Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 13: A True Hero

The battle is still ongoing as we pick up, but as you command the party through the fight the Kaibutsu visibly shrinks as it takes damage. It's now only five meters tall at this point, and the smaller it gets, the weaker its resistance becomes. It's still up and kicking though, so the party musters their remaining energy to stop it for good. Gammei is panting hard but says it's almost over. Victom figures there's only a few more cores left to go, so he suggests going full force to crush the monster. Suhail turns to Mokdai and tells him to do it then, but Mokdai protests.

 

Barrel however tells him it's not the time to be arguing who should finish this and points out Mokdai's best suited to one-shot it at this point. Furlong also asks Mokdai to strike the last blow on the Kaibutsu while the rest of the party keeps it from moving. You tell Mokdai that things are ready to go and that you guys should go with this course of action. Akashi also encourages Mokdai to go for it and offers to act as a stepping stone to help him jump up. Mokdai gives in to everyone's arguments, then yells as he runs forward.

 

Mokdai leaps high into the air with Akashi's assistance, then concentrates all his strength into his hands as he yells out Shining Finger his finisher. The impact of the punch goes through the Kaibutsu's body and causes the ground to crack and tremble. The shattering of the remaining cores echo out, and the monster roars its death cries before disappearing into light. Mokdai ends up faceplanting into the ground, and when he pushes himself up he asks if he did it. A moment of silence falls over the ruined city, and then you declare that the live is over and thank everyone for their work, and Akashi cheers.

 

The rest of the party follows suit in celebrating the win. Barrel starts complimenting Mokdai for being cool and amazing. Furlong says the from way he moved in the battle, you wouldn't think that Mokdai literally only just started fighting. Mokdai is a little embarrassed at the praise but laughs, pleased. Victom gives an amused snort, and Suhail laughs that Mokdai got all the good parts this battle.

 

Gammei points out that he looks pretty happy for someone who's apparently complaining, so Suhail says he's not someone who's bothered by anything. He didn't get to beat down the monster with his own hands, but he still got to see something interesting out of the whole ordeal, so that's good enough for him. Gammei doesn't prod any further on the subject, and Suhail decides to ask if he's not going to try to arrest him now with the crisis at hand dealt with.

 

Gammei says it'd be a huge mess of things if he had to get both an arrest warrant and a letter of thanks for Suhail at the same time. He decides to let him go for today as thanks for helping out against the Kaibutsu attack, then prompts him to leave. Suhail is surprised and asks if he's okay with that, especially given his police detective position. Gammei says he's going to get him next time if he decides to start something in the area, and he softens up and smiles a little as he says it wouldn't be any fun if Suhail just let himself be arrested at this point.

 

Suhail starts cackling after a moment and says Gammei gets it. He says he likes people like him, even if they are enemies. Gammei responds that he hates him though. As the others jostle with the new hero Mokdai and laugh, the curtain draws to a close on this Kaibutsu attack and the wide scale destruction it wrought.

 

The next day, we tune in on the central district as unseen rescue workers talk to one another about another ambulance coming in and loading them up. The local general hospitals are filled up, so now casualties are being sent to the eastern ward now. Soldiers are directing evacuation efforts, and one expresses amazement that for all the damage that's been caused, no one actually died in the course of things.

 

Some news crew starts reporting on the scene about how the firefighters, city police, and international army is all working together to provide aid for the city. Evacuation orders have been sent throughout the central ward, and miraculously no fatalities have occurred. That said, there's still widespread damage to the area, and the police is launching a special investigation into suspects related to this incident.

 

Now that the battle is over, the sky is bright and the city is starting its reconstruction efforts. Raidark is lousy with police officers, fire fighters, and soldiers milling around the place, and you are walking around looking for someone among all that rubble. It doesn't take too long for you to find Mokdai sitting on a bench in a clearer part of the area, spacing out as he stares at the damage. You call out to him and talk to him, and when Mokdai registers your presence he asks you what's up.

 

You tell Mokdai it's almost time to head back to the agency and tell him Akashi is looking for him too. Mokdai is still a bit preoccupied as he goes 'oh, okay,' sighing sadly at the wreckage. He eventually comments that he couldn't save the place that was supporting those kids' livings, Raidark. It's because of this corporation that the orphans' lives are supported, and now its in the dirt. Mokdai says he's not an orphan himself, but he was a refugee once so he knows how anxious it feels to be living like those children. It's why he wanted to protect the place.

 

You express some concern for Modkai or stay silent, and Mokdai talks about how he saved the city but failed to protect parts of it. He wonders what's going to happen to the children now when a sudden voice tells him he doesn't really need to beat himself up like that. Mokdai is surprised as he recognizes the voice, and Huckle walks up to greet the two of you. You either take note of his presence or ask Huckle to make you feel better since you were scared when you got kidnapped. B gets an extra bit where Huckle is surprised at you throwing yourself at him (I guess), but he laughs at you being an attention seeker and obliges with a headpat.

 

Anyways, Huckle tells you guys about something that just came up on the news. Another one of Raidark's main offices on Mars held an emergency conference and have announced a decision in regards to the Earth main office. They will be cooperating with their other branches and the monster attack insurance policies to start rebuilding the Earth office using their own funds. Also while this is going on, Raidark Mars will be working with the Japanese government to give their full support to the refugee social services for Earth and nearby planets.

 

Mokdai is surprised at the news and asks if that's true. Huckle is surprised in turn as he says there'd be no point in lying about it since it's not a huge deal for a company as big as Raidark to be doing all this. They have the assets to fix things up even if the Earth main office got blown up to hell. Huckle then tells Mokdai that the children he saved are here now too. He gestures with his eyes behind him, and there you see the kids from the other day who were trying to fundraise for their orphanage.

 

Mokdai is taken aback to see them, and you ask the kids why they're there. The kids start talking about how they saw your battle live and cheered for you all. And now that the Kaibutsu is gone, they came to thank you for stopping it. Huckle says he ran into them on his way over here while they were glued to the screen with the livestream. When he talked with them, he found out that you guys saved them earlier. And then when he told them he was your boss, they asked if they could meet with you to thank you guys in person, and now they're here.

 

Mokdai is touched as the kids start bustling up around him. They start gushing about how cool he is and talk about him being a hero. One is impressed with his punching and asks him to show them how he did it. Another goes on about how they all cheered for you guys and how you guys won after that. Some other kid says Mokdai was so cool and thanks him for saving the city. Mokdai thanks the kids and starts to cry a little, and you're happy for him as you say he's already a cool hero for these children. He thanks them again as he nods some more, happy to have become a hero for them as big fat tears fall down his face. And then he smiles, amidst all their admiration.

 

Time skips later on to after you've gone back to the agency and filled out some reports and paperwork, after which you leave for the day. You've decided to take several paid days off on Huckle's recommendation. You sigh about how tired you are and wonder what you'll do with your time, but for now you just want to go to bed. You head over to the train station, and you pass by some dark alleyway nearby, where some guy staggers out and walks towards you.

 

The guy says nothing, and you ask in alarm as to who he is. The mob eventually says you've finally come and asks if you were the Observer that was in the background of the camera. He gets threatening as he starts rambling about how it should have been him standing where you were in the situation he set up. You are confused to what he means, and the mob starts talking about luring Kaibutsu over using bait and feeding his workplace's coworkers to them. HE was going to be the Operator for the heroes who'd show up so he could display his abilities to the world. Then he'd quit his shitty workplace and live a new life as an Operator. It was HIS plan, and you ruined it for him. You hijacked it!

 

You get more alarmed as you ask what he's talking about, ask if he's the true mastermind behind this incident, or ask about him bringing Kaibutsu over. The mob seems too deranged to actually listen to you, and he pulls out a knife with the full intention of stabbing you with it. He rambles about how it doesn't matter anymore. He only meant to get one or two monsters, except he lost control and brought out a ton of the things. That was where his plan went awry, so he says it doesn't matter anymore. He'll be arrested soon enough, whether the cops do it or the heroes do it. But if nothing else, he'll at least kill you. It'S aLl YoUr FaUlt! He charges at you, and you yell for help as your throw your arms up to defend yourself.

 

A voice calls out and calls the mob truly terrible as an Observer. The mob turns to look and sees Exio in shock, but before he can get the full name out, he yells as a small Kaibutsu jumps at him and eats him. You are shocked by this turn of events, and when the monster starts to turn to you, a hole of utter darkness opens up beneath it, where it drops in before both disappear from view. You express horror at the monster disappearing while still haven eaten the guy and you try to ask what just happened.

 

Exio reveals himself at this point, sighing about how little the mob was capable of in the end. He never expected anything of him and yet he's still feeling like he overestimated him. Exio then turns to you and comments about the danger you were in, calling you by name. You either recognize him or demand to know who he is. In A, Exio is happy that you remember him. In B, Exio gives his name and says he knows about you because reasons.

 

Anyways, Exio asks you to not tell anyone what you saw just now. Then again, he admits that no one is going to remember the mob anymore. The police, everyone who knew him, anyone else, all of them have forgotten about him now. You ask Exio about what he did. Exio is surprised by the question until he realizes that you don't actually know how to use your ability in this way. That said, if you're working as an Operator it'd be better if you didn't know how to do that. He explains that it's another way of using your Observer power, but he's not going to teach you how. And as much as Exio just erased someone from existence, he's still speaking in a casual way while his eyes look cold.

 

You are afraid and thank him for helping you, but you start to say something else. You can also choose to call Exio out for erasing a guy, and if you choose C there's an extra bit where Exio is surprised you'd show concern for someone who just tried to hurt you. He comments on how kind you are and admits he thought you'd thank him for saving you. He sighs for a moment to collect his thoughts, then gets back to what he was saying.

 

Exio namedrops the Broker, and you are shocked he'd know about him. He takes your reaction as confirmation of something and says he figured someone with your level of ability would have met him then smirks to himself. Exio tells you he's met the Broker too, and he mentions about knowing what his true motive is. When you ask him about it, Exio says it's too early for you to know what it is yet and that you should strengthen your ability to use your power. Otherwise, when you do find out what's up you won't be able to do anything. It'd be much too painful for an Observer of your potential to be lost here, so he saved you because he has high hopes for you.

 

You ask Exio what he's expecting of you exactly. Exio declines to tell you that now, but he says you can think of him as your enemy. He does promise that he won't let anyone kill or erase you though. He walks up to you and raises your head up as he puts a finger to your chin, then bids you goodbye for now. He's absorbed with looking at your face for a moment, and when he's done he flips around and walks into the darkness of the alleyway. You wonder what's up with him or what the Broker's deal is, but by the time you voice any of your questions, Exio is long gone. So ends Chapter 2: Green Hope.

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 12: The Strong Armed New Hero Arrives

We tune in with Mokdai running up to the towering giant Kaibutsu before his eyes, the one that looks exactly like the one that cast a shadow over his life once before. It growls for a moment before noticing him, and Akashi calls out to Mokdai to tell him of this. Mokdai is taken by surprise by this, and his lack of experience in fighting means he's not sure how to actually handle this.

 

The Kaibutsu raises its arm and swings full force at where Mokdai is. Large gashes are left on the ground, but Mokdai turns out to be fine as sighs about how he made it through the attack. He comments on being lighter than he thought he'd be, but he credits that as what saved him. It turns out at the last second before the monster's attack landed, Mokdai had jumped up and grabbed onto the thing's arm, and now he's on the upper arm portion.

 

Akashi sighs in relief after the worrying he went through, and Gammei comments on the remarkable jumping ability and high power output Mokdai has despite his appearance. Victom theorizes that Mokdai's Parallel Weapon is amplifying his original stat line, and if the Parallel Weapons they mainly use to attack with flying tools are body extension types, Mokdai's is an ability amplifier type. Akashi nods at this, saying that Mokdai was already strong to begin with, so it'd be natural to think it'd make him even more powerful.

 

Mokdai clambers on up on the Kaibutsu, and he comments that he thought he'd be tired, but it was surprisingly not an issue for him to get up there. The monster is surprised as Mokdai manages to get up on top of its shoulders, and he says it's his turn as he goes to punch the thing across its head. This single attack knocks the thing off balance, to its and your shock. Akashi freaks out for a second trying to get out of the way, then yells over to Mokdai to remind him that the rest of them are fighting down below.

 

Mokdai quickly apologizes, saying he wasn't expecting to have this much force behind his punches. He was actually attempting a light jab to start with, baffling Akashi since they were trying their best to attack the Kaibutsu, so he's in disbelief a light jab could send it reeling. Mokdai insists that's really all the force he was trying to use at that point, so Gammei comments on the absurd strength he has. Barrel however points out that it really did seem to put a dent into the monster. Maybe its guard got broken, but at least it's stopped bouncing everyone's attacks back. Furlong asks Mokdai to keep attacking the thing's head and suggests that it might be its weak point. Mokdai is surprised at the idea, but he follows the suggestion and starts swinging away.

 

With every punch and kick he throws, Mokdai's heavy attacks cause the Kaibutsu's body to shake. The impacts are also causing the ground party to shake too as Akashi yells, but Suhail points out that the monster is definitely taking damage as it shrinks after every attack. You look yourself, and you can definitely see it's smaller than before when it reached the clouds. It's now down to about shoulder level with Raidark's skyscraper HQ. You tell Mokdai it's working, so he decides he should go for a stronger attack as he leaps up high above the Kaibutsu's head.

 

Mokdai calls out to you for your support. You check your phone, and the addition of a new hero has capped out the view count. You tell Mokdai the finisher can be unleashed and urge him to go for it as you click on the command window to confirm the use of the finishing move. Mokdai's arm attachments start glowing brightly, and he readies them as he falls down and calls out his finisher, Pulverizer "Megaton Crush."

 

The mighty blow to the Kaibutsu's head causes it to get crushed like a can, and it falls to the ground with a huge crash. The shattering of countless cores echo out, and light starts seeping out from the monster's body. It shakes its head dazed, and it is now the size of a four story building. Suhail is impressed by this display while Barrel is surprised at how many cores were destroyed in this one attack. Mokdai cheers to himself about how well that worked for a brief moment, only to start freaking out when he falls out of the air.

 

Mokdai falls out of the sky like a brick through several hundred meters. Victom quickly leads Furlong into rescuing Mokdai from this predicament and catches him using his rope. Incredibly no one is injured in the course of this, though Furlong does acknowledge how heavy Mokdai is. Mokdai gets the breath knocked out of him for a second before he thanks the two. Victom says they should actually be thanking him, calling him a new hero and saying he did good. Furlong says they won't waste his bravery and will rally themselves here.

 

The three regroup with the rest of the party, and you point out that the Kaibutsu has weakened, so now's your chance to take it out in one shot. Akashi nods and says he won't let the chance Mokdai opened up slip by, and Suhail comments on how well a newborn hero is handling things. Gammei initially says he's doing this for the pride of the police before he decides upon doing this for their hero's honor instead. Barrel is getting fired up as he yells for people to burn the wildlands' bodyguard's gun skills into their eyes.

 

Victom turns to Furlong and says they're in this too, and when the battle is over they're rescuing everyone that was taken by the Kaibutsu. Furlong acknowledges the instructions and says he'll save them explosively. Mokdai is amazed at all the heroes standing next to him and fighting on the same side, then asks them to help him so that they can all take the monster down for good. The whole party yells affirmatively, and then the episode battle launches.

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 11: Heroes are Not Alone

We tune in on the ongoing battle against the Kaibutsu as Akashi fires off his finisher at the thing. This turns out to be ineffective since the thing manages to bat all the fireballs back at Akashi, and Akashi is unfortunately not prepared to play fireball tennis. Gammei asks him if he's alright, and Akashi says he's okay and apologizes for messing up. Gammei notes how the monster is big, tough, and really fast with the regen. Suhail says it'll never end if you guys don't destroy several cores in one attack, so he shoots off his chain at the monster's neck area.

 

Suhail laughs about having caught the thing and prepares to rip off part of the Kaibutsu's shell, but he's taken by surprise when the thing starts absorbing the chain and pulling him in instead. Gammei shoots his handcuff chain at Suhail and tells him to grab on while he tells Akashi to help him pull Suhail back. Akashi puts his back into as he yells, and Suhail is brought back safely. Suhail is glad to be okay and voices his disbelief that a policeman saved him, so Gammei laughs and says that must be a humiliation for a pirate like him. Suhail says it is, but thanks him all the same.

 

Victom declares that his anchor laying has been set and says that he'll open a break point. The ropes he fires into the Kaibutsu's stomach opens up a huge hole, which reveals a number of the fusion monster's cores glittering within. He informs everyone of this and tells them to destroy the cores before the hole closes up, and Gammei acknowledges this but says his weapon can't destroy all of them at once. Barrel steps up and says it's his turn to help out, and he is followed up by Furlong who asks everyone to leave things to them as they deal with it with a bang. You either talk to Barrel and note that he can do take an active part again, ask who the firefighter is, or refer to them as the doggy hero duo.

 

In A, Barrel hypes himself up a bit and says he's getting really excited, then tells you to see his gunslinging skills. In B, Furlong introduces himself with his hero code and agency affiliation as he greets you. Akashi is impressed by how driven Furlong is and says it feels like he's seeing a real hotblooded hero. Gammei says it's because he's doing his hero job at the moment which is the only time he acts cool, which befuddles Akashi. In C, Barrel protests against being called a dog even if the two of them are aliens that look like canines. Furlong is a little surprised as he says it doesn't matter now, but Barrel insists that it's very important that people know he's not a dog. Gammei yells at him to drop it and focus on the job, so Barrel does so, reproached.

 

Anyways, Barrel tells Furlong it's time to go as he drops his civil servant pronoun, and Furlong yells and says it's time to break in. The two of them slide in using a belt attachment they connect to Victom's ropes, and once inside the Kaibutsu they pull out their Parallel Weapons. Furlong tells Barrel he's going to hose things down and handle things at his back, so Barrel nods and says he'll take the others. Furlong fires off his finisher Suppression "Manguera de Aquario" and says he'll crank the pressure setting to its highest. Barrel meanwhile shoots his finisher and caps it off with a yell.

 

Barrel and Furlong's combined attacks destroy a lot of the Kaibutsu's exposed cores, which causes it to shrink in turn. You are impressed by their teamwork and note that the attacks are working right away. Gammei says they're great friends and coworkers at their agency, so when they go to the same place they can show off their coordination. He starts cheering for the two, but he gets cut off when he notices when the monster roars and Victom tells the two to get out of it since it's regenerating quickly.

 

Barrel and Furlong freak out since they won't escape in time, and the hole closes over them. Victom says it won't be long before the rope gets cut off too, so Suhail says it should be fine if you guys pull them out before then. Suhail then calls everyone over to help with that, and Akashi leads the count off. He, Suhail, Victom, and Gammei all yank on the ropes hard, which the game compares to pulling out a turnip, and soon they manage to pull out the two as they end up flying out into the sky.

 

When Barrel lands, he spits stuff out of his mouth and says some weirdly smelling fluid is sticking all over him. Furlong has understandably lost his composure, and Victom tells him to calm down as he points out he's flipped back to his civilian personality. Suhail notes that this plan has failed, which means you guys have run out of cards to play. Gammei however isn't phased since there's still a plan for times like this, and Victom realizes he means attacking with sheer numbers and thinks it's interesting. Akashi says he can handle quantity as he bats fireballs again, except the monster swings them back again to his surprise.

 

The battle rages on as the city continues getting destroyed. It's a game of trial and error as the heroes attempt to stop the Kaibutsu while running around. They're starting to look rundown and ragged as it goes on, not very cool or photogenic, which happens to be a problem because the audience is apparently a bunch of fickle jerks. Mokdai notes that the view count keeps fluctuating up and down and not settling, which he thinks is because it's a back and forth with no upswing happening. He's also about to bring up another point, which you guess ahead is because of how uncool the party is looking despite how hard they're fighting.

 

Mokdai says that seems to be the case, and he's heard from audience opinions that it'd be fine if they got 30% of the exciting part through. Mokdai says he personally can't stand it and wonders how long it's been since he felt so high strung and in suspense. Mokdai then decides now is a good time to tell you that he wanted to be a hero once when he was younger. You are curious about this change in subject, and Mokdai talks about how he really adored heroes who looked so cool saving the city in front of him and lit his spirit on fire. He also mentions being the only one to remember his old friends who got eaten by Kaibutsu, which is a trait in people who can become heroes, meaning he should be able to be one too.

 

You stay quiet, and Mokdai continues talking about how heroes are people too. They have things they're afraid of, their less than flattering sides. If they stick the to the justice they believe in, then they will surely be heroes whether you see them as cool or saints or not. Mokdai then balls up his fists to steel his determination, still slightly shaking. He asks you whether you think someone uncool like him can be a hero. You tell him that you don't think that he's uncool. He's surprised to hear this, so you point out that he was the one to convince Suhail to help you guys. Mokdai is still a little unconvinced, so you point out that he also busted the door out for you guys.

 

Narration brings up something Suhail said about how everyone has their cool and uncool sides. These are definite sides to them, unaffected the subjectivity of other people. You then tell Mokdai he has his own cool side to, so he's not uncool at all. Mokdai is touched by the statement, and he thanks you for saying so. He says he's found his resolve now due to your words, and he wants to be a hero. And right now, he wants to get rid of the Kaibutsu in front of you guys as well as his old trauma. No matter how uncool he is or how unpresentable he looks, he swears to win with his own way of fighting with honest justice. If he really can be a hero, that's the hero he wants to be!

 

At that moment your phone lights up, popping up a window just like that time Akashi became a hero. Currently Mokdai's hero name is just his own name, and it asks if you want to open the path. You turn to Mokdai and ask if he's ready to do this, so Mokdai says he'll do it and asks you to transform. You nod as you hit that confirm button, and Mokdai starts posing as he yells 'transform,' and a bright light covers him as it brings out his hero costume and armaments. Camera briefly cuts to Victom and Akashi reacting in shock to this, and Mokdai eventually announces his transformation is done when it's over.

 

Narration briefly describes Mokdai as wearing silver arm guards in his hero form, and Mokdai is shocked when he actually looks at what he's wearing. He wonders how to use his arm pieces for a second before figuring they might just be straightforward to operate. You either compliment Mokdai as cool or amazing, or tell him it's time to go. A and B get an extra line where Mokdai blushes for a second before thanking you.

 

Mokdai looks up to the giant Kaibutsu as he starts talking to himself about how the time for him to fight has come, so he'll do it. He turns to you and apologizes for how sudden this is, but he asks you to take over handling the camera. He turns back and yells as he charges at the monster, summoning his determination to fight against it. He goes off, as if to leave behind his old dark memories and defeat the monster that once struck terror into him, and the episode battle begins.

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 10: Even if I'm Afraid

Narration opens up a flashback to set it ten years ago at the refugee residential area in Hakata, Fukuoka. Kaibutsu are attacking as random unseen people are screaming about an attack. A hero was eaten too in this incident, and someone asks Mokdai if he's okay as they tell him to get a hold of himself. They or someone else since nobody is named here tells him to stand up and run since that's all they can do. They're unfortunately caught by the monsters soon after, and Mokdai panics, unable to bring himself do anything for [Name Redacted Due to Monster Metaphysics].

 

The girl and guy caught by the Kaibutsu yell for help before the thing eats them. Mokdai then takes over narration to talk about the friends he grew up with and shared a dream with were eaten that day, and all he could do was watch. With no heroes around and his friends being taken away, all he could do was tremble and watch. Even now it's still the same thing. A monster has appeared in front of him, and all he can do is watch. It was a source of endless frustration that he couldn't bring himself to do any more than that, but that's what happened. If he had the courage, heart, and body more fitting of a hero, could he have been a hero too?

 

Back to the present, the giant Kaibutsu is roaring, and you are surprised by its sudden appearance as well as its size. Akashi is also flabbergasted at its presence now, but Mokdai says it wasn't always there. It's less a singular monster and more of a fusion of the tiny ones coming together. Gammei is shocked into disbelief at this, but Suhail says that this is a thing that he's heard about before. There's a bunch of kinds of Kaibutsu, and the majority of them just turn giant on their own, but there kinds like amoebas that gather together and fuse into one giant piece. That would make this one similar to the one Mokdai had seen before, and this monster being a fusion means it has multiple cores, making it harder to destroy. And since you don't know how many make up this one, you'll have to crush them all.

 

Akashi is shocked at the hurdles they're now facing, and the Kaibutsu roars as it starts heading into town. Not long after that do the sounds of screaming, destruction, and explosions begin rising at its feet. Gammei is alarmed at this as he says the damage will be magnified if this continues. Victom says that evacuation is only done for the Raidark premises, so you'll have to stop the monster fast. Mokdai is quiet for a bit before he says it's impossible, prompting you to turn to him and ask what he means.

 

Mokdai says it's impossible, then reckless to try to stop the giant monster. Once it's gotten into that state, it won't be going down quickly or easily. That's how it happened back in Hakata. Victom remembers the incident that Mokdai is talking about, and Gammei asks him about it. Victom explains that a hero that used to help him was sent to Fukuoka. He fought the same kind of Kaibutsu as the one you guys are facing now, together with the heroes already over there. In the end, he and several other heroes died that day.

 

Akashi is shocked by the statement, and Victom continues on by saying that having to find several cores and destroying them is one of the hardest things you can do. You have to force the Kaibutsu to stop while it's constantly moving around and wrecking the city, then destroy its cores. Fukuoka stands a testament as to how difficult that is since it's still not completely rebuilt back to how it was.

 

Gammei asks if he's saying it's possible someone is going to be dying on the job here, and Suhail accepts that that's the case solemnly. Victom says that stopping the monster is going to require a certain amount of determination. Despite and because of that though, the Kaibutsu cannot be left alone. Victom then picks up the rope he saved the party with earlier, then quickly heads towards the monster. Gammei notes that Victom was always a reckless sort of guy, but he agrees with what he's said. It's going to be dangerous for the general citizenry as well as you guys, so you have to go after the thing. He slowly walks off after Victom, and after you observe this you ask Akashi what he thinks.

 

Akashi quietly thinks to himself for a moment, then balls up his fists as he says he'll be going and asks if you'll support him. Mokdai is shocked by this decision, and you either respond by agreeing after a moment, commenting that he's made up his mind, or argue how dangerous this is. In A, Mokdai protests to you guys about how dangerous this battle is. In B, says he is since he's a hero, which is followed up by Mokdai's protest as above. In C, Mokdai agrees with you as he attempts to talk Akashi out of this like in the other branches.

 

Anyways, Mokdai says this is totally different from having to defeat a bunch of individual Kaibutsu like back in the park incident. Here you have to fight a super strong monster while destroying a bunch of cores that you have no idea as to the numbers of. He argues that a newbie like Akashi isn't up to it, but Akashi argues back and asks if he's saying he should just sit back and watch. Mokdai doesn't have a response to that, and Akashi says he ended up becoming a hero, so he feels he should carry out that responsibility as best he can. If he'll regret not doing anything later, then he'll go for doing it now.

 

Mokdai asks if Akashi is scared and if he's really going to fight against something he's not sure he can win against. Akashi admits that of course he's scared, and that his legs are shaking right now. This is the first fight where he really might have to put his life on the line after all. But if he can do something about that giant Kaibutsu and prevent someone from being erased from peoples' memories, then he's going to go. He wouldn't want to deal with having that happen to him either. He smiles to Mokdai as he says this, but his legs are visibly shaking like he's told you earlier.

 

Mokdai is still concerned for Akashi, but Suhail approves of Akashi's resolve. He pats Akashi on the back with enough force that he almost knocks him over, though Suhail just laughs it off himself. He talks about how there are times when people have to move forward, no matter how hard their life is that moment. Times like when something important to you might get trampled underfoot and broken, or times when you have to reach out to grab something that brings you hope. He then asks Akashi if this is one of those times for him, and Akashi silently nods. Suhail smiles broadly at that, then offers to fight alongside him. He really likes kids who have that level of determination in the face of their fears and says it's just so fun to see. You are comforted by his offer and thank him.

 

Mokdai sadly notes how cool Akashi and Suhail are, then notes that that's how feel like heroes. He figures that must be why they are heroes now while he's just there standing in terror. Akashi tells him his reactions are normal, and that he'd run if he could do so. Mokdai is surprised by this and asks why he's fighting then, so Akashi says he just wants to do what he can, like he said before. It's not like he became a hero because he wanted to look cool. When he gave up on his dream, someone taught him to not give up and fight on. He stood up because of that, and he chose to give it his all at the things he can do. Being cool or not doesn't figure into it.

 

Suhail agrees with Akashi's point that looking cool or not is not something to be caring about. Really, can you actually stand it if other people got to judge how you behave to that degree? If you're up against a super huge enemy and shaking in your boots at the thought of it, it still doesn't change the fact that the winner is the one who's still left standing after the fight. Mokdai thinks on Suhail's last point, and Suhail says that the ultimate thing is whether you can live your life happily. At the very least it's not as though he finds enjoyment in all the dangerous battles he's gone through, so he fights so that he can feel all the fun and joy wholeheartedly until he's satisfied. Mokdai then expresses some amazement at him and Akashi.

 

Suhail says it's time to go and tells Akashi he'll take with him until you guys catch up with the others. He actually picks Akashi up and carries him under his arm, then fires out his chain like a grappling hook. The whole force of it all causes Akashi to complain to Suhail about being gentler because it hurts as it is. Mokdai thinks out loud about continuing to fight without giving up or caring about whether you look cool or not. You then suggest to Mokdai that you guys too since you need to help Akashi and the others and that that's what you guys can do. Mokdai then agrees, picking up his camera equipment and running after you as you guys head into the episode battle.

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 9: Time Limit

We begin with a flashback as narration tunes in at some shanty town looking place, a dirty yet solemn scene of victory won after much suffering. Kaibutsu fluids have splattered around, equipment has been damaged and worn out, and blood is dripping from injuries. Heroes in this state are raising their arm up, a signal of the peace that has been brought to Hakata at last. The people raise their voices in joy and gratitude and warmly welcome the heroes. They gather around, their eyes filled brimming with awe for the heroes anyone would say is cool. Among these onlookers is a young boy, who feels boundless envy and respect for the praise being given to the heroes that he never received and might never get. Mokdai talks about how cool and heroic the heroes are, and he starts to talk about how he could never be like that before trailing off.

 

Back to the present, you, Akashi, and Mokdai are trailing behind Suhail and his gang by a few minutes as you enter the smoking building. There's far less smoke inside the building though, but there is debris lying everywhere. Some of the building's wiring has become damaged and exposed, throwing little sparks out that cause small fires in the area, which provide faint lighting for the interior.

 

Akashi is surprised at how bad the place looks and wonders if it was bombed. Mokdai notes that he doesn't see Suhail anywhere, so he wonders if he's further up ahead. You guys continue on through the strangely silent building, and eventually you see a large figure that you recognize. Mokdai starts talking to Suhail and saying you guys caught up, but he realizes after a second that Suhail isn't in his hero/villain/whatever form anymore.

 

Suhail greets you guys in some surprise, then comments that he stuck his head into a really crazy ass fight now. He points ahead, where a bunch of his underlings are flat on the ground, bleeding and groaning in pain and also out of their battle suits. This accounts for at least half of Suhail's starting forces. Akashi is shocked by this turn of events, and Mokdai points your guys' attention to something nearby when he catches sight of it. You notice the strange lights of multiple Kaibutsu eyes shining in the darkness, who make some weird noises as they approach. They then drag one of the mobs with them and retreat back into the gloom.

 

You react in disbelief at Kaibutsu being here, and Akashi asks if all the lights were because of the monsters. Then he realizes there's far more of them than the park incident the other day. Mokdai seems to flinch at that, and Suhail says he's never seen so many before either. The monsters have also unfortunately eaten the crew's Observer, which lead to everyone's depowering and inability to fight back. He sighs as he kicks some nearby scrap away, then says his decision to bring him along because of concerns of radio jamming was a mistake. Their Observer being gone takes away pretty much all their options, and Suhail gets pissy about how not fun this is.

 

Mokdai starts freaking out a bit and having a PTSD sort of episode as the scene of Kaibutsu milling around reminds him of what he saw back in Hakata. He flashes back for a moment where two other people call out to him, one telling him to run while another screaming for help. While he's having his episode, Suhail turns to you and suggests that you engage (re: contract) with him. He needs to save his crew and get out alive, so it'll be a temporary deal where he'll become your Servant take orders from you. You'll need the help anyways.

 

You agree to the idea, so Suhail says he'll send you the form. A little fiddling with phone armbands later, and the paper shows up on your end, and you accept in short order. Suhail thanks you, saying he'll fight more than you're expecting and tells you to keep your eyes peeled. Akashi notes that since you guys don't know what's up ahead, you'll just have to step on the Kaibutsu and find out. Suhail approves and says Akashi has guts like he thought he did. Akashi says he's wrong if that's what he really thinks, but he has to push on ahead for now. On that note, he tells you and Mokdai it's time to go. You agree, then notice Mokdai isn't doing so well.

 

Mokdai is taking a few deep breaths, so Akashi asks if he's okay in concern. Mokdai says he's okay, just shaking a little. He can keep the camera running fine, so you don't have to worry about that. Akashi isn't totally convinced, but he lets it be and tells him not to push himself. He'll protect him, so he shouldn't worry too much about things. Mokdai nods at this and thanks him.

 

Suhail says it's time to go and tells Akashi to steel himself as they charge ahead and take down anything in their way. The two of them yell as they charge towards where the Kaibutsus' eyes are, and Mokdai follows from behind with his camera as he mutters to himself. He talks to himself about how much of a coward he is who can only watch and be defended. He voices his frustrations about his inability to save anyone and how powerless he is, and on that bleak note the episode battle begins. More story after that.

 

After the battle, the story starts up a flashback to a time dated ten years ago over in the refuge shanty town district in Hakata, Fukuoka. A bunch of unnamed children start talking how cool heroes are for defeating the scary monsters that attacked the place. A couple of them talk about wanting to be a hero when they get bigger, and Mokdai says he wants to be one too.

 

The other kids mock Mokdai over this since he's such a fraidycat and because he's fat since coolness is also based on appearance in their eyes. They laugh at the idea and Mokdai weakly agrees with them, and one of the kids brags about how they'll never be afraid no matter what happens. Mokdai then starts narrating about how the friends he grew up with had laughed when he floated the being a hero thing with them. While he laughed with them, deep down he was hurt by it and never let it go. Mokdai repeats his agreement that heroes are supposed to be brave and cool, never showing any weakness to the people. Since he's a lame weakling, he'd never be able to become a hero. Never in a million years, he repeats to himself...

 

Time then returns to the present and narrates how things look to Rando Tanaka down the street: Raidark is suddenly blowing smoke, and a giant mysterious ship has pulled up next to it. The ship's sudden breaking has resulted in a shockwave that blasts through downtown, and now the central district has fallen into a panic.

 

Exio is watching all of this, then starts talking to himself about how it was a failure after all. Then again he knew that Mystery Mob from the beginning of the chapter never had the ability to control the Kaibutsu (or whatever he means by ‘that/them’) to begin with. Things have turned into a huge incident now though, and it's not just your problem anymore. So how will you take responsibility for this? The people won't be satisfied with hanging you at this point. If that's the case, he'll have to mobilize too.

 

Exio extends his hand out as he looks at the smoking building, like he's inviting someone to a ballroom dance. He starts addressing you and says you must be over there, then asks if you can turn his mistake into your success. You don't really have the luxury of taking your time here, as given the amount of time that's passed since their appearance some of the Kaibutsu should be just about ready to transform.

 

Scene then shifts back to Raidark's HQ as Furlong starts yelling about firing his extinguisher. He then declares a way through has been opened before asking Survive Taker (Victom) to go save any survivors. In the meantime he'll go to the lower floors to put out fires. Victom acknowledges the request as he refers to Furlong as Burn Striker, asking him to handle the lower areas. Furlong then yells as he runs off.

 

Gammei comments on how different Furlong acts while on and off the job and how it always surprises him. Victom says this personality change didn't start now and compares it to being possessed, then wishes his normal demeanor had some of that brave spirit. But anyways Victom says he'll go looking for any people needing to be saved and evacuating them. He asks Gammei to check the upper floors and save anyone he finds, which he agrees to as he refers to Victom by name. Victom insists on being called by his code name while on the job, which takes Gammei back a bit. Gammei corrects himself as he wishes him luck, and Victom returns the concern in time before heading off.

 

Camera then jumps to your end as Akashi notes that the fire doesn't seem to have started nearby where you guys are. There's still a lot of rubble that's fallen down everywhere, which is a bad sign of things. Suhail notes that it's fortunate you guys haven't come across any dead bodies on your way there. If anyone were around though, they probably got eaten before it came to that. Speaking of, he thinks it's weird how all the Kaibutsu you guys have seen are all the small types since they need to be bigger to actually affect anything on this side of things. So where'd the fire come from then? You either suggest other terrorists did it or that there are bigger monsters in the mix. In A, Suhail asks if you mean whoever sent the notice. It's possible, but he wonders how he got monsters to show up then. In B, Mokdai says he agrees with you.

 

Mokdai starts talking about how the methods don't matter if someone intentionally brought Kaibutsu here. If someone did that, there's no reason they'd need to create this much damage. If they just wanted to hurt people, then they could just leave a bunch of small Kaibutsu around since they wouldn't need to blow up a hole to let them in and set any fires. You agree he has a point, and Mokdai continues reasoning that the level of structural damage present means it'd have to come from larger monsters, which in turn means they must be among the smaller ones. Mokdai admits to seeing something like this before in Hakata, and he says if they aren't taken care of soon it'll be a huge problem.

 

Akashi is curious as he picks up on something about Mokdai. Suhail says what Mokdai is thinking makes sense. He also starts talking about hearing something about smaller adult level Kaibutsu around before when a voice calls out asking if anyone is there. The party is surprised by this as Akashi asks if it's someone who fell behind at evacuating the building. Mokdai recognizes the voice after a moment, and Gammei soon turns up, surprised to see you guys and asking why you're there.

 

You call out to Gammei and comment on the coincidence of seeing him there. Gammei starts demanding to know where you guys went since he was worried about you all, though he stops short when he sees Suhail. Suhail greets him and says it's been a while. Gammei is surprised to see him there and asks why he's there, then jumps to the conclusion that he's responsible for the incident.

 

You react in surprise as Gammei starts attacking Suhail, who defends using his own chains against the former's cuffs. Suhail quickly dodges the follow up attack to complain about how Gammei is treating him after it being so long since they last met. Gammei refuses to listen since he still believes Suhail is behind the attack and the Kaibutsus' appearance, even if he can't think of how that can be. He rattles off a list of crimes to charge Suhail with including kidnapping, large scale destruction, attempted murder, assault, and abuse of otherworld abilities. About the only silver lining is that Gammei hasn't seen any casualties so far, but that doesn't make the rest of the charges go away.

 

Suhail objects and tries to get Gammei to stop, and he does admit to kidnapping you guys thinking you were all suspicious. He protests that everything that happened here started before he actually got there though, and that he only just entered through the top minutes ago. A bunch of his underlings got hurt in the attack, so he's been hit by this incident too. Gammei refuses to believe that anyone besides Suhail would do something this overt, bringing up the crime notice even if he admits himself that it isn't like him to send one.

 

Suhail denies sending a calling card or the like and points out Gammei knows full well that he wouldn't. He then laughs as he says the fuzz on Earth really are a bunch of incompetent idiots. Gammei takes offense at this, and you jump in and try to stop the argument. Gammei demands that you butt out, but you speak up in defense of Suhail regarding his culpability for this attack.

 

Gammei is surprised into considering your testimony, though he starts to ask if you were threatened into saying so. Akashi backs you up saying you guys were in Suhail's ship until a short while ago. Mokdai adds that the building was already on fire when you made it over. Suhail rubs it in Gammei's face as he calls him Detective Defective and makes another dig at the Earth's police force. Gammei protests in shock that he can't just take a criminal's word at face value.

 

You add that Suhail did abduct you guys though. Gammei says that's good enough and that he'll arrest Suhail after this is all over. Suhail complains in shock about you blabbing about that, and Gammei starts wondering who's actually responsible for this incident. He's cut off by some rumbling, which Akashi initially thinks is a quake before he realizes the building is crumbling.

 

You start yelling about how bad this is, and Victom turns up at this point and announces his presence. He tells everyone to gather together, so everyone moves to obey. Once you're all grouped up, Victom throws out a rope to tie you all together. He then says it's time for a quick exit, then tells everyone to keep their mouths shut or else they'll bite their tongue. He jumps out the window and follows along another long rope that reaches to the ground level, rapidly hauling you guys along with him. The force of this makes it feel like your face is getting cut.

 

After several tens of seconds, Victom brings you all to the roof of the building nearby. The main building starts collapsing, and the upper section starts falling down. Suhail's ship flies away from the building. You either gasp about how close that was or thank Victom. B gets an extra line where Victom waves it off and says it's part of his job.

 

At this point, a call reaches Suhail's phone. He picks it up, and the call is coming from the rest of his crew. He asks if they've picked up the injured, then thanks them when they tell him they've managed to get everyone. He orders them to turn the barrier on and hide somewhere in the mountains where he'll meet up with them later. Gammei thanks Victom for saving them, and Victom responds that he was just fulfilling his duty. That said, he asks Gammei why a villain is around and if he's got something to do with this attack.

 

Gammei doesn't deny that Suhail is involved, but he does say that he doesn't seem to be the culprit. Victom is confused as he points out how unspecific that answer is, so Gammei apologizes and says he'll explain in detail later. For now, Suhail just got caught up in this. Victom lets the point stand then and notes that arresting criminals is outside his jurisdiction anyway.

 

You ask who the guy in the mask is as you refer to him as cool. Gammei tells you that Victom is one of his coworkers and captain of the hyper rescue team as he introduces him by name. Victom insists on being referred to by his code name again since he's in hero mode now. Gammei apologizes and complies, though Victom sighs and says it's too late for that now.

 

Akashi is surprised at seeing more heroes and asks about there being heroes specializing in saving people. He then notices Mokdai being quiet despite being saved by one of his beloved heroes and asks about that, so Mokdai says he is happy to meet Survive Taker, but he's bothered by what's happening. Despite all the Kaibutsu appearing and attacking the place, Mokdai says it's too quiet right now and compares it to how it was in Hakata one time.

 

Akashi starts to ask Mokdai what he means by that, but more shaking cuts him off. Mokdai quickly notices something and points everyone's attention back to where the main building was. A large growing shadow appears where Mokdai is pointing to, and eventually all the Kaibutsu fusing together destroy more of the building as they grow into one giant monster illuminated by the moon and the city's lights. On that note, the episode ends.

 

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 8: Invisibility

Narration starts mentioning that it's the day of the crime to be as indicated by the crime notice, 4pm. It also focuses the camera in front of the Raidark Earth HQ in the Central District of Orient City. The building is a pretty tall skyscraper, something of a symbolic structure and a trademark of the district itself. Barrel reports to Gammei that all the defense measures have been set up, and that personnel is being sent from stations in neighboring districts as well. Gammei is mildly surprised and thanks him, then asks how things are going with you guys and if you've made contact. Barrel answers that he called Huckle about you three and was told that you guys are somewhere where phone signals can't reach.

 

A quick flashback ensues where Huckle narrates the rest of his conversation with Barrel earlier. He's confirmed that you guys are safe, but he hasn't gotten any details as to where you specifically are which means he can't direct Barrel there either. But when you guys got in touch with him, you guys got some separate instructions, so you should be able to make it for the attack on Raidark. That's all he can say on the matter, so if they need more people Huckle suggests they ask other places for help.

 

Back to the present, Barrel says he looked into some transmitted battle logs and found a video of you guys in a fight not too long ago. When he watched it he noticed that it seemed to be in space and that you guys were fighting Captain Tronesion. Gammei is shocked to hear that and wonders how that even happened. He starts thinking out loud about the details of you guys being in space, being out of phone range, and not having a definite location to your position, then theorizes you guys went to space to fight Suhail. Then he wonders if this was voluntary as he puts his hand on his forehead to think so more.

 

Gammei eventually dismisses that point and says Suhail would never let some amateur broadcast his location in the galaxy. He realizes this would mean that he grabbed you guys by force, but he isn't sure why Suhail would then let you guys have your freedom. Gammei sighs about not getting it and how there's too many unknowns as he wonders what Huckle is hiding before calling him a schemer. Barrel is put off by Gammei's facial expression, which annoys him as he says that's how it naturally is, especially with so much suspicious stuff going on. But if you guys are safe, he'll just have to wait to meet with you guys later.

 

Gammei then changes the subject to ask Barrel to get some other people for support here in the meantime. Barrel says he got into contact with the Hero Dispatch HQ, and since the firefighting and rescue departments could spare some forces they've been sent over. Victom and Furlong show up, and Victom introduces both of them by their full names Victom Vincent and Hal Furlong Hale. Victom then says they're here on request of their agency's main office, and Furlong timidly greets Gammei.

 

Gammei tells Furlong if he's going to be that much of a pushover he'll just kick him back out. Furlong stammers an apology as he hides behind Victom before saying he'll do his best. Victom tells Furlong to stop hiding behind him because he isn't a pillbox. Furlong quickly moves away and apologizes as he refers to him as captain, which prompts Victom to point out that he's specifically captain of the hyper rescue team and not the firefighters. Furlong apologizes again as he refers to him as rescue captain now.

 

Gammei sighs and says Furlong isn't in work mode yet, but he shrugs it off and says he'll change in a bit. Victom asks Barrel and Gammei if anyone is still inside the building since he wants to keep the number of rescue workers down as much as possible. Barrel says they were told that the business couldn't stop for the day since they don't know if the attack is really going to happen. Only the office workers were allowed to leave early, but about half of the other workers will have to stay as normal until 6pm. Gammei sighs that the Mars office is lenient while the Earth office is strict, which is some expression they actually use in that era. He also comments on how that affects being targeted by terrorists.

 

Victom turns to Furlong and tells him to come along. Furlong is surprised as he asks him where they're going, so Victom tells him they're going to where the disaster is. Specifically, they're going to the upper levels where the admins are and evacuating them even if they have to drag them by the collar. Furlong protests the idea and says Victom will be punished or even disposed of if he picks a fight with 'the city's guest of honor.' Victom insists that lives come first, even if they're going against big taxpayers. Gammei attempts to calm him down and suggest negotiating things since it isn't sunset yet, but then an explosion goes off. Barrel asks what's going on, and Victom says something is happening inside the building.

 

Scene then shifts over to your end of things as Suhail declares that meal time is over and asks his crew if they're ready to go. The pirates cheer as once, and Akashi burps as he comments that the meals here are always big. Even with him being an athlete, it's a bit hard to keep up with. You either comment that dinner last night was a lot too, say he's greedy to keep going even when he can't eat, or say he could just leave some as leftovers. B has Akashi get annoyed for a sec as he says he's always poor so he shouldn't just not eat when it's time for a bite. Although that said, he mentions he can't move for a while now. C has Akashi protest against the idea since he has to eat as much as he can when he's able to since he's poor. He does admit he might have eaten too much though, then burps again.

 

Anways, Mokdai isn't having any issues stomaching everything and says the food's great. Last night at dinner he couldn't eat as much between his anxiety and the war meeting going on, which he describes as 'only' three extra servings. Now though, he's able to eat his normal fill of things and feel pumped up. Akashi is taken aback at this, then remembers that Mokdai had ten bowls at breakfast and lunch earlier today. You either make the observation that Mokdai eats a lot, tell him he'll get fat if he eats too much, or say that you like that he eats so much. A has Mokdai a little surprised as he admits he normally eats that much. B has him shocked for a sec as he says Sui said the same thing, then he says he'll be careful about that. C has Mokdai surprised, but then he laughs in embarrassment and says that makes him feel happy.

 

Suhail talks to you guys and says it's almost time to fight, so he asks if you guys are ready. Once you guys hit the atmosphere you'll be above Orient City in no time. Mokdai goes over the plan and says that the ship will deploy the stealth barrier in the sky above in the Invisible Mountain. Once Japan's anti-aircraft radar is messed with, you guys will sneak in behind Raidark's main building. You'll then reveal yourselves and dock, and everyone who can transform will rush in. Suhail confirms the plan and says there's no room for cowards in this operation. He then asks if you guys are ready for that. You either say you're okay with some hesitation or go 'aye captain!' B has an extra bit where Suhail approves and mentions wanting you on the crew. Akashi objects to this idea in shock.

 

Mokdai says it's almost time and hopes that it'll go well. One of the mobs announces that the ship is in the airspace above the Koufu Basin, and that you'll soon pass the Yamanashi Province border and enter Orient City. Suhail orders the stealth barrier to be deployed and for the speed to accelerate after that, with the goal being Raidark's main building. The mob acknowledges the order and narrates the activation of the barrier. A thunderous electric sound crackles as power runs through the hull, and as the ship speeds up, you see the mountains below as the setting sun sinks behind you.

 

When you look outside, you notice something strange out there and ask what it is. It looks like a mountain, but you aren't sure that mountain is the right word for it. Something in the shape of a hollowed out mountain flickers in the light, like some sort of broken holograph. You mention aloud about seeing this mountain and/or mention recognizing what the mountain is based on its location. Mokdai hears you and asks if you can see the Invisible Mountain. He comments that Observers really can see it and that Huckle mentioned being able to see it too. You either ask about Mokdai not being able to see it or comment that it's less it being visible and more flickering. A has Mokdai says he can't and adding that probably no one else can either. B has him comment on it not being clearly visible, which he supposes is natural for something eaten by Kaibutsu.

 

Mokdai starts explaining that only records remain that mention that the Invisible Mountain is there, and back when Southern Kanto was attacked, Kaibutsu ate part of it until it became invisible to people, so that's how it got its name now. Given the way it is, Observers are pretty much the only people able to perceive it. No one remembers what its old name is, and he wonders what kind of mountain it was. You wonder aloud about Kaibutsu eating a mountain and/or what they actually eat.

 

One of the pirate mobs notices something and tells Suhail that Raidark's HQ can be seen on the screen. Suhail and the party react in surprise at the image, which shows smoke blowing up from the top of Raidark. You react in shock as you point out the building is burning and/or ask if you guys are too late. Mokdai is in disbelief at this since the note said that it wouldn't happen until the moon was visible. Akashi asks if something went wrong with the plan and says that this is terrible.

 

Suhail clicks his tongue at this, then declares that you guys can't sit back as he orders the crew to speed the ship up. He also orders using the anchors to forcefully moor the ship into the docking point and tells everyone to be ready for the impact. A mob responds, then rattles off about increasing the power output of the ether nuclear power reactor and turning on several more thrusters. He then tells people to hang onto something so that the acceleration doesn't throw anyone off their feet. The impact of take off hits you, and you yell at how crazy this is and that both your mind and body are getting blasted by the shock.

 

Suhail's ship reaches the building in no time, and Suhail throws out orders to release the anchors, hit the breaks and cancel the barrier, then connect the gangway to the building. The mob proceeds to carry out the commands, and a thick rope gets shot at the building. When the brakes are hit at the same time, a violent shock rocks the whole ship. Akashi accidentally hits his head as a result.

 

A mob announces that the ship has been docked and that you guys can descend onto the top floor. Suhail orders everyone able to transform to move out, and if they find that upstart who tried to steal his target from him, they should beat him to a pulp. Then he says it's time for the transformation, so the one Observer they have raises his hand towards him and the other members of the crew with him. Once the pirates have been suited up, they start yelling about making their move and head off, grabbing a gas mask from the wall as they run outside.

 

Suhail tells you guys to follow them and to not fall behind. Mokdai still needs a moment to get his bearings from dealing with inertia and asks if he's still alive, so Akashi tells him it's okay. Akashi also seems to have thrown up, but he says he's otherwise fine. You're also affected by the sudden movements, but you either try to press on and say you guys should go, or you say you feel sick. A has Akashi agree and comment that you seem fine all things considered. B has Akashi tell you not to push yourself before commenting on how tough the pirates are.

 

Mokdai notes that the pirates have put out gas masks for you guys too, so he suggests getting going. If things work out, you might be able to join up with Gammei inside the building. Akashi agrees and asks you to transform him, which you activate and say you guys should stay safe as you go, then the episode ends.

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 7: Space Pirates

We pick up from last time as Akashi takes down a few of Suhail's flunkies, panting hard from the effort but still hanging in there. Suhail is impressed at how well Akashi is doing, then reconfigures his artificial arm to a giant handcuff mode. He shoots it at Akashi, which hooks him around the neck before dragging him over. Suhail notes that Akashi makes a lot of wasted movements and asks if he's an amateur, which Akashi denies and says he's a pro, even if he's only been at this for a month. Suhail is shocked by that fact given how many of his subordinates Akashi's managed to thrash already.

 

Suhail lets go of Akashi and puts his other hand up to his face for a moment. He then starts laughing and says this is the most fun thing ever. His crew is baffled by this, and Suhail unhooks Akashi from his arm attachment before he turns off his transformation. Suhail talks about how he likes Akashi now and orders his crew to stand down now that the fight is over. His crew obeys reluctantly, and the sudden battle comes to an end. You are surprised that the battle's stopped or shrug and roll with it. Mokdai is also surprised and says it should probably be okay for Akashi to transform back. Akashi struggles a bit to keep up with this turn of events and wonders if Suhail took a liking to him.

 

Some time later, Suhail walks coat flapping back to his fancy ass seat set in the middle of the bridge and plonks himself down on it. He brings back up that promise/bet you guys made before the fight, and since you guys won he'll answer anything you ask of him. One of Suhail's underlings interrupts and tries to argue that they haven't lost yet and can go back to beating on you guys if he gives the word. Suhail however insists that they've lost if a newbie like Akashi managed to beat them down like this. Plus, Suhail thinks you guys are 'fun' now, which means that they lost the fight. He gets a little pissy as he asks if the mob has a problem with his decision, but the dude freaks out a glance from him and backs down as he says he doesn't.

 

Akashi is amazed at this display of power and wonders who the old man is. Mokdai suggests he might be Captain Tronesion. He's never actually seen him before so he can't prove it, but he's pretty sure that's right. Akashi reacts in shock to this, and Suhail confirms that Mokdai is right as he calls him a butterball. Mokdai is taken aback to be referred to as such since his weight is a concern to him. You either ask if they're all space pirates then, try to comfort Mokdai, or tell him you find that cute about him. C gets an extra bit where Mokdai is surprised before feeling flattered. Akashi is weirded out as he asks Mokdai why he's blushing, so Mokdai tries to wave it all off and return to the subject at hand.

 

Anyways, Suhail tells you he's the leader of the Bautista Pirates known throughout the galaxy, then loudly declares himself as the great Suhail Bautista and Captain Tronesion. His crew starts fanboying over him, so Suhail laughs and says he loves them all. Akashi is taken aback at the goofiness, but he collects himself enough to recheck if Suhail really will answer any of your questions. Suhail confirms it as he says he's a man of his word, so you go ahead and ask if he was the one who sent that crime notice to Raidark.

 

Suhail is visibly surprised by the question as he wiggles his eyebrows and strokes his chin while thinking. He does admit that they're targeting Raidark next since they're moving a lot of money around covertly. The plan was to take that money and distribute it through the slums, but he's never heard anything about a calling card or whatever. When he glances at his crew, he looks displeased. The mobs deny having done it and say they know what he likes, so they'd never go against his policies. Suhail accepts this explanation and apologizes for doubting them, and you go on to ask about Suhail's likes and policies.

 

Suhail explains that their pirate gang motto is to never use any cheap tricks. They like having things happening when things seem so close so that they can enjoy all the entertainment to the end. It won't be fun otherwise, and if it isn't fun then there's no point to them committing thievery. The room darkens as a spotlight shines on Suhail, and he starts singing his lines next. He singtalks about loving things that amuse him, and rather than live a dull gloomy life, he'd prefer a life full of fun and excitement. And so he raises his flag, flying around the universe and being a pirate! What could be more fun than challenging rich pigs?

 

Akashi is baffled speechless at the show, and Suhail continues on talking about how picking things up along the way won't be enough. As he went on enjoying his life, he picked up a crew who would follow him while he was at it. Suhail turns to the mobs and asks if they also came together to enjoy their lives. They call out and say they do, and that they'd stake their lives on their pirating work. One says if they aren't having fun betting their lives on this, then there isn't a point in doing. Another compliments Suhail and asks him to keep him close. Or bang him. One of the two.

 

Suhail laughs and thanks them for their comments. He goes back to talking about not being interested in treasure, but he doesn't like people who sit back on top of their hidden wealth. In which case he takes their money, spends it on entertaining himself for a while, then gives it to people who need it. Suhail declares that his group gets their thrills through battles and that they need to get it that way. Sending a calling card would make things less fun, so they'd never do it. If you aren't fighting all out, then it's no fun at all! The crew fanboys over him again, and some mention being moved to tears by the speech.

 

Suhail poses amid the cheers from his crew members, and the whole scene just looks like a giant bro party yelling and screaming and having fun. Akashi just cannot believe his eyes, and you can react with befuddlement, say they look like they're having fun, or join in with the mobs in calling Suhail boss. C prompts Akashi to react in shock as he asks when you joined the pirate gang.

 

Anyways, Mokdai speaks up and says he's sure Suhail didn't send a notice to Raidark. He's remembered a bunch of things now and says Captain Tronesion isn't that sort of villain. Akashi is surprised and asks what he means, so Mokdai explains that Suhail likes to show up at a crime scene in a flashy way and treat it all like a show. He doesn't care about winning or losing, but more about having fun. Sometimes he doesn't actually steal anything either, so he can't get arrested for a crime in progress. Since that's how they are, he doesn't think they're lying as it wouldn't make things fun for them. You think their reasons are weird, but you agree that they didn't do it.

 

Akashi asks who sent the notice then if Suhail and company did not. If someone else did it, you guys can't stop with the investigation now. Part of him does want to just go home and call it a day, but he's already promised to help Gammei with defending Raidark. You agree with the point and wonder if anything can be done, then suggest trying to negotiate. Mokdai asks if you guys will leave things to him. Akashi is surprised as he asks if he has a plan. Mokdai admits he isn't sure if it will work, but there aren't any other options either. But based on what he knows of Captain Tronesion, it should work out.

 

Time passes to a later point where Mokdai is on the radio or phone or whatever calling Huckle, telling him everyone is okay and apologizing for worrying him. He then asks for Huckle's opinion on the idea of working together with Captain Tronesion, and narration explains how he's using the wireless network to make contact with him. Once he's done with the call, Mokdai reports that Huckle gave the okay, albeit reluctantly. But if it gets you guys back safely then that's okay.

 

You ask Mokdai if he's really going to try negotiating and/or if he'll be okay with it. Mokdai asks you guys to believe in him, but he does admit that he's a little scared. The pirates have finished with their bit of partying, so Suhail has sat his ass back down on the chair, rubbing at his chin and looking bored. He talks about his surprise at someone else sending out a crime notice and going after the same guy, then gets annoyed as he wonders who would do that.

 

Mokdai walks up to Suhail and tells him he has a proposition for him. Suhail is surprised by this, and Mokdai suggests the idea of getting there ahead of them. Suhail asks what he means by that, so Mokdai explains that you guys know when the villain who sent out the notice to Raidark will attack. He actually has what's written on the notice with him, for that matter. Mokdai mentions that they're likely to attempt large scale terrorism, which surprises Suhail.

 

Mokdai tells Suhail that the identity of the perpetrator is unknown, and that the police has failed to figure out who they are after a lot of investigation. But since they're targeting Raidark, that does give some ideas as to how they might carry out their plans. Since they went to the trouble of sending out this notice, they won't be doing anything sneaky probably. Mokdai also points out that the notice made mention of passing judgment, so it won't be quiet. It must be some sort of huge attack or something like that.

 

Mokdai suggests that you guys get there before the other villain does then. It's going to be a battle between the terrorist and Raidark's security system. So if Suhail jumps in, it'll become a three-way battle that ought to be really showy and exciting. Suhail seems interested in the idea, so Mokdai prods him a little and suggests he'd totally do it because of who he is. One of the mobs protests and says Mokdai doesn't have a chance in hell in tricking the captain, but Suhail starts saying it sounds like fun. The mob is shocked by that, and Suhail considers it some more as he plays with his chin.

 

Suhail compliments Mokdai in being able to incite him as he did and calls him a fatty again as he says he likes him. Mokdai gets embarrassed and a little put out as he tries to tell Suhail his name so he'll stop calling him fatass and such, which Suhail agrees to and asks him for further details and any attack plans he's thought up. Mokdai tells him he does have a simple plan already, so Suhail approves and agrees to go along with it.

 

One of the mobs speaks up and questions the idea of trusting you guys, but Suhail isn't concerned. Even if you guys are blowing smoke up his ass and get away as a result, he'll cross that bridge when he gets to it. Plus it might be awesome to get into a fight with the police. He's already excited by your guys' proposal, so he's on board with seeing where things go from there.

 

You express surprise it worked out and tell Mokdai he did great. Mokdai is also surprised it panned out somehow and is relieved. Akashi says he's amazing and that he could never have pulled it off himself. Akashi then questions if this is alright since this means you guys will be picking a fight with Raidark too. Mokdai says it should probably be okay, and since they're pirates they might have some sort of surprise hidden away. If you guys get shot at by the security system by mistake while infiltrating the place, you guys can claim justified self-defense. Gammei is backing you guys too, so it should probably work out.

 

Suhail turns to his crew and tells them it's time to get ready for a party. The mobs acknowledge the order and start running around, and he slowly gets up and walks towards you guys. Now that you guys are working together for now, he suggests going over the battle plans over a meal, and then the episode ends.

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 6: Captured Heroes

Things pick back up as Akashi notices that you're waking up and calls to you. It takes a moment to catch your bearings as you process that someone is talking to you, and Akashi is glad that you've regained consciousness. You ask Akashi about where you guys are and about Mokdai, so Akashi nudges Mokdai to wake up too and stop drooling. Mokdai mumbles to himself as he wakes up, and once he tunes in for real he asks where you guys are. All Akashi can say is that it doesn't look like you guys can escape from there immediately, and he points to a window on the wall.

 

As you look outside from the warehouse looking room you guys are in, you see the Earth outside to your shock. Mokdai asks if that means you guys are in outer space, and Akashi says that seems to be the case. While he's at it, Akashi shows you guys the heavy door to this room and tries to push it open from this end, but no matter how hard he tries it doesn't budge. With the door and lock being so sturdy, Akashi notes that you guys have been taken captive as he clicks his tongue.

 

Mokdai starts mildly freaking out about being kidnapped, and he figures that you guys won't be returned without a fuss if you've been locked up like this. He worries about the idea that you guys are going to get sold off and the possibility about being sold to a planet that doesn't speak Common, which would make life hard. Akashi tells him to calm down for now since his mental escalation is getting out of hand. You point out that your captors could split you guys up, wonder what could happen next, or ask about an alien being afraid of other aliens. C gets an extra bit where Mokdai says that while he may be an alien, he was born and raised in Japan, so he doesn't know what's out in space.

 

Anyways, Mokdai notes that since you guys have left the Earth's atmosphere your phone signals won't reach anyone, which then means it'll be unlikely you can call for help. Being in space means breaking the window isn't an option either, which leaves the door as the only way out. Akashi says he thought the same thing earlier, but he couldn't get the door to open. It's electronically locked, so you'd have to input a password into the panel next to it, you guys don't have that either. You worry out loud about what you guys can do then.

 

Mokdai points out that if you guys don't get out, you won't know what your captors intend on doing with you all. That pushes him to work up the nerve to say you guys need to escape then. He walks up to the door and knocks on it. After that he grabs the handle on the door and tries pulling on it, straining to use all his strength. Akashi is surprised when the handle starts to bend out of shape, and Mokdai tears the door out with a loud grunt. Predictably and unfortunately, this also sets off an alarm. Mokdai urges you and Akashi to start running, and he tosses the door aside before running out himself attempting to keep his panic down. Akashi spares a moment to express his baffled amazement, and you prompt him to focus and run but understand how he feels, or you express your own amazement too.

 

Out in the hallway, the PA system announces that a door in the 3rd floor area N-14 has been broken and asks for people to go check. Rando mobs make their way over and question how you guys could have made it through, but they figure you should still be close by as they spread out and search. Akashi peeks out after they leave, then tells you guys they're gone as he says it's time to go. You guys wander around the ship as you do your best to slip through the mobs, and you pant hard as you ask where you guys are heading to and that the mobs are endless.

 

Akashi says he doesn't know, but you guys have to keep going since your captors will just stick you in a cell again if they find you. Mokdai notes that the ship is huge and wonders if it's a warship. If it is, there should be something like lifeboats or escape pods on board. Akashi jumps on that and says you guys should search for them, but you point out that you don't know where they are.

 

Akashi says he doesn't know either, but you guys have to find it anyways. It should be on one of the sides of the ship if anywhere, so you'll just have to comb the place for it. But before he can say any more on that, mobs spot you guys, and Mokdai freaks out at having guns pointed at your direction. Akashi is also taken aback by them, but he says they probably won't kill you at least since they want you guys alive. He then spots some stairs and says you guys should run up. You wonder how big the place really is since it all looks the same everywhere you've been to.

 

More mobs turn up and ask the others if they've found you yet, but the others say you aren't here and might be at the bridge. Akashi sees more mobs ahead and leads the three of you down some other way, but Mokdai says that seems to be a dead end. Akashi points out that there's still a door, so maybe you guys can get behind it at least.

 

The three of you run to the big ass fancily decorated door, open it up, and slip into the room behind it. However, this turns out to lead to the bridge of the ship as Mokdai points out. Akashi quickly figures this to be the main area for whoever possesses this ship, and you guys are surrounded by mobs, so you all put your hands up. A voice calls you guys little rats and thanks you all for coming all the way to the bridge. Suhail then shows himself as narration describes him as having a deep voice and stereotypical pirate attire. His scarred body and big ass artificial arm adds to his imposing presence.

 

Suhail demands to know who you guys are for trying to sniff him out, and he notes that you guys don't look like you're with the police. Akashi accuses him of playing dumb and says you guys know all about him, and a mob takes offense at this as he raises his gun. Suhail orders him to stop since killing you guys outright would be No Fun. His attention is drawn to the watchbands you guys have, and he asks if that means you guys are heroes.

 

Akashi is confused by this and asks what that means to him. Suhail smirks as he says that will make things quick, then signals his crew to begin. All mobs respond and put their guns away and pose. Each of them and Suhail get bathed in light, transforming into costume as Suhail declares his arrival. Akashi is surprised by the transformation and says they must be villains then.

 

Suhail scoffs at being referred to as a common criminal and asks who you think he is. He does want to shout out his name now, but he does think that talking like normal people just isn't Fun. In which case, he challenges Akashi to a fight and says the loser has to tell the winner everything they know. Akashi is baffled by all this while Mokdai says he thinks he's seen Suhail around somewhere before. You say that he looks strong, be alarmed that he's attacking, or say you think he looks cool. C prompts Mokdai to react in shock at how you must have nerves of steel.

 

Akashi turns to you guys to ask for help since Suhail and his villain team are coming to attack. Mokdai is surprised at first but manages to keep up, then finds out that the bridge has a radio signal that he can use. He declares the beginning of the battle as he asks you and Akashi to handle it. Suhail leads his own team into what he calls a fun fight, and the episode battle begins as the mobs cheer in response.