ended here. We should also pick something 3rd world country like SEA. Philippines is probably perfect due to being a modern 3rd world country where income disparity is very high. It would make sense that a person goes overseas to work for her family.

How about that for an alibi?
>>
>>3931711
Wait, Miranda would probably have a data for that. I mean 3-5 days being cooped up in the room should given her time to look for previous news about missing persons especially on the organization.
>>
>>3931483
I like you >>3931543
>>
>>3931543
Yes, i like this.
>>
>>3931711
>>3931713
In regards to a name, It'd be probably be the smartest choice to not give them exact details.
We need a Jane Doe, which we could describe physically, but no name revealed.

Cause my problem is the fact that girls are either found dead or they disappeared. What happened to the latter? What if they know about this particular person?
It'd be bad if that girl was a vicious MG, which would make us suspicious as heck, worst case though is that they interrogated them and our name never fell, which would definitly blow our cover.

Thinking about it, it's probably best to just leave it up in the air. With how much shit is happening in the city, there is no way they would know about every single girl that ever went there. Heck, don't say she was a Magical girl either, leave it as vague as possible, for now.

The short of it is, don't say names, we don't know if they might know, but it's logical to assume they don't know EVERYthing.
Don't give any details, unless asked about it.
>>
>>3931788
Alright, fair enough.
>>
Shouldn't we shy away from stating facts that are not true? Lie detector abilities are usually passive afaik.
>>
>>3932357
>Lie detector abilities
Who do we know of that can do that?
>>
>>3932395
Arc told us Yuu could do that do that in the last thread.
Speaking of which hasn't been archived yet.
>>
>>3932395
Was this anon below lying and meta-gaming?>>3929905
I figured it was something from the organization dossier.
>>
We can use >>3931543 but we'll have to omit out the finding missing friend thing to muddy her lie detector a bit.
>>
>>3932402
I don't recall that. I need to go check.
>>
>>3932536
>>3932402
Well I'm blind. Arc DID tell us Yuu can lie detect. Fancy that.
>>
>>3932550
Will handler reward us for our acknowledgement of relevant minutiae? Only time will tell
>>
Ok so to top it off.

> Use this >>3931543
> BUT omit out the missing person case, replace it with genuine curiosity for motivation.

That way it's gray enough. Sounds decent?
>>
>>3932570
Oh, and add that we're also MMA enthusiasts.
>>
>>3932570
>>3932578
Yes this is fine.
>>
File: Styles - Red or Ruby.jpg (2.2 MB, 3840x2160)
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Trivia:

- Miranda, Izumi and Lorelei all have their own personal vehicles. In Lorelei's case, she also has a car.
- Miranda has a hover bike named Red. It's should be sleeker than this and not as boxy.

>>3932570
>>3932578
Good enough, but I think we should opt out the MMA enthusiasts bit to muddy it even further. But I'm fine either way.
>>
>>3932705
Also that bike is also a gun.
>>
>>3932705
Interesting wardrobe you gave her.

Still saving it.

Anyway, pretty sure I understand what you're going for. Writing shortly.
>>
>>3932725
It's close to her actual casual wear: shorts, tank tops and sneakers - like you've stated in her various outings. I just made it a little bit fancier.
>>
>>3932729
those jorts ride just a little high
>>
>>3931483
You lean back a bit, trying to project an air of casualness. She’s probably got a right to be suspect, but she doesn’t need to know that right now- although you DO recall Agent Arc mentioning that she can pull a Lorelei and tell when someone’s lying. Fortunately, that’s easy enough to get around; even you know how to spin an ambiguous yet honest statement. “Don't really know why you'd be so paranoid; I mean, we're both magical girls, right?”

“I’m afraid that doesn’t mean much here,” she says. “There are a lot of those out there who are willing to use it all kinds of ways, I’ve discovered.”

She’s not wrong. “Well, I'm not sure what kind of rivalries you have here, but I'm not here for some kind of territorial dispute.” And you very much aren’t- you could give a rat’s ass who ended up running Ryomeki when all was said and done. “I mean, you've been in this town for a while, right? Live here, maybe?” She nods. “Well, you can practically TASTE the despair. Me? I'm just looking for some answers.”

There’s a pause at that, as she bites her lip lightly. “Are you...sure you’d want to know? Sometimes answers can be...very distressing, for those unprepared for the consequences.”

“Well, that’s why we came here,” you mention. “I've heard about you, and I was thinking that you might be able to help with some answers.” You even give a little snort. “I mean, the fact that you’ve won 49 fights straight? When you know what to look for, makes it kind of...well, obvious what you are.”

She laughs a bit at that. “Do you think so? I guess considering my experiences that might not be entirely false…”

“Hey, relax,” Lorelei says soothingly. “All we’re hoping for is just a lil’ help with a couple things.”

You can tell she’s thinking hard about it, by how her eyes flick to the side and her lips purse. “Well...I guess I could help. What is it you need to know?”

Okay, so far so good...

>Questions?
>>
>>3932804
>Why is this place have such high concentration of despair energy? It's too abnormal that I can feel it up outside the city 15 miles out?
>>
>>3932804
What >>3932815 said.
Plus:
>Heard there's a vigilante going about despite the wide spread despair. Do you have any clue about it? Seems pretty strange.
>>
Writing.
>>
>>3932815
>>3932819
Supporting on this but when she is curious about the vigilante, quip Lori about some college boys mentioned it.
>>
>>3932804
>>3932815
>>3932819
>>3932832
“I can think of two off the top of my head,” you lead off with as Lorelei leans in, an interested look on her face. “Why DOES this place have such a high concentration of Despair energy? I can feel it miles out of the city.”

Her eyebrows twitch slightly, before she closes her eyes in a wan smile. “Oh, well... I’d like to say that it’s just a matter of the populace taking the wrong lessons from society, but...I’m not sure exactly what, sorry.” Her eyes open again as she shrugs.

Hmph. It’s Lorelei who speaks up next, as you figure on that. “Actually, speaking of that, we heard there's a vigilante going about trying their hand at old fashioned street justice, even despite all the despair. What about that- any clue about it?” She frowns. “Seems pretty strange, if ya ask me.”

Yuu seems more reluctant to answer this one. “Well...whoever it is, I’m... I hope they think their efforts are worth it. All this trouble…” she laments.

“More than trouble, I’d say,” Lorelei says with a half-smirk. “It’s some rando killing and disappearing people for no good reason.”

“It’s likely a good reason!” She suddenly starts, and neither you nor Lorelei miss the sudden explosive attitude before she settles down just as quickly. “To he-them! It’s just sometimes people have what they believe are good reasons, is all- it’s a passion, for good or for ill...and whether it turned out to be one or the other is left to history sometimes…”

“But we’re not historians,” you point out. “We’re in the now. We define what history will be.”

She seems to shrink in on herself a bit- a far cry from the fighter that she was in the ring. “I...yes...I guess you’re right about that…and a lot of people probably wouldn’t consider any reason good enough, would they?” she sighs, a defeated tone coming from her. “It’s a shame trust can be in short supply sometimes.”

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>Other
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3932871
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3932871
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3932871

...
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3932871
I hope I roll 1 to see what happens
>>
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>>3932872
>>3932874
>>
>>3932872
>>3932874
Yahoo! Now we get to complete a side mission by killing this one!
>>
HOLY SHIT.

..Well alrighty then.

Now might be a good time to cue up some fight music.

Writing.
>>
>>3932883
You do realize that Handler doesn't do critfails, right? We'd have had to roll three straight 1's to fuck up that badly.
>>
Guys really? I checked in with my dentist and this happened?
>>
>>3932888
Heh
>>3932887
Ahahahahaha!
>>
>>3932888
I don't do critfails, but that's still two ones and just an 8, which ain't good no matter what way you slice it.
>>
i'm still believeing that we should let her beat us. i heavily doubt that Yuu will go for the kill, but its a good moment to practice how to roll with the punches.
>>
Rolled 17, 18, 12, 17, 2, 1, 1, 5, 4, 5 = 82 (10d20)

also, cleansing the dice, and probably angering a lot of people at the same time.
>>
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>two crit 1s
>three shitty rolls
>that spoiler from Handler
Welp, time to bring out the sticky mana.
>>
>>3932883
Fair, but we're not getting paid for killing the people with info. So, it's pointless.
>>
Rolled 1, 8, 19, 6, 6, 2, 15, 4, 2, 19, 20, 20, 14, 17, 17, 16, 9, 16, 6, 7 = 224 (20d20)

you know what? i'll do it again.
>>
>>3932883
wait, no. its an incredibly stupid idea to kill yuu right now. they will immediately tag us and the mission would be over.
>>
>>3932908
This...remember, we are tasked to look for shadow queen and capture/kill her not killing her allies. If we do, we would have a hard time looking/searching for her.
>>
>>3932912
dude no. there are a lot of witness that can give a fairly decent description of our faces and that's without taking in consideration the cameras the place has or all the media. there is a time and place for murder and this DEFINITELY isn't the case.
>>
>>3932908
Info? I thought Yuu was one of the allies of Junko that we get paid to kill as secondary objectives.
>>
>>3932912
That's why we better trap her in a sticky mana/orbital ring or use her as bait to get the shadow queen or vigilante out.
how about a risky one: get Yuu unconscious and get Lori to possess her. Although I don't know what we can do with that...
>>
>>3932917
what? No, the client says it's on our discretion if we kill them or not. They didn't say that there would be reward for killing them. They only provide information (chess piece) which in turn could point on who is the shadow queen. I mean if the dossiers are treated as hitlist then Junko's mom would be a good start.
>>
>>3932871
“Trust is a precious resource, yeah,” you admit, although you feel like the hairs on the back of your neck are rising something fierce…

Which is why you’re barely taken by surprise when she looks back up at you, a FAR more determined expression on her face than was there a second ago. “Unfortunately, I don’t think it’d be smart to spare any on you both.”

As soon as she leaps up, so do the both of you- and the table goes up as well, courtesy of a big kick from her. Lorelei isn’t able to dodge over the back in time and you can hear a yelp of annoyance as she hits the marble flooring- and the couch hits her, pinning her somewhat. You in the meantime had thrown up your arms to defend, the furniture cracking around you- and you thank your lucky stars you didn’t lower your guard as the punch that follows both splinters the table and sends a slight sting up your arms, sending you back several feet and sliding against the glass panes. They don’t give, thank goodness, but you’d rather not test it.

“The FUCK brought this on!?” Lorelei says, laying on the floor as Yuu quickly steps over the pinned girl. Damn good question. You thought you were doing pretty well, there...

The fighter shakes her head, as though trying to shake something loose, before she drops into a combat pose. “I’ve heard that kind of talk before. It’s...I don’t know if you’re honest or not, but I can’t trust you. I don’t think I can trust anyone right now...not when things are getting dangerous again…sorry, but I'm going to need to knock you out!”

She rockets forward, and another stinging sensation goes through your arms as you block another shot that would've rocked your face.

Fucking great.

>Action!
>>
>>3932925
they told us we would get compensated for offing them, the only reason we haven't done that is that we don't know all the players, nor who is the dark queen.

>>3932923
i think its possible, but Lorelei wearing yuu would be a failiure from the start. Lorelei just doesn't know how yuu acts and behaves
>>
>>3932927
>Solar Flare
>Try to knock her out
>Lori should try to support Miranda. 2 experienced fighter vs 1 green newbie will turn this fight in Miranda's favor.
>>
>>3932927
>Focus on dodging and tiring her. she simply can't focus on the two of us and it allows us to scout her skill and maybe extract more information outta her.
>>
>>3932927
Remember what we did with that bug-summon back with Lysol? Just place a barrier in front of her, then place more so that she's boxed in. Then throw fireworks and flashbangs at her until she stops resisting.
>>
>>3932927
Considering there should be staff nearby and shattering a table isn't quiet, we should avoid tipping our hand too much here, as I doubt this will go on long before someone intervenes. Stick to barehanded; try to unpin Lori when we get a chance to get a numbers advantage.
>>
>>3932938
Basically do a hongkong on her? ok, but what's the plan after that?
>>
>>3932927
What said >>3932937 and have Lori put out two clones to overwhelm her, while we try to shove some sticky mana on her while dodging.
>>
>>3932937
>>3932938
Let's box her in with barriers then.

>>3932942
We should bail I guess. Fighting her right now is too much baggage and she can't follow us without breaking the masquerade.
>>
>>3932927
That >>3932934
>>
>>3932942
Well, after she's all disoriented from her personal fireworks show, knock her out and we either take her with us for interrogation, or just escape and try someone else.
>>
>>3932940
lets consider this as well. someone WILL come and we can use that to our advantage.
>>
>>3932925
>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3872501/tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
>3882899: “Of course,” Izanami starts. “You’ll get paid more if’n you can confirm one o’ the Shadow Queen’s assets and take ‘em out.”

After checking, yes we get paid more to take out every single one of the primary target's allies. So killing this one is definitely by the mission and for profit.

>>3932927
Mana fist to knock her into the ground. Or use sword if it's quieter.
>>
>>3932927
This >>3932934
And
>Summon Gartoum for a quick 3v1
>>
>>3932960
No lethal takedowns please. Killing her is an option, but now is not the time.
>>
>>3932960
we shouldn't kill her right now and actually, i believe that it would benefit us more to cover her little "misbiheaviour" so that she ends up trusting us. she definitely knows who the vigilante is, and it would make our job way easier if yuu presents her to us.
>>
So to sum it up:

>Solar Flare (warn Lori first).
>Box her in with Barriers while she's dazed.
>Wear her down. And if possible calm her down.

This good?
>>
>>3932966
nope. the less powers we show, the better. because someone WILL enter through the door and we will need some sort of alibi.
>>
>>3932966
Alpha attack, we got security on the way. Kidnap her for intel.
>>
>>3932969
>we got security on the way.
and they definitely have a positive ID on us. that literally goes against the contract.
>>
>>3932968
Does the door open inwards? Quick barrier should solve that. Opens outward? How about sticky mana?
>>
>>3932966
No. We could maybe get away with the flare as a blown light bulb or something, but there's no disguising a barrier. Just go bare knuckles until someone shows up or she somehow starts winning.
>>
>>3932966
Yeah, okay, this works
>>
So, it seems like the majority consensus idea is essentially

>Flare
>Free Lori.
>Throw hands but non-lethally.

Any last changes before I start writing? Giving about five minutes.
>>
>>3932966
>>3932969
Sure. I think with using Solar Flare for stun, a bit of Mana fist for a quicker take-down can help too. Punch her harder and faster and all that.
>>
>>3932978
i'd say that we should take out the flare.
>>
>>3932978
Yes
>>
>>3932978
>>3932982
How about sticky mana? Less alarming. Replace Flare with a salvo of sticky mana.

I'd add try to calm her down too.
>>
>>3932973
the problem is the same. we are in a public place, there are lots of people, cameras and the media that saw our faces. the contract specifically asked (and payed extra) to make us work as stealthy as possible. kidnapping someone here, its the complete opposite of being stealthy.
>>
>>3932984
fine for me, i'm just not sure if we'll be able to make the mana disappear in time.
>>
>>3932984
I support changing sun flare with sticky mana
>>
>>3932984
I'd go for this yes.
>>
>>3932986
Kidnapping people may be not stealthy conventionally, but the main issue is not showing too much magic in front of people. So as long as we do one flare and do the rest with melee they wouldn't be able to tell, and more likely assume we're just another kidnapping group that wants to ransom this person for money, which is totally normal and not specifically suspicious in terms of magic.
>>
>>3932994
sure, but the problem is still the same, we have no plan and therefore we are bound to end in another bleach in spaghetti situation. And everyone remembers how that ended up.
>>
>>3932995
Why no plan? We could easily use her as Bait to get Junko to come and get her, or one of her other allies. Either way is good. Just have to make sure the pick up point is far away from the city to reduce collateral from potential combat.
>>
Writing, incidentally. Sticky Mana in exchange for a flare, though.
>>
>>3933001
...now i'm gonna be that guy.
We don't have any IC knowledge about junko, so you have to take her out of the equation. the only person we know that it might be related to Yuu is Marie, and that's just because they are on the same dossier the organization gave to us. we don't know if she cares enough for yuu, or if she'll use her disappearance to her advantage. or if junko will go in a rampage. which is the most correct option, but then again, we don't know about that . all in all, its not worth it and we benefit more from Yuu if we let her be for the time being.
>>
>>3933008
Why would I need to take her out of the equation? Seriously speaking, I don't know the other quest, nor have I read much spoilers about her, so the only thing I DO know is that the target name should be Junko, that's it. Thus even with no knowledge of the target name, this is exactly what I'd do to get her to come out. So if anything, you're the one that's using OOC info to influence your votes, while I have little to no info for my reasoning on my votes.

for me personally I don't mind overt destruction so long as it's outside of the city, and I can't imagine why the target would do anything inside if we made this Yuu tell the said target where she is so we can lure her outside the city.
>>
>>3932927
>>3932978
>>3932982
>>3932983
>>3932984
>>3932991
>>3932993


Well, regardless of whatever else happens, you know what your immediate goal is. Getting this girl OFF you.

Two more punches are slipped; she’s fast, but you’ve got enough experience to offset that, and you’re quick to move to her side- or at least try. She’s not exactly inexperienced herself, and she quickly matches your lateral movements, noticing you trying to get behind her. A left leg is thrown out to quickly check your movements; the snap of it is sudden, and you have to stop quickly; an attempt to juke her fails and only gets a fist far too close to your face for comfort that you’re forced to respond to with a pair of jabs that get her to take a step back briefly.

She’s quick to step back in, however, and throws a follow up, and you’re forced to defend against that one as well; but as you hear a wooden sliding noise quickly transition into a large crash, you recall that Lorelei is a factor- and far hardier than her behavior and preferred style would indicate.

She’s clearly not happy, either. “Okaaaaay, bitch, how’s about we calm the FUCK down, huh? I do NOT want to get arrested for beating the shit out of a local celebrity.” Not that how she’s acting is any indication of that…

There’s a moment, though, where she looks away from you- to focus on Lorelei.

That’s a mistake.

>Current Mana: 12,300/12,500

Immediately you throw your hand forward, and soft, pliable, yet very very sticky mana forms and fires out in large, spherical blobs- honestly, you’re getting a lot more used to this stunt, and thank goodness for it.

>Roll 1d20, higher is better for you. Best of three.
>>
>>3933016
the name junko hasn't been mentioned at all either by junko's mom or any of the targets we have met AFAIK. maybe once in the dossier and just as a passing note, which means that either you are crazy good at connecting the dots or you are incorporating IC knowledge--
>while I have little to no info for my reasoning on my votes.


Oh, its a wild guess.


>for me personally I don't mind overt destruction so long as it's outside of the city
Me neither, but then we're getting technical with how we interpret the contract and that's just a headache.
>>
>>3933008
Junko is *best* friends with Yuu so yeah she will go on rampage if someone is happened to her. She would literally hunt us down to the ends of the world. Which would work with us.
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3933021
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3933021

>>3933023
yeah, i know, that's why its spoilered. as for why its spoilered, is that everyone believes that junko has been dead for at least a year and miranda and company don't have any real leads on her. yet.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3933021
>>3933026
Noice
>>
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>>3933026
Thank me later guys.

We're getting extra skill XP from this roll Handler?
>>
>>3933026
thank.fucking.goodness.
Lorelei got pissed!
>>
>>3933023
>>3933026
Time to set up the trap with great bait.
>>
>>3933022
I said I haven't read much, not have not read AT ALL. Understand the difference. With how the name was thrown around without spoilers immediately when the mission was chosen there's no way to avoid it unless I ignored the posts for some reason. In fact you didn't even give me any reason why knowing her name alone would matter for my reasoning on my votes, so this is pointless.

>>3933023
See now This is the kind of unspoilered info that Does directly affect my reasoning. In fact that only makes the kidnapping plan even better in my eyes with how easily she would be lured outside the city. Just let her make a call to the target directly.
>>
My my.

Writing. Last for the night.
>>
>>3933026
Lorelei gonna beat a bitch with her own arms, thats what that roll means.
>>
>>3933040
>In fact you didn't even give me any reason why knowing her name alone would matter for my reasoning on my votes, so this is pointless.
Yes i gave you one. Miranda and her friends have only seen the name at least once, as a footnote. they have no reason to believe she is important.

>This is the kind of unspoilered info that Does directly affect my reasoning.
yes, but you need to think AS miranda and company, with the information that miranda and her friends have, not as anon that has all the answers 5 clicks away. Quests are part roleplaying after all, and that involves to willingly leave some information outside your decision making process because the characters don't have it.
If you are unable to do that due to lack of maturity or correctly using IC and OOC information, then quests and TTPRPGs might not be for you.

>In fact that only makes the kidnapping plan even better in my eyes with how easily she would be lured outside the city.
And i think the same, BUT miranda doesn't know about the relationship Yuu and junko have. Therefore we can't do that plan expecting that the shadow queen will come, because that implies that miranda knows that junko is the shadow queen and that she would tear the city a new asshole just to see Yuu again.which again, miranda and her friends don't.
>>
>>3933051
>Yes i gave you one. Miranda and her friends have only seen the name at least once, as a footnote. they have no reason to believe she is important.
I don't get this at all, as in I never expected Yuu to be the target's friend or not before I voted to kidnap her. Instead I assumed she was important enough that her 'boss' would obviously come and rescue her 'underling' that's it, that's all of my reasoning, none of this friendship crap.

So the rest of your points are pointless since I never cared about whether or not Yuu is a friend to Junko, I only expected that Yuu was enough of an asset Junko would be angry at losing, so much so she'd mount a rescue we can bait her into.

So yeah, I don't need nor did use OOC info to vote the way I did, and your implications and obvious disbelief in my answers means I don't care to explain my reasoning to you any further anyways.
>>
so lets speak in different terms, who does miranda and co currently think the shadow queen is?
>>
>>3933021
>>3933026
>>3933027
>>3933028
The trio of blobs crash into her, splattering all over- they don’t send her to the ground, but it’s clear she’s restricted in her movements; her arms can get up, but that’s about it.

That’s plenty enough for Lorelei, who immediately cracks her one in the face while wearing a wild, yet obviously angry, smiling expression. “I’m TRYING to be a good girl right now, okay? You don’t need to know why, but I just wanted you to know that so you understand in particular when I say ‘fuck you’- like, it’s context.”

“April,” you warn, your tone iron.

“Nonono, lemme have this!” Lorelei begs, then continues regardless as a slimy and nearly restricted Yuu delivers a still-surprisingly fluid, if sluggish, swing. It whiffs entirely as Lorelei dodges and pops her again, causing a small squeal from her. “See, I usually like a little more vivaciousness in my daily life, a little zip! But it’s been reaaallly dull right now; I mean seriously. No offense,” she says quickly turning to you. “Since, you know, bestie, will do anything, blah blah- but sometimes a girl wants to let loose! But, I’m talking too much. We just want to TALK right now. Well, WANTED to, I dunno what she wants to do now, but I kinda want to play speedbag with your face for a minute, work off some energy, y’know? And I’m pretty sure you’ve come to understand that either of us can do that, sooo...”

“I don’t- I can’t tell you anything! It’d make everything harder!” Yuu wails.

“And ‘everything’ would beeee?” Lorelei prods, ‘playfully’ nudging Yuu’s chin with her knuckles.

“I…”

Suddenly, her phone rings, somewhere in her purse, and there’s a pause as all three of you regard it.

>Let it ring.
>Let her answer it.
>Other
>>
>>3933061
>reply hazy, try again
seriously though, we don't have enough info to even speculate.
>>
>>3933065
>Let her answer it.
>>
Yo, if we want her to trust us we should totally lie.

If we give her non-answers all the time, that's sus as fuck. If we lie about something, like, a small aspect, than she might assume we don't know about her lie-reading shit.
So what should we lie about that wouldn't givenaway that we're herr to fuck shit up?
>>
>>3933065
>>Let it ring.
Good good, excellent. Here's some prime bait to lure Junko. Just make sure the pick up point is outside of the city and we're golden.
>>
>>3933065
>>Let it ring.
This is a chance to get some actual answers out of someone that knows stuff. Let's not let it pass us by.

>>3933068
Good idea, but a little late; if things continue this way, she'll be the one answering questions, not us.
>>
>>3933065
>Let it ring.
>>
>>3933061
I don't think that we have any leads about the shadow queen, but we have more about the vigilante.
She's definitely female, and from our little interactions with Yuu and marie, its someone they at the very least have personal contact with and both of them care about her reputation just enough to try to twist her actions as a vigilante and in Yuu's case protect her identity or anyone trying to find out about her.
>>
>>3933065
>>Let it ring.
>Are you expecting a call?
>>
>>3933061
Based on the info we have IC? Marie's boss or the vigilante. And that's a blind throw.

>>3933065
>Let it ring.

Once we get some more important info out of her we'll be long gone from whatever personnel they'll send to check.

After this fiasco and the day before we've officially blew up the lid. There will be much more action in the following days, and much less sneaking.
>>
>>3933065
> Let her answer

>>3933072
I think anon knows that, or maybe not, but I can see it be useful still in our interrogation. And once she's running. Or... Depending on how things go. Dunno.
>>
>>3933074
honestly the fact they are so seriously guarded about who the queen or the vig is, it should put some ideas in our head IC who it might be, especially since we did read their dossier's. We know they had a friend who "died" who was their best friend and these people are literally loyal to a fault too. miranda is smart, she should be able to put the pieces together.
>>
>>3933081
>After this fiasco and the day before we've officially blew up the lid. There will be much more action in the following days, and much less sneaking.
If we're willing to wait to burn time letting this cool down, we could go back to trying to be stealthy. Dunno if it's worth it though.
>>
>>3933065
>Let it ring.
>>
>>3933065
>Check caller ID
>Let it ring.
>>
>>3933087
How can I missed that huh.
Supporting.
>>
>>3933083
No reason to think they are the same person. People do have more than one person they might be willing to protect. And, vitally, we don't know she "died", we know she's dead and have no reason to believe otherwise.
>>
>>3933084
maybe we'll be able to use it to our advantage. So far, izumi has been left on the side and she probably won't be under suspicion, which leave miranda and lorelei with nothing to do, unless we get out in the open and begin investigating the despair energy, like how we said we were doing.

>>3933083
i can see miranda doing that, but after returning to the safehouse and looking at the dossiers again. I mean, junko's name was literally a footnote, i don't think that miranda would give it that much importance in the grand scheme of things.
>>
>>3933087
Supporting this.

Remember, no killing. This is Izumi quest. You can kill whoever you want when it's Miranda but please hold off your murderboners. We are here to investigate first before killing someone.
>>
>>3933087
Supporting
>>
>>3933136
y'hear that Lori? Murder boner de-activate. Maybe we can muck up some yakuza thugs soonish.
>>
>>3933136
What? no. She brought us a killing job. That's the entire point. Killing her here is a bad idea, but she should be dead before the mission is done.
>>
>>3933136
This:>>3933428

The whole point of Izumi needing and bringing help was to help kill for her when she doesn't want to do it personally. I'm completely fine with delaying kills temporarily and taking control of Miranda or even Lorelei to do it, but we're not leaving them alive. Every target should be taken out for proper mission completion.
>>
>>3933451
There’s only one target we need to kill, anon.

>Cleansing Corruption
>Recommended Outgoers: 2-4
>Summary: Our organization requests information on enemy territory fallen to Despair. Origin is believed to be a specific individual once to be under contract with us as a Magical Girl, but said unit has irrevocably fallen to darkness and has sought to conquer the city, and potentially more. While initially it was hoped the situation could be contained using internal assets, the target has proven more capable than anticipated, and has eliminated all direct resistance thus far. We thus have decided to turn to external specialists to investigate the area, locate the individual, and assassinate them so as to bring the target area back under control without bringing undue suspicion onto the organization.
>>
>>3933533
It's up to you to not want secondary objectives, but I for one want them.
>>
>>3933557
That’s the thing, there are no paying secondary objectives. It’s just kill the target with minimal collateral damage, get paid.
>>
>>3933559
>there are no paying secondary objectives.

Refer to this>>3932960 and read it before saying that.
>>
>>3933563
However, they ALSO offer getting them to the organisation for their own reprogramming thing.
It's basically the same thing from what I know or am told, but we're not the ones with blood on our hands.
You know... the Izumi solution.
Well not really, but reprogramming is an option.
>>
>>3933609
Brainwashing doesn't seem like a bad idea. They might even pay us more for them if we deliver the girls alive.
>>
>>3933072
So, someone nearby had to have heard that. Clock's ticking. We only have a limited window to ask questions. The fist of which is that Lori was right; we just wanted to talk. Why'd you flip out on us? We weren't even asking anything pointed. And we have no reason to cause problem for the vigilante. We just wanted to know who's operating around here.


>>3933609
Eh, we might try it if we can pull it off without it being a massive pain. But there's no mention of a live capture bonus, so there's no reason to go out of our way. Izumi is not a pacifist, and we're on-mission.
>>
>>3933609
Can you find the post where that is mentioned first?

Even if true however, capturing is usually always far harder. So unless there's specifically proof that live captures are paid much more for this mission, I don't want to bother with the hassle and risks to attempt it when we could just go with the faster and easier executions.
>>
Hello.

So, I'll be running tonight, but before I start I'd like to ask a hypothetical because I'm like that:

>Magical Girl For Hire: The Game.

What genre? Beat 'em up, turn-based RPG, Metroidvania, what?

Doesn't mean jack shit, I'm just curious.
>>
>>3934173
>Battle Royale with crafting, lootboxes and global voicechat
>>
>>3934173
the slower choice based format of the qst board means it can only be a story turnbased rpg, if we're going for closest comparison.
If thematic story stylization is involved, beat 'em up with shmup sections and an elaborate upgrade shop sounds good.
>>
>>3934173
You need an ideas man? I can write pages about it but I'll need time.

But most importantly it's a turn-based RPG. Some thoughts:

> Randomized jobs. With multiple solutions/outcomes. Unless it's a story mission.
> Choose your teammates or go by yourself. Customize their loadouts too.
> Can recruit suitable locals to your team.
> Explore the Intersection.
> Gear system similar to X-Com. But I'm an ARPG veteran so I prefer Path of Exile / Diablo.
>>
>>3934173
JRPG.

Freedom of interaction makes it similar to freeform exploration 3D type of game, with turn-based combat mechanics that lets the player set either the area or unit as target for actions, including chaining up actions and even cooperative actions. Social are in time slots, with interaction less limited per slot, but more limited in absolute number of time slots such as when doing specific activity with people, meeting new people, or buying things. So yeah, overall it feels like a modern JRPG for me.
>>
>>3934186
Forgot this.
>PLAY DRESS UP.
>>
Visual novel to pick from three main heroine girls. Will you conquer their hearts or fall first from debt?

Do it!!
>>
Swear to god I was gonna put in 'Visual Novel' as a joke option but decided 'nah'.

Anyway writing shortly. I don't like to start runs before dinner. Which I have now.
>>
>>3934173
Though to be honest I imagine it would be similar to Shadowrun vidya series.
>>
>>3934213
I can now imagine...Sal as game over screen.
>Sal: Helloooooo there. You haven't paid your dues. But you have time to flirt with my agent. So sooooory about this but rules are rules.
>>
>>3933065
>>3933087
>>3933088
>>3933136
>>3933163
It’s Yuu who speaks first. “...that’s probably my manager. You should let me answer it.”

You’re already moving for it, as Lorelei asks the question you were about to. “And why should we?”

“Because...I knew what you were, so I asked for some alone time...no one nearby, just in case. I told her to call me in five minutes, and if I didn’t answer it meant I was in trouble and it was probably because of you two.”

You check the phone; sure enough, it says ‘Manager’ on it. “And the consequences?”

“Security converges on this location, plus some friends of mine that promise to make your lives a living hell in or out of prison.” Wow, such language. “Up to you. You want to talk, then fine, but I need to call her off.”

>Action?
>>
>>3934259
Answer the call, but tell whoever it is on the line that Yuu is a hostage, and if they want her back they'll come out and meet us in a specified location outside of the city.
>>
>>3934259
>add an extra sticky mana to her arms
>Answer it but put on loud speaker and put it near her face.
I don't want to free her hands before we get answers.
>>
>>3934259
"Like we've both stated, trust is precious. Sorry, but you've just lost mine. Unless ..."
>Force her to call it off at gun point.

Or we need something to force her to call it off, like an elaborate bluff?
>>
Wait we have the Transportation plate, maybe we can do that hostage thing but how we do so without getting the cops on it?
>>
>>3934268
>>3934271
> More sticky mana.
> Put the phone near her, with loud speakers on.
> Get some guns out.
> "And we can do intimidation too."
>>3934277
Is it too early for that? I think it's much better to get info, knock her out and bail.
>>
>>3934259
>Action?
Noope. You've already proven to be untrustworthy. No phone for you.
>>
>>3934259
I think we should
>Cast Orbital Ring on her
If she isn't bluffing, we may actually have to bail, and she has a magical girl mafia member try to remove it, two birds with one stone.
>>
>>3934292
My concern with letting her speak on the phone is coded messages and Lori popping her head.
>>
>>3934259
>>3934292
I'll support the Orbital Ring. At least it would both help with the restraining and ensure a back up solution in case things goes to shit.
>>
>>3934259
I'll back the teleport escape >>3934277
>>
>>3934292
That's a terrible idea. The ring is expensive, very visible, and has an explosive failsafe. She's currently struggling with sticky mana. don't overcomplicate things.
>>
>>3934277
If she still call them here then we can do this.

>>3934292
No rings, too alarming. We can just stack more gum on her.
>>
>>3934259
Supporting >>3934277
>>
Have to admit, I'm unsure what the majority is. Seems like it's between

>Escape via teleport plate

and

>Let her answer but at gunpoint
>>
>>3934323
How about both?
>Let her answer but at gunpoint.
But if she snitches
>Escape via teleport plate, taking her with us.
>>
>>3934277
>You set the base point, and then the origin point, and BAM! Portal Back to where the base was.
Is the origin point set? Also, it's still classified as experimental. Maybe let's not risk spegetifing ourselves with experimental teleportation tech.

>>3934323
>Let her answer but at gunpoint
>>
>>3934298
Are you implying Lori and Miranda can't read between the lines? their enhanced hearing and experience can decode what she's saying.

>>3934323
How about we combine the idea of >>3934284, then just intimidate her with a gun and say we can kill you now and we're not in anyway afraid of her friends so play nice for now so we can depart in peace. then maybe after getting some answers we use the transportal thing to fuck off.
>>
>>3934323
>Escape via teleport plate
>>
>>3934323
>Let her answer but at gunpoint

If shit gets out of hand use the teleport plate.
>>
>>3934323
A little bit of both like this
>>3934332
I'm not sure if we should take her or not.
>>
>>3934323
>>Let her answer but at gunpoint
Take her with us for teleport if we have to run
>>
Alright, I think I got it. Writing.
>>
>>3934335
I didn't say we should take her along for the ride.
>>
>>3934259
“Alright.” With another small splash, her hands are bound to her sides with a yelp. “You said trust was precious, and suddenly I find myself out of it, too. So you say anything out of turn…”

“I got this,” Lorelei says as she reaches into her ‘large purse’ and pulls out a certain engraved pistol. “ ‘Molly’ here gets to give you a kiss!”

Without further warning, you press the ‘answer’ button and hold it up to her ear. “Mitsukoshi-san, you alright?” comes the voice of who you presume is the manager. “You took a while to answer.”

There’s a moment’s hesitation where she eyes the pistol leveled at her before she speaks. “...I’m fine. Just was getting a drink and didn’t want my guests to answer for me.”

“Ah. Well, as long as everything’s alright, I’m going to have to ask you to hurry it up. We need to get you home, and tomorrow we’re going over the rest of the week’s schedule. Remember you have a TV appearance due Wednesday at 2.” Heh. Credit to the lady, she’s dedicated to her work.

“Right, yes…” Mitsukoshi says lightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll be done soon enough.” She flicks her eyes to the both of you again. “Can I ask t-”

“Hold that thought, I’ve got another call.” The manager suddenly says. Lorelei has to hold her chuckle in, and even you can’t resist an eye-roll. Some things are just a universal constant. “Sorry about that; business. Okay, so I’ll see you at the Sakura Park Hotel, we’ll go from there, alright?” Yuu goes pale at the same time you and Lorelei briefly meet eyes. “Remember, your room’s 331, I’ve already gotten it for you under the company. I need you here in thirty minutes, alright?”

“Y-yes...” she says, faintly.

“Hey, are you sure you’re okay?” Manager says. Damn, she’s on the ball.

Fortunately, Yuu seems disinclined to affirm her suspicions. “I’ll be alright, just- I’ll be on my way soon. Alright? Goodbye.”

“Alright, see you soon.” *click* Well, then.

> “Well, we won’t keep you.” You’re pretty sure there’s a way to remove all that sticky mana...besides letting it fade out.
> “Good luck explaining your lateness.” Leave without helping her.
> Other
>>
>>3934403
Smart girl, she doesn't try to be a hero.
> Other
"Now can you tell me what the hell is going on with this city?"
>>
>>3934403
> “Well, we won’t keep you.” You’re pretty sure there’s a way to remove all that sticky mana...besides letting it fade out.

While we're getting it off, ask her this >>3934407.
>>
>>3934403
This >>3934407
We're not leaving without more answers
>>
>>3934403
>Try to ask her about the city and why is she so defensive about it?
>"pretty sure you have a connection because why are you attacking us for asking?"
>whatever her answer is. We activate the teleport plate.
> “Well, we won’t keep you.” You’re pretty sure there’s a way to remove all that sticky mana...besides letting it fade out.
>try guiding the sticky Mana back to your hands and reverting them back to regular mana
>leave immediately through the portal
>>
>>3934420
>>3934403
+1
>>
>>3934420
Support.
Let's make a villain teleportation exit.
>>
for all the people that want to use the teleportation plate, owlia will get pissed if we don't use the recording device. Also, its experimental tech, and everything can and will go wrong

Just keep that in mind.

>>3934403
> “Well, we won’t keep you.” You’re pretty sure there’s a way to remove all that sticky mana...besides letting it fade out.
>>
>>3934403
>other
Knock her out, then gag and tie her while the sticky mana is still in effect for a teleportation assisted kidnapping
>>
>>3934444
We left the recording device at the cabin house Miranda was dropped in, along with the other half of the teleportation plates. So Lori goes first and tell her about the recording device then we go.
How does the plate deactivate though? We cut off pouring mana into it?
>>
>>3934403
this
>>3934407

no plate. that's experimental teleport tech. let's throw peanuts or something through first. don't want to end up inside out.
>>
Okay so what the fuck?

Writing.
>>
>>3934420
That one.
>>
>>3934452
we need to read the instructions and hope for the best. that's why using the plates is a dumb idea.
>>
>>3934460
>Warning, though- they’re one way! You set the base point, and then the origin point, and BAM! Portal Back to where the base was. Gotta say, this could be suuuper useful for a quick runaway!
>Just… from what little I’ve tested, it’s fragile, so when I say one way, I mean one way.
Nothing worrying other than not going back and the plates potentially breaking.
>>
>>3934467
there's still the matter of the recorder, but ok.
>>
>>3934485
See this >>3934452
Recorder is there
>>
>>3934467
anon, it's experimental teleport tech. if something goes wrong, you could wind up with half an arm.
>>
>>3934487
but that means that one has to teleport, get the plate, teleport back and then teleport the two of them again.
then again, why do we want to teleport out? shock factor?
>>
>>3934403
>>3934407
>>3934410
>>3934414
>>3934420
>>3934423
>>3934438
>>3934444
>>3934453
With that little situation resolved, it’s back to business. “Alright. Now for the fucking hundred million yen question: Tell me what the hell is going on with this city.” Wait. “Admittedly, not really a question, more a demand, but you’re not in much position to not say.”

“Look, I can’t!” She seems almost about to cry. “If I told you, then- then you’d try to stop it, wouldn’t you?” She tries to struggle almost, but a short noise from Lorelei reminds her the gun is still right there. “I know your type- you act all nice and innocent and just curious at first, but then you start sticking your nose in where it’s dangerous and where you want...want everything to just get worse or go back to how it was! I get it, I really do! But you can’t! We’re getting closer to making it all worth it! Before long we’ll all be fine!”

“Fine how?” Lorelei asks, a touch impatiently.

“Not like you don’t know! Once people stop coming after us, then we’ll be fine! But we have to be harsh right now because otherwise people’ll just keep trying to use magical girls for one reason for another! We just want everyone to be safe!”

You and Lorelei share a glance. That was pretty much all but an admission. “So, lemme guess. You and miss Marie Okada are both part of this little gang?”

“We’re not a gang! We’re a-a collective! A coalition! We help each other!” Yuu protests.

“Iunno, with all the sneaky dealings, gangpressing people into joining, not to mention the white-collar AND violent crimes I’ve heard wind of, you guys seem pretty gang-like to me,” Lorelei snarks.

“It’s necessary! To keep ourselves safe!” Yuu argues. It’s...we don’t want to get used again, ever! So we just protect our territory!”

“Yeah, see, where I’m from, we call those ‘turf wars’, and that’s kinda a gang thing.” Lorelei points out.

(cont.)
>>
>>3934500
She blanches, and then fixes a sour look on her face. “W-well, look! You guys can think whatever you want, but stop interfering! I’m not much of anything compared to the leader of this ‘gang’, as you want to call it, and she’s my best friend! She’ll make you wish you were dead if anything happens to her friends!”

“Yeah, see, THAT’S a ‘gang’ thing, too, threatening people,” Lorelei points out. “So you’re not really selling me on the ‘necessary evil’ bit.” Gah. You wish Izumi was here. This is her job, so you’re reluctant to take any major action without her input. Just feels really sketch if you do.

You just sigh. “I don’t think we’re going to see eye to eye- but for now I think we’re good to go. Fortunately, we AREN’T looking to hurt anyone right now. Now sit still and we’ll let you go.” You need to loop Izumi in on things…

Removing the mana is...more a process than you’d hoped, but less than you thought. The mana seems to stick to itself easier than other things, and it’s a lot like collecting lint. Regardless, the small traces that remain, you insist will fade before she gets to the car. As for you and Lorelei…

“April, we’re out,” you say.

>Use the teleporter plate.
>Leave normally.

(last for tonight. Took longer than I'd expect.)
>>
>>3934493
Because that way we avoid their surveilance system.
Rule of cool too.
>>
>>3934502
>>Leave normally.
teleporting is pointlessly risky. We've made enough of an impression already.
>>
>>3934493
I want to teleport so she can't track us or have her fellow MG yakuza spy on us. We can lay low for a day and slowly go back to the base. We can get Gartoum out for spying or something.
And what >>3934503 said.
>>
>>3934502
>Use the teleporter plate.
>>
>>3934503
If they have surveillance, we're already on tape.
>>
>>3934502
>>Leave normally.
Izumi tell us what to do. I want blood.
>>
>>3934503
>>3934507
we're too late for that though. from the moment we entered the building and talked with the other MG, we were on tape.
>>
>>3934502
>Leave normally.
>>
>>3934502
>>Leave normally.
If people aren't grabbing her then there's no point in teleportation. Better to not show more cards than needed so they can't anticipate it and plan for it.
>>
>>3934502
>Leave normally.
Leave our ace in the hole a secret, guys.
>>
>>3934511
>>3934517
Sure, if you want to stay on tape then walk out normally. I say we disappear and leave them wondering when we'll appear next time.
>>
>>3934502
>Leave normally.
We should save the plate for an emergency.
>>
>>3934502
>>Use the teleporter plate.
Owlia won't be able to make it safer until we use it, so any complaints about it being dangerous means we never will
>>
>>3934523
we're already on tape though. leaving out by teleporting only makes it clear that we are more dangerous and have several tricks under our sleeves.
>>
>>3934538
testing should start with inanimate objects, then small creatures, then people you don't care about, then people you do care about, then yourself. No reason to risk ourselves. If we get stuck back in base again maybe we can start the first two stages.
>>
>>3934502
>Leave normally.

Once we're in the next briefing, we should test the portal and hand out some Seither crystals.
>>
>>3934502
>Use the teleporter plate.
>>3934173
Something like an X-Com/City of Heroes/Warframe thing. Equipment customization out the ass, a skill tree that leads into all sorts of gameplay customization, a beautiful movement system with intuitive design, maybe also an MMO. I could probably get behind becoming a crafter or something too, because even with randomized drops I would still want to tear apart the system and put it back together. Double points if it actually lets you make a skin for the weapon.
>>
>>3934173
Corporation management sim.
Player takes the role of a dealmaker who has just started his/her/its own outgoer company.
>>
>>3934502
>>3934506
>>3934512
>>3934519
>>3934520
>>3934522
>>3934529
>>3934685
The two of you leave before she does; your paths taking you in separate directions. Lorelei sighs after you both get out to the parking lot. “Well. We’re definitely on their radar now.”

“Yeah,” you agree, already getting your phone out. “We need to make sure everyone is in the know,” you say.

“Hello? Something up?” Izumi’s voice comes.

“Yeah. Gonna be hard getting into contact with you for a while; we’re gonna be busy. Made some new friends; a lot like what you told me the other day, actually.” You’ve got to assume they’ve got some way of monitoring you at least semi-consistently now. “So we’re probably going to be getting to know each other sooner than later.”

“...ah. Really?” There’s more than a bit of tension there. “That’s...most interesting. Thank you for telling me.”

“It’s no problem. Although I’m worried that they might play a bit rough. Said as much,” you mention as you cross the street. “So I’m kind of wanting your say in what you think we should do if that happens.”

There’s a long pause. And then, “...well. I don’t think some roughhousing would go too amiss, but...just be wary that the ones that do...well, if they’re not understanding how rough they’re playing, try not to hurt them too much, please?” You’re admittedly not 100% certain how she means that- don’t attack anyone that’s not high on the food chain, maybe? “At any rate, I have school to prepare for, so I’ll have to talk later. I...I trust you both, though. Just be safe, and be compassionate. That’s all I ask.”

“Runnin’ real low on compassion…” Lorelei mutters, while you contemplate your next move…

>Relocate ASAP to the underground parking lot location. You’ll get your stuff tomorrow.
>Might as well stay a last night at the warehouse to keep off the night streets. You’ll sleep in shifts.
>Screw it. If you’re going to be watched, you’re going to be watched in comfort. Time for you two to find a hotel, too…
>Other
>>
>>3935631
>Screw it. If you’re going to be watched, you’re going to be watched in comfort. Time for you two to find a hotel, too…
The girls say that they want peace and order, so they won't try to make a huge ruckus. And by exposing ourselves, it makes it seem like we aren't trying to do anything shady.
>>
>>3935631
>Relocate ASAP to the underground parking lot location. You’ll get your stuff tomorrow.
>>
>>3935631
>>Relocate ASAP to the underground parking lot location. You’ll get your stuff tomorrow.
Sleeping in shifts sucks.
Take precautions to shake any tails we might have picked up. They have our face, but we can keep them from following us,
>>
>>3935631
>Relocate ASAP to the underground parking lot location. You’ll get your stuff tomorrow.
>>
>>3935631
Did we finish setting up the warehouse as an elf lad in a dress level trap?
>>
Whatever anons choose, have Miranda have a zone scanner set up around us.
>>
>>3935631
>Relocate ASAP to the underground parking lot location. You’ll get your stuff tomorrow.
Set the traps up. We got some MGs to prepare for.
>>
>>3935659
I assume we did. Would be terribly unresponsible for Miranda otherwise, she did stay in for a few days, have to do something to at least sway the boredom.
>>3935631
>Relocate ASAP to the underground parking lot location. You’ll get your stuff tomorrow.
>>
We're moving now, then. Writing.
>>
>>3935631
>>3935644
>>3935652
>>3935655
>>3935666
>>3935668
“Come on, we’re going to relocate,” you decide, heading off for the center of the city. You recall that the lot was somewhere around there. Fortunately, the majority of the important stuff you have, namely the dossier information, was in your FutureSight by now, but the rest was largely replaceable.

“Backup spot?” Lorelei whispers.

“Yup,” you confirm.

“Might wanna follow me, then,” she says, taking the lead. Fair enough- she’s the one that’s been out and about, not you.

>Roll 1d100, best of three. Higher is better.
>>
Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>3935704
Vigilante time.
>>
Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>3935704
>>3935708
HEY-OH
>>
Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>3935704
>>
Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3935704
>>3935708
nice
>>
>>3935708
IS it?

Well...

Writing.
>>
>>3935708
And so did the villian stalking the heroes fall off the rooftops and crack their neck upon the stiff caress of the fire escape rail, leaving them paralyzed and hospitalized for the foreseeable future
>>
>>3935720
"heroes"
heh
>>
>>3935748
This time, I think we qualify. Maybe,
>>
>>3935708
The heroes saw the enemy clumsily hiding the shadows who is busily petting the black kitten.
>>
>>3935704
>>3935708
>>3935711
>>3935712
For the next twenty or so minutes, Lorelei directs you towards the location. It’s a pretty quiet night, considering school the next day, so there’s not much in the way of “Alright, so, it’s like, kinda near this construction yard, which makes sense, and it’s not suuper far away, so-

Before she says anything else, you put up a hand.

Something- or someone- is nearby. “...all I’m saying is that it’s nothing to worry about,” she finishes much softer, in an attempt to not alert whoever it is that anyone’s been alerted. “So, where are we goin’ for now?”

To that, you point near an alleyway about a block down; you’d had your scent going for the past walk, just in case, and only recently do you get the smell of something rotten; not just ripe, but something that was most definitely dangerous if you dropped your guard.

“...well, check it out?” Lorelei asks. You’re already extending your hearing…

“...so I- haha, I am pretty surprised you have the nerve.” Hm? Whoever it is, it’s female. And sounds oddly happy. Or maybe so angry they’re laughing, going by context. “You are well aware that such...such foolish actions would be paid for, did you not? Perhaps I have been slacking in my duties...ah, mistress may punish me for this.” You swear that her Japanese is accented.

“L-look, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” The voice of an older man calls out. “I just- all I do is accounting for-”

“I know what you do, bastard!” the girl says harshly, before returning to an even tone. “I know what you do very well. I believe it is called ‘theft’, for you have stolen many things. From others, yes, but also from mistress, and that is unforgivable.”

“What?! Look, I don’t know who your mistress is, but- augh!” That last bit followed a harsh crunch.

Lorelei turns to you. “Say, ya think...?” she whispers.

“That this is the mysterious vigilante?” you respond. It’s a likely possibility. And in the middle of something, too…

>Action?
>>
>>3935757
Well lads, alpha strike? I'd say burning some mana for an Orbital Ring would be feasible in this scenario.
>>
>>3935764
orbital ring takes too much time. If we are going for the kill, we might as well go for either a magiblast or, this is my vote
>>3935757
>use extreme speed plus mana gauntlets and smash the attacker's head.
>>
>>3935764
Alpha strike this bitch, I want blood!
>>
>>3935757
I support that one. >>3935767
>>
Izumi isn't with you, FYI. In case that's what you mean.
>>
>>3935757
>>3935764
>>3935768
Orbital Ring looks good. Unaware target = time to cast.
>>
>>3935757
Do we have a beef with the vigilante, if that's who this is? Just observe for now.
>>
>>3935757
This, and use the Assault Shard >>3935767
>>
>>3935757
Supporting>>3935764
for Orbital Ring
>>
>>3935776
she's a target, yes.
>>
>>3935776
The person mentions mistress, which means it's a secondary objective target. Since this is the back alleys where no one is around, we're totally good for a capture and kill via Orbital Ring.
>>
>>3935783
>>3935774
i don't recommend the orbital ring. First of all, its very shiny and second, very mana expensive. we will lose all of our advantages with that thing.
>>
>>3935783
'mistress' itself doesn't mean much. could be a gangster with a dramatic flair. If she is credibly connected to the shadow queen though, she's fair game.
>>
I dunno if I can join but should we call Izumi first?
>>
>>3935790
not near here, not currently connected to us, and won't have anything more to say than we can figure out ourselves.
>>
>>3935790
we don't have the time and is for the best that she is kept as far away from us as possible.
>>
If the Orbital Ring option wins, can we tell Lori to open up with some surprise fireworks so we can catch her off-guard better?
>>
Guys, are you forgetting STICKY MANA? if you really don't want to use orbital ring use sticky mana.
>>
ok, why are we trying to use the ring or the stick mana, when we have the target unaware? yes, i get the appeal of getting the vigilante alive, but its too dangerous right now.
>>
>>3935801
It's not dangerous, well she is but we could like...take her unconscious? Fish out for phone and call her "mistress?"
>>
>>3935796
doesn't that negate the whole 'sneak attack negates long cast time' by broadcasting 'look what I'm about to do!'?

>>3935801
Short of the Nebula, we don't have any one-shot-kill attacks. I can see the appeal.
>>
>>3935797
I suggested Orbital Ring because this vigilante is a different beast altogether compared to Yuu. Sticky Mana will not do much, and should be less accurate.
>>
>>3935801
We need information, anon.
>>
>>3935797

While it's also useful, I'd think that if Orbital Ring doesn't win, Miranda might as well do a fast charge head smash to instantly end the threat. Reasoning being that either way doing anything to her will lose surprise, and in case the sticky mana succeeds she would still be able to fight, while in case the smash she'd be dead and no longer a threat.

>>3935801
I thought Orbital Ring would be lethal with how it explodes when it's destroyed or allowed to detonate. But mostly I just don't want to make her aware and react to a physical attack since that seems more likely to be detected than silent casting. I'm voting for whatever is more lethal really.
>>
>>3935802
If she is connected to the Queen, might as well kill her here, no need for messing with capture. hoping for a phone assumes she has "mistress" in her contracts and that whoever answers won't immediately hang up when we try to ask questions.
>>
>>3935804
>>3935809
the orbital ring isn't an attack, its a trap. and it explodes, which goes against the riders we have. we also don't know if it can hold teleporting targets, which could be a possibility with miss unknown overe here.
>>
>>3935805
I think it's better for catching her unware and slowing her down. Or we can use great barrier, I dunno.
>>
>>3935815
Alright you convinced me.

>>3935757
switching votes from this:>>3935774
To this:>>3935767

Instant headshot sounds better.
>>
>>3935815
>the orbital ring isn't an attack, its a trap
we've used it more than once in combat to subdue an opponent. It isn't a trap, anymore than a barrier is.
the explosives are only an issue if it's enough to seriously damage a building.
who said anything about teleporting? Randa has been around long enough that's something I expect she's compensated for.
>>
There's a tie, so I may have to just rol-nevermind.

Okeydokey.

Writing.
>>
>>3935757
switching
>>3935776
to
>orbital Ring
>>
>>3935821
the orbital ring was designed to hold powerful wild beasts and its explosion is designed to harm or kill said beast. Its not worth it to test what it will do if the target teleports out.
>>
Ok how about:
>Lori uses her fireworks
>and in tandem she tries to hit the vigilante (?) With her magic limbs
>while she does that Miranda tries hitting her with Mana gauntlet
>>
>>3935825
>Its not worth it to test
> Randa has been around long enough that's something I expect she's compensated for.
>>
>>3935826
No fireworks. that is the equivalent of yelling "charge!" before attacking.
>>
>>3935826
miranda also got tricked into buying everything full price for 80+ years. Don't assume she is ready for everything just because she's old.
also, this is a high risk, high reward situation, the orbital ring is a big, shiny, slow unknown factor that might have unintended consequences.

>>3935826
what about we just do the last point and only that one? we have the advantage after all.
>>
...so, what option are we rolling with right now?
>>
>>3935837
Both. First punch then ring her.
>>
>>3935839
eeeh, if she's out there is no need to ring her.
>>
>>3935841
I mean, if she were to wake up from some second wind like ability, being ringed would be a good restraint.
>>
>>3935844
true, yes, but we are damn close to the other hideout and the sticky mana has proven to be powerful enough to partially hold a magical girl, which means that it would be more than enough for a downed one.
>>
From how we're not even told to roll before the next update I feel like she totally dodged the attack automatically or something...
>>
>>3935757
>>3935767
>>3935769
>>3935778
>>3935820

“Yup. Think she’s connected?” you ask in a low tone of voice as you reach into your pack and slip your gauntlets on. They look rather out of place here, but...needs must. The way things were going, she probably was, but…

“Worth a shot. Smash and grab?” Lorelei asks as you pick up the pace.

“Other way around,” you respond. Lorelei just grins.

The moment you leap up to enter the alleyway in an angle is the moment she rounds the corner, and Lorelei’s quick to give the girl a wave and an innocent ‘Hi!’ as you set eyes on her, and she sets eyes on Lorelei in surprise. She’s a strangely dressed thing; a fit build, and her wardrobe is...well, less schoolgirl, more ‘would be punk’. The thing that stands out the most immediately is her scattered, snow-white hair. That plus the scars you can see on her face tell you she’s seen combat before…

...but the look in her eyes is something more belonging to madpeople. Something that shows that she’s looked a bit too deep into the abyss, so to speak. Might explain why the middle aged man behind her has his leg bent the wrong way and has his eyes squeezed shut trying to block out the pain.

Meh, whatever. You ricochet off the wall, and she hardly has time to look up before your fist meets her face, sending her crashing to the ground and skidding hard enough to kick up dust and trash in her wake.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3935855
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3935855
here we go
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3935855
Ok nvm. Cmon!
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3935855
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3935855
go!
>>
well, she's turbo fucked.

also, corruptor, nothing is stopping you from joining the fun.
>>
She seems unhinged. We have low chance of actually getting info out of her then? Sounds like one of those overly loyal types too, so she can take a lot before spilling, or just not spill at all and die.
>>
>>3935866
No issue with him joining, but he should drop his name and trip unless he's acting officially. It gives undue weight to his comments and votes otherwise.
>>
>>3935874
Getting answers don't really require the willful cooperation of the subject. there is always the chance to obtain information through misdirection and using her as bait or outright delivering her to the organization for extra moolah.
>>
>>3935876
I'm up for delivery first, then interrogate in one of their cell rooms, and finally letting them take her whether or not she talks.
>>
>>3935877
that definitely works, specially if this is the girl i think she is.
>>
>>3935855
>>3935858
>>3935862
>>3935861
She’s out of it, for certain- that much is clear when you double-check her carefully; Lorelei’s quick behind you as backup, but...her breathing is ragged, light, but steady, and the sound of your feet doesn’t cause any undue twitches, so…that’s good. More importantly, looking at her close up, you realize that her face is VERY familiar to you, after having studied the dossiers for some time.

“Well, well…” Lorelei says as she seems to come to the same realization, smirking. “Pawns take Knight. Think the Org will cash out for her?”

“Worth asking,” you decide as you dial a very particular number on your phone…

Before long, with a thoroughly stickied and unconscious Natalya, AKA Yellow Knight #2 in tow, you manage to make it to your ‘secondary’ base. Doesn’t seem to be anyone around at the moment, which is good. Unfortunately, as pleased as they are, it’ll be a few hours before they get to the handoff point, which means she might wake up before they do.

“Well...not my first choice of digs,” Lorelei says as she lays the unconscious girl on the ground. “Ugh, really, this stuff is good at what it does, but I can’t help but be a little grossed out,” she whines. “Feels like snot.”

“I consider that a plus,” you remark. If it makes the captive more uncomfortable, then...

“Ew. Anyway, so I was wondering- do we wanna risk waking her up or what?” Lorelei asks. “I mean, professional opinion, I’m thinking it might be worth it, considering this is the Girl That Got Away for those guys, but I’m also kinda hopin’ on the opportunity to do violence, won’t lie.”

> “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
> “Well, she shouldn’t be able to do TOO much without us being able to react. Fine.”
> Other

(Last one for tonight, I need to get to bed. Also, damn, you lot have been rolling godlike for most of this.)
>>
>>3935892
>“No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
>>
>>3935892
> “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
>>
>>3935892
>> “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
Naw. I'd rather deliver her first before risk waking her up and letting her attempt escape.
>>
>>3935892
> “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
Vigilante time actually worked. Dice gods have blessed me.
>>
>>3935892
> “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
There's nothing we need to ask they won't be able to pry out of her later.

So, uhh, that happened to the dude with the broken leg?
>>
>>3935892
> “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
Holy hell, just one shot and she's out. Sneak attack damage multiplier too OP.

>>3935906
He's still laying there. Sucks but our heroines don't care much about bystanders who don't provide what they need.
>>
>>3935892
> “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
>>
By the way, we still have some Seither in our Mana Condenser and pellets from the gun that we got from Scrappers, right? Cause Handler's post mentioned donating only crystals.
>>
>>3935892
>“No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”
>tear some cloth from her outfit to gag her
ya know maybe we can try using the Mana Extractor on her? although we don't have the recorder with us.
Also why don't we just test the teleportation plate now so we can try to go outside of the city, far away from her allies(who will most likely notice that Natalya hasn't come back or something) and we can transfer her easily to the client without worry. We can just call them that we'll transfer the captive to the cottage.
>>
>>3936250
that's clever, but if we do we should send Lori ahead to the cottage to receive the package, she may be unconscious but that may change between her teleporting and the org picking her up.
>>
Still can't believe that even with the occasional hiccup, things are working out so well. I'm worried Izumi might be sitting out too much.
>>
>>3936607
It's hilarious to me how Izumi with the magic concealing is doing the attention aggro-ing, while Miranda and Lorelei are ganking in the background.
>>
>>3936629
Also:

>"Pawns take Knight."

it's cheesy and I expected it but fuck it's cool.
>>
>>3935892
>>3935897
>>3935898
>>3935901
>>3935905
>>3935906
>>3935907
>>3935910
>>3936250
You shake your head. “No, not worth the risk. We’ll keep her weak, unconscious, and debilitated.”

Lorelei sticks her tongue out, but doesn’t argue. “Blah, figured. Worth a shot, though. Hey, I’m gonna ring May, you-” before that, however, it’s HER phone that rings. “...hm? Oh. It’s her.” Lorelei says with a sudden flatness, before answering. “Hellooo!”

You sidle up next to her to hear; and it’s Arc’s voice that comes out of the phone. “Hello? Asset…April, I believe it was?”

Lorelei rolls her eyes at the forgetfulness. “That’s m’name, don’t wear it out.”

“Right...anyway, I just got word from my boss,” she says. “Apparently you’ve neutralized one of the, uh...pieces?” She seems confused. “The second knight, right? N-Natalya?”

“That we did!” Lorelei crows. “Your wayward lamb is coming home, and we’re getting thusly rewarded for rounding her up.”

“R-right…” she says. She certainly seems less-

“Hey, hey, don’t pop the champagne too early,” Lorelei snarks. “What, you don’t want to at least ask where she’s been all this time? Thought you’d be a bit happier.”

“Well, I’m not unhappy about it, in a way…” she says. “It’s just...history, in a way. How hard was it? I know for a fact she’s a fierce fighter…”

Lorelei snorts lightly. “Yeah, well, takedowns 101- if you know a target’s going to be trouble, don’t let them realize they’re a target before you engage. She didn’t even know what hit her.”

“Wait, you took Natalya off-guard?! How...nevermind.” you can practically see her shake her head in suprirse. “But anyway, I won’t be at the hand-off. I’m still investigating.”

Ah, that’s right. She’s supposed to be looking into that. “Oh yeah. Found anything on that front? ‘Cause if not, we might’ve! Does the ‘Order of the Silver Snake’ ring any bells?” Really, you’re just doing EVERYONE’S work, now that you think of it...

There’s a pause. “...actually, that name DOES sound familiar. I’ll have to check with my superior, but if they’re who I think they are, that may explain some things...I’ll call you back later, then?”

>Any further questions or things to say?
>>
>>3936629
We are the competent minions in the background.
>>
>>3937450
"What can you tell me more about her? Was she mentally stable before? Because I feel she's less than sane when we found her."
>>
>>3937450
>any info on Natalya's powers and abilities?
>>
>>3937468
*"Because I feel she was less than sane when we found her."
err you get the idea
>>
>>3937450
>>3937469
Also add if Arc has an idea why she decided to switch teams
>>
>>3937468
I'll back this.
Slow day today.
>>
Yeah, I'm kinda tired myself.

Writing, though.
>>
>>3937526
I blame Friday nights.
>>
>>3937450
>>3937468
>>3937469
>>3937477
>>3937497

"What can you tell us more about her?” you ask, hearing a sudden yelp in surprise. She probably should’ve been paying more attention. “Was she mentally stable before? Because I feel she was less than sane when we found her."

“Oh? Uhh...well, she’s very skilled in Systema and Krav Maga. As for magic, she’s...unique.” Unique? “She doesn’t need a catalyst- doesn’t need to form a weapon to use her magic.” Oh, that’s not a thing here? Well, obviously it technically is, but… “She uses ice techniques. Can form ice objects from water, and from water vapor in the air. Very dangerous in water or cold environments, like rain. Not that it matters much now, but…”

“And her mental state?” you prod.

“She...she was never the most gentle sort,” Arc admits. “In fact, a lot of people questioned her viability- but it was generally considered more because of her mercenary nature than her mental stability. They saw her as...volatile, but still controllable, and capable of making high-level tactical decisions when necessary.”

“So any clue why she decided to switch teams?” Lorelei asks.

“I-I couldn’t say, honestly. It just...happened.” Arc admits. “The Organization would like to know the answer to that as well.”

“Hm. Well, you’ll get your shot. They’re meeting us tomorrow, so.” A quick ‘cut it’ motion from Lorelei prompts you to end things quicker. “We’ll talk more later. You let us know what you find about about that Order of the Silver Snake.”

“Will do. Arc out.” With that, the line goes dead.

Lorelei blows a breath of release. “Alrighty...so…who’s gonna tell May? Onetwothreenotit!”

...Damnit, Lorelei. You kinda didn’t want to be the one to tell her, but you’re never going to admit it. “...fiiiine. Let’s just make sure our package doesn’t wake up so we can collect on our bonus.”

Early paydays are always good days.

>Switch to Lorelei
>Switch to Izumi
>Remain as Miranda

>Roll 1d100, best of three.

Guess we'll continue tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your Friday night, folks.
>>
Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
Jokes on you, we don't have Friday nights in my place!
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
You're too late Handler, it's already Saturday here!
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
Enjoy your friday as well boss.
>>
>>3937567
>>Switch to Lorelei
>>
>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
>>
>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
>>
>>3937567
>>Switch to Izumi
I see the dawn of a new day.
>>
>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
>>
>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
>>
>>3937567
>Switch to Izumi
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

Rolling for how well Izumi's high school introduction goes
>>
>>3937808
>spilled spaghetti moment from a 90+ year old
>>
>>3937808
Oh wow.
Izumi has never went to a modern Japanese highschool properly. She's also over 90 years old.
>>
>>3937813
>>
>>3937813
>>3937818
Is it bad that I now want to see 3D Artist Man to do an edit of this but with Izumi?
>>
>>3937828
Don't count on it anon.
>>
>>3937813
Serious talk, do we know that? Because miranda and lorelei come from a modern world and i'm pretty sure izumi does as well.(also, this surely can't be her first time in a modern highschool)
>>
>>3937851
I think I remember something about her being initially medieval?

I found this:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3149224/#p3164106

"Freedom's Cry sounds like a Japanese style setting with clans and armies fascing each other. Izumi might get a little taste of home there."

said by an anon, but clearly that person thought she is.
>>
>>3937851
I distinctly remember that Izumi shared her past with Miranda in the last act of the Artificier crossover.
Her origin was close to Medieval Japan, and her job was to slay Demons/Youkai.
>>
>>3937873
Found it.

>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2618113/#p2656587

Her home plane was ambiguous, but it sounded medieval.
She slew so many demons it would make Doomguy gawk.

She lost her friends and family to demon. High chance she got kicked to the Intersection by them too.
She's also scared of being corrupted by power and loath that she enjoys fighting so much.
She upholds her morals because she doesn't want to become more like the demons she has slain, and she wants to respect her friends.
>>
Back to Izumi quest. Writing shortly.
>>
>>3937567
>>3937571
>>3937577
>>3937578
>>3937586
>>3937597
>>3937627
>>3937650
>>3937679
>>3937761

Well. Today’s the day. Back to school.

Sometimes, you wonder why you do this to yourself. Such thoughts don’t tend to last long- it’s easy to remember when such a similar environment is staring you in the face. Even if what you’re here for isn’t the most...innocent of reasons. It’s not the first time you’ve gone undercover in a school for a particular reason by a long shot.

...if nothing else, you’ll be sure to breeze through most subjects. Except history. History always differs just enough to make it annoying.

The school seems well kept, and the students are...polite. Which is honestly the first thing that tweaks you that something isn’t quite right. There’s people talking, smiling, but nothing you’d even remotely call rambunctious or otherwise indicative of youthful energy. It’s almost eerie, in a way. There’s the VENEER of a good, fine school, but if the Shadow Queen has a hold here, then maybe there’s something to be found out from the students themselves…

A quick look around at the front grounds shows a few folks that might be worth talking to- there’s a long haired girl with a rather fancy looking handbag talking to a pair of students; she looks tense, and she grabs the tips of her raven locks in clear worry as she leans in a bit closer and whispers to them. It’s not something you’re seeing many others do, which is curious in and of itself.

There’s also a boy with short hair and a rounded face, looking concerned, and a girl with wild hair and large spectacles discussing something in hushed tones; the boy has a notepad out, and is writing something in it, while the girl is probably the most animated you’ve seen yet- although sitting, she’s waving her hands in some kind of pantomime.

There’s lastly a pair that look more like they’d rather not be here at all- although they follow the dress code same as everyone else, their facial makeup is more akin to the goth style than anything else- pale, dark and gloomy eyeshadow, even dusky colored lipstick. They’re clearly a duo, but don’t seem to be talking at all, merely resting on the wall near the entranceway to the school.

>Talk to the nervous girl.
>Talk to the animated duo.
>Talk to the gothic pair.
>No need, just enter the grounds.
>Other
>>
>>3938220
>Talk to the nervous girl.
>>
>>3938220
>Talk to the nervous girl.
>Danger sense just in case.
>>
>>3938220
>Talk to the gothic pair.
Gothy goth goth.
>>
Miss Nervous Nellie it is, then.

Writing.
>>
>>3938220
>>3938224
>>3938229
>>3938244

The nervous girl is probably the best bet, all things considered. Simply the fact that she’s a bit emotionally distraught makes you want to know what the cause of it is, and hopefully help. The more (literally) mercenary part of you also notes that her uncertainty and her mental state is possibly conductive to questioning- she may not have as much of a filter as she would normally.

She isn’t the one that notices you first- that’s the two she’s talking to, who look over her shoulder at you in surprise; you can hear her fretting about something. “...with mother and father gone this week. I’m worried I’ll end up-” it’s then she finally notices them not paying attention to her, and she turns around, leaning back a bit in surprise when she notices you. “Wha?! W-what is this? What business do you have with me?”

“Oh, terribly sorry!” you bow, if only to show good manners. “My name is Hayashi Chiharu. It’s good to meet you.”

She pauses briefly, before responding in kind. “...a-ah. Masada Natsumi. Likewise.”

“Sorry about suddenly interrupting you,” you open, “but I’m new here, so I had a couple of questions. I was hoping you might be able to help me, as you look knowledgeable about the campus.” A bit of flattery never goes wrong…

“Oh! Aha, well, naturally!” Hehe, just as it seemed. She smiles haughtily, folding her arms. “It’s only natural that you’d recognize a member of the prestigious Masada family. Just what do you want to know?”

“Natsumi-san knows a ton!,” the girl behind her says.

“Yeah, she’ll be able to answer no matter what it is!” the boy agrees. Typical sycophants, it seems…at any rate, you don’t have a lot of time before classes start; you’ve gotten your list, and still need to find out where it is. But there are other things to question...

>Ask about the student body culture. It all seems...odd.
>Ask where your particular classes are. Best to not be late.
>Ask about faculty. There’s always someone to watch out for…
>Other
>>
>>3938285
>Ask where your particular classes are. Best to not be late.

start slow
>>
>>3938285
>Ask about the student body culture. It all seems...odd.
>Ask where your particular classes are. Best to not be late.
>Ask about faculty. There’s always someone to watch out for…
all three baby!
>>
>>3938285
>Ask about the student body culture. It all seems...odd.
>>
>>3938285
>Ask about the student body culture. It all seems...odd.
I'd like all 3, but that seems too greedy.
>>
Asking about the student body, then. Writing!
>>
>>3938285
>>3938302
>>3938310
>>3938318

“Well, I was just wondering what the student body is like,” you decide on. You’ll be able to figure out the other things soon enough, hopefully. “Just from what I see here, everyone seems very polite and well mannered! Moreso than anywhere else I’ve seen!” It’s not wrong, at least…

“Ah, that…” unsurprisingly, she seems to revert right back to her nervous state, eyes flickering around briefly before answering. “Well, yeah, we are. It’s...good to be kind, y’know! Holding up the standards and all!”

“And if we don’t we get punished really badly,” the boy says bluntly.

“Kaito!” Natsumi hisses. “Why would you say that?!”

“Well, better she learns from us, right?” Kaito responds just as quietly, with the other girl nodding in agreement before he turns back to you. “Seems like whenever anyone does anything remotely bad, we get found out. And if it’s the teachers or faculty, then we’ll just get detention or extra homework, but sometimes…” he pauses briefly. “Well, see, there’s a gang on school grounds, is the problem. Been like that for a couple years now. And they’re REALLY harsh about keeping the peace. If we get found by THEM, then...it gets bad.” Before he can explain, you hear the bell ring, freezing the conversation- classes are about to start! Seems like you didn’t even have as much time as you thought. The boy just shakes his head as he starts to go inside. “Look, just don’t get caught doing anything bad by anyone with a five-talon mark on them. They’re part of the gang.”

“He’s right,” Natsumi says as she heads in as well. “Vandalism will be the least of your problems otherwise…”

As the crowd throng grows bigger and you lose them, you have to admit that that sounds suspicious. Nonetheless, it’s time to get to your first class…you’ll have more of a chance to figure things out at lunch, perhaps.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3938451
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3938451
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3938451
>>
>>3938451
>>3938460
Hark! We stumble into the correct classroom and we're not even late!
>>
>>3938460
...Okay, at SOME point this shit has to stop.

Hell if I know what point that ends up being, but it has to.
>>
>>3938460
Too competent. Looks like we found the gang.
>>
>>3938460
If this was played by my own rolls (down under) it would be a shitfest.
>>
>>3938501
well, we also rolled a 4, which is pretty low.
>>
>>3938506
I took precedence on critfails and crit success. But here it doesn't. The higher you roll here the better chances you have.
>>
>>3938451
>>3938456
>>3938457
>>3938460
Fortunately, you’re quick to find the first class after all; it’s not too far past the first set of stairs you have, and seems to be language class- something you can sail through and no one would suspect a thing beyond skill. Beyond that, it’s good fortune that the class introductions went so smoothly; no one seemed to think twice of you, nor did anyone try to approach you unduly.

And you managed to avoid the protagonist seat. That’s not always easy.

Your first class comes and goes easily enough. As does the second. All in all, by the time you get to lunch, it’s looking as though it’ll mostly be smooth sailing- although History is coming up, according to your schedule and doing some basic process of elimination.

“Heeeey there.” Hm? You get a feeling of particular dread crawling down your spine at the voice. Turning around, you can see a group of three individuals- all girls, and all standing nearby. They all have smiles on their faces, but the main thing you notice is they all have a very prominent five-talon mark on them somewhere; the leader, a surprisingly bulky-looking, brown-haired girl has it as an earring. The slightly overweight girl to her right in pigtails has it as a bracelet. And the relatively normal looking one to her left (although you can notice some serious acne on her face now) has it as a necklace. “You’re new here, right?”

“...I am, yes,” you reply simply as you quickly stand and bow. “Hayashi Chiharu. It’s good to meet you.” It really wasn’t, but manners.

“Heh. Excellent manners. That’s good. I’m Matomi Saya.” she points to the bigger girl. “This is Hirani Miya.” and finally to her left. “And she’s Ito Yumi. We’re three members of Karasu, and we keep the peace around here.”

“You might not have heard of us yet,” Miya says with a slightly grandiose air. “But we have to keep our eyes on everyone and everything to make sure things stay peaceful around here. We’re just here to make sure you know not to get in trouble- but with such manners, I don’t think that’ll be a problem for you, will it?”

“Ah...hopefully not,” you concede. At least, nothing obvious…

“That’s good,” Yumi says, her voice a bit raspy. “We come from a long line of peacekeepers, and the Karasu have been around for a while by now. So we know how to handle troublemakers. If you see anything untowards, like dress code violations or misbehavior, let us know, alright?”

“What she said,” Saya confirms. “We’ll handle it quick and easy, special for you!”

> “...ah. Thank you for your service.” Leave it alone for now.
> “Oh, I’m not special; you don’t need to trouble yourselves over me.” Defleeect.
> “Wait, doesn’t the school have staff for such things?” That doesn't make sense.
> Other
>>
>>3938585
> “Wait, doesn’t the school have staff for such things?” That doesn't make sense.
Let's play the innocent and naive newcomer.
>>
>>3938585
> “Wait, doesn’t the school have staff for such things?” That doesn't make sense.
Play up the confused naive girl act.
>>
>>3938585
> “Wait, doesn’t the school have staff for such things?” That doesn't make sense.
>>
>>3938585
> “Wait, doesn’t the school have staff for such things?” That doesn't make sense.
>>
>>3938585
I wish there was a neutral option that wasn't questioning them. Gangs hate being questioned.
>>
>>3938618
That's what the
>other
is for my man.
>>
Wait a tic...

Writing, but I'm taking a break afterwards.
>>
>>3938628
yeeaaaa but I'm lazy
>>
>>3938585
>>3938593
>>3938597
>>3938601
>>3938613
Something strikes you as odd about all that, though… “Wait, doesn’t the school have staff for such things?” You’ve certainly heard of such things as a Disciplinary Committee, but generally they answer to someone on the staff- maybe this is something more like that?

Unfortunately, the short laughter you get quashes that idea as Saya answers. “Naaah, we’ve long since taken over for that. The principal lets the Karasu handle all that, since we’re so precise in how we take care of things! It’s lead to us being the most well-behaved school in pretty much forever! So you don’t have anything to worry about. Follow the rules, and we’re all good. We don’t go after innocents at all!”

“It’s a big responsibility, but we thoroughly screen all applicants to make sure they can handle it, and not give in to outside influences.” Miya says. “There’s basically no way that we answer to anyone that’s not a current or former Karasu.” That already is a red flag, in your mind and probably others, but it’s clear that these three don’t think so.

“...oh. I think I have an idea,” Yumi says, with a smile that’s not entirely there. “Perhaps you should come with us to see how we organize. We have a meeting today right after school…”

Oh, dear. Basically an invite? Well, it could provide interesting information...or it could just be a pain to socially navigate.

>Agree. Might as well, so long as you’re careful.
>No thanks. You’d love to, but unfortunately you have too much to do.
>Other

(Ha, internet went out again briefly. Anyway, I'm out.)
>>
>>3938739
>No thanks. You’d love to, but unfortunately you have too much to do.
Emphasize it's not homework, for fear they will offer to do it so that we can attend.
We've been getting involved in too many pies too quickly. It's nice for mission progress, but suspicious.
>>
>>3938739
>No thanks. You’d love to, but unfortunately you have too much to do.
>>
>>3938739
>>No thanks. You’d love to, but unfortunately you have too much to do.
But damn these rolls want to fuck with Handler.
>>
>>3938739
>No thanks.
>>
>>3938739
>No thanks. You’d love to, but unfortunately you have too much to do.
>>
>>3938739
>No thanks. You’d love to, but unfortunately you have too much to do.
>>
>>3938739
>No thanks. You’d love to, but unfortunately you have too much to do.
>activate danger sense and hearing boost when they go away
>>
>>3939061
We're Izumi right now, she doesn't have those.
>>
>>3939718
yes she does:
https://pastebin.com/Tidzvf5N
>>
>>3939803
huh, I stand corrected
>>
>>3938739
>>3938785
>>3938817
>>3938833
>>3938835
>>3938907
>>3938972
>>3939061
Thinking about it, the latter is the most likely outcome. There’s plenty of avenues you can approach for tactical information gathering, and more than likely this one will be more trouble than it’s worth, considering the types of people you’d have to deal with. “I appreciate the offer, and I’m humbled by it,” you offer- you can already see their expressions turn a bit sour when they realize what’s coming. “But I’m afraid I have to refuse, as I have a number of responsibilities that will be taking up my evening.”

There’s a pause...before Saya snorts. “Making it sound all proper, huh? Well, fine. But we’ll be sure to catch you on an off day! A proper girl like you probably hates it when things get too messy.” With that, they turn and, giving you one last wave, leave the lunchroom. “Later!”

And then suddenly, the silence that had filled the room is taken up with talking again. A lot of it, you get the feeling, is about you. Might as well try to enjoy lunch as much as you can…

“Uh... hey!” Hm? You turn your head to see someone kinda shimmying up to you; a younger sort, pigtails and bright eyes. “Um, I’m Ayane...a-are you going to join them? I-I mean, I ask because my sister; she was punished by them last week, so maybe if you don’t mind, could you maybe convince them to end it early today…?”

Wait, what? “Early…? What kind of punishment did they inflict on her?” And one that could last beyond school hours, no less…

“O-oh, well, they, she’s been doing errands for them, you see. I’m hoping that perhaps they can be convinced to be a little lenient now since it’s been a week…” Wait, a whole week?

> “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”
> “I’m sorry, but I have no intention of joining them…”
> “Can’t you try to ask them yourself? Plead your case personally?”
> Other

(Just the one for tonight.)
>>
>>3941829
> “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”
> “Can’t you try to ask them yourself? Plead your case personally?”
Preparing for Monday?
>>
>>3941829
> “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”
> “I’m sorry, but I have no intention of joining them…”
>>
>>3941837
Thursday through Monday, really.
>>
>>3941829
> “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”
>>
>>3941829
> “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”
> “Can’t you try to ask them yourself? Plead your case personally?”
>>
>>3941829
> “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”
Seems like they're going to be on to us anyway so may as well learn a little more about the schools happenings
>>
>>3941829
>> “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”
Protect the innocent. No sin will hide from my watch. For I carry faith and hope of a better tomorrow.
>>
>>3942713
Good, that's excellent, that's the kind of thinking and catchy rhetoric that melts through despair energy like a hot knife.
We're in disguise right now though.
>>
>>3942720
But what if we act like a chuunibyou?
>>
>>3942772
Has Lorelei/Izumi ever caught Miranda in the middle of one of her chuuni outbursts?
>>
>>3942776
probably once and will took that secret to grave lest they would suffer the wrath of her Nebula Buster
>>
>>3942789
Or risk Miranda exposing THEIR chuuni tendencies
>>
>>3941829
>>3941837
>>3941838
>>3941850
>>3941860
>>3942011
>>3942713
You can’t help but be curious- it sounds like a rather severe punishment. “What was the offense? Was it really something so heinous?”

“Oh, well...I guess it depends on what you consider heinous, but apparently what she did was cause a member of the Karasu to be late for class...although I don’t know how, and they never said how late she was.” Wait, really? That’s it? Sure, that’s annoying, but on the whole, that’s not really a punishment worthy thing.

“And your parents see nothing wrong with this?” How do you take someone for a week’s punishment for something like that? Seems like these Karasu girls might be extremely petty, sure, but their parents MUST have something to say about it...

“She...no. The Karasu told the Principal, and the Principal told my parents, and…they just...they don’t care!” she seems close to tears, but you’re just shocked. Last you checked, mere students shouldn’t have that kind of pull and authority, even in regards to a Student Council-like group… “They said ‘it’s what has to be!’ That’s all!”

“They’re the ultimate authority in the school, honestly.” You turn your head to see the girl you met earlier this morning- Natsumi. She seems concerned, to say the least. “Even the principal bends the knee to them, whether they admit it or not. They can do just about anything and receive no repercussions.”

...what? “How?”

“Karasu was formed a while back by an old student; I forget her name, but she’s got a picture here somewhere. The school used to be alright, but kind of rough, or so my big sister says. Then one day this girl showed up, some super delinquent. She ended up being so bad she united just about every rebel and tough guy or girl under her banner. Nothing happened without her say so, or so I’m told. Karasu was formed from that. Eventually, she got so influential that...well, even with her gone, its power remains.” She frowns. “But I don’t know much else.”

> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
> “Ah. Thank you. Do you want to sit with us?” You need to find a way to repay her.
> “Do they reach out to new students often?” It seemed not, judging from the room’s silence.
> Other
>>
>>3942901
> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
> “Ah. Thank you. Do you want to sit with us?” You need to find a way to repay her.
>>
>>3942901
> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
>>
>>3942901
> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
>>
>>3942901
> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
> “Ah. Thank you. Do you want to sit with us?” You need to find a way to repay her.
>>
>>3942901
> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
> “Ah. Thank you. Do you want to sit with us?” You need to find a way to repay her.
>>
>>3942901
> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
> “Ah. Thank you. Do you want to sit with us?” You need to find a way to repay her.
Kinda want to pick all 3, though I suppose the third question answered itself. Or we could just ask later anyway.
Inb4 Izumi crits again and takes over the school
>>
>>3942901
>>3943374
>> “How can I find out more information?” It sounds dangerous to go against them...
We shall purge the school of its tyranny. We will bring peace of mind back to the peasa- I mean students.
>>
We need to know more.

Writing shortly!
>>
>>3943979
Glad you're so early today!
>>
>>3943979
The suspense is killing me
>>
>>3942901
>>3942903
>>3942911
>>3942912
>>3942925
>>3942927
>>3943374
Well. You don’t like this, but. It sounds pretty bad. “How can I find out more information?” In fact, it sounds dangerous to go against them...if they outright have the faculty in their pocket like that, especially. But just leaving them as they are…?

“Mmm…” She leans close in to whisper; no doubt anyone overhearing would be a liability. “You want to find Shirogane Hina for that. She hangs out in the library; it’s kinda the only safe spot for clubs nowadays because the Karasu girl that patrols there takes bribes to stay away and keep quiet.”

“Bribes?” On the one hand, that’s horrible that kids have to bribe someone so as to not get punished for frivolous things. On the other, it’s good to know that Karasu clearly isn’t a completely dedicated and united front- if someone is taking bribes, that means their loyalty is in strong question. “What kinds of bribes?”

“She’s got a massive sweet-tooth, so any kinds of candies or desserts. The bigger and better, the more she’ll let slide. Most bring chocolate chip cookies or brownies, and if they’re good, a dozen will get you a half hour. Cakes and pies are riskier; we know she hates oatmeal and one time she instantly reported a guy for contraband after he brought her some slices of a coconut cake.” Wow. So, she seems like someone to be careful of. Chances are you’re going to need to appease her somehow…

Still, this is all good information... oh, right. “Ah. Thank you. Do you want to sit with us?” You need to find a way to repay her.

She shakes her head in refusal. “I appreciate it, but no thank you; I’ve...well, it’s better right now if I don’t. Hopefully you don’t learn what I mean.” With that, she turns back and walks away, with both you and the young girl you were talking to left staring.

And suddenly she starts, as though just remembering something. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry! I never introduced myself. I’m Matsuyori Kaiya.”

“Well, Matsuyori-san…” You can’t do anything major during school hours, but afterwards…

> You’d like to visit. Her house, that is. Maybe talk to her mother a bit…
> You need to figure out a sweet gift for tomorrow…
> There’s some clubs affected by this too, huh? You want to look into that.
> Other
>>
>>3944056
> There’s some clubs affected by this too, huh? You want to look into that.
> Other
"Do you know anything about the old student that started Karasu? Where has she "gone"?"
>>
>>3944056
> You’d like to visit. Her house, that is. Maybe talk to her mother a bit…
Although we should inform Lorelei about the one with the sweet tooth. She’ll probably come up with a baked good version of pic related.
>>
>>3944056
> There’s some clubs affected by this too, huh? You want to look into that.
>>
>>3944056
> There’s some clubs affected by this too, huh? You want to look into that.
>>
What kinds of clubs are affected by this...?

Writing.
>>
>>3944056
>>3944065
>>3944076
>>3944078
“It sounds like there’s others that are just as unfortunate as you. I want to see what they have to say.” Clubs affected by this Karasu’s reign, too, huh? You can at least spend some time after school to talk to them; discreetly, of course. “Then maybe I can figure something out about all this and how to approach it…”

“S-so you might try?” She seems immensely grateful for even that much, poor girl. “T-thank you so much!”

All you can do is give her a smile and a pat on the shoulder as you resume eating- you don’t want to be caught out of sorts for your next class...not that missing a meal would be all that bad for you. Magic and all.

The history class is less annoying than you’d thought, but it being the last class of the day is...unfortunate, really. You’re too old to have to relearn this stuff…

Ah, but more importantly, now is the time for clubs to be meeting...let’s see, aside from sports, there’s a few, from asking your classmates (one of which provided you with a VERY handy schedule sheet you’d copied) who might have particular umbrage with Karasu due to ‘patrols’...

>Photography Club
>Calligraphy Club
>Broadcasting Club
>Movie Study Club
>Art Club
>>
>>3944142
>Photography Club
These tend to attract the most noises.
>>
>>3944142
>Photography Club
>Broadcasting Club
Photography to get the blackmail, Broadcasting to get it up on the morning announcements.
>>
>>3944142
>Photography club
Let's go to Yuu's former club.
>>
>>3944142
>Broadcasting Club
>>
>>3944142
>Photography Club
>>
Photography Club it is.

Strike a pose.

Writing.
>>
>>3944142
>>3944143
>>3944147
>>3944148
>>3944163
Photography Club...you’re not going to lie to yourself, you could understand why a gang as controlling as the Karasu would want to keep a group like the Photography Club under control. They have a normal meeting room, it seems, but considering you’re right in front of it...you don’t hear anything. Could they have gone already? You’d kind of hoped you’d get a chance to talk to them before they made it to the library…

A tiny *click* makes you whip around to your right as you instinctually move laterally. You catch a tuft of hair and a camera ducking out of sight as you do; no points for guessing why. “Hello?” You risk taking a couple of soft steps towards them- you’d rather them not run, after all. “I’m sorry if I’m intruding on something, I’m just here because I was interested in the Photography Club, and I was told they, ah-”

“Really?!” you don’t get any more out before a young girl in a sky-blue cap and with rectangular glasses pokes her head out. “You wanna join Photography? Sure!” She’s quick to race up to you- an athletic body, for certain, and her bright hazel eyes are quick to observe, for certain. “But I should warn you, we take the art of photography seriously! What kind of camera do you have? What’s your favorite subject? Do you have a preferred style?”

Oh dear. “Uh, no, I mean, I’m- I was hoping to ask questions ABOUT the Photography Club.”

“Ohhh…” like a light switch, she’s suddenly far less excited and animated- you swear she actually dimmed in color a bit, even. “Okay. But for what?”

“Well...I’m new here. My name’s Hayashi Chiharu. And, I heard that you weren’t exactly friendly with Karasu…I was hoping to find out more about them.” you say quietly, looking (and sensing) around for possible eavesdroppers.

“Oh. OH. Uh… my name’s Takahashi Yuri. And...let’s go somewhere else. Office isn’t safe these days, so…” they turn away, and you’re quick to follow. You fortunately don’t see anyone on your way down...and out of the school building...and across the yard into an attached building- when you enter, you find that it’s a locker room. In fact, you can hear kids outside practicing. “They don’t usually come down here on Mondays,” the girl explains. Just then, you hear steps, and your heart jumps a bit. Was she wrong?

(cont.)
>>
>>3944260
“Yuri? Are you here?” a whispered voice calls out, and the girl next to you sighs in relief.

“Yeah, and I have a guest, so come on!” Suddenly, four other students, two boys and two girls, both quickly round the stairs. “Hey guys. Glad you made it.”

“Not that it was easy!” A larger boy with a just as large camera around his neck complains. “I dunno why, but a buncha them are on the third floor with me! I was lucky they didn’t see!”

“Hmm..suspicious. But! For later.” the girl decides. “For now, this new girl here wants to ask us questions about the club- and why we don’t like the Karasu.”

“Why?” a small, pigtailed girl asks suspiciously.
“I’m investigating, I guess you could say,” you admit.

There’s a brief pause.

“Because...they’re mean?” The other small boy suggests, shrugging.

“Yes, clearly,” you admit, “but aside from that…”

>Questions? (Up to 3)
>>
>>3944261
> "Just where exactly did they come from? I've heard that one day a student just came in and started everything, but that's hard to believe."
> "How tight is their grip over the school? "
> Ask them if they know anything about strange happenings lately. Tip them about a rumor that there might be a secret occult club going on and a whole bunch of girls from there go missing every Friday afternoon.
>>
>>3944261
>Who was the founder of this group?
>Do these Karasu operate only on the school territory or do the have business with people outside of it?
>Is there really no way for the principal and the teachers to handle this situation?
>>
>>3944261
>Ask about the founder of Karasu and where she went if she even existed at all.
> Ask them if they know anything about strange happenings lately. Tip them about a rumor that there might be a secret occult club going on and a whole bunch of girls from there go missing every Friday afternoon.
> How does Karasu normally operate?
>>
Going to bed. Obviously, no run tomorrow. Friday will be one, though.

Enjoy Turkey Day.
>>
>>3944261
“Are you in contact with any graduated members that could provide more information about Karasu’s founder?”
Ask them if they know anything about strange happenings lately. Tip them about a rumor that there might be a secret occult club going on and a whole bunch of girls from there go missing every Friday afternoon.
>Do these Karasu operate only on the school territory or do the have business with people outside of it?
>>
>>3944292
Happy Food Coma Recovery Day.
>>3944261
>Who was the founder of this group?
>What happens to the people the Karasu "punish"?
>Any clubs the Karasu have members in? (For us to be wary of)
>>
>>3945701
Food coma recovery day alright.

Handler, what are the girls' best dishes?
>>
*The following takes place after Miranda called Arc for the confirmation of capturing Natalya*

The call ended and I heave a sigh. To think...the fact that they caught Natalya off-guard is nothing short of impressive. If I had any doubts that they’re capable, they’re well and gone now. In fact, they’re really efficient.

Too efficient.

How did the organization find these girls? I know that they have agents who are looking for prospects from around the globe, but to think that there are girls who can probably turn a hopeless war into a victory? I know Natalya. She was my superior when you we're green. That she taught me whatever I needed to know. Anything and everything just to stop that one man who robbed my life… Ah, no. That's already over. I shake my head vigorously- I need to forget that past.

No, in all honesty? The battle has only started.

*Ring Ring* Hm?

I pick up the phone, looking at the screen with unknown caller ID Tag. "Hello, this is Arc..."

"Did you find the culprits?" Ah.

I have to reply coolly. "I had some suspicions about several groups, but our asset confirmed two of them. It’s possible they’ve had contact with each other."

"Did the asset and the group fight?" That's a weird question, but still a prompt.

Still, I can answer. "Not so far. My guess is they probably approached and warned them."

"Alright, update us on further developments." I’m starting to hate questioning... but work is work.

All I can do is reply. "Affirmative."

The phone call ends there, and I stand up, leaving 3 bodies currently unrecognizable aside from their similarly swollen faces- and their snake tattoos.

I just heave another a sigh, feeling the exhaustion on my face. "I can't believe I'm doing this all over again..."

Happy Thanksgiving to you all
>>
I completely forgot there was supposed to be a run today. I was indeed recovering. Making up for it tomorrow.
>>
>>3946009
And you too!
>>3946012
I've never had this "Food coma" before.
Will be waiting, good luck!
>>
So it's not just that order, there's also another gang that want this city. Something's funky and we need to make big moves soon or this will turn into another spaghetti turf war, except this time much worse.
>>
>>3946598
Mmm, there may be multiple competing magical girl based gangs, but the one on top right now is the shadow queens, and so far the only other gang to reach our radar is the Order of the Silver Snake.
We still don't know the name of the shadow queen's gang really
>>
>>3944261
>>3944273
>>3944285
>>3944287
>>3944704
>>3945701
“I’m trying to find out more about the founder of Karasu. Would any of you happen to know anything about them?” you ask. Might as well see if they know anything.

Unfortunately, the lot of them shake their heads, the big kid speaking up. “Not really, sorry. Just some rumors. Like she was a Yakuza kid, or that she once beat up like ten guys at once, stuff like that. Nothin’ I know for sure.”

“Yeah, Karasu doesn’t like to talk about their founder for some reason. Dunno why,” pigtails adds on, before she brightens up. “Oh! You know who’d probably know? Shirogane Hina! She knows like, everything, and she used to be part of the Broadcasting Club before she quit. Dunno why, though.” That’s a good question, yeah. Maybe she learned something she shouldn’t have? Who knows...for now. Still…

“I’d heard of her,” you admit. “I didn’t want to go there before I had something to offer the local patrol, though. And, well. I was hoping I’d get more concrete proof of her existence. It sounds almost too unbelievable.”

“Ahhhhh,” they all say in unison. Clearly they understand. “But she was absolutely real,” Yuri says. “That I’m confident on!”

“Well...moving on, then,” you decide. "How tight is their grip over the school? Do they just remain on campus for most of it, or do they have business with people outside of it? I have a hard time believing that the Principal and other faculty can’t do anything about them..."

“I know right? It’s scary,” Yuri admits. “But nah, I’m pretty sure they’ve got friends in some REALLY high places. A couple of new teachers tried to crack down on them my first year here, and they suddenly left three months in. The principal...well, I dunno how he used to be, but he’s never went against them as long as I’ve been here. We’re trying to figure out how deep the rabbit hole goes, but we gotta be SUPER careful, since Karasu don’t like us.”

“They’re always patrolling…” the big kid mutters. “An’ they like to come into our club room and ‘inspect’ all of our photos. We’ve been hiding the good stuff, and just takin’ pictures of the school to keep them off the scent.”

“Well, that’s rather brave of you,” you applaud. Thinking about it, if they’re trying to get information, then… “If you’re in the market for a tip, then I’ve heard rumors that there’s an unofficial occult club, comprised solely of girls, that tends to go missing every Friday afternoon.”

“Wait, unofficial?” Yuri asks in surprise. “Then I wonder what the ACTUAL Occult Club actually does...”

(cont.)
>>
>>3947140
Wait, there’s an ‘official’ Occult Club? “I hadn’t seen them on the list of clubs I’d gotten,” you mention.

She shakes her head. “You wouldn’t. They’re picky about who they invite, so it’s not like most clubs. They’re on the official stuff because they have to be, but they like to keep out of the public eye. We did an expose on them a while back…”

“Wasn’t much of one…” pigtails mumbles.

“...and we found out a few things. There’s only five of ‘em, though, and they’re just kinda weird. Nothing about going out on Fridays, though…” Yuri admits.

Hmm…

Suddenly, you can hear noises, and the two others run to the door and crack it open a peek to the outside, the boy speaking hurriedly now. “Uh, I think the teams are coming in for something. We need to leave!

>Well, you can ask Hina about that later. You need to get some cookies and link up with your teammates.
>Do they happen to know where the Occult Club meets? The sooner you talk to them, the better.
>They might be useful allies...perhaps you can get them to meet you off-campus somewhere?
>Other
>>
>>3947142
>Do they happen to know where the Occult Club meets? The sooner you talk to them, the better.

They're still probably recovering from food coma.
>>
>>3947142
>Well, you can ask Hina about that later. You need to get some cookies and link up with your teammates.
>>
>>3947142
>>Do they happen to know where the Occult Club meets? The sooner you talk to them, the better.
Welcome back, boss. How’d your turkey day go?
>>
>>3947177
>>3947189
Went well enough.

Writing shortly.
>>
>>3947142
>Well, you can ask Hina about that later. You need to get some cookies and link up with your teammates.
I can just imagine Izumi picking up literal cookies for the Christmas special
>>
>>3947142
>>3947177
>>3947189
“Do they happen to know where the Occult Club meets?” The sooner you talk to them, the better. You might have to do some dodging, though…

“Uhh, they like to meet in spooky places sometimes, like the old unused greenhouse next to campus.” Yuri says. “But mostly they’re in their clubroom, which is Classroom 2-C!” With that, they immediately make for the stairs, and you’re not far behind.

So...that’s where they are. Well, you’ll have to be cautious about getting there- wouldn’t want to run into any ‘patrols’ while you’re headed that way…

>Roll 1d20+3, best of three.
Or
>Leave school for now.

(Short, I know.)
>>
Rolled 19 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>3947286
>>
Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>3947286
>>
Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>3947286
>>
...Yeah.

Writing!
>>
>>3947317
Like we're ever going to pick to NOT roll, cmon now, we're rolling straight 7s man, hit that jackpot.
>>
>>3947293
At this point, Handler gave up on how good Izumi rolls are. Since ALL of her rolls are auto success.
>>
>>3947286
>>3947293
>>3947296
>>3947297

These kids don’t really know the first thing about proper patrolling, clearly. At least, not in a way that’s particularly effective. They’ll walk down the hall, casually glance around, and for the most part peddle around on their phones otherwise. They’re hardly actively searching for possible intruders; they don’t even bother to check the stairwells, for goodness’ sake! Then again, maybe it’s just the three guards you passed in particular and the others are more active.

At any rate, you reach 2-C without any major issues, and...well, you can hear chanting even from outside; although even you can’t understand the gibberish they’re spouting- which means it’s absolutely gibberish. Maybe you should take this a bit more cautiously than you thought at first…

A gentle knock quickly silences everyone inside. There’s a few moments where you debate what to say before you hear a soft, rattling voice. “Enteeerrrrrr…if you dare...”

Ah. Well then.

You carefully open the door, and are witness to at least five kids, two boys and three girls, and all of them sat around what looks like a pentagram seal (an extremely basic one that you’d yell at them for regarding shoddy craftsmanship if it was of any real intent) at the points. Two of them have small masks on- simple white ones with three holes- two for eyes and one for mouth. The other three are...well, you’re not surprised to see those twins from this morning among them, and the third honestly looks similar; but her hair’s styled out much more owing to its volume, and basically looks like she intentionally went for obscuring one of her eyes while the rest is fairly everywhere. It’s one of the masked ones that speaks- the boy. “What reason have you to intrude on this, our most dark yet sacred ritual?”

> “...I just wanted to ask about Karasu- if they messed with you any. I’ve heard tell they tend to...antagonize clubs.”
> “Er, do you have an offshoot club? I’ve heard rumors that there’s an occult club that meets off campus…”
> “Well...admittedly I’m curious what you’re trying to do, now.”
> Other
>>
>>3947354
> “...I just wanted to ask about Karasu- if they messed with you any. I’ve heard tell they tend to...antagonize clubs.”
> “Well...admittedly I’m curious what you’re trying to do, now.”
Maybe if we help them with their magical stuff, they’ll be willing to spill the beans on the unofficial club.
>>
>>3947354
> “...I just wanted to ask about Karasu- if they messed with you any. I’ve heard tell they tend to...antagonize clubs.”
> “Well...admittedly I’m curious what you’re trying to do, now.”
>>
>>3947354
> “...I just wanted to ask about Karasu- if they messed with you any. I’ve heard tell they tend to...antagonize clubs.”
> “Well...admittedly I’m curious what you’re trying to do, now.”
Start slow.
>>
>>3947354
> “...I just wanted to ask about Karasu- if they messed with you any. I’ve heard tell they tend to...antagonize clubs.”
> “Well...admittedly I’m curious what you’re trying to do, now.”
>>
>>3947354
Izumi has feelings about pentagram seals? I guess the pentagram is used in circles of protection, hm, did they do a lot of seals in her home world or is this an art she picked up later?
Arf arf arf.
>>
>>3947362
>>3947370
>>3947374
>>3947384
These kids. You’ve seen them all over and still it just strikes you as...strange. For multiple reasons, honestly. “...I just wanted to ask about Karasu- if they messed with you any. I’ve heard tell they tend to...antagonize clubs.”

They briefly look at each other silently, before they all turn back to you as one, the masked boy speaking again. “That flock is loathsome and brittle despite their facade. They play at power without knowing the incredible reality that lies beyond what they can perceive. They will make for good offal for the greatest summoning, but little more.”

A good response, regarding theatrics. Although if it were anyone but normal kids, you’d be a touch concerned, admittedly. “So do they do anything to you?”

“In truth, aside from verbal mockery and disdain, they tend to leave us well enough alone,” the boy admits. “We can only presume it is our rituals that hold them back, for they realize the true price of crossing us directly.” Huh. So they don’t mess with them much?

As things are, however… “Well...admittedly I’m curious what you’re trying to do, now.” The idea that they’re trying to summon a demon chills you, but you at least are confident that they wouldn’t even get close to doing so...at least, you think. You’re fairly certain.

A couple of them seem to perk up at this, and the masked girl is the one that speaks this time. “Ahhh, you find yourself ensorceled by the ancient magics occurring here? Then know that we seek to summon a teller of truths, a creature that may gift us with knowledge that is normally unknowable. For knowledge is power, and we seek great power indeed.”

“The marks are made and the blood spilled.” Wait, there’s blood there? You didn’t see any- ah. Wait. There in the center, what you thought were drawn dots. Those are slightly off-color; so those are blood droplets? ...well, now you know nothing’s coming through. That’d be more of an insult to demons than anything promising, thank goodness. “We merely need to practice our chanting that we may be in perfect unison.”

Hm. Well, you know a couple new things now, at least.

> You should probably try to talk them out of summoning demons and perhaps moving on to a less demonic magic.
> Might be better to just leave these kids as is- they’re harmless, and fortunately enough mostly out of harm’s way.
> Might as well ask about that other Occult Club and see if they know anything about it, though you get the feeling that’s a no…
>Other
>>
>>3947428
> Other: give them some tips for their rituals to ease them up (and said tips will move them into less demonic magic).
> Might as well ask about that other Occult Club and see if they know anything about it, though you get the feeling that’s a no…
Let's get straight to the point, time is of the essence and no one is watching.
>>
>>3947428
> You should probably try to talk them out of summoning demons and perhaps moving on to a less demonic magic.
>>
>>3947428
> You should probably try to talk them out of summoning demons and perhaps moving on to a less demonic magic.
> Might as well ask about that other Occult Club and see if they know anything about it, though you get the feeling that’s a no…
>>
Well be away for a bit. Got invited to some kinda party with my roommates and they're having even more turkey.

I'm gonna be so fucking fat.
>>
>>3947439
Oof, and the run get cut short.
Have more self-control Handler. Eat less mashed potatoes, it helps.
>>
I'm back, and I will post at least once more.

Writing.
>>
>>3947428
>>3947431
>>3947436
>>3947438
Knowing what you do about demonic magic...well, you can’t exactly say you’re comfortable with just leaving them be about it. “What other kinds of magic have you considered for your efforts, out of curiosity?”

“Naught has the power we seek but the infernal,” she says. “All other powers are lesser in the darkest presence.”

“You never thought of the light? You can’t say it’s not powerful, considering how long it’s kept darkness at bay.” Perhaps it needs a bit of a boost here, but on the whole, from your experience…

“The light may be intense, but can flicker and fade. In time, all returns to the shadows.” You have to admit, they have this psuedo-formal speech thing down pat. Didn’t even hesitate with that response. In a way, you’re honestly impressed.

Not enough to just let it go, though. “Then maybe consider using it if only for brief times and certain purposes, if you’re so unsure.” You’re not a fan of suggesting simple solutions like this, but you can’t honestly say you expect them to see reason with just one conversation. That’d be nearly impossible, honestly. “If nothing else, there are undoubtedly things that the light can help with moreso than darkness. Is it not called ‘illumination’, after all?”

There’s silence for a moment, which you realize is a good sign. “You speak some sense. Perhaps we CAN bend such power to our will...but it will require research.”

You’re not sure if you can really help more than that for now, but...you do have other things to do. “Speaking of research. I’ve heard of...well, rumors that you guys have some kind of rival Occult Club?”

You can nearly FEEL the temperature drop at those words, everyone turning to face you with scowls. “You mean the false ones. Those...those…”

“Wannabes?” the goth boy says in a monotone.

“YES!” For a moment, it seems the masked boy’s personality slips; whatever he was acting like before, he’s much more animated now. “Those wannabes! All they do is invite whatever girl looks pretty enough to frolic around after school! It’s not even a real club! They don’t ever have anything to show for their so-called efforts, not even any proof they tried to summon anything! They just go off somewhere for a few hours and probably gossip and eat cookies and laugh at us REAL devotees while they get free time and funding from the school to just be hens and cluck all day!” Weird analogy but alright. “They don’t even take any of our suggestions or anything!”

(cont.)
>>
>>3947865

“It’s fine,” the goth girl says blithely. “They hardly mess with us to our faces, so that’s good, isn’t it?”

“I just hate the idea of posers,” the masked boy grumbles as the masked girl pats him on the shoulder in comfort. “We need to mess them up somehow and prove what a master of darkness really is! Or maybe even...hmm…” suddenly, he turns back towards you, and though you can’t really see his eyes, you can tell something spinning behind them, so to speak. “Outsider! You must leave us. We thank you for your suggestion, and it will be taken into consideration. However, what we are about to speak of is only for the ears of the truly faithful!” You hardly have time to complain before you’re pushed out physically. “Leave us, and should all go well we may- well, I shall not say so just yet. Not to outsiders. Farewell!”

The door slams with finality, and you can’t help but feel a touch miffed at their sudden rushing you out…

It’s then you get a ring on your phone. “Hello?”

“Hey there.” It’s Lorelei. “So, got some new info on our reptile problem if you’re available.” Ah, right...you’d been informed about this ‘Order of the Silver Snake’.

“I am,” you respond. You’d been worried…

“So, good news bad news time,” she starts. “Good news, they’re not very big. Primarily based in South Africa with an outpost in Bangladesh. So they can’t like, flood the place with agents. Bad news is, because of that, they’re super big on causing a LOT of headache with little warning. They like to set shit up so whoever they’re going after can’t retaliate easily without making things worse. Smart assholes. We were lucky because they weren’t expecting us, but we don’t know how much they might know and be prepped for now.”

Well, that doesn’t sound anything close to good, really. “Anything else?”

“Our contact’s still trying to wring some info outta them. Seems like these jerks are good at keeping their lips zipped- I mean, either that or she’s shit at interrogation, who knows. Anyway, you’ll know more when I do. Anything specific you wanna know?”

> “Well, if possible…” (What?)
> “No, thank you. Keep up the good work.”
> Other
>>
>>3947868
>“No, thank you. Keep up the good work.”
Well, if that's all we can get.
>>
>>3947868
>> “No, thank you. Keep up the good work.”

Izumi should join those kids once and just... Make herself glow a little when they chant or something. Light up the magic circle.
>>
>>3947868
> “No, thank you. Keep up the good work.”
Hard to pass on free specific info, but I can't think of anything right now.
>>
>>3947868
> “No, thank you. Keep up the good work.”
>>
>>3947868
>“No, thank you. Keep up the good work.”
I don't think we know the right questions to ask DESU.
>>
>>3937872
>>3937883
>>3937851
I don't think that she's from medieval age, it's just their MG powers were tied to swordmanship, so they can be from modern era.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/742179/#p742311
>old friends didn't like firearms much
>>
>>3947868
>Ask what else happened since the last report.
Izumi doesn't know about this ruskie MG that our girls caught on their way to the safehouse.
>>
>>3948174
Though to be honest we are talking about the multiverse, and there's very little info about girls' backstories - so it could be some weird steampunk imperial japan or a futuristic one from Red Alert 3.
>>
>>3948191
>A magical girl from the RA series
Anon, i can only get so erect.
...Or better yet
>A magical girl from the tiberium series
FOR KANE!
>>
>>3948571
tfw Tanya is one, God knows she's magical in the campaign
>>
>>3948839
Always thought that Tanya was her cover name since the original lass looked like Ripley and subsequent ones were significantly hotter
>>
>>3948877
If that's the case, I'm okay with Boris as a magical girl
>>
>>3948877
That makes sense, but also remember that RA3 is a reboot of the reboot, so everything is off the table

>>3948907
And colonel burton as well.(generals, i know but it doesnt matter at this point)
>>
Run begins shortly!
>>
>>3947868
>>3947909
>>3947967
>>3948004
>>3948024
>>3948153
“No thank you,” you decide. Can’t really think of anything important anyway. “Keep up the good work.”

“Roger roger,” Lori says before hanging up. As for you, you need to figure out how you’re going to approach tomorrow. You’ll need some kind of sweets to get into the library after school, most likely. Aside from that...well, you’re going to have to continue to watch for the Karasu...and Okada’s groupies. Although, you kinda hope you’ll run into THEM. If only to maybe talk to them a bit more. You didn’t see them at all during school today, which is curious- then again, it’s likely you just didn’t cross paths. It’s a pretty big school, really.

Maybe cookies would just be a safe enough bet...now, where to find a sweets shop? You get the feeling that simple store bought wouldn’t exactly endear her to you…

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3949000
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3949000
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3949000
>>
Izumi doing work as always.
>>
17. What is this that crosses my path? Tis a lost lamb?

Writing.
>>
>>3949000
>>3949003
>>3949007
>>3949009

It’s fortunately not too hard to find a place that sells desserts- cookies, cakes, and the like. It’s a bit pricey, but a dozen large chocolate chip cookies (and maybe a slice of cheesecake for yourself, which you’re surprised they have) should be just enough for you to get into the library without being bothered.

“So... where to next? Still got most of the day.” Hm? That sounds...vaguely familiar. You turn the corner, and nearly end up colliding with...oh, drat, you can’t quite remember her name. Speak of the devil, though…

As expected, her eyes go wide as she locks eyes on you; hoodie still present. “You…”

You’re not entirely certain how to react to this, if at all…a slight, subtle sniff of the air has a vague smell in the distance, but you’re not sure if she’s being watched or if it’s just coincidence. You’re not even certain if either of you are being watched right now...

>Acknowledge her and leave quickly as you can. At least be polite.
>Just walk past- you never saw each other, and no reason to risk anything out in the open.
>Risky, but maybe you can take this opportunity to continue like you’d hoped...
>Other
>>
>>3949068
>Risky, but maybe you can take this opportunity to continue like you’d hoped...
It's one of Marie's flunkies that we hit with the paladintown speech, no? Time to finish the conversion.
>>
>>3949068
>Risky, but maybe you can take this opportunity to continue like you’d hoped...
>>
>>3949068
>Risky, but maybe you can take this opportunity to continue like you’d hoped...
Roses are red.
You're blue now.
>>
>>3949068
>>Risky, but maybe you can take this opportunity to continue like you’d hoped...
Maybe bribe her with the cheesecake?
>>
>>3949068
>Risky, but maybe you can take this opportunity to continue like you’d hoped...
>>
>>3949068
>>3949071
>>3949079
>>3949080
>>3949084
>>3949100
This kind of opportunity...well, you’d be remiss in simply wasting it. You can at least try to talk to her more, can’t you? “I’m sorry, but do you have time to talk a bit?”

She freezes up. “Uhh...I guessss…?” She’s casting her eyes around as though hoping to find someone she can ask for help, but alas, no one nearby seems to be aware of her distress. She’s quite shy when by herself, seems like. Which is interesting considering her active behavior last you met her.

“Where should we go…” you muse… you might have to settle for a small alcove or something. Either way, you’ve at least gotten her attention. Now you’ve just got to figure out how to convince her she’s on the wrong path…

>Ask her about her life before she joined Okada and why she’d join them.
>Try to convince her that Marie and the group are just using them.
>Maybe scare her straight and talk about her possible fate if she keeps on like this.
>Other
>>
>>3949147
>Ask her about her life before she joined Okada and why she’d join them.
>Try to convince her that Marie and the group are just using them.
I want to pick all 3 buuuuuut
>>
>>3949147
>Ask her about her life before she joined Okada and why she’d join them.
Offer her to go to a cafe first and buy her a treat or caffeinated drink. It might get her to chill out a bit.
>>
>>3949147
>Ask her about her life before she joined Okada and why she’d join them.
>>
>>3949147 #
>Ask her about her life before she joined Okada and why she’d join them.
>>
>>3949147
>>3949154
>>3949157
>>3949164
“So,” you begin once you’re fairly sure you won’t be interrupted. “Are you doing well?”

“Eh?” she seems awful confused at that. “I mean...well enough, I guess? Why’re you even talking to me?”

“Felt like it,” you answer smoothly. “Last time we met wasn’t very conductive to real conversation. If you don’t mind my asking, were you in the middle of something?”

“I mean...sorta, but not really?” is the response. “I was just doing the rounds and thinking about what I’d get to eat tonight.” Wonder what she means by ‘doing the rounds’...maybe you’ll learn later, hopefully. “I’m always trying to do something in the evening. I’m too busy for any clubs.” Huh. Wouldn’t have guessed.

“Is that so? Have you always been like that?” you find yourself asking.

“Hm?” she’s still not getting it, huh… “What do you mean ‘has it always been like that?’”

“I mean before you joined Okada,” you specify. “Was it always busy for you?”

She visibly deflates a bit, before shaking her head. “Oh. No...not really. It was pretty-” and there she stops, almost like she’s not sure she wants to keep going. “I...well…okay, that’s a lie. It sucked. I was REALLY busy... ‘cause everyone always wanted me to do things. I- keep...saying yes.” Poor thing- she’s really struggling to get this out. It’s like every word is an effort.

“Is that why you joined with Marie Okada?” you ask. “To get them to stop?”

“Because I figured if I had to be a tool I could at least get something out of it!” she half-yells. “It’s not like anyone cared before, and it’s not like any cares now, so as long as I can make it worthwhile for me, then that’s fine! I’ve got skills that make it worth paying attention to me at least for a little while now, so-!”

“So have you gotten anything different out of this than before?” you ask quietly. “Or was there a reason you always fulfilled requests before that’s different from orders now?”

She looks at you momentarily, then away as she tries to put together her thoughts. “I just...I dunno. It sucked, but I guess I keep hoping- gah! Why am I telling YOU all this?!” She pulls on her hoodie drawstrings in frustration, nearly snapping the things as she rounds on you. “What are you even trying to get out of this, anyway!? Some sorta sick satisfaction for making me go ‘gee I guess you’re right, whatever it is, let me change my ways?’ What’s your angle!?”

“My ‘angle’ is concern for another human being,” you say calmly. “I’m worried about you.”

“Bullshit,” she answers bluntly. “You’re not worried about me, you’re worried about something else. I’m a means to an end. S’how the world works, in case you forgot.”

Oh, my. This poor girl. But how can you convince her otherwise…?

>Response?
>>
>>3949254
It's true that it's probably for my own peace of mind. Even me cannot save everyone. But if I start where I can save someone in front of me then it would continue to do so. You already have the power. It's only the right time you can use it for good. For the sake of all those girls that are lost like you......and me too.
>>
>>3949254
> "I am... acquainted with girls who would agree with your way of thinking, and I understand your situation very well."
> "Were you happy then? How about now?"
> "Search inside your heart, reach for that feeling of old. Remember what I said back then. Let me help you find them."
>>
>>3949254
>"I worry about you because you remind me of someone I know. I think you two might have some common ground, too."
>"People can change how the world works, Suzuki-san. Why do you think we're not still living in a feudal society these days? Because people decided to have the world change."
>>
I'm out for the night. Too tired to write.
>>
>>3949339
Night, boss.
>>
>>3949339
Nighty night. Can't be unprepared for Monday after all.
>>
>>3949254
Time for some do-good samaritanism of the minor variety.
>Here have a slice of cheesecake, thanks for sharing, I'll see you around later.
Nobody can withstand the lure of cheesecake.
>>
>>3949254
>The world is what we choose to make of it and so I choose to make it a better place.
>>
>>3949276
Supporting
>>
>>3949254
>"You are right, but even in a dog eat dog world, there are some who refuse to live like dogs at all".
>>
Gonna sound weird, but next job I kinda want to just be a straight up 'save the fantasy kingdom' quest. We kinda did it before but that was with an army and shiz. I want an old school party of five (six with us), heroic prophecy, all that.
>>
>>3949276
Something similar to this.
>>
>>3949645
2bh I want an edgy and murderhobo job after this, mostly for high contrast to Izumi's job
I'm pretty sure we didn't do a purely edgy villain job yet. barring the wild west job I think
>>
>>3949517
same anon diff trip, explaining my logic, I figured we shouldn't push her too hard, it seems like she knows we're right anyways and pushing her to decide immediately is something someone who doesn't really care would do. Gifting her cheesecake unconditionally is a non verbal refutation of her argument as well. Actions speak louder than long speeches guys. Just be kind 4head
>>
>>3950046
We don't do edgy villain.
We're usually mote icecold professional, or eldrich being.
Which I myself would enjoy once again. Just outlandish no matter the consequences. So a Lori job.
>>
>>3950098
Well when I said edgy I meant edgy world (grimdark world). Plus Miranda can still be an ice cold professional and still look edgy.
or maybe Izumi in a grimdork world as a challenge for her
>>
>>3950098
Our last Lori job was medabots but the arc's villain is an evil super sentai (Lori). It was pretty fun.
>>
Well, we'll have to see. We usually get an option or 2 for a straightforward job, but we tend to overlook those. Would probably be a lot easier to write, too.
>>
>>3949254
>>3949276
>>3949546
>>3949764
How should you approach someone like that…? "Look, if I can confess something. I am... acquainted with girls who would likely empathize with or perhaps even outright agree with your way of thinking, and I understand your situation very well."

“So what the hell?” she asks heatedly. “Why act like this if even YOUR FRIENDS get it?”

“Because...well, apart from circumstances unique to them…” And that’s sugar-coating it a bit. “They ALSO understand that such acts don’t necessarily preclude someone from acting in another’s best interest.” Granted, that’s if they get paid well, but still. You don’t think Miranda- or Lorelei, for that matter- have entirely forgotten what it means. If anything, you can’t help but wonder if maybe you’ve finally had a bit more of an effect on them recently. You certainly don’t recall Miranda being so willing to stick her neck out before... “What I mean by that is, while I don’t think I can change their opinion on the idea that they are a tool…I choose to believe that they have at least elected to be an indispensable and respected tool. One that those that use them are particularly grateful to have.”

She scoffs at that. “And you really think that’s worth giving up what I have now? Doesn’t sound like it’s much different than what I WAS doing.”

"The difference lies in confidence of self,” you explain. “They are sincerely content with what they do. Dare I say, happy in some ways.” Some crazy ways, true, but despite what got them there...well, you get the feeling that if they had to make the choice again, it’d be a no-brainer. “It’s that fact that allows them to shine as only they can, and reach higher heights.” At that thought, you round on her slightly. “What about you? Were you happy then? How about now?"

She frowns, but not in an angry way- more like she tasted something sour...or perhaps, just swallowed a spoonful of ill-tasting medicine that’s good for her nonetheless. “I mean...so what if I said no?”

"Then that simply means you need to figure out what’s missing, and reach to grasp it. Search inside your heart, reach for that feeling of old.” You place a hand on her shoulder as to bring her closer to you, in spirit if not in body. “Remember what I said back then. Let me help you find them...by helping you find yourself."

“...god, you sound like a self-help booklet...” she mutters with a blush. There’s hardly any heat in the words, though.

“I’ve been told something along those lines by my friends, too,” you laugh. “So I’d say it’s a good first start!”

“...Mm…” it’s wordless, but she seems to be thinking strongly about it…

>Roll 1d100+-10. Best of three.
>>
Rolled 94 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>3950362
>>
Rolled 29 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>3950362
>>
Rolled 53 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>3950362
>>3950371
Back it up lads, looks like Izumi gained a fan.
>>
Hmmmm.

Writing.
>>
Just a question, boss, but would we have gotten a bonus to the roll if we offered Suzuki our cheesecake?
>>
>>3950389
I'd have strongly considered it.
>>
>>3950392
That must have been a really good cheesecake.
>>
>>3950362
>>3950371
>>3950376
>>3950382
“So...what do I do first?” she asks, as she scratches her forehead a bit. “To...find myself, I mean?”

“Well…” you have to think about it. “I’d say the first thing to consider is, what do YOU believe will make you happy. Not necessarily in terms of ‘doing this for someone else’, but rather, what do you enjoy as a hobby? What would you get joy out of even if you were to act alone? Then, consider ‘how do I spread that SAME feeling when I do this, to others?’” It’s going to be a long road, but hopefully, she’ll come out the other end feeling much better about herself, and others. She needs to understand and respect herself before she starts seeking validation from outside sources- hopefully that comes sooner than later. A young, bouncy, energetic girl like her shouldn’t hold such negative views on life…

“Hmm...well...Iunno. I’ve got a couple things I like to do in private...mmmnggg…” She rubs her head even more. “I think I feel a headache coming on. Maybe I’ll start thinking about it after it goes away…”

“Oh, that’s horrible,” you console. You’d offer to heal her now, but you don’t exactly want to broadcast your location to any adversaries out in the open like this…

“D-don’t worry, I’ll get some medicine and be fine in like an hour probably...ow...maybe talk to you later?” she offers.

“Of course.” You can’t help but give her a hug- she seems surprised at that, stiffening briefly in your arms, but she relaxes after a second. “You get better soon, alright?”

She nods, and the two of you go your separate ways for now, her cradling her head as she walks away. Unfortunate...but you’ve made a LOT of progress with her in a short while, and you can’t deny your heart feels lighter. Now if you could get through to the others…

OH! Honoka! THAT was her name! Goodness gracious, you’re glad it didn’t come up in conversation. That would’ve been utterly embarrassing, and a bit of an undercut to your message. Well, you’ll be sure to memorize it, now.

A buzz on your phone shakes you out of it; seems like your living arrangements have been taken care of for now. A small apartment...and it’s not horribly far off. Well, most of your goods are in your backpack, but there’s a few small things you need to get from your hotel room...

It’s when you get closer, however, that you feel like something’s off…

(cont.)
>>
>>3950522
Instinctively activating your scenting, you’re quick to scan the lobby. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, however. But you still can’t shake this feeling of wariness- nor do you really want to.

You keep it up until you’re near your floor, and then your nose is met with...two familiar scents. At least, you’re fairly sure. Marie and Kanna. So, they’re by themselves for now? Wonder why. You suspect you’ll find out shortly, and it might be a good idea to be armed…

The door swings opens as you stand to one side, just to be safe. Mana shaped katana in hand, you peek in quickly.

“Ah. There you are.” And there THEY are, the both of them sitting in the two plush chairs afforded you. “Hope you had a fun first day,” Marie says sarcastically as they get up, “but I’ll get straight to the point here. See, we’re looking for someone. Someone...important to us. Us and how we do things. Problem is, that person isn’t the type to go missing. Get what I mean?”

“Not really,” you reply honestly.

“Sorry, but you don’t really need to,” Kanna admits. “Basically, we need to know if you’ve heard of anyone named Natalie. She’s a- friend.” No, yeah, you caught that hitch. “And she’s gone now. I don’t know how, and neither does anyone else. Did you have something to do with it?”

“Why approach me at all?” you fire right back. This seemed rather spurious.

“Because she’s a strong magical girl, alright?!” Marie admits with a huff. “What’s more, she might’ve done a couple of things certain naive little girls might not approve of,” Marie explains with heat in her voice. “So I started to wonder if maybe you’d begun sticking your nose especially where it doesn’t belong. So, did you?”

>Response?

(done for the night)
>>
>>3950524
>No, I did not?

It's even true
>>
>>3950524
>I haven't familiarized with the city yet to start patrolling.
>>
>>3950524
>No, I did not.
>>
>>3950524
Nighty night.

They're getting shivers now, good.

> "No, I did not? While I disapprove of your doings in this city, after our.. less than casual meeting earlier I now know that interfering will bring less than pleasant consequences onto myself. I'm still holding onto my beliefs however."
> "You're being paranoid, Marie."
> "This Natalie, who is she? Maybe I can help you find her."
>>
>>3950524
>No, I did not.
>I was at school.
We dunno when she went missing, that wasn't part of the info they disclosed.
>>
Supporting >>3950717 and >>3950583
>>
>>3950524
This >>3950604
But also ask them when did she go missing. Disclose our location at that time.
>>
>>3950524
Supporting >>3950583 and >>3950717
Don't get involved with helping them search for her.
>>
>>3950524
>No, I did not
But if they ask or don't believe Izumi:
>I don't know who is this Natalie girl. You know I'm new to this city.

After they leave we search the rooms for surveillance bugs and text Miranda about this encounter.
I think when Marie gets in contact with Yuu they'll know about Randa and Lori eventually, thus shifting their focus away from Izumi since a duo of foreigners investigating the despair situation and that Natalya disappeared after the two met Yuu is way more suspicious than some naive goody two shoes Japanese school girl. This means we can have more leeway on attempting to convert many of their mafia members away from them.
still hoping for the kidnapping Marie/Yuu plan though, because that's what will get the leader to get out of her hiding and show up already
>>
>>3951268
Electronic communications are an unnecessary risk when we have murmur stones. Especially on a phone that could be lifted off our person by a mundane pickpocket much less a magical one.
>>
>>3951268
Maybe skipping the first sentence or make it ambiguous. Yuu can detect lies and I don't want to see if she had tipped them how to do so.
>>
>>3951352
But izumi doesn't know that miranda and lorelei kidnapped the commie. We literally did that so izumi could be uncompromised in her infiltration task.
>>
>>3951459
Izumi read the mission dosser anon, so she at least knows that Natalie is a person of interest.
>>
>>3951476
yes natalia is a target, but izumi has literally has no idea that miranda and izumi captured her. the idea might cross her mind, but given that M or L haven't tell her anything about it, it's a silly thing to assume and it makes more sense that another magical group attacked her. like the silver snakes.
>>
>>3951480
>I don't know who is this Natalie girl.
Implies that she doesn't know her existence, but she does. I suggested >>3951352 because of that.
>>
>>3951496
fair point, but considering the original question (were you involved in natalya's disappearance?) the better answer is no, i'm not.
Either way, i don't think we'll be able to talk marie down from trying to beat the information out of us.
>>
>>3950524
>>3950558
>>3950583
>>3950600
>>3950604
>>3950717
>>3950720
>>3950758
>>3951006
>>3951268
“I haven’t, no,” you reply honestly. The name Nathalie sounds rather similar to Natalya, and in this case, you wouldn’t be surprised if they were related or the same person, but you haven’t heard anything about her from Miranda or Lorelei if something DID happen. “In fact, I’m largely still getting used to the city- I’m far from ready to do anything like patrol, despite our... less than casual meeting earlier. Not to mention if this happened recently, I WAS at school the whole day, as you implied.” You’re sure to fix her with a look to let her know just how you feel about this whole thing. “Incidentally, regardless of what you might think of me, I'm still holding onto my beliefs."

There’s a brief pause as she seems to look you up and down, before she snorts. “Of course you would.”

“Right, we’ve still got people to talk to, Marie,” Kanna mentions as she taps on her shoulder. “We should get going before a certain someone gets too huffy.”

Marie, at that, just huffs. “Fine. I don’t know if I believe you, but luckily for you I’ve got more important things to do right now than worry over some stubborn, idealistic girl. Just keep out of our way and you won’t get hurt,” she says as the two of them quickly leave the room. “And if we find out you’re lying, you’ll be sorry!”

You’re not really inclined to correct her on that, but…well, better she doesn’t realize. At any rate, while you’re honestly uncertain what might’ve happened, you DO wonder if your compatriots had a hand in it. If they did, they haven’t said anything- which, considering what just happened, might be for the best.

At any rate, you need to pack up and get out of here.

>Continue with Izumi.
>Switch to Lorelei.
>Switch to Miranda.
>>
>>3951616
>Switch to Miranda.
Time for some more espionage.
>>
>>3951616
>Continue with Izumi.
>>
>>3951616
>Continue with Izumi.
>>
>>3951616
>Switch to Lori
How about we try body hijacking a MG mafia member or politicians? Then maybe we can try accessing their memories/brain for info then get out. Get Miranda to watch over our lifeless body while we do that.
>>
>>3951616
>Continue with Izumi.
>>
>>3951629
>>3951631
>>3951640
Alrighty, then.

Writing.
>>
>>3951616
>>3951629
>>3951631
>>3951640
You managing to keep under a radar is paramount for now, you feel. As for Miranda and Lorelei, similar situation for them.

It’s fortunately quiet aside from that; you’re able to move into your new ‘place’ relatively smoothly. Really, you can’t help but feel that you’ve lucked out in being able to steadily ‘upgrade’ living conditions, even if it’s at the expense of regular contact with the others. You’ll have to be careful, still…

...but having a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment all to yourself is pretty sweet. It’s, if you’re being honest, better than the one you have back at the Intersection...although you could probably upgrade, if you wanted. Still, point is, it’s good. You’re just settling in when you feel a chime, and your murmur stone goes off. Huh, talk about contact… “Hello?”

“Hey, things alright?” Miranda’s voice. “April’s out running recon; Arc says she might’ve gotten a window on Yellow King’s activities that might leave him open to be...let’s call it an impromptu audit.”

“Oh, that’s good. And yes, I’m doing mostly fine.” You might not be able to remove him from power so much, but you can at least see just how deep his connects go and if there’s anything to be done to stop it, should he be a keystone in this issue. “You’re not planning on hurting him, right?”

“Nah. We’re thinking rip his files, see if anything’s too off or if he’s been contacting particular folks. We might be able to pressure his maid, too, see if she knows anything.” Oh. That’s...well, she seemed rather harmless to you. “Ideally, we get in and out without anyone knowing anything. April’s good at that when she wants to be, so might be worth taking a shot now that one of their assets is out. Considering how we’ve been putting a lot of pressure on them really quickly with the Yellow Knights, I suspect they’ll be out in force to find us, so I think it’s a good idea to take a big shot before we reel it back for a couple of days- let you work while they run themselves ragged and maybe let the Order of the Silver Snake take some of the heat if we’re lucky. April’s mentioned to me she’s got an idea for that.”

Hmm...her logic makes some sense, admittedly. But still…you’re uneasy.

> “...Alright. I can’t say I don’t see how that makes sense. Just be sure you’re quick, even if you fail. As you say, the Silver Snakes are logical to consider as perpetrators if they don’t catch you.”
> “Actually, I’m not positive that’s a good call. You’re right about them being on the lookout, even if the subject matter is different- two of their number actually accosted me recently about a missing person by the name of Natalie.”
> "Then, perhaps you could investigate something for me in the meantime? Recent history regard the school and its graduates. Something's quite foul there, and I want to look into it if possible."
Other
>>
>>3951707
> “Actually, I’m not positive that’s a good call. You’re right about them being on the lookout, even if the subject matter is different- two of their number actually accosted me recently about a missing person by the name of Natalie.”
> "Then, perhaps you could investigate something for me in the meantime? Recent history regard the school and its graduates. Something's quite foul there, and I want to look into it if possible."
>>
>>3951707
> “Actually, I’m not positive that’s a good call. You’re right about them being on the lookout, even if the subject matter is different- two of their number actually accosted me recently about a missing person by the name of Natalie.”
> "Then, perhaps you could investigate something for me in the meantime? Recent history regard the school and its graduates. Something's quite foul there, and I want to look into it if possible."
Since the Order is already here, let them take the heat first. Miranda and Lorelei can investigate this funky Karasu in the mean time.
>>
>>3951707
> “Actually, I’m not positive that’s a good call. You’re right about them being on the lookout, even if the subject matter is different- two of their number actually accosted me recently about a missing person by the name of Natalie.”
>>
>>3951707
>> “Actually, I’m not positive that’s a good call. You’re right about them being on the lookout, even if the subject matter is different- two of their number actually accosted me recently about a missing person by the name of Natalie.”
>> "Then, perhaps you could investigate something for me in the meantime? Recent history regard the school and its graduates. Something's quite foul there, and I want to look into it if possible."
>>
Gotta wrap it up for tonight, unfortunately.
>>
>>3951729
Sleep well and take it easy. It's the end of the year.
>>
>>3951707
> “Actually, I’m not positive that’s a good call. You’re right about them being on the lookout, even if the subject matter is different- two of their number actually accosted me recently about a missing person by the name of Natalie.”
> "Then, perhaps you could investigate something for me in the meantime? Recent history regard the school and its graduates. Something's quite foul there, and I want to look into it if possible."
focus on Lori's idea for the order of the snake. Maybe frame them for Natalya's disappearance.
>>
Fun coincidence that this order seems to be named after Sal. Wonder if we can have him show up just to mess with them
>>
>>3952666
Well we can for sure tell him about them, maybe he'll know something about them already the egocentric cake thief that he is
>>
>>3951712
>>3951716
>>3951717
>>3951720
>>3951992
No, best to not go against your gut, really. “Actually, I’m not positive that’s a good call.”

“Hm?” At the very least, Miranda doesn’t sound mad or anything, just curious. “Why not?”

“Well, because you’re right about them being on the lookout, even if the subject matter is different,” you explain.”Two of their number actually accosted me recently about a missing person by the name of Natalie. I wasn’t certain about it by any means, but I had my suspicions that it might’ve involved you. From what you said about ‘Knights’ in plural, and that name, I can only presume...” you trail off.

“You’re not wrong,” she admits. “I won’t give details in case someone comes after you and can do that lie detector thing, but we did a thing.” About as you expected, really… “So, they’re already pissed as hell, huh? Mm...fine, I’ll call her back, let her know you’re not down on the idea.” Thank goodness Miranda isn’t as stubborn as she might come off to some people…

Actually, thinking about that, perhaps you can get her help with something else. "Then, after you do that, perhaps you could investigate something for me in the meantime?”

“Shoot,” she agrees.

“Some recent history regarding the school and its graduates. Something's quite foul there, and I want to look into it if possible. There’s this ‘Karasu’ organization that quite literally rules the school. They by all accounts have even the principal and faculty under their sway, and they apparently were established some years ago by some legendary delinquent."

“Hm. Think it matters?” is the response, and you know she sincerely means the question, which is what keeps you from taking offense.

“I do. The fact that their influence seems to extend beyond school grounds has me suspicious- and if I didn’t mention that earlier, I apologize. But yes, they seem to be practically a microcosm of what’s happening in the city right now.” And you’d rather not have things repeat. “I’m hoping to at least start people on the path to resisting such rule.”

“Hm. Alright, I’ll see if I can dredge anything up,” she agrees.

“Thank you SO much,” you reply. “Hopefully we can keep things from getting any worse.”

>1d100, best of three.
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>3953129
>>
File: 1507693070469.gif (536 KB, 256x235)
536 KB
536 KB GIF
>>3953132
My hands are golden today.
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>3953129
>>
Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>3953129
>>
>>3953132
I said 'what the fuck' out loud.

Just thought you might like to know that.
>>
>>3953146
Hey, that's 98% job succes rate for ya. Perfectly in-character.
>>
>>3953129
>>3953132
>>3953139
>>3953141
You’d hoped to get some rest tonight; you really hadn’t had anything else planned, and your sleep came quickly enough. The sense of the Murmur Stone robs you of that, though, and your heartbeat quickens for more than one reason. Can’t be good, a call this soon back. Either she forgot something or something’s happened. “Hello?”

“May, this is April. Something’s come up!” Lorelei’s been stuck in ‘serious’ mode for a while, but this sounds like she’s both angry AND happy, and you’re not quite sure how you can tell that.

“What is it?” you ask, already mentally preparing yourself for something heinous.

“Remember how I wasn’t entirely sold on Arc? How something about her rubbed me the wrong way?” You recall indeed. There was something that had caused Lorelei to look sour at the meeting- but you hadn’t exactly had any interaction with her outside of that, so you can’t exactly form an opinion on her… “Turns out I was bang on the money.”

Oh no. “What do you mean?”

“She’s a mole!” The glee in her voice is undeserved, you think, and a touch concerning. “She’s trying to fucking play us! I got the call to head back, and I was just about to hit the manor proper. I figured it might be worth it to at least take a look around the perimeter, so I make a wide loop, and on the west sod look throw the windows, maybe take a quick snapshot, and what the fuck do I see on the second floor? Our so called ‘Agent’ chatting it up with Yellow Knight Numero Uno and Yellow Bishop.”

What.

WHAT?!

(cont.)
>>
>>3953203
“I beg your pardon!?” She...really?!

“No bullshit. Even took a vid on the FS.” Lorelei swears. “It’s short, but it’s absolutely the two of them.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” you quickly slow. “How do you know she’s in league with them for certain? It might be that she was just investigating; perhaps questioning her about strange happenings as a civilian.”

“Didja know our FutureSights can catch audio?” No, you did not. “Because they can. Really doesn’t matter either way, I saw SOMETHING else in there with ‘em. Not sure what, but whatever it was shot out a whole lot of shadow magic and I saw at least a couple more of those shadow puppet things we beat up the other day, only bigger. That was about when I bailed since I didn’t want to risk anything in case they were going on a search.”

Well...shit. “And March knows? What about our clients?”

She lets out a scoff. “March HELLA knows, and we decided it’d be better to loop you in before we rung them up, just in case.”

Hm? “In case what?”

“In case you got an idea for how to deal with this, I mean. My guess, one of three things. One, they’re gonna give us the kill order. Two, they’re going to ask us to incap her and send her back for imprisonment. Three, they’re going to deal with it themselves like try to call her back. Only if she’s a mole, then I don’t know if she’ll even listen, with us around and about. Might just break off entirely and become a REAL thorn in our side. So if you’ve got a plan to deal with her that’s not the simple solution, we’re all ears. Sooner the better, but I figure we can wait about a day before we get to the point where saying anything might cause questions.”

> “We...I think perhaps we should leave her alone for now- let her think her cover is still unbroken. We might be able to manipulate her movements, if we are careful.”
> “No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.”
> “Perhaps we can address her directly and discover why she’s...done what she’s done. Perhaps we can bring her back around!”
> Other
>>
>>3953205
> “Perhaps we can address her directly and discover why she’s...done what she’s done. Perhaps we can bring her back around!”
It is Izumi we must go paladin. It has been working so far!

>>3953146
Izumi too OP she needs a nerf.
>>
>>3953205
>> “No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.”
Get real instructions. Always clear things up with higher-ups before doing anything major with info like this.
>>
>>3953205
> “Perhaps we can address her directly and discover why she’s...done what she’s done. Perhaps we can bring her back around!”
>>
>>3953205
> “Perhaps we can address her directly and discover why she’s...done what she’s done. Perhaps we can bring her back around!”
> Other
> "We need a plan to capture her. She might have informed them of your involvement with Natalie, be careful. "
>>
>>3953205
>"No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.”
It's best to get the clients opinion before we do anything.
>>
>>3953205
>“No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.”

guys, izumi must know from experience that that kind of intervention doesn't work. she is a good person, not an idiot.
>>
>>3953232
I agree. I trust Lori's judgement on traitors since espionage is her forte and the video evidence she took.
>>
Tied.
>>
>>3953205
> “No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.”
>>
>>3953205
>>3953243
Ah fuck forgot to vote:
>"No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.”
>>
And there we are.

Writing as of >>3953245.
>>
>>3953205
>"No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.”
> Other
> "She might have informed them of your involvement with Natalie, be careful. "
>>
>>3953205
>>3953224
>>3953230
>>3953232
>>3953245
>>3953247
>>3953249
Well..you don’t like the idea of someone who’s a traitor just roaming free. You can’t help but wonder why- what would cause someone like her- a respected member of a protective agency- to throw their lot in with a would be warmonger, a literal shadow queen...was she always a mole, perhaps? Or is she a victim of circumstance, of fate? Perhaps she was manipulated, or maybe a loved one held hostage? So many questions...and yet.

“No...I think it best to defer to whatever our clients want. Go ahead and call them and then call me back with their answer.” You’re, sadly, not able to make such decisions in a vacuum, though you’d like to. In this particular case, your superiors are hers; and while you might greatly want to interfere on this, there’s an order to things. Hopefully, you’ll get the opportunity to do so and The Organization won’t be feeling particularly spiteful; considering what intel she may have been surrendering, you can’t say it’d be entirely unreasonable to...well, you’ll shutter such thoughts until they become relevant.

“Gotcha. I’ll call back in a bit.” The stone dims, and now comes the waiting.

You’ve had to deal with traitorous types before, to be entirely honest. But generally they seem more obvious than this, more clearly vindictive about something. Arc had...ah, but there you go again, proscribing your own opinions on people you don’t know. Maybe she had inner demons that unfortunately managed to overtake her. You don’t know, and you find it unlikely you truly will- much like many others.

It’s two hours later when she finally DOES call back. “Hey! Sooo, they heard what I had to say, and lemme tell ya, that freaked ‘em out. Enough that they apparently called all the bigwigs up to talk over it and threatened our pay. I mean, that lasted until I sent over the video. Then it was just them freaking, I think. Dunno- they hung up not long after the file finished transferring.”

“That’s nice, but what did they decide as far as a course of action!?” you ask, a bit stressed.

“Oh. Well...it was a long discussion, and seems like they put it to a vote, but…” she sighs. “Official decision is that SHE’S too dangerous to risk trying to bring back. She knows too much of how they operate, and the possibility that she’s been feeding them high-level Organization secrets is too high. We got the go-ahead to deep-six her. About as I expected, gonna be honest.”

...Yet another victim of this Shadow Queen. Damnit...she MUST be stopped.

(Done for tonight. Figured this was a good spot.)
>>
>>3953326
Goodnight boss!
Lets recruit her.
>>
>>3953326
Phew, good thing Izumi now has official instructions to absolutely kill and not even try to bring her back. That should get rid of many arguments on what to do with her and redirect focus on when and how to kill.
>>
For fuck's sake, though, seriously. All of my big plot development moments utilizing rolls are just getting blown through. I'm not like, annoyed in particular or anything, just astonished at the FREQUENCY. Like, damn.
>>
>>3953334
Looks like you're annoyed to me haha! No plans survive contact with the player.

Just move those moments to another time, it's not like we'll know or anything.
>>
In fact I'm the one who is more annoyed. What the fuck everyone!!
>>
>>3953334
Can't keep the Paladin down.
>>
>>3953345
And the bard. Seriously, except for the hiccup at YK's event, Lori has been on fire so far.
>>
>>3953330
I mean, when else are we going to have an opportunity to recruit an experienced MG operator?
>>
>>3953334
>>3953340
Don't worry, after these amount of good rolls the next 50 rolls should be utterly trash you would all be laughing.
>>
Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>3953412
Rolling for how shit the rolls will be for christmas and new years
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3953432
The trio better watch out
>>
Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>3953432
>>3953436
Fine, I will do it myself.
>>
woah. that happened. so what do we do now? how will we off her?
>>
>>3953466
Miranda would go for the same way they got her former superior - catching her off-guard and then kill her while doing so.
Same for Izumi, but she would want to make a talk to see if she's too far gone or not.
High chance she's not walking out alive, since the spooks wanted her dead. We have a very high chance of trapping her since she doesn't know that we know (thanks Lori).
>>
>>3953340
we weren't joking when we said that the moment someone competent decided to end junko's little party, the party would end up fast.
>>
>>3953563
If nothing else, it sounded like they might be taking the offensive. We should still be careful.
>>
>>3953466
Taking control of Miranda or Lorelei to do it. With Lorelei already near the target location, she can keep track of the target until Miranda can reinforce her and prepare for a another quick take down.
>>
>>3953793
I propose we kill her with a full power magibeam straight to the head. if that's not possiblw because it would break the contract, the we should ambush her and break her neck. Clean and easy.
>>
Plans:
>Call Arc to ask what info on the city she has right now.
>Miranda and Lori try to meet up with Arc. We need a good excuse to meet up without making her suspicious.
Maybe meet up near the docks so we can easily dump her dead body into the water
>Peaceful option: try to recruit her into our company (I'm doubtful she'll be convinced)
>The practical option: blind her and kill her with either a strong blast or magibeam her head off (bitch is OP and can dispel shit so I don't know if Randa and Lori can cleanly kill her. ).

For Izumi she should try to continue with going to school, have her danger sense active 24/7 and sticking to crowded areas. Just to give the shadow crew the impression that we don't know that they know, but we don't know what the MG mafia will do so maybe acting indifferent will help a little bit while Miranda and Lori go and kill the traitor.
Also, Izumi should rig up traps on her apartment and sleep with her bagpack and sword on her side.
>>
>>3953466
With a no nonsense ambush with numerical superiority. No reason to be unprofessional.

Call her for a meeting and while she's in the middle of a sentence all three just fucking mercs her
>>
>>3953984
Two. Izumi should be left uncompromised for bait and misinformation reasons.
>>
I just realized, if Miranda and Lorelei went in that day we'd be at heavy disadvantage since both Arc AND the supposed Shadow Queen were there. Thankfully we backed off.
>>
Hey, doesn’t Lorelei have a spell that informs her if someone’s lying to her? Why don’t we take her to the secondary location, tie her down and interrogate her there about how long she’s been a mole, why she did it, and if there’s any others in the organization?
>>
>>3954055
I wonder if she can access someone's memories if she bodyjacks them. That would give a direct if unpleasant accounting.
>>
>>3954055
>“Fact or Fiction?”
>Lorelei can visually detect falsehoods in someone's speech and soul with absolute accuracy- even if they have the perfect poker face. She loses focus on anything else in the outside world, however, for the duration, and she cannot detect what the truth is precisely without using her own intuition and asking the right questions.

Good idea. We can also do a bodyjack if that's not enough.
>>
>>3954055
The problem is keeping her down. Maybe orbital ring her after we knock her out.
>>
>>3954068
>Orbital ring
>Arc attempts to dispel
>Everyone explodes, bad end
>>
>>3954068
We've been at this before. The Ring has a lethal explosion backlash and I don't want to test what happens when the host dies while Lori is riding them.

A copious amount of sticky mana will do the trick, and some stunning slaps if she struggles.
>>
Problem is though that Arc has a dispel everything skill + can seal up powers.
Possession seems better since Lori can just look through her brain/memories while she's knocked out.
although I'm in the "kill her ASAP before she can fuck us up" camp
>>
>>3954058
>>3954061
Speaking of brainjacking, there’s the chance that Lori can rewire her brain to betray them. If Izumi rides along with her, it might even be more effective.
>>
>>3954078
I mean, it's physically strong enough that it's unrealistic to expect anyone to break it (who isn't above Miranda's level) while restrained, I just figure it detonates on dispel as well, otherwise it's a pretty terrible failsafe.
>>
>>3954079
>>3954085
We can try to make a bluff that it will explode if she attempts a dispel.
>>
>>3954073
>>3954078
Don’t forget about the gauntlets we have. It probably won’t help with any problems with an interrupted brain altering session, but at least it might just bring Arc back for continued interviews.
>>
>>3954080
you are on to something.
we can do what Cylica's mind rewrite on her brain. That is, if we can knock her out.
>>
>>3954099
Now we just need to convince Lori to use an ability she hates in extremely dangerous circumstances.
>>3954100
Aw man, punished for not bringing Cylica, feels sad man
>>
>>3954104
Cyl is actually not that strong, she's not a dedicated slugger like Miranda or Izumi.

If you look at the sheets, she and Owlia have much lower mana reserves than our trio. The party could wipe the floor with them back in the Sky World.

We can also bring Izumi along for extra safety while Lorelei is attempting bodyjack.
>>
>>3954104
Nah, Cy is not fit for this kind of world. She's too proud and can stick out like a sore thumb. Her portal and mind rewrite could have been useful oh well.
>>
>>3954078
hmm that's better, at least you can't dispel all the sticky mana t once due to its nature.

on the other hand....once we knock her out we could break her nerves on the spine and make her paraplegic. can't heal or dispel that, and allows lori to interrogate her.
>>
>>3954122
I mean, she's got a lot of business savvy, I imagine that would translate well. Her pride is only a problem insofar as it makes her insufferable after she succeeds at something, she's seemed pretty good at subduing it in missions, not that we've seen her in action enough to tell.
>>3954117
It's not like we're hurting for muscle, teleporting and mind control would be pretty useful NGL.
>>
>>3953997
They already know. Arc has met with all of the girls and she with high chance has told them about our involvement.

Expect Izumi being attacked soon.
>>
>>3954147
good point there. maybe we can use that to our advantage? we should call miranda and lorelei to counter ambush them when they decide to attack izumi.
>>
>>3953326
Lorelei continues to outline the situation as you listen with a heaviness in your heart. “So, March knows, and she’s saying we just keep it simple- call her up, explain that we want to meet with her so we can get some information updates. She starts to tell us whatever she wants to tell us, then we drop her prison-style. Couplea shanks and we’re done. Although, since now she’s on the hitlist, they’re going to send us a dossier on what she can do, just in case that isn’t the best plan.” Well, at least they’re helping with this, as loathsome as the task might be. “I’m wondering if it’d be smarter to just do it without you just in case- then again, I doubt it matters much, pretty sure she’s already squealed to her ACTUAL bosses. Part of me wants to know what’s her game, won’t lie.”

> “Not worth it. We’ll just go with March’s plan. I don’t like it, but I’d rather this be over with quicker than not.”
> “Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least.”
> “Actually, now that I know the situation, perhaps we can at least get something out of this…” (Other)
>>
>>3954275
> “Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least.”
Extra info.
>>
>>3954275
>“Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least.”
>"...unless she turns out to be too dangerous for that"
>>
>>3954275
"Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least."

I think she was rigged?
>>
>>3954275
> “Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least.”
>>
>>3954275
>> “Not worth it. We’ll just go with March’s plan. I don’t like it, but I’d rather this be over with quicker than not.”
>>
>>3954275
You know what, fuck it. changing >>3954285 to

> “Not worth it. We’ll just go with March’s plan. I don’t like it, but I’d rather this be over with quicker than not.”
Lets stick to the original plan.
>>
>>3954275
> “Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least.”
>>
>>3954275 #
> “Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least.”
Chill guys, we're perfectly capable of subduing.
>>
>>3954297
the problem isn't the subduing, but the potential ambush miranda and lorelei will be in.
>>
"She at least deserves a chance at explaining her actions. It's only just."
>>
...Writing, obviously.
>>
>>3954275
>>3954281
>>3954285
>>3954291
>>3954294
>>3954297
“I agree,” you state. It just seemed...wrong, to summarily execute someone in her position so callously. Both for practical and honorable reasons. “Perhaps we can at least allow her an opportunity to explain herself before the...er, sentencing. She deserves that much at least.”

“Eh, sure, if you say so.” Gah, the way she’s so dismissive...but at least she’s not flat out arguing the other opinion. “Ideally, we’ll be able to wrap her up before we start putting the screws to her. Would be nice if she coughed up something juicy, buuuut...eh, thassa coin flip. Oh, aaand you probably already figured, but keep an eye out just in case they want to fuck you up. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s told 'em all she knows about us; probably given full descriptions and everything.”

Drat, she’s right. “I’ll have to sleep with one eye open. That or perhaps trance more often instead.”

“Same here. I don’t think they’ll try to fuck with us tonight, it’s WAY late. But tomorrow, tomorrow night, we need to be on our toes. I’ll keep you updated, alright?”

Things just got a whole lot riskier, and suddenly you’re dreading tomorrow. “Right. Be safe.”

“Likewise. Bye.” The stone shuts off, and knowing full well sleep will not happen again after tonight, you might as well enjoy it.

...wouldn’t hurt to leave a pistol under your pillow just in case.

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

The next morning, your steps are quick and cautious, and your head on a swivel as you make certain to keep a lookout. You doubt anyone’s going to try anything so brazen right here and now, but safety first.

The school seems...well, largely the same, admittedly. Although you get a feeling like someone’s watching you several times throughout the day- which means that someone probably IS watching you. WHO is the question, and your scent brings up a few individuals as expected, some stronger than others- magical girls. But unfortunately, that doesn’t help you determine who’s got eyes on you. Best to not call attention to it…

As for AFTER school…

You have to be careful. Not too obvious, but- “Oi! Whatcha doin’ here after school?” Bingo. After walking down the halls only a bit, you quickly see your intended target. The girl is pigtailed and looks to have a fat face...surprisingly lean otherwise, however. She’s only got a bit of magic, too… “You ain’t gettin’ up to no good, are ya? Gonna have to report you otherwise…”

Fortunately, you’d prepared for this. “Oh, no, I was just...hoping to do a bit of research. I even brought some snacks with me for it, see?”

The glint in her eyes when you present the goods is...exceedingly greedy. “Well, those look tasty. Buuut, you’re still not supposed to be around here.” With that she straightens up, although her eyes have a difficult time staying off the pack of treats. “An’ I was specifically told…well...hm…” You don’t need to say a thing as she wages a battle of wills with herself.

>Roll 1d100+15, best of 3
>>
Rolled 84 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>3954420
>>
Rolled 44 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>3954420
>>
Rolled 3 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>3954420
>>
welp, a 99!
>>
Writing.
>>
>>3954420
>>3954421
>>3954422
>>3954426
“...forget it!” she says. “You gimme these, and I won’t say nuthin’ to my bosses about you being here where you shouldn’t! How’sabout that!?”

You fake being unsure about it for a few moments, before you sigh and hand them over. “I suppose that sounds fair.”

“Ha! Nice. An’ they were whinin’ about ‘not lettin’ the new kid outta sight’. I’m my own girl, y’know!” Hm? She got specific orders for you? Well...isn’t THAT suspicious. But, if you want answers, then you’re about to get them one way or another…

The library’s pretty big, in all honest. At least, for a high school. You can see a couple of small gatherings of people here and there around tables- groups of three or four. A decent number of them, too. A quick inquiry has you pointed towards the back, and you make your way there as quickly and quietly as you’re able. It’s not long before the directions prove true and your search bears fruit; a single girl, with long, yet unkempt oily black hair, square glasses and reading one of several books stacked nearby, her pale mouth set in a thin line as she’s clearly absorbed in whatever it is she’s reading. “Er, hello?” Best to be polite. “I came here because I understand you can answer a couple of questions no one else can…”

Silence. She doesn’t even seem to notice you, merely flipping to the next page in her book. “Hello-”

“I heard you.” Oh. Kind of rude for a young girl. “I’m busy, so unless it’s important, speak quickly.”

Ah. Well…might as well speak as she’s busy reading. “It’s about Karasu. Another page flipped. “Their founder. Who was she?”

Her eyes don’t leave the page. “Are you asking this for someone, or yourself?”

“Myself,” you respond, though it’s not ENTIRELY true. Still, it seems to assuage her.

“Kiyoko Kurayami,” is the response. “Also called The Legendary Delinquent, the Demon Queen, and the Great Unifier. Anything else?”

Well...that was simpler than you thought. And considering she’s suppose to know a lot of things others don’t...

>Uhh...no? Sorry for bothering you.
>Actually…(what?)
>>
>>3954455
Current leader of Karasu, and who are they working for and against.
>>
>>3954455
> "What was her goals of creating Karasu?"
> "Where is she now? Did she graduate normally?"
> Current leader of Karasu, and who are they working for and against.
>>
>>3954465
*were
bleh sleepy
>>
>>3954455
This >>3954465
>>
>>3954455
>>3954461
>>3954465
>>3954470
“A few things, stemming from that,” you decide as they come to you. “For one, what was the goal of creating Karasu for her?"

“Control,” she says simply- but then seems to think about it and shakes her head. “More precisely, to bring order out of what she saw as chaos. She felt the school was far too lenient to its more unruly members, if memory serves- and it does. Karasu was an attempt at controlling the more unruly aspects of the student body, with immense success.”

Clearly. “Do you know where she is now? Did she even graduate normally?”

“She did,” is the immediate response. “However, she seems to have vanished from public eye since. No social media, no active address, no nothing. It’s a mystery, and adds to the mystique surrounding her.” Huh. Strange.

You’ll have to file that one away. “Alright then, last one for now. Who’s the current leader of Karasu, and who are they working for and against?”

That gets her to pause, and look up at you. “The current leader of Karasu is a highly guarded secret amongst them. They tell no one, and if even a whisper of a rumor that someone may know gets out, they are EXTREMELY quick to see that those that spread such tales no longer find themselves students. Of all the gossip in the school, it’s THAT that is the most forbidden and risky.”

Ah. That makes sense, but… “Do you know? I’m sorry, but this is very important.”

Her eyes narrow. “Why? What could you possibly do with this knowledge?”

>How to put it…(Response?)

(Page 9, so I'll start a new thread tomorrow. Still would like answers here.)
>>
>>3954483
> "Let's say that Karasu is a puzzle box that has been on display for quite a while now. I think I'm close to solving it, and I'm going to share the answers with you, should you help me."

She sounds like one who hungers knowledge.
Let's goad her curiosity.
>>
>>3954483
Supporting >>3954565
>>
>>3954565
>> "Let's say that Karasu is a puzzle box that has been on display for quite a while now. I think I'm close to solving it, and I'm going to share the answers with you, should you help me."
sure, why not, BUT i feel we also need something else to tempt her. knowing who the leader is is all nice and dandy, but it seems that is also a death sentence, or close to it.
>>
>>3954713
I'm thinking of either pulling some help from our spooks to ensure her safety, or giving her our number.

Number 1 is unreliable, but we don't have time to babysit civilians since the kettle is really starting to boil thanks to Arc.
>>
>>3954565
Support.
>>
NEW THREAD.

>>3955945
>>3955945
>>3955945

But no run.



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