Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 13: Return of the Symbol (Abridged)

The light eventually fades and everyone's vision returns...along with That Mountain. Everyone is surprised, as no one has ever seen it before. Yet the mountain's name pops up into everyone's head, like they knew beforehand and remembered it now.
Sadayoshi: ...it's Mt. Fuji.
Gammei: The highest mountain in the nation and symbol of our country...
Akashi: It's...back?
MC: That's what I pulled out? R-really?
Sui: So that's what the Invisible Mountain really is?
Furlong: It's so big...and beautiful.
Victom: And the Monster somehow ate that thing?
Toshu: ...the memories of the most famous mountain of Japan our ancestors handed down to us. I never thought I'd ever see its return with my own eyes.
Shoen: ...now I know why Orient City has had such a strange pull on my heart.
Melide: That's...the mountain the Monster over there ate and MC pulled back out... I can't believe they pulled out such a large symbol that everyone in the country knew of at one point...
Exio: ...MC, you...

Suddenly, Mokdai's phone starts ringing.
Mokdai: Hello, Mokdai speaking... Crowne!? Where are you!?
Somewhere around Mt. Fuji
Crowne: Uhh, I dunno. Also, Ryekie and I have had our hero suits cancel out. We're on some mountain, but we're okay.
Ryekie: What's going on? Was there a mountain like this by Orient City? I can't get my thoughts together about all this.
Back to the rest of the party
Mokdai: I'm glad you two are okay. Can you two descend from the mountain? If you can't maybe we can send help or...
Sui: Mokdai! It's Huckle!
Huckle: Urgh...
Mokdai: Director, are you okay!? You looked like you were in a lot of pain a second ago!

Huckle starts looking around all wide-eyed.
MC: ...Director? What's wrong?
Huckle: ...MC, where are we? Why am I in hero form? And why is there so many people here?
Akashi: ...Director, your memories!
Huckle: ...head hurts. It feels like a ton of information went through my head... I don't see Ryekie or Crowne anywhere. Where are they?
Ryekie: HUCKLE! Did you say my name!?
Huckle: Ow...shut up, I just said my head is hurting. Stop yelling into the phone...
MC: Is your memory back!?

Yoshiori: No way!
Monomasa: Yes, That Man supposedly erased them...
Kyoichi: Haha, isn't this great!?
Barrel: Yeah! Welcome back Huckle!
Huckle: R-right...thanks you two.
Melide: How did this happen...? Things I didn't know about keep happening. Exio?
Melide looks to Exio, who is muttering to himself hand to chin.
Exio: His torn up memories came back? Were they restored when the giant path veered through some other parallel world? Or did the other Crowne hold onto the fragments? ...I don't know, but all I can do is call it a miracle. MC...you truly are someone to be feared. (stares pointedly at MC)
MC: Uhh, Exio?
Exio:
Exio: ...I need to rethink my approach.

Space
Broker: ...
The Broker pulls his hand away from a screen showing MC, which closes it and leaves only his eyes to shine inside the dark ship.
Broker: No one with such Observational ability has appeared before... I've finally found one. You really were the correct one. Things are still fine...but the problem is how long it'll take to get to the next area. You have more than enough potential, so you should get there one day. Until then...I'll give you things to struggle through with. I will be continuing to observe you, MC...

One month later, Orient City
Newscaster: Good morning, it's a beautiful day and Mt. Fuji is in clear view! In other news, it's been three weeks since the lockdown on the center of Orient City has been lifted. The reconstruction led by Raidark is slowly progressing, and peace is returning to the city...
Parallel Flight's new office
Huckle: Morning everyone. Are you used to the new office yet?
Mokdai: Good morning! And yep! I'm glad and excited it got put together so quickly.
MC: Good morning! / It's so big I can't relax / It's a lot more beautiful now...
(A) Huckle: Morning. So you've finally settled in.
(B) Huckle: Haha, I feel the same way. We always had a smaller office before now.
(C) Huckle: Well it's a new building. Of course, our last one was destroyed in the last disaster.

Ryekie: Having a new office feels great! Work's gonna be a refreshing breeze!
Akashi: ...Ryekie I literally sit right next to you and I can see you haven't gotten a thing done. Didn't you say that report's due tomorrow?
Ryekie: I-I'M GONNA WORK HARD STARTING NOW! That's different!
Crowne: I'm still surprised the old building was totally destroyed just like that... you have the money to keep this place up, Huckle?
Huckle: It's thanks to Colonel Ikusabata. He got us compensation for the government trying to drop the HFCM on us while we were around. He also changed the penalties for breaking through the lockdown to fines which we offset with that comp. The leftover money after that was sent to us. We can't denounce the government because of this, but thanks to the money we could get this new office up and pay everyone. Now all we have to do is go back to business as usual.
MC: Huh. I wonder if he's okay?

Huckle: I'm sure he's fine. Sure he's been reprimanded, but he hasn't been fired or demoted from what I heard.
Ryekie: The Defense Department went that easy on him? Why?
Huckle: Dunno. And neither does he, though he thinks being an Ikusabata might have had something to do with it... I don't know much, but it seems odd to me. But in the short term...I'm glad he hasn't lost the job he was so proud of. Oh that reminds me, he has a message for you.
Flashback
Sadayoshi: I don't know if it's thanks to meeting with, fighting against, then fighting with you all, but I've started believing that it's okay for me to take actions that are true to myself. So, thank you very much. Next time, I'd like to be allies with you all from the start.

Present
Akashi: True to himself, huh? He's changed.
Mokdai: Haha, did he get possessed? But I'm looking forward to fighting together with him next time.
Ryekie: Yeah! I wanna see how the Colonel fights in his own way!
Sui: But isn't he still in the military? Are we really going to get a chance to fight with him again?
Crowne: One day, maybe. Not like this time, oh my god, but there's definitely a chance we'll team up with the Defense Department. On another note I see you started late today Huckle. Did something happen?
Huckle: Oh, I had to go see some people.
Sui: Who?

Huckle: ...huh? Did I not tell you guys? We've got new people joining us today.
MC: New people? / We're hiring more people!?
Akashi: What!? I never heard about this! I haven't gotten ready to be a senpai!
Mokdai: Oh my god is this gonna be okay!? I haven't been a hero for long either! I don't know if I can be a good senpai and show them how to do the work!
Sui: Uhh, calm down you two. We don't even know if we're getting Operators or heroes yet.
Huckle: Right. They aren't heroes, and they aren't exactly new either. This is something close to outsourcing. Now that I'm a hero again, MC became the only Operator in the office, so I've arranged to make up for that.
MC: Oh. Nice.

Ryekie: We're outsourcing Operators? When'd you find someone like that?
Huckle: We've been talking about it for a while now, but the formalities and background checks are finally done and it all came together today.
Crowne: Background checks? We are suddenly escalating things here, wow. So, who're the new people?
Huckle: Right, let's have them introduce themselves directly. It's not your first time meeting them, but come on in.
Everyone else: !!
Exio: Hi, I'm working with you all today. I'm Exio Grant.
Melide: ...I'm Melide. Nice to meet you.
End of Chapter 5
End of Main Story Part 1: Unparalleled Fortune

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 12: Inflation (Abridged)

EX Ryekie: POWERRRR!
Crowne: WHAT
MC: It worked! Go get 'em Justice!
Mokdai: That's what Justice looked like that one time!
Akashi: Yeah, when we were fighting against what's-their-face!
Exio: MC, you...!
Exio looks shocked for a second before focusing and looking pointedly at MC.
Exio: What tremendous energy. The way he is now, he might be able to do something. But this is far too big a burden on you, and neither Melide nor I can help. This is a Path you yourself opened up, but there is something else we can do!
Melide: Yes, I can do it too!
Exio and Melide touch MC.
MC: WHAT
Heat suddenly fills MC, like energy is being poured into them from the other two.
Exio: This is a pseudo-measure, but now there's six eyes observing! Now it's up to you!
Melide: Good luck!
MC: Power! / Thanks you two! / Go, Justice!

EX Ryekie: Sorry Crowne. I know you're already here, but now it's time for us to take a bigger gamble!
Crowne: I'm game! Go!
EX Ryekie: Thanks! Raaaagh!
EX Ryekie zooms over to the other missile.
EX Ryekie: THUNDER PUNCH!
Crowne: !? The missile's trajectory went up a little!
EX Ryekie: Not enough!
EX Ryekie straddles the missile and charges electricity into his fists. Then...
EX Ryekie: EX Thunderous Lightning "Terabolt Slug"!!!

The missile looks like a ball of light now and starts angling upward.
Sadayoshi: The HFCM!
The missile's flight path gets altered...then blows up over the Invisible Mountain.
MC: NO!
A black hole opens up in the sky like it's painted in, sucking in the light particles that the defeated Monster dissolved into.
Kyoichi: Is that a black hole!?
Exio: No, it's a Path the HFCM made!
Mokdai: Hey wait, the camera feed's cut off! Transmission's out! How are Justice and Crowne!?
Akashi: No way!
Melide: Yes way unfortunately...I can't sense them on this planet right now.
MC: No, Justice! Crowne!

Sui: This can't be...
Huckle: Can't we do anything!?
Yoshiori: Like what!? We'll get sucked in too if we get closer to the black hole!
Barrel: But we can't just abandon them...
Exio: ...there's still hope. MC, it lies with you.
MC: Me?
Exio: You're still connected to Justice in his powered up form, which means there's still a thin thread connecting you two. Maybe you can pull on it and pull him and Crowne out...
Melide: But that would...
Exio: The second level transformation you've performed is his dream that you've grasped to give him power beyond his abilities. He's not the one paying for it though, but rather something connected to you yourself. Right now it's kept to "just" heavy mental strain, but going for this might cost your life. Are you still going to try?
Akashi: wait WHAT
MC moves without even thinking about it, raising their hand to the black hole and praying.
MC: Come back you two!
Akashi: MC, wait! Did you hear what Exio sai--

Akashi's voice goes far away as MC's vision goes into something like space as little lights like stars slowly drift in one direction.
Exio: Right now, only your vision is inside the giant path.
Melide: Focus on your wish to see them again.
MC: ...okay! Here goes everything! You guys...COME BACK!
MC unconsciously extends their hand, and a bright flash bursts from their palm. It feels like it reaches into forever.
Melide: What amazing perspective!
Exio: This is...!

Suddenly it feels like MC's hand is sucking in something huge.
MC: Wait what? I don't think it's them...
MC still senses that Ryekie and Crowne are somewhere.
MC: Get out of the way, I need to find them!
Exio: MC, what's wrong!? You're suddenly pulling in a massive amount of energy!
Melide: Did you catch something else?
MC: I dunno, but they're somewhere there!
Exio: So is something in the way? Maybe it's something the Monster ate...WAIT!
???: SHRIEEEEK

Suddenly, something pops out of the hole.
MC: WHAT (suddenly tunes back in on Earth)
Akashi: MC, are you okay!? You've been standing still staring at the sky!
Mokdai: Look at that! (points)
A giant armored Monster appears, half sticking out of the hole and stares at the party!
Barrel: W-what?
Gammei: Is that a Monster? But I've never seen one like that before!
Sadayoshi: How ominous...it feels like something not of this world...
Victom: It's hostile! Is it a new type!?
Furlong: No way! Do we have to fight it!?

The new Monster continues staring but doesn't make a move out of the hole.
Kyoichi: ...is it not going to attack?
Toshu: How eerie...it feels like it's watching us...
The Monster inside Monomasa glares at the armor Monster and mutters significantly to himself.
Exio: MC, I know it pushed you out, but we should dive in again. Justice and Crowne are falling deeper even as we speak!
Melide: ...is it not going to attack?
Huckle: We're here if it does. Don't worry about the risk and focus on saving them!
Sui: We'll do everything we can to stop it, so please!
MC: ...okay, let's do this again!
MC raises their hand to the hole again and wishes for Ryekie and Crowne's return again. Something big is still in the way, but it seems they're behind it.
MC: I have to move this away! I want to bring them back!

MC happens to touch the thing in the way, feeling what feels like mountain dirt. It seems to go on a great distance away.
Melide: No! If you pull that out, you'll destroy yourself!
Exio: ...no wait, you might be able to do it. Show me!
MC: OUT OF THE GODDAMN WAY
MC focuses power into their hand. It feels as though something is cracking within themselves, and whatever they're touching is very hot. Then endless information streams through their head. It's a flashback of memories tied to the mountain, and the sheer volume threatens to cause their consciousness to collapse.
MC: ! I can't fail here...!
Exio: ! There's no mistake! This is...
Melide: Unbelievable! You're pulling it in! But the target is too big! MC!
MC: GIVE! THEM! BACK!

Sadayoshi: What's this sound!?
Barrel: My ears!
Kyoichi: Hey that thing is going away!
The armor Monster leaves as if understanding something.
Mokdai: ...what was that about?
Monomasa: It was led here by exceptional Observational Strength and came to take a look. At least, I think it's something like that.
Mokdai: A look? What for?
Huckle: My head! (starts squirming and holding his head)
Mokdai: Director, what's wrong!?
Huckle: Head...splitting! Ahhh!
A loud noise fills the sky along with Huckle's scream, and then a blinding light floods everyone's visions...
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 11: Absolute Defense Line (Abridged)

Giant Monster: REEEEE
The tentacle ends have been destroyed and the Monster has taken enough damage to expose its core.
MC: There it is! It's huge!
Kyoichi: Okay, we finally see it! But can we break it!?
Exio: It's using barely any energy to regenerate. We have to keep the hole exposing the core open, or else we can't attack it directly.
Victom: But look at how big the core is. I'm pretty sure we need a really strong attack to actually shatter it...
Toshu: ...so, we need someone to keep the hole open, someone to attack the core itself, and someone to pull back the core attacker?
MC: hmm

Shoen: The tentacles we broke are regenerating too, if slowly at that. We'll also need to keep those down if we don't want them to get in the way...
Sadayoshi: ...please let me handle the strike. If I can charge my fists to the limit and attack with that, it should at least crack the core!
Huckle: I'll go with you then. I only just regained my hero form, so I may as well showcase my leg techniques.
Mokdai: Colonel...Director...t-then let me join in too! I use my fists as a hero too! It's scary, but...I wanna do everything I can for everyone!

Gammei: A young hero like that being that determined? We really have to help out at this point, huh Victom?
Victom: Of course. We can pick you guys up.
Ryekie: I'll widen the hole up then! FULL POWERRRR!
Shoen: I will use my calligraphy casting to weaken the outer shell and make the hole easier to open.
Akashi: I'll help too! I'll keep firing fireballs even if my arms fall off!
Barrel: Same! That's gonna be filled with bullet holes!
Furlong: That's not something a policeman should say, god. But yeah, I'll do my best too! A full power water blast should break through the shell!
Sui: I'll use my strings to keep the hole sewn open. I just don't know if it'll hold out long enough...
Crowne: I'll handle that. Construction's my job and all, and my weapon's made for that.
Kyoichi: Okay, I'm on tentacle crowd control! Can't let all your efforts go to waste!
Toshu: So I'm a vanguard? Very well.

Yoshiori: Stop moving and DIE already, you freaks!
Monomasa: The most mercy I can give you is a swift return to where you originally came from and end this.
Melide: ...there's tons of views concentrated on us. We can do it.
Exio: Yes, this is the season finale. We should do things properly. MC, are you ready?
MC: Yeah, it's all or nothing!
Exio: I see you're motivated. Let's go then.
Huckle: Final battle, go!
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

Yoshiori: Recapture "Operation Regain"!
Monomasa: Clear the way to the future! Betrayal "Téras Prodosía"!
Yoshiori shoots a bunch of holes into outstretched tentacles, and Monomasa follows up by chopping them down.
Toshu: We will win against our past selves! Flash "Lion Warrior's Sword Dance"!
Kyoichi: Cut a clean path forward! Instruction "First Lesson in Tactics 180 Degrees"!
Toshu and Kyoichi cut down the remaining tentacles. No obstructions towards the main body remain.

Kyoichi: Go! Get the hole open!
Shoen: Understood! Running Brush "99 Writings"!
Shoen write-casts "Frail", which causes the Monster to seize up and make its body crumble.
Shoen: Go, break through!
Akashi: Right! Work with me Barrel!
Barrel: Roger! Furlong, you ready!?
Furlong: Ready! LET'S GOOOO!
Akashi: Time to hit it out of the park! Finisher "Hundred Ardent Cannon Shots"!
Barrel: Woooo! Bullseye "Bang&Bang&Bang"!
Furlong: Fire! Suppression "Manguera de Aquario"!
Fire, light, and water combine into a single beam that blows open the Monster's brittle upper half.

Akashi: Justice, do it!
Ryekie: HERE WE GO! Thunderous Lightning "Gigabolt Breaker"!
Giant Monster: EEEEEEE
Protect Break! The core is open!
Sui: My turn! Sewing “Aiguille du Salut”!
Crowne: Reinforcing the strings! Construction "Analyze & Scrap"!
Sui sews up the edges of the hole quicker than the eye can see, and Crowne's light makes the strings shine like metal.

Sui: It's working! Mokdai, you're up!
Crowne: You too, Huckle! Colonel! Take it down in one shot!
Exio: We'll send you all the VP. Melide, MC, stay focused.
Melide: I understand! MC, you ready?
MC: Yeah!
Sadayoshi: I'm counting on you three. Hup!
Huckle: One last attack to settle this, guys!
Mokdai: We've combined all our powers! We won't miss!
The three of them jump into the hole. The core pulses as they closer to it, and the trio ready their weapons. Mokdai's shines green, Sadayoshi shines blue, and Huckle's shines gold. The rest of the heroes all cheer them on.
MC: Ultimate Moves, fire!
Mokdai: Pulverizer "Megaton Crusher"!
Sadayoshi: Resolution "Evil Crushing Shining Fists"!
Huckle: World Traveler " Sonic Boom Penetration"!
All three strikes slam the core.
Mokdai, Sadayoshi, and Huckle: SHATTER!
Cracks run through the core.
Giant Monster: SCREEEEEE
And the core shatters with a loud explosion and flash of light.

MC: YES! Core destroyed!
The monster starts turning transparent.
Gammei: Our turn! Imprison "Toward the Star"!
Victom: I will save everyone! Rescue "Lightspeed Phoenix"!
Gammei's handcuffs and Victom's rope fly out and pulls the attack team back to the ground.
Kyoichi: I-is it finally over!?
Akashi: No wait! The monster's holding this ground up!
Mokdai: We're falling! Aaahhh!
Shoen: I will handle this! Triple cast! "Slow"!
Shoen writes the word onto the ground, slowing the speed at which the landmass falls until it eventually hits the ground rumbling softly. Only the wind blowing creates any noise in the area, and the Monster is dissolving into light particles.
Melide: ...so
Exio: It's...over...
MC: Battle over! Good job you guys, you were amazing!
Barrel: ...!
Everyone: YEAH!

Akashi: We saved the city! YES!
Mokdai: Yeah, and we did it by beating a Monster that's been sleeping by Orient City for centuries! We are so awesome!
Sui: It's finally over...
Crowne: I know right? I literally became a hero today and this is where I end up.
Sui: You were great out there. Looking forward to working with you more.
Crowne: Oh right you're technically my senpai at the hero thing now. Show me the ropes, Senpai!
Sui: Feeling wEIRD...

Kyoichi: Haha, damn I'm tired. Like tired as all hell, but just as accomplished!
Toshu: I lost count of how many Monsters we destroyed...but we won.
Shoen: Yes...now we can bask in the glory.
Yoshiori: Damn, who'd ever thought villains like us would save a city?
Barrel: You wanna be a hero?
Gammei: That'd be cool, though we can't give you a pass on all your past crimes.
Yoshiori: N-no, shut up! Who said I would...!?
Monomasa: Heh...methinks the gentleman doth protests too much.
Furlong: Oooh that was scary...I've had enough for now...
Victom: You did great stepping up even though you were afraid. I'll tell your boss how dashing you looked today.
Furlong: Nooooo, I can't take the embarrassment!
Victom: And now you've turned back to normal now that things have calmed down...

Exio: Haha, how nice to see everyone so openly happy.
Melide: I'm glad too. A long-standing threat to the city is gone now.
Exio: True, the biggest landmine in the city has been removed. I guess it's fine to be happy about that.
Huckle: You've all done great. I may not have regained my memories...but I'd still like to praise all the new heroes who have come with us this far.
Ryekie: Hey, you did great for jumping into the deep end after becoming a hero again too. Welcome back Hopper.
Huckle: Yeah...I'm back, Justice.
MC: Case closed? That was rough...I wanna take a vacation tomorrow...

Air raid siren
Ryekie: Wait what!?
Huckle: Oh, a call from Nessen. Hello?
Nessen: Huckle, good! I finally got through! Please get away from there! They fired the HFCM!
MC: What!?
Huckle: What did you say!?
Akashi: Colonel what the hell!? I thought they weren't gonna fire because we're here and they planned to do it when no one was around!
Sadayoshi: I-I don't know! That was the original plan with it! Headquarters, come in!
No response.
Sadayoshi: Those bastards!

Barrel: Oh no, we had a plan for fighting a Monster but not against a missile!
Victom: Colonel, how long do we have!?
Sadayoshi: I can't give an estimate accurate since I can't make contact, but the HFCM was fired from the National Defense base in southern Okinawa! I've been told it's max speed is about the same as medium range ballistic missile!
Crowne: An MRBM? From Okinawa? That gives us like five minutes! We can't anywhere in that amount of time!
Kyoichi: Is running even an option!?
Mokdai: There's not much we can do without countermeasures! Aaaahh!
Sui: Are we doomed?
MC: Dammit, what can we do...?

Ryekie: I'll do something about it!
Huckle: Like what!?
Ryekie: If I VP charge my lightning, I can fly! If I can intercept and destroy the missile, then...!
Crowne: That thing's moving at almost sonic speed! You wanna fly into that!? It's a goddamn missile! How are you gonna survive blowing a missile up!?
Ryekie: But there's no other choice! It's the only thing we can do to save the city and keep our efforts from going to waste!
MC: Ryekie! / Justice...

Crowne: ...fine. I'll go with you then.
Ryekie: What? Why!?
Crowne: If the plan is blowing the missile up, you can't hack it. And if you don't have any defenses up, the acceleration to reach sonic speed will burn you because of air resistance. If I get up to the missile with a shield on, I can take it apart without setting it off. Then you won't get yourself blown up, the missile doesn't go off, win-win for everyone.
Ryekie: B-but the danger--
Crowne: Bitch, you literally just volunteered to sacrifice yourself!
Ryekie: Okay okay, you win! I'm counting on you then!
Crowne: Good! Let's do this!
MC: Crowne!? Come back alive okay!?
Crowne climbs onto Ryekie's back and looks at MC.
Exio: MC, give them all the VP. That should let them reach sonic speed.
MC: Alright, good luck...! (holds hand up to Ryekie and Crowne)
Ryekie's feet start giving off light and sparks.
Crowne: Okay, west-southwest! Fly, Ryekie!
Ryekie: Right! JUSTICE CHAAARGE! (boing)
Huckle: It's up to you two!

Sky
Crowne: Okay, call's connected! Can you see us, MC?
Crowne is calling Mokdai's phone through her hero goggles and turning on the Google Glasses camera feature.
MC: I see! Where's the missile!?
Crowne: It's currently like 100 km away, south of Cape Ashizuri! We should see it soon if we have the direction ri--oh!
Ryekie: There it is! Crowne!
Crowne: I got it! Can you get us there, Ryekie!?
Ryekie: Yep! Let's go! (zips over and clings to the missile's shell) We're here! You're up now, Crowne!
Crowne: Right! Damn, the G forces are strong even with the shield up!
Crowne touches the HFCM with her glove Parallel Weapon to instant cast Structural Analysis and send the info to her goggles.
Crowne: Analysis complete. This is gonna be tricky!
Ryekie: We're getting closer to the city! Can you stop it in time!?
Crowne: Hell yeah! 30 seconds, easy peasy! I'm gonna shift all my Parallel Weapon energy into my tools, so I gotta turn off the camera feed for a sec!
(click)

Kyoichi: She's gonna stop the missile in half a minute!? How!?
Toshu: ...we can only believe in her.
Mokdai: Oh the camera's back on! Crowne, how is it!?
Crowne: I did it, somehow! look!
Crowne turns Google Glasses camera back on, showing metal shards falling into the sea along with bits of ether crystal shards.
Crowne: Can you believe how many ether crystals they shoved into this thing? Looks like they set it up to use them to open up a Path. Man, imagine what would happen if you blew them up...
Shoen: ...yes, scary to think about.
Sui: Are we safe yet!?
Ryekie: Yep! Great job, Crowne!
Crowne: We were at the 200 km to Orient City mark when I finished. Cutting it close there, but we're goo--
Something flies by next to Ryekie and Crowne.
Ryekie: WHAT

Akashi: Wait, what!?
Huckle: No, an HFCM!?
MC: No way! Two of them!?
Gammei: What the hell is going on, Colonel!?
Sadayoshi: I-I don't know! I can't believe they made a spare missile!
Furlong: Look everyone! (points at something now visible to the ground team)
Victom: It's here already!? Crowne said she barely got the other one disarmed in time!
Yoshiori: Do we shoot it down!? Wait, no...!
Monomasa: By the time we can reach it, we'll have lost. 

Crowne: Goddammit, we can't catch up to it! It's gonna take time even if I try to redirect its flight path! I'm sorry guys, if only I was stronger...!
Ryekie: Shit, this is gonna waste everything we did to get this far! We're gonna lose Orient City!
Flashback of days in Parallel Flight.
Ryekie: I'LL NEVER LET THAT HAPPEEEEEN!!!
MC picks up on strong emotions coming from Ryekie, just like they did before when their phone showed that one super strong signal.
MC: This is just like before!
Last time used up almost all of MC's energy to execute the transformation, and it's probably going to knock them out again if they try this time. But there's no time to hesitate.
MC: Execute! Go, Justice!
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 10: Legendary Tag Team (Abridged)

Giant Monster: SCREEEEE
Jellyfish: (blobs in bum rush)
The Monster is creating jellyfish in response to the party getting closer to it, and two lights jump forward amid all the fighting.
Huckle: Here they come! 13 on the left and 7 on the right!
Ryekie: Roger that! I'll get them all together, and you take them out!
Huckle: Understood!
Ryekie: Come at me bros! Justice Thunder!
Jellyfish: (blobs in surround attack)
Ryekie: Gh! Okay I took a little hit, but here we go! Thunder Field Trap!
Jellyfish: (blobs in shocked paralysis)
Ryekie: Hopper, do it!
Huckle: Got them! World Traveler "Sonic Boom Penetration"!
Jellyfish: (blobs in chain destruction)

Ryekie: AWESOME! Hopper, you--
Purple Jellyfish: (blobs in desperate flailing)
Ryekie: Whoa! Eat my knuckle sandwich!
Purple Jellyfish: (blobs in light shattering)
Ryekie: Huh, you missed one. Did you get rusty?
Huckle: Hello, I haven't fought as a hero in YEARS.
Ryekie: Oh right, haha. Still, you aren't winded yet. Let's keep this going! Can you keep up!?
Huckle: Of course! Here we go!

Jellyfish: (blobs in aerial bouncing)
Akashi: Eat fireballs, freak!
Sui: I'll take care of these ones!
Jellyfish: (blobs in dissolving light)
Akashi: Got 'em! But anyways, man are those two are crazy good. They're taking on even more mobs than we are!
Sui: I know part of it is them being up front ahead of us, but I'm still surprised at how strong Huckle is.
MC: Yeah...kind of a huge turnaround here. That's a famous partnership for you.

Crowne: Well they were both S Rank Heroes, so both of them are familiar with harsh battles. Still, it's weird...does anyone else feel like your fatigue's been recovering? And my attacks are feeling stronger than before somehow...
Mokdai: Well there's a reason for that. Oh right, MC your phone blew up didn't it? I'll lend you mine until the battles are over. Look at the screen.
MC looks at the LIVE@HERO livestream interface, where the VP count is changing by the second. There is also a viewer count at...
MC: OH MY GOD 92 MILLION VIEWERS. Eight numbers long!
Mokdai: This huge scale audience bigger than we usually have is why Ryekie and the Director can throw their big moves like that and our weapons keep fixing themselves! I've never seen a viewer count that big before!
Barrel: It's the comeback of the legendary hero duo! Of course everyone would come out to watch that!
Victom: Yeah, there's that but...everyone really IS worried about what's going to happen with the country.
Sadayoshi: We have...the whole world's expectations on our shoulders now.

Victom: What, you scared? You're a hero battalion leader for the National Defense Department.
Sadayoshi: ...no. I've decided to give my all to prevent losing at all costs. We cannot let ourselves fall behind private heroes after all.
Barrel: Haha, dang. You have more of a sense of humor than I thought you would!
Sadayoshi: I-I do? I was taught not to speak so casually...
Victom: It's fine. Right now, we're heroes on the same side fighting the same enemy. We can trust in that fact at least.
Sadayoshi: Is that so? I'm glad.
Jellyfish: (blobs in interference)
Victom: Here they come! Get ready, you two!
Barrel: Roger, Captain! Please work with us, thanks Colonel!
Sadayoshi: Of course! Monsters, you will fall here! 

Kyoichi: ...hey, MC's phone blew up earlier right? But they're still sending us VP like normal. How's that work?
Toshu: (shrug) There's a lot of things we don't know about Observer abilities.
Jellyfish: (blobs in interruption)
Kyoichi: Well if we can fight like normal, I guess that's good enough! Here they come, Toshu!
Toshu: Heh, that's just like you. Don't fall behind!
Exio: ...MC doesn't seem to notice that they're having a temporary power overflow in their Observer abilities. They're grasping the number of views without using machine assistance and distributing it unconsciously. It's likely they're return to how they normally operate after this battle is over, but they've clearly grown as an Observer.

Gammei: Hey! What's-your-face! Pay attention here! Enemy incoming, and I need some VP!
Yoshiori: Watch your mouth when you speak to Exio, pig! Didn't your mommy ever teach you to say please!?
Gammei: Do you realize how CRAZY this situation is!? And who are you calling a pig!?
Jellyfish: (blobs in vibrating screaming)
Gammei: You things shut the hell up!
Yoshiori: We're talking here, dammit!
Gammei binds jellyfish in place, and Yoshiori follows up by filling them with holes.
Gammei: Not bad punk.
Yoshiori: Shut up, dogface.
MC: They seem to be getting along. Huh.

Exio: (sigh) Those two seem alike.
Melide: (breathes hard)
Yellow Jellyfish: (blobs in encroachment)
Melide: Oh no!
Furlong: Melide, please get back! Shaw Hose Buster!
Yellow Jellyfish: (blobs in ring out)
Furlong: Are you okay!? ...you seem tired.
Melide: T-thank you. I'm okay, I can...keep going...
Furlong: ...everyone's pretty far ahead. Get on my back, I'll carry you!
Melide: What...? You sure...?
Furlong: I'm sure. I'm a fireman, so I often carry people like this. And right now, we're on the same side. Of course we'd help each other. Go ahead, climb on!
Melide: ...okay. Thank you.

Monomasa: ...Melide is trusting people besides us?
Shoen: Are you upset by that...?
Monomasa: No...I'm actually happy. Melide doesn't like opening herself up to others much, much less ask for their help. She's changed since meeting all of you. I want her to know...that not everyone in the world will hurt her.
Shoen: ...I see.
Jellyfish: (blobs in mood breaker)
Shoen: Speaking of which, if there are things that will come to harm her...
Monomasa: Yes...we have to hunt down every last one. Will you help me?
Shoen: Of course. Let's go.

Mochizuki Inn
Yellow Trainee: Whoa that's another one down! These guys are awesome, Young Master!
Red Trainee: The viewer count is blowing up! I've never seen so many people tuned in at once for a battle!
Green Trainee: Is it really okay for us not to go too!?
Nessen: Please stop calling me Young Master for the thousandth time...our job is to hold the fort back here. So many Monsters are appearing, so we cannot leave this city undefended. We can only pray for their victory.
Nessen: ...everyone, please come back safely.
Air raid sirens
Nessen: W-what's that noise? I don't think we have sirens installed around here...
Disaster Alert: This is the Japanese government and temporary Orient City Disaster Prevention HQ. We have news for everyone living 50 km of the Orient City quarantine zone...

Back to the party
Enemy body count unknown, because they don't leave bodies. But anyways the situation is changing!
Akashi: ...why is the big Monster acting weird?
Giant Monster: JOJO MENACING NOISES
MC: It's fading in and out for some reason.
Kyoichi: Yeah...it's like what happens to us when we run out of VP.
Monomasa: What would happen to you if you were starving and had to exert yourself?
Barrel: wat. I'd fall over exhausted, I guess?
Monomasa: Yes, that's what's happening here too. Monsters gain energy from the VP people and things gather. This one hasn't been eating anyone or anything and spawning a huge number of smaller Monsters for defense, constantly shaving at itself to do so.

Gammei: Soooo it's get weaker? Then this is our chance! We gotta get to the core while it's like this!
Victom: Hey stupid, it's not gonna be THAT easy. Eyeballing it, it's still a 3 km tall Monster that we somehow have to get closer to.
Huckle: ...I agree. It resisted this far, and I doubt it'll just give up. I feel like it's highly likely it'll burn itself out and throw everything into a death throe.
Melide: ...strange. I'm...getting a really bad feeling...
Suddenly...
MC: REALLY STRONG EARTHQUAKE
Giant Monster: SHRIEEEEEK
A huge wave slams the ground, and trees off in the distance are mowed down.

Toshu: What's happening!?
Yoshiori: Shit, I can't stay up! I can't believe it was storing this much power!
Mokdai: W-wait! The ground is splitting!
The ground roils and tears itself apart, creating large chasms.
Crowne: Careful you don't fall in guys!
Sui: Very helpful! I can't get awa--ahh!!
The ground splits between MC and Sui. Sui starts falling. Kidding, it’s actually MC.
MC: WHAT AAAAAA
Sui: No! (catches MC with strings that wrap around their sleeve)
MC: Thank you Sui!
Sui: (struggles to hold on) I won't...let go! But...!
Sui is unable to keep a steady foothold and is getting pulled down.
Sui: I can't...dig in! Ah!
Ryekie: JUSTICE CHARGE! (zooms in and pulls Sui up)

Sui: R-Ryekie! Thank you!
Ryekie: I...don't have...a good foothold either! But...! RAAAAAGH! (yanks MC up like a fish on a hook)
MC: AAAAAA
Crowne: I got you, MC!
MC crashes into Crowne.
Crowne: OOF
MC: T-thanks Crowne. Y-you okay?
Crowne: Owww. Well I can ask you the same. I'm glad you're alright...
Ryekie: Nice catch, Crowne! You really are a hero!
Crowne: O-oh shut up! How about you think about the consequences next time you help!?
Ryekie: Ack, I can't argue with that!
Crowne: ...but nice going on your end too. You didn't become an S Rank Hero for nothing.
Ryekie: ...yep! Thanks!

Sadayoshi: ...the shaking stopped. Is it over?
Furlong: What? No way.
Exio: ...no, here it comes!
LOUD SCREAMING
MC: OW!
Akashi: W-what's wrong!? You okay, MC!?
MC: Something's coming!
Akashi: Wha--
Giant Monster: REEEEEEE
Tons of tentacles pop out from every crack on the ground.

Ryekie: Damn that's a ton of tentacles! There's...at least 200 of them before I lost count!
The tentacles lift up the ground area the party is standing on.
Kyoichi: Whoa what!?
The party is surrounded with no way to escape, and only the main body is visible in between the tentacles.
Yoshiori: Okay so maybe it isn't going to just pin us down all at once. Is it going to weaken us and eat whoever goes down first?
Monomasa: I don't know if it has intelligence, but that's likely the general idea. It's true we have nowhere to run. Absolutely none.
Sadayoshi: ...but this can be a good opportunity. Since O-X lifted the ground and us with it, that means we can get to its body from the front. If we can break through and attack its core...
Toshu: So destroying the core is a realistic plan now!
Shoen: Good. So this is our final battle with it?
Gammei: But if we lose we're all gonna be eaten! So we can't afford to lose!
Barrel: We can't lose our lives or the city!
Kyoichi: Right! I will save the children's homes!

Melide: The Monster's life is dwindling...it probably can't take much more. Just one more push, and the core should be exposed.
Exio: We have Views for days. With this many people watching, we should definitely be able to break through. But be careful, it's fighting for its life too.
Furlong: I've never felt this nervous or fought in a battle like this before...I hope I can get past it all.
Victom: Don't overthink it. You're plenty strong if you fight like normal. Have some self-confidence.
Furlong: ...yes Captain!
Victom: Good answer. I'm counting on you.

Huckle: ...everyone, it's finally do or die in this long battle. Since I've lost my memories, I don't know how many times our agency's had to flirt with death, but there is one thing I know of. Everyone one in the company is a great hero who can fight on. I want you all to keep going until things end.
Ryekie: Save all the big boss briefings for after it's all over! Our chance is finally here! We can finally save the city! Stay sharp people!
Akashi: Yeah...I never thought I'd end up in a battle like this when I became a hero for real. But when I'm with MC and everyone else, I think I can fight. We can win this!
Mokdai: Same. I was always someone who watched heroes and was afraid of fighting. I never thought this would happen. But somehow, I'm not afraid now. Maybe because I'm with you all?
Sui: I...might be a little afraid. But I don't want to run at all, because repaying everyone for all the support you've given me would mean fighting here. Plus, I feel I can accept the reason that I'm here myself.
Crowne: I'm in the same boat now that I've come so far. I never thought I'd be a hero, never mind that it'd escalate to this. But I'm gonna survive this fight, then give my respects to my other self.
Huckle: ...I suppose you're all psyched up. Let's go to the final battle. We're counting on you, MC.
MC: Let's do this, everyone! We're gonna win and go back home together!
Party: YEAH!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 9: The Light Shining Again (Abridged)

Huckle (narrating): I still remember the times Mr. Ryekie and I charged across the battlefields as heroes.
Flashback
Monster: lOVELYYYYY (shatter)
Huckle: Whew it's finally dead and I can stop to breathe!
Ryekie: *(deep huff)* ...heheh. Hahaha!
Huckle: W-why are you laughing?
Ryekie: Oh, not much! I just never thought teaming up with you would get us this far! I couldn't even imagine it when we first met since you were a rich kid who never left home before and now you saved the country from danger!
Huckle: Could you not talk about my past? I know you've caused your own fair share of problems too. Plus, I didn't get here on my own. I grew thanks to fighting together with you, so thank you Mr. Ryekie...
Huckle (narrating): I still remember how that fist bump felt, and I still remember how I fought back then. Which is why I want to go back to that point. I want to be his partner again, living our lives together in the light...

Present
Ryekie: WHY ARE YOU HERE, HUCKLE!? (grabs Huckle by the collar looking angrier than he's ever shown himself to be)
MC: Justice, stop! Please calm down!
Huckle: ...haven't you been wanting my help too? I wanted to help you. Even if I can't fight I can still talk, so I came. Isn't that okay?
Ryekie: You're a smart guy, so you know you could've just Space Zoomed it in if you wanted to help like that! There was never a need for you to come to the front lines!!
Huckle: Yes, if the cameras could work as well as my eyes and ears. But they don't, and there are things I won't get unless I'm here. You've fought for years, so you know how that is.
Ryekie: But...!!

Sadayoshi: Please forgive me, Zap the Justice...I was the one to bring him here. It was my suggestion that he come here, which he agreed to.
Mokdai: Why did you suggest coming here together with the director...?
Sadayoshi: Um...
Huckle: Colonel, ultimately the one to decide to come here was me. You came to me to apologize for your rudeness, but you noticed my mental state was the same as yours and chose to suggest this idea then. I am solely responsible for being present here.
Sadayoshi: Director Huckle...
Ryekie: !! ...
Ryekie pushes Huckle away. Huckle stumbles a little before regaining his footing and looks at Ryekie.
Ryekie: ...you can still make it. Get somewhere safe.
Huckle: ...no.
Ryekie: Why won't you understand!? GET AWAY FROM HERE!!
Huckle: Why won't YOU understand how I feel!?
Suddenly a giant earthquake hits.

Mokdai: Whoa! The earthquakes really do get stronger the closer we get to the Invisible Mountain!
Sui: This must be...!
Giant Monster: SCREEEEEEE
A horde of jellyfish Monsters have arrived!
Crowne: It's the welcome wagon! And tons of the thing's greeters!
Kyoichi: The tentacles are moving again too! Can we get past all this!?
Toshu: Well we can't stop either! If we go done, we lose everything!
Shoen: ...I need to hang in there!
Jellyfish: (blobs in enemy wave)
Gammei: Whoa, here they come!

The tentacles start to thrash about, and the jellyfish Monsters continue their assault. Mass Destruction ensues.
Yoshiori: Wagh! Focus you sissies, or they'll crush us!
Monomasa: It's hard to progress while keeping the Observers safe!
Akashi: MC, stick with me!
MC: Thanks Akashi! Don't ditch me!
Red Jellyfish: (blobs in whip attack)
Mokdai: Director, look out!
Huckle: I see it! (jumps out of the way easily)
Huckle: I can still keep myself safe even if I can't fight!

Barrel: Wow, so that's what an ex-S Rank Hero is like...
Ryekie: Whoa! Huckle! You get how things are here, right!? You avoided that attack, but it's still dangerous for you to be here as you are! You have to go! I don't want to see you hurt any more than this!
Huckle: But that's how I feel about you! I couldn't keep watching, and I couldn't stand by and say nothing! (continues dodging attacks)
Huckle: It's true I lost all my memories of things after the point I became an Observer! I don't remember who all the new people in our office is, or the time the two of us put in to building the agency up! But I still remember all the times we fought as heroes together!
MC's phone glows weakly in response.
MC: Huh?
Phone: [-----]
MC: It's this again. (attempts to click the phone back to idle. The phone rejects this and flashes brightly for a second)
MC: Whoa!

Akashi: MC, what's going on? What was that light!?
MC: I dunno, but the window won't close!
Phone: Ne- Path x0ixx. ---: --- k0xx: Very x1xx
Bits and pieces reveal themselves like a Wheel of Fortune puzzle, and each letter makes the phone shine brighter and run hotter like it's overheating.
Melide: Exio, look at that light!
Exio: ...that's impossible. But...it's trying to connect a Path!?
Ryekie: ...! Huckle!
Huckle: Maybe the things that have been lost can never come back. But...I still wish for it! I want to fight along with you! I want to bring back those days we went into battle together!

MC's phone shines even brighter at Huckle's words, and it burns so hot that the screen cracks.
MC: WHAT
The display collapses, but before it shuts down completely words in a large font appear.
Phone: 5TR0ng Pa7h de7eCTeD. HeRO: H0pPER the FaCE 57ren9th: VERY H16H
Phone: CCCcCCCc?????
Exio: It's transmitting! T-this is MC's...! Can you break through that wall...!?
The screen of MC's phone shatters.
MC: Ahh! My phone!
The phone starts smoking.
MC: W-what do I do? I can't trigger the transformations or help the heroes fight...

Exio: MC, hold out your hand and focus! Think about the hero's potential in your mind and wish for their transformation! Do that, and you can Observe without needing a phone to channel things!
Melide: You'll be okay. You can do it.
Exio: ...neither Melide nor I know of any case of a Path being connected under these circumstances. All we can do is teach you how to connect Paths without going through a phone. Now show me your unknown potential!
MC: (raises a hand towards Huckle and focuses) Give him power! Connect!
A bright light flashes from MC's hand and extends to Huckle. A vision of Huckle's hero form comes into MC's head.
MC: Wait what!?
Exio: Now! Fill yourself with the determination to transform him!
MC: ...Execute!
Huckle: Wait what
Akashi: WHAT
Ryekie: What's happening!? Are you really...!?
Quick aside in space
Broker: What!? Impossible! This has never happened before! Have you grown that strong!?

Earth
Huckle stands looking shocked in his hero suit, which flutters in the wind as it shines as if made out of light.
Barrel: Look at Director Huckle!
Gammei: He transformed!
Mokdai: Oh my god I can't believe it! I've only ever seen that mode in videos!
Sadayoshi: Director Huckle...no wait, you are now Hopper the Face, the hero who once saved Japan!
Huckle: (surprised for a moment before quickly refocusing) I am the hero who rides the winds and is embraced by the galaxy! I am the traveler who crosses our vast world! I am the former S Rank Hero, and I am here! Hopper the Face!
Yoshiori: WHAT!?
Monomasa: You've returned!
MC: Yes! / Hopper the Face! / AWESOME!

Huckle: MC...I never thought my wish would actually reach anyone, but you granted it for me...thank you.
Huckle smiles at MC before turning back to face the Monsters.
Jellyfish: (blobs in confused squishing)
Huckle: ...I'm going to repay all the efforts you went through for me. It's been a long time since I've fought...but somehow, I'm not worried at all. I can do this.
Akashi: D-damn...Huckle really was a hero back in the day...
Crowne: This is my first time seeing it in person too, but wow...Huckle's super manly now.
Sui: We have a new hero on our side!
Ryekie: ...! (wipes away a tear) ...Face, I'm going in! Can you keep up!?
Huckle: Yeah, let's do this! It's been forever and a day, but let's show them our teamwork!
Ryekie: Hell yeah, partner!
Jellyfish: (blobs geometrically)
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 8: String-Cutting Scissors (Abridged)

Down at the foot of the Invisible Mountain the party sees wilderness. Also...
Jellyfish: (blobs angrily)
Kyoichi: Goddammit these things are spawning infinitely! (dodges) Whoa!
Akashi: Senpai! Sheesh these things just don't quit!
MC: Of course we find them here! Getting tired!
Sui: There's definitely more of them than before.
Crowne: If these things are a defense line for the core, then of course there'd be more of them!
Ryekie: It's taking all we have to survive through all of them, it doesn't matter what our situation is!
Mokdai: I know but...oh no I can't keep up with taking them out!
Toshu: Stop whining and remind yourself that it's good we're in an open battlefield!
Shoen: I want to start whining though...we've been fighting for half a day now.

Melide: The heroes are starting to tire. The Paths are starting to tighten too...
Exio: Well the Paths are also affected by the heroes' mental states too... The more tired they get, the harder it gets to continue battling.
Yoshiori: Stop being pussies and put your backs into it. The core's almost ahead.
Monomasa: Don't be crazy, Yoshiori. We aren't all soldiers like you. Heroes are still regular citizens too, and plenty became one without having and special or intense training. Only a handful could have as much stamina as you.
Barrel: Hey! Some of us have gone through rigorous training at the police school and at UEHA training area! We wouldn't get tired from just this! Eat space lead, jellyfish! ...oh no my gun jammed!
Furlong: Oh no Barrel, are you okay!?
Gammei: Meathead must be getting tired too if his bullets are starting to fall apart!
Victom: But we have to beat these things to get to the core...I'm starting to worry we won't be able to hold up long enough!
MC: Yeah this is bad! / Any ideas for winning?

Ryekie: None of that matters! We HAVE to win, that is our only choice now that we made it this far!
Jellyfish: (blobs menacingly)
Ryekie: So I'm gonna keep on going forward! THUNDER FIST!
A tentacle suddenly pops up by Ryekie's feet.
Ryekie: !?
Mokdai: Oh no!
Ryekie: Out of the goddamn way!
More tentacles pop out from the ground.
Akashi: Justice! Dammit, the tentacles are all over now!
The party's escape route is now cut off by tentacles.

Melide: The giant Monster is focused over here now. Here it comes!
Kyoichi: Frantic dodging! It just grazed the top of my head!
Toshu: This situation is terrible! It was bad enough with just the smaller Monsters!
Sui: ...Ryekie! More are coming!
Ryekie: Huh? ...ahhh!
MC: Ryekie! / Justice!
Ryekie: I can't keep up with what I'm seeing! Is running all I can do!? If only...he were here...!
???: Mr. Ryekie! Stand there and stop!
Ryekie: !? (does so)
A tentacle gouges the area in front of where Ryekie is standing.
Ryekie: That voice! It can't be...!

Huckle: Mr. Ryekie! Are you okay!?
MC: Director!
Ryekie: H-Huckle!?
Mokdai: Director!? Why are you here!?
Huckle: Mr. Ryekie! There's less people over at 2 o' clock! Draw the tentacles there, and you should take some pressure off the other heroes!
Ryekie: Got it! Come at me, freaks!
Jellyfish: (blobs in pursuit)
Huckle: Mr. Ryekie! Don't forget about the other Monsters! 3 are coming from 7 o' clock!
Ryekie: Copy! Lightning Blitz!
Huckle: 2 more from 4 o' clock! Draw them in a little longer and you can blast them all at once!
Ryekie: Right, here goes!
Huckle directs Ryekie to efficiently eliminate the Monsters, just like he did back in his Observer days.
Akashi: Whoa...
Sui: He knows all of Ryekie's moves...but isn't he...?
Crowne: He only lost all his memories from when he was an Observer. Which means he's directing Ryekie using what he remembers from when he was a hero!
MC: He's used to giving him directions / so that's their teamwork /whoa...

Barrel: Oh no, Monsters are heading towards Melide!
Jellyfish: (blobs aggressively)
Melide: Ahh!
Monomasa: Melide I'm coming to sav--
???: SHINING PUNCH
Jellyfish: (blobs in punch out)
Monomasa: What!?
Sadayoshi: ...I was cutting it close there.
Monomasa: YOU!
MC: Col. Sadayoshi!?

Exio: Hmm...interesting.
Yoshiori: What the hell are you doing here!?
Sadayoshi: I came to help.
Mokdai: You...help!?
Sadayoshi: ...I'll explain later. The Monsters are coming. MC, I apologize for my presumptuousness, but may I place myself under your command? At this point I cannot continue asking a Defense Department Operator to continue assisting with my dereliction of duty.
Gammei: Wait, the Defense Department didn't order you to come here?
MC: Uhhhh...okay???
Sadayoshi: Thank you. I will repay this debt with my efforts.
Sadayoshi smiles briefly before looking serious again as he faces the Monsters.
Sadayoshi: Command transfer protocol, complete! Chief Ikusabata Sadayoshi of the National Defense Department's First Hero Battalion has withdrawn from the Defense Department's command and is now taking to the field on his own judgement!
Jellyfish: (blobs in alien shrieking)
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

Sadayoshi: Colonel Punch!
Jellyfish: (blobs in YGO monster destruction noises)
Sadayoshi: I can keep going!
Jellyfish: (blobs monsterfishly)
Barrel: W-whoa...he destroyed something with a single punch I couldn't in a single shot...
Gammei: And his movement and feet work are so efficient. He's definitely a Defense Department soldier.

A jellyfish slips by Mokdai.
Mokdai: Oh no, it's getting away! Colonel it's coming near you!
Akashi: They're concentrating on him!
Yoshiori: They're going after the biggest threat! He's surrounded now!
Furlong: I'll come help!
Sadayoshi: No, please stay away actually!
Toshu: Why?
Sadayoshi: I don't need to hold back against Monsters, especially in a wide open space like this! MC, could you send me about 20k VP!?
MC: O-okay! Is this gonna work!?
Sadayoshi's arm and leg attachments start glowing and spinning rapidly.
Sadayoshi: Super jump, up!
Sadayoshi: Firing super move! Resolution "Evil Crushing Shining Fists"!
Sadayoshi hits the ground so hard it cracks and releases light that erases the Monsters.

Ryekie: Whoa, was that his super move!?
Green Jellyfish: (blobs in straggler)
Huckle: Mr. Ryekie! Last one!
Ryekie: Got it! Justice Punch!
Green Jellyfish: (blobs in fading into light)
All enemies defeated, the area is calm for now.
Kyoichi: O-okay, looks like we're good for now. The tentacles have stopped attacking too.
Shoen: We shouldn't let our guard down, but I'm still tired.
Crowne: Damn, Huckle and the Colonel coming when they did really helped.
Victom: Yeah, but... (looks at Sadayoshi staring blankly at the sky)

Sui: What's up with him?
Huckle: ...I think he's had a large share of troubles getting to this point. He still looked conflicted when he brought me here.
Sadayoshi: ...this is the first time I've defied my orders and let my personal feelings pull through. What am I doing? I'm supposed to serve the people of the country and devote myself to them...
MC: Why are you here? Why are you so conflicted?
Sadayoshi: ...I don't know. I was leaving my post before I realized what I was doing. Since then I've kept thinking about what it is I could do as I acted. I couldn't sit still since I don't want the city to be gone either...
Sadayoshi is having mixed feelings as he struggles to continue talking.

Sadayoshi: I was supposed to have suppressed my selfish emotions. But when I realized you all had the same thoughts and desires I had...I couldn't hold it back anymore. I moved without considering this was rebellion against my orders...that's all. I don't know what to do from here...
Monomasa: ... (has mixed feelings as he looks at Sadayoshi)
Ryekie: ...hy.
Mokdai: Ryekie did you say somet--oh my god!
Huckle: ! (gets grabbed by Ryekie)

Elsewhere
Osaka, future capital of Japan and National Defense Department HQ
Manager John: We have a new report about Colonel Ikusabata's dereliction of duty. He has joined with the rogue party and is fighting within the quarantined zone.
Manager Jacob: So even the great Ikusabata family falls short. Their pet dog lacks discipline. I knew we should have appointed a true pureblooded Japanese citizen to protect Glorious Nippon.
Manager Jingleheimer: What do we do? We have a pointless complication added but the HFCM is already ready to go. We can't just stop it now. Trust in us has already been damaged, and we already spent all that money to get here!
Manager Schmidt: How crafty of them to livestream their fight to the nation as they go. If we fire the HFCM now the citizens will distrust us in turn. The whole nation will think we did an act of evil.
Manager His Name: Do we really need to think about it that hard?
Manager Is My Name Too: What do you mean?

Manager Jugemu: All the people out there fighting are calling themselves heroes, which means they can stand up challenge Monsters and fate.
Manager Goko no Surikire: Oh I get it. So if they meet their fate after a fierce battle with Monsters, you could say they truly became heroes from a certain point of view.
Manager Kaijari Suigyo: Yes, but that assumes they get eaten by Monsters and retconned from existence.
Manager Suigyomatsu: I see what you're getting at. It's true we won't get a reputation hit if things go that way, and if anyone still remembers them they'll see them as heroes still.
Manager Unraimatsu: Right. What we're doing is something we just couldn't stop. Theirs is a noble sacrifice for the majority of Japan's citizens. Or even all of mankind!
Manager Fuuraimatsu: Yes, we just need to repeat that over and over and give our condolences.
Manager Kuunerutokoro: Hmm...
Manager I Ran Out of Lines to Continue This Joke: Welp, I'm convinced. What a tragic accident that's going down.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 7: The Fierce Battle Begins (Abridged)

Huckle (narrating): Back then, I was like a bird in a cage. Far as I can remember, I've always been raised in the same environment...the only things I knew about the world outside came from my books. My world itself was restricted to the manor, the area around it, and what was in my books.
Huckle: This older man in this book is so cool! He walked the world on his own two feet, never gave up in the face of danger, and went on all sorts of adventures. I want to be like that when I grow up!
Butler: Young Master are you inside Sir's study again?
Huckle: Uhh...!
Huckle (narrating): The butler kept a calm poker face on as he asked me that.
Butler: The man written about in that book is an adventurer from planet Earth. He visits ruins from all over, investigates them, and explains their history. Do not be like him. You are far too rich and important to this planet to do that. We can't have you getting into danger and acting like a barbarian.
Huckle: But...I want to see the outside world.
Butler: ...no.
Huckle (narrating): The book was burned the next day, and they kept other such books away from me as much as they could, no matter how much I hid and secretly read them. In retrospect, I bet my father was trying to limit my choices. I bet he also never realized that just made me want to go outside even more. So once I got older, I ran away from home.

Present
The giant Monster is flailing around screaming, knocking over buildings, and attacking the party.
Mokdai: Oh my god! I'm glad I can see it now, but still!
Akashi: We can't attack like this! My whole attention's full trying to dodge!
Crowne: Lemme try! Maybe if I trace it like I did earlier...Crowne Wrench!
Crowne's attack bounces off, failing to do anything.
Crowne: What the hell!? My analysis isn't working either!
Mokdai: Crowne, it's coming! Get away!
Crowne: Wait wha--WHOA

Sui: ! Crowne!
Barrel: Eat space lead! Space energy! Whatever!
Giant Monster: REEEEEE
Gammei: Your peashooter isn't gonna stop it, idiot! There's another attack coming this way!
Barrel: Augh!
Victom: Our attacks aren't doing anything!
Furlong: Not even a full power water blast helps! What do we do!?
Melide: ...it fully awakened... the air in the city is shaking, and the flow of ether is being churned by the Monster.
Monomasa: Melide, look out!
Melide: Wha--ahh!
Monomasa picks up Melide and jumps away. The Monster crushes the building near where Melide just was.
Ryekie: This is awful.
The Monster keeps wrecking the city, and the central part of the city is totally getting ruined.
MC: Oh no...

Kyoichi: MC...don't look at it too much. It'll only give you pain.
Yoshiori: Yeah. The battlefield isn't the place for sentiments. Still, this is bad.
Crowne: Ow. I'd be dead already if I didn't have my Parallel Weapon. Really, what the hell do we do when nothing's worked!?
Toshu: ...if we keep fighting over here, the city will be further destroyed. It'll bury us in rubble sooner or later.
Shoen: ...in a normal mission, the plan is to aim for the Monster's core.
Exio: Yes. And the giant Monster's core looks like it's somewhere near the Invisible Mountain. So for lack of any better ideas besides getting chipped away like this...we should head over there.
Akashi: Is that even possible!? Didn't someone say no one can go in over there...!?
Melide: Well to be specific they disappeared, so people started believing no one had ever gone in to begin with.
MC: We're going THERE!? / Won't we disappear...?

Yoshiori: You can't worry about that now. The minute we came in here, it was do or die. We either not worry about any dangers and do what we can to beat the big ugly, or all of us get space nuked.
Ryekie: So, we have to gut up? Then the plan is clear! We're going to the Invisible Mountain everybody! We are going to directly attack the core!
There is some hesitation shown by some of the heroes, but in the end everyone agrees and looks determined.
Mokdai: We don't have much time left...! They might drop the HFCM on us while we hesitate! ...MC, will you come with us?
MC: ...yes! / I can't back out later. / We'll be together, wherever that takes us.
Mokdai: ...thanks for being resolved. It's really comforting.

Mokdai: (picks up phone) Hello, Director!? We're going to the Invisible Mountain! We might lose our phone signal, but...!
Huckle: ...I know. Be careful, and come back. I can't do anything but watch, but I won't ever look away. The city's fate is in your hands... good luck!
MC: Yes sir! Bye!
Huckle: Good. Take care of Mr. Ryekie and everyone.
Mochizuki Inn
Huckle looks slightly away from his monitor after the call ends, out the window and at the Monster now visible.
Huckle: ...all I can do is watch. This reminds me of when I was back at that mansion. If I was the way I was before, I could have gone outside and joined them. I could fight by Mr. Ryekie if I was a hero... could those days ever come back? This sucks.

Sometime later
The party has left the city area to go for the Monster's core, heading north through the mountain forest in the northern parts of Central Ward.
Kyoichi: God it's so bumpy! Driver! Isn't there an actual road to drive on!?
Yoshiori: It's Yoshiori, not Driver! And no! Everywhere around the Invisible Mountain is like this! The quickest way up there is this dirt path, so deal with it!
Mokdai: Isn't this like halfway up Mt. Ashitaka? I didn't know there was this much nature here.
Ryekie: Orient City's city area is huge, but building on elevated areas is hard so Raidark left these areas alone while building the city. That's probably why there aren't any real maintained roads out here.
Crowne: Huh, I didn't expect you to know that much about this.
Ryekie: A-are you calling me stupid!? Of course I'd know stuff about the city I protect!

Akashi: I haven't been somewhere like this since elementary school. We should be able to move though safely though.
Sui: Huh? Why?
Furlong: Is it because Monsters stick to urban areas?
Barrel: Oh, that'd explain things. We haven't been attacked at all since we got onto the mountain.
Victom: That can't be it. Orient City is empty right now, and we still got attacked there.
Gammei: Yeah, if anything they'll attack us wherever we are because they'd want to eat us. They still haven't though, so what gives?
MC: Yeah, weird / Maybe the tentacles can't get here?
(B) Gammei: Maybe, but is that really all to it?

Shoen: I sense something.
Toshu: Up here? So, boars or deers?
Shoen: No, wait!
Yoshiori: INCOMING (swerves away from something jumping out from the grass)
MC: AAHHH
Wild jellyfish Monsters appeared!
MC: What are those!?
Akashi: Why are there flying jellyfish!?
Mokdai: I've never seen Monsters like that on Earth before!
Toshu: Begone, new fiends!

Melide: ...! This presence... Exio.
Exio: Yes, these are clearly different from any other Monster we've seen before.
Monomasa: And they are clearly hostile.
Gammei: Nothing's ever easy, is it!?
Barrel: Get ready to fight!
Furlong: ...oh no! Behind us!
More jellyfish Monsters.
Victom: Somehow these things have surrounded us...
Shoen: We are between a rock and a hard place. Or in this case, Monsters and a cliff.
Crowne: So no retreating, and no moving forward without breaking through, huh!?
Ryekie: ...MC, to battle! We can't fall here!
MC: Right! Be careful everyone!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Red Jellyfish: (blobs threateningly)
Barrel: Space Cowboy Gunfire!
Red Jellyfish: (blobs deflatingly)
Barrel: Okay, god! Does it really take a max charged shot to break through? I mean I'm glad we're getting somewhere, but I can't keep it up at this rate!
Gammei: These things are tough AND fast!
Blue Jellyfish: (blobs angrily)
Gammei: Eww these tentacles are gross as all hell! Just die already!
MC: These Monsters are strong...! / Creepy...

Shoen: Oh no, the truck!
Jellyfish: (blobs in vehicular destruction)
Furlong: They're trying to push the truck off the cliff!
Ryekie: I'll take care of it! Justice Chaaarge!
Mokdai: No, wait! Don't charge in all alone...!!
Ryekie: Thunder Daaaash--
Jellyfish: (blobs in bum rush)
Ryekie: AAAGH!
Crowne: Ryekie you idiot!
Sui: Oh no I can't see him under all the jellyfish Monsters!
Akashi: I'll save him!
Red Jellyfish: (blobs in chump block)
Akashi: Dammit, get out of the way!
Ryekie: I'm good, this is all according to plan! Step back everyone! SUPREME THUNDER!

A bright light starts shining from Ryekie.
Toshu: W-what? He couldn't be...!
Yoshiori: ...crap, hit the deck people!
Everyone drops to the ground.
Jellyfish: (blobs in truck explosion)
The wrecked truck falls over, and the Monster remains scatter and fade.
MC: I'M GETTING BLOWN AWAY!
Meanwhile at the Mochizuki Inn
Huckle: !! Mr. Ryekie!

Mountain path
Kyoichi: Oh my god that was insane!
Jellyfish: (blobs in melting)
Shoen: They're leaving? Are they afraid of what just happened?
Gammei: Who knows if Monsters have sentience.
Monomasa: Where is Justice...?
Melide: ...there!
Ryekie: Urgh...
Ryekie had fallen down along with the truck.
MC: Justice! / Ryekie!

Victom: Super move! Victom Rescue! (flings rope down and safely pulls Ryekie back up to the party)
Ryekie: Sorry Victom...ow...
MC: Ryekie are you okay!?
Ryekie: Ha ha... I really overdid it, but I'm still okay.
Exio: You really are crazy. You may have a Parallel Weapon protecting you, but if you messed up an attack like that you could easily have blown off your own limbs. Don't you care about your body?
Ryekie: Ha. I've always been this crazy. That's why I'm so tough now.
MC: That's still too much even with how strong you are! / Please take better care of yourself! / I'll be sad if you die
Ryekie: ...MC... (awkwardly smiles and brushes MC's face)
Ryekie: Sorry to worry you... but, you know? This reminds me of how Huckle did the same thing while he was a hero.
Quick aside at Mochizuki Inn
Huckle: ...Mr. Ryekie...

Mokdai: ...Justice, the director isn't here now. There isn't anyone else who can stop you directly, so...
Ryekie: Yeah... I know. I'll be careful with myself. Sorry everyone.
Kyoichi: I'm glad you're okay, but we lost the truck... so, what now? It's still a long way to go to reach the Invisible Mountain.
Yoshiori: ...we have to walk. Get moving, or it'll get dark out.
Shoen: ...what?
Yoshiori: You all got legs your mommies and daddies gave you. Put one foot in front of the other.
Toshu: ...of course it comes down to this.

Monomasa: Melide, I'll piggyback you. It's a long journey to be walking.
Melide: Okay, thank you.
Exio: Don't you think that's a bit much, Monomasa?
Barrel: MC, you okay? How about I carry you on my back?
Akashi: Wait what!? Don't spoil them so much! Why don't I carry them then!?
Barrel: W-what!? Why are you volunteering for that!?
Sui: Akashi maybe this a bit too honest of you?
Mokdai: Now now, Akashi being surprisingly open can be good too...
Crowne: Haha, sweet baby. I'm feeling more relaxed now.

Mochizuki Inn for more than five seconds now
Huckle: (sighs and looks away from the livestream) Wasn't the battle just now really dangerous...? He really is pushing himself too much...but...
Flashback
Ryekie: Man, Huckle would save my butt and lecture my ear off back when he was a hero too.
End flashback
Huckle: Oh...right. When that happened I'd give him some straight advice. We fought a few times because of that...didn't we? But that was something I could do because I was a hero too. (looks sadly at the monitor)
Huckle: Now that I became an Observer and then lost even that...I can't do anything at all. Isn't there...anything I could do?

Door knocking.
Huckle: ...who's that? It's open.
Enter Sadayoshi.
Sadayoshi: ...pardon my interruption, Director Huckle.
Huckle: YOU! (gets in the defensive)
Sadayoshi: I came by myself. I'm not here to arrest you.
Huckle: ...so why are you here then? Our heroes are fighting in the city you people have locked down.
Sadayoshi: (looking restless and apologetic) ...I came to talk about something related to that. I wanted to consult and propose something to you.
Huckle: What?
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 6: Dreaming Maiden (Abridged)

Crowne Alter: Die assholes, die!
Monster Procy: Graah!
Akashi: Whoa! These things are fast!
Ryekie: Guess we should expect as much from a Monster mimicking Procy!
Mokdai: Our attacks are working! Look!
Monster Gomeisa is experiencing high server load. Please try again later.
Toshu: Sword Samurai X!
Monster Gomeisa: REEEEEE (falls over)
Shoen: Is it dead yet?
Monster Gomeisa: BeeEEeeeEeeP
Kyoichi: ...nope!

Crowne Alter: Move you goddamn piece of shit! (holds a hand towards the Monster and shoots a light at it)
Monster Gomeisa: BwOoOOP
Crowne Alter: (hit with a backlash that causes them to seize up) The consequences of my own actions!
MC: What just happened!?
Melide: They sent power to the Monster, or more accurately fixed its damage. By using themselves as a key to open the Path, they also tie the Monster's body to hyperspace. However, the Monster looks like it can't withstand it, so the power starts leaking out like water poured into a broken glass.

Barrel: Didn't that Monster eat all the guards here?
Furlong: Does that mean...it didn't actually do that?
Monomasa: ...to be precise, what Monsters use as energy is the amount of Cognition the people and things they eat have. However, it takes a large amount of energy for them to trace and hold the form of specific people. Keeping a steady supply of energy requires the Monster to both feed and the power of an Observer. If the Observer is unstable, then the form will collapse soon after.
Victom: So it's already falling apart.
Exio: Yes, and the power that couldn't be sent to it rebounds on the Observer. If the balance between the width of the Path, the energy being sent through, and the Observer's control is disrupted, the Observer themselves could get swallowed up by the Path. If that isn't addressed, only the Path will remain.

Gammei: What does that mean?
Exio: It would be the same as a spaceship having a hole punched in it while out in space. So, a black hole that sucks everything into it.
MC: OH NO
Crowne Alter: Move, you...goddamn...PIECE OF SHIT
Monster Gomeisa: SCREEEEE
Crowne Alter: AAAAAHHHHH
MC: Stooop!

Crowne: ...this bitch...
Sui: Wait, what? Crowne!?
Crowne Alter: Shut the fuck up! Nobody orders me around! I decide how my life goes! I hate you more than I hate myself, so I'll never...what?
Crowne: ...just stop.
MC: No Crowne get away from them!
Crowne Alter: ...what? Did you come to get your dumb ass ganked by me?
Crowne: ...you lost your dream and any way to validate yourself. You're lashing out, despairing because of that, right?

Crowne Alter: SHUT UP YOU DON'T KNOW ME
Crowne: I'm you and you're me, so I have an idea. I know if things were different, I could've been you. It was back then, at that one time. Wasn't it?
Crowne Alter: ...and what if it was, dipshit? You saying you sympathize? Shove it up your ass! You don't have much of a dream anymore either!
Crowne: ...I do actually.
Crowne Alter: ...what?

Crowne: It's so ironic that you're the reason I remembered what it is. I thought about why you existed, and that made me realize I still have a dream. I never lost it to begin with. I just had no one to understand it, so I shut it away instead.
Crowne Alter: Shut up. Shut up shut up shut up! YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP WE DON'T HAVE A DREAM! DON'T YOU TALK ABOUT THE DREAM I HAD AS A GIRL!
Crowne Alter throws themselves at Crowne.
Crowne: !!
Mokdai: No! Mokdai Block! (knocks Crowne Alter away, then scoops up Crowne and carries her back to where MC is)
Mokdai: That was crazy!
MC: What were you thinking!?

Crowne: ...sorry, I just wanted to check something. I know what I need to do now.
Mokdai: What's that?
Crowne: I need to finish what "I" started. I have to tell them something. That I have a dream, and that I'll keep their memory with me. It's something I have worth fighting for.
Phone: BEEP BEEP New Path detected. Subject: Crowne Strength: Very High
MC: !
Crowne: MC. You asked me the other night about whether I had a dream. I couldn't give you an answer then since I had lost sight of it myself. I gave up on it. I had a professor who understood my dream and helped me, which did move me along to where I wanted to go. At the time, all I could see was that I could just get myself a job. I felt stupid talking about my dream, so I lost sight of it and just shut up and went to work. Now though, I can give a clear answer. I want to be the world's best engineer.
Phone shines brighter
Crowne: It doesn't matter if people think it's kiddie or unfeminine! It doesn't matter if it's hard or the world is unfair! I am who I am, and I'm gonna get past it all to make it happen!
Phone: Connect Path?
MC: Let's do it! Execute!

A light covers Crowne.
Crowne Alter: Wait what!?
Ryekie: Crowne's transforming!?
Mokdai: The dream Crowne remembered is creating a suit!
The light finishes in a flash.
Crowne: Is this my...!?
MC: Awesome! You're a hero now!
Barrel: Oh my god we're playing the new hero card!?
Crowne: Wait wait, I don't know how to use thi--
Crowne Alter: WHAT THE HELL MAN

Crowne Alter: ShutupshutupshutupSHUTUP! You gonna deny my reason for being!? I...you had your dreams crushed! There was nothing left, so the only way there was to live was by destroying everything else! That's the kind of person you are!
Crowne: ...
Crowne Alter: If you manage to transform despite all that, what the hell does that make ME!? How am I supposed to live anymore!? Your bitch ass dies right now! (starts pouring more power into Monster Gomeisa and Monster Procy)
The Monsters start making sounds like cracking glass, and a Monster with even greater threatening presence is created.
Crowne Alter: AAAUGH!
A dark light covers Crowne Alter as their robo arms start shattering to pieces.

Melide: Oh no! The Path is going out of control!
Exio: So they don't care if they die anymore...
Furlong: This is crazy! The Monster is powering up!
Yoshiori: Thanks Captain Obvious! They're trying to end it all here!
Monomasa: The only thing left we can do is stop them completely...
Akashi: But how?
Toshu: We can't talk it out, so there's only one option.
Kyoichi: ...we have to kill them, huh?

Mokdai: W-what!? B-but that's still a version of Crowne!
Ryekie: I don't want to do it either, but...!
Crowne: Don't worry. I'll handle it. So please...help me get them to listen. Can you let me do this?
MC: ...okay. Be careful!
Crowne: ...thanks. Let's do this! I'll have to learn how to use my weapon under pressure, but I get the feeling we can do this!
Monsters: SCREEEEE
Sui: Here they come!
Shoen: This is where we stand firm the most!
Victom: We still have the giant one to deal with, but we can't cut corners here!
Over at the Invisible Mountain, the giant Monster shifts and stirs its many eyes like its noticed a giant path has opened.
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

Crowne: I'll take your hammer apart!
Monster Procy: REEEEE
Crowne hits Monster Procy's hammer with her wrench, causing it to unravel like strings.
Barrel: Nice! Now that it's open...
Akashi: It can't block our attacks anymore!
Monster Procy is filled with holes because of bullets and fireballs.
Mokdai: Sorry Procy! Super Mokdai Punch!
Monster Procy: Bwoooh (shatters into light)
MC: You did it!

Kyoichi: Alright! One down!
Shoen: And one to go!
Crowne Alter: Eat shit assholes!
Crowne: I see...my weapon has the power to analyze and take weapons apart! Suits me just fine!
Monster Gomeisa: GeeGEgegeGE
Yoshiori: Dammit this one's still pretty tough!
Monomasa: We should be able to finish this in one last push, but...!
Furlong: It's using the leaves around to shield itself!
Toshu: Its last struggles!
Ryekie: Crowne, can you stop it!?
Crowne: What!? No! I said it works on weapons, not lea--
Crowne's goggles start streaming info to her.
Crowne: Wait, what?

Sui: Crowne, what's going on?
Crowne: Okay we can do this! I'll need someone to stop it from moving for a second, but if it works I can destroy the Monster's whole body!
Gammei: What does that mean!?
Crowne: No time to explain, just shut up and do it!
Victom: That's crazy! But we have to do it then! Gammei, help me out!
Gammei: Alright! I'm worried about having just us two do it so...you, girlie!
Sui: M-me!? ...okay then, I'll help!

Sui: I hope this works! Needle Sewing!
Gammei: Hold still! Super Handcuffs!
Victom: This isn't supposed to be how it’s used but it should do something! Rope Binding!
Monster Gomeisa: REEEEE
Shield down!
Sui: I can't hold it for long!
Victom: Me neither! It'll break out in a few seconds!
Gammei: Go for it, lady!
Crowne: Leave it to me! MC, I'm gonna finish it!
MC: Wait what, you're gonna use your super move in your first ever fight!?
Crowne: It'll be fine! Believe in me!
MC: ...okay! Go for it!

VP Charged Wrench glows with a golden light.
Crowne: This is one way I can fight! Wrench Tiiiime! (bonks)
Monster Gomeisa: SKREEEE (shatters into light)
Ryekie: Whoa, was that Crowne's super move!?
Mokdai: Wow she really did one-shot it!
Akashi: Yeah, we win!
Crowne Alter: Ah, ahh... (stands stock still)
Crowne: ... (walks over, frowning)

Crowne Alter: ...what? Laugh it up bitch.
Crowne: No, I came to tell you something: Relax. I remember my dream. I'll go get the happiness you couldn't reach in your place
Crowne Alter: ...! (falls to knees)
Barrel: So, case closed then? Shouldn't we arrest them, Detective?
Gammei: (shrug) They're a parallel world version of someone. Sure they did crimes, but I dunno if our own laws can apply to them.
Suddenly...
Akashi: Earthquake!
Mokdai: Oh no, is it the giant Monster!?
Giant Monster: SHRIEEEEEK

Ryekie: What was that noise just now!?
Kyoichi: Oh my god it was so loud I could feel it shaking my stomach! Was that...!?
MC: Wait you guys can hear it now!?
Melide: Exio, does this mean...?
Exio: The heroes can hear it now. The time has come.
Monomasa: Another earthquake is coming!
A giant tentacle pops out of the ground.
Crowne Alter: WHAT
Crowne: Aah!
Crowne Alter: Oh, what the SHIT! BARF! (poofs into light and gets absorbed)
MC: AAH!
Crowne: !
The tentacle shakes and crawls towards the party as another loud roar is unleashed.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 5: Silent City (Abridged)

Merc Green: Surrender, or else!
Yoshiori: Or else what!? BANG
Merc Green: Aaah!
Yoshiori: Weakling! You'd die in a REAL battle!
Monomasa: I'll handle this. Yoshiori, get the thing.
Yoshiori: Okay, I'm off to get the thing! Kick some ass!
Monomasa: I got it. Monomasa Whip!
Merc Red: Augh!

Barrel: Whoo, these villains sure are tough.
Gammei: Strange times. We can't keep losing, Barrel!
Ryekie: Yeah! We're pro heroes!
Barrel: Right! We gotta show our stuff too!
Kyoichi: Yeaaah, that's kinda not happening here!
Toshu: Stop being a wimp. Samurai Swing!
Merc Yellow: Aahh!
Kyoichi: T-thanks Toshu...
Toshu: Hmph. A samurai does not turn tail and run at the first sign of trouble.
Kyoichi: But I'm not a samurai
Toshu: STOP RUINING THE MOMENT I'M TRYING TO BE COOL
Shoen: We have the upper hand now. Think we can break through if we keep it up?
Victom: We can't let our guards down. They still outnumber us.
Shoen: Agreed. Stay sharp and look out for an opportunity.

Merc Blue: This isn't working! I better go for the noncombatants!
Crowne: WAIT WHAT
MC: HELP
Sui: Think again!
Mokdai: Knew it! Mokdai Punch!
Merc Blue: Wha--AAAH
Melide: Are these people really the nation's defenders?
Exio: I mean, there's a reason "if you want to defeat a general, shoot his horse" is military wisdom. We've got that covered though.

Sadayoshi: How are we being pushed back despite the numbers advantage!? Well I didn't want to use stronger moves against citizens, but--
Akashi: Gee, thanks for holding back!
Sadayoshi: !! (barely grazes Akashi's attack and starts soloing him)
Sadayoshi: We can still be lenient! Stand down, and I will lighten your punishment!
Akashi: Piss off! You'd still be treating us as in the wrong anyway!
Sadayoshi: Why won't you agree to our plan to sacrifice a megalopolis to save the rest of the people!?
Akashi: Why in hell would we agree to not be part of the people you'd be saving!? (charges in)
Akashi: You said Orient City's your home! Do you seriously not want to save it!?
Sadayoshi: Of course not! It's where the people and the places I love are! But when I thought about the whole country, there wasn't any other option!
Akashi: SO!? Are they holding you at gunpoint to agree!? Have we not beaten in the point that you have a personal opinion on this to death yet!?
Sadayoshi: !!
Akashi: An opening! (bashes Sadayoshi away)
Merc Red: Colonel! ...ah!
Yoshiori (driving a huge truck into the area): Beep beep, outta the way assholes! Now get in losers, we're getting out of here!
MC: Okay! / I'm scared of sitting in the rack! / Ooh, breezy!
(B) Yoshiori: It's cool, I'll go as safe as I can!
(C): Yoshiori: Ha ha, you're funny.

Barrel: (gasps) Truck rack riding is illegal!
Yoshiori: Bitch, they are going to arrest you!
Gammei: ...Barrel, get in! I'll allow it and look the other way!
Barrel: W-well...okay!
Ryekie: Hey, you better drive safely alright!? Especially so the non-heroes don't get thrown out!
Yoshiori: Yeah, yeah I know! Are you guys in yet!? We're going on ahead!
Sadayoshi: ...w-wait! Ugh...
Crowne: (frown)
Yoshiori floors the gas. Those who lived within defined lines watched with mixed emotions as those who refused to be boxed in zoom off. In moments, the party disappears into the distance.
Merc Red: Damn them! Colonel, aren't we going after them!? Your orders!
Sadayoshi: ... (destransforms and stares at his hands)
Merc Red: ...Colonel?
Sadayoshi: ...what I want to protect. My own feelings...the people and city I love...

Over with the party
Yoshiori drives the truck north up the highway, closer and closer to the quarantine borders.
Ryekie: ...oh. So you hid out near the quarantine borders to patch up and had Yoshiori gather information?
Exio: I'll just say it's nice to have a good doctor as a customer. It's how I stayed alive. It's better than that one time I took even worse injuries and couldn't get treated.
Monomasa: Yoshiori has scouting experience from when he was part of his homeland's army, plus he has his special Presence Concealment vs. non-heroes and non-Observers. It's not that hard for him to go get information from the National Defense Department hidden areas.

Barrel: Honestly I thought the Invisible Soldier was an urban legend, but I never thought I'd work with him like this...
Kyoichi: Is it really okay for you to show a secret like that since we're usually enemies?
Yoshiori: You'll figure it out sooner or later if we're working together. We might as well tell you ourselves then.
Toshu: He makes sense. We're currently going rogue against the state as things are.
Gammei: So you were bluffing about having spies earlier?
Melide: ...no. We gained information by gradually taking strategic steps. It's just...we also wanted some insurance.

Shoen: So you sent him in to get conclusive evidence?
Furlong: Does that mean there really are villain agents in the upper government levels?
Victom: It happens with groups that big, especially ones that keep kicking each other down.
Sui: We live in a world where we go up by playing dirty against each other? This sucks.
Exio: That's not limited to politics. Disputes like that happen in any setting where social status and honor are things. Greed knows no bounds.
Mokdai: ...huh?
MC: What's up? / Something about the conversation hit you?
(B): Mokdai: Oh, no! It's not to do with what we're talking about now.

Mokdai: I was thinking something felt up for a little while. Don't you think it's weird we got this close even with all that noise we made earlier? Like, it wouldn't be weird for people to chase us or border guards to come attack, but I haven't seen them or any normal people at all.
Yoshiori: ...yeah it's weird to me too. It doesn't even seem like people are watching us to see what happens. It's too quiet. Get ready for anything happening.
Akashi: Like that giant monster?
Yoshiori: Dunno. Just be ready to fight.
Crowne: Urgh... (grabs the back of her neck)
MC: Crowne?
Crowne: I've been getting the chills just now. I don't think it's just my imagination... (looks towards the city)
Crowne: ...it must be them.
Exio: ...

Later, when the party reaches the city with no issues
Akashi: ...we're here. That was anticlimactic.
Mokdai: No one was at the gates. Creepy...
Sui: ...I get the feeling someone's watching.
Ryekie: You've gotten sharper, Sui. That means you're picking up hero skills too. And this isn't just anyone watching us. It's someone who wants to kill us.
Crowne: ...! Here it comes!
Ryekie: Justice Rock Throw!

Ryekie knocks down a spear that stabs into the ground by Crowne instead.
Melide: ! That's the same spear that stabbed Exio!
???: HAHAHAHA!
MC: WHOMST
Crowne Alter walks out.
Crowne Alter: FINALLY you shits are here!
Crowne: YOU
Exio: So the weird chills Crowne felt was because of getting closer to someone with her same existence.
MC: So, that really is Crowne's...?

Crowne Alter: Did you finally figure it out, dumbass? Yeah I'm Crowne Applefield, a what-if version of that dumb bitch over there.
Crowne: !!!
Barrel: What!? Why are you here then!?
Furlong: We can use our Parallel Weapons because they come from parallel what-if worlds, but...!
Victom: I've never heard of anyone actually coming from a parallel world!
Crowne Alter: That's 'cuz I'm special, jackass. There's barely any Observers capable of what I can do, aside from MC over there. Assface up there really likes you for some reason, always nagging me about how you're the only one I can't kill. Now look at me and tell me if it looks like I give a shit. You piss me off and that's all the goddamn reason I need to murder your ass!
MC: OH NO
Crowne Alter: Don't think you're alone. There's also Exio and Bitchtits over there on my hit list too. Actually you know what? Fucking everyone who wouldn't let me be me can kiss their asses goodbye!

Crowne Alter starts cackling as dark light shines around their arms. When they wave their arms out, a familiar sensation fills you as a familiar silhouette appears.
MC: There's Monster Procy and Monster Gomeisa now!
Gammei: Why are they there!?
Ryekie: That's not actually them! They're just Monsters that look like them.
Mokdai: But we struggled when it was just Monster Procy!
Melide: There may be more of them, but look closer.
Monster Procy and Gomeisa: Bzsz Wehrrr (flicker)

Monomasa: Are they weakening?
Sui: ...it feels the same as when we faced my mother.
Crowne Alter: Do you guys know how long I had to wait for your stupid faces to show up? But now you finally are! You're all gonna die!
Exio: It looks like...the Monster and parallel world paths are wavering. It's likely because of the other Crowne's wavering heart.
MC: What?
Exio: A Path's stability is highly influenced by an Observer's mental state. Mental exhaustion and instability on their part leads to the path being unstable as well, along with dragging down the power of Heroes and Monsters.
Melide: ...if they came here the same way Monsters do, they can't leave the city. Moving too far from their exit point weakens their existence. They must have waited here and called over Monsters in the meantime and kept the path open, which would've sapped their energy the whole time.

Toshu: They want to kill us that badly?
Shoen: Or in other words, they cut at their heart for that goal...
Kyoichi: ...wait. Are they why there aren't any guards around!?
Akashi: Oh my god, that's awful!
Crowne Alter: Awful? YOU guys are the awful ones here! Do you know how much effort it takes to reject Mister Broke Ass's calls!? Whatever! Hurry up and transform already since I apparently want to see a fight!
Ryekie: There's no other way out of this. MC, transform us!
MC: Right! Execute!
The party transforms.
Crowne Alter: Hahaha! The worm brigade is all here! I'mma crush and stomp every last one of you, and then I'mma rip and tear my other self with my own goddamn hands! EVERY ONE OF YOU SHITHEADS DIE RIGHT HERE!
Monster Procy and Gomeisa: Rrgh. Argh.
Crowne: Bitch!
Meanwhile in Space
Broker: ...it's finally started. Ridiculous. A lot of effort went into that one but it's time to write them off. Oh well. Disposal time.
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 4: The Marionettes (Abridged)

Sadayoshi (narrating): I don't remember how I became part of the Ikusabata family. When I was old enough to understand what was happening, I was given the name of Sadayoshi and raised as the heir of the famous Ikusabata family.
Flashback
Ikusabata Patriarch: USELESS excuse for a soldier. If you want to be a REAL Ikusabata and loyal to glorious Japan, you must remember that your will is less important than your orders. Your opinion is less important than the country. Get rid of your friends who talked you into breaking curfew. But politely!
Sadayoshi: ...yes Father.

Sadayoshi (narrating): I was raised to be obedient to my father's orders, and I became a soldier like they wished. I learned martial arts, became a hero, went through many battles, and attained a position that wouldn't embarrass the family. But when I was younger...an evil thought asked if it really was okay for my life to turn out this way. Was the soldier I was raised as actually who I really am?
Sadayoshi (narrating): That thought disappeared when the people I saved smiled and thanked me. Validation for fulfilling the expectations set on me. It made me realize that saving the people and cities I love is my duty as a soldier and my reason for living as a person.

Present
Sadayoshi: Soldier Punch!
Sui: Ahh!
Akashi: Damn he's strong!
Ryekie: You two! Urgh, we really are at a disadvantage!
MC: Justice, behind you!
Ryekie: Wha--ah! *(punched right at the back of the head and falls)*
Huckle: Ahh! Mr. Ryekie!
Kyoichi: Dammit...total wipeout.
MC: Oh no, we lost!

Mob A: ...Colonel, all targets subdued.
Sadayoshi: Good work. Put all the heroes and Operators except for one of them onto the watch list, then move them to the observation center.
Mob A: Yes sir.
The military group start arresting the party.
Mob B: You too. Hands in front.
Crowne: M-me!? Why!?
Mob B: Someone who looks like you was spotted at the attack last week illegally opening Paths. You are to be added to the government watch list and detained as a possible person of interest.
Crowne: T-that's not...umm... (gives in)

Mob A: ...you too, arms in front. Resistance is useless.
MC: ... (handcuffed)
Sadayoshi: Unfortunately, since you all tried to break into a restricted area you will all be held inside an observation center. Please understand.
Akashi: NO! Let go dammit!
Sui: ...
Akashi gets shoved into the prison bus they have.
Mob A: ...your turn. Please get in.
MC: Dammit...

Huckle: Wait, please!
Sadayoshi: Mister Huckle. You are not marked for observation or detention. The only people to be put into custody are those who fought in this battle and Ms. Crowne. Since you didn't fight here as an Observer, you have been exempted from arrest.
Huckle: Never mind me!  Your reasons for arresting everyone else is unacceptable! This cannot be how this country's government acts!
Sadayoshi (struggling to say so): ...they have already decided upon it.
Sadayoshi turns and boards the bus, then locks the door before it drives away.
Huckle: No! (bites lips in frustration at his powerlessness)

Later
The prison bus is driving through the suburban streets of Orient City, and a sign says it's another 10 km to the lockdown border.
Victom: We left the southern ward rather fast. It looks like we're heading to the metropolitan area.
Akashi: But that's not where we wanna go! Dammit, I can't get out of this!
Ryekie: The bus is blocking electric signals. I can't call Huckle.
Barrel: (sigh) I can't believe I'm the one in cuffs this time. As a policeman this sucks.
Furlong: Where ARE they taking us? I heard observation center but...
Gammei: I bet we're detouring around the lockdown area to the holding area in the eastern ward. They got all the newest gear there and can block off all electric signals from outside. Perfect for holding heroes and Observers.
Mokdai: We're being treated like criminals...
Sui: Aren't we criminals now? To them at least...
Shoen: How regrettable that we cannot save the city...
Toshu: Is this how it ends...?

Crowne: ... (slightly shivering)
MC: Crowne? Are you cold?
Crowne: ...nah. It's just...I've been getting chills for some reason now. Bugs? No, wait. It's getting stronger the closer we get to town. What's going on?
Sudden bus shaking and brakes!
Ryekie: OH WHAT
Akashi: MOKDAI GET OFF OF ME
Mokdai: S-sorry, it was the sudden brakes!
Gammei: Ow. What happened?
Victom: Was that...an earthquake?
The bus shakes again like before. Soldiers outside are yelling something.
MC: I hear yelling but I can't hear through the windows being so thick.

Barrel: I hear yelling and...gunshots?
Furlong: Did Monsters show up? There was that earthquake.
Knocks come from the back of the bus.
Familiar Violent Voice: Get away from the door!
MC: This voice! / Who
Kyoichi: MC, get away from there! (pulls MC into a protective hug away from the door)
A bright light covers the bus door. Then...
BOOM
Akashi: OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED
Crowne: (coughs) W-was that an explosion!?
Yoshiori walks through the smoke.
Yoshiori: Sup punks. You in trouble?
MC: Yoshiori! / Yay, it's Yoshiori!
(B) Yoshiori: WHAT DON'T JUMP AT ME, LEGGO

Sui: Y-Yoshiori!? Why are you here!?
Akashi: And actually, where have you been!? How's Exio!?
Gammei: Hey isn't that the guy who
Yoshiori: Talk later! Time to cut everyone's cuffs!
Everyone gets out after Yoshori destroys the cuffs, and outside they find...
Melide: MC. I'm glad you're alive.
Monomasa: Sorry we couldn't give you a proper goodbye earlier.
MC: Melide! Monomasa! You guys!
Yoshiori: Don't forget about this guy. (walks back lending his shoulder to...)
Exio: Hi. I came to save the day.
MC: Exio!

Crowne: You're alive!
Exio: Yes, but not totally okay. Enough to not slow everyone down though.
Exio has a bandage wrap on and is holding where Crowne Alter stabbed him.
Sui: I actually think it's amazing you can move even though it hasn't been a week yet.
Barrel: Are you guys the villains Akashi and the others talked about? Why'd you come save us?
Yoshiori: Because you guys sucked so bad we had to do something.
Melide: No Yoshiori, that's not it.
Monomasa: We both want to stop the giant Monster at the Invisible Mountain and stop that one Observer, so working together would be better.
Exio: Yes, that. We aren't here to make you guys owe us, so relax.

Toshu: ...MC, is it okay to trust them?
Kyoichi: Y-yeah I'm worried if there's any strings attached too.
MC: Yep. Maybe. I know they're shady...
Mokdai: Monomasa is right that we have the same goals. We worked with them when the Monster was half awake, but I don't think they're lying. It should be okay.
Ryekie: They're villains, but they're legit strong!
Victom: ...okay. Feels weird to work with villains.
Furlong: But it's true it's comforting to have more people around!
Shoen: Umu. I agree with temporarily aligning with them. We don't have much time to argue the point anyway.

Yoshiori: I just kicked all their asses and they're back for more already. That was fast.
Monomasa: Their boss is here too. We should be careful.
The mobs surround the party again. Sadayoshi slips forward.
Sadayoshi: A new risk factor to consider? You must be highly trained to push us back so far. Why do you oppose us? What is your goal?
Exio: Our goal's the same as these heroes, so of course we'd help them. Also, I have something I need to make sure of, so I can't let you stop them here.
MC: What?

Sadayoshi: ...you would obstruct an operation that would save a majority of the nation's citizens for a personal goal? I must say that sounds highly foolish.
Yoshiori: Ha. So dropping the HFCM space nuke is the sMaRT choice?
Sadayoshi: !! How did you know?
Monomasa: What's foolish is thinking you have no traitors in your midst. We know what your plans are.
Exio: Wanna check out my client list sometime? It's in the lockdown area buried under rubble.
Sadayoshi: ...

Monomasa: Blowing up the city along with the Monster for lack of better ideas is the planning of a child. You honestly agreed to that?
Sadayoshi: ...because we have no alternatives.
Monomasa: I'm not talking about a lack of options. I'm asking if you truly agree with your current plan.
Sadayoshi: ...it is unfortunate. The decision will not be overturned.
Yoshiori: Stop avoiding the question, hot shot!
Sadayoshi: ... (grinds teeth in frustration)

Akashi: You really don't, do you? We all saw you slipping up and showing your personal feelings yesterday.
Flashback
Sadayoshi: ...Orient City is my hometown, and I do not want to lose it. There are many parts to this operation I have difficulty accepting. The National Defense Department attacking a part of its own country is getting its priorities skewed to the utmost!
Present
MC: That's how you really feel, right?
Sadayoshi: ...I also said the plan wouldn't be reversed. There's nothing to be done about how destroying the city will save even more people. On that part...I agree.

Crowne: ...you're such a yes-man.
Sadayoshi: Of course I am. I must give all of myself for this nation's people. I must always...obey my superior's orders. That was how I was raised.
Monomasa: ...that sounds like the life Monomasa lived. He was tired of such a life and withdrew while you accepted it. Such opposites. That must be why Monomasa hates you so much.
Crowne: Sure, there are people who'd choose that life for themselves. I won't deny that, but it sounds like we're never gonna see eye to eye.
Sadayoshi: ...how regrettable it is to be disliked in this way. But that is the reason I cannot forsake my duty. (transforms)

Sadayoshi: We will put you all under surveillance. Prepare yourselves.
Kyoichi: Get bent! We're gonna carry out our own justice!
Toshu: Know that there are those of us who cannot obey you as we have found a worthy cause to support!
Shoen: Rivals teaming up, or being in the same boat, as they say?
Furlong: This time we're gonna win!
Victom: It's not about winning. It's about how we can't let ourselves lose here!
Barrel: We'll be back at square one if we get caught. We have to break through!
Gammei: Get ready, guys!
Ryekie: The goal is to cut our way through!
Sui: Okay! We just need to shake them off!
Mokdai: They have more power on their side...but I don't want to give up!
Akashi: Yeah! MC, suit us all up so we can bust on over!
MC: Right! Execute!
Exio: I'll help too. Melide, can you lend a hand?
Melide: Okay. If we're just trying to get past, I can try harder too.
The party transforms.
Yoshiori: Alright! Hey, general! Lemme introduce my fist to your face!
Monomasa: I won't let you have your way. Let's go.
Sadayoshi: You took the words out of my mouth. All hands, engage!
BATTLE START