Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 2 Episode 11: Annihilation Wish 3 (Abridged)

Rewind!
Just before MC's party makes it to the lab
Monomasa: Huh, I'm not hurt. What's this voice?
Id Replica: [Strange Mumbling or something]
Id Replica must be flying with the Venom Ball or something.
Yoshiori: (mumbling in gagged merc)
Yoshiori is stuck in the Venom Ball's walls.
Monomasa: ...you want me to talk to Yoshiori, right Monomasa? Can you ungag him then?
Monomasa and Monomasa Oosato share thoughts but not conclusions.

Yoshiori: (ungagged) GODDAMMIT MONOMASA!
Well he seems the same as ever. How'd this happen then?
Yoshiori: Catching me means nothing. Also aren't we in Id Replica's mouth? We're both dead if it eats us, so lemme go!
Monomasa: But you know it's not going to do that.
Id Replica: [Weird Rumbling]
Yoshiori: Oh right you can understand it...
Monomasa: Only like 30% of it. But enough to know it doesn't want to hurt us. It only attacked because it had some command stapled to it.
Monomasa (narrating): I change my seating. I can probably take over control of Id Replica, but I need to talk too.

Monomasa: I know the gist of things, that you two haven't totally changed.
Monomasa (narrating): We lived with them. I know those days were real.
Monomasa: But what is your guys' goal anyway?
Yoshiori: You have to ask? Mine is protecting every bit of Exio.
Monomasa (narrating): No lies detected.
Monomasa: Wait, are you...no, wait...Replica?
What does Yoshiori mean...? Still, something clicked into place.
Monomasa: ...doesn't that mean...you might've misunderstood something?
Yoshiori: WHAT how the hell don't you get it already!? You can just see it! Melide got it!
Monomasa: ...that's one thing, but how did you expect me to know when you hid what you were doing?
Monomasa (narrating): You two said nothing and did stuff by yourselves. And Exio...

Monomasa: Exio was planning to fly solo, wasn't he?
Yoshiori: ...yeah, I had to barge into it.
Monomasa: ...ugh.
Monomasa (narrating): He's mad I don't understand him, but so am I about him. All of us can complain about him not understanding. Yoshiori can join us on that, but he won't.
Monomasa: So what now?
Monomasa (narrating): I get most of it now. I know what I'm doing.
Monomasa: I'm stopping Exio, whatever he's doing. What about you?
Yoshiori: ...I'm standing by Exio, no matter what.
He sounds determined.

Present
Exio: Okay, round 2 then?
Id Replicas slither forward!
Exio: I'm really surprised this was enough people to take down one Id Replica, but can you keep it up? I'd love to see that actually.
Id Replicas are growling!
MC: what...?
It's like a do-over!
Exio: I only have three for now because they're all made differently.
Danzo: This suuuucks man.
Monomasa: Agreed. And what do you mean "for now"?
He can keep going.
Yoshiori: Exio, stop...
Yoshiori thinks about when Exio was making Id Replica earlier. It felt like he was jumping into a fire.
Exio: Oh are you guys giving up?
The Id Replicas coil around Exio.
Exio: Lame, but time-saving. (snaps fingers)
Id Replicas charge!
MC: uhhh

Danzo: Little Boss, quick! Left!
Move dammit!
Id Replica: [Weird Roar]
Crunching sound!
Monomasa: Stop!
Monomasa takes out an Id Replica! Another charges in!
Monomasa: !?
Monomasa is knocked back to the entrance area!
MC: Monomasa!
Yoshiori: Stop! ...Stop it!
Yoshiori is holding an Id Replica's mouth open with his bare, bleeding hands!
Danzo: Little Boss, send me VP!
Danzo gets ready to pull his ultimate! Another Id Replica blindsides him!
Danzo: ...shit.
MC: Danzo!

An Id Replica approaches MC and opens its mouth...
Yoshiori: MC!
Yoshiori starts heading over. He'll never make it.
Id Replica charges forward! Is dodging possible? ...not really. All goes dark because...!
MC: (I closed my eyes)
MC: (Dying is scary. Being hurt sucks)
But then, what of the heroes you've watched?
Montage of a bunch of different sad heroes!
They have to face fear and pain too. How'd they do it?
Montage of determined heroes!
MC: (They opened their eyes, hung onto their dreams, and kept going still)
You've watched them all this time. Heroes are people too. Just people, not miracle workers. So if you want to stand by them...
MC: ...
Even if you're scared...
MC: ...!
MC opens their eyes. Id Replica is right there!
MC: (I still have to open my eyes. Heroes faced forward too, and not because they weren't afraid.)
They went on, bearing their pain and suffering. You've watched all that, so...
MC: I'll keep watching, no matter what.

Something hits Id Replica!
MC: ...?
MC got saved by someone now in front of them!
[Akashi Route]
???: Sorry I'm late MC.
Oh my god they're actually here. The hero who'll fight together with you.
Akashi: Come on, let's go.
The hero in carmine, born from the admiration you two have for the hero of lightning. Your shared dream, the face you know so well.
Akashi: You're my Observer, and I'm your hero!
[Mokdai Route]
???: Pow! OW that hurt!
Oh my god they're actually here. The hero who'll fight together with you.
Mokdai: ...hey MC, I made it.
The hero in viridian, in the arms meant to take him to the heights he wanted to reach. Your shared dream, the face you know so well.
Mokdai: Let's go together, MC! I'm...your hero!
[Sui Route]
???: UGH what is this heavy thing!?
Oh my god they're actually here. The hero who'll fight together with you.
Sui: ...sorry I'm late, MC.
The hero in turquoise, who felt unworthy and unsuited for their dress but kept on. Your shared dream, the face you know so well.
Sui: I'm your hero! Let's do this together, MC!

Outside
Galvo: Come at me, fiends!
The swarms are endless. A Monster bites Galvo's arm!
Galvo: Absurd!
Galvo summons fire from their feet and burns everything around!
Monster: [Weird Screaming]
Full flames baby! Not that Galvo does that normally. He keeps fighting the tides of Monsters with all he's got, but he keeps thinking of something: why's he doing this? Why'd he volunteer to hold the rear line? Because he had to, though it wasn't his personal choice. To die then? ...not really. His predecessors from the archive say "Where is that place we've never reached? Not this dull place, surely." Galvo can feel it himself that this place can't possibly be his final destination. So why is he here?
Monster: [Weird Screaming]
Galvo: SILENCE I am trying to think!
Galvo shoves an arm in and burns the Monster inside out! But more keep coming!

Galvo: You are all so tiresome!
Galvo's crystals shine brighter! But he's almost out of VP, and staying transformed is getting hard!
Monster: [Weird Screaming]
A Monster jumps from behind that other one Galvo attacked, so Galvo throws what's left of the first one at it. Then he suddenly thinks about Exio and MC.
Galvo: Impossible...Galvo, art thou...
Is it really that simple? Did he want to get the people he liked to whatever better fate he could bring to them?
???: No dying here, mkaaay?
An orb flies in front of Galvo!
Monster: (bonked) [Weird Screaming]
The orb rams the attacking Monster!
Galvo: What!?
It looks just like the orb MC was hanging onto!
Grigory: Go, Pair of Ravens!
The orb shoots out geometric patterns!
Galvo: What?
Galvo is healed!
Grigory: Coool, I made it. I suck with these things... anyways, hurry it up! We have a time limit, guuuys!

Lab
[Akashi Route]
MC: Akashi...
Akashi: wait HOLY CRAP THIS THING IS STRONG!
Akashi is blocking Id Replica with his bat but it's still pushing him back!
Sui: Akashi, stop charging in alone, god!
Mokdai: At least we barely made it! Thanks Akashi!
[Mokdai Route]
MC: Mokdai...
Mokdai: Hehe, it's nice hearing you call my name...wait--
Mokdai is blocking Id Replica with his fists but it's still pushing him back!
Akashi: Mokdai Mighty Knuckle! Careful!
Sui: Mokdai Mighty Knuckle, stay focused!
Mokdai: Thanks guys! But did you have to make a point of using my hero name to tell me off!?
[Sui Route]
MC: Sui...
Sui: Oh no!
Sui is blocking Id Replica with her needles but it's still pushing her back!
Akashi: Dammit Sui, stop doing crazy stuff!
Mokdai: Sui, I'm coming to help! Brace yourself!
Sui: Thanks you two!

Anyways, the three stop Id Replica!
[Akashi Route]
MC: Sui, Mokdai!
Sui: We're here now!
Mokdai: Sorry it was last second, also WHAT IS THIS THING! Oh whatever, because... (charges fist) MOKDAI PUNCH!
[Mokdai Route]
MC: Akashi, Sui!
Sui: We're here now!
Akashi: Sorry we're late, glad you're okay! Also what the hell is this thing!? 'cuz... (swings bat) AKASHI SWING!
[Sui Route]
MC: Akashi, Mokdai!
Mokdai: We're here!
Akashi: Sorry we're late! And whatever this thing is... (swings bat) AKASHI SWING!

Id Replica goes flying!
Danzo: OH MY GOD WHAT
Lightning runners spark up towards another Id Replica!
Danzo: ...wait
??? RYEKIEEE...
Dramatic thunder!
Ryekie: THUNDER CRASH!!!
Blinding light! The Id Replicas get zapped!
Id Replica: [Weird Moaning]
The Id Replicas are still threatening but still!

Ryekie: Sorry we're late, but time to turn things around!
Monomasa: Zap the Justice...
Monomasa remembers the hero he once saw...
Melide: Monomasa, are you okay!?
The Id Replica behind her is recovering!
Monomasa: Melide, behind you!
Melide suddenly disappears!
???: Melide, you need to be more mindful of the situation before running in.
Huckle brings Melide over to Monomasa!
Huckle: Sorry we're late. But Ryekie's right!

???: You okay Danzo?
It's that pushy boss's voice!
Danzo: Do I LOOK okay? Whose fault do you think it is I'm like this?
Danzo (narrating): That's what I really felt. And it's because of these two idiots I trust.
Seiichirou: ...must've been tough. But can you keep going?
Danzo (narrating): It sounds like an order, but I know he's trusting me with his hopes and dreams. Heavy stuff, man.
Danzo: Hell yeah, Big Boss. Who do you think I am?
Danzo (narrating): Couldn't hurt to be polite, even if he's a high level experiment success. Or something.
Danzo: But can I go somewhere first?
Seiichirou: The hero you mentioned in the phone call? It's fine, Grigory and Crowne are heading to him. I'm observing them.
Danzo: Damn, look at you all prepared like always!
Danzo (narrating): He looks smart and prepared, but I know he's just afraid of losing things. So am I, which is why I live in the moment.
Danzo: Alright! Don't take your eyes off me, Big Boss!
Seiichirou: Pffft, get to dancing already.

Sounds like it's a real fight instead of a defensive battle now!
Exio: Ugh, how did you guys get in? I thought I made it really hard to get into here.
Exio sent some sort of jammer or something.
Exio: What'd you even use to get through? Oh whatever...
Time to get things done. Exio puts his hand on his face to rewrite his commands.
MC: Exio...
Exio looks at everyone. So full of hope. So ridiculously stupid.
[Akashi Route]
Akashi: I'm so gonna kick your ass!
[Mokdai Route]
Mokdai: Exio... you've crossed a line.
[Sui Route]
Sui: Exio, I'm more than a little mad with you.

Exio (narrating): They're mad. Figures.
Exio: ...so that's what your dream looks like?
Exio (narrating): What a disappointment.
Exio: That's where your end is.
Two more Id Replicas pop out!
Exio (narrating): This is probably the last I can make.
MC: Oh no!
Exio: Being a hero defines the end point of your dream, your growth. Having dream includes having a dream end, and I HATE that. Don't you get it?
Exio (narrating): They won't agree, but I need to say it so they get what I'm doing and what I'm wearing.

[Akashi Route]
Akashi: Shut up with your bullcrap. You think this is the end for me? PFFFT. Dreams don't end, and nobody would agree with that.
Akashi looks at MC, Sui, and Mokdai.
Akashi: We're just moving forward. Not to some end point, but towards our goals.
[Mokdai Route]
Mokdai: ...I don't get your point at all, Exio. But I'm sure you're wrong about this being the end of my dream. I have even more things I want to do even after being a hero.
Mokdai looks at MC, Sui, and Akashi.
Mokdai: We're just moving forward. Not to some end point, but towards our goals.
[Sui Route]
Sui: No. What are you trying to say? You're wrong about this dress being the end of my dream, even if it looks like this.
Sui looks at MC, Akashi, and Mokdai.
Sui : We're just moving forward. Not to some end point, but towards our goals.

MC: wait what
Sparks are flying around MC and MC's phone!
[Akashi Route]
Akashi: We'll keep chasing those dreams, wherever it goes for whatever we can get.
[Mokdai Route]
Mokdai: The more things I can do, the more I'll want to do things. That's how I'll keep going.
[Sui Route]
Sui: I'll keep on living no matter how hard it is, dreaming of how I can be better.

Exio: (frowns)
Exio: (mad) You'll keep on going even if you make it to the end, or even if you don't reach your full potential?
[Akashi Route]
Akashi: Uh, yeah? I'll never stop. Besides...
Akashi thinks of MC, Mokdai, Sui, and Akashi Alter.
Akashi: I know there's a more stubborn me out there! So I'm not giving up!
[Mokdai Route]
Mokdai: Yes, because I won't give up before trying anymore. Besides...
Mokdai of everyone in Parallel Flight besides Exio's group.
Mokdai: I have everyone with me, so I'll never give up!
[Sui Route]
Sui: I'll just have to think about it if that happens. Figure out where I can go, where I can be me.
Sui thinks of MC, Akashi, Mokdai, and Maculata.
Sui: I have people who believe in me and work with me. So I'll never give up!

MC's phone is making weird noises! The Observation Status window says...
Phone: Error occured. Undefined status detected, 99% similar to hero transformation. Running test... error. Undefined. Unable to simulate.
Exio: Pretty light...if you can keep it up.
Exio snaps his fingers. Id Replicas charge towards the party!
[Akashi Route]
Akashi: Let's go guys. MC, keep watching us!
[Mokdai Route]
Mokdai: Let's go, everyone. MC...watch us.
[Sui Route]
Sui: Let's go, you two. MC, keep watching us.

Something looks different. Not quite as dramatic as EX Ryekie, but it's like they've made a step forward.
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming]
[Akashi Route]
Akashi: Come at me, freaks! I'll take you ALL on!
[Mokdai Route]
Mokdai: I may be scared, but I...WE won't lose!
[Sui Route]
Sui: If we have to fight...then we aren't going to lose!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Id Replica: [Weird Moaning]
Id Replica is falling apart.
Exio: Well damn. You actually won.
There's still three left. Two are busy, and the last is lying on the ground weakly. Also those first two are losing. Exio finds himself getting attached to the copy despite himself, but he has things to do.
Exio: Id Replica, your last job. Sing of annihilation.
Id Replica: [Weird Noises]
Akashi: ...what?
Mokdai: Um...
Sui: ...is it crying?

Elsewhere
Galvo: HAHAHA! FALL, FIENDS!
Galvo's in a good mood.
Grigory: Noooo, Galvo you are moving too far ahead!
Crowne: Dammit, we can't keep up THAT fast!
Grigory and Crowne are also working on an exit while they're doing this.
Galvo: Ah yes, my apologies!
They're working well for having literally met like five minutes ago. Also Galvo enjoys being watched.
Grigory: Bleh. It's nice he's feeling good buuut... wait what?
Crowne: ...the Monsters stopped moving for some reason.
The three guess they heard something. The Monsters are looking up at the sky. They start making some noise, and then suddenly space starts inverting!
Galvo: what?
Grigory's Port Light starts ringing with a warning alarm!
Grigory: w-what, whyyyy?
The Monsters start turning themselves inside out to make Paths like it's the end of the world!

Inside
Danzo: Haha, get wreck--
Seiichirou: Wait, get back Danzo!
Danzo stops and jumps back to Seiichirou.
Danzo: Okay what's go--wait what?
Id Replica's fire and mud or whatever starts shining like the universe!
Danzo: Uhhh, I can't handle a phase two here.
Seiichirou: Dammit, it's trying to open a Path and--!?
The Id Replicas turn into widening spatial rends!

Ryekie: What!?
Huckle: Justice, get back! Monomasa, we're disengaging too!
Monomasa: Okay. Melide, grab onto me. Easy does it.
Melide: Okay. But Yoshiori is...!
Monomasa: Right... okay you grab on too, Yoshiori!
Yoshiori: SHUT UP! B-but still...
The weird fire and dimensional mud is starting to cover the entrance area!
MC: What?
Exio: What do you mean, what? You know what Monsters open, right?
MC: This is...a Path?

It's spreading!
Exio: Right. Now here's the important part. We're in the Imaginary Point, right? What happens to a bubble with too many holes in it?
The world is distorting!
Akashi: Exio!
Exio: It can't be stopped anymore, even if you try to attack me.
He looks like he's given up.
Exio: Too bad. I didn't want to do this, especially with everyone here. Oh well, guess I'll take what I can get.
???: Nay.
MC: wait what
Time stops. But one thing is moving, something you've seen before.
Armor Monster: We shall not let this world be destroyed. Begone, children of man.
It didn't speak. It transmitted thoughts.
Exio: ...huh. Are you a gatekeeper or--
Exio can't move. The thing moves towards him and raises its weapon. It seems to glow, but more like it's being painted over. And then, it swings at Exio...
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 5 Part 2 (Abridged)

Flashback or something!
Perun: That research interview you were doing about ultimate popularity? If it has to be FOREVER popular? It has to be immortal then, fool.
Smoky God: Is it about "can Not Die", or is it about "Can't Die"? A is God, B is Buddha. Like I can be Buddha, but there's some stuff only I can do.
Perun: Everything with a self wants what it doesn't have. Absence creates value and desire, and then revolution! Viva!
Present
Evil Scientist A: Valenviva la revolución! Take over the school to mass produce this love potion!
Masanori: ...and how do you propose you do that with these numbers?
What IS the big evil plan anyways?

Evil Scientist A: We aren't COMPLETELY stupid! First, we hit the school admins until we finally drug the directinesor! Valenthen he'll hand the school to us! Uhh, we'll figure out who to hit next time.
Evil Scout B: We will stealth this operation, and it's not because we have a stupid gang name.
Evil Scientist C: Masanori, was it a good idea to leave the workshop people alone? What if we tried drugging them?
Evil Scout D: None of them agreed with me, so okay. Does that bother you, Masanori?
Loyalty test! Masanori doesn't blink.
Masanori: Whatever. Also, what if they take the drug and use it on us? They can clearly take us in a fight.
Evil Scout B: We can just use an antidote.
Evil Scout D: Yes, we know how to make that.
Evil Scientist A: I'll give some to everyone.

Well this group seems confident.
Evil Scout D: I hope we don't get raided here because we suck in a fight.
Evil Scientist C: That's why we made this secret base.
Masanori: Wonderful. Everything's going well?
Evil Scientist A: Correct! We, the valenry awesome Dark ABC Gang have everything in hand! Valenviva la revolución since Perun is gone! Let's go, everyone!
Masanori: Tee hee, surprise.
Evil Mobs: WHAT
Dramatic music! MC, Hippolytus, and Takeminakata are here!
MC: Caught in 4K! (okay turn the volume to max)
Takeminakata: Stop, villains!
Evil Scientist C: Where'd you come from!?
Masanori: Earlier from the front, during your evil villain monologue.

Flashback!
Masanori: May we speak, MC?
MC: what's going on? / was this your plan? / but nap time!
---
(A) Masanori: There's something I wanted you to hear before anyone else.
(B) Masanori: I figured you'd notice.
(C) Masanori: What!? Such braveness...! But that does make things easier.
---
Masanori: So I made contact with the Dark ABC Gang. I had to keep it secret before, but I should be able to talk about it with everyone tomorrow. But since you observe us so much, I wanted to forestall any unnecessary worries.
MC: Thanks Masanori / you did something that dangerous!? / aww, why didn't you tell me earlier?
---
(A) Masanori: Clearly you noticed earlier though. Impressive Insight.
(B) Masanori: My apologies, I didn't want to expose you to danger.
(C) Masanori: My apologies. I didn't want to worry or put you in danger.
---
Masanori: Let me apologize again when this is done. Please believe in me.

Present
Masanori: Your security measures are laughably terrible. Thanks for telling me where your base was.
Evil Scout D: GASP! Traitor!
Masanori: Interesting. You act like I ever agreed to join you all. Did I ever say such a thing?
Evil Scout D: Wait...does anyone have receipts!?
Evil Scout B: No...
MC: how did you manage to get anything done / you guys are so loose / eh, students can't think that far
Evil Scientist C: B-b-but what about all the advice you gave us about the base!?
Masanori: Okay, so I DID seriously consider turning on MC and everyone.
MC: wait what

Masanori: You don't have that good an eye for people, unfortunately. If they COULD make an eternal unchanging love, then maybe I might join. But then I found out they wanted mere immortality and decided to flip back. My wife is already dead. Maybe I just wanted some impossible revolution.
MC: Masanori? / Oh right... / Yeah sure whatever. You betrayed everyone, dick!
Masanori: So anyways you people told me so much. Like...you are the Agricultural BioChemistry Research Group?
Evil Scientist A: AAAAAA WE GOT FOUND OUT
Evil Scout D: Uhhhhh what is that cool-sounding group or whatever?
Evil Scientist C: Too late it's already out there!
Evil Scout D: Um, retreat!
The other exit is blocked!
Taishakuten: Door's closed unless you wanna throw hands!

Flashback for some reason!
The day after Masanori talked to MC
Masanori: First off, sorry I let the villain gang escape.
Takeminakata: B-but why though!?
Taishakuten: ...let's hear him out first and THEN decide whether we kick his ass.
Volkh: I okayed him doing a spy op after he explained it to me.
Masanori: Sorry, I had to keep it secret.
MC: To fool your enemies and all that / You seem used to this / What if they're spying on you?
---
(A) Masanori: Something like that, yes.
(B) Masanori: Still have my old tricks.
(C) Masanori: They don't have the numbers for that right now.
---
Taishakuten: Couldn't you have told us all this earlier?
Krampus: Are you saying you have hard info now?
Masanori: (nods) I'm good at infiltration and sabotage. They just invited me and told me everything. They seem to be one of the culture clubs, and then I found a group whose name maps to theirs. They are bad at this stealth thing.
Hippolytus: Well I guess they slipped by since there's so many groups in Setagaya. Not like I know all of them.
Taishakuten: Yeah whatever. We can take them now, right?
Hippolytus: Hmm... if they really make an eternal unchanging love potion... :|
MC: Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: Uhhh, nothing!

Present
Taishakuten: You punks are DEAD!
MC: YEAH BOY / He so mad / Excellent deva villain line
Evil Scientist A: HELP we are so valenry doomed! UGH we have to do it, help us hired guards!
Suddenly wrestlers!
Takeminakata: WHERE'D THEY COME FROM
Masanori: How did you people manage to hide a card like that!?
Hippolytus: It's the Setagaya wrestling team!
Taishakuten: Nice! MC, I am in on this for once!
Evil Scout B: Let's make a break for it!
Evil Scientist A: Oh, right! Now, valenry quiet now...
Some pebble falls.
Evil Scout D: Wait is someone else coming!?
???: HAHA, WHERE YA GOING PUNKS
Evil Scientist C: Oh no!
Krampus: It's spanking time, you naughty little kids!

This writer really likes flashbacks for some reason someone make him stop
Masanori: Okay, so we can go attack the villains now. But first I want to record them making threats on the school. How about I make them spill the beans, and then we all beat them up?
Krampus: Ooh, ooh, I got a suggestion! How about I ambush them if they try running out another exit?
Present
Action star jumping down in front of the exit!
Krampus: (wait crap I went into Black Santa mode by mistake, I wanted to try for Kamen Rider! Uhhh what do I say)
Evil Scout D: Umm, would you mind moving out of th--
Krampus: RETAKE
Evil Scout D: WHAT
MC: WHAT / is he okay / YEAAAH
Krampus: I don't hold your wishes against you, but I will hold nothing back to stop you from trampling on the pure feelings of others!
Evil Scout D: UGH nice line! Okay time to fight!
Evil Scientist A: Get them! Valenviva la revolución!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Several hours earlier
Setagaya Fountain Plaza
MC sees Masanori reading on a bench.
Masanori: ...we're going on the raid soon. Shouldn't you get ready MC?
MC: Just mentally / I'm always ready / I was worried about you
---
(A) Masanori: Ah, you didn't want to be alone?
(B) Masanori: Good. Careful a beast like me doesn't trip you up.
(C) Masanori: Heh, I'm fine. I'm used to politely betraying people.
---
Masanori: Sneaking into groups, stealing information, and turning against them is something I've learned from my time in PubSec. Not a job that cultures trust from people.
Masanori pulls out a handkerchief and spreads it as a seat cover next to him. Lots of visitors and people going home pass by.

Masanori: They get along.
Masanori is looking at some couple with folded arms.
MC: Them? / Jealous? / Not as much as us.
---
(A) Masanori: Indeed. They have eyes only for each other. May they stay together, whoever they are.
(B) Masanori: Maybe. Or maybe it's just admiration. I wanted to go around with my love like that, once.
(C) Masanori: Heh, you must be kidding. But it would be nice if you liked me like so.
---
He smiles, but he seems sad.
Masanori: ...I had a wife for a short time, back home. Happy times we swore would go on forever...then I betrayed her feelings. All my romance advice in class came from my psych studies, not personal experience. That Dark ABC Gang have a lovely ideal...and here I am betraying them. I'm worthless. And I'm a living mockery of anyone who saw anything in me.
MC: You really loved her, huh? / Wish I had someone like that / Getting jealous here
(A) Masanori: Yes. She was wasted on a quiet, stubborn man like me.
(B) Masanori: Oh, right. You have amnesia. My apologies.
(C) Masanori: There's no one to be jealous of anymore.

Masanori: I can't trust myself. I don't see any worth in myself. (looks down)
MC: ...you still care about your father and wife, right?
Masanori: ...yes.
MC: Then maybe there's still something in you for caring about them.
Masanori: ...!
Masanori: (frowns)
Masanori: That was kind of poetic of you.
MC: Did you ever find anyone after that? / Did you want to be single for a while?
(AB) Masanori: Hmm. I get nervous whenever I think of her.
(C) Masanori: I don't know. I could go either way, but I feel like being with someone won't happen anymore.

Masanori: ...maybe I was just scared. What if I find love but then turn into a lowly beast?
MC: Everyone is irreplaceable / I get you
It's hard to face yourself, which is why Masanori is opening up to MC.
This could be very important.
MC: So you should hang onto those feelings / So I'll take those feelings on with you
---
(A) Masanori: ...thank you, from me and my wife. I'm resolved now, so let me thank you again when this is all done with.
(B) Masanori: I had an inkling you would say that. I will need some time to figure myself out, but I still want to repay you because--
He stops himself from saying something.
Masanori: ...actually I'll come back to this after everything is over.
[Flag set!]
---
Masanori: To sum it up, thank you. We should get ready to go.

Present
The party is winning!
Evil Scout B: They're too strong!
Evil Scientist C: We're losing even with reinforcements...
Evil Scout D: ...where's the boss?
Masanori and Hippolytus: !!
Evil Scientist A: We have to play our Valentrump card!
MC: Dammit, after them!
Taishakuten: GET BACK HERE BITCHES
Hippolytus: :|
MC: ...Hippolytus why did you suddenly stop? And why are you blocking us?
Taishakuten, Takeminakata, and Krampus: !?
MC: Sudden shaking!
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 5 Part 1 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Perun and Smoky God: The most popular person?
Months before Valetines.
Perun: Who DARE--oh right the interview for the school research presentation. Very well then!
Smoky God: Is popularity really a thing a farm school cares about? Oh excuse me, I'm just his colleague.
Perun: It's about BREEDING! Winning the game of life! You answer too, Smoky God.
Smoky God: Okay. If we're talking about winning at life, I guess my answer's the same as yours.
Perun: Right! The most popular person is someone who's immortal! Viva la revolución!

Present. Sort of
Masanori (narrating): I sit in Setagaya's garden and watch these two people walk around. One of them is nervous and wants to tell the other how they feel. I decide to leave, and they take the bench I was on.
Masanori (narrating): So many couples on campus. Did they find each other here in Setagaya? Also I think I see a polycule over there.
Masanori (narrating): I'm reminded of the time I had a wife. But then I lost her because I was stupid, and that blew up my perspective on everything.
Masanori (narrating): She was attacked by beasts that looked like Father. I never doubted my father because that's what children do. And then I started to believe the jeers that my wife cheated, even though I realized it was impossible later.
Masanori (narrating): It's my fault my wife is dead. I was the one who doubted her. How was I supposed to live on without her? Shouldn't I have died with her? I'm still looking for answers.
Masanori (narrating): I looked into the meaning of unchanging. I was alone and thought there was nothing I could believe in...so I joined a revolution. Anyways, I'm looking at all these couples and I wonder: who really has something that will last forever? And so? Viva la revolución.

Present
Setagaya, night time. Masanori goes to some building and opens the door to a lab.
Masanori: So this is your base?
It's some chem lab with some ref room attached.
Evil Scout A: Welcome new comrade Masanori!
Evil Scientist B: I'm surprised you approached us.
Evil Scientist C: He has a valenry good eye for reading people!
Evil Scout A: Did our other guy not finish the job? Oh well he was--oh wait look, welcome back.
Evil Scout D: Masanori saved me. It's nice that you approve of our ideals.
Masanori: I think you guys should put your heads down and research for a while. The event staff will have their guards up and they'll have noticed I bailed him out by now.
Evil Scientist B: reeee must we focus working on our secret drug?
Evil Scientist C: We're nearly there anyways.
Masanori: Can I ask something? Is this your only base? The school will probably find it sooner or later.
Team Evil looks at each other.
Evil Scout A: Okay, we'll tell you where our real base is.

Later
The workshop
Hippolytus: Class time!
Hippolytus is happier than yesterday. Everyone gets to work.
MC: Let's do it! / (Is Hippolytus okay?) / (look around)
---
(AC) MC looks at the students here.
(B) Hippolytus is answering questions. He seems fine.
---
Another question from someone!
Girl A: Will this present tell the person I'm giving it to I want them to know me more?
Hippolytus: Ooh, nice idea! Keep working on making it! Let's see what my assistant thinks. (waves MC over)
MC: I can help!

Hippolytus leans in towards MC.
Hippolytus: Thanks MC! Oh, another question! Masanori, come help me!
Masanori: ...of course. This is new for you. Here we go.
The whole party is surprised at Hippolytus.
Taishakuten: Damn, bro got therapy or something? Guess he's good now.
Takeminakata: He's more dignified or something. I gotta thank the Tycoons for steering me here later!
Krampus: I don't think he's faking it, so... guess it's all good if we can communicate how we feel.
MC: You okay Hippolytus? / Class is more fun than before!
(A) Hippolytus: A-okay!
(B) Hippolytus: Weird, same thought!

MC: You look brighter. Got something off your chest?
Masanori: ...maybe he did. He may have joked about dominance, but maybe now he knows we all have our own bits to do.
Hippolytus is talking to some rando student.
Hippolytus: You're making this for your senpai? I'll help! What did you want to say with it? Masanori, another box of flowers please! MC, come show how to make the present with me.
MC: Okay! / Got it. / oof big responsibility...
---
(C) Hippolytus: It's okay, I'm here to help!
---
And so MC and Hippolytus teach the student about making their present. Class goes smoothly for the day.

Hippolytus: Good job everybody! Today went great!
Takeminakata: I think so too!
Krampus: People were super happy you could help them. It helped me too, thanks.
Hippolytus: Aww, stop it~.
Taishakuten: Eh, it's cool ain't it?
MC: You did great! / okay that's enough for now / (check on everyone)
(A) Hippolytus: Not you too!
(B) Masanori: Yes, we should stop hassling Hippolytus about how great he did today. Oops.
Hippolytus: GASP

Nice times.
Masanori: Don't we still have something to take care of?
Taishakuten: Right, those dumbasses? They didn't come today.
Takeminakata: Maybe they gave up?
Krampus: Did...Volkh or whoever tell you anything?
Hippolytus: Oh right. Apparently they ran last night.
Krampus: WHAT
Hippolytus: They went to some lab yesterday but then snuck out somehow.
MC: Secret passage? Cavalry rescue? Think they'll try again?
Krampus: So we don't have any hard info, huh?
Takeminakata: Should we go look for them?
Taishakuten: With no leads!?
Hippolytus: Yeah we need something to work on at least.
Masanori: (stares)
MC: Any ideas, Masanori?

Masanori: ...hmm. I think looking for them won't be helpful, especially with no clues. Maybe we should play dumb.
Taishakuten: But what if they get away!?
Masanori: Unlikely. They plan on pulling their schemes here in Setagaya and they need a lab.
Krampus: oh okay makes sense
Takeminakata: So they'll dump their project if we spook them?
MC: They'll slip through the cracks? / hmm...
---
(A) Masanori: Yes, though we don't know where those are.
---
Masanori: Haste makes waste.
Hippolytus: So, get ready for tomorrow and stay on guard?
Masanori: Yes, and keep in contact in the meantime.
Taishakuten: UGH. Hippolytus you need anything heavy moved?
Takeminakata: Oh, then maybe I'll run around the school!
Krampus: Oh, me too then.
Masanori: I'm turning in early, sorry.
MC: I'll walk you back / Take care / Are you hiding something?
(A) Masanori: Oh okay then.
(B) Masanori: Maybe you should come too. You look tired too.
(C) Masanori: ...yes, but it's still inconclusive. Anyways you should come too since you look tired.

Time to split up. Nothing new happens by bed time. Nothing happens the next day either. Or the day after that.
Some underground area
Masanori: Hello.
It's night time and Masanori is alone.
Masanori: So your secret hiding underneath the lab is almost over, huh.
Evil Scout A: Thanks to you! We strike tomorrow!
Evil Scientist B: It's done! Though I wish we had ran a test run.
Evil Scout C: Yes, you kept everyone else busy while we worked.
Evil Scientist D: Valenviva la revolución!
End of Episode part

Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 2 Episode 10: Annihilation Wish 2 (Abridged)

Danzo: Let 'er rip!
Ninja super jump with three bonus actions!
Monster: [Weird Screaming]
Sonic jump boost!
Danzo: Hey Little Boss, where's my VP!? You see what my right hand is doing!?
Danzo slaps some Monster away while waving with his right hand. The chakram that was there has been thrown at a Monster cluster.
MC: (Um. He multiattacked with a shockwave? I think???)
Danzo: Right, let's keep going!
MC: (I know I said I'd do this but geez!)

Five minutes earlier. Or something.
Danzo: Tutorial time, tutorial time!
MC: Okay / wait what / a what now
---
(A) Danzo: Oh goody you got it! Okay sorry that was a little rude.
(B) Danzo: Yeeees. Okay here's what's up.
(C) Danzo: damn you didn't get that? In this day and age?
---
Danzo: So, think you can keep up with me? I go fast you know. Quick, what am I doing? (raises right hand and holds up something long and thin)
MC: You're holding a weapon? / ...you're gonna feint? / (Hmm...)
(C) Danzo: Ooh, look at you thinking. But too slow!

Danzo: Correct answer, faking out with my right while I do my thing with my left!
He's got a coin or whatever in that hand and he's ready to shoot with it!
Danzo: Misdirection's a big thing with human opponents...did you at least get everything I did?
MC: ...no.
Danzo: It's cool! Even Big Boss has to make snap judgments with a fuzzy eye, so he has to keep thinking about how things will play out and decide from there based off experience.
MC: Hmm...
Danzo: So yeah we can't do that since we haven't worked together very long. We gotta get outta here ASAP and all.
Tensions rising. This is only happening because it's the bare minimum needed.
Danzo: ...we really have no time if you think about Galvo and Monomasa. Even less if we're shooting for the golden ending.
MC: Yeah / (nod) / (feel reassured)
(C) Danzo: Uh, why you smiling? You're looking like Seiichi!

Danzo: ...things get more different in battles against Monsters as opposed to people. People are complicated, Monsters are simple. So, how about we dance? Lesson one. (taps foot) Grigory is doing whatever he's doing, but Exio probably won't let us pass by. We have to go to the lab, and we'll probably have to fight. Them and the Monsters.
MC: Right...
Danzo: Heh, so about the Monster fighting method...we need ultra efficient violence!
Present
MC: WHAT
Danzo: Hey Little Boss, you're blocking my view.
Danzo throws something!
Monster: [Weird Screaming]
He hit a Monster outside MC's view!
Danzo: Fail. I'm cool and all, but you gotta keep an eye out around you.
MC: (HOW IS THIS LESSON ONE!?)

Danzo: Aww man, I wanted to move on since the goal's right there.
He's being deliberately loud.
Danzo: Oh geez I really thought you and I could make this work? I wonder why it's not? Hmmmm...
MC: oh SHUT UP / I'm slow! / Sorry!
Danzo: Whoopsies, you heard?
So many factors to consider.
MC: (So much thinking to do! Brain overload!)
MC: (But...)
This is still the least you need to do if you want to make the future you want happen.
MC: Well in that case...
And so Danzo and MC head to the lab.

Danzo and MC make it! Also come to think of it, there's weirdly few Monsters up front.
Danzo: Annnd lesson one finished! Whatcha think Little Boss?
MC: (coughing) / (wheezing) / (...not too bad?)
MC: ...thanks for the experience.
Danzo: Heh, it was trial by fire, but don't overestimate yourself! Also, weren't my moves totally different from when I was guarding you?
MC: ...I could sorta tell. Not all though.
Danzo: That's okay! Admitting what you don't know is the first step to understanding, or some junk! But the important thing is, if you can't do it when the chips are down, that's breach of contract and I get mad mkay.
He looks determined.
MC: Right. Let's go, Danzo.

Danzo and MC are in it together now. Not sure he can go all out just yet, but no room for big mistakes.
MC: ...Danzo, can I say something Boss-like just once?
Danzo: Pffft, really pushing the temp boss thing, huh? But okay! You wanna make memories or something?
MC: Don't choose to sacrifice yourself.
Danzo: !!
Danzo: ...damn, ask for the moon much?
Hard order for Danzo to take. That takes out some options and makes things harder, even if it's 1% more.
Danzo thinks of Seiichirou.
Danzo (narrating): WTH do people think ninjas ARE?
Danzo: Welp this backfired on me. Fine, I promise I won't sacrifice myself. Let's get going then. Open says me!
And so Danzo and MC enter the lab.

Inside
Exio: there you finally are, MC.
MC: ...Exio.
Light particles float up. Exio is talking so casually.
Exio: Huh. Where's Monomasa and Yoshiori?
Id Replica is doesn't have the Venom Ball in its mouth anymore.
Danzo: Aww, your little guard dog hasn't come back?
Exio: Nope, not since he fought Monomasa.
Danzo: ...huh, you know that much? Were you watching from somewhere?
What is up with Exio not knowing about the Venom Ball?
Danzo: (...I think he might not actually know, for now. If he did, then that'd mean he really doesn't need Yoshiori.)
Maybe Id Replica ate the Venom Ball or something. Even if it didn't, Exio still needs to go down quick.
MC: ...Galvo's holding the line outside.

Tense moment.
Exio: I know. Dammit, he had to play the hero. Well, not like me personally has any right to say that to him. Anything I have to say is to you, MC.
MC: ...why are you doing this?
Exio: Oh right I never said, huh? I just need you to close your eyes. Just you and me, disappearing from the world. This was my secondary goal by the way.
MC: ...so you want to kill me?
Exio: Please, that wouldn't do anything. You die, it just jumps to someone else. My crazy dream will be done if we split from the world. (finger snaps)
Id Replica approaches!
Exio: So, you working with me or are we fighting?
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming]
Id Replica would like to battle!

Danzo: Wow, RUDE ignoring me! (swings weapon) You gotta beat me if you wanna do that.
Exio: Figures... But that's exactly why I--
???: Exio, wait.
Exio: !?
Someone appears from behind Exio!
Monomasa: I know what you're trying to do. Stop this.
MC: Monomasa!?
Guess who else is here!?
Exio: ...what are you doing, Yoshiori?
Yoshiori: (stares)
MC: Yoshiori...

Exio: ...why are you there with Monomasa when I asked you to get MC? Weren't we fighting against him? And, Id Replica...
Exio asks his copy in Id Replica why Monomasa and Yoshiori are on its back.
Yoshiori: ...did you mean that, Exio? You said there'd be almost no losses with your plan.
Exio: Oh that. I mean it's true isn't it? If MC and I disappear, that's almost nothing right?
Yoshiori: !!
Yoshiori grinds his teeth. This isn't what he wanted.
Exio: Oh, is this because you're friends with MC now? Well MC being valuable is also partly why I say this is almost nothing.
Translation: Exio is worth nothing.
Yoshiori: ...I understand. (points gun at Exio)
Exio: ...what is the meaning of this?
Yoshiori: I'll protect you from everything that'll harm you, even yourself.
Intimidation roll! Yoshiori remembers who was with him when he became determined.

Flashback!
Yoshiori: What would you do if you HAVE to play dirty to save someone you want to help?
He's serious. And unsure.
MC: ...you mean Exio?
Yoshiori: I didn't say that. Like, what if it were someone at the agency in your case?
Hmm...
MC: ...not much I can do.
Yoshiori: Yeah, you're a weakling.
MC: RUDE
Yoshiori: ...okay I'm not doing any better. (sits down and makes a seat for MC) You may as well sit too.
MC: ...thanks / ...weird rich boy.
(B) Yoshiori: EXCUSE ME FOR TRYING TO BE NICE, DAMMIT

MC sits down really close to Yoshiori.
Yoshiori: ...I never cared about how I did things before.
He sounds like he's trying to figure his worries out.
Yoshiori: I only had to care about one thing before.
When did things get harder? He lost everything, but then was found by Exio. Thinking about Exio used to be enough for him. Then Monomasa and Melide came. Then everyone in Parallel Flight. It got harder, but still...
Yoshiori: ...I still want to be with him, even if I can't do anything.
Yoshiori (narrating): I don't want him to be hurt, no matter what. He doesn't care about himself, and he could give himself up when he's done with himself. But that can't be.
MC: Maybe you should be with him.

Yoshiori: ...you sure? This could blow up on you.
Yoshiori (narrating): What am I saying? What am I even expecting of them?
MC: So like I said, what I can do is observer heroes.
MC: It's all I can do, but I'll still stand by them. Same as always.
Yoshiori: (stares)
Yoshiori (narrating): Oh right, they're like that. And me...? Did they weigh on me because they had special powers? No. They just believed and stood by me.
Yoshiori: ...right, you're an Observer.
Yoshiori (narrating): That act means a lot, really.
MC: Whatever you're on, if you're unsure then go be with him.
Yoshiori: ...right. I'll do that.
Yoshiori (narrating): I've made up my mind. I'll protect him from everything that'll harm him.
MC: Also...

Yoshiori: What?
MC: If it gets to be too much for you alone, I'll help!
Yoshiori: you what
Yoshiori (narrating): Them? Seriously? What can they possibly--
Yoshiori: ...no wait, I haven't really changed much. Ugh.
MC: Give me a sign if it gets rough!
MC: I'll help you.
Yoshiori: Heh, fine whatever. Better than nothing.
Yoshiori (narrating): Just sharing the load helped.
Yoshiori: ...okay, the sign is "I'm Exio's only ally."
MC: Your sign suuuucks
Yoshiori (narrating): I'm glad they didn't get it, because I feel dumb just for saying it. But that's not all to it anymore.
Yoshiori: Shut up and go to bed dammit!
Yoshiori (narrating): I wave them off, knowing I'll be turning on them. They don't know it yet, but if they'll be watching, then I...
Yoshiori: (frowns)
Yoshiori (narrating): I might never be able to come back. Maybe it won't matter. But still...

Present
Yoshiori: I'm with you no matter what!
Yoshiori (narrating): Even if I have to stop you.
Yoshiori: I'll never give up on that!
Yoshiori (narrating): If Exio has only one person on his side, I am that person. But Exio just sighs when I point my gun at him.
Exio: ...fiiiine. Id Replica.
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming]
Id Replica makes snapping sounds as it coils around Exio!
Exio: New orders. Sucks its abilities went down, but oh well.
Danzo: Down? Not up?
Id Replica seems unrestrained!

Danzo: Well things are still better than they were a minute ago!
Danzo (narrating): We got Monomasa back! And Yoshiori for some reason!
Danzo: Let's dance, Little Boss!
No sense of futility here!
MC: Let's go!
Danzo: Nice. Feel the beats!
Exio: Right, this was how I figured it was gonna be to begin with. (floats up)
Monomasa: Exio, wait, stop!
Exio: No. (snaps fingers) See how weak you really are.
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming]
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Exio: Damn, this is actually enough people to beat Id Replica?
Id Replica stopped moving!
Danzo: God, FINALLY. Thanks, Little Boss!
Id Replica: [Weird Moaning?]
Exio: You'll be okay soon, Id Replica.
He looks like he saw this coming.
Monomasa: Give it up, Exio. You can't fight on your own.
Yoshiori: Exio please stop!
Danzo: Okay Yoshiori's a simp but how come you're trying to talk him down, Monomasa?
Danzo's about to jump.
MC: Danzo, wait.
Danzo: What, you gonna join them too? Because I'm gonna be pissed if--
MC: No, the world's warping. Something's happening.

The world is falling apart!
MC: ...!
Headaches! MC realizes they're being watched and all the negative vibes are flowing through them!
Danzo: !?
Danzo: Well shit.
Three Paths are opening! More Id Replicas pop out!
Exio: Just three of them? Oh well, good enough for now.
They can think.
Exio: Okay, rematch time everyone.
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 4 Part 2 (Abridged)

Olympus's perspective on love is that it's good to make quick bonds. If everything is connected to one thing, then forbidden love and wife-stealing is a-okay. Who cares if it causes social issues?
Hippolytus (narrating): Life is hard when you're ace in a world filled with horny people. The only one I cared for was a chief hunter who valued that I was pure. I cared about our connection, so I gave them a flower wreath I made in a meadow with spirits of purity. But then I talked with some other friend and ended up shittalking one of the Olympians and blew up my life! Then I had to leave. Sometimes I wonder if I'd have thought the same as everyone else if I didn't say anything then?

Present
Evil Scout A: i'm sowwy
Hippolytus: Good fight! :)
MC: Perfect victory man, damn. He's a maniac!
Hippolytus: Punching things until they agree with you is so much easier than understanding love!
Volkh: (shocked)
Volkh: Take him to the experimental farm. Actually, take him to the infirmary.
Some event workers move Evil Scout A away.
Hippolytus: ...um, sorry about that everyone.
MC: So, care to explain? It's fine but still.

Hippolytus: Yeah I should speak. So I say I don't get what love is, but most people don't believe me. Sure some things are unclear to me, but really I don't get it. Happy couples are nice, but I don't feel like being part of one. I don't even really CARE. But tons here and back home do so it's like I'M the weird one.
Flashback! ...sort of!
Hippolytus (narrating): Did I ever tell you guys about that kouhai who liked me? He tried so hard for the gardening club and asked about how I was. Then I realized he liked me and I must have hurt him. I just liked him as a friend, and I wondered if we could ever go back to just being friends. Buuut, I couldn't think of any way of making that happen.
Present
MC: oh / same dude / ...
(AC) Hippolytus: Stop looking at me like that!
(B) Hippolytus: !?
Hippolytus: Aww, thanks. How about we spar with pankration sometime?

Hippolytus: IT'S NOT ILLEGAL TO TURN SOMEONE DOWN! Me, asserting dominance by T-posing over what's-his-name? It's not my fault, he attacked first!
MC: welp / TOOCLOSE / okay you sort of have a point but--
Hippolytus: Why does ANYONE need to assert dominance? I mean I do that for Greek Martial Arts but still. I'm not apologizing, not getting mad over something people can't tell from just looking.
Krampus: Haha, I feel you. I get a lot of pity because of the family business but I am JUST as important as the other Santas and the problems with it are my own thing. Just like it is with you, huh, Hippolytus?
Empathy! A little bit at least.

Hippolytus: Wow I don't think anyone's ever said that to me. It's great you came here, Krampus! And everyone else! So I think I'll quit being the workshop teacher.
Takeminakata: ...but why tho
Hippolytus: A kouhai can take over for me! I can still help with materials.
Sad party.
Hippolytus: I don't want any more problems happening. And it's probably better that lots of people care about love and romance.
MC: Wait! / BITCH YOU STOP THAT RIGHT N-- / ...
Volkh: STOP
(AB) MC speaks at the same time Volkh.
(C) Volkh suddenly yells.

Volkh: I don't blame you for anything, but I won't let you quit as workshop teacher. No quitting allowed!
Hippolytus: Volkh...
Volkh: Kamui might say yes, but I won't. I go down with the ship!
MC: People want you to teach them / Remember what Masanori said? / But what if more problems happen...?
---
(C) Volkh: That's not always your problem to deal with.
---
Tense.
Takeminakata: Can I speak? (raises hand) I'm dumb, but I know giving up and losing are different things. There's always a next time, so why not try harder?
Krampus: I support whatever you pick. But I think you're a great teacher.
Taishakuten: Same. And it's not like everyone knows everything.
Masanori: ...we're all different, so we can't understand everything about each other. If you don't feel like you're near your best, take a break.
MC: I agree and I will fight you if you say no.

Hippolytus: You guys...
Volkh: Look, reviews. I probably should've given these to you earlier.
MC: Oh my god so many comments!
Taishakuten: "I'm getting married yo" / "I made up with my friend" / "My hospitalized family was happy with the present" / "I want to be a florist now" ...damn dude!
Krampus: And these are from before MC started helping!
Hippolytus: Even when I was dissociating that hard!? (looks through questionnaires)
Masanori: It wasn't all problems. Volkh did you stop Hippolytus from quitting for this?
Volkh: The people of Kitezh love spring and flowers. The people who took the workshop all agree you did good, and I will beat you with my own hands to make you stay if I have to.
Smiling party! Except for freaked out Hippolytus.

Hippolytus: ...oh, okay then.
MC: Wow he gave in. We're here to help so actually use us! / Best wishes to you too
Hippolytus: Right! But I need some time to think about continuing the workshop.
MC: Hippolytus... / What? / ...
Hippolytus: We have to figure out what to do about that love potion drug. You in to help fight against that stupid villain gang along with class?
Takeminakata: Oh...right!
Taishakuten: You just wanted us to beg, didn't you? Dick.
Krampus: I'm in!
Masanori: ...
Masanori: Time to plan then? Not that we have much info.
MC: Right, time to get info and figure something out!
Party: Yeah!
And so the party huddles to think of stuff for the rest of the day.

That night, Setagaya dorm. It's Hippolytus!
Hippolytus: Oh. Taking a late night walk too, MC?
MC: No / what do you mean "too"? / Sounds good
---
(A) Hippolytus: Oh okay. Want to join me?
(B) Hippolytus: Exactly what it sounds like! Want to join?
(C) Hippolytus: Walking buddies!
---
Hippolytus and MC walk towards the Setagaya school buildings.
Hippolytus: Gardening Club president's curfew breaking privilege!
Hippolytus swipes his card key to the fountain plaza and starts talking to the flowers around it.
Hippolytus: Hello~!
MC: You take care of them at night too? / Pretty / (talk to the flowers too)
(A) Hippolytus: Oh no I just start talking to the flowers I care for at random.
(B) Hippolytus: I know right?
(C) Hippolytus: Haha, maybe you should join a gardening club.

Hippolytus and MC sit on a bench after a round.
Hippolytus: I brought herbal tea! And an extra cup! ...thanks for earlier today and sorry again to surprise you. I know you're not part of the school, but then I dumped on you...like wow I really blew up there!
MC: It was fun! / I like that part about you / so you burn up easy?
---
(A) Hippolytus: HEY
(B) Hippolytus: UHHH? Most people get freaked out by that.
(C) Hippolytus: Yeah!
---
Hippolytus: ...haha, it's nice we can talk like this after all that.
Hippolytus sips some tea and looks at the stars.
Hippolytus: Everyone encouraging me reminded me of my time back home. Everyone there was always thinking about love, and I kind of wanted to join in on their fun. I couldn't, so I tried being dommy since I didn't want to feel like a weakling. And when I came to Tokyo, I felt like wanting to be equals with people again. That's it, really! Maybe I still don't understand myself. Maybe love isn't for me? Or I just don't know how to do it. So maybe I should face myself.
MC: I get it / Don't push it too much / You can talk to me anytime

Hippolytus: ...thanks for accepting me as I am. If I had someone like you...
Hippolytus thinks of possible futures. Something real? Or just some wishful thinking? Some hesitation...
This could be very important. Maybe it could affect his future.
MC: Think you'll find your way? / I'm just like you fr fr / Maybe we could find true love?
---
(A) Hippolytus: ...I think I will.
[Flag A set!]
(B) Hippolytus: WHAT
Hippolytus: Okay wow, that's surprising. But great! I'm really glad we met!
[Flag B set!]
(C) Hippolytus: Umm...dunno yet. but...maybe?
[Flag C set!]
---
Hippolytus: Okay, that's enough. Thanks for coming with me, MC. Let's go back.
And so Hippolytus and MC walk back to the dorm.
Further in the school
Masanori: So this is your base, huh?
Evil Scout A: Welcome, new comrade Masanori!
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 4 Part 1 (Abridged)

Hippolytus (narrating): Personal issues? Of course I have them! LoVe? RoMaNcE? WHO CARES?! Cuckolding? Spouse stealing? What kind of nasty, horrible animals ARE you people!?
Yeah Hippolytus is pretty much aro-ace. The only thing he really cared much about is some voice in the woods he'd go talk to but never see, never knowing his stuff would change up Olympus.
Present. The next morning, some evil lab
Evil Scout A: So something weird happened during the test and we should look into making that stop.
Evil Scientist B: Mmm, yes. We are trying to stealthily take over the school and random acts of valeniolence is not part of the plan.
Evil Scout A: please stop making valentine puns I mean, the workshop staff kept things under control and now we have important data
Evil Scientist B: Mmm, yes, things would have blown up if we kept the formula the same. By the way maybe we should do something about those workshop people.
Evil Scout A: Yes, it seems like they can resist our drugs somehow.
Evil Scientist B: Hmmmm, it would be a big valentery help if we dealt with them now.
Evil Scout A: Yes sir, I'll try to recruit them. If they say no...well unfortunate things happen.
Evil Scientist B: I'm glad you have things valenwell in hand! The fools will know the Dark ABC Valentines Gang soon! SOON!
Evil Scout A: can we please change the name? I mean, yes sir.

Several hours later, the party plus Volkh meet at the workshop. Hippolytus has a box filled with wreaths while everyone is here to talk about preventative measures keeping the workshop running smoothly.
MC: Say, what IS your artifact anyways?
Hippolytus: Oh right, I never said!
Takeminakata: Is it those mossy hands of your? How do the wreaths have magic in them then? (picks up and wears a wreath on his arm)
Hippolytus: So uh...my sort of home world Olympus has this place called the Pure Plains? It has these flowers that faith believes won't be despoiled by anyone, and my artifact can enchant any plants I touch with my artifact to do the same thing! So when I make wreaths, they make barriers or something.
Taishakuten: Oh. So it protects us when we wear it?
Hippolytus: Yes, that!

Takeminakata: So aren't we okay now that you've made all these wreaths?
Hippolytus: Up until they wilt. And I don't have the time and flowers to keep remaking them...
Not a permanent solution, got it.
Volkh: In other news, if I catch the culprits I'm sending them to the experimental farm!
MC: Oh my god??? / let the punishment fit the crime! / (I pretend I do not hear)
---
(A) Volkh: What? It's just where we test new growing and production methods. No experiments on people.
(B) Volkh: They shall know the joys of manual farming labor!
---
Volkh: Anyways, thank you Hippolytus. We'd have to cancel everything if not for your wreaths. And it gave us time to think about all this.
Krampus: But we have no clues on who did this and why...
Masanori: Well if they're using the app to do this, we could investigate along that line. And we can sort of think up a motive with all the love potion flowers and Valentines timing...
Takeminakata: Charm bombing? But it doesn't even last long.

Hippolytus: ...oh. :|
Taishakuten: You figure something out!?
Hippolytus: Well... what if the culprit is trying to mix those love potion flowers into some Best Love Potion thing?
MC: WHAT / how did you even think of that? / (wait)
Hippolytus: There are easier ways of interrupting the workshop if that was the goal, so maybe the love potion is the goal all along. And if they're making multiple tries, I figure they're trying to mix them up...
Masanori: Hmm... go on.
Hippolytus: (pulls some hair that looks like a flower out of his head and plays with it) Sooo, the same kind of flowers can have different effects from faith of different worlds. So maybe where someone comes from can also affect them? If they mix them together, they might still be able to use the love potion thingy to some degree...
Krampus: Yeah, I guess some universal drug would be easier.
???: HMM! How insightful, Hippolytus!

The party looks around! No one seems to be there. Until...
Evil Scout A: Wow, you figured out a lot about our plans.
MC: Oh no! / Sorry, we're done with class for the day and not taking any more signups.
---
(BC) Evil Scout A: Oh okay sorry ab--WAIT we're not here to sign up! Oof, I'm about to mess up my cool and mysterious first impression.
---
Smug weirdo.
Evil Scout A: I'm a Valentine revolutionary from the Dark ABC Gang and I'm here to talk to the workshop manager.
MC: WHAT / your group name suuuucks / Quick, we need Fenrir's edgelord naming scheme
(BC) Evil Scout A: yes it sucks please don't bring it up

Taishakuten: Hey, are you the bitch who drugged us yesterday!?
Masanori: Wait, we still need evidence before we can turn him in.
Evil Scout A: Oooh, scary. And who ever said yesterday's stuff was all I ever did?
MC: You admitted it like a minute ago / (look at Masanori)
---
(C) Masanori: You just confirmed Hippolytus's hypothesis earlier!
---
Evil Scout A: ...oh.
Masanori: I don't think I've ever met someone with looser lips than you.
Evil Scout A: Um, who could you ever be talking about~?
Taishakuten: Volkh can I punch him?
Volkh: I understand how you feel, really I do. But he's still a Setagaya student and I can't be party to administrator-on-student violence. Legal problems.
Takeminakata: What if I sumo wrestle him and make him give up his evil ways if I win?
Krampus: W-wait, he can't be picking a fight with ALL of us, right?
Evil Scout A: YES. That. Ahem. I wanted to make an offer to Hippolytus.
Hippolytus: WHAT
Evil Scout A: Join us?
MC: wait what

Evil Scout A: Valentines is only for the lucky! So we're going to change things for the losers!
Masanori: ...and that's why you want to make a love potion?
Krampus: I guess some people do already have someone else in mind.
Takeminakata: Yeah, there are people who lose out... STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT
Hippolytus: (shocked staring)
Evil Scout A: Valentines Revolution is going to start here in Setagaya!
Taishakuten: Does that stupid love potion even work?
Evil Scout A: I don't know who used that thing from yesterday, but we're trying for something else. It's supposed to be super close range and single target, not multitarget.
MC: Sooo brainwashing and coercion.

Evil Scout A: Let's put it this way then. Is love free? Feelings are determined by genes and society, so you can't just choose to love who you want. It's just a literary expression of science and social conventions! Love potions are just like having a friend help you get set up with someone.
MC: Tortured logic! / hmm, rando makes sense / ...
Evil Scout A: So Hippolytus! How about joining us, even if it's just until we finish the love potion?
Hippolytus: ...so why is all this related to the workshop?
Evil Scout A: We'll drug your flower gifts so people can have eternal unchanging love!
Masanori: Oh...
Evil Scout A: The workshop is popular because everyone thinks the gifts will magically get them love. It's a business opportunity! Join us?
MC: Hmm, win-win? / Ignore him, Hippolytus / ...
(A) Hippolytus: (frown)
Taishakuten: Hold up, lemme say something first.
Hippolytus: Taishakuten?
(BC) Hippolytus: MC...

Taishakuten: You think you can bring it? Then bring it, bitches! I could kick ass since the day I was born, so sure I like to fight.
Takeminakata: Yeah, I was born strong so I could go focus on sumo.
Taishakuten: Yeah that. You know what flaw you guys got in your logic is, though?
Masanori: (stares)
Evil Scout A: w-what?
MC: You guys are assuming the gifts get accepted / what
Krampus: What's the point in drugging flowers people can choose to reject, especially when they figure out something's up with them?
Evil Scout A: ...oh
MC: Your evil plan SUCKS / oh

Evil Scout A: ...UGH! Whatever! Hippolytus! Join? Yes!?
Hippolytus: Hmm...
Hippolytus: ...why does making someone like you matter so much anyways :|
Shocked party!
Evil Scout A: ...
Evil Scout A: REEEEEE
MC: Oh no!
Evil Scout A: Did you not listen to a single word I said!? Must be NICE to have so many people like you already!
Hippolytus: W-what? I literally do not understand what love is!
MC: wait what

Hippolytus: I'd still say no even if I did understand. It sucks that everyone assumes I just do! And if you don't get that, you'll have to CATCH THESE HANDS
Evil Scout A: excuse me?
Hippolytus: Secret Gardens of the Heart are a real thing and people get to give them to who they want to! No trespassers allowed!
Hippolytus takes a fighting stance.
Hippolytus: Come at me with whatever you have!
Taishakuten: Oh my god Hippolytus actually knows how to fight!
Krampus: He's all OOC now.
Evil Scout A: Fine! I use my love potion to somehow play Shadow Clone Jutsu and attack!
Takeminakata: I bet on Hippolytus! ...wait is this a thing in Setagaya?
MC: So we good if you don't fight, Volkh? / do people not fight each other in Setagaya? / (cover Volkh's eyes)
---
(A) Volkh: Not...entirely. I need to think of some excuse for Perun to explain any damage to his farmlands.
(B) Volkh: What kind of school is Shinjuku!?
(C) Volkh: I can't see! ...enough joking, MC!
---
Hippolytus: Eat pankration, punk!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 2 Episode 9: Annihilation Wish 1 (Abridged)

Sooo, Monomasa and Yoshiori are getting trapped in this giant goo ball now...
MC: wait what / Monomasa! / Yoshiori!
---
(B) Monomasa: Damn, sorry MC I--
(C) Yoshiori: GODDAMMIT MONOMA--
---
And now they're buried inside.
Meanwhile, Id Replica continues attacking recklessly!
Galvo: My mane!
Danzo: OMG STOP ALREADY
Danzo thinks blowing up the whole thing might be the only thing that will work at this point...
Danzo: Hmm...no wait...
Galvo: Danzo, something's wrong with it.

Id Replica's attention is drawn away to somewhere else for some reason.
Danzo: What's it lookin--wait WHAT Monomasa!?
Something's on the Venom Ball.
Galvo: Is that not Monomasa's weapon? But why--
MC: LOOK OUT
Id Replica suddenly flies up!
Danzo: UHHHH I don't like where this is going!
Id Replica focuses on the Venom Ball!
Galvo: MC, send me VP--
Galvo and Danzo know what's up! But unfortunately they're too slow...
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming] (flies at Venom Ball)
MC: OH NO

Id Replica used Bite!
Danzo: MONOMASA! (flings chakram)
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming]
Id Replica runs off with the Venom Ball and flies!
Galvo: Halt, cur!
Galvo attempts to fly! He apparently can, but just not here...
Id Replica ran away towards the lab!
MC: ...Monomasa...Yoshiori...
Suddenly rumbling converges towards the party's location...
Galvo: MC, Danzo! Prepare to run!
Galvo looks mad. Time to head to the lab!
Danzo: Dammit Monomasa... MC. (recalls chakrams) We'll go Galvo, you, then me for formation. We probably have some time, but we gotta get past these mobs coming in. Think you can handle the dash?
MC: Let's go!
Danzo: 10-4 buddy! Tell me if it hurts!

Later
The party is running towards the lab!
Galvo: Begone, vile pests! (claws away some of the Monsters)
MC: (We gotta hurry!)
Shit's bad, but stopping isn't an option.
Monster Mobs: REEEE (rushes the party)
Galvo: Away with you!
Galvo burns them all down. MC grits their teeth as VP management is all they can do.
Danzo: Shit, there's so many of them. Galvo, should we switch places!?
Galvo: Nay! Thou must hold on!
Danzo: uhhh okay? Are you--
A single mob chases from behind!
Danzo: DAMMIT GET LOST (slaps it away) Back with y'all, sheesh!
Too tough to OHKO, so knockback at least.
Danzo: What the hell is all this!?
Danzo (narrating): Galvo and I might have to make a decision soon...

Reverse Imaginary Point Lab
MC: OH GOD WE MADE IT
The party made it! But also...
Danzo: Yep that is a ton of Monsters. Of course.
MC: !!
There's a bunch of them by the door. They don't seem to have noticed the party yet.
Galvo: oof
MC: Galvo are you okay!?
Galvo: Fret not, I am...just tired.
Well he LOOKS fine on the outside, but is he really okay...?
Galvo: ...I suppose it's come to this.
Galvo looks up at the cliffs surrounding the lab. There are cliffs by the way. He looks determined.

Galvo: Danzo...will thou be alright with less help?
Danzo: ...I CAN handle it I guess.
Galvo: Mayhaps thou art too kind to be a ninja?
Danzo: Pfft, please. But maybe so. I did quit once.
Incoming underground mobs! Galvo is up to something...
Galvo: MC...go on with Danzo without me. I shall hold the line.
Danzo: Called it!
They're getting closer!
Galvo: ...may the dice roll in my favor.
MC: wait, what
Galvo: We cannot afford to get pincered, so I shall take the rear. Will thou give me all the VP?
MC: ...stop

Getting closer!
Galvo: Hmm. No time to figure out a compromise. Danzo, if you would?
Danzo: Sure, but dick move bro. (throws arm around MC's waist) You're still cool tho, with your focus on the now. SO! We're partying after all this!
Galvo: !?
Galvo: Sounds splendid! I would love to see more of thine world!
MC: Danzo let go
They're gonna be here soon.
Danzo: Sorry, can't.
He's here to guard you.
Danzo: What's your plan anyway? Biting the dust?
Galvo: I will figure it out. I shall not die here.
Danzo: ...right. See you on the other side.

Danzo turns to MC.
Danzo: MC, give Galvo the VP. For all our sakes.
His grip is iron. It keeps MC from running off, and him from wavering.
MC: ...
Galvo: Indulge me. Please.
The Monsters are REALLY close now!
MC: ...!
Galvo's fire flares up as MC sends VP!
Galvo: ...thank you. Thou may need to make a choice one day that can change the world. Thou shalt do so, even if others believe thou incapable.
Galvo cuts a path forward!
MC: ...Galvo!

Galvo: ...until next time, MC.
Loud noise and dust cloud covers Galvo!
Galvo: Well then...
SO MANY MONSTERS
Galvo: That is TOO many Monsters! That said...
Monster rush! Fire flares up!
Galvo: I will not fall and let my dream end thusly!
He shines. The Monsters scream!
Galvo: Have at thee, and fall by my flames!

Elsewhere
Bright flash!
Danzo: ...I need to talk to you, MC.
MC: ...!
Danzo carries MC and isn't looking at them. He quickly takes heads to the dorm area and puts MC on a bed when he sees it's safe.
Danzo: ...Sorry. You can hate me, it's cool.
Danzo's busy with something.
MC: (...dammit) / (I wanna give up...) / ...
Still lots to think about, but what's Danzo doing? How's Monomasa? ...is Galvo still alive? How's everyone else?
MC: (I just want to stop...) / ...
MC still has Grigory's weapon in hand.
MC: ...
What is it you need now? What is it you wish for? What are you choosing?
Flash of whichever character of the main gang you picked in 2-6!

MC: (Right...)
MC: (I don't want anyone to be hurt) / (I don't want anyone to die) / (I don't want anyone to suffer)
MC: (So...)
MC collapses a little. There's a goal, so there's thinking to be done.
MC: ...Danzo, what are you doing?
Danzo: I'm making a bomb!
He says that so casually.
Danzo: Remember the HFCM? The space portal nuke? They're researching it again and I got this to make a mini version! Power's scaled down too, but it should work on the Monsters! Isn't it nice having an arm with secret compartments?
MC: How many you got?
Danzo: Whoo boy, look at you. I got five.
Huh.

MC: ...you're used to thinking these things out, huh.
Danzo: ...kinda. I do what I want, including being a ninja! I'm also used to giving things up, which is why I'm a cyborg now too. What about you? Should we really stay here?
Danzo looks outside. Fighting is likely, but sticking around might have better survivial odds.
Danzo: ...well, I'm all in. Whatchu gonna do, MC?
MC: ...Danzo.
MC: Let's fight together.
Danzo: ...yeaaah that's a stretch since I'm already escorting you an--
MC: I can make it happen.
Danzo: wait what
MC: I will pull out a goddamn deus ex machina happy ending.

Danzo: ...that's crazy bro. You can do that? Because I just said I'm stretched thin!
MC: Which is why I need you. I need someone to stand with me.
MC: I...
MC thinks of whoever you picked in 2-6.
MC: I want to make that dream a reality!
Danzo: (stares)
Danzo: ...anyone ever tell you you're crazy?
Danzo thinks about Seiichirou and how lame he looked. But his eyes shone. Even if it was greed for a happy ending.
Danzo: You even know what you're saying???
Danzo (narrating): I can't BELIEVE what I'm hearing... but something in MC's eyes looks similar to my own dream...
Danzo: You know what? I'm in, baby!
MC: Danzo!

Danzo looks at himself and thinks. He pushed the ninja thing a bit too hard. Does he really want to live an unfun life?
Danzo: May as well go all in! MC, I'm calling you Little Boss!
A sign of his trust. A bit of something he'd die for.
Danzo: Not just anyone gets to be my boss! You gotta think about how to stay guarded by me. Think you can keep up?
He's looking at you like an equal. Just like whoever you picked in 2-6!
MC: ...yeah! Let's do it, Danzo!
The things you have to do if you're stuck here anyways.
Danzo: Roger, Little Boss! Show me that Deus Ex Machina Happy Ending you want!
End of Episode