Chapter 13 Episode 10: Transformation 1 (Abridged)

Asakusa, the city to the northeast of Akihabara and Ueno with many relics of the past century. Many Transients come to sightsee, and many get hurt at the huge festival at Umamichi Academy. It's never a dull moment as hotblooded students come in from everywhere, and they say that you can find a fight just by turning the corner.
Katsushika Shibamata is also a place steeped in traditions. It's a place where natives and Transients that feel something for their home worlds, and there's always something going on. That meant Asakusa and Shibamata became something like rivals. And there's some Transients really quick to fight that fights never stop around them.
Flashback!
Taishakuten: Shibamata's number one! (punches Sanat Kumara) Heh, you're the only one who can tank my best punches.
Sanat Kumara is the one who brought Asakusa and Shibamata together, and the truthy rumors claim has been in the school way before this year's new students. He only ever does anything when things threaten blow up badly, and he minimizes the danger as much as possible. If someone is treading their own paths, he'll never step in to stop their growth. That said, he'll never stand for injustice and inhumanity or irrationality. He also tends to get in the way of people needing trials. He always stands alone, and that was his stance as he watched over Taito's peace for so long.

Present
This is the border area between the East and South. The Rule Makers World Reps aren't showing up. Masanori is commanding the Invaders attack force, but he's losing interest.
Masanori: We need to take control of 20% of the East and/or West's Portals, but this attack isn't going anywhere. We need a new attack plan. Perun and Temujin are leading the attack on the Warmongers, but they're probably fighting against Teda and Marduk. That's probably not ending anytime soon, so we need to cut down the middle. (looks at map) Hmm...based on what the Warmongers scouts are like...Yoshito!
Yoshito: Present.
Masanori: Sorry, I got dirty work for you again.
Yoshito: Good. We've both hurt people close to us, so I trust you.
Masanori: Thank you. Go to Taito and sabotage them internally.
Yoshito: Okay. What's the dirty part?
Masanori: ...I want to know how resolved our new friend Sanat Kumara really is. Meaning...I want to know how dirty he'll get his hands. We have many new sympathizers, but are they true believers? Can you see if he's really left his old connections behind?
Yoshito: Okay. Viva la revolución.
Masanori: Indeed. Viva la revolución.
Yoshito: These hands they have betrayed our friendship, Moritaka. But the world will change soon! And then I can see you again...

Earlier at Shibuya when Invaders mobs were attacking the Missionaries
Azazel: The rain stopped for now. We should go now if we're moving.
Azazel has been using his artifact to observe the rain.
Azazel: Follow us, children!
Later in Shibuya
Invaders Mobs: Stop!
Children: Eek!
Taoshi Assist!
Motosumi: No threatening little kids! Get bent punks!
Sanat Kumara is watching.
BATTLE START (more happens later)

The Asakusa Taoshis normally don't do group work. There's lots of fights within the guild. They may all be Umamichi students, but not all Umamichi students join them. Or they join some other guilds like the Outlaws (Tetsugyuu), Summoners (Hanuman), nobody (Sarutahiko), or the Warmongers (Nezha). And then there are people who join in from other schools (Jiraiya). The members come and go depending on how they feel, so you could say the guild has no unity. That said, they do have one thing in common: their actions are based on the tao, the path. Does the logic follow or not? Will their paths become realized? If something's in the way, they'll fight. If things follow their path, then they'll get respect from anyone.
Sanat Kumara is not a Taoshi, but his actions have deeply influenced the Taoshis' formation. He's always watching over people as they grow and take their own paths. One faith claims he came from the far reaches of space to watch over the evolution of humanity. He hopes they'll one day reach him, but when they do he'll stand in the way to give them their greatest trial as an initiation.

Present
Motosumi: Azazel, take the kids and hide behind me! Let's go, Vajra of Indra! BOOM! Go you guys!
Gouryou and Li Chou follow up!
Azazel: ...we're going to be okay now. Run, children!
Aoyama Cemetery
Maria: Jacob! Azazel says they've successfully escaped!
Maria's using her artifact as a rain shelter.
Maria: Everyone left at Aoyama has moved to Asakusa. We should leave too and regroup!
Jacob: Yes, Guildmaster.

Maria: Israfil, we're taking Zabaniya's body back one day!
Israfil: Aww, how bold. You remind me of that one saint. But soon...the Last Judgement! I look forward to your despair!
Maria: We will stop you for sure.
Israfil: You are mistaken. It is less that you won't lose and more the world will not even let you lose. So let me tell you something because it will make you suffer more later. One of Eden's twelve little prophecies says in the fight between God and Man, Man wins. Normal people might wonder how God could possibly lose to Man, but they'd be sorely mistaken. A God can win or lose by their own will, but Man is always handed his defeats. They don't get to choose. Which means only God can give Man true defeat! That's what the Last Judgement really is! Okay bye now! Hahahaha!
End of Episode

Live A Hero Christmas Melt Countdown Episode 4 (Abridged)

Sensettia: La la la~!
Sensettia's Parallel Weapon weaponizes her singing voice to attack. The vines retreat from the party's attacks.
MC: They're going away! / It's working / So, we good now I guess?
Sensettia: Whew. They really are some kind of Monster... I think we're okay now. Hopefully. (reverts)
Crowne: We won't be totally okay until we get at their roots, but yeah things seem okay for now. We should cancel out too to preserve energy.
Crowne and Gomeisa revert.
Sensettia: Thanks for suddenly contracting me, uh...
MC: MC.
Sensettia: Oh okay. Nice operating! I'm Sensettia. I'm a student hoping to be a singer.
Crowne: Oh, so that's why you were singing to fight.
Sensettia: Yep. Wrote that song myself! And thanks to you two, too.
Crowne: I'm Crowne. I'm usually a mechanic.
Gomeisa: Gomeisa! I work in Boss's store!
Sensettia: Who? Oh whatever.

MC: So why are you here? I thought entry was prohibited. You a hero from somewhere or...?
Sensettia: Uhhhh (visibly shocked)
Sensettia: (Crap, I didn't come up with a cover story. I AM intruding and don't belong to an agency so...should I run? But I can't really leave this place without Viscunam's help...)
MC: ...Sensettia?
Sensettia: (But I'm safer with these guys. I can fight with them if we get attacked. But if I slip up, I'll get arrested so...BS something!)
Crowne: Are you talking to yourself?
Sensettia: ...oh! I-I'm totally in the same boat as you guys! I mean there's only one reason for heroes to be here, right??? (fake smiles)
Gomeisa: Oh. Sensettia come check bad weather and stop Monsters too?
Sensettia: YES! That's totally the reason I'm here with another guy who's also totally a hero! Can you help me find him since you're going further inside anyways? He's stubborn, so I'm not too worried about him though.
Gomeisa: Okay! Yay, new friend!
Crowne: (looks aside at MC) ...what do you think? She does seem handy in a fight though.
MC: Let's go. We do need the help, and Gomeisa's happy.
Sensettia: Cool! I can show you guys around just a little bit.
Sensettia turns around and walks off. Gomeisa happily follows.
Crowne: Weird...

Later
Faint light shines through the crystals. Looks kinda eerie.
Sensettia: Ugh. There are vines here too.
Fork in the road! Except vines are blocking certain hallways.
Crowne: This tower layout is bizarre. Well if the vines aren't attacking, we should look for a different way around instead of wasting energy fighting them.
MC: Yeah... / We can't go at it forever.
---
(A) Sensettia: Yeah, not like you guys have infinite energy or anything.
---
Crowne: Yep. Can't tell what leads where, but we should be making progress. We can cut our way through if we have to, but... (looks at all the crystals in the floor and ceiling) There really is a ton of crystals here. If I'm right, this tower's a piece of equipment using all these crystals as an energy source. I wonder what the core's like?
MC: You know what this is? / You know about crystals? / They're energy sources? Really?
(AB) Crowne: Nah, I only know OF them.
(C) Crowne: Well I don't know that much about them.

Crowne: Can't tell on looks alone, but there was this one period where spaceships tried using these crystal looking things as a fuel source. I've only heard bits and pieces from other planets about that time, but apparently these things can store surrounding ether.
Gomeisa: What?
Sensettia: So these crystals are all batteries?
Crowne: Kinda, but they were impractical for usage since they couldn't store up that much energy, so we just went with something else.
Sensettia picks up a nearby crystal and stares at it.
Sensettia: Huh.
Crowne: That one is probably enough for a mini light bulb.
Sensettia: That's it? But it's so big! Well that sucks. (wings sag)
MC: Sensettia?

Crowne: Well, when we found a more convenient energy source, we just switched to that.
Sensettia: This tower is so big that people rely on it, but this one isn't useful at all, huh?
Crowne: I'm no expert so I can't say for sure. It might still be useful.
Sensettia: But you just said this'd only be good for one mini light bulb.
Crowne: From what I know now. Maybe later science will discover some way to make better use of it. It can still hold a certain amount of energy if you miniaturize it, but I know that from basic research I did way back. Never actually tried. Still, things could change. Maybe some day we'll find something only the crystal can do.
Sensettia stares at the crystal some more. It reflects some light.
Sensettia: Huh...people might not look at it now, but maybe later...
Gomeisa: Sensettia? Wings moving.
Sensettia: It's all cool! I'm just feeling a little better is all!
MC: What?
Sensettia: Never mind that, let's go! It's not like I'm totally not worried about him.
Sensettia sets off. She seems to have a spring in her step now.

Title Card: Crystal Fragment

Later
The party enters some room with a high ceiling. There's few vines here.
Sensettia: Wow, so there ARE places with some space in them. I bet the acoustics here are great if I sang.
Crowne: Speaking of, it's kind of a waste you only sing in battle.
Sensettia: What?
MC: Yeah you sound great!
Sensettia: But...it's just a weapon here. It's not that big a deal...but thanks.
Gomeisa: Sing more! Makes me want dance!
Sensettia: Really? Is it that much of a dance tune...?
Crowne: He danced on his home planet, so he'll dance to anything.
Sensettia: Oh...well we're in a nice place, so I'll just sing a little. (inhales)
Sensettia: The shining star flowers play the song of the universe~
Crowne: Wow, that song really hits different when it's not going through your Parallel Weapon.
MC: Yeah...

Gomeisa: ...huh? (cocks head)
MC: What's up Gomeisa?
Gomeisa: Song feelings feel different when not hero, but...
Some weird sound starts cropping up.
Sensettia: Wait what? (looks around)
Gomeisa: Monsters again?
Crowne: I mean I can sorta hear that rumbling, but it sounds like something else in there.
It sounds like some kind of engine. And then there's a voice.
MC: ...is that someone laughing?
Sensettia: ...I think I know that ugly laughing. (slightly frowns)
Viscunam rides in on a little buggy!
Viscunam: HAHAHA! There you are, Girlie!
MC: WHAT

Sensettia: Viscunam, where'd you get that buggy!?
Gomeisa: He friend Sensettia looking for?
Sensettia: Friend is stretching it, but yes unfortunately.
Viscunam's buggy drops crystal fragments as he suddenly skids to a stop. Maybe it's Akira style.
Viscunam: It is a portable four wheel drive mini buggy I invented! Do you know how many stairs I would have had to climb? How many bad floors? Behold how it folds back up!
Crowne: You know, that thing is actually kinda interesting. What's it run on?
Sensettia: You should hold that thought. It's probably definitely defective somehow.
MC: Is he an inventor? / Weirdo / He kinda hot...
(C) Sensettia: You what? Your tastes are weird...

Viscunam: ...huh? There are other people here? Girlie, did you get caught by punks again?
Sensettia: What? No! They're heroes and--
Viscunam: Never fear! I shall save you with SCIENCE!
Sensettia: Stop pulling crap out of your bag and listen to me already!
Viscunam: There is nothing to worry about! I will have this all fixed in a jiffy and--oh wait my sensor is going off.
Viscunam pulls out some loud ringing thing.
Viscunam: Hmm? (approaches MC)
MC: W-what?
The sensor gets louder and is going off so hard it starts burning up. BOOM!
MC: Oh my god it blew up!

Viscunam: WHAT
Viscunam picks up the blown up pieces and thinks to himself out loud.
Viscunam: My Ether Crystal Searcher reacted to a person...well they're an Operator and Observer so ether flow is supposed to circle around them but...if there is that strong a reaction then...
MC: Sorry, did I do something?
Viscunam: Hmmmm... hehehehe! I have finally found the Ultimate Observer!
MC: what
Viscunam: I have been searching for you since forever!
Sensettia: Wait what
Viscunam: I cannot just stand here! Come with me! Let me research you!

Crowne: Dude what the hell are you on about!?
Viscunam: Oh! Yes! An Ultimate Observer must also have guards! But that shall not stop ME! I must study you for SCIENCE! To complete my research, by force if need be! (pulls out phone) Transform!
Ta-da! Doctor Octopus Viscunam has transformed!
MC: WHAT
Sensettia: Wait Viscunam what are you DOING!? Ugh, he's not listening anymore! Sorry, help me knock some sense into him! As in, beat him until he stops moving!
Crowne: Well I guess we have to if he's attacking. MC, transform us!
Gomeisa: Yes, must calm friend down!
The party suits up!
Sensettia: Viscunam, listen to me already!
Viscunam: Don't you stand in my way, Girlie! You are coming with me, Observer!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Viscunam: Noooo!
Viscunam is knocked back and out of his suit. Sensettia sighs and quits out too before walking up to him.
Sensettia: Dang it, do you always have to make things so difficult?
Viscunam: I can't believe you would get in my way too, Girlie.
Sensettia: Don't you give me that when it was YOU attacking MC! Look, they're helping us! And there's an order to things when asking people for research help! Whatever it is you're doing, it doesn't need you to kidnap people! Be friendly and ask!
Viscunam: ...hmm, that makes sense. Very well, I will stop with the forceful approach. But I haven't given up!
Sensettia: Yeah sure whatever. I can't tell if you understand or not.

Crowne: Okay, we done with that? Good.
Gomeisa: Glad we stop him! Is he hero?
Sensettia gasps at the question and leans into Viscunam's ear.
Sensettia: Viscunam, we're telling them we're heroes investigating the place. We're trying to get in anyways, but the vines are in the way so we're working with them as heroes. Got it?
Viscunam: Fine. For science! You want me to play along, is that it Girlie? I am perfectly capable of acting out something like that. Once this is done, I'm researching MC next, hehehe... (smirks at MC)
MC: This all seems above the board.
Sensettia: ...try NOT to laugh and smile like a creeper.

 Viscunam: (clears throat and spreads arms out) Ahem! I just got carried away with SCIENCE a moment ago! I am the great inventor Viscunam, and one day everyone will know me!
Sensettia: YOU CALL THAT AN APOLOGY!? (reverse roundhouse kicks Viscunam)
Viscunam: OOF! W-what was that for, Girlie!?
Sensettia: I'm not hearing anything along the lines of "I'm sorry" before you introduced yourself!
Viscunam: OOF! ...u-umm. I'm sorry...
Sensettia: So you can look sorry. That's progress in your case.
Viscunam: how dare you make a fool of me like this
MC: Such friendship / uh, you okay?

Viscunam: Ahem. I am this girlie's colleague. I hear you simpleto--I mean you people are looking to go further in as well, so I will accompany you.
Sensettia: I'm sorry guys he's just like that, please understand. He might go off like some crazy boyfriend sometimes, but it's fine now. I'll smack him if he does something stupid again.
MC: Nice to meet you / This is my life now / Haven't I seen someone like you before...?
Crowne: I'm Crowne. Hmm... a self-absorbed guy who's into research and inventing. Sounds like someone I know, though he's a bit different. Are inventers just like that?
Gomeisa: Gomeisa! So many inventions, surprising! Viscunam amazing!
Viscunam: Oh, someone here does understand my greatness! Ahahaha!
Sensettia: Yeah you should cut down on the compliments before his head carries him to the stratosphere.
Viscunam: Quiet Girlie! Stop being jealous just because you have the understanding of a flea!
Sensettia: EXCUSE ME!?

Gomeisa: Viscunam have other inventions? Want see more!
Viscunam: Oh, okay! One moment... (rummages through his bag and pulls something out) I put this away since I don't think it'd be used in this weather we're having.
Viscunam pulled out some sort of drinking glass shaped machine.
Gomeisa: What this?
Viscunam: It warms you up using snow.
MC: what
Viscunam: A heater that lights up and runs on ice or snow! It's just like magic!
Sensettia: ...why not just use a hand warmer then?
Viscunam: You have no sense of romance and adventure Girlie.
Sensettia: Can somebody check outside for flying space pigs? Or check if space hell froze over?
Viscunam: Well I don't understand romance and adventure myself, but the masses like it, yes? I researched it, for SCIENCE!
Sensettia: Well that tracks for you.

Crowne: Uh, this thing is clearly crap at efficiency from what I can tell. But the dream behind it might be a thing...
Gomeisa: Wow! Just like igloo or God's ice walls!
Crowne: No not really?
Gomeisa: But snow warming you same idea! So that amazing! Just like magic!
Viscunam: Hmm! You might have a head for SCIENCE, boy! You can have it, I am in a good mood now.
Gomeisa: Really?
Viscunam: Yes! Take it and tell everyone who gave it to you!
Gomeisa: Yay, thank you!
Sensettia: Is getting junk like that really something to celebrate?
MC: Well if he's happy, it's fine I guess.
Viscunam: Rejoice, people! My inventions will clear the way! Follow me! (walks off)
Sensettia: ...sorry about him, guys. I promise he has his helpful times despite being...like that.
Crowne: Well he's a lively one. That buggy still looks pretty nice.
Sensettia: Oh. Well okay then.
And so the party continues on.
End of Episode

Chapter 13 Episode 9: Opening Fire in the Storm 3 (Abridged)

The guild that has Tokyo Babel Tower as their Portal is the Taito Ward Oshiage Game Masters, the guild that manages the game happening in Tokyo. They normally act in two man cells with the Entertainers, but Alice who manages the Shinjuku and Shibuya areas is working with someone from some other guild. Their main job is to remove obstructions to the game, but they get the special privilege of hiding their actual affiliations and claim to be part of some other guild, which they use for infiltration. Alice isn't the only Game Master of course, so other members watch over other areas. There's Leanan Sidhe and Santa Kumara who are in charge of Taito's Akihabara and Asakusa areas. Leanan is a Creator and secretly investigating them since not even the Game Masters can figure out what their deal is.
The Creators guildmaster is Turing, a computer genius and authority on AI. The Creators are a fortress in the information war that even the Game Masters have trouble with, and the Game Masters need to know everything to manage the game. They sent in Leanan Sidhe, who found out that Turing is secretly connected with the Invaders. Sanat Kumara was then sent in to investigate further.

Sanat Kumara has the power to share memories by connecting to another person's mind. He's smart and honest, and Leanan trusts him deeply. He also has his own wish that works with his managerial supervising, so people thought he'd be best against the Invaders. But then he started doing things the Game Masters couldn't understand...
Flashback!
Police: We need help in Akihabara with a riot!
Sanat Kumara: Jedi mind trick!
Police: WHAT
poof!
Police: ...what happened? A riot? What riot?
Sanat Kumara has been hiding some of his actions and won't explain himself to Leanan Sidhe. And then, Sanat Kumara finally took direct action by kidnapping Akiha Gongen and disappearing. With him was Daikoku, also known as Onamuji no Mikoto, or Okuninushi.

Present
Alice: So was all that exposition right?
Leanan Sidhe: ...yes, mostly.
Jambavan: The tea we ordered is here! Here you go Alice, Leanan Sidhe.
Leanan: Thank you...
This is the community workspace that the Creators go to often. Alice called Leanan here to go over their information together.
Alice: I'm glad you aren't an enemy. But Sanat Kumara... (sips tea) ...you say he seems to have changed?
Leanan: ...he isn't Sanat Kumara. He'd never attack someone without provocation. He'd never be taken in by fame or temptation, so I was glad to pair up with him. I can't believe he'd go kidnap someone...it's like someone's pretending to be him.
Alice: ...it's likely the Invaders did something to him then. And they're using him as part of their forces? Sanat doesn't seem like the type to be done in so easily though.
Alice knows how strong Sanat is, and that it shouldn't be possible for anyone to unilaterally change his mind given his power.

Alice: ...Sanat Kumara should at least be capable of dragging an opponent down with him, so why? Oh whatever, we should think about other things.
Jamabavan: Like Daikoku, or...?
Alice: Sanat Kumara of course. Daikoku is working as an individual with the Invaders, and at the moment he's never gone past that line. Sanat however is a veteran Game Master, and if he's backing one group, we need to find out why. You're helping, Leanan Sidhe. Understood?
Leanan nods.
Alice: Okay, time to go...wherever it is we're going. I guess we have to start with eyewitness testimony for Sanat Kumara. He went to Umamichi in Asakusa, right? Know anything from around there?
Leanan: Umamich Academy is the Asakusa Taoshis' Portal. They're really old school, and Sanat Kumara is their main gang boss. He likes that school, but there's always something happening with all the punks and scrappers there. His eyes were always shining, but after he disappeared, some problem happening in Katsushika Shibamata came back.
Alice: What?

Leanan Sidhe: Shibamata has this one Transient who's really strong in a fight. He's, uh...Taishakuten? Sanat Kumara threw hands with him one time and really enjoyed it.
Alice: Hmm...let's go investigate Asakusa since it's close by.
Jamabavan: You think he'll show up for old friends if it's someone he has a connection to?
Alice: Yes...if he was the old Sanat Kumara.
Leanan: (frown)
Alice: Even if he doesn't, we might find clues of what he did and--
Thunderclap!
Jambavan: EEK
Alice: ...hmm. The storm's already reached parts of Minato and Chiyoda to the south of here. (looks at weather report)
Alice: We'd best get on a move on since I doubt the East and West will sit around.
Jambavan: Alice, you remember that I'm really part of the Ueno guild? I'm really only helping you part time so I'd like to go ba--OW
Alice: Move your butt if you don't want me pulling on it.
Jambavan: Okay...I hope everyone is okay.
Leanan: Sanat Kumara...

Meanwhile, at some safehouse Daikoku set up under a fake name and made to keep people away
Daikoku: ...Sanat Kumara? Where are you going? I'd rather you stay here as my bodyguard. Also this is my last safehouse...curse Hougen and his underlings being cleverer than I thought and pinning down my other safehouses. And the Warmongers figured out who I really am...
Sanat Kumara: Just have that crow tengu you brought here guard you.
Daikoku: ...
Sanat: Or you could get Takeminakata to do that. It's unnecessary for me to stay and guard you, and I have other things to do. I want to see how everyone in Asakusa is doing.
Daikoku: Ooh, did you have a change of heart?
Sanat: ...the Asakusa Taoshis have just allied with the Aoyama Missionaries. (pulls out phone)

Sanat Kumara: The remaining members of the Missionaries have evacuated to the school in Taito, but far as I know the Transients in Asakusa are still fighting.
Daikoku: ...and you think you can show yourself to your old friends? After helping the Invaders to bring this chaos to Tokyo?
Sanat: ...I haven't changed in my feelings towards my kouhais.
Daikoku: Haha, I hope they feel the same towards you...oh excuse me. Okay fine, there's always someone else. It's you and I switched to the Invaders with our own things going on. But I'll never join the Rule Makers. I have nothing after this, so I'm throwing everything into this operation to make it work. Safe travels then.
Sanat: ... (leaves)

Daikoku: Now then.
Akiha Gongen: (frowns)
Daikoku: Have you calmed down? Do you know who I am?
Akiha: ...Onamuji no Mikoto. Or Okuninushi. You were the World Representative of my world once. Why are you claiming to be Daikoku?
Daikoku: Precisely for the reasons you just said! I USED to be a World Representative, but now "Okuninushi" means nothing in the hierarchy of things! So I'm using Daikoku's name and Shadow and powers...though it's pulled half off now. You are someone who could be my Divided Spirit, so do you know why I brought you here? Tokyo's order is falling and the Hierarchy System is turning over.
Akiha: ...what?

Daikoku: Yes, you'd be done in if you stayed in Akihabara. You're welcome for that.
Akiha: I-I'm sorry milord, I have to go back and--
Daikoku: ...no. You and Takeminakata must serve me.
Akiha: Takeminakata is here in Tokyo???
Daikoku: Yes! You swore loyalty once before, didn't you? Well now's the time to show that loyalty!
Akiha: (frown)
Daikoku: Hahahahaha!
How wretched and pitiful to pull rank with a bluff on a ranking that doesn't exist anymore. All he's doing is taking advantage of guilt and compassion.
Daikoku: I've given up what's left of my pride. You'll get yours, Amaterasu!
Daikoku (narrating): And I'll do anything to make it happen! If this Invaders plot works, my position will flip around. This is my last wish, and I've given up everything else about myself because I have nothing else to do!

Elsewhere
Shinya: !!
Perun: Hmph. So you've run away using your minions as a shield, Shinya Tennouji. Well they're mine now!
Temujin: (barfs blood) ...well that was embarrassing. I'll settle things with Shinya next time. I must!
Temujin thinks about how he became ruler of the steppes after winning against Jamukha. His name became legend, and he became World Representative. Now he can't stop being a conqueror, or else there'd be no point to his cutting down Jamukha.
Temujin: ...yes, I chose to cut down even my sworn friend, so all I can do is continue walking on alone as a conqueror.
Perun: Hahaha! Yes, pillage and burn!
Temujin: The time for invasion has come!
Shinya: ...Kalki! Taromaiti!
The city burns as Shinya runs off alone and wounded.

Akihabara
Ulaanbaatar punches out some mobs.
Ulaanbaatar: Meeeeh, this smells just like Xanadu when shit was going down.
There was a time in Xanadu when all the crises were happening, so the son of some divine king came down on a rope of light and incarnated on the earth. He became a hero and fought since he was young and punched out like all the disasters. That hero's name is still revered. Once he was done, he declared he was retiring and said "mkay, I'mma lie down now and not do anything."
Flashback!
Akiha Gongen: Senpai! You have to go to practice and classes!
Ulaanbaatar: Nah. Let's kick back together and have fun Akiha!
Akiha: I can't, even if you are the one advising me!
Ulaanbaatar has zero motivation and makes zero effort to hide that fact.
Ulaanbataar: Pffft, my Tokyo life motto is "no zeal and no drive." I mean come on, I had to work nonstop back in my world once, so I should at least get to not bust my ass here and take a load off. I'm in my own trashy isekai LN, but in reverse!
Akiha: >:(
Ulaanbaatar: Aww, don't be like that.
Akiha: Go to practice! We have to save the town if something bad happens!
Ulaanbaatar: Fiiiine, one more minut--ow, stop pulling!
Present
The fire station alarm is ringing.
Ulaanbaatar: Meh. Where'd Akiha go? He's not the type to run if there's trouble, so...oh fine nobody else is here to do it. Time to show my old chops.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Christmas Melt Countdown Episode 3 (Abridged)

Organizer A: Oh no, how could this happen?
This is the event organizing agency, and the party is brought to a meeting room where the organizers are agonizing over the situation.
Organizer A: I've never seen a fortune be wrong before, much less be this wrong. And the event starts tomorrow! (turns toward party and bows)
Organizer A: Thank you again for taking care of the Monsters in town. I don't know what'll happen, but we'll probably have to put things on hold. Sorry about that, since you came all this way to work.
MC: No, things happen...can't anything be done?
Crowne: ...hmmmm. The Monsters show up now, and the Crystal Tower breaks its 100% accuracy record.
Gomeisa: Umm. Two things related?
Crowne: Can't say for sure since I can't prove it either way. But if the crystal is what I think it is, the tower isn't really making predictions. If spirits are real, then okay then. But if the tower can influence the weather? It's possible the Monsters have something to do with it. If that's true, we got some super space tech going on here.
MC: Hmm...

Crowne: ...if there's a Monster up there, we can destroy it. Can't say I can fix things until I can look at it all, assuming I'm even right. I say we should check it out. We can at least see if we can find out why the fortune was wrong.
Gomeisa: Oh, right. Maybe can't fix weather, but want to help if brings back festival!
MC: (turns to the committee) Can we go to the tower?
Organizer A: GASP!
The tower is holy grounds to the planet's people. Also no one actually knows what it's like in there. there's lots of resistance to the idea of letting offworlders inside.
Crowne: Between the weather, the wrong prediction, and the Monsters? Something is clearly up with the place, and it's really likely Monsters are related to it all.
MC: Our job is destroying Monsters. If there's any there, we'll take care of them.
Crowne: Yeah, this is part of securing the festival. Can't we get permission to go in and investigate?
Committee discussion intensifies.
Organizer A: ...okay. If Monsters are doing something, we can't stop them ourselves. Please go. And if you find any Monsters...please save the tower from them.

Later
The party has been given a map to the tower, which Crowne is looking at.
Crowne: ...well we sure talked big. What do we do if it turns out we can't handle things on our own?
MC: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it / We can still do things / Eh, it'll work out
---
(C) Crowne: Damn, you're optimistic.
---
Crowne: Yeah, you're right. We asked to go, and if anything can be done it's up to us.
Gomeisa: Whatever needed, I do my best! Bring back Christmas!
Crowne: Wow, you're still on that? Well whatever motivates you.
Gomeisa: Christmas important! Must be big happy day!
Crowne: ...yeah, it's come this far, so let's do what we can guys.
And so the party heads for the tower.

Flashback!
Some snowy Christmas ago in Orient City, Gomeisa's POV...
Procy: FUCK OFF
Wolf: Uppity little midget! We're taking that big baby with us next time!
Procy: You'll be taking a big fat L courtesy of my goddamn hammer next time if you show your ugly ass faces again!
The villains hobble off. Procy cancels out of his suit and sighs.
Procy: ...well damn, all bark no bite. They actually thought they could take me?
Procy approaches Gomeisa, who's been trying to hide himself.
Procy: ...okay they're gone. I don't think they'll be back anytime soon.
Procy smiles. This isn't enough to make Gomeisa stop shaking. He cries, remembering how terrified he was being shoved into a dark cage, mistreated, and brought to an unknown planet.
Procy: Uh, I said they're gone. Stop crying...ugh, this is why I hate kids... (thinks)
Procy: ...fiiine, I'll try using that thing the customers gave me. (goes inside his bar)

Procy eventually comes back out again, dressed as Santa!
Procy: M-Merry Christmas! I've got presents for good boys and girls and whatevers! ...uhh, what Christmas songs do I know? (hums)
Procy dances and sings, blushing furiously the whole time. Gomeisa doesn't actually know what Santa is yet, but seeing the performance makes him feel better.
Procy: DID YOU JUST LAUGH AT ME!? Dammit, I was thinking I was overdoing it! ...well at least it made the crying stop...what, presents? Wait, you actually CAN understand me? Uh, I was just saying things, I don't actually have anything... (scratches head)
Gomeisa looks up at the falling snow.
Procy: ...oh yeah, it usually snows this time of year. Well, how about I teach you about Earth culture? With how huge you are, it'd be faster if we did it together. Come help me.

Several hours later, Gomeisa and Procy make an igloo. Procy prompts Gomeisa to go inside, where he finds it to be surprisingly warm.
Procy: Nice huh? It's an igloo, you see them a lot in snowy countries in Earth...why are you looking so moved?
Gomeisa remembers a time when he first saw the God Tree on his home planet covered in ice. Flashback inside a flashback!
Dancer: Why do you look so worried, Gomeisa? ...oh, haha. God won't die from that. When winters get this bad, God makes those ice walls to protect itself.
Ice walls are things God makes to survive winter. Maybe God was as warm inside as he is now.
Present inside a flashback
Gomeisa: What are you smiling for, weirdo? Well then again, if you're smiling then it's cool.
This was the day Gomeisa found his smile again in a land far away from home. This was the day Gomeisa first found something nice about Earth, thanks to Procy. This was the day Christmas became a day of pleasant memories for Gomeisa.

Title Card: To the Holy Night's Holy Grounds

The party reaches the Crystal Tower and enters.
Crowne: Huh. I wasn't sure we could get in here, but it looks like we can go further in a bit.
Gomeisa: No Monsters here. So not Monster's fault...?
Crowne: Can't say yet. They might be further in. Also it's a lot cooler in here than I expected with the heat outside.
MC: Oh yeah, huh. Wonder why?
Gomeisa: Oh! Crystal must be protecting! Like igloo!
Crowne: Really? Well the walls being that thick look like they ought to be insulating.
Gomeisa: Like God's ice walls! Tower must be like God for city people.
Crowne: what
The walls and floors start shaking and cracking.
Crowne: Wait what? Earthquake?
Willies!
MC: I sense Monsters!

Vines crash into the room!
Gomeisa: WHAT
Crowne: Are those vines or tentacles!? Oh god there's more of them!
The vines are approaching!
MC: The vines are Monsters!
Gomeisa: WHAT
Crowne: So there ARE Monsters in here!
More incoming!
Crowne: Hmm...I doubt the vines are the main body, so I guess it's like the kaiju Monster that attacked Orient City with the core elsewhere.
MC: So it's this thing's fault?
Crowne: Maybe.
Gomeisa: This Monster stopping Christmas...?
Crowne: Whatever, we gotta fight! MC!
MC: Right! Execute!

Signal surprisingly good. Drone camera deployed, and Crowne is ready to roll.
Crowne: Time to get to the root! Wrench Smasher!
Crowne cuts the vines! The vines regenerate!
Crowne: Oh goddammit!
The vines snake towards Crowne!
MC: Look out!
Crowne: !? Hup!
The vines use Vine Whip!
Crowne: Hey wait, do these things have a mind!?
Gomeisa looks scared, but then balls his fists in determination.
Gomeisa: If we stop Monster...right, must save Christmas!
Crowne: Die already, you overgrown weed!
A vine circles around to Crowne's back.
Gomeisa: !! Crowne, look out!
Crowne: Wha--whoa!?

The vines gouged the spot where Crowne just was!
Gomeisa: Ouch. You okay?
Crowne: Y-yeah, thanks. Why'd you do that when you aren't even suited up!?
Gomeisa: Because don't want Crowne hurt.
Beep beep
MC: Huh?
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Gomeisa. Connectivity: Very High
Gomeisa stands back up.
Gomeisa: Thanks to Boss and everyone...I got better. I can protect everyone better now...but it hurts to hurt others even with healing power.
The phone glows brighter!
Gomeisa: I want to protect home, like igloo! Where nobody need hurt in warm, safe place!
MC: You're gonna fight huh? Ready Gomeisa?
Gomeisa: Yes!
Phone: Connect?
MC: Execute!

Crowne: Hey wait, what was that light!?
Christmas Gomeisa, go!
Gomeisa: What?
MC: Yes! / A Santa suit? / It's kinda sexy...
Gomeisa: This same Santa suit Boss wore! Reminds me of day learned about igloos!
Crowne: Procy wore that? Really? That aside, someone got a totally new hero suit? Feels like I've seen this before. Is that your power MC?
The vines approach again!
Crowne: How much can these things grow!?
Gomeisa: I take care of it!
Gomeisa holds his arms up and creates an ice wall! The wall blocks the vines and freeze them!
Crowne: It stopped them? Actually it froze them!?
Gomeisa: Ice wall protect everybody!
Crowne: They're slowed! Wrench Smash!
The frozen vine shatters and doesn't regenerate.
Crowne: I don't know how that worked, but they stop when they hit that wall!
MC: Surprising / Gomeisa, push forward with your walls!
(A) Crowne: Gomeisa, move forward with your walls!

Gomeisa: Okay!
Gomeisa focuses and creates a path with his ice walls.
Crowne: Okay, let's get going!
Suddenly, somebody screaming is coming this way!
???: NOOOO
MC: WHAT
Sensettia: Why'd things turn out like this!?
Sensettia is being chased by vines and runs into the party.
Sensettia: Huh!? People!? H-hey, get away from here!
MC: Why are YOU there!? Come with us!
Gomeisa: Oh no, she can't come this way like this!
Gomeisa stops making walls. Sensettia slips in through the opening to group with the party.
Sensettia: Whew, I'm saved! ...well actually we're still in trouble I guess...huh, you guys heroes?
MC: Heroes and Operator.
Sensettia: You're an Operator!? Okay things should be good now. I'm Sensettia, contract with me please!
MC: WHAT / You're a hero too!?
(B) Sensettia: Uh...yeah!

Sensettia: Please, I got separated from a friend and this in an emergency! I'll fight on your side!
Crowne: Well, we can use the help actually.
Sensettia: Yes, that!
MC: Oh okay then.
Wireless contract sent! Accepted.
Sensettia: Okay! Transform me!
MC: Here we go, execute!
Sensettia transforms!
Sensettia: Nothing to fear now!
MC: Oh my god you're a musician!?
Gomeisa: Wow! Cool suit!
Sensettia: Oh right, I'll introduce myself later! Battle first!
Crowne: Agreed. Gomeisa, can you make a hole in the wall?
Gomeisa: Okay!
Crowne: First things first, we're cutting the vines up! Ready guys!?
Sensettia: Yeah! I'm gonna pull my weight now that I'm up! (readies keyboard weapon) Listen up, Monster!
BATTLE START

Chapter 13 Episode 8: Opening Fire in the Storm 2 (Abridged)

One of the big three guilds is the Invaders, based in Shinagawa. The seven World Representatives there can penetrate deep into others to change their dignity, their future, or even their faith. They can revolutionize a person's identity without it being recognized as an attack, and those affected can even start behaving like they worshipped or loved them from the beginning. All the World Representatives in that guild have changed the world just by existing.
One of the Representatives is Shinya Tennouji, World Representative of Olympus. He is unmistakably human, but he has also been selected to serve Zeus's role in his place. In Olympus Zeus was chosen to be connected by the bond of love to all things, and anyone who was important or had power was made to be connected to him as a lover, descendant, or blood relative. That in turn led Shinya to have the power to be loved by everyone just by existing. His original family was destroyed by this because of the fights that resulted.

Present
Perun: Shinya Tennouji. You were once one of us, and in other loops you were our enemy. We're paying you back now for what you've done to us!
Kalki: I object! I was born to destroy, but I came to know love here and shall fight for it.
Taromaiti: Don't forget about me. I was moved by how hard Shinya tried to protect Tokyo, and I won't let you Invaders destroy it!
Perun: Nuisances! Volkh, clear the way.
Volkh: Yes, Your Majesty! Fight me, minions!
Taromaiti: We're his friends, thank you!
Volkh: Behold the power of the Werewolf Prince!
POW

Volkh: Heh.
Kalki: I can't believe he's holding me back on his own!
Taromaiti: Keep him there! Flanking attack, go!
Volkh: Stop!
Taromaiti: ...what!?
Volkh raised an arm and froze the air to stop Taromaiti.
Taromaiti: I THOUGHT I recognized you! This is almost...actually it's exactly the same power as Horokeu Kamui's!
Shinya: You did it again, didn't you Perun?
Taromaiti: What?

Shinya: Perun has the power to grind and mix memories. Volkh Vseslav must be mixed with another Transient!
Perun: Correct! I added Complete Loyalty to Horokeu Kamui so he's now both Horokeu Kamui and Volkh Vseslav and neither of them! He's still strong enough to hold off two people at once, hahaha! Also what right do you have to speak with your nature of charming everyone and their grandmother? Is the friendships your friends have with you REAL?
Shinya: ...!
Perun: Can you truly declare you have not inflicted madness upon their selves?
Shinya: No...no! I never did that!
Perun: You can do that without lifting a finger, so you might as well act like kings as we do. You spout false words of friendship and bandy a shallow justice while turning your eyes away from your own karma and--
Shinya: YOU SHUT UP
Perun: Haha! (blocks arrow) Just like that! You use your sweet words to lower my guard and attack me!
The chestplate that is supposed to be Zeus's is shining.
Perun: Roppongi Academy has already fallen! My power shall crush your egos and make you part of my history! Indoeuro Thunder Crash!
Kalki and Taromaiti: Shinya, get away!
Shinya: Kalki! Taromaiti!

Roppongi
Baron: Y-you would turn against us? AGH
Servant Mobs: For Perun, the true king!
Roppongi Academy buildings are being destroyed and exposing the students to the rain! The place is falling to the Invaders!
Ifrit: Hey you! Eat shit! Fire Punch! (pow!) HA! Seriously though, what now? I hope Nobuharu's okay...huh?
Takeminakata: ...
Ifrit: Haven't I seen you somewhere? Oh right, you're one of the Tycoons leaders with a name. The sumo guy, Takem--ow, what the hell man!?
Takeminakata: (stares in traditional Japanese)
Ifrit: Are they controlling you!? Say something dammi--OW! Nobu...haru...
Takeminakata: (frowns)

Some Tycoons safehouse
Melusine: Master Licht, the scout has returned.
Licht: Oh! Bring him in.
Melusine: I have concerns he may be affect by the enemies...
Licht: Nah, he's fine. Bring him in.
Touji: I'm back. How are you, Licht?
This is the Tycoons' last safehouse Licht kept somewhere. Touji keeps watch as he goes in.
Licht: I'm glad to see you doing well, Touji.
Touji: The rain has some spiritual attack enchanted in. I'd be affected if I didn't have barrier magic. (shows some seal on his hand)

Licht: This must be an Invaders plot. Everyone touched by the rain shows mental abnormalities and enemy soldiers are forcing people outside. We just lost contact with our remaining forces at Roppongi Academy...the Tycoons as a group are done. We don't know if there's a traitor, and since nobody actually died or whatever, I can't collect on their powers. The other leaders must have been backstabbed or something, though I don't think they've been done in that easy...
Touji: (frown)
Licht: Thank you again to you and the Summoners for helping us. Your ability to stop the enemy mind hack means we have some room to maneuver.
Touji: Yeah about that. I saw a traitor contact enemy forces.
Licht: Takeminakata!?
Touji: Yes, I saw him slap down Ifrit. I don't know if he's mind controlled though...
Licht: No. If it's Takeminakata, I know that possibility is out.
Touji: ...you're sure?

Licht: Yes. First of all, the mental attack rain seems to be someone else's power. Anyone hit by the rain hasn't actively helped the Invaders even if they were put into a trance. Also we know the latter is being caused by Perun and his millstone artifact's power to change history. It brainwashes people to think they were always his servants. I can't get into it now, but it can't work on Takeminakata for being Unrecorded. It's also why I thought he'd be our ace against the Invaders.
Touji: So he's choosing to help them out purely by his own will?
Licht: ...does anyone really have their own will? Actually never mind the philosophy question, I can at least answer you with my guesses. So unlike most of us, Takeminakata isn't the type to turn coat over self interest. That means he must have been ordered to do so by someone he knew before coming to Tokyo.
Touji: what

Licht: Previous vows cannot be broken. Hierarchy things... anyways, sorry but I need you to look into someone else Touji. Takamagahara's former World Represntative. He used to be Onamuji no Mikoto, and later he became Okuninushi. That's who Takeminakata served before, and I'm highly certain he's helping the Invaders out.
Touji: Wait I don't understand what's happening anymore. What do our enemies want?
Licht: Do they even see us as enemies...? I bet even this rain is just some end goal setup. You remember Rule 1 of this game? Majority trumps everything. The Berserkers and Wisemen proved it in an experiment back when we were still fighting against each other
Licht: ...you know, I've always thought we had the order of things backwards in this attack.
Touji: what
Licht: We thought the East was moving faster than the South, and that the Missionaries were attacked first before the Tycoons. Tactically speaking it should be the case, but the Invaders are going at everything backwards. I don't like making guesses on top of other guesses, but the Invaders might be trying to pull a revolution on the game's Law of Hierarchy and pulling everyone in Tokyo into participating!
End of Episode

Valentine Snow Fight Episode 8 (Abridged)

[So I somehow blanked out on this section ever existing and was reminded of it, so here we are.]

Tiger Man: Ayyy, that was a good battle back there! So reminder, the winners of the Valentine Snow Fight? The WARMONGERS!
Players: YAAAAY
Tiger Man: A celebration for the winners and a commendation for the ones that participated! Gracias for the battle, amigos! Snow fight's done, but we still got chocolates and snow to enjoy!
Later
Tezcatlipoca: Great war, BRRRROTHER! Honestly I expected nothing, but things turned out way better than I ever thought!
MC: I had fun too! / Eh, not bad / pay me my money
Andvari: You'll get your dues, you made this a success! Kinda sucks the blizzard and stuff ruined our recordings, but we already blew up halfway through day one and people are calling like hell!
Tezcatlipoca: We're setting up the next snow fight. Things are going to be great for once!
Andvari: Hey MC, come again if you have time. We'll always need a cameraman!
Tezcatlipoca: Let's fight again whenever, BRRRROTHER!

Andvari: Oh wait I almost forgot. Your bonus! ...stop looking at me like that, there's no strings attached. This is actually meant for the winning team's bonus but Yoritomo declined his share.
Tezcatlipoca: Ha! He said "it wasn't just our victory."
Andvari: He didn't even blink, so I dunno what that was about. Whatever, yours. It's an invite ticket for the springs. Okay time to make some money!
Ryouta: Hi MC, we're finally here!
Shirou: I'm glad you're alright...oh, you didn't know?
Touji: The blizzard shut us out...
Ryouta: But now it just stopped so we're here. Time to eat all the sweets!
MC: I'm glad you're all okay. Stuff happened, I'll tell you while we eat.

Later
Ryouta: Huh, so that's why things cut out the second day. Also Girimekhala sounds amazing. I wonder if we can be friends?
Touji: I saw the first day videos. Very tactically informative, we should use them for counterguild strategies.
Shirou: We should join as a group next time. It'd help our cooperation.
Ryouta: Ohh! Next time let's ask Kengo and Moritaka to come with us! Mmm, hot springs and tons of sweets...
Touji: Wait we didn't come here to play, Yakush--
Shirou: Eh, it's okay sometimes. We should also invite the rest of the guild like Agyou. Having us all together makes things more fun.
MC: Yessss
Touji: ...okay I'm convinced.
Ryouta: Wow MC, you sounded like Jacob just now. Okay, let's all come as Team Summoners next time!
Shirou: Okay, I'll go talk to the managers for details.
Ryouta: Gonna eat all the sweets! Oh, I should go say hi to Chouji.
Touji: I'm going to the hot springs. Which reminds me...what did Master Hougen mean by getting along with both guilds in the springs?

Later
Tanetomo: Oh my. Took you long enough to come talk to me, MC. You didn't take my chocolate, but...well, let's say His Excellency foresaw it. Still, shouldn't you have come to me immediately after the game to adore me? Did you expect me to be a beautiful courtier just to wait???
MC: Congrats, you're the cutest! / OH NO / (pet)
(A) Tanetomo: You're still kind of late, but fine, I'll accept this.
(B) Tanetomo: (murder vibes) ...oh, is that your reaction after all my hints? You best remember this.
(C) Tanetomo: Don't you think this is a little too brazen of y--oh wait, I did the same thing to Yasuyori once. Never mind.

Yasuyori: Oh, MC! Advisor! Here you two are.
Shennong: Hey Problem Kid. You did it again. After I told you not to. Again. Do you know what could've happened to you if you got hit by a giant snowball unarmed?
Yasuyori: D-Doctor, they weren't hurt this time...
Tanetomo: Yes, simple nagging won't do anything to them. They just pretend to not hear it, just like SOMEONE who's a little slow around here.
Yasuyori: wait what
MC: You know me so well / I'm sorry... / I thought it'd work out somehow...

Shennong: ... (sigh) No shots or nagging today. But only if you promise to come see if you feel anything off about yourself at all. Got it? ...oh, with the snow fight over, I guess now's a good time for a physical break, huh?
Tanetomo: Yes, I think so too. Maybe a bit of relaxing would be fine.
Yasuyori: I shall try all the sweets since I usually don't see this many!
Tanetomo: Is this some backlash reaction to how our school is? Are you going to be even worse at the cafe...?
Yasuyori: No! It's our job to partake if our superiors treat us!
Shennong: Welp, Big Boy makes sense! Feels like a waste on me though since I always eat grass.
Tanetomo: ...so we may have been named the winners, but I'm slightly against calling it my win. But don't think that was our full power. If we face off, it'll be a real war. Okay, time to excuse us! Tell Tennouji Shinya I'm going to break his budding pride and show I'M truly the cutest in the battlefield here.

Later
Arslan: Cub, there you are!
Maria: Hello MC. I'm glad you're unhurt.
Zabaniya: Yes, just like Girimekhala. I am pleased nothing serious came of it all.
MC: Hi guys! Kinda sucks how it ended, but you all looked great!
Arslan: Haha, yeah we lost. It sucks, but it was really fun!
Zabaniya: Indeed. I did I best and that was how we did. But the journey has been more worth it than the destination of our efforts.
Azazel: Winning can be down to luck, but I'm satisfied with seeing all the sweaty bod--never mind me.
Maria: We usually don't get chances to get coop and competitive experience.
Arslan: Let's go apply for the next one!

Maria: wait next what now
Arslan: Snow fight! You didn't think we'd only do the one, did you?
Maria: B-but everyone's plans...wait, what about your own work?
Azazel: It should be fine, let us pretend it isn't there. Mmm, seeing someone throw themselves at a party is also lovely...
Zabaniya: O-okay?
Maria: No it is not! Excuse us, MC, I need to talk with them!
Girimekhala: Hey, camera man! I'm...kinda embarrassed I cried like that. I wasn't expecting to.
MC: That's just how hard you tried / I think I get it / (hug)
(C) Girimekhala: W-what? Uhh...I don't know what to do about this!

Gorozaemon: Haha, you sure move fast!
Girimekhala: Student Prez!?
MC: what / WHERE'D YOU COME FROM / Hey, long time no see Gorozaemon!
---
(C) Gorozaemon: Aww, you remember me? Good to see you having fun.
---
Gorozaemon: Ayy, I just came to meddle with check on our outbound transfer student. I went to Daikanyama to slack off see you when they told me you were up here at the Snow Fest. Sounded cool, so I rode my wanyudo ride and burned some roads!
Girimekhala: Oh. Thank you Prez. But sorry, it's already over. Maybe I should've invited you earlier.
Gorozaemon: It's cool! Even if you did, I wouldn't know if I'd come until the day of. ANYWAYS, I came to ask you something. Did you find your own road with the Missionaries? You used to be one of the Taoshis, so did you find anything to be proud of?
MC: what (Huh. He was a Taoshi?)

Girimekhala: Yeah! ...if only, right?
Girimekhala is hesitant in answering after meeting Airavata and confronting his role. He's hesitant because he's looking to the future after facing his present, but he still looks determined.
Girimekhala: I can't say for sure, but I do think I saw something like it for a second. And I did find something thanks to MC and the Missionaries. I'll tell you when I come back, so look forward to it!
Gorozaemon: Good answer! You've grown in the little time you've been away! Mediating with the guild and school was worth it, even if I left the paperwork to Li Chou. Enjoy the rest of the exchange period!
Girimekhala: Okay, thanks!
Gorozaemon: Cool, I'm off to enjoy the resort!

Shinya: Hello MC, I'm glad you're alright.
Jacob: Yes. I could've kept you safe and stopped the snowball if I had been faster. I must raise my love (and fists) to a whole new level.
Shinya: Y-you want to stop that giant snowball with one hand!? ...maybe I should train with Taromaiti and Kalki.
Girimekhala: NO! You wouldn't be able to do what Jacob did with just a little training!
Jacob: Nothing is impossible if you believe in love! Oh, I know! You should go fight with 100 angels and--
MC: Love can't do THAT much! / You can't just casually drop that! / (pretend to hear nothing)
Shinya: A-actually I think I'll work at it my own pace.
Girimekhala: Same. Gotta do things with what's possible for me...
Jacob: Indeed, love is different for all. I shall spare no effort so everyone can find their own expressions of love!

Jacob: In other news, I suppose I really don't want to leave with a loss. I must go discuss things.
MC: So you're the most upset with what happened? What are you going to do? I mean, this can only end badly but still...
Jacob: A no holds barred survival game! It'll be okay, no one will be hurt if we all use snow guns. I should go talk to the Warmongers and--
Yoritomo: What on earth are you going on about?
MC: oh no / Big Brother Get! / (grab on)
---
(BC) Yoritomo: OH NO YOU'RE HERE!? L-let go, I thought I'd finally settle my ulcers!
---
Jacob: Yoritomo: I believe we are friends now that we have traded blows three times.
Yoritomo: ...think what you like. Politician's promise.
Jacob: Oh, how about we further our understand by throwing hands some more?
Yoritomo: ...interesting. Such a casual taunt you make, just like someone else I know.
Jacob: It is the best I know how to do. But I dare say, if we're both unsatisfied with how things went, why not go again?

Yoritomo: ...hmm. What do you think, everyone?
Tanetomo: Inusaka Keno Tanetomo reporting, Sir. I shall gently dispatch the riffraff.
Yasuyori: I will do my best too! We don't have battlefields like this much!
Shennong: ...you are all hotheads. Just don't get hurt, okay?
Arslan: Good idea, Jacob!
Zabaniya: Thank you for another learning opportunity.
Maria: Wait what, really!? ...well I guess it's okay for today.
Azazel: Mmm, such uninhibited desire.
Shinya: This sounds like it'll be fun! I'll have so much to talk about when I go home!
Girimekhala: I'm in!
MC: WHAT / Everyone's going down! / (turn on app)
Tezcatlipoca: Awesome!
Andvari: Send in the drones, get those bangers rolling and kick ass people!
Later
Players: YEAAAHHHH
Tiger Man: And suddenly we're having an anything goes snow fight! Shoot them all! Let's go, game start!
The End

Live A Hero Christmas Melt Countdown Episode 2 (Abridged)

MC: Ugh. Slept badly...
The next day, it's oddly hot upon waking up. Like sauna level hot.
MC: GODDAMN HOT
MC jumps out of bed and looks out the window. Look at all that sunlight! Where's the snow? There are heat hazes, it's so hot.
MC: WHAT
Beep beep. Knock knock.
Crowne: MC, did you see outside!?

Title Card: Christmas Irregularity

Hot.
Gomeisa: W-why?
Crowne: Suddenly tropical Christmas. What happened??
Guide: Oh no, how can the fortune be wrong!? And not just wrong, but super wrong! What happened to the snow!?
Chaos!
Gomeisa: Townspeople worried...
Crowne: Yeah, freak weather changes do that.
Gomeisa looks around worriedly, then notices a child.
Girl: Mommy, what's gonna happen with Christmas? And Santa?
Mom: Do you SEE this weather we're having? Come on, we have to get home.
Girl: But... (cries)
Gomeisa: Oh no...
Gomeisa looks up and sees a snowflake decoration.
Gomeisa: Christmas...
Crowne: ...they said the weather fortune uses crystals, but I'm PRETTY sure I know what the crystals are. Which means...something at the tower is causing this? (thinks)
MC: Figure something out Crowne? / Oh no, how could this happen?
Crowne: ...no wait, it's all just guesswork. We should first ask what's gonna happen with our gig and if there's anything we can do. Managers' HQ is by the big tree, right?

Suddenly!
Townie: AAAAAA
The screams are getting closer!
MC: WHAT
Monsters: SCREEE
Gomeisa: !? Monsters here!
Crowne: Goddammit, why now!?
Townie: HELP
Gomeisa: Man attacked! Must help!
Crowne: MC!
MC: Let's go! Execute!
Gomeisa and Crowne are suited up!
Crowne: Gomeisa, you heal and protect the civvies and I'll play decoy! Got it?
Gomeisa: O-okay!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

The party is walking to Manager HQ and checking for other Monsters on the way.
Crowne: ...ugh, hot.
MC: And it's not even summer. / Can't stand heat / I guess it's better than it being too cold...
Gomeisa: ...
Gomeisa listens to the city people's talks.
Townie A: The festival is tomorrow, what do we do?
Townie B: We'll have to cancel it. Plus we have Monsters now...
Child C: Nooo!
Townie D: ...I know how you feel, but what can we do after what just happened? I guess we still have our lives? Spirits protect us...

Gomeisa: ...people really looking forward festival.
Crowne: Yeah, look at all the work they put into getting ready.
Gomeisa: ...Christmas stop, huh...?
Crowne: It'll still be a thing, but...the festival's probably kaput with the heat. And Monsters just turned up. We got rid of them, but people will worry about more coming. How can anyone celebrate like this?
Gomeisa: Oh no...
MC: You were really excited, huh?
Gomeisa: So sad...want see songs and dance. But festival stop even more sad.
Crowne: You're really into Christmas, aren't you? Especially for an alien. Something up with that?
Gomeisa: Christmas...important memory me. Boss maybe not remember, but...means lot me.
Gomeisa: Can...Hero me do something?
Digivice noises.
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Gomeisa. Connectivity: Weak.
MC: Huh?

Meanwhile at the Crystal Tower
Sensettia: ...wow, pretty place. Nowhere else is as tall from a look outside, and it's so sparkly in here. Do the people of this planet know what it's like in here?
Viscunam: Who cares about "pretty"!? The technology here is what's really important! This is clearly an artificial building. When I analyze and appropriate this tower, my legend will truly begin! Hehehehe...
Sensettia: You've got no sense of beauty, you know that? But yeah, we finally got all the way into here, so we might as we get something.
Viscunam: Hmph. The beauty in my research and the beauty in scenery are unrelated. Girlie! Get to work if you want your cut.
Sensettia: Yeah yeah, I know. You just can't wait to make your next trash heap, huh?
Viscunam: T-trash!? Your brain just isn't refined enough to appreciate my inventions!
Sensettia: Yeah sure, whatever. You do your research, and I get my pay to do live concerts on other planets. It's not so bad to remind myself this is just a job to fund my music tour. I can join you on your...great research whatsit.
Viscunam: Hmph. That's why you joined me to begin with. You can take most of the royalties since I don't want it. SCIENCE! My next invention will change history, and I'll figure something out in here! Maybe! Heheheh, it was worth coming here!

Sensettia: ...wow you really don't care about money for someone who looks so greedy. Anyways, you gonna tell me what's in this tower yet? The residents don't even come here, so why did we?
Viscunam: Oh! Are you finally interested in my research Girlie!?
Sensettia: No, not THAT mu--
Viscunam: I've learned Somewhere about the technology used in this tower! There is evidence this crystal is obvious a product of SCIENCE that this planet's people don't know of, and completing my research means we need to get to the tower core and investigate Something there--
Suddenly, shaking!
Sensettia: Ahh! Earthquake!?
Viscunam: Huh? That's not what earthquakes feel like!
Sensettia: Then what just happened!?
The walls and floors crack as vine things start coming in!
Sensettia: WHAT
Viscunam: Girlie, get down!
The vines wall off Viscunam and Sensettia from each other!
Sensettia: HEY! What am I supposed to do now!? Viscunam!
Viscunam can't hear her.
End of Episode