Chapter 11 Episode 2: Everyone's Determination 2

Things continue over at the Warmongers HQ where several of the leaders depart from the meeting area until the Wa no Kuni World Rep is the last one remaining. He calls out, asking if Tanetomo and Yasuyori are there. Tanetomo answers and reveals himself without making any sounds of footsteps, referring to the Rep by that title and as the Originator as he bows to him. The Rep acknowledges him, then notices Yasuyori isn't there and asks where he is. Tanetomo answers that he has unfortunately deserted, which mildly surprises him. Narration notes that the Rep doesn't show any sign of being surprised the way he speaks though.

 

Tanetomo swears to more than make up for Yasuyori's absence in the battlefield, then pleads for him to show mercy. The World Rep laughs after a moment and says Tanetomo doesn't need to be so stiff, and he comments that he and Tanetomo used to be inseparable, so him being gone now must be like missing half his soul. The World Rep sympathizes and says he felt something like that long ago. He lost an irreplaceable war asset, an irreplaceable great man, and something he trails off on. But anyways he asks Tanetomo if Yasuyori was someone not easily replaceable to him, which Tanetomo says yes to. The World Rep thinks on this, then comments that Yasuyori was a big statured guy.

 

The World Rep summons some giants from wherever and offers to let Tanetomo take them with him as replacement fighters if he feels he needs them. Tanetomo politely thanks him for his unusual generosity, and the Rep talks about having already made an imperial decree to him, a Hakkenshi, one of the heroes of Wa no Kuni. He reminds him that he is one of the swords of the country, a sword meant to cut down the oni and demons that threaten them as great enemies. He has great expectations for him, and he hopes he stays as he is, someone irreplaceable. Tanetomo bows in a show of submission, and his unparalleled wisdom told him all other responses were incorrect. If he did anything unwanted, he would be cast away. He knows that more than anyone.

 

Scene then shifts back to underground base as Snow says he understands what your guys' plans are and says it's about rescuing Mononobe. Shirou nods, saying that's how he wants to respond to the Berserkers' questions. He notes that fighting is probably unavoidable because of that, but fighting isn't the goal. Concluding that the true big three guilds is the enemy means that you'll likely lose sight of things that you cans see. He'd prefer to put emphasis on what it is you guys want to do, not who is an enemy and who is an ally. Shirou believes that's how you guys can finally have a chance of getting what you need to get, and he asks if that's fine with you. You either nod strongly or just nod while not really getting what he means.

 

Snow says he understands and agrees, then comments that's how you all got this far. Shirou nods as he mentions that a senpai from school told him things. Flashback then kicks in of Tsukuyomi's speech to Shirou from before they all hit up the dark auction. As a reminder, it's Tsukuyomi's advice/lecture that you shouldn't divide things between what you can understand and what you think you don't need to understand. Draw your line in the sand, and a war will erupt, which is the forte of the Warmongers. A refusal to understand is the inability to move forward, and a clear divide between all things leads to the strong beating the weak. But if your opponents are strong in one thing, the best thing to do is to bait them into a game that you can win, where you can then find a chance at victory.

 

After the flashback, Shirou asks if you and Kengo can head out immediately. He'll be giving instructions and wants you guys to gather intel. He'd also like for you guys to avoid fighting for as much as possible. Kengo snorts and says he's not so much of an idiot as to charge blindly forward. He also reminisces a little about his time going wild in Kabukicho in the past, and it was rough getting chased around the place. You tell Shirou to count on you, ask Kengo to not do anything stupid, then ask R-19 to navigate for you. R-19 acknowledges the request and says he'll be in contact with you from the base. You then tell Kengo it's time to head out, and he follows you as you two leave with Shirou watching you guys off.

 

After you guys go, a voice laughs about how you'd declare that battle isn't your goal while being in high spirits, which he says is just like you as he calls you his bridegroom. He also comments on Shirou saying something deep, which the rest of them should take after. Snow recognizes the voice and notes that he's back, and Claude finally walks on camera to reveal himself and announces his return and apologize for the worry he's caused. Snow welcomes Claude back and says he'll put some milk tea on.

 

Claude asks Snow to report what's new to him and can do so while making the tea. Snow nods at that, and Claude laughs again as he notes that Snow's face has 'this is the worst situation possible' written all over it, then comments on how overwhelming the Warmongers forces are. Snow admits that they seem to be inexhaustible like they come out of nowhere, and Claude prompts him to continue. Snow starts talking about how the Berserkers is a group of people who excel in 1v1 or 1vSeveral fights. Against the forces set up against you, it'd turn into a 1v100 or even 1v1000.

 

Claude notes that nothing in this world is truly infinite and nothing really pops out of nowhere. If it looks that way, it's only because a System of faith exists that gives an illusion of that. Snow nods in respect at this and Claude keeps talking, saying that something will definitely turn up if you look into Mahakala's background. You guys know nothing about him as of now, from what he looks like, to what class and power he has, or even what his personality is like. According to one rumor, Mahakala is cruel and violent and treats other Transients as objects. Another rumor denies that, calling him calm and wise and more compassionate than anyone. Claude then brings up that Snow once told him that Mahakala's name is known in two words, which Snow confirms.

 

Claude nods as he says that he could say how people can say that, but he has a slightly different opinion. Snow prompts him to go on, so Claude suggests that Mahakala is a System that holds both those people going by that name, a System that holds a number of classes and powers. Claude talks about how a System is a construct of several components, and if you treat it as a whole, you can see it as a vast, complex darkness. Claude declares that they'll all pull it apart and draw it into their own field of specialty as Shirou brought up, 1v1 battles. In other words, they'll split a 1v1000 battle into 1000 1v1 battles, which is where they can find a chance to win.

 

Claude starts talking about how the results of the battle at the military prison academy was huge. General Tezcatlipoca's network has been silenced, meaning the Warmongers's intel network now has a hole in it. It does seem like someone else has taken it over since the intel network itself seems to still be running. That said you guys have at least found some information of the other Warmonger members that had always been shrouded in darkness thanks to you guys, and Snow is impressed.

 

Claude says one of the members is the black marketeer in charge of supplying troops for their forces, the dark auctioneer as the game flashes Daikoku's sprite. Another member is Gehenna's World Representative, the government secretary aide who works on the shadow cabinet. A third would be the rumored famous political agitator, the World Representative of Wa no Kuni as well as a noted student politician in the public of Tokyo. Finally, Shiva's sprite gets shown as Claude gets to the World Representative of Deva Loka whose relation to Mahakala the Great Darkness is suspect. There's also info on other people, and Claude says that if you know your enemies and allies, the battle can get more exciting. He then mentions that the three Berserkers rescued from the prison school are heading to their own stage of battle.

 

Speaking of the Berserker rescuees, camera jumps over to where Bathym, Pollux, and Andvari are standing around in the dark until Pollux activates his artifact to create some light. Bathym comments on how convenient it is, and Pollux says it's not that special as he describes how the shining star above his head can illuminate any darkness. This is apparently where the three of them part ways according to Pollux, and he wishes the other two luck in not getting discovered by the army.

 

Andvari says all that the money going through the black market is all he cares about regarding the info Claude gave him. Still, he is ticked about being sold off himself and intends to pay back the dark auctioneer for that. Bathym says he's going to rekindle an old friendship too if that's what Andvari is saying. He expresses some surprise at Big Solomon being here claiming to be an agent for the Lightbringer, and he reveals that his name is actually Mephistopheles the one who hates the light as he says he needs to question him as Shaytan's close aide.

 

Camera swings back to Claude as he asks Snow about the other ranked Berserkers and is fine with just what they know. Snow reports that they believe most of the other members are still captured at the hands of the true big three guilds. Taurus Mask is in the middle of gathering information on the others, so he might be away for some time. Claude nods, saying to continue the investigations and leaves it to Snow. Snow accepts the order and asks him to wait for a response. Claude says he'll set up the stage for the fighters in the meantime, so he intends to go to the Diet now. He feels that would be the most suitable battlefield for himself.

 

Claude also mentions that he should play another card before he goes. It wouldn't be very fun to be constantly attacked by the three guilds' vanguards all day after all. He decides to get that one fighter into action, the Ranker and Lonely Star of Fire. Snow expresses shock at this, and the episode ends with Cthugha's silhouette being brought up.

 

Chapter 11 Episode 1: Everyone's Determination 1

We begin with a flashback to Mahakala's conversation with you via Mononobe from the last chapter. Abridged version: ...hello I guess, MC. For now you can call me Mahakala, the World Representative of Deva Loka. I'm Tezcatlipoca's ally. Everything should be brought to an all-destroying war. This fool discarded his artifact and gave away his power. Now he's an unanchored memory. He's like a ghost who can't leave enclosed spaces. And this fool erased all evidence that he lived. That's awesome! He'll be gone forever next loop. Isn't it just great to destroy everything? Destruction is salvation and Tezcatlipoca is a pussy. Everything must die and start from the beginning again, over and over again. You're going to die, you're going to die, and YOU are going to die! What, you disagree? We shall go to war then. I always knew that was going to happen.

 

Scene then tunes back into the present as Shirou and Snow are talking together in the Ikebukuro Underground Labyrinth, with Snow parroting what Shirou had said offscreen about Mahakala as the destroyer of all and the World Representative of Deva Loka. Shirou confirms that that was definitely what he had to you when you met him and later relayed to Shirou. Shirou mentions that you also told him that he took Mononobe away with him when he disappeared.

 

Snow goes into a pensive silence, so Shirou asks him what's wrong and if he has any doubts about your account. Snow says he does have some questions because he finds it strange that the person you talked to would claim to be That Mahakala of all people, the All Destroyer. Shirou is surprised by this, and Snow adds that it's also weird that they would claim to be Deva Loka's World Rep and all that other stuff.

 

Shirou takes note that Snow phrased things as That Mahakala and asks if he knows him. Snow confirms and starts to say something about the name meaning something in his home world before he notices that the search party has come back, so he asks to put the topic on hold for now. Kengo turns up and announces his presence as he greets Shirou and Snow, saying that you're okay too. You tell Shirou you're back, thank Snow for waiting, then notice that Claude and Shuuichi aren't there so you ask where they went.

 

Snow welcomes you two back and explains that Claude left to attend to another matter. So, since he's gone Snow has humbly taken upon himself to compliment you guys. It's commendable that you both have come back safe and sound, which is to be expected for someone who has captured Claude's attention. Shirou asks you guys how it went in there and if you managed to find who you were looking for. Snow calls them the Exception sealed in the deepest part of Ikebukuro because they could not be allowed into the game, then says they were the previous owner of Kengo's artifact as he asks if you guys managed to make contact. Kengo just laughs and asks if they can't read it off his face and turns to you. You either tell Shirou it went great, tell Snow you managed somehow, or say you think you got something out of it.

 

Shirou smiles and says he believed that you could pull it off. He also asks if Kengo got in your way and couldn't help worrying about the two of you going it alone. Kengo takes some offense at this and says he helped you for sure as he turns to you to back him up. You either agree that Kengo helped a lot, or you be vague and say you can't say that. A has Kengo cheer, glad that you understand. B on the other hand has Kengo sputter in shock as he asks you what you mean.

 

Either way, Snow apologizes for interrupting but informs you guys that there seems to be movement happening up above. The battles had been suspended since the other day between the true big three guilds, but now the South and East factions are marching again. The Warmongers in the West are moving to intercept. The projected battle lines are theorized to be here in Ikebukuro and over by Kabukicho. Kengo snorts about not letting them all mess with your home turf, but Shirou tells him to wait as he asks Snow what the expected number of people is. Snow admits that it looks to be at least 10,000 soldiers from each direction, not including any rear guards. Kengo is shocked by this, as are you as you ask how you could possibly handle that many people.

 

Snow mentions the members being bled away from Aoyama that you already know about may contribute to this among other things, but the number of people being moved still doesn't add up with all that. He's sure there must be some underhanded method being used for this. Even then, Snow believes that these aren't the main forces for the true big three guilds since there are confirmed reports of even larger scale actions being taken in Chuo City in Eastern Tokyo and Setagaya City in Southern Tokyo. There's also been some sudden large scale construction going on of new roads and walls recently. Snow believes these are supply lines and maintenance of marching routes. Shirou comments on their use of public construction work and takes it to mean a certain rumor is true, though he has gotten bits and pieces of info from the rest of the gang. You ask Shirou or Snow what they mean.

 

Snow explains that he's talking about the rumor that the true big three guilds have connections to all parts of Tokyo, including the three branches of government (judicial, legislative, and administrative). Many Transients are coming to Tokyo, which is getting closer and closer to making the number of native residents a minority while the former increase in political influence. The biggest part of their strength is their monopoly on past loop memories, which allow them to plot the optimal strategies. It's already obvious that they're doing it now, but the big three are only glaring at each other and not flexing their strength any more than that. The other small guilds can only be caught up in the big three's grand war, and he supposes that's what the big three guild members think right now.

 

Camera tunes elsewhere for a moment to take a look at all the forces assembling. Rando NPCs wonder where they all came from in fearful surprise, and if something is going to happen where they're at. After that it jumps over to Hikarigaoka in Nerima, where there's a huge fort at the Warmongers' Portal. It was built only recently preceding the battles, yet it already towers over the surrounding area with an impressive majesty. Curren/Cullen/Karen flies in on her big robot companion and tells it to drop her off there. Guard troopers walk up to her, and she greets them. She introduces herself as the guildmaster for the Rule Makers and is here to talk to the manager their guildmaster, so she demands asks they go call him. The employees mobs leave without a word, and Curren sighs to herself wondering how many times she's done this and how many more times she'll have to do it again.

 

Some time later, the EXE/Star Force looking crazy kid greets Curren as he politely welcomes her to the Warmongers' Portal as he calls her the guildmaster (re: heaven-sent child of Plan C) for the solution based on cultivation/education. He laughs about her coming all this way from the Rule Makers' Portal all the way in the East, then suggests that if he were a computer he could express how moved he is by flashing his lights on and off. Curren declines to comment on this, so Not Megaman Boss Reject asks if his joke fell flat. She confirms, telling him to get it through his head that it wasn't funny at all as she calls him Robert, heaven-sent child of Plan B.

 

Robert seems surprised to be called by that name and comments that they're the only ones to use it. He repeats it to himself a few times before he flips the syllables around to make Bertro and throws in the word battle a few times too, then cackles. Curren says nothing, apparently tired of him already. But anyways Robertro comments that maybe it's more appropriate to call him Charles based on his position. He excitedly waxes nostalgic about their old glory days in schools, when they were the top three as Robert, Charles, and Isaac. He then says that those names and memories have already disappeared beyond the ends of time, past the 'Door into Summer.'

 

Curren gets annoyed as she says she said no pickles can't not express irritation at him rehashing that subject repeatedly. On a side note, Curren and Robert seem to see each other as interchangeable given that every time they address each other, they say 'me' while meaning 'you.' Robert laughs and apologizes, saying repetition is the basis for jokes while retribution is the basis for funny stories. But for a change of subject, he asks Curren if she really came all this way to talk about humor. She explains that she came to see how he was doing and to directly inform him about what's going on with the vacant slot among the World Representatives now.

 

As things stand now, there are three World Representatives no longer in the game: Azathoth, Surtr, and Tezcatlipoca. Curren says she's accounted for this though, so it won't be a problem. Their artifacts have been inherited by the fragment of that greedy wolf. Narration points out that Curren takes a moment to look at the wolf machine maybe cyborg thing Robert is sitting on as she speaks. But anyways, Curren says that as long as Breke exists, the loops should be able to continue without issue. A good System should be able to replace its broken parts and continue working like normal.

 

Robert laughs and approves as he asks if the war can keep going on forever, and he looks outside at the army advancing from the fort. Curren pauses a moment before confirming that, saying that their task is to continue monitoring the repeating loops of Tokyo. They aren't supposed to support any one person's victory, nor are they to take part in anyone's defeat. They aren't supposed to make it exciting either, and she asks if Robert gets that. Robert cackles again and says that while she says that, war and humor are things that escalate each time they repeat. And every time they do that, it gets more interesting doesn't it? He cackles more for good measure, and Curren declines to respond. Robert hopes this war will be fun too.

 

Scene shifts over to the Aoyama graveyard where Ryouta and Hanuman are spying on some special element angel mobs, and Ryouta phones in asking if you guys can hear him. Hanuman reports on scouting out the area near the Missionaries' guild, commenting on feeling like a ninja. Ryouta then reports that a large number of Transients seem to be making their way through the area and heading for Toshima, then asks how Touji's group is doing.

 

Touji reports in from Roppongi, confirming that a bunch of Transients are making their way through Minato from the South and heading for Shinjuku. They don't seem to care about them or the Tycoons. Tadatomo is with him and says they'll continue their observations, then asks how Moritaka is doing since he heard that the battle at the military academy prison was rough. Scene jumps back to base with you guys at the Labyrinth as Shirou answers that he's having Moritaka go with Shuuichi while taking a break. Shirou then says he understands the situation and asks if you'll let him speak, so you either say yes or just nod silently.

 

Shirou asks everyone to listen to him as he goes over the plans. Teams Ryouta and Touji are to continue scouting out Shibuya and Minato. Shirou insists that all groups move as a pair, and if anything happens the plan should be to disengage and run. If the situation changes anywhere, they should let him and Snow know as the Ikebukuro Underground planning unit so they can relay it to everyone else. Shirou then asks you and Kengo to head up and scout around Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. He makes a point of saying that the plan is to not engage with the true big three guilds while unprepared, so for now you have to avoid them as much as possible. Kengo says he worries too much but will get it done as he turns to you. You either agree or ask Kengo to not go crazy out there.

 

Snow comments that the current objective is to gather information and agrees that that will be the most important thing going forward. Shirou nods and repeats which areas Ryouta's team, Touji's team, and you and Kengo will be handling. He acknowledges that normally splitting up is the dumbest idea you can have, but right now it's different because you guys will not be mounting a war. He'll take advantage of you guys not being attacked at the moment to focus on collecting information. He also notes that none of the big three plan on making their own Portals into battlegrounds.

 

Snow notes that that would be natural since that would minimize damage to their territory. He says he can see them setting up walls around Shinjuku and Ikebukuro like the Genociders did before around six wards to set up as a battlefield. The West and East are likely to battle here in Ikebukuro, and the South and the West are going to be fighting at Kabukicho in Shinjuku. Shirou thanks Snow, then starts talking about your group goal as he turns to you. You say that the most important goal is to rescue Mononobe, then ask him if he's okay with that. He agrees, then tells everyone that's what they'll be working towards as they recon the situation. All teams acknowledge the order.

 

Shirou takes a breath after the conference call is done, and Snow offers to make him some milk tea. Shirou accepts the suggestion and thanks him, but he asks if they can continue their earlier discussion first. Snow agrees to that, then brings back up that the one declaring themselves Mahakala also said they're calling themselves the World Representative of Deva Loka for now. He also asks to confirm that they told you that he called himself a World Destroyer. Shirou confirms and checks with you, and you back Shirou up as you nod to him.

 

Snow accepts that you were told all this, but he tells you that it all sounds strange to him. To be clear, he finds it to be Impossible. You ask Snow why he thinks so and if he knows Mahakala. Snow tells you guys that he knows of Mahakala being the one who destroys everything in Deva Loka, but he mentions that the name has another meaning. In Shangri La where he and Macan come from, the name means the All Protector. You get confused at this and wonder how those two things can be.

 

Shirou is surprised to hear that Snow is from Shangri La, then brings up the possibility that there happens to be two different Transients from two different worlds that share a name. Snow says he's never heard of that happening in Tokyo since the App works by tying a class and power to a unique name to manifest them. In which case this means Mahakala is someone who straddles both Deva Loka and Shangri La, but Snow says the beliefs of these two worlds Cannot Coexist. It's why the worlds were divided up. You try to ask what that all means. Snow admits that nothing definite can be said yet since it'd be dangerous to take actions on assumptions. However, his intuition feels that the answer to the mystery of the two Mahakalas is in the center of the darkness of the grand war happening.

 

Scene then shifts to the Warmongers HQ, which pans over some new guys before Big Solomon (labeled Student Aide for now) politely informs everyone that the negotiations with the Diet are proceeding smoothly and all war preparation has been done as he bows to the other execs. He now says it's time for the strategy meeting as the time for war has come again. Now is the time for the world war, the grand battle of all mythologies!

 

So now that the South and East are holding the West responsible for breaking the pact, both factions are marching their armies towards them. This is looking to be a war on two fronts, which is something Big Solomon wanted to say. But anyways, it was Big Solomon's job to manage things until the war actually happened, so now he'll be sitting there and watching the rest charge rashly forward.

 

Overly decorated army official (labeled Student Legislator for now) refers to Big Solomon as the World Representative of Gehenna and mentions that the same could be said about himself. In his view, if a war has started it's already over. Big Solomon says he understands as he calls the other the World Representative of Wa no Kuni, then suggests they stay in the fort together. Six armed mask guy looks unimpressed and turns to leave, which prompts Big Solomon to call him Shiva and ask where he's going.

 

Shiva says he has people he needs to fight, so he's departing for battle. He doesn't need any other strategy besides that. Big Solomon cackles at him for a moment before apologizing. If someone else were to hear them, they'd probably take it as overconfidence, but if Shiva were the one saying so it must be true. Shiva is the one called the Destroyer of the Cosmos, the World Representative of 'That' Deva Loka after all. Shiva decides to make a point of saying that he 'does not make being referred to as a World Representative as a good thing.' He asks Big Solomon to understand that his presence there is only as a single ascetic monk wishing only to cultivate himself higher.

 

Big Solomon apologizes, saying he'll take it under consideration and that saying too much is a bad habit from when he was younger. But anyways, he asks if Shiva can go act as the reserve for the Ikebukuro battlefront. Shiva agrees to do so, saying it's all for his training to reach further heights. Teda complains about this decision and calls dibs on Koropokkur, asking if Shiva really is the only one going to Ikebukuro. Big Solomon says he knows and asks Teda to go with Shiva. Despite what he said earlier he can't actually have Shiva going around alone now. They as World Representatives are fighting it out for the trophy, but if Shiva were to come across you he'd be the type to destroy you without a second thought. Military Bull looks on in silence.

 

Camera then follows Shiva as he walks out of the Warmongers fort. He is quiet for a bit, then eventually yells about how he cannot forgive the one who would give him this sort of thing he doesn't describe. His eyes flare up as he glares in the direction of Ikebukuro, and the episode ends as the chapter title card pops up, saying Chapter 11 is War of the Setting Moon.

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 3: Moving Shadows

We pick up from before, and Gammei decides to introduce himself since there are people here who haven't seen him before. For the record, he's Gammei Tsukinowa, police department chief of Orient City's hero-related criminal matters office. He's also a part of the United Earth Hero Dispatch as a hero with the code name Justi Arrester. Barrel follows suit with introducing himself as Barrel Crancrack, police officer in the same department and stationed in the police box on Orient City's main street 8th district. He is also part of the UE Hero Dispatch as well as a hero under the name Symphonic Trigger. Anyways, Ryekie asks what job request it is they're bringing, and you can either ask if it's an investigation like before or question the idea of police asking hero agencies for help, which splits most of the episode depending on which way you go.

In Side A, Gammei says he wants you guys to look at something first, which he prompts Barrel to hand over. It takes Barrel a minute to pull them out of his bag or whatever, and eventually he finds the copied documents to hand over. Huckle is surprised to be given a printed copy of something given that this is supposed to be a paperless age, then comments on how old school the police are. Gammei is annoyed by it since he sees it as a waste of money, but he was told it had to be done this way. But anyways, Huckle starts looking at the thing, and his expression grows more stern as he goes on.

 

Huckle asks about the paper being an advance notice for a crime. Gammei confirms that it is and explains that it sent to Raidark Holdings' Earth HQ at 7am that morning. The sender is unknown, and since it was sent through the military surveillance satellites around Mars, analysis has proven impossible. The deliberate usage of military satellites leads Gammei to believe this isn't some weird prank. Huckle reads out the message printed: "On the night of the full moon you shall all be put to death with the power of another world." You either comment on how antiquated the writing sounds, wonder what kind of cringe person wrote it, or ask what they mean 'power of another world.' A and B gets an extra line where Gammei calls the thing pretentious.

 

Mokdai figures the another world bit refers to a parallel world, which would mean that this is a villain's announcement of their intended crime. Gammei nods and says the police believe that to be the case too. Raidark's HQ on Earth happens to be here in town, and the full moon will be four days from now. He then says that means it's highly likely some sort of terrorist action will be taken by villains there at that time. That's why the police department have punted the case to them.

 

Akashi is surprised by this and asks what the other police departments are doing. Gammei tells him that they can't intervene even if they wanted to since this case may involve villains, Kaibutsu, and Observers. In cases where someone is eaten by a monster, fed to a monster, attacked and killed by a Parallel Weapon or something is destroyed by such, generally little evidence remains. There won't be a murder weapon left behind either if it gets shunted to a parallel world.

 

Gammei adds that if someone gets eaten by a Kaibutsu, heroes and Observers will be the only ones to remember that the victim ever existed. The nature of that problem being what it is, all traces of them existing seem to disappear too, which makes any attempt at an investigation into them pointless. The only thing that's really left would be the heroes and Observers making a fuss that someone is Gone. It's why the police department as a whole shoves those cases to Gammei's department since they specialize in that. Searching and arresting criminals gets left to them, and all they do is the processing afterwards. In blunter terms, the police treat them as the people who handle dirty work that they try not to get a whiff of.

 

You connect the dots and say that's why Gammei is asking you guys for help, which he confirms. They're generally shorthanded and don't have enough people to assign to this case, and since it's just him it'll just be them two on it like usual. Barrel is normally part of the community police department, so if Gammei tried to put in the paperwork to have Barrel help the upper management would throw a fit about it, so he usually doesn't. Sacrifices have to be made, so while he tries to persuade them to agree to it, he's asked his hero agency to have Barrel come with him in the meantime.

 

Barrel says he's so ready to get on this case since normally his post isn't involved with big things like this. He excitedly says he'll haul the evildoers in and bring peace back to the city. Gammei tells him to stop wagging his tail because it's hitting him. He also tells him to curb his enthusiasm since that's only going to add to his paperwork. Barrel whines and pleads saying it isn't that much, but Gammei says they're facing cost cuts and salary cuts, so he can't go around causing collateral damage. Barrel hangs his head a little as he says he'll try his best to do so.

 

You either comment that they're having their own problems or call them the odd couple like they always are. In A, Gammei says Barrel is still all he has to rely on, so he's desperate enough to take help from a cat, though he notes Barrel is more of a dog. Barrel then insists on being called a wolf. In B, Gammei tells you to stop calling them a couple since he just happens to be stuck with him. Barrel is shocked by this since he thought they were a great pair. Gammei doesn't want to argue about it so he tells him he can keep thinking that.

 

Anyways, Ryekie comments his surprise on how outrageous it is for a villain group to try this since Raidark is the biggest corporation in the galaxy. You ask what sort of business Raidark even is, so Mokdai answers that it's a huge business complex with headquarters on Earth and on Titan. They handle light industries like food/commodities and textiles to heavier industries like robot manufacturing, to financing to planetary development. They manage a lot of different things is what he's saying.

 

Mokdai continues explaining that supposedly at least half of Orient City was developed by Raidark. The CEO regularly sits in first on the Top Whatever Richest People in the Solar System lists, though that also means he's more prone to be targeted by criminals. That said they do have a powerful defense network that repels all the threats, including regular thieves to villains.

 

Mokdai then notes that anyone willing to provoke them must be a really confident villain. Gammei explains that the job that's been handed down isn't a protection detail for the company, but an investigation into the criminal and arresting them before it happens. There's a possibility that will involve storming the villain's lair, so Gammei came here to ask for help. He heard Zap the Justice, the S Rank Hero with the best achievements listed in the country has come back after all. Barrel also asks Justice for help, saying he'd be worth 100 people in manpower.

 

Huckle goes apologetic at the subject, and Ryekie has to explain that he can't do it yet since he's still recovering, so hero work is off the table for now. Barrel is shocked to hear that, and Gammei is disappointed to hear that but accepts it since he has heard it was serious. He wonders what he'll do now and considers checking some other agencies when you offer to help out like before.

 

Gammei is surprised by the offer, and while he acknowledges that you and Akashi did help last time, the scale of the case and the level of danger are on different levels, which is why he came to ask for Justice specifically. It's kind of hard to go ask a newbie hero and Operator to help fight against a terrorist attack. Barrel however supports having you guys on board and vouches that you guys can handle it. He even cites your battle together at Southern Kanto to back up his claim. Gammei is surprised at this but says his recommendation wouldn't be enough, which leads Barrel to plead with him.

 

Huckle says he'll recommend you guys too then since Gammei should have a grasp on your ability levels from the Procy case. He concedes that you two have areas that you guys are still inexperienced in, but you two are used to fighting. At the very least, Huckle says he doesn't have any objections to you guys helping out with the investigation part of the job, but he does have reservations against it if he bases his decision on sending you guys to fight terrorists.

 

Gammei says that parts of your battle from that time were clumsily handled, but he acknowledges that your help got the case to wrap up. Akashi says he can go help on this case, but he'd rather not have to fight against anyone that dangerous. If any battles break out in the course of the investigation itself though, he feels he can handle those okay. Ryekie turns to Gammei to ask what he thinks. Gammei nods that he does have the courage to stand up to the mafia, so he agrees to having you guys help. He does make a point of saying that if things get out of your league he'll go ask another agency for help. Barrel then cheers about working together with you two again.

 

To go back a bit, in Side B, Huckle explains to you that Gammei's position is a bit special and able to contract private hero agencies to help with investigations. Gammei says his superiors justify it as getting the experts to do it, but he sighs that it's really about them distancing themselves from things involving crazy weird superpowers. Things follow much the same as Side A's sequence of things until the point that Gammei and Barrel are informed that Ryekie can't be dispatched yet. There, Huckle is the one to suggest having you and Akashi join as the new faces of the company.

 

You guys being there is news to Gammei, so Huckle says Akashi only just became a hero the other day. Akashi introduces himself and mentions being a college student, which causes Gammei to doubt his abilities. Huckle vouches for Akashi, saying he'd never have suggested him otherwise and brings up his work at handling the coast district Kaibutsu invasion. Huckle also says Ryekie can vouch for Akashi as he turns to him, and Ryekie enthusiastically does so to the point Akashi is embarrassed by it. Huckle says if just Akashi isn't enough to reassure him, he can also send you to go with him as Operator under the office's recommendation. Then he asks if you can go. You either react with shock at this idea, agree to go, or be embarrassed at all the faith he's putting on you.

 

Barrel yells in surprise as he recognizes you, which surprises Gammei in turn as he asks about that. Barrel tells him he saw you guys on a battle live and went all OMG when he saw how you operated and Akashi's finishing move. He also talks about how your cooperation with Heroic Educators was great. Gammei says that at the time that incident was happening, Barrel was supposed to be on standby at his police box waiting evacuation assistance. Barrel gulps and admits to it since he realizes he outed himself, but Gammei lets it go and says that if Barrel is vouching for you guys too it's not a bad plan to have you help.

 

Both sides converge back at this point as Gammei tells Huckle that he will borrow the two of you. While he's at if there's any camera staff he can lend that'd help too. Budget cuts have reduced the amount of camera drones they have, so they might not have any to use for work. Huckle agrees to send Mokdai over too, who says he'll do it and hopes to work well together with them. Huckle declares the contract is formed now and asks Gammei to send the paperwork to his desk as usual. Sui wishes you guys luck and says she'll bring the suit over when it's done, and the episode ends with Gammei saying it's time to start right away and tells you guys to come with him.

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 Episode 2: Provocations and Retaliation

Things pick up with Ryekie loudly laughing as he announces his return, having thrown the door open on his way into the office. Mokdai congratulates him for his hospital discharge while Akashi is baffled at how high spirited he is before asking if his wound is okay. Ryekie laughs some more as he assures him it wasn't enough to lay him low. He does say he's not back to full strength yet, but he's doing alright. He tries to show off a bit, which I assume he does by pounding his chest, but he ends up hurting himself a little doing so.

 

Mokdai freaks out a little at this as he tells Ryekie to not push himself and brings up a chair. Huckle scolds Ryekie and tells him to not do anything strenuous since he's still recovering, and Ryekie apologizes and accepts the chair. Huckle sighs for a moment before asking everyone to listen to him. So as you've all just seen, Ryekie is indeed out of the hospital but not yet back at full health. He also mentions that the Kaibutsu's attack from back then was totally unexpected as the game decides to flashback to that instance.

 

But back to the conversation Huckle says that due to where he was hit, Ryekie's legs don't have their full mobility back yet, and trying to push himself will cause intense pain. He can walk around just fine, but when it comes to the sort of action that comes with hero work, it'd be best for him to refrain for now. Treatment looks like it'll take some time to work. So with that in mind, Ryekie is back at work, but he'll be sticking with the office side of things until he's recovered. Zap the Justice is currently unavailable. Mokdai is sadly resigned to that, and you express your own chagrin that the main hero is down and ask if the company is in trouble.

 

Ryekie apologizes to you guys about being taken by surprise. Huckle says he doesn't need to worry about it since no one could have seen that surprise attack coming. In terms of the business running, you and Akashi are the ones being sent out to handle engagement missions. Huckle has some reservations about putting this burden on Akashi since he only just became a hero, but he asks if he can handle it. Akashi quickly agrees. While he can't do it every day, he swears to do both his and Ryekie's share of things. Huckle thanks him and calls him reliable, but he also warns him to not push himself too much. He then asks you to handle being Akashi's Operator and for Mokdai to handle camera work and directing. You two agree as well.

 

Some time later, Huckle says that you guys can't stay in a solemn mood forever. He's about to talk about the plans for the day since the discussion has just finished, but then the door rings so he asks Mokdai to go get it. Sui turns out to be the visitor, and as she bows and says hi she mentions being here on an errand from her master. She's also brought a big bag with her again. Huckle apologizes for calling her over and thanks her for coming.

 

Sui sets her bag down and opens it up, whereupon she takes out a tablet and a measuring tool. Once she's done with preparing her things, she turns her attention to Akashi and tells him to take his jacket off and stand somewhere specific. And also to change his shoes if he can. Akashi is surprised by this but awkwardly agrees, and you ask what's happening. Mokdai tells you that it's the measuring for the suit. Part of it can be calculated from image analysis, but that can only give rough estimates. Because of that, image analysis and scaling is compared to actual measurements taken, which he points out to you.

 

Sui has plugged her tablet in, which has started projecting a 3D model of Akashi in his hero form. She then takes her measuring tape thing and wraps it around Akashi's waist and hits the button. Doing so adjusts the 3D model's of his waist measurements to what her tape has measured out. You express amazement at how hi tech this is and comment that technology has advanced. Mokdai says it's pretty cool, saying it feels like the future that past videos have imagined have come to life.

 

Sui comments that Akashi is like Ryekie in that he wears a tight suit, so she asks him to take a layer off up top and down below. Akashi is embarrassed by this request, so Sui sighs and says they have to do this. If he's that embarrassed, then they can do it in a different room. She assures him she won't be oogling and staring at him since she's not interested in him, which shocks him even further.

 

Mokdai starts talking about how fortunate it is that Akashi could become a hero again. It sucks that Ryekie can't be dispatched as a hero for now, but Mokdai says he never even thought about the possibility of there being more heroes in the agency, which he's happy about. You ask if Ryekie was always the sole hero here and if they ever tried recruiting. Mokdai says that hiring heroes usually isn't a matter of recruitment. There's a lot of legal barriers in place, and by the time anyone is working as and calling themselves a hero they're already part of an agency. Scouting out someone new like Akashi pretty only happens by transferring them in from another agency. Huckle and Ryekie used to be in different agencies too, which you nod at before you notice a point and ask about Huckle "also" being part of a different group.

 

Mokdai is surprised that you haven't heard, then tells you that Huckle used to be an S Rank Hero who worked together with Ryekie. He used to be known as the half-beast hero of speed and power Hopper the Face/Faith(?), and Mokdai asks if you've ever heard of that. You comment on it being an amazing nickname, say you didn't know, or comment that Huckle's figure...doesn't really suggest that anymore.

 

Mokdai continues on saying that Huckle's way of carrying himself and his finisher were just as cool and awesome as his appearance and name. One time he was flying around a tower over 300m tall and did this awesome dropkick combo to a Kaibutsu's head. His finisher was a flurry of kicks known as Hyakuretsukyaku Sign Speed(?) "Rapid Stride." Huckle is embarrassed by this conversation and coughs, and you either say you want to see it or comment on how much Mokdai is talking about it. In A, Mokdai agrees that it is cool and offers to find a video to show you later. In B, Mokdai gets a bit embarrassed as he says he got swept up in things when it comes to heroes.

 

Either way, Mokdai says that when he joined the agency he did it with the idea that he had to join the one that had either Justice or Hopper in it. He's always had an interest in filming and he loves battle lives, so he went to filming school hoping that he could make them even more exciting. But by the time he was out, Huckle had already retired as Hopper unfortunately.

 

You wonder why Huckle had to retire as a hero, so Mokdai tells you that it was because he Became an Observer. He doesn't know why it is but Observers can't be heroes for some reason, so when Huckle awakened as one he had to stop being a hero. Ryekie said he'd go with him, so together they formed this agency. You either nod and comment on how things happened, or you wonder about not being able to be a hero. In B, Mokdai says he's not actually sure since it's just that no Observer managed to be a hero before. He's tried looking into it, but he still doesn't understand.

 

But anyways, Mokdai says he's always followed behind Ryekie with his camera. Now that he can do that with Akashi too the idea excites him, and he sighs about how much he admires heroes. As he talks and looks at Akashi, you notice a shadow of envy in him, so you suggest that he could become a hero too if he likes them so much. The suggestion shocks him as he quickly denies the idea since he doesn't have the courage to do it. He's about to say something else when Akashi starts shouting about Sui's phrasing while half naked, interrupting the conversation.

 

Sui sighs and repeats that she has no interest in looking at and touching Akashi's naked body. She does admit that he's well built, but she's annoyed that he's gotten louder every time she touches him. She then accuses him of actually wanting to be looked at more and wanting her to slide up to him and feel him all over. Akashi is shocked, saying that she's misunderstanding him and that he was worried. He also says he doesn't like how she speaks like she's picking at a bunch of points separately and says she's too harsh. He's not really taking clothes off to show off to her, so he's annoyed that she keeps bringing that up.

 

Sui calls Akashi too quick to anger and says she's just saying what she honestly thinks. Akashi argues back that she won't have any friends if she talks like that, which touches a nerve. Mokdai steps in and tries to intervene, but Akashi isn't having it and accuses Sui of starting a fight. She in turn calls him a meathead who's reading into something that wasn't there and being a pain in the ass. Being called a meathead evidently really gets to Akashi as he gets even madder.

 

Mokdai persists in trying to get the two to stop, though he has an idea who actually started this. But anyways he tells them to stop since the fight will only get worse if they won't. Mokdai talks about knowing how it's one of Sui's good points to speak frankly, but he also knows that Akashi is in his own way trying to be considerate and attempting to ask her if she'd really be okay with a stranger touching her all over if things were reversed. Mokdai then prompts Sui to try to understand that, and she's quiet for a second before nodding.

 

Mokdai then turns to Akashi and understands that he hasn't known her for very long, but he says that Sui's a straightforward talker and asks him to let it go. He also points out that it'll never end if he keeps poking back whenever she pokes at a sore spot for him. Plus Akashi is older than her and a hero now, so he should try to be more accepting. He awkwardly agrees, nodding to himself about being older. Sui and Akashi then awkwardly apologize to each other and bow. You are surprised at how quickly Mokdai got things under control and say it's terrifying in a way.

 

Huckle commends Mokdai for doing it again as he talks about how he can quickly understand a situation and find a way to resolve as much of it as he can, which could conceivably be called his talent. Ryekie laughs and says he wishes he could have that talent on the sales team, then asks Mokdai if he'd like to try working in the sales side of things since he thinks he could do well there. Mokdai is quick to decline, saying he can't handle working outside.

 

At that point, the agency's intercom rings, which surprises Huckle since no one scheduled an appointment for this time. He opens his phone to connect to the door camera to see who it is. Once he does he comments on how unusual it is for the people there to come calling and asks Mokdai to get the door. Mokdai wonders who he could be talking about but goes to do so. Akashi panics and asks him to wait so he can get his clothes back on, then asks Sui where they are. She's shocked by the question and tells him he left them where he took them off, which should be at the sofa.

 

Once Mokdai opens the door, two men enter the agency. One is a beastman in a uniform who looks like someone you'd find at a police box while the other is a stern looking man in a trench coat. Mokdai is surprised to see who it is, and you either recognize them as Inspector Gadget Gammei and Barrel or ask who they are. Both branches start off the same with Barrel casually greeting everyone like this is a social visit until Gammei whacks him and tells him they came to talk business. Barrel deflates and says he knows since he came in uniform.

 

In the A branch, Barrel notices you and greets you, saying you last saw each other in that incident the other day and thanks you for your work. Gammei tells Barrel to stop wagging his tail because it's hitting him. Huckle then greets the pair and says it's been a few days since he saw them. Gammei apologizes for the intrusion and says he must know what it means for him to come all this way, then takes out a police notebook from his pockets. He explains that as the detective for the city's hero related special investigation office he's come to make a request, which is where this side ends.

 

In the B branch, things get slightly more complex and splits off with you either calling Barrel a dog policeman, Gammei a dandy looking detective, or recognize them on a surface level from before. A embarrasses Barrel as he says he prefers to be called a wolf, but Gammei doesn't give a crap as he points out that Barrel isn't from Earth. Barrel however insists that it does matter since wolves have a cooler, wilder image like old movies used to say, causing Gammei to give in and apologize. B surprises Gammei as he recognizes you as the Observer from that restaurant. Barrel blithely asks Gammei if he's being shy, but Gammei smacks him again to shut him up before admitting he wasn't put off by it. In any case, Huckle greets the two of them, and Gammei apologizes for the intrusion and explains that they aren't there as part of the United Earth Hero Dispatch. He takes out his police notebook and says he came to ask as part of the city's hero-related special investigation office to make a request, and the episode ends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 2 (Green Hope) Episode 1: This is Parallel Flight Co.

Narration begins by establishing the location, which would be Somewhere in Orient City, Japan, Earth. Some mob in silhouette is asking desperately if it's true that if he uses That he can change jobs to a hero agency. Exio tells the guy that the ability to sell yourself is important to everything. If the guy has the ability to control Them and make That Thing into a success, his ability as an Observer will be demonstrated like it or not. Exio is about to say more when the mob gets excited and talks to himself about how he won't have to bear with the cold looks of society anymore. He swears to do whatever it takes to get out of the bullshit hole in life he's living in, then runs off without another word.

 

Exio watches him go, but then continues talking to himself and goes on with the conversation. Exio says it's probably not going to go well for the guy, though the extent of his abilities probably will be shown. Once that's known and the guy realizes what he's done and admits to it, he'll be arrested immediately. But if he's lucky, maybe a villain team will pick him up, and Exio wishes the guy good luck. Though from Exio's position, the chances of That being a success is practically zero. Exio then segues to a different subject saying that if this turns into a big incident, he wonders if you'll show yourself again. How will you conduct yourself here...? He's looking forward to seeing that.

 

Scene changes over to where you are, at the top of an office building in Orient City's central ward on a clear day. Akashi says that this is everything and says to you that you guys should get to drying everything. Narration describes how Akashi is carrying a huge laundry basket as you guys come up to hang some things up. As the new guys in the office it's your guys' jobs to wash all the clothes and things, which includes change of clothes after field work, Mokdai's used lens wipes, and towels among other things.

 

Akashi talks about his surprise at seeing so many things that needed to be washed. He hasn't seen this many things that need drying since he helped handle laundry at sports practice. He picks up a pair of some big ass underwear and is amazed at it, then wonders if it's Ryekie's as he notes he's big overall before smoothing out the wrinkles and hanging it on a pole with practiced ease. You either comment that this is heavy labor, note that Akashi seems used to this, or ask him if he does this at practice too.

 

A has Akashi says he did think a hero business might rack up this much laundry to do, but the amount of dust is still surprising as he wonders where they normally go. In B, Akashi shrugs. While he does live alone, sometimes the kouhais of the baseball team have to help with laundry if there aren't enough managers. His team is no exception, so sometimes he had to wash the whole team's uniforms. In C, Akashi says he doesn't need to do it anymore now, but he did pitch in back in high school. There was a mountain of stuff like uniforms and socks, and he says it must be hard to be the manager.

 

Anyways, Akashi changes the subject to talk about how Ryekie's been in the hospital for a long time, looking anxious as he handles his things. Narration explains that Ryekie's been hospitalized due to the Kaibutsu injury for three weeks now. He can finally leave the hospital starting tomorrow, but it's still pending whether he can get straight back to work. Akashi talks about how he couldn't have done anything for him, even if it was sudden. And since it's not clear whether Ryekie can go back to work doing everything he can, Akashi says he'll need to work hard himself. You either tell him you'll both work hard or tell Akashi not to push himself too hard. A has Akashi agree as he says you guys will do your best to support things. B has Akashi thank you as he says he'll do the things he's able to do.

 

A voice calls over to you guys commenting on how motivated you guys are. Crown is behind you guys when you turn to look, and she's described as a woman in overalls. She smiles as she tells you guys are doing good work as she refers to you as newbies. Akashi awkwardly thanks her and flounders for a bit waiting for her to introduce herself. You either ask who Crowne is or say she's beautiful now that you've looked closer. B takes Crowne aback as she says the looking closer bit is rude, but she shrugs it off and accepts the compliment.

 

Either way Crowne realizes she hasn't told you who she is yet, so she introduces herself and says she's a mechanic that works for the company. She was transferred over from a spacecraft servicing workshop so it's not uncommon that she's not around, but still she says it's nice to meet you guys. Akashi greets her back and introduces himself and you to her. He then gets curious at the mention of spacecraft and asks if the business has any. Crowne says there is one, but it's old and beat up. Since it was falling apart everywhere, Crowne is fixing it up for the legal inspection. She just came a moment ago to deliver a progress report and to request funds for more parts.

 

Akashi wonders if that means that the agency also goes into space to do business. He mentions that he hasn't been to space that much, so this is kinda interesting for him. You ask him if that means he's been to space before, which surprises Akashi as he says you guys went to the moon for a trip back in elementary school. On that trip, you guys went to Nos Clavius, saw the paraterraforming facility, and had free time at Archimedes. Akashi then realizes you've forgotten about that and apologizes.

 

Crowne says that space travel from Earth only started getting popular about 50 years ago, and in Japan the only space ports are in Osaka and Orient City. It's probably rare to go even if you do live in a metropolitan city. As for whether the agency goes all the way into space, well that's a complicated situation. Heroes are individuals in the end, and they're busy running around Orient City for work. The agency's spacecraft is 15 years old and a mess, so even if it didn't need to old standard sound barrier for supersonic flight, the 3rd gen friction canceller it has for atmospheric reentry sucks like hell compared to standard gear in the current generation. The onboard environmental stabilizers are also problematic, so if someone not used to riding it is in it for the long haul the seasickness is going to be something fierce. You go oh and say you didn't understand a thing.

 

Akashi says he didn't get the technobabble either, but he does understand that the ship is too old and falling apart to be taking it out for a ride. Crowne laughs and apologizes, then asks you to ignore all the tech details as geek speak for engineers. If the opportunity to go ride to space ever comes up, she figures Huckle will explain how to handle the ship then. That said, Crowne mentions there's no one decent enough to have a license to drive that thing in the agency. One of the guys is only a driver on paper while the other is a crazy ass driver who was once Japan's #1 hero. You either think on the crazy driving hero part or ask who's the not-a-driver. In A, Crowne says that if the engine stalls she'd tell them to jump start it themselves and you'd be better off not riding with them. In B, Crowne declines to say but decides to just say that Huckle's license is expired. Either way Crowne decides to end the chitchat there and invites you guys to go back to the office with her if you're done with hanging the laundry.

 

Some time later Sui is standing in front of the office door, which you notice and point out. Narration describes her as looking petite and delicate, carrying a large bag and standing around looking troubled by the door. Akashi notes that he's never seen her before and wonders if she's also related the agency. Sui notices you guys at this point and talks to Crowne, saying she's come at a good time. Crowne greets her and asks if she's on errands too. Sui answers that she is. She's here to delivery some stuff, and also to talk about a problem coming up with repairing the suit. Sui then asks who you and Akashi are since she's never seen you before. Crowne introduces you two, and you either greet Sui or call her cute. A has Sui respond politely, though she mentions she might not see you much. B shocks Sui for a second before she thanks you.

 

Akashi greets Sui after you, and Sui recognizes him after a moment and says the rumor is true and that her master would be happy to tailor something for him. She sizes him as she looks him up and down, which embarrasses Akashi into asking her why she's doing that. Sui is surprised then apologizes, saying she was talking to herself as she asks him to not pay it any mind.

 

Akashi asks Sui why she's there, so she answers that she's here to deliver the suit that's been fixed up for Ryekie at her master's request. She tried ringing the bell but no one answered, which worries her. Normally no one would be out at this time if it's not some sort of emergency. Akashi is surprised by this since Mokdai should be inside and able to answer. Sui is surprised and asks if Mokdai really is alone inside and where Huckle is, so Akashi answers that Huckle is at a meeting at a nearby agency. Sui sighs and says things must be following that one pattern, which Crowne agrees with. You try to ask what they mean by that pattern.

 

Crowne asks you to open the door with your key card, saying that Mokdai won't be able to hear the door if she's right. Akashi wonders what she's talking about, and you move to do as instructed. Once you do so and enter the office, a TV is blaring somewhere as a villain character on the show playing says that the Summon Rangers Summoner Five are going to die that day. One of the team members yells back that they won't let him get away with what he's doing and calls for the Summoner Formation to be deployed.

 

Mokdai is watching the show excitedly and says he can't get enough of the 3D CG the show uses as it first came out. The sounds of the show are audible even through the headphones he has blasting them straight into his ears, and he's also eating a cup of instant ramen while he's at it. Mokdai starts reacting to the Yellow Formation being used, which is apparently specific to a limited time video compilation that he's looking at, and he jabbers about there being 10-25 more episodes after this before he loses his mind over a gun on the show being brought out. Akashi is shocked speechless while Sui sighs in resignation. You either cringe, say the place is so relaxed, or bring up the cat's away expression, which Japan substitutes with an oni instead. C has Akashi says Huckle doesn't get as mad as oni do but figures that's also why this happens.

 

Crowne sighs and calls Mokdai a huge nerd before slowly sneaking up behind him. She takes a deep breath, then shouts BOOM at him, which startles him into knocking his cup of noodles over off the desk and onto himself. Mokdai asks what's going on for a second before jumping at how hot the BBQ pork in his cup noodles are. Crowne laughs at him and says she almost wished she took a video of his reaction.

 

Mokdai finally processes that Crowne is there and complains that she ruined the best part for him. Crowne gets annoyed as she points out that's not an excuse for him to slack off and be a couch potato ignoring the door. She sighs at him for using noise cancelling headphones as well and asks Sui how long she's been waiting. Sui says she was waiting for about ten minutes, during which she rang the bell three times and tried calling Mokdai's phone twice. Mokdai is surprised by this as he apologizes and says he never noticed. Crowne is sadly amazed that he'd say that after three years of working there and chides him to at least pay attention when holding the fort. Mokdai is unable to say anything to this, and you either comment on him liking tokusatsu shows or bemoan his lost noodles.

 

Mokdai nods and says he started getting into the program when he started watching, but stops himself and says he needs to reflect on himself. Sui looks at the screen and notices that he's watched it before, noting that it's a toku show from 200 years ago. Mokdai awkwardly laughs a little and says he likes it, so he couldn't help himself. Anyways Sui says she'll clean up and says Mokdai should change before his clothes get stained. Mokdai nods and wonders if there's anything that hasn't been washed yet. He then apologizes for adding more to the laundry after it was just done to Akashi, who just tells him to put it in, resigned to it all.

 

Some time later Sui asks Mokdai if Huckle's come back yet. Mokdai thinks on this and says he should be back soon, then wonders if there's something up with the suit they asked to have fixed. Sui says there is, explaining that the connection part with the Parallel Weapon, the right hand glove gadget, is more damaged than expected. While they can handle light repairs to gadgets that are incidental to the suit repairs, the amount of damage to the thing needs to be taken to a mechanic. She came to ask Huckle how he'd like that handled.

 

Crowne asks to see it, then notes that the microchip is completely destroyed. It shouldn't be breakable so long as the cover stays on, but she sighs and wonders if that moron did something crazy again. Crowne says she can fix it with the things she has on hand and asks to be given the thing. She estimates it'll take her about an hour to fix it, and she says she'll borrow a desk for it. Crowne then takes out a box of small parts, some tools, and a scope from her toolbox, then gets to work on repairing the glove.

 

Sui says she'll wait around until the repair work is done, mentioning that her master is the type that can't move on if they don't do the finishing touches themselves. She then goes to a corner where a water boiler is to put on some tea. Akashi notes in surprise that she and Crowne are familiar with the place, and you ask Sui if she comes here a lot or what her job is. A gets extra lines where she answers that the agency is a frequent customer, and whenever there's business here she gets sent over. Her master is often busy, so they can't come over themselves. Akashi asks her what kind of master is she talking about.

 

Either way things segue back together as Mokdai explains that Sui is a designer from a nearby fashion design agency. They handle the tailoring of the suits you guys use to the repairs of such among other things. Sui says she's still an apprentice though, but she can do light repairs at least. You either comment on how amazing she is for how young she is, or you ask if she's a student. In A, Sui finds the comment a little weird since she's already 19 and notes that you don't look that far in age from her. In B, Sui says she doesn't go to school as she tells you her age, then says she plans to be a proper member of society.

 

Akashi is a bit interested in the subject of hero suits as he asks about them being custom made. He also mentions thinking about it earlier, but he notes that hero suits are different from weapons that Observers pull out from somewhere. Sui explains that while it's not impossible to bring it out together with a Parallel Weapon from a parallel world, but if the clothes you have on at the time of transformation has high affinity with your Parallel Weapon, it'll make it easier to stabilize its existence on this end. That's why heroes have their hero suits made to order. Plus on the off chance your weapon disappears, you won't be left empty handed since being stripped of your suit renders you defenseless. Making suits that reinforce a weapon's existence and strengthen defense is the sort of work her workplace does.

 

You bring up that before transforming, someone might not have worn anything similar to that suit before. Mokdai says he'll explain. So you guys were likely given a watch model personal terminal for work after you guys got hired on, and Mokdai says it can do more than transfer views to heroes. It's called a Micro Warp Gate, and it can transfer and switch out things around the size of clothes. The principle behind it is the same as the Warp Gates already in space. A hero equipped with the terminal can have their clothes before a transformation replaced with a hero suit before getting atomized when the transformation is approved. Of course, when the transformation is undone you'll return to your previous appearance. It's standard for all agencies even if you were told it was company issued. You either wonder if it was that high tech, comment that it must be expensive if you break it, or say it's a pretty convenient system.

 

In A, Mokdai says the terminals are pretty impressive, but that's also why a single one can be expensive. You should do your best to not break the thing, since while they are made to be waterproof, heatproof, and shock absorbent, the repair charge for fixing one isn't something to sneeze at. In B, Mokdai tells you the same details as in A about the terminal's traits but tells you to be careful with it. If it breaks, it'll cost you about three months' worth in wages to pay for repairs at least. In C, Mokdai talks about how hero products also come from opportunities. Developing the system took a crap ton of money though, and one of these terminals could also buy you a small spaceship. That reminds him to tell you to be careful with it and tell you its resistances.

 

At any rate, Huckle comes back at this point and comments on all the activity today. Mokdai welcomes him back while Sui greets him. Huckle greets Sui back and asks if she's here about Ryekie's suit or about something else. Crowne notices Huckle is in and tells him she's borrowing one of the desks to fix some stupid gadget and will be done with that soon. Huckle notes it must be really messed up inside and thanks her, and Crowne responds that she'll have it good as new. She's doing her best to get everything up and running by the time Ryekie will be back.

 

Huckle agrees, saying that Ryekie's suit does need to be fixed up before he turns to address Sui. She asks him if he's going to ask about the new hero's suit development. Akashi is surprised and asks if they mean him, which Huckle confirms. Since they've hired him on they have a duty to ensure his safety, so that's why they're ordering a special order suit for him. Akashi is taken aback by this and apologizes since he figures it can't have come cheap. Sui takes some offense at this as she says that while her business place is small, they plan on making it a bit cheaper than the competition. Akashi quickly apologizes and says he didn't mean it like that.

 

Huckle concedes that the suit isn't priced like the sort of thing you'd find in nearby stores, but Akashi only has the one life. He's making a living by putting his life at stake, so it's only natural to invest in his safety. The suit is a necessary expense, but Huckle assures him it won't be coming out of his paycheck and that he won't need to worry about paying for it. Akashi thanks him and says he'll work hard to make it worth it, which causes Huckle to laugh and say he'll be happy if it doesn't worry him too much.

 

Sui comments on how motivated Akashi is and wonders if he's not afraid of fighting against Kaibutsu. Mokdai thinks on it for a sec before shrugging and saying that only Akashi knows how he feels while fighting. Still, he believes that it's a good thing for a hero to be willing to fight and good for those being rescued. Of course someone being rescued would want a hero with the strong spirit and guts to save them rather than a hero who's scared. You notice that Mokdai is looking unsure of himself and try to talk to him, but Mokdai quickly claims that it's nothing important.

 

At that moment, Huckle's computer pings him, so he goes to take a look. He nods and hmms to himself before turning back to face you guys. He informs you guys that several small Kaibutsu have appeared on the street leading to the north entrance of Central Station, and he was just emailed that the neighboring hero agencies have been asked for help in dealing with them. That includes you guys, so he asks if you can go. You either respond with a yes boss or sigh about your down time being interrupted.

 

Huckle asks you to head to the location straight away for the engagement and reinforcement request. He then asks Mokdai to get the camera for the live ready and for Akashi to get ready to fight and head out, then declares it's all hands on deck. Akashi and Mokdai respond affirmatively, so Huckle turns to Sui and Crowne as he tells them they'll be heading out. Sui says she understands and will come do the measurements another time. Crowne nods, saying she'll hand the gadget back to Sui when she's done fixing it up and lock up on her way out. Crowne turns to Akashi and tells him she'll adjust the mechanical parts on it when it's done, so she tells him to be careful when fighting. He acknowledges this and says to you it's time to go. The party runs out, and Sui mutters to herself about Kaibutsu extermination as she watches you all go to the episode battle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fortune Festival's Happy Illusion Epilogue Part 2

We tune in with the PA system at the festival thanking everyone for coming to the festival in Little Tir na Nog in the Tokyo Casino. All programs have ended safely and all booth shops have closed up by this point, and there is currently a direct service line going back up that people are asked to use when leaving.

 

Scene shifts over to wherever Balor is hanging around as Tezcatlipoca asks what he thought about the showed that was set up For Him. Balor is surprised as he asks if that third rate show was what Tezcatlipoca wants to show him, and Tezcatlipoca comments that he thought Balor would like it. He set the thing up under the idea that there was more to Balor's relationship to his grandchild beyond 'killing each other until one of them is dead.'

 

Balor asks Tezcatlipoca what he'd think if he told him about that. Tezcatlipoca responds by laughing and says he'd Laugh Madly at that, which amuses Balor as he calls him horrible and likes it so much he wants to kill him with his own hands. But when the time comes when Tezcatlipoca kicks the bucket, Balor says he'll go offer him some flowers in the same way. Nothing is indestructible, but he comments that the other Representatives probably don't know that. The two of them laugh for a bit up until Balor decides it's time he got around to asking about Tezcatlipoca's appearance, and the camera reveals Tezcatlipoca showed up in his doll body.

 

Camera then jumps over to your end of things as Shirou reminds people to not forget about any of their things since they'll all be leaving once the prep is all done. Kengo complains about feeling restless and wishes that the festival could have lasted another month. Shirou laughs and says Kengo hasn't changed much since before he got into elementary school. Kengo gets embarrassed at that and says Shirou has always been nodding along obediently since back then too.

 

Hanuman is getting sleepy from playing so much and wonders if he can go sleep at Tsathoggua's place. Moritaka remembers that Hanuman isn't a Shinjuku student, so he asks if it's okay for him to leave with you guys. R-19 brings up a log of a talk he had with Shirou earlier and reads off that the plan is to spend the night at a safe house and go home the next day. Touji is surprised about the daytime detail and asks if he's planning on slacking off.

 

Agyou is carefully putting the goldfish away and says it'd be a problem if he spilled the thing. Kijimuna laughs and says it was a lot of fun, then says he'll take care of his yukata. An Evil is poking the water balloon it has. Shirou stares at you for a bit before he catches himself doing so and apologizes to you for it. He says he got this feeling that you look a bit more mature. Shirou then talks a bit about how a lot's happened over the festival and how these experiences will help you all become adults, but his train of thought is derailed by a clicking sound.

 

Kengo complains at Ryouta telling him to stop taking pictures and start helping with packing. And to change out while he's at it. You sigh at Ryouta but say you understand how he feels, or you make a shutter sound with your mouth. A and B has Ryouta apologize saying he was feeling a bit sad at leaving, then says he'll go change. In C, Ryouta freaks out thinking you're taking a picture of him and is embarrassed at the idea until you tell him you were joking. But you do tell him you really will take a picture if he doesn't get to changing. He quickly moves to do so.

 

Some time later, Xolotl calls over to the party saying the bus is here to pick you guys up. Shirou thanks him and expresses surprise you guys would be lent a bus for your trip home too. Hakumen tells him he doesn't need to mind that as she says she'd never have her beloved lord get caught up in the go home rush. She also gives you guys some gold leaf versions of Tir na Nog's manjuu and asks you to have some on the ride back. Xolotl talks about how you guys have more stuff after the festival is over and how taking the bus means that the goldfish will be okay. He hopes that they'll always be able to swim, which impresses Agyou.

 

Li Chou runs over looking for you, thanking you for your work and asking about you guys going back to Shinjuku. You either say his name as you greet him or thank him for his work too. Li says things have ended perfectly with the festival. While a bunch of stuff may have happened, it's been a big success. All the Umamichi students are getting ready to leave, so Li decided to come over to talk to you before they go. Speaking of, he starts telling Hanuman to come with him until he notices that he's asleep, so he drops the issue.

 

Ryouta notices that Li Chou is there, then thanks him for his efforts and asks him to show his goldfish scooping skills again sometime. Li agrees, saying next time will be even more amazing as he'll showcase his three fish scoop technique. Agyou waves bye to Li and says the fish will be bigger the next time he sees him. Li tells him to do his best in raising them as he says he'll see him later. Li then talks to himself about how sad it is to say goodbye at festivals, reminding himself that there's a next time, then claims he isn't crying. You then remember about the happy power and wonder what happened with all that.

 

Li Chou remembers about that too, then tells you all the happis were collected. In the end, there's a ton of the coats piled up. Tezcatlipoca laughs from somewhere saying he's happy and asking if you were worrying for him. You recognize Tezcatlipoca's voice and turn to congratulate him on his new body, only to stop when you notice that he's in his doll body instead. Kengo is baffled at this and at Tezcatlipoca laughing so loudly while in it.

 

Tanetomo walks over with some of the other Warmongers in Tezcatlipoca's group, talking about how free-spirited Tezcatlipoca is. He pushed his new body so hard that it needed to be overhauled. Tiger Man however says he expected as much because he wouldn't be shining otherwise. Yasuyori thanks everyone for their kindness over the event and is thankful for the fun times he had with his Yoyogi friends. You say you had fun too and ask them to look after Tezcatlipoca.

 

Tezcatlipoca tells you that you don't need to worry about his artificial body. Now that he knows what its limits are, the appropriate repairs can be done. He tells you to have great expectations for his mk 2 body the next time you see him, so you should stay healthy until then as he refers to you as his brother, friend, and rival. You either nod and say he should stay healthy too or ask if you can pat him one more time. A and B has Tezcatlipoca ask you to stop making the face you're making since he'd like to go to war with you when you're energetic. In C, Tezcatlipoca agrees and tells you to go ahead as his fanciness and fluff will last forever.

 

In any case Tezcatlipoca remembers one more thing to tell you about regarding the happy power. Tvastar walks in and says it was a pain to get it all together, but he assures you that what's left can be used without any problems. You either say Tvastar's name or say you aren't comforted at all. Tvastar laughs and asks if you were surprised to see him, then turns to Vritra and says he won't skip out on greeting people. He then asks you to stop looking at him like that.

 

Ryouta asks Tvastar what he plans to do after this and if he'll go on a trip with Vritra again. Tvastar nods saying he's still in the middle of making memories with Vritra, so Shirou asks him to call in every so often. There are people who think of him, even if they aren't worried about him. Tvastar agrees to the point, so he says that when he decides where he'll go next he'll swing by Kamata first to tell them where he's going. Ryouta waves them goodbye, then laughs as Vritra licks him.

 

Furufumi runs up to you guys, then says he's glad he made it before you all left. You say his name or thank him for all he's done. Furufumi says you've done good work too, and he has something for you. It takes a moment for him to find it since he's bought so many other books, but he eventually finds that book he wanted to hand over. He's fixed it up a bit, but it is kind of messy since it was a rush job. You recognize the book, and Furufumi says it's that book of magic tricks you wanted. There's also some damage, but it's readable.

 

Ryouta takes interest in the book and asks if you're going to do a magic trick show too. Mononobe turns up laughing and saying he wants to see you do that the next time a break comes up. You take note of his presence and ask if he's going back now too. Mononobe answers that he is going back since the festival is over now, and he hopes you all did your homework. He'll be going back with the teachers in Ziz's car, and he tells you all to be careful since it's late. Mononobe then addresses Xolotl, introducing himself as your teacher and thanks him for driving you guys. Xolotl says he'll do his best to take care of you guys. Ryouta says Cait Sith is the last one left but he hasn't seen him anywhere, and you notice you have a new message.

 

Scene shifts to Solomon, who is sad by himself as he talks about how it's time to go while he's sitting in the bus. A voice calls to him, and he looks to see Cait Sith there who says he came to see him first. You come in too and apologize for keeping him waiting, saying he needs to talk to people before it's all over since since he's one of your friends too. Solomon is touched you guys came, then acts haughty for a bit saying he isn't lonely since he's used to being by himself. His facade breaks into tears moments later as he says he'll come back again since he doesn't want to be forgotten. Cait Sith starts crying too as he says he doesn't want you two to leave either. You comment on them hugging each other and crying before telling Solomon about the book you got.

 

Solomon sniffs for a bit before he looks, then recognizes the book. Cait Sith recognizes it too as he reacts in surprise, and Solomon tells him he thought about learning magic before asking what he'd do if he became better at tricks than he is. Cait Sith asks Solomon if he's going to try learning magic tricks, and you either say he was the impetus that motivated Solomon to try, say he thought about after seeing Cait Sith's tricks, or say he gave him a dream. Cait Sith is surprised quiet for a second, then says he recommends that book and has faith Solomon can pull them off well. He asks Solomon to promise to show him them next time they meet, and Solomon agrees.

 

Some time later, everyone is on the bus and the PA system in the elevator announces that you guys will reach the surface level entrance soon. The announcer says they'll be waiting for your next return and wishes you safety in returning home before signing off with a ciao, and narration describes how Hakumen's special message echoes inside the elevator. Cait Sith also has a goodbye speech put together that he makes, asking if people enjoyed the dream. He talks about how magic tricks are illusions which cannot change the world, but if they allowed his audience to change something after seeing it, then he'll be happy. He hopes you'll come back again, because as a magician he wants to see everyone smile. He says his goodbyes, and so the festival and vacation come to a close.

 

Several days later, Ryouta is hanging around on the school roof going over the the pictures he took over the course of the festival. He talks about needing to send them to everyone else, and he looks at a picture of the goldfish scooping game and the shooting gallery. He then thinks about all the memories he made with everyone along the way, then gets depressed for a second as he notes that he's not in any of the pictures. But then again he was the one taking these pictures and all, and you walk in at this point and say you've found him.

 

Ryouta is shocked to see you and the gang there for a sec, but then laughs about how late you all are and talks about how he was going over the photos he took. Shirou stops him and says they need to talk about something before he goes on. Ryouta is curious but says he'll send over his pictures now, and the gang counts off before you all send him some something. Solomon uses something he calls his special magic (trick I guess), and Ryouta is surprised by a sudden influx of data going to his phone.

 

Touji explains that you noticed earlier and had everyone in the gang take pictures in secret too. Moritaka asks Ryouta to look at one of his pictures since he thinks it came out well. Shirou says Ryouta was taking pictures of them, so thanks to that everyone was able to take some good shots. Solomon brags to you that he's a certified Rank 3 Photographer, so his came out the best. Ryouta is surprised since he thought he was the only one taking pictures, so you tell him he wasn't the only one who wanted to make memories. Everyone did. Ryouta is touched, and he leaps at the gang yelling that he loves you all. Everyone is surprised by this move, and everyone's laughs start to blend together underneath the sky of Tokyo. The End.