Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 6: Captured Heroes

Things pick back up as Akashi notices that you're waking up and calls to you. It takes a moment to catch your bearings as you process that someone is talking to you, and Akashi is glad that you've regained consciousness. You ask Akashi about where you guys are and about Mokdai, so Akashi nudges Mokdai to wake up too and stop drooling. Mokdai mumbles to himself as he wakes up, and once he tunes in for real he asks where you guys are. All Akashi can say is that it doesn't look like you guys can escape from there immediately, and he points to a window on the wall.

 

As you look outside from the warehouse looking room you guys are in, you see the Earth outside to your shock. Mokdai asks if that means you guys are in outer space, and Akashi says that seems to be the case. While he's at it, Akashi shows you guys the heavy door to this room and tries to push it open from this end, but no matter how hard he tries it doesn't budge. With the door and lock being so sturdy, Akashi notes that you guys have been taken captive as he clicks his tongue.

 

Mokdai starts mildly freaking out about being kidnapped, and he figures that you guys won't be returned without a fuss if you've been locked up like this. He worries about the idea that you guys are going to get sold off and the possibility about being sold to a planet that doesn't speak Common, which would make life hard. Akashi tells him to calm down for now since his mental escalation is getting out of hand. You point out that your captors could split you guys up, wonder what could happen next, or ask about an alien being afraid of other aliens. C gets an extra bit where Mokdai says that while he may be an alien, he was born and raised in Japan, so he doesn't know what's out in space.

 

Anyways, Mokdai notes that since you guys have left the Earth's atmosphere your phone signals won't reach anyone, which then means it'll be unlikely you can call for help. Being in space means breaking the window isn't an option either, which leaves the door as the only way out. Akashi says he thought the same thing earlier, but he couldn't get the door to open. It's electronically locked, so you'd have to input a password into the panel next to it, you guys don't have that either. You worry out loud about what you guys can do then.

 

Mokdai points out that if you guys don't get out, you won't know what your captors intend on doing with you all. That pushes him to work up the nerve to say you guys need to escape then. He walks up to the door and knocks on it. After that he grabs the handle on the door and tries pulling on it, straining to use all his strength. Akashi is surprised when the handle starts to bend out of shape, and Mokdai tears the door out with a loud grunt. Predictably and unfortunately, this also sets off an alarm. Mokdai urges you and Akashi to start running, and he tosses the door aside before running out himself attempting to keep his panic down. Akashi spares a moment to express his baffled amazement, and you prompt him to focus and run but understand how he feels, or you express your own amazement too.

 

Out in the hallway, the PA system announces that a door in the 3rd floor area N-14 has been broken and asks for people to go check. Rando mobs make their way over and question how you guys could have made it through, but they figure you should still be close by as they spread out and search. Akashi peeks out after they leave, then tells you guys they're gone as he says it's time to go. You guys wander around the ship as you do your best to slip through the mobs, and you pant hard as you ask where you guys are heading to and that the mobs are endless.

 

Akashi says he doesn't know, but you guys have to keep going since your captors will just stick you in a cell again if they find you. Mokdai notes that the ship is huge and wonders if it's a warship. If it is, there should be something like lifeboats or escape pods on board. Akashi jumps on that and says you guys should search for them, but you point out that you don't know where they are.

 

Akashi says he doesn't know either, but you guys have to find it anyways. It should be on one of the sides of the ship if anywhere, so you'll just have to comb the place for it. But before he can say any more on that, mobs spot you guys, and Mokdai freaks out at having guns pointed at your direction. Akashi is also taken aback by them, but he says they probably won't kill you at least since they want you guys alive. He then spots some stairs and says you guys should run up. You wonder how big the place really is since it all looks the same everywhere you've been to.

 

More mobs turn up and ask the others if they've found you yet, but the others say you aren't here and might be at the bridge. Akashi sees more mobs ahead and leads the three of you down some other way, but Mokdai says that seems to be a dead end. Akashi points out that there's still a door, so maybe you guys can get behind it at least.

 

The three of you run to the big ass fancily decorated door, open it up, and slip into the room behind it. However, this turns out to lead to the bridge of the ship as Mokdai points out. Akashi quickly figures this to be the main area for whoever possesses this ship, and you guys are surrounded by mobs, so you all put your hands up. A voice calls you guys little rats and thanks you all for coming all the way to the bridge. Suhail then shows himself as narration describes him as having a deep voice and stereotypical pirate attire. His scarred body and big ass artificial arm adds to his imposing presence.

 

Suhail demands to know who you guys are for trying to sniff him out, and he notes that you guys don't look like you're with the police. Akashi accuses him of playing dumb and says you guys know all about him, and a mob takes offense at this as he raises his gun. Suhail orders him to stop since killing you guys outright would be No Fun. His attention is drawn to the watchbands you guys have, and he asks if that means you guys are heroes.

 

Akashi is confused by this and asks what that means to him. Suhail smirks as he says that will make things quick, then signals his crew to begin. All mobs respond and put their guns away and pose. Each of them and Suhail get bathed in light, transforming into costume as Suhail declares his arrival. Akashi is surprised by the transformation and says they must be villains then.

 

Suhail scoffs at being referred to as a common criminal and asks who you think he is. He does want to shout out his name now, but he does think that talking like normal people just isn't Fun. In which case, he challenges Akashi to a fight and says the loser has to tell the winner everything they know. Akashi is baffled by all this while Mokdai says he thinks he's seen Suhail around somewhere before. You say that he looks strong, be alarmed that he's attacking, or say you think he looks cool. C prompts Mokdai to react in shock at how you must have nerves of steel.

 

Akashi turns to you guys to ask for help since Suhail and his villain team are coming to attack. Mokdai is surprised at first but manages to keep up, then finds out that the bridge has a radio signal that he can use. He declares the beginning of the battle as he asks you and Akashi to handle it. Suhail leads his own team into what he calls a fun fight, and the episode battle begins as the mobs cheer in response.

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 5: The Value of Information

We pick up a day after the events from last time with narration picking up at the evening. The sun is setting on the alleyways as you guys are hanging around a main street. You still haven't found any leads, and Gammei is staring at his tablet irritated while the rest of you are sitting next to him on a bench having some juice for a break. Gammei talks out loud about not having any leads. He's already sent in paperwork asking the other prefectures for help, but still nothing so far. At this rate you guys might have to give up, and Gammei ponders the possibility that this case is being done by someone completely new.

 

Barrel comments that it might be a possibility. If someone new can join up as a hero like Akashi, why can't villains do the same? Gammei mulls that over some more in his head, but he points out that someone would have to be extremely brave, or a massive idiot to go targeting an international business for a first time job. He finds it hard to believe that a beginner could also send a crime notice without being caught doing so.

 

Mokdai notes that Gammei seems stuck in the investigation, and he wonders if anything could be done for him. Akashi talks about how you guys have been checking out villain hideouts since yesterday and have nothing to show for all the battles you'd gone through. It's understandable Gammei would feel stuck with results like that. Mokdai brings up that in toku shows with detectives, it's at times like these that they go to an outlaw information broker. He wonders if there's anything like that around.

 

Gammei is surprised at the suggestion as he calls it an idea from TV shows 200 years ago, then says nothing that convenient exists. Mokdai is disappointed to hear that, but the talk of an information broker calls up the image of a certain bar owner and waiter to you, so you suggest maybe Procy might know. A beat passes as Gammei looks at you in surprise before he smacks himself in the head for not thinking of it before. He then thanks you for bringing it up and wonders why he didn't think of it first. You wave the thanks off but wonder if Procy really does know anything.

 

Gammei notices you being worried, so he explains to you that Procy's bar is the only place around that does intermediation work offers for heroes. Heroes aren't the only people to go there, and people who want to do hero work but aren't licensed aka vigilantes/illegal heroes go there too. Gammei does admit that they get lumped in with villains though as far as labels go. But those are the sorts of people who go there, so you can find all sorts of information on heroes of other job fields and villains. So essentially, the bar is a work agent and information trade area. You nod at this and comment it must be busy. Gammei suggests heading over now and says there shouldn't be many people around this time. If any villains happen to be there it's going to cause some noise, so you should hurry.

 

Time passes as you guys head to a business district and down to the basement level of a multi-tenant building where Procy's bar is. Procy welcomes you guys, then comments on how unusual it is for Gammei to be there. He asks if he's still on the clock for his day job, so Gammei answers he's not there to get a drink. He explains he's there to get some information, which gets Procy's interest. Procy prompts you guys to sit down and offers some water in the mean time.

 

After an offscreen explanation about the case, Procy sums up that you guys have been searching for a villain who'd target Raidark and came here after being lost for ideas. Gammei confirms that he's mostly right and adds that you guys have nothing. Procy sympathizes, then thinks for a moment before saying he hasn't heard anything about a new villain on the rise. Gammei sighs, unsurprised.

 

Procy starts talking about how you'd need both money and connections if you want to pick a fight with Raidark. As it stands they've got a pretty sturdy security system that your average villain wouldn't be able to destroy on their own, what with the swarms of security bots that goes with it. If you tried destroying them one by one, reinforcements would come from elsewhere which would lead to your arrest. You'd have to take them all offline at once if you wanted to get through.

 

Procy continues thinking aloud and says that the only things he can think of that could break through Raidark's security is a villain with powerful abilities or a huge number of Kaibutsu, and villains that could do that aren't that common. They could theoretically get around that by contracting with a powerful Observer to boost their abilities, but then you'd need money and connections for that. So all in all, Procy doesn't think a new villain is likely to be behind all this. Gammei concedes the point and sighs about being stuck again.

 

Procy says it's unlikely that someone is going to bring an army to attack Raidark. If there was a villain who could do that, he figures you guys would already have checked them out. It seems unthinkable that someone would come from some other country or planet and specifically pick Raidark as a target, so Procy starts to say who the most likely candidate is when a voice preempts him and suggests someone named Captain Tronesion. A man walks up to the counter and picks up a glass, then turns to fave you guys. This turns out to be Narihito, and he asks what you think about him being the possible villain behind the case.

 

Procy is surprised by Narihito's sudden entrance and yells at him for popping out of nowhere and grabbing a drink like that. Narihito is taken aback that this was so surprising to him and mentions that he talked to Gomeisa on his way in. Gomeisa says that since Procy was so busy in his discussion that Gomeisa went to greet Narihito. He's already given him some appetizers and has Narihito's order written down already.

 

Procy starts yelling about that in turn as he says Gomeisa gave out some snacks that he charges for instead of some of the free stuff. He then turns to Narihito and says he's charging him for that bean pastry he was given. Narihito however attempts to protest saying it's a mistake Procy’s business did and threatens to write a Space Yelp review an article about it if Procy goes through with charging him over it. Procy does back off over it, but he still complains about Narihito cheating by using the store reputation as a shield. Gomeisa attempts to get both to stop fighting, but Procy says this all started because of his mistake to begin with. You then either recognize Narihito or ask who he is, which splits the story for a bit.

 

In Side A, Narihito greets you and says he hasn't seen you since the Procy search incident. Akashi is surprised that Narihito has apparently been drinking all day and asks if his workplace is mad with him. Narihito quickly claims that everything is fine and that this is totes legit a part of his info collecting. It makes the most sense to go to a bar where you can hear about heroes for stuff on that, so that's why he's been there all day. Also, keep the part about him ordering booze during the day a secret from his work place pleasepleaseplease. Mokdai points out in shock that he is guilty about something, but Gammei attempts to get the topic back on track, so Narihito apologizes.

 

In Side B, Narihito apologizes for not introducing himself earlier, then tells you his name and that he's a reporter for Taiyou Newspaper. He mainly writes about heroes so he's not on Earth that often, but he hopes to get along with you if you happen to see each other. You can then either ask about his area of focus or about Taiyou Newspaper. B gets an extra line where Mokdai is surprised you don't know, so he explains that it's mainly a news distribution business that handles any and all sort of info. They're positioned in Osaka and have a network that spans the whole Milky Way. Narihito adds that that print newspapers aren't sold anymore and that things have been successful since changing the distribution method.

 

Mokdai says he's heard of a reporter who goes around the galaxy pursuing stories about heroes before and also happened to be a hero themselves, then asks if that's Narihito. Narihito is a little embarrassed at being described as a wandering reporter, but he confirms as much. He talks about how he does hero work while meeting various heroes and collecting information, which he then turns into articles that get published through the Milky Way. He then gushes about how much fun it is meeting all these heroes and finding out new things about them. Plus, knowing about how certain Parallel Weapons exist and how people fight helps with his own fighting capabilities. Narihito rants a little about studying and profiling every day to expand his hero knowledge, then apologizes for getting caught up in said rant.

 

Mokdai excitedly tells Narihito that he gets why he's so worked up about heroes. Narihito is happy to find a kindred soul and hopes to talk to him more. Mokdai agrees and asks for his (email I guess) address, and off to the side Akashi is taken aback at how well they're getting along and wonders if it's their communication skills while Procy sighs and calls them nerds. You comment that the ring of hero nerds is expanding and/or you feel you shouldn't have let them meet each other.

 

Gammei asks if they can get back on topic now, which snaps Narihito out of his reverie as he agrees. He also recognizes Gammei as Justi Arrester and says it's an honor to meet him. Gammei is shocked by this but tries to keep polite. Barrel notes that Gammei is rattled by this and says that Narihito is good at what he does.

 

Time skips as both plot branches reconvene at this point as Gammei thinks on the name Captain Tronesion, saying he's a space pirate and could totally do it. He started off by taking over territory in the space that Orion's arm covers and expanded from there, and he hardly ever comes to Earth. The last time he did show up was around three years or so. Procy asks Narihito if the pirate is coming over if he's bringing up his name.

 

Narihito confirms that to be the case, saying it's been confirmed that his super flashy and pretty much one of a kind space ship has been spotted near Mars. It seems unlikely he's targeting a planet that's in mid-development like Venus, which would mean his next most likely target is either Earth or the moon. Gammei nods and says he understands now that Captain Tronesion is likely coming to Earth. Narihito adds that he doesn't know whether Captain Tronesion has turned on some optic camouflage and rushed his way to the planet though, but maybe it'll give you guys something to think about.

 

Gammei thanks Narihito, then talks about having never thought about a space pirate doing this before and says it might be a good idea to reconsider things. Narihito says that the most concerning topic here is whether That Man would really send a calling card. Based on his personality, he doesn't seem the type though. Mokdai agrees on that point, saying that based on what the space pirate has previously done, he wouldn't do this.

 

Gammei says it's occurred to him too, but you guys don't have any other clues as to who might try to pull the crime on that notice. Gammei then calls Procy over and pulls out some crumpled bills out of his pocket, saying he's paying for Narihito's drink. He declines a receipt and any change. Gammei then tells the party it's time to head out and go over the hideouts related to Captain Tronesion, so you get up and agree, then say bye to Procy and Gomeisa.

 

Barrel excuses himself too, and Gomeisa invites you guys to have a relaxed drink next time. Procy sighs about Gammei as he mentions Gammei often complains about his lack of cash and having to subsist on beansprouts all the time, only to try to look cool with money today. Narihito has his doubts about the case though as he says it's hard to imagine the guy doing something that isn't 'interesting.' He admits that there's no other villain around with an organization big enough to do it, but he floats the idea that this case isn't going to be perpetrated by villains before dismissing it.

 

Time skips to 8pm the next day, set at the east pier in the harbor warehouse district. You guys have been seen by several mobs who complain about how the fuzz has found them and say they can't let you leave alive. They also threaten to beat the cops in the party up for bringing along some unrelated brats to a fight. Akashi notes that they don't seem like they'll talk, and Mokdai attempts to try anyways until the villains point their weapons at him. Mokdai backs off in fright as he says there's no room to negotiate, and Gammei sighs as he wonders what it is they're hiding.

 

Gammei says that this is the last place on the list where a villain syndicate who might be up to something is located. If you guys can't get any info here, you'll be stuck with having to engage with the villains on the day of the attack. Gammei then tells everyone to minimize damages to both sides, with the goal of arresting the villains for questioning. Akashi nods and tells you it's time, so you say you got it or that there's no other way. The episode battle then starts up as the mobs start yelling war cries, and more story happens afterwards.

 

After the battle, we pick up with the mobs cursing the meddling cops for beating them down. Barrel says what you guys are looking for seems to be inside a building ahead and looks for a button on the electronic lock. Gammei sees it, then tells everyone to stand back while he opens the door. Said door opens with a loud sound. The mobs attempt to protest this and tells you guys to not look inside, but Barrel says it's too late for them and orders them to get cuffed like good caught criminals. Green gets mad at how badly things have gone for them in response.

 

Inside the dark warehouse, someone turns on the lights. Once the place is illuminated you take notice of some cat-like things meowing and making noise inside, and narration says there's a bunch of small animals you've never seen before in cages. Akashi is baffled at all this as he tries to process what he's seeing, and Gammei asks if he's looking at a cat or a dog. Mokdai asks for a moment as he takes a picture with his phone, which then automatically pulls up some illustrated reference book onto his screen.

 

Mokdai reads off Crucla Tepyupus, which would be more commonly known in Japan as a Virgo temari wildcat. They're native to a planet called Asylpha 18 in the Virgo region of the galaxy, and they're an omnivorous species. They were brought back to Earth at one point in the past, but now their importation is banned for ecological preservation reason. Barrel points out in surprise how friendly the animals are, then laughs about one of the space cats tickling him presumably by licking him.

 

Blue starts protesting and telling the guys to stop touching their little kitty cat while Red complains that they had to go through so much to bring them over. Gammei says he gets why the villains were so touchy about your guys' presence now, but a crime is still a crime which would mean having to return the animals to their home planet. Green gets hysterical as he calls Gammei a monster for trying to separate them, which throws Barrel off for a sec as he says this is just what the law says. Barrel then suggests that the cats are a cover for their other activities, and he starts asking Gammei for permission to arrest the villains immediately when Gammei asks if it looks like anything else is hidden around.

 

The villains start cooing at the cats and trying to tell them that everything is okay, and Barrel admits that he doesn't see anything else suspicious. Gammei says the villains are just cat lovers as you can plainly see, and the villains start bragging about how they're the cat loving villain group that is sorta outlawish, the Pan Cosmos Fluff Society! They'll do whatever it takes to pet all the cats in the universe and hold that up as their motto.

 

Gammei mentions that he thought they might be hiding something when he saw their group name on the list, but he notes that they're exactly what they call themselves. He sets the subject aside to ask them what they know about Captain Tronesion since there are notes that they had connections with him in the past. It takes Red a moment to remember who he means, but he does remember that he was the one to bring them the cats. They deny having any dealings with him right now or since then.

 

Gammei sighs, disappointed that this didn't go anywhere. But he does offer to not tell his higher ups as he says he can move the cats to somewhere where it is okay to keep them tomorrow. Someplace like the moon, where the restrictions aren't as heavy and they won't need a passport to go there. Of course he can't let them out for a week though since he can't totally ignore their crimes. The villains start asking Gammei if he means it, then start talking among themselves about needing to get ready to move to the moon and shout their thanks to Gammei. You either comment that this is anticlimactic, that you guys found nothing, or ask about keeping a cat for yourself. In C, Mokdai discourages you from doing so since it's hard to keep those cats fed, but Akashi points out that it's against the law to have them here anyway. In any case, Barrel notes that this was another dead end, and Gammei sighs once more.

 

Elsewhere, somewhere is keeping tabs on you guys and reporting to elsewhere that you guys made contact with the cat simp gang, then acknowledges some order that gets relayed back and says they'll get things ready. Then things go back to your end as narration says it's now 10pm as you, Mokdai and Akashi are at the train station closest to the agency. Mokdai mentions being tired but worries about tomorrow being the day the crime is supposed to happen. Akashi talks about how you guys couldn't figure out who was doing it and worries about how the battle will turn out. You say you guys need to stand guard and that you should all do your best.

 

Akashi nods and says you better get some rest for tomorrow. Mokdai says he'll get ready too since it won't be funny if the camera runs out of power midway through. He's going to swing by the office first before going home, then he asks what you two will do. He thinks it'd be best for you guys to go straight home. Akashi is a little surprised but says it was good that you guys stopped off on the way. Mokdai apologizes as he realizes he forgot to tell you guys that on the way earlier and that he could have filed the paperwork later. He says you guys can just go now then, but a voice from somewhere says they can't let you go home.

 

You turn to look to see who's there, but someone sneaks up behind Mokdai and pins his arms in a hold before chloroforming him, and Mokdai slumps over as he passes out. Akashi yells out to Mokdai, then blocks at attack from his rear as he urges you to come to him. You are taken by surprise as you try to keep up with what's happening and yell to Akashi about your assailants and Mokdai.

 

Akashi attempts to question the guys attacking you, but they don't answer and knock him out in a single punch to the back of his head. You yell out to Akashi before attempting to make a break for it, but someone else manages to catch you like they did with Mokdai, and the episode ends with you getting chloroformed too.

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 4: Kaibutsu Refugees

We pick up from last time as Gammei and Barrel take you, Akashi, and Mokdai along to investigate who could be plotting themselves some terrorism. The skyscraper that is part of Raidark's HQ stands in the distance while Gammei explains some things while you guys walk. He starts talking about how society nowadays is a paperless net society after digitalization advanced and planets besides Earth are now connected to the Tachyon Network. But despite how advance technology is, investigations are still based on footwork. You've got a mountain of info to sort through coming from all sorts of intel networks, so you have to figure out what's trustworthy, then head out and search for clues that may add to it. It's said that the probability of making arrests is higher this way than staying at a computer all day.

 

Gammei fiddles around with his tablet to organize some stuff. Once he's done with that, his tablet starts displaying a map with a few glowing red dots on it. He explains that you guys will be going to question villains that are highly likely to attempt the terrorism in this case. To do that, you'll be going to the dots on his map where the villains' lairs are rumored to be. Mokdai expresses surprise at how much of them there are just in the central district, and Akashi says it's scary that there could be villains lurking in those places.

 

Gammei says that in any age, criminals are surprisingly close to home. Even in the era before Kaibutsu were a thing that people knew about, there were yakuza groups and other unsavory types in droves around. About the biggest difference between then and now is that digitalization makes investigation easier. You comment that this feels like it's going to be a long walk and that your legs are tired already. Gammei laughs that you're a bit too young to be saying that, and maybe you should have some sympathy for those ahead of you. Plus if you guys really need it, you can put a taxi or an underground train ticket on your expenses. He then urges you guys on.

 

Time skips a bit and Gammei comments that the place you've visited is empty, so you may as well head to the next location two blocks down. Barrel brings up the idea that maybe the news that you guys are investigation got leaked out because everywhere you've searched is deserted. Gammei says that even if that didn't happen, the villains' intel network would spread the info around if they noticed police officers getting near their hideouts. But supposing they did run off somewhere, it's plenty possible that they've left traces behind. You guys will just have to be patient and search since that's your job.

 

After checking out another possible lair, you guys start getting closer to a bigger street. Mokdai takes notice of something, which turns out to be a bunch of children asking people for donations to rebuild Raidark's Eastern Japan Children's Home. These children are hanging little boxes from their shoulders, trying to get the attention of anyone passing by in their attempts to fundraise. Akashi is surprised it's happening there too as he mentions there are kids like that fundraising near his school lately. You either wonder what they're trying to raise money for or ask about this reconstruction thing they mentioned.

 

Gammei says they must be refugees from Kaibutsu attacks and that they aren't an uncommon sight. Back 180 years ago when the monsters first started appearing, every big city in Japan was attacked in succession. Southern Kanto is believed to have dense population centers in the past, which unfortunately ended up being devoured. The other cities were barely saved thanks to the sudden arrival of heroes from space.

 

As much as Gammei says these other cities were saved, they never really managed to return to their previous state. Political chaos ensued and poverty affected day to day living. Secondary disasters broke out afterwards, and even now refugee shelters are being built in all big cities. These areas are filled with displaced people looking for a place to live in peace, and this includes a ton of lost children. Raidark's Eastern Japan Children's Home is just one of the facilities meant to care for these kids. You sadly think on this, on Southern Kanto, and/or stay quiet.

 

Mokdai stays quiet too, and Barrel talks about how Orient City isn't that far away from the remains of the ruined cities in Southern Kanto where Kaibutsu still appear. It's why they appear more frequently here compared to other areas, but it also means there are a lot more heroes around too. That's why a lot of refugees turn up here in Orient City. Gammei talks about how unfortunately, the government has given up on a perfect rebuild of how things used to be. As long as refugees get support from private companies like Raidark, they can get by at least, soliciting donations to give to the government. Mokdai sadly comments 'oh' at that, and you turn to him to ask what's wrong.

 

Mokdai is about to start talking about his past when the kids start screaming, which gets everyone's attention. A few mob villains have suddenly turned up and are cornering the children against a wall, who are all shivering like cornered mice. Thug A starts threatening the kids for soliciting on their turf while Thug B complains that no one ever tells them about these things beforehand. Thug C says the kids' teachers know through 'personal experience' how terrible they are.

 

One of the kids tries to point out that the place they're at isn't supposed to be anyone's business property, but Yellow yells at them for trying to argue. Said kid shrinks back while another tries to ask the thug to not get violent, but Yellow immediately smacks her for it. Mokdai gets outraged at this, shaking as his balls up his fists. He starts saying those kids need to be helped, but he falters at the idea of going himself. Akashi then starts walking forward to Mokdai's surprise.

 

One of the thugs scoff about how dumb teachers are dumb while brats are brats, so another one says they ought to teach a thing or two to the kids themselves. One kid cries as the thug starts to raise his hand, but Akashi steps in to grab his arm. You call out to him about how dangerous it is. The thug demands to know who Akashi is, but Akashi responds by asking if they feel at all embarrassed at trying to pick a fight with kids not even half their age.

 

The thug starts getting pissed as he asks if Akashi is trying to lecture them. Akashi repeats his earlier question as he accuses them of being the real brats here. This riles the guy up, but another of the thugs points out that Akashi has something on his arm to the lead mob. It takes him a moment, but then he notices the hero agency comm unit so he asks if Akashi is a hero. Akashi asks why they care about that, so the mob says trying to shake down little kids has turned into something else fun. He signals to his flunkies, and they all raise their arms up and transform into their villain mob outfits.

 

Akashi and Mokdai are surprised by this, and the mobs start cackling as they ask if you're seeing them and amazed. Another of them says you better not say you've never heard of the Cerberus of Taisha Street. A beat passes before Akashi says he doesn't know who they are. The mobs are baffled at this, and Akashi apologizes for not knowing who they are even with them trying to be all dramatic. A couple of the kids talk amongst themselves about whether they've heard of the group too. They have not. Red asks in shock if you guys never watched TV, but Akashi answers that he has, but their name never came up. You either comment that they don't stand out well enough or ask Mokdai if he's heard of them. B has Mokdai admit he's looked up lots of heroes and villains, but he doesn't know of them.

 

Barrel mentions that he feels a little sorry for the thugs, even if they're bad people. He admits he hasn't heard of them either. The villains get outraged as they accuse everyone of making fun of them, and Gammei sighs at all this before noticing that his database has come up with an entry on them. He reads off that this criminal gang is suspected of doing 12 minor crimes, 3 cases of larceny, and marked as needing observation. But all in all they're small time criminals, and Gammei suspects that their egos got inflated when they got mentioned on the news.

 

The lead mob gets offended at being referred to as small time, but one of the flunkies point out that Gammei did mention that they were designated as needing observation. He also recognizes Barrel as that dog hero in the police force, but Barrel protests the dog part and insists he'd rather be called a wolf. Gammei shrugs and says they have to be pretty brave to reveal themselves as villains in front of the police and try to assault someone. If they want it so much, he can arrest them here. He assures them that's all he'll do, and he'll even get a bonus to his paycheck for that!

 

You ask Gammei what he meant by that last bit, but he quickly waves it off as just talking to himself. Gammei then orders Barrel to move the children and any rubberneckers to somewhere safe. Barrel whines at this since he wanted to fight too, both because they hurt children and because he's pissed they called him a dog. Gammei however pulls rank and forces Barrel to go, so he reluctantly obeys. His tail droops as he walks off towards the onlookers, and you express some pity for him since he was so ready to fight.

 

Gammei says Barrel will get spoiled if you let him have his way, so it's best to treat him the way he did. It's good that Barrel wants to fight, but Gammei notes that his gun skills suck when he's not transformed. It's not too bad if he concentrates, but if he gets too excited then Gammei will have to start worrying about collateral damage. But anyways, Gammei says this is an urgent request and asks you to help him with the arrest. Since this isn't technically a work-related battle his agency will be paying a special fee for this.

 

Gammei taps at his phone and then points it at your terminal. A contract from pops up on your screen, along with the buttons for Accept and Reject. Gammei asks you if you'll accept on Parallel Flight's behalf, so you decide to go ahead with it and tell Mokdai and Akashi to get ready. Akashi agrees to join in the fight and Mokdai says he'll get the camera and feed ready. Gammei then contacts his own agency for a transformation as he poses, and a light flares out from his watchband. The next moment later he's in his hero outfit, armed with sturdy looking equipment. You either comment on this being his hero form, say it looks cool, or ask what the hell the mesh is about. B has Gammei embarrassed as he says this is hard to do and that he has his own arrangements when he transforms. C has him shocked instead as he tells you to stop pointing at his outfit and also mentions the transformation arrangement bit.

 

Anyways, Gammei announces his arrival as a hero and gives his code name. He declares that he'll stop the villains for the sake of his dinner the safety of the people. The villains try to bluster about how he's nothing and start charging you guys. Akashi asks you to transform him, so you agree and declare the start of the battle. Mokdai says he's got the connection up, and so the episode battle begins. More happens after that.

 

After the battle, the story picks back up with Barrel cuffing the villains and saying they'll listen to them at the station. The mobs are vexed at this, and one demands he stop pulling on him and be more gentle. Barrel is leading the mobs to the police car, and the children and random onlookers wander off leaving the street quiet once more. Akashi sighs and asks if this means case closed. You either say he did a good job or sigh about how you're tired too. A gets an extra line where Akashi says you did well too with the operating Master.

 

Mokdai starts awkwardly addressing you, Akashi, and Gammei and thanks you guys for saving those children. You either express confusion at this or ask him why he's thanking you guys. Both sides has Akashi ask the same thing, though A has Akashi nod back confused while B has him agree with you. Mokdai says he missed his chance to say it earlier today, but he used to live in a refugee district in Hakata (in Fukuoka), always in fear of villains and Kaibutsu. He sympathizes with how the children feel so much it hurts, so he thanks you guys for helping them. You then express some sympathy for him.

 

Mokdai quickly states that it wasn't always bad since there were a lot of fun times too. Since it was a city often attacked by villains and Kaibutsu, he got to see up close how cool heroes are. The way Akashi stood in front to protect those kids in front of the children reminded him of a hero who protected him back then, and they were super cool. Akashi jumping out like that was what saved those kids, and he comments that Akashi is brave. That's probably why he was able to become a hero, or so he thinks at least.

 

Akashi is embarrassed at the topic and tries to deny it for a bit before he shrugs and lets it be. That aside, Akashi wonders why Mokdai can't be a hero if he likes them so much. Akashi was able to do it, so Mokdai ought to be able to do it too. You agree with the idea and suggest Mokdai try it out. Mokdai quickly says he can't do it since he was too afraid to do anything against the villains except watch. He did think they were being awful, but he couldn't bring himself to step up, so he got mad. How can a loser like him become a hero? Plus, his looks and personality won't really work for it. Akashi wonders how true it is, and you ask if his looks and personality really are the problem as you think something else is the issue. You check your phone, and it doesn't detect any signals about Mokdai being able to become a hero. You then wonder aloud what conditions are needed to become a hero.

 

Gammei calls over to you guys and says it's time to get back to the investigation. If you guys want those kids to live in peace, you should do your best at this investigation job. After all, the ones financially backing their orphanage is Raidark's main office on Earth, and they got an advance crime notice. If the crime mentioned in it comes to pass, then the company will take severe damages. It's even possible in that case that no one will be left to manage the orphanage. Mokdai steels himself and agrees to go along. Akashi does too, and the episode ends with him saying that you guys need to check three more places before sundown.

 

 

Chapter 11 Episode 6: Evil Eye Battlefront 3

Narration starts talking about Balor, saying that he is a king who is a World Representative and also a death row inmate who willingly chose confinement. There was once a loop where, at its end, he confronted the trophy of the game and One-Sidedly killed them. It was clear who had the advantage in the game, and his opponent stood no chance of winning. Since that loop, Balor had chosen to detach himself from the core of the Warmongers and stay cooped up in his cage.

 

Narration then focuses on Balor's cell, and it says that his (king's formal) only comfort was that he could slowly shut his smoke there by himself. But then again he wasn't really alone, and on this random day in the past, rude stomping echoes down the stairs leading to his cell. Once again Tezcatlipoca has come visiting, the master of the prison and one of the few people to talk to him. He is also a fellow like him who doesn't leave the prison and has come to enjoy the taste of bitter smoke, bored with his free time.

 

Balor speaks to Tezcatlipoca in a more casual manner and asks if he really has no one better to talk to than some shitty death row inmate, then comments that being a prison head must not be very involved as he laughs. Tezcatlipoca asks in turn if Balor's fondness for crude speech comes from his time on death row. He then asks if this is out of guilt for the way he imprisoned his own daughter once or for what he did to his own grandchild as he laughs.

 

Balor sailed right past shock and was quite impressed with Tezcatlipoca as he thought to himself that Tezcatlipoca really does love his paybacks. If Balor were younger and wasn't in chains, he'd have tried to pulverize him right about now. But he is chained now, and there isn't a point in hitting Tezcatlipoca anyway. There was nothing else to do but lament the past with drunken vigor and blab about his past in his home world. Balor then thinks on one subject he's sure he's talked about with him...

 

In his younger days, Balor was covered in cursed smoke, which is how he got his evil eye. He was both a king and a soldier who always lived on the battlefield. Winners take all, and losers have everything taken. Killing and being killed as a soldier was his pride. On the battlefield, everyone who he looked at with his evil eye was cursed to death. As this kept happening, Balor became feared and hated as a wicked king.

 

Balor is from the ever youthful land of fairies Tir na Nog, a world where the inhabitants never age. However, Balor has his reputation as the elderly decided upon. He grew facial hair and he subdued younger fae, right? That's how it is in Tir na Nog. The king ages in place of the world that does not age, so eventually a replacement will be needed. The king of Tir na Nog is someone who can be replaced as far as the world is concerned. At some point this time came for Balor too, he who killed all his enemies and bore the fear and anger by himself. Then a prophet decreed to him, "one day a grandchild born to you shall kill you."

 

This was to happen to him the way he had usurped his throne from his predecessor, the Tuatha de Danann. Slowly the cycle of karma rolled forward, and fearing this, Balor locked his daughter within a tower. But she still found herself a man, and eventually his grandchild was born. He exiled his grandchild Lugh the child of light, who was then placed within a human vessel.

 

But from far away, Balor thought his grandchild was so cute. He resembled his mother, and he also resembled himself in his younger days. That time when he understood their death for the first time, he had finally realized what it was that he was so afraid of. What he hated was destiny, the determinism that said he would 'be killed one-sidedly.' His grandchild would one day be killed by fate, just as he would be killed by his own fate. He realized it was this predetermined future that he wanted to destroy. He should have shown his pride as a king. He wanted them to see with their own eyes how he would die as a warrior.

 

Back to the flashback, Tezcatlipoca nods as he says he understands a great deal about Balor's story. As much as talking with him irritated Balor, he strangely got on well with him at the same time. It was Tezcatlipoca who told him what he knows of Mahakala now. He strangely agreed with Tezcatlipoca that war has to be where both sides are killing one another and risk something, except now Tezcatlipoca is gone. After all the battles, all he left behind was a plume of smoke.

 

Balor watched his last moments through the mirror, laughing out loud with his gravelly laugh of his. It was an all too fitting end for him, he thought. He lived as he pleased, like a daredevil. When he realized what he'd done, all he did was antagonize the one he had in his thoughts. Balor says Tezcatlipoca had no obligation to be cried over by the one he wanted to see while he met his wretched end somewhere. Still, it ought to be fine for him to leave behind a trail of smoke even if he doesn't leave much else behind on the battlefields he lived in. Maybe that smoke could get into someone's eyes so they'd shed a tear at least. Balor says he'll probably be the only one to say it but...it was a good death. He then comments that the smoke on the battlefield is stinging his eyes...calling for him.

 

Balor says he realized that he still has something he needs to do after seeing Tezcatlipoca's end. There's no longer any point in him fighting his grandchild, but his real wish is still unfulfilled. His pride as a king and warrior and his pride in using the formal king pronoun still smoulder within him.

 

Balor's narrative flashback ends as the story picks back up in the present with him struggling to control his evil eye as it spews out cursed poison smoke. He staggers around, and the plants he happens to look at during this time wither off. Kengo tells you not to look and to find some sort of cover to hide behind, but he stops in surprise when he sees a bunch of feathers floating around. Narration describes them as the feathers of the sacred bird Garuda, said to give protection against all manner of calamities. The one who shot these feathers jumps onto Balor's back, and the feathers then force Balor's eyelid closed.

 

Avarga pants and sighs about how shutting Balor's eye is always a lot of work. Balor thanks him and says that it's a bother how Avarga can't just open or close it on command either. Back at Tir na Nog it took four other giants to do that for him, and Balor laughs that he was getting close to killing everyone else around too. Avarga says that Balor uses profanity a bit too much, but adds that he doesn't hate it as he laughs too. He decides that's enough small talk from him and says he'll wait from the back, then steps away.

 

Balor turns back to you guys and apologizes for keeping you waiting. Kengo is taken aback at how huge he is and asks if he's Balor. Balor confirms that, then casually adds that some call him the king of Tir na Nog. He is also one of the 23 World Representatives, just like Tezcatlipoca whom you've fought with. You either tense up a bit as you comment on him being Balor, think on what he said about being king of Tir na Nog, or gulp. Balor mentions that Tezcatlipoca talked about what you did this loop to the point of annoyance, but Kengo interrupts to say he doesn't care and asks if he really knows about Mahakala. Balor is surprised by this, and you plead for him to tell you where Mahakala is so you can find Mononobe.

 

Balor laughs and says he feels sad even if he knows why, what with you immediately asking him about Mahakala as soon as you meet him. He's so mad and put off by this that he says he doesn't feel like telling you anymore. Kengo is shocked by this, and Balor asks if you know that all the World Representatives want to settle things with you. Plus, Balor's known as a tyrant in Tir na Nog, so it'd only be natural that he be mercurial. So what are you gonna do about? Gonna beat him up and make him spill what you want to know? You don't stand a chance against any of the World Reps you know. But maaaybe you could win against him if you pull out Dual Heaven Dragon on him.

 

Kengo is less than thrilled that Balor is already aware of your ace up your sleeve and asks what you want to do. You start stepping forward to his surprise, then bow your head to Balor and beg him to tell you. Both Balor and Kengo are surprised by this, and Balor asks if Mononobe, who has been cobbled together with Mahakala now, is that important to you. You talk about how Mononobe helped you with a bunch of things since you've transferred in and that you think of him as a parent even though you don't know your own. Because of that, you want to help him like he helped you, because you can't accept this all being one-sided.

 

Balor quietly comments on you not liking things to be one-sided, and Kengo decides to follow your lead and bows, offering to do anything for Balor if he'll tell you what he knows. He calls himself your partner, so he can't let you be the only one bowing to others. You either express shock or thank him. Kengo sighs about him doing this when he used to only care about fights, but he's changed since meeting you. Not that it's a bad thing. Balor seems a bit touched, but before he can say any more he senses something. It takes you a moment after him to pick up on something coming too. Balor glares at the approaching presence, and the world itself seems to tremble.

 

Balor is annoyed that someone has come now, and that it's Shiva of all people. The bug mobs all call out orders to withdraw from the battle zone, and that they should drop all their stuff and get out of there even one second faster. All mobs start retreating as they know what's about to happen. Like, what kind of person would stick around in a place they know a volcanic eruption or earthquake is going to hit? What's coming is on a level beyond that, a calamity that can destroy the world.

 

Shiva stands before you guys silently, and you wonder who he is. He's described as having three eyes, but the one in his forehead is sealed. Even so, a little bit of his power leaking out is enough to cause the world to scream out loud, as if the world was in its death throes in destruction. Balor asks Shiva why he's there, saying it's too convenient or maybe inconvenient before asking if someone put him up to it. He thinks on this out loud and figures out that Bertro must have done it.

 

Back at the Warmongers' HQ, Bertro cackles that as big as the 24 worlds are, no Transient that can destroy the world exists. He's glaring in this direction as he sits on his robo wolf, and he talks about how the scale and magnitude of possible destruction is different. Bertro then talks about Shiva and how he can obtain the power to destroy the universe, then laughs about how he is the only one who can fight against Balor.

 

Anyways, back at your end Balor actually greets Shiva properly at this point as he asks how many loops it's been since they've talked. Shiva greets him back and remembers about that time they fought against each other. It was a good fight back then, and he's glad to be able to fight him again. Balor doesn't comment on this, so Shiva talks about how he was told he and Tezcatlipoca broke the agreement between the guilds. He confirms Balor's suspicions that the guild sent him to punish Balor, but he offers to listen if Balor has an explanation. If he doesn't, they can just fight it out. Shiva also assures Balor that he won't kill him since as an ascetic monk, he just wants to climb to greater heights with his fists.

 

You wonder about Shiva being a World Representative and comment he seems more approachable compared to the others, especially Tezcatlipoca. Balor says that would be true were Shiva to talk with anyone Besides You. You get confused at this and ask what he means, but Shiva takes notice of you around this point in shock. He suddenly starts giving off a heavy will to kill that you are taken aback by when you sense it, and Kengo tries asking what the deal is with that.

 

Balor talks about how you have the memories of the 23 Exiles within you. Some were people who were sealed away, some were people who lost a duel, some were driven out by the law, and other such fates. Shiva however is probably the only one who can one-sidedly and utterly destroy your body without leaving any traces left. Balor thinks for a moment, then addresses you and Kengo as he tells you guys to not think about trying to fight and buy time. If you guys agree to that, then he offers to step up as king and try to do something. When he gives the sign, you two should run away as fast as you can. You are surprised he would do this for you since you guys just met.

 

Balor sadly acknowledges that for you, you guys just met each other. Still, even though you don't know anything yet, he mentions that there are people who are happy that you were born. There's no time to talk any more on the subject as Shiva rushes you guys, starting the episode battle. More story happens after that.

 

Narration picks up after the battle to talk about Deva Loka, which is one of the worlds connected to Tokyo and is attempting to make itself eternal through reincarnation. Reincarnation is the cycle of death and rebirth, the transmigration of your soul into a new life. That is to say, the brahman and atman are one, so even if the world is destroyed along with your body, your self will continue for eternity.

 

The ascetics of Deva Loka are those who train their minds and bodies to control themselves for the goal of reaching nirvana. Letting go of all desires is the only desire these ascetics have, but in the past there was someone who left the attachment to love within Shiva. That would be the person who once ruled over all of Deva Loka and rode on the water beast Makara. He was the person who gave his last attachment to Shiva before disappearing, and he is the one once known as Varuna. Eventually he degraded to being the one who ruled only love, Kamadeva. Eventually he left behind even that bit of power alongside his steed Makara and disappeared from the world. But even now, this attachment that Kamadeva shot into Shiva is stuck with him to this moment still.

 

Back to the present, Shiva is screaming and ranting at you about never forgiving you for giving him this worthless desire. With the pact broken, he's now going to take this opportunity to burn you to nothing and he leaps forward with a yell. Kengo tells you to run, but you see that the ground itself is cracking from Shiva's sheer power. Balor says that if Shiva had opened his Third Eye, things would be worse than this. But thankfully he's gotten enough time together to cast his NP at Shiva, and his smoke starts trying to seep into Shiva's eyes. Balor then laughs and tells you to run without looking back as fast as you can. You however protest that he hasn't told you anything about Mahakala yet.

 

Balor decides to tell you that Mahakala 'does not exist in this world,' and that it's the name for Things That Shouldn't Exist Yet in Tokyo. You are baffled at this since Mahakala did tell you his name back when you met him when he possessed Mononobe. Balor explains that he's not saying he doesn't exist, but specifies that Mahakala Does Not Exist in Tokyo. He then prompts you to remember what Mahakala did and said to you.

 

Balor says you should have seen a lot of things similar to him up to this point. The same reason applies to him for why he can't come here, so that's why a bunch of people are creating a System. It's a System meant to establish His Existence in this break in time in Tokyo, which means Mahakala is the name of both That Being and the name of the System meant to create him. You then ask if he's saying Mahakala is the name of a person and a System.

 

Balor confirms that to be the case and is glad you're quick to understand. He then adds that as soon as Mahakala actually manifests, nothing will remain of Tokyo. You ask Balor about why that'd be, so Balor starts telling you that the Warmongers have two things they call their ultimate weapons. The first of them is Shiva, but Balor notes that he's still Incomplete. The second one is something that the Warmongers are planning on deploying this time. Since Shiva is here in Ikebukuro, the other one must have been deployed at Kabukicho since the two ultimate weapons cannot be allowed to clash with one another. If you want to know more about Mahakala then you should go over there, and Balor wells up with the majesty of a king as he looks at you.

 

Balor says he can't tell you anymore, so you should see the future you want to grasp with your own eyes. He then drops the kingly persona and tells you to leave unless you want to be killed by him since he can't hold back anymore. You thank Balor and ask him not to die. Kengo says he'll carry you and run, then activates his NP. Before he goes, Kengo apologizes to Balor and swears to repay him one day. Then he uses his thunder boosted abilities to run off with you in his arms.

 

Shiva gets back up or whatever and asks Balor if he let you leave. Balor is surprised at how well Shiva can move while trying to avoid his all-killing eye, then asks if it's the result of his training while shutting his third eye and the power to destroy the universe. Alternatively, Balor asks if it's actually because Shiva is afraid of opening his third eye and confronting his true desire. If that's the case then even if Shiva is praised as the strongest among the 24 worlds, then he really is nothing more than a cog for Mahakala. He laughs at him for being an immature little punk, which pisses Shiva off enough to lunge at him.

 

You and Kengo run along the wall to make your escape. Eventually you make it to the gate at Kabukicho, which is noted to be a ruined battlefield like Ikebukuro as the episode ends.

 

Chapter 11 Episode 5: Evil Eye Battlefront 2

Things pick up from before where the bug soldiers are noted to be working well at both close combat and at range, but you tell them you won't let them act as you tell Kengo to get back and take out the front guard. Kengo compliments your moves and says he'll take care of the rest as he activates Raiten Taisou his NP. This now gives him literal lightning speed to cross long distances, which he uses to slip through the mob group and knock them all out. You either express amazement at this, say he's reliable, or ask if that's his new power. Kengo brags a little and asks if you saw him, saying this isn't all he can do with his new power. He's in the middle of suggesting going inside for now when he gets taken by surprise by more mobs showing up, which you notice is far too many far too quickly. Kengo yells at you to run.

 

Back at base, Shirou tries calling out to you and Kengo, then curses as he says the reinforcements came too quickly. He wonders aloud if they are observing all of the battlefield, but he dismisses it saying it still wouldn't explain how they got there so fast. A voice calls out saying it'd be best to think of it as everything related to the battle of the true big three guilds is being observed. He comments on how fascinating it is and asks Shirou to fill him further in on things, and Shirou recognizes the voice as Shuuichi reveals himself and greets him.

 

Shirou turns to look at Shuuichi and starts to comment on what his presence there signifies. Shuuichi confirms that the things he needs to deal with in the underground labyrinth are done, so now all he has to do is wait for the Main Event. For now though, he asks Shirou to explain to him what he was talking about an informant and such. Shirou agrees to do so, and said explanation gets off-screened.

 

After Shuuichi is brought up to speed, he says he understands the details and Shirou's doubts which he sums up as "like the future was predicted." Shirou agrees, saying that even if they were being observed the backup came too quickly. Even if they sent out instructions for more troops to come after they started attacking they shouldn't be able to move that fast, so yes it feels like this was predicted and calculated.

 

Shuuichi laughs about understanding and comments on how Shirou phrased that. It's almost like something only his genius little brother can do. Shirou is surprised by this comment and asks if Shuuichi has an idea about all this. He confirms as such, saying they already know that time is looping in Tokyo. In other words, they've accumulated all the behavioral information of intelligent life that has occured during the loops. If anyone can calculate all that in real time, that should theoretically mean that they can predict the future. Of course this does require vast calculation abilities like his beloved genius of a little brother...or the children who act as the guildmasters of the true big three guilds.

 

Shuuichi talks about how the guildmasters of the three guilds are geniuses artificially created in test tubes and were made to record all the data of the game happening in Tokyo. Every and all scientific methods that could raise their intelligence for the task was taken. Duo is the fourth of them meant as a spare guildmaster. Every System needs it spare parts since something unexpected can always happen. Shuuichi couldn't become a spare either, meaning he's failed junk.

 

Shirou gets outraged at children being put up to human experimentation, but Shuuichi shrugs as he says he stopped having emotions like that which could move him. Emotions just get in the way of accurately calculating things, though he admits he still has emotions when it relates to his blood brother. But maybe that's why he's a failure he says as he laughs.

 

Shirou is discomfited by this and asks him to stop talking like that. Shuuchi asks if he's getting sad for his brother's sake, which he himself might feel slightly happy about. Shirou tells him he's also worried for him since it must have been difficult. Shuuichi actually does look sad at that for a moment before thanking him, though he admits he's not sure that's the right response for this. He comments that him being this way must be why Moritaka gets upset with him and laughs some more.

 

But back to the subject of those children, Shuuichi repeats that they use their unusually high intelligence to record the game. They should be using any method they can to observe all phones the App is on even now. Any method at all on every phone out there, with all their efforts focused on that. R-19 says nothing at that, and Shuuichi continues saying that future prediction is possible with data and the ability to process it, just like Duo used to do.

 

Shirou asks if that means the guildmasters are telling your every action to their guilds. He starts to think that means you guys are unable to win, but Shuuichi argues against that. As he said, they're using all their attention to observe things, so they 'don't have the leeway to do anything else.' Ultimately their job is to observe and record, so that's what all their time goes into. Frankly they shouldn't be directly involved in the app battles and whether their guild wins or loses.

 

Shirou asks what he means by that and says it has nothing to do with what they're talking about. But on further thought he realizes Shuuichi wouldn't be wasting time talking about it if that were true. Shuuichi thanks him for his faith in him, then confirms that he thinks that it might be related, meaning a huge Irregularity has occurred. Shuuchi talks about how his second biggest concern is figuring out 'why they took Duo away now of all times.' His foremost concern is why Duo would submit to them and split away from him of course.

 

But anyways, if they're calling in the spare, that would have to mean something happened to one of the original parts wouldn't it? Shirou moves ahead and asks Shuuichi if he's saying something is happening with the big three guildmasters. He also asks if Shuuichi is suggesting that they took Duo to find out what's going on. Shuuichi laughs and confirms as such, saying Shirou was always quick on the uptake. The guildmasters were originally meant to observe and store data, but what if they started using it for some other goal? What if they're trying to cause something to happen that never happened before?

 

Scene then shifts over to the Warmongers HQ where Shiva is surprised at being told where Balor is. Robot Boy Bobby confirms that it's true in Russian, saying he calculated it and predicted the future. He tells Shiva he'll send him the data and asks him to go so he can get there by the designated time. Shiva is quiet for a second before he asks Bertro why he's telling him this.

 

Bertro says Balor and Tezcatlipoca intentionally broke an interguild pact, so they need to be punished. He asks if Shiva agrees as a guild member. Plus, Shiva is the only one in the Warmongers capable of taking Balor down. Balor's evil eye can release cursed smoke and cause anything that looks at him to die, but Shiva always fights with his third eye closed and can fight in the darkness with just his body. He is known as the strongest weapon of the Warmoners, able to destroy even the galaxy. If Shiva goes, then they'll all be able to have a fine war as Bertro calculated.

 

Shiva is irritated with Bertro's argument, saying it's a reason for him to be able to fight and a reason Bertro should work. They're talking about punishment for breaking an agreement here, and Shiva questions whether Bertro ever actually did any work for the guild. He hasn't shown any interest in things no matter who is killed and what is destroyed. Despite being called a guildmaster, all he's done is observe and record. He's hardly ever even talked to Shiva, so why now?

 

Bertro seems a bit surprised and asks if he needs a reason and points out that Shiva wants to fight Balor. Shiva doesn't respond to this, so Bertro talks about how Shiva is always wanting strong people to fight to train himself further. He once fought Balor in a previous loop, and Balor is strong. He should have been the perfect sparring partner, but ever since That Incident Balor has voluntarily put himself on death row at the military academy prison, and Shiva was no longer able to have a serious fight with him.

 

Now though, Shiva can go fight Balor. Shouldn't that grant his wish then? Doesn't he want to try fighting Balor again with the mind and body he's tempered through all these loops? Shiva doesn't answer, so Bertro brings up that this conversation isn't just about himself. None of the World Representatives are working for the sake of the true big three guilds. It's all just a temporary alliance while they all work for their own goals.

 

Shiva glares at Bertro before he concedes the point. He talks about how delusions should be suppressed and abstinence should be upheld, and he only cares about his training. He wants to reach for the heights were he could destroy the galaxy with his hand, and all else is unnecessary. Shiva then jumps off the ground hard and bounces far off into the distance. Bertro asks him to fight without any reservations since that's what he wishes for as Equipment Supporting Someone's War. That said, he laughs at the idea that Shiva's real wish is for abstinence. Why would he look so sourfaced all the time and never smile then? Bertro sighs about how sad it is to deny your real wish, saying he just wants everyone to smile freely. He's just a machine that can only do war, humor, and whatever he was ordered to do after all.

 

Scene jumps back to your end as the bugs are firing so heavily at you guys that Kengo says there's no room to dodge around before asking if you're okay. You say you somehow are, but you guys won't be able to move on like this. Kengo tries to think and wonders if you guys have to retreat, but then a voice calls out asking if the punk ass mobs are trying to get in the way of his reunion with his grandchild. The mobs react in surprise to this as the camera pans up on Balor walking in from behind him oozing bloodthirst, then turn to look at him without thinking about it.

 

Balor comments that they saw his eye as he calls them fools, switching to a more formal pronoun for the moment. As king then, he'll pass down his harsh judgment upon them. Balor then reveals that he's kidding with the formal speech and says that he's no longer a proud king. He's just a death row inmate with nothing to be proud of. His evil eye is the only thing that's the same from when he was a king though, a special thing that can Kill All Who Meets It. He cackles as he casts his NP.

 

Balor's evil eye releases some smoke, which gets sucked into the eyes of everyone that sees it. The mobs all fall over, and Kengo reacts in shock to that after the fact. Balor laughs about how he's been waiting for this for the longest time, and Kengo says he's definitely the informant Shirou told you about. You refer to him as the World Representative of Tir na Nog and the giant king of fairy land. Balor says nothing, but he smirks in joy as the episode ends.

 

 

 

Chapter 11 Episode 4: Evil Eye Battlefront 1

 

Some time after you and Kengo have reached the ground level of Ikebukuro, the place is a mess from all the fighting, and several bug mobs are milling around. You ask Kengo how it looks out there, ask if the mobs have left yet, and ask if it's okay to show yourself now. Kengo tells you to wait as he keeps watch, then notices that people are coming in from behind so he grabs you and tells you to get down. A few other mobs pass by, and eventually Kengo notes that they've gone so you can get up. When he turns to you though, you can either thank him, mumble that you can't breathe, or mumble at how happy you are to have your face buried in him. In A, Kengo laughs it off and says you two are friends. In B or C, he freaks out, apologizing and asking if you're okay.

 

Anyways, Kengo leads the way by saying you guys will head to the shadows of the next building, and he tells you to wait until he gets there first and signals to you. He does so a moment later, and narration talks about how well he's leading you through the blind spots of the wandering soldiers. Kengo talks about how Ikebukuro is like his backyard, and something of a second home for him after Shinjuku. It's actually reminding him of how he used to play around here when he was younger, which he finds exciting. You either ask if he's used to this, or you accuse him of not being up to any good back then and sigh at him. B and C has him hastily deny it in shock and ask why you're looking at him like that.

 

Either way he does say he's used to hanging around in the city and keeping himself from being noticed by people. Kengo starts talking about how he'd hang together with Tetsuya and then get into fights with police and gangsters when Shirou cuts in over the radio to yell at him having done all that, appalled. The yelling does bother Kengo a little through his earpiece as he tells Shirou to stop yelling or else he'll cut the call. He focuses back on the task at hand, then asks if you remember where you guys are going. You can either facefault, wonder yourself, or say you remember Shirou said something. Kengo reacts in shock to whatever you do and says he'll remember, then looks back.

 

Flashback kicks, starting with Shirou asking you and Kengo to get in contact with an informant. Kengo is surprised that anyone like that exists, and Shirou says he'll explain it to the rest of the gang too as he asks R-19 to patch them in. R-19 agrees as he starts up his Plan D secret comm protocol. He announces that he'll also display the info on the phone terminals for things recieved from the Berserkers and Wisemen.

 

Once R-19 gets everyone connected, Shirou thanks him before asking if everyone can hear him. He'd like to update everyone on the latest news right before you and Kengo head out, which includes the info yours allies the Berserkers and Wisemen have obtained as well as what was leaked from the remaining power in Tezcatlipoca's network after the battle at the military academy prison. It's thanks to that that you guys have some details about the Warmongers. You either start to ask about the network thing, or you nod for Shirou to continue. Shirou says he'll explain things in order, then prompts R-19 to send the info to your phone.

 

A map of Tokyo is brought up, and Shirou talks about that day the World Representatives appeared to you guys and declared themselves the acting agents of the 23 worlds connected to the city and the top of their respective hierarchies. When you exclude Surtr and Azathoth, the other 21 Reps are split seven each among the true big three guilds. They've all been fighting one another from the east, west, and south. To the east is the Rule Makers. The south is the Invaders. The West are the Warmongers. That's the guild Tezcatlipoca belonged to and the one you fought with a while ago.

 

Shirou says that your informant has told you that major changes have been happening among the relations in the big three guilds, which seems to be an Irregularity deliberately brought about by Tezcatlipoca. Throughout the endless loops the big three guilds have repeatedly changed their members through trial and error. Various agreements were put into place meant to prolong the game, which has gone on for an interminable amount of time and stagnated. This is apparently similar to a war bound by rules once conducted by nobles from some country somewhere in history. These rules covered treatment of hostages to how compensation was handled to restrictions on specific people, but Tezcatlipoca brought an end to them that day.

 

Tezcatlipoca apparently didn't like how the war had rules running it. Shirou comments that he's not sure if that's something to welcome or not, but he mentions there was another World Representative who agreed with him in breaking the pacts. That's the informant you guys are going to see. He's already told you about what Shirou went over, and if you want to know more you should see him directly.

 

Kengo's brain is working for once as he suggests that this might be a trap. Shirou admits he thought the same thing and feels it's a likely possibility. But even so, Shirou thinks it'd be worth it to go see him. Kengo clicks his tongue and figures there must be something else if Shirou is phrasing it that way. Shirou confirms, saying that the informant said he could tell you more about Mahakala and to meet him in Ikebukuro. You react in shock to this, but Shirou says they demanded that you had to be there for him to speak. Shirou tells you that if you want to pursue this lead, then you can't spend any time hesitating. You either ask what he means or figure it out and agree.

 

Kengo cannot keep up either way and asks Shirou to dumb it down for him. Shirou starts by asking what sort of situation the informant is in if what he said is real. If the other World Reps found out that he supported Tezcatlipoca in going row! row! fight the powah! against the rules, what would happen to him? You say they'd get mad and punish him. Shirou nods, then suggests the informant might be under siege at the moment. He spat on the agreement everyone else was committed to, so there's no way they'd just let him off the hook. This goes double for them being VIPs of high standing. So in other words, the informant is being attacked from all sides, meaning the Rule Makers, Invaders, and the other Warmongers.

 

Kengo finally understands at this point and figures that's why he's being paired with you. Shirou elaborates, saying that with Ikebukuro occupied heavily by outside forces, you'll be discovered quickly if you guys went as a big group. That's Why Shirou wants you two to go together, swiftly and secretly. It's necessary for you guys to reach the informant before any of the big three guilds do, and Kengo is the most familiar with Ikebukuro of the gang. Shirou's about to say more when Kengo preempts him and says it's likely you'll have to fight. If the worst possible case happens, Kengo can pick you up and run.

 

Shirou has a little laugh to himself about how Kengo is quick to pick up on things when it comes to battles. But yes, when you guys meet the World Rep it's highly likely a battle will break out, just like what happened when you met Tezcatlipoca. Plus, this is someone who agreed with going against a pact, so it's probably better to think of them as spoiling for a fight. Kengo is happy to go along with that, then asks who the informant is. Shirou says he's the World Representative of Tir na Nog, the king of giants Balor.

 

Back to the present, Kengo says he remembers everything now, then brings up the note Shirou gave you for Balor's location. Kengo then thinks about how you're going to see the king of giants and excitedly asks if you'd like to fight against someone like that. You either get alarmed and tell him this isn't the time for that or comment on his excitement. Kengo says he knows that protecting you is a bigger priority, though he has doubts you guys can actually talk things out. He can't think as well as Shirou, but there are times when his physical strength is needed.

 

Kengo says you guys should have reached the meeting place by now, but then he tells you to hide because someone else got here first as he grabs your hand and pulls you into a narrow space. You realize it's the same mobs you saw earlier and wonder if they're also looking for someone. And since they aren't looking in your direction Kengo also figures they must be looking for someone bigger than you all, like say, a giant. He then suggests taking them out quick before they call for reinforcements. You agree since there seems to be no other way, say you'll go in first and ask him to back you up, then set up the signal to move. Kengo agrees, then says he'll show the new power he got from the Ikebukuro dungeon as the episode battle begins.

 

Chapter 11 Episode 3: Everyone's Determination 3

Narration starts up by talking about how Ikebukuro in Toshima and Kabukicho in Shinjuku are the areas chosen for the big three's battlegrounds. Walls are built around these towns, isolating them from the surrounding areas. Random citizens start asking about the sudden evacuation order being put up as bug mobs appear to enforce it. They wonder if a fire broke out or if someone found an unexploded bomb somewhere, but the bugs push them to move, causing them to ask the bugs to not push.

 

The bug mobs are described as enforcers sent by the big three guilds through the judicial, legislative, and administrative branches. The citizens living in the above cities have been given a legal, compulsory evacuation order, and as soon as they are all out, battle breaks out within the walled areas. Ikebukuro is now a fierce war ground.

 

This is a battle of 10k versus 10k which eclipses previous battles from before. The soldiers sent to fight here know that this is only the opening act though. After all, this is where the people possessing powers that took them to the top of their worlds will be fighting, like battles of legend where they will compete with their wills. Teda is there and laughs about how great it is, saying that invading suits him. He then opens up by firing off his NP. Teda takes out an arrow, notches it, then shoots it. It goes off like a sun beam, and the light arrow starts melting the surrounding buildings like candy and vaporizing anything in the vicinity. In an instant, nothing is able to retain its previous state. Teda then challenges Koropokkur, Amaterasu, or anyone at all to come at him.

 

Shinya and Taromaiti turn out to be around, and Shinya comments that it's already started. He also talks about tremendous Teda's power is, one of the seven World Representatives in the Warmongers and the sun of Nirai Kanai. He on his own has the power to win against 10000 people, and narration compares what happened to the area to the heat of the sun manifesting there.

 

Shinya talks about how the other World Representatives possess powers appropriate for representing their worlds. It might be the power to cover the world in flames. It might be the power to cover it in a blizzard. Or it might be the power of the sun to shine and burn everything. In fact a number of Representatives have powers that relate to the sun, since if you put things in the world into a hierarchy the sun is the thing that stands above all others.

 

Taromaiti says she knows it well herself, and when she sees that light she starts remembering about the sun in Garothman. Narration questions how a normal person is supposed to win against a sun that illuminates the world, flames that cover the world, or a blizzard that covers the world. These are areas where human knowledge doesn't reach, the top of the System known as the world that towers over all else. If you come across any of these, all you can do is pray for it to pass as you have no means of overcoming it. Shinya looks over in silence for a moment before telling Taromaiti they should go and fulfill their goals.

 

Camera then jumps over to Kabukicho where the Warmongers bull is standing with a bunch of bug mobs. This is the battleground where the Warmongers have taken a 10000 man army to intercept the Invaders' attacks. Military Bull sees Temujin there and says he thought he'd be coming. Temujin shows up alone, unconcerned about the apparent odds against him as he smiles boldly against the other.

 

Temujin says it's been some time as he reveals the bull's name to be Marduk, the Warmongers' Calf of the Sun. He declares that today will be the day he shows him the difference between their bow skills as a fellow archer. Marduk expresses doubts that Temujin really came alone and asks where his troops are. Temujin laughs as he declines to tell him, suggesting he just use his sunlight to find out. Temujin then brags about defeating Dayan Khan (re: sun king) and dares him to jump into his wolf jaws. Marduk chooses to take him on, saying jumping into a trap and tearing out from it is how he rolls. He tells Temujin to see his reborn form, and he calls for Mushussu to come with him.

 

Scene then shifts to some bar the Outlaws are hiding in as Tetugyuu points out how bright the light is that's slipping through the blinds to Ibaraki. Ibaraki gets mad at the Warmongers and Invaders for messing up the neighborhood, and narration says the Outlaws ducked out of the evac order to hide in one of their buildings. Gyoubu points out that they'll just get burned if they try and go out now. He tells them to calm down since yakuza will get their fates sealed if they try to go up against the army or government.

 

Suzuka thanks Gyoubu but wonders if they're unable to protect the town. She sighs, wondering if karma is also in her destiny. She also expresses frustration that they were trying to break out of the old patterns this time around, only to follow previous paths again. Meanwhile, Tetsuya is grinding his teeth as he watches the App inform him about how the Outlaws' Portals are being taken away. Everyone is scowling at how the area is being trampled over. Gyoubu attempts to get everyone to relax and not make their blood pressures shoot up. If they can't do anything now, he suggests they just get some sleep and wait. Time can be your ally, as there is no such thing as a sun that doesn't set.

 

Scene then jumps over to the police station where Daikoku is with a bunch of mobs who are Shadows or brainwashed, including Tajikarao. This police station is not far from where Kabukicho is, and the station is described as a bastion that upholds the public order. However, Daikoku is there to throw oil into the fires instead of stopping the war. He talks about how the people who have territory in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro must be frustrated at having to watch it be snatched away.

 

Daikoku starts remembering things as he sends troops out. There was one a time in his home world where he had insufficient power to prevent his territory from being taken away. He was forced to kneel to the sun of Takamagahara, cede control of the land above ground, and was given the land where the dead sit, disgraced. He remembers the pools of blood streaming across the ground. He remembers the countless grudges and shadow memories he was burdened with. He swore in his heart to never feel such feelings again, to never surrender again. And so he amassed fortunes, power, and dyed his hands dirty in all things shady.

 

Daikoku talks to himself about needing to change his gloves to a clean white pair. He had been gripping his hands so hard that something black broke and dirtied his gloves, and he starts thinking again as he goes to change them. His presence there and his chance at ridding himself of his regrets is all due to Mahakala the Great Darkness. It is a System so huge and abyssal it'd be illegal, writhing within Tokyo as the city intertwines with the powers of the 23 other worlds. When it shows its true value, Tokyo will likely be plunged into an eternal darkness.

 

Daikoku laughs to himself about how that's okay, only to correct himself that it has to be that way. Both the sun and moon cannot win against time and must eventually set. But when the moon sets, the sun will eventually rise. Daikoku cannot stand for this. Nothing that reminds him of his disgusting past can be allowed to stand, he thinks. Daikoku swears aloud to offer everything to Mahakala's name. In one world's language, Mahakala means the One who Surpasses Time. Until that detestable sun never rises again, until it sinks beneath the underworld, Daikoku's dark grudges will never be cleared away.

 

Eventually, the first night comes and the battles end for the day. Tetsugyuu gets up yawning and notes that fights seem to be over. Ibaraki asks if that means even they have to follow the App's guild battle time rules. Tetsuya confirms that, though he notes that the lower ranking mobs out there still walked around like they own the place, and the camera quickly pans outside on the mobs out there.

 

Gyoubu notes the World Representatives seem to have pulled out too, then asks if everyone else got some rest during the day. The rest of the Outlaws present nod, and narration says it's a hard rule that App battles over Portal possession cannot take place at night. Due to that, guilds that are fighting over areas generally don't move at night.

 

Suzuka notes that their treasured girl is only helpful at night, which they can't really help. She then says that the Kabukicho Queen has finally woken up, and as a new girl's silhouette appears, Suzuka says she's normally never any help in guild disputes. But now that it's night time she asks her to step it up and help them out, calling her Ellie. Ellie reveals herself as she yawns and greets Suzuka, then everyone else before asking what time it is. The sleepy-eyed girl is the Outlaws guildmaster, generally known as the Kabukicho Queen. She's a native who's become the most famous monster of the dark, a nightwalker (re: vampire), and on that note, the episode ends.