Despite its relative youth, Lobotomy Corporation is among the greatest of the Wings. Why wouldn't it be? A company's capital is in its people, and through the vaunted Memory Repository, Lobotomy can retry and reinvest as often as it needs to, each attempt better than the last.

It doesn't matter if Abnormalities escape, or if people die, or if even the Sephirahs begin to go insane. At the end of the day, the Manager always comes out on top.

Life and death are both inevitable.

When the newbies realize this, that's when they've graduated. They don't usually remember the three truths at this point--it's only when another batch of rookies come in that they hear it again, muttered between breaks, in the hallways, and in their sleep.

Then it clicks. They finally understand that they'll be stuck here, doing this forever. It doesn't matter if they can leave at the end of the day. If anything, going outside makes things worse; it's a shock, suddenly realizing the difference between you and the rest of the Nest.

Lobotomy is the only place where you'll find so many people who understand what it means to die.

There's always someone who breaks from the revelation. They panic, begging to be let out, but their fellows are always ready to knock some sense back into the poor bastard.

You'll find no solace in insanity.

…The official record says you've been here for a year at most. But every time the Manager rewinds a day, you cross off another line in your notebook. An endless list of tallies, evidence of futures that no longer exist.

You're approaching the end of your 99th notebook. 150 sheets each, standard size, each face of each sheet capable of holding 30 sets of 5.

The day before a Repository Checkpoint, just as you're about to finish off a book, you go out to buy a new one. That's one of the few times you ever choose to leave headquarters personally–as a senior Agent, it's well within your rights to have the rookies run errands for you on the surface.

Even now, it's important to find ways of enjoying life.

[2/3]

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"Captain! Delivery!"

A young woman's voice comes through the local intercom. A moment later, your door - a secure airlock that wouldn't be out of place on an ALEPH containment cell - beeps at you.

You had it installed after the last time Melting Love breached from the lower departments. One of the infected sub-abnormalities got into your room and screwed everything up, not that you cared much. It wasn't as if you lost anything. You had predicted that the Manager would rewind with such severe losses, and you were right; barely two days had passed before everything had been set to rights, though the Manager had thrown every last one of his Agents - including you - into researching the Abnormality before doing so.

Still, it pays to be prepared. Who knows when something similar happens again? Now that the threat could be safely handled, the odds of a necessary reset were slim. A few small losses would be easily ignored.

"Captain? Are you there? Food's getting cold!"

Oh, right. You should probably get around to that.

Shuffling around in a soft pair of bunny-eared slippers, you briefly check your appearance in a nearby mirror. It was one of the few vanity items you kept in your room. In its polished surface, you saw…

—

[Select one of the following.]

>...Yourself. Beneath it all, a regular human male. Sandy brown hair, permanent bags under your eyes, and scarred skin all come together to create the platonic ideal of a Training Team Captain.

(Select your highest Stat at EX++. All other stats are at EX. Can equip Gifts. You have lots. This means your standards for looking like a "regular human" are very different from a rookie's.)

>...L-Corp's strongest Agent, the BongBong of legend and myth. Are you male? Are you female? Are you even human? It doesn't matter. Nothing matters but the job ahead.

(Can only communicate by saying "BongBong." Understanding you requires Prudence II or higher, but the full intent and meaning of your messages comes through. As Captain of the Training Team, this means you often need a translator when coaching the newbies. All Stats at EX++. Cannot equip Gifts. The meme true route.)

—

[Select one of the following E.G.O. loadouts.]

>Stretch those lips. (Smiling Bodies.)
>Something in the dark. (Apocalypse Bird.)
>The sound of music. (Silent Orchestra.)
>See no evil. ([CENSORED])
>You're human, too. (Nothing There.)
>Selfishly selfless. (Melting Love.)
>Shine brightly, anew. (Blue Star.)

[Select any 2 WAW Gifts from the wiki.]
>Write-in.

[3/3]

>>5270276
>Literally stayed up to wait for the thread to drop
Very excited. Let’s fucking go.

>BongBong
>Sound of a star

I always thought she looked good in white.

And now for a brief rundown of mechanics. This should be familiar to those who've played the game, though I've tweaked things a little.

STATS

Your mental strength is represented by the level of your Cardinal Virtues. In order, they are Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance, and Justice. Respectively, they define your courage, wit, self-control, and righteousness.
The Virtues are used in a variety of situations, such as outlining aspects of your general personality, or when interacting with others. Most importantly, they decide how well you perform certain Work Orders.

The strength of a Virtue is ranked on a scale of I to V, capping out at EX. Beyond EX is EX+, ++, and +++. EX ranks add bonuses to all scenarios where the relevant Virtue applies.

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>>5270285
Goes with the hair!

>>5270276
>...Yourself. Beneath it all, a regular human male. Sandy brown hair, permanent bags under your eyes, and scarred skin all come together to create the platonic ideal of a Training Team Captain.
>EX++ Temperance
You make sure to tell yourself every day that Bongbong isn't real and can't hurt you, but sometimes you have your doubts.

>See no Evil. ([CENSORED])
Cognition filter is for losers, here we wear the unspeakable abominations directly on our face.

>Clouded Monk Ego Gift: Amrita
>Burrowing Heaven Ego gift: Heaven
Here time has no meaning and our lives are ever-lasting. In this heavenly Hell we are immortal.

>>5270309
Yes, the EGO Suit I envisioned for [CENSORED] is delightfully disgusting. Unfortunately, much of it will have to be covered in bandages to prevent trainees from passing out at the mere sight of you.

>>5270309
+1
no clue what this game is except for that one event at the end of april fools.

>>5270276
>...Yourself. Beneath it all, a regular human male. Sandy brown hair, permanent bags under your eyes, and scarred skin all come together to create the platonic ideal of a Training Team Captain.
>EX++ Justice

>Something in the dark. (Apocalypse Bird.)
>Crimson Scar
>Cobalt Scar

>>5270276
>Yourself. Beneath it all, a regular human male. Sandy brown hair, permanent bags under your eyes, and scarred skin all come together to create the platonic ideal of a Training Team Captain.
The sound of music
Justice as the highest stat.
>Clouded Monk Ego Gift: Amrita
>Cobalt Scar

>>5270276
>...Yourself. Beneath it all, a regular human male. Sandy brown hair, permanent bags under your eyes, and scarred skin all come together to create the platonic ideal of a Training Team Captain.
>Fortitude EX++

>You're human, too (Nothing There)
>Gold Rush (The King of Greed)
>A Sword Sharpened by Tears (The Knight of Despair)

F E E D ! F I G H T ! F U S E ! F O R W A R D !

Will lock votes in 15 minutes and roll dice for any tied choices if they exist.
So far, looks like BongBong will appear only as a cameo, alas. In my original notes she could dual wield EGO weapons kek
Next update will come out after I finish filing a metric fuckton of paperwork.

>>5270436
Where's the wiki?

>>5270505
https://lobotomycorp.fandom.com/wiki/Home

Tallying… I can begin writing.
>Yourself
Wins by a landslide.
>BongBong I

>Temperance II
>Justice II
>Fortitude I

>CENSORED II
>Apocalypse Bird I
>Blue Star II
>Nothing There I

>Amrita III
>Heaven II
>Crimson Scar I
>Cobalt Scar II
>Gold Rush I
>Sharpened by Tears I

Alright! Here's a quick rundown of what to expect from the potential winners. I'll wait 10 minutes if anyone decides they wants to cast a revote after reading all this, then I'll start rolling for the tied items.

CENSORED - Gain a +4 bonus to Instinct and Repression Work Orders for all Abnormalities lower than ALEPH. Gain a -2 malus to Attachment Work Orders for all Abnormalities lower than HE.
Agents less than Level IV that catch sight of this EGO without any coverings must make a difficult Prudence save or panic. In exchange, the Suit has 0.3 R/W/B Resistance, 1.0 Pale Resistance, and reflects a portion of Red Damage taken. Narratively, the Weapon has a bonus function as an extendable limb. This damages the covering.

Blue Star - Gain a +3 bonus to Attachment Work Orders for all Abnormalities lower than WAW. Agents within your presence passively recover from White Damage. Agents with less than Temperance III must make an easy Temperance save or attempt to hug you without rational thought. Narratively, the Suit has a bonus function that stops Agents lower than Level IV from panicking upon extended physical contact with you.

Gift Amrita - As a narrative bonus, you can attempt to lead other Agents in prayer/dispense wisdom. This provides a +2 to their next 3 Insight dice.

Gift Heaven - As a narrative bonus, you can observe everything in a certain area around you, scaling with your Temperance Level. At EX++, this area has a 6 meter (~20 feet) radius (+0.5 per level up to IV, +1 per rank at V or higher.

Gift Cobalt Scar - As a narrative bonus, your sense of smell is supernaturally enhanced, allowing you to sense the location of nearby enemies and impending Breaches. Your movement speed is increased.

>>5270354
This is me.
Can change to blue star. And Temperance too to get to the meat of the quest.

Rolled 1, 2, 2 = 5 (3d2)

>>5270613
Rolling for Favored Stat, Gear, and Gift. 1 = Temperance, 2 = Justice, 1 = CENSORED, 2 = Blue Star, 1 = Heaven, 2 = Cobalt Scar

>>5270629
Just realized I mixed up your Silent Orchestra vote with Blue Star, my bad. CENSORED wins by default, but thank you.
Anyways, it looks like we'll be going with Temperance, CENSORED, Amrita and Cobalt Scar as our loadout.

You are going to look absolutely terrifyingI. Really leaning into that "worn out veteran" look, huh? Makes sense, considering you technically have seniority roughly on par with the Sephirahs.

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>...Yourself. Beneath it all, a regular human male.
>Temperance EX++
>[CENSORED]
>Amrita
>Cobalt Scar

Despite everything, you're still you.

With a sigh, you rake your fingers through your hair in a halfhearted attempt to comb it into position. As per usual, it refuses to obey.

A glance at the analog clock hanging on your wall informs you that it's currently 6:30 in the morning. You have exactly half an hour to prepare for the day ahead of you.

More than enough time, really.

"Cap–!"

At the press of a button, the airlock door slides open with a pneumatic hiss.

"-tain! You're finally awake!"

A robot with a crooked antenna enters your room, stepping in on spindly legs. Set in its center is a glowing eye, bright brown and full of warmth. Just above it is a digital nameplate, proudly identifying the A.I as Hod–Sephirah of the Training Department and your direct superior.

How a robot manages to be so expressive is beyond you, but you've long since gotten used to it by now.

Hod bustles about your room, setting a still-steaming cup of tea and an accompanying plastic bag on your coffee table. Noticing your somewhat rumpled bedsheets, she - it's easier if you just think of her as female - moves to flatten them out, the faint whir and click of machinery accompanying her every step.

That's where you have to step in. With an awkward cough, you wave her away, hoping to take care of the issue yourself. You may be tired, but you're not so far gone as to have a superior do your chores for you.

Speaking of…

"Hod."

With a gentle buzz, the robot whirls around at the rough sound of your voice. Her antenna bobs distractingly; it takes a force of will to not poke at it.

She'd let you, of course, but you're better than that.

"Yes, Captain? Can I help you?"

You pry the thin fabric of your sheets out of her metallic fingers before responding.

"...What happened to Giselle? I thought I asked her to bring me breakfast. Did she pass her work off to you, again?"

Your Sephirah pokes her thin digits together in a display of sudden nervousness. "N-no?"

You sigh again. "Hod."

"P-please don't yell at her, Captain. She–she worked so hard yesterday, after all. Giselle was just tired, and I wanted to help…"

[1/2]

With a flick of the wrist, your sheets snap out to pristine condition, not a wrinkle to be seen. For a moment, you don't say anything, choosing instead to unlock the safe that contains your gear. Hod stands in the corner of your room, unable to look you in the face.

"Giselle was assigned to low-danger Abnormalities all day, Hod. It was practically a vacation."

Dealing with your Sephirah is difficult. She's the most tightly-wound bundle of optimism and nerves that you've ever seen these past 12,000 years, and considering how many trainees you've handled over the centuries, that's quite the achievement.

"Well…"

"I'll be having words with her."

Your words are punctuated by the sound of gloves snapping into place. The unnerving sensation of [CENSORED]'s EGO Suit settles over you like a second skin, writhing and grinding in a way that touches you both mentally and physically.

Wearing this thing takes a toll. You're more or less the only one who can use it properly, much to your disgust.

Eurgh. You need to put on your Cognition Filter.

[Select one.]

>Hod needs to take better care of herself. "Come on, kid. I won't rough her up too much. Just stop letting them walk all over you." (Caring)

>...You're not in the mood for this right now. As Training Captain, it's your duty to discipline those who shirk their duty. "You're a Sephirah, Hod. Act like one–for all our sakes." (Disciplined)

>Write-in?

[2/2]

>>5270395
Because this worked up my imagination, I'll note that Gold Rush would've given you absurd grip strength. You could punch through ALEPH containment cell walls (not usually a recommended course of action, very situational) with some effort, and there was an option to instantly execute Panicking Agents with less than III Fortitude by crushing their skulls. Very brutal.
>>5270348
Crimson Scar was a lifesteal Gift that gave you a taste for raw meat, with the bonus narrative effect of scaring newbies shitless if you smiled.

>>5270677
>While your annoyance is simmering, lashing out isn't the right way to resolve this. A sigh in concession, then say "I don't raise my voice if I don't need to, Hod." (Sober)
Somewhat of an intense guy already, has his own expectations on/wants from others. Alternatives of (Practical/Reasonable)? Not sure, not sure.

>>5270674
>Fuck it. It needs a good fucking.

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>>5270761
Hod does indeed need a good fucking along with many other Sephirah hngh. However, I regret to inform you that Captain's sex drive has long since filed its letter of resignation due to his crippling and colorful assortment of traumas.
His high Temperance also doesn't help matters. For reference, Temperance EX+++ is roughly one step short of casting off your worldly desires and becoming a Buddha.

There's also the very small issue of picrel, but high enough Fortitude can overcome a obstacles.

>>5270783
Fine. We can always attach a sock to it later.

>While your annoyance is simmering, lashing out isn't the right way to resolve this. A sigh in concession, then say "I don't raise my voice if I don't need to, Hod." (Sober)

>>5270752
I'd like a little bit of clarification in intent, here. Are you saying you'll find another way of disciplining the slacker, or are you saying that yelling at Hod won't solve anything and calming down?

>>5270677
>...You're not in the mood for this right now. As Training Captain, it's your duty to discipline those who shirk their duty. "You're a Sephirah, Hod. Act like one–for all our sakes." (Disciplined)

>>5270790
Latter intent. Add "I can promise you that much" as the next sentence, if it fits that trait. (Not very good with people description, apologies.)

>>5270677
>...You're not in the mood for this right now. As Training Captain, it's your duty to discipline those who shirk their duty. "You're a Sephirah, Hod. Act like one–for all our sakes." (Disciplined)

Guten tag. I'll give it 3 hours and then roll a tiebreaker.

>>5270677
>While your annoyance is simmering, lashing out isn't the right way to resolve this. A sigh in concession, then say "I don't raise my voice if I don't need to, Hod." (Sober)

>>5270677
>(sober)
To get things going

Also finaly a PM verse quest!

>>5270677
>...You're not in the mood for this right now. As Training Captain, it's your duty to discipline those who shirk their duty. "You're a Sephirah, Hod. Act like one–for all our sakes." (Disciplined)

Gonna lock votes 30 minutes early so I don't need to rewrite too much.

Sober write-in wins.

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>While your annoyance is simmering, lashing out isn't the right way to resolve this. A sigh in concession, then say "I don't raise my voice if I don't need to, Hod." (Sober)

"...I'm sorry, Captain."

The world goes fuzzy for a moment as the Filter turns on, a little spark that sears its way through your optic nerves. Though it's only set to low, you can already feel your stress begin to taper off.

You allow yourself a moment to refocus, then turn to face the woman - a girl, really - that replaced the robot.

"It's not your fault, Hod. I don't want to raise my voice if I don't have to. You should know this by now."

Your Sephirah offers a wan smile in response.

"Yes, but you're still scary even if you don't shout, Captain."

All you can do is shake your head. She's too damn fragile, this girl.

"Let's see what Giselle bought…"

With a mental flex, you activate the Cobalt Scars. Ignoring the almost-painful stench of [CENSORED] that fills your nose is a task that comes with practiced ease. Your mind sifts through an overwhelming series of smells layered one on top of the other, all to identify what's in the bag.

Oh. Mustard sauce and roast pork from HamHamPangPang. She must have waited in line for a while.

…You'll use a little less force when you smack Giselle around.

As you fish the sandwich out of the bag, you think about how - to anyone else - using an EGO for such frivolous pursuits would be nigh-sacrilege. That's why you're a Captain and they're not, though; you only managed to get this skilled because you use EGOs so casually.
This is a level of control that's born solely of experience and experimentation, the great barrier distinguishing a Captain from any other high-ranking Agent. If a fresh-faced Level V were to try and copy what you just did, they'd collapse from the sensory overload.

Sometimes, you wonder whether you've become more Abnormal than human.

You shake your head, fingering Amrita's crimson prayer beads in your off hand. No use thinking such thoughts–you are what you are, and right now, you're on duty.

"While you're here–what's the agenda for today, Hod?"

The Sephirah perks up, happy to answer. Her cowlick - a carryover from the antenna, you're sure - wags with her movement.

"Oh–um, we have a new batch of recruits! And, and, the Information Department picked up some new Abnormalities! HE and WAW, respectively. We don't know what they are yet, though."

Then she pauses, taking a second look at you. After an awkward moment, she continues, voice cracking with nerves.

"You… uh, you might want to cover up your EGOs, Captain. The new recruits…"

"Already working on it," you mutter. Holding the pork sandwich between your teeth, you step over to the small home kitchen built into your quarters, then rifle through the cupboards for something to wrap yourself up in.

[1/3]

The place you call home is spartan in a way that's difficult to describe. Though it's easily twice the size of a regular Agent's room, there's practically no sign of decoration or personalization anywhere to be found.

The few times you've visited the homes of your fellow Captains - purely for business pursuits - paint you in stark contrast to them. The Information Captain has a fondness for collecting dolls, which seem to cover every square inch of her room. Back when she was a trainee, you had to lecture her more than once for carrying them into the containment cells.

Your time in the Disciplinary Department is still ingrained into you. Some habits are hard to break, even after 5,000 years. The experience certainly comes in handy, though; you often have to act as the stick to Hod's unceasing carrot.

Ah. You're running out of bandages. You'll have to put in a request for more, soon.

With laborious care, you wrap what little cloth you have left around your EGO Suit, obstructing the mind-shattering equipment from view. There's not enough left to mummify your Weapon, unfortunately; you'll have to hide it some other way.

A moment's concentration has the grasping appendage mold itself against your skin. Most of the mass slides up your sleeve and across the right side of your chest in a horrific parody of a full-length gauntlet, a sensation that leaves you twitching with disgust. Moving swiftly to put it out of your mind, you wrap the rest of the cloth around your encased fist, then flex your fingers to check for mobility.

The coverings will break the second you have to fight. Hopefully it won't come to that.

…Who are you kidding? New recruits. You'll definitely have to contain a TETH or something when they inevitably fuck up.

A glance at the clock, again, informs you that you have 10 minutes to spare for disciplining Giselle. In the background, the company radio crackles to life as a cheerful voice launches into follow-along morning calisthenics.

"...The day's starting soon, Hod."

"Yes, Captain!"

[2/3]

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The hallways echo with the weight of your steps. Wearing [CENSORED] adds an extra 50 pounds to your mass, rendering it unusable to anyone without the necessary strength–as if the risk of mental corruption wasn't enough of a roadblock by itself.

"Sir! Good day!"

"Hey, boss. Walking with Hod?"

"Captain, my Captain!"

Passing Clerks and Agents greet you with varying degrees of formality, though all but the most experienced quickly look away once they realize what you're wearing. Even the Vs among them are leery of looking too long.

Necessary evils. You don't blame them, though it does feel a little lonely at times. The Sephirahs and your fellows Captains are the only ones capable of speaking to you freely while you're wearing [CENSORED]. Angela and the Manager aren't worth mentioning, as they rarely leave their nest to begin with.

"C-Captain, why am I going with you…? Not that I mind, of course!"

Hod's optimism and attempts at helping always seems to skyrocket around you, as if she's trying to make up for the distance between you and your coworkers.

>Her efforts are appreciated, if unnecessary. "Giselle should apologize to you in person." (Arbitrator)

>It's a waste of her time. "You're the one following me. Shouldn't you go attend that meeting with Netzach? Shoo, shoo." (Practical)

>It's kind of embarrassing to be honest, but you don't mind. She means well. "Good question. Why are you following me, Hod?" (Casual)

>Write-in?

[3/3]

Early update! 7 hours early, as a matter of fact!

We haven't gotten too far into it yet, but how's the Quest? Tried to expand the setting a bit and reread Wonderlab like three times in order to make sure I wasn't contradicting much. Also picking away at Distortion Detective.

>>5271199
>Her efforts are appreciated, if unnecessary. "Giselle should apologize to you in person." (Arbitrator)

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>>5271199
>Her efforts are appreciated, if unnecessary. "Giselle should apologize to you in person." (Arbitrator)
>>5271209
Good stuff QM, I had considered running a fixer quest personally but i just don't have the time, which is a shame because I have decent amount of notes and materials written up for it
>Distortion Detective
Last I remember I think it was confirmed they were turning it into a Visual Novel in a somewhat recent QA, so I'd be hyped.
Clerk lives don't matter

>>5271199
>Her efforts are appreciated, if unnecessary. "Giselle should apologize to you in person." (Arbitrator)

Experienced wrangler.

>>5271220
>VN for Distortion Detective
MY BODY IS READY
MY WALLET IS NOT
FULLSPEED
>Fixer Quest
Very cool, would love to read it while I smash my skull against Library of Ruina. World needs more ProjectMoon stuff. The full version of this Quest (this oneshot is more a proof of concept while I take a short break from my main Quest and also stress-test the full Quest's mechanics) had an option to play as a Fixer, actually. You would've been hired a few weeks before the Seed of Light, giving you time to prepare so you don't get immediately murked by Distortions. The other 2 were "play as a fresh hire for L-Corp, X Loops Before the Seed of Light." With some finagling, you could've stopped Angela or prevent her from turning everyone into Librarians by offering yourself up instead.

The last - my personal favorite - was "play as one of the original members of Lobotomy, X Weeks before Enoch dies." That would've given you the potential to save Carmen, but failing that, you could've also taken care of Angela after A pretty much disowned her. I would've had to make up a whole bunch of shit while I went, but it would be one hell of a ride.

>>5271199
>Her efforts are appreciated, if unnecessary. "Giselle should apologize to you in person." (Arbitrator)

"...the very top, the top leadership must almost be an mysterious anathema to [his subordinates]." This guy's presence is something else... Fascinating.

>>5271209
I like the bandages bit with [CENSORED], very consistent detailing.

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>Her efforts are appreciated, if unnecessary. "Giselle should apologize to you in person." (Arbitrator)

"I want Giselle to apologize to you in person."

The girl stops in her tracks for a moment, astonished by your words. You don't wait for her–she has to jog to catch up with your long strides.

"Eh!? T-there's no need for that!"

[Justice: EX]

"They should learn to respect their superiors. You spoil them too much, Hod. This is why all our trainees have such low Temperance."

At your words, the Sephirah's cowlick droops, and tears gather in the corners of her eyes. Despite the Cognition Filter's arcane magic, you remain wholly unmoved. If this were anyone else - barring Netzach, Chesed, or Tiphereth B - your head would probably be on the chopping block for your disrespect, but the two of you know that you're right.

[Temperance: EX++]

Still, you should show some restraint.

"That's why I'm here, Hod."

She struggles to meet your gaze. "To clean up my mistakes…?"

Yes. "No. I am your Captain, not your caretaker. I support you as my peers support their Sephirahs, for as capable as you machines may be, perfection remains ever-distant."

Amrita feels warm against your skin. Idly, you roll one of its 108 beads between your fingers.

Hod looks at you with starry eyes. "You–you think I'm capable? Me?"

Rather than respond, you stop before the Employee break room's sealed airlock door. Taped to its metal teeth is a handwritten sign labeled "No Clerks Allowed." The penmanship is sloppy and the paper is cheap, with ink visibly bleeding through the back.

You pluck the sheet free and crush it in your free hand. In the same motion, you knock your fist against the entrance button.

As the door hisses open, you cancel Cobalt Scar's effect. The fruity scent of Giselle's shampoo fades from your senses, though following it for so long has allowed it to imprint itself in your mind.

She's the only one in there. Good. Private matters should remain private.

You catch the Agent lounging on one of the break room's ubiquitous plastic chairs, leaning back and teetering on its back legs. The second the slacker sees you, her sleepy eyes widen in shock, then switch over to terror as you approach.

The chair slams down with a loud thump, back to standing on all fours. For a brief second, Giselle's eyes dart over to Hod, then back to you.

Too easily distracted.

[1/3]

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"C-C-C-Cap--!"

You raise your hand. The Agent whimpers, then closes her eyes, as if making peace with her impending doom.

[Temperance: EX++]

Then you flick her forehead.

"Gyah!"

On instinct, her hands clap over the injured spot in an attempt to protect her skull from further injury. You lean in close, speaking quietly into her ear.

"Don't make Hod do your work."

Giselle jumps in place, startled by your proximity, then nods frantically. "Forgive me! Hod! I won't do it again!"

Caught off guard, your wallflower of a Sephirah doesn't know how to respond.

"A-apology accepted…?"

You're satisfied. With a nod and a heavy heart, you fork over a wad of Ahn. Still in pain, Giselle blearily looks down at the folded-up bills.

"Money?"

"For buying the food."

When she doesn't move to take your cash, you toss it on her lap and turn away. Hod follows close behind, timid as ever.

Just as you're about to step past the airlock's boundary, the Agent timidly calls out from behind you.

"T-thank you, sir! I won't disappoint you again!"

The door seals shut.

[2/3]

Hod looks up at you every now and then as you continue the silent trek towards your office. After a while, she speaks.

"That was for more than one meal…"

You grunt. "Two meals. Hers and mine. Exact change. Only those who do their work properly receive full pay."

"How did you figure out the cost?"

"Sniffed out her order. Still remember the menu prices from last time."

Hod raises a hand to her mouth, surprised. "Uwah… I don't think anyone else could do something like that, Captain. Scary."

In a quieter voice, she adds, "But gentle."

You stop in front of your office door, an excessively ornate thing carved from an equally expensive wood. Your predecessor had some truly awful taste, but at least it's reinforced and secure.

"Not gentle. Fair. Now shoo; I have to prepare for the newbies."

[Select one. When filling a Write-In, do not select instant-kill Abnormalities.]

>It's their first day. You'll start them off nice and easy. It'll be a short trip to Control, but One Sin is as harmless as it gets. [ZAYIN - One Sin and Hundreds of Good Deeds.]

>They passed orientation, so they should be decently capable. You'll show them the ropes with something that'll wow the kids, but weak enough for you to crush if it tries anything funny. [TETH - Write-in which.]

>The rumor mill says this batch of recruits is stronger, tougher, better and faster. Hod's been putting in the work--they're all approaching Level III in quality. You'll meet that standard. [HE - Write-in which.]

>Your chest itches where [CENSORED] keeps crawling over it. It's a little inappropriate, but you want some action. There's no chance you can get a volunteer to work with a WAW, but this'll make sure they listen to you. [WAW - Write-in which.]

>ALEPH Not an option. You don't want Angela to crack your skull open.

[3/3]

>>5271400
>Your chest itches where [CENSORED] keeps crawling over it. It's a little inappropriate, but you want some action. There's no chance you can get a volunteer to work with a WAW, but this'll make sure they listen to you. [WAW - The Burrowing Heaven.]
Pretty chill as long as X looks at it.

>>5271413
>As long as X looks at it
I wasn't going to say this, but if you're gonna go for Burrowing Heaven... Well, I'm rolling for an event once votes are locked. Let's hope I roll high, huh? Otherwise, the Manager might get distracted. That wouldn't be good.

I'll rule that most instakill effects - like Burrowing Heaven's - will get translated into something that actually gives you a fighting chance, but you'll definitely be on the backfoot until reinforcements arrive.

>>5271400
>>The rumor mill says this batch of recruits is stronger, tougher, better and faster. Hod's been putting in the work--they're all approaching Level III in quality. You'll meet that standard. [HE - Schadenfreude]
I hate this anomaly and I want them to suffer. Half joking, they need to deal with one of the more obnoxious ones.

>>5271400
>They passed orientation, so they should be decently capable. You'll show them the ropes with something that'll wow the kids, but weak enough for you to crush if it tries anything funny.
Meat lantern.

>>5271400
>They passed orientation, so they should be decently capable. You'll show them the ropes with something that'll wow the kids, but weak enough for you to crush if it tries anything funny. [TETH - Punishing Bird]
Most of the time fighting is going to be your first choice as an agent, but given how often Punishing Bird breaches he is an extremely important exception to know about.

>>5270271
How many of these quests are a front for terrorism?

>>5271535
Don't remind me. Oh, god. It is important, though; "Abnormalities are not the same. What works for one does not necessarily work for another. Trying to apply logic to them is a fool's errand."

>>5271400
supporting this vote. I wanna see a single newbie handle getting their skulls pecked for an entire day. Wait for them to learn and see how they handle abnormalities where violence isn't the first solution

>>5271535
Support, the birds are my favorite abnormalities. Also good choice for a quest QM.

>>5271535
+1
PUNISHMENT IMMINENT
(Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail?)
In other words, a good time to teach them about the dos and do nots of abnormality suppression.

Alright, locking votes. I want 3 anons to roll me a 1d20 + 3, lower is better.
Let's see what starts stirring the pot. nat 20 is a sephirah meltdown lol

Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5271588
come on MELTDOWN.

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5271588
I haven't played the game do all this terminology is going over my head.

Rolled 8 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5271588
STAND BACK, I'LL SHOW YOU HOW IT'S DONE!

>>5271588
can we take the worst result as per L-corp random events tradition?
because more often than now, worse days happen more often instead of good days.

>>5271588
>nat 20 is a sephirah meltdown lol
>spoiler
Is there a separate table for that?

>>5271591
It's difficult to summarize, and any attempt to really explain the meaning behind a Sephirah Meltdown would result in insane spoilers. The wiki does explain things quite thoroughly, though; if you don't mind spoilers, pop over to Hod's page and read.

A simplified explanation is that Sephirah are administrators of the facility made using the consciousnesses of L-Corp's founding members. After a millenia of seeing so much suffering, a corruption of their original goal to save the human race and bring about a utopia, they kind of end up going nuts and giving into their traumas, resulting in a Sephirah Meltdown.
That's when they become fuckoff terrifying monsters that kick your ass six ways to Sunday. Suppressing a Meltdown returns them to normal and brings them hope again.

>>5271608
Did I say a millenia? I meant about 10. At least.
>>5271605
Would've been Gebura for maximum style points. I would've saved it for later in the day, though.
Since you guys rolled an 18+3, have fun with a combined Ordeal + 1 bird breakout. Better hope that Punishing stays in his cage, or we might see Apocalypse Bird come out to play.

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>>5271615
>Gebura
>Not a wandering Binah who is a walking jailbreaker for abnormalities.
Come on, Qliphoth. If we're gonna go for a meltdown, at least show the newbies a meltdown of MAXIMUM chaos

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>>5271400
>It's their first day. You'll start them off nice and easy. It'll be a short trip to Control, but One Sin is as harmless as it gets. [ZAYIN - One Sin and Hundreds of Good Deeds.]
skullbro is a tradition here

>>5271639
Arbitrator vs. Arbiter would've been undeniably badass, but Color vs. Color (with a splash of Student vs. Mentor) hits all my buttons. Alas, the dice gods have decided that it was not meant to be, so you'll just have to settle for catching a Violet Noon pillar in freefall.

Also there's not really any way for me to write a Captains vs. Binah scene without everyone dying kek

>>5271668
>but Color vs. Color (with a splash of Student vs. Mentor) hits all my buttons.
Hold up. You're saying that our PC here is a Color fixer before he applied to L-corp? No wonder he's wearing Aleph and WAW gear like it's a casual friday. Asking about our PC's color epithet would be asking for too much then.

>>5271674
I'll drop the Captain's character sheet when you either enter combat or when the Oneshot ends, whichever I feel deserves/needs it more.

I'm not too sure how this next scene should flow. Let's make it a vote.
Do you:
>Greet the newbies in the Main Department like a normal human being and allow your mere presence to terrify them
Or do you:
>Surprise them by jumping down from the ceiling and see how they respond to a 7-foot tall, 230-pound, heavily bandaged man hit the ground like an angry fist from God

Either way, next update will be the last one from me for today. Maybe. Depends on how badly my muse wants to abuse me.

>>5271730
option 3. Go recharge the vending machine pretending to be a clerk

>>5271733
The world's most least suspicious Clerk. Nothing wrong here, folks.

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>>5271730
>Greet the newbies in the Main Department like a normal human being and allow your mere presence to terrify them
or alternatively >>5271735 go catts route

I'm not saying I'll veto it, but how are you going to deal with the whole "looks like a walking mummy" thing? Unless you guys want to mug some poor Clerk for their suit.
...That sounds pretty funny, to be honest.

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>>5271730
>Surprise them by jumping down from the ceiling and see how they respond to a 7-foot tall, 230-pound, heavily bandaged man hit the ground like an angry fist from God
>Insert thumbs into ears, stick out tongue, roll eyes, and go wugga-wugga-wugga for bonus points

>>5271748
There is no need to explain anything. Give them a very slow head turn and a head tilt, finish reloading the vending machine and walk away.

>>5271748
>steal a clerk's suit
>act as suspisious as posible
>when questioned about the wrappings say they are just a flesh wound
>refuse to elaborate
>wish the fresh meat good luck
>leave

>>5271748
>Go find a Clerk.
>Tell them they get the day off if they hand over their suit.
>Act as suspicous as possible when walking into the room where the newbies are.
>do things that are inhumanly possible while trying to get a drink from the vending machine without letting slip the CENSORED.
>Get an armful of drinks for the newbies after mauling the vending machine and mugging it of its drinks.

Unfortunately, MC has too much of a stick up his ass to be as cool as Catt. Alas. I'll go for the next best thing and hit them with the Fist of God, plus a little bit of fucking around.

First impressions are important.

>>5271755
seconding this

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>They passed orientation, so they should be decently capable. You'll show them the ropes with something that'll wow the kids, but weak enough for you to crush if it tries anything funny. [TETH - Punishing Bird]

20 minutes and a mountain of paperwork later, you find yourself looking down on a disorderly group of newbies. 12 heads, all in all. The files were sparse on details, but their aptitude and mental strength tests returned "acceptable" parameters.

You'll be the judge of that.

A brief whisper is all that marks your sudden descent. Then, there's a deafening impact as all 230 pounds of you - gear included - hit the floor in a crouch.

It's a good thing you had it reinforced.

The rookies scream, of course. It's the expected response when a giant of a man nearly 7-feet tall and clad head-to-toe in bandages falls out of the sky like an angry god.

What you don't expect is their immediate follow-up. While the others panic, two of the rookies launch themselves at you, swinging their batons at your head and at your legs in opposite directions. It's inelegant, but effective; whether you jump or crouch, you'll be struck.

[Fortitude: EX]

[Not even close.]

You step backwards into the reach of the one aiming for your head, then twist away to the side. In about half a second, you're well out of their range, but close enough to observe as the two rookies - black-haired twins, you realize - share a look of stunned surprise, then let out pained yelps as their regulation bats slam into each other.

You're impressed. The… brothers, you think, managed to pull their blows just before impact. Judging by the savagery of their movements and the instinctive response, you'd assume they're Backstreets children.

"Who are you!?"

They even echo each other's words. How cute. Tiphereth A would despise them, you think. You'll have to make sure they don't end up in her Department.

Given a chance to collect their wits, the rest of the rookies start to fumble for their weapons. One of them, though, lets out a sharp gasp, finally noticing the armband pinned to your bandages.

"T-that's the Training Team Captain!"

Well, there goes your fun plan.

Your very serious plan.

…The paperwork left you just a little bored.

There's a moment of confusion as the rookies process the speaker's words, allowing you to pick them out of the crowd.

[1/4]

It's a woman. White haired, too. Judging by how young she looks, it's either dye, or an unusual genetic quirk.

A quick sniff with Cobalt Scars informs you it's the latter. All natural–there's no hint of hair-product stink.

You sweep your gaze over the group one more time, noting the ones that match your stare and those who don't. You've never put much stock in the psychological analysis records; a small test like this provides you a much better grasp of what you're working with.

Decent quality for the most part. Better than the last batch, really, but still hopelessly green.

[Justice: EX]

"...Correct. I am the Training Team Captain. You will refer to me as Captain, and follow my orders as such. So long as you are part of this Department, my word is law. Do not make me repeat myself."

They stand rooted to the floor, gaping at you like helpless little guppies. It's a pitiful sight.

Just this once, you'll give them a little boost.

"Time has no meaning. Pain has no permanence. Faith has no merit. These are the three truths of Lobotomy Corporation."

As you utter your mantra, Amrita pulses with a dark light. The briefest flash of enlightenment seeds itself into their minds, then withers away–it neither takes nor leaves anything behind, simply forcing them to acknowledge the feeling that they have lost something precious.

The white-haired woman is the first to stand to attention, saluting you messily. The others follow suit, slowly at first, then with confidence as they see everyone else doing it. The only exceptions are the brothers that tried to strike you first, who still have yet to sheathe their batons.

…Not the reaction you expected, but alright.

"Saluting me is unnecessary. Lip service is worthless here; actions are all that matters."

[2/4]

Hopefully, your little white lie stops them from trying to bully Hod into giving them favors. The gullibility of your Sephirah still pains you to think about. Left unsaid is the fact that even actions can be undone. They'll see it for themselves, sooner or later. With luck, one or two might even survive for a full month.

"Form two rows and follow me."

You shouldn't get your hopes up like that.

After a moment of scrambling, the rookies line up behind you like obedient little ducklings, though the twins still stare daggers at you. As soon as they're in order, you take long strides towards your next destination, passing by a number of your Department's containment cells in the process. Passing through the halls, it's inevitable that you run into other Agents and Clerks. The old blood glances at your newest charges, unsubtly studying their future coworkers. With you at the helm, though, they leave without comment.

For their part, the rookies act like children at a zoo, ooh-ing and aah-ing at the Abnormalities through the viewing ports of their containment cells. One of them, a vain-looking boy that still smells of the Nest, dazedly reaches for the door separating him and the HE-ranked Red Shoes.

You glare at him. "You. Stop."

He doesn't listen, of course. You can see it in his eyes; he's already under the enchantment. Never let it be said that you didn't try the peaceful route.

In a single swift motion, you pick up the recruit by the back of the collar and toss him into the far side of the wall. He smacks into it with a short cry, curling up on instinct.

You didn't throw him that hard. Actually hitting him would've done far worse to his body.

"Get up. Unless you want to die, don't even think about wearing those shoes. I'll have to execute you myself if you do."

The rookies immediately give the door a wide berth, no longer willing to admire the cursed footwear. Timidly, one of them raises a hand.

"Ask your question."

"Why are they dangerous, s-s-sir Captain?"

You pause. This is a good opportunity to teach them the importance of knowledge.

"Have you read the Abnormality management guidelines yet?"

A few scattered murmurs. The general consensus is no, though the white-haired woman nods rapidly.

More out of a sense of obligation than anything, you wave for her to speak. She launches into an energetic explanation.

"The Red Shoes are a HE-class Abnormality. Unlike a Tool Abnormality, they can act of their own will. They enchant employees with low… Temperance, and force the victim to put on the shoes. Until they actually equip the Shoes, though, they can still be woken up. If not halted in time, the enchanted employee is considered a sub-Abnormality and proceeds to go on a violent killing spree. The Shoes can only be removed via amputation. That's all I know, sir!"

You consider the woman for a long moment, flicking through your memories for her file.

[3/4]

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Ah, right. Elaine Imimr. Notable for having a higher than average Prudence, but barely passing in everything else, particularly her Temperance.

It's a wonder she didn't fall for the Shoes, herself. Caution born of preknowledge, then–without it, it's likely that she would have ended up like the still-whimpering boy over by the wall.

Has he still not gotten up yet? Disappointing.

[Select one.]

>She's the sort at the highest risk of an early death, believing themselves prepared for anything when all they've read is a little pamphlet. Remain neutral and keep a close eye on her.

>Express approval. Even if it's incomplete knowledge, it's far better than her peers. Hopefully this will inspire them to follow in her footsteps, though you'll have to make sure she doesn't grow overconfident.

>Write-in?

[4/4]

>She's the sort at the highest risk of an early death, believing themselves prepared for anything when all they've read is a little pamphlet. Remain neutral and keep a close eye on her.

>>5271834
>She's the sort at the highest risk of an early death, believing themselves prepared for anything when all they've read is a little pamphlet. Remain neutral and keep a close eye on her.

>"Prudent if anything. But Prudence can be your undoing. There are some who would love nothing more than to rip your head open for that nugget of wisdom you just shared."
Scarecrow searching for wisdom's gonna be the death of Elaine.

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>>5271834
Also fun fact about the Birds. Apparently in the LoR artbook, Big Bird was once lulled to sleep by an employee petting it.

>>5271834
>>She's the sort at the highest risk of an early death, believing themselves prepared for anything when all they've read is a little pamphlet. Remain neutral and keep a close eye on her.
she may be a smart little slut, but she is still just a slut that will die in the forth day. If she is lucky she will keep herself alive enough for someone to rape her before that happens, but not putting to much stock in her walking the mirror staircase to the top.

>>5271834
>Express approval. Even if it's incomplete knowledge, it's far better than her peers. Hopefully this will inspire them to follow in her footsteps, though you'll have to make sure she doesn't grow overconfident.

Manager will der shooty mai new waifu i just know it, at least it will serve as an example to those remaining

>>5271824
Teleport Interference?
>>5271842
+1

>>5271848
Adorable. Would pet Biggest Borb again. I haven't seen the art book, myself, but I guess I'll have to look for it now.
>>5271849
B-bro?
>>5271850
What will the Manager do to your new waifu?

Anyways, next update will come out later. I've gotta sleep for now, cheers. I wouldn't expect such frequent updates again once I finish my break and return to writing my other Quests, but I have until Saturday to focus all my efforts on this. And my schoolwork. And my work-work.

WhiteNight save my soul.

>>5271834
>Go and pick the nest boy up by the collar of his suit and put him back on his feet.
>As you do, make sure to turn this into a teaching moment. "Respectable knowledge, and yet you still did not notice your fellow rookie under the enchantment. I will not always be here to catch what you miss. All of you, remember: at your safest in this facility, you are minutes away from death. Learning to be aware of your surroundings and irregularities is key to survival."

>>5271869
>B-bro?
Angra Mainyu sends his regards

>>5271888
>angry manjew
Honestly, he could probably fit right in as an Abnormality.

>>5271869
der shooty the waifu in a crossfire or something i just know
you know the good old clerk wrongs activist, the magical girl pacifier, mangers final solution, you know the blue guy

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>>5271913
Would you believe I still haven't gotten him in my runs yet? I've been trying, but it ain't easy. Der Freischutz refuses to work for me, and it's a travesty.
But yeah, I always just translate his name as The Freeshooter in my head, which is why it took me a second to understand you, kek

>>5271921
Der Shooty, Der Fruitloops, Der Frenchfries...he is a man of many names

>>5271921
you havent been reciting the chant to get him that why
here let me write it down for you

Der Shooty Frenchfries
there are cl*rks panicing in aztaluith
Der Fruitloops Fireman
with a one shot silence the thot
Oh Freeshooter, Der Freischutz
let me at least reach day 30

>>5271930
that doesnt even rhyme

>>5271937
im sure there is some english poem that only rhymes in the middle anon cut me some slack

>>5271930
I have nothing but my bullet and I want nothing more.
It has been, it still is, faithful to me.

Why should I begrudge it, since during the hours
when my soul crushed the depths of my heart,
it was seated there beside me?

O bullet, I have ended, you see, by respecting you,
because I am certain you will never leave me.

Ah! I realize it: your beauty lies in the force of your being.
You are like those who never left
the sad fireside corner of my poor black rifle.

O my bullet, you are better than a well-beloved:
because I know that on the day of my final agony,
you will be there, lying in my chamber, O bullet,
so that you might once again attempt to enter my beloved's heart

wrong one you amateurs here is how you do it

I am the rim of my bullet
Shell is my body and gunpowder is my blood
I have created over a thousand holes
Unknown to miss,
Nor known to hit.
Have taken aim to shoot many targets
Yet, those hands will never hold anything
So as I pray, The Seventh Bullet Works.

>>5271834
>>She's the sort at the highest risk of an early death, believing themselves prepared for anything when all they've read is a little pamphlet. Remain neutral and keep a close eye on her.

>>5271615
>the Gebura meltdown happens during a meeting.
>The only warning is Chesed getting punch through a wall and ending up somewhere in the facility, his beloved cup shattered.

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>She's the sort at the highest risk of an early death, believing themselves prepared for anything when all they've read is a little pamphlet. Remain neutral and keep a close eye on her.

"A little prepared, I see. That sets you apart from the rest."

She preens at your words. You continue.

"It will lead you to an early death."

The smile drops from her face, picked up instead by a few of her more jealous peers. You're still not done, though.

"At the very least, you may expect to live longer than most others."

There, now no one is happy. Except for you, you're always happy.

No one ever believes you when you say that, though. It's very strange.

"Is that a threat, old man?"

The brazen words come from the twins, of course. The fact that all nine of their still-capable coworkers suddenly snap around to stare at them doesn't seem to faze the pair in the slightest.

Lan and Ran. No last names. Respectively, High Fortitude, middling Justice, low Temperance, rock-bottom Prudence. Low Fortitude, high Justice, nonexistent Temperance, middling Prudence.

Why does everyone have such abysmal Temperance these days?

Seeing them respond to Punishing Bird should be interesting.

"Threats between humans are of little meaning here. You, too, shall understand in time."

You let out a sigh, then stride over to the boy you threw.

"Get up. I'll be sending you in for a stint in the Disciplinary Re-Education Squad if you don't. You'll need it."

Gebura will undoubtedly be annoyed for sending someone like this to her Department, but her Captain should be able to try and calm her down. Hopefully.

She's still not speaking to you for accepting the Department transfer. It's not like you could've refused, though. What an unreasonable AI.

While you pull the boy to his feet, you project your voice, ensuring that the rookies know you're speaking to all of them.

"Your personal histories and experiences before today are irrelevant. Whether you were born in the comfort of a Nest or some Backstreets alleyway, you are all equal beneath the Abnormalities. Even the lowliest ZAYIN can prove your demise.

Elaine's information is incomplete, but enough to keep her safe. Know this, though; despite the many manuals Hod and I take pains to create, nothing makes up for experience. Without that experience, you may as well know nothing… No, knowing a little is worse than knowing nothing at all."

[1/3]

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You loom to your full height, ignoring the way that [CENSORED] scrabbles against your flesh.

"Feeling confident. Making assumptions. Thinking you're safe. All of these things will lead to your death." But even death is meaningless here. "It is my duty to ensure that you understand what mistakes you make, so that you may never repeat them."

With a gentle push, the Nest boy is sent back into the herd. Finally time to close off your little speech.

"I am your mentor. I am your leader. I am your closest ally, the one most vested in your continued survival, moreso than even yourselves." They will learn to believe in you, if no one else.

You smile. They flinch. You feel a little hurt, but don't let it show on your face. It's not like you're wearing Crimson Scar…

"Come. There is only so much time in the day." There's no lack of time in this place.

They follow behind you in subdued silence, displaying much greater caution around the Abnormality containment cells than before. Even the twins seem inclined to listen.

[Temperance: EX++]

It gladdens your heart to see the children learn.

[2/3]

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You stop before Punishing Bird's cell, only a short walk away from the Information Department's main room. Control gave you clearance for cross-department Work Orders, though you had to sign far too many waiver forms from the parties involved.

It's as if they have no faith in you, the one that was once their mentor. How hurtful. Well, it's not like you want to spend too much time here anyways; getting in and out before the Information Team Captain appears would be for the best.

You suppress a shudder at the thought. Though she's earned her position and no longer needs your oversight, not even Yesod can keep her playful streak in check. It's a wonder he hasn't replaced her for someone else.

A quick survey shows that Punishing Bird remains docile within its oversized cage, silent on its perch atop a withered, gnarled tree. Through the thick glass panel, it peers back at you with beady black eyes.

[Prudence: EX]

Out of habit, you activate Cobalt Scars again, sniffing the air for future complications. Interrupting a Work Order is a disaster in most cases; should anything happen while you're in there, you'll be unable to resolve things yourself. Not normally an issue, but with so many greenhorns around, you don't want to take any chances.

Bitterness. Hunger. Regret. Brutality.

…An Ordeal. You can't tell what Color or what Time. Though it's still early in the day, all bets are off. At the very least, it shouldn't be a Midnight Ordeal.

You should be fine, then.

The rookies take turns looking into Punishing Bird's cell. They've already forgotten your warnings; you can see some of them falling in love with it on appearance alone.

Hah. You can't wait to show them what it's really like.

"You've all passed orientation and had your fun with the Training Test Dummy. Cute kid, that."

At the sound of your voice, they snap to attention.

"Tell me, then. Which one of you would like to put that practice to the test?"

You place your non-bandaged hand on the cell door's entry key. After a moment of hesitation, several hands raise into the air.

[Select one.]

>Elaine doesn't seem cowed by your earlier words. You'll enjoy watching her get chased around by Punishing Bird. Seeing is believing.

>The twins. You have to physically stop them from both entering the cell at once, which earns you an angry glare. Which twin do you send?

>Unexpectedly, the Nest boy seems up for a ride. There's a slight spark of determination in his eyes. He'll probably do the worst of the lot, but that's why you're here, isn't it?

[3/3]

>>5272297
>The twins. You have to physically stop them from both entering the cell at once, which earns you an angry glare. Which twin do you send?
send in Lan this should be fun

>>5272297
>Unexpectedly, the Nest boy seems up for a ride. There's a slight spark of determination in his eyes. He'll probably do the worst of the lot, but that's why you're here, isn't it?
GO RICH BOY GO

>Elaine doesn't seem cowed by your earlier words. You'll enjoy watching her get chased around by Punishing Bird. Seeing is believing.

shineeeee

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>>5272297
>>Elaine doesn't seem cowed by your earlier words. You'll enjoy watching her get chased around by Punishing Bird. Seeing is believing.

The twins seem like angsty backstreets retards who'll fight a Thumb solely to prove that they're not backstreet retards. They're gonna end up trying to clock PB, and get eaten. Elaine seems the most likely to survive, while still putting on a show for the newbies. AFTERWARDS, we can show Ran and Lan some footage of what would have happened if they went in there and started swatting at it.

Also still sad about not getting BongBong with a [CENSORED] suit.

>>5272297
>Elaine doesn't seem cowed by your earlier words. You'll enjoy watching her get chased around by Punishing Bird. Seeing is believing.

>>5272297
no matter who we send out there they are going to die, the church girl will just prove she is not a retard by being a retard, the twins are going to try to punch a bird because they must assert dominance over their own egos and the rich kid is just asking to be cannon fodder, so lets go with the nest boy, let the bird sit on the nest and lets see if the retard goes shinji mode and kills himself or if he is actually someone worth learning about

>>5272336
>spoiler
Just for you, I'll come up with some shitty what-if omakes for BongBong MC. It will be magnificent. Soloing all the Sephirahs at once. I'll even give her my original notes for EGO dual-wielding, just to make it seem even slightly plausible.

>>5272341
only if you make Yumyum kill her in an anticlimactic backstab betrayal

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>>5272340
You make a good point about the first two (three) people having things to prove. Nest guy is a little weakling, but doesn't seem to have that issue. Gonna keep my vote though, I want to see how she fares despite that flaw. I'm not too keen on the twins, since I despise people who have a chip on their shoulder and then make it everyone else's problem.

>>5272341
Based based based based absolutely based

>>5272326
>>5272336
>>5272339
damn it anon
at least let der shooty end her or the ordeal

>>5272297
>Elaine
Twins would probably get demolished, girl seems like an idiot, this rich guy is a bigger idiot.

>no one wants to send the boys and see Apocalypse Borb
Don't you want to give the rookies a sick pair of eye-spotted wings? A signing-on bonus and a new record set for number of new hires killed in shortest amount of time

>>5272471
No. Send the new waifu in the meat grinder already, we have a PTSD quota to meet.

>>5272471
....now that you say that...
>>5272297

>The twins. You have to physically stop them from both entering the cell at once, which earns you an angry glare. Which twin do you send?
>Lan
Lets turn the 1st day into a CHAOS day

>>5272471
we havent greeted skullbro yet, its mandatory we see him
what>>5272476 says as much as i want to seperate the twins its anons will

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>>5272471

>>5272297
>Unexpectedly, the Nest boy seems up for a ride. There's a slight spark of determination in his eyes. He'll probably do the worst of the lot, but that's why you're here, isn't it?
I want to see Nest boy redeem himself.
Or get fucking eaten by Punishing Bird, that's fine too.

Will close votes in an hour.

>>5272497
>>5272297
Unexpectedly after factoring in my vote switch the votes have come to a 3-way tie between Elaine, the Nest boy, and Lan of the twins.

If there's no tie-breaker. There's always dice QM Qliphoth. You could chalk the tie-breaking dice into something of a rock-paper scissors game among the rookies.

>>5272564
>Captain whips out his trusty dimensional dice bag and rolls a d4 on the spot.

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>5272564
Jesus, okay. 1= Lan, 2 = Elaine, 3 = Nest

>>5272665
and of fucking course the dice chose the girl
welp. no apocalypse birb today

>>5272669
You don't know that! She might roll absolute shit on her Work Orders. Unlikely, considering the Amrita boost and the fact that she's read the manual so she knows what PB's favored Order is, but possible.

You'll have bigger concerns, anyways.

waiting warmly

waiting softly

Apologies for delay, passed the fuck out. Update coming soon. Look forward to your first action scene, followed by a brief Elaine PoV.

>>5273036
will birb pecking be involved?

>>Elaine doesn't seem cowed by your earlier words. You'll enjoy watching her get chased around by Punishing Bird. Seeing is believing.

Well, Punishing Bird does have a fondness for Insight Work Orders.

You step over to a nearby security camera, waving until it nods once in acknowledgement.

"Manager. Apologies for the intrusion. Do I have your permission to guide the rookies on their Work Orders?"

In response, the intercom next to you sparks to life.

"You overstep your–"

Angela's painfully familiar voice gets cut off mid-rant, much to your relief. Roughly half a minute passes before the camera nods again.

You knew you liked this Manager. You'll have to send him a bottle of wine in thanks. Maybe you can convince the Welfare Captain to hand you some. She's built up quite a stash after confiscating so much contraband from her underlings and superior. It's mostly Netzach who contributes, though.

You can sympathize with a Captain that has to baby their Sephirah. The two of you are far better off than the unlucky bastard working under Binah, though.

The rookies look back and forth between you and the speaker, confused. You consider the four hands before you… after a whispered conversation between the twins, three hands. It appears that Ran is bowing out.

Such a volatile group.

"Decide amongst yourselves. You have 30 seconds to figure out how."

Best to place the onus of choice upon them.

Surprisingly, the Nest boy rallies fairly quickly.

"Rock-paper-scissors?"

His voice is soft. As if clockwork, Lan retorts.

"Can't I just beat the two of you up and go in myself?"

Elaine scoffs. "I'd like to see you try, boy." Unfortunately, Lan seems to take this more literally than expected, unsheathing his baton with a grin. With a far less enthusiastic look upon her face, Elaine's hand settles upon the handle of her own. Standing between the two of them, the Nest boy looks to be on the verge of a panic.

Immediately, Ran smacks the back of his brother's head. There's a moment of stunned silence as the two of them launch into a hushed argument, one that your enhanced senses are fully privy to.

[1/4]

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"Choose your fights, you idiot!"

"But–"

"Stupid. I don't trust that man. There's probably a trick here."

Understanding dawns on Lan's face. "Aha. Use someone else as the guinea pig. I see…"

Ran looks relieved for a moment. "Good. I can't be in there with you…" - he glances at you, then - "...so I won't be able to help you if anything goes wrong."

His efforts are for naught, though, as Lan's brazen smile returns to his face. "But I still want to try."

"Have you been listening to a single thing I said!?"

"Yeah, I have. You play things too safe. What if we don't get a choice after this, huh? Hate to admit it, but we can't beat the old man if he comes after us. Better to build up as much experience as possible first, yeah? Feels weird to agree with him on that."

You keep a poker face as Elaine and the Nest boy hash out a quick game of rock-paper-scissors during the twins' argument. Finally, Lan throws his hands up and huffs.

"Fine. Do what you want."

"I will."

Then, the distinct hiss of the containment door reaches their ears. Elaine confidently walks into the cell as the Nest boy gazes down at his fist, a forlorn expression on his face.

"Fuck," mutters Lan. He settles down to watch, ignoring the satisfied smile on his brother's face.

Huh. Was that planned on his part? Surprisingly skilled of Ran. If he can apply some of that wit to his work, he might last a while… or at least until his brother dies.

You shake your head, then stiffen as Elaine begins the work process.

Ah. She triggered the Ordeal.

The speakers built into the walls whine as they spark to life.

"System-wide announcement. Violet Noon incoming. Please exit the Main Departments and remain in the hallways and elevators."

The Manager fucked up. He must've forgotten to keep track of the Ordeals.

…There's a lot of bodies on the other side of that department door.

[2/4]

[Justice: EX]

"Don't move. Close your eyes. If you look at me, you'll die. This is your only warning."

About half of them follow your instructions. In all honesty, it's more than you expected.

You're already dashing towards the door, though, uncaring of the way your every step craters the ground beneath you. Last you checked, the Info Captain would much prefer her to have her Agents intact. They're the only ones who have no choice but to listen to her demands of playing dress-up, after all.

As you charge down the hall, you take pains to preserve the door, thankful for once that there's no viewing port between them. It means you don't have to worry about your charges doing anything stupid, like staring straight into [CENSORED].

You burst into the Info Team's Main Department just in time to watch the obsidian obelisk materialize and begin its fall. The sour stench of fear and bitter resignment sting your nose as you catalogue the presence and location of everyone in the room.

[Fortitude: EX]

[CENSORED] bursts free from your hand, delighted at the opportunity to stretch itself after so long. The bandages you wrapped around your fist gets ripped to shreds as the living weapon mutates into your desired configuration.

Instinctively, some of the Clerks and Agents sense their imminent death, their gazes snapping to you the moment you unleash your EGO. Their mistake.

You'll leave the issue of handling their mental corruption to the Info Captain.

There's bare seconds at most. You'll have to work quickly.

[3/5] (whoops misjudged the size)

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Your right hand sweeps out, forcing [CENSORED] to elongate and ensnare everyone in its path. Your left is raised high into the air, braced for impact. You don't get everyone, but that's fine.

Just as the violently-glowing obelisk touches your fingers–

–you throw your weapon, along with everyone caught, through the other door, watching as your EGO twists and warps to get everyone through–

–and buckle, collapsing to one knee as 5 tons of eldritch rock crashes atop your shoulders.

Something claws at the boundaries of your mind.

[Prudence: EX]

[Temperance: EX++]

[[CENSORED] - Endured]

[Damage Received: 0 (Bonus Reduction: Wrong Target)]

[Pathetic.]

You don't just rebuff it. You entrap the feeble attempts, then crush it within the grip of your mind. You've spent twelve long millenia pondering the depths of existence, and at least half of that involved suppressing the desires of the very clothes you wear.

You understand far more than this half-assed art project could ever hope to.

Violet Noon's tentacles lash out at you instinctively, but the entity itself is only HE-class. [CENSORED], the materialization of higher authorities, inherently rebuffs it.

It's fucking heavy, though. You can't move Iike this, not to mention the fact that you threw away your only weapon. At the very least, [CENSORED] should be safe for a Level V to contain.

In the corner of your eyes, you see the last few Clerks and Agents you couldn't grab slowly crack open their eyes. Smart–they recognized you.

"Don't look. Eyes–remain closed."

The words are squeezed out through clenched teeth.

They obey.

"Hands and knees. Crawl–to exit."

Sweat drips down your back as the bandages you spent so much time and effort preparing begin to burst at the seams, unable to endure the way that [CENSORED] bulges outwards in an attempt to reinforce you.

"System-wide announcement. Big Bird has broken free of its containment cell. Affected area: Disciplinary Department. Repeat: Big Bird has–"

…Fuck.

Your mind instantly goes to Elaine and Punishing Bird, then to Judgement Bird down in Central.

You have faith in the Disciplinary Team. The question is whether or not Elaine can distract Punishing Bird long enough for them to suppress it. After all, the damn thing escapes at the slightest gust of wind, including if it detects panicking Agents.

…You smelled a lot of low-level Employees in that hallway you threw [CENSORED] into.

When the hell is backup arriving? You’re getting on in your years, and carrying something like this just puts undue stress on your joints.
You’ll have to complain to the Info Captain later. All of her staff are getting 20 hours in Re-Education once the day is over.

[4/5]

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[Interlude: Elaine Imimr]

It's good to know that Liam can be rational, even if he doesn't seem very dependable.

The blonde boy accepted his loss with ease, allowing you to prove your worth to the man that had so easily disparaged your efforts. Just thinking about his callousness sets you on edge; does he really think so little of you all, to believe that you'd die so easily? And the way he said he'd "execute" your peers so readily…

You suppress a shudder. Just what kind of Training Team Captain is he? Seeing him wrapped up in all those bandages, you almost thought he was some kind of particularly-humanoid Abnormality. It didn't escape you, the way the wrappings occasionally pulsed, or the thick miasma of barely-restrained bloodlust draped across the man's shoulders like a cloak.

…No. You have a job ahead of you, Elaine. Stop thinking about this and that and focus on your duty.

With a resolved heart, you step into the cell, doing your best to ignore the sudden thump of your heart as you hear it seal shut behind you.

The Abnormality - Punishing Bird, if you recall correctly - stares at you without blinking. Everything about it is small, from its size to its eyes to the perch it sits on.

You remember reading about that, actually. Supposedly, it was brought in by some other Employees due to how it “looked bored.”

[Fortitude: I (FAIL)]

[Prudence: III (OVERRIDE)]

With a calming breath, you settle your nerves. It can’t be that bad if they’re willing to accommodate it for a reason like that. Besides, it’s only TETH-tier.

No matter what that man says, those pamphlets and manuals exist for a reason. Reading them was not a mistake.

You are not a liability.

Raising your head, you look Punishing Bird in its deep, dark eyes.

…It’s kind of cute, actually.

[Select one. As Elaine has actually read PB’s Manual, Insight Work is automatically locked in, since she knows it prefers that. If doing a write-in, please create something that is “a work to improve the Abnormality’s living conditions.” If using an object or pulling something out of her pockets, please keep it within reason, but don’t be afraid to give it a shot. Worst I’ll do is veto it.]

>You remove one of your ribbons, shaking your hair free. With caution in your heart, you approach its perch and tie the ribbon to its perch.

>Birds like shiny things, right? You have a pocket mirror. It was a little expensive, but you can always replace it.

>Write-in?

[5/5]

>>5273143
>You remove one of your ribbons, shaking your hair free. With caution in your heart, you approach its perch and tie the ribbon to its perch.
this is going to be fun

>>5273168
>just realized I repeated perch twice
Kill me. This is what I get for writing as soon as I wake up. I just wanted to take a short nap after a long day...

>>5273143
>You remove one of your ribbons, shaking your hair free. With caution in your heart, you approach its perch and tie the ribbon to its perch.

>>5273143
>You remove one of your ribbons, shaking your hair free. With caution in your heart, you approach its perch and tie the ribbon to its perch.
>Do not look away from the bird at any point.
Even if his pecks are literally nothing attacks once your agents aren't shitters, Elaine has fortitude I and no armor. If he starts pecking, she could actually die.

>>5273200
>5 health lol

I think now would be a good time to explain stats. Give me a second to edit my notes for human consumption.

>>5273214
>o explain stats
Relative to Work Orders and Health/Sanity, I mean.

>>5273143
>You remove one of your ribbons, shaking your hair free. With caution in your heart, you approach its perch and tie the ribbon to its perch.

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>>5273172
repent *tweet tweet* you're due for a punishment

>>5273272
forgive me father for i have sinned
eyes get pecked out

Anyways, shitposting aside, here's the promised breakdown of...

WORK ORDERS (obligatory TL;DR at end)
Work Orders utilize a fairly simple system to determine their respective checks and challenges.
To crib a system off the celebrated ReptoidQM, when working with Abnos, you must beat a certain Challenge DC by rolling d20s. This DC is determined based on several different factors, but is primarily centered on how much the Abnormality likes the work order.
The amount of dice you use is determined by adding your Agent Level to the matching Virtue Level. The number of times you beat the check and collect a "success" determines the result of the Work Order.
The number of successes required for each tier of Result (Good, Okay, Bad) is determined by the threat level of the Abnormality. Good Results give you a chance at getting an EGO Gift. Bad Results will force you to try and soothe the Anomaly. Failing this can lead to combat or breakouts.

Your rolls can be influenced by various modifiers, which will usually come from your equipped EGOs, your Agent Level relative to the Abnormality's Danger Level, and some external forces (like how Amrita provides bonuses to nearby people's dice). By far the most prevalent modifier is Temperance, which adds a flat amount to each dice based on its Level.

If the Agent Level is within 1 rank of the Abnormality Threat Level (+/-), you receive no Level modifier. Otherwise, you receive a malus or bonus of +/-2 per difference in rank.

—

TL;DR:

Roll Xd20 where X = Corresponding Virtue Level+Agent Level
Any time you roll a number at or past the Challenge DC, you collect a success.
DC is determined by Work Order preference.
Number of required successes is determined by Abnormality threat level.
Number of successes collected determines work order outcome.

Would you like a brief sample round to practice first, or will you go balls to the wall with Elaine?
>Yes
>No

>>5273280
>Yes

>>5273280
>Yes
always read the manual

>>5273280
>Yes
>>5273308
Damn right

>>5273280
>Yes
Probably a good idea.

Understood. I'll start you off with a bog-standard Level III Agent with stats at III all across the board. This means he gets a 6d20 at any given moment. He has no modifiers from either his Weapon, Suit, or Gift.

Today, you'll be working with the HE-ranked Laetitia. As a HE-rank, you need at least 5 successes to receive an Okay Result. You'll be performing her favorite work, Attachment, since the Manager sees no reason to assign you something else. Due to the Work Type and Threat Level, the DC is 10.

This seems pretty hard, since you have to win a coin flip 5 times out of 6, but it's mostly due to the fact that he has no bonuses other than his Temperance Level, which adds 3 to each of his attempts. This already technically reduces the DC to a 7 (might actually go with this instead since it's easier to keep track of). Good luck.

Since I forgot to mention: anons can roll up to 2d20, or the rest the dice if no one else appears within 30 minutes of the roll prompt.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5273491
>>5273501
first result

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5273491
>>5273501

Rolled 19, 6, 18, 18 = 61 (4d20)

>>5273491

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"Hey, hey, Mister! Lae-lae likes you lots. Do you like Lae-lae?"

The clockwork(?) girl smiles at you, guilt-free and guileless. You might have been taken in if you hadn't already seen what she did to Mark, the poor bastard.

[Temperance: III]

You can't let your emotions get the better of you. With an effort of will, you nod and smile, and if the grin you wear looks just a little fixed…

Well, it's not too different from her own, is it?

Laetitia's milk-white face seems to blush at your wordless confirmation. The Abnormality reaches into the hand-sewn pockets on her frilly dress, allowing you a brief moment of anticipatory despair… only for your regrets to be replaced by confusion as she pulls out a dull, cracked ring.

This… isn't the colorful "gift" that Mark got.

The diamond set in tarnished silver triggers a scene from your memory.

---

"Hey, [---]. I'm seeing my fiancee this weekend, you know."

"Shit, man, really? You didn't tell me you had a wife!"

Mark laughs. "I don't, not yet. But soon. I… I found a good place in the Nest, you know? Two-room apartment. One for us, one for her parents."

You give a low whistle, idly swirling the beer bottle in your hand. Benefits of joining Welfare; kickass underground market. "Expensive, though."

The younger man nods, but the dopey grin stuck to his face doesn't diminish even a bit. "S'why I joined up with L-Corp. Good money. She came from the Backstreets, you know–my folks, they don't really approve. Keep telling me I can do better."

You can relate. "Ah, ignore them. You're at the age where you can make your own decisions and live with the consequences."

Mark sighs. "Yeah. Love them, I do, but…"

The two of you fall into a companionable silence, interrupted only by the brief clinking of glass bottles. Suddenly, your underclassman speaks.

"I got my girl a ring."

---

It was a diamond ring, set in silver.

"Lae-lae really likes Mister. Lae-lae is happy that Mister feels the same way."

The little freakshow speaks in the sweetest tone you've ever heard, tender voice accompanied by the jingling of bells.

"Won't Mister marry Lae-lae, then?"

[Temperance: III (AUTOFAIL)]

[Prudence: III (GIGA-AUTOFAIL)]

Ahaha.

You smile at her, a genuine grin this time. Her eyes widen, then widen further as you pull out your standard-issue gun, then go even further beyond as you press the tip of the cold barrel to your chin.

"I'm sorry, Mark. I should've stopped you sooner."

You thumb back the hammer.

"Here's to you, mate."

—

Congratulations! Great Success! Unfortunately, since this is just some one-off dude with zero connection to the oneshot itself, I have to do him this way.

Now roll me a 4d20 for Elaine, with a +3 bonus to your first 3 Insight Dice, against a DC of… Hm, let's say 5. Her complete inexperience negates her Temperance bonus.

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5273612
[CENSORED]

Rolled 9, 9 = 18 (2d20)

>>5273615
For Elaine!

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5273619
Juuuust barely.
>>5273623
Very nice. That's an Okay Success. PB shits on her hand but nothing else.

Rolled 5, 16, 4, 2 + 3 = 30 (4d20 + 3)

>>5273615
pecking zone?

>>5273629
Roll temperance check to not swat the birb?

I'll do you lads one better. Roll me a 3d20, lower is safer. No modifier this time.

Rolled 12, 17, 9 = 38 (3d20)

>>5273805
Catch this triple 1

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5273805
Rolling.

>>5273808
17! The party's not over yet. Update incoming!

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>You remove one of your ribbons, shaking your hair free. With caution in your heart, you approach its perch and tie the ribbon to its perch.

Not once do you take your eyes off of the Abnormality. Your eyes begin to burn less than a minute into the impromptu staring contest, but you don't want to look away.

You can't.

Resisting the urge to wipe away your tears takes an effort of will. You very nearly give in, as you have to redo the knot no less than three times, fumbling foolishly at the silken threads. The thought that your coworkers are watching you both steels your heart and shatters it, but your desire to prove the Captain wrong wins in the end.

As if sensing your thoughts, Punishing Bird flaps its wings, forcing you to stop in your tracks until it settles down. The fluffball hasn't made a single sound since you stepped into its room; whether that's a good thing or a sign of your imminent demise, you're not sure.

[Prudence: III (PARTIAL)]

…Speaking of, what does Punishing Bird even do? All you know is that it pecks people a lot–the Overview of the First Layer: Official Training Manual was thick enough to squash a cat, so you didn't have the time to give everything an in-depth look. Skimming hurt your bibliophile soul, but you had hoped that what you did absorb could be put to good use.

It did. You knew Punishing Bird preferred Insight Works, having a High favorability towards them. You weren't sure what would happen if you failedI, but you had to have confidence in yourself.

…Besides, the Captain would surely step in if anything went wrong.

Right?

[Fortitude: I (FAIL)]

[Temperance: I (FAIL)]

[Sin: Seed of Doubt]

A sigh of relief escapes you as you finish tying the knot on your ribbon. With nothing else to do, you look up at Punishing Bird and give a weak smile.

"That wasn't so bad, right, Elaine…?"

Great, now you're talking to yourself. Gently, you clap your cheeks in an attempt to gather your thoughts.

That's when you notice the red splotch on Punishing Bird's chest peel back to expose teeth the size of your hand. Something vaguely resembling a blood-red tongue scrapes along a fang, then draws itself back into the… mouth.

That was a mouth?

[1/]

You freeze, wide-eyed.

Things only get worse from there.

The Abnormality hops along its perch in a way that you would have described as "cute" just ten seconds ago. Now, though, the only thing on your mind is your foolishness.

…What were you thinking earlier? "Just" TETH-ranked? You saw some of the other things in that book. Seeing the article on Spider Bud nearly gave you a heart attack.

It galled you to listen to the man, but you had to believe that underestimating Abnormalities would be the last mistake you ever made.

As if mocking your regrets, the Bird flaps its way over to you, settling atop your shoulder.

[Fortitude: I (FAIL)]

Instinctively, you raise a hand to push it away–

[Prudence: III]

–but stop, just moments before you make contact.

Do not attempt to suppress Punishing Bird.

…You didn't have time to read further, simply acknowledging it as a rule to follow. The "why" wasn't as important as the "what to do," after all.

A stone ball of regret settles in the pit of your stomach.

Punishing Bird's claws tighten, digging into the cloth of your suit. It nips at your earlobe painfully, once, twice.

"Captain…"

The words leak out of your mouth in a pathetic, pitiful whisper.

You close your eyes and pray, still as a statue.

[Sin Consumed]

Something wet and warm and runny drips onto your sleeves.

It feels like blood.

Then, as soon as it came, Punishing Bird flaps away. After waiting ten seconds in utter silence, you slowly crack open an eyelid.

…It's staring at your ribbon.

As you watch, it leans over to peck at it, then comically tumbles off the perch. The Bird manages to reorient itself just before it hits the ground, flapping dizzily back onto its gnarled old branch.

You don't have it in you to laugh. With your heart in your mouth and tears in your eyes, you rush towards the exit.

"Energy Collected! Result: Okay. Door Opening."

When you get home, you're reading every single page of the Manual, cover to back.

[Interlude: End]

[2/3]

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You grimace beneath the weight of the world. [CENSORED] laps at the sweat on your skin like an overeager dog, tickling you terribly.

The fact that your own Suit is bothering you more than the actual Ordeal's attacks is a bit of irony that's not lost on you. You sincerely wish it was; the situation would be a lot more bearable without your own mind putting on a running commentary of your current situation.

Then, the door you came from - the one protecting your rookies - opens. You blink in shock, countless warnings and the promise of heretofore unknown levels of violence on your lips, only to receive another surprise as a cheerful and painfully familiar voice announces itself to the world.

"Captain! I'm here to help!"

"Firo," you grind out. "Took you long enough."

Though you can't see the expression on her face from beneath the obelisk, you can feel as the Information Team Captain audibly pouts.

"Aww, don't be like that, Cap."

"Not–your Captain." Your words are met with a faint swishing, her clothes flapping as she waves her hand in dismissal.

"Nonsense! You're everyone's Captain, Captain! Taught us all."

A second voice, pitched with concern, enters your hearing.

"C-Captain! Are you alright!?"

That's… Giselle. Everyone else must be busy with the Ordeal.

Your ex-student sighs. "Fine, fine, I'll help. He can handle it, though, you know."

What a brazen display of confidence in your abilities. She's completely wrong, but you're almost flattered.

You're much closer to being flattened, though, so you can't really appreciate it.

"Less talking–"

"--More working, I know, I know. It's like I've never left Training at all."

A second later, the load on your back noticeably lightens as a wave of power washes over you. Neatly severed chunks of obsidian stone slide off your pillar and to the floor in a series of heavy thunks, still crackling with violet energy. Before long, you can stand again, no longer forced to your knees.

[CENSORED] has already shaken off the dust. Giselle has a hand over her eyes, led from the front by a short swordswoman with purple-pink hair.

"Firo. Your Agents–"

"Taken care of. Yours are fine too, though you should go get yourself covered up. Honestly, I'll never know why you still insist on wearing that thing…"

A sudden electric whine interrupts you before you can reply, sparking with static.

"Vio-Vi-Violet-t-t… --on su–suppressed."

Message delivered, the mangled speakers give their last hurrah. Firo gives you an amused look as she sheathes The Sword Sharpened With Tears.

[Select one.]

>...Fine. You have a job to get back to, and Elaine deserves congratulations for keeping Punishing Bird at bay.

>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."

[3/3]

>>5273839
>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."
i dont want darkies in my lobcorp

>>5273839
>>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."

Fuck all Clerk lovers

Couldn't find art for Punishing Bird, so I went with the next best thing.

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>>5273844
I got you sempai

>>5273853
Beautiful. I'll take 30.

>>5273839

>...Fine. You have a job to get back to, and Elaine deserves congratulations for keeping Punishing Bird at bay.
>Ask her how the work order was. Emphasize the "cute aspects" like it's big sharp red teeth and it's "adorable" tendency to peck panicking people on a daily basis in helping them calm down.

>>5273844
How traumatized was Elaine from the work experience?

>>5273857
Can no longer eat fried chicken without thinking about Punishing Bird. Will later throw out any clothing with red polka-dots.

Anyways, according to my outline, we're a little more than halfway through the Quest. Just a few more major beats (suppressing Borb and the other major anomalies teehee), showing the rookies how real Work Orders are done (either with Giselle or yourself, your choice), and then we'll be able to hang up our Suit for the day. That said, here's my check-in: how's the Quest so far? Everything you hoped for?

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>>5273856
Here you go.

>>5273859
Good! To my, one of the important parts of writing an LC setting is being able to describe the effects of EGO, both mentally and physically, and the impact it leaves on the environment. You've done that really well so far, introduced well-established characters, and have a great thing going on.

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>>5273856

>>5273859
I like it. It's a fun novel experience being the vet captain who's seen everything and watching rookies get traumatized. Although given the setting and nature of LC and the Time Track technology, I would have to ask what exactly would constitute as an "end-game" thing. It would also be fun to see this quest run different sessions/scenarios where some sessions repeat given TT2 shenanigans where the setting remains static, dice determines what stirs the pot, but the session goal would be entirely different altogether. One day we're training rookies and have to ensure at least one of them survives day one in the midst of Gebby's meltdown, the next session/day would be delivering a package from extraction department to training while route's complicated by the Rabbits getting called in to suppress Mountain of Corpses.

Or even doing a delivery service while trying to ensure none of Laetita's pranks get smuggled into the mail.

>>5273839
>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."

>>5273859
Having read most of the thread its been very enjoyable. I tend to shy away from Project Moon stories more focused on L Corp, rather than the city itself as I find the Wings, fixers and syndicates more interesting than the abnos. But this thread has been very fun to read.

>>5273839
>...Fine. You have a job to get back to, and Elaine deserves congratulations for keeping Punishing Bird at bay.

>>5273839
>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."

>>5273859
>more than halfway done
Well, that's a very solid one-shot then! A sense of an ending already upon us, AH! I feel something coming back to me by reading this day in the life of story, a spark of why I keep going to Project Moon and then some. The power of EGO and their presence... quite well described.
Episodic, down on the level one-shot series(?) as anon above says could cover whole range of things in L Corp. Ha!

>>5273839
>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."

>>5273839
>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."

>>5273871
>endgame
I mentioned this before, but my original draft for the full Quest version of this had a starting option for you to join a few loops before the Seed came to fruition. Details here:
>>5271236
If you decided to be a normal Employee, the endgame of part 1 would have been more or less to try and stop Angela's hijacking of the plan (good end). Failing that, part 2 would start, and you'd hopefully be in a position where Angela could reasonably consider accepting your offer to personally sacrifice yourself as her first Librarian, sparing most of the others in the process (the idea was that you had hopefully developed a cast of characters you were fond of and didn't mind sacrificing yourself to save). You also could've decided to waifu the robot and further encourage her descent into madness (bad end lol). Direct exposure to the Light meant that just breaking away from the whole Ruina plot was kind of impossible, since you'd always be drawn to it eventually, even if you managed to escape to the City as someone on par with a Grade 2 or even a Grade 1 Fixer. Armed with Paradise Lost, I might even accept an argument for being Color-grade.

Regarding an "endgame" for this kind of episodic series in particular, it's hard to say. The Captain being 12000 years old already means the Seed of Light plan is basically on the verge of being completed, but doing multiple PoVs from the different Captains and exploring daily life in Lobotomy like you suggest sounds extremely fun, almost like Wonderlab except on a broader scale. There's certainly no lack of Abnos and their shenanigans to deal with.

—

>>5273862

Thanks, one of my biggest worries was working in too many OCs and not enough "main" cast. It's kind of difficult to justify seeing the Sephirahs actually running around and doing things, you know? Since they're robots and all.
EGOs are really fun to write about. Since you all seem ready to dive into combat, you can look forward to seeing what I've got in mind for some of them, [CENSORED] especially.

—

>>5273875

I definitely understand, the City as a whole is a real cornucopia of wild shit even before the Distortions. I haven't played Ruina yet, though, so I'd have to rely on external lore sources to even attempt a convincing and semi-accurate portrayal of the City and its various organizations. Personally, I don't mind spoilers, but it's generally more exciting to experience that kind of stuff as intended when possible.

—

>>5273943

Yeah, wrote an extremely rough "to-do list" for this oneshot since I didn't want to get too bogged down in it before returning to my main projects. Also saddled with a crapload of work, both as a student and as a source of income, so the goal was always to finish within 2 weeks at most. Ended up writing way more often than I expected, though, so that's why we're practically blasting through it now.

Anyways, seems like we've got a winner. Writing!

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>>5274278
>tfw Qliphoth QM hasn't begun delving into "post-Ruina" Limbus Company (upcoming)

>>5274316
I'm excited. My wallet is not, though--heard it was a gacha, or at least a mobile game. Did you see the recent combat update they released on their YouTube channel? Looks stylish as hell.

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>>5274321
Yes I did. However, I fear the power-drain such a game will impose on my poor phone.


>>5274278
I prefer the Wonderlab-styled sessions instead of the deep PLOT of going through all 50 days regardless of how many loops there are. L-corp and Ruina are essentially closed books in a sense where the plot and the setting's already been dictated and set in stone with major events, and trying to derail it for the sake of the quest will dredge up a bucketfuls of plot worms and such given our limited knowledge.

>The bell hasn't rung for Big Bird yet. Something's wrong. Very wrong. "Giselle. Take over for me."

Something twigs the cautious senses that you've built up over the countless years. You step away from Firo, ignoring the questioning look she aims at you in favor of focusing.

A faint tremble runs through the floor and into your bones, a quake so slight as to be nearly indistinguishable from the casual thrumming of the facility's metal veins.

You can tell the difference, though. You've had far, far too long to practice.

Something's still breaching, and it's certainly not small.

Firo seems to notice it too, though more from the expression on your face than by any other tell. "Something wrong?"

"...Probably. Giselle. Listen closely."

"Yes, Captain!" Even with her eyes closed, she stands at attention.

"I need you to take over the rookies for me."

Firo lets out a low whistle. Giselle, for her part, seems stunned. "Eh!? M-me? But I'm just a Level III…"

"Do this for me and I'll see about your promotion. You spent the entirety of yesterday familiarizing yourself with the TETHs and some of the HEs, I know."

"Captain…"

"Go."

You clench your teeth, swiping away at some errant drool dripping down the corner of your mouth. [CENSORED] is writhing with anticipation, and you're straining to keep the mental corruption at bay.

Giselle listens.

This EGO Suit was a goddamn mistake. Letting yourself get so worn out was a goddamn mistake. All these years, and you still can't seem to stop making the same old mistakes.

Death is meaningless here. Why, then, do you still struggle against it? Not even for yourself, but for others…

With heavy steps, you march towards the door leading further into the Information Department. Deep rents in the steel mark where [CENSORED] gouged hooks for itself.

The hallway door slides open with a screech of metal, aided slightly by your own efforts to push it apart. You step through the gap left by its separated halves, eyes scanning the room for your Weapon.

Ah, there it is. Sealed off and twitching, with the present Agents and Clerks avoiding it as best they can. The Employees salute you as you pass, eyes kept glued to the ceiling or a spot on the wall as they collect themselves and assess each other's injuries.

You don't smell too many wounded. Makes sense; Safety's right next door, so help came swiftly. A number of the people present are carrying White weapons, which explains the lack of panicking Agents.

Your back aches something fierce as you stoop over to pick up your wayward Weapon. It twitches in your grasp, eager to be used.

[Temperance: EX++]

Then, it stills, allowing itself to wind its way up your arm and across your shoulders.

…Whole again. You're back in control.

The sound of light footsteps follows closely behind you. Firo speaks amicably.

"How cruel of you, to make that poor girl your sudden replacement. What will the newbies think? They must already believe you dead, alas, alas."

[1/2]

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"If you're not going to help, get back to work."

The swordswoman pouts. "Still a stick in the mud, I see. Hmph. Of course I'm coming with you."

Your trek down the hall and into the elevators proceeds quietly. The doors slide open with a faint ding, accompanied by a pre-recorded message from the undamaged speakers.

"--Affected area: Central Command. System-wide announcement. Unknown ALEPH threat–"

A few moments later, the alert for Big Bird also declares itself.

Well, that would explain why things haven't been solved yet. Honestly, it's a wonder that the Manager hasn't decided to just rewind the day.

Upon hearing the alert for an uncontained ALEPH threat, Firo mashes the elevator's buttons in a futile attempt to make it go faster. With a quiet sigh, you pull her back to your side, where she stands in sullen silence.

The last thing you need is for the elevator to break, too.

[Select an ALEPH threat to fuck with the Captain's day.]

>Mountain of Smiling Bodies (Stage 3)

>The Silent Orchestra (2nd Movement - Kill in 5 Turns or Less)

>Nothing There (3rd Form)

>True Gauntlet - All At Once Unfortunately, only BongBong can face a challenge of this level.

[2/2]

>The Silent Orchestra (2nd Movement - Kill in 5 Turns or Less)
When fate hands you FUCKFUCKFUCKASDFGHJK, you must be willing to respond.

>>5274364
>The Silent Orchestra (2nd Movement - Kill in 5 Turns or Less)
Silent Orchestra my beloved

>>5274364
>Nothing There (3rd Form)

>>5274364
>The Silent Orchestra (2nd Movement - Kill in 5 Turns or Less)

>>5274364
>The Silent Orchestra (2nd Movement - Kill in 5 Turns or Less)

>>5274364
>The Silent Orchestra (2nd Movement - Kill in 5 Turns or Less)

Rolled 5, 1, 5 + 5 = 16 (3d5 + 5)

Alright, votes locked. I'll be uploading a combat explanation layer. Let me test something real quick.

Rolled 5, 3, 1 = 9 (3d5)

>>5274718
Testing again.

>>5274721
Hm, looks like I'll have to roll damage with a 3rd party site in order to keep things flowing at a smooth pace. A shame. I'll see if I can use one of those sites that have dicelogs, like rolz.

Alright, votes seem pretty set. You're all going for the time attack huh? You know, if you screw up here your rookies are gonna have a rough time of things.

That said, I'm excited. Also a little nervous, since this is going to be my first time playtesting my actual system. With that said, here's a brief summary of what to expect.

For one, Agents on average have less than half the maximum health and sanity (going from ~110 to ~40) you might expect from the game. To compensate, the damage they deal is generally way higher; for example, [CENSORED] has an attack of 30+3d5+5d6 and can attack three times in a turn. The appended dice bonus is determined by Agent Level and Justice Level, with the former addressing the number of dice and the latter corresponding to the number of faces.
Abnormalities also have reduced maximum health to match. The reason for all of this is so combat doesn't turn into 40 solid turns of a dragged-out slugfest. Essentially, it's a game of ultradeath where everyone dies to a single poke (Abnos take multiple pokes). To compensate, mid-combat healing is much more prevalent.

Let's talk combat stats. The formulas are pretty straightforward. EX rank bonuses are added as an extra boost on top of the Virtue Level's original calculation, essentially meaning they stack twice.

[COMBAT]

Health is represented by the following equation. When it hits 0, you pass out. When it hits a negative value equal to half of your health, you die.

[(FORTITUDE LEVEL x AGENT LEVEL) + 5 + (5 x EX RANK)]

Sanity is represented by the following equation. When it hits 0, you panic. Panic effects are identical to the in-game effects.

[(PRUDENCE LEVEL x AGENT LEVEL) + 5 + (5 x EX RANK)]

Initiative is decided on a per-turn basis using dice. It determines the order in which combatants attack. The number of faces is based on your Agent Level. The number of dice found using the following formula, rounding down.

[(JUSTICE LEVEL + AGENT LEVEL) / 2]

To spice combat up a bit (and also to replicate Special Attacks), there's an additional feature unique to every EGO known as a Skill. These cost Sanity and a turn to use, meaning you can't use a normal attack if you opt to use a Skill. They often provide valuable bonuses.

Story-wise, a Skill is something you only learn after extended experience with your EGO, so there's a benefit to choosing a weapon and sticking with it.

TL;DR
You're either all going to die or Silent Orchestra is going to get 2-turn nuked via dogpile. Probably the latter.

Upload incoming so you guys can get an overview of the situation, then select a plan of attack. The upload will be paired with a pastebin detailing Captain's character sheet.

>>5274810
umm...yeah with the sort of dice involved. Sometimes I think it's better to do the combat dice rolls and number crunching behind the screen so us readers can focus more on the story than having to do homework. That said It's nice that you posted the math and the homework for us beforehand.

[Interlude: Giselle]

Your first impression of your new underlings is disappointing, to say the least.

There's a pretty-looking rich girl blubbering on the shoulder of a nervous blonde boy, a smattering of dullards, and two scruffy kids trying to rip the wiring out of the walls. None of them notice as you enter. They're either too busy staring at the girl covered in bird shit as she cries about "not trusting the birds," or watching the brats as they try to loot the facility to the ground.

…Were you this bad at their age? Suddenly, the Captain's ever-present aura of great suffering makes sense.

[Fortitude: V]

--Don't get distracted, Gis. The Captain trusted you to take over for him.

[Justice: III]

[Temperance: II (FAIL)]

You won't disappoint him.

With a steadying sigh, you raise Screaming Wedge and take careful aim at the black-haired kids.

The boltheads wails as they streak through the air, drawing a few gasps as they cut twin lines through the crowd and plant themselves firmly in the troublemakers' rear ends. The kids in question stagger and fall with a yelp, though the ethereal bolts disappear before anything more dangerous happens.

Everyone turns to stare at you, then.

"Now that I have your attention," you start, only to be interrupted by the teary-eyed girl.

"Y-you mean the Captain wasn't here!?"

…You've got big shoes to fill, you can tell already.

[Interlude: End]

—

>The Silent Orchestra (2nd Movement - Kill in 5 Turns or Less)

As the elevator descends down the shaft, further yet further into the depths of the earth, the faint sound of music seems to drift through the speakers. Firo peers at them curiously, rapping a knuckle against the steel grate covering their mechanism.

"Huh, when did they add an orchestra to the playlist?"

"They didn't."

The Information Team Captain has a moment to look confused before you clap your hands over her ears. Her cheeks flush at the sudden contact, but when she looks up at you to question your behavior, her face pales and she immediately turns away.

How rude. Personally, you think using [CENSORED] as a set of autonomous earplugs is an inspired move. Admittedly, it feels indescribably revolting and calls to mind memories of watching some unfortunate soul panic in the original Abnormality's cell, but the EGO itself has been bent to your will. You're as safe as you can reasonably be.

[1/2]

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Firo's recovered from her bout of sudden squeamishness by the time the elevator finally opens up. You frown at the sight before you; Central Command is in ruins, with mangled pipes and flickering flames scattered all over the place. A glance at the live map of the facility highlights the adjacent Departments in bright red, indicating a number of breakouts.

You watch as Disciplinary shifts from angry red to bright orange, indicating that all the local Abnormalities in its deparrment have been suppressed. Now they're just dealing with cross-department invasions.

Good. At least that means Judgement Bird and Big Bird won't be out together. Then you'd all really be screwed.

[Temperance: EX++]

As if on cue, the sacrosanct smell of self-flagellation reaches your nose. You can't afford to hear it approach, but you recognize a kindred spirit.

Judgement Bird steps into view, crooked neck holding its blood-spattered scale. The metal flashes gold and bronze in the firelight, swaying to one side beneath the blind judge's unjust tampering.

It's been a while since you had to deal with him. You're glad for the warmup.

[Select a plan of attack.]

>Full bore. You'll pop your Skill right away and aim to finish it in a single strike. (Receive 10 White Damage per turn due to Silent Orchestra.)

>Judgement Bird can be dealt with quite easily if you keep at range. Just keep drilling into him from afar while Firo smacks him around up close. (Can only hit once per attack at range.)

>Ahh, there's no point in worrying about collateral damage anymore, not with Central in its current state. Just use [CENSORED] to bring down a chunk of ceiling on his head. (Roll a 1d20, best of 3 for effectiveness.)

[2/2]

[Here's the character sheet I promised.]
https://pastebin.com/dCC9SKD5

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5275265
>Ahh, there's no point in worrying about collateral damage anymore, not with Central in its current state. Just use [CENSORED] to bring down a chunk of ceiling on his head.

Please refer to the following for an alternative opinion of action:
https://youtu.be/7LUv4sEyfcw

>>5275278
I am judged for my ability and found wanting.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>Ahh, there's no point in worrying about collateral damage anymore, not with Central in its current state. Just use [CENSORED] to bring down a chunk of ceiling on his head.

Jesus fuck, anons. The one time higher is better and you're all rolling to break open the sewage pipes. I'm amazed.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>5275265
>Ahh, there's no point in worrying about collateral damage anymore, not with Central in its current state. Just use [CENSORED] to bring down a chunk of ceiling on his head. (Roll a 1d20, best of 3 for effectiveness.)
I think it's better to roll after picking an option, but fuck it I'll save us.

Well. Okay. I guess this is happening.

I didn't expect you guys to push Temperance EX++ to the limit like this. Good thing you went for the self-control build, otherwise you'd waste a turn throwing up thanks to Cobalt Scars' enhanced sense of smell.

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>>5275521
What can I say. Lobotomy Corp's settings tend to pick the worst of the dice litter.

Also, bully the birb

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5275265
>Ahh, there's no point in worrying about collateral damage anymore, not with Central in its current state. Just use [CENSORED] to bring down a chunk of ceiling on his head. (Roll a 1d20, best of 3 for effectiveness.)

>>5275571
>>5275500
>>5275381
>>5275278
>>5275265
>Ahh, there's no point in worrying about collateral damage anymore, not with Central in its current state. Just use [CENSORED] to bring down a chunk of ceiling on his head. (Roll a 1d20, best of 3 for effectiveness.)

Incredibly cursed dice lmao, what the actual fuck is going on here
Gonna need to go to sleep soon but I'll see if I can squeeze in an update. Check back in an hour! Quest should conclude by tomorrow, roughly. Sunday at the latest.

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>>5275589
such is existence in lobcorp

>>5275589
>Quest should conclude by tomorrow, roughly
S-H-I-T!
Birds are very important, indeed...
I may be jumping to conclusions, but the die don't lie, they're undeniable truth.

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>Ahh, there's no point in worrying about collateral damage anymore, not with Central in its current state. Just use [CENSORED] to bring down a chunk of ceiling on his head.

"Get behind me, Firo."

The Information Captain shrugs and easily moves aside, unsheathing her EGO Weapon in the process. She settles down to watch, a grin on her face.

"Sure. Haven't seen you strut your stuff in some time, Cap. Show me what you got!"

You don't dignify her cheery demands with a response. With a moment's concentration, [CENSORED] slithers into your grasp, molding itself around your flesh and practically humming with anticipation.

Judgement Bird begins to approach, the chains of its scales clanking with every long-legged step.

No further.

You raise the arm that [CENSORED] has swallowed, taking careful aim at the ravaged and expoaed infrastructure running through the ceiling. With a thought, your Weapon warps and elongates, flying forward to secure a firm hold on what feels like a fairly key component.

With a twist and a grunt, you yank your arm downwards.

Contrary to your expectations, rather than bringing down a portion of the ceiling to bash Judgement Bird's head in, the thick pipe that [CENSORED] had wrapped itself around twists free with the ear-piercing shriek of tearing metal. The Bird easily dodges it, but you're quite certain that no one was prepared for what happens next.

A foul black-green-brown sludge pours forth from the ceiling in stringy, sloppy chunks, misting the halls in...

You blink in surprise as Firo laughs. Then, a second later, the smell hits the both of you. Firo's laughs turn into harsh retches, and even you…

[Temperance: EX++]

…struggle to remain stonefaced, as the Cobalt Scars suddenly amplify the experience to all-new levels.

[1 White Damage. 39/40]

Your sole reprieve in this self-wrought hell is the fact that Judgement Bird seems too confused to follow up on your moment of weakness. Deactivating Cobalt Scars means you lose the speed boost, but you're frankly more concerned by the all-too-likely prospect of ejecting your breakfast.

The smell becomes far more bearable, though the memory of it won't soon fade. At least you can focus on the fight now–that said, you have little interest in getting any closer to the contents of the facility's sewage pipes.

[Turn 1 - Initiative]
[Judgement Bird - 16]
[Captain - 15]
[Firo - N/A]

[1/4]

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Unfortunately, the Abnormality's fast recovery means it's already in the middle of preparing its attack. With a moment's effort, you shove the still-gagging Firo off to the side, unable to avoid the shining beams that pierce your torso.

[20 Pale Damage]
[1.0 Defense = 20 Pale Damage]
[32/40 Health]
[Passive Triggers: 2 Health Recovered]
[34/40 Health]

They leave no visible wounds, but you cough all the same, the pain of having your very soul flayed nearly staggering you. [CENSORED] reaches up to lap at the spot of blood dribbling down your nose.

…Hm. You're certainly much more used to this thing's stench than that of raw sewage.

[Fortitude: EX]

There's not really an excuse for you to stay at range now, is there?

The EGO is happy to clamp itself around your face, allowing you to breathe clearly as you launch yourself forwards. The force of your lunge has left a crater where you once stood; with your momentum, drawing in your Weapon and thrusting it into the Bird in a single flowing motion takes every ounce of skill you've got.

[54 x 3 = 162 Black Damage]
[0.8 Defense = 130 Black Damage]
[270/400 Health]

Your faithful EGO delights in the flesh of a judging spirit, taking pleasure in consuming the authority of an entity that would dare to understand it. Judgement Bird keens pitifully as [CENSORED] latches itself around the beast's gangly frame, drilling violently into the mess of black feathers that makes up its torso. A cloud of shredded fragments and a spurt of black blood is thrown into the air with the sheer violence of the action, briefly obscuring the maimed Bird from sight.

You can feel it trying to break away.

[Turn 2 - Initiative]
[Captain - 22]
[Judgement Bird - 15]
[Firo - 15]
[1d2 - 1, JB Wins the Clash]

You refuse.

[55 x 3 = 165 Black Damage]
[0.8 Defense = 132 Black Damage]
[138/400 Health]

Even as the scale around its neck shines again, you drive yourself further down [CENSORED]'s length, allowing more and more mass to go into caging the beast.

Judgement Bird is light. Astonishingly so.

With that in mind, you brace yourself, setting your legs apart and grasping [CENSORED]'s stunted shaft with both hands.

You draw in a breath–

[Fortitude: EX]

[2/4]

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–and you push, shoving yourself forward through fire and flame with the exhalation and exultation of battle. Judgement Bird slams into the dented wall with an echoing gong, wailing as [CENSORED] further burrows into its withered flesh. Its mangled black coat is scorched, trembling grey-white with ash at the edges.

[20 Pale Damage]
[1.0 Defense = 20 Pale Damage]
[26/40 Health]
[Passive Triggers: 2 Health Recovered]
[28/40 Health]

Yet still it fights.

Your soul burns. A presence looms, staring at you, measuring the weight of all your sins, all your virtues, all your regrets, all your accomplishments–

Even before its fall, Judgement Bird would have found you wanting.

Twelve-thousand-years.

You'd let out a laugh if [CENSORED] wasn't covering everything below your eyes, shielding you from the smoke and stench as best it can. Even your hearing is distorted, as if everything were underwater; it takes the edge off the distant music grating at your mind.

"Your–left!"

[43 White Damage]
[0.8 Defense = 34 White Damage]
[104/400 Health]

On instinct, you lean away, allowing Firo's thrown EGO to sink straight into Judgement Bird's center mass and through the back with a muffled thunk. The sound of its screaming is echoed by the Information Captain's violent retching; that's all the help you can expect from her, you think.

[Turn 3 - Initiative]
[Captain - 16]
[Judgement Bird - 14]

Still, it's much appreciated.

[62 x 3 = 186 Black Damage]
[0.8 Defense = 148 Black Damage]
[-44/400 Health]
[SUPPRESSION COMPLETE]

[CENSORED] thrums with joy as it finally wraps its tendrils around Judgement Bird's bandaged skull. You close your eyes in an almost meditative manner, allowing the gentle vibrations to run through your bones.

The Abnormality disappears in a flash of light, though this time it's not an attack. You allow yourself a moment of satisfaction, then wrestle your breathing back under control. Following that, you pick up The Sword, watching the way its strange steel seems to gleam silver-black.

It's too elegant of a blade for you to use.

[CENSORED] happily crawls back up your sleeve, partially sated. You can tell it's only had its appetite whet, though; it's more than ready for the next job.

So are you.

[3/4]

With sure steps, you stride over to Firo, who's busy mopping the sweat from her brow and spitting out the last dregs of bile in her mouth. Wordlessly, she fishes around in her pocket before thrusting a vial into your chest.

"Thank you," you murmur. Gratitude expressed, you pop the cap off and swallow a few HP tablets.

[15 Health Recovered]
[40/40 Health]

Your flesh knits itself together, tingling and burning as the artificially reinforced healing process stitches together torn muscle fibers and the few fractures you've collected. It can't do anything for the soul, but that's aided by [CENSORED]'s own ministrations.

[Temperance: EX++]

Revolting. You will it to still itself. Like an obedient dog, it obeys.

It wouldn't do to get attached. You're familiar enough with the phenomenon of EGO Corruption–not even a rewind can help fix that.

"I'm never going to let you live this down, Cap."

Firo's quiet words draw you back to the present, away from such unpleasant thoughts.

"I understand."

Acknowledging the mistakes you've made is important.

The Info Captain pokes you with the tip of her reclaimed EGO. There's no heat in either her words or her actions; you can tell your ex-student is simply venting.

This, too, is a sign of her developed Temperance. You're almost proud.

[Select one.]

>You should regroup with Disciplinary and help them finish off the rest of their Abnormalities. Best to not face the ALEPH with just Firo and yourself.

>Now's the time to press the attack. The ceiling thing was an unfortunate case of bad luck-it won't happen again. With some solid planning, you can handle an ALEPH on your own.

[4/4]