Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 9 (Abridged)

Giant Monster: SCREEEE
The Monster is flailing about in pain and part of its body dissipates into noise!
Cerastium: It's working!
Shaft: But how is it still alive after all those attacks?
Toshu: All Monsters are tough.
MC: Hmm...Giansar, any ideas?
Giansar: Ugh, it's STILL hanging on? Whenever we're close to Protect Breaking the core's defenses the small monsters fuse with the big one to heal it. It's probably gonna keep flipping out like that.
Toshu: For how long? We can't hold up forever.
Giansar: Eh, three hours?
MC: WHAT

Cerastium: But we're so close to winning... (hands shake)
reXer: ...Giansar, you know where the core is?
Giansar: That, I can pick out. Got anything strong enough to hit it though?
reXer: Tell Shaft where it is. MC, figure out where to put Toshu and Cerastium on support. I'll handle it, somehow.
Cerastium: Do you have a plan?
reXer: (turns around and readies his weapon) It should work...I'm sure of it. I can't do it like Dad, but...will you guys trust me?
MC: ...okay! Everyone, support reXer!
The party agrees and head out to face the Monsters.
Giant Monster: SCREEE
The smaller Monsters rush in!
Toshu: Me first then. I'll cut as many as I can.
Cerastium: Everyone get behind me once Toshu is done. I promise to protect you all.
Shaft: I'll carry reXer to the end. I'll signal to you.
reXer: ...MC! Let's do this!
MC: Right, VP Charge! Let's go, guys!

MC charges VP to all party members!
Toshu: Let's begin! Summer Lion's Sword Dance!
Most of the small Monsters get blown away! Toshu didn't hit the core though, and the small Monsters start grouping up again.
Shaft: I see it! Let's go, you two! Summer Runner Charge!
Lines of light run across the ground from Shaft's Parallel Weapon and lead straight to the Giant Monster core.
Giant Monster: SCREE
Small Monsters gather together to form a wall!

Cerastium: You can bash with shields too, you know! And I will, for my justice! Strong Defense "Bouclier du Justice"!
Cerastium's shining shield blows the Monster wall away! The core is almost there!
Toshu: Fortune be with you, reXer!
Shaft: I promise to bring you back!
Cerastium: Believe in your justice! I will protect us all!
MC: Careful, reXer!
reXer: Everyone...! Sorry, and thanks!
reXer follows the path towards the core!
reXer: Take the cyber hero's special ult! Overtaker "Oversynchro Execution"! And get out of my territory!
BAM! reXer's weapon mode changes to axe form and charges with blue lightning, and it cuts through the small Monsters and the core all at once!
Giant Monster: LOVELLLLYYYYYYY
FLASH

When the light dies down...
Giant Monster: eeee.... (starts falling apart)
MC: D-did we win!?
Giansar: ...hmph, we're done here. It and the small ones will disappear soon.
reXer: W-we did it...yay, Dad! Everyone! (falls to the ground)
Cerastium: That was amazing, reXer!
Toshu: Indeed.
Shaft: You pulled an awesome turnaround! Friends are great!
reXer: Ow, don't hit me! ...heh, hahaha!
Shaft: It's finally over...but I feel like I'm forgetting something important.
Toshu: Wait, this isn't over is it?
Giansar: Nope. We destroyed the one in here, but there's still some in Raidark's server room where I am. Your bodies are fine, the pods are strong. You guys can take them out once you get back.
MC: Oh. Just a little more then, everyone!

Giansar activates some program.
Toshu: Wait, what's going on with me?
Shaft: Me too. My body's turning transparent?
Giansar: I'm logging all the heroes connected to the Orient City servers out.
Toshu: What are yo--
Giansar: Lemme finish, geez. I'm sending you guys the Monsters' location too.
Shaft: W-wait, this is so sudden!
Giansar: I also switched the relay cameras to stream the real world. Same for Raidark's cameras. Get some Operators and you guys should be done soon.
Toshu: ...oh, so we still have work to do.
Toshu sighs, and he and Shaft turn to face the party.
Toshu: Cerastium, MC, Shaft. It's been good fighting alongside you all.
Shaft: It's been a great experience teaming up with you all! But I wish I could've stayed a bit longer.
Toshu: Let's meet again somewhere. Take care of your health.
Shaft: Off to fight! Let's win this one!
MC: Good luck guys / Later, Toshu / I'm glad we were on the same team again, Shaft
Cerastium: See you, and good luck.
reXer: It's been good. Later.
And so Shaft and Toshu log out.

Raidark
Akashi: !? Are we back!?
Ryekie: Oh my god I'm back in my body!
Huckle: Did you all see that message? There are Monsters in the server room.
Mokdai: Let's go!
Melide: Hmm, MC isn't here. I'll operate then.
And so the subjugation begins.
Server Room
Monsters: reeee...
Wolf: Eat it, punks! This ain't nothing after being stuck in an NPC!
Trainee: DIE
Monsters: Eeep!

The World Neoaxis
The remaining party is on some hill watching the battle in Raidark through some window in the sky. The heroes are kicking ass in there.
Cerastium: ...wow, there's so many heroes in Orient City alone.
reXer: Things should be fine then.
Giansar: Hmph...
MC notices Giansar bug up for a second.
MC: Huh, Giansar?
Server Room
Ryekie: Is that all of them!?
Toshu: ...where's Giansar? He helped us, but he still has crimes to answer for!
Shaft: Giansar! ...huh. Didn't he say he logged in through here?
Toshu and Shaft happen to run into each other in front of some capsule.
Shaft: Toshu, this capsule is...
Toshu: The only one in the room. So he must be in there.
The two see the capsule is off. No one is inside.
Toshu: !?
Shaft: What!? Then...where did Giansar get in from?

The World Neoaxis
Giansar: You didn't expect me to STAY there after I said I was there, did you?
Cerastium: Then how are you still here?
Giansar: You don't need a capsule to access this place. But I do have to use a keyboard to move now.
reXer: Damn, that's gotta suck.
Giansar starts bugging out harder. So does his voice.
MC: Oh, so you already got out...
Giansar: Welp, the game should go back to normal soon. I'm getting out here.
reXer: So what WAS your big plan? Far as I can tell...you failed.
MC: ...did you change your mind a bit? You got to be a hero.
Giansar: ...hmph. Heroes still suck and that includes you guys.
For a second it looked like Giansar barely smiled.
Giansar: ...I had a little bit of fun. We probably won't see each other again. Bye. (logs out)

reXer: ...damn, this tournament turned into a mess. Think they'll suspend it?
Cerastium: It wouldn't be surprising...but still, I--
reXer: Same actually. I think meeting you guys and being here was worth it.
MC: reXer... / Cerastium... / I'm glad we teamed up.
reXer: You too? I guess we're all happy then.
reXer: I... (looks up)
reXer: At some point I started feeling comfortable fighting using Dad's body. I felt I had nothing, so doing this made me feel less bad. But meeting you all changed that. (smiles at MC and Cerastium)
reXer: I'm here because I had something of my own that could help people.
MC: ...I see.

reXer: I used to think all I needed was the cyber world...but now, I wanna try being a hero in the real world, as myself. I think I have my own kind of justice...you think I can do it?
Cerastium: (smiles) ...I think you've become a person of real justice here at least. You've saved so many people, fighting because you wanted to do so.
reXer: ...oh. Heh.
Beep beep
System Message: Tournament's on hold. Details to come later after you log out. Log out, by the way.
reXer: ...time to go, huh? Later. Thanks for teaming up with me.
MC: See you later, reXer. It's been great!
Cerastium: ...yes. I'm sure we'll see each other again. And I'm sure you'll become a hero.
reXer: ...yeah, I'll do my best. Next time I see you guys, I wanna be a real hero then.
reXer, logging out.
Cerastium: ...maybe it really WAS simple. Everyone has things important to them they'll never give up. That's their justice that brings them closer to others. And I...
MC: Did you find your justice?
Cerastium: ...ehehe, maybe? I do think I have an answer for Justice's question now though. We should go back too. Next time, we should have a relaxing chat with drinks.
MC: ...I'm glad we met. I'll have some nice tea for you.
MC, logging out.

Title Card: Everyone's Justice

One month later
There's a party/social event happening where as many heroes near Earth as possible have gathered.
MC: Ceras, over here! Wow, it didn't take that long for us to meet again actually.
Cerastium: MC! How have you been? This feels weird, but I still like it. And... (notices someone)
MC: He said he wanted to meet you.
Ryekie: Hey, haven't seen you since that battle!
Cerastium: (GASP)
Ryekie: Haha, sorry about that! I made MC look for you! I've been wondering about a follow up since our last conversation.
Cerastium: Oh my!

Ryekie: Heard you kicked ass during all that fighting. Did you find your justice?
Cerastium: ...yes, but only sort of. It's obvious that justice means different things to people...but it's an irreplaceable thing that supports and guides them. So of course your justice and mine would be different.
Ryekie: (waits kindly)
Cerastium: Justice isn't about always choosing the right thing. Sometimes we make mistakes, or we disagree on what is right. It's about reflection and growing. My justice is believing that I did the right thing, and I'm going to keep protecting the people I can.
MC: I see.
Cerastium: ...I haven't gotten to the point to where I'm sure this is my final answer, but if I ever become someone who can embody true justice, I'd like to spar with you again.
Ryekie: ...sure! I'm still working on myself, but I'm sure you can get stronger! You've found your way forward with your justice, so your hero of justice future is waiting for you! I want to see you then, fight with you, and fight alongside you when you get there!
Cerastium: !!
Ryekie: I look forward to seeing you again in the next Hero Fest.
Cerastium: ...me too!
Ryekie and Cerastium shake hands.

???: Oh, there you are.
reXer: ...hey, it's been a while MC. Cerastium.
Cerastium: !? reXer!?
MC: reXer! / Wow you different without the visor / Damn, you're cute
---
(C) reXer: W-what!? Well...not that that bothers me.
---
reXer: Man, I was worried you guys wouldn't be able to tell since I look different here.
Cerastium: ...I actually thought you were going to look MORE different, but you really do look like your father.
reXer: ...people said that a lot. I actually expected that again here, heh.
Ryekie: I know you, cyber hero reXer. I know you always kept your identity a secret, but I didn't think you'd be so young.
reXer: I think it was my dad you knew. Back then, he was reXer. Now, it's my name.
Ryekie: ...you're his heir, huh?
reXer: Well...I still haven't actually done any hero stuff yet. But I had a new dream after meeting you all.
MC: What's that?

reXer: Dad was awesome as a technician and a hero, and I inherited his name. And since I have, I wanna create a new reXer.
Cerastium: Quoi?
reXer: Yeah, you guys taught me that there are things I can do because of who I am, so I wanna be a real hero that's even better than Dad was.
MC: Cool! I'm cheering you on.
reXer: Yeah...so I've started making my way forward. (pulls out a card)
Ryekie: ...a hero temp license? Oh, you're going to take the test.
reXer: ...yeah. If I make it, I think I'll team up with you guys and fight again. Hope you guys look after me then.
MC: Good luck!
Cerastium: Best of luck. I think you'll be okay.
Fireworks go off outside. The tournament never finished this year, but the fireworks go off all the same to appreciate the heroes.
reXer: ...next time, I'll be a hero when I come here.
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: reXer. Connectivity: Very Strong
MC: ...hmm! Execute!
reXer: (transformed) WHAT
The End

Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 8 (Abridged)

Title Card: Digital World Crisis

Giant Monster in The World Neo-Axis! Smaller Monsters are spawning in and are getting drawn into the big one!
Toshu: Why are there Monsters here!?
Shaft: I-I don't know, but Monsters are supposed to appear wherever people are, so...
Cerastium: So not even a virtual gathering is safe!?
reXer: The big one is starting to move!
The Monster is very slowly coming this way! Towards the port city, specifically.
MC: Oh no! Aren't the NPCs...
Flashback
Giansar: I stuck Justice and a bunch of other heroes I took out offscreen into the NPCs.
Present
Giansar: Yeah. At least half of them have heroes in them.
reXer: But they can't fight like that!
Cerastium: OH NO
MC: We have to do something!

Giansar thinks as he stares at his windows.
Toshu: He's up to something! No funny movements.
Giansar: I'm just checking something, gawd.
Window: Error! Log out unavailable.
Beepbeepbeepbeep.
Giansar: Goddammit, I'm stuck too. The Monsters have already invaded over half of the system.
Toshu: You stop what you're doing and answer our questions. First, do you know what's going to happen?
Giansar: ...I'm guessing Monsters turned up inside the game's server room and somehow they were able to invade the consciousness conversion system. And in doing so they damaged the controls.
reXer: ...so, the Monsters have taken over the game?
Giansar: Far as I can tell, yeah.

Cerastium: I have a question too. What would happen if a Monster ate us here?
Giansar: It's only our minds in here, but if you get eaten here you'd probably never wake up.
Toshu: Oh...
Giansar: The heroes still around are taking action. Fighting still works, but...they're getting pushed back.
Party: >:(
Giansar: Stop looking at me like that, it's not my fault. They're just outnumbered, and they would be even if I hadn't been doing my thing.
reXer: Stop talking like you aren't affected by this, you're stuck here too!
Giansar: ...yeah, I didn't mean for that to happen. But yeah, we gotta destroy the Monsters in here and the ones outside the game before shit gets bad.
MC: ...why, what would happen?
Giansar: We all get eaten and the game breaks, and then none of us are coming back probably.
reXer: !! (sweats)
Toshu: We better get to work then.
MC: We have to do something!

Cerastium: Yeah!
Shaft: I don't know how the logout block works, but I do know we can fight against the Monsters!
Toshu: Our backs are up against the wall here.
reXer: (stares, then clenches fist in determination)
reXer: I'll fight too!
Cerastium: reXer! But...
reXer: Yeah, I'm not a hero and there's no guarantee this avatar works against Monsters. But I wanna help somehow! I don't want Monsters to eat Dad for a second time!
MC: Okay, let's do what we can together!
reXer: Yeah! I'm a cyber hero, so I better show what I can do here!

Giansar: ...I'm coming too.
Toshu: What are you plotting?
Giansar: ...nothing. I can be embarrassed about what I did too. But more importantly I don't want to go down like a useless chump against the Monsters. (stares at Giant Monster)
Giansar: Far as I can tell...that thing's the cause of all our system problems. It's probably acting like a giant security hole.
reXer: Oh! If it's the central processing system we might be able to fix the game program with it!
Giansar: Yeah, but that involves getting within that thing's reach. I can handle fixing things, but I need time with them not attacking me while I'm at it.
Toshu: How very convenient for you.
Giansar: Think whatever you want, but I'm not plotting anything. I'm not dying to retgone here, and I doubt you guys want to either. You don't have anyone else better for the job than me. Make your choice.
MC: ...let's give him a chance.

reXer: ...MC.
Shaft: ...Giansar, we just settled our fight with you earlier, so now...let's work together for the time being.
Toshu: We're all in the same boat, huh? Well if he's not lying, we can assign some of the work of solving this to him at least.
Giansar: This is why you heroes suck...whatever, you better not waste me if we're doing this. We're using each other to the fullest.
MC: Okay, gimme your hand! / Temporary teamwork / Whatever it takes to live
Cerastium: (stares)
Giansar: ...what?
Cerastium: ...I can't accept what you did to everyone or your philosophy.
Giansar: Makes sense.
Cerastium: But...

Flashback
The Disrespect of Not Even Giving This Bestie a Name: Maybe justice is complicated. Maybe there's more than one kind of justice.
Present
Cerastium: My justice isn't simply. I may deny your actions, but I can't just deny your thoughts. So, I'll work with you to survive this and figure out my justice.
Giansar: You naive girl.
Cerastium: I'm knocking you out if you try any funny business though.
Giansar: Oh, is that what you really think? Whatever.
Cerastium: My name is Cerastium. Let's work together.
Giansar: ...yeah.

Later
Giansar: Okay, I'm going to try hacking the program. You guys fight off the Monsters.
And so the party starts heading towards the big boss Monster.
Later again
Monsters: SCREEE
MC: Here they come, Ceras! / reXer, you're up! / Shaft, go!
(A) Cerastium: Shields can bash too you know!
(B) reXer: I can do this! I still have Dad's weapon! (bonk) Oh my god it worked!
(C) Shaft: Okay! Summer Rugby Charge!

The Monsters get blown away!
Toshu: Dammit, there's still more of them!
Giansar: ...there's like 150-200 of them here. And they'll keep spawning if they aren't taken care of! But the other heroes still around are fighting, so they aren't spawning in that fast.
It's snowing Monsters!
Cerastium: How awful. I wonder what's happening offline?
reXer: Hey Giansar, you getting anywhere with your analysis?
Giansar: ...yeah, I can work anywhere. But I can't close the security hole from here at the moment.
Toshu: You lied to us!?
Giansar: Let me finish, dammit. But anyways, I've confirmed the Monsters's infiltration route is centered on the big one. It's parasitized the core program so it's a core itself and pulling in more Monsters. We take it out, we can get control back which means logout will work again and we can get rid of the other Monsters.
Shaft: ...so, we HAVE to fight it.
Toshu: It's big, so it's going to be tough.
reXer: (frowns)
MC: You okay?

reXer: ...I'm going up against something I've only seen before, so I guess I am a little afraid. But... (glares)
reXer: I can't back now, and I probably never could have. But the cyber hero of justice reXer wouldn't run here. Dad would solve any cyber world problem since that was his justice, and I'm his heir!
Cerastium: (gasps)
Giansar: (snorts and looks at his windows again) Whatever. I'm doing my part, you do yours so we'll live through this.
reXer: !! Giansar...
Giansar: Move your feet, slowpoke.
MC: Yeah! We're all making it through this!
Giansar: (keeps typing on his cyber console)
Shaft: ...we should get going.
Toshu: Right.
And so the party continues again.

Giansar gets distracted for a second when he looks at the party.
Giansar: ...what the hell am I saying about "you guys do your part"? I'm really working with heroes now...? After all I did...?
Flashback!
Clerk: Sorry, you failed the license test.
Later on
Giansar: How the fuck did I fail and those chumps pass!? What don't I have that they do!?
Totally Not Vulpecula: Wow you got skills. Why didn't they recognize that? Why does the world let incompetent heroes do whatever they want?
Giansar: Yeah! It's the world that sucks! I'm awesome at what I do!
Totally Not Vulpecula: You should change the world. And by change I mean destroy.
Giansar: What? ...hmmmm.
Present
Giansar: >:C (distracted by the angry)
reXer: Giansar!
Giansar snaps out of it and looks at reXer looking hard at him.
reXer: ...we're counting on you.
Giansar: ...shit. (starts working again) ...only for now until we survive.
Giansar notices something in the logs.
Giansar: What?

Later
The party has reached the top of some hill and made it to the giant Monster raining more Monsters from the sky!
reXer: Here it comes!
Toshu: First strike!
Toshu dodges the Monster's attack and strikes back! Except...
Toshu: Whoa, that's tough!
Monster: REEEE
Toshu: Oh no! (pow) OOF
Shaft: Toshu! Dammit, it's too big for me to keep up with my support!
Toshu has been launched into midair!
MC: The smaller ones are coming! Get ready!

reXer: Gamer Power Swing!
reXer mows down the Monsters!
Cerastium: There's no end to them! (swings shield)
Shaft: We just need to take out the big one...!
Monster: SCREEEE
Shaft: Oh no the big one is attacking! Dodge everyone!
reXer: You say that like it's easy! (pow) AAAAAA
Shaft: OH NO, REXER
reXer got hit because he was slowed down by the small Monsters.
reXer: Urgh...is this...how strong Monsters are...?
MC: reXer, you okay!? You ate that head on, but Shaft caught you!
reXer: S-somehow...
The Monsters keep spawning in and regaining their balance!
Toshu: We're deeply disadvantaged...
Shaft: It feels like there's even more of them now.
Cerastium: We can't even get close enough to attack the big one!
Shaft: And the small ones keep attacking!
reXer: ...we can't give up. I can't let this world...or Dad...disappear!
Toshu: Keep fighting!
The pressure is getting to the party...
MC: Need! Some sort of! Turnaround!

Suddenly!
Giansar: Execute program!
Giansar's voice yells out from monitors in front of the party! The small Monsters bug up with noise and disappear! The large one starts bugging up too as it screams.
Cerastium: ...wait, what?
Toshu: What's happening?
Giansar: Heh, it worked.
MC: Giansar! What's happening?
Gainsar: I can't close the hole, but I did find a way to shrink it. Doing that caused all this to happen.
Shaft: Your analysis worked!
Giansar: Not entirely. Big guy's still the cause of all our problems, so we still have to kill it. It should be easier to take him down now.
reXer: What do you mean?
Giansar: I threw together a network link to hack its stats down.
reXer: Just now? In real time??

Giansar: ANYWAYS I brought its defenses to the lowest point, so you guys should be able to beat it if you go all together.
Cerastium: Um, Giansar!
Giansar: Don't forget I'm doing this so I survive! I need to live long enough to make sure my life meant something.
MC: What?
Giansar: ...I don't want you guys to win, but I will do anything to find the meaning of my life, whatever it is. And I'll show no mercy to anyone....I'll do my part, you guys do yours.
Shaft: Giansar...
Giansar: Hmph. I'm going to keep taking the big one's data apart. You guys destroy it when it's cut off from the system. Don't fall behind...
MC: ...right! Let's go, everybody!
reXer: ...yeah! I swear to save this world on my Dad's name and deeds!
Monster: REEEE
The buggy Monster turns towards the party. It readies to strike, but the party gets ready to fight back!
Cerastium: Here it comes!
Shaft: It's do or die time! Let's work together!
Toshu: Yes! We will win and return alive!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 7 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Ref: Game! Team B wins 26 to 24!
Shaft: YEEAAAH! Comeback win!
Teammate A: Great going, Shaft!
Teammate B: You killed it out there!
Shaft (narrating): All my life, I had my team with me. We always worked together...and then one day I had to retire due to injury,
Shaft: I just need a job...things will be okay...right? I make my living for now, and maybe I'll get a better job later...then my life won't be so empty...
Shaft (narrating): Life was unstable as I worked alone doing unfamiliar work. I was left behind, with no one to turn or talk to. I struggled to make sense of it all...and then I found friends who helped me out of this funk.
Alchiba: You're our driver as we chase after Vulpecula. That's plenty helpful for us.
Kalaski: No one thinks you're useless. You do what you can.
Shaft: I'm in a team again! People are supporting me...I can still do something!
Shaft (narrating): I lost my bearings and even my hero work, but they gave me a new place. They saw me for me, and showed me the path I ought to take. Friends are friends, even if we got together off the cuff working for the same goal.

Present
Shaft: I can't just give up so easily. This isn't over yet!
MC: Let's save Ceras together!
Shaft: Yes! I still have my legs even if I don't have my space taxi!
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Shaft. Connectivity: Very High. Connect?
MC: Here we go, Shaft! Execute!
click
Toshu: Hey, this is the same light I had earlier!
reXer: No way, Shaft too!?
Ta-da! Variant Shaft, go!
Shaft: wait what!?

Title Card: System Error

Elsewhere far away from the party, Giansar's on some beach with Cerastium tied up.
Giansar: 'kay, that should be far enough. (transforms) We're also off the map and cameras aren't pointed here. Time to work.
Cerastium: So that's what you really look like! Why'd you look like Justice!?
Giansar: Can't you tell? You guys couldn't attack Justice without holding back, and nobody else besides you right now knows what I really look like. I'm using my abilities to take avatars, put the players elsewhere and disguise myself as them. I'm just using you guys.
Cerastium: Wait, you aren't stealing avatars? But that shouldn't be possible...
Giansar: You'll know soon. I dropped the look because I can only do it when I'm like this. My skills work great here, and I'll use your avatars better than you can.

Cerastium: ...what ARE you doing?
Giansar: ...can't you guess? I'm gonna disconnect you from your avatar. It's okay, I'll stick you in a body that won't be moving.
Cerastium: Did you do that to Justice, too!?
Giansar: Hey I'm not hurting you by doing that. You oughta be thanking me for that. Just watch me.
Cerastium: NO! I still have my friends!
Giansar: ...you're friends with people you literally just met? Weirdo.
Cerastium: ...! Everyone...!
A bunch of windows pop up in front of Giansar. Giansar clicks on something and Cerastium starts buzzing with noise as she starts being forcibly dissociated.
Cerastium: No...
Shaft (offscreen): CERASTIUM!
Giansar: wait WHAT

New window pops up showing a dot approaching REALLY fast!
Shaft: AAAAAHHHH
Here comes Rickshaw Puller Shaft with wheels on his feet! Also he's pulling three translucent spheres along.
reXer: I see Cerastium! Who's that next to her...?
Toshu: That must be Giansar or whatever his name is. He said that Justice body earlier was borrowed!
MC: Ceras, we are here to save you! / There you are, Giansar!
Cerastium: Shaft! Everyone!
Giansar: HE got an alternate form too!? Dammit now that they're here, so are cameras!
Giansar stops as he tries to figure our whether to fight or run.

Shaft: Toshu, here we go! (runs in an arc towards Giansar)
Toshu: Release Cerastium, or be cut down!
Toshu jumps out and swings at Giansar! Giansar backsteps!
Cerastium: Ahh!
reXer saves Cerastium!
reXer: There we go. You okay!?
Cerastium: reXer!? Everyone! thank you.
Giansar: How'd you get here so fa--
Shaft: You aren't getting away!
Giansar: !?
Shaft rushes straight at Giansar!
MC: Get him!

Shaft bends down as his legs bulk up!
Shaft: AAAAAAHHH
Shaft superspeed dash attacks from a blind spot!
Giansar: Goddammit! (warps)
Cerastium: Stop!
Toshu: ...where did he g--
reXer: Over there! (points at Giansar speedhacking over the water)
MC: Is he suddenly Jesus or something!?
reXer pulls out a tablet and taps at it.
reXer: It looks like he's overwriting the water he's running on into a platform. It doesn't look like he's gonna teleport. Or maybe he can't...? Whatever, if that's what he's doing then Shaft should be able to keep up!
Toshu: We cannot leave him be!
Shaft: I can chase him down!
Toshu: Let us go together and pay him what he is owed.
Shaft: uh, but that's water over there
Toshu: No matter, that is what this suit is for.
Shaft: Oh okay then. Let's go!

reXer: Hmm...Shaft, I got a map of the path on the water!
Shaft accelerates his wheels and speeds off with the party.
MC: OH MY GOD
Shaft: It's over for you, Giansar!
Giansar: HOW
Toshu: We know how you're running on the water! Surrender! (leans to the side and slashes through the water at Giansar)
Giansar: UGH (stops and swings a knife at Shaft and Toshu)
reXer: NO YOU DON'T
reXer jumps in and knocks Giansar's knife away. It bounces off the top of the water.
Giansar: Damn you!
Toshu: Your payback for your earlier trick has come!
Toshu jumps onto the water and swings at Giansar!

Giansar: You uppity bitch! (taps a window and turns the water Toshu is standing on back to normal)
Shaft: Oh no, Toshu!
Giansar: Sink into the game over screen!
Shaft: I'll save you!
Giansar: No you won't!
Underwater
Toshu: ...
Toshu closes his eyes and holds still. His mind sharpens as he faces the surface. And then his eyes open.
Toshu: (THERE YOU ARE)
Up above
Shaft: Where'd this water column come from!? Is that Toshu!?
It IS!
Toshu: MC, give me strength!
MC: VP Charge, go!

Toshu's blade glows!
Giansar: WHAT
Calm reverb!
Toshu: Sword Flash!
Giansar: AAAAAA (gets knocked into the air)
Shaft: MC, me too!
MC: Okay! Moar power!
Shaft's wheels spin and glow as VP charges to him, and he speeds up!
Shaft: Space Runner Tackle!
Shaft runs to where Giansar's going to land, arms open...

Later
reXer: So...what now?
Cerastium: Look, Shaft's back!
Shaft zooms back and stops in front of the party along with Toshu and Giansar.
MC: Welcome back guys! You caught him!
Shaft: Yes, somehow. You okay Cerastium?
Cerastium: Yes, thank you. Also Shaft, is your form the same thing Toshu di--
MC: It's the form of his new wish / it's pretty cool / it's really sexy
(BC) Shaft: MC, what!? Haha, it just came from my new wish.

Shaft: My new wish was to reach my friends and MC found it.
Cerastium: Huh... well thank you guys again for saving me.
Shaft: Well we're friends. I won't abandon my friends.
Giansar: oh to HELL with this!
Shaft: wait what
Giansar short distance warps and readies to fight!
Giansar: How fucking CONVENIENT for you! You find a new wish and change yourself? Goddammit, your stupid power of friendship is ruining my plans and my excuses for being a bitch ass weakling! All of you are gonna die right here!
reXer: Oh, so he did have some juice to teleport left, but not enough to run? Well...
Cerastium: Surrender, and put Justice and everyone else back where they belong!
Toshu: ...I don't think he's going to listen. Let us go, Shaft.
Shaft: Careful, he might have other tricks up his sleeves.
MC: You're going down, Giansar!
Giansar: I'mma take all your avatars!
A bunch of windows pop up around Giansar. He pays no attention.
Window: Error. Values editing cannot be performed.
BATTLE START (more happens later)

Raidark's server room
Yup, there's a bunch of Monsters spawning in there where Giansar is.
The World Neo-Axis
Giansar: Ugh! (falls to his knees)
Giansar: Why can't I hack stats anymore? (tries fiddling with the windows)
Window: Error. Selected avatar currently unusable.
Giansar: I can't use the other ones either!? What!?
The party approaches.
reXer: Y'know, Giansar himself isn't anything special as a fighter.
Cerastium: He seemed to have a plan...but that stops now. Let Justice and the others go!
Giansar: OSHIT
MC: Huh, he seems panicky about something. Whatever, stop resisting!

Toshu: Any funny business and I cut you down.
Gainsar: (frown) well whaddya gonna do now? We're inside a game with no police to hand me over to. Not that there being police would change much. I can still change stuff.
reXer: So you ARE tampering the game from outside?
Cerastium: ...hey, you're a hero in this competition right?
Giansar gets mad at the word "hero."
Cerastium: Why are you doing all this!? Or...are you a villain?
Giansar: Well what if I am? It's not like you get the idea that there can be hero wannabes who can't become heroes.
reXer: !!
Giansar: Y'all are jackasses doing what you think is the right thing not knowing there's people you deny, so I'mma deny YOU guys! I'm doing what I think is right!
Toshu: ...ahh, so you are a wannabe.
MC: what?

Toshu: It's not that simple to become a hero. There is testing to make sure you qualify, so Giansar either failed the test, lost his license, or had something else happen. They're a villain subtype of hero wannabes.
Shaft: So...you're mad at heroes and came here?
Giansar: Hmph, I'm just here long enough to carry out my perfect plan. I'll prove your stupid justice sucks!
Cerastium: Is that what you found strange? ...that's really your reason for doing all that to Justice and everyone!?
Giansar: Oh he was super easy. I just said I was an admin who needed his data to help other players and he just let me in. Then I just slowly overwrote the game programming to detach the avatars from the players, stick the players into NPCs, and keep the avatars for myself.
MC: oh
Giansar: ...I stayed on guard against unnoticed details too you know.
reXer: So Justice is still here somewhere?
Giansar: He's probably spouting barmaid "Welcome to Corneria" dialogue right about now. Every hero I took out is in the townsfolk NPCs.

Inn
Barmaid: G-good morning Chrono!
Ryekie: (Oh no I can't say anything else! Oh wait someone else came in, and now this NPC is going over to them!)
Barmaid: Good morning Chrono!
Wharf
Villager B: Nice day out!
Red: (Oh no I need to get help from another hero who isn't stuck like this!)
Wolf: This NPC is weird coming up to me.
Villager B: Nice day out!
Wolf: Uh, okay. (leaves)
Red: (NO, HELP)
Marketplace
Baker: Bread!
Some Hero A: (Somebody notice me!)
Storekeep: RPG equips!
Some Hero B: (Forget the gear, I'm in here!)

Wherever the party is
MC: Well damn...
reXer: Okay, now we know for sure hacking is the explanation for all your shenanigans! Like holy crap you got into a lot of things...
Cerastium: Shouldn't Raidark have heavy security?
reXer: As heavy as any government facility would be at least.
Giansar: You say that like their security holes wouldn't be as easy to exploit.
reXer: Hmm. So you got an accomplice and used a DDoS attack?
Giansar: Yeah, and then I find cracks to break in through to reach the core systems.
Cerastium: So once he gets in, the rest is easy to control, huh...?
Giansar: I just needed a spare capsule to log in here after all that.
Toshu: ...you're inside Raidark now? Can't we just call security to arrest him?
reXer: I bet he's stopped that somehow.
Giansar: Heh, yeah. Prep work's all done.
MC: what

Giansar: I locked the login/logout functions. We're stuck in here until I unlock it, hehe.
Toshu: ...and what's that mean?
Shaft: We can't go back to our bodies?
reXer: Yeah.
Giansar: Yep.
MC: OH NO
Toshu: How awful
Shaft: So Giansar has our lives in his hands?
Giansar: Yes, now you got it you stupi--
BWOOP BWOOP ALERT ALERT

Giansar: Oh what now. Some external message? ...it's all in garbage script. And are all these error messages related to my inability to hack stats now?
Giansar tries clearing out the error messages...
Giansar: Hey wait these messages are exploding! Is something going on outside!?
Window: Error. Unpermitted external access detected. Engaging secURitY. No-...N6ag1--
More error messages pop up!
MC: The whole game is bugging up!
Cerastium: Look, something's happening beyond the city!
A part of the sky is turning red as noise starts warping and something emerges!
Toshu: !?
Shaft: Wait, they can show up here too!?
Giansar: NO WAY
Monster: SCREEEEE
MC: A Monster!
End of Episode

Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 6 (Abridged)

Flashback
Cerastium: I once had a friend I saw as way stronger than me. Then a Monster ate her.
reXer: !!
Cerastium (narrating): My friend had more experience than me, and she had way stronger convictions. I admired her and wanted to be like her, but I couldn't do anything when a Monster attacked. Before all was lost...Justice saved me. I still remember that day, though I'm not surprised he doesn't remember me.
Cerastium (narrating): I was saved, but also frustrated at how powerless I was...it's why I bear my shield now, my strength. I will protect anyone and everyone.
Cerastium (narrating): My best friend gave me so many things...along with one serious problem.

One day...
Bestie: Is it that weird to have horns?
Cerastium (narrating): And then the entire class went quiet. My classmates teased me every day. I'd almost look human if it weren't for the horns. I don't think they were doing it to be mean, they just noticed the differences. Pure curiosity and surprise in a way, though it didn't stop me from hating the constant "wow you're weird" comments. I felt like I had to smile since they were too, but then my best friend I won't name for some reason spoke up about it.
Mystery Bestie: Ceras doesn't look like she's enjoying the comments to me.
Cerastium (narrating): Reactions were mixed, but most were like "what's she on about?" Me though...her words meant a lot.
Cerastium: ...you sure about this? What if they mistreat you too?
The Friend Who Won't Be Named: It's cool, it bothers me too when they pick on you for your horns. And it's not like they have to say every mean thought in their heads. I think your horns are cool.
Cerastium: ...thank you.

Cerastium (narrating): She was strong. She could stand up for what she thought was right, even as a minority. I adored her and wanted to walk alongside her. Time passed by fast.
Cerastium: ...I want to do work where I address society's oddities, the way you did for me. I want to defend someone this time.
Bestie: Awesome! And on that note...
Cerastium: Oh, that flier...
Bestie: Yep, I'm gonna take the job test!
Cerastium: Wow! No kidding!?
Bestie: I'm serious! Let's do our best together!
Cerastium: Yeah!

Cerastium (narrating): My friend and I were one day hoping to work in the same place and job together. And then we both managed to get into the riot police. Things were busy, but it felt like we were doing the right thing. But one day I could see her starting to worry, and she said...
Bestie: ...Ceras, I don't think we thought our dreams all the way through. What really IS justice?
Cerastium: What?
Bestie: ...what if you saw someone stealing for example?
Cerastium: I'd arrest him!
Bestie: And what if he was stealing to feed his little girl Space Cosette because he had no money and no job?
Cerastium: Umm...
Bestie: ...sorry about springing a weird question on you. I guess justice isn't that simple.
Cerastium: ...
Bestie: I don't think I can reach out to everyone, so I want to protect the ones I can at least. It's the one way I can think of to figure what justice is. Maybe we should talk about it sometime. I wanna know what your justice is.
Cerastium (narrating): We never got to, and I always thought about her last words and smile. Now I have to think about it again...

Title Card: Pretender of Justice

Present
So there's this one guy sneaking into Raidark's The World Neoaxis server room. They have spare login capsules there for some reason, and an intruder alarm is going off. This guy doesn't give a crap about the alarm as he gets into a capsule.
Inside the game
"Ryekie" is standing somewhere up high with a vantage point before reaching up towards the sky. Graphical noise occurs.
Window: Please insert password. Please insert password. Please insert password.
Area stages flick by.
"Ryekie": ...things are going good. I want things to be perfect when I work.
"Ryekie" clears out the weird error message window and looks at the stages.
"Ryekie": Hmm, halfway point? Whose ass do I kick next then?

Elsewhere
Shaft: Thanks, MC! Let's all work together, everyone! reXer's already attacking, so you and I should go support him, Toshu!
Toshu: Very well! Cerastium, cover us!
Cerastium: Okay!
Blue: Hey wait, I thought their teamwork was supposed to suck!
reXer: Thanks guys, I was almost pushed back there.
Shaft: It's okay, reXer. We're teammates. Anyways, they're open now!
reXer: Right. Toshu, let's go.
Toshu: Hmph, I know.
That high place
"Ryekie": They're still here? Okay, off to stomp them then.
Outside in the server room
A Monster starts spawning in!

Back in the game
MC: Great work guys, we won somehow!
Shaft: Thank you for coordinating us, MC!
Cerastium: You did great on the call outs too, Shaft. We're becoming a team for real now!
reXer: Yeah. Shaft, do you usually fight like that?
Shaft: Oh, uh, it's nothing. Ahaha... I'm just using my rugby playing experience here.
Toshu: Oh yes, I've watched a rugby game at college. I can see how it's similar to hero fights nowadays.
Shaft: I thought so too. With a team focusing on the same goal, I'd like for us to gel together so I do what I can.
reXer: Being a team center's the same anywhere, huh?

Cerastium: Wait...is that your justice, Shaft?
Shaft: That’s a bit much, but it's my policy at least. I've always lived that way, so I want to keep it going.
Cerastium: !! (flashes back to Toshu talking about justice, and then Bestie who doesn't even get a name wondering about justice)
Cerastium: ...people can have different ideas of justice despite going for the same thing. Oh...is that how it is? Thank you Shaft, Toshu!
Toshu: O-okay?
Shaft: Well if it helped.
Cerastium: But then, what's my justice? Hmm...
Beep beep!
MC: Oh, there's another team nearby already!
reXer: Alright, get your head in the game MC! Where are they!?
Shaft: My phone says that way...

Later
Narihito: Hm? Oh hey, MC! Looks like you're moving up steadily! Can I get a comment later?
Kalaski: ...you know you aren't here for interviews, right? Hey MC. You're next? Go easy on us.
Yep, it's them two.
MC: Kalaski, Narihito! / Wow nice clothes today, Narihito / Cool casual outfit, Kalaski
(B) Narihito: Hey, I don't always go around in a heavy jacket! I'm dressing up since I'm not here as a reporter.
(C) Kalaski: Eh, I guess. It's what I wear when I don't need to go to a warzone. Still ready to go take pictures if something neat happens.

Cerastium: MC, is there anyone you DON'T know?
Kalaski: MC's just that famous. And somehow, we get shuffled into teams and I STILL get stuck with this guy...
Narihito: We need each other because of our jobs. Sometimes he comes with me on interviews.
Kalaski: Reminder that I'm a war photographer and not a paparazzi camera dork.
Narihito: Yes, I know. I'd rather not walk into a battlefield, so maybe a gossip piece next...
Kalaski: WHY do we need each other again...?
???: Is the next party here? I think I heard a familiar voice.
It's Alphecca and Lilac!
Alphecca: Ah, MC, pleasure seeing you again.
Lilac: Hello MC, haven't seen you since the flower festival.
MC: Your Majesty, Lilac! / Wow you're dressed a lot more outdoorsy, King / Nice sporty outfit, Lilac!
(B) Alphecca: Haha, this is what people would call my incognito outfit. It's tiring to be in my royal clothes all the time. Rutilix isn't nearby, is he? He kept going on about elegance and dignity.
(C) Lilac: Haha, it's easy to move in and I heard it would be hot here. I'll be here as a hero instead of a florist.

Alphecca: Oh, you know them too, Florist?
Lilac: We helped each other out once. Also could you not refer to me by my job title?
Alphecca: Ahh, I hear about their achievements everywhere in my kingdom.
Toshu: King Alphecca Genma XXI...so you really are a hero as the rumors say.
Alphecca: Hmm. Aren't you from the East on my home planet? You're a king too, so no need for formalities. We are both knights, or heroes as they call them off planet.
Toshu: Uhh...has he gone mad?
reXer: Wow MC, we're up against a team of people you know besides the Operator.
Shaft: You sure have been around.
MC: I guess?

Alphecca: Now that we are all here, shall we begin?
Team Alphecca transforms!
Cerastium: We should transform too! MC!
MC: Okay, here we go!
Team MC transforms! And suddenly, an announcement.
PA System: Teams on standby confirmed. Starting soon. 3...2...bzbbzt
MC: wait what?
The UI window blacked out.
Kalaski: What's going on?
Lilac: Is this some beta bug?
Suddenly Ryekie warps in!
MC: WHAT / uh, why are you here?

Cerastium: J-Justice! Why are you here? ...wait, something's wrong.
reXer: Hey we already fought you, we aren't supposed to fight again. Is there a bug...?
Shaft: Maybe he's here for some other reason? Like he just passed by? He was lost on the way to our match earlier.
reXer: But he teleported. The warp system is supposed to be locked and--!?
Narihito: Um, Justice we're in the middle of something.
Narihito approaches "Ryekie". "Ryekie" holds his hand up to Narihito.
reXer: NO GET AWAY FROM HIM
BOOM
Narihito: OOF
Kalaski: Narihito!
Narihito just got hit with a lightning bolt!

Lilac: What is the meaning of this!?
Alphecca: Get back, Florist!
Alphecca saves Lilac!
Lilac: Ah! ...thank you, Your Majesty.
Alphecca: It's fine. But who is he...?
"Ryekie" turns towards Team MC.
"Ryekie": I really should move things.
MC: what
Toshu: Justice is oddly quiet right now.
reXer: It's not him! The only people who can teleport in this game are--
Shaft: No way!

"Ryekie" warps himself and the party elsewhere.
MC: WHAT
reXer: It's you again.
Shaft: But if he is, why does he look like Justice!?
Cerastium: ...no wait...
"Ryekie": ...Giansar.
Party: ???
MC: who?
Toshu: ...I recognize your strange tricks, cur. Wasn't that what that other hero did? How?
Giansar: Easy. This is a game, and I can hijack bodies here.
reXer: I knew it. You're a hacker!
Cerastium: ...let him go. How dare you toy around with people like this!? Let Justice go! (readies shield)

MC: No wait, it's dangerous to get close to him!
Cerastium: !? Ahh!
Cerastium's charge is stopped by a bunch of lightning striking in front of her!
Giansar: ...chill, Justice ain't dead. I just transferred him. You guys can go there too so I can get my evil plan going on. (smirks)
Shaft: ...careful, we lost to him before.
Toshu: And who knows what he means by what he just said?
reXer: ...then we just have to win.
Giansar: ...ha. Come at me, bro.
MC: Here he comes! Get ready!
BATTLE START (more happens later)

Shaft: Rugby link tackle!
Giansar: You're too slow.
Shaft: What!? He's even faster than before!
MC: reXer, after him! / Toshu, other side! / Pincer him!
---
(AC) reXer: Okay! Toshu, work with me!
---
Toshu: Let's go! RAAAAH!
Giansar: ... (suddenly warps out)
Toshu: What!? AAGH
reXer: AAAH!

reXer and Toshu's attacks bounce each other away!
Toshu: Dammit!
reXer: He keeps getting faster!
Giansar: Losers. Still...
Cerastium: Give Justice back!
Giansar: ...hmph. (warps)
Cerastium: !? Where'd that coward go!?
Giansar warps back in to punch Cerastium in the back of her neck!
Cerastium: oof... (faints)
Giansar catches Cerastium.
MC: Oh no, Ceras!

Giansar: ...you guys are weak, but it's gonna take too long to take you out all at once, so I'll just go on at a time then.
Shaft: Cerastium! You, hold still!
Giansar: You are such a pain in the ass.
Shaft pulls a feint before attacking Giansar. Giansar still dodges him.
Giansar: Her first, then you guys. (runs off with OP speedhax)
Toshu: !? How is he doing that?
reXer: He must be hacking his movespeed.
Shaft: Cerastium!
MC: Wait, you're gonna chase after him!?
Shaft is attempting to chase Giansar at full speed.
Shaft: I'll never let you take her!
Giansar: >:C (speeds up)
Shaft: DAMMIT! Agh...! (falls down)
Giansar: ...hmph. (stops long enough to snort before running again)

reXer: Shaft, we finally caught up with you!
MC: Are you okay!? Don't push yourself, we'll get a chance to save Cerastium.
Shaft lies there and grabs at grass.
Shaft: ...if only I had my space taxi... (looks up to the sky) I can't save her as I am...
MC: Shaft...
reXer: ...giving up? (shakes fist) You taught me to value teamwork! How can you lie there and not try to save her anymore!?
Shaft: !!
reXer: If running won't work, do something else! I don't want to give up on Cerastium, and you are the one who got me to think that way!
Shaft: ...right...we're friends. (slowly gets up) I don't want to give up...I can't stand giving up. We finally became a team, so I don't want it to fall apart now. (looks off in the direction Giansar ran off in)
Shaft: I need more speed. I want the power to save my friends!
Beep beep!
MC: wait what
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Shaft. Connectivity: Very High.
Shaft: I won't give up on my team...my friends! I promise I'll get Cerastium back!
End of Episode

Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 5 (Abridged)

Toshu (narrating): How long has it been?
Flashback!
Toshu: Oof!
???: You hesitate. Do you feel terror being in front of what you fear?
Toshu: N-no! I...!
Toshu (narrating): It's cold, I'm wet, and it's been years since I became obsessed with being a samurai. I went on a journey to find out what being a samurai meant. Sparring under a waterfall and training my mind were linked.
Toshu: Urgh...
Toshu (narrating): But all that trying didn't make my instinctual fears stay down any better.
???: You fear getting your feet submerged that much? It's shocking how much slower you are in the water.
Toshu: ...!
Toshu (narrating): I'm afraid of water. I've tried to get over it, but it hasn't worked. It's still my biggest fear to this day.

Title Card: What I Saw at the Bottom of the Water

It's intermission time again!
PA System: The rankings are--
Everyone in town is watching the news. It's the mid stage of the competition and rankings are being read out.
MC: So we're in the middle of the pack. We can make a comeback, but I bet reXer's worried.
Cerastium: Uh, what are these X-ed out teams?
Shaft: They've been eliminated because more than half the team was taken out.
Cerastium: What? But we haven't even hit the midpoint number of matches yet. Doesn't that seem strange, even with things being different this year?
reXer: ...it must be him. Now that I think about it, something's up with his strength. It's not like his field change trick and warping us with him was a big hint or anything, like his OP attack and defense. Seriously, I never heard of any hero with warp powers before.
MC: Is he cheating? / Hacking? / I don't follow
(C) reXer: He must have some code hacking ability.

reXer: I've got pro gamer intuition from all my time doing this...though it could just be salt. I doubt there could be an OP hero just popping up here for the first time.
Flashback
Toshu: Oh no, I'm in water!
Red?: I looked you up earlier!
Toshu: What!?
Red?: Loser!
Present
Toshu: ...even if he is cheating, he still hit our weak points. I need to be able to fight on that terrain, even if it's only in here. (thinks and looks at the party)
MC: Toshu? Something wrong?
reXer: ...what?
Toshu: ...you're most qualified. reXer.
reXer: What? Why are you staring at me?
Toshu: There's still time before the next round, so...I want you to come with me for a moment.
reXer: ...what?
Toshu: MC too...please.
MC: What's going on...?

Later
Toshu brings MC and reXer to some quiet inlet. Water quickly reaches their feet on the sand.
Toshu: This works. (closes map screen)
reXer: Really, why are we here?
Toshu: ...I want you to help me train.
reXer: What? Us?
Toshu: It can't be that surprising.
reXer: Maybe...? You seem strong enough to not need training.
Toshu: Of course I do. The way of the sword is limitless.
reXer: oh.
Toshu: And now I've realized my weakness can drag the team down.
MC: So you DO have your shortcomings / Figured
Toshu: ...I won't belabor the point. MC, transform us.
MC does so.

reXer: Just so you know I don't hold back much.
Toshu: Fine. Come at me!
Toshu rushes reXer with his sword!
reXer: !!
reXer parries for a blade clash!
Shaft: We finally caught up! You guys are fast.
Cerastium: Wait, why are they fighting?
MC: Toshu said this was training.
Shaft: Why?
Anime sword fight on the beach! And then water splashes Toshu.
Toshu: !?
Toshu slows down. reXer takes advantage of the opening!
reXer: You slowed down, old man!

Toshu still manages to graze the attack!
reXer: ...you're shaking in the middle of training?
Toshu: ...no, I shook a lot against that man earlier too. I fear for my footing, and that leaves me open.
reXer: (thinks) Oh right, we got taken to a swamp. Are you afraid of water...?
Toshu: !!
Back to anime sparring! Toshu gets wet again.
Toshu: ...!
Toshu's legs go soft for a second before bracing again as he shakes his head.
reXer: H-hey wait! I know how it feels to be scared! Everyone has--
Toshu: NO
reXer: !?

Toshu: I may fear water, but I cannot let it stand anymore, especially in a virtual port town with water everywhere! I must avenge my humiliation to get over the shame! And most of all...I must apologize to you.
reXer: What...?
Toshu: YOU'RE OPEN!
Toshu swings. reXer manages to block.
Toshu: My weakness was displayed earlier. I must train my mind and skills, revisit all I know so I am able to fight near water.
reXer: Wouldn't that just be a quick and dirty stopgap?
Toshu: Even that would be fine! I need to get better, no matter how little that is!

The rest of the party is watching the fight.
Shaft: ...I guess that last fight really upset the both of them.
Cerastium: That man was clearly doing something strange. He was overwhelmingly strong, but Toshu still means to face him...that must be his justice...
Shaft: ...it doesn't matter if we're up against a coward. Toshu's the kind of person who can't let himself stay as is when his weakness is discovered.
MC: I wanna be like that / Giving up means the end / He's kind of a slow starter, huh?
(AB) Cerastium: Yes...I should try to be like that too.
(C) Shaft: Yes. He's a regular person like the rest of us.

Toshu: UGH! I must calm down and stop swinging like a fool! I must conquer my fear of water! And to do that I must first calm down and--
reXer: GOT YOU
Toshu: OH NO
Toshu gets launched into the water!
MC: Oh no we have to save him!
reXer: Goddammit! I'll go!
Meanwhile, Toshu is underwater and calm. Maybe he looped so hard through fear and came back to this point.
Toshu: Was water always this calm? With no sounds around, it's much more serene. What a new sensation. If I can keep calm and stop getting distracted by sounds and sensations...
Toshu closes his eyes and stays still as he hones his senses. He gets more aware of things than he ever has. And then he senses someone approaching from the surface.
Toshu: ...huh?
reXer: He's down here? It's deep! I'm going to have to drop my things to--
reXer is looking at a screen of Toshu as he's about to jump in when...
Toshu: YAAAH! (slashes at reXer)
reXer: WHOA (gets knocked into the water)

Toshu: ...this is it. This feeling. I just saw a glimpse at what I lacked. It was all in me. I can still progress...
MC: Toshu! Omg reXer! ...wait what
Phone alert!
Phone: New Path discovered. Subject: Toshu. Connectivity: Very High
MC: Oh!
reXer: (gets back up) Ugh, you could swim?
Toshu: ...no, I cannot. But while I was in the water, I could see what I could do. I followed my instincts...and it brought me to you. Training really is good, thank you reXer.
reXer: (stares in shock)
Toshu has accepted his imperfections and strives to pursue perfection.

reXer: ...I wonder if Dad also trained in secret to be a perfect hero.
Toshu: reXer, get up. Will you spar with me some more!?
reXer: ...ugh. I know I don't have room to talk, but damn you have no consideration for anyone, swinging like crazy!
Toshu: O-oh...sorry. I wasn't thinking through what I was doing. Can you stand?
reXer: ...heh. We'll just call this payback from when I hit you in our first match, okay?
Toshu: V-very well. I wasn't that bothered by it...
reXer: Now that that's done, let's do it!
reXer stands back up, weapon ready. Toshu gets ready too. MC's phone shines with a new light.
MC: I think it'll work. Execute!
(click)
reXer: WHAT
Toshu: W-what's going on?
Cerastium: What's happening!?
Shaft: Toshu! That look!

Later
Tournament's back on again! The party is sent to a beach site for their next match.
Toshu: ...
The other team is already there. One's a familiar face.
Flamier: Oh my. MC, Toshu!
MC: Ms. Flamier! / Wow nice dress / Cute!
---
(B) Flamier: Tee hee, I came in casual clothes since I'm off today. Should I have dressed up more? Not that it matters when I transform.
(C) Flamier: Thank you. Maybe I should I come in something less casual?
---
Mafia: You know them, milady?
Wolf: Not that we're holding back if you do!
Merc: Miss, please don't stand too much up front this time! We'll protect you!
Flamier: Oh my, like I've said you don't need to worry so much about me. I'm a hero too. And I have bombs usable near water.
Mafia: No! We've seen how strong you are already!
Wolf: We can't let you get hurt, even if this is a game!
Merc: Yeah!

MC: Are they her bodyguards or something / damn
Toshu: ...huh. Flamier we may normally be allies, but I will not be holding back here.
Flamier: Yes, of course. I'll be doing my best as well.
Wolf: Let's go, lady! Get the transformations on!
Team Flamier transforms!
reXer: We should too. MC.
MC: Right! Execute!
reXer, Shaft, and Cerastium suit up!
Toshu: MC, can you turn me into that form from earlier?
MC: ...it's up! Let's go!
Flamier: Huh? Toshu?
Ta-da! Variant Toshu is a go!
Toshu: Hmm, still feels odd. But it helps me focus.
MC: Success! / Damn, that's good... / Hot...
(BC) Toshu: S-silence! This isn't meant to be a show for you! It's mobility-friendly, but your staring feels awkward!

Flamier: Toshu, that form...
Toshu: ...I have also reconsidered myself and found a new fighting style. That is all.
Flamier: ...I see. I'll be sure to watch how you go with it. Please go easy on me.
Toshu: Heh. Thank you for sparring with me.
Cerastium: I've never seen a hero change suits before...
Shaft: This would be my second. Sometimes I hear heroes fighting while MC around get new forms, so Toshu might be the same deal.
Cerastium: MC? Wow, Observers are so mysterious.
reXer: ...a new fighting style? I didn't know heroes could change appearances...
Toshu: Focus, reXer.
reXer: Yeah, I know. Let's win this, Toshu.
Toshu: ...heh. Let's.
PA System: 3...2...1...match start.
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Flamier: Well done, Toshu. I've already seen how devoted you are to training...but it feels like you've cleared a big wall. There's clearly been a big change within you.
Toshu: ...I saw a glimpse of something in myself I couldn't see alone thanks to my comrades. My outer form may differ greatly, but within it is only beginning to bud...I will tend to it with care.
Flamier: ...good luck. I look forward to seeing you change as a friend and coworker. Good day to you all.
Team Flamier leaves. Toshu stares at the sea.
Toshu: ...
reXer: Toshu? I--
Toshu: ...reXer, let me thank you again. I never thought I could gain a new form from all this, but that and the ability to face my fears has all been thanks to you. I would have been stuck in place otherwise.

reXer: ...so you aren't perfect either.
Toshu: Of course not. It's why I train.
reXer: I thought you were some perfectionist from all that nagging you did.
Toshu: ...hmph. Are you saying I had no room to speak?
reXer: Not really. But...
Toshu: (narrows eyes) ...you are similar to how I used to be, which is why you irked me.
reXer: ...what?
Toshu: (nods) I trained believing being strong was enough, that it was justice...but that is wrong. People who use strength need reason and truth.
reXer: what?
Toshu: Things such as who you use your strength for, whether you are deluding yourself, and whether you are becoming complacent. My burdening everyone in these fights led me to reexamine myself and my righteousness. I tried to not be stubborn...but at some point I strayed from my own justice.
Cerastium: !!

Toshu: What broke me out of my stubbornness was your rashness, and ironically that strange man's beatdown of me...I need to be better.
reXer: ...I'm sorry I called you a nag.
Toshu smiles and snorts as he looks back at the ocean.
Shaft: ...it looks like they've come to an understanding.
MC: Yeah, surprising.
Cerastium: ...
Cerastium thinks about what Toshu said and looks at him and reXer.
Toshu and reXer: (stares at sea)
End of Episode

 

Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 4 (Abridged)

??? (narrating): When Dad got retgone I went looking for proof he existed. I couldn't find much of ANYTHING until I came across his trophies.
???: Why can't anyone remember him?
??? (narrating): I thought I was going crazy, like maybe my dad wasn't my dad. But then I remember hearing the only people who remember people no one else can were heroes or Observers. If I were a hero, then things would be fine. Except I never transformed before. If I were an Observer...my life would be over, so I couldn't ask anyone about my dad. I had to suffer alone.
???: ...
??? (narrating): And then on my birthday I got a message from my father that lead to a login screen.
???: ...how'd I get in? I couldn't find the password anywhere.

??? (narrating): The login was for a game database in development. And there was also his avatar and weapon.
???: Why'd Dad leave me his password?
??? (narrating): I touched the avatar and the giant ass weapon bigger than I was. A message popped up in front of it saying "Happy Birthday."
???: Dad...oh right, I can use this...
??? (narrating): I can be Dad and make the world think he's come back. Then it won't be only me who remembers him! I tuned the avatar so I could use it easier and signed up for a bunch of game events to make his comeback news. And then the game in development finished up and became the game the O-1 Hero Grand Prix started up.
???: A participation request for "reXer"? Oh, so heroes and Observers remember him...
??? (narrating): There won't be a better chance for reXer's comeback. I want the whole world to remember him, his dashing looks, and his great accomplishments. Didn't take long for me to get in after deciding that reXer would be there.

Title Card: reXer's Identity

Present
reXer: ...
Cerastium throws healing potions at reXer.
MC: It's just like magic! Do we need a doctor?
Cerastium: Wow, that fixed up most of the damage. Even his fur is back to normal. If we were in reality we'd have to go to a hospital.
reXer: If I lost all my HP, I'd get kicked out of the game...and the whole competition.
Toshu: What would happen to the teams of the people kicked out like that?
Shaft: The manual says the team keeps going unless we lose more than half the team.
reXer: Yeah. So why'd you save me? I'm a loose cannon, so wouldn't it have been easier for you guys to let me die out of the game?
Toshu: What?
reXer: I'm not THAT stupid. I know how to work in a team...but I kept doing what I did trying to win.
reXer looks calm, but his hands are shaking a little.
reXer: I wanna apologize for what I did! But...please don't abandon me.
reXer is shaking all over.
MC: It's okay, we won't. Right guys?

The party agrees.
reXer: Guys? Really...?
Cerastium: ...we're a team. We won't just ditch you. (puts away healing potion)
Cerastium: You're strong enough to dominate the battles without us, but the other guy this time was stronger. That's all. You weren't eliminated, so there's no need to be so down.
reXer: (stares in gamer)
Cerastium: Okay so maybe the way you work probably isn't going to gel with the party that well. So tell us about your feelings and desires. Actually tell us all about you!
reXer: Me?
Cerastium: Yes. We're a team after all, so we need to know about each other. I moved to know you better, help you achieve your goals.
reXer: what...?
Cerastium: My weapon's a shield, a weapon I gave myself to protect people for the sake of justice. Protecting people so we can win and move forward is my job. Back then when I realized was I was doing, I was already running in to save you. If you're so focused on winning, I feel that might have been your brand of justice. (stares at hand)
reXer: Cerastium...
Cerastium: We're friends now, aren't we?
MC: Is that what justice is to you?

Cerastium: ...I don't know. I just know it's what I want to do.
Shaft: Ceras...is there some reason you care so much about your shield and justice?
Cerastium: (cocks head) ...I guess I should explain myself first if I want to ask about others. Will you all listen? Especially you MC, since you're close to Justice?
MC: Okay!
Cerastium: ...I used to have a friend that I thought was way stronger than me. But then she got eaten by a Monster in front of me.
reXer: !!
Cerastium: She was stronger and more experienced...and she had even stronger beliefs. I admired everything about her and tried to be like her, but I wasn't able to do anything when a Monster was in front of me. I thought it was all over, but then someone saved me. It was Justice...though I'm not surprised he doesn't seem to remember me. I was saved...but I was frustrated by my inability to do anything. It's why I hold my shield now. To protect people.
MC: Oh...isn't that your justice then?

Cerastium: *!?* ...oh, it might be. Those thoughts became a foundation for me at some point, but I still feel like my justice is elsewhere. I can't explain it well though. *(smiles after looking at MC and reXer)*
Cerastium: ...still, I think I saw a bit of it. Maybe it's here. And you're the one who showed me that, reXer. Thank you. And MC, thank you for shining a light on my hopes and pushing me forward.
MC: I didn't do much / I'm a famous Operator! / I just thought you wanted to do that
reXer: ...
Toshu: Hmph. What help is this rash fool?
MC: WOW RUDE

Toshu: I am not rejecting him or the like. I was like that too once when I was younger. Chasing your dreams so hard means you have room to mature, which I like. I can't say how long it will take him though.
Shaft: As an athlete, I think focusing entirely on winning is the right idea. Being reckless and getting experience is how you grow. And it's how I learned too.
reXer: (looks at everyone's faces, then looks down) ...guys, I...
Toshu: reXer. Your body and weapon aren't really yours, are they?
reXer: !!
MC: what?
Toshu: A hero's weapon comes from the future they wish for, so you automatically know how to use it. I could see that wasn't the case for you though.
Flashback!
reXer: Oh no it didn't work!
Toshu: (Hmm...)

Present
Toshu: You seem unable to use your weapon with skill. From what Shaft said, reXer doesn't sound like a new hero.
reXer: ...
Toshu: The bodies we see here are copies, not our real bodies. Which means a stranger could join in pretending to be the hero reXer--
reXer: I'm not some stranger.
reXer looks angry in a way he hasn't shown before.
reXer: This avatar is...my dad's.
Party reaction shot!
NC: what?

reXer: ...I didn't expect it to come out like this. (looks serious like he's given in)
reXer: This avatar is something I borrowed from my dad, who was the hero reXer. He's gone now, and I borrowed this to join the event. I'm...just a gamer.
Toshu: You're not a hero? Why are you here then?
reXer: ...because it's a game. A game is the only place I can be a hero. I'm just borrowing Dad's avatar and controlling his body. (shrugs)
reXer: The agency knows who I really am. I'm contracted with them as a mascot and pro gamer instead of a hero.
MC: what?
reXer: PR stuff. I only go to gaming events but never to anything offline. I don't have any experience fighting out there.
Cerastium: B-but you insisted so hard on being on the front here!
reXer: Because I'm a pro gamer. If I can't win, how can I work? If I know the controls, I can just practice but... (looks away) maybe challenging real heroes is too much. I never thought anyone would kick my ass so hard.

Quick popup flashback of Red?
reXer: Maybe experience makes that much of a difference?
Toshu: ...not always. I'm still training so I can move the way I see myself doing in my mind, so here you are doing better than I am in my view.
reXer: ...maybe only a little more? But getting my ass handed to me like that's made me a little nervous. Like you guys are moving in on my best skills. (looks up)
reXer: Offline, no matter how hard I try I can't be like Dad. When I borrow his avatar, I do want to win at everything though. I wanted to be great at things, just like he did...but reality's harsh. Dad's weapon just doesn't work right for me even with my little tricks.
Flashback!
reXer: AX ATTACK!
Rutilix: Oh no! But I can dodge this!
reXer: Oh no I misread the distance!

Present
Toshu: Oh that makes sense.
reXer: (scratches head) Why won't it work!? Why am I not a real hero!? If I can't do anything right in a game, what do I even have!?
Sympathetic party reaction shot!
MC: reXer... / don't say you have nothing / ...
Shaft: ...I don't think that's true. Not at all! (loudly stands up)
reXer: Shaft...?

Shaft: ...sorry for yelling. But you're the way you are now because of what you had and developed in the past, right? Even if you're behind everyone else and far away from your goal, what you had wasn't nothing.
reXer: ...maybe.
Shaft: ...I quit being a hero once. Retiring as a rugby player and becoming a space taxi driver is good, but I wasn't very good at it and couldn't transfer any skills over...I kept thinking "what was I doing?"
Shaft: (looks at MC) And then I met MC.
MC: what? / oh right that time
Shaft: I happened to get pulled into a car chase with a criminal at the time. I thought it was a huge disaster at first honestly, but everyone I met then taught me that I still had what I developed before I changed jobs. At some point, my rugby, hero, and space taxi driver experiences all came together before I knew it.
Space Taxi Chasers flashback!
Shaft: I can see where to go!
Alchiba: What!? There's like 8 space trucks here!
Later in Space Taxi Chasers flashback
Kalaski: We're surrounded!
Mokdai: That space truck is U-turning right at us!
Shaft: Rugby experience is here to save the day!

Present
Shaft: I was able to help because there was a time I wasn't a hero. It felt great making it happen, and I wanted to do more that I was able to do. Then I made my comeback as a hero.
reXer: Shaft...
Shaft: When I stopped being a hero, I kept training my rugby intuition and driving skills. It all came together that incident into something only I could do. It was MC and everyone else who taught me that, and I keep them dear in my heart. (smiles)
Shaft: That's how I came back as a hero and stay as one. Maybe that's my justice.
MC: Shaft...!
Cerastium: *(gasp)*
Shaft: I think you must have something too, reXer. So don't give up and think you have nothing.
reXer: Oh...

Toshu: ...did you see how Shaft moved in that battle? He used his obstacle and enemy detection abilities to eliminate them even before you started moving on your own. Same for Cerastium's defense and MC's commands. All of it centered on you.
reXer: Oh...
Toshu: You moved surprisingly well even when footing was terrible and when you were surrounded. If you can work with us, you can discover its true worth. And considering that last battle, maybe your skills were used in a way you didn't realize? You charging in alone meant the rest of us didn't get so...thoroughly crushed.
MC: I'm sure there's something only you can do, reXer.
reXer: Those were...Dad's tactics. He'd always be up front to tank attacks. That wasn't my plan...but maybe that's something I developed. (stares at hand)
reXer: I still haven't found Dad's reXer, but maybe... if it's in me and I connected it to those results...maybe that's fine.
reXer slightly smiles his own smile.
Cerastium: A justice possible because of who you are, huh...?
End of Episode

Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 3 (Abridged)

??? (narrating): Dad was a strong hero.
Flashback!
reXer?: Cyber hero reXer is here! I can kick ass online and offline! Multiweapon change! Axe mode!
??? (narrating): Dad was a hero, online and offline. He did debugging work and made it look like a hero show to entertain people, and he fought villains and Monsters like it was debugging work.
reXer?: You like video games too, [REDACTED]? Keep at it! I'm cheering for you, son. Maybe you'll take up my torch one day. Kidding.
??? (narrating): When I also became a pro gamer and went to a tournament, he was my biggest cheerleader. I admired him and wanted to be like him. And then one day his joke stopped being a joke.
???: ...Dad? I've been working hard at the pro gamer thing even after you disappeared. I always place up in the top 8 or whatever and have getting famous...why'd you have to go? I wish you could've seen this.
??? (narrating): He was gone by the time my birthday came. But that was the day I got a message from him even though he was supposed to be gone.
???: A password? Isn't that...your avatar?

Title Card: Random Number Monstrosity

Present
Intermission time! The party is going to the port town where there's lots of NPCs and heroes there in a tavern. The party sits down to eat and talk.
Toshu: Delicious. It's like I'm eating genuine food.
Shaft: Weird how we can eat like this inside a game, but it feels real. How does it work...?
MC: Yeah, weird. Never seen these dishes but they're great.
reXer: You got into a capsule before getting into the game, yeah? They use light to stimulate the senses while the food and drink is them feeding nutrient jelly and drinks to us. Dunno the details since part of it is confidential Raidark tech.
Toshu: Magic, understood. Food is connected to energy though, so if it's delicious it's fine.
Shaft: Yes, thanks to space tech we can enjoy a meal together. Oh, this is a good time to learn more about each other!
Toshu: But we introduced ourselves already. What do we talk about? *(takes a drink)*
Shaft: Anything! ...oh I know. Why did everyone decide to participate? My agency recommended this of course, but it's been ages since I've done a team activity. Space taxi driving is mostly solo work.
MC: My agency recommended it too / Oh yeah, you're an ex-rugby player / oh yeah huh
(A) Shaft: Most agencies are doing this for publicity. And we get experience.
(B) Shaft: Yes, I've been doing team sports for so long that I miss it sometimes.
(C) Shaft: Right. Sometimes I miss when I was playing.

Shaft: So why are you here, Toshu?
Toshu: Same as you. Agency leaders sent us here last time too. I wasn't thrilled at first, but I was interested when I heard they were changing the setup. Sometimes struggling is necessary for wisdom.
MC: So this is like training? / Training every day is the basics, huh / How stoic
(A) Toshu: Indeed. The quickest way to being a samurai is studying the heart, strength, and technique of a martial artist.
(B) Toshu: Sort of.
(C) Toshu: I want to be a samurai, so training is obvious.

Shaft: What about you, Cerastium?
Cerastium: ...what is...my justice?
Shaft: Cerastium?
Cerastium: Huh? O-oh! Sorry, I was thinking about things.
MC: Ah.
Cerastium: This competition is like a festival for Orient City, right? That makes it UEHA Japan's jurisdiction so I couldn't join even if I wanted to. But now that I can join in while I'm in France, I joined thinking I could try out my justice.
reXer: ...oh, so it wasn't to win?
MC: What about you reXer? Winning?
reXer: M-me? Uhh...
reXer loudly clears his throat.
reXer: Winning of course. I'm a pro gamer, so I need to prove it sometimes. Why wouldn't I do my best to win?
Shaft: Oh, so that's why you made your suggestion.
reXer: ...right. I do this all the time, so me taking point should lead us to victory. Might as well since none of you are out to win exactly, right? Should be fine.
MC: I guess...? Winning isn't everything though.

Cerastium: That makes a certain kind of sense...
reXer: ...I'm not trying to start a fight. You can say what's on your mind.
Cerastium: We're a team, so we should support each other whether things are going for us or against us.
reXer: Will that guarantee us winning? Who's more used to this game world than me? Who can turn things around besides m--
Cerastium: I feel heroes need a reason to win even if they do. You fight rationally, but I don't see justice in it.
Shaft: Cerastium...? What are you...
reXer: Japan has the idea of "might makes right," doesn't it? Does that need to show justice?
Cerastium: Justice is respecting kindness and duty, saving people from Monster and the lawless, and correcting people who stray from the path. Saying things after you win isn't justice. At least, that's my belief.
reXer: ...but--
Cerastium: Yes, I'm repeating what Justice's justice is. So...I don't know, even though I came here to show what my justice is...
reXer: ...

Toshu: I don't think we got any closer.
Shaft: Yeah...
Awkward silence.
MC: Let's go look for it. Battles aren't just about fighting, you can find things in them too.
Cerastium and reXer: what
Shaft: I agree. That's the best path forward.
MC: Yeah! I have no proof but yeah!
Shaft: One for all! Let's try it!
Cerastium: !!
reXer: Hmm. I still want to win! Nothing else m--
Everyone's phones start pinging.
reXer: ...oh, time to go. I'll get the high score next time.
reXer runs off. Everyone follows after.

Later
The party goes to the port city wharf. Someone is coming.
???: bark bark!
Kouki: Sirius, stop that! Why are you--oh.
MC: Long time no see, Kouki! / Good boy! / Wow you dressed up
---
(A) Kouki: Yeah, same to you. My agency suggested I go, but I didn't think I'd see you here.
(B) Sirius: Bark bark!
Kouki: NOOO, get off them I'm not paying anybody's cleaning bills!
(C) Kouki: Hello I am an entertainer, thank you. I have to look my best whenever I go out.
---
Kouki: Wow, I never expected to go up against you--
???: Oh la la, is that you sweetcheeks? Did you come to see me?
Kouki: Oh no! The stench of sleaze is coming!
Alchiba: Well hello MC! Fancy seeing you again here.
MC: Alchiba! / Still a flirt I see / It's getting sexier in here!
(B) Alchiba: Heh. Everyone would do that when they see a charmer like you.
(C) Alchiba: Oh thanks. I keep myself looking sharp so I'll be good to see you whenever.

Alchiba: This must be fate. Hey wanna go on a date with me after this fi--
Kouki: Stop hitting on people right before we fight!
Alchiba: Man you are stuffy for a kid. Or maybe you just can't keep up since you're a kid?
Kouki: Screw you, the entertainment industry has been riding hard on my status as a kid!
???: What's all the noise? Have our next opponents arrived?
Rutilix: ...Master Sorcerer! Are you our next opponent!?
MC: Rutilix!? / huh, where's the king? / You AREN'T in armor!?
(A) Rutilix: Good to see you again after so long, Sorcerer. I never expected to reunite with you here. Space technology sure is magical...
(B) Rutilix: He is...somewhere. It was his idea for us to join. I do hope he is not causing problems okay.
(C) Rutilix: Yes, when we were brought to the capsules, His Highness told me to take it off. I haven't worn clothes like this since before becoming a knight. Do they look strange?

Kouki: What? MC, how do you know these people and what did you do to make them owe you?
Rutilix: RUDE! I've been telling you to show the utmost gratitude to MC!
Kouki: W-what's it to you!? Cultural imperialism!
Rutilix: How dare you take advantage of my showing kindness to you for being younger!
Alchiba: Ugh, the babies are fighting again.
Rutilix: Excuse you, I am a proper KNIGHT!
Alchiba: Yeah, sure, whatever. Anyways--
Red?: (stares)
Alchiba: It's great how this totally unsuspicious and unassuming guy is the strong silent type.
MC: Is that your fourth party member? ...nice to meet you?
Red?: ...MC of Parallel Flight, huh?
MC: w-what
Red?: Heh. (steps back)

Alchiba: Hey wait, at least introduce yourself like somebody on the up and up. Sorry baby, he's just like that.
Cerastium: Wow MC, you know almost all of the opposing party again...
reXer: We aren't here to make friends. Let's get suited and get ready to fight already.
Alchiba: So hasty. Welp! Operator!
Team Alchiba transforms!
MC: Us too then! Execute!
Team MC transforms!
Toshu: Hmm, an Aradician knight? How nostalgic. We may come from the same planet, but I will spare no quarter!
Shaft: ...sorry, can I make a suggestion before we begin?
reXer: Now? What is it?
Shaft: What if we try letting reXer do what he wants once?
MC: Huh. Let's try it!

Toshu: You what!?
Shaft: Please, Toshu. I don't plan on letting it happen every other time. We've been flustered from the start, so I want to try battling with reXer being the team center at least once!
Toshu: But...
Cerastium: I'm okay with that. He's been wanting to do so and been planning that from the start. So please, Toshu?
reXer: ...I'm in! I'll win it for us for sure this time!
Toshu: Fiiine, I see I'm outvoted.
Shaft: Thank you! Okay, MC can you strategize with the three of us in the back while reXer's up front?
MC: Time to give it a shot!
Everyone takes battle stances. Also...
Red?: (smirks at MC)
MC: w-wait what
System PA: 3...2...1...match start.
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Alchiba: OOF! Not bad, but I got a trick of my own!
Shaft: Rugby intuition intercept!
Alchiba: OOF, didn't see that coming! Still, you can't expect to win with th--
Shaft: reXer, now!
reXer: Right! Sword Mode, slash!
Alchiba: UGH, that was fast! I'm backing out, Operator!
reXer: One down!
Kouki: Hey, we're not going down that easy!
reXer: Oh no, an ambush!
Cerastium: Knight Defense!
Kouki: Where'd you come from!?
Cerastium: I have to be this fast to protect people! reXer!
reXer: ...right! Gamer Swing!
Kouki: OW! Dammit, if only you didn't get in the way...

Rutilix: What are you two doing!? Face me, foes!
Toshu: No, you shall face ME!
Rutilix: (gasps) You stopped me!? How!?
Toshu: Same home planet. I know those moves. reXer!
Rutilix: OH NO
reXer: Multiweapon, change! Axe Mode!
Rutilix: !? I still have enough room to get away!
reXer: ...! I misjudged the distance!
Rutilix: My turn! Saber Stab!
reXer: OOF! Dammit...
Toshu: (I knew it. He's unfamiliar with that weapon.)
reXer: One more time!
Rutilix: AGH! Not bad!
MC: Wow, this is actually working out better than expected!

Rutilix: I'M DOWN
reXer: One left! Just gotta keep up the pace and...!
Red?: ...
reXer charges at the last hero team member! Red? makes no attempt to move away.
Red?: ...hmph.
reXer: What, I missed!? He didn't even move!
Red?: Wow, your aim's that bad?
Red? is now behind reXer!
reXer: Wait, is he teleporting!? HAX!
Red? warps in front of reXer.
Red?: Weak.
reXer: OOF
MC: What just happened!?

Cerastium: I can't believe they still had power like that hidden!
Shaft: Wait, something's wrong!
reXer: Dammit, I shouldn't be taking damage like a bitch like that!
Red?: Reeeally? Yeah, a hero like you shouldn't be chumping out with just a little stat hacking.
reXer: WHAT
Sudden forest stage change!
MC: WHAT
Toshu: Wait, we were just at a wharf!
Shaft: The rest of the opposing team is gone too!
Red?: What, that's it? I warped us so I'm the only one against y'all.
Toshu: I will cut your attitude down to size!
Shaft: No wait, it could be a trap!
Toshu: !? I'm in quicksand now!
Red?: Just like my research said! You can't move right in watery places!
Toshu: What!? !!
Toshu barely grazes Red?'s attacks but...
Toshu: I'm stuck!
Red?: Pfft, loser.
Toshu: OOF
MC: Toshu!

Toshu is gonna get Falcon Punched!
Cerastium: Toshu! ...I'll stop you!
Cerastium tries to block for Toshu!
Cerastium: Ow, that's so strong!
Toshu and Cerastium both get knocked into the water.
Red?: That's it?
reXer: There's still me! Gamer Swing! (attempts to backslash Red?)
reXer: Dammit, he disappeared again!
Red?: Ooh, close one. You fight dirty for a hero.
reXer: How is he doing that!?
Shaft: reXer, I'll stall for you! Get some distance and--
Red?: Ugh. Fine, you first!
Red? doesn't swing very hard at Shaft but still somehow slams him into the water.
reXer: How can he be so strong!?
Red? uses Glare on reXer!
reXer: ...!? I've been paralyzed!
MC: reXer, what's wrong!? How's he binding you!?

reXer: What's going on!?
Red?: Loser!
reXer: OOF
reXer gets Mega Kicked!
Red?: One more!
Red? lied. Lots more actually as reXer's weapon drops to the ground.
Cerastium: reXer! (charges in)
Red?: !?
Red? angrily deflects Cerastium.

Shaft: Rugby Slam!
Red?: OOF! Well screw you too for--
Red? realizes he's been bounced towards Toshu.
Toshu: If you're coming this way, it would be remiss of me to drop the ball even if I can't move.
Toshu quickslashes!
Red?: ...
Toshu: I know not what sorcery you are using, but I will not stand for any more needless brutality!
Cerastium: Injustice!
The party has regrouped with everyone covering reXer.
reXer: Y-you...guys...
Shaft: Don't let your guards down, everyone!
Red? stands down surprisingly. Still looks pissy.
Red?: I don't get this at all. Every other MVP I took out had the team fall apart. Some people even begged for mercy. Did I jack the wrong guy? ...no wait, it's you guys not me. What makes you all different from the others?

MC: what?
Red?: ...whatever. I gotta get back before this dude's teammates notice and start yelling and screaming. Plus I can only fudge the clock so far and can't tire myself out too much. This has to be perfect.
Red? raises his hand, and the party readies to fight. But...
Red?: Next time, I'll put you guys in your place and show you who really is better.
Red? disappears as the area reverts back to the wharf!
PA System: Game set. Team Blue wins, calculating points.
Oh yeah, Team MC lost.
Kouki: W-wait, we won? After that ass kicking?
Rutilix: Somehow...what just happened?
Alchiba: And where's what's-his-face?

Cerastium: ...hey, time apparently stopped when we were at that other place. (checks phone clock)
Shaft: Really? And the other team doesn't seem to know what happened. That guy is gone too. Who was he?
Toshu: >:|
reXer: I-I...lost... :(
MC: You okay?
MC holds their hand out to reXer.
reXer: Oh, MC...
After a bit of hesitation, reXer takes their hand.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Virtual Fest Royale Episode 2 (Abridged)

Red: OW
Green: Come at us, bros!
The opposing team challenges the party to a fight in classic Pokemon style. Cerastium takes point.
Cerastium: Shaft, I'll weaken them! Cover for me!
Shaft: Okay! Here I--
reXer: Leroy Jenkins!
Red: A pincer attack! I can't tell what they're doing!
Cerastium: W-what!? Wait, reXer, you'll hit my shield!
Toshu: Get back here! You are supposed to be behind me!
reXer: I got the front. Get back.
Toshu: Listen here, you little punk!
MC: reXer, no! / The enemy side is panicking! / LISTEN

reXer: Urk...! No, I'll do it! I have to!
reXer hesitates for a second at MC's directions.
Purple: What? Whatever, attack!
reXer barely grazes the attack!
reXer: Ha! Missed! (oh my god that was close) Multiweapon, Sword!
Purple: Whoa crap! That looks strong, but you didn't hit me either!
reXer: Ugh, one more time!
Shaft: AAAAAA
Purple: wait wha--OOF
Shaft charges in to follow up on the opening and blows Purple away!
Toshu: Shaft followed up? I can't handle kids these days and their thoughtlessness...but this is our chance!
MC: Now, Toshu! Attack from the right! / Ceras, support!
(C) Cerastium: Okay! Toshu, I got your back!

Toshu: Understood! Cerastium, come with me!
Cerastium: In that glorious hero's name!
Cerastium tanks the enemy attacks, and Toshu rushes in to attack.
Toshu: Sword Samurai X!
Oh wait, someone else is there too.
reXer: I can do this! Overtake "Oversynchro Execution"!
MC: Wait, what? When!? And he's hogging the VP!
Red: What ARE they doing!? Is that the rising star Operator I heard about!?
Toshu: WHAAAAT
Cerastium: What? reXer!
Shaft: D-did reXer hit Toshu too?
Yes he did. Toshu got bombed along with the rest of the opposing team.
PA System: Game set. Team Red wins. Calculating points.

Title Card: The Justice I Admire

PA System: Points have been calculated as follows. MC: 319 pts. Cerastium: 422 pts. Shaft: 554 pts. Toshu: 576 pts. reXer: 228 pts.
reXer: What!? Why do I have the least again!?
Toshu: Why is that a mystery to you!? You went off on your own, and you got me caught up in your special attack! Thank goodness Shaft was there to save me! And we have a whole audience watching everything! [insert more lecturing here]
reXer: But I tried so hard...
Toshu: I am not done yet! Why did you cut in and hinder us?
reXer: Getting in the way wasn't the plan. I just went in because I thought I could do it. I have to keep an eye on the flow of things if I want to bring us to victory and--
Toshu: Who CARES so much about winning!? Do you realize how much danger you put yourself in chasing desperately after glory!?
reXer: !! I-I'm not...desperate...

Shaft: Okay, that should be enough. We've won, so why don't we celebrate that with a drink? We are in a game, and there's many choices I'm unfamiliar with. (steps in between with drinks in hand)
Shaft: Here, Toshu, some super konbu tea. And this one is Mega Blue.
Toshu: ...fine, I'll stop here this time. But reXer, getting too focused on winning can cloud your eyes. I don't know why you are so fixated on it, but you should look around yourself some more, especially for your own sake.
reXer: ...!
Toshu sideeyes reXer who is balling up his fists, then takes a drink and sits down.
reXer: ...why? (goes to sit elsewhere and turns around)
MC: The team is falling apart. If only they could get along.

Shaft: Yeah, but they did only meet like today or however long it's been. The old reXer I heard of did move on his own sometimes, but that was still coordinated with his team. What do you think, Cerastium?
Cerastium: ...I might be misreading things, but he seems anxious about something.
MC: Huh. About what?
Cerastium: I don't know how to put it, but it's something I see a lot in new or transferred heroes. They try to do everything themselves instead of just their parts. Like responsibility and duty makes them feel like they HAVE to do it all...am I making sense?
MC: Hmm...so what's his deal?

Shaft: Huh. When I first started playing rugby, my senpais warned me against that. One for all, and all for one and all that. In group sports, what people wanted was team work. It's the same for pro gamers...yet reXer really wants to stand out for some reason. It's almost like he's somebody else--
Cerastium: Sorry to interrupt, but this is all conjecture. Only he knows the truth, but if this is how reXer wants to play things, then I want to support him.
MC: Really? Shouldn't we do something about his attitude?
Cerastium: We can do something if we know his motives, but not yet. We still don't know him, and he doesn't know us, so I want to try to match his pace. I think that's what teams are like. Okay?
MC: Alright, I guess we were rushing things too. / I wanna know more about you, Ceras.
---
(C) Cerastium: Hehe, same. In that case...
---
Beep beep!
reXer: Our next matchup! This time, I'll...! (runs off towards the marked location)
Shaft: Wait, reXer! ...we should go too.
Cerastium: R-right. Come on, Toshu, MC.
Toshu: Sigh...
Shaft: (What did I learn in rubgy and my old battles? I should first know my allies, and that's how I'll figure out my position!)

Later, at some rocky area
Subaru: ...oh, MC. Are you the Operator for the opposing team?
MC: Subaru, long time no see! / Nice outfit!
---
(C) Subaru: T-these clothes? I didn't picked them out to be fashionable. I change clothes too sometimes, please stop staring.
---
Hydoor: Oh, MC. You here too?
MC: Hydoor! / Hydie! / Awesome outfit!
---
(B) Hydoor: Stop calling me that! You wanna piece of me!?
(C) Hydoor: Heh, it's not like I wear the same clothes all the time! ...it's cool? Hell yeah it is!
---
Pubraseer: What's up? Are they here yet? ...oh, MC! It's been a while, how've you been?
MC: Yay, Pubraseer! / Wow, cool clothes!
(C) Pubraseer: Nice, huh? I was told to dress up since it's an event, but I don't know much about fashion...I went with the store recommendations.

Cerastium: Sacre bleu you know ALL of them!?
Subaru: Meh, it happens. If anything could be bad luck, it'd be not getting along with a new face.
Hydoor: You wanna start shit with me, Mister Romance Novelist!?
Subaru: Could you calm down? I was just making an observation.
Hydoor: What? Speak up, Mumbles!
Subaru: I want to go home and lock myself up in my office.
Pubraseer: Hey, hey, don't fight. We're supposed to be on the same side. Shake hands! How about we run around all day until the sun goes down? ...kidding. If I can be serious, you really should treasure your friends so you won't have regrets.
Hydoor: Yeah you've only said that a million times already. You're gonna drive me crazy with how I can't get a read on you.
Subaru: ...I have to agree.

Shaft: Uhh...what a quirky team.
Toshu: You HAVE seen our own team, yes...?
reXer: ...is it just you three? Isn't there a fourth hero to your team?
Hydoor: Huh? Where's the old man?
Subaru: Can't say, he's been wandering around for a while now.
Cerastium: ...! Fangirl senses tingling!
???: HAHAHA! Sorry to be late, you guys!
MC: It's him!
Cerastium: OOH
Ryekie: Hey you guys! ...oh! MC! Wow, I can't believe I'm up against your team already!
MC: Justice! / Welp / What, I have to go against you!?

Shaft: Whoa, we have to go against Zap the Justice!?
reXer: Heh! I'll win in the end.
Ryekie: Impressive! Go ahead, come spar with me! I'll take on anyone who comes at me!
Ryekie laughs loudly. Toshu's ears flatten.
Toshu: My hearing...
Cerastium: OooOOOoooH!
Toshu: Cerastium, why are you shaking like that?
Cerastium: MON DIEU, JUSTIIIICE
MC: WHAT / oh, she's a fan

Cerastium runs up to Justice, squealing.
Cerastium: It's you, Zap the Justice, the perfect hero of justice!
Ryekie: Whoa! Who are you...?
Cerastium: I am Cerastium, a hero with UEHA France! I've always admired you! You call yourself Justice, my favorite word in the whole wide world!
Ryekie: Oh, you like justice too? That's good! I! AM! ZAP THE JUSTIIIICE!
Cerastium: YES, I CAN DIE A HAPPY WOMAN
MC: uhhh / SIMP / hey, we're supposed to be fighting here?

Subaru: ...is she on your team? She's checked out mentally.
Shaft: ...I'm not sure what you expect us to do.
Pubraseer: I'm glad she's enjoying herself.
Toshu: ...she's ignoring us too.
Hydoor: Stop showing off for the fans and get ready to fight already, dammit! That's the whole point we're here!
reXer: Yeah, I'm waiting for it to start.
Ryekie: Oh right! Cerastium, I'll give you an autograph later.
Cerastium: Okay, I can wait forever for your signature! I should get it to say "Justice for Justice"...
Ryekie: Okay, let's go Operator!
Team Ryekie's Operator transforms Team Ryekie.

reXer: MC, us too!
MC: Right, execute!
The party suits up.
PA System: Preparations complete. Beginning battle in 30 seconds.
Ryekie: So MC, I've always seen your abilities as an ally, but today I'll be seeing how you operate as an opponent! Don't hold back!
MC: Okay! / I hope I can do this! / B-be gentle
reXer: An S Rank Hero on the other side...but stronger opponents is where the points are. I can do this! I can win! YEAH!
PA System: 3...2...1...
BATTLE START (more happens after)

PA System: Match set. Team Red wins. Calculating points.
Everybody detransforms.
Ryekie: Hahaha, excellent operating MC!
MC: omg we somehow won! / Thanks for the match! / It's nerve-wracking going against an office senpai!
Hydoor: Ugh, we lost. You should've moved faster, Nobeyama.
Subaru: This isn't ALL my fault. They were stronger than I thought they were. And trying to break through Cerastium's shield was folly.
Hydoor: WHAT!? T-that was...willpower, you know!?
Pubraseer: You can't help going over a battle you just lost. I underestimated them, so I'll have to think about that going forward in the next match. Isn't personal introspection what we need rather than trying to pick at the flaws of others?
Hydoor and Subaru: (stares)
Pubraseer: Kidding! Don't worry about it too much. This was fun, but let's enjoy everything coming up too!
Hydoor: ...w-well, your support after I got knocked back was helpful, Nobeyama. Keep doing that, thanks.
Subaru: R-right...taking initiative isn't my strong suit, so it helps when you do so...
Pubraseer: Friends!
MC: Awkward / They teacher and student? / Somehow they're working together

Cerastium: Justice! Um...great fighting out there!
Ryekie: You did great too, Cerastium! Awesome shield slinging with defense, support, and attack!
Cerastium: T-thank you very much! Oh, I can't believe my hero is complimenting my justice! I'm so happy that I could fight against the one I feel is the greatest justice!
Ryekie: Oh cool, thanks! HAHAHA!
reXer: The one she admires...?
Shaft: Wow, who'd have thought we'd see a new side of Cerastium so soon after the fight? I'm a little jealous that she has someone to aspire to be like.
Toshu: Is that what that is....?
MC: Something wrong, Toshu?

Toshu: No, but perhaps I am just overthinking things. There is something concerning in the way Cerastium admires Justice.
MC: what?
Toshu: I noticed because I also have people I aspire to be like. It isn't like being a fan though...I'm not sure how to put it.
Cerastium: Justice, let's talk more about justice!
Ryekie: Huh? You want to know what my justice is?
Cerastium: Yes! Your justice is the justice I want to achieve!
Ryekie: What...?
Cerastium: Please tell me more!
Ryekie: W-wait. My justice is...
The party is shocked.
Cerastium: Huh...? Did I do something rude? You're the justice I admire most, so I wanted to learn about it and walk the path of justice too...
Ryekie: W-well...
MC: Awkward!

Ryekie has to think a bit.
Ryekie: Cerastium, justice is different for everyone. This may sound harsh, but...my justice is mine alone.
Cerastium: B-but...
Ryekie: If you take my justice from me, what does that leave me?
Cerastium: I-I'm not...!
Ryekie: I know. You're touting my justice because you admire me. If you just haven't found your own kind of justice yet, that's fine for now.
Cerastium: M-my...own...?
Ryekie: ...if you ever want to be someone with true justice, you should look for your own justice inside yourself. Never forget that you can do that.
Cerastium: My justice...?

Ryekie: (smiles) Sorry for being so harsh there. I'll be waiting for the day you tell me what your own justice is.
Ryekie holds his hand out for a handshake. Cerastium shyly takes it and shakes hard.
Ryekie: Good luck! Later! (leaves)
Hydoor: Hey don't just walk off on your own, old man!
Subaru: He just comes and goes as he pleases...excuse us everyone.
Pubraseer: Bye MC! Next time, let's hang out and celebrate the festival!
MC: Bye Hydie! / See you, Subaru. / Yeah, let's hang out Pubraseer!
---
(A) Subaru and Pubraseer smile.
Hydoor: DAMMIT I'm punching your face in the next time you call me that!
(BC) The other team smiles.
---
The other three head off too.
reXer: Well they sure were talkative. Dunno what they said though.
Shaft: It's great you got to talk to your hero, Cerastium.
Cerastium: Y-yes, I suppose...
Toshu: Hmm...
MC: Figure something out?
Toshu: ...if you meet your heroes, you must never lose sight of yourself.
Cerastium: My...justice...?

Elsewhere
Ryekie's walking around, arms folded and head down thinking.
Ryekie: Maybe I said too much...? But then...if she's pursuing justice...
Someone is coming up from behind. Ryekie is too distracted to notice.
???: ...
Someone stares.
???: ...nice.
End of Episode