>>4630307
>”Why is the fifth day special?"

>>4630307
>”Thanks, Meta.”
Turn to the behatted waiter
>"Uh, just out of curiosity, can you actually see out of that thing?"

>>4630307
>”Why is the fifth day special?”

>>4630355
Supporting this

>>4630307
>”Why is the fifth day special?”

File: 85.png (2.16 MB, 1832x2510)

2.16 MB PNG

>>4630348
>>4630368
>>4630394

>”Why is the fifth day special?”

"And why is the fifth day special?" You ask, reluctantly unfolding your cheeseburger.
“It’s not actually special.” Meta smirks. “I just wanted cheeseburgers. ”
“Yeah.” You sigh. “I probably should’ve seen that coming from you.”
“Don’t look so sad, Onishima. Feel grateful that you have me!” The fiend sneers through a mouthful of cheeseburgers. “Makima’s other devils are downright nasty compared to me. Most would’ve torn that little devil brat in two. I’m probably the most human of them!”

The events of yesterday still weigh heavily on your mind. The Divination Devil and the Heart Devil were surprisingly amicable, even if more out of necessity than true friendliness. They both managed to eke out meager existences in hiding on the outskirts of human society. Moreover, the Heart Devil escaped your grasp and taunted you, and whatever you managed to divinate of her is still a mystery. However, today is more of an off-day for you. You got a call from the bureau yesterday evening and lined up a job for tomorrow, so you might as well take today to relax for a bit.

>”What are the rest of Makima’s devils like?”
>Think about the Heart Devil.
>Think about the Divination Devil.
>Write-In.

>>4630430
>”What are the rest of Makima’s devils like?”

I wanna know what I'm missing out on, ms saggy gut

>>4630430
>”What are the rest of Makima’s devils like?”
Hell yea it's back

>>4630430
>”What are the rest of Makima’s devils like?”

>>4630430
You're art style looks familiar. Who are you and what quests have you ran? Do you have links to the previous two threads?

>>4630430
>”What are the rest of Makima’s devils like?”

>>4630718
Previous thread is here >>4611767
Archive for thread 1 here http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4571951/

File: 86.png (2.16 MB, 1832x2510)

2.16 MB PNG

>>4630522
>>4630545
>>4630570
>>4630849

>”What are the rest of Makima’s devils like?”

“Oh yeah?” You’re curious now. “What are the rest of Makima’s devils like?”
“Well… technically, that’s top secret, but you’re still basically a bureau dog, so I’m sure she won’t mind... They’re all weirdos and downers.” Meta groans, resting her hand against her cheek. “I haven’t seen ‘em too much, but they’re a real pain. There’s this creepy one that acts all buddy-buddy with Makima. She never talks to anyone and gets her hair everywhere. And there’s this one with a floating donut.. He’s even worse. He doesn’t care about anything. It’s really annoying.”
“I’m guessing that they eat a lot less than you.” You watch her unwrap her second burger.
“Yeah, yeah. Anyways, you should think about joining the bureau again.” She offers quietly, taking a sip from her shake. “You’d be able to stay partnered with me in that new division, like the rest of those devils. I could save your life over and over, like I’ve already done, and you could keep buying me food. No one else buys me food like you.”

Before you can get out an answer, the burger-headed man approaches the two of you. “Excuse me, hunter.” He tilts the mascot head at you. “Do you mind if I have a word with you and your fiend? It’s urgent.”

>”Do I know you?”
>”We’re busy right now.”
>Write-In.

>>4630987
>”Do I know you?”

>>4630987
>>”Do I know you?”
If this is one of those stupid customer experience surveys..

>>4630718
>You're art style looks familiar. Who are you and what quests have you ran? Do you have links to the previous two threads?

I ran Hikikomori Quest a while back. You might remember me from Paranormal Playboy Quest or Delinquent in Love Quest though?

>>4631075
I do. Those were great.

>>4630987
>”Do I know you?”

File: 87.png (1.91 MB, 1832x2510)

1.91 MB PNG

>>4631109
>>4631074
>>4631032

>”Do I know you?”

“Do I know you?” You shoot the burger-man a look.
“We met yesterday. hunter. I am the Heart Devil.” The devil responds coolly. “I realize that the timing is awkward. Believe it or not, I’d rather not use the talking burger as a mouthpiece.”
“Gah! You sure are stupid, showing yourself to us like this!” Meta sneers. She points a finger at the man as a colony of mushrooms caps blossom up over her hand. “You want to get splattered here?”
“I’m not here to fight you. In fact, I’d rather never see you again, but you were the closest devil hunter I could speak to without definitely arousing some suspicion in the bureau.” The burger man takes a step back from your fiend. “I’d like to ask for your help killing a devil. You like killing devils, don’t you? It’s an urgent matter.”

>”What’s in it for me?”
>”What are the details?”
>”Find another hunter.”
>Write-In.

>>4631139
>”What’s in it for me?”
>”What are the details?”

>>4631139
>”What’s in it for me?”
We kill devils for money, not because we're nice guys.

>>4631139
>”What’s in it for me?”

We clearly don't like killing devils enough or this mushroom would be compost

>>4631139
>”What’s in it for me?”
>”What are the details?”
>”Also, how can you see out of that thing?”

File: 88.png (1.91 MB, 1832x2510)

1.91 MB PNG

>>4631146
>>4631147
>>4631161
>>4631175

>”What’s in it for me?”
>”What are the details?”

“What’s the ‘urgent matter?’” You remain stony-faced.
“A local highschool sent a few classes out for a field trip to some hot spring resort up in the mountains early this morning. A ‘family member’ of mine was among the class.” The burger responds, its tone solemn. “The buses were attacked some distance from the city limits by a hostile fiend. It crashed the buses in a nearby field and began to turn students inside out.”
“And what’s preventing you from just calling in the public bureau?” You frown, taking another bite from your burger.
“I can’t report the attack without attracting some questions myself. The wreck is tens of miles from a working payphone, so they’re effectively stranded right now.” The burger responds. “The.. remaining students are being hunted right now. The ‘family member’ is still alive, but it’s best that you’d hurry. The fiend seems focused on killing every single student here.”
“And what’s in it for me?”
“You’d really wager the lives of human children for your personal gain? Of course. I should’ve known.” The burger man’s voice twists in disgust. “I’d bet that the bureau would provide an appropriate payment for killing the fiend--probably more than usual, since it’s so dangerous. If you really want cash, I could donate some ‘family’ funds. Would that satisfy you?”

>Agree to take the job.
>Deny her.
>Ask for another form of payment. [Write-In.]
>Write-In.

>>4631189
>Agree to take the job.

Ok we didn't know the circumstances when we voted for that question, now we look like jerks. Why didn't the Divination devil warn us about this!!!?!?!?!?!?

>>4631189
>Agree to take the job.

>>4631189
>Agree to take the job.

File: 89.png (2.16 MB, 1832x2510)

2.16 MB PNG

>>4631200
>>4631213
>>4631227

>Agree to take the job.

"I'll take it." You stand from the booth to your fiend's disappointment, laying the half eaten burger down.
"You’ll have to drive. I’ll lend you this guy’s car.” The burger tosses you a key ring. “I’m unsure of the exact location, but from what I’ve seen, I’d hazard that it’s along this route..”

He sketches a rough map on a napkin.

“I’d prefer not to get anyone else involved, so I’ll keep this body here and meet you there from the ‘family member's’ body.” It passes you the napkin. “As for the fiend-.. You’ll know it when you see it. It’s not making much of an effort to hide itself. If it helps, it’s the flying one wearing an astronaut helmet orbited by corpses.”

“Gggh. Such a pain. At least let me eat breakfast, first..” The mushroom fiend groans, scooping up a handful of burgers. “Why’s it always in the morning with devils..?”
“Try to hurry. I’d prefer to prevent any unnecessary deaths.” The Heart Devil stares grimly. "You'll get your payment when you've saved them."

[...]

“Oy. Onishima.” Meta leans in close to you as you exit the restaurant, her voice a low hush. “This is a devil, right? She threatened to kill me yesterday! And she’s wearing a stupid burger hat..! How do you know she’s telling the truth..?! Maybe she’s going to ambush and butcher us with that weirdo family of hers when we're too far to run, and then infest us into her 'family.'”

>"I'm willing to take that risk."
>"We could take them."
>"Maybe this wasn't a good idea.."
>Write-In.

>>4631282
>"We could take them."

remember all those sweet primordial contracts I have

So who is best girl? Is it the mushroom, or the "weh!" girl?

>>4631282
>"We could take them."

>>4631282
>"We could take them."
>Maybe Divine the situation using our Diviner Contract?

>>4631282
>"I'm willing to take that risk"
>"We could take them"
>>4631297
Mushroom Girl is best girl. She's so good of a best girl, that she actually makes the offer of going back to the bureau worth considering. If it wasn't for her, then it wouldn't even be a question. Like it's been said before, the bureau is a death trap.

>>4631282
>"I'm willing to take that risk."

>>4631282
>"I'm willing to take that risk"
>"We could take them"
I'm sensing we'll definitely have to pull out our more powerful contacts, seeing as this thing crashed a school bus.

File: 90.png (2.03 MB, 1832x2510)

2.03 MB PNG

>>4631289
>>4631299
>>4631300
>>4631307
>>4631316
>>4631315

>"I'm willing to take that risk."
>"We could take them."
>Maybe Divine the situation using our Diviner Contract?

“I’m willing to take that risk.” You sigh, swinging the key ring along your finger. It’s been a little while since you’ve driven. “I’m sure that we could take them.”
“Bweh. Fine.” Meta groans. “I’m eating the burgers in the car. That devil brat better not complain about getting crumbs in it.”

As you enter the boxy vehicle with your buddy, you set your hands on the wheel and check the napkin. It’s certainly a pretty sudden and tall order from the devil. Just in case.. “Divinate.”

THE HEART OF HEARTS CRIES IN HEAVEN,
SHE WANTS TO PLAY FINAL FANTASY 7.

You blink, the haze disappearing from your eyes. You couldn’t make sense of that if you tried.

[...]

“It’s freezing.” Meta proudly announces, shuffling out of the car after you to see the vast plains of tallgrass. “If I’d known we were going to the middle of nowhere, I’d have brought a coat. So annoying.. Slaughter that brat soon.”

The far outskirts of the city are surrounded by tall fields of waist length grass, bordered by mountainous ridges and forests. The normally quiet fields were marred by long stretches of rubber drag marks and smoke, crushed grass leading to a heap of crumpled metal-.. the wreckage of several buses off the main route to the mountains are smouldering, creating tall pillars of smoke that touch the clear sky. It seems she was telling the truth.

From your vantage point, you can see a small, hazy figure floating lazily around the field - maybe 10 or 15 meters from the ground. You’d hazard that that’s the cause of the crash. More importantly, a shorter girl in a high school uniform is wading through the grass to your parked car. She’s waving to you.

>Approach the girl.
>Approach the fiend.
>Write-In.

>>4631332
>Approach the girl.

The fiend can read the mood I hope.

>>4631332
>Approach the girl.
>Keep an eye on the fiend with a contract ready to go.

>>4631332
>Approach the girl.

>>4631332
>Approach the girl.

File: 91.png (1.97 MB, 1832x2510)

1.97 MB PNG

>>4631389
>>4631402
>>4631404
>>4631409

>Approach the girl.
>Keep an eye on the fiend with a contract ready to go.

You approach the girl, keeping an eye on the floating fiend as your buddy trails behind you. “‘Scuse me..?” You begin.

“Finally.” The highschooler sighs. Upon closer inspection, you catch a glimpse of the heart-shape in her eyes. She pants, clearly having sprinted here. “It’s me. The fiend has killed a few more students. You’d better hurry. From what I can tell, I’d guess it’s a.. space-related devil. It’s powers seem to be based on gravity. It can squish humans into paste if they get close, so you might want to keep your distance here..”
“Ehh? You’re in another human? I thought you were in the burger, though?” Meta scowls, imposing on the shorter girl. She places her hands on her hips and leans in close. “It’s getting confusing. Just pick a body, y’know? You’ll be a real pain to kill if you spread yourself out so much like that. Maybe stick with the brat.”
“You’re not particularly bright, are you?” The devil narrows her eyes at your buddy before turning to you. “You mind telling me some of your contracts, hunter? I might be able to give you some advice.”

>Tell her.
>Keep quiet about them.
>Write-In.

File: heartier.png (9 KB, 630x355)

9 KB PNG

Also, last post of the session!

>>4631480
>I contracted with the Nunya Devil. Nunya business."

>>4631480
>Keep quiet about them.
>I contracted with the Nunya Devil. Nunya business."

No way. We know how to do our job.

Thanks for running.

>>4631493
lmao

>>4631501
support this, she might not be actively trying to kill us but she's still a very shady devil who snatches bodies and runs a cult with mind-control. The only devil we trust here is Meta, and in a lesser way, divination devil.

Since, you know, you kinda have to trust divinations to make any use of an divination devil.

>>4631480
>Write-In.
>"The Agni Devil and the Kino Devil."

>>4631493
This

>>4631480
>Keep quiet about them.
>"I contracted with the Nunya Devil. Nunya business."

>>4631493
This.

>>4631493
Too good to pass

>>4631480
Hand holding with Meta when

>>4632230
Dude wtf this is a christian site

File: 92.png (1.97 MB, 1832x2510)

1.97 MB PNG

>>4631493
>>4631501
>>4631526
>>4631564
>>4631589
>>4631688
>>4632105

>I contracted with the Nunya Devil. Nunya business."

“I contracted with the Nunya Devil. Nunya business.”
“How very cute. You and your fiend are made for each other.” The devil scowls, folding her arms. “Go and get yourself killed, then.”
“Bah. ‘Tis an easy fight!” Meta snorts, motioning to the floating fiend. “I’ve killed far mightier devils before!”
“How? Going to throw a mushroom at it? Or maybe eat a cheeseburger and hope it dies of old age?” She sighs. “You need to think here. It’s like in a fighting game, you-”
“We don’t need your help, devil brat. We’re devil hunters! We’ll be fine.” Meta shrugs her off, grabbing your arm and pulling you into the tall grass. “Psst. Onishima. You’d better have some good contracts. It’ll be embarrassing to get killed now.”

>Try to observe the fiend from a distance.
>Try to get closer.
>Accost the Heart Devil for information.
>Write-In.

>>4632331
>Accost the Heart Devil for information
>Ask if theres a copy of Final Fantasy VII in the school

>>4632340
I don't know, shouldn't we have asked that before? Oh well.

Still, i think that we should be smart about this.

>>4632331
>Try to observe the fiend from a distance.
>''I got my contracts, but do you think you can hit a levitating target? From a little distance of course. ''

>>4632331
>Try to observe the fiend from a distance.
We need more info.

>>4632331
>Try to get closer

We can't kick its ass without getting closer

>>4632331
>Try to observe the fiend from a distance.

>It’s powers seem to be based on gravity. It can squish humans into paste if they get close, so you might want to keep your distance here..”
so why are you voting to get close? are you speedreading?

Heart Devil
>WITH A FRIEND SHE'S COME TO MOURN
>THE HEART DEVIL BEATS SOMEWHERE WARM.
>>>>
>THE HEART OF HEARTS CRIES IN HEAVEN,
>SHE WANTS TO PLAY FINAL FANTASY 7.
Is this supposed to mean that the Heart Devil is probably within a warm building? Or did they go to some cemetary or warmer place in Japan? A funeral home?
Is the Heart Devil shit at playing Final Fantasy 7?
Axe Devil
>IT WALKS LIKE A HUMAN, COVERS IT TRACKS.
>BUT WHEN NIGHT FALLS, IT SWINGS THE AXE.
Is this new devil really a devil, or is it a fiend? Is this something se can find at night?

>>4632331
>Try to observe the fiend from a distance.
Maybe also keep an eye out for anything we can use to our advantage out here--foliage, boulders, etc.

File: 93.png (1.39 MB, 1832x2510)

1.39 MB PNG

>>4632384
>>4632498
>>4632526
>>4632593

>Try to observe the fiend from a distance.
>''I got my contracts, but do you think you can hit a levitating target? From a little distance of course. ''

"I got my contracts, but do you think you can hit a levitating target? From a distance, of course." You squint, lowering yourself into the tall grass. The fiend is coming into view now..
"Hmph. I could try the dirt ball trick again, but it'll be a hard throw, human. Those corpses are pretty good shielding." Meta responds, her cap peeking from the grass flanking her.

You’ve got a decent angle on the fiend now. It’s hanging upside down in the air and “walking” slowly through the sky. An astronaut helmet filled with stars covers her head, and tfiend’s long hair seems to defy gravity as it undulates around her gently. The body that she appears to have taken might’ve once been some kind of office lady, given the attire-.. a loose dress shirt and heels, from what you can make out. The corpses orbiting her in a lazy circle seem to be a mix of students and teachers. Moreover, it seems angry, it’s shrill, echo-y voice reverberating through the plains.

“I KNOW YOU’RE HERE, AXE!” The devil shouts shrilly, fists balled up. “Forcing me into this shitty body.. For every minute you don’t show yourself, I kill another human brat!”
A sudden low, bassy note echoes through the vast fields as a large, circular area of grass instantly flattens just below her - crushing the ground at the whims of a seemingly invisible force. You’d guess that’s how it’s been killing humans.

>Tell your buddy to attempt the projectile mushroom trick.
>Call forth a contract.
>Keep listening to the fiend.
>Return to the Heart Devil for advice.
>Write-In.

>>4632566
>A funeral home?
Are funeral homes particularly warm? Either way, it's our best lead so far.

Or maybe it's talking about emotional warmth. If that's the case, then the Heart Devil might slip up some personal details that could point us in the right direction if we keep probing her.

>>4632614
>Keep listening to the fiend
>Intervene with a contract if it's about to kill someone.

Okay, something's fishy here. There's obviously a third party involved, probably the Axe Devil from before, and Heart didn't mention anything about it.

How likely is it that the Heart Devil is sending us straight into a fight between two devils, so we get killed off? Would they gang up on us?

I say we hang back and watch for now, at least until we see someone in danger of getting crushed.

>>4632614
>Call forth a contract.

We can interrogate it after it's dead

>>4632614
Have Meta intentionally hit the corpses with a mushroom, let them spread and multiply, then hit the fiend with spores from the corpse mushrooms

>>4632566
Hmm, if we connect the heaven part with FF7, she might be holed up in a bar, which might be near a graveyard or something.
>>4632614
>Approach the devil
This thing is obviously not okay with this situation, might be worthwhile to offer it a hand with its Axe Devil problem.

>>4632620
Or maybe it's the hot spring resort. That qualifies as warm

>>4632614
>Tell your buddy to attempt the projectile mushroom trick.
We have the element of surprise for now--if we don't try this we'll have a hard time tossing anything at the Devil with her gravity powers. If we miss we can play it off as Meta being a jerk as usual.

>>4632614
>Call forth a contract. Divination
Alright there’s a second demon that heart didn’t tell us about

File: 94.png (1.74 MB, 1832x2510)

1.74 MB PNG

>>4632787
>>4632744
>>4632649

>Keep listening to the fiend
>Intervene with a contract if it's about to kill someone.
>Call forth a contract. Divination

You continue to eavesdrop on the fiend, staying low and close to the ground. “I know you’re one of these brats, axe..!” The fiend hisses, swinging around in the air. “What? Too scared of a proper fight? I’ll gut you with your own hands..!”
You focus on the drifting fiend and narrow your eyes, whispering under your breath: “Divination.”

WITH THE AID OF AN AXE’S BOON
EVEN A MORTAL COULD CUT DOWN THE MOON.

That’s a bit clearer of a prediction. Maybe this is the Moon Fiend..?
The fiend seems to have felt the presence of your contract - it swings in the air, contorting it’s body as the glowing ‘eyes’ in its starry visor dart around.

“What’s that? Another devil..?” The fiend murmurs. It begins to slowly float in your direction.

>Place some distance between yourself and the fiend.
>Retreat to the other devil for now.
>Order your buddy to throw a projectile shroom at it.
>Call up a contract. You could kill it with just one if you’re quick enough.
>Write-In.

>>4632826
>Call up a contract. You could kill it with just one if you’re quick enough.

We don't need no axe's boon

>>4632826
>Call up a contract. You could kill it with just one if you’re quick enough.

>>4632826
>Call up a contract. You could kill it with just one if you’re quick enough.

The Axe Devil has been killing devils and humans alike?

>>4632826
>Call up a contract. You could kill it with just one if you’re quick enough.

File: 95.png (2.04 MB, 1832x2510)

2.04 MB PNG

>>4632832
>>4632862
>>4632875
>>4632901

>Call up a contract. You could kill it with just one if you’re quick enough.

“O-oy. Onishima.” Meta jabs you, sweating. “It’s getting closer.”

Your few contracts are primarily offensive, with a focus on finishing fights quickly.
Your contract with the Fox Devil is a good trump card. The devil is quick to action, powerful, and has a vast range, so just one usage is almost always enough to kill a single foe. Unfortunately, the cost of the contract is some significant flesh usage. It’s not enough to seriously incapacitate you, but certainly enough to put a damper on combat for the rest of the day. You can usually use it about once per encounter.
Your contract with the Ghost Devil lets you call up to six of its arms for use in a fight. Although it’s messier than your contract with Fox, it's more useful when fighting multiple devils at a time. It’s also got a shorter range at about 15m, so you’d have to get relatively close to actually use it effectively. It costs about a week off your lifespan per arm, but you never expected to live particularly long, anyways.

Your contract with the Thirteen Devil is more utilitarian. It lets you manipulate chances in your favor. It can improve the chance of success of any action you take at the cost of significantly hampering the chance of success for the next next action. It’s tricky to get the timing right for it and it doesn’t play with your other contracts, but it can be useful in certain situations.

>”Kon.”
>”Ghost.”
>Write-In.

>>4632946
Use Meta's throwing shroom ta tics to disable the body shields, then utilize Kon.

>>4632971
this

>>4632946

>>4632971
This seems like a good bet. Teamwork makes the dream work

>>4632971
>>4633003
>>4633025

>Use Meta's throwing shroom ta tics to disable the body shields, then utilize Kon.

>Roll a 1d20 for Meta's throw. Best of 3.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4633030

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4633030
>>4633033
poggers

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>4633030

>>4633030
Is there as anything stopping us from making contracts with multiple devils?

File: 96.png (7.07 MB, 5223x3401)

7.07 MB PNG

>>4633033
>Rolled 18 (1d20)

>Use Meta's throwing shroom ta tics to disable the body shields, then utilize Kon.

"Meta." You begin, "Throw a projectile with mushroom spores in it at one of the bodies orbiting the fiend. I’ll use my contract once it drops ‘em.”
“Fine, fine. It’ll be embarrassing to die here, so..” Meta sighs, kneeling into the grass. She scoops up a ball of dirt and rolls it along her hands--you watch as the mycelium that blossoms up along her palms rolls into it. “MUSHROOM BOMB!”
“Mushroom bomb?” You echo, watching as the ball of dirt hurtles toward one of the orbiting corpses. It lands dead-on - just as it had with the Worm Devil, mushrooms sprout along the Moon Fiend’s corpse shield.
“Yeah.” Meta responds matter-of-factly. “It’s like a super move. You gotta call out your super moves, y’know?”


“G-gah! What the-..” The fiend screeches, twisting about in the air haphazardly. It drops the orbiting corpses out of shock--they fall unceremoniously to the ground surrounding her as she catches sight of you and your buddy. “Devil hunters..?!”
You fold your hand, angling the shocked astronaut between your fingers. “..Kon.” You whisper.
As expected, a monumental fox head bursts up from the sky, snapping its jaws shut around the fiend. It seems the mushroom bomb was a good idea--Fox could’ve mistaken one of the orbiting corpses for Moon.
“It’s a Moon Fiend.” The beastly voice hisses. “Is it okay to swallow?”

>Fine.
>Spit it out.

>>4633062
Nope, nothing stopping you from making contracts with other devils.

>>4633064
>Spit it out.

>>4633064
>Spit it out.
I assume it won't fight back after that, right?

>>4633064
>Spit it out.
Next time Kon, next time.

Is there anything we can do with the Fiend? Force it into a quasi contract?

Why haven't we clipped coupons or taken Meta out to buffets? That would save us a whole lot of money. McDonalds and Family burger no doubt have apps, coupons, and deals.

File: 97.png (7.06 MB, 5223x3401)

7.06 MB PNG

>>4633087
>>4633136
>>4633142

>Spit it out.

“Spit it out.” You command Fox.
The devil lolls out its tongue, revealing what remains of the fiend. Looks like it tore the thing in two. It spits the mangled devil onto the ground before dissipating in another haze of mist.

“Gahaha! ‘Twas easy. I saved your life again, Onishima!” Meta proudly proclaims, slapping you on the back. “And you finally used a contract.”

>Approach the fiend’s body.
>Return to Heart.
>Write-In.

>>4633175
>Approach the fiend’s body.

>>4633175
>Approach the fiend’s body.

>>4633175
>Approach the fiend’s body.

>>4633175
>Write-In.
"Moon Fiend. You still alive?"

Is it really safe too approach when it's the most dangerous up close?

File: 98.png (2.03 MB, 1832x2510)

2.03 MB PNG

>>4633184
>>4633192
>>4633215
>>4633184

>Approach the fiend’s body.

You slowly approach the fiend’s body--of course, still maintaining a healthy distance. Although fiends are largely privy to all the weaknesses, there’s still a fair chance that it clings to just enough life to squish you into nothing. Your buddy tags along, trailing behind you. The astronaut girl is certainly bisected--one half lies a fair distance from the other, a thin trail of entrails connecting the halves in the grass.

"Moon Fiend. You still alive?"

“Gggh-- damned.. devil hunters.” Moon’s upper half speaks up, its voice a half pained whisper. It raises its hand weakly, causing a few blades of grass to twist loosely. Although it’s still alive, you doubt that it has much longer left. “How did you..?”
“Gahaha! This is the fiend? Pathetic.” Meta sneers, placing her hands on her hips.

>Question it about the Axe.
>Question it about the Heart Devil.
>Write-In.

>>4633236
>Question it about the Axe.
>Question it about the Heart Devil.
>Write-In.
Can we make a contract with it once it's dead?

>>4633239
As a general rule, devils lose the ability to make contracts when they become fiends.

>>4633236
>Ask why it's crashing school buses out in the middle of nowhere.
>Question it about the Axe.
>Question it about the Heart Devil.
I'm most interested in what it knows about the Axe Devil.

>>4633239
>Question it about the Axe.
>Question it about the Heart Devil.

File: 99.png (2.03 MB, 1832x2510)

2.03 MB PNG

>>4633239
>>4633260
>>4633289

>Ask why it's crashing school buses out in the middle of nowhere.
>Question it about the Axe.
>Question it about the Heart Devil.

“You mentioned an Axe Devil.” You wince, realizing the pain - looks like the Fox Devil took some flesh from your leg. You’ll be walking with a limp today. “That devil forced you into a human body, right?”
“Rot in hell, devil hunter. You and that shitty axe. ” The fiend hisses, its voice wet and weak. “Killing its own kind.. Hiding as a human.. It’s not right in the head. I’ll slaughter you both in the next life.”
“And the.. Heart Devil?” You tentatively continue to prod it.

The fiend doesn’t respond, its hand gently falling to rest in the grass. It’s head lolls and the stars in its visor die.
“Gahaha! Another victory!” Meta proudly proclaims, approaching the corpse and giving it a solid kick. It tumbles through the tall grass. "'Twas the weaker fiend, after all."
“That’s another one.” You sigh. That's another to add that to your mental tally of devils killed this week. It’s more than you’ve killed in some months..

>Return to the Heart Devil.
>Write-In.

>>4633325
>Return to the Heart Devil.
>Write-In.
Call in the Public Safety folks. Might as well get double payed.

>>4633328
+1
We're done for the day, let the suits handle clean up.

>>4633328
>>4633325
Time to double dip.

>>4633325
As morbid as it sounds, can we keep the astronaught helmet as a souvenir, or is it fused with the corpse?

>>4633325
>>4633328
This. At the rate Meta's going through our food we'll be lucky if we break close to even.

File: 100.png (1.97 MB, 1832x2510)

1.97 MB PNG

>>4633328
>>4633338
>>4633343
>>4633346
>>4633364

>As morbid as it sounds, can we keep the astronaught helmet as a souvenir, or is it fused with the corpse?
>Return to the Heart Devil.
>Call in the Public Safety folks. Might as well get double paid.

Fortunately--or unfortunately--the astronaut helmet is fused to the body. It's more fleshy than you'd initially thought. You're unsure if you'd even want a souvenir of this fight, anyways. For some reason, the imagery of a bisected astronaut corpse strewn across a grassy field is making you.. uneasy.

[...]

Following a call from a nearby payphone, the quiet country field gets a whole lot more populated - medical teams, police forces, and bureau hunters appear to cordon off the scene and carry away both survivors and bodies. Although your time with the bureau has thickened your skin, you can’t say you’re completely unphased by the imagery. You watch the scene from the hood of the borrowed car, Meta sleeping in the backseat. Heart approaches you.

“..Good job.” The devil offers awkwardly.

>Ask for your payment.
>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.
>Ask if she had anything to do with the attack.
>Write-In.

>>4633374
>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.

>>4633374
>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.
>Ask her about Final Fantasy 7

>>4633374
>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.
>Ask her about Final Fantasy 7.
>Ask for your payment.
Even though the timing is pretty sus, I don't think accusing her of orchestrating this whole thing will do us any favors.

>>4633374
>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.
>Ask for your payment.

>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.
>Ask her about Final Fantasy 7

File: 101.png (1.97 MB, 1832x2510)

1.97 MB PNG

>>4633382
>>4633392
>>4633396
>>4633398
>>4633415

>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.
>Ask her about Final Fantasy 7.
>Ask for your payment.

“From what I heard, it sounded like the Moon Fiend was after revenge on some kind of ‘Axe Devil’.” You recount. “You know anything about it?”
“I heard it shouting, but.. I’m sure you know how fiends are. Strange and confused.” She side-eyes your sleeping buddy in the car. “ Sorry. I don’t know anything about it. I generally try to stay out of devil business.”
“And.. do you know anything about, uh..” You try to recall the strange divination. What was it..? “..Final Fantasy 7?”
“...” She stares at you quizzically. “..Yeah. I’m playing it. I’m doing the Wutai Pagoda sidequest right now with Yuffie. I like it a lot.”
“Right. Just checking something.” You nod. “And my payment?”
“I can meet up with you in a body at an arcade off the outskirts of the city. I’ve got the money there. I can get it to you.” Heart grimaces, turning away from you.

>Agree to meet up with her there.
>Ask her to come to you with the money.
>Write-In.

>>4633374
>Ask if she knows anything about an axe.
>Ask her about Final Fantasy 7
As for payment, she can try a little harder and take our advice "to heart."
It's a bad pun and I'm not sorry.

>>4633422
Whoops. Slow poster I am.
As for payment, she can try a little harder and take our advice "to heart." Also maybe coupons and Discounts at Family Burger and any other places related to food she's got connections too.
It's a bad pun and I'm not sorry.

>>4633422
>Agree to meet up with her there.
Right now we're in no condition to be meeting anyone in shady arcades, but it's better than giving her our address.

>>4633422
>Agree to meet up with her there.
>Text Akari the location just in case this 'reward' goes sour.
Nice try, Satan

>Agree to meet up with her there.
>Text Akari the location just in case this 'reward' goes sour.
This heart demon is totally gonna stab us in the back

>>4633427
+1

Heart Devil seems uncomfortable with paying for our assistance. Odds are she's either very strapped on cash, doesnt want to pay, or might try to backstab us into not paying. Any ideas?

>>4633427
Supporting, mostly because this payment thing smells like a trap

>>4633493
Yeah, she's probably gonna ambush us with her goons, but we can just have Meta turn them into shrooms. It's not like we're defenseless.
And besides, we completed the job, we deserve to be paid in real cash.

File: 102.png (2.2 MB, 1832x2510)

2.2 MB PNG

>>4633438
>>4633441
>>4633469

>Agree to meet up with her there.
>Text Akari the location just in case this 'reward' goes sour.

".. Alright. Just give me the address." You settle, leaning against the hood. “I’ll pick up my cash there.”

[...]

The arcade is a small, low roofed dim little corner arcade in a more rural area on the outskirts of the city. It’s the same kind of scenery that you saw the cult holed up in yesterday. You couldn’t help but feel a little suspicious about the transaction, so prior to leaving the area, you phoned Akari about the location and ordered Meta to stick close. You steady yourself as you limp into the building.

“Gah. Creepy.” Meta murmurs, grabbing your arm. “If we get ambushed, it’s your fault, Onishima. Just so you know.”

It’s a far cry from the fancier, polished arcades you’ve seen downtown, always loaded with highschoolers and old men. The room smells musty, lit up only by the screens of flickering clusters of arcade cabinets. The clerk at the front offers you a half-hearted greeting as you enter. It seems like half of the machines are empty and half are out of order. It’s almost entirely empty, save for a younger girl sitting alone at a cabinet in the corner. You recognize her.

“..Hello?” You keep your distance, scanning the cabinets lining the room. You can’t see anyone hiding in wait quite yet.
“Huh? Oh, you’re here.” The girl glances over her shoulder. “Sorry. I’m in the middle of a Darkstalkers game. Can you give me a sec?”

>Ask for your money now. You’re not here to play around.
>You can wait for a moment or two.
>Strike up conversation with her while you wait. [Write-In.]
>Write-In.

>>4633506
Yeah, we're not defenseless, but do we want to be bothered to fight again today when we might want to also look into the Axe Devil? It wouldn't be so bad to maintain a relatively amicable relationship with the Heart Devil (until we decide to murder blend it) in addition to receiving payment in a relatively long term down payment in the form of food discounts. Which would save us a whole lot of money to pay for Meta's "diet" for the remainder of her stay with us.

>>4633531
>Challenge her to a match
Let's try to "speak" her language a little

>>4633536
this

>>4633531
>Challenge her to a match.
>Ask if the clerk at the front is also part of her "family".

File: 103.png (2.2 MB, 1832x2510)

2.2 MB PNG

>>4633536
>>4633543
>>4633549

>Challenge her to a match.
>Ask if the clerk at the front is also part of her "family".

“You mind if I get a round?” You pull a seat from a neighboring cabinet, sidling up next to the shorter girl.
“Eh? You wanna play?” The devil blinks. “..Go ahead. I’m not covering your fee, though.”
“Sure, why not?” You feel for the controls. You were last in an arcade ages ago.. “And.. is that clerk at the front part of your ‘family?’”
“Him? No, that’s Goro. He’s just a clerk.” Heart responds rather matter-of-factly.

“You better crush that brat, Onishima. Come on!” Meta cheers you on from behind, leaning into the screen. "Pick that big samurai-looking one!"

[...]

“Oh man, you’re terrible! You totally wasted Bishamon!” The devil bursts into laughter, wiping tears from her face as the screen flashes with her victory animation. You lower your face in shame as she giggles, prodding you. “I got worried for a sec ‘cause you acted all confident, but you were just button mashing, weren’t you? Have you ever even played a fighting game?”

>Ask for your payment.
>Challenge her to a rematch.
>Ask her why she chose an arcade.
>Write-In.

File: metaburg.png (10 KB, 646x510)

10 KB PNG

Also, last post of the session!

>>4633573
>Ask her why she chose an arcade.
>Write-In.
This time we'll pick the game. She's gonna get crushed.

>>4633573
>Ask for your payment.

>>4633573
>Ask for your payment.
Let's not dally too much.

>>4633575
Thanks for running!

>>4633573
>"Sorry, I guess I'm more of a racing guy. We'll have to have a rematch another day when my leg isn't killing me."
>Ask why she chose an arcade

>>4633573
>>Ask her why she chose an arcade.
>''I was more of a Pac-man kinda guy in my younger years...''
>Why did you say that? Now you sound old, you aren't old dammit...

Instead of getting pay in the form of money, what if we instead make a favorable contract with the heart devil? She doesn't outright hate us I think and we could waiver the negative effect of utilizing a contract in exchange for whatever boon she would grant, depending on what it might be. The more abilities we have access to with little to no repercussions, the better.

>>4633753
*waiver negative power use in exchange for payment in money.

>>4633573
>Ask for your payment.
I feel kinda bad for our semi-late response time and rudeness towards her. She isn't bad, really, and I don't wanna take all her money.

>>4633753
>>4633764
This is an interesting idea. Waive the negative effect of the contract, but we need to pay her or owe favors to use it? I could get behind this.

>>4633849
Oh no what I mean was.
She currently owe us. The amount of money she owes hurts her wallet. We give her an alternative means to paying us back. Instead of her paying us with money, she pays in a contract. With no down sides.

I wonder if it would had been possible to form a contract with that coffee devil if we tried enough.
Lmao inexhcange for feeding it donuts it gives us premium coffee.

>>4633753
I dont know anon, we seem to be doing fine with the Divination Devil and Meta.

>>4634044
It's not like we're doing anything with all the money we currently have beyond feeding our smoking habit and Meta. Would it really hurt to get a few more contracts without having to sacrifice anything? It's not everyday you have a Devil owe you.

>>4634154
I'd rather just get paid, seeing as we're tracking the location of its true body anyways. Its days are numbered.
We'd be condoning its little cult by offering to make a contract. We can overlook the Divination Devil preying on some school every once in a while in exchange for its power, but we've seen the cult at work with our own eyes. That would just be willful ignorance.

>>4634211
Isn't the Divination Devil just living in a locker?

>>4634211
yeah we need to focus on THE HEART

>>4634211
>school devil killing kids every once in a while
>heart devil killing people zero times
The numbers dont add up.

File: 104.png (2.2 MB, 1832x2510)

2.2 MB PNG

>>4633849
>>4633612
>>4633619
>>4633753

>Ask for your payment.

“Ggggh.” Your buddy turns away from you, covering her face. “How embarrassing, Onishima..”
“..Right.” You sigh, shaking your head. You probably should’ve guessed that this would be the outcome. “And what about my payment for today’s job?”
“Ah.. right.” The devil’s face goes dark, her laughter quieting. “Your payment. That’s all you devil hunters care about, isn’t it?”


The devil steps off her stool, bending down to reach into the space between cabinets. She pulls out a suitcase and sets it at the machine, reluctantly unlatching the hinges before opening it. Inside is.. A small, slightly yellowed, console, coupled up with bound up wires and a set of controllers.

“..What is this?” You lean in close. It’s got a Sony logo on it..
“A video game?” Meta peeks over your shoulder.
“..It’s my Playstation. It’s got my copy of Final Fantasy VII in it. Is this enough?” Heart looks downtrodden to part with it. “We only have about 40,000 yen to our name, so I can’t offer much money, but video games are wonderful things, right..?”

>Demand the money.
>Accept the ‘payment.’
>Write-In.

>>4634336
>Demand the money.
Are we supposed to feel bad she hasn't found a rich person to mind control?

>>4634336
>accept the 'payment'
the divination devil told us about it, might as well find out what it means

>>4634336
>>Accept the ‘payment.’
I bet the divination didn't really mean anything else then that Heart likes to play FF7, and now we try to play it thinking something important might come out of it but all it does is make us like playing vidja games.

>>4634336
>Accept the ‘payment.’
Screw it, we'll be getting some scratch from the bureau anyways and this might lead us to more info on the Heart Devil somehow. In any case we get to play some video games.

>>4634336
>Accept the ‘payment.’

File: 105.png (2.2 MB, 1832x2510)

2.2 MB PNG

>>4634465
>>4634484
>>4634490
>>4634525

>Accept the ‘payment.’

“..Fine.” You close the case, taking the console as collateral. You never thought you’d accept payment from a devil for a devil hunting job.. “I’ll take it.”
“I’ve seen these in commercials!” Meta proudly proclaims, grabbing for the suitcase. “Hey, Onishima, let me hold it for a sec..”
“Great. With that, we’re even.” The Heart Devil returns her attention to the cabinet. “I won’t bother you again, so do me a favor and never bother me again.”

>Return home for now.
>Challenge the Heart Devil to a rematch.
>Write-In.

>>4634533
>Challenge the Heart Devil to a rematch
Might be fun

>>4634533
>Write-In
Exchange console for contract. Is it so wrong that I want this? There no way we can convince the devil to be not so shitty?
Have we asked that Maki chick why she hasn't killed off the heart devil yet? Why are we allowing the divinitation devil kill kids?

>>4634558
We already made the deal no takebacks. Besides, we only care about getting rewards, and the reward for the Heart Devil is going to be huge

>Challenge the Heart Devil to a rematch.
Rather not lose the potential army as a contact

>>4634624
How much is a good devil contract worth? Why do we favor money over function?

>>4634629
A good devil contract isnt worth the trouble keeping a Makima-type devil around would ential, and we were able to solve two cases without using any contracts.

>>4634533
>Challenge the Heart Devil to a rematch.

>>4634533
>Give back the console. You aren't going to use it anyway.

>>4634558
Why would we contract with the heart devil? Also, isn't the divination devil just sitting in an locker? I'm pretty sure it was the axe thing killing children.

File: 106.png (2.2 MB, 1832x2510)

2.2 MB PNG

>>4634535
>>4634626
>>4634649

>Challenge the Heart Devil to a rematch

“How about a rematch?” You offer, approaching the cabinet.
“What is it that you really want, hunter? You’re not really just satisfied with the game, are you?” The Heart Devil’s eyes narrow, a hint of annoyance creeping into her tone. “You want the money? Like I told you, it’s about 40,000 yen in total. It’s hardly enough to cover a month’s rent. Or maybe you’d like a contract? The power to puppet humans isn't particularly useful for devil hunting, is it? Or maybe you’re hoping for a clue as to where my real body is. Somehow I doubt you just want to play the game with me.”

>I want a contract.
>I want the money.
>I really just want to play a game.
>Write-In.

>>4634824
>I really just want to play a game.
>Write-In.
boop her.

>>4634824
>I really just want to play a game.

>>4634824
>I really just want to play a game.
>"Why the long face ?"

>>4634824
>I want a contract.

>>4634832
>>4634838
>>4634839
Real "You have to eat ALL the eggs" energy here guys

>>4634824
>I really just want to play a game.
About time we flexed that hunter insanity
Fuck rewards, doing a good thing and enjoying some games afterwards.
That's what's best in life!
Fucking get Meta on this too!
It's gamer time baby!

>>4634869
>hunter insanity
Fuck, now I want to play Bloodborne again.

>>4634824
>''Look, I'll be honest with you, even when I know you are just a demon controlling that body, the idea of loosing to a kid is making me annoyed, so just give me the rematch ok?''
Petty mode activate

>>4634904
supporting

>>4634904
this actually sounds not too bad if we're insisting on the game playing

File: 107.png (2.2 MB, 1832x2510)

2.2 MB PNG

>>4634904
>>4634869
>>4634832
>>4634838
>>4634839

>I really just want to play a game.
>''Look, I'll be honest with you, even when I know you are just a demon controlling that body, the idea of loosing to a kid is making me annoyed, so just give me the rematch ok?''

"I’ll be honest with you.” You decide to level with the devil. “I know you’re just a devil controlling that body, but the idea of losing to a kid is annoying me. Just give me my rematch.”
“...” The devil pauses, sizing you up. “.. Fine. I’ll play a round.”

[...]

“That’s my seventeenth win, right? Mark that down, fiend!” The devil wipes tears from her eyes, her laughter having doubled her down over the controls. “I can’t believe how bad you are!”
“Ghggh… Onishima, just quit it. It’s getting dark outside, y’know..? We have a job tomorrow.” For once, your buddy’s the one trying to level with you. You’re starting to get seriously annoyed. “..This is way too embarrassing...”

“Aaah.. that was fun.” Heart sighs, smiling as she rests her hands against her face. “It’s been a little while since I’ve played a game with someone. It’s not too bad.”

>Head home. It’s getting dark.
>Ask the Heart Devil a question. She seems a bit more open now. [Write-In.]
>Write-In.

>>4634954
>Ask the Heart Devil a question. She seems a bit more open now. [Write-In.]
tell her to keep an ear for that Axe Devil

>>4634824
>I really just want to play a game.
We've had some wild times recently, might as well use this as an excuse to unwind.

>>4634962
+1, She's kind of harmless. If it wasn't for the mind control, i'd probably like her too. Since she's already got a cult with plenty of people, it would be good if she could notify us in the case of that axe devil doing shit.

>>4634954
>Ask the Heart Devil a question. She seems a bit more open now. [Write-In.]
>"Yeah, it was fun. How about we play again sometime? I refuse to be so bad at video games."

>>4634954
>Head home. It’s getting dark.

File: 108.png (2.2 MB, 1832x2510)

2.2 MB PNG

>>4634974
>>4634962

>tell her to keep an ear for that Axe Devil

"Heart Devil," You begin. "I'm looking into the situation with the Axe Devil. A devil in hiding like that is inevitably going to end up with an increased bureau presence in the city once the branch here recovers. If that happens, it won’t be too long until they conduct a formal investigation into your ‘family’ and force you to disband. But if you keep an eye out for it and keep me informed, I can kill it myself.”
“...” She ruminates on your offer, her face going solemn. She takes a breath. “Fine. You can consider it a contract, hunter. I won’t lend you my power, but I can get you information. I’ll use my family to keep an eye out for the devil. In return, you keep quiet about my presence here to the bureau. We both get what we want. What do you say?”

>Agree to the terms of her contract.
>Negotiate for different terms.
>Deny her.
>Write-In.

>>4635014
>Agree to the terms of her contract.
As if I would choose something else

>>4635014
>Agree to the terms of her contract.
It's not like we can do anything else right now. We're not a bureau pet.

>>4635014
>Agree to the terms of her contract.

>>4635014
>Agree to the terms of her contract.

>>4635014
>Agree to the terms of her contract.


"The Heart Devil cries in heaven. She wants to play Final Fantasy VII."

I kinda wanna say we don't need the console, tell her we had fun today, and give her the console back. On the other hand, if we play the game on the console, we might find out something.

>Tell her we'll return the console when we're done

>>4635014
>>Agree to the terms of her contract.
>>4635085
Let's play the game for some time, and after we are done let's return it to her.

File: 109.png (2.19 MB, 1832x2510)

2.19 MB PNG

>>4635085
>>4635080
>>4635038
>>4635033
>>4635026
>>4635088

>Agree to the terms of her contract.
>Tell her we'll return the console when we're done

"..Fine." You nod. "I'll agree to your terms."
"Welcome to the family." The girl smiles thinly.

[YOU HAVE CONTRACTED WITH THE HEART DEVIL.]

"I'll let you know if we stumble across anything." The devil slots another coin into the cabinet. "Just give me your number and I'll keep in touch."
“Right.” You get up from the stool. “..I’ll return your console when I’m done.”

“..Good.” Heart mutters, glancing away. She doesn’t do a very good job hiding her smirk of satisfaction.
“Tcch. Just so you know, I would’ve beaten you.” Meta points at the smaller girl, scowling.

[...]

You wake up groggily the next morning, splayed out across your living room couch. It’s been quite some time since you’ve woken up so late. You stayed up later than usual hooking up the console to your TV, much to your fiend’s bemusement. By the time you managed to get it working, you ended up passing out from exhaustion. Your leg’s feeling a lot better than yesterday, but you’re still feeling looser than you’d normally like for devil hunting.

You enter your room to see your ‘buddy’ snoring on your bed, hugging your pillow close to your chest. Your nose crinkles.

>Slap her awake.
>Yell her awake.
>Write-In.

>>4635118
>Tickle her awake

File: The Slap Devil.png (86 KB, 693x607)

86 KB PNG

>>4635118
>Deliver the SLAPS

>>4635118
>Shake her awake

>>4635118
>Tickle her awake

>>4635118
>Flip the bed

>>4635118
>Open the blinds and let the light do the work!

>>4635144
+1

>>4635118
>pour water on her

>>4635169
This was actually my first thought but it's our mattress that's gonna end up soaked.

>>4635118
>Tickle her awake

File: 110.png (2.19 MB, 1832x2510)

2.19 MB PNG

>>4635140

>Deliver the SLAPS

slap should've won, baka

>>4635144
>>4635165
>>4635128
>>4635152

>Tickle her awake
>Shake her awake

You control your temper, holding your tongue and staying your devil killing slap. Instead, you slowly approach the sleeping fiend and try to shake her awake, grabbing at her and tugging at it. It’s ineffective at doing much to wake her up, but she does start giggling incessantly, trying to shove you away.

“Ghhgf-.. Onishima! Quit it!” She laughs, rolling off the bed with a thud. You sigh. Your bed is going to smell like mushrooms.
“Why are you sleeping on my bed?” You glare at the fiend, who’s begun crawling back to her feet.
“Tcch. Not my fault that you weren’t using it. And what’s wrong with me sleeping nice for once?” Meta rubs her back, scowling at you. “Why are you waking me up so early today, anyways? I thought we were camping at night!”

The job today is another one wilderness hunt. A string of missing persons had gradually turned up torn apart in a forested region North of Asahikawa some time ago. The bureau investigated and concluded that it most likely involved devils. They’ve had a small group of Public Safety hunters posted up in the woods for some time now, but nothing substantial turned up. After the Worm Devil ate away at so many bureau units, they hired some private devil hunters to take that position. Those hunters turned up dead and their camp was torn apart, so the bureau is amplifying their private hires to take care of whatever’s in the woods.

“We’re going to be setting up camp this afternoon and meeting with the other hunters.” You slap her cap. As part of the assignment, about twelve private devil hunters were hired and divided into groups of four, leaving you and Meta with two other hunters to camp with overnight.
“Ggggh. So annoying.” She murmurs. “Did you pack anything decent for lunch?”
“Just sandwiches for now. You’ll make do.” You sigh, knowing that she’ll complain.

>What do you do?

>>4635274
>Check if you have enough supplies for the camp

>>4635319
This

>>4635274
Get a coat for once for Meta.

>>4635274
>>4635319
This. Don't want to be lost in the woods when shit inevitably goes south.

>>4635274
>Pick up some dog treats for Meta. We can reward her with them when she does something good.

File: mushsuit.png (6 KB, 417x370)

6 KB PNG

Also, last post of the session!

>>4635343
So jerky? What are we getting? Slim Jim's? What the Japanese equivalent?

>>4635344
https://youtu.be/TQ6QlmqBPlM

>>4635407
Ah, what fine art.

File: 111.png (2.01 MB, 1832x2510)

2.01 MB PNG

>>4635319
>>4635328
>>4635343
>>4635328

>Check if you have enough supplies for the camp
>This. Don't want to be lost in the woods when shit inevitably goes south.
>Pick up some dog treats for Meta. We can reward her with them when she does something good.

You once briefly considered picking up dog treats for your buddy a couple of nights ago. Her tastes change at such a whim that you’d imagine they’d quickly lose their effectiveness, but you keep it in mind.

You check your light store of supplies--it’s mostly carry-on, with the bureau providing the brunt of supplies for your night out. A lighter, a knife, water, flashlights, some packaged food. You doubt it’ll come down to a down-to-the-wire survival situation. The weather is set to be relatively warm tonight, especially for the region. The tents aren’t particularly deep in the woods. And you don’t expect to camp out for more than a night or so with the amount of private hunters hired out for the job. You’re more worried about the fiend.

“Meta. You need to wear a jacket.” You insist, staring at your buddy. This is a far cry from your ‘hunting trip’ with Akari, since Meta will actually be sleeping in the wilderness.
“Nah, nah. Don’t be silly, Onishima!” The mushroom fiend sneers, waving off your concerns. “I’ve got that covered. I’m not just gonna wear a sweater this time!”

[...]

“Don’t tell me that’s it.” The pair of you trod through a light blanket of snow, the suited bureau hunter leading you up to your campsite. “You packed a jacket with you, right? Right?”
“Gah. Don’t be silly. The scarf is adequate.” Meta scoffs, toying with the length of thread. You make a mental note to force her into a jacket. “The creepy-looking hunter wore one when we killed the Worm Devil, right? I’ll be fine.”

“We’ve provided enough rations for two nights, set up the tents, and have provided you walkie-talkies for communication with the other groups. The campsites are set in a triangle formation. Aside from your own group, there’ll be two more groups of four, and two public safety hunters will station themselves from where we entered the woods. ” The brusque hunter speaks clinically about the set-up. “You’ll be stationed with Group B. Of course, we’ve already alerted your group members about the.. unique situation with your fiend.”

You arrive at a small clearing in the trees, with a decent-sized olive tent opening up to a small campfire. Your two group members have already arrived. There’s two private hunters you don’t recognize--one is a tall, lanky man with a mascot-head on that resembles a chicken, and the other is a shorter, meaner-looking girl. They don’t bother to greet you.

“We’ll keep in touch.” The public safety hunter waves to you, turning to reenter the woods.

>Approach the mean-looking girl.
>Approach the chicken man.
>Write-In.

>>4636200
>Approach the mean-looking girl.

>>4636200
>Approach the mean-looking girl.

>>4636200
>>Approach the chicken man.
This is the kind of guy I want in the trenches with me.

>>4636200
>Approach the chicken man.

>>4636200
>chicken man
Mean girls have traumatized me too much

>>4636200
Chicken man

>>4636200
>Approach the mean-looking girl.

>>4636200
>Approach the chicken man.

>>4636200
>Approach the chicken man.
Oh yeah. It's funny time.

File: 112.png (1.59 MB, 1832x2510)

1.59 MB PNG

>>4636424
>>4636410
>>4636259
>>4636228
>>4636350
>>4636223

>Approach the chicken man.

You approach the chicken-headed man. He's got a tall, well-built figure, as made evident by the fact he's stripped down to his underwear. The chicken head masks his face completely. He’s poised up against a tree, striking an odd pose that doesn’t look at all comfortable. As you draw closer, he suddenly lifts up his hand, signaling you to pause.

“...” The man stares at you, the void of his chicken hood seemingly endless. “...Do you like chickens?”

>”I like chickens.”
>”I’m ambivalent toward chickens.”
>”I don’t like chickens.”
>”Why are you in your underwear?”
>Write-In.

>>4636449
>”I like chickens.”
I feel like any other answer will get us hurt

>>4636449
>Write-In. (Who doesn't like chicken, they're delicious.)

>>4636449
>”I like chickens.”
>Did you know, the chicken's origins lie in a group of dinosaurs called the theropods, which evolved into two categories some 230 million years ago: the Ceratosauria and the Tetanurae. The Ceratosauria then split again into the ceratosaurids and the coelophysoids. The latter eventually resulted in the genetic line that produced the Tyrannosaurus rex, or T-rex for short. The chicken also happens to be the closest living relative to that species of dinosaur.
>>4636477
This

>>4636449
>”Why are you in your underwear?”

>>4636449
>I like chickens.

File: 113.png (1.59 MB, 1832x2510)

1.59 MB PNG

>>4636493
>>4636483
>>4636477
>>4636452

>”I like chickens.”

You're more than taken aback. "..I like chickens." You settle, deciding for the route of least resistance. "They're delicious."
"Subarashii." The man opens his arms, flexing. "Then I shall allow you to approach me."

“Oy. Onishima.” Your buddy tugs at your arm. “.. I don’t want to talk to this one anymore.”

>”Why are you in your underwear?”
>”What do you know about the other hunter here?”
>”What devils are you contracted with?”
>”Has any new information come in about the devil we’re hunting?”
>Write-In.

>>4636500
>”What devils are you contracted with?”
>”Has any new information come in about the devil we’re hunting?”

>>4636500
>y u in undies homie

Contracted to the chicken devil fo sho

>>4636500
>”Why are you in your underwear?”

>>4636449
Oh this must be the chicken fiend isnt it

>>4636500
>”Has any new information come in about the devil we’re hunting?”
>y u in undies homie
>>4636507
That or it's a friend like Meta. Most fiends have some form of head accessory, like the Violence Devil.

File: 114.png (1.59 MB, 1832x2510)

1.59 MB PNG

>>4636522
>>4636509
>>4636507
>>4636522

>”Why are you in your underwear?”
>”Has any new information come in about the devil we’re hunting?”

”..Why are you in your underwear?” You can't help but stare.
"What better for a devil hunt?" The chicken man keeps his pose, enigmatically staring at you.
"..Right, right." You nod. ”Has any new information come in about the devil we’re hunting?”
"I don't pay attention to unnecessary details." The man responds nonchalantly. "Just focus on killing it. That's what we were hired for, isn't it? The group that brings in the corpse gets a bonus to their pay."

>”What do you know about the other hunter here?”
>”What devils are you contracted with?”
>"Are you a human?"
>Approach the mean-looking devil hunter. There's clearly something wrong with this guy.
>Write-In.

>>4636538
>Approach the mean-looking devil hunter. There's clearly something wrong with this guy.

>>4636538
>Approach the mean-looking devil hunter. There's clearly something wrong with this guy.
Aaalright, it would be unwise to stay close to this man. I don't want onishima to get pecked to death. Knowing how Chainsaw Man treats death, it wouldn't be a surprise.

>>4636538
>Approach the mean-looking devil hunter. There's clearly something wrong with this guy.

File: 115.png (1.91 MB, 1832x2510)

1.91 MB PNG

>>4636559
>>4636565
>>4636567

“Right.” You decide to turn tail to meet your other new ‘buddy’ for the day. “Of course. I’ll see you.”
“And the best of luck to you on the hunt, friend.” The man regards you boldly. “May the chickens bless your path.”

The girl is short, an oversized green hoodie slung loosely over her slight frame. She sits at the campfire, aimlessly toying with a blade as she mutters to herself.

“Of course. They partner me with the pet fiend and the fucking chicken man..” The blonde girl mutters under her breath, running her hunting knife along the ground. She glances up upon your approach, her eyes narrowing. “..They already told me about you. Keep that thing on a short leash. I don’t plan on holding back if it gets in the way.”

>Ask for her name and her contracts.
>Ask for any new information about the devil.
>Ask if she knows anything about the chicken man.
>Write-In.

>>4636594
>Ask for any new information about the devil.
I don't think she knows anything about the chicken man, considering she's also pissed about being partnered up with him.

>>4636594
>Ask for any new information about the devil.
>Ask if she knows anything about the chicken man.

>>4636594
>Ask for any new information about the devil.
>Ask if she knows anything about the chicken man.

>>4636594
>Ask Meta if she's just gonna take those threats lying down

File: 116.png (1.91 MB, 1832x2510)

1.91 MB PNG

>>4636648
>>4636625
>>4636613
>>4636651

>Ask for any new information about the devil.
>Ask if she knows anything about the chicken man.
>Ask Meta if she's just gonna take those threats lying down

“So--.. what do we know about the devil so far?” You decide to get right down to business, sitting across the fire from her. “Any new info come in since the job offer?”
“Well, it’s a bit hard to drag ‘new info’ out of corpses.” The girl responds sarcastically, twirling the knife in her hands. “..Probably a more feral-minded devil. The bodies were apparently mangled up bad. Less like a devil and more like a wild animal with the bite-marks. A smarter devil wouldn’t have left a trace.”
“Right.” You make a mental note of that. A wild animal devil, maybe..? “..Do you know what the deal is with the chicken guy?”
“Don’t ask me.” Her face sours at the mention of his name. “He won’t even tell me his fucking contracts.”

“Hey. Human.” Meta scowls, cutting into the conversation. “Worry more about yourself. I could sprout mushrooms in your veins and stop the blood flow to your heart. Don’t threaten me.”
“Yeah?” She seems almost amused by the fiend’s threat, a small smirk tugging at her mouth. “Could you really?”

The air grows thick with tension. For some reason, you feel a chill looking the girl’s way.

>Speak up for your buddy.
>Ask for her own name and contracts.
>Get back to the tent. You’ll rest into this evening.
>Write-In.

>>4636699
>Ask for her own name and contracts.

>>4636699
>Speak up for your buddy

She totally can, it's crazy. This old man looked at her funny yesterday and baam. Dead.

>>4636699
>Speak up for your buddy.
"All the devils I've seen her fight died instantly"
Technically true
>ask for her name
No asking for contracts, that's just asking for the question to be asked back at us, and we can't tell about divination or (technically) heart

>>4636699
>Speak up for your buddy.
protec mushgirl. But, do it in an way that'll defuse the situation. Don't just be a hypeman.

I bet the rude girl has a devil contract with Winter. Would explain the chill

File: 117.png (1.91 MB, 1832x2510)

1.91 MB PNG

>>4636722
>>4636773
>>4636783
>>4636785

>Speak up for your buddy.
>Ask for her own name and contracts.

You decide to cut the tension, speaking up for your fiend. "She totally can, it's crazy." You joke. "This old man looked at her funny yesterday and baam. Dead."
"H-hey. Onishima. Back me up!" Meta pouts, stamping her foot on the ground. She turns back to the smaller girl, pointing her finger furiously. "I CAN turn you into a mushroom!"
"...Just keep her out of the way." The hunter sneers, pulling back. She rests her chin against the palm of her hand. "I have enough to deal with already.”

You look over your shoulder. The chicken-suited man appears to be trying to roll the snow into some kind of snowman.

“What’s your name?” You ask, warming your own hands by the campfire. “I’m Sato Onishima.”
“..Akane Sawatari.” You notice three fingernails missing from her right hand. “You gonna tell me your contracts, at least?”

>Agree to tell her your contracts.
>Withhold them for now.
>Write-In.

>>4636855
>Withhold them for now.
>"I'm sure you'll see them in action soon enough."
Chicken hunter has the right idea. Divulging all of our contracts to someone we've barely met is a bad idea, even if she's an ally. There's also no guarantee she'll reciprocate.

>>4636873
+1

>>4636855
>Agree
Jolly cooperation

>>4636855
>>Withhold them for now.
>But I'm pretty good at close range if that helps

File: 118.png (1.59 MB, 1832x2510)

1.59 MB PNG

>>4636873
>>4636884
>>4636936

>Withhold them for now.
>"I'm sure you'll see them in action soon enough."

"I'm sure you'll see them in action soon enough." You decide to withhold them--even if you are allies for tonight, your time with the bureau has taught you to not be so lax with information.
"You too, then." Sawatari's eyes narrow. "I'll be in the tent. Gonna run through a check with the other groups."

The slit-eyed girl stands from the log, turning and ducking into the tent. Your fiend releases a sigh of relief.

“Good. That girl was nasty.” Meta’s lips curl in disdain. “Hey. Are we all sleeping in the tent..?”
“Hunters!” The chicken hunter approaches you, his booming voice enough to shock you to attention. “I’ll return soon. I’m going to fetch lunch.”

With that, the near naked chicken-headed man begins to trudge through the snow, walking deep into the forest and out of sight.

“Eugh.” Your buddy shivers. “Him, too. All you devil hunters are weirdos.. Do you actually trust these people Onishima?”

>Get to sleep in the tent. You’ll keep the first watch when night falls.
>Keep awake until night falls. You’ll take a later watch.
>Divinate your fellow hunters.
>Write-In.

File: newbuds.png (28 KB, 1231x851)

28 KB PNG

Also, last post of the session!

>>4636974
>>Keep awake until night falls. You’ll take a later watch.
>Divinate Meta, why? because you don't want to hear riddles about chickens

>>4636974
>Get to sleep in the tent. You’ll keep the first watch when night falls.

I trust chicken man with my life, Meta.