There was once an age of happiness, and there was once a person who gave Akiha Gongen (and other people of the land who don't matter for this exposition) the power and class of fire prevention. This person was Onamuji no Mikoto, the person who stood at the top of the world's hierarchy and was stronger than anyone else. He was also a parental figure for Akiha Gongen, and the time he spent with him is why Akiha thinks he has such high self-esteem. But everything ends. Reigns pass, and new ages begin. Akiha has no idea what the next ruler after Onamuji is like somehow, but all he knows is that Things End. It's all in the past to him, but that memory is one of the things that make him who he is now.
Once Akiha Gongen came to Tokyo, he learned of Akihabara's history. The land was once burned to the ground, the gongen incarnation was deified there, and the land was named after him. Then the city had its varied history as a city of greengrocers, a city of electronics, a city of nerds and creators, and a city of sightseeing and food among other things. Each age that passes gives way to a new one, and Akiha wanted to learn even more of this city.
Akiha Gongen attends Akihabara Academy as a traditional crafting student since he wanted to be better friends with the otakus who come here. The otaku don't seem to know how to socialize with him though. He doesn't understand their lingo, which meant he couldn't communicate himself very well. Also his power would put out the fires of passion of these creators, and as a mental effect it wouldn't be reverted by app magic. So he thinks of course they'd avoid him. But then...
Flashback
Catoblepas: Akiha Gongen? Why are you still here at school so late? Umm...want to go home together with me?
Catoblepas is in the same grade as Akiha and never looks anyone in the eye. He's talking to Akiha some distance away. Normally he never approaches anyone because he has a Mystic Eye power able to charm anyone who looks at him. Also he was always told by someone to never meet other people's eyes, so he keeps EVERYONE at arm's length.
Catoblepas: U-umm, is something wrong Akiha Gongen?
Akiha couldn't put it into words but he thought that everyone is different, not that there are good otaku and bad otaku. And there are people like himself who could be saved. He loved this city. He always knew these days would one day end, which is why he wants to protect the city. He wants to watch over its history.
Akiha: Baatar-senpai, let's go train already!
Present
Vapula: Okay we're here, Akiha Gongen! Vapery good job on the modeling and security!
Akiha Gongen: Hi Vapula, I've been waiting! You're with MC?
Sand Dragon: Bark!
The beach has turned into a special gallery and now has many pieces up. Akiha looks like one of them when he was standing as a model.
MC: Hi Akiha Gongen! / Mmm, so beefy... / (big hug!)
(A) Akiha: I heard you did a lot of work while I was called to patrol somewhere else! Things came out alright thanks to you all, so I should focus harder as a guard.
(B) Akiha: Thanks, I work out through my fire drill training. Baatar-senpai complimented on me when I showed him, but he was half joking and whistling. I don't think I can trust what he says much, but if you think it's good I guess his judgment isn't all bad.
(C) Akiha: OH MY GOD WHAT!? Oh, I don't hate it or anything. I was just surprised. You aren't worried about touching me even though you're an otaku? ...oh, no...? Hehe, thanks MC. (hugs back)
MC: Oh that reminds me, you said you were waiting for us? Vapula, are you doing something?
Vapula: Good catch! Akiha Gongen and I are doing a co-vapuroduction with this one company.
Catoblepas: (runs up) Wheeeze... s-sorry to keep you waiting. I messed up with the measurements and finally finished altering it. People always told me I was slow...
MC: Hi Catoblepas / Oh, you're dressed as a lifeguard? / HOT
---
(BC) Catoblepas: Oh, thank you. Yes, this costume is cool! Thank you for your compliment on it! ...huh? That wasn't what you were referring to?
---
Vapula: MC, did you see the show they vaput on Nichi Asa this year? The one called Yes! Rescue Spirit Rescue Double. It's a kid hero buddy show where kids transform into lifeguards vaprotect the vapeace of the ocean! Today I had Catoblepas and Akiha dress up in costume as characters from that show while I go vaproduce a diorama with accompanying minor characters.
Catoblepas: Are you interested, MC? Would you like to match costumes with us!?
Akiha: Wow Catoblepas you really change personalities when people talk about cosplaying.
Catoblepas: R-really? ...when I cosplay, I really think I've become someone else... And since I'm someone else, I start thinking it's okay to look people in the eye.
MC: Say, does your Mystic Eye still work even if the app isn't on? Then again Akiha Gongen's power still works too.
Catoblepas: ...huh, I never thought about it before.
Vapula: It'll work if you vabelieve it will...if it's the same as the magic I know about.
Catoblepas: What?
Vapula: I read the Key of Solomon and related vabooks before. It also reminds me of Agrippa's On the Futility of...what was the title?
MC: Solo...what? Reminds me of Solomon. I'm sure it's unrelated.
Vapula: Well it says the vabasis of magic is mutual sympathy, where it's important to for you to vabelieve and for whoever you're with to vabelieve. Something can be impossible, but if you and someone else vabelieve it wholeheartedly, it will surpass reality. It's how Santa could fly in the pass without the app. Vabased on what the vabook said, the app is just supporting the sympathy of that faith. ANYWAYS, theoretically if Catoblepas vabelieves he really becomes someone else when he cosplay, then his Mystic Eye won't do anything regardless of what the app is doing!
Catoblepas: ...really? Well if I can do it, then...
Vapula: Yeah, IF! This normally wouldn't work unless you're a vapulunatic!
MC: Really? Why?
Vapula: For vabetter or worse, your power is your identity. Being fast or smart would be easy examples, right? Stuff like that would be things that how you vaput yourself together up to that point. Cutting it off would be the same as cutting off a vapiece of yourself, your past. Akiha Gongen must have some special memories tied to his power. Could he really throw them away?
Akiha: ...no. Someone important gave it to me.
Vapula: Yeah that's what makes Catoblepas out there, even if cosplay is a temp thing. No vaperson in this world could do that intentionally!
MC: Not everyone could do it? No matter what?
Vapula: Well I do know one way if it's just for one vaperson. In the Valley of Hinnom in Gehenna there's--!!
There was once an Angel of Fire who stood at the top of the heavenly Eden. He was the original dragon serpent who discarded his twelve supreme wings and fell to the deepest part of Gehenna. He burned brighter than anything and fell like a shooting star. He was--
Vapula: ...huh? (looks back and forth between MC and the sand dragon)
Sand Dragon: Chirp?
Vapula: N-nah, it's vaprobably my imagination! You just happen to look alike, totally!
Catoblepas: Um, shouldn't we start posing together soon?
Vapula: O-oh! Right! We should get started then. You vaprepared to go?
Later
Akiha Gongen: Okay, time to pose again?
Akiha starts doing various poses. Vapula takes phone pictures. It starts off looking like gravure shots, but Vapula's directing changes things.
Vapula: Raise your right arm! Vapull your left knee up to your chest...okay! Stop so I can see your legs!
Akiha: Standing like this is hard... do I really need to do this?
Vapula: Last check! Good! Just photoshopped you into the background vapiece I had done earlier!
Akiha: This is so different than modeling for art class.
Vapula: Art class focuses on showing perspective via vaplanar composition. It's a bit different with dioramas.
Akiha: ...so can I pose like this?
Catoblepas: Wow, nice cosplay and smile Akiha Gongen! Vapula's doing great as a specialist...
MC: He seems to be having fun / Cosplaying must be nice... / Maybe I should work out too...
(A) Akiha: Aww, I'm happy to help you otakus out! I'm a traditional crafting student focused on bladesmithing, so I don't work together with anyone else much. So I have to do my best when these opportunities come up.
(B) Akiha: I'll do it with you, MC! Tell me which one you like next time and we can cosplay in your room!
(C) Akiha: Working out is good! It can help in a pinch and maybe help other people. Some otakus move so little they get chronic fatigue. How about I teach you some easy to do stretches?
Vapula: Vaput your arms higher! No, the other way!
Akiha Gongen: ...that reminds me. You don't seem worried about getting close to me, Vapula.
Vapula: Oh, right...
Akiha: You never thought about it!? ...but why? Feels like it's for a different reason than Catoblepas but I can't put it into words.
Vapula: Well...? (stops like he has to think about it)
MC: Vapula?
Vapula: ...maybe it's because I think of it the same way with my golems. They'll vapu-nish as soon as I'm done with them anyway, and stuff.
Still thinking it over.
Vapula: I have passion for doing it, but...I think I never cared because it'll be gone when it's gone.
Akiha: ...Vapula?
Vapula: ...was I wrong? Maybe those are my limits...
Akiha Gongen: Vapula? Sorry, I know you're in the middle of thinking about stuff, but I'm real glad there's other people who aren't bothered to be around me.
Vapula: ...
Akiha: We should take a break. MC and I will go get drinks.
Sand Dragon: Bark bark!
Akiha: Oh the sand dragon is posing! I think he wants to switch places with me?
MC: Yeah he seems to want to help. He can stay to assist, the visitors seem to like him.
Catoblepas: Oh, I'll come too then.
Akiha: Okay, be back soon! It's all on you now, dragon!
Sand Dragon: (excited cheep)
Later
Akiha Gongen: You know, you're really ripped and look good in anything for a guy who sucks with exercising.
Catoblepas: Y-yes, I am... I failed to jump over the vaulting box at all the other day in gym class. But, thank...you. I'm glad since my body is important for cosplaying.
MC: You two sure get along for people who don't seem to have much in common. I bet Akiha Gongen talked first?
Catoblepas: Huh? ...oh, yes. It was a little after I enrolled in school. I wasn't used to him at first, but we got through it later. I'd like to be more like him that way. I always overthink and have a hard time reaching out.
Akiha: ...so what do you guys want to drink? I'll pay this time, so you guys can do it next time!
Catoblepas: I-it's okay, I brought change and--
Akiha: Nah, I'm saying I want to come together again later...hmm, I really have a hard time saying how I feel.
PA System: Attention please! The special Akihabara exhibition will begin shortly. Performing students, please go to your designated areas. Repeat...
Catoblepas: I'll head back first and hand out the juice. Um, MC? If you'd like, later on--
MC: I'll come see. I'll take pictures!
Akiha Gongen: I'll do my best too. I hope it'll come out good.
Catoblepas: Y-yes, let's do our best!
Catoblepas runs off. Akiha sighs.
Akiha: ...even something casual would be fine to the people being reached out to.
MC: wait what? Is something wrong?
Akiha: Nah, it's no big deal. It's just...he tried reaching out to me once and--
Suddenly bell ringing!
Akiha: Oh no, something happened!
MC: Let's check it out! (grabs Akiha's hand and runs)
Akiha is surprised at first, but he smiles a second after and runs with MC...
End of Episode half
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