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Hariuddo... This place is starting to seem like a magnet for weirdness. The city where King Thunder does his business as a successful actor in the wake of the New Years battle, you're once again sent to investigate something very... odd.

“You can feel it too, right Ryoji?” Nina comments. “There's definitely a presence here. And with how people have been acting... it's likely King Thunder may have done something. Made a deal like Kanako has.”

“Hey Red,” you turn your head to Roka. “KT's your cousin right? Any idea where he lives in the city?”

Roka places his hands in his pocket and shakes his head. “Me being his cousin makes no difference. I haven't seen him since before he got his fame. But I bet quite a few people around here will know. The man lives in Hariuddo, there's no doubt a photographer around every corner, ready to capture every detail of the lives of the famous.”

“So, we just go around asking people where he lives, and we're likely to get an answer?” Kaz asks. “Seems pretty simple.”

“Not with the way people have been acting...” Ken points out. “Even on the journey over here, on the train... they couldn't stop talking about him. Their love for him... he's a well-liked celebrity, but people are acting like mind-controlled zombies. I guess it only affects normal people and not us awakened, though...”

You sigh as you puff your cigarette. “Come on, don't mention mind control. Gives me bad memories. Still... people can still answer questions when asked. They might even answer honestly. Our best move is then to gather info and confront King Thunder... and if our suspicions are correct... be ready for a fight.”

“We should split up if we're going to go around town asking questions,” Kaz points out.

You nod. “Good thinking kouhai, we all have each-other's contact details. But just in case, we should make it pairs. Never know what could happen, so as long as we've all got someone to watch our backs. I'll go with Ken, Nanami and Isamu, Kouhai with Red...”

Roka and Kaz fold their arms and huff after looking at each-other. Seems they don't want to be paired up. Too bad. You question swapping Ken and Nanami, as you worry a team of Isamu and Nanami won't get anything done... but you ultimately trust the two to be focused on the mission.

“All right!” Nanami smiles as she and Isamu jump up and high-five.

Isamu chuckles as he puffs out his chest. “Have no fear, Ryoji Shida! The great hero, Isamu Iori, won't let you down! I shall conquer my ultimate rival and stand atop the mountain of olympus, a true Golden Champion!”

“Stop with the goofy analogies,” Roka mutters. “This is serious.”

“Says the guy who dresses as Red Mask...” Kaz points out.

“I-I'm not Red Mask!” Roka denies with a blush. “Besides, you don't see Red Mask around here, do you? This isn't a time to be playing around...”

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Kaz pauses. “You're... concerned for your family, aren't you?”

“N-no...” Roka mutters, but you can understand why he would be concerned. Taking a deal with a demon isn't great for most people's life spans, despite how it may seem. Though you're surprised the gruff Roka would have any concern for someone he hates like King Thunder.

You turn your attention back to Isamu. “He's right. Now's not the time for your goofy boastful shtick. You've got the powers of an archangel, so if a fight breaks you, you damn well better take it seriously.”

Isamu strikes a pose. “Without a doubt, Master Delinquent!”

You turn your head to Nanami. “I can't believe I'm asking you of all people... but make sure he stays focused, okay?”

Nanami salutes. “Aye-Aye, Ryoji. I promise, we won't let you down! I have a score to settle with that creepy and loathsome scoundrel anyway!”

“Be careful,” Ken warns Nanami. “If we're right about this, things could get extremely dangerous.”

Nanami nods. “You all take care, too!”

As the three pairs split off, Ken turns to you with a concerned look. “I'm not so sure about splitting up... I hope Nanami will be safe...”

“You worry to much,” you reply. “We're all capable, and if any of us are in danger, they can send out a message and the rest will come running. Let's just worry about a potential demon on our hands.”

“You're right,” Ken nods. “So... where are we going to check out first? Not like we know where he lives...”

>We should just ask around on the street. I'm sure some obsessed fan or paparazzi knows where he lives.
>The guy's a movie star, right? Our best bet is the movie studio.
>If there's anyone in the city King Thunder would get to know, it's the models. We should check out Kanako's old agency.

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>>2477618
>>The guy's a movie star, right? Our best bet is the movie studio.
Nice to see you back Booker

>>2477618
>If there's anyone in the city King Thunder would get to know, it's the models. We should check out Kanako's old agency.
KT is after all a man of refined taste.

>>2477618
>If there's anyone in the city King Thunder would get to know, it's the models. We should check out Kanako's old agency.

Calling for
>If there's anyone in the city King Thunder would get to know, it's the models. We should check out Kanako's old agency.

Writing now.

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>If there's anyone in the city King Thunder would get to know, it's the models. We should check out Kanako's old agency.

Ken nods in agreement. "You've got a point. I can't imagine anyone else King Thunder would want to get... familiar with. Ugh, just saying that grosses me out..."

You never figured you'd be heading back to Kanako's old agency so soon. Hell, you hoped you'd never have to return to this damn city again. You shouldn't be surprised though, the ego and presence of these celebrities make them prime targets for Archdemon possession.

You and Ken make your way to the modelling agency where Chihiro briefly interned last week. Only a week removed from their top model being possessed and dying in this very city.

You hit the buzzer on the entrance, as the receptionist takes the call. "Hello?"

"Hey," Ken replies. "We're here from Dakugeto. We have a few questions we'd like to ask."

"Oh, of course!" the woman exclaims. "Come on in!"

You open the door as you and Ken enter the building. The receptionist smiles as you enter, and your eyes catch a small memorial shrine, remembering the late Kanako Iwatani. "Oh, it's awful what happened to her..." the receptionist sighs. "But we really must thank you for what you did."

"No problem," Ken smiles. "It's our duty."

"By the way..." the receptionist smiles as she pulls out a magazine. "Advance copy of Kanako Iwatani's last photo shoot. It features your friend."

"Chihiro?" Ken raises an eyebrow, thinking over the implications before blushing. "Uhh, well..."

"What's Ken acting all bashful for? It can't be that sultry... can it? Right, Ryoji? You're... not thinking about reading it, are you?"

>Thanks, Chihiro will be happy to see this.
>Uhh... no thanks. I can go without a copy.
>We'll take five.

>>2477631
>We'll take five.

>>2477631
>Uhh... no thanks. I can go without a copy.
BEGONE THOT

>>2477631
>>We'll take five.

Calling for
>We'll take five.

Writing now.

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>We'll take five.

"Ryoji! What would Saki say if she was here?"

"Pft, you think I'm not doing this to annoy Saki?" you smirk, before turning your attention to the receptionist. "You can spare five, right?"

The receptionist sighs. "Well, we can at most give out three..."

"We'll take them," you smirk, as Ken stares at you.

"Ryoji, shouldn't we be focusing on something else?" he blushes.

You pat your best friend on the shoulder. "What? You're not curious? I'm sure if it was Nanami in these pages you wouldn't be able to control your excitement."

"T-that's not relevant!" Ken gets flustered, as you flick through the pages of the magazine. Pretty tame, but the photo of Kanako and Chihiro together looks pretty sweet. Chihiro would probably like it, she saw good in Kanako right to the end... and she's into this kind of sentimental crap.

"Anyway," you continue. "We actually came here to ask a few questions. What do you know about King Thunder?"

The receptionist beams. "I know he's the greatest person to ever live! Stunning, heroic, handsome! He's the peak of perfection!"

"Okay, something's definitely up..." you mutter. "Do you know where he lives?"

"If I did, I wouldn't be sitting here!" the receptionist laughs. "I'd be bowing before him, praying to his glorious image!"

You sigh. "This is weird..."

A message beep from Ken's pocket alerts the both of you. "It's Nanami," Ken explains. "She and Isamu found the place."

"Good," you reply. "I don't want to stick around any longer than I have to. Let's do this and get out of here. Message the juniors and we'll all meet up."

"Way ahead of you," Ken smiles as he sends a message Kaz's way. "Let's go. Nanami and Isamu will probably need back-up."

The two of you make your way for the door of the agency... but it's locked.

"Where do you think you're going?" the receptionist asks.

You grunt. "We're trying to get out, lady."

"Oh, what for?" she asks again. "You're going nowhere if you intend to hurt my beloved King Thunder!"

>Look lady, we're the good guys here. We have to handle this.
>I don't want to punch an innocent woman, but if you're in our way, I won't have a choice.
>Ken, just smash the door down. We don't need to deal with this.

>>2477646
>>Out the Window.

>>2477646
>Look lady, we're the good guys here. We have to handle this.

>>2477646
>I don't want to punch an innocent woman, but if you're in our way, I won't have a choice.
Can't believe Booker is giving us the option to make Ryoji's Archangel The Touman.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>2477648
>Out the Window.

>>2477651
>Look lady, we're the good guys here. We have to handle this.

>>2477653
>I don't want to punch an innocent woman, but if you're in our way, I won't have a choice.

Rolling to break the tie.

>>2477646
>Ken, just smash the door down. We don't need to deal with this.
Smooth.

>>2477648
>>Out the Window.
The third story window right?

>>2477648
>>>Out the Window.
support

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>Meanwhile

“This is it...”

Nanami and Isamu stand by the door to the large penthouse apartment. They received the address from an avid photographer infatuated with the alleged hero. “Here's where that dastardly villain dwells...” Isamu mutters. “Where he eats, sleeps, plans his next action of malevolence. And now the great hero and the pirate queen join forces to take him down!”

“Yeah...” Nanami mutters.

Isamu turns to Nanami. “Hmm, Nanami Fuji, is there something dwelling on the mind of the seafaring pirate queen? You're not your bombastic self! I was hoping for a truly glorious team-up!”

Nanami lowers her eyes. “Sorry... I'm just nervous. I messaged Ken, so the others will be here soon, but... I can't keep up the pirate act right now. To be honest... I'm a little scared. I haven't proved useful in these big fights so far...”

“I see...” Isamu mutters, dropping his bombastic hero voice himself. He then smiles, before pointing his thumb to himself in confidence. “Don't sweat it, I believe in us! And I believe in the others! If he's a demon... no matter what, we can handle it. So don't worry, pal!”

Nanami smiles. “Isamu... thanks. Ahem... YAR! Let's storm the-”

The door swings open, as a smirking King Thunder stands in the doorway, a swirling glass of wine in his hand. “Well, hello beautiful.”

“King Thunder! My old nemesis!” Isamu yells.

“Who are you again?” Thunder replies. “I'm talking my would-be sidekick. How about it? You finally see sense and dump that loser?”

“Forget it!” Nanami spits. “You're nothing but a scurvy dog!”

King Thunder chuckles. “Don't be ridiculous! Everybody loves me! Why don't we go inside, I pour you a glass of wine and you sit on my lap?”

Thunder grabs Nanami by the wrist, but she resists being dragged inside. He pulls harder, and Nanami replies by spitting in his face. “Come on now... you're starting to annoy me...”

Isamu steps in, getting between Nanami and the actor. “Take your hands off my friend.”

King Thunder chuckles, turning his head away, before grabbing Isamu's shirt and pulling him into the room, tossing him all the way across the penthouse apartment, smashing through a table.

“That strength...” Nanami mutters. “You never had it before.”

“Oh, I always had it!” King Thunder laughs. “I just... needed a little help pulling it out! But make no mistake, this is all me, baby!”

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>Out the Window.

"Okay, have it your way..." you mutter.

"Ryoji, are you planning something dumb?"

"Like always."

You take a step back from the door and look to the window at your side. You get a running start as you leap at it, smashing through the glass and landing on the outside of the building. You have to pull some broken glass from your arm which hurts like a bitch, but saved you a hassle with the receptionist. "Come on, Ken! Let's get out of-GAH!"

You feel a tinge of pain as a dart plants itself in the back of your leg. "What the hell?"

You turn your head, and see a blonde woman in a rather stupidly revealing costume and oversized assets comes approaching you, darts between her fingers. You feel like you recognise her... right, when you were flipping through that magazine. She had a lingerie spread, she's one of the models. Yaoyorozu, wasn't it? "The hell did you do that for?"

"You know why!" Yaoyorozu exclaims. "You plan on hurting my darling King Thunder! Well, I won't let you lay hands on my beautiful lover!"

Lover? Gross. Still, you can tell this is the work of an Archdemon. She's not really this violent or obsessive. She's a normal person, but KT's got a hold of her mind, like he does with all non-awakened, it seems. She's got the strength of a normal human, but... there lies the problem. Fighting an innocent? Not really your M.O. And if you're hesitant, then Ken certainly isn't willing, that noble dummy. How are you going to handle this?

>Screw it, I'll try to knock her out or restrain her. I've got no choice.
>Just run away. She won't be able to keep up with me.

>>2477670
>Screw it, I'll try to knock her out or restrain her. I've got no choice.

>>2477670
>Just run away. She won't be able to keep up with me.

JOESTAR SECRET TECHNIQUE

>>2477670
>Screw it, I'll try to knock her out or restrain her. I've got no choice.

>>2477670
>Screw it, I'll try to knock her out or restrain her. I've got no choice.
YOU'RE NOT LIVING YOUR LIFE CORRECTLY

Calling for
>Screw it, I'll try to knock her out or restrain her. I've got no choice.

Writing now.

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>Meanwhile

“You villainous curr...” Isamu mutters. “Don't you understand what you've done? You've made a deal with a demon-”

“And it's working out brilliantly so far!” King Thunder jokes. “Haven't you noticed? People are worshipping the ground I walk on! Finally recognising me for the handsome heroic genius that I am!”

“It's all fake,” Nanami mutters. “You'd manipulate people, make them live a lie? You were already plenty loved, but you couldn't handle one rejection?”

King Thunder shrugs. “What rejection? I've never been rejected in my life. Not by anyone that matters, at least. Now, about sitting on my lap... I feel like if you don't do that, I'm just going to have to do something awful to your friend here.”

Nanami spits in Thunder's face, causing the actor to shrug. “Your choice.”

King Thunder marches towards Isamu, his oversized sword in hand. He swings down upon Isamu, but is blocked. Nanami dashes to her friend's safety, summoning her cutlass and clashing blades with Thunder as Isamu picks himself off the floor.

“Oh, you're going to fight me?” King Thunder smirks. “How silly. You're no fighter. No hero. You're just a girl playing dress-up.”

“This girl playing dress-up embarrassed you last time we met,” Nanami smirks in return.

King Thunder's eye twitches as he kicks Nanami backwards into Isamu, before charging both, ready to skewer them with his blade. Nanami leaps to the right and Isamu slides under King Thunder's legs and summons his spear, Gungnir. “Prepare for battle, foul demon!”

“If you call me a villain or a demon one more time,” King Thunder warns, “You're going flying out that window.”

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>Screw it, I'll try to knock her out or restrain her. I've got no choice.

You'd much rather not have to knock the lights out of an innocent woman in all of this, but your option to do otherwise disappeared about one dart to the leg ago. Maybe you can at least try to restrain her or something. The second Ken comes out he'll have an identity crisis over this dilemma.

"Ryoji, look out!"

Another dart embeds itself into your left shin, causing you to grimace with pain. That's annoying as hell.

"Ryoji, you should have been able to avoid that. You aren't paying attention! Are... are you too focused on her-"

"No!" you protest. "Come on, I'm not that shallow-GAH!"

Another dart, this time right in your shoulder. Now she's really starting to piss you off.

"I won't let you hurt my King Thunder!" Yaoyorozu exclaims. "He's the most generous lover I've ever had!"

Okay, now you've heard enough.

Ken leaps out the broken window, and catches a glimpse of you. "What's going on-WHOA!"

Ken summons his rod, just in time to block a dart from the angered Yaoyorozu. "Who's this? She's uhh..."

Ken blushes as you let out a sigh. "One of King Thunder's fangirls."

"Right..." Ken shakes his head, regaining his composure. "So... what do we do?"

"Well," you explain. "One of us is gonna have to tackle her."

"T-tackle her?" Ken mutters. "I guess it's our best option. Uhh... are you gonna do it?"

>You're kidding right? You do it!
>Ugh... fine. I'll bite the bullet.

>>2477713
>You're kidding right? You do it!
We're the normal strength scrub Ken.

>>2477713
>Ugh... fine. I'll bite the bullet.
Saki's are better

>>2477713
>Ugh... fine. I'll bite the bullet

>>2477713
>>Ugh... fine. I'll bite the bullet.

>>2477713
>>Ugh... fine. I'll bite the bullet.
TEN HUT

Calling for
>Ugh... fine. I'll bite the bullet.

Writing now.

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>Meanwhile

Isamu looks to Nanami and they both give a nod. They understand the situation. They likely won't be able to handle King Thunder on their own. They don't need to beat him here, simply hold him at bay until the others arrive.

King Thunder charges at Isamu and swings with his sword. Isamu blocks the attacks but still finds himself being sent flying across the room, smashing into a wall. The force of his attacks... “How remarkable!” Isamu chuckles, always in good spirits. “You managed to take the great hero Isamu Iori off-guard-”

Isamu is interrupted by King Thunder throwing his massive sword into the wall where Isamu crashed. The wannabe hero only manages to escape being impaled by a hare's breath.

“You're slippery, you know that?” King Thunder states, as he calls his sword back to him. He's adapted to the powers of an Archdemon quickly, like he's been expecting something like this his entire life. Like he feels owed this. “And you're really getting on my nerves.”

“Good,” Isamu smiles. “That makes me the perfect distraction!”

King Thunder raises an eyebrow, before he notices the ground rising up around him, beginning to imprison him in a stone coffin, closing him off.

“Dead Man's Chest!” Nanami exclaims, yelling out the name of the magic technique in her usual boisterous fashion.

“M-magic?!” King Thunder exclaims. “I-I didn't know you could do that!”

Nanami smiles as she concentrates, encasing King Thunder within the walls of the technique. That ought to hold him until the others come by.

A crack appears in the wall of the dead man's chest. Perhaps it won't last as long as she had hoped. He's too strong to be trapped that easily.

King Thunder breaks through the trap and immediately reaches out his hand around Isamu's throat.

“Why aren't you fighting me, you scurvy dog?” Nanami demands. “Stand and face me, you coward! Leave my friend alone!”

“You think I'm afraid to fight you?” King Thunder laughs. “Here's a lesson for you, kiddo. You're nothing. You're just another reject who doesn't know what's right and what's good for her. And since you insulted me, I'm going to make you watch as I kill this idiot.”

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>Ugh... fine. I'll bite the bullet.

Ken is going to owe you one for this. You take a deep breath and charge at the prepared Yaoyorozu, who throws a few more darts into your flesh. You yell out in pain, but it doesn't stop you from charging into her and tackling her to the floor. After your face lands where it was always destined to unfortunately land, you pull your head from her cleavage and try to restrain the struggling Yaoyorozu.

"Let go of me, you pervert!" she exclaims. "I have to fight for King Thunder! I love him!"

"I hate magic..." you mutter, keeping her still. "Listen, you're being controlled. We're trying to help you here lady."

Yaoyorozu kicks you in the crotch, causing you to grimace. "Dammit, Ken! Help me out here!"

Ken nods as he rushes to grab some rope, tying up the screeching Yaoyoruzu as she continues to fight back, before confiscating her darts and leaving her tied to a lampost.

"Stay here until we handle this demon stuff," you command. "Trust me, you'll thank us later."

"B-but... I love him..." Yaoyorozu mumbles, beginning to blubber and cry while still.

Ken scratches the back of his head. "Wow, I feel awful about this..."

"You feel awful?" you remark. "I was the one who had to do most of the dirty work."

"I don't see what the problem is. It's just one woman."

"You're a girl, it's not a problem for you," you point out.

"I mean... I just wouldn't have hesitated to knock her out. Does... does that make me a bad person?"

"No, but it makes you ice cold, Nina."

"Ice cold Nina... I don't think I like the sound of that..."

Another message alert turns your head to Ken. "Oh boy, what now?"

"Kazuma and Roka-kun," Ken explains. "They're having some trouble of their own, and need our help."

>I'm sure they can handle it on their own. We need to get to King Thunder's place fast.
>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.

>>2477747
>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.

>>2477747
>>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.

>>2477747
>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.
All hands...

>>2477747
>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.
I am sure Ryoji thinks Nanami and Isamu wouldn’t do anything stupid like trying to take King Thunder by themselves.

>>2477747
>>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.
dont die people plz

>>2477747
>I'm sure they can handle it on their own. We need to get to King Thunder's place fast.

>>2477747
>Split the party, Ryoji helps Kaz and Roka, Ken goes to help piss on Cloud Boom Peasant

>>2477747
>Split the party, Ryoji helps Kaz and Roka, Ken goes to help piss on Cloud Boom Peasant

>>2477747
>Split the party, Ryoji helps Kaz and Roka, Ken goes to help piss on Cloud Boom Peasant

These kids need to learn how to run away from fights better.

Calling for
>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.

Writing now

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“No!” Nanami exclaims. “You're a jerk! You're not a killer!”

King Thunder ponders, then shrugs. “I don't know... I've spent so long dreaming of this kinda power, this kinda strength... now that I have it, it got me thinking. Would a true powerful hero just sit back and play nice guy? Make the peace? Stand aside of the people who disrespect him? No! Being a hero is all about respect, adoration! The hero is the one who gets to decide what is right and what is wrong! So a stupid idiot punches the hero out of jealousy? He's on the chopping block! A stupid girl refuses the hero's offer to help her? Well, then I'm not going to help her! She doesn't deserve it! And this... buffoon wants to make a mockery of the hero's image? Then... I guess he goes flying out the window, doesn't he?”

“Don't...” the gasping Isamu chokes out with King Thunder's hands around his throat. “A hero... wouldn't...”

Isamu is flung across the room, smashing through the window panel and crumpling out on the penthouse balcony. “DON'T DARE TRY TO TELL ME WHAT A HERO WOULD DO!” King Thunder screams. “I DECIDE THAT! I DECIDE EVERYTHING! IT'S ALL ABOUT ME! I'M THE STRONGEST, THE SMARTEST, THE BRAVEST, THE HANDSOMEST! I'VE ALWAYS BEEN! NOT YOU, NOT THAT KEN KID, NOT MY STUPID COUSIN! ME! ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME!”

King Thunder cackles maniacally, the look in his eye a look of pure madness. He's completely snapped, as he marches towards Isamu. Nanami charges, but is swiftly kicked back by the actor, who picks Isamu up high, dangling the young hero over the balcony. Fury in his eyes, Thunder is ready to let go... when Isamu grabs him by the arm, shifting his body weight and pulling King Thunder over the balcony as well. Isamu grabs the railing to steady himself, as King Thunder clutches Isamu's leg before falling to a crushing end.

“Hold on tight!” Isamu reassures him. “I'll pull us over the-GAH!”

Isamu yelps in pain as King Thunder pulls down on Isamu's leg, sinking his nails in and kicking his legs in the air. He's not interested in being pulled to safety. He's lost his mind, he's only interested in dragging Isamu down with him.

“Stop!” Isamu yells. “I'm helping you, can't you see that-”

“ME ME ME ME ME ME!”

King Thunder climbs up Isamu's body, wrapping his arms around his throat and adjusting his body, placing his feet against the balcony, ready to kick himself and Isamu back, falling to the city below. Isamu clings on, fighting against the force of King Thunder. He strains, but feels himself losing his strength... until Nanami intervenes.

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“No!” she exclaims, readying her cutlass and slicing off King Thunder's hand. King Thunder looks to Nanami in shock, before drifting back. He falls back, as Nanami reaches out her hand to save the demon possessed actor, but comes up just an inch short. King Thunder falls from the top of the penthouse, and out of view. A nasty landing awaits him below. “No! I... I tried to catch him...”

Isamu pulls himself up and looks over the balcony, placing a hand on Nanami's shoulder. “It's okay, Nanami Fuji... it saddens me as well. I had hoped we'd be able to get through to him.”

Nanami wipes a tear from her eye, saddened by the loss of life. “Well... the others will be here soon. I guess we did it on our own, huh?”

“You're an excellent hero, my friend,” Isamu smiles.

“You're pretty great too!” Nanami smiles back, trying to keep positive. “You may even rival the great pirate captain Nanami!”

“Y-you mean it?!” Isamu blushes, legitimately flattered. He scratches the back of his head nervously. “Thanks! You know, I was a little worried we couldn't handle th-”

Isamu is interrupted by the ground breaking open beneath him. Nanami lunges and pulls him out of danger as the floor of the penthouse opens up.

Bursting from the floor is a hulking beast, with a spiked bony skeletal head. The creature bares it's massive grinning teeth as it stands before the two, decked in bulky samurai armour and wielding a katana.

“K-king Thunder?” Nanami mutters.

The creature laughs. “King Thunder. A Gradiose name, but not one befitting me. As you can see, I've grown. I've changed. This god has granted me TRUE power! I am far beyond all pathetic humans. I have even surpassed myself! I am the greatest! The strongest! The handsomest! And now... King Thunder isn't enough. It's not... strong enough. I need a new name. How about... The Pride?”

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>Dammit... we'll help them out on the way. Then we can all rush King Thunder together.

Ken nods. "We better be quick. I'm worried for Nanami and Isamu..."

"They'll be fine," you reassure him. "We both know those two are more capable than they seem. Now come on."

You and Ken rush to the street named in the text from Kaz to Ken's phone, and it doesn't take long for you to see the problem they're facing. Surrounded by hordes of civilians surrounding them and preventing them from passing, acting like mindless zombies. Kaz and Roka too worried about hurting anyone to pass.

"What is this, Night of the Living Fan?" you ask.

"Really starting to feel that way," Ken remarks. "Really makes me think about King Thunder. This is the world he wants? The wish he makes? How fragile must his ego be?"

"We already saw that first hand," you point out. "I'm not surprised he'd do something like this. Kouhai! Red! Sit tight! We'll come up with something to help you out!"

"Don't call me Kouhai!" Kaz yells out, his complaints lost in the sea of humanity surrounding him.

Ken turns to you. "Well... what are we going to do? We can't exactly just tear through everyone..."

>We'll just push through them all. Some people may get some bumps and bruises, but it's not too bad.
>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...

>>2477787
>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...
Uhhhhh...KING THUNDER IS OVER AT THE AGENCY

or something

>>2477787
>>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...

>>2477787
>>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...
Inb4 King Thunder's doing a nude photo shoot down the street

>>2477787
>We'll just push through them all. Some people may get some bumps and bruises, but it's not too bad.

>>2477787
>>>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...
>King Thunder's doing a nude photo shoot down the street!
1000% chance of working

>>2477787
>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...

>>2477787
>>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...

Yeah The Pride makes a lot of sense

File: Roka09.png (1.36 MB, 418x854)

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>We need a way to distract them, to pull them elsewhere. Let me think...

You look around as you think for a moment. There needs to be a way to lure these people away from the underclassmen. But they're completely dedicated. There's nothing that could lure them away apart from King Thunder. And there's no way you can just bring King Thunder here while...

"Wait, I've got it," you remark. "Red! You've still got your superhero costume, right?"

"I don't own a-"

"You're not Red Mask, we get it," you interrupt. "Let's cut to the chase. You've got the Red Mask costume, your cousin plays Red Mask. Put two and two together, and..."

"Ah, I get it..." Roka mutters, as he summons his Red Mask costume, leaping back. "Greetings, citizens! It is I, Red Mask!"

"Red mask?" one of the civilians mutters. "You mean... King Thunder? King Thunder!"

"ALL HAIL KING THUNDER!" the crowd exclaims as they begin to follow Roka, as he runs down the street. They ignore Kaz as they begin to follow Roka like moths to a bulb.

Kaz walks over to you and Ken, confused. "Weird plan... but it worked. Hopefully Roka can shake them off fast enough to join us again right away."

"All he has to do is turn a corner and remove the suit," you explain. "You okay, Kouhai?"

"Yeah, I'm fine... and don't call me kouhai," Kaz sighs. "This is all so bizarre..."

You nod. "It gets weirder. I can't be shocked by anything demon-related anymore."

"Ryoji... something's definitely off..."

You sigh. "I feel it too, Nina. Feels just like when Kanako went from human to full demon. That means..."

"We have to act fast. Nanami and Isamu could be... could be..."

Ken looks to you with a worried expression. "What? Whatever you're saying to Nina, that look on your face scares me. What's wrong? Something bad happened, right?"

>Don't lose your cool, Ken. Let's just get moving to King Thunder's place.
>Nanami and Isamu are in serious danger. Let's move.
>I don't know yet, but I'm worried. Let's go.

>>2477832
>Don't lose your cool, Ken. Let's just get moving to King Thunder's place.
Game face time.

>>2477832
>>Nanami and Isamu are in serious danger. Let's move.
ZIP ZOOM

>>2477832
>>Don't lose your cool, Ken. Let's just get moving to King Thunder's place.

>>2477832
>Don't lose your cool, Ken. Let's just get moving to King Thunder's place.

>>2477832
>Nanami and Isamu are in serious danger. Let's move.

Calling for
>Don't lose your cool, Ken. Let's just get moving to King Thunder's place.

Writing now.

File: Isamu_(Golden Champion).jpg (739 KB, 850x850)

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>Don't lose your cool, Ken. Let's just get moving to King Thunder's place.

Kaz nods as you turn to face the high-rise apartment building of King Thunder, only a few streets away. Time to get moving, and take out the damn demon.

>Meanwhile

Nanami wastes no time in charging with an attack, but it's futile. The Pride strikes her down with a single hand before picking her up by the throat and holding her up before Isamu.

“You were the fanciful hero, right? Where's all that bravado now? Replaced by fear? It should be!”

“Let her go!” Isamu exclaims, as The pride lets out a cold laugh.

“Hold on, I want to show you something. I want to show you my greatness. My strength. The Perfection of Pride. Hit me with your best shot... then I will let her go.

“My best shot...” Isamu pauses, before smirking. “Very well, villain. You asked for this.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lsn2tT5yTc

Isamu stares and concentrates as he mutters to himself. “Gods of Olympus, grant me strength! Gods of Asgard, grant me strength! Miss Arisato... grant me... AAAAAAAA!”

Lightning begins to emanate from Isamu's body, as Golden armour begins to wrap around his body, his hair spiking up as energy jets all around him. “BEHOLD!” he exclaims. “ISAMU IORI, THE GOLDEN CHAMPION! NOW, TAKE THIS! ODIN'S BOLT!”

Isamu conjures a lighning bolt in his hand and launches it at The Pride, who is taken aback in shock. The Pride notices the danger in the attack and tosses Nanami aside, before leaping out of the way. The bolt however corrects its course, and still hits The Pride head on, as the demon flies through the penthouse, smashing across the balcony and embedding himself in the opposite building. Isamu walks out to the balcony, standing triumphant as the Golden Champion.

“W-what was that?!” The Pride exclaims. It's clear that King Thunder's ego has prevented him from becoming one with The Pride completely, as he continues to converse with himself. “An Angel...? Right... I see...”

“Incredible!” Isamu chuckles. “No demon has withstood the power of Odin's Bolt! Every foe has been vanquished by its power! You just about managed to hold on, despite your struggling condition! You're a mighty tough opponent!”

The Pride bares its teeth in a twisted grin.

“Is that so? Please... do go on.”

Isamu laughs, playing up the heroic act. “You're surely my greatest and most tenacious opponent yet! I knew right away that you were my true rival!”

“Oh...” The Pride mutters, baring his grin. “You're too kind.”

The Pride pulls himself out of the building, as Isamu readies himself to do battle. Nanami looks between the two and panics. “Isamu, wait! Something's not right-”

“BE PREPARED, DEMON!” Isamu exclaims, leaping from the balcony and floating in the air as The Pride looks up at him. “TIME TO FACE YOUR ULTIMATE PUNISHMENT! ODIN'S BOLT... BARRAGE!”

File: King Thunder (The Pride02).png (573 KB, 600x700)

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Several bolts of lightning come crashing down from the sky, colliding into The Pride as he braces himself, not given even a second to dodge out of the way. Pride is consumed by the massive bolts of lightning, and soon disappears in a thick cloud of burning smoke.

Isamu smirks. “ONCE AGAIN, ANOTHER DEMON VANQUISHED BY THE GOLDEN CHAMP-”

Isamu is interrupted... by a large fist driving through his stomach. The Pride stand before him, completely unscathed from the onslaught.

“ISAMUUUUUUUUUU!” Nanami cries out in terror, helpless to interfere as the two float above the city.

“H-how...?” Isamu gasps, coughing up blood, his eyes wide in shock as a hole was punched into his body. “Y-you couldn't...”

“You don't get it, do you?” The Pride grins. “Look at me. I'm The Pride. Don't you understand what that means? Pride... it can be a dangerous thing, for those stupid enough to wave it around. But for me... it's my shield. My strength. My armour.”

Isamu's eyes widen further, as he comes to the realisation. The Pride's armour is thicker, bulkier than when he first took the attack. If that's the case... Isamu's words, his boasts, his compliments... it boosted King Thunder's pride. It strengthened his armour. Isamu... brought this on himself.

“You understand?” The Pride grins. “Good. Now, witness the power of pure perfection!”

The Pride tosses Isamu into the apartment buildings wall, and begins to fire away on Isamu with punch after punch, wailing away on the injured hero with it's strong, oversized fists. Punch after punch after punch after punch, Nanami unable to do anything but cry as Isamu is beaten within an inch of his life. The Pride continues to beat the living hell out of Isamu until his consciousness fades, before pulling him forward and lining up one last shot. “Sayonara, hero.”

King Thunder's fist collides with Isamu's face, spiking him into the ground below at incredible speed before crashing into the earth, his spiky golden hair deflating and his golden armour dissipating as he connects with the ground.

“Did I just beat the angel out of him?” The Pride laughs. “I hope so!”

“You monster!” Nanami exclaims.

You arrive on the scene just in time to see Isamu lying crumbled in a pile of his own blood, and at once you feel a rush of horror flood over you. Your cool demeanour disappears, replaced with genuine fear for your friend's life. "ISAMU!" you exclaims as you rush to his side. He's still breathing, but it's faint... oh god, there's a hole punched right through him, slowly repairing itself. If he had taken that kind of damage outside of his angel form, he would have been dead in seconds... he barely even survived this... You look up to the beast above, The Pride, and mutter. "Bastard..."

File: Roka13.png (973 KB, 850x658)

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"Let me know if he's dead!" The Pride exclaims. "I'm more than happy to finish the job!"

"Isamu, sit tight buddy..." you whisper, comforting your friend. "We'll take care of-"

Isamu forces himself to sit up, slowly crawling along the ground, clutching at his massive wound. Tears fill his eyes as he collapses once more.

"Isamu, stop..." you mutter, concerned. "I know bouncing back from a beating is your thing, but don't kill yourself over one loss."

"It's not that I lost..." Isamu sobs. "He... he gets stronger with his ego. I fed him... I've helped him... now he could hurt innocents, hurt my friends..."

Isamu continues to sob as The Pride reveals his grin. "What a pathetic sight. There's your proud hero, for you. Before my might... nobody else compares. Now, get ready to die-"

The Pride is interrupted by a certain pirate landing atop his back from a great height, plunging her cutlass into his back before being thrown off. Ken rushes and catches Nanami in mid-air, as you notice how the cutlass... did no damage at all. His armour is too thick. What Isamu said about his pride making him stronger... coupled with the ego of King Thunder, he may just be unstoppable.

"Are you crazy?!" Ken exclaims towards Nanami. "If he had dodged, you would have fallen to your death!"

"Nah," Nanami smiles. "You would have caught me."

"He's strong..." Kaz mutters. "I can feel it. I don't think we're enough to handle him..."

"You said it!" The Pride exclaims, as you notice his armour becoming thicker. "No one can stand before me! None are great enough to stand up to the might of the-"

"Yo."

A voice interrupts The Pride as you look behind you, seeing none other than a young strong man holding a red helmet by his side and a sword in his free hand, resting on his shoulder. Roka stands before the demon, his expression calm and unchanging.

"You sure look different," Roka remarks. "But you're still my cousin. Been a long time... Seiya."

END OF EPISODE 16

>>2477883
ROKA HERO MOMENT

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZLEXj52lcc

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing folks! Apologies for the short session after so long, this is more of a prelude session before the big fight! Glad to be getting back in the swing of things. Stay tuned for any updates!

>Player Question
That was a pretty crushing loss for Isamu. How do you think this will affect him going forward?

>>2477895
Great thread Booker, short but sweet and I'm ready for the big fight!

>PQ
Rei, you got some work ahead of you. Isamu may need some hugs...

Isamu will eventually bounce back, but the dude is going to struggle.

>>2477895
Thanks for Running Booker
>TFW if Isamu had stolen Best Boy Gilgamesh's act and not just his looks he would have wrecked pride

>>2477895
Thanks for running Booker
>Player Question
Well it wasn’t his fault per se, The Pride is just a hard counter for his antics but I do hope that this make him realize that people’s lives are at risk sometimes you need to put your serious pants, I know the playing is his deal but even Roka knows time and place when to put on his red suit.

File: Rei54.png (655 KB, 850x1308)

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>Bonus Scene

"Rei, are you okay?"

Rei pauses as she jogs alongside Akira, the larger of the two looking to her friend with concern in her eyes. "Yeah? Why?"

Akira raises an eyebrow. "Well, it just looks like... you're crying."

"Crying?" Rei chuckles. "Are you kidding? Why would I..."

Rei's voice trails off as as she touched her face, noticing it herself. Tears streaming down her face. She wipes them away, but realises that she's still crying.

"What's wrong?" Akira asks.

Rei stands still, at a loss for words. "I... I don't know. I... I think something's... stay here."

"Oh...kay?" Akira mutters, confused, as Rei dashes off towards the dorms, appearing at the open door of a very startled Saki.

"Rei, you almost scared me to death!" Saki gasps, clutching her chest. "And you almost tore the hallway apart coming in? What's got you in such a rush-"

"Isamu, Ryoji... they're in danger," Rei explains.

Saki's eyes widen. "In danger? Oh no... what happened?"

Rei shakes her head, visibly shaken. "I-I don't know Kobashi... I don't even know if anything has happened. I... I just have this feeling that... we have to go and help them! All of us!"

Saki nods, understanding. "Rei, I get it, you're worried. I can't just uproot everyone based on a gut feeling... but I trust you enough to be cautious. I'll try to contact Ryoji now and find out what's going on, and if we have a situation on our hands, we'll move out to meet them as fast as we can."

"Not fast enough," Rei states. "You'll need to catch up with me."

"What?" Saki asks. "Rei, you can't just run ahead like that. You'll only leave yourself exhaust..."

Saki is unable to finish her sentence, as Rei already dashes off, out of the dorm, through the courtyard, past Akira, through the city and onto the open road, leaving a trail of dust in her wake. She doesn't know why she's running. She doesn't know what she's running to. She simply can't shake the feeling that...

"Isamu, you idiot..." Rei mutters to herself, wiping away more tears. "I'm coming."

END OF SCENE

>>2481322
>"Not fast enough,"
YOU'RE TOO SLOW

Time for reverse Reiscue

>>2477895
>>2481322
I have mixed feelings.
I asked for mere Isamu and Rei spotlight, but not like this!

File: Reiji05.jpg (311 KB, 850x850)

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>Bonus Scene

"Today was fun, Hoshi."

Reiji gives a small blush as he and Hoshi stop in the hallway of the school. Hoshi looks to him and gives a warm smile.

"Y-yeah... I had a great time..." Hoshi mumbles, as shy as ever. "It's a shame I have to meet with Yuji-senpai. I... I would have liked for this to last a l-little longer..."

Hoshi smiles with a blush, as Reiji awkwardly adjusts his glasses. "Well... if you're not too busy, perhaps we can meet up after, and... ahem, study."

"Study?"

"Or watch a movie," Reiji continues. "I know you have many recommendations. There's certainly many films I've never seen. Was never allowed to watch any growing up."

Hoshi nods. "I'd... like that, Reiji. I'll... see you later."

Hoshi and Reiji stand around, unsure of how to end their exchange, before Hoshi gingerly walks up to her classmate. He leans forward slightly, as a red-faced Hoshi works up to courage to land a pecking kiss on his cheek. The two glow bright red before Reiji walks off and Hoshi tries to calm herself, taking deep breaths and clutching her chest.

After collecting herself, Hoshi enters through the door to Yuji's odd-smelling classroom, where the school's history teacher is seated cross-legged on his desk, smoking from a hookah pipe. "Ah, Hoshi my child," Yuji smiles, acknowledging her presence. "I was wondering when you would arrive."

"I-I'm s-sorry that I'm thirty-six seconds late..." Hoshi apologises, leading to a small laugh from Yuji.

"Thirty six seconds is on time," he explains. "There was never any rush. Feel free to go at your own pace, Hoshi."

"M-my father would say thirty six seconds late is a disaster..."

"Your father runs a business," Yuji explains. "You're simply a student. You needn't constrain yourself like that."

Hoshi nods. "Okay... I understand. Um... so why did you summon me here?"

File: Yuji.png (1.07 MB, 727x1028)

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Yuji takes a draw of his pipe before speaking. "You've noticed it, haven't you? An odd trend among the students of this school as of late. They've been a lot more... active, wouldn't you agree?"

Hoshi tilts her head. "Active? W-what do you..." she pauses, before coming to the obvious conclusion. All of the student relationships have been pretty large in number. Even by the standards of a high-school it's disproportionate. Hoshi turns red at the revelation. "O-oh... I see."

Yuiji nods. "Yes, I'm sure with both been witness to certain acts performed by students as of late."

"S-Saki was sure to warn Rini about that..." Hoshi mumbles.

"When before there were none, now many of the students are doing it," Yuji explains. "It's honestly quite impressive."

"I-Impressive?" Hoshi asks, flustered.

Yuji laughs. "Of course, yourself most of all."

"M-me?!" Hoshi mutters. "B-but I've never..."

Yuji pauses. "Never? I see yourself and Reiji practice it all the time. As to be expected, you do it more than anyone!"

Hoshi gasps. "A-ah! N-no we don't! All we've done so far is hold hands, a-a-and..."

Yuji pauses. "Excuse me? Hoshi, I was speaking of magic."

Magic? Oh... Hoshi calms down, understanding the situation. "Oh... I see."

"What did you think I meant?"

"N-n-nothing!" Hoshi exclaims, making a mental note to curl up and die in a ball later on. "So... you came here to mention that my classmates were using magic?"

Yuji nods. "Yes, it's quite startling the rate in which some of your classmates picked up magical techniques, like they came naturally to them. Shirai, Yasukawa... even young Fuji is capable. Once incredibly difficult to learn even the simplest of techniques... and I think I may have the answer. And that answer... lies in you."

"M-me?"

Yuji pulls out another old text from his desk, opening it up to a page he had bookmarked. "You recall what I told you of The Star, right? The magician from several centuries back, who gave her life to seal the Darkworld? Well, she was more than just a simple magic adept. No... she was a conduit for magic. There's constant accounts from people at the time who met with her, and felt stronger simply by being in her presence. I've read a few accounts from those who were able to perform magic of their own after spending prolonged time with The Star."

Yuji shuts the book and continues to speak. "Hoshi... if your fellow students are beginning to become more adept at magic after you've shown your affinity towards it... your power, your effect on others, even your name... I'm sure of it now. Hoshi, I do truly believe you are the second coming of this figure. You are truly special, Hoshi."

Hoshi pauses. "Oh... I'd r-r-really rather not be special..."

File: Hoshi22.jpg (131 KB, 503x800)

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"I understand," Yuji sighs. "If this is true, then the weight on your shoulders is... immense. Regardless of how certain I am of my theory, I don't want to add any more pressure to you. I just want you to know that your presence is strengthening your allies. You may just be the most important person in the academy."

"O-oh... t-thank you?" Hoshi bows, taking the prophecy as awkwardly as she takes a day-to-day compliment. "I-I promise to try my best!"

Yuji motions to the door with a smile, allowing Hoshi to be on her way. As she reaches the door, Yuji speaks up again. "And Hoshi... I know what you're thinking, and... as much as it pains me to say this to someone so young, it would be wrong of me not to address this. The Star sacrificed her life to seal the Darkworld the first time it appeared. If you truly are who I believe you to be... that same fate me befall you. I'm sorry, but I have to be honest. It's a potential future that we must consider."

"Yuji-sensei... okay," Hoshi nods, before stepping out of the room.

The fate of The Star may befall her? Hoshi had that thought when she first heard of the prophecy, but now it appears larger in the forefront of her mind. If she had to sacrifice herself to close the darkworld... Hoshi knows she'd be willing to make that sacrifice in order to save her friends and countless innocents... but if that really is the future that lies in store for her... is it wrong of her to do what she's doing? To ignore it, to spend time with her friends, to allow a certain bespectacled classmate to get so close... it would only compound the tragedy later on. Is it selfish of her to ignore that fate in favour of personal pleasure. And is it selfish of her to form this bond with Reiji, when it may be destined to break in some time from now?

A pensive Hoshi returns to the dorm, nervously tapping her foot. As she arrives, Reiji is waiting in the lounge with a smile. "H-Hoshi!" he welcomes her, awkwardly blushing as usual. "I attempted to research a few films, but without much experience I wasn't able to make a proper decision. I know you're much more knowledgeable than... are you okay? You seem worried..."

Hoshi gives a weak smile. "O-oh... don't worry about me. I... I just have a stomachache, that's all. I-I'm sorry, but I might have to cancel this date since I'm... not feeling well..."

"D-Date?" Reiji pauses, before shaking his head. "Okay... would... would you like me to make you some soup? Some tea? I have an electric blanket if you wish to borrow it..."

Hoshi shakes her head. "It's okay... I-I just need to sleep it off, that's all..."

"Okay... just tell me if you need anything. Hoshi, I... I like..." Reiji mumbles, before adjusting his glasses. "Never mind. Get some rest, Hoshi."

"I will... t-thank you."

Hoshi retires to her room, where she doesn't sleep. Instead, she pulls out her tomes and gets to studying. If... if she's destined to be The Star... then that's what she'll have to become.

END OF SCENE

>>2483198
Your discord link isnt working

>>2483313
Been a long, long time since I bothered to update that link. Here's a new one.

https://discord.gg/XeC5Y6

>>2483334
Weird it says its expired

>>2483359
Huh, that was just freshly made. Here's another new one.

https://discord.gg/XeC5Y6

If that doesn't work, I don't know.