Live A Hero The Knight and Ruins Adventure Episode 8 (Abridged)

 (Oh right I’ve forgotten if the title card pops up anywhere. Title is Triumphant Return) 

Akashi: Suck it! (whacks monster) 

Soldier: It's recoiling! Unit 3, advance! 

Soldier: Attaaack! 

The monster slowly weakens in the face of being cut a thousand times. 

Marfik: It's weakening! But... 

The monster is still regenerating slowly. 

Rutilix: Still gonna be a while before we can finally kill it. But wow this power. Is this what that 'laibustreem' thing you guys talk about does?

 

Akashi: Dammit I guess we do have to go for the core. But where is it!? 

Marfik: And it's so big, so we have to use our strongest attacks on one point to even break through 

Rutilix: The king could have done something here... 

MC: (starts hearing keening sound) wait what 

Rutilix: If only we had some convenient way of knowing where to hit it! 

The keening sound is coming from somewhere in the monster's upper body. 

MC: is this sound a clue? (squints at monster)  

Eagle Observer Vision activate! 

MC: WAIT WHAT 

The monster looks like it's glowing blue. But it's not a solid coloring as it's colored darker in its upper half. 

MC: maybe we have to shoot over there? 

Akashi: MC why are you staring at the monster? 

Rutilix: wait you know where the king is!? 

MC: m-maybe? 

Marfik: Hmm. So there are abilities Observers can have that are unknown. But anyways where is he? 

MC: uh, somewhere over there! Can't tell where specifically yet! 

Akashi: that's p vague. maybe you need to get closer? 

Rutilix: in that case...Baraka! 

Akashi: OMG it's the flying dragon again! Wait are you-- 

Rutilix: Akashi, Marfik, please take care of the soldiers on the ground! I'm gonna borrow MC for a while. MC come here! 

MC: uh okay! / see you guys later / yaaay!

 

Akashi: wait you WHAT 

Marfik: I'm coming too actually! 

Rutilix: wait WHAT 

Marfik: you expect to break through on your own? Having more people would be better! 

Rutilix: w-well...okay then! 

Akashi: YOU GUYS ARE DITCHING ME DOWN HERE!? Ugh, you be careful MC! 

MC: Okay! Take care of the ground soldiers! 

Akashi: I got it! 

The three of you fly up to a point where you can clearly see the monster's chest area. 

MC: I can see now! Over there! 

Rutilix: Baraka, fly us over there! 

Rutilix: ...! 

Marfik: Rutilix you're shaking 

Rutilix: I-I'm okay! Right, I have to do this! 

Rutilix shudders, is breathing hard, and curls his tail between his legs. 

MC: scared? / nervous? 

(B for some reason) Rutilix: I-I'm not scared...! But...

 

Rutilix: I guess I AM nervous. Can I really save the king and not mess up? 

Marfik: Rutilix... 

MC: (hold his hand) / (hug him from behind) / (tell him it's okay) 

(A)(C) Rutilix: ...! MC... 

(B) Rutilix: !? 

Marfik: how bold! 

Rutilix: ... 

Rutilix: thank you, I've calmed down a little 

Marfik: you can do it when you're calm. That's what the king said, so just focus on doing what you're here for. We're here too! 

Rutilix: ...right! here I go! (pulls out sword) 

The flying dragon flies in closer to the monster 

Marfik: wait is this the closest we can get? What's going on Rutilix!? 

Rutilix: I'm jumping! We're close enough for that! 

Marfik: oh. MC and me too then! 

MC: wait me too!? I'm not sure about this!

 

Marfik: I'll carry you on my back. Marfik, super jump away! 

Rutilix: let's go! 

MC: (Eagle Observer Vision activate) over there! 

Rutilix: right! (charges sword) ultimate move! 

Monster: SCREEEE 

Rutilix: god it's tough! 

Marfik: We're helping too! 

MC: right! keep going! 

Marfik: (stabs shovel at same point sword is stabbing at) 

MC: (happens to bump into Rutilix) 

Rutilix: !? My sword is powering up! What did you do to me!? 

MC: I dunno! Focus! 

Marfik: Welp MC you sure are unique as an Observer. Who knows what you'll do next? Anyways, let's break on through Rutilix! 

Rutilix: Right! Raaaah! 

Monster: !? 

Rutilix: EAT IT FREAK!!! 

Monster: !?!?!?!?  

Smash 

Soldier: what!? 

Akashi: did they do it!?

 

MC, Marfik, and Rutilix lose their footing and fall into the hole Rutilix made. 

Soldier: the monster is falling down! 

The hole starts spreading, and the monster's body starts collapsing. 

Rutilix: There! The king! (reaches for and grabs Alphecca into a hug) 

Marfik: oh no we're falling! grab onto me MC! 

MC: what!? but what about them!? 

MC and Marfik fall out of the hole faster than MC can ask. 

Marfik: (uses his body as a cushion for MC as the two land) 

Akashi: are you okay MC!? 

MC: y-yeah... / Professor are you okay!? 

(B): Marfik: y-yep. My toughness came in handy. 

Marfik: we're lucky this place is sandy. If it were rocky we'd be dead. I'm just grazed now. 

Akashi: how tough ARE you? I'm glad you're okay though. And where is Rutilix and the king? 

MC: oh right!

The monster is falling apart to pieces. 

Soldier: Men, retreat! 

A bright flash flares, and a lot of something falls. 

Akashi: what's happening!? 

The falling stuff kicks up a huge dust cloud. 

After the dust settles... 

Soldier: Is this gold!? Where'd it all come from? 

Part of the gold scattered is something from the city of gold. 

Marfik: hey isn't this part of the city? I guess the parts that weren't erased came back. but what's going on?

 

Random victims: where am I? I was in the maze earlier... 

Soldier: hey wait I know you! How'd I forget you? 

Random victims: did you come to get us? Wow I get to see you again! 

The soldiers and victims celebrate their reunion. Rutilix and Alphecca are nowhere to be found. 

Akashi: ...no way, did they...? 

Marfik: don't give up so quick. My turn to do something! 

Marfik climbs the ruins and charges his shovel. 

Marfik: well if this thing came out of my dreams...it should be able to find what I want to find and pick out where those two are! Special move, fire! (stabs shovel into ground) 

The rubble starts glowing from within, then floats away from the shovel eventually unearthing Rutilix and Alphecca. 

Rutilix: oof...are we saved? 

Alphecca: ugh it's so bright out 

Rutilix: hang on Your Highness! (piggybacks Alphecca) 

MC: you guys are okay! 

Soldiers: Rutilix has the king! The king is okay! Hooray! 

Alphecca: Rutilix...you grabbing onto me saved me. Thank you. 

Rutilix: ...of course! As the one you were relying on...no, as a knight, it's my job! 

Alphecca: ...I guess so. Good work.

 

Captain: Your Highness! Are you okay!? 

Alphecca: Hmm. Guess it's time for one last trick even if the minister will get mad at me for it. (gets off Rutilix and stands on the gold) 

Alphecca: MC, transform me. 

MC: W-well okay, but why? 

Rutilix: Your Highness what are you going to do...? 

Alphecca: (transforms) 

Captain: !? 

Soldier A: The king is the White Knight I don't believe it 

Soldier B: No way! I heard about his skills from before but...! 

Alphecca: Heed me my proud soldiers! It is I, your king, who is the White Knight! I apologize for hiding this these past few years! I found out that the maze was a monster and came to destroy it! But then I was eaten because I was too weak to do so! 

Soldier: oh that's why he came here? 

Victims: he came to save us... 

Alphecca: the ones who saved me are those heroes and Sorcerer from another planet, and Rutilix! 

Rutilix: Y-your Highness... 

Alphecca: I apologize for throwing the kingdom into chaos with my recklessness. But I also want to praise you all for saving me and everyone else who was eaten and for bringing back the ruins of the old city of gold!

Captain: PRAISE THE KING! 

Soldiers: (wild cheering) 

Marfik: huh. well he's not lying 

Rutilix: I can't believe he revealed himself just like that 

Akashi: hey Rutilix, can you hear those voices among the cheers? 

Rutilix: ...? ...! 

Soldiers: wow I didn't know Rutilix was hiding that kinda strength! did you see how he punched through that monster?

 

Alphecca: Go Rutilix. Your job isn't done until you report to the captain. 

Rutilix: ...r-right. Excuse me! 

The cheering gets louder when Rutilix joins the other soldiers. 

Akashi: Yep that's a hero's welcome. Everyone understands he can do it now. 

MC: Yeah, I'm glad. 

Alphecca: ... 

Marfik: you're a wily one, Your Highness 

Alphecca: haha you make me sound so bad. I was just making a distinction about myself and making things up to Rutilix. I caused all this, but if people make too much stuff up he won't get rewarded. I'll be investigated later, but that's okay. 

Marfik: ...well okay then. 

Alphecca: I have to thank you too. You gave Rutilix a push, didn't you? 

Marfik: Not just me, MC and Akashi did too. And Rutilix gained the determination to stand on his own to save you towards the end. 

Alphecca: ...I see. I have to thank you all for saving me, and for helping him. Truly, thank you. 

Akashi: o-oh no it was nothing 

MC: You're welcome / I'm just glad you're okay 

(B) Alphecca: Ah. Sorry to worry you. 

Alphecca: y'know being a knight really is cool. (watches Rutilix joshing with the other knights) 

Alphecca: I wanna join them. I wanna try becoming a knight again. 

Marfik: It's not too late to try again. Look at me. I'm an old man who still talks about dreams and flies among the stars to chase my dreams. You're plenty young, you can make it. Life lasts a long while. 

Alphecca: ...guess so. 

The gold shines brighter among everyone celebrating their safe return, and in Aradacia a new hero is born.

 

Two weeks later, back at Parallel Flight 

MC: I'm back 

Mokdai: welcome back! did you get the lunch boxes? 

MC: yeah, there was a line, but here's your nori bento 

Mokdai: yay! I'll pay you back later, so give me the receipt! I love this nori bento, it has so many fried foods. 

Sui: ...didn't you have a fried pork cutlet sandwich for breakfast? I just altered your suit, stop getting fatter. 

Mokdai: URK! Stop poking my heart with your needles while you sew Akashi's suit! 

Sui: yeah yeah. MC, thanks for buying lunch for me. I'll have my sandwich later when I have time. 

MC: okay / must be tough to come over here for clothes work 

(B) Sui: It's my job, I'm used to rush orders. I'm okay. 

Mokdai: Sui's been on my eating habits a lot more lately. I wonder why? 

MC: because she's worried about you getting fatter again? 

Mokdai: b-but I move around so much as a hero! 

Sui: you still eat more than you use 

Mokdai: no stop, you're doing it again! 

Huckle: (embarrassed) 

MC: Boss your ears are moving / does it hit close to home? / you seem worried 

(A)(C) Huckle: N-no not really! 

(B) Huckle: Y-yes, I mean no it doesn't! I'm not worried at all. 

Mokdai: we didn't ask, so clearly you are

 

Huckle: Hey look MC your phone is glowing! Maybe you have mail! 

You have an email message from Alphecca. 

MC: The king sent me email!? Why!? 

The email title is just labeled "Recent Events" and the sentences are slightly hard to read and awkwardly written.  

Later 

MC: huh, so that happened 

Mokdai: what's up? 

MC: is Akashi here today? 

Mokdai: uh, he's here today on standby, but right now he's on the roof for some reason. 

Up on the roof Akashi is on a call with Toshu. 

Toshu: I see you safely got your credits. 

Good. Akashi: Yes! I still have to help sort things tomorrow, but I can do everything else from home after that. I'm safe now... 

Toshu: (sigh) you better remember you won't get out of your stupid actions like this much. Don't neglect your studies from now on. 

Akashi: yes I'll be careful. 

Toshu: did you remember to thank Kyoichi? 

Akashi: I have. And now I have to help his family harvest rice to pay back the favor. 

Toshu: oh right his family are rice farmers

 

Akashi: by the way did you find my souvenir on your desk 

Toshu: yes, thank you. a gold carving from Aradicia. that brings back memories. My father brought me there once when I was young. 

Akashi: huh? you've been there before? 

Toshu: not the kingdom itself, but my home country is on the same planet. you saw a golbesta (lion guy) like me, didn't you? 

Akashi: that's surprising... 

Toshu: oh I have class to go to soon. Tell me more later. 

Akashi: right! thank you for your time! Akashi: okay break time over, back to swinging-- 

MC: done with your phone call? / were you calling Toshu? / whatcha doin'? 

Akashi: AAA WHERE'D YOU COME FROM!? 

Akashi: oh it's you. did Mokdai tell you I was up here? (puts on batting gloves) 

MC: baseball practice? all the way over here? 

Akashi: w-well yeah. I figured if I had time I may as well. There's no game coming up, but I thought practicing every day would help. 

MC: but why so suddenly? / but you never do anything in the office 

(B): Akashi: that's not true! I eat my meals and do my class work!

 

Akashi: w-well, I started thinking when I saw Alphecca and Rutilix...that giving up on a dream seems like a waste. I know I'm camera shy and that's not helpful for becoming a pro, but maybe I can overcome it and achieve my dream even if I have to detour for it. I don't have social barriers causing problems for me like they do, and like Marfik said I'm still young. So maybe I can find some way forward. 

MC: sounds good / you've got a long life ahead / good luck! 

Akashi: w-well I'm just giving it a try. 

Akashi: so why'd you come looking for me? It wasn't to watch me practice, right? 

MC: oh right, look at this 

Akashi: an email? 

MC: it came from the king of Aradicia 

Akashi: from him!? Why!? Oh there's also stuff about Rutilix here 

At Aradicia 

Captain: That's enough for now! 

Rutilix: thank you for sparring with me captain! 

Captain: hey you sure calmed down and gotten more consistent in how you fight. You've learned to read movements too. 

Rutilix: o-oh, I thought I was still rushing things a bit there 

Captain: people don't change THAT fast. just go slow and steady. You're going to be a knight soon, so don't dash the hopes people have of you. 

Rutilix: yes I'll keep doing my best!

 

Alphecca: I see you two are working hard 

Rutilix: ! Yes Your Highness! 

Captain: I am not worthy! 

Alphecca: relax I'm not here to do king stuff. I finished my work, so I can join the training right? 

Captain: y-yes, we're arranging for a training area here in the castle 

Alphecca: but this place is already fine. no need for a whole new one. 

Captain: u-understood, I'll go get you some practice partners 

Alphecca: bah, he's the senior knight here. He should be treating me as a junior. Think he'll get used to it? 

Rutilix: but I can't blame him. It's WEIRD how you're both the king and an apprentice knight 

Alphecca: haha I guess. The minister's punishment of me is finally over, and we managed to talk it out so I can join. I may be an apprentice now, but I finally managed to take a step towards my dream, however roundabout. I have to do my best at my work as king and my training as a knight. 

Rutilix: it's nice, but you're still important to the kingdom. Don't rush things trying to move up. 

Alphecca: good heavens I can't believe YOU are saying that to me now 

Rutilix: it's what everyone taught me. I can't believe I'm saying this to you either. 

Alphecca: I may have started everything, but you have now been recognized and graduated to become a real knight. Don't rush your own training, I'll be right behind you. 

Rutilix: right! I hope all goes well for us! 

Alphecca: hmm...how about we get started first? 

Rutilix: eh 

Alphecca: spar with me senpai? no holding back 

Rutilix: UHHHH...well okay. Let's go!

 

Back on Earth 

Marfik: sounds like Rutilix and the king are making progress. never thought I'd be giving the young ones a push at a dig site investigation. people need courage to chase their dreams. I guess pushing the party forward is the job of the ones who are older and the experts. 

Marfik: (turns off tablet he was reading the email off of and stows it among all his travel stuff) 

Marfik: welp time for me to get going too! I gotta be the living proof that there's no time limit to chasing your dreams! I'm off to my next adventure. Bye guys! 

The End

Live A Hero The Knight and Ruins Adventure Episode 7 (Abridged)

 Title card: Escape

 

Monsters: SCREEE 

MC: Akashi, the three on the right! / Professor, behind you! / Rutilix, Your Highness, to the left! 

(A) Akashi: Right! Scattershot fireball! 

(B) Marfik: Again!? Eat it! 

(C) Alphecca: Understood! Rutilix, to me! 

Rutilix: Yes sir! Hi-yah! 

~~~ 

Monsters die, and the core is exposed for a bit.

 Marfik: I see it! Go for it, Akashi! 

Akashi: I got this! Home run!

Core: (cracks) 

MC: Y-you did it! This time for sure! 

But not really. 

Rutilix: It healed itself again! 

Akashi: But I just smashed it with a huge fireball! 

More monsters appear again. 

Akashi: not again! 

Marfik: they're coming from the walls and ceiling now too! 

Alphecca: we'll be overrun before long like this 

Rutilix: I messed up again... 

MC: Rutilix you look pale

 

Rutilix: I-I'm okay. But... 

Alphecca: There's only one thing left we can do...there are four of us heroes. Three of us clear a path for the fourth, who will drive their weapon into the core and keep it down. 

Marfik: well that should stop it from regenerating and keeping reinforcements down. Weakening the boss monster should also open up a way outside, but it'll all stop when the fourth's weapon is taken out. That means we'd have to leave that fourth person behind. 

Akashi: b-but once we defeat the boss monster...! 

Marfik: We'd have to kill all these other monsters and there must be hundreds of them. Then we have to break that tanky core. You have that kinda energy? 

Akashi: ...w-well I am tired, but 

Rutilix: The capital is in danger too while we're at this. The cavalry must be coming to fight back against the giant monster. Whoever gets out should join up with them to defeat the boss, so the pressure won't be as bad. If we beat the monster, we can save whoever is left along with whoever the monster's eaten. It's better than all of us getting crushed here. 

MC: but who's staying? 

Rutilix: me 

Alphecca: no! this plan is my suggestion, and it's my fault you're here to begin with! I'll do it! 

Rutilix: but what's going to happen to the kingdom if you don't come back!? 

Alphecca: ...! 

Rutilix: I was the one who charged ahead without thinking! Please stand back, I'll take responsibility and stay! 

Alphecca: ...Rutilix...

 

Rutilix: (turns to rest of party) I'll stay! Please help me! 

Akashi: ...you must have resolved yourself if you're saying that much 

Rutilix: ...yes! it's my job to guard the king! 

Akashi: Right, I'll help you then! Don't mess it up! 

Rutilix: thanks 

Alphecca: (frowns) 

Rutilix: ...Your Highness, there's no more time. Let's go. 

Alphecca: ...right. 

Alphecca, whispering: Take care of them Marfik 

Marfik: !? 

The monsters continue menacing you all 

MC: There's less of them that way! 

Alphecca: Got it! Flame Tower! (stabs sword into the ground) (creates a path of fire) 

Marfik: My turn! (pushes monsters back with shovel) 

Marfik: Go Akashi! 

Akashi: Right! Charging, and...fire, super move! (blows monsters back and hits the core) 

Akashi: Rutilix, do it! 

Rutilix: ...yeah! Raaaah!

 

Rutilix: (knocked aside) !? 

Alphecca: (charges in) Finisher! 

MC: eh!? 

Rutilix: YOUR HIGHNESS NOOOO 

Alphecca: (stabs core with sword and spears, pushing them in) 

Alphecca: okay WOW it's strong! But so am I! 

Monster: (thundering roar) 

Other monsters start mobbing Alphecca 

Rutilix: NO I'LL SAVE YOU 

Marfik: you can't you'll just waste his attack! 

Rutilix: but...but why!? 

Alphecca: Rutilix I loved you. It was wonderful how you kept chasing your dream despite how people treated you and how you never let your mistakes hold you back. 

Rutilix: Your Highness... 

Alphecca: You're still too much of a hothead with a habit of shrinking from your circumstances. But you're still young. You'll figure it out if you keep at it. Keep training until then. You have plenty of time. 

Marfik: Oh... 

Alphecca: Live, Rutilix! Keep going and achieve your dream out in the open, unlike me who kept it secret! And then one day, come save me. I'll be here. 

Rutilix: NOOOOO

 

The pillars start crumbling for whatever reason 

Akashi: we're gonna get buried, we gotta get outta here! 

Marfik: we should be able to break out like this! Don't stop! Listen to what the king said! 

Marfik: (stabs shovel into the ground) ULTIMATE MOVE! 

Marfik: (pulls shovel out) 

MC: sunlight!

 Marfik: time to go! 

Akashi: but! 

Marfik: Now! The king said so! 

Akashi: ...fine, let's go MC! 

MC: O-okay! / But...! 

Rutilix: But we can't leave the king! 

Marfik: Okay fine we gotta do this now (picks up MC and Rutilix) 

Akashi: we promise to come back for you! 

Alphecca: ...yeah, I'm counting on you all. (mobbed) 

Marfik: ...! Marfik super jump, away! 

Akashi follows suit 

Rutilix: YOUR HIGHNEEEESSSSS 

The party jumps out into the sky near the capital. The giant monster behind you guys is thrashing about. 

Akashi: omg it's huge. no wonder it could swallow a city whole 

Akashi: (transformation cancelled) 

Akashi: eh? 

Marfik: oh our transformations stopped. 

Akashi: BUT WE'RE HIGH UP WE'RE GONNA DIE 

Rutilix: (whistles, summoning his flying dragon) come Baraka! 

Rutilix's dragon catches the party on its back. 

Akashi: where'd this pteranodon come from!? 

Rutilix: It's my dragon. Slow feet, but good flyer. The king had me fly him over on it earlier. I had them on standby after that. 

MC: I had no idea / So you guys have flying dragons / Sure isn't like Earth here

 

The dragon glides and flies the party to the ground. 

Soldier: attack! 

Captain: Rutilix!? Where's the king? 

Rutilix: ...sorry, he's still inside 

Captain: you dare come back alone!? You are nowhere near as important as the king! Know your place! 

MC: RUDE / he really does get horrible treatment 

Akashi: he's talking a lot of shit for someone who doesn't know anything! 

Captain: Silence foreigner! 

Akashi: no YOU shut up! You don't care that a subordinate is safe? What kind of captain ARE you? 

Captain: Damn brat! 

Rutilix: Stop, Tamamura Akashi! Sorry captain I will make up for this mistake. 

Captain: Pffffft. Well whatever get to the front lines. (leaves) 

Akashi: aren't you mad about what he said?! 

Rutilix: ...yeah, but I'm more mad at how useless I've been. 

Marfik: ...Rutilix. 

Rutilix: The king was right about me. I cursed my situation and tried to turn it around by doing something great. But I tried so hard I lost sight of everything around me, including myself. And now this is what's happened because of me. I'm a disgrace as a knight, but like hell I'll leave it to end like this!

 

Marfik: you want to save him, right? 

Rutilix: of course! 

Marfik: good, I'll gladly help out then. The king has a habit of giving up too quick. He's not so old as to leave himself in your guys' protection, so an old man like me's got words to say. 

Rutilix: ...thank you for your help! 

Akashi: wow you're finally relying on other people. One step forward. I'll help too. 

Rutilix: Tamamura Akashi... 

Akashi: we friends now, so just Akashi 

Rutilix: okay thanks! 

Akashi: yeah let's go! MC, get the camera ready! 

Marfik: oh yeah now that you mention it none of these guys have a camera. Kind of amazing they're managing with just themselves as viewers. Alright, use my camera drone! It's got auto-follow AI in it! 

Akashi: hey Rutilix you got a phone? you can use our Views too if you do 

Rutilix: what is this phone thing you speak of 

MC: WAT / you don't know what a phone is at all? / so that means these other guys are... 

Marfik: ...so the knights don't have the basic necessities 

Akashi: these guys are crazy in so many ways 

Marfik: okay here put on this spare phone 

Rutilix: Thank you! Uh, do I wrap it around my arm 

MC: (adds Rutilix to party in command window) 

Phone: Livestreaming available! No other livestreamers detected in area. Begin? 

MC: Let's go, live stream! / Are we even going to get views? / You guys ready? 

(A)(C) Akashi: Yeah! 

(B) Akashi: ...yolo! Let's go! 

~~~ 

Marfik: we're up against a giant monster, but it IS weakening. Put your backs into it! 

Rutilix: we'll save you for sure your highness!  

BATTLE START

Live A Hero The Knight and Ruins Adventure Episode 6 (Abridged)

 A giant city lies beyond the door, and the ceiling looks like the night sky. Everything is made out of gold. Marfik: oh my god is this...? 

Alphecca: the City of Gold that people say was once our kingdom's capital? 

Akashi: omg 

Rutilix: why is something so pretty inside this maze? 

MC: why is it so deep inside? 

Marfik: we do have examples of cities being made hard to get to for whatever reason like Machu Picchu and Tenochtitlan 

Akashi: so you're saying this place is like those cities too? 

Marfik. Hmm. This is much too unnatural. We're so far in that starlight can't get here, and there's a maze with traps and a layout that sometimes changes. Also lots of monsters to block the way. It's hard to believe a city like this would have that many people in it.

 

Alphecca: I've heard stories of this place back in the kingdom capital. There's no records, but if the stories are true...maybe this place was moved away from the capital? 

Marfik: but this city is made of gold and gold is heavy. how'd they do that? 

Alphecca: I dunno. But if it's true, I should examine the place. Let's go take a look. 

Rutilix: I-I'll go with you! 

Akashi: Professor we should go too! 

Marfik: ... Marfik: monsters appearing, views from nowhere, heroes transforming on their own, and a maze of unknown material changing its structure...hmm 

MC: u-umm, aren't we going? 

Marfik: oh whoops, I was thinking about stuff. Let's go. 

Akashi: Yeah I'm dumb but even I can tell there's so many weird things going on here. I can feel someone watching me like MC and Rutilix mentioned they felt too.

 MC: Yeah / Kinda scary (B) 

Akashi: don't worry I got you. I promised when I became a hero. Stay close 

And so Marfik, then you and Akashi soon follow Rutilix and Alphecca into the weirdly silent city. 

Alphecca: wow this is a nice city. it's more developed that our capital city now. The water's dried up but I can tell how people lived here. 

Akashi: y'know I haven't seen a dead body since we got here, not even a dead bug. But it still feels like something's here. Creepy! 

Marfik: the marketplace looks like it was set up and just left alone for forever. The city itself looks like it hasn't fallen apart for some reason, even though it should have. It's like people left town a day ago. 

Akashi: maybe it's not that old? I mean I don't see dust anywhere. 

Alphecca: that can't be. The capital has been around since at least when I was born. If this place was moved since then I'd remember it, but I haven't heard a thing like that in my 30-something years of life. 

Akashi: oh. now it's even MORE weird. 

Rutilix: (sniff sniff) 

Alphecca: what's wrong? 

MC: you smell something? / lions have good noses 

(B) Akashi: wow you know that? I wonder if it's true for Rutilix

 

Alphecca: Rutilix does come from that race. They're sensitive to sounds and scents. So what are you smelling anyway? 

Rutilix: ...hmm. This way. 

Rutilix leads you to what looks like a restaurant, then takes the lid off a pan inside the kitchen. 

Rutilix: There's food here 

Akashi: wtf are you just hungry or something? 

Rutilix: N-no! Think, you muppet! 

Akashi: I dare you to say that again! 

MC: Calm down guys 

Alphecca: ...the food doesn't look rotten at all 

Akashi: hey wait that's true. it doesn't look like it's preserved food either. 

Rutilix: this is a traditional dish in our kingdom, but you have to eat it within the day before the taste and smell spoils. There's no signs of that happening here though. In fact it still seems slightly warm. 

MC: huh, he's right / looks good... 

(B) Akashi: don't eat it! It'll make you sick!

 

Marfik: still warm food but nobody around. This is like the Mary Celeste. 

Akashi: wat 

Marfik: legendary ghost ship found on Earth in the 19th century. There were signs that people were on board just before discovery, but no one was there. Warm food and coffee was still there. That last bit might be an urban legend people added later though. 

Alphecca: well that does sound similar. but that's fiction right? This place seems like a recreation of our legends of it. 

Marfik: That's what makes it so unnatural. With the Mary Celeste, the sailors finding it can buy that everyone on board jumped off for some reason, but this city is inside a maze. How could we not have seen anyone else? Either there's a secret way out we haven't seen, or this place has been cut off from the timeline. 

MC: what does that even mean? 

Marfik: doesn't this place remind you of anything? 

MC: umm 

Marfik: we came in around noon and have been in here for like four hours, but the ceiling here looks like outer space. There's a bunch of eyes on us we can't see, and a city that looks untouched by time, like it's a recreation from someone's memories. 

MC ...wait omg 

Akashi: hey wait a minute I've seen something like that too, back when me and MC were kids and got eaten by that monster! 

Marfik: well I can't prove it yet, so time to look for proof. If I'm right, we'll find it in the center of town. 

Alphecca: y'know the city looks laid out the same way the capital is. The center is where the palace is, so we should go to the palace in here. 

MC: hey look I see it 

Marfik: let's go. If I'm right, our way out is over there too. 

Rutilix: !? (swings around with his sword up) 

Alphecca: is there a monster or something? 

Rutilix: ...no, but I did feel one. weird.

 

Inside the golden palace 

The ether crystals on your robe react to the giant monster core in the throne room 

MC: OMG 

Rutilix: a monster core! 

Alphecca: the light shining from it is beating like a heart 

Akashi: first time seeing one this big. how big must the monster be? 

Marfik: I was right, this explains everything 

MC: so we're inside a monster right now? 

Marfik: yep 

Marfik: the maze is some fortress or whatever that the monster ate a long time ago. Parts of it became indistinct as the monster broke it down, but it regenerated when we came to look at it. That's why it changes when we aren't looking at it and it turned into a dungeon with traps in it. 

Marfik: all those eyes we feel on us? people the monster ate. There must be Observers among them too, which is why we can transform on our own. The monsters that popped up in here are like the big monster's cells come to break us down like food. 

Marfik: I bet the monster swallowed the golden city whole, just like the cities in Southern Kanto and that one nationally symbolic mountain in Japan. And I don't know why, but I bet whoever was left in the city tried to escape through the maze but got eaten by the smaller monsters in there. 

MC: Time stopped only for the city? / I don't get it 

(A) Marfik: (shrug) 

(B) Marfik: same. but it makes sense

 

Marfik: that was all guesswork but I'm like 95% sure I am right 

MC: uh huh 

Akashi: wait, I know it explains a bunch of things, but why would the monster keep this place going!? Don't they piss off back to monster space after they're done eating if a hero doesn't beat them up? Why would this one just lie in a wasteland with its mouth open? 

Rutilix: hey yeah. Far as we've known about this place, the monster's sat here the whole time instead of getting up to wreck cities like a good kaiju. Is that really a thing with them? 

Marfik: I dunno. Maybe it went to sleep its meal off like regular animals do? 

MC: They do that? / Maybe that is what it's doing 

Alphecca: Right, so if we want to get out we have to break the core. I hear that's also the only way to save anyone the monster's eaten. That's what we have to do then. 

MC: Right. I wonder if we can destroy it 

Akashi: won't it wake up once we start attacking? that can't be good 

Rutilix: ...we have to do it! If there's anyone to save, then we have to do it! We have to if we want to get out anyways! Transform! 

Rutilix: die monster! 

Akashi: no wait! 

Big monsters pop up like daisies 

Rutilix: oh no! 

Akashi: they're behind us too! 

Marfik: we're surrounded by a ton of them! But we could've seen this happening if they're here to protect the core! 

Akashi: but we haven't even hit it yet! (transforms) 

Akashi: hey wait why is the ground shaking!? 

Marfik: look! 

The city of gold is crumbling, and the ceiling starts falling 

MC: the monster is waking up! 

Marfik: it sensed danger to the core! we don't have time to wait anymore, it's going to go where people are gathering in the kingdom!

 

At a fortress at the edge of the capital 

Soldier A: EARTHQUAKE! 

Soldier B: no you dumbass we aren't near any volcanoes or fault lines! 

Soldier C: look! 

Over to the west, a x00m tall monster rises and roars 

Soldier: OH NO 

Soldier: it's huge we're so screwed! 

Soldier: evacuate the people! 

Back to the party 

Alphecca: we'll lose the kingdom too at this rate! I can't have that happen as king! 

Akashi: but there's only three of us! 

Alphecca: ...no, four. I can't keep it a secret anymore if it's come to this! ARADICIA STAR POWER! 

Rutilix: !? 

Alphecca: I am Tuxedo Mask King Alphecca Genma the 21st and I will protect my kingdom and people with my life! 

MC: omg it really is him! / Finally! 

Marfik: I see you made your decision 

Alphecca: I'd say I had to, but there's no point in keeping it secret anymore. We have to get out of here for my country's sake, so I can't sit back and watch.

 

Rutilix: so it really was you 

Alphecca: oh you noticed? ...well I guess I can't expect to fool your ears. Sorry for secretly joining you in battle when I'm supposed to be good and be protected by you earlier. 

Rutilix: no, you wanted to be a knight too, right? I'd have done the same thing. I know a dream you've always had isn't something you can just give up and stop with. 

Alphecca: Rutilix... 

Rutilix: I'm honored to stand by as another warrior. let's do this! 

Alphecca: ...indeed! 

Marfik: okay, time to get started. We gotta destroy the boss soon since the others keep popping up! 

Akashi: bring it! MC, your orders! 

MC: live battle, ride on! 

Party: Yeah!  

BATTLE START

Live A Hero The Knight and Ruins Adventure Episode 5 (Abridged)

 

Flashback 

Alphecca: Hi-yah!  (kicks a soldier's ass) 

Soldier A: Oof! Well done sir...! 

Soldier B: Wow you did great for a mock battle! 

Soldier A: Damn my vest is cut into two. Amazing, Prince Alphecca! 

Alphecca: Hah, I'm just the second prince, that's nothing amazing 

Soldier A: No no you honestly did great. Just like you did with the cavalry chief yesterday! I bet you'd be the best knight ever if you joined! 

Alphecca: Y-you think so? I'm getting excited now. Maybe it's a little indiscreet to be enjoying this after Father just died, but my older brother says it's okay so-- 

Soldier C: Prince Alphecca! King Aronsam has...! 

Alphecca: B-brother...?

 

 Later 

Alphecca (narrating): Brother died in a monster attack while on a diplomatic visit to a neighboring country. The people were anxious with two national funerals so close together. The only way to calm them down was become king myself. 

Citizens: Banzai! 

Alphecca: (sad) 

Minister: What is wrong King? You can't look sad in front of the people 

Alphecca: I know. By the way, about my joining the knights... 

Minister: (gasp) You're the king, you can't do that! 

Alphecca: oh... 

Alphecca (narrating): Father and Brother dying was the saddest thing in my life. But my dream as a boy was crushed at the same time. I wanted to be a gallant knight riding my dragon defending my homeland. But it wouldn't come true...

 

 Later, again 

Alphecca: I know it's selfish, but then what did I try so hard for? 

Sorcerer: I'm sorry Your Highness, but... 

Alphecca: I know. You can leave me be. Now about your next...wait what's that? 

Rutilix: Yes! 100 swings! 

Sorcerer: Oh that's Rutilix, the newest apprentice knight. He's a hero, youngest son of a lower level knight, and part of the most laudable division, but that group also has a lot of first born sons of higher ranked nobles so they don't get along and he trains alone every night. 

Alphecca: huh 

Alphecca (narrating): I had to give up, so I admired how Rutilix pressed on. It wasn't not jealousy, I saw my younger self in him, so I wanted him to become a knight. So then I made a decision and talked to the Sorcerer about it.

 

Title card: The Underworld Gate

 

Back to present 

Rutilix: die monster! 

Akashi: no wait! 

Rutilix: oh no there was another one! I'm surrounded! 

Akashi: goddammit. MC! 

MC: Akashi head right! / Professor go left! / Save Rutilix! 

(A/C) Akashi: here I go! 

(B) Marfik: Yep! Akashi you take that side!

 

Akashi: Super move! 

Marfik: Search "Ruins Salvage"! 

Monsters: ded Rutilix: oof! 

Akashi: you okay? they stuck really close to you 

Rutilix: I-I'm okay. Thank you Marfik 

Akashi: dude how many times have we done this, this keeps happening with you 

Rutilix: u-ugh, I just move without thinking about it 

Akashi: (sigh) I get how you feel, but why try so hard to do it alone? It felt like you didn't want our help. 

Rutilix: u-umm... (glances at Alphecca) 

Alphecca: hmm? 

Rutilix: ...nothing. let's go. next time...! 

Akashi: stop charging ahead already! 

Rutilix: hey I just stepped on something 

Spears rain from above 

Rutilix: AAAAAA (barely dodges) 

MC: Rutilix! / instant death trap! / damn you barely avoided that Rutilix: I thought I was gonna die! 

Akashi: you okay? 

Rutilix: F-fine! A knight has to be able to survive this! 

Akashi: no I'm pretty sure knights could die to this too 

Rutilix: sure they can! With...sudden power bursts! Yeah! W-wait, there may be more like this up ahead. I must clear them, for the king! 

Akashi: omg would you stop 

MC: feels like he's trying to rush things

 

Akashi: ugh he left 

Marfik: Your Highness why aren't you stopping him? 

Alphecca: umm... 

Marfik: you should tell him off if he's doing something wrong no matter how much you like him. I mean I do crazy things too, but as long as Rutilix doesn't understand or recognize what he's capable of he's going to keep charging in recklessly. 

Alphecca: I-I guess... (starts thinking) 

Alphecca: Sorry, I kept hoping he'd get it next time. 

Akashi: him??? 

Alphecca: Yes I keep hoping that next time he'll do something great and go back home proud of himself. 

MC: but why? 

Alphecca: he reminds me of how I used to be when I tried to be a knight, especially when he gets reckless 

MC: oh, you wanted to be a knight too? 

Alphecca: yeah, but he's suffered even more than I have while trying to keep going, we used to have wars, but now we're at peace with our neighbors. Nowadays knights just deal with rampaging dragons and monsters, stuff that doesn't happen every day, so nobles tend to send their firstborn sons to join the knights to look good. Getting into the Imperial Guard part of the knights is popular because it's got the most rep to it. 

Alphecca: To get into the knights you need sword skills and a good family background. I hear they post you to Space Middle of Nowhere if you suck or are a nobody, but that didn't happen to Rutilix. He was a Hero who could fight monsters, but that didn't stop people for making fun of him for being a nobody or calling him a potato eater. The Imperial Guard had a hero vacancy so they gave it to him. 

Alphecca: The Imperial Guard is filled with proud nobles, so that's the crowd you join when you become one of that group. But Rutilix is not a high class noble or an heir to the family, and since his sword skills was worse than theirs, they didn't like him. They fought all the time since he has a short temper, and then his treatment got even worse.

 

Alphecca: Potato eater is an insult calling someone ghetto. If Rutilix could stomp their asses they'd stop calling him that, but he's not that good at a lot of things. But no one will spar with him either, so he can't really get any instruction. There's almost no legal way for him to break out of that situation. 

Akashi: that's what that means here? I feel bad now 

Alphecca: He still pushed on and trained himself to fight. He got points for being a hero, but his sword skills are almost too low to enlist as a knight. Impressive how much effort he made to get in anyway, but then he gets judged on the standard of 'he should be able to do this.' So I brought Rutilix to this maze because I want to see him achieve something. 

Akashi: wait it really wasn't his idea to come here to begin with? 

Alphecca: yeah I brought him here, told him I was lost, then told him to take me back. I thought he'd have something to brag about if it worked, but then the prime minister figured me out. The job I gave Rutilix is wasted now, so I guess my plan was stupid. Now I put him in mortal danger too and made the kingdom worry. Feels bad man. 

MC: oh he's feeling guilty 

Marfik: oh so that's why you're so taken with Rutilix 

Alphecca: now that I'm king I can't be a knight, so I hoped Rutilix would achieve it in my place. But it's more accurate to say I forced it on him, which is why I want him to become a real knight no matter what 

Akashi: so being a king must suck in its own ways huh. I wouldn't see a point in living if I had to give up my dreams. I really did lose hope once. 

MC: yeah that was a thing, you were really down 

Marfik: do you really HAVE to give up your dreams when you become a king? Alphecca: what? Marfik: I dunno how your political system works in detail but I think it's too early to quit. I hear you only just got crowned. And you're still young. You giving up at your age looks like a waste to an old man like me. 

Marfik (whispering): there has to be something better than playing at a knight in secret isn't there? if knights want merits, what you're doing now can't be something to be proud of 

Alphecca: you noticed? 

Akashi: wat? 

Marfik: nothing. secret talks for adults 

Akashi: but I AM an adult! 

Marfik: o rite lol 

MC: I wonder what they were talking about

 

Rutilix, somewhere offscreen: AAAAAA 

Alphecca: !!! 

Akashi: goddammit what now. Let's go MC!  

In a big room inside the labyrinth, a giant monster has Rutilix in its mouth and is trying to eat him 

Alphecca: oh no! 

Marfik: why is this place so different from the rest of the maze!? 

Akashi: that thing's huge! Bigger than everything else we've seen here! Also Rutilix where did your guts go!? 

Rutilix: T-this thing is tough, but I can't fall before the king! Rrraaaahh! (cuts himself out and falls to the ground)

 

Akashi: hey you okay!? sheesh you're crazy 

Rutilix: t-this is nothing! how can I be a knight if I don't meet the king's expectations? 

Alphecca: oh, you noticed... 

Akashi: wow you ARE a dumb bitch 

Rutilix: (gasp) RUDE 

Akashi: but you know, trying to fulfill your dream and grant someone else's is a good thing. I'm in that boat too. 

Rutilix: o-oh 

MC: you really are a hard worker. don't push yourself too much. 

Rutilix: my apologies for worrying you... 

MC: (holds hand up to Rutilix) 

Rutilix: my armor is fixed! wow I didn't know Sorcerers could do this, thank you! 

Akashi: since when could you do that!? 

MC: I dunno! 

 

Marfik: I know you can do that using Views if we were streaming this live, but an Observer's cognition abilities really is stronger than a normal person's! 

Monster: SCREEEEE 

Marfik: oh right that thing. Okay you two let's get him! 

Akashi: r-right I'll get eaten if I space out here. Henshin a go-go! 

Akashi: can you keep going Rutilix? 

Rutilix: IT'S PAYBACK TIME 

Akashi: Attaboy! Let's go MC! 

MC: Yeah! I wanna know what's behind that door it's in front of too! 

Alphecca: ... (frown)  

BATTLE START (more afterwards)

 

Rutilix: raaaugh! 

Akashi: he got a hit in! maybe this time it'll die! 

Monster: (regenerates) 

Rutilix: it did it again! 

Marfik: We gotta get to the core! We got rid of the other ones, so I guess all three of us are needed to take it out?

 Akashi: right we can't keep this up forever 

Rutilix: b-but I'm responsible for this! 

Akashi: no dumbass we'll get eaten at this rate! 

Rutilix: I-I guess you're right... 

???: This isn't enough. Trying to rush this would be a mistake. 

MC: !? 

Alphecca: (jumps in next to Rutilix, flaming sword in hand) 

Rutilix: Tuxedo Mask Sir White Knight! 

Alphecca: Here's how you really swing a sword. Do this and you can win. 

Rutilix: This voice...yes White Knight! 

Alphecca: Good! I'll cover for you, so go! 

Rutilix: Understood! Here I come! 

Rutilix: Loyalty "Edabd Haieriden"! 

Alphecca: Good swing! Now I should attack too... (stabs monster) 

Monster: (ded) 

MC: You won!

 

Something sounds like it's being scattered after the monster's defeat. 

Akashi: i-is something falling? 

Marfik: what's this? 

You've found a shining nugget 

Akashi: HOLY SHIT LOOK AT ALL THAT GOLD 

Marfik: I don't know much about ores but I'm pretty sure that's gold yeah 

MC: Why's there so much of it? / How much would it be worth if we sold it? 

(A) Marfik: (surprised) 

(B): Akashi: Whoa there...how would we even carry it out? 

Marfik: If we go to a guy I know I think we could get like a hundred million 

Akashi: you didn't have to take that question seriously 

Marfik: why is this gold here anyways? is it related to the legend of the city of gold? 

Rutilix: Haha, we won... (detransforms, falls backwards) 

Alphecca: (catches Rutilix) You did good 

Rutilix: Thank you! 

Alphecca: hmm... 

Rutilix: ? 

Alphecca: I dislike how you push yourself too much by yourself. You should learn to rely on others if you need to. I should keep that in mind too, so don't die for nothing. 

Rutilix: ...okay 

Rutilix: um, are you-- 

Alphecca: kbye 

Rutilix: but! 

Marfik: I think Rutilix knows already but I guess he still isn't ready to come out and say it. (sigh)

 

Akashi: OMG earthquake! 

Rutilix: no wait look at the door! 

The big heavy door slowly opens... 

MC: MY EYES 

Marfik: this isn't sunlight, what the hell!? 

When the door opens all the way, the light fades a little, and you start making out what looks like... 

MC: omg! 

End of episode

Live A Hero The Knight and Ruins Adventure Episode 4 (Abridged)

(Note: The rest of this event will be summarized in an abridged format because I don't think it's that interesting overall and because I need to catch up between the other projects I'm working on. I hope you still enjoy.)

Rutilix (narrating): I was always SO jealous when I hear stories about my dad and other knights doing their things. Y'know, like defeating bad dragons and coming back to cheering crowds. God, I wanna be a hero defending the kingdom like that! Then I passed the entrance exam! But then my parents and brothers starting looking worried about me. 

Soldier A: Eh lads, look it's the potato eater come to get in our way 

Soldier B: Pfffft, dumb git fell off him dorc like a prat and the boss had ta lecture 'im 

Soldier C: potato boy getting too big for his breeches sticking his nose in business he can't handle 

Soldier D: god, we's the ones who gotta clean up after his mess. Tosser. 

Rutilix: (sad cat noises) 

Soldier E: lookit the pig stuffing his face. oh rite he's a cat. There's that shamelessness what got him in. 

Soldier F: Hey maybe it is because he's a cat. King likes him for SOME reason. Does he, y'know... 

Rutilix: no I got in fair and square and not because of what I am! FIGHT ME! 

Soldier Whatshisface: omg don't pull your sword out here!

 

Later 

Knight Captain: jail tonight for you. Stop fighting with the other knights. 

Rutilix: uh captain can I ask you about sword training 

Knight Captain: no. You're all supposed to be working together even if they taunt you. Chill first, ugh. Bye. 

Rutilix: okay... 

Rutilix (narrating): I'm the youngest son of a minor noble. Dad spent all his time on my oldest brother, so I had to teach myself fencing. So I tried my hardest to enlist as a real knight. But no one liked me because I keep running into fights, haven't achieved any successes, and am a hothead. Even someone stupid as me could tell I was stuck in a rut. 

Rutilix: God why has my work gone so wrong all this time. Okay fine! Moar practice swings! And one...!  

Elsewhere 

Alphecca: oh Rutilix 

Title card: Investigation

 

The party attempts to navigate the maze using Marfik's already out of date hand drawn map. 

Akashi: oh no another dead end 

Marfik: well damn, time to find a new way (keeps drawing in map) 

Marfik: looks like every way leads further in 

MC: Will we be okay?

Marfik: (shrug) 

Rutilix: but we haven't seen any since we saw you 

Akashi: any...what? 

Rutilix: monsters. a bunch attacked me and the king earlier while we were walking around. 

Alphecca: none have shown up here though. maybe the encounter rate goes up in a new area. 

Akashi: but do they really show up here? no one else is around 

Marfik: I know, that's so weird. Something is UP with this place. Must have something to do with heroes, monsters, and Observers 

MC: Scary... / Curious professor is curious / Cool! 

(C) Akashi: wow, you really are born to be an explorer or adventurer 

Akashi: Hey Professor why are you still in that getup? Doesn't staying in hero mode get tiring? 

Marfik: oh this? I really like it. If it doesn't bother MC to keep it up, then I wanna keep it on. It's fiiiine lol 

Akashi: I-I guess. Man what does he eat to have so much stamina 

Alphecca: Wow Marfik you're buff for an old man 

Marfik: You flatter me so. Let's keep going! 

Alphecca: Indeed! 

Akashi: does he not realize how dangerous this place is 

Rutilix: I wish 

Akashi: Wow we agree. Big talk from a kid like you. 

Rutilix: I am NOT a kid, I am 17! And I'm not agreeing with you, bastard! 

Akashi: Bitch I'm four years older than you, you can't talk to me like that! 

Rutilix: You're older!? Sorry I thought you were younger than me 

Akashi: lITTLE bITCH

 

MC: guys stop fighting 

Rutilix: oh, I'm sorry you had to see that. Please be careful you don't trip in the dark. 

Akashi: how come you treat us so differently!? 

Rutilix: Of course I would. They're important in a battle and deserve respect. Now shut up and come along. 

Akashi: I'MMA BOP HIM OVER THE HEAD 

MC: C-c'mon / wow this place is so different from Earth

 

Later 

Alphecca: another dead end 

Rutilix: hey wait I think we saw this wall earlier 

Alphecca: hey that's right. Same stone slab we saw earlier. 

MC: where? 

Rutilix: here. Look, this part is dark unlike everywhere else. 

(There's some faint packed writing down there) 

Akashi: can you guys read it? 

Alphecca: hmm. no. we don't use this writing. 

Rutilix: I think I saw it in a history book 

Akashi: o-oh. this would be where we'd find a hint if this were a game. 

MC: that'd be so convenient / IF we could read it anyway 

Marfik: MY TIME HAS COME lemme see...hmm yes. Ancient Southwest Endoira script. 

Akashi: wat 

Marfik: Endoira's the name of this planet. where's that dictionary I brought...oh wait hero magic means I can do this now (holds lit lantern up to wall) 

MC: the wall is glowing! 

Rutilix: what manner of sorcery is this!? 

Marfik: I have a magic translator lantern now

 

Marfik: huh. Akashi, Rutilix, pull out that one rock down there and stick it in the wall slot
Akashi: why!?
Marfik: you're young! also this says it needs someone strong. Good luck with that, we'll step back!
Akashi, Rutilix: fiiiine (pulls out rock)
Akashi: OMG this wall is gonna fall on us!
Rutilix: and the rock's so heavy!
Marfik: hurry it up boys!
Akashi, Rutilix: AAAAAA
MC: oh the collapse stopped

 

(Wall tips over)
Akashi, Rutilix: AAAAAA (runs away)
MC: look there's a path up ahead / what is this Indiana Jones crap
Marfik: sorry the directions say you had to be that strong to make the wall open and get out of it alive
Akashi, Rutilix: I thought I was gonna die!
Marfik, Alphecca: well done boys! (claps)
Rutilix: o-oh...
Akashi: simp 

Alphecca: hey wait I hear something
(You've encountered wild Monsters!)
Rutilix: stand back your highness, MC! Rutilix Charge!
Akashi: but you haven't even transformed yet!
(Monsters surround Rutilix)
MC: oh no!
Alphecca: Rutilix you have to hit them AFTER you transform!
Rutilix: unhand me fiends before I turn you into fertilizer like spoiled potatoes!
Akashi: wat

Akashi: oh right we have to save him
Marfik: yeah huh. Shovel Swing! (beats monsters off Rutilix)
Marfik: you ok?
Rutilix: y-yes, thank you. You've done it now, fiends! Transform!
Akashi: how do I do this on my own? Uhh, transform!
Akashi: alright I'm transformed! MC, orders!
MC: okay / wait what's the point if you can transform on your own?
(B) Akashi: your directions lead to me winning! I mean I won't need them against Rutilix but I do need them against monsters!
Rutilix: RUDE
MC: okay!
~~~
Rutilix: MC, look after the king!
MC: King, let's stand back
Alphecca: o-okay. oh no Rutilix is panicking again
BATTLE START

 

Akashi: god these monsters just keep coming! Was it like this for you Rutilix?
Rutilix: no they only came in 1s and 2s before! Are we near a nest? But I never heard of...
Marfik: behind you!
Rutilix: !? (bisects monster)
MC: wow!
Rutilix: Hmph! Behold my--
Akashi: there's more!
Rutilix: (mobbed by monsters) aaaahhh!
Akashi: goddammit (goes to save Rutilix only to get mobbed too)
MC: oh no!
Marfik: there's too many! (mobbed)
MC: oh no!
Totally Not Alphecca: Save the People "Helig Flammerai"
(Shower of fiery spears destroys the whole crowd of monsters)

MC: who???
(Alphecca saves Akashi and Rutilix)
Alphecca: kbye
Akashi: Wai--aww man I didn't even get to say thank you
Rutilix: The White Knight is here? ...this sucks, I had to be saved.
Akashi: uh you okay?
Rutilix: yeah
Akashi: o-oh

Rutilix: hey wait where's the king
Alphecca: I'm here, and I'm fine thanks.
MC: when did you get there!?
Alphecca: uh, the whole time?
Akashi: at least he's fine. let's keep going.
Marfik: hMMMMM
Akashi: what?
Marfik: o-oh, nothing. let's go.

Alphecca: Rutilix take that armor off and let's go
Rutilix: o-okay. Right, I have to try harder!
The party walks across the rubble and continues forward.
Marfik: (looks at Alphecca) hmm...
End of episode

Live A Hero The Knight and Ruins Adventure Episode 3

Things tune in on Rutilix and Alphecca's side as Rutilix is surprised to find a dead end again. He marked a nearby pillar to act as a sign to know which way they've already gone, and he's confused because he remembers passing by it earlier. WHen he starts doubting his memory, Alphecca speaks up to say he remembers passing by that mark too, so he suggests that the maze layout is changing while they are moving around. At least there aren't monsters attacking them like before, so he suggests just picking some other path.

 

Rutilix reluctantly agrees, apologizing for not doing a better job of guiding him through. Alphecca gently denies this saying he was the one to bring Rutilix here, so he doesn't need to blame himself for anything. The way things are the investigation is a bust, so Alphecca suggests they prioritize finding a way back to the capital city. Rutilix swears upon his life to get Alphecca back safely, prompting Alphecca to comment that he's putting too much tension into his shoulders and elbows, even if being high energy is good.

 

Rutilix changes the subject to comment that he's felt someone else was around ever since getting into the labyrinth. He wonders if they're being watched as he says they can't let their guards down yet. Alphecca notices some noise coming the distance, which Rutilix assumes means Monsters are approaching Again and swears he will cut them down This Time. But then he says the noises sound different compared to when the monsters showed up earlier. Alphecca is impressed by this and compliments how Rutilix's senses as a golbesta (re: lion man) are since it sounds the same to him. Rutilix explains that monster movements sound more like creeping while this sounds more like footsteps. He also hears voices talking before taking a sniff and getting surprised at the scent he picks up.

 

Title card pops up, and this episode is called The Maze.

 

The story then picks back up on your end as the maze gets described as slightly cool and damp inside while no sunlight penetrates to the interior of the place. Strange pale lights illuminate the place as the party advances in towards the deeper parts within as Marfik leads. Your phone pipes up with an alert to tell you you're out of its signal range so you can't set up a live broadcast if a battle happens. You are mildly surprised at the alert and worry about what will happen if you guys do get into a fight, and Akashi asks you what's wrong before he notices his phone is out of range too. He did expect it to happen given that this area is underground, but he still worries about how it'll work if you have to fight something. At the very least there won't be many views to use, so hoping you don't run into anything seems to be all you can do. He has heard that monsters generally don't show up where there's few people around though.

 

Marfik is unconcerned as he comments on how strange the place is. The labyrinth clearly looks old, yet there's no signs of it collapsing anytime soon. He wonders if the walls are made of stone or metal since he's never seen the material before, but it's tough whatever it is. Akashi is surprised at how little Marfik is worried about the signal loss and absorbed by his observations. Akashi then comments he thought the maze would be a lot harder to walk around in, and the fact that it isn't creeps him out a bit. He also comments on the cold since there's no sunlight coming in, then asks if you're cold. You either say the robe you're wearing is warmer than you thought it'd be, say you might be a little cold, or comment that Akashi looks warm. In A, Akashi is surprised and says the people on this planet must have considered the clothes for a lot of situations. In B, Akashi asks if you're okay since the robe is revealing. If the cold starts to bother you, he tells you to say so and offers you his jacket. In C, you sidle up to Akashi, causing him to blush and protest that doing so makes it harder to walk.

 

Anyways, Akashi comments that it's easier to breathe there than he thought it'd be. Marfik finds it interesting that Akashi would worry about this, so Akashi points out to all the lights dotting the place that are bright enough to tell where your feet are. He's not good with cooking but he knows that fires that big eats up oxygen, so he figured so many fires burning in here would burn through enough oxygen to make it suffocating. You note that Akashi has a point and can say he's surprisingly smart. If you do, Akashi gets offended and points out he's studied enough to get into college at least.

 

Marfik notes that Akashi does have a good question, but that could be answered if he looked closer. He pulls a torch from the wall and brings it closer to you guys, and Akashi freaks out at this for a moment until he realizes he doesn't feel any heat coming from it. Marfik asks you to put your hand into the light, and you find out that you feel no heat at all when you do so. When you comment on this and ask if the light isn't a flame, Marfik confirms as much and says it only looks like fire. It's a material that gives off light without any radioactivity and some sort of material that doesn't exist on Earth. Said material also seems to have hair inside of it, which is a thing you might see with some heroes on Earth. You either find that interesting or ask if he's talking about that one firefighter.

 

Akashi is low key amazed at the light and comments that the universe is filled with unknown things. Marfik says that's what makes exploration so much fun. He brings up this labyrinth you guys are in right now as an example, saying it's even weirder than the rumors made it out to be. His excitement causes your phone to glow slightly in response, and when you check it out of curiosity it alerts you to a new path being found for Marfik at a high strength level. You either suspect what this is about or wonder what it detected, but before you can think more on it you feel a shiver down your spine as it feels like many eyes are upon you.

 

You turn around and demand to know if someone is there, but when you look all there is is the dark hallway that has nothing for anyone to hide behind stretching off to the distance. Akashi hasn't noticed a thing at first as he mutters to himself about how Marfik is as weird Kyoichi told him he'd be, but then he asks you why you're looking behind you. You are confused by what you felt, but you decide to tell him it's nothing since there's nothing apparently there.

 

Time passes until you guys eventually run into a dead end. Marfik comments that you guys must have taken a wrong turn or something if you guys can't keep going this way. Akashi is baffled at this and asks where that could have happened. Everywhere looks the same to him since there aren't any identifying marks or such. Marfik mutters to himself about there being two triangles here and makes a note of it being the wrong way as he pulls out a memo from his pockets to fill out. He then suggests heading back to the last intersection since there should be a mark with a triangle inside a circle somewhere. Akashi asks Marfik about those symbols being around, so Marfik points to a nearby column with two small triangles carved into it.

 

Akashi is surprised Marfik noticed something like that. Marfik starts explaining that when a lot of people visit a place with a complex layout, there's usually some sort of marking nearby. As an archaeologist he can't really approve of damaging ruins, but he accepts that it's important as a way of orienteering and making sure you can return safely. He personally stacks rocks together to function as his waypoints, but if someone else has set something up he'll just use that instead. Marfik turns his notepad around to show you the map he's already been drawing of the labyrinth, including small drawings and details about points of interest he's already come across.

 

Akashi is amazed by Marfik's mapmaking skills and says he's seen something like this in a game somewhere. He also comments that it looks like Marfik is having fun with it and compares the map to something a kid would make contents-wise. Marfik proudly admits that he's enjoying himself and doing his best with the cartography. It's been forever since he's gone into a complicated maze like this, and he's looking forward to finding out how long it'd take him to map the place completely. The thoughts excite the flames in his chest, and he says that he always conquers the place when he gets this far in. He swears to make it all the way through to the center of the labyrinth, and your phone shines again and informs you about finding a really strong connection to a new path for Marfik. You comment on your phone reacting to Marfik, and Akashi asks you what the light coming from your phone is all about since it's like a hero transformation light. He does note that it looks different from the light that happens when he transforms though.

 

When Akashi turns to look at your phone, a voice yells out demanding to know who's there. The voice surprises you as it comes from behind, and you turn to find Alphecca and Rutilix there, the latter with his sword raised. Akashi is also surprised by their presence and asks who they are and why they're even there. Marfik quickly comes to the idea that they are the king and knight the minister told you guys about, and when you ask if he means them Marfik says it's possible. That said he has no idea how many other people are around in the maze. Akashi takes a mild interest in how Alphecca and Rutilix are dressed, saying they really do look like they stepped out of a video game.

 

Rutilix doesn't know what nonsense Akashi is talking about but demands an answer to his question about who you guys are, clearly suspicious of you guys. He figures from your scents that you aren't from this planet and asks where you guys came from. He also accuses you all of being the reason he felt like he was being watched and asks why you guys are doing so. If he feels you guys are a threat to the king, then he swears to cut you guys down. Akashi protests that this is the first time you guys have laid eyes on them, and you comment that if they felt eyes on them then you weren't imagining things earlier.

 

Rutilix accuses you guys of playing dumb and of being SO rude to be talking so casually in front of the king. Akashi is offended by this, though he takes it as confirmation that they are the king and knight you guys were asked to find. You come to the same idea and comment on running into them faster than you expected. Akashi tries to remember what he heard about knight and thinks aloud about how he heard the other knights called Rutilix a 'potato eater.' Rutilix's tail puffs up in shock at that, so you try to rein Akashi in from pissing Rutilix off any further.

 

Marfik sighs at Akashi putting his foot into his mouth, and Akashi is baffled and asks if the word was something he wasn't supposed to say. Alphecca tries to get Rutilix to calm down, though he does sympathize with how he feels. Rutilix however takes it as a personal challenge to be insulted like that, then poses with his sword raised to his eyes. A light wraps him up to your surprise, and when it fades Rutilix is in his hero form. You express surprise that he transformed, especially without an Operator to make it happen.

 

Marfik voices his surprise at being able to transform on your own inside this labyrinth, but Akashi tells him this isn't the time to be touched since there's someone threatening to attack right in front of them. Marfik agrees with the point, then says the only plan available is to fight back and make Rutilix calm down. Your phone flashes again as if to draw your attention, then gives you the command window prompt asking if you want to use the new path found for Marfik. You tell Marfik that the transformation is ready to go, which confuses him since he could start one on his own here. You confirm the transformation, and a red light wraps Marfik up. Rutilix is surprised by this turn of events while Alphecca seems more curious. Akashi notes the differently colored light and figures what that means, and Marfik appears in his adventurer hero outfit with a shovel Parallel Weapon in hand.

 

Marfik is calmly surprised about his new form and wonders if it comes from the wish he had when he first heard the rumors of this place. After a moment to process it all, he declares that he likes this alternate form and thanks you, saying he'll go adventuring in this outfit. You are a little taken aback at his response but prompt him to focus on more pressing issues. Marfik remembers that there's going to be a fight going on and asks Akashi to work with him since he'll need to figure out how his new weapon works.

 

Akashi nods as he processes that Mardik would need to learn how to fight all over again, then focuses as he tries to activate the hero transformation on his own. He manages to succeed to your shock, and you ask how that even works. Akashi is also surprised it happened, and as convenient as it is he wonders why it does work. Rutilix is surprised to see Marfik and Akashi are Magical Warriors, but he's glad for that since it means he can fight on an equal level. He challenges the two of them to come at them as he calls them thieves. Akashi is shocked to be referred to as such and sighs about having to twist Rutilix's arm to get him to listen. Marfik suggests not overdoing things since the goal is to just make him settle down. Alphecca attempts to tell Rutilix to calm down and not swing around his sword in anger, but Rutilix declares the start of the episode battle as he charges forward. More story happens after that.

 

After the battle we tune in at the point where Rutilix gets hit hard enough that he falls to the ground and his hero form cancels out. Akashi sighs as he asks if Rutilix has calmed down yet and comments that short-tempered people are such a pain to deal with. Marfik points out that Akashi is short-tempered himself and doesn't have a leg to stand on in that regard, so Akashi stammers that he knows and sighs about needing to become more mature.

 

You are preoccupied with looking at your phone, so Akashi asks why you're doing so when he notices. You think to yourself that something weird happened during the battle earlier. Only five of you are around, yet somehow your phone says you've been racking up a view count higher than that the whole time. You check your phone's signal status, and it still says you're out of range. You voice your thoughts about the number of people around and inability to livestream this fight, and you confirm that you have no logs about streaming the fight. You can't even access the livestreaming site for that matter, but still you keep getting the sensation of being watched.

 

You wonder aloud if the presence watching you is the one giving you guys a view count, and Marfik says he has an idea about what you're thinking about. He notes that the battle you guys had was strange, where you guys could freely pull moves that require far more views than there are people present, like the fight was streamed normally. Akashi finally gets the point and calls the place creepy, then realizes he should probably transform out of his suit.

 

Alphecca asks Rutilix if he's calmed down yet, and Rutilix says he has as he apologizes. Alphecca approves and says he respects Rutilix's determination to protect him before noting that you guys don't seem to be looking to continue to fight either. Alphecca offers a hand and helps pull Rutilix up, then steps forward to talk to you guys. He apologizes for both Rutilix's behavior and his inability to make him stand down, and Rutilix follows suit as he says he got angry when he heard the words 'potato eater.'

 

Marfik turns down the apologies and says you guys share some fault for unknowingly using an insult in their culture, and Akashi apologizes for that in embarrassment. Marfik takes the opportunity to get introductions rolling, and after he gives his name and job title he describes Earth as being placed in Orion's Arm, third planet in the Sol system. Akashi gives his full name and describes himself as a student from the same planet, then sets up your introduction before you give your name.

 

Alphecca is curious about you being a Sorceror from another planet given that you're wearing clothes from this one, but he quickly accepts that if you guys came from another planet you wouldn't know who he is. Alphecca introduces himself by his full name, the current king of Aradicia, then tells Rutilix to introduce himself too. Rutilix obeys, describing himself as an apprentice knight of the Royal Cavalry's Imperial Guard and giving his full name as Rutilix Solo Kolfen. He admits he was rude to have drawn his sword in anger, and he bows deeply as an apology. You either comment on how earnest he is, say Alphecca is a cool king, or say Rutilix is a bit cute. B gets an extra line where Akashi seems resigned and amazed you'd be bold enough to check out a king. C gets different extra lines where Rutilix is embarrassed by the comment and Akashi suggests you not say any more on that since he figures Rutilix might slash you for it.

 

Anyways, Alphecca asks why you guys are here since only the Magicians in the kingdom should know about it. He doesn't see why offworlders would have heard about it, but he figures from your outfit you guys must have been talking with the people at the palace. You explain your presence to him, which gets skipped over to the point where Alphecca seems unenthused about the labyrinth being known throughout the galaxy. That said, he comments on how curious Marfik must be to come all this way based on a rumor. Marfik laughs it off and says people say that a lot to him, and that he's fascinated by mysterious places.

 

Rutilix thinks about how everyone is in an uproar about them being gone, so he suggests to Alphecca that they head back to the city as soon as possible. Alphecca agrees, though he wonders if they can actually get back to the entrance. You are curious about this and ask if they can't leave, which Alphecca confirms in a rather casual manner. Rutilix is more concerned about it than he is and requests that he take the situation a bit more serious like he's asked several times now. This is a life or death situation they're in. Alphecca says he's right, but he admits to having a bit of fun with things, shocking Rutilix. You comment in exasperation on Alphecca's hobbies, compare him to Marfik, and/or note how beleaguered Rutilix looks.

 

Marfik is glad that he and the king can get along so well, but he agrees that Rutilix is right in that they should leave for the time being. He turns to you and Akashi, saying you should all head back for now and come back to the investigation later. Akashi agrees, commenting that the sense of responsibility for walking the king back is heavy. Rutilix brags that it'll be fine since he's there too, but Akashi points out he just got his ass kicked.

 

Rutilix gets pissed at the slight, but Akashi tries to argue that what happened was a fact as he asks why he blew up like that. Rutilix is further offended at that and calls Akashi a club swinging meathead with no clue about swordplay. Akashi is shocked at that, clarifying that his weapon is a bat. And while he concedes the point about swordsmanship, he says he knows enough to point out that Rutilix sucks at swinging a sword. Rutilix challenges Akashi to a rematch, and Akashi is more than willing to accept but Marfik tells the two to stop since you're a joined party now, so no fighting. Alphecca also admonishes Rutilix for flying off the handle since a knight isn't supposed to behave like that. Akashi and Rutilix both apologize, and you either comment on how quick to fight the two are, worry about how you guys will get along, or comment on how similar they are. C gets an extra bit where both Akashi and Rutilix protest at the comparison, but Marfik says that makes them even more similar.

 

Anyways, Alphecca suggests that the party get going now before the maze layout changes Again. Akashi is taken aback at this and asks about the maze changing and it having done so already. Marfik looks ahead, then is confused as he asks if that wall up ahead was there earlier. He points down the hallway you guys came through earlier, which has now changed to a dead end. Akashi then alerts you guys that a new path that wasn't there earlier is open now. He points down a hallway that was walled earlier, and the episode ends with you expressing your confusion at this.