>>4143080
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Corporate%20Cyber-Samurai%20Quest

>>4143080
>>”There’s no need to hide your tiredness from me, Kaguya-sama.”

>>4143080
>”How was Kaguya-sama’s night?”

>>4143080
>Offer her some of the coffee you still have in your pot

>>4143080
>Offer her some of the coffee you still have in your pot
Acquire Coffee, Begin Life

“Would Kaguya-sama like some coffee? I still have a few cups left in the pot from my own breakfast.” You offer.

“That’s very kind, but it won’t be necessary. I dislike the taste of coffee … and besides, I doubt it would affect on … hwaaaa.” Kaguya yawns again. “Okay, maybe just a sip, if it’s no trouble for you.”

“I will get you a sip of coffee then.” You bow and walk back into your quarters. Kaguya follows you.

“So … this is what Kentaro-kun’s home is like.” Kaguya comments, looking around your living room. Even though the maids keep it in good order, you feel a bit embarrassed letting Kaguya see the inside of your quarters. Residual shame from the state you kept your old apartment in, maybe? “Hmmm, what are those boxes on your couch, Kentaro-kun? They look like external drives, but I’ve never seen any that large.”

“They’re SimRPGs. A kind of digital game.” You explain as you search for a clean cup. “Their large size is to accommodate the file size taken up by the assets needed to construct a full sensory-immersion environment.”

“I see.” Kaguya nods. “And how do you play these games?”

“An environment is digitally simulated for you where you can go on various adventures.”

“What kind of adventures?” Kaguya asks, sounding interested.

“It depends on the game. But it’s usually a combination of fighting enemies, following stories, and uh …” You stop before mentioning the other large draw of SimRPGs.

“Please continue, Kentaro-kun.”

“Like I said, you can fight enemies and follow stories.”

“Ah, I see. So it’s a way of leading a life you would not normally be able to lead.” Kaguya concludes.

“Y-yeah. You could say that.” You agree, handing Kaguya a cup of coffee.

“Thank you, Kentaro-kun.” Kaguya says, accepting the cup from your hands. She takes a small sip, then frowns in discomfort. But still, she finishes it without complaint.

“Is that better?” You ask.

“It’s a … refreshing bitterness.” Kaguya says, “But really, I think it was talking to you that woke me up.”

“I’m glad you’re awake then, Kaguya-sama.”
…

Once you’ve dropped Kaguya off at her archery tutor, you enter the Kendo hall, only to find it empty of it’s normal occupants. But you can hear the sounds of footsteps and the hum of steel cutting through the air in the private hall in the back. You’re only picking up the life signs of a single person. You walk over to the back of the hall …

The sliding door is slightly open, and you can see the person training from your side. It’s Kyune. She was moving through the steps of some kata with an expression complete concentration. There was a real-looking katana in her hand, a quality piece of steel polished until it shone like a jewel from the morning light. Every one of her fluid, precise movements sent sunbeams dancing through the air as they reflected off her blade. However, just as soon as you spot her, she stops and lowers her sword.

“Is that you behind the door, Kentaro? Come in, don’t be shy.” You step into the private hall. It was a well-kept space. Calligraphed scrolls hung from the walls, with words like ‘Focus’ and ‘Intensity’ written in such vivid kanji that they seemed to explode off the page. A set of armor like the one in the room you had met Lord Muramoto in was enshrined in an alcove in the wall, along with an ornate daisho. “Well, spying on a maiden in the early morning light … Good grief, what do you have to say for yourself, Kentaro?”

“I-I’m sorry if you did not want to be observed, Kyune-sama.” You apologize profusely.

Kyune laughs. “Don’t really give a damn, to be honest. Anyways, are you looking for a sparring partner, Kentaro? I happen to be looking for once myself …”

>Spar with Kyune

>Don’t spar with Kyune

>>4143674
>Spar with Kyune

>>4143674
>Spar with Kyune

>>4143674

>Kick her ass so hard she tastes boot leather.

A master has little use for a weak retainer.

“If Kyune-sama wishes, then I will teach her the meaning of real experience.” You accept.

Kyune snorts. “You’re more than welcome to. The Muramoto have no use for weak retainers under their roof.”

You begin walking towards the rack of wooden bokken.

“Not those ones.” Kyune stops you. She nods her head in the direction of the shrine. “Borrow a sword from there.”

>Very well, you’ll put real steel in her hand.

>Absolutely not. Insist on using bokken.

>>4143761
>>Very well, you’ll put real steel in her hand.

>>4143761
>...why, exactly?
>Very well, you’ll put real steel in her hand.

>>4143761
>Very well, you’ll put real steel in her hand.

Maybe we should show out mini-boss lady an SIM mystery solving game' should she be so interested.

“If you insist.” You say, retrieving the katana from the shrine. “But why the sword in the shrine?”

“I don’t consider it real training unless the risk for injury is real.” Kyune explains.

“No, I mean, I have a perfectly adequate sword right here.” You say, patting your shirasaya.

“I hope that was a joke.” Kyune scowls, “I’m not stupid, if you brush me with that thing, I’ll lose a limb. This way at least, if you accidentally hit me, it will stop at the bone.”

“I see. I promise to be careful then.” You square off with Kyune and bow. “Seido Kentaro, Noir-Muramoto Guard-Retainer school.”

“The responsibility of stopping the blow lies with the one doing the parrying.” Kyune bows deeply and formally. “Muramoto Kyune, Zeijaku-Ten swordsmanship school.”

The two of you assume fighting stances. You adopt a standard and versatile stance with your sword slightly extended in front of your body and ready to respond to anything. Kyune adopts a peculiar stance, facing you with the side of her body, her sword almost fully extended so that it’s very tip is oriented to be the striking point.

>Overwhelm her with powerful blows

>Strike her before he can strike back

>Test her defence, look for an opening

>>4144066
>Test her defence, look for an opening

>>4144066
>Overwhelm her with powerful blows

The phrase "fluid, precise movements" makes me think she's a precision type, and overwhelming power is the counter to that.

>>4144066
>Overwhelm her with powerful blows

>>4144066

>Overwhelm her with powerful blows, expect a trick.

I don't trust her. That stance is great if they want to suddenly alter stance and come in from an unexpected angle - so leave a way out.

>>4144152
>That stance is great if they want to suddenly alter stance and come in from an unexpected angle
Can I ask what is this based on?

>>4144153

That her sword is almost fully extended keeps the opponent at length, but means she has almost zero windup for either thrusts or cuts - she has no power, and little speed. That the body is side-on means that instead of using their range of motion to deflect blows left and right, they need to deflect them towards the front and back - meaning a weaker back guard (harder to redirect blocks so they pass behind you), and an unnecessarily wide front guard.

A spin, duck, and thrust/slash from the new position is entirely practical, though, even if risky when the opponent sees it. The only other possible use for this guard is to rapidly shift backward to wind up with off-foot forward, but that costs her ground.

>>4144164

Of course... she could be taking her cues from bullshit martial arts movies, in which case she'll get her ass kicked in about 2 seconds.

>>4144164
I don't believe spins are ever practical.

Other than that, I know little about kenjutsu, but Kyune's stance reminds he of the German Langort, which is a position after a strike, not a proper guard.

>>4144166

Similar to my perception. This is a position to invite an attack, not to launch one.

Players should remember that a core part of this genre is style over substance. I actually know shit about kendo, sorry.

Roll 3 1d20's please. You will need three successes.

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Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>4144351
>three successes
>even kyune is better than us

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>4144351
Where did you get this system from, and how can we improve?

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>>4144414

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4144351
>inb4 1

>>4144351
Rolling for Kyune

>>4144506
>inb4 20

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>4144506
Whoops

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>>4144510

“What kind of stance is that?” You question. “You’ve got no flexibility.”

“Why don’t you find out?” Kyune taunts. “Attack me already.”

From Kyune’s movements, you guess that she favored a dextrous, precise approach to combat, the same as you. Well, you weren’t going to play her game. She was trying to keep you at length with her blade. Perhaps that was theoretically the safest approach considering you were faster, stronger, and more precise than her. With a flesh-and-blood body, combined with her slight frame, Kyune would always be at a disadvantage if she tried to trade blows evenly with you. The wisest approach was indeed to stay at a distance and avoid unnecessary conflict.

But sometimes, conflict couldn’t be avoided. Instead of going around Kyune’s guard like she was likely expecting to, you simply … power through it. With a single heavy strike, you send Kyune’s sword spinning through the air. It was too inelegant to even be called a disarmament. Really, you just applied so much brute force that Kyune’s slender fingers were forced to loosen. But in the end, it’s your sword at Kyune’s neck.

“Ah,” Kyune gasps in dismay, her normal blustering attitude gone. Hmm … that gasp almost sounded like a sound Kaguya would make.

>Like I said. Your stance is too brittle.

>Your approach had merit. But sometimes you have to brave conflict.

>You’re strangely cute when you lose.

>Another bout, Kyune-sama?

>>4144544
>Your approach had merit. But sometimes you have to brave conflict.
>Another bout, Kyune-sama?

>>4144549
this

>>4144549
+

“Your approach had merit. It’s safer to keep your distance from a physically stronger opponent.” You say in an attempt to take away the sting of such an abrupt defeat, “But you need to brave conflict to win.”

“Who made you my tutor?” Kyune snaps, “I’ll show you conflict.”

Kyune picks her sword up from the ground and raises it high above her head.

You can’t resist chuckling. With her sheer charisma and confident attitude, it was easy to forget how young Kyune was. When she loses her temper, you’re reminded that Kyune was still immature.

>Overwhelm her with powerful blows

>Strike her before he can strike back

>Test her defence, look for an opening

>>4144651
An overhead stance should indicate an aggressive and powerful approach. What counters it though? I can't remember if we ever found out.

Let's go with
>Strike her before he can strike back
Since she seems to be neglecting defence this time around.

>>4144651
>Test her defence, look for an opening

>>4144651
>>Test her defense, look for an opening

>>4144651
>>Test her defence, look for an opening

>>4144651
>Strike her before he can strike back

>>4144651
>Strike her before he can strike back

Please roll 3 1d20's. You will need 3 successes.

>>4144414
I homebrewed it myself. Kentaro's hit the ceiling for how skilled he can get, but you can improve yourself by gaining cybernetic upgrades.

>>4145106
So, which option are we rolling for? It currently looks like a tie...

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4145106

>>4145111
>>4145113
Sorry, I'm dumb. I neglected to count the votes properly.

If you want, I can roll to decide or we can wait for another voter. Dice rolled before this point won't be counted.

>>4145121
Give it twenty to thirty minutes, then if there isn't any more votes, roll for it.

>>4145134
That's a good idea. But I'll be gone for longer than that, so see you then.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

As I promised, I will now roll to see what option to go with. Note that usually, I will wait for a tie to be broken and that I am only rolling because I miscounted the vote and called for rolls early and didn't want anons to go back to waiting.

>1 - Strike her before she can strike back
>2 - Test her defences, look for an opening.

Alright, now roll 3 1d20's. You will need 3 successes.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4145398

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4145398

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4145398

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4145398
So now she gets to kick our ass. Cool.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

Rolling for Kyune

>>4145109
With our new salary, can we afford upgrades? Considering the new role we're in and how potentially important it is, Re there any cyberware discounts? Is there some company armory we can pick from? Can we get some AP rounds for our gun, or a screw on suppressor? Sub-sonic ammo?

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4145437
Why do I keep doing this?

>>4145438
You can file a request for anything from the company catalog free of charge as long as you can give a good justification for needing it. You can also order it online if you pay for it yourself and agree to have technicians look over it for any security issues. But I wouldn't advise purchasing anything unless you want to take on debt, your wallet's kind-of empty from hiring Neon.

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>>4145445
>A company-provided semiautomatic. As ubiquitous as they come. (13 ammo)
I cant imagine if there were anymore kinds of modifications we can get for the blade we carry, but what gear do we have tactical wise? Any body armor? Ballistic wave? Vests? Tactical vest under clothes? Do we have a combat knife? What does our gun look like? Can it fit in a discrete under jacket holster? What calibre? Can it fit a "smartlink" (aim assist cyberpunk thing)?

>>4145448
>>4145448
Most gear is issued on an as-needed basis. As an enforcer, if you needed external body armor, you would be issued external body armor. If you needed a anti-tank rifle, you would be issued an anti-tank rifle. But aside from his semiautomatic and shirasaya, Kentaro's already well equipped. He's got subdermal ballistic armor, titanium bones, and a targeting system and HUD so advanced any kind of external aim-assist becomes unnecessary unless he's targeting something over the horizon.

>>4145445
If we dont already have these, an under coat tactical vest, combat knife, AP rounds, and a laser sight dont sound too expensive for the company for us to request.

>>4145456
Oh! That's good to know then. What about ammo?

>+2 Kentaro plays to his strengths of dexterity and precision
>-2 An overwhelming offense will overpower even the most perfect defense
>Failure

Kyune was aware of what your abilities relative to hers were. You decide to play it safe in case she had something out of your sleeve. You assume your standard stance and watch Kyune closely.

Kyune opens up with a powerful overhead blow … and another … and another. Before you know it, you’re struggling to keep up with her intensity. It’s obvious that Kyune’s angry at you. Every blow is ferocious, lacking any kind of restraint. But still, the technique itself is flawless. Even in her anger, Kyune never miss steps or miss times her blows.

You parry the first one easily. And the second. And the third. Her attacks keep coming, faster and faster. And still, Kyune keeps coming.

Strength-wise, you’re superior to Kyune and could parry her attacks all day long. You’re tired. You don’t tire physically anymore. And you can tell Kyune was starting to exhaust herself. Her breathing is labored, she’s starting to hunch over and lean into her attacks too much. But you catch a glimpse of her eyes, and they’re filled with murder.

Is she … trying to kill you? That isn’t right. This is just a sparring match, right? But Kyune is attacking for real. With a real sword. Should you fight back? Should you kill Kyune before she kills you? In your moment of confusion, Kyune’s blade blazes past your guard and scrapes across your cheekbone, cutting through the thin layer of synthflesh before stopping on your subdermal armor.

The two of you freeze in place. A drop of blood drips off Kyune’s blade and hits the floor. Kyune slowly withdraws her sword, breaking the spell that held the two of you in place. You sigh in relief, letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in. Already, your cut is secreting sealant and healing itself. You probably won’t even have a noticeable scar by the end of the week.

Kyune breathes in deeply to compose herself. She flicks her blade, sprinkling the tatami floor with the few droplets of blood on it’s edge. The floor around her is stained black where she’s stepped. Several ink-black patches of sweat are slowly spreading through her navy blue kimono as well.

“That’s not fair.” Kyune says, “You hesitated at the end.”

>I-I concede. I was defeated. Splendid swordsmanship, Kyune-sama.

>Frag it, are you trying to kill me?

>I’ve decided that between the two of you, Kaguya-sama is cuter.

>Do all plutocrats sweat black?

>Come to think of it, shouldn’t you be in school right now instead of playing with swords?

>>4145485
>>Do all plutocrats sweat black?

>>4145457
You have to request the more exotic kinds on an as-needed basis. The armory department isn't going to hand out ap rounds willy-nilly like they're tic-tacs. Standardization is cheaper.

>>4145485

>Do all plutocrats sweat black?

>>4145485
>Do all plutocrats sweat black?
>Come to think of it, shouldn’t you be in school right now instead of playing with swords?
>you seemed a bit furious in your strikes. Why?

>>4145485
>>Do all plutocrats sweat black?
>I’ve decided that between the two of you, Kaguya-sama is cuter.

>>4145485
Did you try to lose on purpose, anons?

>Were you trying to kill me?
>I’ve decided that between the two of you, Kaguya-sama is cuter. She never tries to kill me.
>Do all plutocrats sweat black?

>>4145485
>...Are you trying to kill me? Was I really that harsh?
>Do all plutocrats sweat black?

>>4145527
+1

>>4145485

>I’ve decided that between the two of you, Kaguya-sama is cuter

Vote called, writing.

Combination between >>4145486, >>4145495, and >>4145527.

“Frag it, were you trying to kill me?” You swear.

Kyune tilts her head. “You’re not that badly hurt, are you, Kentaro-kun? I hope you’re not upset over such a small scratch. I’ve read your file. You’ve been gutted on three separate occasions, haven’t you?”

You sigh. “I’ve decided that between the two of you, Kaguya-sama is the cuter one. At least she never tries to kill me.”

Kyune laughs. “Well, I thought that was a given. It’s kinda unfair to compare me to Kaguya, ya know? But really, this fight only shows the difference between the two of us.”

“What do you mean?”

“You can easily overwhelm me in terms of strength. But you can’t overwhelm me in terms of intensity.” Kyune explains herself, “You were fighting to win. But I was fighting to kill. In a duel between two swordsmen with comparable skill, the fight boils down to a clash of their killing intent. When that’s how it is, it’s the difference in mindset that matters.”

You snort derisively. “That’s just theory. In a real fight, the only thing that matters is whether you can hit your opponent or not.”

“You still lost.” Kyune simply points out before sighing in exhaustion and kneeling down on the floor.

“You’re pretty worn out.” You say.

“Thought that was pretty obvious.” Kyune languidly replies.

“You’re staining the floor black.”

“That’s a problem for the maids.”

“Do all Plutocrats sweat ink?”

“You’re getting pretty cheeky for a retainer.” Kyune says.

You bow. “I apologize, Kyune-sama.”

“No, no. You’re not a naturally uptight person, Kentaro. So don’t try to be when you don’t need to … Anyways, to answer your question, we Plutocrats purge our bodies of the various toxins we absorb from the environment through our bodily excretions. Other people, if they’re lucky, have cybernetic filters grafted onto their kidneys. If they’re unlucky, they store it in their fat until they keel over. But not us. We sweat and piss it out and are none the worse for wear for it.”

“I see.” You nod.

>Do you intend to continue sparring?

>Should I get something to drink? Or a towel?

>Wait silently for Kyune to get up

>>4145849
>Should I get something to drink? Or a towel?
get something for you and Kyune

>>4145849
>Do you intend to continue sparring?
>Should I get something to drink? Or a towel?

>>4145849
>Should I get something to drink? Or a towel?
>Do you intend to continue sparring?

>>4145849
>Do you intend to continue sparring?
>Should I get something to drink? Or a towel?

>>4145849
>Do you intend to continue sparring?
>Should I get something to drink? Or a towel?

>>4145849
>>Do you intend to continue sparring?
>>Should I get something to drink? Or a towel?

“So, do you intend to continue sparring?” You ask Kyune.

“You’re merciless, you know?” Kyune groans from where she’s lying on the floor, “Gimme a second, not everyone’s made of steel like you.”

You’re really mostly titanium and composite carbon-based materials where you aren’t muscle and synthflesh, but whatever.

“I’ll get you something to drink. And a towel.” You turn around to leave.

“No.” Kyune says, grabbing your ankle. “Stay here. Call a maid to bring a drink.”

“As you say.” You acquiesce, “What should I tell them to bring?”

“Strawberry soda … and a towel.”

“Understood.” You send the mental command.

“What’s with the look on your face?” Kyune demands grumpily.

>Nothing.

>I’m amazed you think you’re still in a state to spar.

>Strawberry soda? That’s … a bit childish.

>Your attitude’s pretty different than how it was a moment ago.

>>4146308
>Nothing
>try not to say anything
>fail miserable
Orange soda is a superior soft drink

>>4146308
>>Nothing.

>>4146322
support

“What look?” You ask.

“That smug look. What is it?”

“I don’t think my face looks any different than how it usually does.” You say, trying to keep a straight face.

Kyune props herself up into a reclining position and shoots you a death glare. It seems that she’s regained her energy. “I’m not a child, I can tell a smirk when I see one. Don’t make me choke it out of you.”

“It’s nothing!” You swear, “... except … seriously? Strawberry soda?”

“What? Do you have a problem with strawberry soda? Think it’s childish?” Kyune demands.

“Of course not! It’s just that orange soda is clearly better.”

“Kentaro … what the fry did you just say? You better have not insulted strawberry soda.” Kyune says in a low, menacing voice. You can tell that she’s only teasing you from her eyes. You saw just recently what they look like when she’s really angry.

You raise your hands in surrender. You had made your point. If Kyune wanted to continue drinking her own brand of carbonated fruit syrup, that was fine with you.

“Pardon me.” A voice says from behind the sliding door. You see the silhouette of a maid carrying a tray. “I have the towels and strawberry soda that were ordered …”

“Just leave them outside the door.” Kyune calls. The maid bows, deposits the tray, then leaves. “Kentaro, if you please …”

“If that is Kyune-sama’s wish.” You say with just drily enough to make it obvious you were being sarcastic. You retrieve the tray, which carried a towel as well as a bottle of some fizzy, pink liquid and a glass cup that looked more appropriate for a crystal decanter set. You stare at the bottle, slightly confused. Was this really strawberry soda? You’ve only ever seen it in cans before.

“Frying finally.” Kyune exclaims, grabbing the towel and relievedly wiping her forehead free of the black-tinged sweat. “Hey Kentaro, flip open the tray’s legs?”

“What do you mean … ah.” The tray was cunningly designed to have pop-out legs, turning it into a low table of sorts.

“Pretty fancy, huh?” Kyune exclaims, pulling herself into a cross-legged position.

“Absolutely high-class.” You mutter to yourself.

“Goddamn right.” Kyune says, popping open the bottle of strawberry soda, “Why don’t you sit down, Kentaro? Enjoy life a bit. Have some strawberry soda.” In a surprisingly graceful motion, Kyune fills the glass halfway before presenting it to you with two hands.

“T-thanks.” You say. You weren’t going to refuse. You take a small sip, before frowning in surprise. It was sweet. But … how to say this? Sweet in a way you had never tasted before. “What is this?”

“It’s made from real strawberries.” Kyune explains, taking a long swig straight from the bottle. “Doubt you’ve ever tasted them before. That glass probably costs more than what you make in a month.”

“You don’t say …” You muse, examining the glass in your hand.

“So? How does that compare to the excuse for corn syrup you call orange soda?” Kyune asks, grinning in victory.

“It’s … good.” You have to admit. “But … it’s a bit high-class for my tastes …”

>Any questions or insubordinate, snide comments for Kyune?

>>4146912
>>Any questions or insubordinate, snide comments for Kyune?
I'm sure real orange soda is still superior to strawberry.

>>4146910
>Supporting >>4146913
>Also ask about the circumstances of Toshi's disappearance.

>>4146933
+1

>>4146912
What is our ward doing at this moment? Is she being tutored or doing her archery lessons? I wonder if she would be interested in the collection tion of old timey games we have collected.

>>4147263
She's at the archery hall right now.

“I'm sure real orange soda is still better than strawberry.” You stubbornly insist.

Kyune snorts. “Have you ever even tasted a real orange before?”

“In a sim, yeah.” You say.

“That hardly counts. From what I’ve heard, the sims we have are barely on the level of reality.” Kyune scoffs, “Full sensory immersion my ass.”

“They feel almost real.” You insist.

“Then I guess you’ve almost tasted an orange.” Kyune shoots back.

“All right, all right.” You lift your hand, admitting defeat. “Anyways, I have a more serious question for you.”

“Go ahead.” Kyune leans forwards, “What’s on your mind? Wondering what real fruit tastes like?”

“No,” You shake your head, “I was wondering if you knew anything about how Kaguya’s previous bodyguard disappeared.”

Kyune’s expression immediately becomes serious. “Have you been mentioning him around Kaguya?” She demands.

“No.” You shake your head.

“Good.” Kyune relaxes. “Toshi, huh? Well, to be honest, I really know that much about how or why he disappeared. One day he was here, the next, he was gone. Completely dropped off the grid. He didn’t even pack up his belongings, except for his sword. And now we have no idea where he went. Hell, I’m not even sure he’s still in Noir. Or alive.”

You nod. “I see. You don’t know much more about his disappearance than anyone else.”

“Pretty much.” Kyune agrees, “I didn’t really even know him that well … Oh, and a word of advice, Kentaro?”

“Yes?”

“Never mention Toshi to Kaguya.” Kyune warns, the deadly serious look back on her face.

“I understand.” You promise.

Kyune gets up again. “Now, do you wanna go for another bout?”

“As much as I’d like to, there isn’t enough time left for me.” You apologize. “There’s only a few minutes until I have to return to Kaguya’s side.”

“Is that so? Damn, I hardly noticed the time passing.” Kyune shrugs. “Another time then … But you know what? I’m gonna tag along with you. I feel like dropping in on Kaguya …”

“I’m sure Kaguya will be happy to see you.”

The two of you exit the kendo hall and walk down to the archery hall, passing by a maid who bows as the two of you walk by. You’re struck by how relaxed Kyune is in your presence compared to Kaguya. But really, she might have just been a more laid-back person.

>Roll 3 1d20’s. You will need 2 successes.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>4147446

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>4147446

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>4147446

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4147446

Rolled 14 (1d20)

Rolling for your opponent

>Critical success

“Look out!” You shout, tackling Kyune to the floor. You don’t know how you could tell she was in danger, but two blades fly through the space she would have been.

“What the fry?” Kyune swears, rolling to her feet, drawing her katana. The maid you had passed by’s yukata was hanging in shreds around it’s waist, torn apart by the unsheathing two half-meter long blades at the end of two elongated extra limbs extending from open panels in it’s fake torso. It’s arm segmented and telescoped to nearly two meters, it’s palms splitting to reveal two shorter blades.

Select Kentaro’s armament

>Draw your shirasaya

>Draw your pistol

>Draw both of them

>>4147564
>Draw both of them

>>4147564
Also it's pretty notable that we didn't recognize the maid was a robot. The sexbots in the setting should be top-notch.

>>4147564
>>Draw both of them

>>4147564
>>Draw your shirasaya

>>4147564
>Draw both of them

You draw both your semiautomatic and shirasaya before sending a mental request for help.

The drone assassin disguised as a maid stumbles forwards clumsily. You’re not surprised that it’s top-heavy, with it’s long arms, but only human legs.

>Charge in with your sword

>Guard yourself with your sword and take careful shots with your pistol

>Back up for room to aim properly with your pistol

>>4147672
>>Guard yourself with your sword and take careful shots with your pistol

>>4147564
>Draw both of them
AKIMBO

>>4147672
>Guard yourself with your sword and take careful shots with your pistol
>Turn on thermal vision to find the hottest part and shoot that
It will be the battery, the CPU or some other critical part.

>>4147672
>Guard yourself with your sword and take careful shots with your pistol
Put out an alert and back out in the general direction of Kaguya with Kyune in tow. I dont know how authentically capable she is in combat, but I feel she should run to her cousin while we distract this robot to both protect her and consolidate assets?

Roll 3 1d20's. The rolls in sequential order will be for your sword, pistol, and request for help.

>>4147672
>Guard yourself with your sword and take careful shots with your pistol

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4147700

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4147700

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4147700
ORA!

Rolled 17 (1d20)

Rolling for Spider Maid

>>4147731
Man. It'd be nice if we could get holdout blades in our arms.

>>4147738
possible future upgrade

>>4147738
>>4147740
You would sacrifice a not-insignificant amount of precision and strength in that arm.

>>4147754
Then, maybe a wrist mounted external hidden blade

>+1 Kentaro plays to his strengths of dexterity and precision
>+1 A careful guard absorbs even the most unorthodox attacks
>-2 The Spider-Maid has a few blades too many
>The Spider-Maid’s attacks are successfully FENDED OFF

>+1 Kentaro has a steady hand and precise aim
>+2 A thermal reading reveals the Spider-Maid’s critical components
>+3 It’s impossible to miss this close up
>Kentaro’s shots HIT

>Kentaro’s call for help is JAMMED

You frown. For some reason, you couldn’t connect to the household network. The Spider-Maid must be jamming your connection. Then you’d have to find a way to defeat it with what was on hand.

The Spider-Maid’s multiple bladed appendages are quicksilver blurs. A pop-up in the periphery of your vision gives their individual speed at exactly 335.34 meters per second. You just about keep up with such paltry speeds with your HUD-assisted aim. There is a clear ringing sound as you deflect and parry the Spider-Maid’s attacks with your shirasaya.

A quick thermal scan reveals the Spider-Maid’s most critical components. As soon as you spot an opportunity, you unload your semiautomatic into the Spider-Maid’s torso.

>Kentaro uses 5 bullets

You must have hit something critical because the Spider-Maid collapses almost as soon as you start firing. It wasn’t surprising. For so many components to be packed into such a small frame, there probably wasn’t that much room for redundancy.

But suddenly, with the last bit of power in it’s circuit’s, the Spider-Maid launches itself through the air at Kyune.

>Let it pass

>Block it with your body

>Cut it out of the air (2 successes required)

>>4147812
>Block it sith our body but still try to cut it out of the air

>>4147812
>Block it with your body
How many spare magazines is Kentaro allowed to carry on his person? A larger magazine size to his gun wouldnt cost an arm and a leg.

>>4147830
This

>>4147849
He can carry as many as he wants as long as he still looks presentable. Gameplay-wise, I'll limit it to five.

>>4147830
+1

>>4147849
If we're expected to carry our gun covertly, an extended mag is out of the question.

Roll 3 1d20's. You will need 2 successes.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4147902

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>4147902

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4147902

Rolled 7 (1d20)

Rolling for Spider-Maid

You step in front of the Spider-Maid as soon as it launches itself, It bowls you over with it’s momentum, forcing you to the floor. In turn, you sink your shirasaya up to it’s hilt in its chest. The Spider-Maid goes limp.

“Kentaro, are you okay?” Kyune asks in a concerned voice.

“Just about.” You answer, pushing the Spider-Maid off of yourself. Kyune grabs your hand and helps you to your feet. You spot Kaguya’s archery tutor approaching, followed closely behind by Kaguya. His face pales as soon as he glimpses the Spider-Maid.

“W-what is that?” Kaguya’s Archery Tutor asks.

“Some kind of assassin drone.” Kyune replies, “Don’t worry, it’s dead.”

“I-I see.” he nods.

“Kaguya’s lesson’s over for today.” Kyune informs him authoritatively, “We’ll need to sweep the area, so you stay put as well.”

“U-understood.” The Tutor nods.

Kaguya slowly approaches. She stares at the grotesque body of the Spider-Maid with fascination, as well as more than a tinge of worry.

“Did you and Kentaro-kun … kill ...” She timidly asks, struggling to find the appropriate vocabulary.

“Kentaro took care of it too quickly for me to do anything.” Kyune says, before clapping you on the shoulder. “Good work. I’d be missing a limb without you.”

“Or dead?” You correct with a wry smile.

“Very possibly.” Kyune admits.

Kaguya gives you a very respectful bow “In that case, please accept my sincere thanks for safeguarding our wellbeing.”

“Yes. Thank you, Bodyguard-san.” Kaguya’s Archery Tutor follows suit.
…

Interlude

>Ad for Kabushiki Kawaii model Sexbot
>Kaguya and Kyune’s first conversation, five years ago

>>4148028
>Ad for Kabushiki Kawaii model Sexbot

>>4148028
>>Ad for Kabushiki Kawaii model Sexbot

>>4148028
>Ad for Kabushiki Kawaii model Sexbot

>>4147896
The extended magazine itself doesnt have to be loaded into the bun if its gonna stick out. It could be attached to the holster perhaps.

>>4148028
>Ad for Kabushiki Kawaii model Sexbot

Introducing Azuki, the newest girl hot off Kabushiki Kawaii’s assembly lines. Just look at that cute body. She’s made with only the highest quality synthskin and synthmuscle body, she’s unbelievably real to the touch … and ready for fun right out of the box.

“Hi. My name’s Azuki desu. Nyah~. You can adjust everything from my clothes to my hair to the pleasure and pain I feel. Don’t like catgirls? Don’t worry! My ears and tail are fully replacable, whether you like elf girls or succubus girls or even want me to look just like your ex. My voice was made from a blend of over 100 actors, so you can make me sound sugary sweet or husky and sultry and anything in between. I come with a selection of 10 personalities, including popular archetypes like the catgirl, schoolgirl, maid, little sister, and the classic Tsundere, each affected by a fully adjustable innocence/sluttiness meter.”

Azuki-chan is the latest addition to Kabushiki Kawaii’s proud tradition of making the cutest sexbots on the market. She’s available for you right now for the low, low price of 5000 Sincreds, as well as rentable for the night from various pleasure dens all across Noir. Dancing, cooking, advanced roleplaying, Dominatrix, Submissive, foreign language, and procedural learning modules are sold separately. Kabushiki Kawaii is not responsible for any injuries from playing with any of their sexbots.

“Hey, you look cute. Why don’t you show me the inside of your apartment? In return, I’ll let you inside … me! Come on, hurry up. I can’t wait~”

A bowl of peanuts hits the tiny bar ceiling monitor where the ad was playing.

“None of us here could ever afford you anyways.” You drunkenly slur, “Hey Deckard, why don’t you play some ads we can actually fragging care about, you corporate shill.”

“It pays the bills.” The bartender shoots back, “You think I pay for this place with how cheap your drinks are?”

“Shut the frag up!” The man besides you yells, “I’m trynna fragging watch.”

Interlude Out

In the end, several black-suited Household Guards had arrived to clean up the situation. Kyune greeted them by name so you knew they weren’t disguised assassin-drones. Besides, their certifications checked out. They took away the body of the Spider-Maid before commencing a thorough sweep of the wing as well as promising to check for any holes in security throughout the rest of the mansion. Within minutes of seeing that your suit was ruined from your fight with the Spider-Maid, you were brought a fresh one. All things considered, you and Kaguya were allowed to continue your day as usual once the security sweep was finished.

Which led you to where you were now: Sitting at a table in the staff lounge and eating lunch with Akira while Kaguya finished her class.

“Seriously, it was so surprising!” Akira complains as she describes her day to you, “A whole bunch of black-suited guys came into the room we were in, holding these funny wands and demanding we stay still while they ‘scanned’ us or something … Honestly, was there some big incident earlier today or something?”

“There was.” You admit.

“Seriously?” Akira exclaims, leaning over on the table. “What happened? Were you involved? Is that why you smell kinda like oil?”

“I’m not at liberty to say … wait, do I smell like oil?” You sniff yourself. Frag, you did.

“I could only smell it because the air around here usually smells so clean.” Akira says, “Otherwise, it’s not noticeable at all.”

“I see …” You nod, before picking up another bite of salmon with your chopsticks. Akira watches the morsel of food all the way from the plate to your mouth, before staring at the reconstitued excuse for food in her own boxed lunch and giving a barely audible sigh. Come to think of it, you’ve been noticing her stare at your lunch more and more the past few days.

>Offer to share some of your lunch

>Share some of your lunch, but take an equal amount of hers

>Don’t share your lunch, maintain an appropriate amount of distance

>>4148682
>Share some of your lunch, but take an equal amount of hers

Fairs fair succubus

>>4148682
>>Share some of your lunch, but take an equal amount of hers

>>4148682
>Share some of your lunch, but take an equal amount of hers
Theres something comforting about the old synth food.

Can we send out a message to some of the house guards asking how much they are allowed go tell us about what they learned about the robot? I'm curious. Like was it remotely controlled and if there was some signal or data trail that can be used to trace it back. Make and model number on it? Warrant/insurance stickers or bar codes? Something buggy about the A.I.? What's the model number (if its there) and what corporation products ed it so we can crossrefernce through them as to where and when it was purchased, and by who/whatever alias, considering this is Cyberpunk and you can bet your ass that someone used a Fake ID to purchase it? Can we take some of the weapons off the robot as a trophy? Do they plan to scrap it or refurbish it to utilize, or would repairs be too expensive? Are they going to check security footage/sensors to determine when it was slipped in or if there has been any tampering with the security system that would give the drone the time to slip in? Just how long has it been inside the compound? Did it have some rudimentary ID and persona AI to come off as someone that belonged here at first glace? Did they find any items in or on the android of interest (kimono, fan, ID, grenades? Are there any finder prints, DNA samples?

>>4148682
>Share some of your lunch, but take an equal amount of hers

I wonder if we can expect a raise.

You sigh.

“Here. Take a bite of whatever you want.” You offer, pushing forwards your plate.

“R-really?” Akira squeaks, “B-but I can’t. That’s your own food, Kentaro.”

“Don’t think you’re getting it for free.” You warn, “Here, gimme your fruit cup.”

“A-alright.” Akira says, passing you her fruit cup before grabbing a piece of chicken from your plate. “This definitely isn’t an equivalent exchange though …”

“Says who?” You ask, peeling open the fruit cup. “There’s something comforting about the old synth food anyways.”

“I-If you say so.” Akira says, gingerly popping the piece of chicken in her mouth. Her face immediately scrunches up in delight. “Wow, this is delicious! Thank you, Kentaro! This is the first time I’ve tasted real … what is this actually? I don’t know, ahaha!”

“It’s chicken.” You tell Akira, before sampling some of the so-called fruit in Akira’s fruit-cup. Now more than ever, you’re struck by how fake it tastes. Really, it’s just a cube of fructose and compacted gelatin colored with an inexpensive food-dye and immersed in sweetened corn syrup.

“Excuse me for disturbing your lunch.” A man in the uniform of the household guard steps forwards to your table. “Are you Seido Kentaro?”

“That’s right.” You reply, putting down your chopsticks. “And you are?”

“Sota Takahiro.” He says, flashing a pale-blue passcard near-identical to yours. “I work for Muramoto-san. He wishes to meet you.”

“Which one?”

“The younger one.” Ah. Kyune’s father then. In your two weeks of working in the Muramoto Household, you haven’t even seen a glimpse of him.

“Alright, you have me.” You say, getting up, “I’ll put myself in your care then.”

“I’m honored. Please follow me.”

Once you’re out of the staff lounge, Takahiro tries to make small talk. You politely oblige.

“I heard you transferred here right off of street work, Seido-san.”

“facility-raiding and mid-tier strong-arm work, really.” You clarify.

“I see … still, it’s quite the jump, isn’t it? I’ve never heard of that happening to anyone before.”

“Honestly, I haven’t either.”

Takahiro leads you up several staircases and down several corridors. You pass by Kaguya’s suite before moving deeper into the Upper-West Wing.

“How are you finding working for Household?”

“It’s much more comfortable than I ever expected to be.” You answer honestly. A day earlier, you would have mentioned it being a bit dull as well, but after the events of today, you really couldn’t say that anymore.

“I bet. I remember being holed up in a cramped apartment back down in the city … Anyways, I’m glad you’re already getting used to this place after such a short time. Already having fun with Hosoda-san, I see …”

“Huh?” The tone of Takahiro’s voice confuses you. “You know Hosoda-san as well?”

“Yeah.” Takahiro nods, “Akira-chan, right? She’s a fun girl. Incredible to tumble. Bouncy. A bit cheap-feeling, though … Of course, you already know, right?”

You stop in your tracks. “Come again?”

“Aren’t you sleeping with her?” Takahiro asks confusedly, “Ah, I must have misunderstood … but the way you were sitting together, sharing food … I thought that girl already made a deal with you.”

“That’s not the case.” You slowly say.

“Ah.” Takahiro gives a slight bows in apology. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding … but just so you know, Hosoda-san is one of the biggest sluts in the Household. And I mean that literally. She’s probably been fragged by half of the men working in the Household, and pleasured half of the remainder in one way or the other. It’s all to supplement her income as a maid, of course, although why she needs such a large disposable income is beyond me. But who knows what silly things women use up their money on?”

>”I see.” Don’t talk to Takahiro for the rest of the trip, or you might lose your temper.

>”Tell me more.” Sickened as you are, you’re slightly curious about these circumstances.

>”Takahiro-san, you’re twice her age. Do you feel no shame?.”

>”Don’t ever talk so disrespectfully about one of my friends ever again.”

>Challenge Takahiro to a duel right here and now.

>>4148958
>”I see.” Don’t talk to Takahiro for the rest of the trip, or you might lose your temper.
The specific phrasing sounds like gossip and slander. Let's not react though, or we can become a subject of gossip ourselves.
If she propositions us, we'll know for sure. But right now there's no reason to believe him nor to get upset over the allegations. It's not like we're waifuing her yet

>>4148973
+1

Also I thought Kyune's father was the older one since she's the heir?

>>4148958
>>”I see.” Don’t talk to Takahiro for the rest of the trip, or you might lose your temper.

>>4148958
>”I see.” Don’t talk to Takahiro for the rest of the trip, or you might lose your temper.

>>4148973
You makes a whole lot of sense
>This<

>>4148982
Nice catch anon, I'm retarded. I guess I'll commit sudoku then.

Maybe I should stop writing updates when I should be sleeping instead.

>>4148958
>”Tell me more.” Sickened as you are, you’re slightly curious about these circumstances.

File: RangakuSuite.jpg (649 KB, 1920x1138)

649 KB JPG

“I see.” You don’t say anything further, even though you’re fuming inside. You refuse to believe that the sweet, clumsy girl you knew was someone who would willingly be degraded to the point of selling herself. But there wasn’t anything malicious about Takahiro’s speech, he was probably just passing off slander he had heard, so you would let him off this time. Sensing that he has upset you somehow, Takahiro drops the conversation for the rest of the journey.

“We’re here.” Takahiro announces once he’s led you into an antechamber. In sharp contrast to the rest of the manor, the room here is built in a fusion between traditional and western styles. Takahiro knocks on a closed door decorated with a gorgeous mural of a peacock. “Lord Muramoto, I’ve brought your daughter’s bodyguard.”

With a low beep, the muralled door slides open.

“Send him in.” A languid voice drawls.

You step into a dark, smoke-filled room. The air inside is heavy with an aromatic, heady scent. As soon as you take a breath, a toxicity warning flares to life in the periphery of your vision. You pass by an elegant mahogany table crammed with empty and half-empty bottles of expensive liquor as well as traces of a white powder.

“Come closer.” The rich, soft, languid voice beckons you towards a wide, canopied bed obscured by heavy veils, behind which you see two figures reclining, a male one and a female one. An ornate hookah sits on a stand right next to the bed, it’s thin tube snaking behind the veil. “What is your name?”

“S-Seido Kentaro.” You stutter. You can feel your hair standing on end from that melodious voice, as well as an involuntary rushing of blood to your groin. It seriously creeps you the frag out. So this was Kaguya’s father.

“Seido Kentaro … What an unsophisticated name. So, Mr Kentaro … I hear you saved my niece’s life today …”

“T-that’s correct.”

“I suppose I owe you my thanks then.” The male figure blows out a plume of smoke which slowly diffuses through the veil to add it’s toxic, intoxicating aroma to the air. “But risking your life for anyone other than your Master … Tut tut, Mr Kentaro. Don’t you have any professional pride? What would my poor Kaguya do if something were to happen to you?”

“I-”

“A rhetorical question, Mr Kentaro.” Mr Muramoto interrupts you, “However, I want to be absolutely sure the one I put my daughter’s safety in understands what his priorities should be … so tell me, Mr Kentaro? To whom do you owe your loyalty?”

As soon as you understand Mr Muramoto’s question, you feel a shiver down your spine. You understand that right now, what will happen to you in the future will depend on how you answer this question.

>The corporation, to which you owe your skills and livelihood

>The one who you swore fealty to, Lady Kaguya

>As a professional, whoever is your employer

>>4149600
>What an unsophisticated name
Well, fuck you too buddy


>The one who you swore fealty to, Lady Kaguya

>>4149600
There is a trap here somewhere, but I don't know where.
>The one who you swore fealty to, Lady Kaguya

>>4149609
Well, it does literally mean "Precision Swordguy"...

>>4149600
>The one who you swore fealty to, Lady Kaguya

>>4149600
>The one who you swore fealty to, Lady Kaguya
>If I may have permission to explain my lord. At the given moment, Lady Kyune was in danger, not Lady Kaguya. My plan was to defend if not outright disable the drone while we back track to Lady Kaguya's location so they both might be watched over. This way I would be able to guard them to the best of my abilities until further help arrived.

Vote called, writing

>>4149703
Muramoto seems to me like the kind of a man who hates being talked back to, however reasonable it may be. I'd like to vote against this.

>>4149736
This is talking back to him? How?

>>4149752
He told us we were wrong. Trying to justify our actions is talking back.

>>4149760
Fair point

“Lady Kaguya. I am her retainer, I would owe my loyalty to no one else.” You answer honestly.

There is a long silence as Mr Muramoto considers your answer.

“Really, Mr Kentaro, I was hoping you would be less naive.” He eventually says. His companion begins softly giggling. You find the gentle sound oddly grating. “Don’t be mistaken, Mr Kentaro. This household is a battleground, a den of snakes. Everyone here is full of deceit and venom, no one more so than my dear Niece. To survive here, you will have to be much more careful with who you give your loyalty to …” Mr Muramoto’s turns his interest to his partner, fondling her and eliciting soft moans. “The way you are now, you are of no use to me. You are free to go now, Mr Kentaro.”
…

Takahiro meets you at the door. He guides you back to the staff lounge. But by then, Akira is gone and your food has been cleared away. It is past the end of your lunch break anyways. You return to the common room you left Kaguya, only to find her alone and patiently waiting.

“Kentaro-kun, you’re late.”

“My deepest apologies.” You bow, “It won’t happen again.

“Please see that it doesn’t.” Kaguya says, staring at you as if gauging your sincerity. It’s subtle, but her voice sounds more high-strung than usual. She must be on edge after the incident today. However, her expression softens into one of concern. “Is something the matter, Kentaro-kun? You look troubled.”

>It’s nothing. Let’s just get you to your next class.

>Kaguya-sama, do you feel safe living in this household?

>Kaguya-sama, what do you think of your Father?

>>4149780
>Kaguya-sama, do you feel safe living in this household?
I think shes worried about the weird knife drone incident earlier. Has this happened before?

>>4149780
>Kaguya-sama, do you feel safe living in this household?

>>4149780
>Kaguya-sama, do you feel safe living in this household?

>>4149780
>Also say that maybe we should be present during her archery practice and other activities where we weren't before. If she becomes a target of something like that robomaid there's no way she could recognize the danger in time.

>>4149780
>>Kaguya-sama, do you feel safe living in this household?

>>4149780
>Kaguya-sama, do you feel safe living in this household?

>>4149787
It is extremely unlikely for something like this to happen. The security in the manor is really top-notch.

>>4149939
That's just more reason to worry, because somehow it _did_ happen regardless.

“Kaguya-sama, do you feel safe living in this household?” You ask.

“Hmm … how should I answer this?” Kaguya muses … “I know that there are certain risks living here. But at the same time, there are people that I know I can rely on to keep me safe, like Kyune onee-chan and you, Kentaro-kun.”

You’re shocked by the maturity of Kaguya’s answer. And a little touched as well that Kaguya considered you so reliable. You swear that you will do your best to live up to her expectations.

“I’m honored you consider so reliable … Still, in light of the incident today, I think it would be wise for me to present during your classes for the time being so I can be close enough to protect you.”

“I agree.” Kaguya nods. In agreement, the two of you begin walking down the hallway. Even though it wasn’t strictly necessary, Kaguya had a tendency to change the rooms she met her tutors in halfway through the day. Even the stoic Kaguya-sama got tired of sitting in the same room every day. And it was an excuse for her to stretch her legs.

However, this time, you encounter someone on your journey. A forlorn looking small girl in a gorgeous western style dress is standing in the hallway, hugging a stuffed rabbit and looking at-loss at what to do. You immediately recognize her as Mr Muramoto’s daughter.

“Teru-chan?” Kaguya says, “Why are you alone? Where’s Seru-chan and Winslet-san?”

Teru hugs her rabbit harder. “I don’t know.” She mumbles.

>Step in as an adult

>Let Kaguya handle this

>>4150022
Look to our lady. If she nods then I suppose?
>Step in as an adult

>>4150022
>>Step in as an adult

>>4150022
>>Step in as an adult

>>4150022
>Step in as an adult

>>4150022
>X-ray scan Teru in case she's a murderbot

You look at Kaguya in a silent offer of assistance. Kaguya nods an okay.

“Hi there.” You kneel down so you’re eye-level “Teru-chan, wasn’t it?”

“Mmm-Hmm.” Teru nods. You’re struck by how much trust is in the small girl’s eyes. Growing up, you were taught to never talk, or even make contact with an adult you didn’t know. But after such a short time, this girl already trusted you completely. Feeling some paranoia from the incident before, you quickly give a thermal scan of Teru to make sure she isn’t another disguised assassin-drone. Everything you can read indicates that Teru is completely organic. She didn’t even have a port in her neck.

“Are you lost?” You ask in as gentle a voice as possible.

“No.” Teru gives a slight shake of her head, “I just don’t know where to go …”

Teru’s words confuse you. She definitely had a place she was supposed to be, a class or a defined place to play. But if she knew the way, then why didn’t she know where to go? “Teru-chan, don’t you have somewhere you should be?”

“Yes.” Teru mumbles.

Ah. You understand now.

“Did … you run away?”

“Yes.” Teru guiltily admits, burying her face in her stuffed rabbit’s head.

You sigh, then connect to the household network and make a request for Winslet’s channel.

[i”]Kentaro-kun? Have you found Teru?”[/i] You immediately get her message. Her voice rings in the inside of your head.

”That’s right. I found the lost princess. We’re in level two of the central complex.”

”Thank goodness. I’ll be there right away. Can you keep an eye on her until then?”

”Fine with me.” You end the call, turning back to your so-called ‘little princess’. “Teru-chan, why don’t you come with us for now? I’m sure someone will show up looking for you sooner or later.”

“O-okay.” She says, timidly grasping your synthskin hand.

“Ready? Let’s set off, then!” Kaguya says encouragingly, before continuing down the hall. IImpressively for a girl her age, Teru easily keeps pace with the both of you.

“... Your hand feels funny …”

“Is that so? Would Teru-chan like to describe to me how?”

“It’s … rubbery.”

Well, just leave it to a Plutocrat child to be able to tell the difference between synthskin and the real thing. “I hope the feeling isn’t too strange.”

“No.” Teru squeezes your hand harder.

Kaguya leads you through and up an exotic flower garden built on a series of narrow terraces cut into the face of the mountain, stopping at a cool pavilion which was just high enough to peek over the manor’s wall and give a view of the mountainside all the way down to Noir.

“This is my favorite spot in the manor.” She explains as you enter the pavilion.

“Kaguya-chan. You’re late.” An irritated-sounding man sitting at a table scolds.

“My apologies, Fujikawa-san.” Kaguya bows, “I encountered company on the way.”

“I see - oh!” Fujikawa-san’s gruff demeanor evaporates as soon as he spots Teru, overwhelmed by the wave of charm that accompanied the meeting of a small Plutocratic child for the first time. “And who’s this? Come to enjoy the flowers?”

“A pleasure making your acquaintance. Allow me to introduce myself as Teru Muramoto.” Teru curtsies cutely. Plutocrat child or no, if Winslet-san was the one responsible for teaching such a small child such good manners, then you’ve gained a lot more respect for the woman.

“A pleasure.” Fujikawa-san almost involuntarily plays along, getting up and giving a deep, formal, western-style bow. “But unfortunately, we will have to save further pleasantries for another day. Kaguya and I have quite a lot of work to do today.”

“Is it hard work?” Teru asks.

“Oh yes. Very hard ...”

You hurry Teru to the other end of the pavilion before she charms Kaguya’s tutor into giving up lessons altogether in favor of playing teatime. But now you were stuck with a problem. You had to entertain her until Winslet arrived.

>Just keep her out of trouble

>”So why did you run away?”

>”Hey, nice rabbit. What’s its name?”

>Wait, is that Kyune down there in the garden? Why is she picking flowers?

>>4151060
>”Hey, nice rabbit. What’s its name?”

>>4151060
>”Hey, nice rabbit. What’s its name?”
>While spying after Kyune

>>4151060
>>”Hey, nice rabbit. What’s its name?”

>>4151060
>”Hey, nice rabbit. What’s its name?”
Search up bunny facts to throw her way, like how there is/used to be really really big bunnies that exist.

>>4151238
"Teru-chan, did you know that bunnies eat their own poo?"

>>4151060
>Hey, nice rabbit. What’s its name?”

>>4151087
+1

“Hey, nice rabbit.” You say, gesturing at Teru’s stuffed rabbit, “What’s its name?”

“Hazel.” Teru answers, “He says he’s four years old.”

“Oh, I see. That would mean he’s 44 in rabbit years.” You say, quickly searching up a rabbit-human year calculator.

“No, he’s older …” Teru corrects you, “Rabbits can’t count past four.

“Ah … that’s right.” You say. You don’t know if that was correct, but you weren’t going to disagree with her. Judging from how worn out the rabbit looked, that rabbit certainly looked older than four.

“You know, there’s a rabbit on the moon.” You say, regaling Teru with the old fairy tale, “He’s always pounding the ingredients for mochi.”

“My favorite food is mochi …” Teru says. “Kaguya-onee must miss the mochi from the moon. She must miss her pet rabbit as well ...”

“Wait … Are you talking about our Kaguya?”

Teru nods. “Seru always says she’s not the Princess Kaguya from the moon. But she’s so pretty! Only my Mom is more pretty … and maybe Kyune-onee-sama.”

>You’re right. Kaguya’s the Kaguya from the moon.

>Sorry. Kaguya’s human just like the two of us.

>You kids get funny ideas. (Ruffle hair to distract her)

>>4152185
>You’re right. Kaguya’s the Kaguya from the moon.
Regardless of what gets chosen, ruffle hair.

>>4152185
>>You’re right. Kaguya’s the Kaguya from the moon.

>>4152185
>You’re right. Kaguya’s the Kaguya from the moon.

>>4152185
>You’re right. Kaguya’s the Kaguya from the moon.

“You’re right.” You tell Teru, “Kaguya’s one and the same as Kaguya-hime from the stories.”

“I knew it! Kaguya really is the princess of the moon!” Teru exclaims. “That’s why she had to live in the city even though she was a princess, just like with the old Bamboo Cutter. Then when Uncle realized how beautiful she was, she came here to live in a palace like a real princess!”

You nod along with Teru’s excited babbling, not really following most of it although you manage to get the gist of it. When she calms down, you entertain her with a list of rabbit trivia that you pull off the net. You get the feeling that she already knows everything you’re telling her, but she still listens enthusiastically anyways.

It’s not long until Winslet comes to pick Teru up with Seru in tow.

“Thank you for watching Teru, Mr Seido. I’m sorry that you had to do so on such a short notice.” Winslet says.

“Oh no, it was no trouble at all. A pleasure, even.” You reassure Winslet. In the corner of your eye, you see Teru poking her tongue at her brother.

>Ask why she ran away

>Tell her how polite Teru was

>Comment on her interest in rabbits

>Ask her not to be too hard on the kids

>>4152837
>>Ask why she ran away
>>Tell her how polite Teru was

>>4152842
This

I guess once they're gone we can afford to do a little mediation while we wait for our lord to finish?

>>4152837
>Tell her how polite Teru was
>Comment on her interest in rabbits

>>4152837
>Tell her how polite Teru was

I just realized that I should have been using sensei instead of san for referring to Kaguya's tutors.

Man, Japanese honorifics are tough. May anonymous forgive me for setting my quest in a weeb setting.

>>4153498
After Akira straight up referred to us as -kun, this is nothing.

>>4152837
>Ask why she ran away
>Tell her how polite Teru was

>>4152842
supp

“You should have seen how she greeted Fujikawa-sensei.” You say, “It’s impressive how polite Teru-chan is even though she’s so young.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that Teru didn’t cause any trouble for you.” Winslet says, “Teru, is it true what Mr. Seido is saying?”

“Yes, it’s true Miss Winslet.” Teru replies rotely.

“Well, it’s good to find out you’re listening during our lessons on etiquette.” Winslet praises Teru, giving her a light pat on the head. Despite having been upset with Winslet earlier, Teru can’t help but smile from receiving the approval of her governess.

“What I’m wondering is why Teru-chan ran off in the first place.” You ask. The question had been on your mind since you found out Teru ran away in the first place. Maybe slowly learning more and more about the Muramoto family was making you more inquisitive. That rabbit hole went pretty deep.

“Oh, it wasn’t anything serious.” Winslet assures you, “Some nonsense about her stuffed rabbit … Now Teru, are you going to let go of it by yourself?”

Teru vehemently shakes her head. “His name is Hazel. And Hazel hates the washing machine. And the maids are too rough with him.”

“Aww, it’s just a stuffed bunny!” Seru exclaims, “You haven’t washed it ever since you got it. It stinks!”

“Hazel doesn’t stink!” Teru cries back, seemingly on the verge of tears. “... At least not for a rabbit.”

“Um … excuse me …” Kaguya intercedes from the other side from the pavilion. Despite not seeming to shout, her voice carries clearly from the other side of the pavilion. “If Teru-chan is willing to entrust Hazel-san into my care for a short time, I could perhaps give him a bath by hand.”

“Really?” Teru gasps in delight.

“I would be happy to.” Kaguya promises her.

“Well, Teru? What do you say?” Winslet prompts her charge, “Miss Suzuki’s offer is quite generous, isn’t it?”

Teru nods, then shyly walks up to Kaguya. “Thank you, Kaguya-onee.” Teru mumbles.

“I promise to return him as soon as possible.” Kaguya solemnly swears.

Teru quietly mumbles another few words of thanks, then scampers off. “Being bathed by Princess Kaguya herself … Hazel’s a lucky rabbit!”
...

You sit back for the rest of Kaguya’s classes. At first you listen to the questions being asked and the topics being discussed. But you quickly realize you have no idea what Kaguya and Fujikawa-sensei were discussing, something about micro-ruptures in quantum foam, whatever that was.

You decide to meditate to pass the rest of the day. But no matter how much you try to clear your mind, a niggling thought remains. Had there been a shadow of hurt when Winslet called Kaguya ‘Miss Suzuki’?

Eventually, Kaguya’s classes for the day end.

“Let’s head back, Kentaro-kun.” Kaguya says, clutching Teru’s rabbit close to her chest.

>I’m surprised you know how to hand-wash a stuffed animal, Kaguya-sama

>Kaguya-sama, as much as it matters, I consider you as member of the Muramoto family

>When I said you’re like a princess from the moon, I meant it

>Say nothing. It’s the end of the day and both of you are tired.

>>4153584
>>Kaguya-sama, as much as it matters, I consider you as member of the Muramoto family
>>I’m surprised you know how to hand-wash a stuffed animal, Kaguya-sama

>>4153584
>I’m surprised you know how to hand-wash a stuffed animal, Kaguya-sama
If she doesn't actually know, would she like some help? As an (ex-) Enforcer I'm sure Kentaro knows all about cleaning blood and viscera out of his enforcer suits.

>>4153585
>I’m surprised you know how to hand-wash a stuffed animal, Kaguya-sama

>>4153585
>Kaguya-sama, as much as it matters, I consider you as member of the Muramoto family

“I’m surprised that you know how to hand-wash a stuffed animal, Kaguya-sama. It’s hardly a skill a refined young lady like you would be taught.” You comment as the two of you walk back towards Kaguya’s room.

“It was something that was necessary to learn in the conditions I grew up in.” Kaguya answers. Conditions Kaguya grew up in? What did she mean? Hadn’t Kaguya always lived inside the walls of the Muramoto Manor?

“I see … well if you need any help, I have some experience washing stained fabrics too.”

Kaguya tilts her head in curiosity. “That isn’t a skill I expected a former enforcer like you to have, Kentaro-kun. You would have made enough with your salary to visit a laundromat, didn’t you?”

“That’s true, but that would be money I would be unable to spend on other things.” You laugh, “Actually, I learned what I needed to know before I became an enforcer.”

“I see. So Kentaro-kun is quite practical.” Kaguya nods. “The knowledge of how to wash clothes is a skill that can only be admired.”

The two of you arrive back at Kaguya’s suite.

“Please come in, Kentaro-kun.” Kaguya beckons you at the threshold.

“Kaguya-sama? Is it entirely appropriate for me to enter?”

“You’re my retainer, aren’t you?” Kaguya says, “Besides, how else are you going to help me wash Tewi’s rabbit?”

“I … see.” You say. You can’t get over the idea in your head that it was rude to invade a young girl’s living space. But well, if Kaguya said it was okay …

You immediately feel more comfortable when you find yourself in a large, well-decorated living room with stairs leading up to a higher level. A semicircle of couches sat in the center of the room, appearing like an island in the ocean when compared to the size of the room. Kaguya’s archery set was displayed on an ornate stand in the corner. That’s right. Kaguya’s suite was closer to a house than a bedroom. You’re struck by how lonely such a small girl would be living alone in such a large space.

“Please wait here while I get the cleaning supplies.” Kaguya says, rushing off. She’ll be back soon. But until then, you’ve been left alone in her massive living room.

>Sit on the couch and wait.

>You can see an adjoining kitchen. What food does Kaguya enjoy?

>Examine what’s on Kaguya’s display shelves.

>... Why is there what looks like a tactical knife sitting on her mantle?

>>4154007
>Examine what’s on Kaguya’s display shelves.
>... Why is there what looks like a tactical knife sitting on her mantle?

>>4154007
>>Examine what’s on Kaguya’s display shelves.
>>... Why is there what looks like a tactical knife sitting on her mantle?

>>4154007
>Examine what’s on Kaguya’s display shelves.

>... Why is there what looks like a tactical knife sitting on her mantle?

>>4154015
+1

>>4154007
>Examine what’s on Kaguya’s display shelves.
Shameful anime merch? BL manga? Boys band posters?
>... Why is there what looks like a tactical knife sitting on her mantle?

You take a look at the varied items displayed on Kaguya’s shelf. The shelves themselves were interesting, consisting of wooden frames of various sizes forming a graceful abstract pattern on the wall. However, most of the items seemed to have nothing to do with Kaguya. There were tons of antique porcelain, statues, and ornamental things you didn’t even know what to call. They looked like things you would pass by in a streetside antiques market, except genuine. However, what catches your eye is flower arrangements. One consisted of several branches of plum blossoms stuck into a glass vase, arranged tastefully to give the impression of a picture of a mountain. The other was … well, you knew next-to-nothing about flower arrangement, but even you could tell that this one was exceptional. Many kinds of flowers, from wildflowers to river reeds to exotic orchids, stuck out from an ornate traditional urn. But the way they presented drew your attention to a single, bloodred centipede lily which rose out from among the other flowers, giving the both the impression that it was both presiding over and isolated from the other flowers.

You look around the rest of the room for other items of interest … wait, was that a sheathed tactical knife on the mantle? It looked just like the Type-88 Tanto-point that was standard issue for enforcers. Actually, you’re pretty sure it is one. You’re sure you have yours at the bottom of a trunk somewhere. The Type-88 was a good combat knife, although admittedly pretty useless when half your opponents you were going to face had knife-resistant subdermal armor.

“Kentaro-kun.” Kaguya walks back into her living room, carrying a full wash basin as well as a bag of cleaning supplies. “Did you find anything interesting in my living room?”

>Your knife … You have good taste, Kaguya-sama.

>Those flower arrangements. Did you do them?

>I wouldn’t know what to do if I had a room as large as yours.

>Your … Whoa! Are you okay carrying that water basin?

>>4154367
>>Your knife … You have good taste, Kaguya-sama.

>>4154367
>Your knife … You have good taste, Kaguya-sama.
>Whoa! Are you okay carrying that water basin?

>>4154367
>>Your knife … You have good taste, Kaguya-sama.
>>Those flower arrangements. Did you do them?

>>4154370
+1

Vote called, writing

“Your knife …” You comment, “You have …”

“Kentaro-kun, please don’t touch that.” Kaguya interrupts you sharply, even though you are nowhere close to touching it. She hurriedly puts down her cleaning supplies and snatches the knife from the counter as if she doesn’t even want you to see it.

“Oh … alright.” You say. You could see the topic of the knife upset Kaguya.

“I’m sorry …” Kaguya apologizes, “I know that you didn’t mean anything, Kentaro-kun. It’s just … I guess my living room isn’t as ready to receive guests as I thought … We’ll start cleaning the rabbit soon. Just wait a little longer.”

Kaguya rushes upstairs with the knife, disappearing out of view.

>Maybe Kaguya will be impressed if you start washing the rabbit without her

>Kaguya will DEFINITELY be impressed if you finish washing the rabbit by the time she’s back (Hard Roll)

>Kaguya probably wants you to wait for her. Besides, your time will be better spent think about what to say to her (Write-In Required)

>>4154719
>Kaguya probably wants you to wait for her. Besides, your time will be better spent think about what to say to her (Write-In Required)
Have you've ever played a game called Dungeons and Dragons?

>>4154735
Alright, seems a bit random. Explain yourself.

>>4154740
Well Kaguya no matter how proper she is, is still a child. It's also been hinted in previous threads that she used to living in the lower levels of the city, or as a "commoner." She also had some interest in the games we mentioned (I think). Maybe it might be worthy trying to find some common ground between her and Kentaro and talking about things they might have in common. I.e. games like table top, sci-fi, retro, etc.

>>4154719
>Kaguya probably wants you to wait for her. Besides, your time will be better spent think about what to say to her (Write-In Required)
Tell her a funny story from our enforcer days. Choose something without violence.

>>4154719
>>Kaguya probably wants you to wait for her. Besides, your time will be better spent think about what to say to her (Write-In Required)
That flower arrangement, the one with the lily, represents how you feel doesn't it?

>>4154719
>>4154771
Switching to this immediately.

It’s not long until Kaguya comes back downstairs. But the atmosphere between you two is now stilted and awkward. Kaguya carefully washes Teru’s stuffed rabbit without really paying attention to what she was doing. You’re left with nothing to do but sit back. Kaguya’s been growing more comfortable with you in the past two weeks, but you get the feeling that she had shown you a side of herself she hadn’t wanted to and was now temporarily closing herself off to you.

But how to make herself open up to you again?

“Kaguya-sama …” You break the silence between the two of you, “Mind if I speak?”

“Please don’t let me stop you.” Kaguya neutrally says.

“That flower arrangement on the shelf … the one with the lily, it represents how you feel, doesn’t it?”

>Roll 3 1d20’s to soften Kaguya’s shell. You will need 2 successes.

I really thought anons would take the hint with the knife being a standard-issue knife for Enforcers. But anyways, let’s see how good Kentaro is at smoothing things over.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4155145

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>4155145
AUTISM POWERS GOOOO

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4155145

>>4155148
>>4155180
>>4155195
We fucked up boys

“That arrangement isn’t mine. It’s Kyune onee-chan’s arrangement. I wouldn’t be allowed to pick those centipede lilies.” Kaguya says. She seems no more open than before.

“I see. So they’re Kyune-sama’s.” You nod. Kaguya doesn’t seem to be in the mood to talk, so you leave her alone. When Kaguya isn’t paying attention to you, she’s so quiet and unobtrusive that she might as well not be in the room. You wonder why an innocent girl like her would ever develop a presence like hers. It went beyond simple shyness and into an intentional wish to not be noticed.
In the end, Kaguya finishes hand-washing the rabbit entirely by herself, leaving you with nothing to do but stew in silence.

“What about those flowers made you think of me though?” Kaguya asks you out of nowhere, while the two of you wait for the rabbit to dry.

“Kaguya-sama?” You’re taken by surprise by Kaguya’s question, rather, demand.

“I want to know, Kentaro-kun. Why did you think about me when you saw those flowers?”

“Well … How should I describe it?” How should you describe the feeling of regal loneliness the flower gave off tactfully? Should you even? “Well, I know nothing about flower arrangement, so I have no idea why they would make me think that way.”

“I see.” Kaguya disappointedly says. For the first time, you can clearly see what she is feeling from her expression. It is an expression that said I thought you would be able to understand me. But I obviously asked too much of you. But more than angry or disappointed, Kaguya looks hurt.

Eventually, the rabbit dries.

“Kentaro-kun, could you return the rabbit to Teru-chan?”

“Huh? Kaguya-sama, you’re not going to return it yourself?”

“I’m sorry …” Kaguya apologizes, “I need time to myself, I might not be able to deal with meeting anyone else today ... Thank you, Kentaro-kun.”

With Kaguya leaving no room for argument, you leave Kaguya’s suite with Teru’s rabbit in her arms. The journey to the part of the Upper-West Wing where the main part of Mr Muramoto’s family lived wasn’t a short one, and on the way, you pass by many maids that give strange stares, wondering why the tall, intimidating enforcer was carrying a stuffed rabbit in his arms.

When you reach your destination, the first thing you see is Teru sitting on a chair, impatiently swinging her feet. Her face lights up as soon as she sees you, but falls again when she sees that Kaguya isn’t with you.

“Where’s Kaguya-Onee?” She whines, a disappointed look in her eyes.

>She’s busy (Be vague)

>She’s a bit tired, so she’s taking a nap (Lie)

>She’s a bit upset right now (Be honest)

>Shouldn’t you be happier that Hazel’s back? (Distract, nuzzle her with rabbit)

>>4155666
>>She’s a bit upset right now (Be honest)

>>4155666
>She’s a bit upset right now (Be honest)

Oh yeah what was Kaguya's roll btw?

>>4155720
I've been assuming the DC is always at 10.
Man I still think we should've nerded out.

>>4155666
>She’s a bit tired, so she’s taking a nap (Lie)

>>4155722
That's right. DC is always 10 against someone or something is actively struggling against you.

>>4155666
>She’s a bit upset right now (Be honest)

>>4155849
+1

“Kaguya’s a bit upset, right now?” You tell Teru.

“Why?” Teru asks with childlike frankness.

“Sometimes people get upset. It’s just what happens.” You say, adopting the vague tone of an adult trying to explain something to a child while avoiding any real explaining. “Anyways, she cleaned Hazel like she said she would. So? What do you think?”

Teru takes her rabbit back from you and nuzzles the back of it’s head. She still looks a bit dissatisfied. “Was it you who got Kaguya-onee upset?” She asks with armor-piercing directness.

You scratch the back of your head and hope Teru won’t be able to read the grimace on your face. “Well … she’s not angry at me, so I don’t think I’m at fault.”

“Princess Kaguya would never get angry though.” Teru insists, “She’s too gentle … Not like Kyune onee-chan.”

“Oh? Does Kyune-sama get scary when she’s angry?” You ask.

Teru nods. “Usually she just tickles … but sometimes, she’ll flick me and Seru’s forehead instead!”

You can imagine how scary an angry Kyune would be to a small child.

“Well, since I got Hazel-san home, I’ll be taking my leave now.” You say, turning around, only to be stopped by a small tug on the back of your shirt.

“Please tell Kaguya I said thanks for bathing Hazel.” Teru says.

“I will.” You promise.
…

You slowly wander back to your quarters. The day is over now. You’ll be left to your own devices until morning. Hopefully, Kaguya will be back to normal by then.

But when you open the door to your room, you find a surprise. On your living room table is a tray with a bottle of strawberry soda, as well as a note.

Hope you enjoy this bottle. I’ll have to acknowledge you saving my life formally some day. But until then, this will have to do.

Also, I have information to share with you. Meet me halfway up the mountainside road at midnight. The manor has too many places where someone might overhear us.

Throw out the note when you’re done with it.

- Kyune

What was Kyune planning, you wonder. What information did she have to share with you? Did it have to do with the attack today?

Well, whatever it was, you didn’t have to worry about it until tonight. But what would you do until then?

>Check on Kaguya to see if she’s feeling better

>Contact someone you know. You could use some company.

>Check the company catalog. You want to update your gear.

>Plug in and game the time away. (Essentially a timeskip)

>>4155903
>>Check the company catalog. You want to update your gear.

>>4155903
...it was Toshi's knife and I only realized it just now. I'm a big dumb.

>Eat the note, wash it down with the soda.
>Check on Kaguya to see if she’s feeling better

>>4155910
Holy fuck yeah me too.
This, and if we're allowed to do anything else then
>Contact someone you know. You could use some company.
>Check the company catalog. You want to update your gear.
If we dont have to need in cyberspace with Neon then a simple message will suffice, but if privacy is a matter than do go talk to her.o

>>4155903
>Check the company catalog. You want to update your gear.

>>4155945
The next thread will feature Neon pretty heavily, so I'm going to ignore the other part. Otherwise, I'll combine the options since they seem pretty compatible.

Writing

The first thing you need to do is get rid of the note. Throwing it out, even torn up, led to a risk of someone discovering and reading it. So instead you scrunch it up to a small pellet, swallow it, and wash it down with a swig of strawberry soda. Man, you just drank something that cost about what you make in a month. You smile derisively to yourself. You were living the high life here, weren’t you?

Well, the first thing you want to do with your time is check on Kaguya to see if she is feeling better now. You walk outside and rap gently on her door frame. No answer. After waiting a short while, you knock again, a little harder. But still, even after waiting even longer, the door doesn’t open. You consider calling her name, but if Kaguya really didn’t want to see you, that would only annoy her. You honestly still don’t understand why she had gotten so upset. Where had it started? First, you had asked her about that knife, and then … Wait … That knife …

With a groan, you slam your head against the wall. That knife … it had been Toshi’s hadn’t it? How had you not realized that sooner? You’ve been warned again and again not to bring him up and then … Frag, you were stupid.

You understand now that Kaguya was definitely not in a mood to see you, or anyone, no matter what, so you slink back to your room. You would just have to give her time and see if she returned to her normal self. If she didn’t then, well, you had no one else to blame did you? There was nothing you could do but wait.

But back to more serious issues. You pull up the company arms catalog you found the other day. The attack today had woken you up from the stupor you had been in ever since you’ve gotten used to life in the Manor. As comfortable as it seemed here, that also meant that your enemies were much harder to spot. You were lucky that the Spider-Maid today hadn’t been bulletproof. If you wanted to be ready for any threat, you would need to update your arsenal. If you compose a good-enough request, you might even get some of what you want.

Cybernetic Upgrades (Choose wisely)
>Concealable limb weapon (Decreases dexterity, increases unorthodoxy)
>Cyberwarfare package (Replaces installed aim-assistance package)
>Ectrodactyl hand (Increases dexterity, decreases grip strength)
>Upgraded Sensory Suite (Decreases ECM Hardening)

Firearms (Choose One)
>Short-Barreled Light Howitzer
>Suitcase-concealed Microauto
>Flechette Catapult (Requires specialized ammunition)

Ammo (Choose Two)
>Explosive (Incompatible with lighter calibers)
>Hypervelocity Armor-Piercing (Wears out gun)
>Manshredder (Ineffective against armor)
>Spreadshot (Even more ineffective against armor)

Fighting Knives (Chose One)
>Monomolecular Wakizashi
>Concealable Wristblade
>Swiss Multitool

>>4156672
>Ectrodactyl hand (Increases dexterity, decreases grip strength)
>Suitcase-concealed Microauto
>Hypervelocity Armor-Piercing (Wears out gun)
>Swiss Multitool
On the off chance we drop a weapon we can always punch. Would getting cyber knuckle spikes be too invasive?

>>4156783
Yeah, if you go with the Ectrodactyl Hand. Not enough room then. However, you could go for finger-blades instead in that case.

>>4156672
>Upgraded Sensory Suite (Decreases ECM Hardening)
Detecting a threat is the most crucial step to neutralizing it.
I'd like to note that swordfighting requires grip strength.

>Short-Barreled Light Howitzer
As cool as a suitcase SMG is, it would require us to lug around a suitcase.

>HE for the howitzer
>HVAP for the pistol
With our aim-assist we don't really need manshredder's damage or spreadshot's extra hit chance.

>Swiss Multitool
Utility!

>>4156951
You're not going to be able to lug around a Light Howitzer in public. Are you trying to give the maids a heart attack?

>>4156968
Heavy weaponry only makes a man more handsome.

>>4156996
Whoa whoa, slow down there. You're going to distract them from their work.