Scramble World Trophy Prologue Part 3 (Abridged)

Over on some overworld shifted mountain...
Chernobog: Haha, well done, President!
Zao: Nice work Chernobog. I'm can still keep going!
Later
MC: Chernobog did you play around the whole time?
Chernobog: N-no, I trained of course! The classic waterfall training for both mind and body!
Carbuncle: Uh-huh, sure. How'd things go on your end, Otohime?
Otohime: I've found some fascinating data.
Otohime starts playing some baseball video.
MC: wait what? Is this a movie or some--
Oni: If we hit home run, I go propose!
Scooore! But after the game...
Oni: Why'd you hold back!?
Drone Pilot: T-there was a talent scout and...
Oni: ...oh, I know we aren't equals. I wanted us to be, but bye.
Drone Pilot: W-wait, you said you loved me!

Otohime: I've found plenty of data like this over the past week.
MC: I feel like that time could've been spent better, but oh well.
Otohime: Behold the fruits of my training. Ahem. "Oh MC, you have food stuck to your cheek! (gulp)"
MC: (swoon) / you just watched rom coms! / Okay you're a lot more human at least
Carbuncle: I have concerns here!
Gargoyle: So how'd your training go after you bailed out on the plans I made for you?
Carbuncle: You just wanted to show yourself off!
Gargoyle: But of course! My body is God's gift to the world!
Carbuncle: Did YOU get any training done? I guess I shouldn't worry though.
Gargoyle: You want to know? Well allow me to tell you!

Gargoyle: So there I was out in the jungles looking for the Super Brother's Sacred Protein when--
Carbuncle: SKIP.
Gargoyle: (offended beat) I traversed classic video game biomes and defeated a great dragon that totally wasn't as big as I was. And God rewarded my tribulations when it dropped THIS!
Gargoyle holds out a protein shake.
Gargoyle: Try it if you doubt me so.
Carbuncle: I am never getting those five minutes of my life back. Aegir, what'd you do?
Aegir: What? I thought the trip Gargoyle and I went on was pretty cool.
Carbuncle: WHAT

Time for the party to head to the sports fest area! It's in some underground area under Yurakucho.
Carbuncle: Welp, guess I gotta do the best I can myself at least. Girimekhala seems to be...eh.
Girimekhala: Hey! I mean, I'm not sure I got anywhere either... oh god, stress toilet break!
MC: Eh, it'll be cool. Everyone can do it when the chips are down / I got this
Big jungle in the prelim area.
Gargoyle: Look, Carbuncle! Our training montage trip won't be a waste!
Aegir: Seems normal enough to me. Wonder why the organizers told us to bring swimsuits?
The other teams seem motivated. People are sizing each other up. Then the announcements come on!

Cipactli: Haha, I am the prelim head and host, Cipactli! I actually wanted to join the teams but the management stuck me here... It's not that I didn't want to join you MC, I--oh wait I have work to do. Whoops.
MC: help??? / get on with it! / I'll come see you later
Boogeyman: Um, Cipactli. We have an event to explain.
Cipactli: Of course! You're up, Boogeyman!
Boogeyman: Uhhh...okay fine, sheesh.
Shuffling noises.
Boogeyman: Whoo~, welcome to the Ultimate Decathlon! 10 area, 10 different environments. Rack up a cumulative score and win the medal! Also right now each team will randomly be given one medal. Collect 10 kinds and your team makes it through the preliminary round! Anything goes! Teams, to your assigned spots!
Chernobog: So everyone is our rival?
Carbuncle: Damn, that's a lot. Okay, lock in everyone.

Boogeyman: In the desert, we got sand sports, offroading, and animal riding. The mountains got snow sports. The jungle everyone is in has aquatic sports and stuff involving trees. No real rules, and powers are okay to use, hehehehe.
Cipactli: Are you strong enough to win!? Well let the games begin!
Starting honk!
Aegir: Aquatic sports, huh? Lucky us, right?
Otohime: I doubt it's that simple.
MC: Lots more App users lately. And more Transients!
Aegir: Eh, gimme a sec and I'll snatch all the medals up.

Later
Aegir challenges the swim race!
Aegir: Watch me, MC! I ain't the King of Sea Giants for nothing!
Machine: Bzzt! Time trial failed, please try again.
Aegir: tf you MEAN I failed!? Who could win this thing then!?
Otohime: Such strict time limits.
Girimekhala: So we can't win by swimming normally? So we need a Plan B
MC: You got something? They said no real rules and you look like you have an idea.
Girimekhala: I roll faster than anyone! But I can't really roll on water, so...
MC: Oh! / w-wait, what / Chernobog, help!
Chernobog: B-but I am not a good swimmer.
Girimekhala: It's cool, I'm not gonna swim anyways! So the plan is...
Chernobog: Oh, I see! Activating Noble Phantasm, Night on Bald Mountain!
Frozen swim track!
Girimekhala: Okay, here I go! I'm gonna be so dizzy after this!
Ganesha Impaaact!
Girimekhala: AAAAAA
nyoom
Machine: New record! Congratulations on your medal!
Girimekhala: Cool. Urk.
MC: Awesome job! / (hug him)
Girimekhala: Haha, thanks.
Carbuncle: Cool! I didn't have to worry about you after all!
Carbuncle helps Girimekhala get back up.

Later
Stage 2 of the prelims: the coordinated gymnastics! Endurance group posing!
Chernobog: I am, as they say, screwed here.
Otohime: I will join. Having a robot body means I don't feel fatigue.
Girimekhala: But who else will go?
Gargoyle: Aegir, how about I petrify you? You can't break your pose if you can't move.
Evil face Gargoyle.
MC: WHAT / what now? / PICK ME I'M INTO THAT
(C) Gargoyle: You are? Okay, another time then.

Gargoyle: My power is conceptually keeping things in a moment's perfection. In practice it will keep you in place for all to gawk at!
Aegir: I'm not taking that, that's fucking stupid!
Gargoyle: May I remind you we are under a time limit to qualify for the event?
MC: Why can't you just go? / I'll do it! / Aegir, pleeeaaase?
(A) Gargoyle: Hmm, that makes sense.
Aegir: And you still suggested making me into a rock!?
Ding dong, challenge cleared. Hooray for inorganic bodies!
(B) Gargoyle: Oh okay then. I swear I'll turn you back as soon as we win this one.
Petrification Beam!
Girimekhala: Oh my god MC really is a rock now!
Gargoyle: They'll feel like one too. Go ahead, touch!
MC: (can't talk or move, but I can still think and feel.)
Gargoyle: By the way, anyone petrified can still think and feel if they aren't asleep.
Everyone touching MC pulls back.
Carbuncle: Quick, get this part over with!
Otohime and MC win the challenge! Gargoyle is reluctant to turn MC back but whispers when he does.
Gargoyle: If you like that, come see me and I'll do it again.
(C) Aegir: Aww, you...no wait, stop!
Gargoyle: I choose to interpret that as yes!
Petrification Beam!
Aegir and Otohime clear the challenge!
Gargoyle: Niiice. Touch him, doesn't he feel great?
Yep, rock hard.
Gargoyle: By the way, anyone petrified can still think and feel if they aren't asleep.
Gargoyle dispels the petrification.
Aegir: Oh god I thought you'd leave me like that! And MC, it's your turn getting felt up. Gargoyle, do the stone thing!
Carbuncle: WE HAVE EVENT PLOT TO DO!

Time skip! The party has 5/10 medals when...
Boogeyman: Whoo~, we have our first qualifying team! Seven more to go!
Girimekhala: Already!?
Ding! Now we're up to three qualifying teams!
Aegir: Oh I see how it is.
Otohime: A medal scramble? I do remember one of the rules sticking out oddly.
Aegir: Yep, it's a battle royale.
Otohime: The area divisions must've been to divide up the groups.
Aegir: Heh. Welp, two can play it that way if they go with it.
Carbuncle: Wait! No jumping weaker groups for their medals.
Aegir: But this is a competition!
Carbuncle: I know, but that's not how I wanna do things!
Aegir: Even when you've been put up as the grand prize? ...wait, look out Carbuncle!
Ambush!

Gorozaemon: Well dang, I thought we could take at least one of you out like that.
It's Team Umamichi! They conveniently have five medals that Team MC does not have.
Li Chou: Hey wait, Girimekhala! You turned me down but joined them!? What the hell!?
Girimekhala: You guys are here too!?
Gouryou: Heh, figures.
Girimekhala: N-no I really did think I'd just hold you guys back!
Li Chou: So you're cool holding THEM back, or do you just not trust us!? You know what, hell with this! Noble Phantasm, The Lamentation of Li Zheng!
Li Chou casts Berserk on his team!

Nezha: Dang, Li's mad for once. He never tries throwing hands with me even after all I've done.
Sanat Kumara: He's just that into him, seeing him as a kindred soul who didn't respond to him.
Aegir: That's really sad but we gotta kick your asses and take your medals now.
Aegir used Anchor Throw on Li Chou's medal! Gouryou uses Rake Parry!
Gouryou: Man, don't be like that.
Aegir: We really SHOULD have shanghaied you onto our team earlier.
Gorozaemon: How do you do, fellow Overlord?
Chernobog: I had hoped to avoid fighting. My artifact easily injures people.
Gorozaemon: Aww, how sweet. Lucky for you I'm sorta not people!
Sanat Kumara: I suppose I should try for my kouhais' sakes.
Gargoyle: Would you like to join my statue collection?
Sanat Kumara: If you can manage it. Preferably with my wings out!
Motosumi: Can I not fight the nice looking girl?
Otohime: Be at ease, I believe you will not easily harm me.
Motosumi: YOU CALLING ME WEAK!?
Hanuman: No mercy!
MC: Bring it! / sorry, gotta win this / I always wanted to fight you Hanuman
Nezha: Vroom vroom, hello roadkill!
Carbuncle: OH GOD HELP ME
And so begins the battle without honor nor humanity...
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Li Chou: Dammit, I TOLD you you weren't a loser!
Girimekhala: Li! Sorry, but I joined up with them so...
Li Chou: Yeah yeah, no holding back against friends.
Dramatic punch against punch! Everyone stops to watch.
Li Chou: Oof.
Li Chou falls over. Girimekhala catches him and takes his medal.
Cipactli: Annoucement time! Last team up from the jungle area's been decided! The prelims are over!
MC: Nice, Girmekhala! / Good fight / Did we make it!?

Aegir: Awesome, Girimekhala! Party on me tonight!
Otohime: Very dramatic, very moving.
Motosumi: Really? I don't think you emoted at all in our fight.
Otohime: I believe this is what they refer to as a mano a mano sports duel on the surface?
Motosumi: Whatever that second part was, we do mano a mano fights at Umamichi all the time!
Carbuncle: Stop chasing me, it's over already!
Nezha: Not between you and me!
Hanuman: No, Nezha stop!
Gargoyle: I require more attention and will take you on!
Hanuman: OH GOD STOP!?

Everyone runs over to Li Chou and Girimekhala.
Sanat Kumara: Well done you two. Good luck in the festival, Girimekhala.
Gorozaemon: Indeed. So you better not go and chump out like a wuss. And you, Overlord in Shinjuku. We'll have to settle things next time.
Chernobog: Can we not just discuss things out? Such as you telling me about your school?
Gorozaemon: Really? Heh, wow. Why not, it's funny seeing an overlord like you around.
Gouryou: I don't have to bust my ass anymore, right? Cool! I'll still watch in the stands. Good luck Aegir and MC.

No hard feelings! Except Girimekhala still feels bad.
Li Chou: Stop looking like that. You gotta win for us now too...show them all how much ass you kick.
Girimekhala: ...right!
Li Chou: Oof, I totally have something in my eyes now. Good luck to you too, MC!
Li runs off.
Sanat Kumara: He must feel responsible for our loss. Do not worry, we shall look after him.
The Umamichi guys start running after him. Nezha dropkicks their way after Li.
Sanat Kumara: Show the world Umamichi is here.
Girimekhala: Yes boss!
Handshake!
Time skip to the day of the festival proper!
MC: Hello, Girimekhala? You okay?
Girimekhala: (opens eyes) Oh sorry, was just thinking about what the guys said to me.
Girimekhala can hear the cheers from the locker rooms.
Girimekhala: First time hearing so many cheers. So yeah I'm getting nervous. What if I trip here?
MC: It'll be cool, we're here too.
Girimekhala: ...right. To victory!
And so begins the Tokyo wide sports festival.
End of Episode 

Scramble World Trophy Prologue Part 2 (Abridged)

Carbuncle: I'VE BEEN SOLD OUT???
Everyone else left, so Carbuncle's yelling to himself. Well, to him and his legal guardian Gargoyle. The event flier says Gargoyle signed off on Carbuncle joining whatever group wins the sports festival.
Gargoyle: Oh, THAT'S what they meant when they told me they wanted you? I thought they wanted me for--
Carbuncle: (bonks) YOU ABSOLUTE DUMBASS
Gargoyle: Aww, is that all~? I mean, I'm sorry, I--
Carbuncle: I thought you were better than that! (runs off)
MC: Wait, Carbuncle! (run after him)
Gargoyle: (frowns)

Later
Carbuncle's crying in the corner of his room.
MC: sorry man, that sucks / (pet him) / (defend Gargoyle)
---
(B) Carbuncle leans into MC.
(C) Carbunble: He won't even come himself? ...I know he's just dumb.
---
Carbuncle: ...I'm okay. I know he has his head up his butt, but he still saved me. I always had treasure hunters and adventurers coming after me before Tokyo. (wipes face)
Flashback!
Gargoyle: Nice voice! Come sing about Heaven...and me!
Present
Carbuncle: Can you believe he really said that? Still, I was happy he saw me for me and not someone else, so I figured...I could repay him here.
MC: Ooh, what's the plan?
Carbuncle gets up and smiles.

Church area
Gargoyle: Carbuncle, I...
Carbuncle: You're dumb, got it, it's cool. I'm in if I can join the event too. If I win, it's all good.
Gargoyle: WHAT?
Carbuncle plans to join the Tokyo Ultimate Sports Festival!
Gargoyle: ...very well, I'm in too. All shall behold my beefy glory!
Carbuncle: You just want to show off, don't you? Oh well, I can just kick everyone's asses.
Aegir: For real? You do know you need to be in a team of seven that gets nominated to actually play as one of the eight teams? They got all sorts of pros in there.
MC: Can't win if you don't get out there. I'm in too.

Carbuncle: I'll split the original prize money with you MC! But where are we getting the rest of our team...?
This a BIG regular event (that we've never seen before) so lots of students are in it for the prizes, glory, and memories~! And they're probably already signed up by now.
MC: Well if it doesn't have to be a student...hey Aegir old buddy, old pal?
Aegir: Pffft, joining means no trophy! Unless YOU'D be giving me something if we win...
MC: pleeeaaase? / fiiiine / shut up and help!
Aegir: Alright, I'm in. On one condition.
Bargaining time?
Aegir: If we win, I want Carbuncle to sing something for me!
Carbuncle: Oh, well okay! You're as beefy as Gargoyle so you should be good!
Gargoyle: What do you mean, AS beefy!? We never officially decided our match!
???: Excuse me, I'd like to join in.
MC: Otohime, Hephaestus, Talos! / what now?

Otohime: Hephaestus has been working on my physical body, so I'd like to suggest joining your team and testing my body at the festival.
MC: Cool, thanks!
Carbuncle: We have to win! Is she any good?
Hephaestus: Y-yeah, she moves better than almost anyone.
Aegir: Asking if people are all in is a good idea if we wanna win.
Carbuncle: Okay, but how I should I pay you back...?
Otohime: I want to participate in the festival with everyone in a classic Japanese high school experience.
Carbuncle: Uhh...okay? Sounds good to me, Miss.
Otohime: Otohime is acceptable. Pleased to meet you.
5/7 party members, get!
Aegir: At this point the only people we can find are new people or totally disconnected from society. But who in that case would be cool?
MC: Ooh, I know. To Shinjuku!

Shinjuku
Aegir: Ain't no one here tho?
MC: Weird. He's not picking up the phone either. Did something happen?
Carbuncle: Who you calling, MC?
MC: Guy who's both new AND disconnected from society! / The school's number one powerhouse
Classroom
MC: Presenting Chernobog!
Chernobog: My brave, must this introduction be so dramatic? But if you wish for my help, I am glad to give it.
Aegir: Talk is cheap, put 'em up!
Aegir used Anchor Throw! Chernobog used Ice Wall!
Aegir: Okay you're cool. Join us, new prize guy!
One explanation later...
Chernobog: Very well, I shall join you.
MC: Oh god Aegir likes you / dude what the hell!? / Thanks, Chernobog!
New party member! One more to go to fill out the team!
Gargoyle: So, any other ideas?

Setagaya
Yamasachi: I'm sorry Otohime, I'm already signed up with another team! I totally would have joined you otherwise...
Otohime: Oh no this is acceptable. This just means we can fight it out. I like forward to competing.
Yamasachi: I ain't losing tho! No mercy!
Fistbump!
Later
Carbuncle: Oh my god is the sports festival for a city of at least 14 million people already a huge blowout?
Aegir says this event was always a big deal. Then the lottery jackpot of prizes got put up for grabs.
Carbuncle: Wait, do people think the prize is just a fancy gem so they've signed up already?
Aegir: Pffft, I know a degenerate monk who can't be assed to do sports, but I do know how to kick his ass into gear at least!

Umamichi
Gouryou: Sorry man, I already joined someone else.
Welp.
Gouryou: Ugh, this suuuucks.
MC: You? Really??? / oh man, what now? / Aww, I wanted to go with you!
---
(A) Gouryou: It's true but you shouldn't say that!
(C) Gouryou: Aww, thanks. Wanna do the horizontal tango though?
---
Gouryou: Sucks, but I'm pretty sure everyone here's already taken.
Chernobog comes back. No luck on his end.
Chernobog: Zao and Himavat are up some mountain. Durga is already taken. I don't know where anyone else is.
Carbuncle: OH GOD WE'RE SCREWED
Hmm, who else is there...?
MC: Wait, I have an idea!

Girimekhala: MC? W-w-wait, what???
MC: Girimehkala! You aren't teamed up yet, right? / I need you!
---
(C) Girimekhala: WHAT?
---
Girimekhala: Wait, is this about the sports fest? Thanks, but uh...
Carbuncle: You recruiting him? He big. Why didn't anyone pick him up earlier?
Girimekhala: Um, well...
Flashback!
Li Chou: Hey look, the sports fest is blowing up on Twitter! Since the other schools are joining, we should too!
Girimehkala: Pass, I'll just trip if I go in.
Li Chou: Eh, who cares if you trip? You getting up anyways is your good point.
Girimekhala: But this is a team thing and I'd drag you guys down.
Li Chou: But--
Girimekhala: Is this you trying to make a joke outta me?
Li Chou: Okay okay, fine I'll stop asking! Geez, I thought we could do some friend stuff together.
Girimekhala watches Li Chou walk away...

Present
Girimekhala: Why DID you ask me to join you? I mean I'm glad you asked, but still.
Otohime: Would you tell us how you feel, strange elephant man? You do seem to want to join from what I can see.
MC: Otohime?
Girimekhala: What's it to you!? I mean I...!
MC: Please join us, Girimekhala!
Girimekhala: !!
Carbuncle: WHAT
Girimekhala trunk slaps himself!
Girimekhala: Okay fine, if you have to say what my old Master said, then I have to join! Please take me with you!
MC: Okay! / You cool with this, Carbuncle? / Together!
(B) Carbuncle: Whatever, I'm already in anyways.

Girimekhala: I'll do my best! What's in the sports fest anyway?
Otohime: We won't know until the day of. In fact we still need to beat the prelims to be one of the eight teams going in.
Gargoyle: So, I need to keep working out until next week?
It's gonna be sports, one way or the other.
Girimehkala: Whatever training we can do then!
Otohime: I will collect data and plan.
Chernobog: I will train on Bald Mountain.
Aegir: Hey Carbuncle, how about I train you?
Carbuncle: Nah I have my own plans.

Okay, party quota filled. Training montage time!
Gargoyle: Carbuncle, was your training plans me? Very well, I will select the best protein and workout rout--wait.
Yeah Carbuncle's not at the church.
Gargoyle: Hello?
Hey look, a letter from Carbuncle!
Carbuncle: Off training, be back way later. Get bent.
Gargoyle: WHAT
Aoyama
Jacob: Oh hello again Carbuncle. What brings you so late at night?
Anime blindness!
Carbuncle: Could you please train me?
Jacob: Oh? You're plenty strong to defend yourself as is. Did you sign up with a revenge contractor? Going to war?
Carbuncle: ...you aren't going to get mad at me for judging people?
Jacob: Everyone goes through that. And I won't deny your love for people.
Lots of people look for help at church.
Carbuncle: Please help.
Jacob: For the sports fest? Okay. But no mercy.
Carbuncle: Cool.

Some mountain
Qinglong: Zzz--wuh, ahh!?
Girimekhala: You were sleeping, weren't you?
Qinglong: Uh, haha, it's just so nice here.
Girimekhala: "Meditation." Right. Is this really the whole plan?
Qinglong: Find kushanti, find the strength to overcome anything!
Girimekhala: wait what
Qinglong: In other words, inner peace! Now close your eyes and work on your foundation.
...
Qinglong ALMOST hits Girimekhala in the face with a palm strike until Girimekhala trunk blocks!
Girimekhala: WHAT!? ...wait did I just stop that!?
Qinglong: You seem to have caught a glimpse of peace.
Girimekhala: Whoa, I think I sensed somethi--(trips)--AAAAAA
Qinglong: Good luck on the rest of your journey.
And so the week until the sports fest comes to an end...
End of Episode part 

Scramble World Trophy Prologue Part 1 (Abridged)

Carbuncle (narrating): Fuck you MEAN "oh my god they're back!"?
There was once a boy with a pretty shining rock in his forehead.
Mobs: After him! Her! Them! Whatever!
And he was chased by people who wanted him for their own conflicting reasons.
Mobs: OH MY GOD IT'S TRUE / it's like they're really back again!
Everyone saw the boy differently. The boy hated his power, but sometimes he used it to survive.
Mobs: After him! / (wheeeeze) / I shoulda ran more
The boy was confident in his stamina at least.
Carbuncle: I'm not your damn replacement goldfish!
Carbuncle breathes in...
Someone Else's Voice: He totally went that way!
And so the mobs ran off in another direction. Carbuncle got away, running on and on until...
Carbuncle: wait where am I? A museum? ...(GASP!)
Oooh, totally a statue of a hot beefy guy with a heaping helping of smug!
Carbuncle: He's just like God!

One day, after school...
MC: Tireeed. Maybe I should work out.
Shirou: MC, have you seen Kengo? Mononobe-sensei asked me to bring him in. Did he run again? Ugh, don't you think he should study more as a student?
MC: Hey do you work out? / oh god I'm fat / study and fitness is good
(A) Shirou: O-oh, well Kengo used to drag me to the dojo when we were younger. Also reading needs stamina too.

Here comes Ryouta!
Ryouta: You guys, there's a new cake shop at the station! Wanna check it out?
Shirou side-eyes Ryouta.
Shirou: Maybe you should exercise more.
Ryouta: Are you calling me fat!? I know I am but still!
Shirou: Well, all things in moderation...
MC: STAY FAT RYOUTA / wanna run in the morning together? / he seems active enough to me
(A) Shirou: W-wow you sure care about that for some reason.
Ryouta: Actually you seem to be trying to fatten me up lately.
(B) Ryouta: Ohh, good idea. I'd have quit under three days by myself.
(C) Ryouta: Yeah I just like eating more! People just like doing fun things more!

Shirou: But the event's happening soon.
Ryouta: R-right. Ugh...
MC: what
Shirou: Oh, did I not tell you? It's almost that season for that one Japanese cultural tradition of--
Touji: (walks in) MC, someone's here to see you.
MC: Huh, who could it be?
Aegir: S'up, MC!
Aegir's drawing attention. He seems to enjoy it.
MC: What's up? / Date time??? / No kidnapping, thanks
(B) Aegir: Nah, came to talk to you about something less crazy today.
(C) Aegir: Heh, jealous? I promise you'll always be first.

Aegir: So I heard--hey get back here. You ever hear about the Museum of Prayers? Apparently they have some super valuable Miracle Jewel. How about we go stare at it together?
MC: what is your deal / why me? / ohhh
(A) Aegir: Nothing if you have anything to say about it! Come on!
And so Aegir drags MC off with him.
(B) Aegir: Because it'll be totally okay for you to cause problems if you aren't with one of your school teachers!
what kind of reasoning is that
Aegir: (picks up MC) Now let's go!
(C) Aegir: Let's see if it's all that!
And so Aegir picks up MC and heads off.

Ginza
MC: are you gonna carry me the whole way / this museum isn't in Aoyama? / bridal carry me
---
(A) Aegir: At this point, why not? We're almost there.
(C) Aegir: Oh you. Next time.
---
Big church.
Aegir: Let's see...hey they have a back door we can sneak in through!
MC: That's really the plan!? / may God forgive us / okay bye
(A) Aegir: It's cool, I'll handle it if we get caught.
(C) Aegir: Pffft, quitter. It's cool, I'll handle things if we get caught.

Inside
Aegir: Whoa, fancy. Look at this beefy lifelike statue!
Gargoyle: (stares)
MC: did it just look at me / uhhh?
---
(A) Aegir: Pffft, that's stupid.
---
Aegir: Maybe I should take it with me.
Gargoyle: HA! Your Discerning Eye is impressive!
MC: OH GOD HELP / are statue Transients a thing?
Gargoyle: Welcome to the Museum of Prayers! I am Gargoyle, stare and be amazed! But also where did you two come from? Are you thieves?
Quick, think of something!
Aegir: Yeah we wanna admire the Miracle Jewel!
Gargoyle: Pffft. Why not come in through the front door on opening day? It's petrification time!
MC: I'm innocent! / welp / *(rock up)*

Aegir: Hell yeah, dragons sitting on treasure just like in Yggdrasil!
Gargoyle: Very well! You there, you be the judge!
Battle time! ...actually wait. Aegir and Gargoyle take off their clothes!
Gargoyle: (flexes) Don't I look better than him?
Aegir: Nice, bro!
Aegir flexes and poses too.
MC: what??? / (god yes) / why are YOU into this!?
(A) Gargoyle: Violence is all well and good, but this is the rational method of conflict resolution. Totally not an ego stroking opportunity!
(B) Gargoyle: What, too hot for you? Look closely at my muscles!
(C) Aegir: I don't back down from a challenge and I'm beefy too.

Gargoyle: Okay judge, who won!?
MC: Gargoyle wins! / Aegir wins! / man I don't knoooow!
---
(A) Aegir: Are you blind or something!?
Gargoyle: But of course I won! Allow me to do some fanservicey flexes before I flex on you with my ultimate move!
(B) Gargoyle: (gasp!) Favoritism!
Protesting Gargoyle.
Gargoyle: Fine, time to flex on you with my ultimate move!
(C) Gargoyle: Very well. Then I shall flex on you with my ultimate move!
---
Gargoyle: BEHOLLLLD!
Poof! Mini Gargoyle!
Mini Gargoyle: Oh no I forgot to check my energy levels!
Aegir: Uh. So how's that flexing on us going?
Mini Gargoyle: P-put me down!

Carbuncle: (walks in) Father, what is with all the noi--wait who are you people? We aren't even open yet?
Aegir: Hey you, show us where the Mir--
MC gags Aegir and steps in!
MC: Hi who are you? / Cute! / We're lost
(A) Carbuncle: Uh, I asked first. You Father Freakazoid's friends?
(B) Carbuncle: Ugggh this again. You Father Freakazoid's friends?
(C) Carbuncle: Restroom's that way? Anyways, you Father Freakazoid's friends?

MC: uhhh / he's a priest?
Carbuncle: He SAYS he is, but I guess he's not that wrong if he means like a Statue of our Father in Heaven...wait, where'd he go?
Gargoyle's gone.
Carbuncle: You must be his gym buddies. Did you see where he went?
Aegir: We were posing at each other until he bailed out like a bitch. I was totally winning that one! But anyways, who are you? A guard?
Carbuncle: Nah, I'm Carbuncle. Choir boy and...live in chore boy.
Aegir: Cool, I'm Aegir! King of giants and treasure hunter! I work at Toyosu.
"Treasure hunter" triggers Carbuncle!
Carbuncle: Oh so you ARE here for me! Time for an ass kicking!
Aegir: Damn, uppity much brat? We just--(sees Carbuncle's gem)--oh.

Gargoyle: (walks in) Yes, Carbuncle is the Miracle Jewel!
Carbuncle: GODDAMMIT, where were you!? You got churchgoers here to see you!
Aegir: Wait, the Miracle Jewel's a Transient? Oh well, kidnapping wasn't the plan for the day but I guess that's how it goes!
Carbuncle: OH GOD HELP
Aegir: You glow funny. Guess that's why they call you the Miracle Jewel.
Carbuncle: Gargoyle, get off your stony ass and HELP ME ALREADY!
Suddenly Balor and Fuxi!
Fuxi: SIIIISTER! Your brother is here to save you!
Balor: I'm here to get you outta trouble, MC!
Aegir's surprised! Carbuncle smirks.
MC: what / I must be imaging things / I didn't say anything!

Balor and Fuxi bump into each other as they run in!
Fuxi: Go away you! SIIIISTER needs me!
Balor: YOU go away! I get out for once and MC said they need ME!
Aegir: wait what? Hey wait, GET BACK HERE YOU!
Carbuncle makes a break for Fuxi and Balor!
Carbuncle: Okay, so uh... "oh no, help me pretty please!"
Balor: Okay, Grandpa will help you and then rub his face on you!
Fuxi: I'll save you! And when I do, look at me like I'm trash and tell me to KMS!
Carbuncle: you guys are freaks Sure! Go get 'em!
Fuxi: YEEEESSSS
MC: What's wrong with you people...this time!?
Sudden realization!
Balor and Fuxi: OH MY GOD TWO MCS!

Later
Balor and Fuxi are doing the Japanese Squat of Shame.
MC: Okay. So. How did you confuse Carbuncle for me!?
Carbuncle: I'll answer...so you're MC? I was wondering what kinda person gets seen as a bunch of other people.
Carbuncle stares at MC in a "I know that feel bro" sort of way.
Carbuncle: Ever wonder why I get called the Miracle Jewel? It's 'cause my power makes people look at me like I'm the most important thing in their life.
Flashback!
Ruler A: God won't speak to meeee
Carbuncle: How about I do it?
Ruler A: HALLELUJAAAAH
Some other flashback!
Guy B: I lost my only family when my pet died!
Carbuncle: Oh...well have your dream for a minute.
Guy B: SPOOOOT! C-can I pet you?

Present
Gargoyle: And then the comparisons to jewels came in.
Aegir: Sounds like bullshit but I can believe the miracle label.
Carbuncle: Yeah, anyone who has a memory of seeing my gem shine will always see me as someone else. Lots of people like you MC. Poor bastard.
MC: awww / time to ignore them for a week / OH GOD YOU KNOW HOW IT IS
---
(C) Carbuncle: yeah it sucks
---
Fuxi: SIIIISTER! Please wait, have mercy! The World Rep Tokyo Pact says we're limited in how much we can see you, so sometimes I go see Carbuncle acting as a sub for you...
Balor: Yeah the other Reps bitch if I try to visit so...
MC: kys / Sorry Carbuncle / Hey Carbuncle, go entertain Fuxi
(A) Fuxi: Aw yiiiis!
(C) Carbuncle: OH GOD NO

Carbuncle: Also WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH YOUR FAMILY? It's not just one or two people asking to see me to see you!
Gargoyle: Yeah, weird. I'm the most important person in my life!
MC: Huh, we are alike / Who ARE you, Gargoyle? Not just some gym lizard?
---
(BC) Gargoyle: Oh you want to know? Come on by sometime! But for now, I will just pose while Carbuncle talks about himself.
---
Carbuncle: This is like the first time I ever met anyone like me.
MC: Sorry about the ruckus / I'm glad I met you / (introduce yourself)
Carbuncle: ...it's cool. Hey, tell me about yourself.

Later
Carbuncle: Wow, cool.
Interested Carbuncle.
Carbuncle: Aren't you sick of everyone seeing you as someone else?
MC: Totally / I stopped noticing / Not everyone
Carbuncle: Huh. Well samesies I guess. It helps people sometimes.
Gargoyle poses.
Carbuncle: Hmm. Hey MC, have you got a team for the next event yet?
MC: what
Carbuncle: What do you mean, what? It's the All Tokyo Sports Festival. You in? They got a big prize for the winner! Maybe we could join together if--
Mail for Carbuncle!
Carbuncle: Oh hey, mail about the event. But I haven't even signed up yet so why--

Meanwhile, in Kamata
Hephaestus: what is up with your reaction times?
Otohime: I am a robot girl.
Hephaestus and Otohime are playing a game.
Hephaestus: S-so, how's trying to learn to be more human through nerd entertainment?
Otohime: Romance media is fascinating. Did you recommend this one?
Hephaestus: N-no, shut up! What if Mom hears!? It just happens to have someone that looks like Mom, not like I'm interested in romance!
Hephaestus keeps talking to himself.
Hephaestus: O-okay after this, we overhaul your robo body. We can test it in the new event.
Otohime: Hmm, that reminds me. Hephaestus, have you heard? Has anyone told you?
Hephaestus: 'bout what?
Otohime: About the prize for the sports festival.
Back at the Museum of Prayers
Carbuncle: I'M THE PRIZE!?
End of Episode part 

Live A Hero From the Chocolate Volcano with Love Episode 3 (Abridged)

Rexer: Hey MC. Sleep well?
MC: Yep! Morning. / Not really...
---
(AB) Rexer: Yeah, the beds are awesome. I know it's work, but traveling's nice sometimes. And it's good to relax off camera. Welp, let's do our best today!
(C) Rexer: Really? We're hiking today, so don't push yourself too hard. If you can't sleep again, come by my room and we can play some games.
---
Ryusei and Hitomi come over to the hotel lobby too.
Hitomi: Morning, guys!
Ryusei: Hey! Today's perfect for a run!
Rexer: Oh hey. Got an early work question: how are we filming today?
Hitomi: Yeah, we can't talk like this once we're on. What do we do?
Ryusei: Ganran's coming soon, so should we head out when he gets here?
Hitomi: Maybe we should check out the village first? We didn't get to look around much yesterday.
Rexer: I'm down for exploring town. More entertaining for the viewers!
Ryusei: Okay I'm in! Afterwards we can suggest to Ganran that we head over.
Hitomi: Yay, I want to see the stores! That okay, MC?
MC: Sure!
And then the party goes outside.

A space dwarf is coming over this way! The space dwarf waves.
Ganran: Hey guys! Cool hotel, huh?
Hitomi: Yeah, the view was great!
Ryusei: It was great for relaxing!
Rexer: Morning Ganran. Gotta talk...
Ganran: Oh what's up?
One explanation later
Ganran: Oh sure! I was planning to show you guys around town! Ask me if there's anywhere you wanna go!
Rexer: Cool! Okay, today is the day...
Rexer fist pumps to himself.
Ryusei: Hm?
Thinking Ryusei.
MC: Something up, Ryusei?
Ryusei: Oh, not much. Rexer seems to be on edge for some reason? It's probably nothing!
Ryusei walks over to Ganran.
Ryusei: Okay, let's get streaming!
Hitomi: Right! MC, camera!

Showtime!
Rexer: Okay guys, let's go Day 2!
Ryusei: First off, a visit to town!
Hitomi: Yeah, let's check out the festival Ganran!
Ganran: Okay!
Nice smells among the stalls.
Hitomi: So many new kinds of sweets here!
Rexer: Is that...chocolate covered fruit?
Ganran: Kind of! We crush the fruit, then sweeten it up. Like Earth chocolate! Also we bury fruits to dry them out. Have a taste!
Ryusei: Wow. Don't mind if I do!
Hitomi: Ooh, sweet!
Rexer: Goes great with the sour sauce! And what's this...?
Ganran: Meat with space chocolate sauce!
Ryusei: wait what
Lots of expressions for the camera.
MC: Looking good, Rexer! I guess he loosened up?

MC remembers what Ryusei said earlier. Rexer seems fine though.
Ryusei: Okay, that was a lot of food!
Hitomi: Good thing we have a hike after this!
Rexer: Let's check that store nex--
Rexer bumps into a kid as he turns a corner!
???: Ow!
Rexer: Oh, sorry! You okay...?
Rexer gently pulls the kid back up.
Boy A: Yeah, sorry...oh wait, you're the guys looking for the rock cacao yesterday!
Ryusei: Oh it's you again! Thanks!
Hitomi: Yeah, we were able to finish our mission thanks to you!
Boy A: Oh, hehe... are you guys going out to look for the rock cacao today?
Ryusei: Yeah, we're gonna make the Phantom Chocolate.
Boy A: ...can I come with?

Hitomi: ...I don't think we can since we're filming.
Ryusei: Did you want to eat some Phantom Chocolate or something, kid?
Boy A: Well...the chocolate...connects you with someone.
Shy boy.
MC: what / wait, I heard about that on Earth!
Hitomi: Oh yeah, if you make chocolate with it and give it to someone, you'll be together forever!
Rexer: Oh, I guess that story got over here too?
Boy A: ...you'd laugh if I said I believed in it.
Hitomi: No way, I think it's wonderful!
Ryusei: Yeah, we won't. So, got any more details?
Boy A: ...if you make the chocolate together with someone, you'll always be connected because the rock cacao is so cook with. I heard on Earth you give chocolate to someone you like, and there's someone I want to give it to, so...

Ganran: ...sorry kid, we can't bring you along.
Ganran tries breaking the news gently.
Ganran: You wanna climb a mountain, you gotta be ready. Can't take you there when you could get hurt bad. Plus they got their Earth show to do. You get it?
Boy A: ...right, sorry.
Rexer: You'll find some rock cacao one day.
Boy A: ...thanks, but it's okay. The connected forever thing is a fairy tale anyways. Who would ever like someone like me anyways?
Ryusei: !!
Flashback!
Ryusei: How could someone as depressing as me make it anyways?

Present
Ryusei: But...
Ryusei can't bring himself to continue.
Boy A: You guys are cool. You're brave enough to go looking for the rock cacao and saying how you feel. Good luck. (runs off)
Hitomi: It's too bad, but we'll make it up for him. Right Ryusei?
Ryusei: Huh? Oh, right! Well, how about we get going soon?
Rexer: Yeah!
MC: Okay, let's go!
Ganran: Cool! So the path's super rocky, so don't trip. But I guess as heroes you'll be fine! MC, you be careful too. Let's go!
Hitomi: Yeah!
Ganran and Hitomi take the lead as the party heads out.
Ryusei: ...alright then!
Ryusei seems determined.
Rexer: Well, kid seemed fine but I still shouldn't be walking into people. I gotta do better. If Dad were here...

Title Card: I'm Not Sure if This is the Future or a Dream

Party's at the volcano foothills looking for the rock cacao!
Ganran: Lemme know if you guys get tired.
Rexer: Thanks, but we're heroes!
Ryusei: I can hike this in my sleep!
Ganran: Ha, nice! You good, Hitomi?
Hitomi: Yes, I practice dancing a lot myself! Idols can do physical work! And I'm pretty strong too. (fans self) Isn't it hot here though?
Ambient temperature's hotter around here.
Ryusei: Yeah, it's making me sweat.
Rexer: Kinda feels like a rock sauna here...
Hitomi: Ganran, you okay carrying all that stuff in this heat? I can help!
Rexer: Us too.
Ganran: Thanks, but I do this all the time!
Ganran waves as he carries several peoples' worth of digging gear.
Ganran: Aww yeah, this heat's good for training!
MC: is he into this

Ganran: What you can deal with today that you couldn't deal with yesterday means you've grown, right? Which is awesome! Bet I can take more than you.
Rexer: I'm a gamer but I kinda get how you feel. Feels good beating a boss or stage you couldn't before.
Ryusei: Just like working out! Going all out to surpass your limits!
Ganran: Ooh, maybe I should work out to build endurance... hm?
Suddenly a fork in the road! Also there's two signboards and a guy waiting there.
MC: welp
Rexer: Uh, guys?
Hitomi: Sus. He must be here to cause problems!
Ryusei: Ooh, I wonder what's gonna happen?

Blue checks the party, then steps forward.
Blue: Neo Talents presents.... QUIZ TIME!
Party: WHAT
Ganran: Ooh, something for you guys! Okay, stepping back now.
MC: Okay, it's TV time!
Blue: In this quiz, we're gonna see how well you guys know each other! Take the path that corresponds to your answer. If you're right, you move on. If you're wrong...
Rexer: ...then what?
Blue: You have to jump into a hot spring that's down that path.
Party: WHAT
Blue: That's why we reserved the whole mountain! Kids, don't jump into hot springs at home, mkay.
Hitomi: B-but my hair will get wet!
Blue: Alas, the show must go on. Anyways the heat will dry it out soon. Okay, let's go! Question one is about Rexer! Hitomi, what's his team's name?

Hitomi: W-what!?
Ryusei: Good luck, Hitomi!
Rexer: Oh, the name's on my--
Blue: No giving hints, you two!
Hitomi: Uhhhh, does that mean I can ask MC for help?
Blue: Hmm...okay, we'll allow it!
MC: WHAT / Okay! / uhhhh
Hitomi: Okay, we'll be fine with your help! I'll just take whichever path you pick!
Blue: Okay, what's your answer?
Hitomi: R-right! MC, which way?
Determined Hitomi. MC points the way!
Hitomi: Okay, here I go!
MC: μ-Hyperions / The GOAT Gamers
(A) Hitomi: Yes, I didn't get wet! Thanks MC!
Rexer: Yep, that's right! We picked it to mean going higher even if only by a microbit! Cool, huh?
(B) Hitomi: (splash) Oh no! ...well the water's not too bad. Don't worry about it MC, we'll do better next time!
Rexer: Hitomi, you okay!? Also I'm on μ-Hyperions.
Ryusei: Here's a towel, Hitomi. Time to go the other way. 

The party heads forward to another fork and quiz section.
Ganran: Ha! Okay, who's next?
Blue: Okay, question two! Ryusei, what's Hitomi's favorite food?
Ryusei: Oh, my turn? Hey, MC do you know?
Ryusei starts jogging as MC points the way.
Ryusei: Okay, this one!
MC: Strawberry shortcake / beef jerky
(A) Ryusei: Aww yeah! Hitomi's happily mentioned filming at sweets shops before. Thanks MC!
Hitomi: Strawberry shortcakes are delicious! (also I love beef jerky too)
Rexer: did you just say something
Hitomi: Nope! Let's go!
(B) Ryusei: (splash) Oh no! Well, no worries MC. I thought that too actually.
Hitomi: Idols love cute things! Also, can you guys come over?
Hitomi starts whispering.
Hitomi: okay so I DO love beef jerky but I have an image to uphold so don't tell!
Ryusei: Oh okay!
Rexer: O-okay then? Here, Ryusei. Got a towel for you.
Ryusei: Thanks! Alright, time to go the other way!

The party hits a third fork in the road!
Rexer: This again?
Blue: Alright, question three! What's Ryusei most proud of, Rexer?
Rexer: My turn, huh? Well... three for three then. Which way, MC?
Rexer runs right towards MC's answer!
Rexer: HERE WE GOOOO
MC: His fancy workout equipment / His sports swimsuit collection
(A) Rexer: Yes, thanks MC! Also you have sports swimsuits?
Ryusei: Yep! Gotta make an impression in contests! I have a whole room's worth of them!
Hitomi: Whoooa!
(B) Rexer: (splash) Oh god it's getting under my clothes! Don't worry about it, MC, we'll get the next one!
Ryusei: Well I DO wear those in competitive sports games. Looking them up and buying new ones is fun!
Hitomi: It's just like my buying new clothes for new songs! Let's go shopping next time, Rexer! And here's a towel.
Rexer: Thanks! Alright, time to switch paths.

Ganran: Haha, okay guys I think this is the home stretch!
MC: oof, finally / Aww, already?
Blue approaches!
Blue: Congratulations! Feel any closer? Now look ahead!
Pretty rocks that look like gemstones in the ground.
Blue: One of our staff members just discovered a rock cacao vein!
Party: WHAT
Rexer: T-this isn't a trick, right?
Ryusei: Can't tell, but it does look legit...
Ganran: Oh it's real!
Blue: Well, the other staff has started digging! Think you can take any back, with the power of FRIENDSHIP?
Incoming mobs!

Rexer: ...I guess we're doing this!
Ryusei: Yep, time to fight for it!
Hitomi: Agreed!
Ganran: Okay, this sounds cool! Put me in, Boss!
Ganran runs up and waves at MC to start!
Blue: Wait, him too? ...well okay then!
Ganran: Haha, this will be fun!
MC: Here we go! (click)
MC puts the camera on autopilot while switching to Operator Mode and transforming the party!
Ryusei: Alrighty, let's get that first bit of rock cacao!
Hitomi: Cheer for us, everybody!
Ganran: Yeaaahhh!
Rexer: Starting the quest!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Hitomi: Hear my song! Favored Song "Love Me, Hit Me"!
Bardic Inspiration applied to party!
Ganran: Wow, I feel stronger! Okay, Space Dwarf Smash!
Ganran creates an opening for Ryusei and Rexer!
Ryusei: Thanks guys! Okay Rexer, combo time!
Rexer: Right!
POW
Purple: oof!
Enemy team disengages!
MC: Yes, we win!

The party detransforms as MC hands out towels.
Rexer: Thanks MC, gg you guys!
Ryusei: Nice workout! I'm sweaty now. And I feel the burn in back, so it'll get even beefier!
Ganran: Haha, did you say that before when we fought too? Nice bod!
Ryusei: Thanks, I wanna make it even better!
Hitomi: How wonderful!
Ganran: On another note, wow Hitomi you're still clean after all that fighting and hiking.
Rexer: Actually yeah, wow.
Hitomi: An idol can't let her hairstyle get messed up~! (poses)
Ryusei: Before every battle, she pulls out a ton of hairspray and--
Hitomi: NOOOO you can't say that!
Ryusei: O-oh, sorry.
Hitomi: Okay be sure to cut that out! Anyways, rock cacao!

Rock cacao's exposed but still mostly buried.
Ganran: Right, can't forget that. Mining time!
Ganran passes out pickaxes.
Ganran: Get to work. Also, the rock cacao is still rock hard but still be careful digging it out!
Rexer: Okay, I'll dig around it!
Ryusei: Upper back muscle time!
Rexer and Ryusei start digging.
Rexer: Okay, the ground's pretty hard...
Ganran: Haha, they don't call it rock cacao for nothing!
Hitomi: Can I try giving it a shot too?
Ryusei: Well okay, can you help over here?
Hitomi: Here I goooo!
Hitomi smashes the ground AND the pickaxe's edge!
MC: Nice! Almost there, Hitomi! / Oh no, the pickaxe!
(AB) Rexer: MC, you knew about this!?

Hitomi: Ah, I'm sorry Ganran! I'll be back with a new one!
Ganran: Uh. O-oh it's okay, I can buff that out! Wouldn't want anyone to get hurt on the way back! Besides, you almost got it!
The rock cacao is almost half out! It has a pretty shine.
MC: Oh my god!
Hitomi: Wooow...
Ryusei: It's like a jewel! I can't believe it's edible!
Rexer: Yep, that's a rare item alright!
Ganran: Right? Don't chip it as you dig it out!
Suddenly...!
Ryusei: ...uh guys, I have a favor to ask!

Later
Ryusei: Hey kid, wait a sec!
The party's back in town!
Boy A: Huh? What's up?
Ryusei: I was looking for you! Here you go.
Ryusei handed over the rock cacao.
Boy A: W-wait, what!? Really!?
Rexer: Ryusei said he wanted to give it to you and we were down with that!
Hitomi: Culture spreading! Go make some chocolate with it and give it to the one you love!
Ganran pats Boy A's shoulders.
Ganran: Good for you, kid!
Boy A: B-but didn't you guys spend all day looking for it?
Ryusei: ...remember earlier when you said "someone like me"?

Ryusei: I used to say the same thing all the time. I was depressing, weak, and hated looking at myself. Who would ever like me? But that's why I get how you feel a bit. It's scary trying to be brave.
Rexer: Ryusei...
Rexer seems slightly surprised, then starts thinking.
Ryusei: I used to be scared too. But I tried to be brave and change, and now I'm like this. Not bad, huh? Now I like who I am!
Ryusei smiles and holds Boy A's hand.
Ryusei: You can do it too. The cacao's just the first step, and you'll have to work at it. I hope whoever you give it to likes the chocolate you'll make!
Boy A looks surprised, but resolute.

Boy A: T-thanks...I'll try my best! So I can tell you guys I tried!
Hitomi: Aww.
Rexer: We'll be waiting!
Boy A waves and runs off.
Ryusei: ...sorry about giving it away after all that work.
Hitomi: We're here to spread the chocolate giving custom around and bring a little more love to the world, it's cool!
Rexer: Yeah, and I wanted to thank the village for their warm welcome anyways!
Ryusei: Hmm... I guess you're right! I think I can change more too now! Thanks everybody!
Ganran: Haha, yep! We can just find more tomorrow!
MC: Same! / Good scene / Okay, cutting!
And then MC turns the camera off.

Ganran: Okay, time to stop for the day! ...hm?
Surprise quake!
Hitomi: Whoa, that was surprising...
Rexer: Not too bad. Everyone okay?
Ryusei: I'm good. MC? ...yeah you seem fine.
Ganran: Meh, earthquakes are common around volcanoes. No biggie, probably! I'mma go to a natural sauna now. Wanna come with? We're famous for those!
Ryusei: Ooh, nice.
Rexer: Sure!
Hitomi: Sorry, I have a personal stream to do so I'll head back to the hotel first. Tell me how it is later!
Rexer: Oh okay. MC, you wanna come too?
MC: WHAT
End of Episode 

Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 3 (Abridged)

Amduscias: You guys!
MC: Whatcha looking at? / Wasn't he...? / (greet)
---
(A) Amduscias: UHHHH NOTHING
Leanan Sidhe: You know my classmate?
(BC) Leanan: Oh I know him! I'll introduce you guys.
---
Leanan: He's a demon that can make unearthly sounds. He also...actually, never mind. But he's a great songwriter!
Amduscias: Hey, you're a great producer too.
Leanan sees the music video and changes the subject.
Leanan: Oh, Apollo. He's so popular, Amduscias keeps picking up his new albums even though he says he isn't into him.
Amduscias: Uhhh, yeah.
Leanan: He's a top idol alongside Gabriel. Pretty much everyone stans them.
Amduscias: Huh. I TOTALLY DON'T know much about idol music, but that's important info I guess.
Amduscias relaxes thinking he hasn't been found out.
Solomon: Hmmmm, sus. But maybe we don't need to poke at him?
MC: You hate idols? / What's so different about pop idol music? / YOU LIKE IDOLS?
(A) Amduscias: Not...really? Just good reference for writing. Stop looking at me like that.
(B) Amduscias: Idol music is so much deeper! So many factors to think about making a smash banger! Uhhhh, that's what school says at least!
(C) Amduscias: What, you don't believe me? I just listen to what's popular for studying.

Amduscias is distracted, wondering what passing randos are looking at even if it isn't supposed to be him.
MC: So...wanna be an idol? We need help.
Amduscias: WHAT
Amduscias looks excited. MC and Leanan Sidhe notice.
Amduscias: ...there's no way I can be one.
Amduscias shoves his hopes and dreams back into the closet.
Amduscias: I just said I don't care about idols! I'm better as a songwriter than a performer! Leanan just said Apollo and Gabriel are the top idols right now, so even if I became a temp idol I can't get any fans to come, so why bother? Why would you even want a big lunk like me!?
MC: Joke's on you, I'm into that shit! / Why not make a new kind of idol? / hmmmm, you sure know a lot about idols
(A) Amduscias: You trying to make me a dancing bear or something!?
(B) Amduscias: Sounds nice, but it ain't realistic. I don't wanna be a joke!
(C) Amduscias: UHHHH NO I DON'T

Leanan Sidhe: (stares)
Amduscias doesn't seem into this. He's into idols, yeah, but he worries too much about if people would like him to try. Leanan sees through him.
Leanan: Sorry Amduscias, we didn't want to push you. MC believes in you, but you have a musicality no one else has. I can see it.
Amduscias hesitates.
Leanan: I won't judge MC's choices, but you know how good a producer I am, right?
Amduscias: Yeah, the whole school knows.
Leanan: I believe in what I saw in MC. What about you?
Amduscias has no response.
MC: I think you can make it and not be some gimmick, but I have no proof.

Amduscias: ...geez. Fine, I'm doing this for you Leanan Sidhe. Not because I want to.
Leanan: Hehe, I know how it is. Thanks for hearing MC out!
MC and Leanan promise to call with details later and leave.
Amduscias: (frown)
Amduscias has mixed feelings about going for his dream and his feelings on the impossibility of it.
Amduscias: Can I really make it?
Amduscias's legs shake.
Amduscias: Does MC really believe in me?
Later, at Shinjuku Station
Leanan: Thanks MC! I think this group of four will work! I think you convinced them, so cheer them on! Training comes after this!
MC: Yeah! / so it begins / welp, it's all them now
---
(A) Leanan: Good energy!
(B) Leanan: Yeah, everyone's going to grow.
(C) Leanan: Hmm, really? How they turn out depends on your direction.
---
Leanan: School's set up the dates, place, and mentor. We'll start after we get ready and let everyone know. Good work today, MC!

Leanan leaves, and MC heads home.
Back at the dorm
Mononobe: Did you say you'll be out a while for idol training?
Giving the parental unit stand in notice of the event plot!
Mononobe: Oh, you'll be a producer? Weird. And a form from Nakano Performing Arts? Around this time, the admins always--never mind. They did call earlier. Anyways, go on, don't worry about school stuff.
Solomon: Yay, good for you Master! Thank you!
Mononobe: Good luck, this is all I can do for you.
And on the day of idol training camp...
Party: WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S IN ANOTHER WORLD???
End of Episode 

Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 2 (Abridged)

Leanan Sidhe: Let's look for people this weekend!
Time skip to the weekend! Now it's time to pick somewhere to find idols...
MC: (check Shibuya) / (check Akihabara) / (check Shinjuku)
1st location picked
Leanan: So why here first?
MC: Idol scouting happens in Shibuya! / The idol holy land / big crowds
(A) Leanan: So true, bestie.
(B) Leanan: Oh yeah, huh?
(C) Leanan: Makes sense.

Shibuya Section
Welp, time to start scouting! Leanan Sidhe rejects the randos busking nearby, so she and MC start walking around to see who's around.
Solomon: Oh my god so many people! Look at that poor girl being pushed over!
MC: Echo? / Hey, wanna be an idol? / Whatcha doin'?
---
(A) Echo: Um, hello MC.
(B) Leanan: Wait MC, start off by being nice!
(C) Echo: (gasp!) Oh, MC? Funny coincidence seeing you here.
---
Echo: Um, I was trying how to figure out how to get past the crowds.
Leanan: Hi I'm Leanan Sidhe. How about we go with? We can show you how to get through together
MC: Sure / OUTTA THE GODDAMN WAY, PEOPLE
(AB) Echo: Okay, thank you!
Leanan: Sure, so glad to meet you!
(C) Solomon: Master, you'll freak out your friends like that!

And so MC and Leanan Sidhe walk Echo to where she wants to go: Cafe Asterism. Lots of people in, especially this time of year. Meaning lots of people hitting on Shinya! But Kalki and Taromaiti politely make them behave.
Echo: Wow...
Echo sighs over Taromaiti.
MC: Always so busy / Wow, her customer service / Did you want to talk to her?
---
(A) Echo: Yeah. Good thing we conveniently got seats today.
(B) Echo: Yeah!
(C) Echo: UM...not really.
---
Echo: I sort of worked on my issues and now I can initiate conversations, but I'm still too scared to talk to people I've never talked to before. Makes me wish I was like Taromaiti...
Leanan: The first step is always hardest...
Leanan knows how she feels. Echo went through Valentine Timeslip, but she still wishes she were more proactive this time of year. Anyways, Echo attempts to change the subject!
Echo: Hey, the cafe workers kind of remind me of idols, heh.
Leanan: They soooo are for their stans.
MC: Wanna be an idol?

Leanan Sidhe: Yeah we want to talk to you about that!
Leanan explains this is all her doing.
Echo: For your exams? Really? I don't think I can help...
Leanan: Hmmmm... but doing it could help you be braver! Pleeeease?
Leanan Sidhe has already used Talent Scout's Eyes on Echo!
Echo: Well, I like singing, but...can I really be an idol?
MC: I'll get you the top spot! Together! / (look away)
---
(C) Solomon: I get the feeling, but you're supposed to reassure her and sell the dream, Master! Okay, I'll talk you through it!
And then Solomon helps MC relax Echo.
---
Echo: O-oka-ack! I bit myself...can I really do this?
And then MC and Leanan give Echo the schedule before leaving.
Leanan: Good job MC. We'll produce her until she's far away with the stars.
Time to pick somewhere else!

2nd location picked
Leanan Sidhe: Okay, why here?
MC: I have someone in mind / I think I know someone here / I hope they accept...
(A) Leanan: Really? Wow!
(B) Leanan: Wow, you're like famous!
(C) Leanan: Your social web is SO big! Nice!
Akihabara Section
So many idols and idol nerds, but the goal is someone who ISN'T an idol. Someone is waddling slowly this way!
MC: Hi Vapula. You look sad. / S'up, nerd!
(AB) Vapula: Oh, MC. What vabrings you around here?
(C) Vapula: Vaput a sock in it, MC! You're a nerd too, not a jock like Akiha!

Vapula: Oh hey Leanan Sidhe. Nice seeing you, even if I can't vaput a smile on my face.
Leanan: Is it the exams?
Vapula: DO NOT VABRING UP THE FORBIDDEN--wait, are you getting MC to help you!? NOOO I MISSED OUT!
MC: Wow you knew, Leanan? / Model figures are hard, man / I'll help!
---
(A) Leanan: Creation is so deep, no matter the form.
(BC) Vapula: Oh no I already made something. I can't be vaproud of being a model maker if I can't handle that! I'm just having vaproblems with something related...
---
Vapula sighs. Then his stomach rumbles.
Solomon: Hmm, maybe you should hear him out. Hey Master, ask him out to lunch or something.
MC suggests going to the community workspace.
Leanan: I'm up for that too!

Akihabara Comm Workspace
Hey the other Creators are here too
Vapula: (munch) So we're doing this classmate collab vaproduction now. Except we have to hand out tickets for vapublicity and I suck at that.
Akiha Gongen: But we need to advertise the collab or nobody will come.
Hecate: Think of the commission clients who might show up!
Appealing to various people is hard, man.
Vapula: I knoooow, but I just wanna create things. Now I gotta vaput myself out there and ask vapeople to come? Yeah yeah, price of fame and all, but what if randos ignore you??? Akiha, vaplease go advertise instead of me!
Hecate: You can't. You'll be alone when you try some new genre.
Akiha: I mean I would, but she has a point...

Vapula: Man, why can't I be a self-vapromoter like Bael or Bathym?
Solomon: Quick, Master! There's your in!
MC: Well I know a way if you don't mind jumping in the deep end.
Leanan Sidhe: Become an idol!
Vapula: WHAT
Hecate, Catoblepas, and Kuniyoshi: I'D SUPPORT YOU
Vapula: WHAT
Kuniyoshi: A furry idol? BEST IDOL!
Hecate: Oooh, the inspiration for shipping doujins! Rivals to lovers, or boss and employee forbidden romance?
Catoblepas: It's almost like a magical girl plot!
Hmm, Vapula doesn't seem totally against the idea.
Vapula: ...y'all just setting me up for vaproduction inspo.
Akiha Gongen: I think you can do it! ...whatever idol work is!
Vapula: You're just saying that! But, hmm...
Thinking Vapula.
Vapula: Maybe I actually will go for it if everyone vaputs so much faith in me!
MC: Thanks! / You've got a long road before your debut...
---
(C) Leanan: That's where you work hard!
---
Vapula: I'M IN
MC gives Vapula the schedule and heads off.
Solomon: ...is he gonna be okay?
Leanan: Vapula can be the friendly type of idol that everyone loves. I believe in you, MC!
Time to pick somewhere else!

3rd location picked
Leanan Sidhe: Okay. Why here?
MC: (shrug) / Fate told me / Gurren Lagann reference!
(A) Leanan: Instinct, huh? Cool.
(B) Leanan: Good idea!
(C) Leanan: Optimism!
Shinjuku Section
Solomon: Oh yeeeah, Shinjuku, our home turf! We can find an idol easy-peasy! Hey, you wanna--oh no they're already gone!
Everyone's moving fast and not interested in talking to strangers.
MC: Too many people. Maybe we should get out of the station?
Leanan: People on guard. Maybe because of crimes. Or just rudeness. Well, let's look around.
Solomon: We're not out yet, right Master!?

Lots of people around outside.
???: Hi, you lost? Maybe I can--
Hmm, a wild fusser appears!
MC: Tomte! Going home? / Good timing!
---
(AB) Tomte: Oh hi MC, haven't seen you since Christmas!
Leanan Sidhe: You know like literally everyone! Though I guess this could just be normal school stuff?
(C) Tomte: Oh my god you need me to take care of you!? YES!
Leanan: He's weird, but I know that feeling.
---
Leanan: Hi I'm Leanan Sidhe...you're from Tir na Nog too, aren't you?
Tomte: Yeah! I go to Santa School but I do farm work when it's not Christmas. Setagaya farm work, then sauna, then home! What brings you to Shinjuku?
MC: Stuff / (uhh...)
Tomte: Actually how about we talk over cafe drinks? I'm happy to help if possible!
Solomon: Yeeep, that's Tomte alright. Wait, don't leave me!

Later
Leanan Sidhe: Okay so no biggie, but we're idol scouting.
Exposition!
MC: No go so far. You interested? Or know anyone?
Tomte: Hmm...OKAY!
MC: WHAT / you wanna be an idol? / do you even know what idols are
(A) Tomte: Well apparently you'll have a ton of work to do, so me being an idol would make things easier! If you're okay with that.
(B) Tomte: Oh, was I supposed to ask for stuff? Don't you have a ton of work to do by Valentines?
(C) Tomte: Just a little! Some kid asked me to sing and dance with them over Christmas.

Leanan Sidhe: I never heard of someone being an idol because they wanted to help before, but I support him! What do you think, MC?
MC: He'll be popular / I know that feeling / boy we'll take anyone, huh
---
(A) Leanan: Okay!
(B) Leanan: I'll help too!
(C) Leanan: You'll make it work!
---
MC: Well thanks for joining, Tomte! / I'mma whip you into shape!
---
(AB) Tomte: Thanks for having me!
(C) Tomte: Interesting. I can take it!
---
Leanan: I've got great hopes for you!
Tomte goes back to Santa School once everything's done.
Solomon: Welp, that was random. But you can do it, Master!
(Still other places to check) Leanan: So, where next?
(All three places checked) Leanan: How about we head back to the Shibuya train station?

Moving on!
Shibuya train station
Amduscias: (stares)
Amduscias is watching an idol music video on the Crossing big screen and bopping to the music.
Amduscias: I got the whole song and dance memorized, but just copying isn't good enough to be an idol...I still wish I could be one.
Oh, that sweet summer child.
Amduscias: Huh?
Amduscias notices MC and Leanan Sidhe!
End of Episode part 

Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 1 (Abridged)

Staff A: Five minutes until showtime! Where's the damn star!?
Tensions rising backstage!
Staff B: Uhh, I'll check the green room!
Staff C: No, they'll sue if anyone besides the manager goes! Oh right you're new. Well he'll be here soon. Not like even rising star Apollo would cancel last minute.
Green Room
Apollo: Meeeeh, go away! I got five more minutes, don't I!?
Agent A: Sir yes sir!
Agent B: You're so hot, Apollo!
Agent C: I'll lick your shoes Apollo!
Apollo's off being a little brat on the floor while the agents prep him up for the show.

Agent D: Look Apollo, fancy chocolate!
Apollo: Ooooh, nice. More!
Agent D: Oh yes sir, plenty more!
Apollo: We got a party later today right? I'm not feeling the usual place.
Agent E: It's cool, I guessed as much already and booked a new place!
Apollo: Aww, thanks babysitter manager! Okay I think I can go sing!
The agents look relieved.
Agent F: Thank you, Sir! I'll walk you to the backstage!
Stage face on!
Apollo: Cool, gonna kill it for my fans out there! Thanks managers!
Agents: Break a leg!
Apollo leaves.
Agent A: ...okay finally he's out there. Good job guys.
Agent C: Apollo was being a bigger baby than usual, huh?
Agent D: Aww, this your first time? Nice.
Agent E: At least he's cute. And when he switches on he appreciates us.
Agent C: Haven't you guys tried telling him to stop being a bitch before?
Agent E: SHUT UP HE'LL HEAR
Agent A: Break's over, back to work now. Hype team, audience industry plants! Prep team, clean up and set up for after the show! Go! 

Stage Area
Apollo: Hey you guuuuys! Having fun yet!?
Huge cheering crowd! Big fancy show and special effects just blowing the audience members' minds!
Randos: OH MY GOD APOLLO
Soooo much screaming over a pop idol that has surprisingly few media appearances and a private enough private life that no one knows what he does on his off time. Magical Tokyo security be next level, yo. So of course there's tons of stans for a mystery idol having a religious experience as Apollo sings!
Some music studio
Amduscias: Apollo is SO COOL!
Amduscias is glued to his screen.

Amduscias: He's a big a star as Gabriel with his boyish charms in mature outfits. Not like me...oh, video's done. And now I'm back on Earth again, sad.
Amduscias puts his laptop down and hooks it up to a sound panel. He checks to make sure his new song file is fine, then unplugs. Still thinking about the skill level difference between Apollo and himself, but not jealous.
Amduscias: Well, lots of people like my songs too. But no one wants a big beefy idol...
Japan's business numbers show no mercy on the demand. Oh well, time to go. Anyways, New Years just passed and Amduscias is at Nakano Performing Arts Academy at winter break. No holidays for show business!
Amduscias: Cold.
The chill of winter, or the chill of dissatisfaction? Again, who would ever want a big guy like him to sing and dance on stage?
Amduscias: Well, I guess I should focus on writing my next song. At least my newest one should fit the subject.
Everyone at Nakano is busy.

Elsewhere
Leanan Sidhe: MC, please help me with my end of term tests!
MC: WHAT / Not the T word! / Performance rolls, got it
---
(AB) Leanan: Oh it's okay, it's not actually academic stuff.
(C) Leanan: Oh thank you! But it's not singing or dancing I need help with.
---
Diner meeting with Leanan!
Leanan: So Nakano's tests are more practicals for your study specialization. And as a producer...
Flashback!
Important Teacher: Okay Leanan, you're almost perfect if you weren't so casual to your teachers! So I'mma give you a special test and make you a producer of producers. Go find a new rockstar!

Present
MC: what / oh I see now
---
(C) Leanan Sidhe: Wow you get it already?
---
Leanan: Okay so everyone I've ever produced for turned into stars, so now my teacher wants me to make a star producer. Weird, right? But he's right that I never did anything like this before since I don't think I can be a star myself. My power's the power to find talented other people, and a producer has to discover new talents. I had to think about it, and I think I know how to make this work now!
Fascinating Leanan Sidhe.
Leanan: I used my artifact to figure out who could be a star producer and you were the only result for some reason.
Leanan grabs MC's hand with both of hers.
Leanan: Pleeeease help me?
MC: NO??? / Not sensing any faith in me here! / Me, a producer?
(A) Leanan: I know you don't believe me, but I'm sure you have the chops!
(B) Leanan: I believe you'd say yes. You know you can do this!
(C) Leanan: Too sudden? I believe in you!

MC: I'm in! / okay I guess / I take no responsibility if this blows up
Leanan Sidhe: Yay, thanks MC!
Relieved Leanan.
Leanan: Okay, the assignment. We have three months for you to train and showcase some idols. Don't worry, I'm not throwing you into the deep end without any clues. I can handle the planning and business side of things. I even have a plan already.
MC: You do!? / such initiative / cool, show me
Presentation time!
Leanan: So in Japan, idols don't just perform. They inspire hope! Which means marketing! Since Valentines is soon, let's do a seasonal idol group to market some chocolate! With a diverse lineup for maximum appeal! What do you think?
MC: ooh, cool idea! / do we have any business leads? / is anyone gonna join...?
(A) Leanan: Thanks, I'm glad you like it!
(B) Leanan: I've already checked with school, they found someone who agreed.
(C) Leanan: I found a business through the school. We just need to get fans in.

Leanan Sidhe: Welp, it's up to you now. I wonder what diamonds in the rough you'll find?
MC: what now / scouting time! / guess I should ask people I know
---
(A) Leanan: Idols!
(B) Leanan: Good luck with that!
(C) Leanan: Well you do know like half the metropolitan area. But maybe you should check who's around town first?
---
Leanan: See you again this weekend! You decide where we'll go looking for people.
And that's how MC started up as an apprentice producer.
On the way home...
Solomon: Hey Master! Soooo, you looking for new idols hint hint?
MC: Talent spotted! / but people can't see you / I'm stuck with shenanigans again
---
(A) Solomon: Yup, that's me! New rock star!
(B) Solomon: And it SUCKS! I can totally be a rock star!
(C) Solomon: Oh you. But I'll be there with you!
---
Solomon: Idol training was part of my Running Gag Rank 3 Cert in Extremely Specific Tasks, so I can advise you! Can't wait to see who you come up with!
MC: Thanks! / this cannot end well
And so began MC's unprecedented producer life.
End of Episode part