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It’s Sunday. Because Japanese schooling is a bitch, you only today to relax.

>>Takashi: Adjust your smartphone’s clock.

A glitch referred to as ‘bored kid messes around with the settings and then forgets to restore everything back to normal’ has caused the date on the clock to be one day behind than usual. Strangely enough, the name of the day has remained constant. You wonder, with a question mark above your head, what exactly made you to cause such a blunder. Sleepless nights from staying up playing video games over the holidays? In any case, you tap the screen a few times and the date is restored back to normal.

Thank god for that. You surely would’ve missed sleep, holidays and exam dates over it. Now…

[8:30, 10-Apr-2129 (SUNDAY)]

That is so much better. Now to see if anything popped up overnight…

>[CLEARED] On 8-Apr-2129 at 9:17 pm, there will be a factory explosion caused by mishandled illegal explosives. Dozens will die in the impact. Following this incident, the third player—Akikazu Osaragi—will join the game.

>[MAX PRIORITY] On Sunday 17-Apr-2129 at 8:00 am, the corpse of Akikazu Osaragi will be found in Akumachi City. Analysis will conclude that his liver and heart were cut out and the body was then crucified. Further inspection by the other Players will reveal that he has been murdered by the Denizens residing in Sector 2 of the Blackened Void—Pyre Ruin Valley. 7 days, 0 hours, 0 minutes and 0 seconds remain.

Well, shit.

<chocolat_orange> takashi-kun!
<THE_FIRST> I know
<THE_FIRST> So it’s happening again
<THE_FIRST> And here my naiive self thought we could have a peaceful day of rest
<THE_FIRST> Though the chances of that happening are the same as covering my naked body with honey and not being immediately savaged by a pack of ravenous bears
<chocolat_orange> ew gross takashi-kun :P
<chocolat_orange> looks like the two of us will be pretty busy today. it’s a little sad i won’t have time to catch up on my favourite tv dramas

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<chocolat_orange> but we can’t let this osaragi fellow die in the blackened void. but, um, takashi-kun do you know who he is?
<chocolat_orange> i recall you telling me the observer guy said that all future players are connected to the current players
<chocolat_orange> but i’ve never met anyone called akikazu osaragi
<THE_FIRST> You haven’t been paying attention to rumors?
<THE_FIRST> I thought you were that type of girl
<chocolat_orange> um
<chocolat_orange> i heard something about a thug bullying some girls in the akumachi-kirijo library???
<chocolat_orange> is osaragi that guy?
<chocolat_orange> apparently he threatened to break their spines in half with their persona or whatever
<THE_FIRST> It wasn’t that one sided
<THE_FIRST> I was there
<chocolat_orange> oh, really?
<THE_FIRST> Those girls provoked him first
<chocolat_orange> i also heard that he punches vending machines and steals all the coffee cans
<chocolat_orange> or that he stole, like, a dozen porn mags from synth central!!!
<chocolat_orange> and he robs little kids for their lunches and macca
<chocolat_orange> and he’s in a forced marriage with the student council president and his terrible, rude personality is just him being heavily tsundere because he can’t accept his love for her
<chocolat_orange> like baka it’s not like i wanted to hold hands with you or anything!!
<chocolat_orange> when i get near you my face gets all red. stay away from me!
<chocolat_orange> except it’s coming from a boy so it’s weird
<chocolat_orange> …
<chocolat_orange> this is all sounding incredibly unrealistic
<THE_FIRST> Yeah no shit Celeste
<chocolat_orange> so…
<chocolat_orange> do you know him takashi-kun?
<THE_FIRST> He’s in my class
<chocolat_orange> what kind of guy is he, then?

…
>He’s a friend.
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.
>He’s a common thug and I wouldn’t associate with him if he wasn’t associated with this AETHER bollocks.
>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.
>Custom option.

>>41674211
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.
>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.

>>41674211
>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.

>>41674211
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.
But also,
>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.

>>41674211
>he seems like a good guy, just kind of misunderstood, so he can go a bit over the top sometimes

>>41674211
>>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.

>>41674211
>>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.
>He treated me to ramen, when I returned his wallet, so he must be okay.

>>41674211
>>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay-ish. He at least pays his debts.

>>41674211
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.
>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.
seems like he just wants to be left alone really

>>41674211
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.
"Don't get me wrong, he still scares the bejezus out of me, but I think people just give him a lot of shit that he only kinda deserves."

>>41674211
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.

>>41674211
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.
>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.

>>41674211
>He’s a friend.

>>41674211
>Why did this interrupt your busy schedule of pretending to be interested in signing up for a bank account just so you can swipe their complementary candy?

>>41674211
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.

>>41674211
>I don’t know enough about him to make a solid judgement.

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<THE_FIRST> Well
<THE_FIRST> He dropped his wallet in the library and I picked it up
<THE_FIRST> I won’t lie to you Celeste
<THE_FIRST> Akikazu comes across as kinda scary
<THE_FIRST> But the thing is he seems like the type of guy who wants to be left alone period
<THE_FIRST> He twitches and swears and he’s pretty much pissed all the time
<THE_FIRST> But it’s very restrained anger like he’s always about to flip but somehow manages to keep it in
<THE_FIRST> Anyway when I returned his wallet I thought he was going to sock me in the gut or something
<THE_FIRST> He instead just sort of
<THE_FIRST> I dunno looked at me funny
<chocolat_orange> he was sizing you up?
<THE_FIRST> Yeah like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing or seeing
<THE_FIRST> Then he muttered about paying off debts and dragged me off to eat ramen with him
<chocolat_orange> that sounds nice of them. was the ramen good?
<THE_FIRST> It was awesome best I’ve had in a while
<THE_FIRST> Maybe we can go there together
<THE_FIRST> Akikazu didn’t say a single fucking word while he was in the ramen den
<THE_FIRST> It was total silence between the two of us
<THE_FIRST> When it came time to pay he shoved me out of the way and paid for both of us
<THE_FIRST> Afterwards he bounced out of there and I haven’t seen him since

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<chocolat_orange> he really doesn’t sound like that bad of a person.
<chocolat_orange> i don’t understand why everyone seems to hate him that much >:?
<chocolat_orange> it’s definitely got something to do with eriko ozaki though. she didn’t sound like she hated him back.
<THE_FIRST> The product of word by mouth no doubt
<THE_FIRST> I think people give Akikazu a lot of shit he only partially deserves
<THE_FIRST> Anyway I still don’t know much about him
<THE_FIRST> Shouldn’t jump so quick to assumptions
<THE_FIRST> Unlike 90% of the student body
<chocolat_orange> :P
<THE_FIRST> We can talk to him once we rescue him from ‘Pyre Ruin Valley’
<chocolat_orange> sounds really ominous! shall we prepare ourselves?
<THE_FIRST> Yeah
<THE_FIRST> Um
<THE_FIRST> See if you can scourge up some extra materials
<THE_FIRST> Food water Macca that sort of stuff
<THE_FIRST> Let’s enter the Blackened Void in half an hour
<chocolat_orange> okie dokie!
<chocolat_orange> see you in thirty minutes, takashi-kun!

You disconnect. Shizuka has headed into her room for sleep and nothing short of a fog Shadow alarm will come close to waking her up. You have about to head off to rescue Akikazu soon. A gut feeling tells you this mission will be degrees more difficult that Celeste’s rescue. You should prepare yourself for this trial…

>How?

>>41674211
>He’s a friend.
>He treated me to ramen, so he must be okay.

>>41674716
Gets lots of water, Pyre means fire, grab some granola bars or candy bars, ducktape, rope, a lighter, and something fire retardant.

>>41674716
Get some supplies, first aid kits, anything to restore our SP, that sort of thing.

>>41674716
Bring some non-perishable food like bread or instant ramen, as well as a good knife.

>>41674716
Check the Velvet Room to see what new Personas we have available. Also yes, get supplies.

>>41674716
Go to the Velvet Room. We should have a new persona available.

>>41674716
Right now, grab our boots and brass knuckles, the medkit, some water bottles, and whatever compact food supplies we have. Once we meet up with Celeste in the Blackened Void, hit up the Velvet Room to check for new Personas and the Hephaestus Weapon Shop to see if we can get any upgrades for our or Celeste's gear. And of course, leave a note for Shizuka that we're going to be out with friends today, it's important not to worry nee-san.

>>41674716
>Water
>Food

>>41674716
I assume we have some sort of fire extinguisher around (Those things work FAST, but they do make a huge mess though). Get some pain killers out of the cabinet, preferably non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (basically all of the communally available ones), some stuff we can use for bandages, rope and some belts for a makeshift tourniquet.

Also clean knives if we can get them.

>>41674716
This >>41674772

>>41674716
>Check with all "shop" types within AETHER, including at least partially repaying the healer and Velvet Room
>See if we have any fire-resistant objects on hand for offense or defense

>>41674716
>>41674837

Sounds pretty good. Add on any first aid stuff we have and a pack to carry stuff.

>>41674837
Yeah, backing.

>>41674837
>it's important not to worry nee-san.
Isn't this a secondary concern?

>>41675155
No, I'm pretty sure it's the primary one.

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Pyre means cremation. Cremation means fire. And the antithesis of fire was water. You scrounge around the apartment for your family’s collection of recycled empty plastic bottles. Rumi Wakui was noteworthy for being a stingy mistress and tried to save wherever she could. This meant keeping the husks of soft drinks for later use.

You privately thank your mother as you grab as many as you can and fill them up with filtered tap water. Praise twenty-second century water treatment facilities, indeed.

>>Takashi: Grab food.

Non-perishable stuff would be the best. You check the fridge and find a couple of granola bars. They go straight in the pile. The pantry is next and you retrieve a few cups of instant ramen. According to the label, they are due to expire in roughly a hundred and twenty years. The beef jerky will only last about half as long.

Er, better leave those Pocky containers alone. Best not to make Shizuka angry.

You take some mountain bread and the remainder of the Jack Frost candies.

>>Takashi: Grab medicine and other assorted equipment.

There’s already a first-aid kit with all your gear back at the safehouse, but it wouldn’t hurt to grab some more. The medicinal cupboard in the bathroom contains some painkillers, emergency mana restoration jellies and bandages. You swipe those. Shizuka will probably question you about all the missing junk. You wonder what sort of excuse you’ll give her.

>>Grab duct tape and lighter

The duct tape goes in, which has around a hundred possible uses. Maybe even more. Smoking is banned in this household and the stoves spurt fire automatically, so no lighter there.

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>>Is there rope?

Unfortunately no. Shizuka keeps some of her combat gear in her bedroom, including a magnum, but you’re about to break in there anytime soon.

>>What about knives?

There aren't any combat knives or any sharp objects that could potentially be used for exploration. You remember safehouse lacks cutlery, so in goes some plastic utensils.

>>Belts for makeshift torniquets?

…

You’re not about to sacrifice your school uniform or steal your mother’s designer clothes.

>>Fire hydrant?

Might be too heavy.

>>You suck.

Shut up, Takashi is trying the best he can, okay?

>>Fine. Just go to the Blackened Void, already.

You send Shizuka a text stating that you’re heading out for the rest of the day with a friend. It isn’t technically a lie. Your beloved nee-san would probably lock you in your room if she knew the truth, though.

>>41675210
>emergency mana restoration jellies
That sounds useful.

>>41675233
We don't have spare belts?

>>41675198
The primary concern is survival.

Actually dieing will hurt her a lot more compared to missing for a bit.

>>41675416
Lets see: no sharp objects, no extra belts, no rope. Was Takeshi's family worried about him trying to kill himself or something?

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So you meet up with Celeste outside and take the elevator downstairs to the bottom. You examine her inventory. She too has brought water bottles and snacks, most of which are sweet and will restore mana well. No medicine supplies, unless you count mouthwash.

“We might get silenced by the Shadows.” She says, almost apologetically.

You open the door in the alleyway and step into the Forgotten City. A myriad of thoughts spin through your head as you contemplate your next move. But there is something long overdue…

>>Takashi: Enter Velvet Room.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcMz3aAZDv4

“Welcome back, Weakest One!” The girl chirps. She hasn’t become less infuriating or smug. That sharp, toothy grin is still as wide as ever. “It’s been several days since your last visit. I was beginning to think you didn’t like us!”

“I see you’ve been busy, kid.” The boy states. “Rest will be infrequent, it seems.”

“The great trial has resumed itself!” The girl giggles. “Did you think your peaceful days in Akumachi would continue forever? Perish the thought. It is the fate of Wild Cards to suffer and sacrifice their well-being for the sake of others.”

“Which is why you arrived here.” The boy smirks. “To gain power. Not that it is necessarily a terrible idea. Ambition is one of humanity’s virtues, after all…”

“But nii-san, a certain fragment of humanity has become massively arrogant over the past eighty years. Do you think it might be leading them down to a shallow grave?”

“If it does, they only have themselves to blame.”

“You’re right!”

“Alright, dillydallying time is over. Kid, let’s take a closer look at your new bonds.” The boy snaps his finger and tarot cards swirl into the cold air. “Let’s see…Hanged Man with Akikazu Osaragi and Lovers with Takauji Koyoura.”

Oh my! Nii-san, I’m blushing!” The girl gasps. “A Lovers bond with another male? How very…astonishing!”

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“My dear little sister, don’t forget that the Lovers represents understanding and choices. It does not entirely about love or lust. Although, it is interesting that a male holds the Lovers bond, when traditionally it has been reserved for females of the attractive kind.” The boy smirks. “Hey kid, we won’t judge you. Not on these terms, at least. The Velvet Room is a socially open-minded facility, you know.”

“Although, is love truly something you should desire, especially considering the nature of this trial?”

“Now now my dear little sister, our guest is still confused about the current situation. Let’s focus on what he came here for today.”

Four tarot cards are displayed in the air.

“Go on kid, pick your poison.”

>[HANGED MAN]

NAME: Inugami
RANK: E
STATS: STR E+, MAG E, END E, AGL D-, LCK C, DEV C-
AFFINITIES: Resistant against Wind, Weak to Earth
SKILLS: Poisma, Garu, Assault Dive
-A dog spirit said to possess people in Japanese lore. Those possessed are in a state of "inu-tsuki," and lose conciousness. Onmyoji used them as familiars.
-Quite fast. Infect foes with Poison, blast them away with Garu or knock them down with Assault Dive.

NAME: Koropokkuru
RANK: E
STATS: STR E-, MAG E+, END E+, AGL E-, LCK C+, DEV D-
AFFINITIES: Resistant to Earth, Weak against Fire
SKILLS: Tera, Dia, Sukunda
-A small, human-shaped demon of Ainu legend, it is believed to have a calm, kind disposition.
Though they once coexisted with the Ainu, at some point there was a scism and they simply disappeared.
-Not good for temperature-intensive areas. Heal with Dia or slow down targets with Sukunda.

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>[LOVERS]

NAME: Alp
RANK: E
STATS: STR E-, MAG D-, END E-, AGL E, LCK C-, DEV D+
AFFINITIES: Resists Wind and Darkness, Weak to Ice and Light
SKILLS: Dia, Mudo, Marin Karin
-A succubus of German and Swiss folklore. Originated as beings which forged mystical crafts under the mountains, they later came to be seen as demons that prevented people from sleeping, causing illness.
-Reminder that Mudo does magic damage. Marin Karin can charm an enemy and turn it to the caster’s side, but it has an infamous reputation of missing.

NAME: Moh Shuuvu
RANK: E
STATS: STR E, MAG E+, END E, AGL E+, LCK D-, DEV C+
AFFINITIES: Resists Ice, Weak to Wind
SKILLS: Bufu, Tarukaja, Dekunda
-Meaning 'evil bird', it's the ghost of a young girl who died without knowing love in Buryat folklore. She seduces travelers, only to crack their heads open and suck out their brains with her beak.
-Boost attack with Tarukaja and null party debuffs with Dekunda. Are you a failure of a Persona user?

[HANGED MAN]
>Inugami
>Koropokkuru
>I’ll choose later…

[LOVERS]
>Alp
>Moh Shuuvu
>I’ll choose later…

>>41675577
>Koropokkuru
>Moh Shuuvu

>>41675551
>Inugami

>>41675577
>Moh Shuuvu

>>41675577
>Inugami
>Moh Shuuvu

>>41675577
>Inugami
>Moh Shuuvu

No sense in picking a weak-to-fire persona right now and developement potential's a big deal

>>41675577
>Inugami
>Moh Shuuvu

>>41675577
>Inugami
>Moh Shuuvu

From the wiki

>Inugami can betray their masters

>>41675416
>>41675493
I don't own rope. I also only own one belt.

>>41675653
And magikarp sheds eight times a day.

>>41675577
>Koropokkuru
>Alp

>>41675233
>Shizuka keeps some of her combat gear in her bedroom, including a magnum
>including a magnum

Did Japan undo its gun control laws or is she allowed one cause shadow hunter?

>>41675707
Considering Japan conquered Korea I have the feeling this isn't your standard japan.

>>41675707
Its probably not surprising someone whos job is to fight monsters gets to use guns. Even the police get guns in japan which is more than ours get.

>>41675493
>I also only own one belt.
Seems odd but I might not be one to judge. I am a guy with over a dozen pairs of shoes after all.

>>41675766
I rarely even wear pants that require a belt.

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>>41675765
>Even the police get guns in japan which is more than ours get.
I take it you are not in America.

>>41675577
>Inugami
>Moh Shuuvu

We're not going to be a failure as a human.

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>>41675826
>We're not going to be a failure as a human.
Keep on believing that.

>>41675824
Well some of our police get guns. Detectives and up plus our swat equivalent. Not sure what to call them.

>>41675750
I am guessing people being able to summon murder spirits, the emergence of shadows trying to kill us and over one hundred years could change a few things.

>>41675577
>Inugami
>Moh Shuuvu

>>41675865
UK?

>>41675892
Huh, I always thought they were armed.

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>>Inugami and Moh Shuuvu

“BARK!” Inugami, a youkai with an elongated white body and a black head roars. “BARK BARK BARK BARK
BARK BARK. BARK BARK BARK BARK! BAAAAARK!”

Moh Shuuvu is next. It, other rather, she appears in a puff of ice and cloud.

“I’m Moh Shuuvu.” She chirps. “You want my wings, human boy? Very well, they are yours.”

The Personas disappear into the tarot cards and you pocket them. The power of the Hanged Man and Lovers social links then course through your body…

>Inugami’s Endurance increased to E+! It is now an E+ ranked Persona!
>Moh Shuuvu’s Luck increased to D! Endurance increased to E+! Learned Mabufu! It is now an E+ ranked Persona!

Since the Lover’s bond was stronger, Moh Shuuvu gained additional power that it would not have otherwise receieved…

You exit the Velvet Room and return to the safehouse.

“So,” Celeste says. “What should we do now?”

>Go to Pyre Ruin Valley this instant.
>Open the door with the TV inscribed on it.
>Open the door with the green leaf drawn on it.
>Open the door with the gun printed on it.
>Shop at the available vendors.
>Custom option.

Oh, and you might as well choose your Persona loadout. Ippon-Datara is permanently attached to you, so you can only carry TWO others.
The available personas are: Slime, Pixie, Inugami, Moh Shuuvu.

>>41675577
>Inugami
>Moh Shuuvu
Sukunda is tempting, but Inugami has better development.

>>41676001
>Moh Shuuvu
>Pixie

>Open the door with the TV inscribed on it.

>>41676001
>>Open the door with the gun printed on it.

>>41676001
>Open the door with the gun printed on it.

>>41676001
>Getting Mabufu as we're entering a fire level
Good timing

>>41676001
>Moh Shuuvu
>Pixie

>Payback Hotspring Bill
>Open the door with the gun printed on it.

>>41676001
I say we take Moh Shuuvu and Pixie. Pixie for healing, always bring a healer. And Moh Shuuvu for status effects and ice magic.

>Open the door with the green leaf drawn on it.
I'm hoping this is recovery items.

>>41676001
Moh Shuuvu
Pixie

>Payback Hotspring Bill
>Open the door with the gun printed on it.

>>41676001
>>Open the door with the TV inscribed on it.

>>41676001
>Pixie
>Moh Shuuvu

>>41676001
>Pixie
>Inugami
>Repay bill at hot springs

>>41676001
And so we continue our theme of having Personas that are fucked up things. Inugami is a dog that was tortured to death so its angry ghost could be used as a slave, and Moh Shuuvu is the ghost of a little girl who seduces men and then eats their brains.

>>41676157
>Repay bill at hot springs
Why?

>>41676172
>Inugami is a dog that was tortured to death so its angry ghost could be used as a slave, and Moh Shuuvu is the ghost of a little girl who seduces men and then eats their brains.
perfectly normal, by SMT standards

>>41676186
to not be an ass
to possibly gain Social Link
to possibly get discounts later on, or unlock a different shop


Still worried that the boss will be physical burst, and we actually should have brought slime

>>41676233
chances are we'll be visit after the boss fight, if it happens

>>41676186
Its the right thing to do?

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>>Repay the Hot Springs Vendor

That oddly snake-like girl was nice to you and Celeste, so it would be good manners to show your gratitude. This is a statement that looks good on paper. However, paper is a flimsy thing that goes soggy when you flush it down the toilet.

“W-what debt?” Shizue gasps in the lobby of Hebi-Ko. “You don’t owe me anything.”

“You gave a free pass when we were about to keel over and die.” Okay, that’s a little exaggerated but whatever.

“I don’t recall that.”

“C’mon Shizue-san, we need to pay you back. It’s constantly been on my mind for the past few days and I just can’t get it out!” Celeste begs.

“N-no!” Shizue shrieks. “I have no idea what you two are talking about. I’m totally not pretending your free pass never happened in the first place because I don’t want my older sister finding out. And I’m definitely not afraid of her creepy snake obsessions and that child molester-like co-worker of hers. Honest!”

“…we’ll be leaving then.” You say and back out before anything silly can happen.

>>41676411
...what

>>41676411
...yes, silly.

>>41676411
>I’m totally not pretending your free pass never happened in the first place
oh, for a second there I thought AETHER was messing with people's minds. We could've just slipped her some money, though, keep the balances in check.

>>41676411
Well, that's too bad. We should find some other way to do something nice for her, then.

>>41676411
>that child molester-like co-worker

Show me on the doll where he touched you.

>>41676457
Its probably not hard to fudge the balance on a hot spring.

>>41676411
>And I’m definitely not afraid of her creepy snake obsessions and that child molester-like co-worker of hers. Honest!”


Orochimaru is that you?

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>>41676402

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>>41676552

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>>41676552

>>41676411

We need to get her a gift then for the help, as well as opening a tab for next time.

>>41676627
such reaction

very shitpost

wow

>>41676411
...seriously though, what >>41676647 said.

>>41676647
How about we just make sure we can actually pay the next time need to use the springs? We don't need to give her a gift,

>>41676647
Maybe a pin or brooch(get cracking, Ippon-datara) for her hat.

>>41676825
I was thinking a drop from enemies or something. Cute hair clip, etc

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>>Open the door with the gun printed on it.

The iron key disintegrates as soon it clicks into place. The chains unfurl and crash to the concrete with an almighty clunk. You nod at Celeste and the two of you enter.

Your first impressions of the place is that it’s bright. The walls, floor and ceiling are all silvery chrome in a fashion that would make a man afraid of reflections scream and dive straight into a Minotaur Shadow’s mouth. It is as if a slightly hazy version of you has birthed itself at your feet and is now hanging upside down like the 12th tarot.

What’s perhaps more important is the sheer presence of firearms and weaponry attached to the side of walls, locked in cases and proudly displayed on cases. Pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, revolvers and even a single minigun secured in place. Grenades, flashbangs, fire bombs and smoke capsules. Laser pistols, plasma rifles and a couple of Gauss Rifles. You spy a set of body armor and camo gear to the side. Celeste is gazing at a cabinet full of power fists, of the sort that can smash through a man’s body with a single swing.

Hey, those look kinda nice...

All these weapons are perfectly and proudly illegal. You know this because two high-schoolers are standing in this armoury, without any form of law enforcement bearing itself down on you like a ton of concrete blocks dropped from the sky.

“Oh my.” A soft, elegant voice cooes from the front. “I have customers.”

You see a long and violet-haired woman step out in front. She’s dressed in a business suit with a tie and looks to be a few years older than you.

>>41676895
>a long and violet-haired woman

...and here I was hoping for Koko.

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“What’s this? Two youths under the age of eighteen. How peculiar. The first one is a young man with a stupid-looking ahoge and looks like he’s never held a firearm in his life. Although, he does seem a little familiar. Perhaps we were lovers in a past life, but I’d rather swallow eighty gallons of cosmoline before I’d consider eloping with him. The second is a young girl who is admittedly slightly better looking, but one has to wonder about her choice of dress. Is she wearing that skirt because she finds it comfortable, or is she acting as less-than restrained and trying to attract boys like half of today’s adolescent women?”

“Uh…” You speak.

“In any case, I do have to wonder how these two youths arrived. After all, it’s not everyday you see teenagers shop in what is clearly an underground, criminal firearms vendor. Are they some of the Akumachi Yakuza’s latest recruits, send on an errand that will result in their pinky fingers being chopped off if they fail? Or are they adults merely pretending to present themselves as a bunch of ruffians?”

“Um…”

“Honestly, what use do teenagers have for guns? Are they planning to shoot up a school? Really now, how primitive. If you wish to destroy a building and massacre large amounts of human beings, surely explosives would do the trick.”

“Excuse me?” Celeste asks.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t notice you there.” The woman says. She turns to face you two. “Please, feel free to ignore my rambling. Welcome to this humble illegal gun shop…or I would say if I did not stock this place with some of the latest and finest technology. My name is Miss Nex. How may I help you today?”

>What do you have for sale?
>Where exactly are we?
>Sorry, wrong door. Come on Celeste, let’s get out of here.
>I take offence to what you said.
>Custom option.

>>41676938
>Custom option.
"So, do you narrate everything that happens around you or...?"

>>41676938
>>Sorry, wrong door. Come on Celeste, let’s get out of here.

>>41676938
>>What do you have for sale?

>>41676938
>What do you have for sale?
>I take offence to what you said.
Stand up for yourself Takashi-kun!

>>41676938
>>I take offense to what you said.
>Where exactly are we?
We may become lovers in this Life too.

>>41676938
How much are those guns going for.
>>41676969
I dont know if he can really say much. Ahoge apparently translates into foolish hair.

>>41676969
This. Gotta get that courage up.

>>41676938
>>What do you have for sale?

>>41676938
>>I take offence to what you said.
"Jeez, you've got to be the crabbiest woman I've ever met."

>>41676938
>What do you have for sale?
Does she have anything in the way of low-profile body armor? I think that's something we should invest in at some point, even if we can't afford it at the moment.

>>41676938
>Where exactly are we?
And ask something about her

>>41676969
>>41676992
"Ahoge" literally means "idiot hair." It's that little tuft that sticks up out of the head and usually is reserved for "simple-minded" characters in Japanese works.

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>>41676969
BULLY THE SENJOUGAHARA

>>41676938
>Custom option.
Crab a shit. SHIIIIIIIIIT.

>>41677056
Why would anyone wear idiot hair as a hairstyle?

>>41677074
It's not intentional. Hair just sticks up like that sometimes, no matter how much you try to comb it down.

>>41677074
It's like a cowlick. No matter how much you comb it, that fucker won't stay down.

>>41677097
>>41677098
Then cut it off.

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>>41677136
>Then cut it off.

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>>41677136

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>>41677136
That's such a simple solution, I'm not sure if it's stupid or brilliant.

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>>41677136
Anyone have the gun loop of the guy threatening to cut it off?

>>41677136
>>41677227
It's not that simple. It sometimes looks worse cut off. The result ends up something like an older brother/sister cutting the younger sibling's hair.

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>>41677136
HAIRESY!

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>>41677179
>>41677196
>>41677227
>>41677235
>>41677256
a-are you guys serious?
>>41677236
This is the first thing that comes up when you search. A blind person could cut that off and it would have no negative impact.

>>41677285
For anime characters, it's basically their source of power (i.e. Saber). IRL, it's a goddamn pain in the ass.

>>41677333
Should just keep your hair short.

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So which of these doors has best girl behind it?

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>>41677333

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>>41677136
What the fuck is wrong with you

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>>41677136
>>41677227
One does not simply cut off Ahoge.

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>>41677136
>>41677227
>>41677285
>>41677357

I want /a/ to leave

>>41677586
This is a persona Quest anon. Where the fuck do you think you are?

>>41677544
Come at me faggot I got a scissors and I'm dying to use it.

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>>41677586
Where do you think you are?

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>>41677586
>I want /a/ to leave
>Persona Quest
Nigga

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>>41677632
>scissors
Crab a shit.

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>>[CHARISMA?] Takashi: Stand up for yourself.

“Hey, I take offense to that!” You growl. “I can’t help if my ahoge never goes away. I’ve tried cutting it off but it always grows back. We’re not psychopaths and Celeste isn’t a slut!”

“W-what?” Celeste shrieks.

Shit. “I…I mean…”

“Takashi-kun, what did you call me?”

“Um…nothing…”

“My mistake.” Miss Nex states from the back. “I was wrong about you two. You are both are merely foolish. I apologize for the mistake.”

“You are the crabbiest woman I’ve ever met!”

“That award would go to the elder of the Hebi-Ko sisters.”

Thankfully, another person arrives and save the argument from escalating further and pirouetting off into madness land on the Dark Side of Mars. It’s another woman, this one with short navy hair and dressed in a casual T-shirt and pair of genes. What’s striking is that her left arm is entirely wrapped in bandages. As for her right arm…it is not made of flesh any more.

“Oy Nex, what’s all this shouting. You insulting our customers again?”

“Of course not, Alea.” Miss Nex says. “I was merely introducing our wares to these two adolescents.”

“You sure about that? Cause I heard you call that boy’s hair stupid. Sounds like an insult to me.”

“It was a joke.” Miss Nex states, as blunt as an ancient graphite pencil.

"Man, cut it out. You're going to drive away everyone at this rate."

"What are you talking about. I am one of the most generous, humble, selfless and compassionate woman in the world."

“And we both haven't committed enough crimes to get us shut in prison for a dozen life sentences.” The other woman sighs. “Well, whatever. Welcome, kids, to our store. I won’t ask how the two of you found us. In exchange, don’t ask us about where we get our wares from, okay? Do that and we can all remain friends.” She then winks and smiles.

“Uh…yeah…” You stutter. “That works for us.”

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“My name is Dr. Alea. I’m a geneticist and a roboticist rolled in one. That means I can implant a variety of genemods and cybernetic augmentations into your bodies. See this right fist of mine?” She holds up said limb. “It can punch through walls. I would show you here, but that’ll piss of my partner here.”

“Too right.” Miss Nex mutters. “Wall plating doesn’t grow on trees.”

“So, what sort of goods do you have in stock?” You ask.

“Me? You know, the usual stuff like cybernetic limb prosthesis, implanted rebreathers, reflex boosters, boosted depth perception,…” Dr. Alea says with a wry smile. “But unlike the majority of Akumachi’s augmentation experts, I also supply a bunch of really cool stuff. Ever wanted to jump from the top of a building and land without breaking the lower half of your body? Try the Phoenix Landing System! Need to break into a megacorp office for a tough run? Get the mimetic skin genemod or the stealth enhancer!”

“As for I…” Miss Nex clears her throat before her partner drowns you and Celeste in a sea of advertisements. “I supply firearms, as you may already be aware of. Both standard and energy weapons are sold here. I also sell thrown explosives, body armor, ammunition and weapon maintenance kits. If you wish, I can repair your firearms, for a small fee.”

>>41677716
>“Takashi-kun, what did you call me?”
Isn't a slut.

>>41677777
>>Send all money on armor and weapon upgrades (only partway)
Nice quints.

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“So kids, what do you want to buy?” Dr. Alea says. “How much money do you have?”

You check your bank account. “11000 Macca.”

Miss Nex frowns. “That is pathetic. Get out.”

“What Miss Nex here is trying to say…” Dr. Alea begins, clamping a hand over the violet-haired woman’s mouth. “Is that you should come back when you have more Macca. Our prices are actually fair, compared to other vendors. Now that I think about it, don’t we have some of those old body armor kits left in storage?”

“They are severely outdated.” Miss Nex says.

“We can still sell them for a low price.”

It seems like you should do a bit of shopping before you head off to Pyre Ruin Valley. You currently have 11000 Macca. How will you spend this?

>Send all money on armor and weapon upgrades (only partway)
>Spend money on armor upgrades only (9500 Macca).
>Spend money on weapon upgrades (7000 Macca).
>Spend half money on armor and weapon upgrades.
>Custom option.

>>41677777
>Spend money on armor upgrades only (9500 Macca).
We've got sort of okay weapons. We need armor, though.

>>41677777
>Armor Upgrades
>7000-9000
yes, please

Was hoping for a training ground or firing range, but alas.

>>41677807
>Spend money on armor upgrades only (9500 Macca).
We can make up the rest on the loot pinatas.

>>41677807
>Custom option.
>>Spend no money on armor and weapon upgrades.

>>41677807
>Custom option.
We'll return with more money at a later time then.

>>41677807
>Send all money on armor and weapon upgrades (only partway)
>How much do I need to make for the reflex booster?

>>41677807
>>Spend money on armor upgrades only (9500 Macca).

wonder if they stock androids...

>>41677716
>“Takashi-kun, what did you call me?”
Ah, shit. We really need to boost our charisma.

>>41677807
>Spend money on weapon upgrades (7000 Macca).
You lost your quints, man.

>>41677807
>Spend half money on armor and weapon upgrades.

>>41677838
>>41677846
You don't understand, by spending money we get gear/tool which helps us murder the shit out of shadows, which gets us money.

Buying a weapon is an investment.

>>41677872
Which we will quickly outgrow.

>>41677807
>Spend half money on armor and weapon upgrades.

>>41677807
Slightly upgrade armor with just a piece each, maybe? Keep some money in reserve in case we need healing.

>>41677883
Do "incremental upgrades" mean nothing to you?

>>41677883
Just like our personas. Is fitting no?

>>41677883
In part because we got better ones with the money we got from the lesser items.

Besides once we get better armor and weapons we still have the old ones, we can sell them, cannibalize them for parts or shit, not just throw them in a volcano.

>>41677807
>Spend half money on armor and weapon upgrades.

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>>Spend half money on weapon and armor upgrades.

This means buying some extremely cheap protective shirts in the firearms vendor. Miss Nex looked quite happy to be relieved of them. Her partner, less so.

“Are…are you sure you kids don’t want anything better?” Dr Alea asks.

The amount of protection the shirts give is equivalent to putting on several woolly jumpers and hoping they’ll soak up impacts. On the plus side, at least they aren’t as complicated to put on as body armor.

You then head over to the Hephaestus Siblings, taking the broken bronze sword with you.

“Yup!” Ruri says. “I can repair this in a jiffy. Would you like it today?”

Celeste nods. “That would be nice.”

She rushes over to the back, behind a curtain. You year the yell of ‘Persona!’ and then a lot of hammering and clanging resounds from within. Twenty minutes later, the weapon is finished, handed over in its repaired, pristine glory.

“That will be 3000 Macca!” Ami grins. “Do you want anything else?”

You stare forlornly at a pair of knuckledusters on the shelf. They look so damn tempting, way better than the pair you presently have. It’s a shame they are so expensive…

You return to the Forgotten City safehouse, having finished your shopping.

“We’re done here?”

“Yeah. Let’s move.” You say and you both get going to the underground railway system, bags loaded with survival equipment and tools.

“WELCOME TO THE HOLLOW EXPRESS!” the scratch, guttural voice roars. The place hasn’t gotten any less creepier or hollow since you last boarded. You smash in the destination on the panel, setting off the ancient train wheels to slowly creak down the track.

“HEADING TO SECTOR 2: PYRE RUIN VALLEY. PLEASE TAKE A SEAT AND ENJOY THE RIDE…”

>>41678270
>It’s a shame they are so expensive…
I kinda want to take out a loan but then we would get fucked with fine print.

>>41678270
>Ruri
Why is this name so great?

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[10:00 pm, 9-Apr-2129 (SATURDAY)]

Akikazu Osaragi moans. His mouth is dry. His limbs ache. His head hurts as if someone had pounded six-inch nails directly into the upper portion of his skull. Coughing, he climbs to his feet on hard ground and opens his eyes.

“I’m…not dead.” He moans and then coughs some more, spraying spittle and air onto what is unmistakably dry soil. A sarcastic, mean grin forms on his face. “Trust my luck…”

He stares around him. He looks up at the sky. Nope, this ain’t Akumachi City anymore. It’s definitely not in Japan, either. The closest equivalent would be the American deserts, but usually people don’t go there when an entire factory explodes in their face.

“Oh yeah, didn’t I die?” He mumbles to himself. “Is this heaven? Hell, more like. There’s no way I would go to heaven…”

He shakes his head and throws his fist out. “Whatever. If it’s hell…then I’ll march up to the devil and punch him in the face. Then again, this doesn’t look like any other hell I’ve seen. It’s not Yomi, that’s for sure.”

His phone rings. Akikazu had forgotten it was there. He reaches down to his trouser pockets and flips on the device.

“Welcome, player three, to the exclusive AETHER beta!” A tinny, feminine voice sings. “This is a brand-new, genre-defying video game combining the best elements of…”

>>41678319
Guess we'll just have to keep grinding. At least we'll get a quest reward for saving Akikazu.

>>41678319
Meh, if all goes well we might make enough macca to buy them after this excursion. Hell if we wanted to, we could try and grind after school for a while to make the cash + level up out combat.

>>41678365
Dang this the last post then?

>>41678418
No. Still writing.

>>41678365
>“Oh yeah, didn’t I die?” He mumbles to himself. “Is this heaven? Hell, more like. There’s no way I would go to heaven…”
>He shakes his head and throws his fist out. “Whatever. If it’s hell…then I’ll march up to the devil and punch him in the face. Then again, this doesn’t look like any other hell I’ve seen. It’s not Yomi, that’s for sure.”

I like this guy, but I'm wondering what the fuck he did to think he rates Hell.

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>>41678422
ah. cool. Supposed I jumped the gun.

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>>41678422

>>41678431
That's what the Social Link's for finding out.

>>41678431
He's the "bad boy ruffian with a tarnished heart of gold." Of course he thinks hell is what he deserves.

>>41678431
Just being an asshole in general? Not everyone thinks they are entitled to go to heaven

>>41674187
I know it's been a while since the thread started... but in the year 2129, 8th of April is a Wednesday.

and the 17th is not the week after. a week has 7 days, and yet they're both Sundays.

I have no good reason to be bothered by this. But I am.

>>41678431
>what the fuck he did to think he rates Hell.
Dirty thought, felt a sense of pride (Worst of the seven deadly sins) in his work masturbated even once?

>>41678486
That's some high grade autism, anon.

>>41678431
>I like this guy, but I'm wondering what the fuck he did to think he rates Hell.
You ever read the bible, pretty much everything sends you to hell. Meanwhile getting into heaven at all is constantly described and being one step away from impossible.

>>41678503
to be honest, I would sperge about that too if I ever had to write down dates.

>>41678548
>and
*as

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The Hollow Express roars, screeching and pounding down the metallic track, sending bumps and jolts through your body. It is an entirely alien experience—trains in your world were magnetic and operated as smooth as silk. You try and pass the time by watching some videos on your phone. There’s no Internet connection in the Blackened Void, but you’ve stored some clips on the device.

This one, Veleis-sensei recommended to you as part of Mythology. It concerns the Last Word and the beginning of the end of the country known as South Korea.

Several days after destroying North Korea, Kaede Kurusu made an unexpected appearance in the National Assembly of South Korea. By that, it meant she crashed in directly through the rooftops and began conversing the South Korean president.

And by conversing, this is what happened…

“This is madness!” The president yelled, sweat tricking down his face. “I cannot believe what you are saying!”

Kaede Kurusu tilted her head, the image being captured by hundreds of terrified reporters holding cameras. “Did I not make myself clear?”

“No! You wish—no, ordered me to hand over the entirety of South Korea to Japan? Surrender our land, your people, our culture to your home country. Are you mad?”

“I believe my request is perfectly reasonable.”

“It is incomprehensible! Who do you think you are?”

“The girl who saved the world.” Kaede Kurusu said. “And an individual that you, as well as many other countries, owe a great debt.”

>>41678548
Except summoning bears on children. Gods cool with that.

>>41678592
Jesus christ why are you such a bitch.

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>>41678592
WOW WHAT A BITCH

>>41678592
When we actually face her construct self, I will not feel bad about wrecking her and Demurge like not at all.

>>41678592
This remind anyone of code geass?

>>41678592
This bitch needs a Megidolaon up the cooter

>>41678592
Wow fuck you you bitch

and here I had thought you just had some kind of bad rep or TT was mimicing how nips like to wanks themselves in fiction but no

you were just a fucking bitch

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>>41678719
Now that you mention it, yes, but with way less homosex and Last Word being completely unlikable.

inb4 we go gay for touma

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>>41678592
>I just did you a favor and blew up your retard twin brother.
>I OWN YOU, NOW.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcpGIVbPYrI

“Excuse me?”

“I destroyed North Korea. Were they not a thorn in your side? You should be grateful.”

“You killed tens of thousands of innocent people! You sent the refugees to our country and expected us to deal with them!”

“Are you implying you cared about the North Korean dictatorship?” Kaede Kurusu said, expression emotionless as ever. “I highly doubt the rest of the world does. They are not somebody to be mourned.”

“Don’t you have any respect for human life?”

Kaede Kurusu ignored him. “South Korea is not special, President. It could have been America, China, Australia, England, France, Germany or any other country. This one just happened to be closer. Oh, and I plan on collecting debs from them too.”

“Debts? What do you mean, debts?” The president screamed, knowing that the situation was rapidly spiralling into oblivion. “What gives you the right to do that?”

“The fact that those countries fired nuclear warheads at me, South Korea included.”

“You were unharmed!”

“I take it you have never been in the center of an explosion consisting of all the world’s weapons of mass destruction. You fired weapons that could herald the beginning of the extinction of all life on Earth. At a single girl, because she has power you do not possess. Don’t you feel ashamed of yourselves?”

“…”

“The fact is, you owe me. And I plan to collect in full.” Kaede Kurusu said ominously. “Really, I don’t see what’s so bad about surrendering to my country. It’s a nice place to live in. And besides, you won’t have to contest over the land where the Sea of Japan used to be.”

“The people of South Korea will not stand for this. You may kill me, but the pride of Koreans will not fade.”

“Oh, I do wonder about that. They do not have a choice. And neither do you or the rest of the world, for that matter.”

>>41678856
This is the world that P3 dude died for.

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>>41678856
pssh...nothin...personel...kid...

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>>41678856
Man.
Everyones calling her a bitch but I just wanna know how she got to this point. No one is born like that.

She mustve lost her way,

>>41678889
To be fair nuking her is fairly shitty.

>>41678949
He's using the pics of the Angel from Angel beats, who was an unemotional killbot jailwarden for purgatory.

>>41678949
She clearly went full Order.

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>>41678856
Goddammit Kaede.

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>>41678949
>No one is born like that.

>>41678950
She nuked north korea first.
>>41678949
>No one is born like that.
You are lucky I dont have a demiurge of my own.

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>>41678950
She made an entire country disappear, without warning, and forcibly ended World War 3 by exerting more force than any other combatant in the war combined.

No shit they panicked and nuked her.

>>41678856
>You fired weapons that could herald the beginning of the extinction of all life on Earth. At a single girl, because she has power you do not possess. Don’t you feel ashamed of yourselves?
No, they fired those weapons because you LEVELED A COUNTRY. Don't act like you have the moral high ground. God, I hope you are the final boss, just so we can chew you out. We'd probably need to max out all our social stats, admittedly, but it would be worth the effort.

>>41678949
>No one is born like that.
Psychopaths.

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And that more or less marked the induction of the Imperial Empire of Japan and the disappearance of the Korean identity. Apparently there was a lot of outrage over The Last Word’s decision, which wasn’t unexpected. However, it was quickly lost as the Japanese army moved in to destroy the mass of Shadows attacking the Korean populace, which had conveniently appeared several weeks after Kaede made her announcement.

You are bewildered as to why some religious folks worship her. They actually think South Korea was done a favour by the Japanese, the absolute madmen. You’re no expert on culture and the effects it has on human beings, but you do know that having one’s own nation entirely devoured by another is a terrible event to occur. Gods are generally famous for all manner of bizarre and inexplicable acts of power, but Jesus Christ.

Well, she's not around in the twenty-second century.

You, as well as a great portion of the world, are glad Kaede Kurusu is dead and buried. Her time is over and only her legacy staining the earth remains. Move on, accept what she’s done and look towards the future.

As for the rest of the ‘debts’…that’s something you’ll get into later, because the train has just arrived and you need to disembark.

>>41679088
>We'd probably need to max out all our social stats, admittedly, but it would be worth the effort.

That's what New Game+ is for.

>>41679088
>LEVELED A COUNTRY
That has happened several times without nukes being fired in retaliation.

>>41678856
>wipe out entire country
wahh why are they nuking me, I dindu nuthin

>>41679088
>you LEVELED A COUNTRY
Granted, that country was North Korea after they went maximum crazy, but still.

>>41679123
>Imperial Empire of Japan
>Imperial Empire
what

>>41679157
How often has it been done personally by one person in the space of an afternoon.

>>41679182
Because how they were killed matters to the dead.

>>41679123
Man, Japan clings even harder to their ww2 imperialistic garbage than America does with action films.

>>41678993
>>41679119
Im just saying that itd be boring if the reason her being that way was just "Yo, that stank bitch was crazy as fuck."

No reason for it. The Wildcard just happend to be a psycopath. I mean shit, power comes from bonds right? Howd she get so strong if she was such a stank bitch the whole time?

>>41679175
Japan has an emperor dude.

>>41679157
Not by a single person, all at once. She's fucking terrifying. That's what I'm trying to emphasize. That it's not "oh, these inferior fools tried to destroy me because they were jealous of my power" it was "shit shit shit this girl is crazy and strong enough to destroy entire armies take her out before she comes after someone who doesn't deserve it".

>>41679188
Matters to the people firing nukes.

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>>41679123
>Gods are generally famous [...], but Jesus Christ.
Pfft.

>>41679191
>I mean shit, power comes from bonds right?
Because Adachi was such a friendly guy with everybody, am I right?
Nothing wrong.

>>41679191
Maybe she turned into a bitch after she got powerful. Also just being a nutter is the most realistic reason in the world. Can you imagine what would happen if you gave a random person off the street the power to blow up countries?

>>41679200
And then they attacked her.

Probably a bad idea.

Don't get me wrong the I OWN YOU is shitty but North Korea had it coming.

So how fucked are we if people find out that we are the fool?

Can we make some internet video and go, "Hey guys I am actually not batshit and kinda weak, please don't murder everyone who ever knew me."

>>41679253
I'd probably kiss their ass and hope I don't invoke their ire.

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>>41679268
We can probably do that after we hit a level cap on some of our personas for shits and giggles.

>>41674144
>You are a sixteen-year old, Japanese high school student

Wait a second. I'm on /tg/ right? I thought I was on /v/ for a second.

>>41679268
In fairness null nuclear was an unknown skill at the time.
And no. I don't think a video on the internet will cut it.
>>41679286
Bitch might blow you up anyway. I know that would piss me off.

>>41679191
Well, a fully leveled Social Link is permanent, granting its power even past the death of the person who formed it. So maybe she lost them all, and that's why she's so grim.

>>41679268
But they didn't attack her out of the blue. She was grandstanding, literally inviting them to throw everything they had at her. You don't get to complain about people throwing civilization-ending amounts of force at you after you say "please, throw civilization-ending amounts of force at me".

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Akikazu Osaragi had never liked video games. He understands what they’re about, though. Kill the enemies, reach the next level and win the mission. He’s been thrown into some reality immersive game, if the voice on his phone is to be believed. Whatever. Where there is a beginning there must be an end. He just has to reach it first.

He trudges forward across the hard earth, fists curled.

“AETHER is a game that refuses to hold your hand! We have disabled objective markers in our latest build and replaced them with simple descriptions. That way, your success will be all the more rewarding!”

It’s hot. He’s taken off his blazer and tied it around his waist.

Ruins, dirt, aridness and stone. He walks past them all. Then he halts.

“Oh no! Shadows have appeared!” the tutorial voice cries, “They are just one of the groups of enemies lurking inside the Blackened Void. It seems like that you need to defeat them in order to advance, so get to it!”

Now this was right up his alley!

He flexes his muscles and smirks. The card of the Hanged Man appears in his palm.

“Come at me, you bastards!”

>>41679319
>But they didn't attack her out of the blue.

I once got stung by a hornet out of the blue. Rather then going around fucking with hornets' nests I avoid them.

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>>41679319
Well, even Forlorn Abyss was saying something about us losing everything and gaining something in the process. Maybe Kaede fucked up a whole lot, used it and just told the entire world to take a hike.

>>41679343
Well that's cause you are a pussy without an army.
Hell even a regular person would go about clearing out a hornets nest somehow or other. Shits a health hazard.

>>41679343
She actively baited all other combatants to nuke her face in the middle of the Pacific just to prove her point.

>>41679341
So another fist fighter, then, given that the game didn't bother to give him any weapons? Neat. Maybe we can use sparring together as a way to advance the SL.

>>41679393
I wouldn't go genocideing hornets if I had an army.

>>41679426
You probably should. They could be out there stinging children and old people and shit.

>>41679452
Fuck them, they can go inside and mind their own goddamn business.

>>41679481
>implying hornets cant get indoors.

>>41679386
You know, I half expect that to be the case, just to play up the parallelism with the Amala Labyrinth. The Amala Labyrinth's purpose was the create something to slay the Demiurge. Which is the name of Kurusu's ultimate Persona. So if it's what gave her such extreme levels of power, it probably created Demiurge. That makes for a nice inverted mythology theme.

>>41679493
Then fucking murder those ones and ignore the ones that stay out.

>>41679525
>implying more hornets wont come to fuck you up for killing their buddies.

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>>41679538
I have death in an air spray bottle. Come at me.

>>41679522
"it" being the Forlorn Abyss, I mean.

>>41679577
You will run out eventually. Either the hornets eventually wear you down or you take them out.

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“NOW ARRIVING AT…at…atttt PYRE RUIN VALLEY. THE HOLLOW EXPRESS WISHES YOU A SAFE JOURNEY. IF YOU HAVE TIME, PLEASE FILL IN A FEEDBACK FORM AT…”

You and Celeste hop off the train. The underground station is exactly the same as the Forgotten City and the Hazebound Woodlands, albeit less damp and cold. You tread across rusted steel and cracked floors as you make your way up to the surface.

There is light shining down from above the ruined escalator. Actual, natural brightness. Like a moth to a candle flame, you follow it and burst into the wide open game world.

>SECTOR 2: PYRE RUIN VALLEY

The sky is orange and red. The air is dusty and devoid of moisture. Stone structures and rocky cliffs indent the horizon as far as the eye can see. You take a tentative step forward and the steel tips grind against a hard, sandy road. It’s a barren landscape of dirt redness, browns and whites. The only greenery comes from feeble shrubs and weeds littering the soil.

It’s warm, too.

“There’s a sun…” Celeste stares up at the sky in awe. “I can’t believe it…”

“Guess the Blackened Void isn’t so black after all.” Celeste stares at you. Yeah, that was terrible. “Still, didn’t expect Pyre Ruin Valley to have a sunset. Thought it was going to be dark like the Hazebound Woods.”

“Pyre does mean a funeral fire.” Celeste says. “We should be lucky our Personas are resistant against heat.”

“So…Akikazu is out there somewhere.” You mutter and check the map. Most of it is shrouded in white clouds. The blinking distress marker is emitting brightly. “Damn. He’s far away.”

“How much?”

“Further than you were in your rescue mission.” You say. "This is just an estimate, but he might be past the second bonfire."

>Search around for useful items.
>Proceed forward.
>Discuss tactics with Celeste.
>Custom option.

>>41679603
>Proceed forward.

>>41679603
>Discuss tactics briefly
>Move directly as possible to Akizaku

She should probably take point since she's inevitably going to resist fire whereas MC might not.

>>41679603
>>Search around for useful items.
"Also, uh, sorry about what I said earlier, at the weapon shop. That was - that was dumb of me. Sorry."

>>41679603
>Search around for useful items.

>>41679603
>>Search around for useful items.

>>41679603
>Proceed forward.
>Use our health/mana restoration items when they're needed automatically

>>41679601
Nah I shop at costco, I have plenty.

>>41679603
>Search around for useful items.
>Discuss tactics with Celeste.

>>41679603
>Search around for useful items.
>Discuss tactics with Celeste.
Do both simultaneously, if possible. Also, add to that:
>Send a message out in AETHER's chat for Akikazu to camp at a bonfire as it's safer there.
on the off-chance he can actually read it but simply can't respond.

>>41679670
I don't think that shit would even work on hornets honestly. Hornets are hard bastards. I mean the only natural thing I ever heard of killing hornets are fucking bees roasting them to death in fucking burning death spheres.

>>41679704
I also have a lighter,

>>41679603
>Discuss tactics with Celeste.
Celeste takes point, since she's always going to have fire resistance while we might not, and her sword gives her better reach than our punches and kicks. We'll keep Moh Shuuvu slotted most of the time so we can start fights off with a Tarukaja then swap to Pixie or Ippon-Datara depending on what resistance we need.

Come to think of it, we should set up an anonymous AETHER blog somewhere on the Internet, so that, if the next player decides to do a Google search on AETHER when they see it on their phone, they'll at least be somewhat forewarned.

Yeah, they'll probably think it's some crackpot conspiracy theory when they first read it, but hopefully they'll remember at least some tidbits when they find themselves in the middle of a desolate wasteland.

>>41679726
I bet that it won't show up. AETHER will keep them from seeing the blog like it can keep people not part of the game from seeing the app.

>>41679603
>>Search around for useful items.
>>Discuss tactics with Celeste.

>>41679683
See, I'd go for your vote but I'm scared that taking too long will kill Akikazu.

>>41679830
Dont we have days or something?

>>41679738
We could at least try.

>>41679830
We have 7 days, give or take. This has to be a huge desert to take the whole week to arrive exactly in time, barring other complications.

>>41679841
>>41679864
Methinks circumstances will cause us to arrive 'just in time' regardless of how early we are.

After all, AETHER said he'd be found dead in 7 days. Doesn't mean he doesn't actually die 5 days prior.

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>>41679864
>barring other complications.

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>>Discuss tactics with Celeste

“Celeste, you should take point.” You say. “Sati has fire resistance and I’m willing to bet the majority of Shadows in this area have fire attacks.”

“Doesn’t that only apply to lava lands and such?” Celeste asks.

“This is a desert, it’s close enough.” You hope. “I won’t Ippon-Datara equipped all the time and your sword will have greater reach than my punches.”

“Sounds reasonable, Takashi-kun. Um, what additional Personas do you have?”

“Pixie of the Magician and Moh Shuuvu of the Lovers. I’ll keep Moh Shuuvu equipped. She’s got Tarukaja which we can kick off fights with. I can switch to Pixie or Ippon-Datara depending on resistances I need.”

Celeste stares at you. Then she starts giggling to herself, turning away with her eyes closed.

You frown. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing…” Celeste smirks. “It’s only…you’re starting to sound like a leader, Takashi-kun.”

“A leader? Where did that come from?”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe it’s because you’re taking charge?” Celeste grins. “Don’t take that as an insult. I’m actually a little impressed.”

“Thanks…?” Well, you did resolve yourself to take this and life with greater seriousness. And your lives hang in the balance, too. That’s important.

>>Search around for useful items.

You decide to hunt around the outsides of the train station for loot. A treasure chest is found. Celeste flings it open and takes out the goodies from within.

“Is this…rifle ammunition?” She queries, cradling the plastic box. Sniper rifle rounds, to be exact. “But none of us have any guns…”

You also find 1000 Macca.

Then, there’s…this. What appears to be an unkindled bonfire. It sits on the ground as a pile of ashes. What will you do with it?

>Light it up.
>Leave it alone.
>Destroy it.
>Pick it up and take it with you.
>Custom option.

>>41679890
>>41679894
I misspoke before.
>barring inevitable complications

>>41680009
>>Light it up.

>>41680009
>>Light it up.

>>41680009
>>Pick it up and take it with you.

>>41680009
>Leave it alone.
I don't trust it.

>>41680009
>Pick it up and take it with you.
Worth a try, if that doesn't work:
>Light it up.

>>41680009
>Pick it up and take it with you.

>>41680009
>Light it up.
>Light it up.
>Light it up.
I'M ON FIRE

>>41680009
>>Leave it alone.
We don't want to sacrifice our humanity for it.

>>41680009
>Light it up.

>>41680009
>Light it up.

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>>Light it up.

You summon Ippon-Datara to restore the bonfire’s flame. After all, a checkpoint is important, right? You wouldn’t mind having a place to recuperate near the exit, too.

That’s when everything goes to shit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzJlzGaQFoc

>BONFIRE BEGINNING KINDLING SEQUENCE. SHADOWS INCOMING!
>DON’T DIE; DON’T MOVE OF THE ZONE! 60 SECONDS REMAINING!

You stare at the message on the screen. “What…”

“Takashi-kun, look out!”

A fireball zooms past your head and sends a Beetle Shadow sprawling. It writhes around for a second before being burned into a pile of soot. Another tries to assault you from the front. You summon Moh Shuuvu and the bird demon freezes it in place, before smashing it into a dozen tiny bits.

You swivel your head around in desperation. There, marching from the horizon towards your location, are Shadows. Knights, Basalts, Maguses, Beetles, Ravens and more. There are around twenty or so of them.

"Ah, shit..."

“Looks like that was a mistake.” Celeste says, bravely.

“Then we’ll just have to learn from it.” You growl, drawing the tarot card of the Lovers. What will you do?

>RUN!
>Summon Ippon-Datara to attack them.
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.
>Retreat into the station.
>Custom option.

>>41680310
>>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.

>>41680310
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.

>>41680310
I fucking told you.

>>41680310
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.
Area attacks would help, here.

>>41680310
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.
Cant run from all your problems Takashi

>>41680310
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.

>>41680333
Trips confirm.
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.

>>41680333
This.

>>41680310
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.

>>41677872
Which we will quickly outgrow.>>41680310
>>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.

>>41680310
>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu.

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>>Summon Moh Shuuvu and use Mabufu

You begin hurling around ice like an explosion has occurred at the local icy lolly factory. The skill comes naturally to you, as all Persona powers do. Ice forms on Shadows and shatters, sending them tumbling across the hard dirt. Occasionally, it stuns them, leaving them wide open for another round of freezing that destroys them outright. To the ones that surge closer, you summon Ippon-Datara to give them a sound whacking in the face with the iron hammer.

It’s tough work. Your vitality is dropping. Your mana is slowly descending down the rollercoaster to nothingness. The wave of Shadows seem endless. Guess this what they mean by ‘hold the point’ huh?

Celeste on the other hand is striking at the Shadows with her sword, something summoning fireballs to singe and burn. Your prediction was right. A great deal of these Shadows are highly resistant to heat, block it or drain it away. This only serves to make her aggravate her, as she stabs and swipes the monsters into dust.

“Mabufu! Tarukaja!” Power courses as the buff is activated. “Ippon-Datara, Rampage!”

The one-legged monster roars and lunges forward, squashing a Raven with the blunt side of the hammer.

“The crowd is thinning, Takashi-kun!” Celeste shouts. “Nearly there!”

You will your Persona to switch. Ippon-Datara is sucked back into his card and replaced with the card of the Magician. Pixie appears. She fires lightning from her fingertips. You then summon Ippon-Datara again and have him attack.

A Magus, staggering forward with a low groan, suddenly jumps forward and closes the distance between you. Before you can react, he casts a spell.

>>Hama

Ofuda, wreathed in piercing light, surround around you. They glow brightly.

“Shit!”

>Roll 1d20 to switch Personas.
>Best out of three.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>41680602
oh shit

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>41680602
LIAM HELP

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>41680602

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>41680602
Rollin

>>41680619
>>41680620
Bad?

>>41680619
>>41680620
>>41680621
FUCK

>>41680666
Fuck you, Demon. It's your fault.

>>41680666
Good thing Light and Darkness skills just do a lot of damage in this quest instead of being instant kills. And hey, once we're done here we'll have a bonfire to heal us up. So it's not too bad.

>>41680621
>>41680620
>>41680619
DEATH IS NOT UNBEKNOWNST TO IT'S PREY

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It hurts. It fucking stings. The light is poison to Ippon-Datara. The whiteness sears and burns and sends you tumbling across the ground. Your arms and legs are bleeding raw. Luckily you retain enough sense to switch back to Moh Shuuvu before the rest of the ofuda activate and wipe your existence from the universe. The Magus leaps forward and slams you in the stomach.

You retaliate by freezing it and shattering it with your fist.

Fifteen seconds remaining. More shadows have appeared. You are in bad shape.

>1d20 to survive.
>Best out of three.