Afterschool Treasure Odyssey Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

Alberich: ...I sense something!
Alberich pulls up a fish!
Sitri: Whoa, it's big!
Ashigara: Nice! I'll get a big one too!
Alberich: Stop wiggling, you dumb fish! But also, this is fun!
Ebisu: You're doing great!
Time to rewind for some context!
Hotei: Great rap battle! I think we got closer Hermes. How about we get even closer than that?
Hermes: Back off, buddy boy. It's not like I HATE it, but maybe have a little more consideration?
Hotei: Aww come on. We Wanderers are either the cute type or the rough n' tough type. You could be the bridge between us!
Hermes: What!? And you want me in the middle of things...?
Hotei: Just kiddin'! But in other news, you gotta go up against Ebisu next. Whatcha gonna do?
Ebisu: What? Um... I was already paid so...
Ashigara: I'm hungry.
Sitri: All you did was dance... but I'm getting hungry too.
Volkh: Okay I made a mistake in not assigning a quartermaster for our crew to keep track of meals...
Ebisu: (claps hands) Oh! How about a fishing contest? We can fish up dinner too.

And that's how this happened. Also Ebisu is happy to give fishing advice despite this being a contest.
MC: this is less contest and more fishing class
Volkh: Indeed. I have little experience fishing and Ebisu's complimentary teaching style is making me feel things!
Hermes: He's still kicking our asses. Literally every time he throws his lure in, he gets something!
MC: Ebisu, pay attention to me too!
Ebisu: Okay, I'll be there soon! (flies over) Okay, good pole grip. Now you want to be gentle when you get a bite. Play a little until you get that sweet spot. Also wow this fishing spot is nice. Wanna join my fishing group? We got Sarutahiko, Nobumichi, and Yamasachi among others.
MC: YES / I'll think about it
Ashigara: I got something, I got something! Sitri, help!
Hotei: Wait, me too! Ebisu, help!
Ebisu: Sure.
And so the party continues fishing for a while. 

Dinner time! Ebisu cooks.
Ashigara: oh my god this is so good I could die!
Sitri: Did you mean cry? Because you're projectile crying so hard. Understandable tho. More please!
Ebisu: Don't worry, there's plenty.
Alberich: Mmm, such rich flavors to the soup. My compliments to the chef!
Ebisu: That's just seafood miso soup with fresh ingredients.
Volkh: This herbal tea is amazing. I should report this back to Perun bring some back.
Ebisu: Maybe those herbs are good for tempura too. And camp cooking.
Volkh: ...I apologize for having you cook and teach fishing to us when this is supposed to be a match.
Ebisu: It's fine, I like doing this! Plus I'm glad you're so interested in my dishes.
Volkh: And Hotei, I must thank you for your logistical work in bringing tools and rice! Just how much can your bag carry!?
Hotei: Who cares? Aegir just asked me to make a cool party. I get paid, I get class credit at Umamichi, I get to know Hermes better. Today is great!
MC: You guys get class credit for this? / yeah it has been! / (smile at Hermes)
(A) Hotei: It's like interning, and that's without getting into the side benefits.
(B) Hotei: Right? So wanna join me as a comedy partner?
(C) Hermes: ...what? Spit it out already. Actually on second thought, shut up!

Hermes: Dammit Hotei, you're throwing off my groove.
Hotei: Aww, don't you just wanna throw it all outta whack sometimes? Also you were plenty off your groove before I got here.
Hermes: what?
Hotei: In a good way, I mean! Like, beforehand I was always wonderin' what's on your mind.
Hermes: (stares)
Sitri: We are, like, what? Three out of four "assassinations" that turned into random partying activities? It's been fun, but still.
Alberich: Well boy, Aegir did say pirating is all about partying! ...still, I'm getting antsy with the gold so near!
Ashigara: Welp, gotta eat before we get to working on it!
Alberich: The peasant bear makes sense. Kitchen boy, more soup!
Ebisu: Coming right up!

Later
Hotei: H'okay y'all time for us to go. But first, here's your event plot hint!
Ebisu: Oh right, me too. Here you are.
Hotei and Ebisu grab stuff out of their swimsuits (somehow). Nobody bothers to comment on this.
Hotei: Oh wait, are y'all campin' here tonight too? One more thing for y'all then!
Hotei pulls camp equipment out of his bag.
Ashigara: Oh my god it's everything!
Volkh: Did your bag come from the future!?
Hotei: (gasp!) Are you after my bag? It's my sleeping bag too, so you can't have it!
Volkh: N-no, that's not why I'm interested in it.
Ebisu: Okay, we're going now. Take care!
Hotei: And one last blessing!
ding!
Hotei and Ebisu: Bye!
Hotei and Ebisu wave and leave.

Ashigara: They're such good guys...
Volkh: Yes, such morale lifters.
Hermes: Yeah whatever. So what they'd give us?
More parchment again.
Sitri: Wait, I wanna be the one to figure it out today! First one is...a map of the island?
Alberich: Seems so. But why is the X out in the water?
Volkh: And it's some distance away.
Hermes: Hmm. So it IS an underwater cavern we're going to.
Shocked rest of party!
Ashigara: W-wait, that's where the map goes?
Hermes: oops
Sitri: You knew!?
MC: explain / you were gonna ditch us again, huh? / right, the music code
(A) Hermes: the music code we got last time also said the treasure's in an undersea cave
(B) Hermes: It's...complicated. But that's what the music code said the treasure is,
(C) Hermes: Yeah, that.

Sitri: You didn't mention that before! Were you hiding that!?
Hermes: (surprised)
Alberich: Oh honey, everyone has a few secrets. We all came for the gold, not to make friends. Right?
Sitri: B-but still!
Hermes: Oops, got beat to the punch for self-deprecation. I really am off my groove.
MC: Alberich what are you hiding / eh, it's fine / what's with you all of a sudden
---
(A) Alberich: ...I'm not important right now, the map is! Look at all those arrows!
(B) Alberich: ...let's just focus on the map. Look at all those arrows.
(C) Alberich: Never mind me, focus on the map! Look at all those arrows!
---
Volkh: ...these seem to simply be ocean currents. I suppose we have to ride our way in on them?
Ashigara: With what boat!?
Volkh: ...too bad Makara and Reprobus didn't leave us one. This is my fault.
Alberich: No, it's Hermes's fault! He should've seen this coming if he knew about the cave!
Hermes: ...well if I can make excuses, I was hoping something was here to get us there. I wasn't expecting us to wreck our ship.
MC: Huh, not like you. The stressing or the apologizing.

Hermes: (frown)
Sitri: ...wait, the part he's actually feeling bad about is not speaking up earlier. He coulda trusted us more!
Awkward silence. Then Hermes looks at Sitri.
Hermes: Keeping control of information to stay on top's an old habit... and yeah, I was planning to steal the treasure and bail. It's more about me being bored than needing the money.
Volkh: ...anything else you're keeping from the class?
Hermes: ...the ring Aegir gave us has diving functions. Use it and the wearer can talk and breathe underwater. Agents device.
MC: really? / did Kotaro make this? / (wait)
Hermes: Also the underwater abilities work on people near the wearer too if they're touching. That's what the code said.
Alberich: Oh, so like my ring.
MC: (...wait, we'd be stuck if Hermes wasn't here. Did he already sneak a peek at stuff?)

Hermes: ...that's everything. Sorry about everything, for what it's worth.
Bit of silence as everyone looks at each other.
MC: goddamn wanted criminal / try harder! / (hmm)
Sitri: ...I always thought you were sus, enough to use my artifact to make you fess up. It always pisses me off when people hide things. But we couldn't get this far without you, so I'll let you off if you apologize!
Hermes: Sitri...
Volkh: ...so do you truly wish to pardon him?
Sitri: Yeah. I know he's not all bad!
Ashigara: Yeah, he's our friend!
MC: well you're another guy who came to run from reality / welp, I'm in too / psst, guidance counseling
---
(AC) Ashigara: H-hey, no bullying!
---
Alberich: Psh, I don't care unless it's about the treasure! ...but I will say a REAL criminal wouldn't be so open! Maybe!
MC: alright, ring time / fiiine / yeah you're really open now, Hermes
Hermes: Okay fine, I'll go with the group. Besides...
Hermes shuts up.
Sitri: Besides what?
Hermes: Nevermind.
Volkh: Alright, time to set up camp for the day. We'll think about how to get down another time!

Later, MC wakes up in the middle of the night and leaves their tent.
Volkh: MC? Couldn't sleep either? I just came to look at the moon.
MC sits at the campfire. Volkh hands over some tea.
Volkh: ...the full moon usually makes my blood boil, but tonight strangely feels like a night to just sit and look at it. I've been acclimated for years to sleep lightly, but on this adventure I've been sleeping deeper and deeper.
MC: So you're relaxing / you trust us?
Volkh: ...I haven't let my guard down, since I still want the treasure. But one thing that differs from my earlier campaigns is that we are at sea rather than land. And I am no noble here.
Volkh thinks as he looks into the distance.
Volkh: No matter, I have a favor to ask you about Hermes. He feels bound by his role by my impressions. He may be changing since meeting you, so would you mind supporting him?
MC: aww, you're a nice boss / yes captain / so cool!
(A) Volkh: D-don't say that! This is just my job! ...I'm getting some rest. You should too.
(B) Volkh: Keeping group unity is necessary. I'm getting some rest. You should too.
(C) Volkh: A-are you mocking me!? ...I-I'm getting some rest. You should too.

Volkh heads off.
MC: Hm, still can't sleep. I'll go stare at the ocean then.
Hey look, someone's by the water too.
Alberich: ...oh, MC.
Alberich looks over his shoulder, then slowly looks back at the sea.
MC: Can't sleep? / you see the underwater cave? / (stand next to him)
---
(A) Alberich: ...yes. Not with knowing we're so close to the gold.
(B) Alberich: ...yes. Knowing the gold is so close gets me antsy.
(C) Alberich: ...what, you want me all to yourself? Well it's fine for now. I was looking towards the underwater cave. Knowing the gold's so close makes me nervous.
---
Alberich: We can't play around now that we're this far!
MC: so what's your deal with the gold? / is that all you're after? / who are you?
(C) Alberich: I don't know. Wish I knew where I came from or where I'm going.

Alberich: ...me loving gold is the only thing I know about myself. Remember me saying the gold called to me? I hear it even louder now. Also, I feel like I'm missing some part of me. But maybe I'll remember something if I touch the gold on the ocean floor.
Slight pause.
Alberich: ...but maybe I'm afraid of what it is I'll remember.
MC: (sympathize and lore drop)
Alberich: Oh. You have no memories past a certain point either? Our situations are slightly different, but still kind of similar, huh? Different roles versus different beings.
Thinking Alberich. He seems to soften up a bit.
Alberich: ...you should go back to bed. I'll head back soon too. And tomorrow, we are so getting that gold posthaste!
MC starts feeling a little sleepy and heads back. But then they hear music.
MC: Huh. Flute music? (check it out)

MC follows the music to find Hermes sitting on a little hill, playing.
Hermes: Oh, taking a walk? I'm stargazing.
MC: (sit next to him) / (lie down next to him)
---
(A) MC sits almost shoulder to shoulder to Hermes. He's kind of nervous.
(B) MC lies down and Hermes slightly relaxes. Then Hermes lies down too.
---
Pretty stars.
Hermes: ...so, sorry again about before. I was thinking of playing anyways, but I decided to do so when I noticed you were up. What I mean is, I wanted to apologize again... god this is so unlike me.
Hermes smiles wryly, then focuses.
Hermes: But Hotei's right that this isn't just a thing since yesterday. I'd never have thought like this way back when.
MC: How'd you like to be? / you're not bad as you are now / I like the new you
---
(A) Hermes: ...the wind's nice. I wanted to live like this.
(B) Hermes: ...heh. Jackass. Guess I just have to accept things.
(C) Hermes: !! Look at you all composed and shit. 
---
Hermes: ...when I left Olympus, I didn't give any thought about what could be out there. I just wanted to escape Zeus's thunder and figure my future from there.
Hermes puts his hand over his brow.
Hermes: ...gotta say, I'm okay with who I am now too.
A breeze rustles tree leaves. Hermes and MC share the moment as shooting stars cross the night sky.
Elsewhere
Sanat Kumara: Ah, youth. Oh, phone call. (beep) Hello?
Merman: Middle manager speaking. Orders from Aegir: "boss battle time, baby! get ready to beef gate!"
Sanat Kumara: Oh. Okay. Thank you.
Merman: No, thank you. Call if anything happens. (boop)
Sanat Kumara: I guess it's almost time... wait, I sense a strange storm. I should check on Motosumi's team. Here I go!
Ohhh, spooky omen~.
End of Episode 

Afterschool Treasure Odyssey Episode 3 Part 1 (Abridged)

Hermes (narrating): I didn't lie. I really did just want a little excitement at first. Been like that for a while. At school I'm a good boy. After school I wander around to get info and do outside work. At night, I busk then find somewhere to crash. Sometimes I even play Robin Hood on other con artists with a little Deception and Sleight of Hand. So easy I could sleepwalk through it. Then Tajikarao and Oogami started following me around. And I got to know the Wanderers. And I got a so-so job at Cafe Asterism. Would they be annoyed if I said as much to them? Maybe just a bit.
Hermes (narrating): Not that that's bad, but I'm freaking out a little. My whole thing is being a homeless bum no one can catch. And being dashing and roguish and being swooned over. But what if I change forever?
Hermes (narrating): Maybe I'm just tired. Then I found that flyer from Toyosu about the event, which sounded cool, so I researched Aegir. He's some treasure hunter who doesn't care about money, so I figured I get some good cash if I joined in. I also found out about the assassins and watchers beforehand, so I could just bail if I had to. Then I messed up by not looking up who would be participating. There's MC, who knows what I am, and all those other people who DON'T know what I am. Whatever, I can always bail by myself. Or, I thought I could...

Present
Hermes: Holy shit!
Storms near the destination island!
Ashigara: It was clear literally five minutes ago!
Volkh: I've heard such things were possible, but it's even worse in other worlds. All hands on deck!
Sitri: Oh my god, the rudder won't work here!
Ashigara: Dammit, why couldn't a pro like Ahab be here!?
Big waves are hitting the ship!
MC: Oh no, we're screwed!
Hermes has a sudden idea!
Hermes: Wait, Aegir's ring! Everyone, gather around MC and tie ropes to each--
Wave crash!
Party: AAAAAA
Everyone falls overboard!

Later
???: Hey MC, wake up!
MC wakes up and first sees...
MC: Makara? / Reprobus?
---
(A) Makara: Hey MC, you're up. Relax and warm up first.
Reprobus: Right, Temp Master. I stopped the shipwreck, so you rest for now.
(B) Reprobus: You awake now, Temp Master? I stopped the shipwreck. You can rest on my shoulder for now if you need to.
Makara: Right, you should warm up for now.
---
Storm's gone, MC's clothes are drying. Everyone's okay and on some new island or whatever now
Ashigara: MC! I thought you were deeeead!
Hermes: Yeah, that was pretty close...
Sitri: I blame the playboys!
Volkh: Thank you again Makara, Reprobus. Also why are you here?
Reprobus: Event temp work. Specifically shipwreck rescue. Aegir ordered us over here.
Makara: Too bad my swim techniques didn't help you. So we brought you to the nearest island and the storm luckily went away.
MC: Thanks. But also, does that mean we're at the destination island?

Alberich: Wait, that's right!
Reprobus: Well this is the destination, wherever it is you're going. Me bringing you here guarantees that... why are you making that face, MC? Oh! No worries, I didn't get hurt carrying you. I'm just that good.
Alberich: At last, the gold is mine! Maybe! Ahahaha!
Ashigara: Wait, were are you going!?
Hermes: ...okay we can catch up quick if we have to, but should we?
Makara: Okay we're gonna go now. Good luck on the treasure hunt!
Reprobus: I'm glad I could help. Call me if you need me.
Makara and Reprobus wander off.
Volkh: ...so I suppose Aegir is watching out for our safety?
Sitri: How's he watching us though? Bugs? I thought they don't work with him outside the Singularity.
Hermes: He might have someone watching us, like in the sky.
Sitri: What? ...you know something, don't you?
MC: A lot of somethings, I bet.
Hermes: ...I just keep my ears to the ground.
Ashigara: You guys, Alberich just ran off somewhere!
Hermes: Welp, guess we better go after him.

Later
Alberich: I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING! How can this be!?
Ashigara: Whatever, I'm hungry. But we lost the ship though, so there goes all our supplies.
Sitri: Too bad Makara and Reprobus didn't leave something for us... I don't see any fruit around and we don't have fishing tools.
Volkh: I do have hunting skills, but I don't sense any game... ugh!
Alberich: If only I had my magic horn! It could give us food and drink if we needed it, maybe! But what do I have now...?
Hermes: Welp. Isn't the pattern for this plot some assassins giving us clues? We could wait, but how long could we last...?
Ashigara: Oh god I'm hallucinating already. Something's right there...
Sitri: No there isn--oh my god there is!
It's a couple of vending machines!

Hermes: (stares) ...welp.
Alberich: Oh my god it's a vending machine from FF7R!
MC: WHAT / So, Hotei? / why are there two of them
Ashigara: OH MY GOD FOOD
Volkh: No, stop! It must be a trap! Or a hallucination!
Ashigara: GIMME
Sitri: Wait, the vending machines are running away!
Silly chase scene! A vending machine trips over a root!
Vending Machine: Oh no!
Ashigara: I HAVE YOU NOW (grab) GIMME
Vending Machine: W-wait, I'm really a person!
Ebisu comes out.
Ashigara: WHAT
Vending Machine B: Welp, cat's outta the bag now!
Hotei pops out too.
Hermes: I hate myself for seeing this coming.
MC: Hotei! / Ebisu? / I can't even
(A) Hotei: Yay MC, ya finally came to see lil ol' me!
(B) Ebisu: Hi MC. Sorry you had to see me like that.

Ashigara: Where's my food!?
Alberich: Vending machines sell people too? I feel like I know these things from somewhere.
Hotei: Hey y'all, it's assassin time!
Ebisu: Aegir and Hotei made me do this...
Volkh: MC, you know these clowns too!?
Hotei: Hey Hermes, face me.
Hermes: Why me!?
Volkh: You know him too, Hermes? Strange coincidence.
Hermes: Not really? He's just some guy I saw once on the streets!
Hotei: Guildie, why you gotta be like that to a fellow bum!? I just want you to have some real laughs! So, it's time for a gag off!
Rest of Party: WHAT
Hermes: And this is why I'm stuck with the Wanderers. It's nice we don't do formalities but no one really cares about anyone else's plans.
Hotei: Ya ready to laugh your ass off!?
Hermes: Leave me outta your comedy routine! You just wanna make me have a music battle against an amateur for your performance schtick, don't you!?
Sitri: Wow, even Hermes gets ragebaited?
Hotei: Huh. Maybe we should split the diff.
Hermes: what
Hotei: Rap battle!
MC: what

Hermes: I guess that works???
Sitri: Help, the storm broke Hermes's brain!
Hotei: Cool! Hey big guy, be our judge!
Ashigara: what?
Hotei: Push the button on this boombox and raise the roof. (hands it over) Okay, show time people!
poof
Sitri: Ashigara's dressed like a rapper now!
Alberich: Ooh, a Quick Change skill?
Ebisu: why am I even here
Ashigara: ...yo.
Shocked party!
Ashigara: Gimme yo sick beats, gotta hit it on the streets yo!
Sitri: WHAT
Hermes: No wait, keep cool guys! Don't get swept up by Hotei!
MC: or...? / Wow, Hotei has your number? / YO
Hotei: At last my time has come! Let's throw some bars, yo!
BATTLE(?) START (more happens after)

Hotei: Yo guildie, why you gotta be so cold? Always wanna make you smile, but you keep me away by a mile!
Hermes: (Goddammit, it seems he's getting all in my business! Might be too unintentional in tipping my hand, but I gotta do it!)
inhale...
Hermes: Nah we cool man, it's all real good! But peeps gettin' in my grill just brings down my mood!
Hotei: Oh yo man, so it be like that? S'all good homie, respect fo' you bringin' it to the mat! But I still wanna see ya, past, present, and fyuchaa!
Alberich: Ooh, poetry!
Volkh: It kind of is. Is Hermes doing it Olympus style? I wonder what Volos would think.
Sitri: Am I the only one thinking this is all dumb!?
Hotei: Slammin' down my puns is my idea of fun, but why don't I spread things out some? Okay Ebisu go!
Ebisu: WHAT? uhhhh, y-you always drag me onto the boat, so now I'm a pro at going with the flow? Oh god I suck at this!
Ashigara: Me next! You wanna go with me at sumo? Then I'mma never gonna let you go! Marry me, and I'll make ya happy, you'll see!
Sitri: Wow, Ashigara's actually kinda good at this!
MC: (rap) / (clap) / (foot tap)
(A) Hotei: Haha, you and Ashigara are gettin' into this MC!
(B) Hotei: Sweet beats, Ashigara!

Hotei: Okay lock in, Hermes!
Hermes: Ugh, fiiiine! You're a dick for putting me on blast, so don't go thinkin' this is something you'll slide past! Pick a god and pray, 'cuz I'mma get you one of these days!
Pressured Hermes
Hotei: Pffft, HAHAHA! Mkay, I lost!
Ashigara: Ayoooo?
Hermes wins(?)!
Hermes: (I won...but at what cost?)
Sitri: That was super lame...and yet I sorta think better of Hermes now?
MC: Welp / damn, Hermes / I wish Tajikarao could've seen this
Hermes: ugh, whatever I'm too tired for this shit.
Volkh: The art of poetry is truly profound.
Alberich: Tokyo is full of new wonders!
Sitri: What's wrong with you people!? ...in hindsight, that sumo match against Yasuyori and Takeminakata was the most normal kind of roadblock we had to pass. It was dumb, but it was still a physical challenge! ...I wonder if Ikutoshi had to deal with this kind of stupid stuff too?

MC starts thinking...
MC: (think of Ikutoshi) / (think of Gunzo) / (think of Tetsugyuu) / (think of Motosumi)
---
(A) Ikutoshi: ...so this isn't that different from being in Ikebukuro. This being an actual team thing shakes it up though.
Several days earlier...
(B) Gunzo: Oh god there's four of them this time! It's the attack of the furries!
Several days earlier...
(C) Tetsugyuu: Cool, four attackers now! Double from last time! So if this keeps up, next time we have... uhh... whatever, come at me bros!
Several days earlier...
(D) Motosumi: Can we just wrap this up so I can get home faster? Not that I'll say no to anyone wanting to throw down!
Several days earlier...
---
Macan: Yeeeeaaah!
Nomad: ugh, this sorta thing is what most of us Berserkers just call fun. I'm just here for the money though, no hard feelings.
Garm: Play time! And food!
Bathym: Kinda wish I was doing this with Sitri but oh well. Ikutoshi is fine too.
Ikutoshi: Why ARE you here anyways?
Bathym: I have the soul of an entertainer! Also seaside town vacay!
Gunzo: HELP! Couldn't we just settle this with rugby instead of fighting?
Motosumi: You'll get used to it. You got talent.
Tetsugyuu: Yeah, let's have fun with it!
Gunzo: Dammit Ashigara, MC! You two owe me for this!
End of episode part 

Live A Hero Health Check Crisis Episode 4 (Abridged)

Shidemasu (narrating): So I was suddenly assigned to be a full time bodyguard and sent to a branch office on Earth. Also I would also be doing double duty doing sales as well.
Flashback!
Commanding Officer: Since the branch office in the Earth Sphere isn't actually a hero agency, you'll be transferred to S&S Heroes. Thanks for all you've done.
Shidemasu: Thank you, sir. I'm still surprised at this new post though. Is bodyguarding really in such high demand there?
CO: Well, nothing so big as those other warzones you came from. It should be a good chance to relax your nerves.
Shidemasu: Oh. I'm still fine, thank you.
CO: ...well, your superiors and I are worried you're carrying the smiling policy too far. Try getting more in touch with your emotions.
Shidemasu: Excuse me?
Shidemasu (narrating): I didn't understand at the time, but I did notice the effect I was having on people after I started working.
Shidemasu: Hello, I sell hero insurance. Would you like a new plan?
Hero Agency Prez: Oh, thank you. Yes, I was thinking of renewing our insurance. My son's a hero and got hospitalized the other day...
Shidemasu: Excellent timing. Would you like a plan that includes you as well? Only for a small charge more. :)
Hero Agency Prez: ...actually, nevermind. Please go away.
Shidemasu: Oh. Excuse me, did I upset you? It seems so.
Shidemasu (narrating): When did I last NOT smile? What do I even feel anymore? How can I possibly understand other people's emotions? So many cancellations came in that I was labeled the office sandbag.

Title Card: Is This Interpretation Correct?

Medical Scanner: Scanning... scanning... one concerning issue detected, performing deeper scan. Instruction or confirmation needed. Beep boop.
MC: Oh, I saw a med report. Said instruction or confirmation needed.
Okitaka: Huh, so that makes all three of us collar wearers.
Party's on the way to the lowest deck escape pod bay and read their med reports. "Instruction or confirmation needed" is highlighted in blue for everyone.
Bygul: Since it's blue, is that the difference between the red and blue lights? Also... urk! I can't pull the collar off no matter what!
Okitaka: You too? Welp.
Shidemasu: Rasalhague requested they health check even during hero transformations. As such, they likely have high impact resistance.
Okitaka: Oh, right. I remember readin' about light simulation battle plans with these things on. But how'd they disappear when we suit up?
Shidemasu: Hmm, I believe they have data on hero forms and blend in during transformation.
MC: Fancy. 

Okitaka: Dang, that makes tellin' who has them in hero mode harder. With so many crazies around and them bein' so tough to wake up, we better not get fou--
Wolf A: I smell some RATS in here!
Trainee B: Unhealthy! You need guidance!
Shidemasu: Well, we've been found.
Okitaka: Okay fiiine. We gotta break through, don't be too rough!
Bygul: R-right! MC, transform us!
MC: Welp! (click)
Bygul: Bygul Punch!
Wolf A: I CAN FLYYYY (bam) oof
Bygul: Nobody else is coming, right? Whew, gotta pace myself.
MC: Actually I hear footsteps coming!
Okitaka: They must got an info net! We might need to back up sometimes!
Shidemasu: Allow me to intercept. I can predict their movements.
Shidemasu swings his staff around.

Wolf C: Some coffee lowers diabetes risks!
Shidemasu: Sealing Stamp: Restrain
Shidemasu shoots two light balls with Restrain written on them at the incoming mobs, leg locking them!
Mafia Guard D: Can't...move!
Shidemasu: It's a space enchantment on targets not under protection with aggression.
Mafia Guard D: WHAT
Wolf C: I-I...am buff enough to break through!
Shidemasu: Impressive. You're still stuck in place. (bam)
Wolf C: OOF
The reinforcements are down!
MC: Damn, you're strong.
Bygul: Whoa, you were outnumbered but you swept them all easily!
Shidemasu: Shall we continue?
Okitaka: R-right... are ya really just some insurance agent? Not a space soldier?
Shidemasu: I've seen my share of space wars. Let's go.
The party heads off.
Okitaka: (frown)
Okitaka looks sad about the KOed mob heroes.

Later
Shidemasu: Next floor down will finally be Deck 1.
Bygul: Finally! I never had to go back to back fighting like this before. Are we done with stealth sequences yet!?
Okitaka: ...yeah, I'm just about done with all this too.
Bygul: Okitaka, are you tired? You've been frowning for a while.
Okitaka: Huh? Oh, nah. I know we have to, but it still hurts seeing my agency coworkers go down.
MC: Yeah, but they are attacking us...
Shidemasu: Really? Why hesitate? Currently they are just threats who should be put down posthaste.
MC: I guess, but they're still our friends.
Okitaka: Yeah, we still care about them. Hurts to go against people I helped train.
Thinking Shidemasu.
Shidemasu: ...oh, I see now. My apologies, I have trouble reading others' emotions. But now I understand thanks to this situation and your explanation.
Okitaka: Ya never had any opinions about your comrades getting shot down? I know yer a soldier but still.
Shidemasu: I did at first... but not anymore after the damage I took.
Bygul: W-wait, you don't think anything about pain or suffering anymore?
Shidemasu: I can still feel physical pain. I just have no emotional response to it.
MC: A-are you a person? / damn, what kinda life did you have? Is that why you're always smiling?
(A) Shidemasu: Yes, I was born in Oomiya in Saitama.
Okitaka: I-I don't think they meant it like that.

Okitaka: ...so you're why the insurance company is lowering payout donations.
Shidemasu: There's no problems beyond working as a bodyguard. I double as a salesman a lot. I've bungled several pitches with my inability to read people... it must be why I'm doing the worst in the department. :)
Bygul: He says, smiling. Sales work sucks though.
Shidemasu: Oh, we're getting off track. But as a reminder, fighting our comrades here will be unavoidable.
Okitaka: Heh, you sound like Ichi now. But yeah, I get too emotional when making decisions so I gotta focus...
Okitaka claps his cheeks!

Okitaka: I wanna save everyone, but we're outnumbered. Plus, I got a Caster's support weapon, so y'all will have to frontline. I've got buffs to cast tho!
Bygul: Got it!
Shidemasu: Understood.
The party heads down! Okitaka sighs before moving.
Okitaka: Wish I had my old weapon in this case.
MC: Wait, you weren't always a Caster?
Okitaka: Loooong time ago, I was a frontliner. But then I got good at Tactics so I shifted roles. Don't remember what I wished for back then, but having more options woulda been good. Just a what if, though. Lessgo!
MC: Hmmmm...
MC's phone flashes for a second!
Okitaka: What's up? Get a move on!
MC: R-right!

Later
Barrel: (sniffs) Where arrre you, MC? I SEE A BLUE LI--oh it's just a reflection of my shoulder again.
Barrel and Furlong are in front of the escape pods.
MC: The UEHA doggos. Also wow Barrel walked off being shoved through a wall.
Bygul: Oof, I don't think they're leaving anytime soon...
Okitaka: And it just had to be them two...
Shidemasu: Shall we chop them on the head?
Okitaka: Geez, no! I mean maybe if you can get them both at once, else they'll call for help. Ain't there--oh someone's comin'.
Someone thumps heavily this way.
MC: Obsidius!
Okitaka: Oh yeah, he's in Heroic Educators? And he ain't transformed.
Obsidius: Shift change time. Resting important!
Barrel: Okay!
Furlong: Aromatherapy.
MC: jock talk. ooh, I wanna see big boys stretching.

Shidemasu: Hmm. So Rasalhague IS having this area guarded.
Bygul: In shifts, too!
Okitaka: Huh. Is Obsidius standin' guard alone?
Bygul: Maybe I should stretch too...
Bygul accidentally punches into the wall while stretching!
Bygul: AAAAAA
MC: Bygul!
Bygul pulls his hand out and rolls a little!
Okitaka: You okay!?
Bygul: I-I'm good, only my outside got shocked. I mean, nothing!
Obsidius: Who's there!?
Shidemasu: Oh. He noticed us.
MC: WELP. What now!?
Okitaka: ...fine, we gotta retreat!
Bygul: I'MSORRYI'MSORRYI'MSORRY
Wrestlers turn up!
Blue: What happened!? What smells burnt!? Burns are bad!
Purple: I heard something! My ears work fine!
Obsidius: They're running! After them!

The party runs and hides in a side room! Okitaka locks the door through a side panel. Someone is pounding on the other side!
Okitaka: Ahh, where are we!? The doors doubled up?
Shidemasu: I believe this is an escape pod for large groups, specially reinforced for landing impact. Perhaps the inner panels can start up the escape process?
MC: Convenient!
Okitaka: Welp. Given the circumstances, guess we'll have to. Once we're out, we gotta call in for--
Bygul: Um, are the pounding sounds getting louder?
MC: wait what
Yep! Lots of repeated crashing against the door!
Obsidius: YEEEAAAAHHH! Gotta break 'em all!
Obsidius broke in!
MC: Oh my god he tackled his way in! And not even in hero mode!
Okitaka: I thought you said this was reinforced!
Shidemasu: Hmm, perhaps the reinforcement was insufficient.
Some transformed wrestlers run in too!
Blue: Healthy muscle power!
Purple: Come, get health guidance!
Bygul: Uh, no thanks!
Obsidius: Hmm, UEHA's vice commander and...MC! Unhealthy!? Come along, I'll take care of you guys!
MC: Sounds great, but no thanks! / O-okay!
(C) Okitaka: OH GOD FOCUS MC

Okitaka: Thanks, but no thanks partner! Since y'all are here, we'll all fly out together then! Rasalhague's control oughta--what?
Panel: beep boop, error. door cannot close, launch sequence impossible
Okitaka: OH NO! Makes sense but still!
Obsidius: Still gonna resist, huh? Operator!
Obsidius transforms!
Obsidius: Beat them down and catch them!
Bygul: Oh no, not another battle!
Shidemasu: I see subduing the threats is our only option. :)
Okitaka: Are you ENJOYIN' this!? I mean I agree, but yeesh! MC, we gotta break through!
MC: Right, saw that coming! Can we win though!?
Obsidius: Heh! I may be an academic but I keep my workout routine up! Come at me, bros!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Obsidius: Haha, is that it!? Guts!
Shidemasu: Oh I actually thought we had him.
Bygul: He just got back up again! What kind of freak is he!?
Purple: Health Power!
Blue: One of us! One of us!
Okitaka: They'll beat us if we can't find an opening! ...whoa!?
Okitaka grazes through a punch from Obsidius! Then...
Okitaka: OOF!
Obsidius follows up with a charge and body slams Okitaka onto the floor on top of him!
MC: Oh no, Okitaka! / god I wish that were me
(C) Bygul: WHAT? Okitaka!

Obsidius: Haha, got one! Next is...huh?
Some flash of light seems to bring Obsidius back to sanity. Then he gets up and frees Okitaka.
Obsidius: uhh...what was I doing?
MC: Obsidius?
Okitaka: What's happenin'?
Obsidius's bracelet beeps and projects a screen with some med results.
Purple: (gasp!) Unhealthy!
Blue: Health guidance!
Obsidius: Who the hell are you guys!? Leggo!
Blue and Purple: AAAAAA
Obsidius throws Blue and Purple into the walls, and they fall down motionless!
Shidemasu: How strong.
Bygul: W-whoa, one-shot even though it took me forever to beat them...
MC: yep, he's a power type. But is he sane again!?
Obsidius: what the hell is happening? MC? ...Ahh, sorry for standing over you, Okitaka!
Okitaka: It's cool, you're back to normal somehow. Them two are down so...let's get outta here and fill ya in later.
Obsidius: Uh, okay.

Later
Obsidius: Damn, I did all that? My bad. I only remember up until gettin' a dental exam.
Bygul: Hmm. Your collar was red when we first met you, but now it's blue.
Shidemasu: And it's still connected through Rasalhague, so is it updating its results?
Obsidius: Oh yeah there was some results screen when I woke up.
Okitaka: Can ya check it? Maybe it'll prove whether our reports sayin' "needs guidance" is why people keep chasin' us.
Obsidius: Oh, okay! ...how do I make this work?
MC: over here on the bracelet... / wow you really do suck with tech
(A) Obsidius: Oh, thanks! I suck with tech and--oh!
(B) Obsidius: W-what!? It's my first time using this thing! Oh!

Obsidius: Lessee... "abnormality found while scanning, changing to needs guidance"!? What's wrong with me, then!? I'm totally fine!
Obsidius stops scrolling his report screen.
Obsidius: oh
MC: Found something?
Obsidius: Uhhh, it's private!
sus
Shidemasu: Oh, so you can't say so in public? Is this interpretation correct?
Obsidius: What's it to you!?
Okitaka: Now now, y'all. Anyways, guess that means all of us got tagged like that. And these cuffs really are scannin' us and decidin' whether we need guidance, whatever that is. Rasalhague mind controls whoever doesn't.
Obsidius: Dude, what the HELL. Peekin' at my bod's one thing but my mind too!? RUDE! Get... this... thing... offa me!
Obsidius used Rip Off! It wasn't very effective...
Bygul: Yeah, I couldn't get that to work either.
Obsidius: Sheesh, what's this thing made of? It better stop invadin' my privacy!
beep boop, digivice noises!
MC: wait, him too?

Okitaka: Right now, the only way to stop the scans and mind control is to stop Rasalhague. We need help, so you in Obsidius?
Obsidius: I'm in! I wanna help my kouhais too so... anyways, I'm also a geo prof specializing in metals, so I'm pretty smart too! I can help somehow!
MC: Yay! / oh right you are an academic
Obsidius: Let's save our friends, MC!
Shidemasu: ...oh. Everyone?
Okitaka: Okay, time to recheck our plans now that we got a bigger party!
Bygul: Maybe try the escape pod deck again?
Shidemasu: Excuse me, everyone?
MC: What's up?
Shidemasu: We've been surrounded. :)
Rest of Party: what
Barrel and Furlong turn up with a couple of trainee heroes!
MC: OH NO

Okitaka: I slipped up!?
Obsidius: How'd so many of them get here without us knowing!?
Bygul: Shidemasu, you knew!?
Shidemasu: Only after it was too late. I was also absorbed in the discussion.
Barrel: Heh, bet you didn't know UEHA drilled us in Presence Concealment too!
Okitaka: Nice, but all y'all youngins keep sittin' there all quiet like in our meetings!
Furlong: Everyone, please take the health guidance for your own good!
Obsidius: Bitch, I ain't listening to no puppet zombie!
Okitaka: ...right! MC, we gotta fight our way ou--
Trainee Mobs: Chief!
Okitaka: oh no!
Okitaka drops his guard!
Barrel: Gotcha!
Okitaka: OH NO
Barrel caught Okitaka!
MC: Okitaka!

Obsidius: Let go!
Barrel: Whoa!
Barrel dodges Obsidius and runs back to Furlong!
Red: Well we got Chief at least! Let's go bring him in first!
Green: Yeah, one at a time!
Furlong: It's okay, we'll be with you!
Barrel: Bye guys!
Okitaka: STOP, LEMME GO
The mind controlled heroes run away with Okitaka!
Obsidius: Get back here! ...dammit. MC, transform us! We're going after them!
Shidemasu: Hmm. So they actually can change tactics.
Bygul: Stop being impressed! We have to hurry, MC!
MC: Yeah! I wonder where they're going...?
And so the party leaves.
End of Episode