>>3322930
It's time

File: Dardan (At night).png (1.87 MB, 1920x1080)

1.87 MB PNG

Time: January 19, 2000, Saturday, 9:48 PM.

Location: Zenla Region, Dardan City.

WHIRRRRRRRRR-WOOOOOOOOOO The whir of sirens accompanied by the red and blue flashes of switching lights signals the arrival of the local police force.

The Moon shines softly through the clouds above, illuminating the dark street ahead as you peer towards the steps leading into city hall, watching as a group of men, clad in blue with badges that read Z.P.D haul Nicholas and Zarques off to the two patrol cars they have parked on the road.

A large crowd has gathered in spite of the relatively late hours of the night, most of them workers from city-hall, fellow co-workers and even some admirers of Nicholas, all blown away by his sudden arrest in what will surely be the talk of the hall for months to come.

While the rest are just random on-lookers, curious people who run after the sound of sirens and horns wondering what interesting thing they can talk about with their friends or post on the internet for some quick clout that won't even keep people talking for a few days if even a week.

But to Nicholas and Zarques this event will last a lifetime, the labels of murderers will stick with them for the rest of time, brought up only on occasion but never truly forgotten.

To those two, the short walk between the steps to the patrol cars is like a extra-long green mile. The peering and jeering eyes of every on-looker bores deep into the skin like a knife, with every laugh and whisper twisting it a little deeper.

You stand near the squad cars, watching the spectacle while Jesper and the Carlton twins chat with the officers and city hall security about the arrest, a little ways off in the distance, Arztz along with some emergency respondents are tending to Reynauld nearby.

Meanwhile, you're left standing next to the old man who captured Nicholas.

Donned in a japponese Yukata, his hair done up in a short pony-tail that leaves the rest of his head bald with a face that's anything but, with a beard that droops down to his chin that he grabs thoughtful as he examines the situation before him.

"....." you stay silent as you shoot a few glances over to him, wrestling with the awkward atmosphere that has formed between the two of you.

(So this is the chairman of the Hunter association...I gotta say, I expected a lot of things, but a golly, jolly old man is not one of them. He looks like someone just dragged him out of one of my old japponese cartoons, a real stupid one too.) you think.

(I think Landon mentioned him to me once, told me he was a charismatic, powerful man. The kind of guy leads an organization filled with angry, bloodthirsty psychopaths, with fear and respect.) you reason.

File: Issac Netero02.png (980 KB, 744x1355)

980 KB PNG

You glance at him again, running your eyes up and down his shorter frame, one barely reaching your height by virtue of the two Geta shoes that prop him up a few inches.

(I can't really make out his frame under those clothes, but he seems kinda lanky, if not kinda scrawny, doesn't seem like he could take much punishment.) you think.

You shake your head, (Though, based on what he did to Nicholas, he sure can dish it out. Shows you really can't judge a book by it's cover, even if that cover is as old and dusty as they come. Seriously, how old is this guy? Must be well into his 70's by this point...)

"I hope you mean 60's boy. I may not look it, but physically, I'm not a day over 65." He laughs.

you jump a little, (Oh great, and he's a mind reader too...)

You shrug your shoulders and speak, "Doesn't change the fact that you're well over retirement age. Why don't you give up being a hunter and go back to your psychic job? Probably more relaxing than this." you joke.

"True as that may be, old foogies like me would waste away in retirement, I plan to work well into my golden years and well beyond that too." he counters.

"Not to be rude, but I think you've gone past you've gone well past your golden years and the most you'll go on for is a few golden months." you counter.

He laughs, "You don't mince words do you boy? It takes strong nerve to talk so cheekily to your future boss, are you sure you want to risk angering me? I could make your life hell or end it as I see fit." he asks.

You detect no malice in his statement, but you can also tell he isn't joking either, he commands that much power, he could probably end your life with a snap of his fingers, both figuratively and literally.

Strangely enough however, that doesn't frighten you, "Yeah, well, whether you're my boss or not depends on whether or not I live to see the end of this exam." you answer.

"If this next test you guys have planned is as terrible as the last 3, then I might as well shit-talk the guy that planned them while I've still got the breath to do it." you state.

He laughs again, much harder this time, "Aren't you the pessimist? Those who lack confidence are often the first to find themselves crushed by the pressure." he counters.

"Not Pessimistic, just realistic old man. And I never said I'm going to die. Just that if by some small chance I do, I just want you to know I curse you and entire testing committee to heaven and hell." you argue.

A big smile takes his face, "Spoken like a true survivor who's seen both heaven and hell. I'm quite fond of men such as yourself. What's your name boy?" he asks.

"Derrick Holums." you answer.

For a moment, his eyes go wide, "Holums?" he asks.

You get a little confused, "Something strange about my last name?" you asks.

He shakes his head, "Nothing of the sort, just the first time I've heard a name like yours is all. Derrick Holums is it? If you pass the exam, I'll be sure to remember your name." he promises.

"And if I don't?" you ask.

"Then I won't. fail or die and you'll fade from memory before the day is out." he answers.

"Damn, you don't mince words either old man." you counter.

"It's Isaac Netero, not old man. Most people refer to me as chairman, but Netero works." He corrects.

"Okay then Netero. Isn't it a bit harsh to forget me just cause I failed or die? Hell, isn't it extremely harsh to make an exam where people can and have died like this?" you ask.

He strokes his beard as he speaks, "Being forgotten is the natural fate of the weak, it isn't a matter of harshness or kindness, it's a matter of the natural order of things. The strong are remembered and respected, the weak are pitied and quickly forgotten." He answers.

"As for the state of the exam, things are exactly as they should be. Surely you read the contract thoroughly when you first signed up? We made it very clear that the morality rate of this test was high and yet well over 5000 people applied, surely you wouldn't say that we tricked people to their deaths right?" he counters.

"No, of course not, we all knew what we were signing up for. But even so, why structure the exam like this at all? 5000 applied and what? 3000 of them have failed so far? And I can bet at least 60% of those people are going home in body bags." you argue.

"You're off a few clicks, to be exact, roughly 4800 have failed and 50% of them have been confirmed dead." he corrects.

You're blown away by those figures, "4800!?, there's only 200 or so people left!? And what do you mean confirmed!?" you ask.

He waves his hand dismissively,"Well, not everybody ends up so lucky to have enough of a corpse for us to identify and retrieve." he answers.

You can't believe your ears, "Saying shit like that is what makes me question how you could allow something like that! Don't you think it's cruel to come up with an exam that would allow for the deaths of well over 2000 people, maybe more!?" you ask again.

"Sorry to say boy, but the world is a cruel place and there's no getting around that." he begins.

"In all my years alive, and trust me, I've had many. I've learned that one thing determines the difference between life and death, good and evil, destruction and creation, that thing is strength." he states.

"Strength?" you question.

"The ability to endure, overcome and adapt to any situation, the ability to break through any darkness and destroy any evil. In other words, the ability to enact one's will over the very universe in order to make one's way, that's what strength is." he answers.

"In this world, it's the natural state of things that everything is inevitably determined by strength, power is the greatest resource man has and will ever know, and every person has the potential to gain it, that's why I leave the exam open to anyone brave enough to take it. Because I believe that all people wield power within themselves." He states.

He closes his eyes thoughtfully, "The unfortunate truth is however, is that not everyone is capable of reaching that strength, they take on tasks too great for them and fail to overcome, fail to adapt and so they die, that is weakness. And the ultimate fate of the weak is to be culled." He declares.

"I say all of this, but I bare no hatred for the weak. Though know I hold no love for them either." he adds.

"...." you go quiet.

"As terrible and painful as it might be, this is the truth of the world. Has anything I've said so far been wrong?" he asks.

What do you say?

>You're wrong, that's not how the world works.

>It's terrible, but you're right.

>You're right and that's the way things should be.

>[Write-in]

>>3322953
>It's terrible, but you're right.
>But at the same time, you shouldn't be right.

>>3322953
>>3322964
This

>>3322964
Supporto

>>3322964
Sure

File: [Nonsense!].jpg (17 KB, 480x360)

17 KB JPG

>>3322964
>>3322975
>>3322969

>Writing

File: Derrick Holums26.jpg (101 KB, 640x640)

101 KB JPG

"You're right..." you admit in a pained voice.

"Exactly, that's simply how the world works, there's no two ways about it." Netero states.

"But-" you start.

You give him a resolute look, "You're right, but I can't stand that you are!" you declare.

That causes him to raises an eyebrow, "Excuse me? What do you mean?" He asks.

"A cruel world where the weak are culled because they can't stand up to all the world's hardships, that not how it's supposed to be!" you declare.

"Oh? Then how is the world supposed to be? What would be a better alternatively? One where the weak stack up at the bottom and burden the strong? Halt progress?" He asks.

"That very mentality is the damn problem! The idea that the weak are a burden! That being weak is some kind irreversible disease!" you counter.

"Everyone one is weak in some way or another! Does that mean everyone is a burden!? Hell no, you have to be weak somewhere because you always have room to grow, weakness isn't a burden, it's a path to power!" You counter.

He takes your point into consideration, "You're not wrong, but overcoming the hurdle of weaknesses to strength is not something everyone can accomplish, would a world where the weak aren't culled really a better one?" He asks.

You look away, "I...I couldn't tell you that..." you admit.

"But, at least I can tell you that, just because the world works that way doesn't mean it should! Of that much I'm certain!" you declare.

He seriously considers your argument for a moment before quickly laughing, "What's so damn funny?" you ask.

"You're an interesting boy Derrick. Tell me, why do you seek the title of Hunter?" he asks.

You scratch the back of your head, "A lot of reasons really. I want to save people, hunt down criminals, go on great adventures..." you list off.

You smile wryly, "But the main reason right now, I'm getting money to pay off a debt and start a new life." you answer.

He smiles, "An honest answer, an excellent one as well, honesty is a show of inner strength, so no matter the reason, I fully support you in your fight and hope to see you enter the Hunter association's doors a proud Hunter." he agrees as he extends a hand to you.

You take it with a smile of your own, "It'd be the first thing I'd take pride in years."

"Really, maybe ya can hand some of that pride off to me then. I could use it and maybe a little morphine." A familiar southern drawl meets your ear as you turn back to see Reynauld standing behind you, a pained smile on his face next to a slightly worried Arztz.

You're a little surprised, "You're already standing? I thought you were about to get hospitalized." you state.

"And fail the exam? You daft or dumb Sundance? Few bullet wounds ain't nuthin'." He attempts to stand tall, but his legs get shaky and he nearly falls over.

File: Nicholas Harte03.jpg (16 KB, 512x294)

16 KB JPG

Arztz quickly catches him and holds him up, "Jeez, I tried to tell him that he should just come back next year with his injuries, but he refuses to quit!" He states.

Reynauld groans, "You know damn well why I can't quit Casper...I'm so close, nah, we're so close to victory." He counters.

"I respect your strength and resolve Mr.Reynauld, but neither of those things mean anything if you die! Value your life, with your skill, you can always come back and win next year." Arztz advises.

Reynauld laughs, "Living...dying, don't make a difference to me, know what will? Winning." He declares.

Arztz is ready to say something again, but then Netero claps and laughs up a storm, "An excellent response! I see all the applicants this year are of excellent quality. Such strength and bravery in the face of death!" he praises.

"Yes, what bravery and honor from a dying man, but you should take your friend's advice and quit while you're ahead." a new voice enters the fray as you look over to see Nicholas, hands cuffed and a police escort 4 men thick surrounding him as he's about to be stuffed into the patrol car.

Your group turns to meet Nicholas, two hard grimaces and a glare are shot his way.

"Bravery and honor, two words I'd never thought I'd ever hear come of your mouth." you counter.

He laughs, "Funny, berating me and looking at me like filth, you must truly think I'm the bad guy here."

"I know it may sound rich coming from me, but I got two holes in my chest and two friends here who'd say otherwise-" You see a small twinkle in Arztz eyes at the mention of the word 'friends'.

"-And that ain't even counting all the other people you've hurt. You ain't just a bad guy, I'd say you're one of the worst I've ever met. And I'm glad to see you put away." he insults.

He glares at him, "Think yourself triumphant this day, but you have no idea what you've done. By putting me away you've just invited a plague of locust and disease into this city. You've invited death upon this house you madmen." he argues.

"Really? I think by putting you away, I just freed this place from a real plague." you counter.

He scoffs, "Berate me if you like. Think me the greatest monster of them all if it makes you feel better. Bask in the self-satisfaction you feel in putting me away, But mark my words-" he's stuffed into the police car mid-sentence, but he never breaks his glare with you all.

"-With me gone, it won't even take 2 weeks for this city to turn to hell. Murderers, rapists and thieves will fill the streets and good men and women will never know peace. Not without me to keep it." he promises.

What will you say?

>You're deluding yourself, this place will be fine without you

>Even if you're right, there's no way we could let you run free.

>Go silent

>[Write-in]

>>3323014
>You're deluding yourself, this place will be fine without you

>>3323014
>[Write-in]
>Not everybody is as corrupt as you, there are still good men like Beige who can save this place

>>3323028
>>3323038

You know what, I can mix these.

>Writing.

You grin at him, "Keep yapping man, though I'd drop that messiah complex of yours, won't do you much good in Prison Nicky." You taunt.

"You're not nearly as important as you think you are, this place will be fine with you, and much better without you." you insult.

He glowers with deep rage at you, "Mindless idiot...couldn't understand a damn thing if he tried..." He curses under his breath.

"Call me a fool, but I doubt you really did as much for this city as you think you did." you counter.

"Hell I can bet if I just leave things to Beige, this city will run just fine." You argue.

He grits his teeth, intense rage in his eyes, "Call you a fool? I don't even need to! YOU ARE A FOOL!" he shouts as he thrashes violently.

"Hey! knock that off!" One of the officers shouts as they try and restrain him.

"Do you really think that soft-headed fool will do half the things I've done to save this city!? You can only say that because you won't be around to suffer like the good people here!" he counters.

His rage frees him from the officers grasp, he rushes through the escort thrashing wildly all the way, "What the hell!? Get him down!" One of the officers shouts as he rushes toward you.

"He's going for Sundance, watch out-Ah!" Reynauld attempts to move, but his injury stops him dead in his tracks, he nearly drops to the ground again until Arztz goes to catch him.

This however, leaves you with no one to help you as you Nicholas rushes at you, seething rage in his eyes, his mouth opens wide, clearly intending to bite down at you.

>Roll1d100

>DC: 40

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>3323073

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3323073

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>3323073

>>3323078
>>3323085
>>3323098

The dice gods roll in our favor I see, a rare, but beloved blessing!

>Rolled 78

>Not today Nicky!

File: Nicholas Harte05.png (375 KB, 853x440)

375 KB PNG

You dodge his bite swiftly, and on reflex, bring your leg up in a kick that strikes right in his solar plexus, He can't even scream as all the air from his lungs are pushed right up through his throat.

He falls to his knees as his face meets the pavement, "Do you want to die you psycho!? Give up on fighting us already!" you exclaim.

He looks up slowly, nose bloody and spit running down his mouth, but still a clear glare in his eyes, "Y-You scum...cough! You scum are the real monsters...I can't stand you, I absolutely detest you..." he curses as the police haul him from the ground and drag him back to the car.

Even after a brutal strike, he still thrashes around as if he wants to make another go at you, "W-When these streets run red with the blood of innocents, Derrick Holums! Know that it is your hands they will stain!! ALL YOUR HANDS!!" he shouts violently for the whole crowd to hear.

The pure anger and madness in his eyes drives a wedge of fear into your heart, for as much as you wish to deny it, his words have a horrifying amount of truth to them.

Before you're allowed to think on that anymore however, Nicholas is dragged in fully to the patrol car and Jesper comes and slams the door shut on him.

Nicholas brings himself up and pushes his face against the glass as he glares up Jesper as well, "Big words from a man with more blood on his hands than anyone in this whole fucked-up city." He counters much to his silent dismay.

"Cry all you like, doesn't change the truth that you're getting your just desserts. So enjoy a nice slice of humble pie in the back of your nice and comfy state jail cell. I hear they treat pretty boys like you real nicely at state penitentiary." he explains.

Nicholas says something from behind the glass, but no sound escape behind the patrol car door as they drive off into the night.

File: Jesper Myerscough03.jpg (261 KB, 800x900)

261 KB JPG

Jesper looks back at you, still shaken from Nicholas's curses, warnings and hate.

"Don't give me that face Derrick. Don't tell me you let that mental bastard get to you." he states.

You sigh and attempt to compose yourself, "...Sorry, it's just...he started to sound like he might have had a point there at the end." you explain.

"Are you seriously thinking on a psycho like that's nonsense? You're worrying me." he counters.

"I mean, I didn't take anything he said seriously. But What if he was right about that last part, what if everything turns to hell because he's gone? If anything terrible happens..." you look over to the crowd, among the leering on-lookers, you see concerned mothers and children, men and women caught up in the commotion on their way home from a long day at work.

He waves his hand dismissively, "Don't think about what if's, you're thinking too hard about it, you've done good today, just leave it at that." he states.

"Man's right Sundance...ahhh, ow..." Reynauld once again regains his footing after nearly toppling from the earlier attack.

"Ya think a madman like that got anything named sense? Save yourself the trouble of mulling and just forget 'bout it." he advises.

"You're right...just wondering is all." you say with a lingering sense of worry.

"If you spend all your time wondering about garbage like that, nothing would get done." Jesper declares as he walks up to you.

"Here's something you don't have to wonder about, if you left Nicholas in office, he would have murdered and destroyed the lives of 100s if not 1000s of people with the power he had." he explains as he places a hand on your shoulder.

"You put a down a monster today, you've saved many people in doing so. Stop worrying about that and just have a little pride in yourself. This city will be safer without him." He says in a calming voice.

Those words soothe you some, easing in the worry in your heart slightly, "It's not good to lie Jesper. Even if it's to ease the poor boy's heart." That is, until Netero cuts in, a serious expression on his face.

"Huh? What does that mean?" you ask of a now silent Jesper.

"Derrick, you're right to worry. As terrible as the man was, his word ring an even worse truth." He answers for him.

"Old man..." Jesper pleads with Netero.

"I have no idea what your attachment with this boy is, but you shouldn't let your feelings cloud your ability to see the consequences of avoiding the truth." He denies.

"...." He goes quiet as his hand falls off your shoulder.

You turn to Netero, "What do you mean Old ma-Netero?" you ask.

He grabs his beard and strokes it slowly as he glances back to city hall, "This is a beautiful city, it has many good people with equally good intentions. However, this city is also sick, plagued." he answers.

"Monsters lurk in the shadows of this beautiful place, beasts hungry for blood and suffering, parasites that will leech off this land until it lays dry and dead." He continues.

"These beasts lurk in darkness, laying hidden under the surface because they feared the retribution of beasts less evil but more vengeful than themselves." He explains as he looks at Nicholas's patrol car speeding away.

"But now that you have exterminated that beast, those monsters will surely leap back into the light, ready to devour everything in sight." He finishes.

"Are you saying that we've opened the flood gates for the scum of this place?" you ask.

He laughs, "If the evil I sense in this place is as real as I think it is, what you've brought isn't a flood, but a tsunami."

Jesper puts his foot down, "And so? Are you saying we should have let a ruthless monster like Nicholas free, just cause he scared more shitty people than himself away? Sorry, but I'm damn sure you aren't stupid enough to think that."

He shakes his head, "Of course not. I never said that Nicholas should have been spared his punishment, I only said that you shouldn't dismiss the truth of his words." he answers.

He raises a finger to Jesper, "This place hasn't been saved from anything. Don't act like Nicholas was the disease, when he was simply one of the symptoms." He declares.

You lower your head, "So putting that bastard away didn't accomplish anything. If anything, it just made things that much worse, god damn it..." you groan.

"Unfortunately true boy, you will come to know this world is filled with all kinds of unfair suffering. It's rife with situations where someone will suffer no matter what you do-" He stops for a moment to point ahead.

"However, even in this city plagued with Darkness, there's always the chance for redemption."He declares as Zarques passes by, his head lowered sadly to the ground, that is, until he sees your group standing near.

He rises his head up and talks to his escort, "Uh, sorry boys, I know I'm being hauled off to the slammer and all, but do you mind if I talk to those guy? Won't take more than a second." He begs.

The police escort stops and gives a Zarques a hard look before turning over to you, "Well, you feel like talking to this bastard?" One of the gruffer, taller officers ask.

What will you say?

>Go ahead

>Send him away

>>3323177
>>Go ahead
>Go ahead

>>3323177
>Go ahead

>>3323185
>>3323191

>Go ahead

File: Zarques Marrion04.jpg (49 KB, 500x500)

49 KB JPG

"Yeah, bring him over." you agree.

The police officer nods to his fellow officers, who separate and allow Zarques a little space to approach you, "Don't even try and run shitbag, you won't even have time to count the number of holes you get in your back." The officer threatens.

"Wasn't planning on it, sheesh, have a little faith will ya officer?" He laughs confidently walks over to you.

However, as soon as he gets within personal distance of you, his bright confidence dims and his eyes begin to wander all over the place as he speaks.

"So, uh...yeah. This was a real clusterfuck? Am I right guys?" He asks with a laugh.

You give a knowing smile, "You got that right. Didn't expect to be standing outside city hall, putting people in chains and throwing'em in jail." you agree.

Reynauld laughs, "'Speically not a politician, forget expectin' I'd never even dream of pulling that off most days."

He laughs softly, "Yeah, yeah...yeah..." He says as a new emotion takes over his voice and he looks down to the floor.

"...." you say nothing as you begin to hear sniffles and the sound of soft weeping enter Marrion's voice.

"Listen man...Listen...Thanks...Sniff...Seriously, thank you..." he says through his strained voice.

He looks up from the floor and you see the streams of tears running down his face, "I know! I know it don't mean much from a-a murdering piece of shit like myself to thank you guys! But I want to say it! Thank you!" He shouts.

"Thank you putting this madness to an end! For bringing peace to my life!" he exclaims as he can no longer hold his tears of gratitude and sorrow.

What will you say?

>I didn't do this help you or save you, if you're really grateful, repent in prison

>Happy to help you, but I hope you learn to be a better person behind bars.

>Glad to help, you really don't deserve to be put away like this.

>[Write-in]

>>3323212
>Happy to help you, but I hope you learn to be a better person behind bars.

>>3323212
>Happy to help you, but I hope you learn to be a better person behind bars.

>>3323218
>>3323237

>Learn to be a better person behind bars.

>Writing.

You give an awkward smile, "Happy to see this incident won't haunt you forever, but that doesn't mean you're getting away scot-free."

"You're going to pay for your crimes, you know what would show me real gratitude? Becoming a better person after serving your time." you state.

He nods quickly, splashing tears and snot all over the payment, "Of course man! I'll be better! I'll try and be-be just like you all!" he exclaims.

You're taken aback, "L-Like us?" you question.

he brings his face up, a swamp of snot and tears covers his face, but even so, a bright smile shines through, "Hell yeah! Cause-Cause, you've got to be the best guys I know! Seriously, thank you all!!" he shouts.

"Ah...thanks..." is all you can say, (Jeez, when you make a face like that, It makes me almost want to comfort you, though I know you'd hate that...) you think as you scratch the back your head.

"Your welcome, I'm glad at least someone is happy about this." Arztz's smiles.

He wipes his eyes awkwardly with the chains on, "Yeah...Yeah! I'm so relived! It was 4 long years! This horrible nightmare went on for 4 years and it's finally over! It feels like...It really feels like I've been freed of a hell of a curse..." he says with a smile that cuts through his tears.

Reynauld laughs, "That's funny coming from a guy that's heading to jail right about now."

He laughs, "Yeah, I know it's sounds real fucking stupid, but I'm fine with spending 20 years behind bars as long as I know a bright shining world is waiting for me outside. You gave that to me man, the hope to live on, you reminded me I have a family to go back to. A home to return to!" he states.

The tears stop flowing as he gives a heart-warming smile, "You taught me that even hopeless dumbasses like me can have a future if they want to! And for that, I'll always be thankful to you!" he exclaims.

"....." you all don't know what to say.

The gruff police officer looks over and with a sigh, he comes behind Zarques and pulls him away, "Times up shitbag, get in the car." while his words are harsh, there's a new gentleness to his tone and demeanor, he isn't being nearly as rough with Zarques as before.

He turns his back to you as he's being escorted, "This'll probably be the last time I get to see you, so I just wanted to tell you that before I was put away." He says as he gets put into the back seat of the police car.

He looks back at you one last time as the door closes and from behind the utters one simple word, one you can't hear, but you can certainly feel it.

"Thanks." He says one last time as he drives off into the night.

"....." You go quiet, utterly dumbfounded by that encounter.

As the spectacle comes to an end and the crowd begins to disperse, leaving only your group, Jesper and the twins, the a few of the police still questioning Bill and Will the security guards and Netero, who smiles innocently at your reactions.

"Left speechless aren't you boy? Not used to being thanked like that?" he asks.

"...Nope. Not at all." you answer.

Reynauld tips his hat, "Haven't seen a smile that heartfelt in all my years...have to say, much better than a sneer."

Arztz's happiness is almost palpable, "Ahhhh, loving words and heartfelt smiles like that are why I continue to draw breath. Just yet another reason why life is so beautiful..."

"As long as people like that inhabit this city, there will always be away to endure the suffering, for good people are strong people. And the strong always find a way to smile, even when confronted with dark days ahead." he declares.

Netero's smile falls to a frown, "However..." he looks over to the starry night sky, "I don't feel such positive aura coming from this place. I'm afraid this city might just be devoid of good hearts. Steeped in far too much darkness to truly seek redemption." he states.

"Are you saying this place can't be saved, even with people like Zarques around? That ain't fair..." you complain.

"Life often isn't. But accepting that and living strong regardless is yet another sign of strength-"

Before Netero has a chance to finish his lesson, Jesper stomps the ground cutting him off.

"Enough with your parables and pearls of wisdom old man, you can shove them up your crusty ass if you love'em so much." he states.

Netero looks over to Jesper, enthralled rather than displeased with his sudden insult, "Now what this? It's rare of to get this fed up with me Jesper, did I say something to upset you?" He asks in a playful voice.

It's subtle, but you notice him bite down on his cigarette a little, "Damn right you did and you know damn well what you said." he states.

Netero laughs devilishly, "Oh really? Sorry, this old, dusty brain of mine seems to have gone a little senile, mind reminding me of what I said?" he asks.

File: Jesper Myerscough02.jpg (17 KB, 236x668)

17 KB JPG

Jesper pulls out the mashed cigarette from his mouth and speaks, "You love to make everything seem so damn hopeless by spouting off on all sorts unnecessary crap. 'Oh the darkness underneath this', 'Oh the beasts of shadows there' and the other vague crap you love to spew." He answers.

He drops the cigarette to the floor and stamps it out, "Bottom-line is this, right? If the city turns to shit, I'll fix this fuck-up. Simple." he declares.

Netero looks entertained, "You're taking responsibility for anything that happens here? You're willing to brave the darkness of this land?" he asks.

"I just told you to drop the dumb metaphors and for your information yes, as much as I hate extra-work, this case was my responsibility and I'll take on all the consequences with it." he answers.

"...." you go quiet as you absorb what you've just heard, (Damn, for a guy that loves to act like the laziest bastard around, he sure is quick to take on strenuous jobs.) you think.

(It's pretty damn amazing he can make massive decisions like clearing a city of all it's crime and corruption so causally and mean it too, I guess that's what it means to be a Hunter of such high-class, doing outrageous things is causal for you now.) you reason.

(Technically, I also played a big part in this investigation even if I was kinda forced to do it, making this my responsibility too. But does that mean I'd be willing to make a promise as massive as that? And keep it too?) you ask yourself.

What will you do?

>Tell Jesper you wish to help

>Stay quiet and move on.

>>3323302
>Tell Jesper you wish to help

>>3323302
>Tell Jesper you wish to help
We've got experience with this

>>3323324
>>3323329

>City clean-up time!

>Writing.

https://youtu.be/vh566UB5fYs

You smile, "Hold it there, what do you think you're doing stealing all the good lines for yourself." you cut in.

"Huh/Hm?" Jesper gives a surprised look while Netero hums in entertained curiosity.

You point to yourself, "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's fixing fuck-ups and trust me, I know cause I've made a ton." you declare.

"Tell me about it." Reynauld says as you shoot him a stink eye.

"So what's one more? I'm taking some responsibility too and helping clean up this place!" you declare.

Everyone is astonished, even Jesper actually looks a little blown away, "Well damn Sundance, always got to be the damn hero, don't ya?" Reynauld smiles.

"I knew you were a kind person, but to think you had such bravery as well! My respect for you grows by the second." Arztz praises.

"Hohohohoho! Jesper! Where'd you find this boy!? He's gets more fun by the minute!" Netero laughs.

He adjusts his glasses and speaks, "I don't think I need to bother explaining how big a promise you're making there right? You've already seen how dangerous and stomach turning this shit can get. It's not a job that you should take lightly." he warns.

You wave your hand, "This was the kind of stuff I wanted to join the Association for in the first place! I'm getting my license soon enough and so whether you want it or not, I'm taking this case on!" you declare.

Netero grins from ear to ear at you as Jesper shakes his head, "Say no more boy! I just adore people willing to take on great challenges at the drop of at hat." He praises as he pats you on the back, it hurts like hell.

"If you-oh nevermind that- when you pass this exam, any files pertaining to this job will land first on your desk. You have my guarantee!" He gives you a thumbs up.

Jesper sighs, "Don't say I didn't warn you kid. By god..." he sounds exasperated, but he can't help but smile, "You're such a dumb brat...just like him..." He whispers something under his breath.

"What?" you ask as you don't hear.

"Nothing kid. If you're so damn sure, I'll be counting on you when the time comes alright?" He extends a hand.

You grab it heartily, "I told you already, it's not kid, it's Derrick. It's not a name you'll forget anytime soon." you declare.

He smiles, "Got me there ki-Derrick, in exchange for your help, I'll try and teach you the ropes when you get into the association."he promises.

File: Jesper Myerscough04.jpg (42 KB, 300x300)

42 KB JPG

"You don't need to teach me anything, I'm doing this cause I want to-"

He holds a finger up, "Don't even finish that sentence, I hate people who reject nice things cause of pride or not wanting to bother people." he states.

He then points at you, "I don't want you saying I owe you something down the line." He then drops that hand on your shoulder, "So just take my help you dumb bastard." he declares.

You smile, "Okay then, thanks man."

He smiles back, "Don't mention it."

You spend a few moments like this, sharing a moment of happiness with one another, something Jesper seems quite foreign to with his life-style.

>Mentor gained!* Jesper Mysercough the [Blind Libra]: [1/4] [0/200 Experience gained till next tier]

*Mentoring is explained in more depth in the combat rules, but as a quick refresher, you're capable of learning the traits of other characters whom you've formed a relationship.

There are also certain characters who are dedicated mentors, who will train you in addition to teaching you their traits. Jesper is one such mentor, as well as people like Damon.

You can gain [Experience] to the next tier by using your free time periods to spend some time training with your mentor, however, bare in mind that you can only have a single mentor at any one time and you will have to break your current mentor-ship to gain a new one.

Also know that any one character can only have 10 traits active in combat, exceeding that amount will require you to forget another.

This isn't permanent, but if I were to explain why, this tutorial post would take too damn long, so I'll save you the trouble by telling you to go read the damn Mang- I mean- Combat rules.

"Awww, how sweet, he got him to smile again! You have to teach us how you do that someday, my blonde Goody-two shoes!" This genuine, peaceful moment is interrupted by Ami, whose voice you hear coming from below you.

"Huh? What the-!?" you look down to see her crouched down underneath you, her head in her hands as she looks at the both of you with a big smile on her face.

You dodge back on reflex, "Oh come on! If you held that longing stare just a little he just might have fallen in love with you!" Ami complains.

You shake your head as you clear the panic from your head, "How the hell do you keep appearing out of nowhere like that! It's seriously getting annoying!" you complain.

Jesper sighs and goes back to his usual dour and sour demeanor, "Think it's annoying now? Just imagine having these two parasites following you around all day, harping in your ears non-stop." he complains.

"I can't, my brains would splattered on the floor before I suffered that hell." You state.

"I wish I had the luxury of killing myself..." he sighs.

"Oh please sir, we both know you just love having us around." Sheldon states as he walks out from behind Jesper like he had been there the whole time.

File: Sheldon and Ami14.jpg (34 KB, 275x348)

34 KB JPG

He then leans on his shoulder, "Things would be so dull and deary without our constant optimism and joy to bring light to your life. That's why you keep us around isn't it?" he asks.

He brushes him off and speaks, "I keep you both around because you can get into place even I can't. If wasn't for that annoying ability of yours to get in anywhere, I'd have you two reassigned ages ago-"

Before he can open his mouth to put out another compliant, Sheldon puts another cigarette into his open mouth and he reflexively grabs it with his mouth, shutting it.

Ami then appears with a flame pre-lit, "Yes, yes sir. We find that coy act of yours cute too. We just love how you think you hate us." She says as she lights him up.

He puffs angrily, "You think I'm being coy?" he asks.

"Well, maybe you are being serious, considering you're trying so hard to replace us!" Sheldon complains.

His eyebrow arches, "Excuse me?" he asks.

Ami gives him a knowing look, "Whaattt? You think we don't what you're doing? throwing out all these cool lines, putting out these big promises. Oh come on Boss, you couldn't be making it more obvious." She states.

"I don't like the insinuations going on here." He counters.

"But we aren't insinuating a thing Sir! You'd never put this much effort into speaking unless you wanted something and I think we all know what it is!" Sheldon argues.

"Enlighten me." he orders, a tinge of anger in his voice.

They spin in unison and point towards you, "It's clear you want bring our Blonde Rookie here into the Division!" They declare.

"Huh? Division?" you ask.

Netero chimes in, "The Hunter association has recently adopted a more bureaucratic approach to organization building, not by any choice of mine mind you." he explains.

"Us of the Terror Hunting persuasion, are a part of the Crime-Hunting division! We deal with major crimes and terror incidents that require extensive investigation and threat extermination!" Sheldon adds.

You give a curious look, "Really? Sounds right up my alley, what other divisions are there?" you ask.

Netero wags his finger at you, "Don't get ahead of yourself boy. You'll get that kind of info when you earn your licence. We don't hand that kind of info to regular civilians." he states.

That gets on your nerves a little, "Alright, let's see how long you can call me that, next test is the final I have yet to fail!" you challenge.

"Speaking a which, shouldn't we be driving out now? We're already late ain't we?" Reynauld asks.

Netero laughs, "Ohhhh, extremely so! I was just so caught in our talk that I didn't want to end anytime soon."

Jesper pull out his car key and makes his car beep to find it's location, "Give me a break old man, that means that group of idiots of from earlier are still waiting aren't they? Let's get over there already." he demands as he begins to walk off.

You're ready to walk off, that is, until Reynauld taps you on the shoulder, "Hey Sundance, you keep our promise?" he asks.

You give a confused look as you don't really remember what's he talking about, that is until he points back to the Bill and Will who are getting ready to head back inside the city hall building.

It's then you remember exactly what he's talking about, "Oh yeah...sorry, I didn't have time to pull it off." you apologize.

He smiles, "Well why don't you make good on it now? I'll take left, you go right." he orders.

What will you do?

>Damn right man

>Just drop it man.

>>3323368
>Damn right man
He DID save us

>>3323389

>A promise Kept.

>Writing.

File: Reynauld Stevens02.jpg (69 KB, 900x599)

69 KB JPG

You show him a devious smile as you turn to others, "Hey, guys. Can you hold on a sec?" you ask as they all stop in their tracks.

"What is it now?" Jesper asks, clearly impatient.

"Oh nuthin' major, just got somethin' to say them guards back there." he says pointing over to Bill and Will, "Won't even take a second." he declares as you both start walking over to them.

Arztz quickly steps in-front of you, the look of a mother ready to scold two naughty children on his face, "And what exactly are you planning on saying to our guard friends?" he asks.

"We just want to thank'em for keeping safe and...all that." Reynauld states.

"Yeah, yeah, I mean, they put through all those security checks and told us all those amazing jokes, we just want to show some gratitude." You add.

Arztz's grows more annoyed at your clearly false statements, "Mr.Reynauld, Mr.Derrick, I beg of you, live and let live." he pleads.

Reynauld smiles, "'Course Casper! I ain't got no grudges 'gasint them folks, I really just want to have quick chat is all!" He says as he grips at his bandages.

You give the smile of an angel, "We just want to show some appreciation for everything we've been through together! Come on, it will nothing major! We promise!" you say as the memories of being harassed by them flow like a river through your mind.

Arztz knows you're lying, but the also knows there's no stopping you as he sighs and walks out of the way, "Just...don't be too rough about it." he asks.

The angelic smiles you flashed turn devilish as you walk forward, "Please Casper, have some faith, Me and Sundance here, we're always gentle and tender bout things."

"Yeah, let's show them what tenderness looks like." you say as you approach the chatting guards.

As you two encroach, you hear a Bill and Will conversing about tales of the past.

"-So after she was done screaming 'oh Willy! I want you to clean my pipes all night long!', that's when the door opened and Tom saw me buried so deep in his wife he'd think we were conjoined genitalia twins." Will explains.

"Holy shit, I can't believe you actually fucked your boss's wife, what the hell were you thinking?" Bill asks.

"He was a fucking dick, well, he was to me anyway, clearly his wife had a different opinion considering the washing machine got her wetter than he did." he answers.

"And that's how you got fired from your plumbing job?" he asks.

"Yep! Then I got picked up by this place and that's how we became partners!" he exclaims.

"So I'm stuck with your dumbass because you couldn't help but clean your boss's wife pipes out? My god you're a piece of shit." he insults.

"Give me a fucking break Bill. Besides she certainly enjoyed taking a spin on Willy's wild ride-Oh hey guys!" He cuts his gloating off mid-sentence as he notices you beside them.

"....." Neither of you say a word back.

"Ah, it's you two. Thanks for clearing up this mess, really means a lot." Bill commends.

"Right...Glad to help." you answer simply.

"I can't believe Nicholas was nothing more than a criminal himself...really drains my faith in humanity." Bill complains.

"Also drains your wallet! You owe 10,000 Jenny for being right about your idol being an asshole!" Will demands.

"You'll get your money next paycheck, don't worry, I won't forget." he answers.

"That's 2 weeks from now! And you always say that shit when you lose a bet and you never pay! Cheapstake!" he accuses.

"At least I don't go around fucking other people wives. What kind of shit-bag does that anyway? Screwing someone else's lover." He asks.

"Ain't my fault! People should fuck their wives better so I don't have to!" Will counters.

"Gentlemen, I have a question for ya'll." Reynauld shuts down the two's argument down before it really heats up.

"Huh? What is it?" Bill asks.

"Tell me, what'd ya have for lunch this afternoon?" Reynauld asks.

They both look at each other, very confused, "What we had for lunch? Uhhhhhh...I think it might have been a ham sandwich...I think?" Will guesses.

"Lunch was what? 6 hours ago? We've working all night thanks to this incident, We can't remember something like that." Bill answers.

You feel a twitch in your knuckles, "Oh really? Want us to help you jog your memories?" you ask.

Will laughs, "How the hell are you gonna do that? Put an xray on our stomachs and see what shows up?" he asks.

"Nah..." Reynauld trails off as you see him clench his fist, "But you'll be needing some xrays done when we're done with ya." he declares.

"Huh?" Is the last thing both guards utter before yours and Reynauld's fist drive hard into their stomachs.

You grinding your fist into Bill's gut and Reynauld almost boring a hole into Will's.

Your brutal gut-shot sends Bill to the floor, holding his stomach, he nearly faints from the excruciating pain as he kneels down to the pavement.

Reynauld's punch is far worse however, Will arches back from the pain and holds his mouth to contain the torrent of pinkish-green bile and vomit comes pouring out.

"Well what do you know. Ya really did have ham for lunch, maybe some corn too!" Reynauld grins as Will falls unconscious, half-drowning in a puddle of his own barf.

Bill starts laughing despite still doubling over from the pain of your punch, "H-Hahaha...good one cowboy...Eat shit Will..."

"You going soft on me Sundance? Why is that boah still conscious?" He asks.

"If I hit him any harder he wouldn't wake up again, I'm fine with being charged with assault, but not murder." you answer.

"Don't worry about the assault charges...just for knocking the shit out of Will, I'll take this love tap for free." He says as he struggles back up to his feet.

"Well it all works out then. What about Will though?" you ask.

Bill picks him up and walks down the street, "Ah, I'll just tell him he got shit-faced on the job again and everything was just some drunken fantasy, I mean, that gut-shot felt like a shot of vodka with the added kick of the bottle it came from to your head. I doubt he'll remember any of this." He explains.

"Surprised you're fine with your friend being beat down like this." Reynauld comments.

"Who the hell said we were friends? If you weren't going to knock his ass flat, I was." he says as he hauls Will's vomit covered body away.

"Have a goodnight stooges." Reynauld states.

"Goodnight...assholes." Bill grumbles as he heads off down the street.

You and Reynauld do a jumping high-five for a successful mission, but when Reynauld tries to jump, he nearly faints from the pain, so you instead opt for a fist bump.

File: Arztz Todd10.jpg (15 KB, 401x320)

15 KB JPG

You then walk back to the group, grins on your faces and pep in your step, that is, until you see the annoyed face of Arztz in front of you.

"You two..." His voice sounds as if he's verbally shaking his head at you.

"Oh come on Casper! You know they deserved it! Hell, where I come from, just hucking up your lunch after you piss an outlaw like me off is getting off lucky!" Reynauld counters.

"What happened to polite goodbyes after a quick chat?" he asks.

"Well, it was polite at the beginning...oh who am I kidding, it was never polite at all." you answer.

"Was definitely quick though! That didn't even take 3 minutes to sort out!" Reynauld says proudly.

The frown Arztz flashes can't decide whether it's more annoyed or disappointed, "I can't believe the two of you are so childish... I'm quite disappointed, I expect much better from you two." he states.

The look on his face cuts at your heart a bit, "Hey now, if it wasn't for those assholes back there, I wouldn't have nearly gotten my head blown off and Reynauld would down two holes in his stomach! They deserved what they got." you counter.

"It's not like they made the rules, they just follow them. By that logic, you should beat up the entire security staff." he argues.

Reynauld laughs, "Not a bad idea Casper, maybe I will pay all these bastards a visit after the exam's over, remind the lot of them why they needed the security in the first place." He says as he struts past Arztz.

"Mr.Reyanuld...to think you were so petty..." Arztz follows along with an deeply disappointed look on his face.

The three of you chat until you re-join the Jesper and Netero, "You bunch satisfied now? Ready to get going?" Jesper asks, clearly very impatient.

"Yeah, sorry, just had to shine our knuckles real quick in preparation for the rest of the Exam." You joke.

Jesper looks a little curious, but quickly loses interest, "Uh-huh. Well whatever, let's just get moving already..." Jesper says as he leads the way to his car.

You all begin your short walk to find Jesper's car which is parked a little ways down the road, as you walk, a question pops into your head, (I wonder why Jesper is so insistent on me joining him in his division? Why hasn't he asked Arztz or Reynauld? They seem more suited for the job then me...) you wonder.

(Plus that thing he whisper under his breath, you're just like him, he switched topics quick when I asked him about that...) you notice.

What will you do?

>Question him

>Travel silently.

>>3323458
>Question him

>>3323467

>Pose the question.

>Writing.

(Well, why sit around and think about it when I can just ask the man himself.) you decide as you speak.

"Jesper, Quick question." you call to him.

"Hm?" he turns his head a little acknowledge you.

"Why do you want to join your division exactly?" you ask.

He's quiet to your question, so quiet you think for a moment he didn't hear you, you ready yourself to ask again until he speaks up, "Because you're a good detective, I can tell." he answers.

You give him a doubtful look, "In that case, why don't you want these two joining?" you point to Reynauld and Arztz, "They helped with the investigation just as much as I did. Maybe even more." you counter.

"Well I can see why he wouldn't want me joining, Usually I'm the one getting investigated, I'd be more a problem than anythin' else," Reynauld quips.

"But I gotta agree Pinkerton, why only Sundance, Capser there seems a better fit." Reynauld agrees.

"...." He goes quiet again.

"If you're looking for answers look no further!" Sheldon exclaims catching Jesper's attention.

"You know the truth Sheldon?" you ask.

"Well, I may not know the truth, but I have an excellent theory! I believe it has something to do with Sir's past!" he exclaims to Ami's dismay.

"His past?" you question.

"Uhhh, Sheldon, I'd advise you to say no more, that's a topic best left private..." Ami says, her eyes shifting to an emotionless Jesper as she begins to lag behind her brother.

"Oh Ami dearest, to me, there is no such thing as private topics! Truths are meant to be told! Only lies hide behind a wall of deceit! So I will tell the truth, loud and proud." He turns and points to you.

"I suspect the reason he wants you to join is because you remind him of his-"

click. "Hey." you hear a familiar clicking sound as Jesper interrupts Sheldon and catches his attention.

"Hmmmm?" He hums.

BANG

The sound of a gun firing is so fast that your brain barely even has time to react, you all stop dead in your tracks and go silent as you process what just happened.

"...Huh?" after a moment, your brain finally catches up and you see a strange scene, the smoking barrel of a Glock 37, Sheldon his entire upper-body bent back, not a hair on his head disturbed and a single bullet hole wedged into the city hall wall.

"...." The entire periphery is silent as they try and figure out what just happened.

(...When did he pull that gun out?) is your first question, despite looking at both Jesper and Sheldon the entire time, you never saw the moment the trigger was pulled, or even when the gun was first pulled out, you only saw the aftermath.

(Wait, before that, did Jesper just try and kill Sheldon? And how did Sheldon dodge that?) questions begin to really pile up as you think on the fraction of a second that just went by.

"Don't speak another word for the rest of the night." Jesper orders of Sheldon.

"...." He silently readjusts himself upward again, his usual smile no where to be seen.

"If I hear you utter a single word, hell, a single fucking syllable more, I won't warn you the next time I pull the trigger." He threatens.

Instead of speaking, he simply nods his head in response and proceeds to bow in apology, "Good, now for once in your goddamn life, listen to me when I say shut your mouth." he orders as he continues walking forward

Sheldon moves forward with him, so silent that even his footsteps seem to be toned down as to not disturb anyone, "Jeez, that's why I warned you to stop..." Ami whispers as she continues ahead too.

The three of you as well as Netero linger however, Reynauld is the first to speak, "So...any of us got the balls to ask what that was?" He asks.

"Unless you want them gelded via gunshot, I would say no." Arztz answers.

"Jesper...he still hasn't gotten past it has he..." Netero whispers in a pained voice.

"Sounds like you know something Netero? Mind sharing?" you ask.

He shakes his head, "Do you believe I have the right to share a story that the man himself doesn't want to? You know the answer to that already boy." He states.

"Right..." you expected as much.

"Besides, even if I was such a fervent gossip, Jesper would simply aim that pistol at me if I dared speak a word. leave it alone for now young warriors, the tale isn't yours to hear." he declares as he walks ahead, joining Jesper.

Reynauld tips his hat and walks along as well, "Say no more, where I come we have a saying A man's secret is only worth the brass and blood it takes to keep it, and frankly, I'm good on brass and I can do without anymore blood." He states.

"I'm tired of treating gunshot wounds, let's just move on for now..." Arztz agrees as he presses forward.

"...." you say nothing as you head down the street, everyone quiet as death, the air tense and thick with worry and caution.

No one dare make a sound, all afraid of angering Jesper.

( I remind him of someone? Who? An old partner or something?) you ask of yourself as you don't dare ask the man himself.

(...I can't guess, I haven't known him for longer than a few hours at best and I sure as hell ain't getting the chance to socialize, not that he's very sociably) you realize.

But even so, you can't help but stare at Jesper, smoke trail thick behind him and look of pure annoyance on his face, or perhaps it's anger? Or perhaps it's sadness? or perhaps it's regret? Or perhaps it's apathy?

You can't tell, you don't think anyone can tell. Behind those two shaded windows he hangs over his eyes an infinite number of possible feelings lie, but not one of them can be confirmed.

Soon you all reach the car and head out on an equally silent drive towards the airport, all the while, you're left wondering what Jesper is really feeling.

They say eyes are the windows to one's heart, but if that's true, does that mean Jesper is always wearing those glasses of his to hide his heart away?

Or perhaps his heart simply grew too shady to be seen clearly anymore?

It's anyone's guess.

File: Telfour Bradford17.jpg (95 KB, 712x400)

95 KB JPG

Two hours later...

Time: January 20, 2000, Sunday, 12:28 PM.

Location: Zenla Region, Denlanzanpai Airport, departure runway strip.

"Okay, is it bigger than a breadbox?" Bradford questions as he looks up to the starry night sky with bored and fading interest in the starlight as he relaxes, cross-legged in the grass.

"No." Dillion answers with clear impatience and annoyance as he clacks his high-class loafers against the runway asphalt, staring at the far-away runway gate.

SNORRRREEEE denoting the duo's statements comes a deafening snore resounding from Brovoski, who lies spread across the runway grass, the noise of the giants ghastly nasal emissions makes tuning out the painful reality that the 3 have been stuck waiting for the last 6 hours for the arrival of Derrick's group.

Forcing the two who remain awake to play games, since there's no way they can sleep or wake the sleeping giant next to them.

"Okay, is it smaller than a Japponese Elephant?" Bradford asks again.

Dillion looks back at him with astonishment, "What kind of idiotic question is that? I'm not gracing such a irrelevant question with an answer. " He denies.

Bradford looks down in anger, "Don't give me that shit! Do you not know how to play 20 fucking questions you stuck-up rich dickhole!? Answer the fucking question!" he shouts.

"First off, I'm quite sure there are no Elephants in Jappon, second, The question is too stupid for me to dare waste my time answering it." he answers.

"You don't know shit about Elephants rich boy! Just answer the fucking question so we can move on!" Bradford counters.

"What I should be asking is which one of your brain cells went haywire and caused you to jump from a breadbox to an elephant?" he asks.

SNORRRREEEE another resounding snore, further annoying Dillion as Bradford shouts on.

"This is the fucking process man! I want to establish a range of size! How the hell else I am supposed to guess what you're thinking!?" he asks.

"By using the two things you lack, basic reasoning and guessing ability, comparing a bread box to an elephant is both unreasonable and not even the most mentally underdeveloped chimps would guess I'm thinking about an elephant." Dillion insults.

"Well why the fuck aren't you thinking about Elephants!? Elephants fucking rock!" Bradford counters.

File: Henry Dillion04.jpg (291 KB, 500x707)

291 KB JPG

"Your opinions on Elephants don't matter. The dimensions of the two things you just described aren't even on the same size spectrum, it'd be asinine to compare the two." Dillion counters.

"Wait, wait, wait! You used a bunch big words there but I think I get it!" Bradford declares.

"Oh really? Do humor me." Dillion asks.

"So what you're saying is...That a breadbox is way bigger than an elephant?" He asks.

Dillion stares at Bradford for a moment, pure confusion in his eyes, "...When I said humor me, I didn't mean tell me a joke, especially not such a terrible one." He states

"Do I fucking look like I'm joking shit-for-brains!? I'm dead fucking serious here!" he exclaims.

Dillion cranes his head at Bradford as if he's staring at some sub-human lifeform with numerous mental disabilities, "Mr.Telfour...you do know what a breadbox is...right?" he asks with great uncertainty.

Bradford shrugs, "Being honest, I got no fucking idea actually! The hell even is a breadbox anyway! Is it a box made of bread? What dumbass would make that shit anyway! It'd go stale and moldy in like a week and no would use it!" he answers.

SNORRRREEEE another offending emission, driving Dillion's annoyance to further heights.

He throws his hands in the air in frustration and turns away, "Oh no, god no! I'm done. I'm done with you. Stop speaking." he states.

"Hey what the fuck!? I haven't even given my goddamn answer yet!" he states.

"No. No. No. I've had enough of dealing with your garbage game of 20 questions and your clear sub-20 IQ."

"Oh you motherfucker! You always get like this the second you start losing the game! Don't give up just cause you don't know how to answer a question!" He counters.

"Losing the game? The only thing I'm losing is brain matter since I'm dealing with a man who's so mentally deficit that he'd fail special needs test on a curve!" he counters.

"Hey man! Curves are super hard to draw! We can't all be artists you know!" He argues.

File: Denlanzanpai Airport (Zaban).png (259 KB, 819x425)

259 KB PNG

Dillion turns back to sneer at Bradford's utter stupidity for a moment before turning away, "Nope. No. I refuse. I'm not wasting time and energy on you anymore. No matter what you say, I'm just going to say No now in response." he declares.

"What the fuck man! At least finish the goddamn game! I'm so bored!!" He starts kicking at the air like a child.

"No." he answers.

"Don't be like that man! Here, I bet I can figure it out even if all you say is no!" he bets.

"Stop speaking." He answers.

"Is it shorter than Skyscraper?" he asks.

"No."

"Is it thinner than a 300-pound woman?"

"No."

"Can we pull it out?"

"No"

Bradford claps in confirmation, "I've got! You're thinking about the stick up your ass!" he declares.

"No-Excuse me?" He stumbles over his words.

"Cause the only thing taller than a skyscraper and thicker than a 300-pound bitch is that stick up your ass!"He laughs.

"...." Dillion goes silent in rage and astonishment at Bradford's vulgarity.

"What, stunned silent by my pure genius!? Yeah, don't worry, most people are! Don't be sad, it just means I'm smarter than you is all!" Bradford exclaims in victory with a proud look on his face.

SNORRRREEEE Dillion's eyes begin to twitch rapidly as another ear-drum destroying snore rolls out and Dillion begins reaching for his gun, the only thing keeping him from pulling it out and shooting is the indecision of deciding whether to shoot himself or Bradford.

WHIRRRRRRRR However, before any bullets start flying, a car pulls in through the gate and enters the air-field.

Brovoski jumps awake at the entrance of the vehicle, "Hm? Wha-Oh, it time for move on?" he asks.

"Oh bless the stars, a few seconds more I would have painted this entire air-field red." Dillion breathes a sigh of relief as your group exits from the car.

"How the hell were you gonna do that!? I don't see any cans of paint around here!" Bradford counters as he gets up and begins to rush toward the car.

Dillion sneers at him as he passes by, "Yes, that's probably because you huffed them all." he says as he walks towards your group as well.

As the other group approaches, you assess the location, you stand in the middle of a long run-way with grass patches all along the way to separate the roads.

To your left, you see a air-ship, active and waiting on runway, it's flight doors open.

"Welcome to Denlanzanpai, the airport of Zaban that's got a 1st in everything: 1st in the country, 1st-class flights and 1st in delayed flights." Jesper announces.

Arztz admires the area, "Ahhh, the lights of the runway shine like the lights in the sky, what a beautiful building, I just love airports..."

"Well I guess some of us have to cause I can't stand'em, man weren't meant to fly like pigeons in the skies, just the thought of it gets me sick." he states.

"You say that, but what you really mean is you've got a fear of heights don't you?" You question.

A nervous shock runs down his spine as you call him out, "N-Naw, I ain't afraid of no heights, I ain't afraid a nuthin, just pissed off at all you city-slickers for admiring these modern do-hickies." He denies.

You nod with a knowing look on your face, "Uh-huh, got it. Well at least we're finally here, that was a long-ass drive..." you say as you stretch your tired muscles.

"Are you looking to become a scribe? Because you just took the words right out of my mouth." Dillion asks as he and Bradford approach.

Reynauld tips his hat at the two, "Ahhh, money-bags and gang, glad to see you're happy to see us, cause I can't say the same for you." He taunts.

"Oh trust me, I'm as happy to see you as I am to swallow a bag of burning coals. What took you all so long?" he asks.

Jesper scratches the back of his head, "Yeah about that...sorry, I kept them to help me do some extra work, nothing exam related, so don't worry about it." He answers.

"So we've been waiting here for your dumbasses for 6 hours for no reason!?" Bradford complains.

"Nothing happens without a reason boy, you simply lack the foresight to see it." Netero answers.

"Huh? Which fucking retirement home did you break out of old man!? Who are you!? " Bradford asks.

Dillion gasps and takes a step back as he see Netero, "W-Wait! Are you, Isaac Netero!? Chairman of the Hunter Association!?" he asks.

"I've had many titles, that one seems to be most common." He answer.

Bradford does a double-take upon hearing those words, "Chairman!? This old fogey!? The fuck are you talking about!?" he asks.

"Quiet You damn fool! Show some respect, if we pass this exam, this man will be our leader and employer for the duration of our lives! He's one of the well-respected martial artist and greatest fighters this world has ever known!" Dillion asks.

Brovoski rubs the sleep from his eyes as he yawns and speaks, "What, Chairman? This is our new boss?" he asks.

Bradford shakes him off, "Greatest figher!? Our leader!? The fuck!? You telling me this scarwny, dying sack of meat is going to be my boss!? Stop feeding me bullshit man, you're not a good liar!" He laughs.

Dillion bows his head to Netero, "Oh it's pointless to try and get you to understand! It's an honor to meet you Mr.Chairman! I've wanted a chance to talk face to face with you like this! My Father holds such great respect for you he even opened a clothing line in your name!" he greets.

Netero seems confused by what he means for a moment before figuring it out, "Oh! Are you the son of Theodore Dillion?" he asks.

"Yes! My Father says great things about you often, in-fact, you're half the reason I even wish to become a hunter Sir!" he answers.

Netero looks nostalgic upon hearing those words, "Ahhh, now I see, it's nice to see he had a such a proud and respectful son. It's an honor to have the contributions your father gives to the Hunter Organization, much our current equipment was designed by your company." he praises.

Dillion looks genuinely happy to be acknowledged, "No! The honor is ours Mr.Chairman! I'll tell my Father your words first thing after the Exam! I'm sure he'd be happy to hear them!" he exclaims.

You look on at this conversation with confusion and astonishment, (Boy, I never thought I'd see the day Dillion bows his head to someone, I guess Netero really must command the respect of everyone he meets...) you realize.

Bradford on the other-hand, is less than impressed, "Boy oh boy, dip your head a little lower why don't ya? Maybe you'll get to kiss the dirt he walks on?" He taunts.

Dillion looks to Bradford in anger, "You goddamn ingrate! Do you not see the stature of the man you're insulting!? This man has brought more good and change to this world than any other in all of history and you dare disrespect him!?" he asks.

"What I see is a dumb asshole kissing the wrinkled ass of a glorified granddad! You expect me to respect someone who looks like he could drop dead if I breathed on him too hard!?" Bradford explains.

Netero laughs, "What honesty! It's been a long time since I've been underestimated so greatly!" he says with a smile.

Dillion looks on in a bit of a panic, "I'm terribly sorry Chairman! This brainless moron simply doesn't realize who he's talking to-"

Bradford pulls Dillion up by his suit, anger in his eyes, "Who the hell you calling a brainless moron shit-for-brains!? You wanna die!?" he asks.

Dillion looks ready for a fight, "You're the one that will die if you don't learn some goddamned manners and respect, right this insta-"

Netero puts up a hand to hush Dillion, "There's no need to say a word more boy. This man's mind is far too stubborn to be changed with mere words." he states.

Bradford let's Dillion go and re-focuses on Netero, "You making fun of me old man? You want me to get your walking stick so I can shove it up your ass!?" he asks.

Netero shakes his head, "No such thing friend. I respect your ability to remain unmoved by crowd opinion, you let your own mind decide those who are worthy to lead for those who are not. It takes a strong mind not to fall in line with how others tell you to feel." he compliments.

Bradford looks a little confused, "You sure talk a bunch for someone half-way to being senile! You really the chairman?" he asks.

"A title worth far less than it used to, but yes, I am indeed the 12th chairman of the Hunter Association." He answers.

"And this stuff about you being a great fighter. That true too?" he asks.

Netero raises an eyebrow, "That depends, why do you wish to know?" he asks back.

Bradford cracks his knuckles with a wide smile on his face, "Cause if you are, you and me are throwing down, here and now old man!" he declares.

Everyone in area except Jesper lurches in surprise, "Hey Double barrel, good fighter or not, I don't think you should showing down with our future boss." Reynauld advises.

"Mr.Bradford, As a doctor and a friend, I heavily recommend you re-consider..." Arztz advises.

Dillion grabs Bradford looks terrified, "You complete fool, do know what you're even asking for-"

He shakes him off and puts his dukes up, "Of course I fucking know what I'm asking for! If this motherfucker is really as great as you say he is, than I want to see it for myself!" he declares.

Bradford throws a few lighting fast practice jabs as he speaks, "Hear that old man!? I'll never work for someone who's ass I can kick, so I'm expecting you to be worth my time! Don't break a hip trying to dodge me alright!?" he demands.

(Shit, he's actually going to do it isn't he? There's no way in hell I should just let him punch an old man, but at the same time, I could watch and see what the chairman does? What to do...) you wonder.

What will you do?

>Move in and stop Bradford

>Watch and see what happens

>>3323549
>Watch and see what happens
He said that he wouldn't work for him if the couldn't beat him up so we might as well let him learn. It's not like Netero will try to seriously injure him

>>3323560

>Let him learn the hard way.

>Writing.

(After seeing that chop he did to Nicholas, I can't quite tell how much, but I know for sure he's strong, this is a good chance to test.) you think as you lay back and do nothing.

"Alright old man, no more fucking around! Here I come!" He says as he rushes in for a punch.

He ducks low and comes in from the left, Bradford doesn't restrict his strength in slightly, coming in full-force with a left hook with the force of a dump truck behind it, tearing through the air so fast, his hand is like a blur.

However, Netero makes no attempt to dodge and simply shakes his head and speaks, "Good grief..." he complains.

In that instant, you blink for just a moment and the next, Netero stands at Bradford side, as he punches at the air.

"Huh!?" Bradford shouts as his fist hangs off, touching nothing.

"Wha-how'd he get there?" Reynauld asks, as amazed as you are.

"...." Netero stares down at Bradford silently, watching to see if that's enough to satisfy him.

That only enrages Bradford more, "You looking down on me you old-shitbag!?" he shouts as he twists perfectly on the balls of his feet, only taking a second to adjust his stance and charge in with an uppercut.

However, once again, all he can hit is air as Netero seems to fade away like mist, this time appearing behind Bradford, frightening him as he looks around confused.

"What speed...is he even human?" Arztz questions.

"Old man like bird in gliding on light breeze, dancing around loud man's attacks." Brovoski says in pure amazement.

"This is really something..." You say as you note that unbelievable speed and begin to wonder why you even questioned his strength in the first place.

>Trait learned!

>Isaac Netero: [Humming Bird Song] (Status: Confirmed)

"Are you satisfied now?" Netero asks of Bradford.

Bradford girts his teeth hard in rage, "You fucking kidding me old man!? Stop fucking prancing around and fight me like a goddamn man!!" he shouts as he throws a full-power straight, aimed right at Netero's face, twice as fast and strong with all his rage behind it.

"Boy, you young'uns sure are full of energy aren't you." He comments as he doesn't dodge, but instead puts up a single index finger that stops the strike dead in it's tracks.

"What!?" the everyone shouts as they witness Bradford's fist, packed with the power of his entire forearm is stopped dead by a single index finger.

File: Telfour Bradford19.jpg (78 KB, 712x400)

78 KB JPG

"H-Huh? What...happened?" Bradford whimpers, utterly mystified before Netero's overwhelming strength.

"I took your advice, I stopped dodging and decided to block this time." he answers, much to Bradford dismay as he drops his fist and looks on in disbelief at Netero.

Netero puts his hands behind his back and speaks, "You have good form and power, you're definitely competent fighter, but you'll need to learn how to rely on your emotion less and your reason more. A bit more foresight and planning and you could a force to be reckoned with." he advises.

"....." Bradford can say nothing back, he's still processing what's happened.

Netero walks up to him and pats him on the shoulder, "I respect your creed of never following those weaker than yourself, the meek have no right to lead after-all." Netero agrees.

"But you must also know that while you hold great strength, there's always someone out there whose strength is greater than yours. Never be so arrogant to consider yourself stronger than the sum total of humanity." he declares.

He let's go of his shoulder and walks past him and towards the air-ship, "Though I must say, I enjoyed playing with you, if you ever find yourself feeling brave and in need of a reality check, come find me." he taunts.

As Netero steps down the run-way toward the air-ship, he call out to you all, "Come now young'uns! As joyous as this reunion is, surely you don't wish to waste any more time moving onto the next test do you!?" he calls to you.

Brovoski comes and taps Bradford to see if he'll respond, "Hello? Loud man to Earth? Anybody there?" he asks.

Bradford wakes up with a start, "Wha-What happened! Where's the old man!?" he asks.

Dillion crosses his arms and speaks, "He got tired of humoring you, he's walking towards the air-ship, waiting on the rest of us to go with him." he answers.

Bradford blinks a few times before speaking, "Oh...goddamnit...that old man treated me like his goddamn plaything..." Bradford bows his head in defeat.

Jesper chimes in, "Ah, no need to feel bad about that. To that old man, the whole damn world is his play thing." he declares.

"If anything, you should be glad he found you entertaining, means you've got high potential." Jesper compliments.

"Shut the fuck up, I'm seriously too tired for this bullshit..." Bradford sighs.

"Don't worry, me too. Just get on the ship and you'll get a chance to rest." Jesper says as he walks on ahead with Netero.

Everyone begins to follow after the two, quickly catching up with the both of them, Arztz speaks, "Ah, If you don't mind humoring my curiosity, what was your test like?" He asks.

Dillion smiles proudly and puts his hand to his chest as he speaks, "I'm glad you asked, unlike you snail-brained worms, it only took us an hour and a half to solve our mystery." He brags.

File: Henry Dillion05.png (709 KB, 1054x981)

709 KB PNG

You and Reynuald sneer at Dillion's arrogance, "Careful there Money bags, inflate that ego a yours a little bigger and you may just float off before the airship." Reynauld taunts.

"Mind repeating that? All that smug in your voice made it kinda hard to hear." you taunt.

He turns his nose up, "Smug? Ego? What nonsense! Smugness is born of arrogance, it's not arrogant to state the truth! So of course I'll repeat it! My superior intellect led me to victory in this battle!" He brags.

"I had no idea we were even competing..." Arztz mentions.

However before Dillion can continue bragging, Jesper chimes-in, "Oh, I don't care if you gloat or not. But I'm just gonna ask for security's sake. Who was examiner and what was your test?" Jesper asks.

A nervous, spine-shaking jolt runs through Dillion's entire group at that question, "Yes well, we were invigilated by a Ms. Alice and we were made to investigate a murder at a strip club...It was...an experience..." He answers with a disturbed look in his eyes.

"Well that doesn't sound that different from what we did-hm?" you look to see that all their legs are shaking.

Dillion fights through his nervous tone, "W-We passed...We passed but, the ordeals we went through with her guiding us were far more terrifying and demeaning than any murder..." he says with a terrified look in his eyes

Bradford grabs at his shoulders as if a life-threatening chill is about to seize him, "I-I've known some crazy fucking bitches man, but that chick...That chick was fucking out there! I've never felt so violated in my entire life!" Bradford shouts

Even Brovoski eyes become wide awake as he holds himself tightly, looking as weak and vulnerable as a little girl in the dark, "No...Brovoski not toy...that woman is witch...I can no longer get married...I am tainted..." He whispers to himself.

Jesper holds a palm to his face, "Ahhhh, you guys pulled the shortest stick in the lot, of every examiner you got her..." Jesper shakes his head.

Netero sighs with a tired look on his face, "Oh excellent...more sexual harassment reports I'm going to have to sort through." He complains as he stops in front of the airship.

"Uhhhhh, this looks like a hell of story, with extra focus on the hell part." Reynauld says with genuine concern in his eyes.

"Hmmm, they seem to be suffering from some sort of intense mental shock, not unlike that of PTSD..." Arztz has already entered doctor mode with his diagnosis.

You look at their shivering broken looks with a growing sense of anxiety and fear, (They look like they've seen hell first-hand and barely lived to tell the story,The hell happened to them?) you wonder.

Before you have a chance to ask exactly what they mean, you've already reached the airship's boarding door, which opens up for you to find Sheldon and Ami already behind it.

File: Sheldon and Ami15.gif (1.72 MB, 498x266)

1.72 MB GIF

"Oh for fuck's sake not these two again!" Bradford shouts.

"As if this night couldn't become more of an ordeal! How did they get there!?" Dillion asks.

"Witchcraft, they must be magic people! Wizards and Warlocks!" Brovoski screams.

"Those are the same thing you fool!" Dillion panics.

"...." Your entire group on the other hand are unresponsive, completely used to this routine.

Ami laughs, "That's right pathetic mortals! Shriek in fear and awe of the amazing dynamic duo! Ami and-"

"...." Sheldon says nothing.

Ami looks a little perturbed as she coughs into her and hand and continues, "Anyway! Welcome to Hunter Airlines! Your first ticket to hell and back! For those of you who even make it back anyway!" She laughs.

"Ahhh, I remember when Me and Sheldon first went on this flight, it was just 5 years ago, we were just a rag-tag couple of idiots fresh off the chopping block looking for our place in the world..." Ami looks nostalgic.

(They've only been hunters for 5 years? Hell, aren't they around my age then?) you realize.

"Ah yes, we were so lost, that was, until we found the one place we fit in! Looking down at all of you pathetic losers from the highest point in the room as we revel in the fact don't we don't have to risk our lives in this mess ever again! Ain't that right Brother!?" She asks.

"...." Silence is all she gets in return.

She adjusts the neck of her dress and continues, "G-Good one Brother! Real Zinger as usual...." She coughs again.

"This is starting to look sad..." Arztz states.

"It didn't before?" you ask in return.

"Boy, sure is a tough crowd, tonight, sure would be nice if someone could help me...hahahaha.." She laughs as she throws a few desperate glances to Jesper.

Jesper looks weary for a moment before throwing his head back in annoyance, "Fine, Sheldon can blab on now, just know I'm just as likely to shoot you now as I was before." he gives up.

Sheldon does a perfect spin in place, ending with a big smile on his face as he speaks, "But of course Sir! Sorry for any and all Transgressions but my dearest sister can't go on without me! We're comedy duo after-all!" He answers.

"Boy you can spit, I could have sworn things were 50% quieter before you opened your mouth." Reynauld taunts.

"Yes, but things were also 50% more boring without my voice!" He declares.

"No truer words ever spoken brother, I could have sworn this world was no different an infinite abyss of despair without your voice! Without you, our spotlight cannot shine down bright enough to light up this horrid world!" Ami states.

"Right as always sister, mere hours ago, I was nearly exercised from this mortal coil! Oh, I could not tell what was more terrifying, the thought of my existence fading, or the Imagining what a world robbed of my existence would look like!" he states.

"A bleak and sad one Brother, that's what it would be!" She agrees.

"And oh so peaceful." Jesper counters.

Sheldon throws his right arm out in a welcoming gesture, "Well world-ending sadness aside! Welcome Finalists to what will be the your final trail before you obtain your licenses! Do you have anything to say!?" He asks.

"Dear Christ, took goddamn long enough." Reynauld complains.

"Only took 3 fingers and nearly dying 20 times to pull it off!" Bradford complains.

"We've fought tooth and nail for this goddamn piece of plastic, save the speeches and just get to the testing part." You rush.

Ami throws her left arm our in a welcoming gesturing, "What impatience! What determination! I see you're all ready and raring to go, that's great!" She compliments.

"But first, surely you'll want to rest before the ordeal ahead! We invite you to take a ride on this Association owned private airship! We will deliver you to your final destination on a liner fully equipped with bed and dining facilities!" Sheldon says with a bow.

"Food!? You saying there's food in that ship!? Let me in!" Bradford rushes right inside without a second notice.

"Boy, he got over getting his ass-kicked real fast. Could have sworn he was pouting just 5 minutes ago." Reynauld comments.

"I believe that ever-energetic attitude of his is one of his more endearing traits." Arztz compliments.

"You call it endearing, I call stomach-turning, That damn street trash, not a bit of tact to him...." Dillion turns away in disgust.

GROWLLLLL the loud growling of Dillion's stomach resounds throughout the entire air-field,

"...." you all stare at him silently as He goes red in shame and steps towards the ship.

"W-Well, I can't fault him for desiring a nice hot meal though. I could use some sustenance myself." He says as he enters the ship.

Everyone follows after them, quickly filing into the ship, Reynauld stretches his arms as he enters, "You said you got beds on this here do-hicky right? Been hankering to hit the hay after a good meal." he asks as he heads inside.

Sheldon and Ami Bow in unison, "We house only the finest beds and the freshest meals! They may just be your last ones after-all!" They declare in unison as everyone goes through the ship doors.

"Always with the doom and gloom you two, there every a time when we might not die tomorrow?" You ask.

Sheldon shakes his head, "Sorry my blonde friend! But to live is to know death is always a possibility, no one knows which day is there last, so we think everyone should treat everyday like it's their best!" He states.

"That's Especially for us Hunter! It might not even be tomorrow! It might be today! a few hours from now! Hell, right this very minute!" Ami answers.

"You saw how I was nearly murdered for merely trying to tell the truth! That right there is our everyday! Let your guard down for even a second the reapers scythe is already at your throat!" he adds.

You give them a confused look as you step inside the ship, "You look super happy when you say that though, just how fucked in the head are you two? Are that crazy about death?" you ask.

Sheldon shakes his head, "As I thought, you're just a naive little child My blonde boy, you know nothing of the finer things in life." He taunts.

That gets on your nerves a little, "Oi, you're only a few years older than me, don't act like you have some great seniority claim or something." you counter.

"Oh but that's just it My Blonde Buddy! We do! We're only a few years older, but we're centuries wiser than you could ever be." Ami brags.

"And how is that exactly, what am I being so naive about?" you ask.

Sheldon puts up a finger and wags it, "Just asking is proving our point, why waste your time asking us about our experience when you could go off and have your own!?" Sheldon counters.

"Humor me." you say in annoyance.

Ami speaks, "Well if you must know, we're not crazy about death! It's the exact opposite! We're bonkers for life!" She answers.

You crane your head in confusion, "That makes no sense, you just said to live is to know you're going to die, how can you be crazy for a life you're going to lose anyday now?" you ask.

They smile and answer in perfect unison, "That's exactly it My blonde boy! Life is exciting precisely because we can lose it anyday now!" They declare.

The complete and utter excitement they put behind that statement both perturbs and interests you, "You two something else...hahhhhhh..." you say as a yawn escapes your mouth.

"We could say the same of you, Oh blonde Sleepyhead." Sheldon states.

"Instead of wasting your time trying to argue with us, you can spend time arranging a meeting between your head a nice pillow. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow, so you'll need it." Ami suggests.

"Right...I'll do just that." you argee as you head inside the airship and ready yourself for the final test in the morning.

And that's where I'm stopping for today anons, sorry for the rather early stopping time, but I have important business to tend to first thing in the morning and I must sleep early.

Things are starting out a bit slow and I apologize for that, but I promise you all this wait will be worth the time, but for now anons, see you in the morning.

>>3323748
Later dude

Thread resumes in 20 minutes.

File: A New Day.gif (1.82 MB, 500x258)

1.82 MB GIF

Time: January 20, 2000, Sunday, 7:28 AM.

Location: Renpiri Region, Sandside-road, Kukan'yu Dunes.

https://youtu.be/eFTLKWw542g

The Sun shines high and bright as you sit in the back of a black window car, some old song blasting from the radio as you watch miles of sand, spanning far and wide as you head down a long road leading to a small city ahead.

"Are we there yet?" Bradford asks, his head in his palm as he leans against the window, a bored look on his face.

"We'll arrive in a another 10 minutes, stop asking." Jesper answers as he continues to focus on the road ahead.

"You've been saying that for last hour! You seriously think that shit's gonna calm me down!? What do you think I am, a fucking toddler!?" He asks.

"You sure act like one, so it's only natural he treats you like one." You answer.

"Oh shut the fuck up Blondie! Don't act like you aren't bored out your fucking mind too!" Bradford.

"Yes, but unlike you, I don't throw a tantrum about it." you counter.

"Patience Mr.Bradford, it's a virtue and a necessity for any Hunter." Arztz says as he sits in the front seat, rocking his head to the music on the radio.

"Why not take a second to enjoy the music? I never realized that western music could be so catchy." Arztz compliments.

"The only thing that song makes me wanna do is turn this car into a flying funeral pyre! Where the fuck are we even going!?" Bradford asks.

"We're currently en-route to the first site of the final test." Netero, who's sits between you and Bradford answers.

(First site?) those words catch your interest.

"But first, we're making a stop at a nice cafe in the middle Sunnyside City where we're going to be meeting up with rest of the applicants that will participate in this final test." Netero states.

"And how fucking far is that?" Bradford asks.

"10 minutes." Jesper answers.

Bradford slams his fist against the door in rage, "You're just saying that shit to piss me off now!" he screams as he begins to tirade Jesper once more.

"Oh Chirst not again..." you groan as you open the window of the Car and get some fresh air by allowing the warm winds outside to blow against your face.

(Good fucking god it's hot out here...I could have sworn we were crawling through jungles and forest just a few days ago, what kind of drastic biome change is this?) you wonder as you stare out into the distance, where nothing but pure sand surrounds you on all sides.

You look to your side to see 3 other cars behind you, forming a small convey of cars heading down this dusty road, (I wonder if their rides are anymore peaceful? Shit, why did I have to ride with an annoying asshole like Bradford?) you wonder as you realize you could have taken a ride in the second vehicle where Dillion and Reynauld are being driven by Sheldon.

Or maybe you've could have tried squeezing your way in with Brovoski who, due to his massive size, had to have a car all to himself with Ami.

(Well, Dillion and Reynauld are probably aching to shoot themselves riding with Sheldon and I can't imagine Brovoski isn't getting sexually harassed by a horndog like Ami, so they're certainly not having nice rides either...) you realize as you pull your head from the warm winds and focus inside the car again.

"Where's my fucking shotgun, I swear I'll blow this fucking patronizing prick's brains out!!" Bradford says as he takes his rage out on the seat in front of him by repeatedly kicking it.

"-Mr-Bradford-Please-Stop!" Arztz struggles to say as he's violently shaken by Bradford's attacks.

"I ask that you please stop breaking the chairs friend, those are association property and I'd rather you don't damage them." Netero asks.

"What, you telling me the Hunter Association can't buy a single fucking Car seat back!?" Bradford asks.

"No it's just that if you damage them, the report lands on my desk and I have enough reports to file, so I ask that you calm down." Netero explains.

That somehow gets Bradford to stop as he goes right back to pouting at the window, "I can't fucking help it! I was bored all of fucking yesterday and now I'm bored first thing in the fucking morning! When is something exciting going to happen!?" he shouts.

"10 minutes." Jesper answers with a small grin on his face.

"I'll fucking scalp you with a rusty spoon one day for this shades, don't forget that." Bradford responds with a glare.

"Sorry, I couldn't help but bully you when you act like a giant manbaby." Jesper argues.

"Go fuck yourself! At least you get to distract yourself with driving! All I get to do is stare at sand....you guys...sand....more sand...." Bradford slowly slides deeper into his chair out of boredom.

"By god! Where even is this!? Where did all this fucking sand come from!?" Bradford asks.

Jesper takes the cigarette from his mouth and nubs it in the coaster on the arm rest, "That last airship ride took us out of the Zenla region where Zaban was, we're currently in the Mid-west of Kukan'yu kingdom, in the Renpiri region." He explains

Bradford looks confused, "Mind saying that back to me in English? I don't speak Kuke." He states.

"You shouldn't say that Mr.Bradford, that's racist." Arztz warns.

He kicks his chair again, "Shut your mouth twink! You can talk back to when you sack up enough that you don't ride anyone else's sack!" He insults.

"Seriously, what's a twink and why does everyone think I'm one?" Arztz asks as Bradford proceeds to kick him again.

Jesper clears his throat as he continues, "Okay, I'll save the geography class and just say this then. From here to northern tip of Kukan'yu is nothing but pure desert." he explains.

"The jungles and wetlands you saw earlier? Those were all exclusive to the southern area, these are true lands of Kukan'yu, the Kukan'yu Dunes." Jesper finishes.

"Fuck, so the final Exam is going to be in a fucking desert?" Bradford wipes the sweat from his forehead.

"And I thought the fucking snow sucked...I can't handle this goddamn heat for fuck's sake..." Bradford complains.

"You're probably just extra-hot from jumping around so much, how about you just be quiet for the rest of the ride?" you ask.

"And how long are we going to be riding for?" Bradford asks.

"10 min-"

Bradford kicks Arztz seat again to stop Jesper, "Finish that fucking sentence! See if I don't bash your head into the wheel and send us crashing into the fucking sand!" He threatens.

"I was just answering your question." Jesper says with a small smile as he lights up a new cigarette.

"Mr.Bradford, I beg of you, please stop kicking me..." Arztz begs sadly.

The car goes quiet, (Finally, some goddamn peace.) you breathe a sigh of relief.

(Now if only this would last for the rest of the trip...) you ask as you look out the unending waves of sand, everything blending together into one giant yellowish eye-smoothie which nearly puts you to sleep if you stare at it long enough.

(As spastic as Bradford is, he's right, it's boring as hell to stare at sand all day and as far I can tell, this ride is probably gonna last another half-hour before we arrive.) you realize.

You look to the other passengers, (It probably wouldn't hurt to pass the time talking to someone, I mean, I have the chairman and a Pro-hunter in the car, there's probably tons they could tell me about the job.) you realize.

(Though at the same time, I could just sleep it out, make sure I'm well-rested for the test and all that...What to do?) you wonder.

What will you do?

>Talk to Netero

>Talk to Jesper

>Talk to Bradford and Arztz

>Just sleep.

>>3325683
Talk to Bradford

>>3325683
>>Talk to Netero

>>3325683
>Just sleep
Need to get all the rest we can before we go into the final phase

>>3325683
>Talk to Bradford and Arztz
No point in going to sleep since it's only like 30 minutes away. Let's talk to them about what they think the final exam will be like or something

>>3325694
>>3325705
>>3325722
>>3325743

>Talking with the Boys

>Writing.

You look to Bradford and Arztz and attempt to start a conversation.

However your voice hitches for a moment as you wonder what strange force is egging you unto doing what is clearly a bad idea.

(Well, it's better than just sleeping for a few minutes, might as well...) you think

"Hey Bradford, Arztz." you call.

"Yes?/The hell do you want?" they both ask.


What will you ask?

>How do you two feel about reaching the finals?

>Who is this Alice chick you were examined by?

>What do you guys think this next test is going to be?

>>3325776
>How do you two feel about reaching the finals?

>>3325776
>>Who is this Alice chick you were examined by?

>>3325776
>How do you two feel about reaching the finals?

>>3325776
Who is this Alice chick

>>3325783
>>3325797
>>3325829
>>3325853


I would roll for priority, but I think I can mix these.

>Writing.

File: Telfour Bradford10.jpg (71 KB, 500x500)

71 KB JPG

"We're nearing the end guys, how you feeling?" you ask.

Arztz speaks first, "I would be remiss to say I'm not feeling excited, This last week has been filled with so many ups and downs, but all of it has been one great big adventure!" He says excitedly.

Bradford sighs, "It's nice that you're all excited and shit Twinkie, but this Exam for me has been one big down, with almost no ups." He states.

He brings up his left hand and starts listing, "First I get my ass-kicked by an emo, then I get my ass verbally beat by your ass-" He points to you.

He brings up his middle finger, "Then I get my ass absolutely stomped by an old fucking man!" he exclaims to Netero's small giggle.

"And to top it all off, I ended up getting ambushed by a bunch of fucking wolves and-" He attempts to point to his ring finger, but then remembers that it along with his pinky finger are still missing.

His face goes glum as he brings his hand downs, "Well, you get the point." He says, causing a small pang of pain in your heart.

Arztz looks deeply saddened, "Oh, Mr.Bradford, I acted so happy while you were suffering this whole time, this adventure must have been so hard for you, I'm so sorry..." Arztz apologizes as he brings his head down in shame.

But it goes flying right back up as Bradford kicks his seat again, "Who the hell said I wasn't happy you dumb Faggatron!? I'm having the time of my life!" He says with a big smile.

Arztz is shell-shocked and confused, "W-What? but you just said you've had nothing but bad things happen to you. You've been attacked and beaten all the time, how could be happy?" He asks.

"You see, this is why you're soft little twink boy. You don't get it do ya!?" He accuses as he repeatably kicks his chair.

"No! I don't!" he admits.

Bradford puts on a crazed face, "Losing is the fucking best! It means there are still people in this world that can give me a fucking challenge! There ain't no thrill in a fight where you're sure to win!" he exclaims.

"The fact that I'm getting ass-kicked left, right and center just means I've got hype ass fights center, right and left! I'm having the time of my goddamn life!" He answers.

"I'm so happy for you??" Arztz can't decide if he's disturbed or amazed by Bradford conviction.

Bradford relents from kicking Arztz chair as he looks over to you, "Besides, it hasn't all just been one long ass beating, I also got something from this test that I thought I lost a long time ago."

"Hm?" you hum.

"The will to live. That's something you gave to me man. Thanks." He states.

You smile, "I thought you hate being sappy you bastard? That shit was sappy than a maple tree." you counter.

"It's sappy, but true, I wouldn't even have made it to the finals if I didn't meet you. And for that, I'd get my ass-kicked a thousands times over, as long as it meant being your friend till the end." He declares.

>You share a nice moment of recollection with Bradford, +50 points! (100 points to go)

"Yeah man, I'm glad to have met you too." you state.

"Ahhhh, such a beautiful friendship, I'm nearly moved to tears..." Arztz says with a wide smile.

Bradford kicks him again, "W-What? Why?" He asks.

"Because that had to be the gayest smile I've ever seen! Knock that shit off!" Bradford complains.

That confuses Arztz greatly "Wait, how can smiles not be gay? Smiles are by their very nature gay!" Arztz counters.

"You see that shit!? That's why you're a damn twink, you can only think of gay shit! What's with the pride parade in here!?" He counters.

(I have a feeling they're talking about two different kinds of gay here...better change topics before Bradford breaks that chair apart.) you realize.

"Hey, Bradford." you cut-in.

"What!?" He asks.

"Mind telling me who this Alice chick you were tested by is?" You ask.

"You seemed to really piss your pants when I asked about-hm?" you're cut-off as you see Bradford slink into a shivering mess at the mere mention of her name.

"Yeah, kinda like that. What's that about?" you question.

hahhhhhh...You hear Jesper and Netero sigh simultaneously.

"You just had to ask, didn't you?" Jesper questions.

"The problem children of the organization are innumerable, but that girl is just..." Netero looks like he's talking about terrible granddaughter.

"What? Was I not supposed to ask that?" you ask.

"It's not that you can't ask, but just..." Jesper sighs again.

Bradford finds the resolve to speak again,"Where do I even start with that crazy bitch!?" He exclaims in a small panic.

"Admittedly, I wish to know what the hub-bub is about as well, so if you would-Ow!" Arztz is kicked again.

"What did I do wrong that time!?" He asks.

"Huh? Nothing, I just wanted something to hit to calm down." Bradford admits.

"What cruelty!" Arztz cries.

Bradford igores Arztz as he begins to recollect, "Okay, first off, you gotta know the bitch is huge!" he exclaims.

"Huge?" you question.

"When I say huge, I mean fucking huge. Like, that bitch could make Brovoski look tiny with how fucking giant she is!" Bradford explains.

That throws you off, "The hell? What kind of monster is that?" you ask.

Netero chimes in, "She's actually a Kuggend woman herself, an exceptionally tall one, but it's not uncommon in those lands for the women to dwarf the men in size." He explains.

"Still that's terrifying..." you add.

"You're fucking telling me! But there was a plus, in addition to being a 10 feet tall monster, she also had monster tits!" He explains.

"What?" you blurt out.

"Yeah man, they were the size of goddamn mountains, she could kill a man by just slapping'em with those things!" He explains.

That confuses you a little, "Okay, that sounds kinda like a good thing, how is that scary?" you ask.

"That's what I was thinking at first man! I was like Damn! Look at those Monster Milkers! This next test is going to be sweet!" He repeats.

File: Telfour Bradford11.jpg (156 KB, 1000x1171)

156 KB JPG

Then his eyes go downcast, "Now, I'mma be honest with you boys, I ain't got nothing against tall chicks, in-fact, I would even say taller ladies are hotter cause it means puberty hit'em harder, and thus they're way hornier!" He explains.

Arztz gives him an doubtful eye, "Uhhh, as a doctor, I have to say that's not necessarily true But do go on." He clarifies.

"Well it's certainly fucking true for this bitch! Puberty hit her with the force of 10,000 dying suns! And goddamn was she horny!" He begins.

"It didn't help we were stuck in a strip club, every five fucking seconds, someone was getting grouped! Be it man, be it woman, be it sticky sex doll! It was touched and it was violated!" He continues.

"And cause she's fuck-huge with an emphasis on the fuck, you better believe you can't fight her off! When she wants you, she wants you." he explains.

You give a disturbed look, "Okay, that does sound pretty scary...but at the same time, she was hot right? So was it really that bad?" you ask.

Bradford laughs sadly, "You know, I would've asked the same thing if I hadn't been through myself, but now that I've survived sexual assault, I can tell you, trying to solve a mystery while having another crime committed on you is anything but fun!" he explains.

He raises a finger, "But my friends, It's time I told you the real kicker, here's the story." he says with a frightened look on his face.

"So I was minding my own business, Rich boy was prattling off about some evidence shit, Brovoski was going off about his Virgin eyes or some shit cause of all the naked chicks in the place, which made no sense to me, I mean, the man's about to get hitched and his wife hasn't even given him an eyeful? What sort of tease-ass shit is that!?" He derides.

"You're getting off-topic." you point out.

"Oh yeah! Right, so I was just standing around, then all of a sudden, I feel a hand creeping on my pants!" He starts.

"I'm like The fuck!? but Alice is like I saw the way you were eyeing me, I know you want this and then she pressed those Giant Gazangas on my back and I was like, Well shit why not!?" he re-tells.

"Is this going somewhere or you just about to start bragging about how you got raped and kinda liked it?" You ask.

"Whoa! Not fucking funny man! I expect to hear that kinda shit from Landon! Not you!" Bradford exclaims.

"Well you story is starting to sound kinda like something Landon would tell, can you get to the point?" you ask.

"I was just about to man! Chill the fuck out!" He answers.

"Okay! So she was grinding up on me from the back! And I have to admit, was getting a little into you know, can't help it, I'm a man who loves his milkies!" He admits.

That's when he's stricken with a look of true horror, "But that's when I realized, she was really getting into it! She really starting grinding extra-close and the second her hips pressed up against mine, I realized she was packing some equipment downstairs if you get my meaning." he explains.

It takes you a second to catch his meaning, "Oh...oh! Oh god!" You exclaim.

Arztz looks around confused, "Wait, what? What do you mean?" He asks.

"Well, what I'm saying is, I wasn't the only one carrying some serious junk in my basement." He hints at it again.

That only confuses Arztz further, "What? What kind of junk does she have in your basement? Why are you both packing things there? Doesn't that waste space?" He asks.

Bradford laughs, "Oh we were both packing alright! By that, I mean we both had massive, foot-long dic-"

"Up!Up!Up! Don't say another word!" Jesper cuts him off.

"Dic? Dic what? Dice? She had massive Dice? What's she doing with those?" Arztz repeats in deep confusion.

"What the fuck man!?" He asks.

"I've been told by HR to never let anyone say that without Alice's permission, if you finish that sentence, we would have a massive lawsuit on our hands!" Jesper explains.

"Wait, so I can't tell anyone about her giant d-"

"Up!" He cuts him off again.

"Dic-"

"Up!"

"Coc-"

"Up!"

"Schlon-"

"UP!" He refuses to let Bradford finish.

"....." A long moment of silence.

"Is it cause her's is bigger than yours?" Bradford asks.

"Grrrrrrr......" He growls.

(This Alice chick seems to be a real hot-button for the Hunter's Association, hope I never meet her...or maybe it's him?) you question as Jesper and Bradford go at each's necks.

>A Few minutes later.

Things finally calm down and a chance for polite discussion continues.

But you think you've probably only got time for one more question.

What will you do?

>Ask what Bradford and Arztz think this next test is going to be?

>Talk to Netero

>Talk to Jesper.

File: [Extreme Happiness].png (384 KB, 766x587)

384 KB PNG

https://youtu.be/4uCyhw2cEVM

Holy hell, I don't know if I'm super late on this, but I just noticed that the announcement trailer dropped for Gintama's new season, I know this has nothing to do with the thread, but holy shit I thought it was over.

OH HELL YES.

>>3326055
>Ask what Bradford and Arztz think this next test is going to be?

>>3326055
Talk to Jesper

File: [32-Bit Confusion].png (183 KB, 566x352)

183 KB PNG

Hmmmm, I find the lack of reaction to that last exchange a little disturbing.

I Know I'm not the funniest writer around (Especially with OPStudios on the board) but I thought I hit it out of the park with that one.

Well whatever, I give this vote 15 more minutes before I call it.

>>3326106
I'm at school right now so I can't really react as much

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>3326090
>>3326092

Gonna roll between these two

1-Talk to Bradford and Arztz

2-Talk to Jesper

(Well it's good to see Bradford and Arztz are in good spirits, but I don't anything can really put them down.) you note.

You look to the Jesper in the drivers seat, (You on the other hand, seem to be struggling to have any spirit at all. I don't really know a thing about you, so I guess this is as a good time as any to starting learning...)

What will you ask?

>What's it like being a terror Hunter?

>You mentioned you were going to teach me, what does that entail?

>What was that business earlier with Sheldon?

[Only pick one.]

>>3326173
>You mentioned you were going to teach me, what does that entail?

>>3326198

>What are ya teaching?

>Writing.

File: Jesper Myerscough06.jpg (31 KB, 225x350)

31 KB JPG

"Yo Jesper, you told me that you'd show me the ropes, but what kinds of rope we talking?" you ask.

"The kinds you hopeful won't hang yourself with." He answers.

"I'm being serious." you counter.

"And so am I. What I'll be teaching you not only involves combat skills, but the ability to control not only your own mind, but the minds of others." He starts.

"Mind control? What are you? Some kind of psychic?" you ask.

"I ain't, but everyone thinks I'm one. And that's exactly what I want." he declares.

"You're gonna have to explain this to me." you ask.

Jesper sighs, "You'll hear a lot of people talk about the keys of combat. Stuff like balance, stamina, speed and skill. They say if you have all those things, than you'll win 70% of all fights you land yourself in." He explains.

"Let me tell you right now, that's a lot of horseshit. Maybe if every fight was a martial arts match with strict rules and everyone played fair, then that shit would work, but not in the real world." he continues.

"On the streets, no one plays fairs. What use is balance to a someone who gets ambushed by 5 guys in the dark? what good is stamina when someone drives a knife into lungs? It's good to be fast, but guys with guns are always faster. And I'd like to see you out-skill a kick in the balls." He derides.

"....." you go silent as you listen.

"The only key part of any battle is the mind." He declares.

"The mind?" you question.

"The mind can be both someone's greatest weapon and someone's darkest prison. Combat isn't an exchange of fists, it's a battle of ideas, of imaginations." He explains.

"And the victor of any battle isn't the one who's landed the most blows, but who's outwitted their opponent better. To truly win any fight, one must conquer their own and their opponents mind." He explains.

"That's what I'll be teaching you to do, I'll teach you how to become so good at controlling minds people will think you're psychic." He explains.

You silently consider his words, (I don't really get what he means. Sounds like a ton of pretentious trash if you ask me.) you think.

"And you're an over-skeptical prick. Don't doubt me like that." He counters.

That causes you to raise an eyebrow, "...Are you sure you aren't really psychic?" you ask.

He smiles, "I'll let you decide that for yourself when the time comes."

While I don't want to slow up this flow, my worldly desires call to me, I must make dinner, so I shall resume in about an hour.

be back.

>Waiting.

>>3326261

I return and I resume.

>Continuing.

>>3326386
Cool, just as I got home

File: Sunnyside City.jpg (89 KB, 1192x670)

89 KB JPG

>10 minutes later

After that, you spend of the ride chatting your cares away, that is, until your destination comes in sight.

"Quiet down men, we've arrived." Jesper announces as you look to the windshield and see something that takes your breath away.

A giant, sprawling metropolis stands alone in the desert, a single beacon of flourishing civilization in this otherwise deathly wasteland of Sun.

The many sky-piercing towers and buildings are magnificent enough, but what really catches your attention is the giant bubble that seems to surround city.

Looking almost like a membrane, a massive bubble of what appears to be glass surrounds the entire city, encasing it perfectly within it's borders.

"Amazing, I've never seen anything like it..." Arztz admires.

"Really!? Let me see!" Bradford looks over the passenger seat, using Arztz head as leverage to balance himself as he whistles and admires the city himself.

"Owowowowowowowow! Mr.Bradford! My head! My head-" Bradford completely ignores Arztz cries of pain as he pushes down harder on him to get a better look.

"Whoza! It looks like a giant fucking snow globe!" Bradford exclaims.

"Funny you say that, because that giant glass shield is called a Sand Globe." Jesper states.

"Sand globe?" you question.

"Aside from it's beautiful, burning sun, the dunes of Kukan'yu are famous for one other thing. Sandstorms." Netero answers.

"Right, the weather here can get really bad, it may be nice now, but even the weakest winds here carries a good pile of sand with it." Jesper begins.

"Whenever there were long periods of strong winds, sandstorms were sure to follow, and plenty of them, enough that it made living here nigh damn impossible for even the richest and craziest of settlers." Jesper continues.

"How bad we talking? Like every few hours or something?" Bradford questions.

"Make that every hour on the hour. Sandstorms are so damn frequent around this place that if anyone tried building something, give it 3 hours and the whole structure would be buried in sand before they could even put a chair in the damn thing." Jesper states.

He taps the window to his left to get you looking out to the mountains of sand outside, "Hell, I bet you all the packs I got on me right now, that a few of these sand mountains out there are probably old houses." Jesper answers.

"Jesus Christ, that's fucking terrifying!" Bradford exclaims.

"Yes, the old settlers had much the same to say about living in such a place as well." Netero nods.

"But as you'd expect, people don't give up easy. It didn't take long before some bright guy come up with an idea to a giant shield to block out the sand, a giant glass dome where the sandstorms couldn't get in." Jesper adds as you approach the edge of the massive bubble, a giant shield of glass standing before you as the car comes to a stop.

On the other end, you see what looks like a security checkpoint, with many armed guards watching your convey with interest. "That's what this Sand Globe and Sunnyside city is, a testament to man's inability to not take a goddamn hint from mother nature that she doesn't want us here and settle anyway." Jesper declares as the a hole opens up in the glass for you to drive inside.

"Yes, a true show of humanity's formidable determination and ability to adapt to any environment, no matter how harsh. There could be no better place to host the final test of the Hunter Exam, correct?" Netero asks with a smile as you drive through the opening in the glass.

Once you head inside, a guard, equipped with a long rifle comes to the window that Jesper winds down to greet him, "Who are you and what business do you have in the city?" He asks in a stern but non-threatening voice.

Jesper presents his Hunter's license to him, "We're here on Association business, let us through." he orders.

The guard, slightly disgruntled at Jesper's casual and demanding attitude, takes the license and examines it for a moment before handing it back.

"Yeah, it's real, welcome to Sunnyside City, where the Sun is hot, the sands are hotter and the girls could use some work." He jokes as he tosses it back to him.

"Good thing I didn't come here to chase tail, have a good day man." Jesper says as he winds up the window and resumes driving.

"Man, that thing really gets you fucking anywhere doesn't it?" Bradford realizes.

He flashes the card proudly, "90% access to restricted areas across the world and 75% access to all places the general public is typically prohibited. Every security guard is trained knowing the second they see this card that they can't say no." He explains.

"Plus we requested that several areas within the city be cleared and readied for Association business, so they were expecting us." Netero adds.

Bradford smiles, "Thanks for reminding me why I want that piece of fucking plastic so bad! Don't you worry, When I get one myself I'll figure out the rest of the benefits!"

File: Sunnyside City (Inside).jpg (273 KB, 1030x580)

273 KB JPG

"If, if you get one toddler." Jesper taunts as you drive deeper within the city.

"Hey! The fuck that's supposed to mean!?" Bradford shouts as the two start fighting again, however you ignore the violent shouting as you stare at the beautiful city flying by you.

High-rises, big apartments, train stations, massive halls hosing libraries, theaters and restaurants, this place is teeming with culture and class, it reminds you a bit of Yorknew, but the people here look a bit too peaceful and happy to really get the vibe right.

The once deary, boring ride, becomes an enthralling sight-seeing event, with every building being newer and more exciting than the last, as if they're in contest to see who can grab your attention first.

It's truly mesmerizing and it feels like the first place you're happy to be in since this Exam's begun, you can barely imagine what they have in store for you in a place like this.

Well, you don't have to wonder long, before you even realize it, the Car's come to a complete stop in front of a smaller, but still attractive cafe with the cute name BeanBuddy hanging off a nicely designed sign.

"We've arrived. Get out now." Jesper orders.

"Sure, but you don't need to be an ass about it." You say as you open the door and head outside.

Bradford, Arztz and Netero quickly follow behind you as you see Dillion and Reynauld clambering from out their car.

Both look disgruntled and angry with Dillion's left eye twitching rapidly on his otherwise neutral face and Reynauld who grumbles curses and death threats under his breath.

"I see you two had a fun ride." you joke.

"Not another word savage, not unless you want me to sew your head to your ass so you can breathe in your own farts a little harder." He says with a disturbingly calm voice as he walks into the cafe.

"Jesus Christ, who knew scrawny there could sound scary!" Bradford who walks up behind you comments.

"If I didn't know he was a wimpy trust fund kid, I'd think he'd actually wants to kill someone!" Bradford laughs.

"Well if he damn well doesn't I sure as hell will." Reynauld spits in rage as he walks by.

"Hey! CowCunt! How are things going on the Ram Ranch!? Farmed any good cocks!?" Bradford jokes.

"Run that shit joke one more time Double barrel! See if I don't put your ass back in the barnhouse!" Reynauld shouts as he heads inside the cafe as well.

Bradford looks a little hurt, "Well shit, usually he doesn't get that mad when I call him gay...the hell crawled through his farmhouse and caught mad cow disease!?" He asks.

"I just imagine he's tired and a little annoyed after a long journey, forgive him Mr.Bradford..." Arztz apologizes on Reynauld's behalf.

"Like hell! Being a little annoyed doesn't give someone the right to be dick!" Bradford complains.

"It does when you're stuck on a long journey with Sheldon..." You add.

File: Turnland Brovoski.png (1.09 MB, 1000x1330)

1.09 MB PNG

You hear a loud rustling noise as the car in the back opens up for Brovoski to squeeze his way out of it like tuna from a can.

The entire car threatens to capsize as he leans all his weight against one side and slowly makes his way outside, a deeply disturbed look on his face.

The source of which, becomes clear as Brovoski escapes from back, the window to the front comes peeling down and Ami speaks, "-And that's why I think you should dump that annoying harpy and come stay with me after the Exam's over, I'll show you a good time if you do." Ami makes a suggestive ring with her fingers and strokes at the air as she says this.

Brovoski seems extremely uncomfortable as he weakly speaks, "No thanks...I'm taken man..." he argues.

"And that's exactly what makes it so exciting, that white-haired witch can't keep a big guy like you happy on her own can she?" Ami asks.

"We not even married yet...Brovoski can't do things with other women..." Brovoski answers.

Brovoski's clear reluctance only seems to egg her on more, "Extra-faithful are we? That just makes you even more delicious..." She says as she licks her lips.

From the distance, the sight of a 9 foot tall man being bullied and preyed upon by a woman that barely pass 5'8" is something both terrifying yet strangely hilarious .

Brovoski looks just about ready to cry before Ami finally relents, "But I can see you're not interested...for now." She grins like a devil with the eyes of panther.

"...." Brovoski begins to sweat profusely under such a intimidating gaze.

"You're really fun to tease, when you get tired of being weighed down with stupid garbage like love, being faithful and caring for your partner, just give me call. I'd love to have a boytoy like you around." She waves goodbye to him as he attempts to walk away, shame in his steps from all the harassment.

HONK And as if all the verbal degrading wasn't enough, the second Brovoski turns around, Ami makes it a point to stare at his butt and honk her horn once, shaking Brovoski even further.

Brovoski can't hurry inside faster, "Since when did muscle mountain there get so damn popular? Does being hitched really get you that much extra pussy? Getting married myself just limited me to one!" Bradford states up her window and bids farewell to a very scared Brovoski.

"I wouldn't exactly call that popularity Mr.Bradford...I believe Mr.Brovoski was being sexually harassed by, what do you westerners call them...oh yes! A homewrecker." Arztz explains.

But without even considering Arztz's point, Bradford puts him into a headlock while speaking, "The hell would you know about popularity and homewrecking twinkie!? All you do is trap men anyway!" He insults.

"Twinkie? Trap? What that does any of that mean Mr.Bradford-ow-ow-ow-ow!" Arztz question is cut off by a brutal round of noogieing.

Bradford then drags Arztz into the cafe, his fist never leaving Arztz's skull all along the way, You shake your head while resisting to laugh at the situation.

"Jeez, give Arztz a break will you-Hm?" You're about to head inside to tell Bradford off when you notice one person isn't following you inside.

You turn back to Jesper who seems to be staring into space, "Why are you still inside the car Jesper? Aren't you coming in?" you ask.

"Huh? Uh, no, this is where you and I part ways." Jesper states.

"Ah next test...isn't your jurisdiction anymore is it?" you guess.

"I've been running outside my jurisdiction for a while now, me dragging you around to help me solve that mystery was really pushing the boundaries, so I drove you all and the chairman here as compensation. I was supposed to leave ages ago." He explains.

"You weren't dragging me around, I was glad to help and I'll be glad to help you when I get my license." you say.

He smiles faintly at that, "Did anyone ever tell you that you've got a way with words kid? You almost make me feel bad for ditching you." He says.

"Almost huh?" you spot.

"Yeah, sorry to say but goodbyes are also a part of the job. You'll get used to them." Jesper says as he grabs the steering wheel and readies himself to drive away.

He then remembers something, "Oh yeah, but don't worry about missing me too much. I've left you a parting gift that will keep you company while I'm gone." He says.

"Keep me company?" As you pose the question, two poses manifest themselves behind you as Sheldon and Ami dance their way from back to your front.

"Oh please My blonde friend, who else could keep you company-" Sheldon starts.

"-But the funniest duo this side of the Hemisphere!?" Ami finishes.

The face you give them can't decide between absolute dread or absolute annoyance at their appearance, "Literally anyone else. Literally anyone else would have worked." you answer

"You literally have no one else!" The duo shouts in unison.

"I apologize young Derrick." Netero appears from the car.

"But these two will be assisting me in examining this final test. You'll have the bare with them for a little while longer." He explains.

"I see that, but why? You guys can't be this low on fresh blood, why have these two hosted almost every test since the start of the Exam!?" you exclaim.

"I'm so glad you understand out struggle! My blonde sympathizer, we're so overworked! The demand for our hilarious supply is simply too overwhelming!" Ami exclaims.

"The world's desire for a spotlight is simply too great! Thousands demand our shows but we can only be in hundreds of places at a time! Surely the only way the starved masses would be satisfied is if we multiplied by 2! Oh! If only!" Sheldon shouts.

Just the thought of 2 more Sheldon and Ami's running around is terrifying enough to give you nightmares, "Seriously, why these two? Just give me a good reason." you ask

"I believed you young'uns would prefer looking at some younger faces rather my old decaying one while the test was going on. Plus I find them quite funny." Netero explains.

"I said a good reason." you repeat.

That gets Netero to laugh, "I'm happy to hear your criticism but you shouldn't linger out here, I need to head inside and arrange some files and we can't begin until everyone is assembled. Please head inside." he walks past you and into the Cafe, Sheldon and Ami follow him.

"This is one hell of a parting gift you've gotten me..." you say, exasperated beyond words.

"It's the least I could do for all your help." Jesper nods to you.

"You're damn right about that." you counter.

"Well, if you've got a problem with it, take it up with me after you've got your license, you can return them to me after that." He says as hits the gas.

"Until then, they're your problem now." Jesper says with a wide grin as he blasts down the street and out of sight.

"....." you're left utterly dumbfounded as you head into the cafe.

File: BeanBuddy (Cafe).jpg (911 KB, 2048x1366)

911 KB JPG

https://youtu.be/GMbvaJm9LnY

Ding-Ding The song of door chimes sing in tune with the beautiful atmospheric music that permeates the cafe as you push your way into the shop.

Once inside, you watch as Netero heads off into you're greeted by quite the scene, the entire cafe is filled with people, and not just random people, but people you actually know.

First person that catches your eye, ironically enough is the shortest one in the room, that being Ronnie Burnsby, that scummy midget that antagonized Flourette and Noell.

He sits casually at one of the two seat tables, chair big enough for him that it looks like he's sitting in a booster chair as he watches you enter the room.

A few tables away from him, You see that Dainary Helda, still clad full in her shining armor, all expect for her helmet which has been dropped to let loose her unkempt but beautiful red hair.

She sits alone at a 4 person table, eating what looks like a light breakfast made of meat and vegetables to keep her stamina up.

A few tables away from her, closer towards the window, you catch sight of the Raven black hair of Noell, his blade leaning against the seat.

He sits and broods, looking out of the window outside longingly, his thoughts are interrupted by an invading spoon, one filled with delicious soup broth, held by the gentle but toned hands of Flourette Rutland, who attempts to feed Noell his breakfast soup.

He proceeds to slap the spoon away, splashing the still hot soup back into Flourette's face, a move that causes her shiver to her core as she pulls out a handkerchief to clean her face, where you catch what you think to be a hint of smile behind the cloth, but you quickly dismiss that as just being your imagination.

Closer towards the center of the room is Dillion, who sits alone at a four person table, looking at everyone with a mix disinterest and disgust and to the adjacent wall, you spot Reynauld, apparently feeling too cool and moody to sit or be near anyone else, he keeps his head down and his back against the wall.

You then catch the depressed face of Brovoski, as hides in the corner of the cafe at a single person table, away from sight. After him, you see the faces of two people who you've never actually met before-

"Oh, you guys have finally gotten here? Took you all a damn while." But before you're allowed to clearly examine them, a familiar voice hits your ear.

>>3326509

>That fucking song.

Whoops.

https://youtu.be/BknOTzSCQhI

This is supposed be the theme, that song makes it sound like you just stepped into a haunted house.

File: Vanilla Clayton17.jpg (64 KB, 480x576)

64 KB JPG

You look over to see the distinct eye-patch and shit-eating grin of Vanilla eyeing you down from the bar.

"Oh man, you made it to the finals Blondie? I was so happy thinking you dropped dead early too." She taunts.

"Don't talk about dropping dead cyclops. You might just tempt me to make sure you do." A voice thick with a Yorknew accent hits your ears as you look a stools across the aisle to see Peachnia, still caked in clown make-up sucking down a ice-cream shake as she glares down Vanilla.

Vanilla looks displeased just having to look at her, "You've still got a tongue to talk with? I thought it rotted off with your brain."

"What? You mean like dear old righty there?" Peachnia points at Vanilla's missing eye.

"You know what, it's great that your tongue is till fresh, now I can rip it out myself and wear it like a trophy." She threatens.

"Could the two of you shut your mouths for a second? I'm trying to think." Noell demands.

"The hell was that emo bitch-boy!? You trying to save this she-bitches's ass!?" Peachnia asks.

"No, I just can't stand to hear two bickering bitches first thing in the morning. If you must bash out the 10 brain cells you two collectively hold, do it outside." Noell, as cold and confrontational as always, has no problems pouring oil on the fire as long as it doesn't burn his house down.

"Oh, I'd love too! Like a useless slut like that can even fight for shit! I carried her ass straight through the 2nd test and I'll beat it too!" Peachnia counters.

"Yeah and I bet all the energy you used 'carrying my ass' was what caused you to be so useless during the 3rd test, what with me practically solving the whole mystery while you were stuck just trying to figure out how re-apply your ugly-ass make-up after it got smudged." Vanilla taunts.

Peachnia slams her fist against counter, "It's your useless-ass fault that my make-up even got ruined! Fighting that beast fucked with my hair and make-up while you sat back and just fucking watched!" She exclaims.

"If you ask me that beast did you a favor, for a whole day, your face didn't look like an extra-caked up clown's ass." Vanilla taunts.

(Jesus Christ, even after being made to work togehter for 3 days, their relationship hasn't improved one bit. If anything, it's only gotten worse as they've got more material to insult each other with...) you realize as you head deeper inside the cafe.

A vein springs up on Peachnia's head as she grits her teeth so hard they may just crack, "I guess you didn't learn your lesson last time I had to crack a baseball bat upside your skull huh bitch!? Looks like I'll need to double up!" She threatens.

"Just try me! I nearly buried your ass back at Damon's house, so I guess it's about time I finished the job! Don't want your rotten-ass corpse stinking up the place!" Vanilla makes a come get me sign with her hands, egging her on.

"You're on!" Peachnia jumps from her seat.

File: Peachnia Adamns02.jpg (108 KB, 777x1029)

108 KB JPG

Clap!But then A thunderous clap erupts throughout the room, bringing everyone to a screeching halt.

You have to hold your ears closed to protect your eardrums as you look over to find the source of the clap was Netero.

"Alright good applicants, I ask that you refrain from attacking each other outside testing conditions, such actions can result in disqualification." he warns, looking right at Ronnie and Helda.

"What!? But this bitch just made fun of me!" Peachnia argues.

"What was done or said is irrelevant, unless you want to squander the opportunity before you, I suggest you find your seat." Netero dismisses.

"Grrrr...." She reluctantly plops herself back to the stool as back, as Vanilla shoots her a middle finger.

"Good. Now I ask that you spend the next few minutes acquainting yourselves with one another while I go check something." Netero states as he walks off to a door off to side leading to what looks like an office.

"Wait, aren't we supposed to be starting the test now? Why should I waste time talking with these worthless reprobates?" Noell questions.

As Netero steps through the door, he sticks his head out to answer, "You shouldn't have such a negative attitude to your fellow applicants. It won't be for long, just have a nice chat while I sort something out will you." Netero says as he closes the door behind him.

"....." The whole room is silent for a mind-numbingly awkward amount of time, no even tries to converse with anyone else.

That is, until Bradford gets bored, "Jesus fucking Christ, is it just me, or is this place just oozing with hate!?" Bradford shouts.

"Thanks for spelling out the obvious retard! If you can't tell, no one here really likes anyone else!" Peachnia calls out.

"No fucking asked for your opinion carnie! And that ain't true! Not everyone in here wants to murder someone! I mean, Derrick here doesn't want to kill anyone!" he points to you.

What will you say?

>Yeah, I like most of you guys actually.

>I can't stand you people, but I don't really want to hurt any of you.

>I could stand to maim one or two of you.

>[Write-in]

>>3326518
Oh ok. I thought we were gonna die when we entered or something

>>3326547
>>Yeah, I like most of you guys actually.
Hopefully this will lead to a little less fighting

>>3326547
>Yeah, I like most of you guys actually.

>>3326574
>>3326617

>You know what, you guys aren't so bad.

>Writing.

File: Noell Cromwell24.jpg (60 KB, 500x665)

60 KB JPG

"Yeah actually, I think most of you guys are pretty great." you agree.

Everyone looks at you as if you've grown a second head, "Uh, Derrick? Are you okay, Did you hit your on the way here? Perhaps fall off a cliff?" Flourette asks with genuine concern.

"What? I'm being serious." you state.

"Yes and that's the worrying part, if you honestly find this collection of degenerates, psychopaths and violent idiots likable, if even bearable, you need to step outside and catch a breath of fresh air, maybe two." Noell states.

"Hey, Shut the fuck up monkey boy! The only thing that matters here is that he's proving me right! Derrick ain't no psycho!" Bradford proudly announces.

"Okay, that's one out of like 15 people, what else you got?" Vanilla points out.

"Okay, uhhhh,-" He looks to Dillion at his table

"Rich boy! You're asshole, but I'm sure you ain't a murderous asshole!" Bradford states

Dillion clicks his tongue, "I'm surprised you, of all people would say that, considering you're the one person here who I want and have tried to kill." He answers.

"Wait, wait, you tried to kill me!? When!?" he asks.

Dillion gives a confused look, "Do you not remember when I nearly blew your head off during the 2nd test? What did you think I was trying to do?" He asks.

"I thought that was just a fucking joke man! Dick move man!" Bradford exclaims.

"A joke? What raving madman attempts to murder someone as a joke? There's no one sane that does that." Dillion questions.

Bradford makes a confused face, "Wait, you telling me you never played the Made you shoot game!?" He asks.

"The what game?" Dillion asks.

"Oh don't give me that shit! You know, the made you shoot game!? You get your friends, a loaded gun and you make an ok-sign with your hand and place it on your thigh." He explains.

"If you get some dumbass to look at your sign, you get to shoot at them!" He finishes.

Dillion looks dumbfounded, "...Are you being serious right now? You're not right?" He asks.

"Wait, you seriously telling you've never played? Man, you had a seriously fucked up childhood man." Bradford shakes his head.

Dillion looks poised to counter, before giving up and looking away, "Okay, whatever. Please just stop breathing in my direction, I don't want to catch your stupid." He states.

File: Arztz Todd08..jpg (259 KB, 1048x1048)

259 KB JPG

Bradford ignores Dillion's insult and continues to scan the room, "Okay, thennnnn...." He quickly finds that no else even remotely fits the bill till he looks down to Arztz who he still has in a headlock, "Here! This twink here doesn't want to kill anyone!" He states.

Helda gives Arztz a scrutinizing look , "That white hair....a 13th son?" She realizes.

She then shakes her head, "Sorry to rain on your parade westerner. But that's a 13th son, by virtue of his nationality, that phantom would be fine killing anyone and everyone here." She points out.

Bradford looks disturbed, "That true Twinke!?" He asks.

Arztz thinks for a moment, "Well, I've come to see a lot of you as good friends, so I would certainly feel bad if I was forced to slaughter you all." He answers.

"That sounds like you would still do it though!" Bradford points out.

Arztz smile grows dark, "Well...I can't see any reason why I'd do such a thing...for now..." He laughs a little to himself.

Bradford freaks out and let's him fall to the floor like a bag of potato, "Okayyyy, putting that little psycho aside. There has to be someone who isn't a murderous psycho in here..." He moves his finger across the room.

"uhhhhh...oh! You fuckers!" His finger finally lands on the rather unnotable men in the back, the ones you don't recognize.

"Uhhhh, who the hell are you fuckers again!?" He asks.

The two men of average, unoteworthy appearance, stature and demeanor stand up and bow at Bradford's question, "I'm glad someone finally bothered asking. My name is Literalili Whu and this is my friend, Watts Urnameagaini." He introduces.

"Uhhh, Literally Who and what?" Bradford asks.

They both clap, "Impressive, most people don't pronounce our names right on their first try! Good one!" Watts praises.

Bradford looks confused but shakes his head and ignores, "Uhhhh-huh. So you guys want to kill anyone!?" He questions.

They look between each other before answering, "Not really." they say.

"See! They aren't psychos!" he exclaims proudly in victory.

"Those two are a couple of nobodies! Who even cares what they think!?" Peachnia asks.

"First thing I think we've ever agreed on." Vanilla nods.

Peachnia looks physically disgusted to hear that, "Well I don't want to argee with your ass on anything, so let's never let that happen again."

Bradford looks around with a mix of fear and digust, "Man, you guys are seriously fucked in the head you know that!?" He shouts.

"You're one to talk." everyone in the room says in perfect unison.

>>3326758
>My name is Literalili Whu and this is my friend, Watts Urnameagaini
Watch, they're going to end up being the strongest ones here

File: Florette Rutland01.jpg (243 KB, 600x750)

243 KB JPG

Noell shakes his head, "I swear, these idiots buzz in my ears more than a swarm of flies and are just as much of a plague." he states.

"Oh, you don't mean that, I saw that smile on your face when you saw Derrick enter!" Flourette counters.

A small twitch runs through Noell's eye, "But the biggest, most disgusting fly has to be the one in front of me." Noell answers.

Flourette shivers intensely at that, "A-Are you talking about me Master? I thought we talked about insulting me like that, you can only do it in private..." She reminds.

"I'll insult you how I want, where I want and when I want, you pathetic bottom-feeding insect. Cease speaking." Noell berates.

Flourette's face looks shocked worse than words can describe at the brutal tongue-lashing she's just received, "Of course master...my apologies..."

Flourette hides her face as it turns beet red, clearly from all the rage and embarrassment she's bottling up, you truly feel for her, but even now, you can do nothing to help her.

"Woah, you seriously just gonna sit back and take that? Pathetic doesn't even begin to describe you, oh Mighty Wall Lion." Ronnie joins the conversation.

Flourette holds her head back up, looking much more visibly displeased to be insulted by Ronnie, but before she can speak, Helda is holding up her Halberd and pointing it at Ronnie while sitting down.

The Halberd's incredible length is truly shown as, even from her seated position a few tables away, the spear of the halberd still manages to reach stabbing distance of Ronnie's face, reaching over several tables as she threatens him.

"How many times must I tell you to hold your tongue before you learn to be quiet?" Helda asks as she inches the blade closer to Ronnie.

"Or will I be forced to gouge it out myself before you learn the value of silence? Maybe I'll even cook and eat it afterwards, I hear dog tongue is a delicacy in this land." She taunts.

Ronnie puts a finger to the tip of the spear and pushes it away slowly, showing no fear despite Helda's clear killing intent, "Calm your scales lizard brains, I was just making a comment. Cool yourself the hell off before you light yourself on fire." He states.

"The only one here who will end up burned is yourself, damn Cremoxian worm..." She glares posionous daggers at Ronnie as they stare each other down for a moment.

File: Grey-haired Man.jpg (40 KB, 957x538)

40 KB JPG

But before any blood starts spilling, a black gloved hand springs from seemingly nowhere and grabs the blade end of Helda's Halberd, "Now hold a moment friends, surely you needn't start a fight here over simple words, right?" A voice, as calm and serene as autumn rain and just as soothing breaks up the fight.

You and Helda both look to see the man brave enough to interrupt the brewing combat and see a man, donned in a pure black trenchcoat with a yellow undershirt.

His medium length gray locks nearly obscure a soft smile painted unto a pale face, one without the faintest hint of stress or worry.

"This cafe is a place of peace and discussion, it would be a shame to end both in bloodshed, wouldn't you agree?" He asks of Helda.

However, despite the calm man's plea, Helda seems only more enraged at the sight of him, "The only shame here is that you would dare lay your filthy claws on my spear owl! Unhand my weapon, before I'm forced to rend your fingers off free it!" She threatens.

(Owl? Did she just call that guy an owl? What does that mean?) you wonder.

He releases the spear which Helda immediately retracts, "But of course, apologies for the intrusion, but I didn't want two fellow Ochimans killing one another over such petty squabbles." He explains calmly in the face of her irrational anger.

(Fellow Ochimans? So he's from Ochima like Helda, Ronnie and Arztz, he doesn't look anything like them any of them though...) you think as you move closer to get a better look at him.

"Even so, you clearly know not your boundaries owl, there's no excuse for tainting a Dragon maidens spear, such an offense is punishable by death in Dalam." She explains.

"Yes, I'm well-aware of the laws of our allied nations and hold great respect for them as well-" He stops mid-sentence to bow his head, "But I wished not to see slaughter, so I selfishly stepped in to stop you both, for that you have my apologies." He apologizes.

"....At least you can recognize your mistakes owl." That manages to get her to calm down, "Fine, I see no point in slaughtering a dog in such a fine establishment, would sully the good meals." She says as she goes back to eating.

Ronnie simply sighs and looks away, "I thank you both for your understanding..." he says rising from his bow.

File: Siqaa Investigative Secur(...).jpg (143 KB, 671x569)

143 KB JPG

As he arches his back from the bow, you notice something new about his uniform, glued on to his shoulder, a dark purple and red badge displays the acronym S.I.S.F along with the figure of a diving owl flying at it's prey.

(That badge, it's just like the one Helda and Ronnie have, but looks like it's from a different nation. Another guy gunning for the throne? What does S.I.S.F stand for?) you stare at the man in an attempt to decipher the Acronym.

"Hm?" He notices you staring at him from the distance and turns to look at you, "Now who would you be? A westerner? Is there something about me that catches your eyes?"

"What? Well, I, Uh-Wait..." you're about to answer, when you notice another oddity about his features.

His eyes, his pupils, they almost seem to be...glowing.

They shine with a golden sheen, and this isn't just a pair of yellow pupils, they look like actual minted gold, bright and enrapturing to look at.

(What are those eyes...they barely seem human...) you go in silent awe of them.

"What is it Westerner? Has my partner's eyes struck you deaf and dumb?" Another new voice, this one much less pleasant however.

A tall man, sharing much of the same features as the man he calls his partner, expect he's taller and the uniform he wears is a mix of dark blue and black and his hair is much shorter than his partner.

However, just like his partner, his eyes have this strange golden glow to them, "But, even if you've been awe-struck to sublimity, that's no excuse to forget your manners, you can't just sit there and gawk like some kind of mindless goat!" He says with a voice dripping with arrogance and laced with malice.

That insult wakes you from your trance, "Who are you calling a goat? I'm just wondering who the hell you two are, considering I've never seen you before." you counter.

The partner raises a hand to calm you, "Please, don't be angry, excuse my friend's words, he has a bad tendency to let his pride speak for him."

"You say that as if I'm the one being rude here! He's the one stared at us like we're zoo attractions or something! I swear, you westerners are no better than apes..." He argues.

That gets on your nerves, "The hell was that? You just call me an ape?" you ask.

"Yes, though that description was clearly in-apt, dumb ape would be a better description." He taunts.

File: Aldof Ubermen02.jpg (168 KB, 1440x1080)

168 KB JPG

The partner pats him on the shoulder and speaks, "Oh come now, there's no need to show such xenophobia, we're visitors in this land, it's only customary for us to be the first to introduce ourselves." He corrects.

"Well, I suppose you're right." The taller man concedes.

"Fine then Western Ape, I'll give you the honor learning not one, but two names of the master race, show gratitude!" He begins.

(Master Race? Did this guy just say master race?) you wonder as they introduce themselves.

They both put their hands to their neck in some strange, foreign salute, "My name is Volt Jaeger, 1st son in the house of the Jaeger family and proud Owl of Siqaa." Volt introduces.

"And I'm Aldof Ubermen, only son of the prestigious Ubermen line, a proud owl of Siqaa and an even prouder solider in the Siqaaian Military!" Aldof introduces.

That introduction only made you more confused however, "Owls of Siqaa?" you question.

"It's what we call all those born of the land of Siqaa." Noell cuts-in, answering your question.

You look over to him as he speaks, "We call them that because of their eyes, which glow golden in the dark like those of an owl and gray hair, which resembles an owl's feathers." Noell explains.

"I see...", (So that wasn't just my imagination.) you realize.

"Legend has it that the first men and women of Siqaa were born of a giant owl, a massive, island-sized bird with eyes so powerful that it could past time and space. Allowing it to see any place, at any time period, providing limitless knowledge of every event, past, future and present." Flourette expounds.

Aldof chimes in, "That owl is known as the Akashic Asio, it's our national symbol and object of faith for many religious people across Brenho." He adds.

Volt raises a finger, "And because of that, we Siqaaians are known for our vast wisdom, great knowledge-"

"And even greater Arrogance." Noell finishes.

"Young master!" Flourette exclaims.

"The men of Brenho are not ones to pussy-foot around the truth, or be brow-beaten into not speaking it." Noell counters.

He turns a glare to both Volt and Aldof, "Siqaaians are among the most arrogant and pompous nations in all of Brenho. They look down everyone as inferior, they think of themselves as some-kind of all-knowing master race."

File: Volt Jaeger03.png (686 KB, 1000x1396)

686 KB PNG

Volt and Aldof take no offense to his claims whatsoever.

"Well, while I can't speak on the behalf of all Siqaaians, I personally don't see anyone as inferior, I just think some people are naturally better at some things than others." Volt says with a shrug.

"Well I can speak on the behalf of all Siqaaians, when I say that we don't think of ourselves as superior, we know we're better." Aldof declares.

Noell clicks his tongue, "See what I mean? They know everything but how to shut up."

Aldof bows his head, "I'm sorry,Prince Noell, but it as you said before, we men of Brenho do not pussy-foot around the truth, we say it like it is." he states.

He raises his head and looks Noell straight in the eye, "And there is no simpler truth than the natural one! We are smarter, stronger and more talented in every field! We stand above all other life-forms, Our strength is knowledge and our knowledge is limitless!"

"If such a thing isn't superiority? What is it?" He asks.

"...." Noell glares down at him but says nothing.

You look on at the situation with growing anxiety, (Oh boy, this looks like a political disaster brewing. Noell probably shouldn't, but will end up saying something that will be used against him if this continues.) you notice.

(This asshole, he's trying to rile him and get him to say something, I can't stand arrogrant pricks like him. I should tell him off, but at the same time, I'd be making more enemies than friends doing that...) you think.

What will you do?

>Counter him

>Stay Silent.

>>3326852
>If you're so superior surely you'll show it in the final exam. Now can you stop trying to play the good cop bad cop routine that literally every child in my homeland can read a mile away? It's like you stole is straight out of (insert famous crime drama here.) You two are more hackneyed than Bradford being the crazy shotgun toting yorbian, Artz being the nice but crazy and likely possibly psychotic pale man, Brovoski being a gentle giant, Reyanuld being the desperado or myself being the hot blooded Yorknew tough trying to make good in the big world. Try again when you get a better than remedial mastery of your material.

>>3326883
>If you're so superior surely you'll show it in the final exam
I like this. Show that you're superior instead of just talking about it

>>3326883
>>3326917

Alright, that's a good response, give me a second.

>Writing.

File: Volt Jaeger05.jpg (36 KB, 480x576)

36 KB JPG

"Delusion." You state.

Aldof's face shifts from a smile to a sneer in an instant, "Excuse me? What did you say?" He asks.

"I just answered your question, that isn't superiority, it's delusion." you repeat.

Aldof shakes his head, as if he can't believe his ears, "I'm sorry, but what would a western pig like yourself know of superiority? Your people are so far down the evolutionary chain that I barely count you as human." he insults.

"Well I do know that anyone who would go around screaming he's superior all the time probably ain't very superior at all. In-fact, I'm pretty sure someone like that just has his head stuck too far up his ass to see how stupid he looks." you counter.

His fist clenches in rage,, "You ape...! You dare-"

"Excellent answer Derrick." Noell cuts him off, "While I don't support you berating our good allies, it's nice to hear a sensible point of view now and again. Thank you very much." He states.

>+50 points to Noell Cromwell relationship! (320 Points to go!)

"...." Aldof looks ready to blow a gasket, he clenches his fists in silence.

"Hm? What's this now? A silent owl? By the great fathers, you'd think the world was coming to an end." Noell berates, putting the pressure on him now.

"Do you have nothing to say now, Aldof? That would be great." He insults.

That pushes him over the edge, "To not only be defaced by filthy western trash, but the Cadaver Prince as well...!" He grumbles.

Noell's eyes go wide "Cadaver Prince...." He repeats as if he's been slapped in the face.

"Young master..." Noticing this, Flourette puts a hand to his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Veins spring up across Aldof's face as his once cool persona shatters to pieces like a broken mask, "Made fun of by a western dog and an emotionless husk not even fit to take the throne! I should take both your tongues for even daring to-!"

"Aldof." Before he's allowed to continue his tirade, Volt places a hand to his shoulder and looks up to him, same smile on his face.

"If you speak even one word more, it will be your tongue strewn across the floor, please, get a hold of yourself." He says in the calmest, most friendly way possible, it takes a moment for you to even register the threat he just made, it was too causal.

"Ah...." And just like that, Aldof falters, his once growing tidal wave of rage, subsides into a quiet ripple.

Volt, steps past Aldof and bows his head in apology, "I apologize on both our behalves, it's clear we've soured relations here."

"Come now Aldof, let's return to our seats and continue to discuss our plans." He orders as he walks over to the furthest table in the corner.

"Right..." He quickly follows suit.

File: Noell Cromwell15.jpg (124 KB, 719x1111)

124 KB JPG

"....Damn owls." Noell spits in a voice laced with growing hate.

"...." you watch silently as the two walk away, (Is it me, or is everyone from Ochima just the most toxic kind of weird? It's real hard to get a read on the two of them, well, Aldof isn't hard, cause he's clearly just an asshole...but Volt on the other hand...)

You look directly at Volt as he walks away, that same calm smile still painted on his face, (He seems nice and he seems friendly, but that just the problem, everything about him seems that way. He never did anything that worried me, but at the same time...something about him just felt, kinda fake...) you realize.

"Derrick." Noell calls to you as he notices you watching them.

"I say this to you as a word of caution, As grateful I am for your aid, I ask that next time those two try and provoke me, say nothing." He warns.

You get closer and speak quietly, "Why? Are they also you're rivals in that Razorrose thing?" you ask.

"That too, but even if they weren't plotting against me, involving yourself with owls is never a good idea. I didn't want to mention it while they can hear, but Siqaaians are infamous for one other thing, espionage." He clarifies.

That catches you off-guard, "You mean their spies?" you ask.

"The best in the nation, their information network is the strongest in all 7 kingdoms, nothing escapes the eyes of an owl and one more thing-"

He pulls you extra close for this final part, "Be extra-careful of Volt, he's S.I.S.F." he explains.

"What does that mean?" you ask.

"Siqaa. Investigative. Security. Forces. Or as they're better known across Brenho, the kingdom's secret police." He answers.

"Secret police?" you ask in a deeply worried voice.

"They report directly to the throne, they hold all the nations greatest secrets and by that merit, they are the elite among the elite. Men like him are not to be trifled with, understand me?" He asks.

You nod your head, "Got it, thanks for the warning." you state.

He slowly pushes you away, "Save your thanks, if you're to help me claim the throne, it's only natural I ensure you don't lack vital information. Your ignorance could very easily be our downfall after all." Noell dismisses.

"You say all that, but aren't you really just concerned for a friend?" Flourette says with a smile on her face.

A jolt runs through, he turns to her with a belligerent expression on his face, "I'm sorry, but who allowed you to open your whore mouth? Certainly wasn't me." He berates.

"Ahhhh, yes, sorry young master..." Flourette goes tense and begins to shiver in place, in what is clearly an extreme display of fright.

"But even so, I'm right aren't I? You're helping him because he's your friend?" She questions.

Noell looks away, a light blush cutting across his face, "S-Such things are besides the point...but yes, t-that may have been a factor..." he confesses.

That puts a smile on your face, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've missed you, you emo bastard." you state.

"Ever the rude prick are we Derrick? I can't say I missed having your lack of volume control and idiocy around." he starts.

"But...I would've be disappointed if I had heard you failed, so I'm glad you're here." He states.

"Thanks man." you state.

A tender moment of reunion is shared for a moment, till Noell looks over to Flourette and speaks, "...Wipe that smile off your face." He orders of her.

You look over to see a big, dopey grin across Flourette's face as she watches the two of you, "Smile? What smile young master? I'm not smiling." She teases.

Noell's blush goes even brighter, "I swear if you don't knock that grin off, I will!" He threatens.

"Of course young master, exactly as you say!" Clearly not listening to a word he's saying, Flourette's smile only grows wider.

Which causes Noell's fist to clench harder, "Derrick, as nice as this reunion is, It seems we'll have to cut it short." he states.

"Huh? Why?" you ask as Noell get's up from his chair.

He then grabs Flourette by the ear, hard and starts dragging her away, "It seems my attendant's tiny brain has been fried to ash, a shame really, I must supply her with water to cool her down." He explains.

"Ahhhhhh-Don't pull so hard young master! There's no need for this! I have water at the table already!" She protests.

"Oh no no, tap water is a bit too good for a trashy harpy like you, besides, I think you're going to need at least a bowl of water to cool down." he says as he drags her to the bathroom.

"Wait-What!? Young master! You wouldn't-!" She attempts fight her way out of his grasps but fails as they reach the bathroom door.

he opens the door as he speaks, "Don't worry, I hear the toilets in this country are in pristine condition, why you help me find out if that's true? You know, by taste-testing them for me." He threatens as he pulls her inside.

Flourette's face is beet red as she's dragged away, "Ahhhh, This feeling-! Such brutality! Such violence! Such-!-Such! release-!"

SLAM goes the bathroom door before Flourette is capable of calling for help.

(By god, she was in so much pain she couldn't even scream Release me...poor Flourette, one of these days, you'll be free of that evil bastard's abuse, I promise!) you want to shout out, but you know there's no saving her now.

FLUSHHHHHHHH a few seconds afterwards, you hear the repeating sounds of a toilet.

>a few minutes later...

After getting re-acquainted with Everyone, you find a seat at one of the stools at the bar, near the end of the row, a good 5 seats away from Peachnia and Vanilla's seats, saving you from the possible head trauma you would suffer from being near them.

Bradford and Arztz find seats of their at a nearby table, by some magic, Arztz hasn't been annoyed by Bradford enough to avoid him yet, giving Bradford someone to expend all his energy on harassing.

Noell and Flourette returned from the bathroom, with Noell sitting down and reading a book while Flourette wrings the fresh toilet water from her hair, gives you all a moment of tranquil peace.

That nice, peaceful phase however, comes to an end as Netero finally returns from the office, "Finally, I was half-way to getting as gray as your decrepit ass." Peachnia comments as Netero reaches the front of the room again.

Netero is unphased by her rudeness "I apologize, I was just checking on the progress of the remaining applicants we're waiting on." He explains.

"We're still waiting on more? I thought these last 6 idiots were all that were left." Ronnie questions.

Netero shakes his head, "For this next test, we will need at least 20 applicants present. With the arrival of the last 6, we now have 16, so we're waiting on 4 others." he explains.

"Jesus fucking Christ, who thought an exam could be this fucking slow..." Vanilla groans.

"Don't worry yourself, the people you're waiting on have all finished their tests and are currently on their way here." Netero explains.

Netero pulls up the sleeve on his robe and speaks, "In-fact, the first set, should be here any second now..." He trails off

knock!knock! Right on cue, a knock find the door of the cafe.

"Ah! Speak of the devil!" Netero exclaims happily.

"Hello? Is this the right place?" A soft, feminine asks from behind the door..

"That voice...is that you pinky!?" Vanilla is first to figure it out.

"Ah, you mean Ms.Etheline made it to the finals? What great news, I was sure she'd make it!" Flourette exclaims happily.

"I wasn't, I'm honestly surprised she'd made it past the first test without being devoured by some starving beast." Noell comments.

"Stop being such a prissy little faggo-I mean-emo!" Bradford scolds.

"You should just be happy that a sweet little darling like her had the guts to make it this far!" Bradford is strangely elated at Etheline appearance.

"Oh come now sweetie~, the examiners would never be so cruel to drop us at the wrong location." Another familiar voice, this one deep yet gentle comes from behind the door.

Bradford's previous elation than fades to the wind as he recognizes the second voice, "Oh Christ...is that who I think it is..."

Noell's face of displeasure becomes one of growing rage, "Curse our fates and stars, a plague has come upon our house." Noell groans.

File: Etheline Brooks29.jpg (47 KB, 460x583)

47 KB JPG

"Fufufufu" Rings a dark and seductive laughter, "Oh what a cutie! She actually thinks consent means something to us!" another female voice, this one a bit deeper and much lewder speaks.

Landon also laughs, "Oh Etheline, you're looking at it the wrong way. It's only breaking and entering if the people inside don't want us inside, but don't worry, I know they do." He claims.

"Wait, how can you tell they want us if they don't ask for it?" Etheline questions a perfectly innocent manner.

"They don't need to ask for to want it, take this as a lesson my dear, whether they ask for it or not-" Landon pushes the door open in a single push, revealing the trio of him, Sophina and Etheline behind the door.

"You always come inside." He finishes.

A mix of reactions flood out as they 3 enter the domain.

Some show elation at Etheline's arrival, "Etheline my good friend! I'm so glad to see you make it to final, I knew you had the power to make it to the end." Flourette exclaims.

Vanilla smiles, "Hey there Pinky! Welcome to the finals, glad to see you decided to drop by, it was awfully boring without someone smart to talk to." She compliments.

Even Bradford jumps up from his seat as he speaks, "Ya made it girly! I knew a tough as nails bitc-I mean- lovely young woman like yourself would pull it off!" he exclaims.

Etheline is overwhelmed by the heaping praise, "Aw shucks, you guys! I missed you all so much too! I'm so happy to see you all again!" She exclaims with a big smile.

File: Augustus Landon31.png (296 KB, 480x800)

296 KB PNG

Meanwhile, others show Landon contempt at his appearance, "Woo! Woo! Get ready boys, cover those rears, look out, look out! Here comes the queer!" Peachnia chants.

Noell clicks his tongue, "To think of all people you survived...I'd hope that even if the test hadn't killed you, some disease you contracted from your various of debauchery would."

Landon takes the hate with a smile, "Yes, yes, I know you're all so very happy to see me. I'm just as happy to see all of you." He turns his attention to Noell.

"Especially you my Dark Delight, it feels like it's been ages since I met that beautiful glare of yours, how have you been? I've missed you." Landon compliments as he approaches Noell.

Upon detecting the incoming threat, Noell reflexively grabs his blade and points to Landon, "Not a step further degenerate! You move even an inch closer and the only thing you'll be missing are your guts!" He threatens.

Landon steps back with a growing smile on his face, "Ahhh, there is it...such words of passion frosted over by such icy hate...So hot yet so cold, that's why I find you irresistible~" He states

Noell to lurches back a little in terror. "You disgusting freak...!"

"Hey now! Only I get to call him that!" Sophina hugs Landon from behind as she speaks.

"Hey now Lanny, what was all that? You trying to get me jealous, flirting with that emo boy in public like that..." She says as she runs her hands across Landon's body, touching everywhere that won't get her arrested for a public indecency charge.

"Oh sweet Sophia, now you know that's not true-" Landon grabs one of Sophina's wandering hands, twirls her around to his front and leans his face close to her own, "Right now, my eyes, heart and soul only go one way, straight to your heart." he flirts.

"Ohhhh..." Sophina meets Landon's romantic words with bedroom eyes that would melt a weaker man to jelly, "Okay, that's nice and all, but what about your tongue? Which way does that go?" she asks.

Landon laughs, "Oh that? That goes all kinds of ways. Want to see for yourself?" He asks.

She licks her lips in response, "Oh I'd be happy to."

"Oh for the love of things righteous and right with us! Please take these debauch acts of yours and do them in whatever lewd little corner, away from my poor eyes." Noell exclaims as he attempts to look away from the lewd spectacle.

Landon shakes his head, eyes still locked with Sophina, "Oh I wish I could, but this cute little devil here just loves doing it in public." he flirts.

"Oh stop it you! Don't lie like that!" Sophina counters.

She grips the back of his head so he can't get away, "I like public and private, don't get it mixed up like that."

"You're right, how about I mix you up instead?" Landon flirts.

File: Etheline Brooks34.jpg (168 KB, 1047x1094)

168 KB JPG

What followed from there was a series of events that, only using the most family friendly of wordings, could only be described as: The flowing a river with 2 mouths, The sound of a wet rag being wrung out and the moans of two fighting beasts.

Peachnia looks on, a slight blush on her face with peaked interest, "Oh...So he's not a complete queer after-all..." She corrects.

Noell covers his eyes with both hands, "Two gallons, I'm going to need at least two gallons of bleach to burn away the horrors that have just transpired."

You sit back and enjoy the sight of everyone you've met so far in this journey fighting and having fun with one another with a mix of glee and nostalgia, (Boy, I can't believe everyone actually made it, an exam with over 5000 applicants in the beginning, narrowed down to just 200 and then split down into groups of just 20.) you think.

(That means at least 4800 people failed or died along the way, and not one of us was among that number, though we did come close once or twice...) you think back to the 1st and 2nd tests.

You can't help but smile, (That's just crazy when you think about it, we really fought long and hard to get here and not one of us gave up...shit, I think I might have made some really good friends.)

As you're thinking that, Etheline breaks away from all the people talking to her as she notices you, "Derrick! you made it to the finals too!"

She runs over to your table, her smile two times brighter, leaving you feeling a bit bewildered but too happy to be bothered by it, "By the skin of my teeth basically, but yeah, I survived." you state.

"Don't be so humble about it, I knew someone as strong as you would make it to the finals. I'm just happy we get to go at it together." She states.

"I could say the same about you, nice job making it all the way here on your own, I knew you could do it." you praise.

She shakes her head, "No, I wasn't on my own at all. It was actually because of you..." She says with a slight blush.

"Because of me?" you ask.

"Well, I had to fight a lot to get here and if it wasn't for all those fighting skills you gave me, I might not be here right now." She explains.

She clenches her fist and looks proudly down at it, "You gave me the power to fight for myself, so I wasn't alone, even when you're not beside, It's like I have you right here, fighting with me..." She softly grabs her own fists.

What will you say?

>No, you got here through your own skill, be proud of that.

>I'm glad to help you now, and I'll happily help you anytime.

>I can be in more places than your hand if you want, like your heart maybe?

>>3327077
>I appreciate the compliment. But your strength is your own. You may have learned from me and learned fast, but it is still you. Just make sure you try to pick up some conditioning to go with that suit, you can't wear it 24/7.

>>3326994
>>3327009
>>3327023
Eh? That didn't really include the write-in

>>3327077
>>I'm glad to help you now, and I'll happily help you anytime.
but
>No, you got here through your own skill, be proud of that.

File: [Polite Confusion].png (360 KB, 850x498)

360 KB PNG

>>3327090

>Eh? That didn't really include the write-in

Did it not? I took that write-in as If you were actually a master race, you wouldn't be bragging about being a master-race (Along with anon throwing some good shade my way by putting me on blast for my use of stereotypes for a lot of my characters.) and ran with it from there.

Unless you wanted me to include the super-meta part, I think I did the write-in justice, what else should I have added?

>>3327085

This looks like a mix of your own skill and I'm glad to help, I can use it.

>Writing.

File: 7ef.jpg (32 KB, 600x600)

32 KB JPG

>>3327111
I would personally interrupt is as more of a declaration to prove it instead of telling them that they're just outright wrong. He could be correct or incorrect, we simply don't know but what we do know if that all the different people he said he's superior to are in the same room as him, taking the same exam, so it's a perfect chance to test if they are truly the master race or not instead of just talking about it. Like a "put your money where your mouth is" kind of deal

File: Etheline Brooks31.png (507 KB, 811x964)

507 KB PNG

You put a hand up to stop her, "I appreciate the compliment. But your strength is your own. Everything else was your brains mixed with a little of my brawn." you counter.

She gives a slightly troubled smile, "I get what you mean, but it was with your training that even managed to get here, the CADS really worked like a charm in that second test, but I can't really say that was my own strength..." She states.

You extend a fist, "Then make it your own, you aren't as frail as you look, trust me, I tested that first hand. With a little conditioning and a bit or muscle memory, I'm sure you'll learn how to fight even without the suit on your back." You state.

Her eyes dazzle a bit, "Y-You really think so? You really think I'm that strong?" She asks.

"I'm sure you're that strong, a little faith in yourself can go a long way. And trust me, we're going long ways in this place." You promise.

>Etheline brims with excitement from your encouragement! +30 points! (420 points to go!)

Etheline looks a little blown away by your confidence in her, "R-Right, I'll make sure to keep my training up...so that one day I'll be as cool as you...."

"Huh? What'd you say?" you ask.

"N-Nothing, uhhhh-" She looks around to find something to switch topics to.

She looks to Landon and Sophinia, "Oh! uh, it wasn't just your help, I also I had Landon and Sophina to help me along the way!" She states.

You feel a pang of worry, "Yeah...still, you're really tough for making it through 2 tests with those two, it must have been really hard..." you comfort.

"Huh? Why?" She asks.

You give her a perplexed look, "Well, I mean, it's Landon and Sophinia, If Landon wasn't cracking dirty jokes, he was cracking Sophina's dress and...well, you know." you explain.

She shakes her head, "No. I don't know. What do you mean?" She asks.

"Uhhhh, do I really have to spell here, in public? I mean, they do that a lot on their own anyway..." you dodge the topic.

She gives a confused look, "I don't really get what you mean. I mean, Landon and Sophina undressed a lot, but that's because they'd keep going into the forest to play games!" she explains.

A shock runs through your spine, "Um, Etheline, are-are you joking?" you ask.

She shakes her head, "No, they did it all the time during the 2nd test,they'd tell me to wait at camp as they left their clothes behind to go into the forest and play games." She explains.

You show a face of genuine concern, "Etheline, you can't be serious. Isn't that a bit weird? Taking off your clothes to play games in the forest?" you ask.

"I mean it was kinda weird, but I think it's fine, I mean they're super-close, like brother and sister, so they must be fine with seeing each naked, it's a little cute actually." She answers.

>>3327162

A very good point, that too would have been an excellent way to counter his argument, okay, next time I'll try and be more to the point with the write-ins and try and put my own spin on them less.

>Continuing.

>>3327162
That was the intended line of thought, but God o ROck did fine. Confidence is quiet, he was not. His buddy (volt) might be superior, he's just a yapping dog.

>>3327171
It's all good man, thanks for understanding

>>3327184
Hey he could be be both strong and confident as well as a cocky asshole, they aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. And judging by their entrance and Noelle's reactions to them, I'd say they're probably pretty strong. Whether or not they're really the strongest though has yet to be proven though

>>3327201
The fact he sees the need to degrade everyone even when not pressed is the issue. He's insecure about his own superiority which means he is not in fact superior.

A truly superior man would not need to take the time to try and prove his superiority nor would he need to disprove the superiority of those around him. Which is why Volt is likely the more dangerous of the pair by far.

File: Sophinia Jungfery.jpg (72 KB, 720x720)

72 KB JPG

You grab her by the shoulders and give her a serious look, "Etheline, stay with me here. What do you think they were doing when they left?" you ask.

"What? Wrestling of course." She answers.

You can't believe your ears, "W-Wrestling?" you ask in complete bewilderment

"Yeah, I mean, they had to be, whenever they'd come back, they'd be come back all covered in dirt and sweat, so they had to be wrestling! What else could they be doing?" She asks back.

The shock of her words forces you to take a step back, "E-Etheline? Did you ever actually ask them what they were doing?" you ask.

"Yep! They told me they were getting down and dirty and that it was their favorite game!" The child-like, pure smile she gives you as she says those words causes you to clench your chest in agony.

"Etheline...I...I..I don't know what to say..." you struggle to form a response.

Etheline looks perplexed, "Is wrestling that weird to you? I think wrestling is super cool! That's why I asked Landon to teach me some, since Sophina said he was so good at it!" She states.

"I'M SORRY,WHAT!?" you can't help but shout at the very top your lungs, catching everyone's attention.

You startle Etheline a bit, "Y-Yes, Landon was really thorough about it too. He taught me how to use my hands, my feet, even the proper way to move my hips!" She exclaims.

"...." you go quiet

"He wrestled with me everyday while we were together. He was a really good trainer too! He never gave me a chance to rest, we did all day, he just pounded the lessons into day in and day out. Sometimes Sophina even joined in and we'd have a 3-way!" Etheline explains.

Every eye in the room fell on Landon, who panicked under the intense, hateful gazes of the room, "U-Um, Etheline, sweet, that's a nice story and all, but perhaps you want to phrase it better..." He asks.

"What do you mean? How else am I supposed to phrase it? You smashed me into the dirt non-stop, even when I was begging you for mercy! It was hard, but it felt super good to learn! You grabbed me in ways I never even thought possible!" She continues.

"Landon...you disgusting filth....To such a young girl..." Noell looks like he's struggling between gagging in disgust or turning away in revulsion.

"Sir Landon, I knew you were a lustful man, but to take advantage of such a sweet, innocent girl... Unforgivable." Flourette's face is a mix of rage and pity.

"You really don't know how to keep it in your fucking pants huh? You're a monster, seriously fucked in the head!" Vanilla insults.

Landon backs away in fear, "I think you might all be misunderstanding! I'd never do anything to a precious, un-tainted flower like Etheline! She's too pure, too good for this world!"

Sophina joins in, "What are you talking about deary? Etheline's right, you're an amazing wrestler. The way you ran your hands across her was too amazing to be described, you didn't leave a single inch of her untouched..." She compliments.

File: Augustus Landon28.jpg (14 KB, 236x314)

14 KB JPG

"You're not helping Sophi! Please stop talking!" Landon begs.

Before Landon even notices, he's been backed into a wall, 4 people surrounding him, all filled with rage and bloodlust, aimed at right at him.

"Oh friends, this is an excellent joke, really it is! hahahahaha! See, I'm laughing so much!" He laughs nervously.

"The only joke here is the fact that you're still breathing sex offender...no, maybe sex predator is a better name for you now." Noell threatens.

"You think that's funny? I know a better joke, I say we string this bastard up by his groin and use his scoutum as a pinata." Vanilla threatens

Shivers of fright run through Landon as he puts his hands up in a calming gesture, "Listen, as fun as all that sounds, perhaps you should all, cool your heads for a second-"

Before he's allowed to finish his sentence, Bradford has his hands on his collar and hoists him into the air and slams him against the wall, "You want us cool our heads!? How about you cool your loins first you-you-you-" Bradford struggles to find a word in his vocabulary that isn't a curse or some other form of foul language.

"Rape person! You're a rape person! You're a person that does rapes!" Failing, he decides to just make up his own word.

"No! That's wrong, I'm not a rape person! And I'd never do such a thing to dear Etheline!" He pleads.

His eyes then meet yours and he smiles, "Derrick! Oh my good friend Derrick! Surely you understand what's really going on right!? Talk some sense into these people!" He asks

What will you do?

>Clear up the misunderstanding

>Join in on the beat-down.

>>3327234
>>Clear up the misunderstanding
>Save you energy for the last exam. Probably going to be a tourney or some shit.

>>3327234
Clear up the misunderstanding

>>3327225
This is great

>>3327234
>>Clear up the misunderstanding
Before he dies, ideally

>"Rape person! You're a rape person! You're a person that does rapes!"
It's been over 4 years and that is still one of the best lines of dialogue I've ever read

>>3327255
>>3327256
>>3327257

>Okay guys, time to calm it down.

>Writing.

(As terribly phrased as that all was, there's no way Landon would actually trick Etheline into doing this and that, he's a disgusting pervert, but he isn't that bad.) you realize.

Knowing that, you decide to play the part of Devil's advocate, You put your hands up in a calming gesture, "Okay guys, I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but I'm pretty sure Landon didn't molest anyone this time." you say the unthinkable.

Landon looks overjoyed, "Oh! My precious Sunshine! I knew you'd never betray me!" He shouts before getting shaken again.

"Get that nonsense outta here! You really think I'm gonna believe this creep didn't use wrestling as an excuse to get his hands all over her!? You're living in a fantasy!" He counters.

"Okay man, I know this is Landon we;re talking about, but I'm sure even he has boundaries." you argue.

Noell gives a scrutinizing look, "Do you hear yourself right now? Boundaries? You think this walking sexual harassment lawsuit has boundaries?" He asks.

You try and come up with a counter argument, "...Okay, Maybe I phrased that last part wrong. but hear me out..." you say as fail terribly.

"I thought you were coming to my defense..." Landon mumbles sadly

"Of course I have boundaries! Admittedly very small ones...But they certainly include things like forcing myself on women that don't actual want me! I'd never do something so horri-gah!"

"Who said you could talk trashbag, shut that raping mouth!" Bradford cuts him off.

"Even my mouth is rapey now?" He asks.

"There isn't a single bone in you that isn't rapey." Vanilla answers.

"I didn't do such a thing, I swear....We were really just wrestling..." he pleads.

"You really think I'm gonna buy that!? That delicate little flower there!? You taught her how to wrestle!?" Bradford questions.

"I really did! Etheline deary, prove it to them! Prove my innocence!" He pleads.

Etheline looks a little shaken, "Prove it? How?" She asks.

"Just do the thing I showed you! You know what I'm talking about!" He orders.

"The thing? Really? Here and now? On who?" She asks.

Landon is dropped as Bradford steps up, "Hmph! Do it on me! Let's see if this cockroach really taught you anything!" He demands.

Bradford, a 6 foot, must been 200+ pound man, steps up to Etheline, a 19 year old girl who barely reaches 5 feet and weighs something in the 100s.

Etheline looks up to him with a concerned expression, "Are you sure Mr.Bradford?" She asks.

"You're Dam- I mean- Darn tootin I'm sure! Go ahead! I won't even fight back!" He says as he crosses his arms.

Etheline crouches and readies her stance, "Fine, don't say I didn't warn you beforehand..." She says as she takes some deep breathes.

"You can do it Dear...I know I trained you well..." Landon quietly encourages.

"Oh man! This I have got to see! This is going to be great!" Vanilla laughs.

"Well!? What are you waiting for!? Come at me!" Bradford demands.

"Oh man, this is going to be a mess..." You groan.

File: Etheline Brooks14.png (349 KB, 800x666)

349 KB PNG

Kohhhhhhhhh Etheline breathes in sharply and exhales slowly, entering into her own little world outside this one.

"What!? You having a panic attack or something!? No need to be scared baby! Come at me anytime!" he encourages in his impatience.

"When you end up failing, I'm gonna enjoy hanging that perverted freak up by his Testei-"

https://youtu.be/26UldnNl870

I'm sorry Mr.Bradford, but I have to go all out...just this once... Etheline states suddenly, cutting off Bradford's little monologue.

"Huh!? What'd you-" Bradford shouts.

In a flash of speed you never thought possible for Etheline, she twists perfectly around Bradford and grips around his stomach.

"What the-Are you serious!?" He shouts in a panic and attempts to fight back, but taking advantage of her shorter height, Etheline resists any struggling Bradford puts up.

Before he even has a chance to brute force his way out her grip, Etheline stomps a foot between Bradford's thrashing legs, actively tripping him on top of her.

"Wha-Whoaaaaaaaa!" Bradford screams as he falls backwards to the ground.

"No way!" Vanilla shouts in disbelief.

"He's going to crush her!?" Noell shouts.

"No he won't." Landon says with a smile.

"That's my girl you're talking about, she's far stronger than she looks." Landon states.

And his words show through, mid-way through what would be a bone-shattering fall, she spreads her legs wide and arches her back.

Creating what can only be described as a perfect bridge, carrying Bradford from a 90 degree fall down, into a 120 degree flight to the hard floor.

"WHAT THE FUCCCC-OW!" He screams as his head is brutally smashed into cafe floor, in the perfect suplex.

"......" What comes after is a moment of pure silence, that complete mis-match up, a fight you thought the outcome obvious too, one that reminded you of David vs Goliath, came to an unexpected end.

With Bradford, his massive body shadowing Etheline's as she holds him in a perfectly bridged pin by German Suplex, putting continuous pressure on his neck.

"OW!OW!OW!OW! I GIVE! I GIVE!" Bradford shouts.

"You only give if you tap out Mr.Bradford!" Etheline says in a strangely powerful voice.

He does just that, weakly slamming his hand against the wooden floor twice to signal submission.

Etheline let's him go as he rolls to the floor, defeated once again.

"How in the....I can't even...." Bradford doesn't even know what to say.

"....." The rest of you though, are left utterly speechless as Etheline finds her footing.

She looks back to all your bewildered faces and throws you all a beautiful smile with a peace sign, "I told you! He really taught me to be a wrestler!" She sings Landon's praises.

File: 9ed.jpg (138 KB, 750x815)

138 KB JPG

>>3327338
>I'm sorry Mr.Bradford, but I have to go all out...just this once...

You all collectively look back to Landon in pure disbelief as he rises from the floor, dusting himself off with a smile on his face.

"Do you all believe me now?" He asks smugly.

"You...actually taught her how to wrestle..." Vanilla says, completely blown away.

He presents his gloved hands proudly, "I'm sure you're all aware that I'm a master of grabbing people where they least expect it and twisting them into amazing new position." He brags.

"To a bedroom warrior like myself, translating my seductive skills into real combat is a cinch. Are you not impressed?" he questions.

Noell clenches his fist in rage, "Why'd he have to be telling the truth...I was so close to having the chance of getting rid of even one of you pest...." He growls.

Landon laughs, "Sorry my Dark Delight, looks like I remain in your hair for a good while longer." He teases.

Bradford rubs the growing bump on his head as he gets up, "Alright, Alright...I get that you weren't lying now." He admits.

"Thank you very much for your understanding-"

"But just quick question. How long did it take to teach her all of that?" Bradford questions.

"Oh? Just two days, she's an extremely quick learner as long as you're thorough about your lessons." He explains.

"Thorough? What do you mean by Thorough?" you question.

Landon makes some phyiscally disgusting moments with his hands, "Well, of course if I had to teach her how to use every inch of her body. Which means I had to feel each and everyone of her muscles and personally tease them to my liking..." he explains.

"....." you all go quiet as he speaks.

"I must say, Etheline is an exceptionally soft girl, every inch of her is so sweet, ripe and pleasing to the touch-huh?" Landon's words are cut as he notices something strange.

"Why are you all surrounding me again? I thought we cleared up the misunderstanding!?" He questions.

"Oh we cleared it up. You did teach her wrestling, as an excuse so you can feel her up yourself you low-life!" Florette accuses.

Landon is once again at the wall, "Wait, wait, wait! I didn't mean it like that...." he tries to deflect.

"You creepy little shit, you gave away your true intentions with that little speech of yours..." Vanilla says, pulling a small knife from her pocket.

"I can't believe I actually defended you, you're gonna make it up for making a fool outta me..." You say as you crack your knuckles.

"I hope you're ready to face the appropriate punishment for your crimes." Florette pulls out a whip you never knew she had on her.

Landon looks terrified beyond words, "Is it too late to say it was all a joke?" He asks.

"Kneel scum." Noell acutely demands.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Landons shrieks fill the cafe for the next few minutes as you wait for the final applicant.

We shall continue tomorrow, goodnight for now anons.

>>3327368
Night

File: Goodu!.png (91 KB, 305x183)

91 KB PNG

>>3327368
Amazing work so far, god, you're fucking great.
I'd go as far to say that you've surpassed OP studios, although that's just my subjective opinion

File: [Unforgiveable].jpg (19 KB, 320x311)

19 KB JPG

>>3328080

>That Spoiler

Is that blasphemy I see anon? While I appreciate the compliment, more than I'd like to admit, Such words are sin on this board, OPStudios is Life! OPStudios is number one!

File: 1549957131066.png (917 KB, 1886x3341)

917 KB PNG

>>3328080
>I'd go as far to say that you've surpassed OP studios, although that's just my subjective opinion
Come talk to me when we get a CHART

My apologies anons, but The thread will be about 2 hours late today a friend of mine wishes to hang out for a bit and I can't exactly turn him down.

I'll see you all soon.

>>3328461

Exactly so anon, though, while I don't want to copy OPStudios, that chart does give me an idea.

Maybe I should work on condensing a lot of the text wall that is the character list into a chart. That would make it much easier to consume.

See you all soon anons.

File: [Good to see you].png (224 KB, 269x625)

224 KB PNG

Okay, I'm back guys and I won't lie to you all, I'm also at least 20% drunker than I was before.

But that also means I'm 20% better at writing then before.

Let's continue.

>Writing.

>>3328541
I'd say go for it, it's not like the idea of a character chart was invented by OP, it's the size and amazing questions that impress me

File: Howard Billingham 06.jpg (106 KB, 820x1574)

106 KB JPG

>10 minutes later

Sophinia and Etheline nurse Landon's bruises, Etheline by applying ice to the more swollen areas while Sophinia showers Landon with kisses in his less sore areas as he recovers in off corner of the cafe.

you all sit back down, mildly calmer now that a lot of your violent tendencies have been indulged as you wait for the final arrival.

(Boy, this last guy sure is taking a while, we sit around like this for much longer and someone's gonna try and kill someone. If not out of rage, then out of boredom.) you realize.

Creak... As you think that, the door creaks open goes the door as a new man enters the room.

"This the place? I'm tired of driving around." A voice modulated and monotone, sounding more like a text-to-speech program than an actual voice.

"Oh Christ..." you groan as the whole room comes to focus on the invading party.

You look over to see a tall man, encased in a metallic skin that covers him from head to toe, a cold, hard shell you recognize.

"Oh great, so all of you bastards made it to the end too?" Howard Billingham, the man more machine than flesh and more monster than he'd like to admit, asks with obvious disdain.

He walks deeper into the cafe, giving everyone an analytic glance, before stopping on you.

"I was hoping you'd do me a favor and drop dead so I wouldn't have to see your sorry ass twice." Howard says to you.

"...." you say nothing back, simply casting an annoyed look at him.

He then turns a glare to Etheline, "And I was Especially hoping to see you gone." He insults.

Worry flares up in Etheline's eyes, she casts her gaze wayward, too frightened to meet his dead and hateful gaze head on.

"I'm sorry, did you just taunt my precious, untainted flower?" Landon asks as he gets up and faces Howard, still full of energy in-spite of his light injuries.

"Yeah, so? Who the hell are you pretty boy?" He asks.

"Just a concerned friend, I ask that take and reconsider your actions and maybe apologize while you're at it." Landon demands.

"And what why the hell should I do that?" he asks.

"Because if you don't I'll be forced to make you re-consider." He threatens with a hint of anger in his voice.

"Took the words right out of my mouth Landon. Now if you don't want to take my fist down your throat, I'd stop talking and just sit down if I were you." you join in.

He laughs, or at least, he tries to sound like he's laughing, "Right, I hear you Sunshine, still wrapped around that little bitch's finger are we? See how far that gets you." he taunts.

You feel a rush of blood to your head, but before you can even speak, Bradford is already stepping up, "You mind repeating that you walking metal brick!?" He asks.

"Who the hell are you and why do you sound like an off-tune megaphone?" He asks.

"The name's Bradford! A friend of the young lady you just insulted!" He introduces.

"Ah, so another one of her puppets huh? How'd she trick your ass? Same nice little princess act? That shit works like a charm doesn't it!?" He shouts at Etheline.

Bradford grits his teeth in anger, "Yo Tin-can! I'd shut down that speakn'spell of yours before I'm forced to crush you like a fucking trash compacter." He fails to stop himself from cursing.

"Oh how cute, you must think you're real scary white-knighting for a little girl. I can't believe how many dumbasses spring from the woodwork the second a cute girl is involved." He insults.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear a damn thing through all the bullshit you were spewing! What'd you just say!?" he shouts.

"The truth." He answers.

That's the straw that breaks the camels back, "Hey guys." He calls to you all in strangely calm voice.

"Yeah?" you answer.

"Don't try and stop me, I may end up killing all you too if you get in my way." He demands.

What will you say?

>Calm down Bradford, the fight isn't worth it

>Go ahead, I won't stop you.

>Forget that, I'm the one wasting this idiot!

>[Write-in]

>>3328916
>>Calm down Bradford, the fight isn't worth it
We need 20 people for the last phase so if one of us kills each other it won't go too well

Just save it for after the exam starts

>>3328916
>>Calm down Bradford, the fight isn't worth it
>save it for after the exam, we still need 20 people, and hopefully mr. roboto counts enough to get this started.

>>3328938
>>3328965

>No, no, we need this one, we can kill him later.

>Writing.

File: Augustus Landon20.jpg (384 KB, 800x1000)

384 KB JPG

(While I despise antagonistic asshat, it's clear he's trying to pick a fight, i won't fall for his bait and no else should either.) you think.

That's why, despite your sour experssion, you say "Just calm down Bradford, the fight isn't worth it." you state.

"It's not about being worth anything! I just want to put this asshole to the tou try and calm him down again, but Landon puts a hand out to stop you, "Don't waste your breath Derrick. Trust me, when it comes to defending the people they care about, men like Bradford stop hearing sense altogether." he says.

He then clenches his outstretched fist, "I'd know, as I'm just the same!" He shouts.

"Guys, I really-really- don't want you to fight for me, it's fine, I don't-" Etheline desperately pleas despite her fear.

"Well even if you don't want it, I sure as hell do!" Bradford exclaims.

"Oh brother..." Howard groans as he reaches to his back for something.

"You'll be calling for him, your dad and your mother after we're done with you-" Bradford charges forward, fist cocked and ready.

That is until Netero appears between the two, forcing Bradford to come to screeching halt, "Shit-You again old man!? Don't get in my way!" He shouts.

"I already warned you all that if you take violent action outside testing conditions, you will be disqualified." He warns.

"Grrr..." Bradford growls.

"I thought I told you need to stop letting your emotions guide you, you need to think more before you act." He lectures.

"Kinda pointless advice don't you think chairman? This guy doesn't seem like the type that thinks much of anything through. He wouldn't be stupid enough to attack me otherwise." Howard taunts.

Bradford clenches his fist as he glares at Howard behind him, "I don't care to get disqualified if it mean getting to knock that piece of shit there flat!" He threatens.

Netero sighs, "If even my warnings won't stop you then I see no point in stopping you." he states.

But before he moves out of the way he raises a finger, "But, allow me to make you a promise, if you hold your anger in for a few moments more, you will have the chance to attack this man as you like, free of any restrictions." he says.

"Huh? You serious old man?" Bradford hums.

Netero smiles, "Have I caught your interest now young man? if so, I ask that all of you back away and take a seat while I explain the situation." he asks.

"....You're a lucky fuck tin-can." Bradford spits before he walks away.

"And you're a dumb one." Howard says as he walks inside as well.

File: Issac Netero.png (1.91 MB, 1920x1080)

1.91 MB PNG

After that, everyone settles down as Netero stands at the front of the cafe and speaks.

"Alright everyone, with Howard here now, we have 20 applicants and are officially ready to begin the final exam." he announces.

"Oh thank god! Finally!" Vanilla shouts.

"But-"

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!" A collective groan of impatience rings out across the cafe.

"Yes, yes, I know you've all had enough of waiting, but this is a necessary final step before we continue." he explains.

"What do we must we do now?" Noell asks.

"I'd like to ask that all of you to answer some questions for me." Netero requests.

"Questions?" you ask.

"Yes. You high-class fighters and survivors have fought tooth and nail to reach where you sit now, you've been climbing a steep mountain, one which's peak is finally within grasp." Netero compliments.

"For warriors of your class, we expect that almost everyone here will pass this next test. So of course, it would be prudent to ensure that we interview you all to see if you're as emotionally capable for the job as you are physically." Netero explains.

"The hell, so after nearly dying lord knows how many times, now we're finally getting the a job interview? Good god." Reynauld complains.

Arztz nods his head, "Yes, while I wouldn't say it so aggressively, I do agree that we've been put through numerous life-or-death battles, to only now to be put through an interview to find us suitable for the job? That's a bit ridiculous."

Netero hushes the two, "Don't you worry, this interview is more a formality than anything else. There's no way to fail it, we just want to get a feel for your character and state of mind." He explains.

Dillion nods, "A natural course of action. There's quite a few people here with terrible character and questionable state of mind." he finishes that sentence by shooting a look at Bradford.

"Don't you look at me Rich boy! I've dodged one too many shotgun shells for you to be lording your sanity over me!" He counters.

"Now, now, let's not fight." Netero calms the two before smiling, "You'll have plenty of opportunities to sort out your personal differences later. For now-" He looks over to you.

"Hm?" you mumur.

"Derrick, I ask that you step into the office first." He asks.

"Ah...sure." you're a little surprised to be first pick, but you comply regardless.

You get up and head inside the small office, a nice little quaint room with much the same design as the rest of the shop, expect this room is has a few cabinets, a single desk in the back a long couch and a single seat chair with a low-hanging desk separating them.

The sun shines in from an adjacent window as you take a seat in the couch with Netero taking a seat in the opposing chair, he takes out some thin sheets of paper and arranges them while speaking, "Okay, i'd like to keep this short and simple, so first question-" he pulls out a strange, foreign calligraphy brush.

"Why do you want to be a Hunter?" he asks.

What will you say?

>To bring justice to the world

>To have grand, amazing adventures

>To get money, fame and maybe a few ladies along the way.

>>3329158
If a write in is okay:
>I just want to make things better for whoever I can
If not:
>>To bring justice to the world

File: Hisoka_interviewed_by_netero.jpg (123 KB, 1280x720)

123 KB JPG

>>3329158
Ok I was wondering if we were gonna do these

>I already told you earlier, my reasons haven't changed
refer to>>3323008

>>3329180
Yeah, I was also thinking this