File: Lilo22.jpg (231 KB, 847x1200)

231 KB JPG

“Wake up, sleepyhead!”

Your eyes slowly open, adjusting to the light, as you notice the face before you. A silver haired beauty, hunkering over you, her glistening body sitting on your chest as she shakes you awake. Lilo, the face you've awakened to every day since you can last remember.

“You're telling me to wake up?” you mutter. “Try putting some clothes on first.”

Lilo smiles and taps her head, sticking out her tongue as she leans back, decked in one of your shirts several sizes to big on her. “Whoopsie! These shirts just are plenty comfortable!”

You shake your head. “I hate that we've reached the point where I can expect to never have that shirt back.”

“But don't I look great in it?” Lilo laughs.

You shrug.

“Oh come on!” Lilo exclaims. “Someone's got some grumpy guts on him! I know we had a late night, but...”

Despite what her words imply, that wasn't the cause of that 'late night'.

Lilo gives a small smile. “It looked like the others had... well, I wouldn't call it 'fun'... during Jurobei's anniversary.”

Jurobei Ikeda... one of your old classmates. Known for his politeness and kind heart, he was a good friend to all of you. It's hard to believe that it's been a full year since he passed. It's even harder to believe that this was the last anniversary of a classmate you'll have before graduation. Knowing that you'll be leaving soon makes every new visit to the gravesite all the harder.

“Two months and we'll be graduated...” Lilo notes, as she slips into her own clothes, pulling up her skirt and silently debating if she should wear pantyhose. “Yes, it's cold... anyway, hard to think that we're reaching the end of the elite class 3.”

“Yeah...” you mutter.

Lilo tilts her head. “Okay, what's wrong? You were quiet during the anniversary too.”

“I'm always quiet.”

“But you're being oddly quiet!” Lilo explains. “Don't try to slip past Lilo Otani! I know when you've got something on your mind. So, what is it?”

>It's nothing, Lilo. Don't worry about it.
>I'm just thinking about graduation. I don't know what to do after.
>There's six of us. So much for the elite.

>>2688567
>>There's six of us. So much for the elite.
ALL OUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD AND WE ARE SAD AND HAVE PTSD

>>2688567
>>There's six of us. So much for the elite.

>>2688567
>There's six of us. So much for the elite.
An elite class needs an elite leader. Soneone cool, smart, tough, with a lot of charisma and mind control powers.

Shame no one ever met that criteria.

Calling for
>There's six of us. So much for the elite.

Writing now.

File: Maro.jpg (90 KB, 564x1075)

90 KB JPG

>There's six of us. So much for the elite.

Lilo pouts, as she throws her arms around you from behind. "Aww... Maro, let's be thankful for what we have. There's no sense dwelling on the past, honey... after all that's happened, you'd never escape those bad memories if we don't power on."

"I'm supposed to be the leader," you sigh.

"And you're a great leader!" Lilo assures you, lightly kissing your neck. "We've been doing great lately!"

"We lost Yamato, we lost Nina..."

"Those weren't your fault," Lilo smiles. "And those were early days. We haven't lost anyone since... that's a new record! Uhh... I guess that's a really morbid silver lining, huh?"

"A little bit," you reply.

Lilo sighs as she holds you closer. "It's okay, honey... you're doing great."

You nod, making your way towards the door as you place on your hat. "Busy day ahead?" Lilo asks.

"I'm meeting with Keiji-senpai," you explain. "He apparently has something to tell me. On top of that, I've gotta lecture Taka again."

"What's the oaf been up to now?" Lilo laughs as she puts her hands on her hips.

You shake your head. "He's apparently been starting fights with street gangs. Not a good look for the academy."

"I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for it," Lilo replies, always willing to give her friend Taka the benefit of the doubt.

You step out into the dorm hallway, passing by Kamiko reading a book on animal dissection as you do. That's not surprising. You also spot Yasutake practising his punches on a nearby tree.

Keiji-senpai... he's been so strangely aloof since he arrived at the school with his lich sister in tow. You still don't know how you feel about his practice of restoring his sister to life. And his general attitude... he's so confident and reassured, but mysterious.

Regardless, your talk with him may have to wait. Taka is a member of your class, and has been acting out lately. As leader, it's up to you to look into the situation. That said... Taka is almost always a hopeless cause. Overall, you find it difficult which to prioritise. You may not have time to take care of both.

>Go speak to Keiji
>Go speak to Taka

>>2688592
>>Go speak to Taka
THE LIVING MATTER MORE THAN THE WEIRD NECROMANCER WITH AN IMOUTO FETISH

>>2688592
>Go speak to Taka
If he wants to fight lets just set him up with Ryoji as a punching bag

>>2688592
>Go speak to Keiji

>Maro expresses sadness and regret at all the people he's lost
>Mentions it's hard to visit the graveyard these days
>Not voting to talk to Keiji when he has something to tell you
>Not talking to the NECROMANCER
We're going to bring back the OG Class 3

Calling for
>Go speak to Taka

Writing now.

File: Taka.jpg (417 KB, 740x1100)

417 KB JPG

>Go speak to Taka

While Keiji wants to speak with you, Taka is a member of your class. He should be your priority, first and foremost. Keiji will have to wait until later.

Finding Taka is difficult. It takes some exploring of the school hallways before you eventually finding him, speaking to Akira from class 2 by the stairwell to the school roof. His hand placed against the wall, cornering her like a character from one of those tv dramas that Lilo is infatuated with.

"How's the new arm been treatin' ya, Blue?"

"It's odd..." Akira comments. "I've been growing more and more used to it. Sometimes I forget it... isn't real."

You clear your throat, as Taka turns his head and notices you. He lets out an annoyed grunt. "Dammit... can't you see I'm flirting here?"

"This isn't flirting," Akira notes.

"Says you!" Taka laughs.

You shake your head. "We need to talk."

Taka snorts. "Heh, Maro is about to confess to me."

"No," you reply. "About those fights you've been getting into."

Taka stares at you as Akira shakes her head. "I'll be on my way," she replies. "Rei and I will be training soon."

As Akira walks by, Taka crosses his arms. "What the hell does my business matter to you?"

"You know why," you reply. "Getting into streetfights isn't a good look for the school."

"So?" Taka replies. "Those street thugs are scumbags. They harrass old thug and rob them at night. I thought the rootin' tootin' cowboy would approve of some wild west justice."

"I'm not supporting people like that," you reply. "But that's not your job. Your job is-"

"I don't have a fuckin' job," Taka snarls. "You aren't my boss. I do what I want."

"Since when did you care about that anyway?"

Taka shakes his head. "My parents place got ransaked a couple weeks back. The people who broke in beat up my mother pretty bad... she's still walking in a cast."

That's right... little known, but despite his gruff exterior, Taka is actually quite well off. His parent's are often targeted on account of their wealth, but you didn't know this...

"I'm sorry," you reply.

"I don't give a shit," Taka replies. "Least of all when it comes to you."

>Look... keep it up if you want. I get it. I won't stop you.
>Just don't do it again, Taka. We don't need the attention.

>>2688629
>Can you do it without getting caught at least?

>>2688629
>>Can you do it without getting caught at least?
I hope Taka was performing 蝉ドン

>>2688629
>>Can you do it without getting caught at least?

>>2688629
>Look... keep it up if you want. I get it. I won't stop you.

>That second option
>"Look we don't need people thinking this is a school where people send thugs, it's a school where people send their kids to be viciously murdered."

Calling for
>Can you do it without getting caught at least?

Writing now.

File: Keiji01.jpg (456 KB, 850x850)

456 KB JPG

>Can you do it without getting caught at least?

Taka pauses. "Sure... I guess I could."

You give a small nod. "Thank you."

"I sure as hell don't need your thanks. Don't need your permission, either."

"I know," you reply. "But... thanks."

Taka grunts and makes his way down the hallway. You hope he listened to you, but... knowing Taka, he probably didn't.

With that taken care of, you make your way out to the courtyard. Unsurprisingly, that's where you find Keiji. He's been spending most of his mornings wandering around the school grounds. It's odd.

"Ah, Maro-kun!" he smiles and waves as you approach. "Come, walk with me."

You wordlessly follow Keiji as you walk around the courtyard. "What a lovely school this is. I've quite missed this place. How is Lilo-chan?"

"She's fine," you mumble.

Keiji nods. "Ah, I always liked her. So bubbly, kind... and beautiful."

"Right... she always did have a crush on you."

"Is my kouhai jealous?" Keiji asks.

"I don't really care," you reply. "What did you want me for?"

Keiji smiles. "I'm sure you know of what I did with my sister. I'm sure you've been thinking about it a lot."

"I have had my fair share of questions."

Keiji smirks. "And opinions, no doubt. Let me ask, if I offered you the chance to bring anyone, a classmate, a loved one, a friend, back to life... would you do it?"

You pause. "I... well..."

"Don't worry," Keiji replies. "You don't need to think it over like an actual answer. It's not possible. I can't revive another without removing my sister. Only one at a time. I'm asking from a strictly moral hypothetical point of view. If you had that opportunity... would you take it?"

>Yes, I would.
>No, I wouldn't.

>>2688668
>Yes, I would.
Fuck the dead should stay dead excuse. Dying of old age isn't the same of dying of disease or getting hit by a car.

>>2688668
>Yes, I would.
We could always use another archdemon in our ranks

>>2688668
>>No, I wouldn't.
Kaiya is a broken being with none of the humanity that we would care about in a person it would only be an ever present reminder of our failures

>>2688668
Hmmm, this is a pretty difficult question, but, knowing what we know about Keiji's methods of resurrection, I wouldn't want to do it, since it basically condemns them to a pretty horrible life until Keiji kills them or something. But, if I put myself in Maro's shoes, I can't find myself saying anything but yes, especially with all of the anniversaries for the ded classmates, which is actually really, really sweet. He's just a high school kid, after all, who has seen his friends literally die in front of him. I'd do what I could to bring at least one of them back.

>Yes, I would.

>>2688675
>Not believing in the power of the dick and Chuichi's desire to bone with any female to be enough to revive Kaiya completely

>>2688675
>implying her lack of humanity isn't the reason she's willing to actually tell people the horrible ways they'll die and subsequently cause them to survive because she's the only seer that actually bothers to warn anyone because she gives 0 fucks

>>2688668
>>Yes, I would.
Maro a sad sack, a fleshy woundy sad sack.

Calling for
>Yes, I would.

Writing now.

File: Keiji12.jpg (846 KB, 700x856)

846 KB JPG

>Yes, I would.

Keiji crosses his arms with a smirk. "Well, it's good to see that you don't think I'm a monster."

"Excuse me?" you ask.

"It's quite obvious how others have viewed me in light of seeing Kaiya," Keiji explains. "And I don't blame them for being sickened or disgusted. But... I've always respected your opinion. And I know that you understand... the pain of loss. The pain of losing someone who you would do anything... anything to see again. That regret weighs heavy... I knew you would make the same decision I did."

You shake your head. "Why are you asking me this?"

"Curiosity," Keiji replies. "Either way, that's not why I asked to speak to you."

You tilt your head. "What? Then..."

Keiji smirks, leading you towards a spot of the courtyard overlooking the gate by the hill into the village. "Look at that?"

"What?"

"You see him, don't you?" Keiji replies. "The man in the hat."

That's right... you see him now. A suspicious looking man in a dark coat and hat, hanging around the gate. He's not someone you recognise from the village.

"What do you think he is? The press?" you ask.

"He's been around that gate for a few days now, scouting out the place," Keiji explains. "I don't think he's press. No... I'm certain of it. He's something worse."

"Like what?"

"A demon," he replies.

A demon? "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

"I wasn't certain," Keiji explains. "Besides, I've been scouting him out myself. He won't be getting through those gates when we're through with him. I suspect we could handle it by ourselves?"

"Ourselves?" you reply. "The rest of the class-"

"Would be in danger," Keiji interrupts. "Bringing any more would be pointless, would only place others in the line of fire. At most, if you're so nervous, we could bring one other with us. I don't think it's needed, though."

>Let's bring Lilo
>Let's bring Shinji
>Let's bring Taka
>Let's bring Kamiko
>Let's bring Yasutake

>>2688716
>Let's bring Yasutake
Time to unwho this literally who

>>2688716
>Let's bring Shinji
If we don't he'll just keep staring at a wall until we tell him to actually do something.

>>2688716
>>Let's bring Shinji
LITTLE SOLDIER BOY

>>2688716
Guard dog is always a reliable option, though I am tempted to vote for Yasutake or Kamiko to actually learn about them. Actually, screw it.

>Let's bring Yasutake

Though he may be a bit brash from what we know of him in pastebin, I'm sure it'll be fine.

>>2688716
>>Let's bring Yasutake
While I like the literally who memes, its as good a chance as any

>>2688716
>>Let's bring Yasutake

Calling for

>Let's bring Yasutake

Writing now.

>>2688734
Time to learn about Yasutake before he graduates and we never see him again, oh boy.

File: 1471541397206.gif (3.38 MB, 700x285)

3.38 MB GIF

>>2688735
>Thinking any of Class 3 will live to graduate

>>2688740
This is the final chance for Maro to max his social links perhaps you need all of them at lv10 for the best ending.

>>2688744
>We constantly ignore Lilo and social link every other Class 3 member to try and get golden ending, since Lilo's clearly already at lv10
>We finally manage to get everyone's bonds up to 10, we learn that Yasutake is actually best boy and everything
>Last thread, Lilo noble sacrifices
>She was only at bond lv9 the whole time

>>2688749
It's okay Anon, we'll max it when Booker gives us the re-release and adds an extra month for us to use.

>>2688749
10 is just straight fucking her silly in front of everyone while not wearing a hat

>>2688751
>Maro
>Not wearing a hat
I don't like this timeline you're suggesting.

>>2688751
What kind of fucking heresy is that, not wearing a fucking hat? After we took so many pains to enslave all of them?

>>2688756
>>2688753
Only by letting go can we prove we recognise what really matters
Having wild sex with Lilo all the fucking time

File: 772.jpg (42 KB, 800x587)

42 KB JPG

>>2688757
>Choosing wild sex with Lilo over a bitchin cowboy hat

File: Milano01.jpg (109 KB, 850x1350)

109 KB JPG

>Let's bring Yasutake

You saw Yasutake training earlier this morning, so you know he's prepared to leap into a potentially dangerous fight. You pull out your phone and send him a text, as Keiji continues to keep an eye on the man by the gate. Yasutake comes rushing up to you and your senpai, hunkering down as the three of you spy. "What's going on? We gonna kill something? Oh man, my blood is boiling hot!" Yasutake exclaims, not knowing how to hush his voice.

"Oh, so you never grew out of that," Keiji notes. "Well, Okidata-kun, Kojima-kun and I have spotted a potential intruder... a potential demon."

"Demon?!" Yasutake exclaims, as you throw a hand over his mouth.

"Yes, now be quiet."

"Sure thing, boss..." Yasutake's muffled voice replies.

You and Keiji nod, ready to confront the man head-on. Don't want to sneak attack someone who very well could just be an unfortunate bystander. Better to approach him upfront, but prepared for a sudden battle.

You move to walk ahead of the group, but Keiji cuts ahead of you. You're taken aback for a moment, but it makes sense. You may be the leader, but he is still your senpai.

You arrive by the gates where the man is standing, as Keiji addresses him. "You there. State your business he-"

Keiji is interrupted by the chuckling of the man, which starts of low and soft before increasing in volume until it's a harsh cackle. "Well... it looks like they found me."

"Hey!" Yasutake yells. "You're a demon, right?! I'm gonna kick your ass!"

"Shut up," you mutter, but it's too late, as the man laughs once more.

"That obvious?" he smiles. Damn, he's blunt... admitting it outright? What's with him? "I've been speaking to this new friend of mine for a while now... but please, call me Milano. I'd like you to know my name... before I kill you."

"You heard him!" Yasutake yells. "He's ready for a fight, let's go!"

"Not so fast!" you yell, but it's too late, as Yasutake pushes by you and summons his sword. At the same time, Milano draws a switchblade from his pocket. Dammit...

>Fire upon Milano right away
>Push Yasutake out of the way before he gets hurt

>>2688762
>>Push Yasutake out of the way before he gets hurt
SELF SACRAFICE IS LIKE 99% OF BEING A LEADER

>>2688762
>Fire upon Milano right away
Let's hope that Yasutake survived in Class 3 for a reason and can keep himself safe in a fight

>>2688762
>Push Yasutake out of the way before he gets hurt
Don’t think the character development is worth it.

>>2688762
>Push Yasutake out of the way before he gets hurt
A sword is no match for the autistic power of a man that unironically uses a switchblade.

>>2688762
GOTTA KEEP ANY MORE DEATHS FROM HAPPENING

>Push Yasutake out of the way before he gets hurt

Better safe than sorry, plus Keiji will totally do something like attack him for us, right? Highly doubt Keiji would protect Yasutake anyway.

>>2688762
>I've been speaking to this new friend of mine for a while now
Holy shit is he an archdemon

File: index.jpg (5 KB, 275x183)

5 KB JPG

>>2688762
>>Fire upon Milano right away
Looking like a snack, this guy.

Calling for
>Push Yasutake out of the way before he gets hurt

Writing now.

>>2688781
Oh boy, no rolling. I guess that's good?

File: Milano03.jpg (488 KB, 629x893)

488 KB JPG

>Push Yasutake out of the way before he gets hurt

"Yasutake, don't!"

You run towards your friend and push him out of the way as Milano lunges with his switchblade. Yasutake was too hot-headed, he didn't notice it, he could have suffered a serious wound...

You push Yasutake out of the way, and gets a slash across the forearm from the blade as a result. You grimace as you clutch your slashed arm, as Yasutake sits up. "What was that for? Oh, Maro, your arm!"

"Dammit... think Yasutake!" you reprimand him. "I could have... I could have lost you."

"Sorry..." he mutters. "Sit back, I'll handle this!"

Milano laughs. "Oh, it's a little too late for your friend!"

Huh? What does he mean? It's just a cut across the... strange. You're starting to feel... woozy. Losing energy... was that blade laced with a poison or something? No... it's different. Your vision begins to fade, as everything goes black. You're passing out...

Your vision returns, and you're back at the school gate. But... it's different. Milano isn't there... neither is Keiji, or Yasutake. What... what's going on?

"Ah, good morning Maro!"

That voice... no, it couldn't be. It's not... he can't be speaking... he's dead...

Your turn your head... and there he is. Passing by you, a smile and a nod... Yamato. It's been a long time since you've seen Yamato... and even longer since you've seen him smile. He looks like he did back in first year... but how is that possible? Are you dreaming? Hallucinating? This isn't right...

"You should be getting to class," Yamato notes. "See you there!"

As the former leader of your class makes his way past the gate, you stand in stunned silence. "What... what is this...?"

In reply, you hear Milano's voice, as the strange man appears, from thin air.

"When I was about your age..." Milano explains. "I watched a woman be mugged. Assaulted. Murdered on a street corner, by a group of delinquent thugs. I watched from across the street... and funny thing, I knew I could stop it. I wanted to stop it. But... my limbs couldn't move. People call it the bystander effect, but no technical name can give you comfort when you witness something like that and you... do nothing."

>I... don't understand. What's going on here? Where am I?
>Fire at Milano.

>>2688827
>>Fire at Milano.
HAHA THATS FUCKED UP
HES GOING TO MAKE US WATCH EVERYONE WE LOVE DIE FUCKING WOW

>>2688827
>Fire at Milano.
"Sucks."

>>2688827
>Fire at Milano.

>>2688827
>I... don't understand. What's going on here? Where am I?
We need information in order to beat this guy.

And also YYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS IT'S YAM-MAN LET'S NEVER LEAVE

>>2688827
Oh shit is dream episode 2.0 Maro version
>I... don't understand. What's going on here? Where am I?

>>2688827
>I... don't understand. What's going on here? Where am I?
Oh shit, another demon with dream powers.

>>2688827
>>Fire at Milano.

Calling for

>Fire at Milano.

Writing now.

File: Milano07.jpg (595 KB, 1000x1094)

595 KB JPG

>Fire at Milano

You immediately draw your revolver and instinctively fire upon Milano... but it's no use. The bullets simply go through him.

"No use!" Milano laughs. "I'm not even here. I'm still fighting your friends. To them, only a couple seconds have passed since your eyes glazed over and you stopped moving."

"What?"

"That's the gift I've been given by this friend of mine," Milano explains. "A gift made for me... this friend, he calls him The Regret."

So... he is an archdemon after all. One of the escaped, picking an easy target to possess. Dammit.

"And what exactly is this gift then?"

Milano smirks. "Isn't it obvious? Once you were nicked by my blade, you were under my control. What lies before you is your own memories, your own pain and regret over time... just like the regret I've lived with... my friend's power drowns you in that regret, that dread, that loathing... until finally, I'm not the one who has to kill you. No... you'll do it yourself."

"You're an idiot if you think that's the case."

"We'll see, won't we?"

With that, Milano disappears, as you're left standing before your school. If this is your memories... and judging by the look of Yamato, this memory must be from your first year in the academy. You have no idea what to do... there seems to be no way out of this... so it's best to just explore this memory.

>Go to the dorms.
>Go to the homeroom class.
>Go to the gravesite.

>>2688915
>Go to the homeroom class.
More Yamato please.

>>2688915
>>Go to the dorms.
WE NEED INFO
SEARCH EVERYONES ROOMS AND FIND IRONIC ITEMS THAT IMPLY THEIR FUTURE DOOM

>>2688915
MY BONER PIERCES THE HEAVEN YES FUCK YES YAMATO

>Go to the homeroom class

Better do as our class leader tells us also POTENTIALLY OTHER CLASS 3 MEMBERS IN YEAR 1

>>2688915
>Go to the homeroom class.
This may be a fake reality but we're still going to be the perfect student and aim for a 100% attendance.

>>2688915
>Go to the homeroom class.
We need more time with Yam-Man and the class he selflessly gave his soul to protect before Ryoji and Maro ruined everything.

>>2688915
>Go to the homeroom class.
It'd be interesting to see the rest of the class.

>>2688915
If The Regret lets us see all of our classmates I will fucking orgasm everywhere oh lord this is already best fucking episode

Calling for
>Go to the homeroom class

Writing now.

>>2688944
>Milano's contracted with The Regret
>Everyone thinks it'll be about showing Maro all his ded classmates
>It's actually showing him all the hats he could've worn instead of the ones he did wear

>>2688954
FUCK, BETTER PULL THE TRIGGER NOW BEFORE THAT HAPPENS

>>2688954
OH NO

NOT MY FEZ PHASE

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

>>2688958
Then we see the fitted caps...

>>2688983
Is that-

OH GOD IT IS

A RIVERBOAT HAT

>>2688991
Does he own Bowler Hats too?

File: Gintama.jpg (359 KB, 850x1151)

359 KB JPG

>Go to the homeroom class

You decide the best place to start is where you were told to go. Yamato told you to head straight to class. You don't understand how these memories are supposed to work, but you know you were never late to class in your first year.

You make your way up to the old classroom, where you open the door... only to take a piece of chalk to the face.

"You're late!" another voice you haven't heard in a long time barks. Your old homeroom teacher Gintama glares at you. "What do you think you're at, Kojima?"

"Sorry sensei," you mutter. "Won't happen again."

"It better not," Gintama growls. "Take your seat."

You make your way to your old seat... second in class, right behind Yamato. You do your best not to look at any of the members of the class who aren't with you right now... you understand the purpose behind this "regret"... so you can't let it get to you. You have to avoid feeling regret.

"Sorry about that," Yamato replies. "You looked a little lost out there. Are you feeling ill?"

"I... no," you mutter, staring straight ahead. You don't know how you ended up here, but now you're sitting through an old lecture you remember like yesterday. Luckily Milano said that time is dilated in this realm, so Keiji and Yasutake aren't struggling in this time without you.

"HITOSHI, SIT UP STRAIGHT!" Gintama yells. "AND STOP JOKING WITH OKIDATA!"

You look back to see Yasutake joking with an old friend of yours... the always cocky Hitoshi. He was Yasutake's best friend once upon a time... until he succumbed to injuries in your second year. You remember he and Yasutake took the same punishment from that Ox demon... Yasutake made a miraculous recovery, but he didn't speak for weeks after. The usually boisterous Yasutake was rendered to a quiet sobbing mess after what happened to his friend.

You also notice Lilo staring at Hitoshi with he head in her hands. That's right... she had a thing for him before the day she fell for you. This was before that... wait, why are you feeling jealous at a time like this? This is just a memory, and you don't care for Lilo that much...

As Gintama finishes up his lecture, Yamato turns to you. "Are you completely sure you're okay? You look ill..."

>I'm fine, Yamato.
>You're right... I do feel sick.
>This... isn't real, Yamato. I'm sorry.

>>2689011
>>This... isn't real, Yamato. I'm sorry.
JUST FUCKING RIP THAT BANDAID OFF REAL FUCKING FAST

>>2689011
>>This... isn't real, Yamato. I'm sorry.

>>2689011
>I'm fine, Yamato.

>Have the chance to learn more about Class 3 since they never get the spotlight
>Anons voting to leave as quick as possible
Why though?

>>2689011
>I'm fine, Yamato.
STAY IN THE DREAM

>>2689011
>This... isn't real, Yamato. I'm sorry.
This seems like what Maro would do, since he already knows the whole situation. No need to beat around the bush, and it's a good reminder to ourselves to, you know, not kill ourselves because it's just memories.

ALSO ORGASMING EVERYWHERE AAAAAAAA

>>2689011
>>This... isn't real, Yamato. I'm sorry.

>>2689011
>I'm fine, Yamato.
Even more Chadmato time please.

>>2689021
Actually, fuck sensibility, this anon helped me see the light. Changing my vote.

>I'm fine, Yamato.

Also try to reassure ourselves that we're fine too, I guess.

Calling for

>I'm fine, Yamato.

Writing now.

>>2689011
>I'm fine, Yamato
Learning more about Class 3 is good, plus the slow build up to Maro actually facing all his regrets rather than just power through as quick as possible might end up getting us our own version of this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV1giYzoo-c

>>2689040
Oh boy I hope I didn't fuck us over. I'M SORRY I COULDN'T CONTROL MY BONER.

>>2689043
That's a good point, anon. I always like muh feels, and it will help Maro begin to accept and sort of heal from the deaths of his friends.

File: Chouko02.jpg (117 KB, 850x1259)

117 KB JPG

>I'm fine, Yamato.

"Are you sure?" Yamato asks.

"Yes," you reply. "I'm fine... I'm fine..."

You need to keep telling yourself that. You're beginning to understand the power of The Regret... this is starting to weigh heavily on your mind.

"What's going on?" a voice you definitely didn't want to hear speaks out. "Is Kojima trying to act tough while he's sick?"

No... it can't be her... anything but her...

Chouko makes her way over to your desk and leans over it, smirking as she gets in your face. "What's wrong? The flu? And you're not even wearing a facemask? You're not going to sneeze on me, are you?"

"Chouko..." you mutter.

"What?" the girl laughs. "Kojima, you're delirious!"

Chouko... one of your closest friends. Or... she was. Dammit... you can't handle this right now...

You need to keep your mind at ease, and you can't do that being bombarded with all of these old faces.

You slide back your chair and stand up quickly. "I have to go..."

"That eager, huh?" Chouko asks.

"Huh?"

"We're grabbing lunch today, remember?" Chouko laughs. "Maro, you scatterbrain! Don't tell me you're gonna cancel on me again?"

>Sorry... I need to go to the nurse's office. I am ill, after all.
>Right... okay, let's do that.
>Just run.

>>2689074
>Right... okay, let's do that.
We will do just meet some other ded student on the nurse office, I want to know more about the qt tomboy.

>>2689074
>Right... okay, let's do that.

>>2689074
>Right... okay, let's do that.
Got to hit rock bottom before we climb back up.

>>2689074
>>Just run.
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

>>2689074
>Sorry... I need to go to the nurse's office. I am ill, after all.
Wonder who we'll meet there.

Calling for
>Right... okay, let's do that.

Writing now.

File: Chouko03.png (66 KB, 310x667)

66 KB PNG

>Right... okay, let's do that.

Chouko smiles as she pats you on the shoulder. "Alright! You... aren't sick though, right? I don't want to share my bento with you if you are!"

"You're sharing lunch with the cowboy?" Taka snorts in derision, causing Chouko to blush.

"N-no!" Chouko yells. "Shut up, you big oaf!"

At least Taka hasn't changed a bit in the last few years. Seeing that is almost enough to calm your mind. You make your way out into the hallway, before Chouko stops you. "Hey, didn't Jurobei borrow your notes? Don't you need them-"

"I can get them later," you reply. "I don't need to see anyone else right now."

Chouko crosses her arms. "You really are a weird one, Kojima. What's that all about?"

"It's... nothing," you reply. "Let's just eat."

"Ooh, how commanding!" Chouko teases. "I thought Yamato was leader around here!"

You walk out into the courtyard with Chouko in tow. She pulls a lunch box from out of her bag, a meal for two. You grab a bench with Chouko who gives you a small smile, though she quickly turns her head away when you notice it. "A-anyway!" Chouko exclaims. "What's got you acting so weird?"

"It's nothing."

"Are you sure?" Chouko pries. "Maybe it's something you're embarrassed about. Guy troubles? Ooh, maybe you have a crush on someone."

"No."

Chouko pouts. "You're no fun, you know that? Hey... I've got a question..."

No... please no more questions... you can't focus... your head is in pain...

"I was wondering..." Chouko mutters. "Just... hypothetically... if someone from the class were going to ask another out... you know like you or... whatever, how would you react to that? I know Yamato doesn't want interclass relationships... but what do you think? How... what would you say if someone asked you out?"

Oh god... not this conversation... you feel a heavy weight on your chest as you answer.

>I'd say yes in a heartbeat, Chouko.
>Is the person asking Lilo? If so, then yes.
>No. I'm sorry.

>>2689163
>I'd ask them to wait another year or two so we can see where things go
>Feel immense pain inside

AHAHAHAHAHAAHRGHGHGHG

>>2689163
FUCK RELATIONSHIP SHIT AND ALL WHAT THE FUCK DO WE DO

Leaning towards straight up no, sounds like a Maro thing to do maybe? Also Yamato restricting interclass relationships in an effort to keep the horny teenagers from fucking everything up with their shit and messy break ups from potentially hurting the class, like a BEST BOY would do.

>>2689163
>Had things turned out different Chouko, I would have said yes. But … this is just an illusion of a demon right now. Thank you for everything.

>>2689163
>I'd say yes in a heartbeat, Chouko.
Throw the illusion a bone.

>>2689163
>I'd ask them to wait another year or two so we can see where things go

>>2689163
>I'd say yes in a heartbeat, Chouko.
Man that second option is just brutal.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2689166
>>2689196
>I'd ask them to wait another year or two so we can see where things go

>>2689188
>>2689197
>I'd say yes in a heartbeat, Chouko.

Rolling to break the tie.

File: Aiko01.png (202 KB, 782x1000)

202 KB PNG

>I'd ask them to wait another year or two so we can see where things go

"Right..." Chouko smiles. "I get it... maybe... maybe in college then, huh?"

You nod. "Yeah... in college. In college, Chouko."

Chouko smiles. "Yeah... I'll do that then-Uhh, someone else will do that then, Maro."

Chouko smiles as she offers you some from the lunch box. You smile back at your old friend, as you reach out for the box... and it turns to dust. "W-what?"

You look up and see the smiling Chouko fade away into dust. "CHOUKO!" you exclaim, before falling to your knees, a deep pain pounding in your chest.

"You cared for her deeply... yet you strung her along... she died never knowing... This is The Regret."

Your chest... dammit, the pain is thumping, like you've been stabbed straight through the heart with a spear. Chouko... Chouko... your eyes water as you pick yourself up off the ground. You need to escape from this thing...

"Maro? What are you doing out here?"

You turn your head, still clutching your chest, as you spot another old classmate. "Shit..."

Aiko, the nurse's old assistant. A kind gentle soul, who treated the class as her family. She died in battle, before getting the chance to see her parents one more time like she wanted. "What's wrong, Maro? You're standing in the courtyard by yourself, clutching your chest. Are you in cardiac arrest? Let me examine-"

"No!" you exclaim.

Aiko raises an eyebrow. "Maro, what's wrong?"

>I... nothing, go ahead and examine me.
>Just... piss off. I don't need to talk to you.
>Run away.

>>2689247
>I WAS THINKING OF ASKING YAM TO SET UP A PARENT STUDENT DAY SORT OF THING COME WITH ME LETS DO THAT RIGHT NOW

>>2689247

>I... nothing, go ahead and examine me.

>>2689247
WE FUCKED UP

Alright, I got the strat down now. We just have to live our life out with no regrets, right? Let's make the most of these encounters with our classmates. RIP in peace Chouko, I'm sorry we messed up with you, but we will use your example going forward!

>I... nothing, go ahead and examine me. How's your day going?

>>2689247
>I... nothing, go ahead and examine me.
We can take this

>>2689251
Changing to this. Let's try our best to give them the hope and fulfill the goals they couldn't in life.

>>2689247
Gotta say, Booker, this is shaping up to be most likely my favorite fucking thread so far. THE SUFFERING, OH HOW IT HURTS SO GOOD

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2689273
>>2689251
>I WAS THINKING OF ASKING YAM TO SET UP A PARENT STUDENT DAY SORT OF THING COME WITH ME LETS DO THAT RIGHT NOW

>>2689254
>>2689260
>I... nothing, go ahead and examine me.

Rolling to break the tie.

>>2689300
MY POWER IS UNSTOPPABLE

>>2689325
Hey, you fucked shit up with Chouko, but hopefully this one will totally work out with Aiko, r-right?

>>2689332
Oh this will fuck up too

All of them will

Everyone is already dead

>>2689340
Why'd you have to remind me of that, man? Well, at least we can say we tried our best for her and lived with no regrets.

>>2689345
Exactly, we cant win, but that just means WE MUST RAGE, RAGE AGAINST THE HEAVENS THEMSELVES!

>>2689349
AAAAAAA WE'RE GONNA TRY OUR FUCKING BEST, EVEN IF WE CAN NEVER SUCCEED, BECAUSE THAT'S ALL WE CAN FUCKING DO

File: Jurobei01.jpg (112 KB, 600x947)

112 KB JPG

>I WAS THINKING OF ASKING YAM TO SET UP A PARENT STUDENT DAY SORT OF THING COME WITH ME LETS DO THAT RIGHT NOW

"You don't have to be so loud..." Aiko mutters. "Are you sure you're okay? You're really-wait, what did you say?"

"I said I was thinking that Yamato could set up a parents day in the near future... I figured you might be interested."

Aiko's face lights up. "You mean it? You really mean it?"

"O-of course I do," you reply, still clutching your chest in pain. "I know... that's what you wanted... and I wanted to do that for you..."

"Y-you mean..." Aiko smiles. "I'll get to see my parents again? Thank you, Maro! Thank you!"

Aiko runs towards you, ready for a hug... before disappearing on the way.

"But... she never saw them again, did she?"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGH!"

You let out a scream as you fall to your knees again. The pain in your chest... it's about fifty times greater now. It's unbearable... and you'd do anything to make it stop. This is what The Regret is... but how do you escape?

"Sorry, are you okay?"

You shake your head and turn around, to see Jurobei... dammit, it was just his anniversary yesterday. Why is he here?

"I-I'm... GAH!" you scream, before clenching your teeth. "I'm fine."

"I just came to return your notes," Jurobei explains. "But you seem to be in pain."

"I'm fine..." you mutter. "Sorry I didn't pick up my notes, I went for lunch with Chouko."

Jurobei pauses. "Maro... Chouko is... gone. Are you sure you aren't hallucinating or something?"

Chouko... no...

Jurobei helps you to your feet. "It's odd to see you like this, Maro. You've often so composed and calm. Do you want me to get Lilo, or the nurse?"

"No, it's fine..." you reply. "I'm just... thinking."

"Thinking about what?" Jurobei asks.

>Look... what if I told you that you're a hallucination? That... you're already dead?
>I was thinking of... taking some time to know you, Jurobei. We don't speak often.
>I... nothing. Just take me to Lilo.

>>2689382
>>Look... what if I told you that you're a hallucination? That... you're already dead?
NANI

>>2689382
>"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGH!"
mood
>I was thinking of... taking some time to know you, Jurobei. We don't speak often.
>Just sit and talk and then you turn into dust and its really sad my dude

>>2689382
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGH

>I was thinking of... taking some time to know you, Jurobei. We don't speak often.

But the future refused to change
https://youtu.be/EmDbG_Ghmrc
>>2689382
>I was thinking of... taking some time to know you, Jurobei. We don't speak often.
More suffering for the suffering god.

>>2689382

>Look... what if I told you that you're a hallucination? That... you're already dead?

>>2689382
>I was thinking of... taking some time to know you, Jurobei. We don't speak often.
All this suffering man.

>>2689391
Actually fuck it
Changing to
>Want to come do some combat training with me? Need to work some things out

>>2689382
>>I... nothing. Just take me to Lilo
AT LEAST SHE WONT TURN TO DUST

>>2689421
NO ANON THAT'S HOW WE REGRET NOT TALKING TO JUROBEI AAAAAA

Calling for
>I was thinking of... taking some time to know you, Jurobei. We don't speak often.

Writing now.

File: Maro04.png (585 KB, 900x1200)

585 KB PNG

>I was thinking of... taking some time to know you, Jurobei. We don't speak often.

"Oh?" Jurobei raises an eyebrow. "Well, I'm surprised by your request, but... sure. I'd love to."

Jurobei helps you towards a bench where you lean back, grimacing in pain. It's too much... it's far too much...

"So, what did you want to ask about me?"

"Anything..." you mutter in pain. "Just... anything... tell me about yourself. What... what are your family like?"

Jurobei pauses. "They're... gone."

"Gone?"

"Yeah..." Jurobei mutters. "I lost them in an accident. House fire. I was the only survivor."

"Damn..." you mutter. "Jurobei, I'm so sorry..."

"Don't be," Jurobei smiles. "It's not like you're responsible."

"Yes, but..." you mutter. "That must weigh heavy on your heart."

Jurobei shakes his head. "Maro... I would be lying if I said I didn't miss them. My mother, my father, my sister... I grieve for them every day. But... it's in the past. We have a job to accomplish, Maro. Once you find yourself trapped in the past... there's no coming back from that. Eventually, you have to let go, and move on. It's easy to get caught up in hindsight. What I wish I had told them, wish I had said to them... but I never did. And you can't change that. If I continue to dwell on it... if I let myself be consumed by grief and guilt... well, then I might as well have died with them, right? We all have our deepest regrets... but we can't let them define us. You know what I mean?"

Through your pain, Jurobei's words make sense. You focus on them, with rapt attention. Dammit... you really should have spoken to this guy before.

You stand up from the bench, as Jurobei stares at you. "Maro? Where are you going?"

Your deepest regret...

>I'm going to see Yamato.
>I'm going to see Nina.
>I'm going to the graveyard.

>>2689530
>>I'm going to the graveyard.
FACE OUR SINS

>>2689530
>>I'm going to the graveyard.
THEN WE HAVE A RAD FIGHT WITH THEIR ZOMBIES

also this is a rad dude

>>2689530
>I'm going to the graveyard.

>>2689530
>I'm going to the graveyard.

>>2689530
>I'm going to see Yamato.
Probably would be Maro's biggest regret seeing as how losing Class 3 is what caused Yamato to go off the deep end.

>>2689530
>I'm going to see the graveyard.

I'M FUCKING CUMMING

>>2689530
>I'm going to the graveyard.
As much as I want to see more Yam-Man and Nina I imagine losing the class as a whole is what Maro regrets the most.

>>2689530
>I'm going to see Yamato.
Time for one final epic duel.

>>2689562
>>2689569
>>2689568
Guys, guys. See, the thing is, Yamato and Nina are fucking dead. They're in the graveyard. THIS IS OUR FUCKING ACCEPTANCE PHASE AAAAAAAAAA

Calling for

>I'm going to the graveyard.

Writing now.

File: Yamato02.png (1.02 MB, 960x682)

1.02 MB PNG

>I'm going to the graveyard.

"Okay..." Jurobei mutters. "I'll see you there."

As Jurobei fades away, you slowly walk towards the graveyard. You arrive... and it's just as you know it. In it's current form. They're all here... buried together. Jurobei... Hitoshi... Aiko... Chouko... Nina... all of them.

"Hello, everyone," you mutter, as you begin to feel your pain alleviating. "It's good to see you."

You hunker down, taking a knee before the gravestones. "Jurobei... I wish I had spoken to you more often. Hitoshi, I wish I had never boiled down into petty rivalries with you. Aiko, I wish you could have seen your parents once more. Chouko... I miss you every day, and I wish I could have been more honest with you. Nina... I wish I had been more prepared, that I could have prevented your death. Yamato... I wish you had avoided the call of darkness, that you could still be around to teach me, to guide me... as my friend. But those wishes will never come true... and I accept that. But... I know you're all still with me. I'm not looking back to the past in regret, because you're all still by my side, pushing me forward. And with your arms on my back pushing me into the future... there's nothing I can't do."

You look to the sky, a droplets of rain begin to fall down. You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and open them.

The rain is gone, before you stands Milano defending himself against Keiji's rapier.

The lone gunman that you are, you don't hesitate to fire, catching Milano directly in the neck.

"GAH!" Milano screams. "But you... how did you?!"

"Regret?" you mutter, as you rise to your feet. "How weak. You're finished."

Milano's eyes widen, as a piercing blow from Keiji cuts into his heart. The crazed stranger slumps over... it seems he was so reliant on that ability of his, that he had nothing to follow it up with. You must admit... it's an incredible power. You were so close to succumbing to the pain... but you had more willpower than that. Still, it seems The Regret has been stopped before he ever really got started.

"That's it?!" Yasutake yells. "Aren't demons usually tougher than that?!"

"I don't know what happened to you there," Keiji mutters, as he sets the limp body of Milano down. "But it allowed you to catch him off guard. Would have been a trickier fight if you hadn't."

"I'll explain later."

"But seriously?!" Yasutake yells. "One shot and he's down?! How anticlimactic!"

"It wasn't just a simple stab," Keiji explains. "The fire from my blade spread throughout his body while inside and burned his heart."

Yasutake's eyes widen. "Whoa... that's hardcore. Uhh... you okay, Maro?"

>Yeah, just glad to be back.
>Don't go running in half-cocked again, Yasutake. You almost died.

>>2689711
>>Don't go running in half-cocked again, Yasutake. You almost died.

>>2689711
>>Don't go running in half-cocked again, Yasutake. You almost died.

>HUG HIM BITCH

>>2689711
>Don't go running in half-cocked again, Yasutake. You almost died.

>>2689711
>Don't go running in half-cocked again, Yasutake. You almost died.
>HUG

Calling for

>Don't go running in half-cocked again, Yasutake. You almost died.

Writing now.

File: Lilo06.png (573 KB, 640x800)

573 KB PNG

>Don't go running in half-cocked again, Yasutake. You almost died.

"I did?" Yasutake asks. "You looked fine. Heck, your wound is already closed up in seconds!"

"Trust me," you reply. "You almost died. I'm glad you're safe."

Yasutake blushes and scratches the back of his head. "Heh heh... you are? You don't really say stuff like that, boss!"

You place a hand on Yasutake's shoulder and smile. He looks confused by your sudden display of emotion. "Keiji-senpai," you mutter. "We'll talk later. For now I have something to do."

You turn away from the pair as they contact the agents to clean up the demon host, and make your way back towards the dorm. There, you see Lilo sitting on the couch, watching tv. She stands up as you enter, with a look of concern on her face.

"Maro honey, are you okay?" she asks. "You look a little tired-"

You interrupt Lilo with a kiss on the lips, causing her to blush. "M-Maro!" she stutters. "You never kiss me outside of our private moments."

"But you always want me to," you smile. "I wanted to as well."

Lilo giggles. "What's gotten into you lately?"

"Lilo... let's find a house together," you reply. "After graduation. I want to live with you."

"W-what?!" Lilo gasps. "I mean... I accept the offer! But... how sudden from you? Have you been thinking about this for a while?"

"Not that long," you reply. "I don't have to."

Lilo shakes her head. "Maro... what's with the new attitude."

"I've been looking to the future," you explain. "That's all."

As you embrace Lilo, you think of Yamato, of Nina, of Chouko... of all of them. They're right behind you, pushing you ahead.

And with their support, you'll lead your class into a bright new future.

END OF EPISODE 20

>>2689791
YEAH BOY
GOOD SHIT MY DUDE

>>2689791
HELL YEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH

File: Lilo10.png (536 KB, 654x500)

536 KB PNG

>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! After a month of delays due to real life issues and illness, it's so good to be back and running! Next episode will be early next week!

>Player Question
We've seen Maro's resolve for the future of Class 3. Where do you see Class 3 going from here? What will their graduation be like?

>>2689801
>>Player Question
Hopefully death free!

Also I have to ask, how likely/possible was it that Maro could have died in this thread

>>2689801
THANKS A WHOLE BUNCH FOR THIS BOOKER. BEST THREAD, 10/10.

I'm scared that someone else will probably die or something in Class 3, but I do hope for a lot more time to get to know them before they graduate! I can see Maro trying to invigorate everyone with true hope again after his experiences, and draw his class even closer together, especially Taka. Their graduation will probably be pretty unusual, without a teacher, and I don't know what it could be like, but I'm excited to find out!

>>2689808
>Also I have to ask, how likely/possible was it that Maro could have died in this thread

Not incredibly high, outside of some really bad choices. Yasutake could have been more at risk based on decisions.

>>2689816
Thank goodness we took the safer route then. Don't want to lose another student, especially to that scrub.

>>2689816
How did our decisions in interacting with our old classmates affect the thread? What would have happened if we ran? What would have happened if we chose Yamato or Nina for the last choice we had under The Regret's influence over the graveyard?

>>2689827
>How did our decisions in interacting with our old classmates affect the thread?

The answers affected how much Maro would be affected by the powers of The Regret. There were also other interactions that they could have bled into.

>What would have happened if we ran?

Triggered other scenes and interactions. I had a list of possible iterations of Maro's time in The Regret's realm.

>What would have happened if we chose Yamato or Nina for the last choice we had under The Regret's influence over the graveyard?

Narratively, it would have been pretty similar, but it would have been a different conversation. Instead of a monologue from Maro, it would have been a dialogue between Maro and his "Greatest Regret".

>>2689858
>We could have spoken to Yamato again and gotten the best boi more screentime
WE FUCKED UP