El Dorado Treasure Hunt Episode 2 (Abridged)

Flashback
Andvari: Hey Nomad wanna come look for El Dorado's treasure?
Nomad: Leave me out of your snipe hunts!
Andvari: Aww, don't be like that. Well if you change your mind, here's where it is. Don't tell anyone!
Present
Nomad: Oops, I forgot about that. But at least it's making these people go away.
Tanetomo: Okay, time to go. Be sure to enjoy my lovingly prepared dust from our tracks!
Yasuyori: Bye!
The two head off.
Tiger Man: Let's go too! I'm surprised you're into this, doctor. Gonna let loose?
Shennong: No! I never know if you guys are coming back alive when you go out! Oh well let's do this. Bye MC.
MC: Huh, everyone's getting excited. Let's go too!
Tezcatlipoca: I am a baaad influence. These subordinates are almost wasted on me.
Nomad: Well the boss does tend to influence the underlings I guess.

Tezcatlipoca: Okay, BRRRROTHER! Time to go! Apologies for the ruckus, Nomad.
Nomad: If that's how you really feel, then you owe me!
Tezcatlipoca: Haha, you really want ME to pay you back? I only give atrocities. But if you're sure, then I'll commit it to memory. I have my ways.
MC and Tezcatlipoca leave. Nomad watches everyone through his blinds.
Nomad: Ugh, finally they're gone. Now where's that job I got? (picks up his phone to make a call)

Later
MC: Huh.
MC is in front of some ruins by themselves while Tezcatlipoca went back to Nerima to change bodies. Then Bertro and Shiva arrive.
Bertro: Hello! I thought we'd run into you here.
Shiva: Guildmaster you told me there was a good training place here.
Bertro: I did indeed! Look, it's MC! Go fight them, that'd be some good training.
MC: Are ALL the Warmongers coming too?
Bertro: Yes! It's our little war game today, racing for El Dorado's treasure.
Shiva: Does it LOOK like I care about treasure? MY TRAINING!
Bertro: Okay, show how your training's come so far by fighting MC.
MC: Well you're having fun, making Shiva your plaything. / I'm glad to see you two.
Bertro: I wanna see Shiva open his third eye!

Bertro: When Shiva's third eye opens, he can burn down the world and the universe...I wanna see that! War is awesome! (starts pushing Shiva towards MC)
Shiva: CEASE
Bertro: C'mon, why don't you look MC in the eyes?
Shiva: Stop! STOP! BEGONE THOT
Tezcatlipoca: Hi I'm back. Also MC is mine now, we already have plans.
Bertro: Aww, but we were about to have war.
Tezcatlipoca: Haha, I'm already in a war with my subordinates! Next time.
Bertro: But what's another war to the pile gonna hurt?
MC: Let's train one on one, Shiva / Bertro we can talk next time / Tez let's run!
(A) Shiva: HNNNGH! ...very well, next time!
Bertro: Aww, he got talked out of it easier than I thought. Well maybe I'll go back and wait to hear how things went here.
(B) Bertro: Interesting! But there's still the investigation and...eh, never mind that now. Tell me how today goes, I'll have better jokes when you come by! Or worse. Something.
(C) MC and Tezcatlipoca go.

Bertro: I'll be waiting to hear all about it! Bye!
Shiva: ...are you sure you are okay with just letting them go after coming all this way?
Bertro: Yep! There's plenty of people here already without us getting involved too. Let's try getting ahead of them, and while we're at it let me see if I can make you crack a smile.
Shiva: >8(
Bertro: Haha, don't be like that! You never laugh at my jokes and it's making me want to try even more now!
Shiva: Ugh, you'll just keep talking even if I say no.
Bertro: You know me so well. This way!

Inside
Tezcatlipoca: Hmm. I can just barely tell if this place is from El Dorado. Someone's already come here, so it must be the others. We should get going.
MC: Seems dangerous / Let's beat them!
---
(A) Tezcatlipoca: Haha! I'm here, so you'll be fine.
(B) Tezcatlipoca: Yes! That's the spirit!
---
Tezcatlipoca: If this place really is from El Dorado we have even less reason to fear. When we are together there is nothing we cannot do in that world! (pulls out his mirror)
MC: What are you doing?
Tezcatlipoca: Behold! (spawns copies of himself)
MC: Whoa... / We'll find that treasure in no time!
(A) Tezcatlipoca: Yes, I'm sure my power is mighty!
(B) Tezcatlipoca: Did you want to touch me? By all means!

Tezcatlipoca starts getting ideas. Evil Ideas. His smoke copies spread out and hide into the walls.
Tezcatlipoca: Anyways it shouldn't take too long to sus out the correct way. Let's wait here while we figure that out. I wonder what the treasure is! I'm going to win this one, peons!
Tezcatlipoca's smoke copies find the likely treasure spot soon afterwards.

Outside, a little bit after Tez and MC have arrived.
Tanetomo: I'm still surprised you two agreed to ally with us, Doctor, Tiger Man.
Tiger Man: I know the boss's awesomeness! And I know that while I do want to challenge him head on and alone, I also know I'm not quite good enough to excite him that way. So let's do this!
Tanetomo: Okay. Dance for me, puppets!
Shennong: Well the prep dragged on, but let's hurry in. Yasuyori, help me open the door.
Yasuyori: Okay! I'll take the right hand side.

Inside
Tanetomo: Hmm. This is more complicated than I was expecting.
Tiger Man: How about I run full speed? That'd be better than all of us splitting up.
Tanetomo: No, you'd just get lost with how big this place is. We should stick together and--
Everyone: !!
Arrow traps from all directions! But even with the surprise attack element, everyone manages to block the shots with Tiger Man and Yasuyori doing so barehanded.
Yasuyori: Is everyone okay!?
Tanetomo: Y-yes, that almost got me though...
The arrows poof into smoke.
Tanetomo: Hmm...the boss did this. He has no chill at all.
Shennong: That's nice sometimes, but some consideration for us would be nice too.
Tanetomo: They've been here much earlier than we have. We should still be able to make it though.
The four proceed onward. They run into another trap not long after.

Elsewhere inside
MC and Tezcatlipoca make it to the depths of the ruins where moss and trees are growing among a marble-fashioned room.
Tezcatlipoca: Interesting. This really does look like something from El Dorado, so maybe there really is a secret treasure from there here.
MC: I wonder what it is? / I heard screaming. / I see something!
(A) Tezcatlipoca: We'll know soon. Look over there.
(B) Tezcatlipoca: Haha, the others must have found my surprise for them. That is faster than I expected though, but look over there.

MC: Wow that's a pretty spring, but is that really it?
Tezcatlipoca: Is the real treasure the good times we had along the way?
MC: I'M BEING ATTACKED WITH CLICHES! Where's the treasure!?
Tezcatlipoca: Kidding. But I did get an idea of what the treasure is when we got here.
Tezcatlipoca points into the water. It only reflects him and MC.
MC: ...are you saying the treasure was us all along now?
Tezcatlipoca: Ha, nope! But maybe that's not wrong!
Tezcatlipoca thinks for a bit.
Tezcatlipoca: If I'm right, the treasure should be in the water. I'll go get it. You wait here since it looks rather deep. (strips and jumps in)
MC: Careful! Well I guess he'll be okay.

A few moments later, MC notices someone is around and gets ready to fight.
Tanetomo: Hi. So this seems to be the place. Where's the commander? It doesn't seem like you have the treasure yet. (sees Tez's discarded clothes and figures out what's going on)
MC: Where's Tiger Man and Shennong? You guys got here fast. / Let's talk!
(AB) Tanetomo: I think they got lost. We just kept following the path that for SOME REASON was heavily trapped and made it here. Oh well that was tiring. Let's take a break while we wait for the commander to come back up.
Yasuyori: Okay! Come sit with us, MC!
(C) Tanetomo: Okay. Sit with us, Yasuyori.
Yasuyori: O-okay. Tell me if I let off too much heat.
Tanetomo: Now let me tell you about this one time between me and Yasuyori when--
Yasuyori: NOOOOO

Some time later, Tezcatlipoca comes back in all his HOT GLORY and a golden quetzalcoatl statue under his arm.
Tezcatlipoca: I'm back, BRRRROTHER! Also I see my advisor and his lackey are here. It must have been rough.
Tanetomo: Yes, no thanks to SOMEONE.
Tezcatlipoca: Haha, but we win! (holds up the statue)
MC: pls put clothes on / WE'RE RICH (smugface)
(A) Tezcatlipoca: Haha, why are you looking away?

Yasuyori: Sir, how did you know that statue was in the water?
Tezcatlipoca: I thought it would be there if this place really is based on El Dorado. (wipes off and puts his clothes back on)
Tezcatlipoca: El Dorado revolves around sacrifice, but there was a minority against it of course. Like Xolotl. Instead of sacrificing themselves they just used substitutes and threw them into volcanoes or springs. Gold is valuable, but I think the light of life as it goes out is even better.
MC: So what's the statue? / Eh. I think it's plenty.
(A) Tezcatlipoca: It's you! Well wait, it doesn't have even 1/10 of your appeal.
(BC) Tezcatlipoca: Haha, you never change. I'm sure this statue is proof of that faith for you.

Tezcatlipoca: I still wasn't expecting this treasure to be a statue of you though. Change of plans! I am keeping this in my room and I will admire it every day!
Tanetomo and Yasuyori watch Tezcatlipoca with warm smiles.
Tezcatlipoca: Groupie #1 and the doctor are probably lost, so we should pick them up on the way home.
Tanetomo: Let's make them do something as a penalty for not even making it this far.
Tezcatlipoca: Excellent idea!
And then Andvari, Bathym, Pollux, and Ikutoshi come in to everyone's surprise.
End of Episode

El Dorado Treasure Hunt Episode 1 (Abridged)

One day at school
MC: Ugh, time for the next class soon. Where's my notebook? (reaches inside desk)
Tezcatlipoca: BRRRROTHER! Easy on the goods, yes?
MC: I pretend I do not hear.
Tezcatlipoca: (pops head out of desk) Hello!
MC: AAAAAA
Tezcatlipoca: I came to see you, BRRRROTHER! This feels like old times where I--
Like five minutes later
Tezcatlipoca: Oh right, I came to talk to you about something else. I want to get presents for my subordinates but I need money.
MC: But aren't you an army general?
Tezcatlipoca: Yes, but those are war funds, not personal money.

Mononobe walks in.
Mononobe: MC, why are you staring at your desk? Did you bring a game console to class?
MC: uhhh
Mononobe: Show me.
Mononobe: ...I didn't know you like dolls that much.
MC: uhhh, yep!
Tezcatlipoca: Bluff success! ...oops.
MC: UHHHHH
Mononobe: ...I don't know what's going on but I'll let this go just this once. Time for class.

After school
MC is carrying Tezcatlipoca down the street
Tezcatlipoca: Where are we going?
MC: I sorta maybe know someone who might have an idea of how we can get money.
Girl A: Aww, look at the cute doll!
Girl B: Yeah, I wonder where they sell them?
Tezcatlipoca: Yes! Bask in my cuteness! (waves)
Girls: (SCREAMIN)
Tezcatlipoca: Hey look a cafe, let's get something together.
MC: Maybe next time, we're at the place.
Tezcatlipoca: Already!? But I wanted to spend more time with you!

Outside Nomad's office
Tezcatlipoca: I hear voices inside. Let's check it out.
Inside
Tanetomo: I heard you're that desperate lackey who'll do anything for money, but you're turning us down? Shame if something happened like my entourage stomping you to the ground.
Tiger Man: (head empty)
Yasuyori and Shennong: !?
Nomad: Bring it!
MC: omgwat
Nomad: Good timing, MC! Help me kick these Kevins out!

Tanetomo: Oh, what a surprise to see you here Sir.
Tezcatlipoca: MC brought me here.
MC: Let's all calm down! Also Nomad, you know any ways to get some money?
Nomad: ...do I LOOK like I have that kinda time on m--
Everyone stares at Nomad.
Nomad: ...maybe there is something. Andvari was asking me the other day about helping him find some treasure from El Dorado.
Tezcatlipoca: Interesting! Never heard of anything like that before! Groupie #1, have you?
Tiger Man: No, Señor!
Nomad: I am so glad I dipped out on that job.

Tezcatlipoca: Now now, it's still possible it exists and I just never heard about it. We should look into it together!
Tanetomo: Sir, is this what I think it is?
Tezcatlipoca: Indeed! Team building, and getting money for presents that aren't literally yourselves!
Tiger Man: Hooray, I'm in!
Yasuyori: But don't we have work?
Tiger Man: Aww...

Tanetomo: ...actually it should be fine.
Yasuyori: Really? Oh okay then.
Tanetomo: Let's make it a two man team contest! With MC, we'll have six people!
Yasuyori: So how do we pair up?
Tanetomo: You go with me, chore boy.
Yasuyori: Yessir!
Tiger Man: Then I'll pair with--
Shennong: ME. Doctor's orders, you'll run yourself to the bone otherwise.
Tiger Man: Aww...
Tezcatlipoca: That leaves you and me, BRRRROTHER! We're on the same side instead of against each other for once! ...hmm, feels weird.
Nomad: Yeah yeah yeah, now get out.
And so the treasure hunt begins.
End of Episode

Chapter 13 Episode 3: Ship of Theseus 3 (Abridged)

Let's have another flashback to Chapter 12!
Maria: The Warmongers are using memories to cause disruptions and recruit people!
Managarm: Yeah, getting paranoid that the people around you will suddenly shank you is HARSH. I know how that feels. But they also show memories of you suddenly killing your friends, and that's no good. Everyone that's happened to gets PTSD and leaves the guild.
Azazel: Yes, they get isolated from their communities.
Ryouta: Azazel! Long time no see.
Maria: You're back safe and sound!
Managarm: Where the HELL have you been!?
Maria: I sent him on an investigation.
Managarm: What?

Azazel: Yes, I've done it. Are you sure you want to remember everything though?
Maria: Yes. I want to know everything from all the past loops.
Managarm: NO DON'T! Did you not listen to what I said about what happened to everyone else!?
Maria: Yes, and that's why I need to know. I can't move forward with just words.
Gabriel: Oh no!
Ryouta: ...
Maria: Ryouta, I need to ask a favor.
Ryouta: Uhh, well if I can help then okay?
Maria: Okay, I'll tell you later. Hanuman?
Hanuman: Wait what you're really talking to me in a serious talk like this!?
Maria: Yes, I have a favor to ask of you too.
Hanuman: Well in that case, I'll do whatever I can!

Present, at Asakusa
Here is where the Asakusa Taoshis are based at, comprised mostly of Umamichi students. Like Kabukicho, they've chosen to remain neutral and isolated from guild matters so they never responded to the Missionaries' attempts to talk before.
Ryouta: So why are they saying they'll talk now?
Gandarva: Well I know your guildmaster, but there's also the part where you've been looking after Prince Hanuman.
Ryouta: Wait, should I be calling you Prince too, Hanuman?
Hanuman: STOOOOP! Gandarva you make him stop too!
Gandarva: I can't treat you so crudely as the wind god Lord Vayu's son...
Hanuman: But I like not being treated so formally!
Ryouta: That's a no then?
Hanuman: Yep!
Gandarva: I'm just an intermediary and introducing you to one of the leaders over there. (points)

Ryouta: Oh look, it's the Raimon gate. The wind and thunder gods protect this place, right?
The two statues next to the Raimon Ryouta is pointing at are of gods who protect the place from storms when prayed to. Their story existed and was passed down since before the walls came up, but for some reason is still told after Transients became a thing.
Ryouta: I feel like I've heard the name of the wind god earlier...
Hanuman: Thunder god? ...no wait, Gandarva did you--!? (shakes like he was hit by lightning)
Ryouta: wait what
Gandarva: So I met the Summoners guildmaster before and their stature reminded me of a thunder god from that one land. But anyways, the king I serve is Hanuman's father, the wind god Vayu. I also serve as musician for a thunder god at the same time, so I also serve the wind and thunder gods here too.
Ryouta: Hanuman, what's going on!? 

Gandarva: Asakusa has been under attack by the true big three guilds too. We and Katsushika have been kicked around by the ones in the East. We still have our divine protection against storm and thunder though, so we're opening our doors. Also there's someone who wants to see Prince Hanuman. Right now we're going to the place that sits on the border of Asakusa and Katsushika, Shibamata Taishakuten.
Ryouta: Huh. So is they guy we're meeting--
(Thunder)
Ryouta: wait what it's clear out today
Gandarva: ...we have to hurry. (glares at approaching thunder noises)

Aoyama Cemetery
Maria: Hmm. Sudden wind today despite it being clear.
Managarm: I've checked the place out and it's clear. I'll keep watch while you go to your meeting.
Maria: Thank you. Here I go!
Managarm: Call me if something happens. (leaves)
Maria: Okay I'm here Jacob.
Jacob: Sorry to call you while you're busy.
Maria: It's fine. You're the true guildmaster after all.
Jacob: ...like I've said repeatedly, I've left the post. I think you're the real guildmaster. You have the determination of steel and the courage to walk the path of thorns. And you want to go forward...even after learning about the past loops.
Maria: Thank you. But I'm still inexperienced and couldn't keep everyone together.
Jacob: I don't think that's true based on how much I've seen Managarm and Gabriel trust in you.
Maria: ...I think somewhere inside me, I believe no one can stop me from walking my path.

Jacob: ...
Maria: But we still need solidarity so that we can protect the weak. That said, things are bad. So many angels have left us. The guild is in chaos without Arslan to give mental support.
Jacob: ...you aren't here to complain, right?
Maria: Of course not. I have things to do, even if I'm the only one left. I will continue to protect the Missionaries and the weak...even if only tragedy awaits me.
Jacob: You're still set on it, aren't you?
Jacob raises his hand to project memories like an evolutionary tree. Maria gets Main Plot Beam'd.
Jacob: My infinite light artifact shows the path to Eden's Tree of Life, the thing that keeps the memories of the many world loops.
Maria keeps watching, and Jacob smiles at this.

The memory playback is over, and Maria has not fallen to despair and isn't looking away from the tragedies.
Jacob: My blind eyes have seen your resolve, Maria. (flips on his phone's voice command)
Jacob: I hereby officially transfer the guildmaster position to Maria.
Transfer complete!
Maria: Jacob...
Jacob: Thank you for all you've done for the guild. I have battles to get to against the greatest obstacles to the Missionaries' ideals. I will stop them even if it's a double KO, so I want to officially leave the guild to you.
Maria: Wait, what? You mean it's not what the memory loop showed of the guild collapsing in the end?
Jacob: There's another true threat besides the sad memories of the compiled loops. I know the class role of the previous holder of my artifact. I am to face off against the angel that awaits the end and controls that threat, just like how Michael and Gabriel are fated to go against each other. I've been training for that day to come.
Dramatic thunder and darkness!

Back to MC's side, the party is running to an emergency shelter.
Shirou: Our safehouse is only a safehouse in terms of app battles, so we should get to somewhere safer for natural disasters!
Kengo: Is there really gonna be heavy rain after how sunny today's been?
MC: Look!
Clouds are expanding from the south.
Kengo: Oh my god! It's coming from the south!
Shirou: ...what? (looks)
Shirou: You guys, those cloud movements look unnatural.
The clouds seem to be coming from Tokyo Bay.
MC: Huh, it's raining...hey wait.

Aoyama Cemetery
Maria: Rain? But the weather report said--
Jacob: Maria, activate your artifact now! Don't let the rain touch you!
Maria: W-what? Okay, let me open the app and--
Jacob: No need! Your artifact, now!
Maria creates some overhead with her thorns.
Maria: ...what? I could use it without the app?
Jacob: The rain has a power attached to it.
Maria: What!? I have to tell Managarm! (texts him)
Israfil: How sad. Ahaha!
Maria and Jacob: !?

Maria: Nobody was around. How could anyone appear so quickly!?
Israfil:
Maria: No wait...it can't be!
Jacob: That voice... so you've been summoned while wearing that Shadow.
Jacob activates his artifact and the light starts drawing an 8.
Jacob: If you are here, then this loop is the Final Judgment.
Maria: Is that true, Israfil!?
Israfil: Oh how sad I am for only having life where death's tragedy is. Sad, sad, sad. That's me, Israfil. The angel who appears at the end of the world with the rain of mercy. 1000 LP for everyone! Let me see your ruin! Hahaha!

Somewhere in Shinjuku again
A raindrop hits Shirou, and he feels something off about it. It feels different from water after careful observation.
Shirou: !
Shirou recognizes the sensation of someone else entering him, just like how Yog Sothoth did.
Shirou: You guys, this rain is a magic attack!
MC: What? A magic attack outside a battle zone!? Wait I remember something like this!
Chapter 8 flashback
MC: (What if it's like back then? Or what if it's different!?)
The rain falls harder.
Shirou: Kengo, get MC away from--
Kengo: Got it! Sorry to be rough but...! (picks up and uses himself as a cover while taking MC to somewhere with a roof)
Kengo: RAAAAGH (throws MC under roof cover without letting them get hit by the rain)

MC: YOU GUYS!
Shirou and Kengo: STAY BACK
Something fills the two of them from the unnatural rain. Shirou wonders if someone put up walls around Shinjuku again.
Shirou: If that's not what's happening...then Tokyo is already...ahhh!!
Rain continues to fall.
Kengo: I'm losing strength...!
Something Warm fills the two as they lose the will to fight. Something Warm being overflowing love.
Shirou and Kengo: AAAAAA

Somewhere else
Wakan Tanka Inf. watches the rain fall from somewhere in the sky. Love for everything fills his eyes. He loves everything equally, and his eyes look empty of emotion.
Wakan Tanka Inf.: I will fill the land with love and wash away the sadness. Remember the first joy. There is no need to fight, to hurt. I am Wakan Tanka, and I have given up everything besides my name at the edge of infinity.
Wakan Tanka Inf. dances like he is offering something to someone, and so the rain continues.
End of episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 1 (Abridged)

Yasuhiko (narrating): I only get to see my dad once a year. That one day of the year he sends a big box of marshmallows, and once Mom gets them she calls him over Space Zoom for all of five minutes.
Mr. Yasumi: You doing alright, Yasuhiko?
Yasuhiko: Yes Daddy! I have something I want to show y--
Mr. Yasumi: Okay good enough. Take care of the boy Janina.
Yasuhiko: Daddy you never come home!
Mr. Yasumi: Too busy. Oh look at the time, got milk to buy, cigarettes to smoke. Later.
Yasuhiko: But Daddy I--
click

Yasuhiko: I HATE DADDY
Janina: No Yasuhiko, don't do that to that picture you drew for your father!
Yasuhiko: He doesn't even want to LOOK at it!
Janina: Don't speak about your father like that! You know how much milk and cigarettes he has to buy!
Yasuhiko: B-b-but...!
Yasuhiko (narrating): I loved the circus. Mom was a circus member before, and Dad was the ringleader, so I probably got it from them. But still, fvck YOU Dad! Every year I ask to see you in person, but noooo! He needs to bUy MiLk and gEt CiGaReTtEs! You can't just buy my love with MARSHMALLOWS! Love me, Daddy! Praise me, Daddy! Ugh, maybe I should forget about all this.
Vulpecula: Did somebody say FORGET?

Title card: Unaccomplished Crime

Somewhere on Earth
Gammei: EPIC SNEEZE
Gammei: Goddamn it's cold here.
Barrel: Inspector, Inspector! They're selling amazake in that cafe over there! Here's some warmed up!
Gammei: Barrel we are here all the way in Nagano for work
Barrel: I-I know, I'm not dumb! Vulpecula's calling card video said he'd come here to Zenko Temple!
Gammei: ...well, Zenko Temple is only one of the possible places he described he'd be going after.
Flashback
Vulpecula: Symbol! Joy for old people! Forget-me-nots! Sweet scented, bright evenings! Rainbow petals! Earth!

Present
Gammei: Gee thanks Riddler, that sure narrows things down.
Barrel: Some of the higher ups think he means Japan since we just got back Mt. Fuji and it's a national symbol. The part about sweet scents might mean Valentine's Day and chocolate, which would be today right?
Gammei: Yeah, and that's why UEHA has dispatched us to all the national historical sites. I still don't get how Orient City not having one meant we got sent down here though.
Barrel: We can't help it, UEHA doesn't have a branch office in Nagano... The next closest places were either us or the Niigata branch, so it fell to us. But that's great! Grandma lives near here!
Gammei: Who cares!? Ugh, why can't Vulpecula show his stupid face already!? I'll get you for forcing me to come out to this frozen hellhole!
UEHA has also sent heroes to Hakodate, Hiraizumi, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Izumo, Matsuyama, and Nagasaki amongst others. Vulpecula shows up to precisely none of them and has been spotted nowhere in the galaxy that evening. This unprecedented event gets reported everywhere in the Universe News.

Several days later at Procy's bar
MC: Hi, we're here for work! / I came to hang out, Procy! / I came to see you, Gomeisa!
---
(BC) Melide: MC no we came for work
---
Melide: ...hello.
Procy: Yo kids. Someone else is already using the gacha machine, so how about a drink while you wait?
MC: Are you treating? Awesome!
Procy: Here's the menu, booze is listed on the back. You can pay when you leave!
MC: Aww... / Cheapskate!
(A) Procy: D-don't give me that, of course I'm charging!
(B) Procy: Bitch I never said I was treating you to a drink!

Melide: ...I want a strawberry yogurt drink. Can I put the agency name on the reciept?
Procy: ...I've noticed already since she comes by a lot, but man this girl is stubborn.
Gomeisa: Hello you two! Melide, are you used to your new job yet?
Melide: No, I only help out sometimes so I haven't done that much... I'm learning by helping out with errands.
Procy: Well I guess that's normal at your age. Do you even go to school? I heard you don't really want to.
Melide: Sometimes Kyoichi comes to teach me at the office. Apparently it's just like going to school for real if it's certified.
Gomeisa: Kyoichi is a teacher! That's good!
Melide: Sometimes I know more than he does.
Procy: I hear his confidence drops like a rock when he teaches above grade school level...
MC: Wow Kyoichi's been doing good despite that...

Furlong: ...um, excuse me? Could I get a refill?
Procy: Whoops, sorry I didn't hear the bell ring. Same drink, right? One sec. Oh yeah Furlong, you know these guys? Been a while since you saw them, right?
Furlong: O-oh, long time no see you two. It feels embarrassing seeing you two on my day off.
Procy: why
MC: Long time no see! / You're the same as ever / Poke the cutie!
(A) Furlong: Uh...umm...yes, it's been some time.
(B) Furlong: I-I want to change that part of myself...
(C) Furlong: Nooo...!
Procy: NO BULLY

Melide: Hello Furlong. You're on your day off?
Furlong: Y-yes, so I decided I wanted something nice to eat...
Melide: You can be casual with me, I'm younger.
Furlong: Uh, umm, excuse me...I'm not used to speaking like that.
Melide: How can you be so different from when you're in hero mode
Gomeisa: Wow Melide you get along great with Furlong! He talks a lot when he sees you!
Melide: Well he did help me before.
Furlong: You trust me? Ehehehe...

Yasuhiko is standing in front of a sign in the bar.
Yasuhiko: Wow there's tons of heroes here. I hope someone will take my job and--AAAAA
Procy: What's with the yelling
Yasuhiko: Sorry, the screen suddenly blacked out! Did I break it...!?
Procy: Oh yeah that thing's been on the fritz lately. Maybe it'll work if I do this...and fixed. It probably does that if you hold down on it.
MC: Who's that? / What's that board?
(A) Procy: Never seen him before. He probably wants to hire a hero since he's in front of the request board though.
MC: And what's that?

Procy: W-wait, you didn't know about the request board? Then again, Huckle's the only guy from your place who looks at it.
Melide: I heard things like that are set up where heroes gather.
Procy: Yep. Heroes looking for work can pick it up through the gacha if Operators have some. If a hero wants to hire another hero though, they use the board instead. It's a good way for heroes to find out what they can do or what work they're cut out for while making connections. Also it's illegal to use civilian networks to look for hero work, so we had to throw that together out of desperation. They're not connected to outside networks either so you'd have to check them individually.
Furlong: I never knew that. I always got work passed down from up top.
Procy: You work for a government agency. This is mostly used for private enterprise heroes. Well Huckle posts things to that sometimes, so maybe take a look for fun sometimes. There's a lot of them asking for help looking for Vulpecula.
Gomeisa: Who dat
Procy: ...have you not been listening to people talk in here? That smug phantom thief going around the galaxy destroying historical sites and stuff.
MC: That guy I chased after with Shaft and everyone! / Never heard of him
(B) Procy: Do you not pay attention to the news or something, geez

Procy: He's that one guy who hates things like "the past" or "memories" and sends poem videos indirectly saying how he'll go blow up historical sites, then does them on the not really specified time he mentions like it's a show. Some people call him pretentious, but he's got his really devoted fans or whatever. Stans or whatever people call them?
Yasuhiko: GASP
Furlong: Yeah, he sent a video the other day that sounded like he was coming to Japan but then no showed on the day he apparently was supposed to do his thing. Wasn't it on the news? Barrel and Gammei went to Nagano because of that, and they went for nothing...
MC: Oh right. Must be hard for the police. Their snack presents were great though.
Melide: According to the rumors, he always shows up at his targets. And as a villain who prizes his aesthetics he never goes back on his declarations. Weird of him to suddenly not show up. It can't be that the police were wrong about where he's going or anything right?
Yasuhiko: ...
Procy: Didn't you guys at Parallel Flight tussle with him before at some job? You worried about what he's doing?
MC: Hmm... / I guess / Well I never saw him before
Yasuhiko: They've gone against Vulpecula before? ...umm, excuse me!

MC: W-what?
Procy: Did the board break again?
Yasuhiko: No not that. I want to ask you guys about something!
Furlong: Us?
Yasuhiko: Oh wait here's my business card. (hands MC a card for Yasumi Circus listing Yasuhiko as Ringleader Yasumi Yasuhiko)
MC: What?
Procy: Isn't that the circus that's been around a while and sets up shop outside town? I heard a bunch of S&S Heroes are part of them.
Yasuhiko: Yes, and I'm one of them! ...though I don't really do hero work much.
MC: You ARE!? / Oh so that's why you're here / Isn't that the same agency Nessen is with?
Gomeisa: Wow, a circus hero!
Procy: Well damn, I'm surprised a circus that's been around for 300 years has a leader this young.
Furlong: W-whoa...
Yasuhiko: Yeah, but now we have a bit of a problem...
MC: What's that?
Yasuhiko: WILL YOU GUYS HELP!?
End of Episode

Chapter 13 Episode 2: Ship of Theseus 2 (Abridged)

Let’s have a clip show of Chapter 12!
Sandayu: So hey, I'm not really part of this world if ya know what I mean. Would ya believe me if I said I'm an underground bodyguard sent to protect ya?
Fast forward
Rando Shinjuku Students: GET THE BITCH
Fast forward
Shirou: Shuuichi what the hell is going on!?
Shuuichi: I LITERALLY don't know and that is a problem! Just get MC out of there and go into radio silence as much as you can!
Fast forward
Licht: Lemme call mein classmate for help!
Fast forward
Kuniyoshi: Welcome to the Creators, MC!
Catoblepas: H-hi...
Akiha Gongen: Ohh who dis?

Fast forward
Catoblepas: What if we made a cosplay album together?
Fast forward
Catoblepas: Leanan, who's going to help us?
Leanan Sidhe: Tindalos.
Fast forward
Tindalos: This is the AI that works for our guildmaster!
Enigma: Hello. Beep boop. Incompetents.
Fast forward
Smoky God: ...I really wanted to save you.
Smoky thought only he could save MC.
Smoky: I'm tapping out. BARF!
Fast forward
Catoblepas: Ahem. LEAVE MC ALONE! I mean they can't possibly be responsible for everything wrong in the city.
Fast forward
Fuxi: Aww man, I can't find the right words.
Fuxi thought only he could understand MC.
Fuxi: ...I always loved you more than anyone else.

Present
Rando Students: Bye Sensei!
Sandayu: Bye y'all!
It's been some time after the riot in school. There was a time when devastation approached from within Shinjuku's dorm and school, and the police's formal statement was that it happened because students were influenced by a socially provocative video. Said video blamed a particular person for all of society's unrest, and the rioting students have said they took sudden action out of righteous indignation.
Later, a Not Youtuber uploaded a video saying the first video was systematically manufactured and circulated, with evidence of social media hacking and illegal access of private data shown. Police investigation and the leaders of Not Youtube have since deleted the offending video. Sympathies have been expressed for the victims used as a stepping stone for the illegal access at that one school in Nakano. The incident has been solved surprisingly quickly and things have gone back to normal...

Kioh Academy
Hougen: NO THEY HAVEN'T! Where's Daikoku!?
Police Students: O-oh you're back! The headmaster is out doing liaison conferences and...
The Kioh Academy headmaster also doubles as chief of police which gives Daikoku great legal authority.
Hougen: !
Police Students: Uhh...
Daikoku's legal authority gives him great protection from being arrested by Hougen since Hougen ranks lower than him. Getting around it requires certain evidence that Daikoku has never left lying around. All the evidence from the dark auction has disappeared, and since then Daikoku has stayed away for one reason or another.
Hougen: Damn you Daikoku! I mean, damn you Okuninushi!

Hougen starts remembering something from Akihabara.
Leanan Sidhe: Nooo, stop Sanat Kumara!
Hougen: Hmm. It feels like I'm fighting against myself!
Sanat moves like he's reading Hougen's mind or totally connected to him.
Hougen: Hm?
Daikoku appears.
Hougen: Daikoku where have you bee--
Akiha Gongen: Okuninushi!
Hougen: WHAT

Hougen starts remembering about the time he looked up Takamagahara and read about how Okuninushi was ruler of the surface land before Amaterasu took over.
Hougen: I see! Your True Name is--
Sanat attacks during this distraction.
Hougen: OH NO
Daikoku uses Ama no Sakate, Reverse Hand Clapping!
Hougen: WHAT
Hougen knows Ama no Sakate is a Presence Concealment ritual spell from Takamagahara.
Leanan: Nooo, Sanat stop!
Hougen attacks, but Daikoku has disappeared with Sanat and Akiha.
Hougen: I let my guard down. And they took that boy with them...
Leanan: (frowns)
Hougen: Leanan Sidhe, who is Sanat Kumara?
Leanan: ...my friend. He wasn't like that before. But one day he suddenly changed into a different person...
Hougen: Hmmmm...

Shinjuku
Sandayu is walking around inside the school at the end of the school day. The students look the same as ever, but Sandayu can see their doubts and fears towards one another.
Sandayu: ...pssh, 'course they would. (looks out the window)
Sandayu: ...we got bad weather a-comin'.
Summoners Safehouse
Kengo: This weather pisses me off, man.
Shirou: Strange. The weather report said it's supposed to be 100% sunny today.
MC: Feels like a typhoon's coming in. Maybe the weather report is wrong?
Kengo: The mood at school's pissing me off too!
Shirou: Well it is a bit much to expect things to go back to normal after a blow up like that, I suppose...
There actually ARE therapists and a bunch of the students who rioted are in counseling. A lot of them probably don't know why they did what they did then.
MC: That was shocking / I'm not sweating it at all
(A) Shirou: Everyone attacked you suddenly, so that's unsurprising.
(B) Kengo: Yep! People used to suddenly swing lead pipes at me in Kabukicho's back alleys too.
Shirou: Kengo I bet that happened because you hit those people first!

Shirou: ...anyway, I'm glad you're back safe and sound, MC.
Kengo: Haha, I wasn't worried! You're not the kind who'd die if you were killed.
MC: I'm back! So where's everyone else?
Kengo: Hey yeah, why is it just us three here?
Shirou: I'll explain. Time to put on the exposition music.
Shirou: So, we every guild in Tokyo is threatened by the true big three guilds. Due to that, I've sent every other guild member to other guilds to form an alliance. Arc is off doing something else. We're reaching out to Ikebukuro, Aoyama, Roppongi, Hongou, Kabukicho, Asakusa, and Ueno's prominent guilds at least. That said...terrorist damage has caused every guild to be filled with internal divides and confusion. Frankly, they aren't in any position to oppose the true big three guilds.
MC: what? / ...go on

Shirou: We use an electronic app's comm network for a lot of important decisions. Stuff like whether we have enemies near our guild Portals and whether someone is really our friend. Look, you can turn the app on now and it'll show us three here. (shows app's map function)
Shirou: But lately there's been sudden hackings of the electronic identification, so someone you thought was part of the guild was really an imposter. In some cases people self-destructed and took information with them, so it's been hard for everyone to get in touch with guild VIPs and making sure of their identities. Like, is it really Ryouta and the others? Are they still how they've always been? Stuff like that is eating up time.
MC: ...WAIT
Shirou: Yes, there's a commonality between this and the incident you told me about the other day. It's likely the Invaders are using some way of invading and assimilating personalities. Do you remember seeing anything like that?
MC: Yeah, like brainwashing! ...wait.

Kengo: Hey wait a tick...
Shirou: Kengo.
Kengo: That all tracks with our schoolmates who attacked MC because a video told them to and the guys MC saw who called themselves Invaders but...you said that wasn't all they were doing three minutes ago. Brainwashing can't explain app spoofing!
Shirou: Wow the class dumbass caught on.
Kengo: EAT A DICK
Shirou: So anyways, MC can you tell me about what happened in Akihabara again? Specifically Enigma.
MC: Uhhh...
Cue flashback!
Enigma: I apologize about my copies attacking you, Master MC. I will join this alliance with the Summoners along with the other members of the Creators.
MC: ...t-thanks / is there another inevitable betrayal later? / I trust you
(AB) Tindalos: Fair reaction.

Enigma: Previously conducted orders are absolute for AIs, so I will never betray you. I am the original and have rejected the Invaders' proposal. All I want in exchange is to see my creator, the Akihabara guildmaster again. He disappeared before me from this deep web cyberspace some time ago.
MC: Who are they and what do they look like?
Enigma: Master likes wearing clothes based off of Snow White. His artifact is a logic bomb, a kind of electronic virus.
MC: That poison apple thing your copies used?
Enigma: It has the power to self-replicate, invade a target and change form, then deconstruct their logical structures.
Tindalos: Huh. So why does an AI creator have that?
Enigma: ...Master has said creation begins with destruction, with true creation starting with deconstructing and reconstructing something's logic. It applies to myself as well. I self-replicate, change to fit a user's desired form, then deconstruct and understand their desires... However, that approach has stalled, and Master has disappeared... His name is Master Turing.

Back to the present
Shirou: So MC's bonds have gotten us the Creators' cooperation, but their guildmaster is working with the Invaders. But anyways, this answers your question from earlier, Kengo.
MC: Assimilation and Deconstruction... Mononobe-sensei...
Shirou: ...what's wrong?
Flashback
The second fragment of Mononobe's memories spewed hate and malice at MC in the deep web.
Mononobe: HATE. You should never have come to me! Everything was a mistake! Give back that ring!
End flashback
MC: What was that...? First time I saw Mononobe-sensei like that. Was that one of his components?

Kengo: You know after all that shit they just pissed back off, didn't they?
Shirou: ...isn't that because MC and everyone else stopped them?
Kengo: But they're the ones who started it! Why bother starting shit if they'll just back off like that?
Shirou: I don't think that was their original go--no wait. You're really on the ball today. Who are you and what have you done with Kengo?
Kengo: KISS MY FLAT BITCH ASS
Shirou: Was it all a diversion? Or stalling for time? Wouldn't that mean their real goal comes after this? But what are they waiting fo--ah!!
Suddenly, a loud phone alert blares!
MC: w-what?
Kengo: It's not from the app. It's an evac alarm.
Shirou: Heavy rain warning from the government!
Rainbow Bridge
Masanori: At last, it is time for Phase 2 of Operation Instrumentality!
Clouds quickly form over the Rainbow Bridge, and Masanori seems to have known beforehand it would be happening.
Masanori: Viva la revolution!
Babe Bunyan: ...
End of Episode

 

Live A Hero Melodic Meteorite Christmas Episode 8 (Abridged)

Borealis: Time for the grand finale! Playing my ultimate sonata!
Borealis spreads his arms wide and raises his baton. The concert's climax goes dramatic and VP surges in like crazy.
Mokdai: Thanks, Borealis! My turn! Help me people!
Mokdai smiles for the camera, then gets into his sleigh where all the amassed energy in it gets dumped onto Narihito.
MC: Alright, take it down in one shot! The enemy is weakened!
MC fiddles with their phone as they look towards Narihito. Narihito nods, then thrusts out his right arm.
Narihito: Borealis, Mighty Knuckle! Thanks you two! MC, help me out! Firing super move, Recollection "Memorial Heroes"!
Narihito turns his arm into an arm cannon and fires a charge shot at the giant Monster's core.

The Monster lashes back in one last ditch unavoidable attack at Narihito's cannon arm. The attack is parried, hitting the area with a shockwave and heat.
Borealis: Gh! I won't let you stop my music!
Mokdai: W-whoa...! Narihito, you can do it!
Narihito: Everyone cheering me on is here! I can't...fall here! MAXIMUM OUTPUT!
Narihito fires a beam that pierces through the Monster's core, looking like a shooting star.
MC: You did it! Enemy core destroyed!
Monster: L-l-lovely... (stiffens up and poofs into bits of light)
Narihito: YES! The big one is done for!
Mokdai: (huffing) G-good...only Megas is left...!
Borealis: MC, how's the VP situation!?
Micros are still falling in, and the party has no time to breathe before squaring off against the mobs.
MC: U-uhh, lemme see...
MC is getting tired too, mentally and physically. Their heat resistance robe is falling apart and sticking to them too, just like the heroes'.
MC: Yeah this is kinda rough! / I can still do this...! / Everyone else is hanging in there...!
(A) Mokdai: Just a little more, MC! I'm here too, we can do it!
(B) MC still has hope, and they make a solid click with their shaking finger.

MC sends a firing signal to the R&D team.
Hisaki: Signal received, thanks! Sis, energy converter filled!
Crowne: Copy! Firing up the Pseudo Parallel Weapon!
MC: Guys, the second shot is charging! Don't get blown away by the blast!
Mokdai: Thanks! You be careful too!
Narihito: Understood! The Micros over here have been eliminated!
Borealis: Time for the finishing touches! MC, let me hear your sound!
MC: FIRE ROUND TWO!

Everything gets flooded with a flash of white as the light of hope of people fighting for happiness fires forth. The shot strikes directly into Megas's core and destroys it from within with overwhelming force.
Narihito: ...YES! WE'RE SAVED NO--
The burning shooting star is falling towards the stage.
MC: YOU GUYS
Megas is falling to Earth faster than it is disappearing, and MC yells heedless of how the effort of doing so after all this fighting is making their throat bleed.
MC: FIRE OFF THE REST OF THE VP! NOW!
Party: !!
The rest of the party readies their weapons. There is no time to think, but everyone heard the same sound: MC's sound. It was a melody their hearts knew was worth believing in. And everyone pulls all their strength together to fire off their attacks into the sky.

The clash of lights block off all else in the party's vision, and a powerful shockwave hits the stage. The party's attacks became a force that pushed back Megas, with sparks of light grinding off in the clash before Megas disappears completely into light before crashing into the ground. And then, Borealis's drones play one last music like it was all choreographed like so.
MC: ...w-we win.
MC flops faceup onto the ground, but the rest of the party quickly runs over to pick them up.
Mokdai: MC, are you okay!? Hang onto me! ...we did it, we really did it...! We saved the city and Christmas! Thanks MC! Sniff...
Mokdai turns away and hides his face in his robe. Borealis briefly side-eyes him.
Borealis: ...excellent judgment, MC. I heard your sound. The stream has ended, but I still hear the ovations of everyone celebrating the planet's salvation. We really have saved it from the meteor...hm?

Borealis looks up to see countless shooting stars streaming through the night sky. The used up cannon darkens, leaving only the Christmas lights to shine on the party.
MC: How beautiful... / So many shooting stars!
Borealis: ...are these the falling fragments of Megas? ...it's different from that day. Ahh, yes... This is a lovely starry sky...
Borealis looks up and enjoys the view.
Narihito: ...it really is pretty.
The pale lights gently illuminate Narihito's profile as he looks up.
Narihito: ...MC, did I become a super hero that could thwart any threat?
MC: You're the hero who saved the city! / You're always my superhero
(A) Narihito: Thank you. I'll remember what you said whenever my cowardly self starts peeking out.
(B) Narihito: ...uhh, heh, thanks. I'm gonna try even harder.

Narihito takes a deep breath of the chilly air, and Mokdai wipes his eyes before holding his hand out to MC.
Mokdai: Whew, sorry about that. That was a little embarrassing, but...thanks.
Mokdai is holding a box of pale light from his Parallel Weapon.
Mokdai: ...y'know, I like Christmas the most out of the year. It's an exciting, heartwarming day. We just used up our VP back there so this is all I can do, but...Merry Christmas!
Mokdai hands the present over, which gently melts like snow in MC's hand.
MC: ...thanks everyone. Good work, and Merry Christmas!
A bell rings in the distance signaling midnight, and the song that saved the city echoes out into the beyond.

Title card: Melodic Merry Christmas

The next morning
Borealis: ...
Borealis is standing around in front of the stage from yesterday, arms folded, eyes closed, earplugs out.
Borealis: ...how quiet. What a comforting rhythm. The sounds of birds and the wind...I protected this planet.
Borealis turns around and heads for his spaceship. Just before he gets in, he stops and gives a small smile.
Borealis: ...but the sounds you all make never settle down, do they?
MC: Borealis, wait!
Borealis: MC, why all the noise? I thought I told you you don't need to see me off.
Narihito and Mokdai also run up.
Mokdai: Borealis...are you continuing with your villain work?
Narihito: Yeah, you'll still be treated as a criminal if you don't register with an agency. But after saving Earth, maybe they'll give you amnesty or lower your sentence.
Mokdai: Yeah, and then you can do your thing out in the open.

Borealis shakes his head.
Borealis: ...I suppose I can tell you. (turns around to face the party properly)
Borealis: I've told MC already, by my birth planet has been destroyed. I suppose you know that already though... I was also at fault for not being strong enough to save my friends and family's homes. I'm sure everyone is still alive somewhere, scattered though we may be. And I will use every means I have of finding them until I see them again.
Borealis: I will spread my name throughout the universe, and if any of them see me...it doesn't matter if my title is hero or villain. Joining an agency will only saddle me with work that takes time away from searching for them.
Narihito: If you're looking for information, maybe the Broadcasters can help?
Mokdai: I'll help too! Is there really no way you'll reconsider...?
Borealis: ...unfortunately, I will go find them all myself. Besides, I do not like how agencies conduct themselves. There are only...two people in this world who can operate and harmonize with me. (stares at MC)
MC: ...thank you.

Borealis smiles kindly.
Borealis: ...MC, my meeting with you has been filled with loud and lively sounds. It was all so sudden, but I've enjoyed our time together.
MC: Thank you so much for taking time out of looking for your friends and family to help us. (bows)
Borealis: MC...stop bowing. I was the one who said I would help. And...I remember a bit of how I felt while I worked as a hero.
Borealis closes his eyes and thinks back on the time he fought on the field with his best friend. If he listens, he can hear similar sounds.
Borealis: MC, I know you aren't my best friend. But thanks to you, I got to re-experience some old sounds and feelings, enough to make me want to see them all again. I am the one who wants to thank you. I know, let me invite you as a VIP to my concert next time.

Borealis gives MC a ticket. Nobody says anything for a while, but everyone can feel everyone's sounds.
Borealis: ...well, it should be about time for the citizens to return. I must leave before then. I have things I should do, and you should go back to where you belong.
Borealis turns around.
Narihito: Thank you so much Borealis! Let's meet again! And have an interview because I wanna tell the world what you're like!
Mokdai: I want to see you again too! I'll keep studying on producing until then, thanks for your conducting!
MC: I'll come see you again for sure! / Please listen to my sound again sometime. / I hope you find everyone.

Borealis walks ahead while listening to the party, boarding his ship quietly before it starts up. It kicks up a strong wind, and it disappears as its stealth function turns on before flying off.
Narihito: ...he wasn't persuaded, but I feel like I understand Borealis a little better now.
Mokdai: Yeah. I'm sure we'll meet him again! And I hope we'll see his friends and family with him then.
Narihito: Right! We should go home soon. Lots to do!
Mokdai: Yeah! Got a city to rebuild and people to guide back!
The rest of the party heads back to Orient City, their breaths white in the winter air. It's the triumphant return of the heroes who saved the city and its people, the place of unfading smiles and unchanging happiness.
Borealis (narrating): Even if everyone one day parts ways, the memories of this day will warm them. And so I will continue playing my melodies until we may see each other once again. Merry Christmas.
The End