>>3875775
>Ease yourself out of his grip and walk over to Rock’s console – you want the satisfaction of being able to look him in the eye and say that he was wrong.

>>3875775
>Ham
Vini Vidi Vici.

>>3875775
>Ease yourself out of his grip and walk over to Rock’s console – you want the satisfaction of being able to look him in the eye and say that he was wrong.

>>3875784
+1
Hopefully he can help us build a case we can actually use to get police help.

>>3875775
>>Ease yourself out of his grip and walk over to Rock’s console – you want the satisfaction of being able to look him in the eye and say that he was wrong.

>>3875784
>>3875813
>>3875814
>>3875824
Hello everyone! This wins, writing now!

>>3875838

You can see the man opening his mouth to speak again, most likely follow-up questions for you that you really don’t feel like answering with this growing headache, so you gently pry your hand from the man’s grip and walk over to the console adjacent to yours.

“H-HEY, WHERE ARE YOU GOING!?”

You pay the man no heed as you walk over, leaning your arm against the console. Rock’s helmet is off, and he’s staring into the sky with a thoughtful expression…in all of the past experiences you’ve had with him, he’s either been incredibly angry or completely blank. You’d describe his expression as almost strangely…serene, in a way. When he eventually registers that you’re there, his eyes slowly move to meet yours.

“…yes?” His voice has a strange quality to it, one you can’t exactly identify…one thing you do know is that you’ve never heard it come out of his mouth before.

>Be polite and extend a hand to help him out of the console – there’s no reason to incur bad favor with everyone else in the crowd, and he did drive you to the venue.
>Immediately ask him the questions that you’re owed – he’s already paid off all the damage to your arcade, and with this he can get out of your life for good.
>Lord your win over him – he did all of this shit to you, all to be proven wrong in the final stretch. You bet your ass you’re going to hold this over him, if only for personal satisfaction.
>Other.

>>3875859
>Be polite and extend a hand to help him out of the console – there’s no reason to incur bad favor with everyone else in the crowd, and he did drive you to the venue.

>>3875859

>Be polite and extend a hand to help him out of the console – there’s no reason to incur bad favor with everyone else in the crowd, and he did drive you to the venue.

>>3875859
>>Be polite and extend a hand to help him out of the console
This reminds, me, RIP in peace breakfast bucket.

>>3875859
>Be polite and extend a hand to help him out of the console – there’s no reason to incur bad favor with everyone else in the crowd, and he did drive you to the venue.

>>3875860
>>3875862
>>3875864
>>3875869
Extend a helping hand! Writing now.

>>3875881

(So I am incredibly tired at the moment, and I just wanted to get this thread off the ground before I go to sleep. So I’m going to go and do that! Thank you very much for reading this, and I hope you’ve had a good time doing so – last thread was wild. Please give me feedback, questions, or even some compliments – I want to make this quest as good as I can so everyone enjoys it. Have a great night, anons, and I’ll see you in the morning!)

You let out a sigh and extend your hand to the large man – you lose nothing by being cordial with him, especially on stage in front of a large amount of people who are literally judging your every move. You’ve dealt with enough blistering hatred to last you an entire lifetime, after all!

Rock looks down at your hand, then back at you, and then back to your hand. He raises his own to take yours, and you attempt to help him out of the console – unfortunately he’s a very big dude so you don’t help all that much, but it’s the thought that counts, after all!

“OHHHHHH! A SHOW OF FRIENDSHIP BY NOVA!? WHAT A SURPRISING MANUEVER!”

You want to clobber the announcer over the head for at least the third time today, but you repress it as Rock looks down at you. The height difference between you two is staggering – he’s at least a head and a half taller than you, and you come up to about his chest when standing normally like this.

“…I still intend to honor what I proposed, I can see the doubt in your eyes.” Shit, was your suspicious look that obvious? He had already paid off the damages, but you had a slight fear of him just denying everything else with physical violence? He’s already going to the clink, so there wouldn’t exactly be a lot for him to lose on that part. “However…could you please give me a few hours? I need to make peace with a few things on my own.”

Huh, out of everything you expected him to say, you…didn’t expect that. You analyze his expression – you had expected a healthy amount of anger, and upon finding none you’re…well, you’re fucking weirded out, honestly.

>”Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere?” You see no issue in allowing the matter to rest for a few hours, especially when he’s acting this oddly.
>”No, sorry. We made an agreement, and you’re fulfilling it right now.” You want this to be over with, so you’ll get what you need and then send him off to avoid further confrontation.
>”I just want to hear you say that you were wrong. Then you can go.” You’re going to press this until you hear it just once, because you damn well deserve an I told you so moment.
>Other.

>>3875907
>>”Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere?” You see no issue in allowing the matter to rest for a few hours, especially when he’s acting this oddly.

>>3875907
>>”Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere?” You see no issue in allowing the matter to rest for a few hours, especially when he’s acting this oddly.

We've been through the shit ourselves and we had friends help us out with it. Rock might have been an asshole but that doesn't mean we gotta be. Plus if 0phelia was behind this then we've both been played. Might as well give him what he didn't give us. A hand. Also here's hoping he doesn't off himself because he has no support.

>>3875907
>”Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere?” You see no issue in allowing the matter to rest for a few hours, especially when he’s acting this oddly.

>>3875907
>”Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere?” You see no issue in allowing the matter to rest for a few hours, especially when he’s acting this oddly.

>>3875907
>>”No, sorry. We made an agreement, and you’re fulfilling it right now.” You want this to be over with, so you’ll get what you need and then send him off to avoid further confrontation.

>>3875907
>”Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere?” You see no issue in allowing the matter to rest for a few hours, especially when he’s acting this oddly.

>>3875907
>>”Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere?” You see no issue in allowing the matter to rest for a few hours, especially when he’s acting this oddly.

>>3875907
>"You can have a few hours, but I want to hear you admit you were wrong right now."

>>3875909
>>3875914
>>3875917
>>3875918
>>3876211
>>3876229

(Good morning everyone!)

“Uh, yeah, sure. Would you like to meet up somewhere later, then?” You wipe the other vaguely condescending answers you had been considering from your mind, looking into the man’s eyes. With how Rock is acting now, you find it a little hard to muster up the anger that you had brought into this fight originally – his face has shifted from serenity to one that seems to be a mixture of reflection and looking like a kicked dog. You think you can make out a hint of relief in his eyes as he opens his mouth to respond.

“Yes, that would be preferable. I have your contact information, so I’ll message you when I’m ready to speak. Do you have a ride home?” He asks you, already beginning to step away towards the off-stage area he had emerged from. You idly notice that his hands are clenched, despite the lack of malice in his eyes.

“Yeah, I think so…if not, I can always call a taxi.” You shrug your shoulders as you respond to him.

“Then I’ll see you later, Nova.” He turns away from you curtly, and just as he’s about to walk away, you feel a need spring up in you – the need to reciprocate competitive etiquette like he had shown you earlier. You’ve already decided to be polite to him, so what’s the point in not going the little extra mile?

“Hey, Rock. Before you go, I have something to say.”

“Yes?” He looks over his shoulder at you with a raised eyebrow.

“Good game.”

He pauses for a moment, unsure of what to say. After a moment, he raises a fist in your direction.

“Good game.” His voice is solemn as he responds to you.

>Accept the fist bump.
>Do not accept the fist bump.
>Other.

>Also roll a 1d20 with your choice to perceive something.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3876344
>Accept

Watch his other hand

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3876344
I'm so pumped for this quest ! Go cirno !

>bump his fist

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3876344
>Accept the fist bump.

>>3876349
Hey, great roll! Writing now.

>>3876366

You smile at him and raise your hand to reciprocate the fist bump, all while keeping your eye on his other hand. You never know what it could hold, or when a sudden clothesline could occur! Fortunately, it seems he’s not hiding anything, it stays stock still at his side as your fists touch together.

As you expected, however, a metric fuckton of camera flashes go off as soon as this exchange happens. The announcer sounds like he’s going to have a heart attack, and to save your thoughts from the unfathomable drivel that he’s saying, you decide to ignore his screeching and to instead exchange a nod with Rock. He lowers his extended arm and walks away without another word, despite the announcer’s best attempts to flag him down for some “closing words”. When this fails, he rounds on you before you can get away, dragging you again to the center of the stage.

You look out to the cheering crowd and squint to see past the stage lights, your eyes trailing up to the very back in order to find one specific person – you want to make sure she’s not going to pull you into a room and threaten you into being on her team, after all – and you find her sitting exactly where she was when you went into the game.

0phelia appears to be sitting calmly while everyone around her is still losing their shit, her hands politely folded over her lap as she observes the stage. Due to the distance, you can’t exactly make out too many details – the only reason you can see her hands is because of the contrast to her dark clothes – but she must have seen you looking, as she raises a hand up in a dainty little wave.

God, you will have words with her at some point. VERY STRONG AND HARSH WORDS. Oh well, you’ve at least ruined her advantage over you – her whole plea for you joining her team was to restore your quiet life, and now that you’ve done this whole shebang, you can safely assume that those days might be in the past.

“NOVA, LAD! DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTING WORDS FOR US, AS THIS EVENT NEEDS TO CONTINUE FORTH?” The announcer shatters your introspection.

Well, do you?

>Yes, you do have some things you’d like to say! [Write-in.]
>Walk away from him and into the off-stage room – you have no doubt that Cinder wants to talk to you.
>Other.

>>3876387
>Walk away from him and into the off-stage room – you have no doubt that Cinder wants to talk to you.

lol no

>>3876387
>"Later virgins"

>>3876387
>"Nah."
>Walk away.

>Yes, you do have some things you’d like to say! [Write-in.]

“Yeah this was fun and all, but I’d like to never play Warscape again. Thanks.”

>>3876397
But we do want to play warscape again. We've rediscovered the glory and we're good enough to beat one of the top players despite suffering from a glitch that prevents killing blows.

>>3876400
We’re doing this entire thing just so we can go back to our quiet life. That’s literally our motivation

>>3876387
>"Yes. What the fuck is those items. Can someone link me a wiki or something?
Then walk out of the scene.

>>3876400
No. We must sit in our arcade and spend our free time angsting and posing dramatically.

This is who we are.

>>3876402
In thread 1 yes. As of thread 5/6, no. If you reread the most recent update you'll notice the MC acknowledges that the quiet life is impossible to go back to now. Even if he wanted to.

>>3876402
This. Warscape is fun and all but people are literally trying to ruin our lives over it because of something we did half a decade ago despite us doing the right thing and quitting the scene after we got caught. We accepted our fall with some grace and everyone is buttmad we quit while at the same time being asshurt that we don't play anymore and that they're dragging us back into it.

Only people with a right to be mad is Fletcher and that's only because we dropped all contact and he ain't even mad because he's a bro.

>>3876387
>Walk away

>>3876402
Stop fighting it anon. Adventure is calling and the reluctant hero just got a taste of sweet sweet victory. So close your eyes and let it happen

>>3876387
in.]
>Walk away from him and into the off-stage room – you have no doubt that Cinder wants to talk to you.
“Nah, I’m good.”

>>3876417
True but I'd rather we rejoin the scene on our own terms with our own team without everyone trying to ruin us all over again. Maybe with cinder and fletcher.

>>3876423
?? No one is suggesting we join up with Ophelia though?

Aaah shit, what we really shoulda told the crowd is "Fuck 0phelia"

>>3876433
This

>>3876389
>>3876396
>>3876416
>>3876419
Hello, I'm back! Sorry for the wait, made some breakfast and did some schoolwork. You WALK AWAY. Writing now!

>>3876441
Op should have a breakfast bucket for this quest.

>>3876447
You're very right.

>>3876441

You scratch your cheek as the man raises the microphone to your mouth – you can see globules of the man’s spit drying on it, and that’s kinda gross? Regardless, you don’t really have a lot to say, so you shrug your shoulders and lean in to the microphone.

“Nah.”

With that, you pivot sharply on your heel and walk towards the off-stage area, hearing the announcer sputter in disbelief while the crowd does a collective “ooooooooh.” Fuck them, you say, you just want to get out of this arena and maybe get something to eat? You recall the breakfast bucket that’s sitting in the passenger’s seat of Rock’s car, and you let out a sigh of disappointment. Why must the good things in this world fade as quick as they came? THE HORROR. You hope that Rock will eat it at least, although its probably gone cold by now.

As you pass through the curtains and out of the spotlights, you find yourself assaulted by an arm constricting around your neck, yanking you down against the perpetrator’s side in a rough headlock. If it were any other person doing this, you might have punched them or even screamed a little bit – but you’d recognize the ornate dragon tattoo sleeve anywhere, and you also recognize her habit of liking to pull you into headlocks!

“Where the fuck do I have to go to learn how to do that!?”

Yeah, it’s ya girl, Cinder. Back at it again with the boisterous voice that sounds a little bit hoarse?

>Tap out, her strength is too much for your scrawny boy neck.
>Shhhhhhhhhhhh let it happen.
>”Should you really be doing this with an injured stomach, Cinder?”
>Struggle to get out of her vice grip of an arm. [This will require a VERY HIGH roll.]
>Other.

>Struggle to get out of her vice grip of an arm. [This will require a VERY HIGH roll.]

She can’t keep getting away with this!

>>3876454
>Pretend to struggle and tell her it's a skill only aquired out of survival instinct from all the head locks you are given.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3876454
>Struggle
"Training and 10 years of meditation about your failures would do that."

>>3876454
>Tap out

>"You can't learn it, it's innate ability. Sorry."

>>3876458
+1

>>3876454
>Struggle

>>3876454
>Struggle to get out of her vice grip of an arm. [This will require a VERY HIGH roll.]

"Is creative thinking and improvisation an ancient lost art to you?"

>>3876457
>>3876459
>>3876467
>>3876472
Roll to escape your fate. 1d20 - best of three!

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3876475
Ez

Rolled 13 (1d20)

Heh, nothing personal kid.

>>3876454
>The School of Being The Best. Losers need not apply.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3876475
I don't want to escape!

>>3876480
It's okay, you didn't escape, anon. Writing now!

How the hell is her noogies so powerful?

>>3876488
Ancient headlock energy.

>>3876488
We rolled slightly below average for bo3 so I wouldn't say it's super strong.

>>3876481

You try your damndest to get out of her headlock – this will be the day, damnit! The day that you stand up to the oppressive headlocks from your dear friend, to fight for your freedom! Unfortunately all you can do is wriggle while she cackles at you, your head being pressed into her warm side. Curses! You’ve been foiled again by someone who is stronger than you!

Oblivious to your internal monologue, Cinder eventually releases you and pulls you up, spinning around and resting her hands on your shoulders. Her eyes are alight with excitement, and that familiar crooked grin is plastered across her face as she looks at you.

“You did it! I thought you had bit it a few times, but you actually did it! Even with that weird thing that happened with the bracelet!” She’s clearly very happy for you, but you note again that her voice is strangely hoarse? It has an airy quality to it that wasn’t present before.

“You know about that?” You respond, a bit surprised at this information.

“Yeah – the GM informed the crowd of why the game was paused!”

That makes sense, you suppose. That…glitch or whatever still bothers you, but as you got through the game with minimal issues from it, you’ll let that matter rest for now. You won’t deny that you still suspect foul play considering you had ran into Golden just before the match, but you guess it doesn’t really matter anymore.

>”What’s up with your voice?” You’re curious, and so you’ll ask – her voice was fine before the match.
>”Thanks for the support, Cinder.” Thank your pal for being on your side, she’s been here since step one.
>”Is this the part where I can ask how cool I looked?” You’re curious to what the match looked like on the outside.
>Other.

>”Is this the part where I can ask how cool I looked?” You’re curious to what the match looked like on the outside.

>>3876501
>Thank her for the support. She got us guns and training.

>>3876501
>"Thanks for the support Cinder! I couldn't ask for a better friend."

Although Fletcher might actually be a better friend

>>3876501
>>”Is this the part where I can ask how cool I looked?” You’re curious to what the match looked like on the outside.

The hoarseness of her voice is obvious, she was yelling like a fangirl throughout the entire match.

>>3876501

>”Is this the part where I can ask how cool I looked?” You’re curious to what the match looked like on the outside.

>>3876501
>”Thanks for the support, Cinder.” Thank your pal for being on your side, she’s been here since step one.
>”Is this the part where I can ask how cool I looked?” You’re curious to what the match looked like on the outside.
Both

>>3876501
>>”What’s up with your voice?” You’re curious, and so you’ll ask – her voice was fine before the match.

>>3876501
>acquire landlady

Yo howdy, sorry for the wait went and helped out my landlord with some stuff. Going to make myself some lunch, and then we'll be BACK TO IT.

>>3876503
>>3876514
>>3876520
This wins, will write soon!

>>3876612

“So, since it’s all done with…is this the part where I get to ask how cool I looked?” You try to work some of the stiffness out of your neck while you ask that, culminating in Cinder rolling her eyes and turning you around to massage your neck and shoulders.

“It’s almost like it’s baby’s first competitive all over again, huh? Those competitive machines are like deathtraps compared to the ones you have at your arcade!” She roughly pats your shoulders with both hands, causing you to wince, and continues. “But putting the teasing aside – yeah, I’d say you looked pretty badass! The crowd was electric nearly from the start, and I’m pretty sure they shit themselves when you did that crazy gun trick! I’m betting there’s plenty of videos of people watching and losing their shit online, we should give them a watch later!”

Damn, you’re a bit surprised at that revelation, but you feel pretty good about it! It’s always nice having a horde of rabid gamers not totally hate you, considering how long that the opposite was the case. Also, hey, she’s not that bad at getting the tension out of your shoulders! You have no doubt that she’s done this for other players before, considering how often she plays in solo tournaments – most likely another standard of etiquette.

“And what’d you think of it, huh?” You teasingly ask her, to which she barks out a short laugh, coughing afterwards.

“Well, judging by how much my throat hurts, I’m pretty sure I was right along with them in screaming my head off!”

Aw, that’s nice.

“Well, I’m glad I managed to put on a good show. Thanks a lot for the guns, by the way.”

“No problem, they were chump change anyways. I'm more interested in where you got those grenades! We should probably bail, though! I got berated by one of the staff working here for lingering and not being a player in any of the events, and she’ll probably get even more mad if I’m still around when the tournament starts!”

“Why didn’t she just…kick you out?”

“I’m incredibly persistent!”

You know what, that tracks. Cinder’s incredibly stubborn when she sets her mind to something, after all, so they’d probably need security to drag her out in the end.

>Exit the room and find your way to the lobby – you’re tired and hungry.
>Notice that your phone is vibrating in your pocket – looks like someone is calling you.
>Other.

>>3876645
>>Notice that your phone is vibrating in your pocket – looks like someone is calling you.
fuck...

>>3876645
>>Notice that your phone is vibrating in your pocket – looks like someone is calling you.

>>3876645
>>Notice that your phone is vibrating in your pocket – looks like someone is calling you.
Time to tell 0phelia to fuck off

>>3876658
>Time to tell 0phelia to fuck off
I think its landlord lady

>>3876645
>Exit the room and find your way to the lobby – you’re tired and hungry.

>>3876645
>Notice that your phone is vibrating in your pocket – looks like someone is calling you.
Time to loiter

>>3876645
If it's a number we know and it's not one 0phelia used, answer it. If we don't know it then dismiss it and go to the lobby.

>>3876645
>Notice that your phone is vibrating in your pocket – looks like someone is calling you.
Poor Alexis

>>3876650
>>3876655
>>3876658
>>3876661
>>3876663
>>3876666
Answer the phone - WHO COULD IT BE!? Writing now.

>>3876667

“Looks like I’m getting a call – mind if I take it really fast? You can go ahead and I’ll catch up.” You say to Cinder, fishing into your pocket to grab your phone.

“Nah, I’ll wait for you!” She cheerily responds, walking over to a chair and slumping into it, bringing her legs up and splaying across four of them. “Go ahead and take your time.”

You shrug at her, finally getting it out of your tight ass jeans and glancing down at the screen once you do.

>Incoming Call!
>Alexis.

“Oh, fuck. I forgot about her.” You say out loud, feeling a bead of sweat trailing down your neck. You hesitantly answer, hoping that she won’t really be that mad that you didn’t even make an attempt to wait for her!

”YOOOOOOOOU!” You jerk the phone away from your ear immediately, that fragile hope of yours being dashed by the piercing sound of her voice. Even Cinder looks up with a snicker, trying to hide it behind her fist.

“…h-hello, Alexis.” You meekly respond to her, suddenly wondering how hard it would be to will yourself out of existence at this very moment.

“We are going to have WORDS when you get outside. VERY STRONG AND HARSH WORDS, WOLFGANG.” You can picture either the fierce frown or strong pout she's displaying as she continues. “FIRST YOU DON’T TELL ME ABOUT THE MATCH, AND THEN YOU DIDN’T WAIT FOR ME TO SHOW UP TO START!?”

>”Well, technically it wasn’t really my choice when it started…”
>”Sorry, Alexis. A lot of stuff’s been going on, and I spaced telling you.”
>”Will a round of drinks on me be a good apology?”
>”I AM CURRENTLY GOING INTO A TUNNEL.”
>Other.

>”Will a round of drinks on me be a good apology?”

When In doubt, but your way out

>>3876509
Naw fletcher is more like a better parent. He took us under his wing and kept am eye out for us. Plus he didn't disown us like our real parents and our team. Instead he was just disappointed. Disappointed and worried. Even after all these years of no contact. We really need to stay in touch with him. His grenades saved our ass.

>>3876679
>Drinks
Time to Celebrate!

>>3876679
>”Well, technically it wasn’t really my choice when it started…”

>>3876679
>>”Well, technically it wasn’t really my choice when it started…”

>>3876679
>>”Will a round of drinks on me be a good apology?”

>>3876679
>>”Will a round of drinks on me be a good apology?”

>>3876679
>”Will a round of drinks on me be a good apology?”

We should have a round of drinks with the gang. Cinder, Alexis, and Fletcher. They're the ones who stuck with us.

>>3876679
>>”Well, technically it wasn’t really my choice when it started…”

>>3876681
>>3876684
>>3876688
>>3876690
>>3876692
Celebration disguised as reparation. Writing now!

>>3876701

You scurry to try and gain some footing in the ocean of tirade being thrown at you, and you blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind.

“W-Will a round of drinks on me be a good apology?” You don’t want to continue to face Alexis’s wrath over this, so you offer the only thing you can currently think of under this pressure – drinks! You’re fairly certain she’ll take that olive branch, and you hear her pause in the middle of her sentence…and just when you think she’s about to take it, Cinder decides to pipe up with the biggest shit-eating grin.

“Drinks sound great, yeah!” She calls to you from her perch across the four chairs, making sure that Alexis would be able to hear her. You stare at her with empty eyes – Alexis and Cinder got along well, but they both loved to get each other’s goat occasionally. Cinder had apparently decided that this was the perfect time for some ribbing, and you can hear the silence coming from the receiver.

“…that sounds great, Wolfgang. I believe that would be a wonderful first step towards reparations…and there will be many more steps.” You know for a fact that that’s a lie, she’ll have forgotten about it by tomorrow, but you’ll let it slide.

“Did you at least manage to catch the match?” You ask her, gesturing to Cinder to follow you as you walk out the door. Your timing couldn’t have been better, considering that a group of players are being ushered towards the room by a menacing looking lady. Her default expression makes you believe that she would stab you if you got in her way, so you step out of the way as the group of players go past you.

“…good job…you did as well…as I expected.”

You almost jump as you feel a hand pat your shoulder, and then it’s gone as swiftly as it had come. You look over your shoulder and see 0phelia give you a little smile and a wink, disappearing into the stage area without any further words. Right. You had forgotten, she’s playing in the actual tournament today.

Man, fuck 0phelia.

“Did you hear me, Wolfgang?” Alexis’s voice breaks you out of your little reverie, causing you to shake your head as Cinder comes out to meet you. Judging by the look on her face, she had seen 0phelia as well, but chose not to make a scene.

“No, sorry. Mind if we catch up at the bar? I need to focus on navigating out of here.”

“Maaaaan, first you don’t tell me about the match, and now you’re snubbing me off to go gallivant with Cinder? You wound my poor little maiden’s heart.”

“See you later, Alexis.”

“See you soon – don’t forget that you’re paying, prodigy!”

You hang up the phone with a sigh.

>Navigate your way to the lobby – you want to LEAVE and EAT and DRINK.
>Turn right around and beckon 0phelia into the hallway – your time to have words has COME.
>See if Fletcher’s old phone number still works – he should be nearby, based on what he said in-game.
>Other.

>>3876723
>>See if Fletcher’s old phone number still works – he should be nearby, based on what he said in-game.

>>3876723
>See if Fletcher’s old phone number still works – he should be nearby, based on what he said in-game.
>Navigate your way to the lobby – you want to LEAVE and EAT and DRINK.

Let's not ruin an nice win with talking to 0phelia. We have some police reports we want to file soon.

>>3876723
>Turn right around and beckon 0phelia into the hallway – your time to have words has COME.

>>3876723
>You look over your shoulder and see 0phelia give you a little smile and a wink
0phelia
Best gril
>Turn right around and beckon 0phelia into the hallway – your time to have words has COME.

>>3876723
>See if Fletcher’s old phone number still works – he should be nearby, based on what he said in-game.
>Navigate your way to the lobby – you want to LEAVE and EAT and DRINK.

>>3876723
>Call Fletcher
Time to party!

>>3876723
>Call Fletcher
>0phelia SWERVE

>>3876723
>>See if Fletcher’s old phone number still works – he should be nearby, based on what he said in-game.

Bros before hoes.

>>3876750
Ah shit yeah
+1

>>3876723

>Turn right around and beckon 0phelia into the hallway – your time to have words has COME

>>3876731
>>3876732
>>3876744
>>3876746
>>3876750
>>3876751
Call your captain - party like the old days. Writing now!

>>3876679
>>3876723
BEST GIRL IS BACK
>>Navigate your way to the lobby – you want to LEAVE and EAT and DRINK.

> Invite fletcher for dronks

>>3876773
Hahaha yeah
Couldn’t wait to see 0phelia again.

“Are we going to do anything about her?” Cinder asks, reaching up and placing a hand on your shoulder. You contemplate for a moment but shake your head.

“Not today. Tonight, we’re going to celebrate. Hey, you ever watch Fletcher?” You swiftly change the subject, beginning to dial his old cellphone number from memory into your phone.

“Yeah – he’s stopped doing team stuff, though. Sometimes you’ll see him pop up in minor solo tournaments, but he sort of vanished from the spotlight after Genesys disbanded when you left.” Cinder recites, walking behind you with her hands in her pockets. You can’t help but flinch at that – you didn’t need the reminder that he up and dissolved the entire team when you disappeared.

“Well, tonight you get to party with him. He’s the one who got me those grenades, and he gave me a major pep talk, not to mention the day of training…I feel like it would be rude not to invite him along.” You press the call button, raising the phone to your ear as you see Cinder clap and hop in place.

“Awesome! Turns out I’ve been secretly friends with Nova for years, and now I get to meet Fletcher? I’m a pretty lucky girl! I wonder when I’ll get to meet the rest of you lot!” She throws her head back and laughs, wincing a moment later when she realizes that her stomach is still injured.

You smile solemnly – she never will as long as you’re still around.

“Hello?” You hear Fletcher’s deep voice through the receiver, the wind blowing in the background. You can make out that he’s panting a little bit, and you raise an eyebrow. “May I ask who is calling?”

“Hey, Alex. It’s Wolfgang.” You feel your throat tighten a bit, suddenly a little nervous about talking to him. In the game, it’s one thing…but real life? It’s, fittingly, more real to you that way.

“Oh! Apologies, I didn’t recognize the number, it only makes sense that you got a new one. Have you left the arena?”

“Not yet, I’m on the way out, though.”

“In that case, stay put. I’m running back over – I’d like to see you in person, if that’s okay.”

You turn a corner and can make out the din of the lobby – it’s definitely louder than when you walked in, although that would only make sense.

“Of course – that’s why I wanted to call you, actually. Me and a few friends are going out for drinks as a celebration…a-any chance you’d like to tag along?” You curse the hesitation in your voice, and you can’t help but feel a little worried about the answer – based on his recent actions you have no reason to be worried, but isn’t anxiety just a bitch?

Fortunately, Fletcher dashes those worries in a second.

“I’d love to. We need to catch up, after all. Talk soon, keep an eye out for me.”

“Y-Yeah!”

He hangs up, and you let out a relieved sigh.

Fletcher seems to be exactly how he used to be, both in game and out.

>Roll a 1d20 to perceive something – best of three win.

>>3876795
I think he's talking about Alexis since he linked both posts with her in it. Sorry anon you're still alone in this but on the bright side you can fight it out in the thread.

Rolled 2, 4 = 6 (2d6)

>>3876798
Hope we can get another food bucket during the party.

>>3876804
Uhh I copy pasted the wrong dice. My bad. No more rolls for me.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3876798
Rolling, START!

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3876798

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>3876798

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>3876798
nat 1 GO!

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3876798

>>3876800
Soon
You shall all be enlightened

>>3876823
Nah 0pheila is trash. Fletcher is best girl.

>>3876825
You take that back.
Take that back right now.

>>3876828
No. Fletcher Federation vs 0phelia Oligarchy commence!

0phelia doesn't deserve nearly as much hate as she gets. It's due to her own social ineptitude, and our blind hatred that she has failed in her attempts at reconciling

In summery, give 0phelia a chance, she's probably trying her best.

>>3876828
Down with 0phelia, everyone knows that we should only be loving the art of making traps.

>>3876835
Ok sure, don’t let it get out hand though, this is banter between to men of culture discussing their waifu. Let the trash talk commence
Fletcher is boring and reminds me of the same “charismatic” tomgirl you see in trash isekais.

>>3876844
You get it anon, you fucking get it.
>>3876846
Enticing, but I’m loyal to my waifu.

>>3876847
Time to stop phone posting.
>Out of hand
>Two

>>3876844

Should the slogan then still be "Fuck 0phelia"? It still works... right?

>>3876847
But we have barely talked to Fletcher. But I will conceed that because I won't give 0phelia a chance I don't expect you to give true best girl a chance. However 0phelia has shown that she's willing to hold a grudge and throw a shit fit when she doesn't get her way with dangerous consequences. On the other hand, we basically ruined Fletcher's team career and he has never held it agaisnt us. That is my view.

>>3876807
I return from my shallow grave - writing now!

>>3876835
This will be a discussion for the ages.

>>3876855
I am, fucking retarded.
I thought you were talking about the girl and nooooww I remember who the fuck fletcher is.

>>3876853
Hueheuheuheuheueheu
yes

File: Traps_Illustrated.png (2.16 MB, 1920x1080)

2.16 MB PNG

>>3876846
On the other hand, we might as well be called Fred with all the traps we use

>>3876853
That's LEWD...but it still would work.

Cheat Band best girl. She doesn't want Wolfgang to play, and keeps him honest when he does. She might even make him sick!
What I mean is, it's basically a marriage.

>>3876874
Marrying a waifu? Are you ok anon?

Why not form a team with both Fletcher and 0phelia?

>>3876881
because this is 4chan. And compromise is madness.

>>3876858

You shove your phone back into your pocket and walk into the lobby with a slouch, Cinder following you and scrolling through her phone. You look around the room, and while there was no shortage of people when you walked in earlier, now it’s as packed as a tin of sardines. Now there are televisions strung up from the ceiling, displaying the feed from the stage area – currently there are two people who are in a pressured sword fight in some sort of forest area. You don’t recognize either of the players, but they must be somewhat decent considering they’re able to keep each other on relatively easy ground.

As you continue to watch them, you feel a curious sensation on the back of your neck – like someone’s watching you. Cinder’s moved so that she’s standing next to you, so it can’t be her…you turn your head to look into one of the crowds of people, yet you can’t find anyone who’s particularly paying attention to you at the current moment.

“Something wrong, Wolfgang?” Cinder looks up from her phone at you – you can make out that she’s looking through some recent news articles – and you shrug your shoulders.

“Felt like someone was watching me is all.” She snickers and jabs you in the side with her elbow.

“Wouldn’t surprise me if they were, considering the performance you put on!” You go to respond to her jest, but you feel your stomach rumble loudly before you can complete the thought – you’re still very hungry. You glance around for a clock…apparently you had been in there for just over an hour.

It felt like it was a lot quicker than that, damn!

>Loiter around and wait for Fletcher to show up, your stomach can hold its damn horses.
>Walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.
>HUNT FOR CONCESSIONS. YOU HUNGER. [Roll to find food.]
>Other.

>>3876891
>>HUNT FOR CONCESSIONS. YOU HUNGER. [Roll to find food.]

>>3876891
>HUNT FOR CONCESSIONS. YOU HUNGER. [Roll to find food.]
FEED

>>3876891
>>Walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.

>HUNT FOR CONCESSIONS. YOU HUNGER. [Roll to find food.]

C O N S U M E

>>3876891
>>Other. Wait for everyone so you can all feast together.
They can pitch in for a bigger meal pile.

>>3876891
>DEVOUR SUSTENANCE

>>3876891
>HUNT FOR CONCESSIONS. YOU HUNGER. [Roll to find food.]

>>3876894
>>3876895
>>3876899
>>3876911
>>3876919
ROLL TO SEARCH FOR FOOD. 1d20, best of three!

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>3876922

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3876922

>>3876924
GREAT SUCCESS

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3876922
S U S T E N A N C E

>>3876924
This is upsetting on many levels. Writing now!

>>3876924
Beautiful

>>3876931
Did we find a discarded breakfast bucket in the trash? I'm okay with that.

>>3876935
I am so sorry for what's about to occur.

>>3876937
Is this the time for D E S P A I R?

>>3876937
W-what?

File: Despair.jpg (19 KB, 210x240)

19 KB JPG

>>3876942

>>3876937
WE CAN'T CATCH OUR BREATH

>>3876937
Doubt

>>3876937
Mama, I'm scared...

>>3876931

“Cinder.” You say solemnly, rolling the sleeves of your jacket up to your elbows. You crack your knuckles and avert your eyes from the clock, looking your companion directly in the eyes with as much passion as you can muster. She steps back from you a little bit, a little weirded out by this.

“Uh…yeah? What’s up?” She raises an eyebrow at your antics, sliding her phone into her pocket.

“I am fucking hungry, and we are going to search for food until Fletcher arrives. Is this acceptable?” You’re already looking around the room, trying to identify if there’s even a semblance of a concessions stand. You’ll take anything at this point, seriously, but nothing seems to be standing out to you!

“Sounds good to me, I’m feeling a bit hungry myself!” She punches her palm and begins scouting around with you, and after a minute or so of walking, you smell it.

Breakfast.

You whirl around to look for the source, and you see it’s coming from a stand…a stand bearing the brand that you got your delectable breakfast bucket from! Holy shit! What’s this sudden turn of good fortune in your favor? You hurry over with Cinder, and the lady behind the counter looks up at you with a smile. You look behind her and see a stack of buckets – the container that could soon contain your destiny, your wants, your NOURISHMENT.

“Good afternoon.” She says to you in a pleasant voice, in the process of removing a pair of translucent disposable gloves and tossing them into the trash.

“Good afternoon to you! Is there any chance that I could get something to eat? I’m practically starving.” You say, trying to give her a winning smile. Unfortunately, as you say this, the gentle smile falls from her face. You look at her with confusion, and she lets out a morose sigh.

“I’m very sorry sir, but due to the unexpected influx of customers today, we don’t have any food left – I was in the process of closing up shop.

You think you can feel your heart tear in two.

>Weep silent tears for your lost hopes and dreams.
>Ask if there’s any other food vendors here – it will never compare, but you’ll have to make do.
>Walk away. Just…walk away.
>Other.

>>3876969
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

>fall to our knees and punch the ground, weeping and asking why, why, why

File: download.jpg (14 KB, 233x217)

14 KB JPG

>>3876969
>Walk away. Just…walk away.

>>3876972
Support

>>3876969
>silently blame ophelia

>>3876969
Curse whichever sick god did this to you

>>3876969
>Walk away. Just…walk away.
WHILE FEELING THE EXCRUCIATING D E S P A I R ENVELOPE YOU!!!!

>>3876969
>Walk away. Just…walk away.
>Shed a tear for our fallen breakfast

>>3876969
FUCKING 0PHELIA, SHE WENT TOO FAR THIS TIME

>>3876973
>>3876985
>>3876991
Walk away. I am sorry, anons. This hurt me as much as it hurt you. Writing now!

>>3877004

You turn around and walk away, feeling a single tear fall down your cheek. Why do you still remain in this world without breakfast buckets? What evil, dark god cursed you in such a manner? You silently blame 0phelia as you skulk away, Cinder following you with a bemused grin across her face.

“You, uh…you gonna be okay, man?” You hear her snicker behind her hand, and you let out the broodiest sigh that you’ve ever brought forth.

“No.”

“Wanna go look for other food?”

“My hopes have been dashed, Cinder. There’s no point in continuing forth. I’ll eat at the bar.”

She doesn’t respond, instead choosing to laugh very loudly at your antics.

She can laugh all she wants, but she’s never tasted the glory of the breakfast bucket. She just doesn’t understand. No one understands except you…and maybe Rock if he ate your leftovers.

>Loiter around sadly and wait for Fletcher to show up.
>Sadly walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.
>Other.

>>3877015
>Sadly walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.

>>3877015
>>Sadly walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.

>>3877015
>>Loiter around sadly and wait for Fletcher to show up.
I desire encounters with fanboys. So that their hopes may be dashed, like so many eggs that didn't make it to the omelette.

>>3877015
>Sadly walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.
>Look as miserable and angsty as possible.

We came here to find Fletcher and eat breakfast buckets... and we're all out of breakfast buckets.

>>3877015
>>Sadly walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.

Maybe Fletcher bought some breakfast buckets

>>3877015
>Sadly walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave

>Sadly walk outside to make it easier for Fletcher to find you, the quicker you find him, the quicker you can leave.

Why are we still here...... just to suffer!?

>>3877019
>>3877023
>>3877026
>>3877027
>>3877036
>>3877038
Shuffle away and look for Fletcher - you need to drink this sorrow away. Writing now!

>>3877044

(So unfortunately, I have to call an end to things a little early today on account of having schoolwork that I actually need to put effort into. Fucking college history class, man. Please give me any feedback, questions, comments, or compliments that you have – I want to make this as good as it can be! Have a great night, anons, I’ll see you tomorrow! Also please send me your energy these assignments always suck lmao.)

You sigh and put your hands in your pockets, shuffling through the crowd of people as you make your way towards the door. The loss of a potential breakfast bucket wounds your soul in a very bad way, but you know that you’ll have to press on, so you bury it deep down and make your way towards the entrance to the building.

On the way there, you spot quite a few people looking your way – at this point there’s no way in hell that anyone in here wouldn’t recognize you – but none approach. You suppose that you prefer it that way – all you want right now is to find Fletcher and then spend some time celebrating with close friends. You have no doubt that you might end up shitfaced at the very end of it, but you’ll live with it – you think that you deserve to be able to cut loose for the first time in a very long time.

As you exit the building, you realize just how cold its gotten. The October chill has only increased as the day marched on, making you press your fingers deeper into your pockets. Fuck, you’re glad you brought a jacket, even if it’s your slightly tight old team jacket from five years ago!

You lean against one of the walls as a group of people hustle inside, Cinder doing the same. You scan the parking lot for Fletcher, but you can’t see him…to be fair, you haven’t seen him in five years, but he couldn’t look THAT different.

>Give Fletcher another call and let him know that you’re outside.
>Wander aimlessly around the parking lot until you find him.
>Ask Cinder if any headlines about your match have popped up.
>Other.

>>3877081
>>Give Fletcher another call and let him know that you’re outside.

>>3877081
>Other
Ask cinder about the items and shit

>>3877081
>Give Fletcher another call and let him know that you’re outside.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

Thanks for running!

>Ask Cinder if any headlines about your match have popped up.
He's become some obese neckbeard, hasn't he?

Rolling for him to arrive with a breakfast bucket for us.

>>3877081
>>Give Fletcher another call and let him know that you’re outside.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

It's best of three. Come on Fletcher bring Wolfgang his breakfast bucket

>>3877093
>rolled a 2

What have bucket breakfast done to the dice gods

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3877093
Support

I love how shooting bullets out of the air is effortless but getting fast food is a greek tragedy in three acts,

>>3877081
thanks for running cirno. good luck on your work!

>>3877081
>>Ask Cinder if any headlines about your match have popped up.
An ego boost sounds like what we need, it may not fill the roaring emptiness that a bucket would fill but it's the fourth best thing.

Good morning, everyone! How are you doing today?

>>3877086
>>3877092
>>3877095
This wins! Will write after breakfast.

>>3877111
The lack of breakfast bucket has cursed this thread again, oh boy.

>>3877223
Some things are just easier than others, you know?

>>3877886
Have a great breakfast cirno. Your quest bring me pure joy and happiness, and may save several lives if those gucking striker could stop one minute to do their jobs.

>>3877886

You bring out your phone again as you scan through the parking lot, intending on dialing Fletcher’s number once more. You really don’t understand why he didn’t just take his car to the arcade, but there are a lot of things you don’t understand about him – he’s always been a guy that, for lack of a better term, does things his own way. A source of major contention in the old team was because of Fletcher doing things his own way, going behind the coach’s back and changing up strategies just before matches…and honestly, things always worked out better when Fletcher was at the head.

Regardless of old fond memories, you call him again and shiver as the wind picks up slightly – you’re going to need to buy a new jacket for the winter, since you think it’s going to be a rough one this year. Fletcher picks up immediately, and you can hear him chuckle.

“Wolfgang, I’m almost there. Still as impatient as ever, I see?” You furrow your brow at the phone – of course you’re impatient, it’s fucking cold out! “Entering the parking lot now…and I think I see you.”

He ends the call, and you look around to spot your old captain – and hey, there he is, weaving between a few cars and jogging over to you.

Fletcher in real life looks not so different from how he used to, yet it still gives you pause. Somehow, he’s grown even taller than he was before, still towering over you five years later. His black hair used to be spiked up, but in this occasion, he’s opted to keep it neatly combed, and a pair of glasses now rests upon his flushed face. You ask yourself again why the fuck he decided to jog over to an arcade! His love for beige apparently had bled out of the game somewhat, as he has a relatively warm looking jacket of that color adorned. He looks…well, he looks a lot more grown up than he did before.

It would make sense, considering he’s four years older than you, but still!

Also, he doesn’t look to have any food with him. Sad.

>Nudge Cinder to alert her that Fletcher has arrived, staying put until he walks up to you fully.
>Walk over to him and go for that half-armed hug that people do.
>”Yo! It’s about time you got here, slowpoke!”
>Other.

>>3877908
>Nudge Cinder to alert her that Fletcher has arrived, staying put until he walks up to you fully.
>Look him in the eye
>"Food."

>>3877908
>Nudge Cinder to alert her that Fletcher has arrived, staying put until he walks up to you fully.
>Look him in the eye
>"Food."

>>3877908
>Walk over to him and go for that half-armed hug that people do.

>>3877911
>>3877914
Writing now!

>>3877919

You nudge Cinder with your elbow as Fletcher approaches, to which she jumps and puts her phone back in her pocket, looking up at you with a grin. You pay her no mind, instead turning to your former captain and looking him directly in the eye, quelling your initial nervousness. He slows down as he approaches, curious as to what’s prompted this intense stare down from you.

“Food.” You state solemnly, moving off the wall and clapping him on the shoulder. “Take me to it, Alex.”

He pauses and gives you a good long look before a jovial smile crosses his face, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as Cinder rushes up to the two of you.

“Sounds good to me. And who might this be?” Fletcher looks up to regard Cinder, a friendly look in his eyes. Her grin grows as she pops a hand up in a mock salute.

“Name’s Cinder!” She says to him, patting you on the back. “I’m this guy’s moral support, basically!”

That isn’t entirely untrue, you’ve felt a lot better about certain things with Cinder around. Going through rough times is always just a little bit easier with a pal alongside you, and she’s done quite a bit of sticking around whilst you go through this whole process…but you wish she wouldn’t say stuff like that out loud. It’s embarrassing!

“Well, I’m glad to hear he hasn’t been entirely reclusive since he left.” Fletcher begins to lead the both of you through the parking lot, glancing down at you occasionally.

“What’s up, is there something on my face?” You find yourself asking him, because it’s not like he was being subtle about his glances – you aren’t that unaware of things!

“Don’t worry about it. It’s just good to see you again.” He looks away from you with a chuckle.

That…sounded a bit suspicious, you’ll admit. Maybe it’s just how things have been over the past week, but you’ve really started to pay attention to how people speak…or you could be overthinking, you guess. Shit’s been crazy, man!

>Roll me a 1d20 to perceive something. Best of three wins.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3877928

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3877928
Hmmmm

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3877928
Rollan

>>3877929
>>3877930
>>3877931

The curse of the bucket IS REAL

>>3877929
>>3877930
>>3877931

So a perfect oblivious Nova, perfect. Let's find food and go grab a bite with our two friends.

>>3877932
Actualy, I would kill for a breakfast bucket right now.
But yeah, 766 is not my lucky number !

Why have you guys cursed this thread again?

>>3877929
This bucket curse is getting out of hand, folks. OUT OF HAND. Writing now!

>>3877934
I'd get a breakfast bucket with you, anon. I'm still hungry lmao.

Rolled 19, 1, 16, 4, 4, 8, 11, 20 = 83 (8d20)

Don’t mind me, just sacrificing a bucket to clear the dice

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3877942
I declare this thread not cursed

>>3877938

(Sorry for the wait, making some food!)

As you walk with both Cinder and Fletcher, a certain sensation comes over you once more. The sensation of being watched! This is starting to get a little bit ridiculous, you think. If someone’s decided to watch you so intensely, why can’t they just…walk up and talk to you? You don’t know who’s doing it, but they’re fucking creepy, desu. You aren’t about it. You try to locate the perpetrator YET AGAIN but find nothing.

Oh well, it could be nothing. You decide to forget about this venture, because you’re with friends! Friends are good, friends are safe. You see Fletcher fish out his car keys from his jacket pocket and unlock a car in the distance – a fairly nice-looking black car that looks well taken care of. Cinder whistles at the sight, impressed by it. He’s definitely upgraded from the rusty hunk of junk he had five years ago, that’s for certain.

“Do you have a place in mind?” Fletcher asks, walking around and entering the driver’s seat. You and Cinder have a moment’s stare off in an attempt to wage mental war for the passenger’s seat, but you end up taking it because you’re hungry and you want to get on with this whole celebration business.

“There’s a bar back near my arcade that me and my landlord frequent…I’m guessing you’ve seen my address online too, so I’m sure you know the general area.” You say to him, sliding in and pulling out your phone to text Alexis where you’re going. Cinder gets in the back and proceeds to lay across the back seats, something that Fletcher apparently doesn’t take issue with.

“Guilty as charged.” Fletcher admits without hesitation, starting up the car and reversing out of the parking spot. Your phone buzzes as you receive a response from Alexis.

>See you in a bit, prodigyyyyy. I’m looking forward to finally putting a dent in your finances!

Oh, Alexis. What a scamp.

>”So, what have you been up to for the past five years, Alex?”
>Text Alexis a witty response as you relax into the comfy car seat.
>Text 0phelia some put-downs about her match, assuming it hasn’t started already.
>Text Rock where you’re going to be for the next few hours, just so he’s aware of where to meet you.
>Ask Cinder about any news articles mentioning the match – you want an ego boost, baybay.
>Other.

>>3877937
Cheaters must suffer.

>>3877957
>Text Rock where you’re going to be for the next few hours, just so he’s aware of where to meet you.
Because.

>>3877957
>Ask what Alex has been up to for the last five years

>Ask Cinder about news articles mentioning the match for that sweet sweet ego

>>3877957
>>”So, what have you been up to for the past five years, Alex?”

>>3877963
Well it may be a bad Idea since he injured Cinder in the stomach.

>>3877964
+1

>>3877938
Someone should just make it's own brand of breakfast bucket. The slogan should be "Go take a bite of my BB's !".

>>3877957
>>Text Alexis a witty response as you relax into the comfy car seat.

>>3877957
>”So, what have you been up to for the past five years, Alex?”
Wasn't his name Aidan?

>>3877957
>Text Alexis a witty response as you relax into the comfy car seat.

>>3877964
>>3877966
>>3877967
>>3877978
Ask your old captain what the haps have been. Writing now!

>>3877978
I've always had his name in my notes as Alex, so if I've written otherwise previously, that's entirely my bad! I have a lot of A names in other personal projects, so sometimes I get mixed up.

>>3877989
>I've always had his name in my notes as Alex, so if I've written otherwise previously, that's entirely my bad! I have a lot of A names in other personal projects, so sometimes I get mixed up.

Yeah his name was Aidan when we had virtual chicken with him in-game.

>>3877996
Then that's entirely on me for having bad notes and memory, lmao. Thank you for the reminder!

>>3877989

(Sorry for the name mix-up anons, my notes apparently lied to me. Let’s not do any of those four-month absences again because my memory dies during them. Please point out if I’ve fucked up anywhere else, thank you, and sorry again!)

The car is mostly silent for a good part of the drive down the highway, the only noise within being what you believe to be a lo-fi hip hop mix? You never knew Aidan was into that sort of music. And his name IS Aidan, not Alex. You’re such a buffoon, forgetting your own captain’s name for a short period of time. Maybe that’s why he was looking at you weird, perhaps. Because you forgot his fucking name! You’re ashamed of yourself, but you let it slide, because you know Fletcher’s a forgiving man. You know he won’t look down on you for such a silly mistake. He’s a good one, that Fletcher.

“So, uh…what have you been up to for the past five years, Aidan?” You hesitantly ask him, to which he looks over at you as he makes a turn. You’re not quite sure how to initiate conversation with him, because you still feel pretty bad about vanishing for a few years? You’re still shocked that he’s gone out of his way so much for you.

“Not a lot. After the team dissolved, we all went out separate ways. I still play in the solo scene, Buster and Drifter went off to join other teams, and as I said earlier, Orange also disappeared off the face of the planet. Other than that, things have been going well, though. I’ve made enough money to live comfortably, I got this new car and a new apartment…so I can’t say it’s been all bad. Have you burned through your money yet?”

“No, I’ve been living fairly frugal.” You shrug at him, happy that he’s still been able to make a living despite not being in the spotlight anymore. A real shame about Orange, though. You wonder what’s been up with that dude. He was a real quiet fella. “I still have a lot of savings, and my landlord really doesn’t charge too much for rent – she’s the only reason I was able to start that arcade at that age.”

“Sounds like a nice lady. Will she be attending our little get-together as well?” He asks, pulling up at a red light.

“Yeah – I already forgot to tell her about my match, if I didn’t invite her to this I think she might just evict me.”

“Well, the more the merrier, right? I’m glad to hear you’ve been able to make it on your own.”

“If there’s anything I can call myself, it’s resourceful!” You joke, nudging him with your elbow.

“The jury’s still out on that one.” He responds.

You both share a laugh.

>Text Alexis a witty response as you relax into the comfy car seat.
>Text 0phelia some put-downs about her match, assuming it hasn’t started already.
>Text Rock where you’re going to be for the next few hours, just so he’s aware of where to meet you.
>Ask Cinder about any news articles mentioning the match – you want an ego boost, baybay.
>Other.

>>3878014
>>Ask Cinder about any news articles mentioning the match – you want an ego boost, baybay.

>>3878014
>>Ask Cinder about any news articles mentioning the match – you want an ego boost, baybay.

>>3878014
> fuck those cunts just go home

Yo! My lunch is ready, so I'm gonna go and eat that. Vote's open until I get back! Hope you've enjoyed reading so far.

>>3877967
Are you suggesting Cinder would want to miss out on seeing Rock grovel?

>>3878014
>Text Rock where you’re going to be for the next few hours, just so he’s aware of where to meet you.
Therefore I am COMMITED

>>3878014
>>Ask Cinder about any news articles mentioning the match – you want an ego boost, baybay.
>>Other.
I'd like to also ask about what makes the "competitive machines" different. Also if there are any hot takes on the coughing up blood situation.

>>3878053
Supporting.

>>3878053
Support

>>3878014
>Text Ophelia put downs

If there's one thing we know about her it's that her emotional control is Rock bottom

Back a little bit later than I planned, gotta love headaches. Took some ibuprofen, slept it off, and now I'm ship shape.

>>3878023
>>3878032
>>3878053
>>3878075
>>3878081
These can be lumped together, so that's how it's gonna be. Writing now!

>>3878084
Are you the one from last thread with all the rock puns. If so, you've still hurt me, but I appreciate you.

>>3878125
Looks like he Rocked you

>>3878125
Different anon, I was merely inspired by the work of my predecessor.

>>3878125

You look back at Cinder, who’s still splayed across the back seat while holding her phone a little bit above her face.

“Hey, Cinder – any news on the match? I’m real curious what people had to say about it.” You ask her. Even you need a good old-fashioned ego boost occasionally, and you want to be distinctly aware of how it went over for business reasons. After all, now that your arcade has become public knowledge, you have no doubt that you’re going to have at least a little bit of an increase in your customer base – and if people are going to walk in throwing shit talk at you, you’d like to be at least a little bit prepared for it.

“There’s not a lot up good stuff up at the moment, other than clips of commentators! Looks like you might have rocked their world a little bit?” She responds lazily, still scrolling through her newsfeed. “I’m guessing a lot of sites are waiting for the VOD to be uploaded before writing out a full play-by-play. Of course, there are a lot of posts from before the match throwing shade, but what can you do?”

That would make sense, you suppose. You know for a fact that your match with 0phelia spread like wildfire hours after it happened, and the slew of articles – both high quality and otherwise – polluted Cinder’s feed for a few days after the fact. You can only imagine what the sites had to say when this match was officially announced.

“Oh, before I forget, I had a question for you. What’s the difference between competitive machines and personal machines? I recall you mentioning that earlier. Also, what’s the deal with the blood? That wasn’t in any of the matches I played before.”

“Ah, those are good questions, and both are tied together. When I meant competitive machines, I meant tournament only machines. Those ones are built to process a lot more stuff – such as the blood. You’ll only find that feature in tournament matches, as it provides opportunity for players to track their opponent for a short period of time, although people only really do that in team play. There’s a bunch of other mumbo jumbo involved in it, but the gist is that those machines are built to analyze a lot more stuff than a consumer machine would, and as a result it can really tire you out if you’re not used to it. Also, they aren’t super comfy.” Cinder recites, shoving her phone into her pocket as she looks over at you. “Personally I’ve never really cared about what else it looks into, I just know that they suuuuuck.”

Huh, interesting! You’re reminded once more about how things have changed. You can see that Fletcher has pulled into your general neighborhood – it’s almost time to PARTY.

>Text 0phelia some put-downs about her match – and also rub in that you’re about to party.
>Text Rock where you’re going to be – also add in that you’ll save him a drink. He didn’t look so good when he left.
>Other.

>Text Rock where you’re going to be – also add in that you’ll save him a drink. He didn’t look so good when he left.

We could invite him? You know, he probably needs a drink before getting sent to prison

>>3878164
>Text Rock where you’re going to be – also add in that you’ll save him a drink. He didn’t look so good when he left.

>>3878164
>Text Rock where you’re going to be – also add in that you’ll save him a drink. He didn’t look so good when he left.

>>3878167
I'd support inviting him. I don't think he'll be a threat anymore judging by how he was acting when he left the stage.

>>3878164
> Insult Ophelia and hope she bombs her match

>>3878164
>>Text Rock where you’re going to be – also add in that you’ll save him a drink. He didn’t look so good when he left.

Bros before hoes.

>>3878167
>>3878169
>>3878174
>>3878189
Bros before hoes. Writing now!

>>3878132
:(

Good. Now Rock won't be standing awkwardly outside the apartment for hours.

Well I missed the vote but I thought this was a celebration. Why are we inviting the guy who assaulted us and our friend and destroyed our property over a video game? I can't imagine Alexis or Cinder will be too pleased to see him.

>>3878211

Because we beat him so hard that he's now friends with us.

>>3878222
Why would you want to be friends with him is the question?

>>3878197

As Fletcher begins to turn down the street that leads to the bar (and your arcade!), you decide to shoot Rock a message just so he knows where you’re at. You really don’t want to forget to do that, because then he might show up at your house, and you really could do without that initial fright. You heavily disliked 0phelia showing up in the early hours of the morning, but imagining Rock doing it? Brr, gives you the chills. So, with that in mind, you type out a quick text to him.

>Hey, this is Wolfgang. I’m going to be at the bar next to my arcade for a while, so when you’re feeling up to talking, make your way over there…also, I’ll buy you drink when you do.

The way he looked when walking away from you still bothers you, so you throw in that little addendum at the end. Dude’s going to prison soon, so you’ll pay for his drinks while he answers your questions – you’re hoping that Alexis and Cinder will be gone by the time he shows up, though. Alexis might just stab him on the spot for how much he fucked up your arcade, and Cinder would be more than justified to knock him out for the injuries he caused the both of you. All you want is the information that was promised, no more conflict – after this, he’ll be out of your life either way.

As Fletcher pulls up to the curb, you get a response.

>K

Well, that’s settled.

“We’re here.” Fletcher states the obvious, putting the car into park and shutting it off. You look towards the entrance of the bar and see Alexis leaning against the wall, a cigarette between her lips as her eyes trail over to the car. She must not have had a lot of work to do today, judging by how casual she looks – normally she’s wearing business apparel at all times, but now she’s cladded in just a hoodie and jeans. You don’t know how the fuck she can tolerate wearing that thin looking hoodie in this weather, but you won’t judge her on it.

>Get out of the car and make your way over to Alexis – you have no doubt she’s going to have those STRONG and HARSH words with you.
>Get out of the car and open the door for Cinder – you’re a FUCKING GENTLEMAN, that’s what you are.
>Ask Cinder to go out first – if anyone can placate her to prevent her temporary wrath, Cinder probably can!
>Other.

>>3878231
>>Get out of the car and open the door for Cinder – you’re a FUCKING GENTLEMAN, that’s what you are.

>>3878231
>Get out of the car and open the door for Cinder – you’re a FUCKING GENTLEMAN, that’s what you are.

>>3878231
>Get out of the car and open the door for Cinder – you’re a FUCKING GENTLEMAN, that’s what you are.

>>3878231
>Get out of the car and make your way over to Alexis – you have no doubt she’s going to have those

Guys, I don't think cinder is the kind of girl that likes people opening doors for them.

>>3878267
+1

>>3878244
>>3878250
>>3878261
YOU ARE A FUCKING GENTLEMAN. Writing now!

Also do me a lil' favor and roll me a 1d20. Best of three wins!

>>3878231
>Get out of the car and make your way over to Alexis – you have no doubt she’s going to have those STRONG and HARSH words with you.
Kept her waiting long enough.

>>3878231
>Get out of the car and make your way over to Alexis – you have no doubt she’s going to have those STRONG and HARSH words with you.
Bully all cheaters

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>3878276
fuck

>>3878284
FINALLY, THE BREAKFAST BUCKET WILL BE OURS!

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>3878276
Guess I'll ro- >>3878284
Nevermind.

>>3878284
The ultimate gentlemen

>opens the door with a tip of a fedora
>m’lady

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3878294
And I fucked it up too. Even better.

>>3878284
This guy right here has done it.

>>3878284
Oh fuck you.
If that roll is for what I think it is, then that's some bullshit

Will be back in a little bit, gotta run into town on short notice!

>>3878316
I'm curious what you think it is, please share.

>>3878316
>>3878323
Twenty dollars under the car wheel!