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“Is everyone ready? This could be a very dangerous mission.”

You sit in the dormitory common room with a lot on your mind. Saki is giving the mission briefing to those who have gathered... the vast majority of Class 2 and the club members from Class 1 lead by Kazuma. The mission to find the Demidemon Hermes and kill it, the only way to cure Rei of her terminal disease. You look over to see the weakened Rei in the corner, being carried princess-style in the arms of the stoic Akira. She has to be present at the death of Hermes in order to feel the healing effects, but she can barely move in her current condition. Isamu continues to fuss over her as he is known to do, with the ever cheerful Akemi clinging onto his back. Isamu, for all his perversions and goofy tendencies, really does love that girl... and you'll never forgive yourself if you fail them.

Reiji is preparing the spell with Hoshi, with some help from the two twins of Class 1 who will also be joining the mission. You have the numbers, but if what the twins said was true... your numbers are nothing. This Conqueror... he rules over his own civilisation in the Darkworld. An actual civilisation... with an army. There's no way you could possibly take on an entire army of Darkworlders... and considering you're mission is to kill the spawn of The Conqueror, there's a good chance he may send his army after you. Thankfully, the tome Reiji and Hoshi have allows for them to make a quick escape from the Darkworld, but then Rei would...

All in all, you'll have to work quick. Rei doesn't have much time left. This mission is your last chance.

You wait around in the common room while the final preparations are made. Just as you do, a familiar face slowly slinks into the corner of the room to complete the Class 2 attendance. Standing in a black cloak and a grim expression on his face, Raiden Yoi seems to have joined the mission.

“Raiden!” Akemi screams with delight as she rushes over to the corner. “Where were you?”

“Training,” Raiden explains. “I've been living in the shadows... where I belong. I am no longer human, I am a being of pure vengeance, who lives only to destroy each and every-”

“You cloak is cool!” Akemi smiles, flapping the end of it around. “Woosh!”

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“Stop that,” Raiden replies. “I don't have time for games anymore. I have to get stronger, in order to destroy the Darkworld. To personally massacre every last one of those-”

“Ah, you're just saying that!” Akemi laughs. “When this mission is done do you want to get ice-cream?”

“No.”

“Oh... cotton candy?”

“No.”

Akemi pauses, then smiles warmly. “Looks like somebody needs to board the hug train!”

“Don't call it that.”

“But you love trains!” Akemi laughs. “And you really love hugs! Come here!”

Akemi wraps her arms around Raiden's waist like a Koala around a tree and squeezes as tightly as possible.

“Let go, leave me alone...” Raiden protests.

“Huuuuuuuuuuuug!” Akemi smiles, rubbing her cheek against Raiden as she hold him close.

“Stop it!” Raiden protests once more. “Akemi, please...”

Looks like Raiden is joining this mission to improve his strength. After that... he intends to kill Yami, and separate himself from Akemi entirely in the process. You can't say you look forward to that one. Still, it's good to have one of the Class' better fighters joining in, especially when he's fresh off of training.

You look over to the other side of the room, where you see Kazuma sitting by himself. You're surprised to see him acting all moody and separated from his club pals, and you're especially curious about the note that he keeps taking out of his pocket, reading, and becoming more deflated with a sigh.

>Hey Kaz, what's on your mind?
>Yo, where's your girlfriend? You know, the merchant girl?
>I expect you to be on top form for this mission. No moping around.
>Leave him be, you're probably the last person he wants to talk to.

>>1014046
>>Yo, where's your girlfriend? You know, the merchant girl?
>>I expect you to be on top form for this mission. No moping around.
Crawling in my skin
these wounds they will not heal.

Cause one of our healers left.

>>1014046
>>I expect you to be on top form for this mission. No moping around.


>Still, it's good to have one of the Class' better fighters joining in, especially when he's fresh off of training.
kek
Raiden is one of the few people who's jobbed harder than Kaz in this quest

>>1014046
>I expect you to be on top form for this mission. No moping around.

>Raiden
>A decent fighter
Good one Booker.

>>1014046
>Hey Kaz, what's on your mind?
Do not bully the Kaz.

>>1014046
>Hey Kaz, what's on your mind?

Calling for
>I expect you to be on top form for this mission. No moping around.
Writing now.

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Kazuma glances down at the note before his eyes drift down and he places the paper back into his pocket. "I... sorry. I promise to do my best. I know how important this mission is, and I'm not going to let your friend die. I just... lost someone, that's all."

"Well, I don't want you to be so gloomy you make the rest of us lose something," you reply. "Rei's very important to us."

"I know, I know..." Kazuma mutters. "Me and the Club are right behind you every step of the way of the way."

You turn away from Kazuma and walk right into a kiss from Saki.

"Wow, you're getting more spontaneous with these things by the day," you smirk.

Saki smiles. "Just a pre-mission good luck kiss. I'm done debriefing all the others... also, watching Akio and Hikaru be weirdly silent to each-other made me want to bring a little more love into the room."

"Pretty sure there's enough love from the newlyweds over there," you say, pointing out Rini and Kosuke making out like crazy in the corner of the room prior to the mission. It's so ridiculous, Kosuke even has his hands down the back of Rini's pants.

"Hey Sak, what's your policy on butt-groping again?" you ask.

"Never in public!" She exclaims.

You smirk. "In public, huh? So next time we're in private..."

"Ryojiiiiiiiii!"

After a moment, you are approached by Kosuke after Rini moves off the tease Nanami. With his girlfriend pre-occupied, Ken also makes his way over to you.

"Big mission ahead, I guess," Kosuke shrugs. "I usually don't care about these things, but it would suck a lot of Rei died. She's one of the good ones."

"Yeah..." Ken sighs. "The thing is... I'm worried about our ability to defeat this demidemon, let alone any other Darkworlders that could be backing him up."

"It can't be that bad," you mutter.

Ken shakes his head. "You weren't there for Selene... she destroyed us. What if Hermes is as powerful as she is? He's probably even stronger. I hate to sound like a downer... but I think there's only one way we could beat this guy."

Kosuke eyes Ken up. "You think unless one of us unlocks that angel thingie inside ourselves, we're all screwed?"

Ken nods. "I came close in the fight against Yami... I just don't know what's holding me back."

>Maybe you just doubt yourself too much.
>Unresolved issues with your dad?
>Maybe you're still not confident on the meaning of Justice.
>You fixed your commitment problems after that fight. I'd say you're good to go.

>>1014078
>Maybe you just doubt yourself too much.
>Unresolved issues with your dad?

I really really didn't like the bullying of Kaz here. Therapy Ryoji is better than that.

>>1014078
>>Maybe you just doubt yourself too much.
>>You fixed your commitment problems after that fight. I'd say you're good to go.

Damn it Ken,

>>1014078
>Maybe you just doubt yourself too much.
>Ken, I'm your best friend and as such I can faithfully say that you're one of the most dependable guys I know.

>>1014078
>>Maybe you just doubt yourself too much.
>>Unresolved issues with your dad?

>>1014078
>Maybe you're still not confident on the meaning of Justice.

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>Maybe you just doubt yourself too much.

Ken lets out a sigh. "I try not to, you know? I always try my hardest to be confident and believe in myself..."

Kosuke shrugs. "I think your problem is that you care just a little too much, Ken. Maybe you should try loosening up, caring a little less?"

"But I can't help but care!" Ken explains. "I can't bring myself to not care! I care about my friends, Ryoji, I care about Nanami... where am I supposed to cut corners in my caring?"

"With stuff like this," Kosuke places his hands in his pockets. "You stress yourself out too much with little things. You always have to take those fishing breaks to clear your head, but it should be a little more natural."

"He's got a point," you reply. "But let's not dwell on it right now. We're about to take off."

The group gathers around Reiji and Hoshi as they hold out the tome. "Take it away Hoshi!" Saki smiles, determined to get the mission underway.

Hoshi sweats a little before giving a nod. "R-right! I... I'm going to get it right this time!"

Hoshi begins to speak the incantation, as a wave of energy surrounds the room, pulling all of you in, as the room disappears and you begin to feel yourself being hurdled through darkness. You land on your back, welcomed by a crashing sound and the feeling of having crashed through something hard and wooden.

"We landed on something, didn't we?" Nina groans.

"Yep."

"Well? Open your eyes, see where we are?" Stranger remarks.

"Can't. My eyes are open."

"Oh... so we're in the dark. That's... not terrifying."

"Don't worry Nina. If you're scared, I'm right here."

"Leave me alone."

"Where are we...?" you hear Saki whisper on the ground next to you.

"Agh, I think I felt something wriggling!" Hikaru yells.

"No, that was me babe," Akio's voice replies. "Just checking to see if you were still there."

You note the silence that follows. No retort from Hikaru, no comparing him to a worm. Not even calling Akio and idiot... it's worrying.

"Hang on, let me get some light in this place..." Reiji mutters. "Lux."

Reiji's hand begins to glow as he adds some much needed light to the room.

"It looks like we're in... a cellar?" you ponder.

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"Oh no..." Hoshi mumbles. "I-I messed up again, didn't I?"

"No," Reiji reassures her. "You didn't do anything wrong. We are in the middle of the Conqueror's city."

Saki groans. "My butt... so wait, above that door is a city? What, with Darkworlders walking around like regular people?"

"According to the tome, yes."

"That's so weird..." Hikaru mutters. "Hang on... it's just the six of us!"

Reiji sighs. "Yes, looks like we got separated from the others. They can't be too far away, though. We should regroup and meet up before we're found by the city's inhabitants."

"How the hell do you expect us to get around up there?" Hikaru asks. "I really doubt these demons won't notice we're human. And we can hardly converse with them... it's not like they speak Japanese."

"No need to worry on your end, Ryoji. You'll understand them perfectly with me in your head."

"I-I think I might have a spell to translate their words..." Hoshi flicks through the tome. "S-so we can all understand."

"Doesn't solve the human problem..." Hikaru sighs. "Saki? Ryoji? Either of our glorious leaders got any bright ideas?"

>We'll need to sneak around. Try not to be seen.
>We should grab disguises and try to blend in.
>Saki, I'll leave the decision to you.

>>1014121
>Hoshi do you have any sort of disguise magic

>>1014121
>We should grab disguises and try to blend in.
Fuck yeah hiding in plain sight

>>1014121
>We'll need to sneak around. Try not to be seen.
>Acquiring Information should be our key priority right now. This not a time to rush head on into things.

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>>1014121
>We should grab disguises and try to blend in.
Just got to act natural.

>>1014133
kek

Calling for
>We should grab disguises and try to blend in.
Writing now.

>>1014149
Demon shenanigans time bois.

I can't wait until we find the demon waifu

>>1014121
>>We should grab disguises and try to blend in.

>>1014161
Time for Saki to have a meltdown when some of the demon waifus hit on Ryoji.

>>1014170
and then have another meltdown when the same demon waifu hits on her.

Saki is so freaking lewd.

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"That's very risky..." Saki mutters. "But at the same time, we're a large group. A group that'll be even larger when we join up with the others. Trying to blend in will be much easier than trying to successfully sneak around in such large numbers..."

"It's settled, disguises it is," you reply. "Hoshi, you got anything?"

"Umm..." Hoshi flicks through the pages of the tome in a panic. "I-I think there was s-something..."

"Here, let me help you," Reiji replies. "Right... there. That should be what we need."

"Oh... t-thank you Reiji," Hoshi smiles. "I don't know what I'd do without you..."

You see Reiji also smile in turn, an odd sight for him.

"Okay... here we go..." Hoshi takes a deep breath before speaking another incantation. You look down to see... nothing changed.

"Uh, Hoshi?" Hikaru mutters. "It didn't work."

"O-oh no!" Hoshi gasps.

Reiji sighs. "It did. I can feel the aura around each of you. We're properly disguised, and any demon we encounter will see and hear us as one of their own. With the translator spell, we should be able to appropriate blend in."

"Then why don't we look any different?" Akio asks. "Not that I'm complaining about retaining my good looks..."

"Then don't look in a mirror. It's an aspect of the spell," Reiji explains. "We still appear as ourselves to other humans, so they don't attack us under the flase assumption we're demons."

"Huh, guess that works a charm!" Akio smirks. "Thanks, new kid!"

"I... I'm not a new kid..." Reiji sighs.

"Well, let's not waste any time," Saki explains. "We need to find the others and hit them with this spell as well."

You nod. "Right, let's get the hell out of this place."

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You make your way to the cellar door and slowly creek it open. Light shines in through the crack in the door, as you see that the cellar leads outside. Good thing, too. Disguise or no, you'll have a hard time explaining yourself if it lead right into a demon's living room.

The ground beneath is sandy and just beyond your small alleyway is an incredible assortment of stalls stretching onto the horizon, filling up a massive plaza that goes on for miles. At the head of the horizon, what appears to be a massive Colosseum.

"Is this... a market?" Saki asks.

"Looks that way," you reply. "Meaning it's filled with demons."

"Okay... let's not blow our cover and act all suspicious. That spell of Hoshi's is probably struggling to hide the presence of an Archdemon in The Conqueror's territory."

As you begin to search around the marketplace, Akio approaches you from behind. "Hey Ryoji..."

"Hey, you sound down," you remark.

"Yeah," Akio replies. "It's just... Hikaru and I. We're going through a rough patch."

"I thought you were going to talk it out?" you reply.

Akio shakes his head. "I planned to, but the talk soon turned to an argument. We started screaming and yelling at each-other, and it only got worse when I refuse to give up on training for her... now she can barely even talk to me."

>Give her some space, she'll come around.
>You really need to cut down on the training a little.
>Maybe calling her by her name instead of 'babe' will help.
>It's nothing I can help you with, Akio. Sink or swim.

>>1014206
>You really need to cut down on the training a little.
>Maybe calling her by her name instead of 'babe' will help.
They are rather important parts to the puzzle.

>>1014206
>You really need to cut down on the training a little.
>Maybe calling her by her name instead of 'babe' will help.
We should also ask Stranger on the basic demon etiquette.

>>1014206
>>You really need to cut down on the training a little.
or at lest find a way to spand time with her at the same time?
take er out onn a date

>>1014206
>You really need to cut down on the training a little.
>Maybe calling her by her name instead of 'babe' will help.

>>1014206
>>You really need to cut down on the training a little.
>Also when she starts yelling at you dont immediately start yelling back, let her get it out.

I see what your doing booker, saying they cant see the demon disguise so you dont need new pictures.

also akio a dumb fucboi sometimes

>>1014206
>Maybe calling her by her name instead of 'babe' will help.
>Do you want to be like your uncle? Training too much will get you there.

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>>1014206
>You really need to cut down on the training a little.
>Maybe calling her by her name instead of 'babe' will help.


Damn it Akio, your relationship won't last if you can't figure this shit out on your own
I'd suggest giving Akio a BrightSlap if Ryoji wouldn't brake his hand on Akio hard head

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>You really need to cut down on the training a little.

"I know..." Akio sighs. "But how can I? Last time we went up against a demidemon, we were destroyed. I need to get stronger, or else... look, I'd rather Hikaru was mad at me than Hikaru being killed. I just... I think I'm going to lose her no matter what I do."

"You don't have to be on all the time," you sigh. "Just take some time, any time out of your day for her. Show her how important she is to you."

Akio looks over at Hikaru, who is silently marching ahead of the group, before letting out a sigh. "You're right... I do it all for her. I need to keep her safe, but what good is that if I leave her miserable?"

Akio shakes his head before rushing ahead to join up with Hikaru. "Hey babe, as soon as we're done here, I'm taking you out for the night of your life."

Hikaru remains silent, causing Akio to talk again. "First off, I'm going to take you to that restaurant in town. The sushi place that you just love. Then, we're gonna spend the night on the rides at the Winter festival. And then, you and me, taking a nice hot bath together, all alone. How does that sound?"

"That sounds like a very nice fantasy," Hikaru sighs. "I really wish I could believe you."

"Babe..."

"Look Akio, let's just focus on this mission," Hikaru sighs. "Now's not the time to focus on our failing relationship."

"Our what?!" Akio snaps.

Hikaru winces. "I... I didn't mean that. Look, I'm just mad. We... we'll be fine. Let's not talk about in front of our friends."

As you walk through the plaza, you hear the sound of some kind of crashing in one of the alleyways and decide to investigate. As you enter the alleyway, you come across the dead body of another demon... before you feel the cold of a gun pointed to your head.

"Ryoji..." Raiden's voice growls. "Did any of them follow you?"

"No, you're safe," you reply. "Are you with any of the others?"

"Just me!" Akemi exclaims as she pops out from behind Raiden.

"Me and Akemi only just regrouped," Raiden explains. "It seems we were all very badly separated."

"Raiden was so cool!" Akemi smiles. "I was all alone, and I was hiding here, and then a demon found me, and then Raiden showed up and was like 'Don't you dare touch her grrrrr!' He saved me!"

"Her impression of you is spot on," you smirk.

Raiden shakes his head. "I was only doing what I thought was right... killing a demon was a bonus."

Heh, no matter how angry and lonesome he is, Raiden's soft spot for Akemi will never go away.

"You're my hero!" Akemi hugs into Raiden tightly. "You're like the Red Mask!"

"I'm not a superhero..." Raiden sighs. "I'm not a hero at all..."

>You look like a hero to me.
>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.
>Regardless, we need to get moving.

>>1014284
>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.
I mean, you'll have plenty of chances to hug her after the mission, right? But better safe than sorry.

>>1014284
>>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.

>>1014284
>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.

>>1014284
>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.

>>1014284
>>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.

>>1014284
>>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.
Hikaru what the fuck

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>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.

"I..." Raiden mutters.

"Come on!" Akemi exclaims enthusiastically. "Pleeeeeeease? I miss your hugs!"

"Akemi..." Raiden takes a deep breath. "I can't."

"Aw, why?" Akemi asks.

Raiden shakes his head. "Because that's not who I am. The Raiden you knew was a fraud... and now he's dead."

"But... I like my Raiden!" Akemi smiles. "I like every Raiden, but I like my Raiden the best!"

"Too bad," Raiden sighs. "It doesn't matter... no matter how much you might love someone... good things can never last."

At first you assume Raiden is making reference to Maya as usual... but then you notice that he neglected to clutch the locket around his neck as he usually does.

Akemi lets go of Raiden, as the rest of your group meet up with them. Hoshi casts her spell in order to disguise Akemi and Raiden as well as they join you in searching for the rest.

"So you two were even separated from each other?" Akio remarks. "I hate to say it Hoshi... but it looks like you screwed up."

"I-I'm sorry..." Hoshi mutters.

Reiji places a hand atop her head and begins to ruffle her hair. "It's okay, Hoshi. This is just a minor setback."

"B-but someone could be hurt!" Hoshi protests. "I did the spell wrong! S-stop p-pretending I d-d-d-didn't!"

"Hoshi..." Reiji recoils his hand, as Hoshi lets out a gasp.

"I-I'm so sorry for raising my voice..." she cries, though Hoshi's supposed raised voice was still the average person's regular indoor voice.

Reiji adjusts his glasses. "No, it's okay... I suppose it's my fault for trying to shelter you. I'm sorry, Hoshi."

With that set aside, the rest of your group begin to wander through the plaza once more in the hopes of finding any of the others.

"Ryoji..." Akemi mumbles, clutching her belly. "I'm hungry."

"So?" you ask.

Akemi looks around and licks her lips. "Some of these stalls have food, right? Can we get some? Pleeeeeeease?"

>No, we can't blow our cover.
>We'll have to steal some, we can't exactly pay for it.
>I'll try to convince one of these shopkeeps to give us a sample.

>>1014284
>Just hug her back, Raiden. Your reputation is safe.
Really dissapointed that the don't call her babe option wasn't also joined in. Oh well. Guess we also need to spend some time with Hikaru.

>>1014339
>I'll try to convince one of these shopkeeps to give us a sample.
Here's to figuring out that the demons don't appeal to human norms.

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>>1014339
>I'll try to convince one of these shopkeeps to give us a sample.

DEMON FOOD MISHAPS BOIS
>Akemi's face when demon food turns people into demons

>>1014339
>>I'll try to convince one of these shopkeeps to give us a sample.

>>1014339
>No, we can't blow our cover.
Wasn't it established that Darkworld stuff is lethal to humans during the Endless Night?

>No, we can't blow our cover.

Calling for
>I'll try to convince one of these shopkeeps to give us a sample.

Roll 1d100 please, BO3

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>1014369
HAhahah

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>1014369
Sample plz?

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>1014369
ROLLAN

>>1014373
>>1014382
>>1014389
90 ain't bad.

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>1014369

Aw ye I'm here

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>Rolled 80 +10

You let out a sigh. "Okay Akemi... let me just see what I can do."

"Ryoji, I appreciate your kindness... but do you think this is a good idea? You could get caught pretty easily. One wrong word and we're on the run."

"Don't worry Ryoji, just repeat everything after me, and you can talk your way through this."

You nod and make your way to the nearest stall as you see a grotesque, fat creature with a trunk manning it.

"See those potato looking things there?" Stranger mutters. "We call those blackfruit. Those are safe for consumption, and very tasty. Ask for two of them."

"Two blackfruits," you mutter, causing the shopkeep to shake it's head and let out a guttural sound. Thanks to Hoshi's spell you can tell that it's asking for some form of money. It slaps its palm, waiting for you to pay it.

"Tell it that you're among the elite," Stranger replies. "And look offended that he even asked you to pay."

You do as Stranger commands, and the shopkeep begins to panic. "Please forgive," the shopkeep mutters in it's strange guttural voice. "No execute."

"You escape with your life today," you point at the shopkeep, before taking two of the blackfruits from the stall, then taking a third for good measure."

You hand the blackfruit over to Akemi as she bites into it. "Mmm... it tastes tingly!" She exclaims.

"Tingly?" you ask.

"It tastes like a nap in a big comfy chair next to a burning fireplace!" Akemi explains.

"I don't get it, but I assume you mean that's good?" you ask.

Akemi nods. "Yep! Raiden, try so-"

"No."

"I have to admit, that was some good work, Stranger."

"Don't act so shocked. Don't forget, I am a god of this world."

>Thanks for the helping hand, Stranger.
>See? Why aren't you this useful all the time?
>Nina, don't give him too much credit. He'll get cocky.

>>1014413
>See? Why aren't you this useful all the time?

Kek

>>1014413
>>See? Why aren't you this useful all the time?
>>try one of the black fruits yourself.

>>1014413
>>See? Why aren't you this useful all the time?

>>1014413
>Thanks for the helping hand, Stranger
I will thank him for this one.

>>1014413
>Thanks for the helping hand, Stranger.
>See? Why aren't you this useful all the time?

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>See? Why aren't you this useful all the time?

"Maybe it has something to do with me being stuck in your head all the time," Stranger mutters. "What can you expect me to do with these limitations? How often is Nina useful?"

"About as much as you," Nina mutters. "And I've been here for a much shorter time."

"Yeah, and you're the only company I get..." Stranger mutters. "You could try to be a little nicer."

You shake your head, as Akemi munches down her second blackfruit. "Ah... that's better!"

You smile as you continue the search for the rest of the group.

"I'm very worried about Rei..." Saki mutters. "She's barely able to move. If she gets caught, she's done for..."

"Don't worry," you reply. "Akira was carrying her, so there's no way those two were separated. Isamu's likely with them, but... well, he's not fighting off legions of Darkworlders soon. I guess he could hold Rei while Akira does the hard-HEY!"

As you walk by Saki's side, an arm reaches out from the corner and pulls you into an alleyway. Before you know it, you have Kaz staring you in the face with his samurai sword pressed to your throat.

"Watch it Kouhai, it's just me."

Kazuma looks you in the eyes. "I'm still considering it."

Eventually, Kazuma lets go, as Saki joins the two of you in the alley.

"Good to see you're safe," Saki nods. "But are the rest your class with you?"

"Mayu is guarding the other side of this alley," he explains. "The entire club is here, plus Akuro. The Shibata twins aren't with us, though..."

You sigh. "Well, it's much better than nothing."

Kaz withdraws his sword and lets out a weary sigh. "Why can't anything be simple..."

>Suck it up, Kaz. We've got more to find.
>If you wanted simple, you should have never attended Dark Gate.
>Still missing your friend, huh?

>>1014501
>Still missing your friend, huh?
Lets be gentle guys.

>>1014501
>>If you wanted simple, you should have never attended Dark Gate.

>>1014501
>Still missing your friend, huh?
Okay, Kaz is being moodier than usual. Gotta find out what's wrong.

>>1014501
>>If you wanted simple, you should have never attended Dark Gate.

>>1014501
>Still missing your friend, huh?
I won't say hug Kaz. But he's not doing hot.

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>Still missing your friend, huh?

"She was..." Kaz mutters. "She... wasn't my friend. I never really knew her. Nothing I even thought I knew about her was true."

"Then why are you so sad about it?" you ask.

"Because she..." Kaz sighs. "She wasn't a friend, but she was something else. Something... more? Maybe something less? I don't even know. All I know is I miss her."

You chuckle. "You know, I had confused feelings like that once. Turned out pretty well for me."

You reach out and place a hand on Kazuma's shoulder. "Chin up. It'll end up okay in the end."

"You think so?"

"Sure thing," you reply. "Look, as soon as we're finished here, you can go track that girl down, knock on her door... and hug her, or kiss her, or drag her back to the Academy, maybe all three. Whatever you feel like doing when you see her again."

Kazuma stares at you, before slowly nodding. "Yeah... thanks, Ryoji."

"Please, call me senpa-"

"Don't push it," Kaz laughs.

Hoshi disguises the Class 1 club with her spell as Raiden's sister approaches him.

"The hell have you been up to lately?" she asks.

Raiden grunts. "None of your business."

"Something tells me it's going to be my business pretty soon," Akuro sighs. "I swear Raiden... someone's gonna get hurt if you keep this up."

"I'm not afraid to get hurt."

"I wasn't talking about you..." Akuro sighs.

"So, what are we doing now?" Akio asks. "There's a lot of us here, but we still need to find the others."

"We press on," you explain. "Look... there's some signs around here. What do they say?"

"My magic doesn't t-translate the writing..." Hoshi apologises.

"And we don't have the twins to translate for us," Kazuma adds.

"I can take care of this. That path leads to the gallows, and the other leads to the Colosseum."

You relay this information to the rest of the group.

"Okay..." Saki nods. "Which path should we take?"

>The Gallows.
>The Colosseum.

>>1014589
>The Colosseum.
Both sound terrible.

>>1014589
>>The Gallows.

Okay hear me out, they might be about to execute a rogue demon, a rogue demon that might want to join us, a rogue demon who might be...
a waifu

>>1014589
>The Colosseum.
RING OF HONOR

>>1014589
>The Colosseum.

>>1014589
>>The Colosseum.

>>1014589
>The Colosseum.
Let's make some money.

>>1014641
or get nticed by the king

>>1014598
>a rogue demon who might be...
>a waifu
I would have back it if I got here in time, not that it would change much I guess.

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>The Colosseum.

"I think it makes more sense for us to check out that staggeringly huge building in the middle of this city," you point out. "It's intimidating as hell, but it looks like that place is our safest bet if we're to find the rest of Class 2."

Saki nods. "Let's hope the rest of us are there. If we don't regroup soon, we'll be in major trouble."

You and the others head out in the direction before the gigantic arena on the horizon. You press on determined through the vast, vast marketplace and towards the Colosseum.

Akio cracks his knuckles as he walks by your side. "A Colosseum, huh? Definitely nowhere better for someone like me. I can fight my way through that entire place."

"Don't get so cocky," you mutter. "We're still in blending in mode. Don't jump the gun and start fights just because you got the sniff of an arena."

Akio sighs. "Alright, alright... but I can't imagine us leaving this place without a fight."

You make your way towards the arena, and towards the entrance, you bear witness to a sight you really weren't hoping to see. A fight between a small group of demons and your friends. Seishiro, Ken, Nariko, Nanami, Rini and Chihiro struggling to fight the demons while others like Satomi, Hiro, and Kosuke are laying unconscious on the ground. Crap.

Akio smirks. "You were saying, Ryoji?"

Akio rushes forward with his massive spear, saving his friend from a demon's strike. Akio pushes the demon back before thrusting his spear into its chest, killing it. Saki readies her lance as well.

>Guess I'll have to fight your way into the Colosseum. Attack the demons.
>Distract them with fireworks and try to escape.

>>1014713
>Distract them with fireworks and try to escape.
Got save our energy for the boss fight.

>>1014713
>Distract them with fireworks and try to escape
Uh oh.

>Hiro down
Double uh oh! There goes our healer!

>>1014713
>>Distract them with fireworks and try to escape.

>>1014713
>>Guess I'll have to fight your way into the Colosseum. Attack the demons.

>>1014713
>Distract them with fireworks and try to escape.

>>1014713
>>Distract them with fireworks and try to escape.

>>1014713
Get outta there and try to hide somewhere and recover.

Calling for
>Distract them with fireworks and try to escape.

Roll 1d100, best of 3.

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>1014773

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>1014773
ojeez

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>1014773

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>1014773

>>1014778
Gud

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>Rolled 97

You summon your gauntlet and point it on the direction of the mass of darkworlders. You let loose with the fireworks, firing directly above them, taking them by surprise and confusion them with all the exploding lights before them. Akemi, seeing what you're doing, decides to join in, summoning a firework gauntlet of her own and letting loose as well. The demons are shocked and confused, allowing you and the rest of the group to grab the unconscious and run off. You're thankful that your disguises were still in effect, as the demons weren't expecting some of their own to intervene.

You run off with the others, and you're able to give the opposing demons the slip, rushing into a smaller side entrance of the Colosseum.

"Wow... that was a close one," Ken says, catching his breath.

"It sure was," Nanami gasps. "But we remained steadfast as a crew and together we were able to hold the line against those scurvy dogs!"

"You're not hurt, are you?" Ken asks.

Nanami rolls up the sleeves of her pirate jacket. "Just a few bruises. It'll take a lot more than that to keep the great Captain Nanami down!"

Ken chuckles as he reaches out and takes Nanami's hand, interlocking his fingers with hers. "Hope I was a pretty good First Mate."

"Ken, silly!" Nanami laughs. "Ryoji's the first mate!"

"Oh, sorry... second mate, then."

"No!" Nanami gives Ken a playful pat on the head. "You're the co-captain, obviously! On that note, we really need to get you a better hat..."

"We can't keep up our disguises much longer," Saki sighs. "We need to hurry up and find the others."

You do a quick head count of everyone you recovered from outside the Colosseum. "Okay... so all we need to find now are... the twins, Isamu, Akira... and Rei."

"They have to be around here somewhere," Saki sighs. "We find them, we find Hermes... then we can complete our mission."

"Yeah..." you reply.

"Ryoji..." Saki looks you in the eye. "You don't sound confident, and you haven't this entire time. Please, tell me... do you really think Rei has a chance?"

>Yeah, I really do. We're not going to lose her.
>No... but we have to try.
>I wish I could say yes, but... this mission is hopeless.

>>1014865
>>I wish I could say yes, but... either way we have to try.

>>1014865
>>Yeah, I really do. We're not going to lose her.
We've faced worse.

>>1014865
>A small one, yeah.

>>1014865
>failure never crossed my mind.

>>1014865
>>>I wish I could say yes, but... either way we have to try.

>>1014865
>>Yeah, I really do. We're not going to lose her.

>>1014865
>Yeah, I really do. We're not going to lose her.
inb4 we lose her

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>>1014865
>Yeah, I really do. We're not going to lose her.

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>Yeah, I really do. We're not going to lose her.

Saki clenches her fist and gives a determined nod. "Good. I was starting to think you were losing your belief in Rei for a while..."

"Saki, we always come out on top," you reply. "This time will be no different. Come Christmas, Rei will be celebrating with the rest of us."

"Good..." Saki smiles. "I already bought her a gift."

"What about you, Sak?" you ask. "Do you still believe?"

"Ryoji, I will always have faith in my class," Saki explains. "I'm not going to lose any of you."

"Nobody else dies... not if we have anything to say about it."

You notice a flight of steps leading upward into the Colosseum. A small empty section of the arena that you and your group can hide away in. As you reach the top of the stairs, you are able to look out over the balcony, witnessing the sight of the battle going on below. A demon with his head covered with what appears to be a wicker basket absolutely demolishing a series of angry beasts charging at him. As he takes down more and more of the creatures, you notice the figure standing at the upmost balcony. Sitting in a massive throne, what appears to be a massive suit of armour. The power emanating from him... even from this far away, is absolutely unreal.

"There he is..." Stranger mutters. "That's The Conqueror."

As the demon below defeats the last beast, The Conqueror rises from his throne and addresses the crowd.

"EXCELLENT SHOWING!"

His booming voice roars throughout the entire arena, and the crowd of demons hang on every word. This Conqueror... his authority is unreal.

"NOW, PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEWEST COMBATANT," The Conqueror continues to boom. "A NEWLY CAPTURED SLAVE, FROM A WORLD BEYOND OURS!"

Uh oh... that doesn't sound good.

A gated entrance onto the battleground opens, and out comes Makoto, a sword in his hand and lead by chains pulled by a couple of large oni demons. Makoto is released from his chains, looking bewildered as the demonic crowd stare at him with fascination.

"Ryoji... we have to do something!" Saki cries.

>Right... everyone, let's spring into action!
>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.

>>1015050
>Right... everyone, let's spring into action!
GOTTA GO FEST

>>1015050
>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.
Do not jump into the middle of a ring surrounded by demons and a fucking God without checking it out first.

>>1015050
>>Right... everyone, let's spring into action!

>>1015050
>>Right... everyone, let's spring into action!
GOTTA SAVE EVERYONE FUCKERS

>>1015050
>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.

>>1015050
>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.
Warning warning warning!

>>1015050
>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.

>>1015050
>>Right... everyone, let's spring into action!

>>1015050
>>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.

Calling for
>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.

Writing now.

>>1015050
>>Give it a moment. Let's see how this plays out.

we can always jump downw an issuse a changle to he deamon we are here to kill

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"Wait?" Chihiro gasps. "But Ryoji, that poor boy could be killed!"

"Don't worry," you sigh. "We'll step in when things get out of hand. We just need to get a feel for what's going on first."

Chihiro looks a little hesitant before you place a hand on her shoulder. "He'll be okay. I promise."

Chihiro nods.

"THIS BATTLE SHALL LAST UNTIL ONE COMPETITOR CAN NO LONGER CONTINUE!" Conqueror exclaims. "THE WINNER... SHALL RECEIVE THIS!"

The Conqueror motions to the balcony next to his own, where a group of demons appear to be holding Amaya chained to a chair.

"AN EXOTIC SLAVE FROM ANOTHER WORLD!" Conqueror declares. "AND OWNERSHIP OF THIS SLAVE GOES TO THE VICTOR OF THIS BATTLE!"

"What?!" Gado from Class 1 snaps. "Nobody's suppose to defile Blondie but me! Those bastards, let her go!"

"Don't draw attention to yourself!" Anri warns him.

Down below, Makoto readies his sword and holds out his hand, coating it in magic flame, prepared to take on the other demon. The demon pulls a flute from his belt. He holds the flute up to his covered face and you assume blows into it, as the sounds of the flute creates a shockwave that sends Makoto flying, and easily extinguishes his flame. Makoto tries to recover, but the demon moves too fast, dashing to meet Makoto directly and punching him right in the face, sending him flying to the side.

Makoto rolls in the air, landing on his feet as he readies his sword once more. He slashes at the demon as it comes charging again, but the demon is able to dodge the attack, before kicking the sword from Makoto's hand and knocking him forward with a palm strike. The demon then presses the flute to his head once more and begins playing, summoning a series of strange silver blades made from what appear to be visible sound-waves that all rapidly fly towards Makoto, slicing him as they make contact with his skin.

"Ryoji, he's hurt!" Chihiro cries. "I... I can't allow this madness to go on!"

"Chihiro, wait!" you exclaim, but it's too late, as Chihiro leaps from the small balcony onto the battleground and speeds towards the demon. You let out a sigh as you and the rest of the group have to leap down to back her up.

Chihiro surprises the demon with a slash to the shoulder from behind, causing the Conqueror to rise to his feet.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? MORE HUMANS?"

He recognised you, and as you look over to see that Hoshi is too busy battling guards with fireballs to keep up your disguise.

"WAIT... AMONG THEM..."

The Conqueror looks directly at you.

"LOYAL SUBJECTS... IT APPEARS WE HAVE A STRANGER IN OUR MIDST! HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN?"

>I'm not The Stranger! I'm Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!
>Stranger, you want to say something to this guy?
>Pay no attention, start punching guards.

>>1015215
>>I'm not The Stranger! I'm Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!
>The stranger is my sidekick

>>1015215
>>I'm not The Stranger! I'm Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!
Always time for oneliners!

>>1015215
>Stranger, you want to say something to this guy?
Normally I'd go for the cocky intro but we really need info on this guy.

>>1015215
>>Stranger, you want to say something to this guy?

>>1015215
>Stranger, you want to say something to this guy?

>>1015215
>>I'm not The Stranger! I'm Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!

>>1015215
>Stranger, you want to say something to this guy?
This is a Colosseum, theatrics is the name of the game.

>>1015215
>I'm not The Stranger! I'm Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!
I am personally hoping both are used.

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>Stranger, you want to say something to this guy?

"Sure thing," Stranger mutters, an intense tone of anger in his voice. "Just repeat after me, okay?"

You nod and do as commanded, yelling out to The Conqueror as he stands by his massive throne. "You know who I am, and you know all that you've taken from me!"

"Ryoji, what are you talking about...?" Saki raises an eyebrow as she battles off some guards. "Oh... Stranger. Right."

"Conqueror, a day will come when your empire falls around you!" you continue to yell at The Stranger's behest. "Your achievements and your cities will crumble, and I will have my vengeance! On behalf of my lands! On behalf of my sons and my daughters! On behalf of my reputation! The Conqueror will fall, and The Stranger shall rise!"

"Your sons and your daughters?" Nina mutters. "Stranger... that's horrible. I'm sorry."

"HAHA!" Conqueror booms. "HOW VERY AMUSING! GUARDS... KILL HIM."

Soon, you are rushed by three guards. You raise your gauntlet up in the hopes of defending yourself, but in a matter of seconds you see that you don't need to, as a flash of light buzzes by and cuts down all three at once... a blue flash of incredible speed, one you would recognise anywhere...

"Rei?" you ask in confusion, as she stands before you, her sword at the ready and adjusting her cap with a confident smirk.

"Oh, hey Ryoji!" Rei chuckles. "What'd we miss?"

You turn around to see that Isamu and Akira have also joined the fray, but you're still very confused.

"Rei, how are you even moving?"

"I don't know!" Rei shrugs. "It was like when I was in that coma... I woke up from it when I arrived in the Darkworld. And right now, I'm full of energy like never before!"

"The tome mentioned this would happen," Reiji explains. "Your energy returns the closer in proximity you are to the demidemon that gifted you your power. It's only a temporary boost though, and the detrimental effects will only worsen if you leave here without having killed Hermes."

"So that means he's nearby?" Rei asks. "Nice! Maybe I can put a sword through him myself!"

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"I DEMAND A STOP BE PUT TO THIS AT ONCE!"

Conqueror calls out, and his guards stop attacking.

"YOU OTHERWORLDERS FIGHT WELL," he comments. "IN FACT, YOU'VE GIVEN ME AN EXCELLENT IDEA!"

"Oh, and what's that?" you ask.

"THE RIGHT TO THIS OTHERWORLD GIRL SHALL NOT BE DECIDED IN SINGLE CONTEST," he explains. "BUT INSTEAD A TOURNAMENT!"

"A... tournament?" Akio mutters, practically licking his lips at the thought.

"A TOURNAMENT, THE WINNER OF WHICH IS GRANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BATTLE FOR THE RIGHTS TO THIS GIRL AGAINST THE CURRENT CHAMPION OF THE ARENA!"

"And who the hell is the current champion?" you ask.

You don't even need to wait for Conqueror to speak, as the demonic crowd already begins to chant his name with awe and reverence.

"HERMES! HERMES! HERMES! HERMES! HERMES! HERMES!"

"THE CHAMPION IS NONE OTHER THAN MY SON, AND ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL FIGHTERS IN MY ENTIRE ARMY... THE LIGHTNING QUICK HERMES!"

Oh... shit.

END OF EPISODE 31

>>1015401
Holy shit its fucking perfect

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if5Ehx9hJis

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

Thanks for playing! Fairly short thread tonight to properly introduce the new arc! Next thread will be up Tuesday, with a short bonus scene coming soon! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

>Player Question
And so, it's the first real tournament arc! What are your predictions? Who will win?

>>1015435
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Don't know who will win, but I definitely know it won't be Kaz, the Dice Gods have been preparing for this day.

>>1015435
All I know is this.

REI IS GOING TO FUCKING LIVE AND THEN SHE AND ISAMU ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY AND LOVE EACH OTHER FOREVER YOU FUCK

>>1015435
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Isamu will win. Somehow. Then solo Hermes with the power of love and nat 100's.

File: Io's Departure.png (225 KB, 241x578)

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>Bonus Scene

Don't look back.

The whirring of the train is all that fills Io's mind as she silently sits in her chair. Her eyes glance down to her ticket, then to the purse filled to the brim with yen. Just enough to keep her going... just all she ever needed. Now she can leave that nightmare of a school, with all those tortuous, horrible students... and him.

No. Don't look back.

Io reaches into her bag and pulls out a pocket mirror. She stares at herself long and hard, looking deep into her own eyes. Her eye were always her best asset, her best weapon. They're so big, round and innocent. Always made it easy to trust her. To believe her. To buy into whatever she needed them to. Io always loved her eyes... but now, she can't think of anything she hates more.

Don't look back. Stop thinking about them. Stop thinking about him.

Io shuts her eyes, trying hard to focus on nothing but the whirring of the train. Soon, she'll be arriving... home. If she can call it that. She'll be returning to... that place. Her thoughts drift back to how comfortable her bed back at the academy was... the softness of the mattress, how cozy it would get on those nights when Alice would sneak in under the blankets and snuggle up to her, and how much she wanted to share that bed with...

Stop. Don't look back.

Of course, she never liked any of that stuff. It may have seemed that way, but she never truly cared for that place. That awful place proved that no matter what gifts she was given, no matter how hard she could try... Io Tanaka will never fit in anywhere. A snake will always be a snake. And he... he was a fool to trust her. She had him wrapped around her finger the entire time. All it took was a few fluttering eyelashes and a few flirty words and he was all hers. With each hug, her snakely body coiled tighter and tighter around him, squeezing him tight as he fell for her sorry act. All an act... that's what she tells herself.

Don't look back.

She never liked him. She never cared for him. When he spoke, not once did his words leave a feeling in her heart, nor did it ever leave butterflies in her stomach. When he would lecture her on her behaviour, tell her right from wrong, she never listened. She never felt shame, nor a desire to be better than she was. And if she acted like she did, it was never for his sake. In the end, he meant nothing to her... absolutely nothing. It was all a lie. One great big ugly disgusting lie. She never... she never loved Kazuma.

Io, for the briefest of moments, stops lying to herself. And in that moment, Io looks back.

Io looks back, and she cries.

END OF SCENE

>>1015936
Io please, I didn't ask for these feels, give me a refund.

WTF?
why would Kaz open up to Ryoji about anything? Kaz has a strong distant for Ryoji, unless I fucking missed something and they are suddenly on good terms
Any why the fuck would Ryoji compare Io and Kaz 's relationship to his and Saki? God damn Booker, you are trying to pander to that one angry Io fag from the other thread so hard it almost feels like you are forcing the ship.
If you want Io and Kaz to be together so badly then why not make it a fucking ultimatum. Io won't return unless she gets kaz.
at least that way all the impartial anons who regularly only vote for her unless there is no other option will vote for it because hur dur my perfect run.

>>1016711
Calm down bro.

>>1016711

Jesus go scream into a pillow or some shit.

>>1016711
Buttmutilated.

>>1016711
Too much salt
Having said that the QM always had preference for Io, he should have just left her on the background instead of pushing her as hard as he did even after she started getting a lot of hate.
Now it turns she is so "evil" even when most of the interactions with her were just waifubaiting with no sign of any ulterior motive or foreshadowing.