Live A Hero Chocolate Festa Memories Episode 5 (Abridged)

Suhail: ...why am I here? Whatever, time to pick our next target.
Anna: Huh? Su-Su are you, like, leaving?
Suhail stomps back towards his ship.
Purple: B-Boss? You're acting weird...
Red: Why are we letting this Schrodinger's Character go after coming so far to catch them!?
Suhail doesn't seem to care about his minions being confused.
Phein: ...MC! Are you okay?
Procy: What is UP with him?
Anna: So this is, like, really good for us, but... isn't he acting super mega ultra weird?
MC: A small bird Monster just attacked Suhail!
Procy: Hmm. That checks out. Close enough anyways.
Phein: What? A Monster did that to that space pirate?
Procy: Yeah. I've never heard of something like this happening since Suhail didn't get vored but--hey Phein, stop!

Phein runs over to block Suhail.
Suhail: ...what?
Phein: I'm Phein, mercenary and hero. You're Suhail and you like fun things? Let me tell you something funny then. A Monster just stole your memories.
Procy: Stop trying to pick a fight with a space pirate captain!
Phein: I'm not. Suhail does have combat ability, but he hasn't even realized a Monster hurt him. If he couldn't resist it, that makes him a weak person even if he is a space pirate. And I protect the weak.
Procy: And you think calling him weak isn't picking a fight!?
Suhail: Me? Weak? And a Monster actually got one over on me? Ha. You got guts, tiny. (crosses arms) Prove it. (stares)

Phein: ...Exhibit A: you came and tried to kidnap MC, but now you've given up on that and are trying to leave. Exhibit B: your crew is about to burst into tears. Did you forget them too?
Suhail: What...? I have...a crew...?
Suhail looks around. His crew looks at him anxiously.
Suhail: You guys...urk! No wait, I'd never...forget them. And...MC...? I think I remember...ow! Head! Throbbing!
Phein: ...okay, so his memories clearly have been eaten. We need to destroy the Monster that took them before they're gone forever...
MC: You want to help a space pirate? / Yeah, he's still a victim / I wanna help Suhail too.
Phein nods.
Anna: OMG EmmySees is that it!?
Anna points at some strange bird in the sky. That's the one.
MC: Yeah! We gotta take it down quick!
Anna: ...it's flying towards the club buildings and grounds! Let's go!

Suhail: OH SHIT THAT MONSTER TOOK MY MEMORIES! Hah, this is getting good! We just gotta smash it, right? You guys!
Suhail's crew stands straight up.
Suhail: You guys are...my crew, right? That bird's looking for an ass kicking and took my memories. It stole from a space pirate, which means I gotta go after it alone. You know what that means if you're really my boys, right?
Pirates: You think this is the funnest thing ever!
Suhail: Right! I'mma get my memories of you boys back too!
Suhail raises his arm. The pirates cheer.
Anna: Su-Su, like, lost his memories of his crew, right...? And yet he can still keep up the same vibe he talks to them with like before? OMG that is, like, TRUE LOVE~!
Procy: Girl, they just threw down with us.
Suhail: Boys, that bird is all mine! (runs off)
Anna: Hey wait, Su-Su! Guys, let's go!
Procy: Yeah, we still shouldn't leave a villain like him alone .
Phein: Right, neither him nor the Monster. MC, we should go now. Be watchful for Monsters.
MC: I will. Anna, lead the way!
And so the party chases after Suhail.

School grounds
Suhail: Where tf did that thing go
Nobody else is around due to evacuating. Also the overhead display is playing a student made fest ad.
Suhail: I gotta find it before someone else takes it out from under me. It's small enough to just squish, right? ...huh?
Suhail takes notice of one of the displays. Specifically, one advertising for the school ouendan.
Suhail: What? Have I seen something like that before? (thinks)
Suhail: I'll just have to remember later if it was taken from me. Maybe it'll help fight that bird thing.
Suhail closes his eyes, crosses his arms behind his back, and sticks his chest out like a classic ouendan cheerleader. The words cheering, left arm, and friend go through his head as he sorts through his thoughts...

Flashback!
Suhail (narrating): How long ago was it? It was before I awakened as a hero. Villian. Whatever. Anyways, I had no money but I swore to be the best space pirate ever with my own two arms. I still remember the day I landed on the Iron Castle planet, the planet of the machine life forms.
Suhail: So this is Tronesion? They really DID fight a war for forever, huh. Rumors said barely any organic life is around, but I wonder...?
Suhail heads for a ruined city and starts looking at a giant wall.
Suhail: Aha, Tronesion's core must be on the other side!
???: Beep boop, an organic? Natural speech tuning activate!
A big man approaches. He's got cables in his back and arm.

Suhail: ...you're not human. So, you're a robot life form?
???: Yep. I'm Tronesion's control unit and I'm surveilling this place. Organics are forbidden from going inside here for now, sorry. Also, wow you managed to get all the way here! Since you didn't get landing permission...are you lost?
Suhail: What sort of loser gets to the ass end of nowhere by being lost? I got here on my own two feet! Mind moving? There's gotta be something cool in there I gotta see after getting here! (starts moving forward)
???: Did the meaning of the word "no" change?
Suhail: Telling me not to go in makes me want to!
???: Oh, so you do understand. Anyways, wouldn't it be easier to try sneaking in through some (nonexistent) crack in the wall instead of the front door?
Suhail: Pass. Oh yeah, you said you watch this place, right? (bumps fists together)
Suhail: Everything comes up square if I beat your ass, right?
???: ...so illogical. Come on, you can still turn back--
Suhail punches the robot. The robot grazes the punch!
Suhail: What? Damn, you're cool!
???: Sigh, more inefficient work. Are you here to steal planetary resources? That's so boring.
Suhail: !!
Suhail: tf you say? Well damn, this just gets better and better!
???: Removing intruder, beep boop.
Suhail throws hands! The robot blocks for chip damage. This repeats for several days.

Some time later
Suhail: Not bad, dick!
Suhail is sweating and the robot looks beat. But they're still up for continuing. The robot finally feels like speaking again.
???: You're so persistent. Would you just go home already? I can stand in your way, but I wasn't programmed to actually attack. I also have data from the war.
Suhail: Cool. What do I care?
???: This planet's resources would be wasted by you. What would you do with information resources anyway?
Suhail: I don't even want that! I just came here because it seemed awesome! Shouldn't the universe's best space pirate be able to get into the legendary Iron Castle planet Tronesion? Go big or die!
Dramatic morning sunlight! Suhail's eyes look bright still after the past few days.

???: ...your dream is to be the universe's best space pirate? That's awesome.
The robot scans Suhail. Nothing unusual about him physically, but his behavior is different from everyone else he's met so far. Maybe...
???: ...I also have an Order. You could call it my dream. I'm interested in the illogical and unquantifiable thoughts of organics, like your pointless struggling.
The robot disconnects comms with the core system, then holds his hand out to Suhail.
???: Let's make a deal. How about I come with you until I get the data I want? My programming won't let me let you in, but we can go in together.

Suhail: ...wait, so your job ISN'T protecting the wall? (looks at said wall)
???: Other robots can defend the wall, but only I can make my dream come true. I want to know the irrational and illogical like you. And since you call yourself a pirate...wouldn't getting in be awesome in itself?
Suhail: wtf are you on about like seriously
???: I'm saying, let's put together a space pirate crew. If we do that, won't that be the best time for you to get everything on Tronesion?
Suhail stares at the robot's hand.
Suhail: ...HA! You're trying to recruit ME? That's the best thing I've ever heard! You're right that a pirate oughta take everything, so I'm rejecting your offer! I'mma take YOU and we're gonna start a space pirate crew! THEN we'll take the whole damn planet!
Suhail takes the robot's hand and so the Bautista Pirates became a thing. Captain Suhail called the one robot he saw as his friend Vice Captain Tronesion, and so begins their relationship~.

Present
Suhail: Splitting...headache! But...something's missing! My arm...and cheers...connected! Get bent Monster, I'm gonna remember it anyway...!
Suhail concentrates harder!
Tronesion: [Fun, interesting, awesome]...words Suhail uses to describe meeting the new and unknown. Then XHOA those words OUBVs and GVO:I I alone am not enough so IIGBA new StimULus afnbb efficienctly U&*Pb--
Someone is calling. He hears the calling...
Tronesion: Suhail, you need friends and comrades to be the best space pirate. You need more arms, legs, eyes. You can't be satisfied with just this.
Flashes of the wolf crew and MC!

Suhail: Friends...? Those guys are... Almost...there...!
A voice!
MC: Suhail, look out! A Monster is nearby!
MC is here and runs up, putting a hand on Suhail's back!
FLASH
MC: wait WHAT
Visions of a place MC hasn't seen enters their mind. A ruined landscape, a giant wall, a large person.
MC: Is that what Suhail looked like when he was younger!? / A big...robot? / Are these Suhail's memories?
Suhail's eyes pop open as he turns and grabs MC with his mech arm!
Suhail: What the hell did you just do!?
Suhail remembers this feeling of having his memories touched before.
Suhail: Did you just look at my memories!?
Suhail starts smirking as his eyes light up.
Suhail: You trying to take my memories? You got guts, kid! I like you! ...no wait actually. Same ol' MC!

Title Card: The Nearly Forgotten Important Things

MC: You remember!?
Suhail: Well I can't believe all of it, but I do remember the wolfmen and you, MC! You know, the awesome, fun stuff! (thumps chest with his other hand)
Suhail: I HAVE to remember my comrades at least! Time to crush that bird thing, get my memories back, THEN deal with your memory peeking shenanigans!
MC: Hey, I didn't MEAN for that to happen!
Suhail: Oh wow you really DID do it? HA! Well now that you know, you have to come. Your Observation could come in handy!
MC: I've been set up!
Suhail: I go head on, but that was something I copied from my friend! He was a robot, and this arm came from him! I dunno how much you saw but--oh the heroes are here.
Suhail sees the heroes watching out and looking for the Monster.
Phein: MC, Anna! Be careful of the Monster!
Bird Monster: (chirps sinisterly)

Suhail: Huh, can't let them show me up, but I oughta see what they can do!
Anna: I got this! ...hey, isn't the angry bird, like, bigger than before!?
Phein: Maybe it got bigger as it ate more?
Anna: That's a thing!?
Procy: If it is, then we gotta squish it fast! Say hello to my fists!
Procy jumps up to punch out the bird. His Parallel Weapon glows green, and then he pops up in front of the bird!
Bird Monster: (chirps in shock)
Procy: Knuckle sandwich on the house! Ora ora ora!
All that and the bird Monster is staggered!
Procy: Phein, go! (doublehand spikes the bird down)
Phein: No mercy to any that threaten the weak! Eat Merc Shieldbash!
Bird Monster: Lovelyyyy! (core cracked)
Anna: OMG you two are vibing so good!
Procy: Yeah, nice Phein! You knew exactly what I was doing even though we haven't seen each other in forever!
Phein: ...you always stick me with cleaning up after you. You don't really change, even with a new Parallel Weapon.
Procy: Aww, you could just enjoy things like old times! Even if we did punch people out enough that it got old.
Procy starts to regroup with Anna and Phein.
MC: ...wait, there's still Monsters around!

More evil birds!
Phein: What!?
Anna: No way! There's, like, uh...a ton of them! Also, doesn't it seem like their cores are different from other Monsters? They don't glow like normal...hey look at that one!
One bird is flying higher up.
Anna: That light--hey wait, get back here! Isn't it moving kinda weird?
The Monster splits into two!
Procy: WHAT
Phein: Was the core off because it was split off? The main one--oh no, I lost track!
Anna: Wait, we gotta defeat the main one to stop them all?
The party readies to fight. The Monsters seem to sense this and back off.
Suhail: Huh. You could tell there was more than one, MC? (pulls MC closer to whisper into their ear)
MC: I still sensed the EVILLLL after that first one died. Did you notice them too...?

Suhail: Yep! Gotta have eyes on the prize, so I let the heroes have that one. Now, time to find that main bird!
That first bird is dead now, so the memories it took go back. Suhail reacts to this.
Suhail: Ow! What...? MC... Huh? MC and my boys... Oh, right! HA, good job heroes!
MC: Oh my god you finally remember now? / OMG CAPTAIN
---
(C) Suhail: Haha, what, you love me that much? I'll treat ya real good later!
---
Suhail: I'm good now that that stupid bird dropped my memories! But also what the hell is going on anymore? Whatever, no thoughts head empty! MC, I'm taking you away later! First, I gotta grind those birds down with my boots until I'm happy!

Procy: Wait, Suhail just got his memories back!?
Phein: Oh, that means he's not weak anymore. And now that he's so close to MC, that's bad.
Anna: OMG Su-Su that's great! But first, take out the Monsters!
Suhail: Ha. Okay fine I kinda owe you guys. But! These guys dissed me, and... *(holds MC up with his mech arm)* I kinda owe MC too! Race ya to see who kills the things first! Let's go MC!
MC: W-wait! / Stay where I can see everyone! / So forceful, but so good...
Suhail starts chasing the birds.
Anna: Hey wait is Su-Su, like, on our side now?
Procy: He's still trying to take MC, but he's also fighting against the Monsters, so he'll be okay until we get the main core.
Phein: ...we have to stop the Monsters either way. Let's go. Anna, you--
Anna: Yeah yeah, I know! Safety first, the chocolate fest second! You can't leave me behind, Phinny!
Phein: W-wait, stop! Take a bit more care for your life and--
Procy: Do I HAVE to keep on eye on them while looking for the main bird...?
The rest of the party chases after Suhail and MC. Suhail heads for the roof.

Suhail: MC, it's up here right!?
MC: Yeah
Suhail: Well you're a good Observer, huh? I heard about Mt. Fuji. It's why I came to get you myself. (looks around)
MC: ...and that's why you kidnapped me? Why do you need me anyways?
Suhail: You curious? Didn't you just look at my memories? Wasn't it in there?
MC shakes their head.
Suhail: Oh, so you can't see everything. Well whatever. You DID see my friend at least. I promised him, though I had my own dream to begin with.
MC: what
Suhail: My only friend, Vice Captain Tronesion. He took my left arm, and I took his.
MC: Soooo you two switched arms?
Suhail: Ha, you wanna know? Well it's not like privacy meant anything to you.
He laughs, but he's serious. MC doesn't flinch away.
Suhail: Wow, you ARE serious. Guess I can tell you since you're brave enough to ask instead of peek like a rude dope. The story's not that interesting though. He's dead right now. He's so cool you'd never guess he was a robot. But we sorta messed up way back and I lost my arm in a collapse.

Flashback!
Tronesion: Suhail, are you still functioning? Oh, you are. Good. This will be the last time I tune my speech program. How do I sound? I finally get what you mean about how staking your life in a fight is the best fun ever. Remember what I've said about how your idea of fun is what gave my life meaning. Never forget...to be the best space pirate in the universe, you'll need friends and comrades. More hands, more feet, more eyes. You alone won't make it happen...oh, your arm's unusable now.
Tronesion: ANYWAYS, you'll be found by the enemies in like three minutes if you stay there. We're friends and pirates, so I'll help you and take your arm.
Present
Suhail: And then that logical efficient jackass pulled a Gandalf until he stopped moving! So I took his name, arm, and dream!
MC: what

Suhail: His left arm and Captain Tronesion name are pretty sweet, huh? (wiggles fingers)
Suhail: When the whole universe knows my name as the best space pirate, I'll take all of Tronesion with this arm. Maybe they have space tech to bring back my friend from this arm. I bet he'll call it inefficient and whatever, but I only got one thing to say to that!
Suhail: I always said I wanna be the richest, most famous space pirate, but he always said I needed FrIeNdS and CoMrAdEs! Really, he said I needed to get my voice out there to everywhere, and people who hear me and agree will come along. Ya need people to get around space, and you gotta pay back any help twice over. Yeah it's logical and efficient and all that crap, but damn if it got me the cutest crew I could ask for!
Suhail nods to himself at the message. His friend's words and his crew are irreplaceable pieces to making his dream come true.

Suhail: ...oh right, we got Monsters around here while I was babbling about crap. (scratches head)
Suhail: Meh, it's okay if it's for you! I'm gonna be the best space pirate ever, and what kinda boring ass space pirate would I be without the universe's best Observer? That's you! Ya gotta have the nerve to walk up to me and get taken away, got it? If you do, I'll never be bored!
Digivice noises!
MC: What!?
Suhail: Welp, I better get to fighting before the heroes pull one from under me! You know what it means for me to call you the universe's best Observer, right...?
Translation: transform me, jackass.
MC: I-I know! / "Transform me, please"? / I've been waiting for this!
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Suhail. Connectivity: Very High
MC: Okay, let's go Suhail! Execute!

FLASH
Ta-da! Ouendan Suhail!
Suhail: WHAT!? ...heh, HAHAHA! So I haven't gone crazy! You really are the best Observer in the universe, MC!
Suhail checks his new suit out and pulls on the chain of his Parallel Weapon.
Suhail: A megaphone? ...oh! To get my voice out everywhere! Damn, I still can't believe this, but you really did find a new form for me! AWESOME! It's just like something Tronesion would do!
MC: U-uh, that wasn't intentional / Best Observer right here! / It's because I learned about you
Suhail: Sweet, this power you found should smash those Monsters in like two minutes!

The party runs over!
Phein: We finally found you! We were so far apart our suits cancelled out...why is Suhail's suit different?
MC: I-I can explain! / Uhh...
Procy: Why would you do that for your would-be kidnapper!? Think some mor--
Anna: OMG Su-Su's suit is so different! It looks so gucci, let's take a selfie with it later!
Suhail: HA! You fallen for me? I'm feeling good now, time to stomp ALL of the Monsters! Then we won't have to bother looking for that one specific one! (turns towards the Monsters)
MC: R-ready to fight, guys!? / Please help, everyone! / OMG Captain Suhail!
Procy: How did we get to this point!?
Phein: Procy, Monsters first.
Anna: I can fight too!
Suhail: Haha! Let's get this party started!
BATTLE START

Chapter 14 Episode 10: Grand Guild Alliance 1 (Abridged)

Witch Barrier Yurakucho
MC: Get back, zombies! Quantum, get behind me! (goes for sword)
Quantum: ...um, what are you doing MC?
MC: What? Getting my-- / Okay I know violence is wrong but--
Quantum: ...that won't work. I said so already. Everyone who comes here lost their role, and that means they can't use their powers.
MC: U-uh, my sword's gone...and MY ARM TOO!?
Yep. Gone.
MC: W-when? Back then!?

Yurakucho
Christine: Ooh, welcome honored patron, the All-Knowing All Exception King Solomon.
Christine is vibrating.
Christine: Please enjoy our last humble show for you. I will be your guide...
King Solomon: (stares in blank)
Big thumping footstep. There's a sword by King Solomon's feet. Also an arm with a summoner mark on it.
Christine: Oh excuse me, let me pick that up.
Christine does so and touches the ring on it.
Solomon: Father!? Is that you!?
King Solomon-Mononobe: ...yeah, sorry I left you alone so long.
Solomon: GASP! That voice!

Mononobe: My side over here remembers everything of my time when I was over there with you.
Solomon: wait what
Mononobe: It's okay. Take my hand.
Solomon: Ahhh...
Solomon wavers.
Barguest: STOP
Christine: ...what is the meaning of this? You shouldn't yell in front of a guest like that.
Barguest: Shove it up your ass! Where'd MC go? What just happened!?
Christine: ...
Christine: MC has fallen from this world because they lost their role and existence for being.
Barguest: what
Christine: Those with no roles are unneeded on stage. It's the same for returning what you borrowed or held on to, or for stand-ins.

Bizarro Yurakucho
MC: Solomon, come here! ...Solomon!? (It's not working!)
The Not Zombies approach!
Quantum: ...this way.
MC: What? W-wait! (runs after)
Yurakucho
Barguest: Chains of the Unfortunate!
Barguest steals MC's arm from Christine with his chains!
Christine: What are you doing?
Barguest: You called MC an unneeded stand-in? MC helped me and Kenta way back when nobody else did.
Barguest: I lived from paycheck to paycheck, working for other guilds, living a sad life with Kenta in a dump. And then...we met them. Bad luck follows me, but it's also what brought us together in a bond of fate. I owe them for helping me and Kenta. And this is proof they existed! (runs)
Christine: !?
Christine: After him.
Live Streamers give chase!

Alleyway
Barguest: Getting...old...sucks!
Barguest is outnumbered and in enemy territory, so it's not going to take long for him to get caught.
Barguest: Hobos have their way of doing this! Hex Chains!
The power of bad luck causes a bunch of walls to collapse and fall on everyone including Barguest!
Barguest: (climbs out) ...good thing I'm so tough.
Barguest pulls out his phone.
Barguest: Wanderers, help!

Other Yurakucho
Quantum: We lost them. You okay?
MC: T-thanks...but why'd you help me?
Quantum: ...somebody helped me too once, back when I knew nothing about what was going on.
Hmm, Guild Dispatch intro flashback... It feels just like yesterday for Quantum.
Quantum: I've said it before, but you look a lot like them.
MC: ...oh. Well thanks then.
Quantum: ...you know, you can still live even if you don't have power. Just like me. I woke up on this side of the catbox, weak and undetermined in the maybe alive sense. It still had its perks, what with me meeting new people here. So...I don't know how to say this, but you too should...
MC: what? / Are you trying to cheer me up? / ...

Quantum: Well, I thought it'd be a shock to lose what you had...especially if you lost what you had to begin with.
MC: ...it wasn't always mine from the start. I remember something like this happening before.
Quantum: ...huh?
MC: (remembers Chapter 13)
Remember when Mu and Leviathan fused? And how Wakan Tanka and Tangaroa Inf. both cut themselves off from their original selves and were put inside the Exceptions? What if this divided state is related to solving the Exception?
Quantum: (stares in Schrodinger)
What if one of the goals was for the Exception starters to take off a part of themselves? What if a similar reason is why the new Exceptions appeared?
Shinagawa
Isaac: Okay Karen Curren, looks like things are going to your plan so far. You probably shouldn't underestimate MC though. They've been gathering unique memories this run, so they might trip you up~.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Festa Memories Episode 4 (Abridged)

MC: Nice, Procy! Go, Phein!
Procy: Eat fist!
Phein: Protect the weak!
Phein and Procy hit the Monsters at the same time!
Monsters: Lovelyyyy! (poof)
MC: Anna, careful! One attacking left!
Anna: Watch and be amazed!
Anna dance-dodges and gets ready to counter.
Phein: Anna, I told you to stay back!
Phein jumps in and knocks the Monster away.
Anna: Wow Phinny, you got so close in, like, a second!
MC watches that last Monster die and puff into light.
MC: Okay, we're done. Good work, team!

Anna: EmmySees, your Op rocked! We, like, got them all, right?
Procy: Seems so. And Phein, don't you think Anna had that last one covered?
Phein: She's still a student and child. And my boss. I can't let her be in danger.
Procy: Well if it's all okay, I guess...? Just don't be reckless.
Phein: ...hmph. You have no business directing me in my job.
Anna: Come on guys, it's all gucci! Thanks Phinny! But like, you saw me kick Monster tushie, right?
Anna smiles. Phein sighs.
Phein: ...I suppose. Don't fight again. I was hired to do that.
MC: Okay, time to close the suits!

Click
Anna: But wow Monsters really, like, pop out of literally nowhere.
Procy: Yeah, most people don't see them show up the second they appear, just after when they already started causing problems.
Anna: I'm so glad you're all here! So, like, the fest can go on and we all good for now? *(smiles)*
Procy: Damn girl, you got guts after what just happened.
MC: So strong! / You are like such a gyaru! / High energy!
---
(AC) Anna: I'm tryna be, like, the best gyaru I can be! How am I doing?
(B) Anna: FR!? Like ohmigawd I'm doing it!
---
Anna's happy with what MC said.
Anna: My dad's, like, super strict. "Do this, Anna" and "Don't do that, Anna" and everything. But then I found out about gyarus in history class and thought they were, like, SO COOL!
Phein: ...is this another Earth thing?
Anna: Yup! It's about people who live their lives and do their fashion their own way! And by their own way, I mean a style that's broad but still got a specific image to it!
MC: Space gyaru! / It goes great with you, Anna!
(B) Anna: Aww, thanks!

Anna: Like, we got more aliens in this day and age, so doesn't it feel like fashions are getting more open to new things? I don't get complicated stuff, but like, isn't expressing yourself so timeless? Took me, like, a week to pick up stuff from other cultures and be my own kinda gyaru! I've been thinking people should do what they want while they're, like, young and stuff ever since I left home.
Procy: Oh, is that why you care so much about your styling?
Anna: Yep! Full throttle on everything! (claps hands) Oh right, let's tell everyone they can come back to the fest!
Procy: Right, I need to advertise the chocolate machine more.
MC: Okay. Where's everyone taking refuge?
Phein: I told nearby civilians to hide in safe classrooms. We should see if any of them are hurt. Anna, can you lead the way?
Anna: Sure! This way!

Inside
Anna: I bet the teachers put everyone in one of the bigger classrooms...hm?
Hey look, there's two students arguing up ahead.
Girl A: W-why are you standing so close...?
Girl B: Umm, did I hurt your feelings or something?
Girl A: STRANGER DANGER
Girl B: W-wait, what!?
Procy: What, a fight? ...doesn't seem like it though.
Phein: Anna, do you know them?
Anna: Y-yeah... I'mma go talk to her.

Anna runs over.
Anna: H-hey, guys. You gucci? The Monsters are gone now, it's all okay.
Girl A: ANNA! Thank god, can we talk? Over there?
Anna: U-uhh...what's going on? You fighting?
Girl B: Well, not really...but I don't get why she's mad.
MC: What's going on?
Anna: I-I dunno. I thought they were super besties... I'll try talking to her first, gimme a sec.
Anna leads Girl A off.
Anna: So, like...can you talk to me?
Girl A: ...yeah, sorry about that Anna. It's just that she knew so much about me but I have no idea who she is. I'd rather not say this of a schoolmate but...is she a stalker?
Anna: !?
MC: Sounds familiar... / Wait, really? / Doesn't seem that way

Anna: ...well, thanks for chatting! Things will be gucci, don't you worry! Call me if something happens! Go have fun at the fest! We have heroes around to help!
Anna waves to Phein and Procy, who nod in response like they've got what's happening. Girl A finally relaxes a little.
Girl A: ...you're right. Maybe I'm overthinking it. Okay bye Anna, I'll go get some chocolate.
Procy: Come visit the demo corner! ...hey wait, you were there earlier.
Anna: ...EmmySees, can we talk?
MC: It's about them, isn't it?
Anna: ...yeah. She, like, called her a total stranger basically, right? But that can't be. They're besties...
Anna shakes her head. Girl A wanders off and Anna watches her go.
Anna: Like, fighting isn't that weird. But...she'd never say she doesn't know her, even for, like, a joke. What happened...?
Phein: ...Anna, you said you started this festival to make memories when you hired me. But is the real reason something else?
Anna: Well...it's not, like, a big deal or anything.
Anna looks at everyone in the party.
Anna: ...but maybe I can talk about it, and stuff.
MC: Personal stuff and not wanting to regret things, right? Why does the fest matter so much to you?
Anna: Honestly, for my own sake.

Anna: I had to skip class, like, a lot for hero work and that meant I needed enough credits to graduate. I talked with the teachers and, like, they said if I hold the festival and write a report on it, I can put that in as make-up work.
Procy: (cocks head) Doesn't the hero license give you an exemption to some of the school stuff?
Anna: Well yeah, but...I did a lot more than what that covered. Like, whenever people need help, I wanna give it. And I get paid! And that's, like, really important when I need to live off my wages.
Phein: ...what? Do you actually get enough to eat?
Anna: Oh yeah, of course! Thanks Phinny...but I had a huuuge fight with my dad and ran away from home. I don't wanna ask for an allowance, since I chose to be a hero and a dancer. If I ask for money, it feels like that meant, like, I couldn't hack it on my own. I picked this school so I gotta do well, but... (smiles wryly and hangs head) I misunderstood the license and school exemption thing...so that's why I'm doing the fest! So everyone can, like, have fun!
MC: Oh...sorry for asking about some awkward stuff.

Anna: Nah, it's cool! It's just what I'm getting for what I do. But...if I don't graduate, I decided to quite dancing and go back home. If I can't do what I chose to do on my own, then I'd never be able to convince my dad.
Anna psyches herself up.
Procy: Nice. Trying to be independent's something to admire. But why are we talking about this? This have anything to do with that girl earlier?
Procy holds up a box for chocolates given out at the demo corner.
Procy: I found this near where those two girls were fighting. Think it's relevant?
Anna: Isn't that the box for that one chocolate machine...? Oh right, there was one other reason. That girl earlier? She, like, actually came to talk to me about her love problems.

Anna starts speaking quieter.
Anna: Some other girl asked me for the same advice, so I, like, told her to give chocolates to express herself. She knocked it out of the park, so I told Girl A to do the same thing.
Anna looks at where Girl A and B were fighting earlier.
Anna: ...she can't cook, but like, she could use the mind reading chocolate machine to do it for her, right? Seemed perfect to make something to express herself, so that's how the fest theme happened!
Phein: Chocolate doesn't really send your feelings based on its shape, does it?
Anna: Nah, but it makes it easier to express yourself,
Procy: Yeah, it's still up to them about what to do with it all.
Anna: Yeah! Like, wouldn't it be the coolest if I could've helped her out, get my credits, AND make a fest fun for everyone?
MC: It could cheer her on / Ahh, bittersweet love / Don't fall behind in class, okay...?
(C) Anna: Oof! I-I know...!

Anna: I wanted to make a fest for, like, everyone and not just me and her! But now she's all WEIRD... did she bomb out?
Procy thinks.
MC: Something up, Procy?
Procy: I was wondering...did she really confess her feelings? I saw her at the demo corner earlier, but talked like she didn't remember making anything. So what's up with the box from there? (looks at box)
Procy: Also, this thing is empty. She couldn't have eaten it herself and given the box like that, right?
Phein: ...weren't there a lot of people today? Maybe you misremembered.
Procy: What kind of business owner forgets what their customers look like, jackass? I'm sure it was her.
MC: ...wait.

Procy: ...yeah, we just had a Monster show up, so maybe that's related somehow. Don't know for sure yet, but it's possible.
Anna: Wait, then...did a Monster, like, eat her memories? And her feelings...?
Procy: Maybe. There could be some other Monster that did it and we just haven't found it and--
Anna: Then it needs to die, like, yesterday.
Anna sounds mad.
Anna: Feelings should be free to be! No Monster gets to take them! EmmySees, let's go look for it! Phinny, Pro-Pro, please help! (grabs Phein's and Procy's hands)
Procy: W-whoa damn, calm down girl! This is still just hypothetical.
Phein: ...but that girl is a weak civilian. I will fight anyone who attacks the weak, so I am with you, boss.
Anna: Oh, Phinny! Thank you!
Procy: Ugh, will you guys listen? We need to investigate first... (fiddles with phone)
Procy: Hmm. No Monster alerts around here. MC, you feel anything?
MC: Observer sensing, right? I'll give it a go.
Observer Vision activate!
MC: ...I sense a Monster. It's far, but I do sense it, barely...
The presence of EVIL.
Anna: OMG for reals!? We gotta find it! Also, wow I could never, like, sense Monsters. You go, EmmySees!
Phein: ...you can do that, MC? That does help prevent casualties. Where is it?
MC: ...uhh, it's getting weaker...

Suddenly!
???: HAHAHA! MC, CAN YOU HEAR ME!? I know you're there, I came to see ya! Come on out if you don't want the Bautista Pirates to take the school!
The party is shocked!
MC: Oh no! Not now!
Anna: WHOMST
Procy: They're actually calling you by name, MC!? What did you do!?
MC: N-nothing! / What DIDN'T I do...?
---
(B) Procy: You know they're pirates, right? Seriously, what?
---
Phein: Space pirates? Oh no, the civilians!
Anna: Oh no! I, like, better go check these villians out! (runs off)
Phein: W-wait, Anna! MC, go hide somewhere safe!
MC: But Anna's already gone! / W-wait, Phein!
Procy: Goddammit, they don't even know what we're up against. MC, let's go!

MC and Procy chase after Anna and Phein. Suhail's spaceship is up on the roof.
MC: Suhail, get out here and stop causing problems! I'm right here!
Suhail's crew starts popping up.
Anna: Wait, EmmySees!? But they're after you!
Phein: Yeah! I told you to stay away!
MC: You guys aren't even transformed yet
Suhail: Hey MC! Still always in the middle of something, huh?
There he is.
MC: Why are you here!? / Busy now! Come back later! / OMG, it's Captain Suhail!
(A) Suhail: HA! That's some way to greet me! I go where I want to!
(B) Suhail: Damn, you got guts! It's cool, I'll be quick!
(C) Suhail: Ooh, you wanted to see me? Cute! Come on over here already!
Procy: STOP YELLING! We're busy here!

Anna: EmmySees, you KNOW these people!? Aren't they pirates and villains!?
MC: Not like KNOW know... / He's a pirate villain boss!
Suhail: Hey it smells sweet around here. You guys having a party? We'll just be here for a sec to take the Observer MC there for our crew!
Suhail's crew starts transforming.
MC: Why / Suit up, guys!
The party transforms.
Anna: Hey, Su-Su! Like, I dunno what you're on about, but we're doing security for the choco fest! You can't have MC, and you can't start kicking things around either!
Phein: Villians are threats to the weak...I've been hired for this, so I can't let you do as you please.
Procy: OBSTRUCTION OF BUSINESS! I'm fighting you first!
The party readies to fight!
Suhail: Three heroes? Cool! I wasn't planning to fight, but okay! Get em boys!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Suhail: Huh! Not bad!
Phein: He still has room to laugh after tanking our attacks?
Procy: I guess a pirate boss has to be tough and all.
Anna: Su-Su's so strong! But like, crimes are BAD! If you wanna talk to EmmySees, just wait until, like, after the fest, god!
Procy: Yeah, MC's in the middle of work! ...so am I, for that matter.
Suhail: PFFFT, you think we'd come all this way just to talk? Boys!
Pirates: YEEEAAAAH
The pirates suddenly jump down and rush in and grab MC!
MC: WHAT

Procy: Oh no, MC!
Phein: I let my guard down because I thought we beat him!
Blue: Now now, we don't want to rough you up so don't resist, new guy.
Suhail: HA! How was our Bautista Pirate coop? Love you boys! Now that we're done, let's go and party!
The pirate wolves cheer.
MC: You came to kidnap me!?
Suhail: Yep! Now you're gonna be--
Evil birb!
MC: ...Monster! Now!?
Suhail: ...what? You're really gonna bluff now? Wow, you're hilarious MC! But that--
The Monster bird lands on Suhail's shoulder and pecks him!
Suhail: Ow! What!?
Suhail flails around and the bird flies off.
MC: ...oh, that was it! Suhail, you okay!?
Suhail: ...who the hell are you? I only care about fun and interesting stuff. Get lost.
Suhail lets MC go and stomps back to his ship.
MC: w-what?
Title Card: Stealing, Protecting, Snatched
Chirp chirp. what was the point of this single line
End of Episode

Chapter 14 Episode 9: Missing Link 3 (Abridged)

This is what Taishakuten has to say about Ahura Mazda and his home world.
Taishakuten: The first world would be Garothman, and it makes everything clearly distinctive from each other like good and evil, zero and one, and all that crap!
Garothman is the archetype otherworld because it made the Last Judgment setup. When a world ends, it splits its people between good people going to heaven and people who...aren't. Even Eden used Garothman as a reference when making that System. World Representative Ahura Mazda is the one on top of Garothman and its judge.
Taishakuten: You're asking ME about Ahura Mazda? He's a superman! Just like Superman! Even when he's passing judgment he's trying to make sure he's not going overboard. He's so good it makes me sick! Gag me with a spoon already, boy scout! If he's good, then I wanna be evil...what, would I want to fight him if I see him to see who's on top?
Taishakuten's pratical catchphrase is that the greatest thing in life is an unparalleled rival.
Taishakuten: Nah, I'm not his enemy. Not in the strength sense. We just don't mesh.
In Garothman, everyone with a role and power has a counter. Like, Taromaiti's power of corruption is countered by her rival Armaiti, whose power is meant to abide by virtue.
Taishakuten: What, Ahura Mazda's rival? The Evil superman who will only be born once in a single world who'll have one big battle for the world with him. He's Ahriman!

Present
Horus: I STILL can't believe you support an alliance with the Entertainers.
Horus and Ahura Mazda have known each other for a long time as fellow Rule Makers reps with World Pillars. Horus knows Ahura Mazda as a kind and strong superman who abides no injustice, not really the sort of man who'd be interested in fun or pleasure.
Ahura Mazda: I approve of the Entertainers' actions and I want the same thing they do.
Horus: What DO you want actually because--
Ahura Mazda readies his artifact. Horus follows suit.
Horus: No more answers? A shame. I'm sure you keeping me in the dark is from your sense of kindness...but to me? It is the highest insult for which you must pay for!
Ahura Mazda: By order of the Lord of Wisdom, Light of Intervention!
Horus: By order of the Sky God, Grand Resurrection!
Nobumichi: WHAT

Asakusa
Angels: Surrender, Asakusa and Aoyama guilds! The Last Judgment is at hand, sinners and believers! Do not resi--
Taishakuten: Shut the fuck up and stop spouting Bible quotes! Indra's Lighting!
BOOM
Taishakuten: Go find some creativity, come up with some NEW lines!
Gouryou: Bruh, I'm so glad he's helping us now...
Motosumi: We're still under siege, Maria. If we don't cut them off, they'll just keep coming until they take the Portal. Then they'll just pick us off and pressgang us.
Maria: I think so too. Right now, only the true big three guilds and the management guilds have the initiative. Nobody else can stand up to them, and we are stuck in the dark.
Motosumi: ...yeah, we're in the dark here. What do they even want?
Maria: We don't even know why they allied.

Maria: The Rule Makers are one of the true big three guilds. They're supposed to be trying to win the game and getting MC, but this time I've heard they're prioritizing purging the abnormality inside MC. By which, they'll take MC apart and remove it, then settle things next loop. I get that, but...the Yurakucho guild wants something else. They said if this is the best thing ever, they won't need to think about next time. It should clash with the Rule Makers plans eventually, so how did they ever come to an agreement? Are they not all in agreement, or is there some other reason?
Motosumi: I don't know how smart people thiink...
Maria: I don't know much about the Entertainers. Maybe I should ask Nyarlathotep about them.
Tianzun: (fuzzy) Hmm, I might know something.
Motosumi: Man, where the hell did our guildmaster go?
Maria: Yeah, where is he now that you mention him?
Motosumi: He always wanders off whenever he feels like, just like his stupid goddamn teach--
Tianzun: (clear) Excuse me, I have some foresight at least, thank you.
Motosumi: Stop blowing smoke up your ass, jackass! If the two of you were here, then--BWAAH!?
Maria: H-how long have you been there?

Tianzun: I've been here the whole time.
Motosumi: You're giving me a heart attack, Tianzun-sensei!
Tianzun: Haha, hello little children. How are you all?
Maria: ...you teach at Umamichi, Tianzun-sensei?
Motosumi: Pfft, like he deserves respect. He's just some creeper old geezer that blinks in and out of sight depending if he's on your mind. I mean, he's somehow super wise and reliable, but the stress on your heart man...
Azazel: Oh, like a counselor? He's just like me.
Motosumi: Dammit, do you have any idea what's been happening while you were gon--
Tianzun: Yep. The Yurakucho and Chuo guilds have allied, Aoyama has fallen, and we are under attack.
Motosumi: what
Maria: Huh?

Tianzun: I know what's happening. Even the part of my favorite student and our guildmaster disappearing. I've been making plans for this day. Ha ha, surprised? Remember that the path of Tao knows all--(bonk)
Motosumi: Why didn't you say anything earlier!?
Tianzun: PLEASE HAVE MERCY
Maria: M-Motosumi, please stop choking him!
Tianzun: GAAASP! I thought I was gonna die! ...anyways, you are the Aoyama Missionaries guildmaster Maria, yes?
Maria: R-right.
Tianzun: I came to speak to you in place of my absentee student.
Maria: ...about what?
Tianzun: About our predicament and our all or nothing plan to get out of it.

Motosumi: You got something that could work here???
Tianzun: Yep. You said we were in the dark on this stage, right Motosumi?
Motosumi: How the hell did you catch that? Urge to punch, rising...
Tianzun: H-hold on, deep breaths now, happy place. Calm, yes? So, they're all fighting each other and ignoring us, leaving us in the dark with little idea of what's happening. In which case, we should get everyone in the outs all cut off from each other to link up together!
Motosumi: what
Gouryou: Ahhh, I see.
Maria: Wait, are you suggesting--
Tianzun: We link up with all the other guilds for the grand guild alliance!
End of Episode

Chapter 14 Episode 8: Missing Link 2 (Abridged)

Aaru, the world with a System that judges with its deserts. Horus is the World Representative and approves of justice, but he wasn't always the Rep. It was original his uncle Seth. Seth was the only hero to defeat the great netherworld dragon Apophis, and Horus had inappropriately suggestive feelings for him since he was young. And then the rest of the family pushed for Horus to become the World Representative. The family split into two camps, and the fighting was ugly as both claimed to have legitimacy on their side. The claims were contradictory, and Horus still doesn't know the truth of it all even now despite being in the middle of it. His mother and relatives did the scheming and kept him in the dark. In the end, Horus defeated Seth, Seth was judged guilty of all crimes and exiled from the world.
Horus has wondered why only Seth was considered guilty in a familial dispute. It was just a power struggle. Everyone else including himself should have been judged too. But what REALLY stuck and mentally scarred Horus was his beloved uncle being burdened with all sins. It meant he himself was treated as an ignorant child, and he cursed his own youthfulness. When he came to Tokyo, he became a judicial police officer. He swore to face judgement himself and settle things with his uncle into terms as clear as day. He'd make his uncle accept him and show himself as not some little rich boy anymore.

Present
Nobumichi: I'm here, Horus! I mean, Sir!
Temp judicial police HQ in Chiyoda Yurakucho. Police tape is all around.
Nobumichi: I'm done with my witness investigation.
Horus: Very good. I just got back the examination report as well. (taps a bunch of papers on his desk)
Horus: This is from our virtuous biology researcher collaborators, reporting on that body part we found in Yurakucho. The conclusion: no definitive evidence was found.
Nobumichi: From my asking around, it's it was the same. The victims were nowhere to be found! We searched every Entertainers Portal and found absolutely nothing. Not even the smell of dead bodies. It's like a god spirited them away!
Horus: ...Officer Nobumichi. We have the trust of our respective networks. If a police dog like you could not find anything, then--
Nobumichi: Dog police officer.
Horus: Excuse me?
Nobumichi: All due respect, I am a dog police OFFICER and not a police dog. Please remember that.
Horus: O-oh, sorry.
Nobumichi: It's okay! So what were you saying?
Horus: Ahem. I hypothesize that the victims are in neither this world nor the next.
Nobumichi: what
Horus: If they are neither alive nor dead, that is the only logical explanation.

Maybe Yurakucho
Quantum: I'm Quantum, definitely maybe. This is where people who might or might not be alive come to.
MC: what
Quantum: ...oh, sorry MC. (stares at MC)
MC: Uh...something wrong? Did we meet before?
Quantum: ...I don't know. You seem like you both are and aren't the first person to observe me...we're alike. What were we talking about? Oh right, this place...well if you're from Utopia like me, maybe this will explain it? This is where things not picked up by failsafes fall, deeper than Exceptions. Oh, but personally I was born somewhere like here. Then I went to where the person who observed me was, but then they disappeared. I've been looking for them in Tokyo ever since. Had no luck, so I came here to recheck.
MC: You came from Tokyo? / Lost roles... / (ask for more details)

Quantum: ...wait, we should leave that for later. The other maybe/maybe not alive people are staring.
Not Zombies approach.
MC: W-what
Quantum: Those are the remains of people who lost their roles, just like you lost your future. Anyone who falls here turns into that. They're hollows of the world, the Missing. And you'll turn into one if you touch them.
In their previous world, they'd have damaged or defective bodies. There's something missing from them all over their body parts.
MC: ...that sounds familiar.
Flashback!
Shirou: I found something odd about the crimes that happened in Shinjuku.
Flash of policemen.
Present
MC: The stuff Shirou was talking about! / The Yurakucho case!
The Missing approach!
MC: Are these people the victims!?

Yurakucho
Horus: The Entertainers have been using a particular admin ability: the ability to give and take a role from someone. Remember how the Rule Makers and Entertainers formally signed the alliance at the Tokyo Cathedral? I was against it and brought you along. Remember the familiars the Entertainers guildmaster brought with him?
Nobumichi: Um, Babe Bunyan and Bigfoot or whatever? That's what their name tags on the app said.
Horus: Yes, but in truth they are very different people because the guildmaster gave them temporary roles. They'd normally have different names and classes. Our roles determine how our power works out, like it or not. Hmm, so the Yurakucho case was the same as the one before it. A serial crime with no identified criminal or victim, and only the crime happening is definite. You know, what with the body parts left behind. If this IS a copycat crime, we should have caught the first person of interest back when it first happened. What if that was a rehearsal for their real act later on? They could have been planning this even longer ago.
Nobumichi: Sooo, is the criminal one of the Entertainers or...
Horus: Or is it someone in the Rule Makers, yes? Right now, we don't know and they worked hard to make it that way. But what if the alliance was to make the case harder to solve? What if--
bwoom
Nobumichi: What just happened!?
Horus: An Exception!? No wait, this is different!

Later
Barguest: MC disappeared? What!?
Oh, Kirito and Bigfoot have disappeared too now. Bigfoot has Presence Concealment the Artifact while Kirito's gives fog cover. Which is to say, both have the ability to hide themselves.
Barguest: WHAT'S GOING ON!?
Elsewhere
Horus and Nobumichi are running towards the Exception(s).
Nobumichi: This would never have happened if we didn't let the Entertainers do their thing!
Horus: But the rules!
Nobumichi: ...what do we do if the serial killer case is an inside job?
Horus: But The RuLeS. I'll take responsibility as an accomplice as well in that case. Clarifying things to the utmost was the entire point I came to Tokyo.
Nobumichi: Haha, you are such an honest rich boy. I like admire that about you...Sir!
Horus: ...never call me a rich boy ever again.
Nobumichi: Oh, sorry. Let's hurry on then, S--
Horus: Wait, stop!
Someone is in the way!
Horus: ...what is the meaning of this, High Judge Ahura Mazda?
Ahura Mazda: Horus, your hypothesis is so right, but please stand down. Or else, fight me.
Nobumichi: :angry:
Horus: ...why? I thought you were also someone who wants to make good and evil clear too. I always thought of you as an ally...until now.
Ahura Mazda: ...I'm keeping you in the dark for this case.
End of Episode

Chapter 14 Episode 7: Missing Link 1 (Abridged)

What exactly is going on here
Oscar: Hello there, audience members! I'm Oscar, the Yurakucho guildmaster and playwright...actually make that dramatist of this show. Nice to meet you, but I'm not taking my mask off for anything beyond jokes, haha!
Nyarlathotep: New mask! New meetings! Totally not people you recognize! Masks are rude? Deal with it!
Oscar: We live only in this moment. All the world's a stage, everyone's an actor, and our lives are fiction! Okay, the show must go on!

There was once a serial killer in the city of fog that targeted prostitutes. That was the oldest theatrical criminal who still lives rent free in people's heads because he was never caught and never brought to light. What sort of person would enjoy a mystery knowing who the culprit is already? [Me. I do.] Following from that, maybe knowing All Things ruins all kinds of enjoyments. What if everything goes the way you figured it would...?
Christine (narrating if she wasn't already): I lost my family when I was young, and all I had was my dream of acting. It was probably never going to happen...but then He granted my dream for me. I was given many roles, a hope to live for. And after the curtains fell, he sent me so many rose bouquets, letting me forget I was all alone. I just wish I knew why he was so nice to me.

One day
Christine: Wait! Are you the one sending me flowers?
It's Mononobe!
Christine (narrating): I once talked to the one leaving me flowers, and he told me he was just His representative, who was always watching from far away. I want to show him a performance one day, with him here himself to enjoy it. And I hope it makes him feel less alone.
Christine (narrating): I devoted myself to acting, more than anyone else. And then I became a starring actress. I can play any role now, and almost all my dreams have come true.
Christine (narrating): I am Christine, disciple of the All-Knowing and actress who performs to delight him. I have performed only for him, the only one who has always watched me. I want him to see the best thing ever. And it has to be better than burning the city down, sinking an island, destroying the world and planet because we've done that all to death already. It has to be Perfect, with nothing coming after it. That's my last wish and joy.

Some prison
Ose: I'm alive somehow! Am I in the Yurakucho Opera's basement? I'm tied up by myself...actually, wait, someone else is down here I think.
Loki: Hi. You look like hell, but not as bad as I do, haha.
Ose: YOU
Loki: I'm Loki. Have we met?
Ose: I've been looking for you!
Loki: I know. You're Ose, Akasaka Agents spy. And Odin's representative which a piece of his memories and the ability to act like him with your artifact, crown of the pretender. You're ex-military. And a president. How right was I?
Ose: ...okay some of that is public, but how'd you get the classified stuff? Yurakucho admin privilege abuse?
Loki: Secret. So, are you my stan or something?
Ose: I'm here to make you pay for what you did in Yggdrasil.
Loki: Wow you sound just like Odin. Also you're going to need to be more specific on what I did in Yggdrasil.

Ose starts channeling Odin.
Ose: I'm talking about how you walled up Yggdrasil! All of us were supposed to die in a fire during Ragnarok so the age of man could come. But with the walls up it's stuck in a loop, meaning you took away the future and the human king who would stand up after! You're the only one who was capable of doing that, what with the artifact you used to wall up Midgard!
Loki: (stares)
Ose: Also I suspect you of being involved with walling up Tokyo. Talk!
Loki: Wow, you acted just like Odin possessed you. Except I know you're Ose, that [REDACTED] who likes to pretend he knows everything.
POP!
Ose: You dispelled my artifact!?
Loki: My tongue can dispel all illusions and falsehoods, which got me imprisoned for being too dangerous.
Loki: So, ready for a roasting? Man if only I could red text this, so just pretend there's a pinging sound! I know why you're chasing after me as Odin's rep. Because you're BORED and you don't have anything better to do. In fact, you don't even know what to do with yourself, just like Odin did after he got the wisdom of the Mimir! Knowing everything sticks you in place and takes away your future! Pffft, President of Hell? You're just a merc who does what you're hired to do, and that's why you're a spy. You're just like the Rule Makers mobs that way!
Blah blah blah...

Arakawa
Rule Makers Mobs: Find the strays on the list!
This is Chuo Rule Makers territory. The drone pilots' visors are feeding them information on what to do and how to optimize their equipment. Instructions include where to go, how to talk, where to look, and other dystopian levels of control. The mobs "cooperate" with it for way better efficiency.
Mobs: We're in Wanderers territory, stay sharp.
Cats: Oh no, they found us!
Mobs: Walkthrough mode on, past data predictions compiled.
Bang!
Cats: Oh no, we're cornered!
Mobs: Nobody move. Tie them up and send them to HQ.
Cats: Are you going to brainwash us!?
Mobs: ...why ask something so inefficient? I mean, some of our new troops ask that too though. You'll just be given the same headset we get. Happiness in group servitude!
The visor tells the mob how much money he just made.

Elsewhere
Karen Curren: I made those equipment to analyze the traits of their wearers and give them instant solutions. It doesn't give a perfect answer, but it can give something good enough that the wearer might not come up with. This is how I'm doing Plan C! It's different than what Bertro and Isaac have come up with, but... why am I talking about this anyway
Plan C has limitations compared to Plans A and B, which is why Curren was placed third among the geniuses.
Basement prison
Loki: That's your limit. You knowing everything puts you in a standstill, a dead end. It also takes the joy out of doing anything or going anywhere. Getting your priorities messed up is such a joke, just like Odin and the others. Those [REDACTED] got caught in their own trap! I almost want to thank them since spinning a hamster wheel still gives a feeling of wanting to do something.
Ose: ...why ARE you doing all this?
Loki: Short version, to entertain myself. That's why I--
Elsewhere
Curren: --went along with that suspicious liar Oscar's script. And so we allied guilds to full in for Plan C's flaws.
Opera House
Oscar: Leave it to me! I'm just trash who only thinks about fun, after all! Oops, right, you want to know what's happening with the plot, huh? Okay, put the show back on!

Yurakucho
Kirito: WHAT
A giant Nobody appears! Sort of.
Overlord: We are Overlord, Utopia Exception.
MC: what? / ...wait, why?
---
(C) No answer.
---
Overlord: We learned the truth at the end of time and wisdom. There is no future, no evolution.
Dimensional warping!
Solomon: M-Master, where did you go!? WAAAHH
King Solomon is there!
Solomon: Father!?

Down the magic rabbit hole!
MC: AAAAAA
Lots of falling through with a distorted sense of time until suddenly MC is in what looks like a Witch barrier.
MC: ...wasn't I just in Yurakucho?
Looks ruined. Also feels like some theater backdrop, doesn't feel real.
MC: Is this an Exception Domain? No wait, it feels different somehow...
Feels weird somehow. Suddenly, Quantum!
MC: WHOMST
Quantum: ...you can see me here?
MC: Yes, somebody's here! / what / (cautiously approach)
Quantum: (stares)
MC: Uh, who are you and where is this? Did you see an Exception?
Quantum: Exception? That's so quaint. I...must be Quantum, and this is where people who may or may not be alive come to.
MC: what
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Festa Memories Episode 3 (Abridged)

Anna: OMG Pro-Pro that was SO COOL!
Procy: You're not half bad either! Oh right, advertising. Hey everybody, we got the mind reading chocolate making machine on demo! Come on by and try it out!
Student Host: Thank you for coming heroes! Anna, you were great too! Good luck with your fest club work!
Lots of applause!
Procy: ...well that went well!
MC: You did great too, Phein!
Phein quits out of his suit and turns around.
Phein: Yeah...sorry MC, I want to get on with patrolling. If you want to talk to Procyon...Procy some more, I'll just go on ahead.

Procy: You're just gonna cut out like that?
Phein: You aren't here as a guard, so shut up and go back to your stupid sales work, Procyon. I'll call if Monsters show up and I need to transform.
Anna: Oh! I'll go with Phinny then since things seem fine for now. I promise to call if anything happens. That okay with you two?
MC: ...okay, let's split up then. Procy, can I have a moment?
Anna and Phein head off.
Procy: (sighs) ...I know, you wanna ask me something. Hit me.
MC: Did something happen between you and Phein?
Procy: I guess...what's it to you?
MC: Seems like it'd be dangerous to leave him as is / I want to know since I might need it to support him / I'll ask him the more important parts later
Procy: For work, huh? Heh, I bet that's not all. Well, okay. It's a long story, so how about we walk and talk? So way back when...

Flashback!
This happened like ten years ago or something. Procyon was born on the developing planet Maseriomaose III and spent his early years in the slums.
Procy: Bleh, there's so few mines and construction places to work at. And ow, the cold makes my hands hurt more. Stupid wind...should I burn some firewood? Nah, there's stuff tomorrow, so I'll just go to bed.
Work was hard, but there was l i t t l e m o n e y. Life didn't really get better, and there was only one thing to look forward to.
Punk: Damn Procyon, you first here again? If you're bored, wanna fight?
Procy: Bitch, I kicked your ass the other day. And I'm studying here so I can get rich and blow this joint!
There's a simple hut in slum town made to be an open air classroom for children. Procyon always goes whenever there isn't any work that day.
Punk: No wonder you're the Chief. Then again, it doesn't look like your studies are getting anywhere.
Procy: Because you assholes won't stop starting shit that I have to stop. Now park your butt down already because this isn't making me any money, unless I need to throw hands here.

Punks cause problems at the slum town classroom like all the time, and Procyon kicked ass enough that they all acknowledged his authority. There was also one other guy besides Procy that people relied on.
Procy: Muliphein, where were you? The teachers left already.
Phein: ...oh, Procyon. I just came to clear my head.
Procy: Did something happen?
Phein: (shakes head) Nothing. Can I ask you something? Why study when you could use your strength for work? Like, rescuing people from buried rubble. They call you the Vanguard Cutting Chief, you should be drowning in job offers.
Procy: (closes book) Well, I'm not studying because I like it...I do it because I have to. Time is money, and I need this to get rich. (taps head) I need an education to get rich. Kicking everyone's asses just makes it easier, and that's the only reason I got strong.
Procy sits by Phein.
Procy: People call me a friend or chief, but I don't really care. You've helped me be free to do things, so thanks a lot Muliphein.
Phein: ...oh. So, you have a dream...
Procy: What, you got a problem or something? 'Cuz I--
Phein: ...sorry, I'm going home. I don't think I have time to come here anymore.
Procy: ...Muliphein?
Procy watches Phein leave. Dark clouds gather beyond.

Some day later
Procy: ...okay, I'm good to go. Guess I should at least talk to everyone before I leave the slums for good.
Still cold out. What little Procy has is packed up, and he leaves the run down cabin he lived in and probably won't ever go back to.
Punk: What, you leaving Procyon? Where ya goin'?
Procy: On a money making journey, doing better things than busting my ass here. Dunno if I'll ever come back, so take care. Hey, Muliphein!
Procy sees someone he hasn't seen in a while.
Phein: ...what?
Phein sounds strained.
Procy: Right, I never told you before, but I got enough for a one-way space ticket outta here. Probably won't be back in a long time, so I wanted to thank you first...also, you okay? I haven't seen you since then.

Phein: ...leave me alone.
Phein's eyes look dead.
Procy: What? What's been going on, man? You look like hell. Come on, you can talk to m--
Procy reaches out to Phein.
???: Nooo, don't go yet Big Boss!
Some kid comes running out.
Procy: Besse or whatever your name is? Damn, I didn't think you'd come to see me off too. Did someone else tell you?
Besse: Yeah...I'll be sad when you're gone, so I wanted to thank you first.
This kid is so bright eyed.
Besse: You saved my life when the mine I was in collapsed! You were so cool punching out those rocks and yelling ora ora ora!
Procy: ...heh, thanks. You're saving your own neck if you get stuck in a mine again.
Besse: ...okay. Oh! I had something I wanted to give you!

Besse gives Procy a ratty scarf.
Besse: It's not much. Maybe it can help as a wrap if you hurt your hand? Take it!
Procy stares at the scarf and knows how much it's worth to a slum kid.
Procy: ...heh, that's not even worth a dime. So keep it for yourself. I'm not that weak.
Besse: B-but...
Procy: We burn things we've used up to scraps as the last use we can get of things. I'm off to make myself money. If you get any money, use it for yourself.
Phein: ...
Procy: Besides, I'd never be able to pay you back if I took it because I'm out of here.
Besse: B-but I...! I'm paying you back, I don't want you to do something for me.
Procy: Heh, you sound like a grown-up. Give and take's all well and good, but there has to be a return. You gotta focus on yourself if you wanna survive in here. You'll know what true worth is soon enough, so keep the scarf.

Phein: ...you're so self-centered, Procyon.
Phein looks upset and is staring daggers at Procy.
Phein: There's still so many weaklings to protect here, and you're going off to chase your dreams. Some chief you are. You never were!
Procy: Muliphein...
Yeah Procy probably IS self-centered with a dream he can't put down, but he's set on it. But right now he cares more about how off Phein is.
Procy: ...stop, you're clearly unstable for some reason. If you don't like how I am, then you should protect them your own way...I'll be gone anyways. The guys should trust you at least.
Procy looks at Besse. Besse looks confused and concerned.
Procy: If I'm not chief, then that works for me. If that's all you've got to say, you can show it through your own actions, Muliphein.
Phein: HOW DARE...
Phein doesn't have the words to say more than that.
Procy: ...later, partner. Stay safe, yeah?
Procy leaves.
Phein: ...
A cold wind blows after Procy.

Title Card: A Scarf for the Chief's Journey

Present
Procy: ...and that's all I know. (sighs)
MC: ...oh. You two knew each other way back.
Procy: Yeah. It was sudden seeing him again and all, but he still looks upset about it...I've never called him since, and I don't know if I can say anything to him now.
Procy looks around. Students are having fun.
MC: I wonder what happened? He probably doesn't want to talk about it, but it's probably related to what's happening with his suit.
Procy: Neither of us awakened as heroes back then yet, so I don't know much. But way back, he was always quiet, but everyone liked him. Last I saw him he seemed to want to say something, but I missed the chance to ask.
Procy stops to stretch and walk again.
Procy: I feel like the wrong person to talk to about Phein's past...but it's not like I know that much. But if thing stay awkward, your work might suffer. You can pretend you never asked, but yeah that's our relationship.
MC: I was worried from before. Thanks for telling me, Procy.

Procy snorts. MC takes a drink of chocolate before continuing on.
MC: They called you a chief? They really must've respected you.
Procy: Probably not in the way you're thinking of. I just pushed hard to get strong because they'll disrespect you if you're weak.
MC: Oh, sounds like a bancho. But maybe I'm thinking that because of your costume.
Procy: What's a bancho? Some Earth thing?
MC: A gang leader, I guess? / Strong, humane, just? / A ruler of the school?
Procy: Huh, feels like sorta yes and sorta no to that? It's easy to get though, I got called this stupid nickname back on my home planet. Bancho sounds great. (narrows eyes)
Procy: ...well, it's old stuff. I wonder if Phein became bancho after I left? How was life for him? ...was what I said to him and Besse the right things? Not like anything will change all that if I say anything now.
MC: So, you regret things? / Unintentional regrets? / You're talking a lot today, Procy
(AB) Procy: ...dunno. Maybe not a full on regret, but maybe I could've done more.
(C) Procy: ...heh, I guess. Maybe I'm perking up at seeing an old friend after so long.

Procy looks up and straight at MC.
Procy: I was young back then, and thinking about myself took everything I had. I still wanna be rich as hell, but everything's different since the time I did nothing but chase my dream...but back then, I really did think money and power was everything. (chugs drink)
MC: ...but they aren't, right?
Procy: Heh, cheeky brat... back at my old agency, when I finally got a real job and became a hero, it was Ryekie and Huckle who rocked my world the hardest. (grips empty cup harder)
Procy: We competed over business, yeah, but those two legit didn't ask for compensation for a time. They just helped people without thinking about money, and here we had to think about balancing money and the risk to our lives.

Procy stares into the distance.
Procy: ...and after a while, I started thinking that was good of them. So I hired Gomeisa and installed the gacha Ether Searcher at my place. I'll use what I studied in my own way, for my future's sake.
Procy stretches. The wind blows.
Procy: There are people who accepted my stance that time is money, even while they didn't ask for payment. Stuff I noticed after becoming a hero...well it's not just them. There's also Gomeisa, my bar customers, and in that sense, you too. It bugs me a little that there might really be people who don't seek rewards, but I've gotten older and I can sort of understand them now.
MC: ...hmm?
Quiet digivice noises!

Procy: There can be things more important to you than what you focus on if widen your view...Phein probably had no one to show him that. Seeing how he hasn't changed reminds me again of the guys who don't ask for payment...and it reminds me of how I used to be. I decided some things were fine for other people. Maybe I had things I didn't understand the value of back then.
MC's phone glows brighter!
Procy: What did Phein care most about back then? What was Besse feeling as he tried to give me his scarf...? Things would be different if I knew what those meant and accepted them...but I think I get it now. They're my best friends!
BING
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Procy. Connectivity: Very High
MC: Those feelings are legit, huh Procy? / I think there's something you can do now.

MC nods to Procy and transforms him. Different lighting!
Procy: W-WHAT? This is a new hero suit! Is this what those rumors I've heard about were all about!? MC...!
MC: It's because your feelings are strong! Strong enough to get a new suit. I just observed it.
Procy: ...you really found this based off that?
Procy checks his new suit out, then scratches his head.
Procy: ...oh, this scarf. So if I accepted it back then... Okay then, I got things to settle too! I gotta go talk to Phein, because that's what chiefs...or banchos do! Right, MC?
MC: I think so too / You look awesome, Procy!
Procy: ...heh, thanks. I don't say it much, but it's nice getting it out.
Beep beep
MC: ...Anna? Something's wrong!

Anna: EMMYSEES! MONSTERS!
Phein: MC, do you read me? Evacuate the civilians, we have a situation here. Try to keep panic down and lead people to safety.
Anna: Do you, like, see the big clock tower!? We're near there! Come quick, thanks!
MC: O-okay! Procy, let's go!
Procy: Right! Of course a Monster shows up when there's tons of people around! Let's test run this suit!
And so MC and Procy make their way to the clock tower while telling people to take refuge. Anna and Phein are at the big open top area on the roof. MC calls to them immediately.
MC: You guys, we're here! I'll transform you now!
Anna: We've been waiting! Henshin a go go, thanks!
MC taps on their phone while running over. They and Procy regroup with the rest of the party by the time Anna and Phein have suited up.

Anna: Okay, we're gucci! ...hey wait, Pro-Pro, you're in a new outfit!
Phein: Hey, that outfit and scarf--
Procy: Nice, huh? You can take a closer look later, but first the Monsters!
Phein: ...right. MC, we kept them back as much as we could while evacuating people. No casualties so far, aside from one stall. Maybe they're hungry, but still dangerous.
Phein grips his Parallel Weapon harder as he glares at the Monsters.
Monsters: SHRIEK
Hostiles!
Anna: Is Monsters getting hungry, like, a thing!? And I'm getting like seriously bad vibes from them here!
Procy: It'll be risky if they head for the evac areas, so we can't stand here talking all day.
Phein: Right. MC, your orders. We will wipe them out.
MC: Right! Ready?
Everyone readies their weapons.
Phein: ...Anna, I'm stepping forward. You stay in the back!
Anna: For support, right? Cool, I'm good at cheering! My dances are awesome!
Phein: Not like th--
Procy: Shut up and fight!
MC: ...here they come!
Procy: You Monster freaks have a lot of nerve making me work for free! At least be a good punching bag for my new suit! Come at me!
BATTLE START

Chapter 14 Episode 6: Downfall 3 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Cop: Bwuh? AAAAAA
Barong: Heyo! Did you get high off those feels and get that nothing's as good as a show in the this world? In a show, you put out everything of yourself. Everything.
Cop: I'll do it! Give me more!
Barong: Cool! Welcome to the Entertainers, newbie!
Later
Beowulf cuts another MC(?)! Except this one was that one cop.
Present
Beowulf: Everything makes sense now! You've been brainwashing other people into your guild and making them into decoys!
Christine: Brainwashing is such an ugly accusation. We just gave them Infinite Joy, and they decided to give everything up to join our show. It's okay, everyone you cut down volunteered for it.

Beowulf: You fight good for an actress!
Christine: It's BECAUSE I'm an actress. You enjoy fighting, so I can take the part of a sword fighter to entertain you.
Beowulf: Dammit, another sword broke. Wyrm, be a good pack mule and get me another one!
Wyrm does so.
Beowulf: Hell yeah! (swipes)
Christine: What a shockingly casual (dis)regard for your artifact.
Beowulf: I'll use anything if I can keep fighting! I can get old or lose my mind and I can go if I have a sword. Just like the trophy, or else I can't keep fighting dragons!
Christine: So that's why you joined the Game Masters. But games are supposed to be fun, so I hope you enjoy our new screenplay.
Beowulf: ...why'd you guys team up with the Rule Makers?
Christine: :))))
Fighting intensifies!
Barguest: Wanderers, come in! I got new info from Yurakucho!

Arakawa
Arc: Thanks for helping me. The Rule Makers have been on me for forever. Why are you guys so close to the East's territory?
Hermes: Hey Qursha. That a new member?
Qursha: No, I helped them get away from the Rule Makers. Did Barguest call?
Hermes: Yep. We finally got some good info on the Yurakucho case. I can go cut a deal with Tajikarao with it!
Arc: ...oh right, you're the Arakawa Wanderers.
Qursha: And I know you, Otemachi guildmaster.

Arc: ...is this your Portal?
Qursha: Nah, we don't have one. Well actually, we keep ditching them. We never stay put anywhere, which is how we survived against the Rule Makers. Other resistance forces have been forced to "cooperate" with them.
Arc: ...is that a euphemism for brainwashing?
Qursha: Sort of, but worse. Did you see the things the drone pilots were wearing on their heads? They're Mind Expanders that tell them what to do and how to best work together and use themselves. Basically it tells them it's pointless to rebel against the Rule Makers.
Hermes: Give them the Pentagon secrets next, why don't you.
Qursha: It's cool, I know about the Genociders rumors too. Arc, you've got beef with them, right?
Chapter 8 flashback!

Arc: ...yeah, I owe them payback for my family, and the bill is big.
Qursha: ...okay. That fire in your eyes brings me back so far that I'm a little jealous. Anyway, were you really going to charge in alone?
Arc: Yes, and there's someone I need to take back with me. But the drones spotted me.
Qursha: Oh. Well turning back was the right idea. No one who went in ever came back. Like there was another guy who went in some time ago and hasn't come back. Dalai Avarga? He might be "cooperating" with the Rule Makers too now.
Arc: ...I heard you guys were using partisan anti-occupation policies against them.
Qursha: It's not THAT awesome. There's all kinds of causes, but the main thing is that we basically have no overlapping viewpoints with the Rule Makers.
Arc: what
Qursha: You know what belief keeps the Rule Makers together?
Arc: what?
Qursha: A god that has unconditional love and free mercy that isn't here but will guide us all to salvation. But as Wanderers, we decide where we're going to go.

Yurakucho
MC: The fog! Where'd Kirito go?
So much fog.
MC: Ow!
Kirito: ...wow, you're strong and managed to graze that. Or is it just that I'm weak?
Bigfoot: Nobody hurt MC!
MC: Bigfoot? / No, get back!
Bigfoot: It okay. Me, do anything for you.
MC: You're really protecting me...?
Bigfoot: ...me, understand Wakan Tanka's last feelings. Heyoka, hurt him. But, hurt healed, free mercy for all. Protecting you, joy. Me, love you.
MC: Bigfoot... / I love you too
(B) Bigfoot is surprised but happy.

Kirito: ...did you just say free mercy for all and understanding? Heh. Fuck you in particular for not knowing anything!
MC: Kirito? / What are you laughing for? / No stop!
Kirito: ...Mononobe taught me things I didn't want to know. I knew it was going to happen, but it doesn't mean I had to like or accept it. So I learned there's no such thing as free mercy for all and a family you can count on.
MC: What? What did Mononobe tell--
Kirito: I learned ignorance is bliss. I want no part of a world you're better off killed in. I'll kill you myself, and then I'll finally get out of this shithole stage they call a city!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Yuma (narrating): Every time I see a furry I always think about how I wish I was born as one. Except I was born a human. If there is a God, why did this happen? Being human is embarrassing and sucks, so I go shut myself in a cage to suppress my inner beast.
Present
An angry beast broke out of its cage!
Angels: This is the team at the Ueno Dorm! We found the Ueno guildmaster! We'll be okay as long as we follow the directions we get on--OH NO
The beast lashes wildly and instinctively! And then Yuma runs out on all fours.
Yurakucho
Christine: Beowulf, remember how you asked why the Rule Makers allied with us? It's because we want the same thing.
Arakawa
Arc: ...the Rule Makers want the advent of the All-Powerful All-Knowing?
Qursha: Yeah, it explains everything. But do you believe it?
Underwater Shinagawa
Turing: Logically speaking, an All-Powerful All-Knowing being cannot exist in this world so long as there are limits. That also means they would have to exist outside the world.
Isaac: ...yep, if they're just one singular being anyways. But that makes room for the argument that they CAN exist if they aren't one singular being.

Yurakucho
Bigfoot: Storm!
MC: This is just like before...
Bigfoot: Me, representative of Great Mystery. If no Great Mystery here, then me can use same power.
MC: what?
Bigfoot: All things in nature. All-Powerful All-Knowing, inside me. So, me can save everyone without hurting anyone.
The storm blows the fog away!
MC: Wow!
Kirito: ...thanks, took you long enough. (poof)
MC: wait how'd he do that anyway
Bigfoot: (stabbed)
MC: Wait what? Bigfoot! What'd you do, Kirito!?
Kirito: My artifact is weak and can't take anyone in this world down. But that means I can argue it CAN take down someone who isn't in this world.

Bigfoot: (coughs blood)
MC: Kirito you stop this right now!
Kirito: (smug)
MC: (look away from Kirito to cover Bigfoot)
Bigfoot: MC!
MC: ...wait, haven't I seen this somewhere before?
Christine: Yes, this happened in a past loop once. Kirito stabbed you and you died. But, no rehashes! New script time!
Kirito: ...bye, my one-time family.
Kirito's knife touches Bigfoot and MC's arm with the ring on it.
Bigfoot: !?
The colors of the world invert!
MC: Why do I hear music
Live streamers are coming in!(?)
MC: wait what
Bigfoot: (coughs) No!
MC: An Exception...? No wait, something's different!

Christine: ...we can't let this loop go by. This is the only loop where Bigfoot became Wakan Tanka's representative, which makes him both an Urban Legend and an All-Powerful All-Knowing being part of the Entertainers. Now the conditions have been met.
Shinagawa
Isaac: Simple logic says an All-Powerful All-Knowing being exists, but it also says it doesn't exist.
Turing: Paraconsistent logic as academia calls it?
Isaac: Yeah, a god cannot exist alone in this world, but you can if you get someone else to be the "doesn't exist" part of the equation.
Yurakucho
King Solomon!
MC: Mononobe...? No, wait!
Christine: Well done for all you've done in your role, MC. Behold the mediator of the All-Powerful All-Knowing!
MC: ...something else is coming!
It is the being of the concept of Nothing.
Elsewhere
Karen Curren: ...all according to keikaku. Come, Dead End of Human Evolution, Alibi of Utopia. The Zero Exception Overlord!
End of Episode

Chapter 14 Episode 5: Downfall 2 (Abridged)

Shinjuku, Kabukicho, the Outlaws Portal. Kresnik is waiting for someone.
Kresnik: This is supposed to be the safest place...
Pazuzu: Hi! You the Outlaws messenger?
Kresnik: Yes, I'm Kresnik. You must be from the Beast Tamers...?
Pazuzu: Yep, Pazuzu from the Ueno guild.
Kresnik: ...thank you for coming all the way here in these trying times.
Pazuzu: It's cool, we're allies now! I mean, there was that time when you guys helped Leib and the others.
Oh yeah, remember that part of Chapter 8?

Pazuzu: Back to business! I reexamined that body remnant. How'd you get it past police security?
Kresnik: Old connections.
Pazuzu: Oh okay. Anyways, the thing is still alive. Not that weird since reptiles self-amputating is a thing.
Kresnik: What?
Pazuzu: Like lizards cutting off their tails. But anyways it looks like I was looking at dragon tissue.
Kresnik: Huh.
Pazuzu: BIG lizards! I guarantee that because of my specialty. Did you know dragons look different depending on who looks at them?
Hmm, just like MC.

Pazuzu: That still applies even if it's only part of them. We essentially can't tell who this belongs to. It's possible the ruling wrote down that the victim was the same as some dragon that just happened to be nearby, which would mean--
Kresnik: Sorry, could you just cut to the chase?
Pazuzu: Oh, haha sorry! Okay, the victim's identity has become unknown.
Kresnik: ...what?
Pazuzu: Wait, maybe cause and effect is in reverse. It's possible the case was fabricated and no one was involved. Here's the report, it's been risky sending things through mail.
Kresnik looks through the report and nods.
Kresnik: I see...that explains everything. Thanks Pazuzu, this has been really helpful. Rumors say the true big three guilds are looking for this info too, so it might be useful for negotiation.
Pazuzu: Nice! Okay, I'm gonna go now.
Kresnik: Wait, by yourself? In these times?
Guns and explosions in the distance.
Pazuzu: Nah, I'm not really alone. I got my Beast with me!

Ikebukuro
Balor: Kill them all!
Giants: YEEEAAAHHHH
The giants fight drone pilots.
Balor: Ugh, we're even. We're not getting anywhere like this. Did they put up drone pilots as a defense against my Mystic Eye? Are the other front lines any different? ...probably not. The Warmongers commanders are pretty much me, Teda, and Marduk. We'd be pinned if we didn't do this. Dammit, I could charge in if Avarga were here to take over leading.
Flashback
Balor: ...things have changed. Get going with your student, Avarga.
Avarga: Balor...
Balor: ...you're going to protect your student, right? And you have someone to settle a score with? Arslan, I mean. Don't worry about me.
Avarga: (frown)
Balor: I know why I came to Tokyo as an old man. I wanted to tell Them something at the end...depending on how this goes first.
Avarga: ...okay. Good luck.
Balor: Finish that fight you're looking for.
Present
Balor: Avarga, did you find a good place to die? Or--(bang!) Whoops, right, gun drones and all that. The South should be moving soon, and they should be fine against the East's drone pilots, but...

Elsewhere
Camoflagers: Use Presence Concealment to get past the drone cameras and ambush them!
Angels: Damn the Invaders and their tactics!
Camoflagers: Good! Now we--what!?
Streamers: Ayo chat, stream's starting with Presence Detection!
Camoflagers: What!? Oh no, our stealth!
Angels: There they are! Get them!
Yep, the battlefields in Tokyo are getting worse.
Akihabara
Agents: Oh my god the true big three guilds are going all in! They gotta end it quick before they destroy the city! The Rule Makers and Entertainers are recruiting, go go go!
Somewhere
Duo: Tokyo is now split between the West and South VS the East and Entertainers. No Switzerland in Tokyo here, and people will have to make a choice.

Yurakucho Opera House
Barong: Hey newbies! What's your name and what stage do you want to get on?
Amduscias: I-I'm Amduscias! And I want to be an idol! Except it might be hard because I'm so big!
Barong: It's okay! Stick with us and you can be anything! I'm Barong, your coach. Now come on up!
Amduscias: O-okay!
Barong: We can be anything if we're ready to give our hearts and bodies for it!
There's a certain shiver on Barong's face as he says that.
Elsewhere
Duo: The effects of that won't just stop at the individual game players.

Ueno
Angel: Nobody move, or you might get shot!
Fenrir: Curse you!
Cu Sith: HELP WAAAAHH
Angel: You, shut up! I know how your power works!
The Rule Makers mobs hold Cu Sith at gunpoint!
Leib: (Damn, they know about Cu Sith's NP.)
Angel: Now choose! Join the Rule Makers or...
Leib: (Die, right? Fiiiine.)
Leib: Cu, Fenrir, you can stop. We'll go along with it for now.
Cu Sith: Leeeiiiiib...
Angel: Okay then, hands up. There should be other members here, search their Portals!

Leib secretly turns on a phone in his lab coat before putting his hands up to share an emergency alert and news with the away team.
Angel: Gather all their war assets and send them to battle! We know what they can do!
Leib: (...do they know that sending a Beast alone is a recipe for pain for everyone? Pffft, we don't even know everything about ourselves. And there are some living things that are just walking disasters.)
Ueno Dorm
Angels: Come out with your hands up and surrender! We already captured the Ueno Lab! Resistance is-- w-why is there a cage here? Is that someone inside?
Yuma!
Angels: Get out here! Now--oof!
Yuma: GROWL
Angels: OH NO

Ueno Station area
Pazuzu: Hi, angels! Whoa, don't point your weapons at me all of a sudden.
Angels: Stop, you! We have wanted posters of Ueno guild members!
Pazuzu: Oh I know. You're with the Rule Makers, right? I hear you guys took care of our friends and know a lot about us. But then, there are things that just happen even if you know about them. Hastur!
Hastur: (glares)
Angel A: Oh god he's huge!
Angel B: I-it's okay, we already know their deals! First guy is Pazuzu, top dragon researcher and priority capture target! He's got a defensive artifact. The threat is the second guy, the Walking Biohazard Hastur! We have gas masks and biohazards suits to protect us, so if we--

Hastur: By order of the King in Yellow! Four poxes upon both their heads!
Angels: AAAAAA
Those gas masks and hazard suits turned out to mean nothing and Hastur bombs them with status attacks.
Pazuzu: Isn't he awesome!?
Angel: H-how can you be okay?
Hastur: What fool dares approach Hastu--
Pazuzu: (zooms in on Hastur) Secco, good boy! Good good good good good! Are you hurt? I can look ALL over you when we get back, my cute lizard!
Hastur: S-stop! I've told you a thousand times I'm not a lizard!
Pazuzu: It's okay! I have my warding charm that protects me from all the things you do, so I can touch you as much as I want!
Hastur: REPROBATE

Yurakucho
Bigfoot: MC, this soft serve ice cream good. Hope you like.
MC: Thanks / Feed me, Bigfoot / Stop that!
---
(A) Bigfoot: (smiles)
(B) Bigfoot: You, like baby. But...okay. Open wide...you, like?
(C) Bigfoot: What wrong?
---
MC: Bigfoot, please tell me already. What's the Entertainers up to?
Bigfoot: ...me, told protect you. No lies. Me, swear to Great Mystery.
MC: ...then let me go. I have to get back to everyone.
Bigfoot: ...can't. Outside Yurakucho, dangerous. Me, protect you. No one, hurt you.
MC: Why go so far?
Bigfoot: Me, have no persuasive argument. But, coming to love someone, wrong? You, end Great Mystery's pain. But, this different from gratitude. Me, love you. Me, always loved you since first meeting.
MC: Bigfoot... / (stare)

Later, maybe
Barguest: Barguest reporting. Guarding the VIP, nothing unusual. Yes, I know, don't get too close. (I have to do my Yurakucho work as well as my other thing. Ugh, so much to do.) Oh, uh, nothing. Continuing my watch...huh?
Beowulf: THERE YOU ARE
Barguest: Suspicious person approaching VIP! Heading them o--!?
Barguest: He just pulled out a sword and is running at MC! OOF, this is heavy!
Beowulf: Out of the way, chump! Get him, Wyrm!
Barguest: Wait, what is your deal!?
Beowulf: I'm Beowulf and I am here to cut me down a dragon!
MC(?) comes by.
Barguest: WHAT
Beowulf: Danish Smash!
Barguest: OH NO, MC!

losertrombones.wav
Beowulf: Dammit, it was another decoy!
Christine: Oh my you look especially young today, Game Master Beowulf.
Beowulf: Funny you should say that, Entertainer!
Barguest: Wait what just happened!?
Christine: Oh, that was a stand-in we put out.
Barguest: !?!?!?
Christine: Beowulf, we already knew you'd come after MC. Removing the trophy would be the fastest way to reset things and make the game go on, yes? The Warmongers and Invaders tried the same thing, but we're using admin privileges to hide them.
Beowulf: You put out decoys because we have admin privileges too, didn't you?
Christine: We don't want another rehash, so yes. Now then, show time!

Elsewhere
Bigfoot: !?
MC: What? ...an alert?
Bigfoot: You, hide behind. Something happening...someone coming.
MC: Wait where'd this fog come fr--
Kirito: ...
MC: ...what? / Kirito?
---
(B) Kirito: ...oh, you remember me? Gold star for you.
---
Kirito: Long time no see, MC. I wish it was longer actually.
MC: Arc's looking for you.
Kirito: ...yeah, I saw them. Do you ever worry about yourself? Why do you two care so much about the game? Are you just that stupid? Oh whoops, I'm sorry. You guys just don't know, so I shouldn't hold it against you.
MC: what
Kirito: ...you know Kyouma Mononobe, right? I heard so much from him around the time you first met him.
MC: wait WHAT
Kirito: Actually who cares. Work time. (pulls out knife)
MC: You here to fight!?
Kirito: ...no, it's nothing personal.
Bigfoot: Stop. MC, my guest. Me, protect.
Kirito: You poor little sap. Let's do this.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Festa Memories Episode 2 (Abridged)

Purple: BOOOOSSSSS
Suhail: What? Stop shouting, is it event time or something?
Purple: Date time with Boss? Oh my god, wou--I mean, I finished looking into the Mt. Fuji case you told me to look at!
Suhail: Damn, good job getting past all the news spinning! Now come here and sit on Daddy's lap. (pats lap)
Purple: (cries projectile tears) I can die a happy wolf! I'm so glad I found out MC was the Observer who brought back Mt. Fuji!
Suhail: (suddenly stops) Did you say MC? (gets up)
Purple: Y-yes, I'm sure!
Suhail: Holy shit they brought back a whole mountain that got slurped up like two hundred years ago? AWESOME!
Purple: B-Boss?
Suhail: Boys, we're grabbing MC for the crew! Captain Tronesion's orders! Hoist the space anchor and set sail!

Title Card: Premonitions of Love and Festivals

Earth
Anna: Oh, EmmySees! Over here!
MC: Morning / Hey Bestie!
It's festival day and Anna sent a text on where to meet. There is a HUGE school behind her and somehow it's all been decorated for Valentines.
MC: Wow, big / Hooray! / Girl how much money did that take
Anna: Totes cool, huh? Welcome to Sakuramoto High! I, like, worked really hard at this to make it all totes adorbs! It's almost all handmade, which sounds even more insane with how ginormous this place is!
Phein: ...this is today's battlefield? How does a school hold a celebration this big? Are all Earth schools like that...?
MC: Morning Phein / It's not a battlefield, god
(A) Phein: ...morning, MC. Did you eat breakfast yet?
(B) Phein: True, it isn't yet. But it will be if enemies appear, so be ready to run at any time.

Anna: Phinny! TYSM for coming to help!
Phein: ...my name is Phein. Earth may be peaceful, but Monsters and villains can randomly show up. It's my job to protect weaklings like students and Observers.
Anna: UGH, I said I'm a hero too, you know! I can throw hands if it comes to it!
Anna's stomach growls.
Anna: ...oops, tee hee.
Phein: ...what, you're hungry? I have cookies and candy if you want. (gives sweets to Anna)
Anna: OMG thanks, Phinny! I had to eat really early to get the fest ready, and the stall foods smell so good! I'll pay you back next time, promise! (picks up a cookie) Ooh, chocolate! Oh yeah, they're making these super cute chocolates that'd look great on Space Instagram! Let's go check it out later! ...oh wait, I need to explain today's work first.
Anna: Soooo I said this back on the gacha Ether Searcher, but I want you guys to patrol the fest area for villains and Monsters. We DO have school security, but like, they aren't heroes so they won't be any help if those things show up beyond calling for us. And uh...oh, have fun looking around!
MC: Okay cool / wait that's it? / I hope nothing happens
(BC) Anna: It's plenty that you two are here. You're, like, reassuring and stuff for people being present.

Phein: Understood. Send me the patrol routes later, first I want to get a feel of the layout.
Anna: Let's go! I'll be with you guys when I'm not handing out stuff or greeting people. (runs off)
Phein: (stares after Anna) What? What's she going to do if a fight breaks out? She's--
Anna: (comes back) "supposed to stay safe like a good girl" am I right? Yeah yeah, I know, I have things to do as a student here too. But if something does happen, wouldn't it be better to be close to a hero?
Phein: ...you can't say it's safe if battle could break out at any time. You too, MC. If it gets dangerous, go hide.
MC: It'll be easier to fight if we're together / You'll protect us!
Anna: I know, right? Better together! Now let's goooo!
Phein: (sighs and follows after MC and Anna)

Stall Area
Anna: This is the main area! We got a pretty big rooftop so it's up here.
Phein: Yes, big. The scale is mind blowing...
Anna: Inorite? Sakuramoto's an all-in-one for school levels below college and when I was first here I was like, whoooa... You'll get used to it! Anyways... (looks around)
Anna: That demo chocolate machine's supposed to be here soon...did the dealer come by yet?
Phein: Did you really have to get a dealer to come lend you a machine for making chocolate?
Anna: Yep! You guys hear about that one chocolate machine that, like, reads your mind?
MC: Oh the thing in the news / I think I have?
Anna: I don't get the details, but the thing can, like, choose shapes, flavors, and colorings based on your feelings! I don't think it's sold or lent to private citizens, so we arranged to have it for the fest.
Phein: A demo corner that gives food sounds good.
Anna: Right? The teachers even wanted to try having cooking classes with it!
MC: Simple demos are great! / You wanted to try it out, didn't you?
(B) Anna: Yep! If I don't have fun, how can I help other people enjoy things?

Suddenly!
Procy: Hey, you the client for the molecular gastronomy machine? ...MC? Why the hell are you h--
Procy's carrying a huge machine in his arms.
MC: Procy!
Anna: What, you two know each other? What a tweest!
MC: He's a hero who helped me a lot / He's Gomeisa's boss! / Gomeisa's not with you today?
---
(C) Procy: Yeah, he's off today. And this is something separate from my bar job anyway.
---
Anna: Oh, the bar owner's a hero? Wow, so that's why he has the gacha Ether Searcher!
Procy: Huh, you came to my bar, Miss? Call me Procy.
Anna: I'm Anna, one of the fest organizers and the client for the chocolate machi--
Phein notices Procy.
Phein: Procyon!? Why are you here?
Procy: Muliphein?
MC: You two know each other? Wow, small universe.
Phein and Procy seem to be looking for words to say.
MC: ...uh? How do you two know each other?

Procy: ...o-oh, we come from the same planet. He's an old childhood friend or something.
Phein: (frowns)
Procy: Man, I come here to do agent work with the chocolate machine and somehow I run into someone I know. Anyways Miss, were you the client?
Anna: O-oh, uh, yeah. Thanks for bringing the star attraction, Pro-Pro!
Procy: Pro-Pro? I know I'm small, but you do know I'm way older than you, right?
Anna: Oh yeah, Phinny said people from your planet are just like that. But isn't that, like, a way cuter name?
Procy: Tee hee, nice name Phinny.
Phein: ...it's Phein. You've sure changed if you're going by Procy now.
Procy: I guess. Eh, call me whatever Miss. Should I set the machine up around here?
Anna: Oh, this way Pro-Pro!
Procy: Alright then! It'll be good to go once it's up! (puts machine where Anna specifies)
Phein: (stares)

Later
Girl A: Wow, it's so pretty! I made this?
Boy B: Wow, maybe I should try it out too.
Visitor C: Ooh. U-um, can I try it too even though I'm not a student here?
There's a crowd of people come to see the machine.
Procy: YES, GIMME THE MONEY! Oh, hello! End of the line's there. Everyone will get a turn, so take a look at the instructions and make your own chocolate of love!
Anna: OMG Pro-Pro we have soooo many people coming!
Phein: ...he always was a money grubber, and I bet he does his main job the same way.
Procy: RUDE! Call it having sharp business senses, it sounds better!
MC: Wait, isn't this free? Procy's up to something!
Procy: RUDE! Okay fine I'll talk. I'm here to lend the machine, but if any get sold I get a huge cut. But if users like students don't like it, then buyers like schools won't go for it, so this is a necessary expense.
MC: Oh, make sense. How mercantile...

Procy smoothly manages the line. Everyone trying out the machine happily and carefully take their chocolates.
Procy: Things have slowed down, but it's going good. Now I just need to see what the people who made chocolate think... (looks around)
Visitor A: I'm so glad I came!
Girl B: Like, oh my god, let's take a picture of all our chocolates together!
The people leave.
Anna: I'm totes glad everyone's having fun!
Phein: ...wow, I knew chocolate was special but I never expected that big a response.
Anna: It's p awesome to get on the next hot trend...hey, that girl...
Serious Girl: Okay, it's all in there. It'll be okay...
Cheery Girl: Ooh, is that from the demo corner? Pretty.
Serious Girl: Uh, oh, y-yeah! Thanks...
Cheery Girl: What feelings did you put into it?
Serious Girl: Umm...I-I wanted to give this to you...
Cheery Girl: O-oh...you sure?
Stoic Phein. Surprised Anna. Amused Procy.
Serious Girl nods very hard and holds the chocolate out with shaky hands.
Cheery Girl: Thanks...uh, wanna eat them together over there?
And then the two go walk to some bench.

MC: Ahh, sweet love.
Procy: Go girl! That's pretty hard to do at that age.
Phein: ...is it really? I wouldn't know. What does giving sweets on Earth mean?
Procy: Oh right, it means something different here than on our birth planet. Here, it's a kind of love confession.
Phein: I understand even less now.
Procy: Culture! Anyways, people are talking about it and if it spreads that's even better for me!
Anna: Hey Pro-Pro I have an idea. Like, why don't I show you around since things have slowed down? You're a hero who came here too and all. You can advertise the machine while we go, and we can make things more fun for everyone! Two birds, one stone, love and peace for three!
MC: what / right, we should look around / I'm in!
(A) Procy: ...I think I know what you're saying, and it sounds good. I can set the machine on auto and watch it remotely, but we'd still need someone here...
Anna: Oh! We can ask one of the festies to keep watch for a little bit!
(B) Phein: Right, we should do that soon since we were hired as security...MC, get focused so you can tell us if you sense enemies.
Anna: Yay! Ready to go? I'll ask one of my fest club festies to watch the machine, so you come too Pro-Pro!
(C) Anna: Tee hee, I'm like, a genius. I knew you'd get into this EmmySees! Let's go! You too, Pro-Pro! I'll ask a festie to watch the machine for a bit!

And so the party starts going around the school.
Anna: OMG, those crepes are so good! And they give you as much sauce as you want! Chocolate is so good...which do you like, Phinny?
Phein: Any, really...are you hungry? Which do you like?
Anna: The one with strawberries and the one with orange. Oh, and the matcha flavored one!
Phein: Well you can just have them all. Owner, a strawberry, an orange, and a matcha crepe.
Anna: OMG I'm so going to get fat! Oh wait, we can share them all!
Next stop
Procy: Look, the scare house! Wanna go in, MC?
Anna: Whoo~, the evil ghosts of chocolate will come at you with chocolate~! Like, doesn't that sound fun!?
Phein: (frowns)
Procy: W-what? Let's not go in.
Anna: Aww...

Another stop
Phein: ...why are these drinks so thick?
Anna: Chocolate drinks! Wanna try one?
Phein: These are inappropriate for battlefield hydration. But a try won't hurt...whoa, how does Earth have something so good!?
Procy: Phein, no one in their right mind would give this out to soldiers as supplies.
Phein: ...this would be perfect for replenishing sugar in battle. I'd like one to go.
A little later
Procy: ...how should I advertise the chocolate machine to Earth students? I normally talk to people old enough to drink so I don't have any ideas yet.
MC: Hmm. Anna, what do you think?
Anna: Me? Like, visual impact's most important I think? That gets people's interest quick!
Procy: So...I should make a sign?
Anna: That's big too, but...oh, I got an idea! Come on, Pro-Pro!
Procy: W-what???

One costume shop visit later
Bancho Procy: WHAT
Anna: Impact equals cosplay, mic drop! I hear this is, like, an old legendary student fashion style!
MC: Looks good, Procy / A gakuran! / Cute!
Phein: ...heh.
Procy: DID YOU JUST LAUGH AT ME
Anna picks Procy up like a doll and looks him over.
Anna: Like OMG that is totes adorbs! Pro-Pro, let's take a double selfie!
Procy: What? No, don't leave any evidence on the space net of me looking like thi--
Anna: But you're so keeewt~! I thought lots of customers would come see you if they saw that...like, there's tons of us on social media so that could be a good be for exposure...
Procy: HNG
Anna: But if you don't want to, then okay.
Procy: (shakes)
Procy: ...hurry it up. Just one pic, for exposure.
Anna: THIS IS GONNA BE SO AWESOME
Procy: I HATE YOU SO MUCH
Anna: Here we go! Say "festie"! (click)

MC: You could just say no / Methinks milord doth protest too much
Anna: (uploads pic) Annnd sent! I hope, like, tons of people come see you! Oh, and the shopkeep said we can keep the costume all day! Don't forget to return it when you go home.
Procy: ...I have to wear this all day? At least it's easy to move in.
MC: Welp, advertising requirements, what can you do / I bet lots of people will come!
Procy: Meh, I'll wear whatever for money. So what now?
Anna: I have to say, like, hi to everyone at the ceremony. Oh! How about we go together? More advertising!
MC: Is that okay? / Yeah!
Anna: I got it! And people can relax if I show we got more heroes here!
Phein: ...oh, okay. I don't have anything to say, but I'm good to go if that's fine.
Procy: Me too. I'm already here, might as well sell it hard.
Anna: Gucci! This way.
And so Anna pushes the party to the main stage.

Main stage area
Student Host: Hello everyone, welcome! Let's present the organizers.
Anna: Hiiii, I'm Anna and I'm part of the fest organizer club! Hope you all have so much fun, thanks for the teachers and everyone helping for, like, everything they do! And here's the heroes who came to help with security! Clap clap!
Cheers and applause!
Procy: Heh, nice...wait I'm not actually on security work he--
Student A: Wow, I wanna see the heroes fight!
Student B: Three heroes, cool! Anna, show off your suit!
Student C: Yeah, show us your ultimates!
Anna: Uhh...I guess they, like, want us to do a hero show?
Student Host: We can fit it into the schedule, so go ahead if you like!

Anna: So...whatcha guys think?
Phein: ...well as long as it's not dangerous, a mock battle is fine. Patrolling is all we have to do so far. And it's a good time to show you what I can do.
Procy: I charge for this!
MC: But the exposure! / Isn't this a good time to hype things? / Come on, it's a festival!
Procy: ...oh okay fine...
Anna: Wait what, you guys are IN!? Then can I join too? Phinny, you need to see how I fight too! And MC, I want you to operate for me! Pleeease?
MC: Okay. Procy, transform time!
Procy and Anna suit up!
MC: Wow, that's your suit Anna? / Awesome! / Cute...
(C) Anna: O-oh! Thanks.

Anna: Tee hee, how's my suit? Or dress I guess. I fight with dancing!
Procy: Whoa, that's your Parallel Weapon? I recognize that vibe since I know another hero who dances to use their Parallel Weapon.
Anna: Wait, are you talking about Gomeisa!? Whoa, so many heroes for real! I've, like, never seen heroes outside my agency so this is p cool.
MC: Phein, you too now! Ready?
Phein nods. MC clicks on their phone. Poof, Broken Suit Phein!
MC: ...w-wait, what
Phein: ...sorry, I know it looks bad, but it won't affect my fighting. It's always been like this, but I can still do my job. Give me your orders as you will.
Procy: Phein, what's with your... Does this have anything to do with our last conversation back when I--
Phein: >:C
Phein: ...MC, we should start. Anna, ready? Don't get hurt.
Anna: U-uh, yeah I'm gucci! Since EmmySees is operating for me, I guess I'm on the same team as Phinny! Pro-Pro, go ahead and go all out!
Procy: ...sure, I'll make it exciting.
Phein: >:C
MC: ...Phein? Did something happen?
Phein continues glaring.
MC: ...okay, I'm ready. Let's go.
Anna: Coolio! Keep your eyes peeled, everybody!
BATTLE START