Live A Hero Conspiracy Masquerade Episode 6 (Abridged)

Secret passage time!
Nessen: I'm so glad you're okay, MC! Please stay close, it's a maze down here. We should at least make distance.
Yohack: Sorry we weren't back earlier...
MC: It's cool! / Thanks for coming back! / I believed in you two
---
(A) Yohack: Aww, thanks!
(B) Yohack: Of course! Friendship!
(C) Yohack: Yay, thanks!
---
Nessen: Indeed! Though I can't exactly say this area is safe... but we should share our information and work to end this conspiracy!
MC: Yeah!

Rewind!
So after when Astosis negotiated Nessen and Yohack's release...
Nessen: How lively tonight. Oh wait, right, we need to focus on rescuing MC somehow...
Yohack: Hmm, back then...
Nessen: Yohack?
Yohack: Oh, nothing! Just thinking.
Yohack seems down.
Nessen: Would you like to talk to me about what's on your mind?
Yohack: ...okay, thanks!
Yohack smiles, then focuses.

Yohack: ...so, what's happening with MC looks a lot like what happened to my parents when they got kicked out of town.
Nessen: Wait, what? I thought you chose to leave.
Yohack: ...my parents were thrown out after being charged with a crime. They took me with them.
Nessen: Oh...so what do you mean by things being similar?
Yohack: My parents were clothing artisans! They were super popular and unlike everyone else, they used offworld creation techniques and had lots of offworlder customers. But the last time we had the full moon festival, this one order came in. They were asked to fix up the Poderna before it got put on display, then got arrested on vandalism charges.
Nessen: WHAT
Yohack: I know, right!? But at the trial they said they found scissors with their fingerprints and deported my parents for it. I was still a kid then, so I went with them.
Yohack looks down.

Nessen: ...did it hurt to come back after so long?
Yohack: Maybe when I first left...but after that I learned how to be a locksmith after meeting a master! Astosis and the people in town still believed in my parents until the end! Courrèges and Muirauqa IV are both my home!
Nessen: Oh, that's wonderful.
Yohack: Oh yeah, Astosis was part of my parents' trial back then and maybe saw the mat--oh wait right, we should check out Astosis's office!
Nessen: O-okay but why?
Yohack: Remember what Astosis said before we left?
Flashback!
Astosis: If you're going back to town, I wanted to tell you that window's the same as before, the memories are still there, and I've never forgotten about your parents.
Present, sort of
Yohack: I remember what he means by that window! I'll explain later, let's go!
Nessen: R-right!

Yohack leads Nessen to a residential area.
Nessen: Is this it? It's probably locked though...
Yohack: It's okay! If that window's the same as before then it's okay to go in! Maybe.
Nessen: I-I guess this is a desperate time. But what does he mean by that window?
Yohack: It's the window I used to get in through when I was a kid. Then Astosis's dad changed the lock but gave me a copy of the key! I know how the lock works and I have my tools, so I'll go pick it open! Wait here.
Yohack circles around, then eventually opens the front door from the inside.
Yohack: Wow everything looks the same...but it was harder getting in because I got bigger though. Also whenever I tried being sneaky, Astosis said he already knew I was there.
Nessen: Aww, how cute. By the way, is Astosis's father here?
Yohack: Oh, he already passed away...
Yohack looks down.

Nessen: O-oh I'm so sorry!
Yohack: No, I'm sorry I didn't say so earlier!
Yohack picks up a photo on the desk after a moment.
Yohack: It suddenly happened some years after Astosis became an attorney. Astosis worked really hard to take over the office, and now he's famous in town! Then he was appointed to my parents's tri--oh right, we have to look for the evidence!
Nessen: Please slow down enough that you won't miss anything. Are we looking for something related to your parents?
Yohack perks back up a little.
Yohack: Maybe! Uhh...
Nessen: Wish we had a note or something. And to recheck, Astosis was your parents' lawyer?
Yohack: Yeah. Oh right, we're looking for the records!
Nessen: Yes, maybe he left a hint in there. Let's split up to look. Good thing they use paper records here. Can you check if Astosis left anything else?
Yohack: Okay!

One search later
Yohack: I couldn't find anything...
Nessen: Me neither...
Yohack and Nessen turn towards one spot.
Yohack: There's still there though...
Nessen: Yes, though I didn't want to search something so valuable...
It's a safe.
Yohack: Well if Astosis told us to go here, there must be something. Sorry about this!
Yohack examines the safe.
Yohack: No bio-lock and my tools should be fine. Uhh...
Yohack stops.

Nessen: What's wrong?
Yohack: My tools will work, but there's a number lock...
Nessen: Oh. Maybe try whatever you can think of?
Yohack: Okay! Astosis's birthday...? Nope. His dad's birthday? ...nope. Mine? ...nope. Um, I'm all out of ideas!
Nessen: What else could Astosis have--OH!
Yohack: WHAT, what is it!?
Nessen: He said he never forgot about your parents! They were his first case, right?
Yohack: Yeah, but wh--oh!

Click!
Yohack: You were right! ...it was the day their trial ended. It still bothers him.
Nessen: Maybe he cared that much about you all.
Yohack: ...yeah. He kept fighting it even after the trial turned against them.
Nessen: Oh. We should thank him again when we get back.
Yohack: Yeah! Oh, but first we have to save MC!
Yohack pulls out a space flash drive from the safe.
Nessen: A space flash drive?
Yohack: Lemme check...blueprints? I'll send them to your phone.
Nessen: Hmm, yes these look like blueprints. The museum's...wait, look there!
Yohack: The ballroom? What's--
Nessen: All these walls are too thick. I've seen a lot of blueprints in my work life. I'll look into it more, so can you check for any other information?
Yohack: Okay! I'll check the safe some more!

Later
Nessen: Ready to go over what we found?
Yohack: Yep!
Nessen pulls out his phone and the castle blueprints.
Nessen: I'm 90% sure there's a secret passage in the ballroom.
Yohack: The moving walls and stuff?
Nessen: Yes, that. The walls are thick enough to fit another passageway in there, and there's a strange space right behind the Poderna.
Yohack: ...wait.
Nessen: Yes, that means there's another way in besides the window.
Yohack: Oh, so we can prove MC isn't the only possible suspect!
Nessen: It's not definite proof, but yes. What did you find?
Yohack: There was another section in the safe that had documents in it. They look like my parents' trial records and stuff.
Nessen: Oh. But why were they in there?
Yohack: Astosis's notes say the evidence used was illegal. He says there's been fake evidence used as far back as his dad's time!
Nessen looks angry.
Nessen: We should hurry back and stop this!

Present
MC: Oh...
Nessen: Our theory is that someone came out of the secret passage when the lights went out and stole the Poderna. And the person who did that is...
MC: Someone who knew about the passage. One of the Chasseur.
Yohack: ...I bet they want to kick out everyone not native to the planet.
Nessen: Yohack, what ARE the Chasseur?
Yohack looks sad.
Yohack: It's an organization meant to protect Courrèges by Courrèges's people. That's how it was when I was little, and I think it still is. But then some people started thinking it should only be done by Courrèges's people, so they want to throw out everyone else.
MC: I see. Bunk logic though.
Nessen: Yohack, is the reason your parents were kicked out...
Yohack: Yeah, I think so now. They'd say good techniques come from anywhere. But it's okay, my family and I are living freely outside Courrèges now! ...but I still want to stop what the Chasseur are doing. People can like and hate whoever they want, but they shouldn't push it onto other people!
Nessen: I agree.
MC: Yeah, let's stop them! Also they're bitches for what they did to me.
Coming up to the exit now.

Nessen: According to the blueprints, this leads back to the balcony from before. Shall we decide what we'll do when we get out there?
Yohack: I think Astosis and the Chasseur are out there.
MC: Astosis said he was counting on us. If nothing else he can't have gone far.
Nessen: Yes, I believe he'll be waiting for us to bring back evidence. It should at least lower suspicion against MC, but if not we'll have to break out from here. Then we find Maculata, leave, and have all contracts pass through our agencies in the future.
Yohack: Yep! Either way, I'll protect you, MC!
MC: Right, let's go!
Outside
Space French Guard: It's just one guy, how have we not taken him down yet!?
Gaisei: Ohh, you can still keep this up? Give me all you have!
Nessen: !? ...well then.
Yohack: Has he been fighting this whole time...?
Yup, Gaisei's been fighting this whole time.
MC: Damn, and the mob wolves bailed already. He's really into battles...
Nessen: I don't think we can talk things out like this. Keep your guard up as we look for Astosis!
Yohack: R-right! MC!
MC: Yeah, rock up!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Red: Oof! Call reinforcements! Surround them!
More Space French Guards incoming!
Gaisei: Ohh, I suppose quantity is entertaining in its own right.
Suddenly!
Astosis: Sorry I'm late! Chasseur, stand down! They have been cleared of doubt and--
Red: Pfffft, bring out the Poderna if you mean it!
Astosis: Urgh! Well...
???: Oh, did someone ask for the Poderna?
Someone else is here now!
Maculata: I'm back! And I've kept the Poderna safe!
Maculata!
Maculata: Well now, time to present our theories and arguments.
Title Card: Recollection, Open the Key of Truth
End of Episode

Top of Summer Mountains Episode 6 Part 2 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Zao: Marriage?
So Kumano once told Zao about what happened to him.
Zao: Ah yes, one of those things you need to climb mountains!
Kumano: No it isn't you dumb bitch. Make a litte space in your brain for this while I explain this for five year olds...
One explanation later
Zao: I don't get it. If she loved you so much, why did she want to marry you instead of doing something else?
Kumano: Oh, NOW you act all sharp and observant. Marriage is like the best part of people's lives. Some people don't see a point in living if they don't get it...I guess?
Zao didn't get it then, but he gets it now. If this is the best part of his life and everything is downhill from here, why not just...stop?
Zao: Kouhai, you remember when we first met? When I invited you to the club? ...when you took my hand?

Present
Something has Zao at the bottom of the caldera lake!
Enigma: Sensors back online now that geomagnetic interference is down! Zao's bio signal is disappearing into another dimension!
Zao is falling out of the realm of human perception!
MC: Senpai! / Enigma, help!
---
(BC) Enigma: Excellent judgment of my competency, asking my help first.
---
Enigma: Temporarily designated target Lebensraum, quarantining with Noble Phantasm! Subsystem tags attached, tracking route...calculated!
MC: Tracking? Bigfoot!
Bigfoot: Understood. Me, can track unearthly things. Noble Phantasm activate!
What would be untrackable by humans has now been traced!
Bigfoot: That way! But, too fast!
MC: Tanngrisnir!
Tanngrisnir: Need lightning speed? Of course! Noble Phantasm activate!

The party gets chumpblocked by Shadow Wyverns!
MC: Oh no! (swing back)
Bigfoot: Must be intruding in territory. Careful MC, Kumano! More coming!
Chernobog: Ahh, doesn't this bring back memories?
Durga: Our turn to help!
Chernobog: In the name of the Lord of Bald Mountain, I command thee to sleep. Noble Phantasm, freeze!
Durga: Victory is mine! Noble Phantasm, fire!

Meanwhile
Zao (narrating): ...I'm falling to oblivion, holding hands with Something that looks like Kouhai. It's fine if it's not really them. They'll love me and stay with me forever.
Distant Voices: (gibberish)
Zao (narrating): Something's coming, saying...stuff. I can't tell what, but it looks like an attack. I was about to run, afraid, but then I noticed something. I remember back when only the mountains understood me, when I was all alone. I kept trying to invite people to join me, which now seems a little weird in retrospect. Honestly I was scared and didn't understand anyone...but then you took my hand and opened up my world. I didn't stop being scared because I knew where we were going, but because...
Himavat: Zao! You once said that height doesn't make mountains alone, and that you'd keep climbing if there were more mountains to see! Even if no one can see it, it might still be there!
Zao (narrating): Because I'm your senpai, and I wanted to look cool in front of you.
MC: (grab Zao's hand) / (let Zao grab you) / (hug Zao)
Zao comes back into clarity!
Zao: ...sorry about the wait. I'm back!

The Singularity mountains writhe! Something cries!
Kumano Gongen: ...Mt. Kumano. I dunno what you're saying, but I know I'm back then to the time I couldn't explain myself to Kiyohime. Here we go, Noble Phantasm activate!
Kumano (narrating): I'm sure we could've done something else if I didn't run and trap myself in that bell.
Kumano: ...I'm gonna live and change, no matter how dirty I get. I'm not the clean and pretty guy you thought I was, but I'm sure there was always other choices for us.
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Too bright. Zao is holding hands with someone.
Zao: ...hey Kouhai, you mind if I look uncool for a minute?
MC: Sure / you weren't already?
---
(C) Zao: Well damn, do you always have to be such a little shit?
---
Zao: So...I was afraid I'd lose contact with you, and everyone, once I graduated. That this is the best time of my life, here in modern Tokyo. I thought if this was it, maybe it should just end there. But I was wrong. I never knew where I was going with you from the start. This is just the first step...
Zao takes a step forward and turns to MC.
Zao: And I want to take it with you, not just as part of the Wandervogel club. Uhh...what was I trying to say?
MC: Let's keep climbing mountains after / Let's make a new club after graduation / Marry me after graduation
(A) Zao: ...maybe. Well, actually no but it could go there. So, will you climb mountains with me even after graduation?
(B) Zao: ...maybe. Well actually no, but that sounds good. Let's make a club where anyone can join! And I want you to be its first member!
(C) Zao: ...maybe. Well actually no, but that sounds good. Marry me, Kouhai! ...do I even know what I'm asking? Uh, yeah. Maybe?

Zao: What Himavat said to me actually bothered me a little. Maybe I'd be a little more proud of myself if I went pro mountain climbing. But I'm not him...and I don't need to be like him or anyone. Right?
Kumano: ...I could have said anything, but I should have actually talked it out with you, Kiyohime.
Kumano talks to the Singularity Shadow Wyvern thing.
Gibberish.
It's not clear if Kiyohime is really in there, but he had to say something at least.
Kumano: Me not getting across isn't a surprise, but...
Kumano (narrating): I always thought things could only end one way. We both did.
Kumano: Sorry it took so long, but I have my answer for you. I can't marry you because I can't connect with anyone. But thanks. It was just an unlucky matchup.
Himavat would probably go "pffft" if he heard that. Different beings can't understand each other as a rule, but...
Shadow Wyvern: [Unknown response]
And so the event singularity is solved as Mt. Hakone returns to normal.
To be continued in the epilogue!

Top of Summer Mountains Episode 6 Part 1 (Abridged)

Kumano Gongen (narrating): So like back when I was still just human...
Totally Not Anchin: What do you MEAN you're in love with me!?
Kumano (narrating): I rolled up in this one village and some girl I literally just met proposed to me. She was all "omg ur so pretty you're my pure soulmate" but I couldn't say yes because Buddhist monks are supposed to be celibate. Girl's mind lived on another planet though, so just saying that didn't work. So my genius ass said...
Totally Not Anchin: Maybe there's someone else better for you?
Kumano (narrating): You know how country villages are. Everyone hears EVERYTHING and everyone's grandma knew about the dumping in fifteen minutes. I claimed I didn't want to embarrass her as I bailed without saying anything, but really...I didn't think we were anywhere close to being the same kind of beings. She turned into a dragon because I kicked her out of my world and wouldn't accept her as an equal, Tenshin Kasho Zanmai'd my ass, then according to local faith unalived herself.
Kumano Gongen (narrating): All that up there is the origin story of Kumano Gongen's faith. Which is to say, this fusion body that's probably my punishment for not picking that one right choice. Back then, back there, yes was the only right answer. But if this was some story, what's the takeaway supposed to be?

Later
Himavat: Kumano, you're too fussy and serious about these things.
Himavat's talking to the Setagaya club members about their futures.
Xi Wang Mu: Yeah, take your human responsibilities and live in that body. Mommy thinks you can forget about what happened already.
Himavat: Yeah, that's what I love about work. But seriously what horror story did you fall into? ...I like your thought patterns like she did, though.
Jersey Devil: Same, captain dude! Your feels ain't my business. Having religious faith and finding god? Pfffft, like that'll get me rich! Whatever work gets you ain't related to faith at all, yo. (leans on Kumano in exaggerated crudeness)
Kumano (narrating): Anyway this is Setagaya's Mountaineering Club. Interpersonal relationships here are dry, but that makes it paradise for me. No one's demanding total honesty with me (and threating to burn my ass over lies).
Kumano: Thanks Jersey Devil. If you want my body as is, I can lend myself out.
Himavat: So that's why you don't care about your body? It's dirty anyways, so it's easier doing everything? I think you care about it being dirty too much.
Kumano: ...I don't think you'll ever get it, Mr. Clean and Upright.

Kumano Gongen thinks Himavat would've managed to finesse Kiyohime's proposal somehow. Look at Mr. Long View over there, always being right. It'd have been nice to be like that, giving his whole heart and soul to someone.
Kumano: (...then again, Himavat's into Zao with all his Zao-ness.)
God it'd be nice to be perfectly right all your life. Not that he can do that.
Himavat: I'm not always right, Kumano.
Kumano: what
Himavat: It's just that I can only take the right way. It's why I like Zao.
Kumano: (stares)
Himavat: Hey Kumano, why did you come to Tokyo?
Kumano (narrating): Yeah I didn't get anything he was saying then. What else is new?

Present
So reminder, the party fell into some interdimensional caldera lake and the wires going up to Mt. Hakone are possessed or something.
Distortion Wyvern Thing: <>?!@#
MC: Another one!
Himavat: (regains clarity) Is it working now? Stay close, MC Fullname.
MC: Whoa how'd you do that? / (chestglomp)
(AB) Himavat: ...uhh, same thing Zao does?
(C) Himavat: !?
Himavat: Not that close.

Himavat: Accepting you as Zao Fan 2 is kind of weird. But anyways, I'm touching you with my artifact so we can now see the same things through memory shenanigans.
MC: You can do that? Sounds familiar. (remembers Pillars)
Himavat: Anyone with a World Pillar can do this. Mind sharing! Communication is a lie, personal cognitions make up the world. So if anyone can't do this, I guess they're stuck looking at glitches.
Distant fighting noises.
MC: Oh no, are the others fighting without knowing what's up!?
Himavat: Unfortunately likely.
MC: But why? What's that dragon thing I keep seeing?
Himavat: TLDR version, cognitive bugs preventing us from seeing each other as lives with value. If we can't communicate we see each other as incomprehensible things. I think.
MC: what

Himavat: Remember how Enigma said he popped out of Tokyo's information pool?
So if human consciousness comes from electric signals going through nerves, you could argue electric signals going through networks could make other consciousnesses. That's not enough for most people in this age though, which is why people attack AI. But anyways mountains are alive! They have dragon vein leylines to work as blood vessels, and Mt. Hakone being a mountain singularity makes it a mountain network. That means it too can spawn life the way Enigma popped out of comm nets and boy is it spawning them.
Himavat: Focus, MC. Do you feel the distortions nearby?
Something squirms.
Himavat: That's what the event singularity caused. Connecting so many leylines in one vessel is like stuffing a bunch of fish into a tiny aquarium. Know what happens?
MC: what / I think I've heard of that...
Himavat: They start attacking each other. Gu, kodoku, that sort of thing. They lose sense of their relations. Other beings having worth comes from there not being too many of them. Otherwise you instinctively get threatened over your survival.

Elsewhere
Kumano and Xi Wang Mu are running from confused event cast members!
Kumano: OH GOD HELP
Xi Wang Mu: Nobody is listening to Mommy! Keep running!
Outside the Singularity
Randos are crowding up to see the news. Mt. Hakone acts like it's a living animal! Some randos start sending secret messages to somewhere.
Somewhere aka Yurakucho
Oscar is getting reports.
Oscar: So...something seems to be trying to break out of the singularity? If it gets recognized as alive, the in and outside states of the overworld shift might flip. Before now, most of the shifts just collapsed because they got outnumbered by the outside.

Back inside the Singularity!
Himavat: So what now, Zao's heir?
MC: Um...
Himavat: Since Zao is gone, the investigation is down to us. I have three probable suggestions. One, the two of us retreat and get outside guidance. No guarantees we'll make it in time to solve anything, but we'll technically complete the job. Two, we drag our parties out, give up on solving the plot, and leave. I can probably fix them after we beat them over the heads, but then the plot still goes unresolved. We can run away and bunker down somewhere else, but who knows what'll happen to Tokyo? Three, we accept the event singularity and join fates.
MC: wait what does that even MEAN

Himavat: So our clubs have gone blind and are attacking each other. If we stop them, maybe whatever's being created here won't attack us either. Maybe it's evolution!
Mr. Incomprehensible To Normal People Galaxy Brain sometimes sounds like he's suggesting giving up. It's just that taking a view that long sometimes says "hey maybe large scale destruction is the right thing."
Himavat: Three is the most realistic if the goal is to preserve life. I don't know what kind of life it'll be though, mind you. So which do you think we should do, MC?
MC: What the hell kind of choice is this!?
Himavat: ...you have to pick even if there isn't a good choice. It's what being in charge and responsible means.
MC: But picking any of them means sacrificing things and--
Himavat: Yes, sacrifices will happen and our job is to carry that burden. (frowns)
MC: (thinks)

Earlier, Enigma noticed that there can be life viewpoints in other directions. Bigfoot showed everything can be replaced. Tanngrisnir showed everyone chooses what is right for them.
MC: And if Zao were here...
Himavat: ...time's up MC. What's your answer?
MC: I reject your suggestions and will come up with my own.
Himavat: wait what
MC: If there's no right answer and things are too cramped for everyone, then we will sidestep it and go some other way. That's what Zao would do.
Himavat: >:(

Plot twist! Something breaks through a nearby wall!
Himavat: Oh there you are, Jersey Devil.
Jersey Devil: (walks up and handshakes) Brooooo, you hit the jackpot again! Made it in by the deadline, so I could show up when you called, dude.
MC: WHOMST / hot
---
(C) Jersey Devil: bruuuuh thanks
---
Himavat: Okay, the Setagaya Mountaineering Club is all here. We're betting on your idea then! This'll be a big two-step plan, so we'll handle the first part! Let's go, team!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Flashback!
Kumano Gongen: I hate people like you.
Kumano (narrating): I let that slip earlier. Maybe I should've said something else, but I ran off before resolving anything. Ugh, it's like with Kiyohime all over again.
Present
MC: (garbled) this way!
Flashback!
Himavat: MC, go get everyone's attention while we work. Don't worry, Xi Wang Mu will be with you. Even if she can't get through by speaking she can still see things like I do.
Himavat starts scouting for their positions with his artifact.
Himavat: She's one of the longest serving members on our team.
Present
Xi Wang Mu: Is it time for Mommy to do her magic? Okay, Noble Phantasm activate!
Xi Wang Mu flaps her tablecloth and wafts the smell of forbidden fruit to get the attention of all that lives.

Elsewhere
Jersey Devil: Y'all gotten to safety yet? Cool, underground expansion time! Noble Phantasm mining, go!
Jersey Devil starts expanding the Enclosed Area down!
Himavat: Hmm, I don't think I've worked on anything this big in ages. Noble Phantasm activate! Rise, mountains, rise!
Himavat starts expanding the singularity upwards too!
The confusion effect has been dispelled now that it's not too crowded!
Kumano Gongen: wait what just happe--OH GOD
Kumano starts falling!
MC: (save him)
Kumano: MC!
Kumano: (frowns)

Later
Kumano Gongen: Why'd you save me even after I said I hated you?
MC: Let's talk / Oh I hate you too, jackass! / Uhh, hot bod.
---
(A) Kumano: ...you really are an ass, stealing my lines from under me.
(B) Kumano: Damn, harsh. Good thing I never said this to her.
(C) Kumano: Pffft, you can't just say that! I feel relaxed now though.
---
Kumano: ...I wanted you to hate me because I'm afraid of being liked. It's not just with Kiyohime, but with everyone.
Kumano (narrating): This isn't a big deal to the Setagaya Mountaineering Club but I still didn't want to tell them. How can I keep my life going if people knew I worked as an escape? Not when so many people actually like working.
Kumano: I've always been running from my life. God DAMN I suck so much!
Deep feelings.
MC: Can't you run from things? It's how I got here since I didn't want responsibilities.

Kumano: (stares in shock)
Himavat told MC to take responsibility. MC said no. And here we are!
Kumano: HA! Damn you sure told me!
Kumano doesn't know why he's laughing either. But it feels like there's some sort of interpersonal understanding now.
Kumano: You're as dirty as I am. Heh!
Kumano hasn't laughed so hard in forever.
Kumano: ...I feel better now. So this is what it's like to talk to someone on equal footing. Maybe I should've talked to her like this.
MC: I feel more rumbling. Wait, something's wrong!
Kumano: ...it's HER.
Mt. Kumano. Where she left her heart behind.
Kumano: Kiyohime.
Giant dragon! Also she ate Zao or something.
End of Episode part

Live A Hero Conspiracy Masquerade Episode 5 (Abridged)

Red: You're STILL saying you're innocent?
Jail again.
Red: Give it up already!
Red bangs the table!
Astosis: Scare tactics now? We've been sticking to our story from the beginning: MC is not the criminal.
Red: ...hmph. Care to explain away all the circumstantial evidence?
He mad.
Astosis: We must go over all testimony before we can say any circumstantial evidence is valid. That is why we are here.
Red: And the Poderna could be off planet by now! I KNEW offworlders would ruin everything!
More tablebanging.

Astosis: Please refrain from unfounded accusations and emotional arguments in cases of criminal guilt charges.
Red: Pffft, who cares!? A foreigner stole the Poderna, whether them or that other villain!
Gaisei's here too. MC and Gaisei look at each other.
MC: I didn't do it. / ...
Gaisei: ...can we just fight instead of all this circuitous talking?
Astosis: Quiet, you may yet be judged for your attack on the party hall. But back to the Poderna. If we hope to recover it, the truth is ever more important.
Red: ...
Astosis: I will interpret that to mean you agree then. MC, please tell us what happened around the time of the attack at the ball.
MC: Okay, so the lights came back and the Chasseur surrounded us...

Rewind!
Rando: Oh no, the Poderna!
Astosis: !!
MC: What!? Where's Maculata!?
Not there at least. But you know who IS here?
Chasseur: Stop, criminal scum!
Space French Guards with guns pointed at MC's party!
Astosis: ...what are you all doing?
Red: Nobody move! We're arresting everyone as suspects for the Poderna's loss!
MC: WHAT

Astosis: ...I'm responsible for security here. Shouldn't you evacuate the guests and detain the villains first?
Red: ...I know. We'll talk about your responsibilities later.
Astosis turns to Gaisei and the mobs.
Mobs: DAMMIT
Gaisei: Too late to back out I suppose. I'll just have to wait for a chance then.
Gaisei disengages and walks over to the mobs.
Red: Don't resist, outsiders!
Astosis: ...so, what's this about EVERYONE in the ball being suspects over the Poderna theft?
Red: Did I stutter? I KNOW those villains and the offworld security hired help are in collusion to steal the Poderna.
More Space French Guards surround MC's party.
Astosis: ...this is going nowhere. Can we at least do this elsewhere so we don't disturb the guests?
Red: ...fine.

Later
Some Space French Guards stay at the ballroom to investigate. Everyone else moves to that jail room. Everyone quits out of their hero suits.
Astosis: ...so MC and the others are suspected of colluding with villains?
Yohack: I-impossible! We were hired to help protect it!
Nessen: Indeed. We have no reason to steal the Poderna. Plus, we were in combat when the lights went out, so how did the Poderna disappear?
Red: We're looking into that...hey, get to doing body checks.
Blue and Purple: ...roger.
Body checks for Nessen and Yohack. Then MC's turn.
Astosis: !?
MC: wait what

They found a hidden pocket in MC's ball outfit. It had a gemstone accessory in it.
Red: ...that's part of the Poderna. Explain?
Astosis: Yes, explain. It would be unnatural for a criminal to be carrying that. I prepared the clothes and the Chasseur were the ones who checked them earlier.
Red: Yes, nothing was wrong earlier. This was stolen from the ballroom, which means either they or the villain did it.
Astosis: Then shouldn't you suspect the villains who clearly came to commit crimes first?
Yohack: Yeah! We were fighting when it disappeared! We couldn't have gotten close!
Nessen: Agreed. Couldn't the villains have a B team come in to steal the Poderna while we were fighting?

Gaisei: Excuse me, but there is no B team.
Red Wolf: Gaisei, what!?
Gaisei: We have already lost. Why resist?
Purple Wolf: Hmm, Gaisei makes sense. We didn't steal the Poderna!
Gaisei: We were hired to cause a disturbance by a thieves gang. Except we failed, so they likely cut us loose and fled already.
Red Wolf: Y-yeah! We didn't do it, have mercy!
Astosis: You expect us to believe that?
Red: Actually I found proof they're right.
Red points at some screen.
Red: Drone camera footage. No one came in or out when the lights went out.
MC: uhhhh, what about stealth suits??? / ...

Yohack: W-wait, what if there were anti-drone stealth suits or something?
Red: Do those things make weight disappear too? All doors stayed closed, meaning the only entry point was the broken window. Which leads to a balcony and the garden. No tracks were found.
Yohack: U-um...but MC stealing the Poderna is impossible!
Red: Prove it, thief. There were no external trespassers after lights went out. Suspects would have to be nearby the Poderna, meaning you and the villains. Conveniently, you're missing a member so they must have run off with it!
MC: Oof, where is Maculata? Also, tyranny!
Astosis: This is unacceptable! There needs to at least be some evidence prov--
Red: Shut up! Arrest them!
Here comes the handcuffs!
Nessen: Oof, MC we might have to make a break for it...
Yohack: Yeah they won't listen! We should try to find Maculata!
Nessen and Yohack stand in front of MC! Gaisei's been cuffed already as he stands up and smiles.
Gaisei: Ooh, violent resistance at false accusations? I am so in.
MC: N-now hold on! / wait Gaisei aren't you cuffed up?
(C) Gaisei: Oh, you're worried for me? I can still revenge kill one or two people like this if I have to. Or do other things if I had time to think of them, but alas.

Gaisei seems chill about this.
Astosis: All of you, please. Bide your time for now.
Astosis steps in.
Astosis: Let's say for now I concede that circumstantial evidence points to MC being the criminal for now.
Yohack: wait WHAT
Astosis signals for Yohack to wait.
Astosis: In return, Nessen and Yohack are to be released from suspicion.
Red: You expect us to agree to that?
Astosis: Your current theory means both cannot be guilty. I guarantee Nessen was only here by chance, a tourist I just gave a VIP invite to later. He wasn't even hired to help with security.
Red: ...go on.

Astosis: Yohack was sent as a substitute from his agency. Arguing that he has guilt means arguing whatever problem the original member to be sent was intentional sabotage and the Chasseur had missed this.
Red: ...who's side are you on!?
Astosis: The truth's. You insist this is some conspiracy, so there are no objections to clearing Nessen and Yohack from suspicion, I trust?
The Space French Guards have no immediate response. Astosis takes Nessen and Yohack to the door.
Yohack: Wait, let us stay!
Nessen: Yes, please!

Astosis whispers.
Astosis: Listen, this is a precarious situation. I'm sure MC is being scapegoated, but I can't prove it yet. Please go find evidence.
Nessen: But how do we even--
Red: Stop whispering and get out if you aren't suspects!
Astosis: ...yes, they will soon enough. Oh right, Yohack?
Yohack: Y-yeah?
Astosis: If you're going back to town, I wanted to tell you that window's the same as before, the memories are still there, and I've never forgotten about your parents.
Yohack: What...I mean, nothing! Let's go, Nessen!
Nessen: ...very well. Astosis, please handle things here.
Nessen and Yohack leave. Astosis smiles for MC.
Astosis: It's okay, I'll be your attorney. Wait a moment for the objections.
MC: ...okay. / Those fake charges won't get me!
Astosis: Good, time for the cross examination then. I won't let them attack you.
Astosis leads MC by the hand back. The Space French Guards shove MC into a chair at the interrogation table.
MC: Let me tell my side.
Red: Pfft. Don't think you can weasel out from the circumstantial evidence. Damn foreigners!

Title Card: Mayhem, and Now the Present

Red sighs and turns to MC after so long.
Red: This has gone long enough. No new evidence was found.
Astosis: ...gh. No objections...
MC: Wait just a bit longer!
Red: We officially arrest MC as the suspect for the theft of the Poderna. But before we move you to a detainment cell we have to parade this to everyone at the ball!
Astosis: Now hold on, MC's guilt hasn't actually been proven yet!
Red: If you want evidence you have until the trial. Not that it'll matter much. You'll be charged next after them, attorney!
Astosis: ...!
MC and the villains get moved elsewhere.

Later
Red: Citizens! Behold!
Public announcement on stream time!
Red: Foreigners stole the Poderna!
Shocked and appalled city of Courrèges!
Red: Not to worry, we caught the criminal and will have the Poderna back Soon™!
Torches and pitchforks getting broken out!
Red: Everything is under control, go back to our yearly fashion circus! Okay bring out the criminal.
MC: Wait just a bit longer, there's still a chance!
Astosis: We didn't make it? ...how regrettable.
Gaisei: Operator, can we get to flailing and swinging and probably dying yet? I do not intend on going down without a--
Incoming Space French Guards!
???: HOLD UP!
Space French Guard A: WHAT

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's--
Yohack: Hey we're back!
Nessen: I'm glad to see you're okay, MC. We're breaking you out of those cuffs.
Surprise! The Space French Guards are too shocked to stop Yohack and Nessen from approaching MC.
Astosis: Well done getting back! Now we should check the evidence and form a counterargument and--
MC: Would, but now seems like a bad time!
The Space French Guards suit up!
Space French Guard A: Jailbreak! Get them!
Astosis: Oh, so it seems. Get going, I'll handing things after.
MC: Sorry, and thanks Astosis! Everyone, rock up!
Yohack: Ready!
Nessen: Same!

Nessen and Yohack suit up! Also Gaisei joins in.
Gaisei: Excuse me, I'm taking part as well. I'd like to see how strong the Chasseur really are.
Red: When'd you break out!?
Gaisei: I hide things inside myself. Sloppy, sloppy investigation.
A blade coming out of Gaisei's arm slashes down the Space French Guards!
MC: O-okay wow. Whatever, it's go time!
Nessen: I-I kind of feel bad treating him as a decoy, but now's a good chance to escape!
Yohack: This way!
Space French Guard A: Get them!
Yohack: Oh no they noticed!
Nessen: So it comes down to violence after all. MC!
MC: Right, focus on breaking through!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Space French Guard A: Oof! Call backup! Cut them off!
Yohack: Oh god we gotta go before they swarm us!
Nessen: This way, MC!
The party runs away to the masquerade ballroom! Yohack and Nessen lead MC to the Poderna's display area.
Nessen: We're here. MC, step aside for a moment please.
Yohack: Just like the blueprints said! It was like right here...
Yohack opens up a secret passage behind the Poderna's display stand! Loud moving noise!
MC: Secret passage! / OMG cool! / where does it go...?
---
(B) Yohack: I know, right!?
---
Nessen: We'll talk on the way. We should lose our pursuers first.
And so the party runs on in.
End of Episode

Top of Summer Mountains Episode 5 Part 2 (Abridged)

So, Himavat is different from the Gongen thing. He's both a representation of the Himalayas and a a human-made form. A watcher from the highest point over 50 million years. He's seen the rise of humanity, though none ever came to his heights. That place was called the Ceiling of the World, a pillar that supported the world with all the memories carved into it. Himavat has those memories, and getting the top of success in Tokyo was easy for him. He became a famous sports brand model! And when you stand that high above society, it's easy to make your way through. Top of his school class! Tokyo's top fashion model! Everyone was in awe of him, but Himavat never really cared because he couldn't really talk to people. How dare people not have his perfect memory and repeat some mistake they made a century ago? Aliens, the lot of them. And then one day he met Zao...

Present
Some cave
MC: where am I? I saw Zao before and...
MC: I got flooded? Then there was a giant hole...
Welp, MC and Zao fell into the big sky hole together!
MC: Oh right where is Zao?
MC thinks back to finding Zao and Not MC up top. Zao stepped forward and then fell into the hole. The hole swelled as it filled with water, and MC fell in too.
MC: Where's Zao!?
Flashback!
Himavat: You're a terrible club captain for not setting it up to be able to work without you!
Zao: !?
Himavat: You know what the difference between work and hobby, right?
Present
MC: Right, calm as the mountains. Zao would want to make sure everyone's okay!

Elsewhere
Himavat managed to stop himself from falling by sticking a stake into the rock wall.
Himavat: I've seen this happen before. Keep calm and carry on.
This is some world's caldera lake. A natural phenomenon.
Himavat: That hole opened like a snake's mouth. Seen it before too...seems like the other investigation members fell in.
Himavat calmly descends in. Then he picks up on something invisible.
Himavat: Geomagnetism. That explains the comms jamming.
Himavat checks his ski pole artifact. Enigma would say a magnetic storm is warping spacetime. The big hole is collecting energy like some antenna. Himavat then holds his poles up.
Himavat: Show me what happened with Zao.
Memory replay!
Zao: KOOOOUHAAAAIIII
Himavat: (frowns) You care about MC that much...?
Himavat starts remembering his first night with Zao...

Flashback!
It happened one night at some overworld shifted mountaintop.
Himavat: Someone actually made it up here? There's no oxygen! Who are you!? ...whoa!
Zao: I made it! Also who are you?
First person to ever make it asks that while hugging him. They talked all night, and it was a first of many things for Himavat. First contact, impressed by Zao's passion.
Himavat: Why go back down? This is the highest mountain in the world!
Zao: Who cares about height if that's all it has? I just came because I felt like it, and I'm going because I like people.
That smile.
Zao: I'm gonna start a mountaineering club!
Himavat decides he'll go down too then. And make his own club so he can stand equal to Zao forever!
Present
Himavat: Why do you care so much about a normal human...? ...hm?
Something's there. Weird wyvern MC thing!
Later
MC: wait what I can't see what's happening
Wyvern Himavat thing!
MC: wait WHAT
BATTLE START (more happens after)

MC: What the hell is going on!? Wait this is like before with Zao!
That was earlier, when he tried attacking but then fell into the hole. Maybe their recognition of what's happening is wrong.
MC: Hmm...
MC: (push back) / (spread your arms) / (judo catch)
Strange noises!
Eventually the distortion disappears and Himavat is revealed!
Himavat: Huh. Didn't expect that to be done.
MC: Himavat? I can finally see I guess? Good thing we can stop now.
Himavat: You did that as a blind guess? Who would actually--no wait, it suddenly makes sense you're Zao's heir now.
MC: where are we? / where's everyone else? / Is Zao...okay?
(B) Himavat: You're always so concerned with others. But I'm sure they're okay. My school's at least.
(C) Himavat: ...I didn't expect you to look like that too.

Himavat: ...we're in a tunnel towards a caldera lake basically. I'd bring along my team if it were safe, but somehow you landed outside my hypothesis.
Himavat looks right at MC.
Himavat: I lost sight of things. You did well after Zao disappeared. Even if you all don't individually remember, you showed you're connected on a scale bigger than I am. I was jealous that Zao cared about you so much, a human. But now I greet you, Zao Fan 2!
MC: excuse me???
Himavat: I'm Zao Fan 1 by the way.
MC: explain later! / what? / let's go somewhere next time, the three of us
---
(C) Himavat: Okay! I'll tell you about the time we first met!
---
Himavat: Well you're the first to meet up with me, so I'll tell you my experience-based guesses. I've sensed the atmosphere from the dragon vein leyline in here lots of times before. Snake dens from different worlds, a trap to speed up competitive scrambling for survival!
Tram Station
Andvari: What the hell, the phones aren't working!
Andvari's waiting at the station. Wires surround the mountains like snakes!
Elsewhere
Kumano Gongen: ...I sense Mt. Kumano. Are you there, Kiyohime?
Her. The one who chased him for marriage. Kumano's artifact rings quietly, an invitation to hell.
End of Episode

Top of Summer Mountains Episode 5 Part 1 (Abridged)

Zao (narrating): You know, I used to be the only member in the Shinjuku Wandervogel club. Not for lack of TRYING mind you, but it was okay because the MOUNTAINS talked to me! In retrospect I thought that time period would go on forever, with me being a school slacking mountain hobo. But then I got new kouhais in the club! And then I reached the top of the mountain and the end of the road.
Zao: I still can't hear the mountains up here, and there's nowhere else higher to go. I wanna stay here, not graduate and go away. I wanted to believe things would never end, but that's just wishful thinking on my end. The march of time SUCKS! Hey, would I get a do-over if I mess everything up?
Still no response from the mountains.
Zao: I don't know what to do, but I'm pretty sure I'd do anything if there was a chance to go back in time to where I first met you, Kouhai.

Rewind to before the rescue dispatch from last time! Meeting time at the tram station.
MC: Are we here to go over the event plot?
Engima: Yes. Investigation has uncovered things but raised further questions. I'd like us to to share information, incompetent though you may all be.
MC: RUUUUDE / Hi I'm Incompetent / Keep that a you-and-me thing mkay
---
(C) Enigma: ...ahem, understood. Please try your best, Master Useless.
---
Zao: We should talk about the overworld shift first. It...used to be not as bad. Well, for hikers I guess?
MC: literally what
Zao: Stop getting on my case, Kouhai!

Kumano Gongen: Can I go first, Captain? I wanna bring up how MANY people got into accidents and incidents up here, and I think that's what Zao meant by not so bad.
Chernobog: Are you saying the mountains are actively trying to hurt people?
Zao: No! Well, not the mountains I knew. Maybe the time scales they're working on is different from ours?
Chernobog: ...I see, thank you Captain.
Himavat: :slight_smile:
MC: (what's Himavat getting so happy about?)
Kumano: This is gonna sound weird for me, but maybe what's going on is actually our side's fault and not the mountains?
Xi Wang Mu: Huh, feeling guilty is so you. Go on.
Kumano: Could you not? This just feels familiar. Like, every problem we came across came from people hiking up a different mountain than they thought they were. They couldn't all have not noticed, but maybe they just saw what they wanted to see? But then some mountains can't be boiled down to just their unique bits...
Himavat: (stares)
MC: (wait why is Himavat staring at me)

Kumano Gongen: Uhhhh shit what was I saying? Captain, take over for m--Captain?
Himavat: (frown)
Himavat: Oh! Excuse me I was thinking about stuff. Were we talking about Zao's nice gut?
Zao and Kumano: NO????
Bigfoot: Hmm. Everyone, different thought focus.
Enigma: I shall go over our investigation results then. I've added the new strata we have encountered and confirmed the event singularity is expanding.
MC: So every mountain is linked to one of the other worlds...
Enigma: I've lost almost all contact with our starting position. Wifi connection is untenable. There is also evidence part of the investigation party has seen something unusual. I have detected heavy electromagnetic waves, though possible correlation is unknown.
Zao and Kumano: !!

Later
Tanngrisnir: !!
MC: did you guys feel that too
Enigma: Yes, specifically Zao, Himavat, Kumano Gongen, and MC.
Durga: Uhhhh...oh, they all have Gongen in their names!
MC: Only two of us! BTW what's it mean
Zao: Oh right I never told you. Well does anyone else not know?
MC: (shake head) / are you brothers? / I FEEL YOUR SMUG AURA MOCKING ME
---
(B) Durga: OMG really???
Kumano: Nah. If we were, that would suck bad.
(C) Zao: I'm trying to be serious here!
---
Zao: Okay so there's different kinds of Gongens, but Kumano and I are fusions between mountains and people or Transients. Me with Mt. Zao and Kumano with Mt. Kumano.
MC: So Himavat is... / So Bigfoot is... / So Chernobog is...
(A) Himavat: Oh I'm not actually a mountain fusion.
(B) Bigfoot: Bigfoot Gongen???
(C) Chernobog: Bald Mountain Gongen?

Zao: What? Gongen's not something you just slap on willy-nilly.
Kumano Gongen: People also call me Kumano Sansho Gongen. It's both a faith term and what you call a person/dragon/mountain fusion. I'm a human soul, a half dragon body, and a dragon's artifact put together, which is arguably a living mountain according to some people.
Himavat:  I see. You're wondering what Gongen has manifested in this singularity?
MC: So...Mt. Hakone's soul or personality whatever changed?
Zao: Mt. Hakone seems to be drowned out by other voices. I can't prove it though. What do you think, Kouhai?
MC: I believe you of course / talking to mountains is all you're good at so yeah
---
(C) Zao: RUUUUDE
---
Zao: ...thanks Kouhai.
Enigma: ...if Mt. Hakone really is one terminal in a cluster system in this analogy, bringing it to the fore is likely impossible.
MC: what
Enigma: Call it a futuristic application of majority rule. Think of how a mind hive could be called a godlike being normal people could actually talk to.
Xi Wang Mu: Hey, we should go soon! Which way?
Enigma: ...too many unknowns, not enough time to discuss. Majority rule it is.

Later
Kumano: So. We split up like this because we couldn't come to a majority decision.
Zao: Guys, if anyone doesn't find those SOS callers, go on ahead to the top to wait for everyone else!
MC: Okay! You aren't coming back?
Q'ursha: If these are the mountains I know, the paths don't follow normal physics. They only connect up top.
Zao: Also we're in a singularity. Going down is dangerous. Climbing higher is more reliable.
Kumano Gongen: So Captain, who do you think will find those people needing help?
Himavat sounds confident.
Himavat: MC and Tanngrisnir. Conceptual conditions matching for Kitezh's legends about a mountain hero and a magic animal.
Kumano: Aww. Then can we get a move on for the top?
Himavat: You seem to be butting heads with MC a lot. But Zao will get to the top first because that's his thing. But shortest way up doesn't always lead to the highest peak.
Kumano: Zao beating me to the top is whatever. Just don't want to lose to MC.
Xi Wang Mu: Ooh, you care a lot about MC!
Kumano: wait what
Xi Wang Mu: You actually said you don't like them even though you couldn't say it to Kiyohime or whoever it was.
Kumano: uhhhhh
Xi Wang Mu: I know you think it's easier for everyone to hate you, but you wouldn't say that to people you want to be equals with.
Kumano: wait WHAT

Later
Durga: Wait, you shouldn't split off, Captain!
Zao: I'll be fine, I trust you guys. We need to find those people quick, and my class--actually can we just do this? Sorry, I want to help you guys, the people, and the mountains.
And so Zao walks off alone into the event singularity. He gets to the top first as Himavat said. He tries to talk to the mountains again, but...
Zao: ...wait, who are you? Are you the mountain I know? And why do you look like that!?
It's a fake MC who seems really big and giving off WRONG vibes! Imposter! Faker! Something of unequal status that turns into a wyvern!
Zao: Say something!
Very faint Mt. Hakone vibes.
Zao: Did you do something to Kouhai!?
Zao steps forward! He then gets flooded by wyverns!

Elsewhere
Kumano Gongen: Hey wait there's suddenly tons of dragons up top!
Giant hole opens up beneath Kumano!
Kumano: !!
Elsewhere
Q'ursha: ...this is the seven mountains of my home world.
The mountains connected to the timeline, the gods, and snakes. Also there's a hole at the top.
Kumano Gongen: ...Kiyohime?
Everyone falls into the sky hole!
Meanwhile, MC's subteam reaches the top with the SOS group from last time!
MC: Plot Sword activate! (swings) Senpaiiii!
MC reaches the top! Zao is there! Along with...
MC: whomst
And so Zao walks in to hell or something.
End of Episode part

Live A Hero Conspiracy Masquerade Episode 4 (Abridged)

Present
Red: So you're saying you and those villains are unrelated.
Yep, the jail again.
Astosis: That happened after I left. Did the Chasseur manage to capture them?
Red: Hmph.
Astosis: So, no then. But I suppose the point of this discussion is MC's status, so...MC didn't contact with them later. You watched, didn't you?
Red: Yeah. We still have people watching that shop.
Astosis: So you can't prove any links between them. Still keeping up the premise anyway?
Red: Well you can't prove they DON'T have links.
Astosis: ...there is something truly remarkable in your ability to blame MC for a mistake you made.
Red: It's how we defend what we have to. Anyways, the last bit we have to go over is...
MC: During the security detail.
Red: Right, we're almost done with this nonsense.
Astosis: That's the part with me, MC's party, the Chasseur, and...
MC: The villains, yeah.
Astosis: Yes, at the masquerade ball where the Poderna got stolen somehow. Still need to figure out who, how, and why.
Red: You can just confess already rather than drag out your guilt.
Astosis: You can stop obstructing truth and justice if you're trying to solve the crime. MC, I apologize for all this. Can you tell us what happened?
MC: Right. So we got to the castle and got told the details of the job...

Title Card: Interlude, the Gorgeous Masquerade

Rewind!
Right, the party's at the castle for the masquerade ball.
MC: big castle
Astosis: It used to be nobility's as you know. It's a museum now and a party hall for festivals.
Nessen: Oh, that design?
Astosis: Something the matter?
Nessen: Oh, no. It's just the same design I saw at a workshop we were at earlier.
Yohack: Oh yeah huh! I think he and his neighbors in the district did the hallway decorations.
Nessen: Oh, that explains why looking at the hall is so fun.
Astosis: I'm happy for you. Let's keep going.
Moving on!

Astosis: So like I said earlier, you'll be part of the masquerade ball. If something hero-related happens, you can transform to deal with it. Anything else can be done by the Chasseur. In short, just stand by for emergencies. MC, Maculata, take these please.
MC: Fancy clothes and mask!
Astosis: There's no actual dress code, but this is a present from me.
Maculata: Fashionable! Thank you, but why are you...?
MC nods along.
Astosis: The Courrèges townsfolk are rather particular about ballroom dressing, so I figured you should get the best. I do want you to enjoy yourselves even while working if you don't mind indulging me.
Maculata: ...well okay then. You good with that, MC?
MC: Okay. Kinda nervous, but I'll do my best!
Astosis: Heh, I was worried this might have been a waste. There are changing rooms this way.

One moment later
Maculata: This dress is so marvelous!
MC: Pretty! / Hmm, first time in fancy clothes. / Do I look nice...?
---
(A) Maculata: Thank you MC. You look great too.
---
Yohack: You two look great! I'm starting to have fun too.
Nessen: Indeed you do.
Astosis: I'm glad you like it. Oh right, Nessen, Yohack. These are for you. I'm sorry this is all I could get on short notice.
Astosis hands over a small bag.

Yohack: Ooh, masks!
Nessen: Um, I'm not officially hired for this job though...
Astosis: It's fine. I'd like you two to join us, so having masks is only natural. Call it a thank you for going along with my ideas.
Nessen: Oh, alright thank you then.
Nessen, Yohack, and Astosis all put on masks.
Yohack: How do I look?
Nessen: So this is how Courrèges celebrates festivals...
Astosis: You all look great. We should get going. I realize this is rather rude towards people I've hired to help, but the Chasseur want to do bodychecks on you. I'm sorry, please cooperate.
Astosis calls over some nearby Space French Guards. Bodycheck time!
Yellow: ...carry on.
Astosis: Thank you for this, and I apologize for any discomfort.
Maculata: It's fine, just work formalities.
Astosis: Your understanding is appreciated. The ball is this way.
MC: Oof, nervous.
Maculata: Oh? Well that's no surprise. Just be bold and it'll be fine! Relax, you look marvelous. (pulls out a box) But I should add a touch of my own too...
Maculata puts earcuffs on MC!
Maculata: Perfect! Let's go!

Later
MC: It's the ball... / My eyes! / whoa...
Nessen: Amazing! Even the food and furnishings are high class!
Yohack: Yeah, the best the workshops have are here!
Nessen: Yes, such quality really does bring to mind that festival participants are like customers.
Astosis: Wonderful. The wine is vintage too, so I hope you enjoy some later.
Maculata: Ooh, lovely.
Ballroom music.
Astosis: Ah, the dance. You should all dance at least once.
MC: Wait, really? / W-well, all part of the experience! / I can't dance!
(A) Astosis: Of course. As long as you're ready to go in an emergency I see no problems with it.
(BC) Astosis: No need to worry. Just follow along with the music if you're worried.

Astosis: Now I would like to ask for your first dance, but I have to speak with the Chasseur. Please enjoy in the meantime.
Astosis excuses himself. That leaves the rest of the party!
MC: Should I ask Maculata? / Should I ask Nessen? / Should I ask Yohack?
(A) Maculata: Oh MC, having fun?
She's having a good time.
Maculata: Getting nervous in new clothes is natural, which is precisely why you should relax. Sometimes you need to play to get things to go well. Too much tension and you'll snap. So get aggressive!
Maculata takes MC's hand!
Maculata: Stand up straight, put your hand right here. And now we dance. Follow the music, or just walk if you have two left feet. Your clothes will follow your lead...so, having fun?
Pretty dancing with Maculata and MC!
Maculata: Nice! Now let's go a bit faster and show everyone what we've got!
Maculata speeds up the dance and gets everyone's attention!
(B) Nessen: Hello MC. I got drinks, would you like one? You seem nervous. So am I actually...I've been to parties like this, but as a service worker. I'm not sure how to act...would you mind accompanying me?
MC nods. Nessen relaxes.
Nessen: Thank you. Once again, you look wonderful. This is fun already, but would you like to dance for a song? (holds out hand)
Nessen: I've never danced like this before, but I would like to join in on the festivities. May I have your hand?
Nessen and MC step onto the dance floor.
Nessen: Heh, swinging to the music itself is fun. Thank you for this, MC.
Calm moments.
(C) Yohack: Hey MC! Hungry? There's space pumpkin foods and treats! I used to love these as a kid. I can cook, but I could never get it to taste the same...oh wait I shouldn't talk all about me. Have you been having fun...?
MC nods. Yohack smiles and tailwags hard.
Yohack: Yay! It's nice seeing all this again! Oh, wanna dance? (takes MC's hand) You don't need to be good, just have fun!
Yohack and MC dance. People think it's adorable.

Later
Astosis: Anything happen, MC?
Astosis is back. MC has been walking around after the dance.
Astosis: I take it nothing's wrong? And you enjoyed the ball, thankfully.
MC: Yeah, forgot I was working for a bit / Thanks to the new clothes I apparently got! / It was great!
---
(A) Astosis: Great, but you shouldn't stay on edge too long. No one can.
(B) Astosis: I'm glad I got them for you then.
---
Astosis: I'm glad you accepted this job. I honestly didn't think anyone would take it on seriously since every other agency I asked turned me down. And when you accepted, I uncharitably doubted your abilities at first. But you actually did come all this way to meet me, your client. Well anyways, I got some time to enjoy the ball and I'd like to spend it with you. (holds out hand) Might I have this dance?
MC: Okay! / If you're okay with a newbie...
Astosis: Heh, this way please. Don't worry about your experience, I can lead.

Astosis takes MC's hand and leads them over.
Astosis: Yes, don't mind anyone else. Just focus on me.
Dance time! Astosis whispers to MC.
Astosis: Thank you, once again.
Good times.
Astosis: ...it's been wonderful, but it's almost time to go back to work.
MC: Thank you! / tireeed...
Astosis: Heh, well I hoped you could relax somewhat.
Business face Astosis.
Astosis: We should regroup with everyone.

Later
Astosis: Meeting time. No news from the security detail outside. Nothing happened inside, I take it?
MC: Nope, nothing. No Monsters either, I think...
Astosis: Oh good. Since we're here I'd like to show you the Poderna. Stay alert.
Moving over to the display area!
Maculata: Huh...
Astosis: Not what you expected?
Maculata: O-oh, nothing. Don't mind me. It's an impressively novel design...
Nessen: A masterpiece...
Nessen's remembering what that one shopkeep talked about.
MC: Nessen?

Nessen: Oh, excuse me. It's a really nice dress, and I figured out what drew me to this festival.
Nessen stares at the Poderna as he talks.
Nessen: Everything from the Poderna to the festival screams "fun." You figure out who and what you want to reach, then make your thoughts a reality...
Shop talk again!
Nessen: I want to entertain my guests and give the best service I can. I don't know if it will be enough for them, but I still want to try.
MC: Nice! I'm looking forward to whatever you do!
Maculata: Don't forget my invite! I'll bring the whole agency!
Yohack: Me too! I'll try to bring my Muirauqa IV friends!
Nessen: Of course. Once we get back I--
SMASH!
Astosis: What!?

Villains are breaking in through a window! Also...
Gaisei: Oh hello again MC. I was given carte blanche for this job, so let's pick back up fr--
Purple Wolf: Shut up and get to work!
Red Wolf: Yeah!
Mayhem! Screaming! Vandalism!
Maculata: How DARE
Yohack: Oh no!
Astosis: We have to stop them!
MC: Suit up!
Nessen: (gasp!) Do you realize what you people are doing!?
Purple Wolf: Wrecking shit!
So much food and stuff getting destroyed!
Nessen: You would deliberately destroy things people put so much effort into? How dare! MC!
Beep boop!
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Nessen. Connectivity: Very High.
MC: Here we go!

Ta-dah! Variant Nessen!
Nessen: W-what?
Behold Tuxedo Nessen!
Maculata: Nice!
Yohack: Cool suit!
Astosis: What is--actually, talk later. I'll evacuate the civilians. Maculata, please guard the Poderna.
Maculata: Roger that.
Astosis: MC and everyone else, can you take down the villains?
MC: Yep! Roll out!
Nessen: I have things well in hand.
Yohack: We'll stop you!
Gaisei steps forward.
Gaisei: Oh, a new suit with new powers? Meaning more fun!
Nessen: I will not let you disturb the festival for your own amusement. MC, let's go!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

MC: Get 'em!
Yohack: Nessen, full power!
Yohack's Parallel Weapon shines on Nessen!
Nessen: Thank you! Here I go!
Pow!
Purple Wolf: OOF
Red Wolf: Oh shit he's strong!
Accessory Beam!
Gaisei: Oh wow I can't win! Harder, harder!
MC: Damn he's tough. Keep pushing!
Nessen: Yes, MC!
Gaisei: I'm still up, don't stop yet please!
Nessen and Gaisei collide! Suddenly!
MC: wait WHAT
The lights went out!
Astosis: It's okay MC. The backup generator should turn on soon.
Boop!
Random Guests: Oh no, the Poderna!
MC: WHAT
It's gone!
Chasseur: Stop, criminal scum!
The Space French Guards surround the party!
End of Episode

Top of Summer Mountains Episode 4 Part 2 (Abridged)

Tanngrisnir (narrating): I'm from Yggdrasil, the Paradise of Divergence propped up by the World Tree. The world's faith causes us to have a multiverse of parallels, so somewhere out there is a version of me that DIDN'T get this leg scar. Anyways I used to pull Thor's chariot with Tanngnjostr, and he could pass as my twin except he doesn't have a leg scar either. I had to retire from battle because of it. If an unscarred version of me is running around, which of us is real? Who's the real star?
Some time later
White: I don't think we can figure that out at this point since Tokyo has only one world state going at a time. We're Proper Human History and every other possibility is a Lostbelt. Kind of presumptuous to put it that way as the winners of fate, huh?
Tanngrisnir: ...I've heard how your friend gave his role to make sure you all lived on. I think we may have made the right choice, but I wonder what the right choice is for others?
Tanngrisnir (narrating): So then Ded said...

Present
Tanngrisnir: Hey MC, still up?
MC: I was waiting for you. How's the investigation?
Tanngrisnir: Enigma and I just finished and came back.
MC: So, can I talk to you?
Tanngrisnir: Hmm, this sounds serious. I hope I can help!
One explanation later
Tanngrisnir: So you regret what you said to Kumano Gongen?
MC: Yeah...he's still being unfairly bitchy though!
Tanngrisnir: Ah, this reminds me of my old self. Or of Tanngnjostr.
MC: what?
Tanngrisnir: Oh yes, we had our fights. Harsh, but warm.
MC: I wish I could've seen you then.

Tanngrisnir: Oh...! Well thank you. Special advice: never look back on your life, go full steam ahead!
MC: Okay! / How is that special!? / (wait)
Tanngrisnir: We can't go back in time. Or if we did, it wouldn't be us who made the choice we did. So live as happily as you can since that's all you can do.
MC: But what if I'm talking to someone who thinks it could be better? / (wait)
Tanngrisnir: Well if someone else thinks there's some other choice, that's not something you can do alone. So everyone should just choose what they think is best.
MC: what?
Tanngrisnir: Hmm. Well I'm sure you'll figure it out. I'll support you when the time comes.
MC: (thank him) / (bow in true Japanese fashion) / (hug)
(AB) Tanngrisnir: You're welcome!
(C) Tanngrisnir: UHHHH, student/teacher relationships are frowned upon! If you graduate first, then...ahem.

Elsewhere
Dramatic thunder!
Zao: (stares)
Kumano Gongen: Can't sleep?
Zao: ...I can't hear it.
Kumano: wait what
Zao: I can't hear Mt. Hakone.
A first for the Mountain Whisperer!
Zao: Something is up.
Kumano: (frown)
Kumano: Can I talk to you about that?
BOOM
Zao and Kumano: !!
Something just happened!

Back to MC's position
MC: hmm, bad feelings. What just happened?
Bigfoot: MC! Tanngrisnir! Captain calling!
Party regrouping!
Himavat: So we have an emergency rescue request now.
MC: It's near here?
Zao: At least one of the callers has a bad leg injury.
Tanngrisnir: !!
Durga: W-wait, could it be my friends!?
Himavat: We leave at sunrise. Get ready to go by then.
MC: Oh no it's too dark at night to go!
Durga: WHAT!? Why don't we just go now and--
Himavat: Don't underestimate the mountains.
Durga: !?
Himavat: Executive decision. I'm not repeating myself.
Damn, super mountain aura pressure.
Himavat: I'm sure you'll see why in time.

Sunrise
Zao and Himavat: !!
Time to roll out now that the paths are barely visible!
MC: wait, the path splits into seven roads!?
Seven parallel roads!
Q'ursha: ...this is Zeskneli and Kveskneli, the seven mountains that divide my homeworld.
Q'ursha's temp joining the party for the rescue thing. Also, the seven mountains he's talking about are said to only let heroes who go through a spiritual transformation and get help from magic animals to pass through to the home of the gods or home of snakes.
MC: Another singularity stratum?
Q'ursha: Heads up, which path is real is a toss up and the wrong ones are hellish. Also I used my power to ask the Missionaries for help.

Azazel: Hello, I am help. I'll use my power to figure out which paths to ignore.
Zao: And I can use my power to keep the number of paths from going up. But it's temporary and I can't make them go lower.
Tanngrisnir: We should hurry before long term effects kick in. We don't even know how many people we're looking for and we can't check everything as a group, so I suggest we each pick what we feel is right.
MC: Whoa, bringing up your advice already?
Tanngrisnir: Since we can't discern the right answer, we should figure out how to get everyone there. So, we should split up and search. Whoever finds the SOS comes back.
Chernobog: So we're deliberately running into whatever pitfalls are in the other paths?
Tanngrisnir: Yes, but we're going in teams still. If we can't work something out together as opposed to individually there was never a point to teaming up to begin with.
Chernobog: Hmm, indeed.

Later
For teamwork considerations, MC is put with Tanngrisnir and Enigma.
Tanngrisnir: Oh, we're working together Enigma?
Enigma: Everyone is too worked up over this. I will be working the backline comm link to the rest of the party.
Kumano Gongen: ...so we're on different teams, MC.
Kumano seems to want to say something but can't get it out.
MC: (get mad about before) / (talk later) / (stare)
Kumano: ...I'd never have been here in Tokyo if I could talk things out. So all I know how to do is work things out by hand, so I'll check everything on my route...I actually did want to team up with you.

Later
Tanngrisnir: (panting)
MC: Tanngrisnir are you okay? / wheeze
Tanngrisnir: Oh I'm fine, I have your support on my side with the bad leg.
Tanngrisnir doesn't have enough Santa Power on his own, but right now he has some of it back.
Tanngrisnir: It's like I have Tanngnjostr again! I'm glad I picked this!
Flashback!
White: Try having everyone pick what's right for them. I believe that's how we can get to the true path forward.
Present
Subteam MC has found some kids!
Kids: WAAAAH
MC: Welp, we found them. / We're here to help! / (remember what Senpai said)
Flashback!
Himavat: If you find the SOS party, calm them down and check for injuries. Give first aid if needed, then bring them to the Missionaries campground.
Kengo: Yeah, Ryouta can probably fix whatever!
Orgus: Sol might be able to help too.

Present
Subteam MC decides to bring the SOS party down.
Tanngrisnir: We can use my flying sleigh to transport them.
MC: I'll pull with you!
And so Subteam MC heads off while paying attention to the weather.
Tanngrisnir: The rain's slowed down, let's go!
Smooth riding. Until...
Tanngrisnir: We're almost th--wait MC, stop!
Wyverns incoming!
MC: WHAT
Tanngrisnir: Okay we can't stop in time. Hang on, evasive maneuvers!
MC slips and gets hurt! Also!
MC: Oh no, the sleigh!

Tanngrisnir: Not if I have anything to say about it!
Tanngrisnir takes hold of the sleigh! Kid A hangs on for dear life and seems to be dissociating for a bit.
Kid A: wooow a reindeer. when I grow up I wanna be Santa
Tanngrisnir: (frowns)
Tanngrisnir: It's okay, I'm Tanngrisnir. Relax, maybe have some stew, and get some sleep.
Kid A smiles and passes out as Tanngrisnir puts him back in the sleigh.
MC: wait what's happening again
Tanngrisnir: We just put a future Santa in the sleigh.
Now that Tanngrisnir is running with a partner towards one path like he originally would, his leg injury is no problem!
Tanngrisnir (narrating): I'm at this point because of the losses and path I've taken, and I have things I'll fight to keep despite it all.
Tanngrisnir: I'm honestly glad I came down this path in life and found a partner in you. Now, to the skies!
MC: Okay! ...wAIT
Fly reindeers, fly!
Tanngrisnir: No roads shall restrict us. To the finish line! Thank you MC. Will you pull the sleigh with me all the way?
MC: Okay! / OMG a proposal!?
---
(C) Tanngrisnir: !!
Tanngrisnir: Actually, yes!
---
Tanngrisnir: I eagerly await your graduation. For the day we can be together as reindeer and partners!
MC: Wyverns? Wait, something's up with them.
Tanngrisnir: The job's not done until we deliver what we set out to deliver. Let's go!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Later
Kid A: um, where am I?
Sol: Oh, you woke up? It's okay, Lord Ryouta and I--
Kid A: Oh the Christmas priest! I met a reindeer! He was cool and had stew like mommy! I wanna be a reindeer like him!
Tanngrisnir: (quietly watches)
MC: Nice work! / (high five) / (jump into him)
Tanngrisnir: Yep. But I pushed too hard and now my leg is acting up. But I still feel good though.
MC: What WERE all those wyverns?
Elsewhere
Zao: I always figured it was fine for me to climb mountains alone, so I never really thought about what being club captain meant.
Zao (narrating): Climbing alone was fine. Climbing with a team was great. So I need to decide before I graduate.
Zao: What do I do for my kouhais? And why won't you talk to me, mountains?
And so Zao stares at what he's looking at.
End of Episode

Top of Summer Mountains Episode 4 Part 1 (Abridged)

Tanngrisnir (narrating): Life has many paths. If I make a wrong turn, that's my problem. If I send a student down a wrong turn, that's a huge worry for me. But then I remember what Ded told me when I was hired.
Flashback!
White: So Tanngrisnir, now that you graduated, are you going onto teaching here? You seem conflicted though.
Tanngrisnir: Yes, I'm worried about whether this is the best for me.
Right, that old leg injury. Is a jock who can't run a good fit for the jock reindeer department of Santa School?
Tanngrisnir: Black did say the injury meant I had a good in on teaching though.
Tanngrisnir (narrating): What if I could keep being a jock? Tokyo medicine's developing further, so maybe that could help me. But can I really counsel students if I'm confused myself?
Tanngrisnir: I still keep thinking about that one summer.
White: ...you're from Yggdrasil, correct?
Tanngrisnir: Y-yes? Why?
White: Let me give you some advice from the world of coexisting divergent points: how can you make your course of action the correct choice for you?

Present
Back to continuing with the event plot!
Chernobog: Mm, pretty flowers.
Chernobog is taking pictures as the party climbs down a rope. This area investigation is done.
Enigma: Scanning... scanning complete.
Tanngrisnir: This place is so peaceful...
Bigfoot: Hmm. Tokyo summers hot.
Enigma: What kind of singularity is so empty of things happening? Well I suppose there IS something happening...
Mostly everything is okay!
Himavat: (stares)
Zao: (stares)
Kumano Gongen: (stares)
MC: (stare back) / (ignore) / (eyebang)
(C) Kumano: Fuck off.
It wasn't very effective...

Durga: What's up with them?
Chernobog: Who knows...?
Xi Wang Mu: Perspective differences? But if they're getting things done, it's fine.
Tanngrisnir: I miss this energy!
MC: What kind of teacher are you!? Oh right, a dumb jock.
Tanngrisnir: Competition can be a good thing! If there's no correct answer, just remember not to hang around too long.
Enigma: Area analysis complete. I suggest moving on.
Zao: Yes, weather changes quick in these mountains so--
Himavat: There can be sudden disasters.
Zao: >:C
Himavat: :)
Durga: Welp.
Enigma: At least avalanches aren't a possibility.
Durga: Don't jinx us, god!
Chernobog: Oh!
MC: Snow? In the middle of summer? / Deja vu I've been through this before
(C) Zao: That's right, Kouhai!

Zao: This happened back on Bald Mountain, so we're probably connected to another mountain again.
Chernobog: Fear not, this isn't Bald Mountain's snow at least.
Tanngrisnir: We should still hunker down somewhere though.
Durga: But we're so far from the campgrounds. Where do we even go?
MC: Enigma, halp / You’re a furry, do something! / Help us, mountain mans!
---
(A) Enigma: Yeees, rely on me you helpless monkey. Activating radar and cross-referencing data... unusual windflow detected 5km east. It is likely to be a singularity stratum entrance point.
(B) Durga: Geez don't expect a miracle out of me or anything, MC.
Tanngrisnir: I suppose we must step up regardless.
Chernobog: ...Tanngrisnir, could you put away your stew first?
Tanngrisnir: Oh right! Let's try that again!
Sniiiiff.
Tanngrisnir: ...sweat from 3 o'clock???
Kumano Gongen: It's not me for the record. I think.
(C) Kumano: ...I wanna say no but that bugs me too.
Zao: My time has come! Let me talk to the mountains...
Himavat: I should use my dowsing ski poles too.
...
Kumano, Zao, and Himavat: IT'S THAT WAY!
---
Xi Wang Mu: zzz...oh are we going? Mommy can help!

Later
Chernobog: Hmm. The wind is picking up.
Himavat: Right. New formation everyone!
Tanngrisnir: We should see the new path soon so--
Tanngrisnir suddenly stops.
MC: What is it?
Tanngrisnir: Sorry, I thought I heard something. We should hurry, it's getting dark.
Later
Kumano Gongen: Any changes, Enigma?
Enigma: Dimensional layers increasing. Sensors mostly unusable.
Bigfoot: Wind, even stronger. MC, stay close.
Durga notices something!
Durga: Quick, hide in the tall grass!
Everyone does so. Tensions rising!
Durga: They're here!
What could be???
Jock Mobs: Yoyogi Track Team, ho! (runs by)
Durga: ...okay they're gone.
MC: ...Durga?

Durga: Yeah that's the track team I'm in at Yoyogi.
Himavat: ...so?
Durga: So being spotted would be awkward! I'm here as part of Shinjuku's Wandervogel club right now!
Kumano Gongen: Ditching for something else? I know that feel. Uh I mean, nothing Captain!
Tanngrisnir: Double clubbing? Impressive!
Kumano Gongen: Isn't going half and half--
Durga: HEY! I got permission to be doing the mountain thing!
Enigma: Am I the only one concerned about the stormy weather here?
Xi Wang Mu: Now now kiddies, he's right. We need to get to safer ground!

Later
The party enters the next stratum and finds a huge waterfall!
Shiva: You call that a kick, Kengo!?
Kengo: I'mma break through your perfect form sooner or later!
Kumano Gongen: !?
Kumano: ...welp, we seem to have walked into some training ground, Captain.
Himavat: A free for all, I see.
Moritaka: I can't believe the Fire Dragon Sword stopped my Ice Sword!
Orgus: Is that it, boy!? (swings)
Moritaka: Not yet! (swings back)
Chernobog: I've seen them come to Bald Mountain too. Otherworld waterfall tourism has become popular.
Kumano: Classic training ground. I did that when I was human too.
MC: I've been here before / oh right Kengo said something about this / good, we're safe
Himavat: It's rough, but yes we're safe.
Zao: We're camping here, people! Get set up.
Himavat: Wait where'd Durga go?
Xi Wang Mu: She hid in her tent from even more Yoyogi students.
Zao: Oh okay, let's leave her alone.
MC: Shouldn't we tell them about the event plot nonsense?
Zao: We're under some NDA stuff, but we can tell them a bit.

Later
Kengo: Hey bud!
Moritaka: Wow, welcome everyone!
Tanngrisnir: Hello, haven't seen you guys since the Santa event!
Kengo: Wow, Tanngrisnir-sensei. You advising the Wandervogel club? Also what the hell are you guys wearing?
MC: why is there so many people here for the training thing
Kengo: I know right? It's a whole setup up here now!
Stomach growling.
Kengo: Talk later, food now! What are you guys gonna have?
Xi Wang Mu: We just set up, so we'll be thinking about that now.
Moritaka: Why not join us for dinner at this nice establishment then?
Tanngrisnir: Up here? Really? Is it...?
Moritaka: Showing you will be faster. This way.

Later
Barguest, Q'ursha, and Bohemio: Welcome to Mountain Mayoiga!
MC: WHAT / hey again Bohemio! / is this a Wanderers thing
Bohemio: Oh hey you, fate works in mysterious ways. We're just renting the place for business for however long we got. Food's good though, thanks to our guild's cook!
God I Just Want to Write This As Nisroc: Hello I'm Nisroch! Enjoy my Forbidden Menu!
MC: Why's a chef up here!? / You training too? / BIG GUNS
---
(C) Nisroch: Aw, thanks!
---
Tanngrisnir: I knew it was you, Mr. Nisroch!
Nisroch: Wow, Mr. Tanngrisnir! I haven't seen you since the Forbidden Food Seminar we had with Mr. Surtr.
Tanngrisnir: Indeed. What a coincidence seeing you again.
MC: You know him? / You know Daddy Surtr!? / What do you MEAN Forbidden Food nonsense

Nisroch: We research foods Tokyo's forbidden and uh... oh right, I'm getting close to buying my own food truck Mr. Tanngrisnir! It'll be great!
Kengo: Nice. Good to have better food up here.
Xi Wang Mu: Ohhh, you can't cook?
Kengo: Nah, cooking outside's cool, 'specially with the new camp sets they sell! But sometimes I just can't be bothered, ya know.
Moritaka: Time problems, yes. But still, eating's part of training.
Xi Wang Mu: Details please!
Himavat: She's a pro at that. And Sir Nisroch, please pardon all our noise.
Nisroch: It's cool! Anyways, here's the Devil's Beef Bowl!
MC: huh / stew, I see / (stare at Nisroch's horns)
Nisroch: Oh this isn't just any beef bowl. It is the ultra special FORBIDDEN™ Beef Bowl!
MC: Awesome! / can I just get a common boring beef bowl?

Nisroch: It's not called the Devil's Beef Bowl for nothing! I was supposed to deliver this to my other self or something Belphegor, but then he fell into some singularity so I got the food for cheap!
Zao: Cool. Thanks for the--
Nisroch: WAIT IT'S NOT DONE YET
Zao: wait what
Nisroch: Special seasoning! (taps)
Party: OH MY GOD IT'S GLOWING
Nisroch: Yep! Doesn't that look good!?
Kumano Gongen: You expect me to eat that???
Nisroch: It's a work in progress, but yeah!
Xi Wang Mu: No time like the present!
Party: Thanks for the food!
Shokugeki no Soma foodgasm! The birth of a legend! Back to camp.
Durga: Ok cool the Yoyogi peeps went away! Sorry I didn't help mu--why are you glowing MC?
MC: Stuff. We brought takeout.
Durga: Thanks I'm starving! Wait why's it glowing? ...oh god it's so good! My EYEEES!

Some time later
Durga: Thanks again! But how am I supposed to take pics if the light messes up my phone camera?
Xi Wang Mu: Um, there are no lights but the tent is lit up???
Durga: Weird. Something's coming, Xi Wang Mu-senpai.
Xi Wang Mu: Ooh, a message from Kumano!
MC: what?
Durga: wait it's for me?
Xi Wang Mu: "I'm sorry for what I said." Also "don't regret your extracurriculars."
Durga: O-okay.
Xi Wang Mu: I bet he has things he wants to say to others, but he can be fussy sometimes. (glances at MC) Oh well, it's important to say what you can when you can. That's not an ominous hint or anything. Anyways, I'll wash the dishes. Nighty night~!
Enigma: Recording data...transmission error, cause unknown. Retrying...transmission error again.
Tanngrisnir: I guess that happens at times. Also do you have to stand so far away?
Enigma: Your leg scar leaks lightning and that risks blowing up this body. Kind of important.
Tanngrisnir: Oh, I'm sorry about the power my old master Thor gave me. That happens if I get careless.
Enigma: Oh no it's fine. Reattempting connection...
Enigma keeps trying and trying.
Tanngrisnir: Hmm, scar's acting up. A storm's coming.
End of Episode part