>>4186844

>You’ll be playing as former emperor Nobusada (and if you feel like it, the Ice Queen Esdeath) as we tackle the world of Akame ga Kill (9 Years Before the Main Canon Story, 3 Years before the Zero Prequel).
>Seeing as this is AU there will be changes and/or expansions to the main story as well as the potential for divergences.
>Open to Feedback and Suggestions

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Akame+ga+Kill%2C
Future Updates & Shitposts: https://discord.gg/6Z4bzmt
Character Sheet (Updates as the story progresses): https://docs.google.com/document/d/10CExKPxrGevn2mQNwJqqtyXbkTwqHLMQxnsaxybWkVo/edit?usp=sharing
Rules and System: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xg2kKAqR8zo5cBtSdmlje8b7lbCkW5dQw-xF4stkLt4/edit?usp=sharing

>>4186845

Trailing your eyes to the side, you place your hand against your chin and give a slight pout. “Oh alright, I suppose that I can move things along and get this up to a more productive course of action.”

“Finally, you’re seeing the folly of acting like a primadonna.” Esdeath sigh in relief upon hearing you agree to see the truth.

“That’s why you’re going to help me pick out these clothing by joining in this fashion show.” You say, smiling dumbfoundedly as Esdeath turns into a frozen statue upon hearing such words.

“I-um.....Wha?” Esdeath blurs out discombobulated at this suggestion. As she slowly comes to her senses, a look of dread starts to appear on her milky white face. “..erm....oigh...SHIT! ”

“Now surely that would be a proper way to spend some personal bonding with my dear Esdy.” You interject, keeping your charming smile as you clap your hands together.

“No no. Hmm, hmm, no no no no no, no! Hell No! No! No! I refuse- No! No! I’m not getting involved. You can’t make do that. NO!” Esdeath hisses as she puts her foot down. There were a lot of things that she had to put up with your crazy antics but this was her breaking point. But as she tries to fight against it, Esdeath looks your seemingly motherly eyes. They were the eyes of someone who was looking forward to messing with her and wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Seeing such intense feelings made even Esdeath back slowly and sweat nervously.

Turning to the side, Esdeath focuses on her attention on the flamboyantly looking blond-haired gentleman and his assortment of the fine workers. “Manager? Aren’t you or anyone going to stop this madwoman from getting her way?!”

“Eh, I’ll allow it. Something like this would surely raise attention to my shop and get us more customers.” The manager agrees to your plans as the rest of the staff nod in unison. Leaving Esdeath to make a gloomful look as you walk over with the most devilish of expression. Before even turning to meet you, Esdeath tries to run like her life depended on it. However, you already anticipated this as your body instinctively catches Esdeath by the shoulder, gripping tightly to yank her out of her mid-run and pin her down on the ground.

“Ara, Ara. It’s so cute that you think you can run from this. Now come along Esdy, we got a show to do~” You lecture Esdeath, towering over her with your devilish grin growing wider as you start dragging Esdeath to the both.

“Aaargh!” Esdeath screams, kicking and fidging to break out of your grip and escape. A valiant but futile effort.

>>4186853

For the next set of minutes, or however long you felt the need to subject Esdeath to this act of “Cruel and Unusual Punishment” as she would put it, you and Esdeath partake in the fashion show. From classy suits to the downright extravagant dresses, both you and your lovely assistant Esdeath wore and display each and every attire that the shop could provide. Even going into wearing clothing that was just bizarre. Ranging from cosplay to lolita and uniform fashions, there was virtually no costumes and fashion accessories that were off the table. Thus rather if she wanted to or not, and believe her when she says she doesn’t, Esdeath underwent through the wire of article clothing.

Now some would say you planned this whole fiasco from day one, right down to picking the right shop that could provide such expansive collections of clothing. And you be surprising incline to shut them down as this was mostly ad-lib. Sure you did know the store owner and in these past months have managed to make a distinct impression that flocked several fashion works to his charitable hands due to your exotic physique. But what was happening now was all chance, showing that the heavens continue to favor you despite everything. You were true to your word about being above society’s standards and didn’t feel any shame or guilt about what you do. An emperor has to at least be on that level to truly rule over the masses.

Esdeath meanwhile was forced to keep up her appearance, maintaining a cheerful smile. But her eyes, on the other hand, carried intense disgust and disdain from being reduced to a runway model. If she could she would jump to attack you with her ice-encased fists to thoroughly and justifiedly beat you to a bloody pulp for this humiliation. Of course, she knew that was a wasted effort as you were making the biggest of shit-eating grins from embracing this menagerie of fashion. So trying to inflict any kind of physical or psychological pain was a wasted effort, especially after undergoing Barbara’s assassin training and general resistance. No amount of physical pain could take away the shame of doing something so girly as an apex predator. But it would make her feel better if just a little.

In any case, your little show did attract a rather large crowd of people. Successfully making bank at showing two clashing beauties in their store’s various assortments of goods, the manager and general staff found themselves blessed immensely from the act. So much, you found yourself receiving a very handsome bounty and more clothing than you could ever think of. Your advertisement more than made up for it and cemented you and Esdeath as the shop’s mascots. Again, much to Esdeath growing irritation but it couldn’t be helped. She forces herself to keep on her best behavior, agreeing to your whimsical antics to avoid drawing attention. An oxymoron in retrospect but the intent was still clear.

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>>4186856

“Thanks for helping me with the shopping Esdy. Now with this, I’m sure that I’m more than well-prepare to look the part in operation Bunny Blowout, otherwise known as winning Mera to our side and getting both the Oarburgh clan and assassin organization’s full support. “ You say from the front as you laid the two of you down the street of a busy city.

“...Yeah, you’re the real spitting image of a true fashionista..” Esdeath mutters, carrying the different assortment of packages. Even with the hammerspace tools it still falls upon you to have your childhood friend do the heavy lifting.

“Now then, I think we should move on to the next agenda.”

“Before that...I just have to ask one simple question.”

“Yes?” You turn your head to face Esdeath, making a catty cat like expression.

“Tell me...Nobu...why the hell are we walking around in these clothing?!” Esdeath yells, still remain at acceptable levels as she fumes at wearing a fusion between a bunny suit and a female magician’s tuxedo.

“Hmm, I don’t know. The crowd that we had to greet and display proper etiquette and fill out their requests was getting oh so rambunctious and overly populated. So there was no way we could endure staying in that shop long enough to change back to our personal clothing. So, for now, these will have to do.” You answer, playing the fool by pretending to be oblivious to your attire knowing full well exactly how the public would react.

“...I know you’re lying but at the moment I can’t prove you on your bullshit. “

“Well if you think I’m being unreasonable, I could take the bags off your hands...and leave your dazzling bunny form for the world to see~”

“...The word devil doesn’t begin to describe the monster you are Nobu.”

“Really? I like to think of myself as a Demon Emperor~ Aha? That’s right, in this form, Demon Empress would be more accurate.”

>How do you proceed?

>Go on the carriage ride as planned once you reach the park
>Continue shopping for supplies and using Esdeath as your pack mule
>Show Esdeath mercy and stop at a secluded restaurant
>Go to the candy parlor and sample the countless treats and sweets with Esdeath
>Look for a puppet/theatre show to watch with the residents
>Find an art museum to travel to and appreciate the scenery
>Other [write-in]

>>4186857
>>Show Esdeath mercy and stop at a secluded restaurant

>>4186857
>Show Esdeath mercy and stop at a secluded restaurant

>>4186857
>>Show Esdeath mercy and stop at a secluded restaurant

>>4186866
>>4186871
>>4186894

Musing to yourself at a haul well received you start darting your eyes around your scenery. So much to do and in such little time, what’s a lady to do? But as you plan your next plan of action with this little game, you turn your attention back to Esdeath. Even after making a sour puss expression, she was still carrying your stuff without complaint. As if something of this level would be bothersome for a barbarian princess as she lifted giant Danger Beasts far heavier than a primadonna’s master collection of clothing. The real humiliating aspect is stripping her of her pride and making her the object of cutesy although arguably equally sexy eye candy.

Seeing her like this made you rethink your course of action. Did you really want to spend the last of your day with Esdeath? What you did alone was enough to last quite a long time in the playful bullying department. Humiliation aside it was still a good investment in opening up your Ice Queen to enjoying the finer things of life and experience a sample of the world you had to leave behind due to unforeseen circumstances that were out of your control. Still, your conscience was raddling in your head about showing mercy and dropping the mind games to do something nice for Esdeath. At least for now anyway.

“You know Esdeath….I’m getting rather hungry after working up a sweat with that fashion show. I think we should take a breather and go somewhere secluded and just...talk. For old times sake.” You say softly, returning to your normal if not serious tone to reassure Esdeath that you were serious. Met with a brief silence, you turn your head to see Esdeath staring at you with a grimacing look of suspicion. Her dull eyes and blank expression really paints how dubious she was to not believe a single thing you say.

“Come Esdeath, could you not stare me with such distrusting eyes? Even a demon-like myself can have a heart and know when the game has gone too far.” You smile awkwardly as you slightly sweat over how intensely she was staring at you. “I’ll even pay for the meal to make up for having you indulge in my whims.”

Continuing to stare at you coldly for a while, Esdeath moves one hand towards her face, pointing her fingers to her eyes before moving it back to you. “...fine, but if you pull another stunt like what you did just now after you think I’d drop my guard, I’m going to make sure Mera won’t be the one to castrate you once she finds out your secret.” Esdeath threatens, keeping in character while still finding the way to be her old, ferociously feisty self.

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>>4188475

Holding back the urge to be a smartass you simply nod dubiously as the sweat piles up on the back of your head. Either way, the two of you would soon find a rather charming place to have some lunch. Keeping to the request of being somewhere that you didn’t have any direct influence under and being seclusive enough, you still manage to find an entertaining cafe. To make Esdeath feel at home, each of the waiters and waitress was wearing costumes for that extra flare. To which Esdeath merely stares blankly at you, which you attempt to yet again quell her suspicions about this being another attempt to mess with her.

With a sigh, Esdeath drags you to a table on the second floor at the far back where nobody would disturb them. Taking your seat, Esdeath looks at the menu before turning her attention back to you as you did the same.

“Alright, honest question Nobu. What exactly is your plan? And I mean your real plan. You already gave me the reason why politically you’re going dressed up like a Christmas cake instead of sending Ranmaru or myself. But, if that really the case then you wouldn’t go all out trying to be the real, bonified article. Much less make yourself appear ten years older than you naturally are. So it has me perplexed on exactly on what you’re trying to do that requires this much forethought.” Esdeath bluntly asks, crossing her arms while staring at you closely. Some part of you feels like your Ice Queen is rather jealous and not just out of missing the chance for a good fight with the leader of the Oarburgh clan. Still, she gave a razor-sharp stare as she wasn't taking any white lie or misdirection. "Start talking."

>How do you answer Esdeath?

>[Write-in]

>>4188478
>"Well... there is a reason apart from the political one. The reason is that I want to see her in her most natural state. When you encounter the unknown, what decides how you'll act? Your personality. Right now I'm an unknown to her, so our interactions will give me an accurate picture of her character."

>>4188478
I'll second >>4188663

>>4188663
>>4189327

Sorry for the delay, was seeing if anyone else had anything else they want to say, asks or do before I'll move to the next scene later today.

>>4191248

In retrospect perhaps you did make it a little too conspicuous that you were up to something. Then again, when weren’t you scheming your next master plan. You live your entire life since that faithful day always planning your moves despite appearing like a laid-back, easygoing jokester who goes with the flow. The fact that only Esdeath managed to call you out on your “mask” and once again wanting the “true” Nobusada aka Saburo shows just how much she knows you. And maybe just how much she means to you and vice versa. Anyone else hasn’t shown such insight to peak past your masks. Or the ones that do don’t particularly care enough to approach you. Hopefully, Merraid will continue to keep that streak alive.

If nothing else you strongly believe Esdeath can keep a secret. She was the posterchild of lone wolf monthly, artic edition. So it was highly unlikely she was going to blab to the nearest person she can find. Esdeath was one who could keep uncanny levels of focus and concertation, shutting everything out to focus on the task at hand. You master Barbara considers her to be a better assassin than the prodigy child Chelsea and Taeko. She certainly has the fortitude as you did spend all the way to the early afternoon messing with her. The only other person who could handle that you think is buddha himself.

“Alright, you got me. I do have another objective aside from securing more manpower for our end goal. As well as the added bonus of lessening the number of resources both the revolutionary army and the empire can use for their battle.” You concede, slowly placing your hand against your chin upon seeing the frozen drinks being set prior to open up ever slightly. Giving Esdeath bedroom eyes, you curl your lips into a soft, stunning smile. “That level of sharp-wit and keen observation alongside your innate aptitude really makes you quite the amazing woman.”

“Don’t try to flatter me Nobu. You’re already on thin ice for this charade.” Esdeath bluntly shot you down, folding her arms and keeping the tsun in dere on active duty.

“Fair enough. I’ll get back to explaining myself less I want you shooting ice daggers at my chest.” You close your eyes and pull back with a playful sticking of the tongue. Resulting in Esdeath snapping a fork in two out of her pent up aggression.

"Anyway... there is a reason apart from the political one. The reason is that I want to see her in her most natural state. When you encounter the unknown, what decides how you'll act? Your personality. Right now I'm an unknown to her, so our interactions will give me an accurate picture of her character."

“So in other words, you want to know the real her. To understand if she’s as she makes her out to be or have some other hidden self. Like how you mask your true intentions with your outer personality.”

>>4193380

“I like to think of them as both sides of the same coin rather than a mere mask. But yes you are correct. If I am to trust the Oarburgh clan to the extent needed for this to work. Then I need to make sure that the heiress is someone we can work with. Especially once she finds out about my true identity.” You turn your head to the side as you let out a troublesome sigh. “As fun as it’s been playing pretend and seeing the grass from the other side. I don’t think I can permanently stay like this. I mean I could but where’s the fun in that.”

“Truly you’re making a noble sacrifice choosing to be a voluptuous mature woman and trying to seduce a tenacious lesbian.” Esdeath continued her deadpan expression as she condescendingly comments on your actions.

Brushing off her banter, you quickly clap your hands together while giving a devilish grin. “I think it’s far more interesting if she’s someone I like in a person to win her over in both forms. “

Raising an eyebrow and sweating a bit, Esdeath glances lightly with skepticism. “The way you phrase that makes me inclined to believe you almost want her to try and-” Before she could finish getting at what she’s implying, you softly place your index finger on her lips.

“Not saying no but not saying yes either. All you need to know that I’m not one to play things by ear and follow the script of another if I can avoid it. “ You smile.

“...” Esdeath pauses for a bit at your charm before biting your finger. Already you feel her piercing skin as blood starts to drip. She really was on the tsun end of the stick today.

>How do you proceed?

>Discuss with Esdeath about something else [write-in]
>Enjoy the remainder of your day with Esdeath while easing up on her
>Focus on your mission and say your goodbyes before heading out
>Other [write-in]

>>4193381
>Focus on your mission and say your goodbyes before heading out
OK, it's go time

>>4193381
>>Focus on your mission and say your goodbyes before heading out

>>4193383
>>4193385

Feeling like you rock the boat enough you spent the remainder of your lunch focusing on small talk to take Esdeath’s mind off on the mission. Although keeping her distance, she did resume standard conversation with the fool of the north. Crabby as she was it still dawn on her that your final day with her shouldn’t end on such a cold front. Having a moment with just the two of you was a real rarity nowadays. So in her own way she was taking it in and savoring it with her subtle smiles. All in all, you found it to be a charming and relaxing experience. Changing out of your costumes and back into proper clothing you pack up your supplies into the portable storage. Having more than enough for your trip including emergencies, there was no point in dragging it out any longer.

“Alright, it’s time for me to head out. If I want to get some serious ground before dark then I need to leave right now.” You reply to Esdeath, brushing your long scarlet hair from your eyes.

“What? No nefarious plan to continue this facade and try to get under my skin.” Esdeath retorts, leaning against the lamp post with arms in a folded.

“No, I think I did enough to make your day special. If I stay any longer it’ll draw attention from the others. Neither of us needs a lecture from Barbara nor wants to insulate Ranmaru’s wraith.” You awkwardly chuckle, looking down at your watch and knowing that you were cutting it close with your departure.

“Besides, if I don’t leave now I won’t be able to part with my special little snow princess Esdy~” You cling to Esdeath, rubbing your face on Esdeath’s smooth, milky skin to her surprise and embarrassment. Bodies pressing against each other as you squirm like a clingy partner.

Flustered by your actions, Esdeath starts spilling ice out of her mouth instead of spit as she screams. “Get off you jackass!” Esdeath growls, pushing you off or at least trying to as you clung onto the Ice Queen like a persistent parasite trying to nettle against its host while draining it of strength. Temperature powers canceling each other out as Esdeath’s cold temperature was met with your hot temperature.

Jumping back from an impending kick to the jaw you wobble back much like a drunken master, blowing a kiss to further infuriate Esdeath before walking off. “Hahaha, with that I’ll see you later~”

>>4194471

“You better not get yourself killed! I won’t be able to get you back for you this if you’re a corpse!” Esdeath shouts, stomping hard on the ground as large cracks form in the process. Waiting until you were gone from her sight, Esdeath turns away, placing her hand against her chest as she pouts. Still having complex feelings over the predicament. “....that dumbass.”

With your conscience clear you fully commit to your task of traveling to the capital. A trip that ends up taking three straight days thanks to the shortcut. With roughly only a week left before the tournament, you were free to your own devices.

>How do you proceed?

>Keep yourself out of sight and wait for the tournament [timeskip]
>Head to the tournament grounds and check the coliseum for any information
>Actively try to find Merriad by acting as bait
>Look around the scenery and observe the state of the capital
>Head to the church of Peace
>Check the military post and try to fish for information
>Other [write-in]

>>4194473
>>Head to the tournament grounds and check the coliseum for any information
>>Look around the scenery and observe the state of the capital
>>Head to the church of Peace

>>4194473
>Look around the scenery and observe the state of the capital
>Head to the church of Peace
>Head to the tournament grounds and check the coliseum for any information

>>4194476
>>4194672

That's a lot to cover and cover I will but I'll be breaking it into sections for better flow.

So which do you go first?

>The Coliseum
>The Church of Peace
>The Capital's Plaza

>>4194955
>>The Capital's Plaza

>>4194955
>The Capital's Plaza

>>4194959
>>4194981

Due to the trip taking three days for you to arrive it was only natural that you made your nest at an inconspicuous hotel. Checking the parameter you weren’t met with anything out of the ordinary. Thankfully fortune was on your side as you spent the night sleeping soundly without interruption. Being by yourself allowed you more leverage in your arsenal of options. At the same time, you were left dealing with being truly by yourself for the first time in a very long time. No Esdeath, no Ranmaru, none of your party members to coordinate with. Right into the heart of enemy territory would leave a lesser man being paranoid and uneven. Especially given the high crime rate that the capital has according to intel.

However, you weren’t like most men, for you carried the same level of mental fortitude and strength to rival your longtime partner in crime. Maintaining the sound mind, body, and spirit through the daily basic requirements works to keep you tempered and focused. Not letting your excitement drive you to become brash and reckless. It’s for that reason alone you maintained your disguise even while sleeping, putting all that diligent training and mental imagery to good use. Until you were ready you didn’t give way to creating any holes to your strategy. In the capital, there were three things you set out to do in addition to prepare for the tournament. Reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, aka RTSA.

Being in the captain in so long made you all the more anxious to gather information about the state of the Empire. From its military to its people, there were plenty of things on your mind to uncover. Limiting the places to hit wasn’t easy but for now, you stick to three primary locations. The Captial’s plaza for learning about the community, the coliseum for scouting the ambiance of the battlefield, and lastly the Church for observing the next wild card, the Path of Peace. These three tasks, in particular, was on the top of your to-do list. Anything else you would simply play by ear as planning too far into the future can lead one to be too rigid and easily brittle. That said, if you were to run into Merraid personally then you were willing to change the schedule.

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>>4196649

Quickly taking care of your daily needs you step out of the hotel in the early morning as you start your day. Keeping constant awareness of your surroundings you begin by traveling to the plaza. The trek alone provided for some serious sights for your watchful eyes. Unsurprisingly the capital was surrounded by travelers from you can only assume was the lesser villages and towns in the wilderness. From what Chelsea told you the Empire was taxing its people to keep its frivolous spending and other luxuries without affecting the military. As a result, lots of people from those stricken areas came to try and make some money to help alleviate the heavy costs. Unfortunately, as you quickly notice in the shadows, there were plenty of folks who took advantage of such naivety.

Worse yet was the fact some of these crimes happened in broad daylight but nobody not batting an eye to the foreigners. Or lower class in general, symbolizing this was truly a dog eat dog environment. Anyone who speaks up against it or defies the empire was often crucified as martyrs or sacrificial lambs to put the others in their place. At first, such an environment would fit the Social Darwinist rules like natural selection and survival of the fittest. To your eyes, however, this was anything but a mockery as the weak and corrupted held the power. There was no place for the strong under such deceitful and crooked rulings. Seeing the bodies first hand put things into perspective as just how rotten things have gotten since your absent.

Walking away with a blank expression, your crimson eyes dart slightly to see something in the alleyway. A pink-haired girl no older than nine years old was currently being beaten and battered by a couple of thugs. Judging from her complexion and other characteristics she was of western born, a half-foreigner trying to survive any way she can. From the look of it, however, she was certainly in quite a pinch.

>What do you do?

>Mind your business and continue observing the plaza
>Step in and take care of things personally while lecturing the child
>Even the playing field by only giving the girl what she needs to fight back
>Find the military and try to get them to act
>Other [write-in]

>>4196650
>Step in and take care of things personally while lecturing the child
Protecc

>>4196650
>>Step in and take care of things personally while lecturing the child

>>4196650
>Step in and take care of things personally while lecturing the child

>>4196657
>>4196663
>>4196678

Going for the rescue. Give me 2d20

Rolled 19, 12 = 31 (2d20)

>>4197484

Rolled 10, 14 = 24 (2d20)

>>4197484

>>4197498

On one hand, this has nothing to do with you as you didn’t owe her or anyone to come to the rescue. Sympathy was there but it wasn’t like you didn’t undergo far worse and survive on your own. But to ignore the assistance you received and turn a blind eye would be pure arrogance. Upon closer inspection, you saw her tormentors being a bunch of rowdy teenagers. Mere punks that you wouldn’t even bat a single eye otherwise. There was about four to five of them, clearly, it was a small gang looking to act tough rather than play the part. Two men of medium build, a bulky heavy guy, a lanky agile one and what you can assume was the boss with his balanced build.

Even with their numbers, they were no threat even if you have to stoop to their level. At her age, in your time you would easily crush such punks back then. Though fighting Danger Beasts was an unfair comparison to pampered punks. At the very least you were thankful that this was happening in the alleyway where no one could see if they don’t want to snoop around. Two of the men were serving as a lookout while doubling as further obscuring the scene. A pointless effort on both accounts as you could easily knock them all out without them even knowing what hit them. Then again, where’s the fun in that?

Walking casually with your hands in your pockets, you made your presence known to the gang before they could finish pummeling the pink-haired girl any further. “Don’t you guys think that picking on a little girl is the opposite of being manly?

“What was that?” The medium built brunette grunt spoke.

“Who the hell are you miss?” The medium built black haired grunt asks, pushing up his shades to try and get a look at you.

“You heard me. It’s no fun picking on weak people. That only shows how weak you really are. And I know you guys like to see yourself being tough and imposing right?” You reply, giving a condescending tone with your soft demure smile. Much to your expectation, it was enough to get all but the boss riled up.

Tempering the anger from the lanky mohawk grunt and heavy bald one, the flamboyant boss causally smiles at you.“We’re not doing this for kicks. Don’t you see that girl is a refugee? An outsider pretending to be one of us despite having western blood in her veins. The very same country that we’re fighting a war over. So by that account, she should be grateful she isn’t hung for such transactions.” As he says this, the boss starts to grab Mine by the collar, raising her high up to his one hundred and eighty meters height. Digging her body deep against the wall, a callous smile sneaks it’s away on his calm and collective face.

>>4197484
>>4199998

“Yeah, that’s right.” The burly bald man cries, looking at you with an intimidating smile. “It’s the fate of the loser to follow the rules of the winner. The war is all but ensured in our victory, but a lot of lives have been lost. So someone has to compensate us, the people for this unforgivable act.”

“It’s only fair that she should listen to what we say since we’re doing a fine job making sure such a thing doesn’t happen to her. Isn’t that right Mine?” The lanky one asks, towering over even the boss as he kneels down to look at the squirming Mine. The tightness of the boss’s grip kept Mine from speaking but you figured the other reason was due to her trauma. Still, she managed to give a fearful nod, not out of her own sake but towards yours.

“See? She’s being considerate after getting reprimanded for her incompetence. “ The boss remarks, losing up from his grip and letting her fall flat hard on the pavement. Letting the lanky one who was clearly his right-hand man stop his boot against her skull.

“And?” You bluntly ask, slightly lowering your eyes as your condescending tone slowly fading for a harsher pitch.

“That should be enough for you to get the picture and leave. Less a toots like yourself wanna have some fun with us?” The brunette grunt says, making his way to put his hand against your chest shamelessly. Shit eating grins and all.

Staring briefly at the act, feeling the deep squeeze, you refrain from moving an inch. It’ll be easy for you to burn off his hand with your body temperature, but that would ruin your clothing. Instead, you pay no attention to him, turning your head to look back at the wall.

Annoyed by this, the brunette grunt grabs at your chin to pull you directly into a frontal confrontation. “Look at me when I’m talking to you, you harlot.”

Staring at him closely, you slowly close your eyes and smile at the grunts. “Oh I’m sorry, I got a little carried away. See I don’t speak nor listen to bastards.”

>>4200000

Enraged by this, the brunette grant prepares to smack you with his hand.“That’s it you big breasted bimbo of a bitc-” Before he could finish you brush your knuckle against his face, moving far too fast for any of them to see. With a single well-timed swing, you casually smack the grunt against the wall, making for a rather large dent in the process. Blood starts to spill from it as you did hold back from killing him, more importantly, you didn’t make a single sound but it was clear that he was going to have to walk off a concussion and a broken nose. That is if he was lucky, you weren’t sure how much you held back.

“What was that? I couldn’t hear you under the sound of this wall. Care to repeat yourself?” You kneel over, putting your left hand on your ear and acting joyously on the unconscious brunette. Earning the death glares from not only the raven-haired man but the rest of the group as well.

Right before your eyes, you would see these punks start to pull out different concealed weapons. “Lady, you done fucked up now for messing with us.” The raven-haired man spoke, pulling out a pair of switchblades.

“Oh, how quaint. You’re using knives. I hope they match your outfits, gotta really sell that your tough as nails.”

“That’s it I’m going to carve those tits out as a souvenir.” The raven-haired grunt cries, charging at you with a swing. To which you merely counter by grabbing his hand, bending it till it dislocates, and moving it behind his back, all without him noticing. Keeping quiet you did the same with his other arm as it took a few swings to notice what has happened.

Looking behind his back with utter terror, the raven-haired grunt let out a painful scream, quickly collapsing to the ground from the shock. Down to three, both the lanky one and the burly hulk charged at you from both ends with their punkish weapons. Putting your hands back into your pocket, you counteract the charge with a well-planted foot against the lanky man, bringing him down to your level as you burry his face down against the bricked concrete floor. Grinding your foot against his face, you shift your head forward to disrupt the burly man’s tackle with a powerful headbutt. Hitting him with enough force to paralyze him, you take a close look at his distraught face.

>>4200009

Grinning at him you continue to inflict punishment upon him by repeatedly slamming your head against his head until finally, he collapses onto the ground. Simultaneously you stomped your foot against the lanky man, showing domineering skills that would make your childhood friend Esdeath proud. As you inflict various punishment game against his crew, the boss starts to drop his metal bat, moving towards Mine to use as a bargaining chip. Before he even took the next step, you already have moved from the two higher-ups, quickly closing the distance between you and the boss. Unable to back away, his attention looks down to your hands as you hold his arms into place.

What came next was the pinnacle of brutality as you spent your time breaking the boss’s fingers one by one. You essentially promised the boss if he can stay conscious through the entire act that you would let him go. To your disappointment, he only lasted for two fingers before passing out and pissing himself. Of course, you still broke all of his fingers, telling Mine to close her eyes if she didn’t want to be scared for life. Well, any more than what she already was. Nevertheless, you find yourself standing at the center of some serious broken down men. All without making a single sound throughout your brutal reprimanding course.

“Aaah man! That wasn’t enough to even get me partially warmed up. Maybe I should’ve fought them with using my tongue. That would’ve been more of a fair fight.” You sighed, scratching your head in annoyance, having droopy eyes as you feel more tired than pumped.

Struggling to find the strength to speak, Mine starts to stare at you, holding her hands to her chest. “U-Um, thank you-”

Placing your right hand out to stop her from speaking, you kept your back turned from the orphan. “Don’t thank me. You need to learn how to protect yourself. Nobody in life should go on expecting someone will always come to their aid or at all. “ You bluntly state, reflecting from personal experience.

“...I know. But...even if I did that...will there be a place for me. I have...foreign blood.” Mine mutters, clinching her chest as she felt resentment over her genes. Before she could say anything else you bonk Mine on the head, differently holding back as she only got a comedic knot sticking out of her head from the hit.

>>4200012

“So what? Blood doesn’t matter. In this world, the only thing that matters is your strength. Physical, Mental, Spiritual, everything boils down to the concept. You’re either strong or you’re not. And if you’re the latter you’re given a choice. Become stronger or die, because living a hallowed life wallowing in your own misery is no different than death. “ You lecture Mine, practically going into a deep rant over what Mine needed to hear while making sure not to project your own hardships to Mine, thus missing the point.

“You reak of malnourishment and poor hygiene. Even the look in your eyes shows you that you’re half-dead. I could tell those guys were telling a load of crap from the first word. Given how often you tremble and your condition, I seriously doubt you’ll last much longer at this rate.” Placing your hands back into your pockets, you tilt your head to look at Mine, back turned as you were on the edge of the alleyway.

“So what it’ll be? Do you want to live or not?”

I-I…..I…”Mine pauses, tears coming from her eyes as she picks herself back up. Holding back blood from her beatings, she gives you a determined look as there was a fire in her eye. “....I want to live! I want to become stronger! Much stronger so I can survive this hellish world. Strong enough that nobody can ever push me around or bring me down on my knees. I want to become one of the winners and destroy this rotten system!”


>What do you do?

>Adopt Mine and put her under your protection
>Take her to a proper orphanage and pay for her stay
>Get back on track and leave her behind to fend for herself
>Brand Mine as your personal slave
>Other [write-in]

>>4200013
>>Adopt Mine and put her under your protection
Well, Mine is going to be confused with her dad-mom.

>>4200013

>Adopt Mine and put her under your protection

Naofumi take notes.

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>>4200021
>>4200038

You weren’t sure what exactly made you helped this battered and bruised little girl. Perhaps it was seeing something in her that reminded you of yourself when you were her age. Maybe it was proof that as the true emperor that it was your duty to protect your people and correct the mistake. Truthfully there were a lot of reasons that were just as valid towards your motivation. However, listening to Mine’s declaration of wanting to become stronger and the winner made all those reasons fade away. Regardless of your reason, conscious or subconscious, it was all irrelevant when seeing that flame of rebellion dancing like wildfire.

That alone was enough to put a smile on your face. Turning your front back to Mine you saw that her declaration was taking a lot out of her. It may just very well be the first time she ever spoke out with such passion and vigor. In her condition, it wouldn’t be surprising if she passes out right this very second. The only thing that was keeping her going was sheer willpower and nothing else. Although this would go against your plan and even make your objective much harder, you still feel incline to move towards Mine. Just like with the village chief and Barbara, it seems you’re able to see the same potential that they saw in you.

Grinning rather devilishly, you kneel down at Mine, catching her before she would fall down from exerting too much of her remaining energy. Briefly helping her back to sitting position, you aim to place your hand on her head. Instinctively Mine winces, expecting to be struck, but instead, you gave the abused child an encouraging head pat. “ Very good. Most excellent actually. Being weak isn’t a sin, choosing to remain weak is the surest sign of a worthless person. And you prove to me you’re not worthless at all.”

“It’ll be disastrous if I let someone of your potential alone in the capital in such a condition. The game is far too one-sided for you to turn it around. Guess it can’t be helped.” After ruffling her pink hair enough you rest your arm on your knee before offering your other hand to Mine. “From this day on, you are under my protection...as my daughter and student. I’ll make you strong, strong enough to make all that you desire a reality. No, perhaps even stronger than that as strength has no limits, ad infinitum incarnate. “

Mine stares at you with a look of surprise. Her once dull, seemingly lifeless eyes start to sparkle as the light begins to come into her life again. Breaking down into tears, Mine takes your hand before hugging you tightly, crying into your chest. “Waaaah” That was all that she could manage as any words she has become an incoherent mess. Still, you easily got the gist of what she wanted to say as she was more than thankful for your offer.

>>4201225

After letting her cry it all out, you meet her gaze with a soft smile before picking her off from the ground. “By the way, declining isn’t an option. When something has my interest, I make it my best effort to take it under my wing. And I don’t ever let it escape my grasp nor relinquish it once I have it.” You say, keeping your smile as you begin walking out of the alleyway. Leaving Mine baffed at the darker implications of such a line.

“Eh?!” Mine cried, eyes widening at what exactly she was getting into. Quicky wiggling her arm in protest as you princess carry her to the open street.“Hold on, why does it sound like instead of being my savor you’re kidnapping me?!”

“Can’t kidnap an orphan since they’re unwanted in the first place. Now come along, we got things to do. After that, I need you to get accustomed to your new life. The first thing I’m gonna teach you is how to hunt and survive off the land. As well as the exquisitely and nutritious wonders of having a danger beast diet.”

Mine found herself feeling ill at the thought of eating literal danger beasts as she no longer had the strength to protest any further. Just what new hell did she found herself into.

>What do you do next?

>Get Mine fed, treated and clothed before doing anything else
>Head to the Church of Peace
>Head to the Coliseum
>Look into the library records for anything that happened since your “assassination”
>Go to the military office
>Other [write-in]

>>4201229
>>Get Mine fed, treated and clothed before doing anything else
>>Look into the library records for anything that happened since your “assassination"

>>4201229
>Get Mine fed, treated and clothed before doing anything else
>Look into the library records for anything that happened since your “assassination”
>Head to the Church of Peace

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729 KB JPG

>>4201249
>>4201442

First thing first you took Mine to a doctor. Sure you have survival skills and took some notes from Ranmaru about biology, but your general medical knowledge can only get you so far when being in the wilderness. At some point, you’ll need to seriously brush up on your medical knowledge to truly be efficient on the battlefield. Luckily it wasn’t hard for you to find an exceptionally good doctor to treat Mine. A regular doctor would’ve been enough but you didn’t want to take any chances. The sicknesses that she was riddled with weren’t on the level of being incurable. Still, if left untreated they would only mutate further and worsen until they finally reach the stage where Mine’s life is forfeit.

To your surprise, it appears that Mine was actually ten years old although somewhat recently. Another sign that her malnourished body was hampering her growth and physical development. Honestly with what the doctor told you it was astonishing that Mine was still alive. Her long, unmanaged pink hair and a dirty cloth gown showed that she was a street rat living in terrible conditions. But even with her sickly complexion, the doctor estimated that had she not been rescued she wouldn’t last past the next year. This was certainly quite the pinch that Mine has been enduring. All for this singular moment.

After getting what you need and obtaining more medical knowledge from the doctor, you set yourself with the treated Mine to the clothing saloon. It wasn’t hard for you to talk to the shopkeep to give you a private room to do proper grooming. With the necessary tools, you manage to de-muddled the wild mess of Mine’s abnormal mane. Turning it into silky, velvety rapunzel-like hair, well-groomed while being manageable for the ten-year-old. Tying the hair into a pair of braided twintails, you took Mine to take a bath while picking out proper clothing for her to wear. Utilizing those fashion skills made the act child’s play as Mine was effectively reborn from looking like a sickly street urchin to a fragile but enchanting noble’s daughter.

Paying for the surfaces you then took Mine to the library in order to gather some information about the capital and the state of the Empire. Finding the books was no trouble at all as you sleuthing through each and every book you can find about the topic. Unsurprisingly the records books have you, Saburo listed as dead as apparently you and your family’s death was propaganda against the western country, believing it was them who assassinated the royal family. All but one survivor who was with your uncle, your baby sister Oichime. It appears that she was left as the sole candidate for the ruler, under the guidance of the prime minister. An act that ultimately sparked the battle for succession.

>>4201641

Summarizing the battle you imagine that the prime minister prior, your uncle Chouri, was put to blame for your family’s tragedy and was looking to use this as a ploy to boost his status as he was a potential candidate to become emperor. Tries as he did to disprove such belief, it ended up being a rather long war, to which he fought valiantly. Until recent years as during the battle for succession, his assistant, a man known as Honest took the mantle as the new Prime Minister. With one fail swoop, he revoked Chouri’s position as Prime Minister and substitute Emperor and relocated him to the far west. Leaving your sister in Honest’s care.

To say you were hit with a wave of emotions was a severe understatement upon learning the truth. But for Mine’s sake, you kept yourself from acting out on the discovery and continued your investigation. The three factions were currently known as the Southern Lands, the Northern Tribes and the Western Empire was still in a three-way deadlock with the empire. Although in recent turns of events, the Western Empire on the verge of surrender to the empire, thanks to General Budo who was now promoted to Great General, the highest-ranking any military officer can receive. His actions allow them to expand their territory even further. But the South and Northern sides remain deadlock as they couldn’t advance any further.

Ultimately the government is looking for strong wild cards to recruit to the army and take part in the southern and northern war. Gathering enough information about the overall affairs of the empire and the capital, you took some medical books with you as you and Mine leave to get some food. With her case of malnourishment, you made sure Mine carefully get her nourishment. But not too much as the doctor told you her stomach has shrunk, making it hard to handle food until its remedy. Still, you manage to spoil her with an extravagant roll of sweets as she ends up crying. In between this, you advert your eyes reading the books and other notes, refreshing yourself of what you know while adding on to your memory banks.

Once both of you were well fed and ready, you embark on your next destination. The Chruch of Peace.

>What do you once you arrive?

>[write-in]

>>4201644
Look around the place and learn about the Path of Peace from the inside, acting like an innocent visitor (potential initiate) with a passing interest in the cause.

>>4201644
Seconding >>4201693

>>4201693

+1

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2.26 MB PNG

>>4201693
>>4202496
>>4204213

The Church in the capital serves as the main headquarters to the religion known as the Path of Peace. It’s a relatively new religion station in the empire after decades prior, this spiritual "community" used to live in the eastern territory of the area that belonged to The Empire. But due to one reason or another, they intergraded themselves into the heart of the empire. Despite their abrupt establishment they managed to sweep the nation as the go-to religion of the empire. Quite possibly serving as a convenient source for the people to rely upon in these troubling times. There was certainly a lot of corruption and general incompetence in these war-torn times that would push one to look to a higher power.

The establishment of the church was naturally after your abduction from your birthland and attempted assassination. So you didn’t exactly know a whole lot about the religion. But who are you to turn down the possibility of gathering more intel for potential allies or enemies at worst. All the more reason to check them out before the empire ends up doing the same. If not already. Keeping your adoptive daughter mine close to your side you step into the massive gates and enter the white sanctuary. Unsurprisingly the church looks exactly what you expected with its stained glass, multiple benches and other religious symbols and tools. Not too shabby all things considering as you look around seeing the multiple halls in the far back.

Reaching the top of the large podium stand you would see one of the workers currently sweeping up, keeping the monastery in tip-top condition. It was a charming gentleman with medium-length blue hair and violet eyes. He quickly turns to you upon approaching him before making a friendly expression.

“Hello, how can we help you?” He asks, keeping the broom to the side.

“Pardon the intrusion but I’m a recent traveler here with my daughter. And I’m looking for a tour of the place and to learn more about the path of peace.”

>>4206279

“Is that so? Well, it’s always good to find potential followers of our religion. Despite our rampant popularity, there’s still some who don’t see our pacificist stance and our concerns about the Empire in a positive light. “ The man spoke, showing slight concern while maintaining a cheerful demeanor.

“Yeah, I think what you guys are doing for the people is truly a blessing that shouldn’t go unnoticed. And I’m looking at the possibility of joining so I’d like to know all that you can offer to teach and guide.” You smile, showing a beaming glow of enthusiasm as you paint yourself as a potential initiate. Causing the worker to stare at you fondly in approval at your scenery.

“That’s certainly reassuring to hear. The Lord would be most pleased to hear that. But alas he’s currently out in the streets helping out with providing for the orphans. So I’m afraid that our options are limited on what we can instruct you without his presence.”

>How do you proceed?

>Try to charm the worker into making a special exception for you
>Ask him if there’s anyone else high enough that you could convenience
>Take whatever he can offer you at this time and schedule a meeting before giving thanks
>Wait for the lord to return with Mine by your side
>Other [write-in]

>>4206287
>Wait for the lord to return with Mine by your side
Let's see this Lord guy in person.

>>4206287
>>Wait for the lord to return with Mine by your side

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1.47 MB PNG

>>4206306
>>4206539

Thinking about your options net you about a couple from the top of your head. From persuading the church attendant to hook you up with someone else to strongarming him to give you the tour himself there was a fair pick to choose. Even if he was devoted to the same religious practics found in many churches, it didn’t change the fact he was human. And who could resist the devil’s temptation? But then there was one factor now new to you, Mine. Although she was rather smart for ten years old, it didn’t change the fact she was still an impressionable child. You were many things but a bad influence was not one of them.

“Nah, I think I’ll wait here for the lord and undergo the proper channels.” You say, politely reassuring the attendant and alleviating his concern.

“Really? Are you sure? It’ll be a while before he returns.” The attendant asks as he multitasks with the sweeping.

“Yeah, we got some time. No need to trouble you anymore than I am already.”

“Well, thank you for your kindness. I’ll provide you with some pamphlets and something to keep the little one occupied.” With that, you saw the attendant walking into the back. Leaving you to tend to Mine as you direct her to pick one of the church benches and sit down.

Quickly the attendant came back with the pamphlets and some puzzles for Mine to solve. Taking them with thanks you begin reading through the tidbit of information. Exactly what you expected it was mostly an introduction to the church and some basic information. The Path of Peace’s main goals appears to be to follow the path of least resistance. Given the war centric state of the empire, it left quite a lot of the lower populous to suffer due to taxes. Thus the Path of Peace is adamant against the excessive war and conquest on the neighboring lands. Preferring to settle things more peacefully with a ceasefire and/or treaty. While the Empire would naturally be against this, their growing popularity made it notoriously hard to ignore or suppress.

Surely a pacifist religion must have several bodyguards or additional defenses to protect themselves from protesters and anti-peace worshipers. As you review over the notes given and took your time supervising Mine your attention turns back to the door. After what seems like forever there was someone coming through the massive gate. Stepping into the church was a rather tall, slender individual with very long platinum blond hair. Wearing clothes befitting of a pope, the thing that stood out to you was their large cow skull mask. It gave a familiar danger beast vibe as you look into the glowing red eyes underneath the endless darkness.

>>4208374

Behind the individual was a bearded man wearing a pompous church hat and similar high-grade clothing. Only somewhat shorter than the towering individual, the brunette man clearly appeared as someone who enjoyed the finer life of nobility. Either one of them could easily be the lord, but if you were a betting man you feel inclined to point to the masked figure as the lord. Keeping Mine close to you, you slowly rise out of your chair to greet them. Likewise, the masked man turned to meet you, taking your hand in a firm yet gentle handshake. Making physical contact with the figure giving you the impression that they were a hard-working individual given the roughness of their hands. But there was something mysterious about them that made you uneased.

“Greetings, I hear from one of our attentive that you wanted a tour of our land and to learn more about our religion?”The masked man asks, giving off a booming voice through the mask. Further adding to their already imposing presence as you couldn’t feel anything about them.

“Yes I am, are you the lord?” You ask, making a soft smile as you eye the other man. He was looking at you sternly while keeping his hands behind his back.

“Yes, I am the lord of the Church. I’m sorry to have made you wait for me. For that, you’ll have my full attention. So feel free to ask anything of me.”

>How do you proceed?

>(write-in)

[Author Note: Sorry for the back to back Write-in prompts, but I figure since this is an important encounter I'll let you guys establish your motive/reasons for being here and your objective. If nobody can't come up with anything later, I'll throw some suggestions]

>>4208378
>"I've heard a bit of the path of peace, that it teaches us to do good to others. I was curious to know what you think it is, because I haven't talked to many people -- let alone someone as important as you."

>>4208416
And subtly fish for information on their opinion of the empire.

>>4208378
I guess how many churches they have, and how the Lord go the drive build up, a history lesson simply.

>>4208416
>>4208420
>>4209115

"I've heard a bit of the path of peace, that it teaches us to do good to others. I was curious to know what you think it is because I haven't talked to many people -- let alone someone as important as you." You ask, remaining ever polite to the Lord as they took the time to personally see you rather than direct you to one of their higher followers.

“Well, I certainly admire your quest for knowledge.” The masked lord laughs, alerting his advisor into shock about his nonchalantly approach and joyous tone. “Very well, I will humble your request. Follow me and well go into the sanctum chamber in the back. Just the three of us.”

As the lord empathizes with you, Mine and themselves, their head quickly turn to the bearded brunette. Catching him before he could show a displease expression at being excluded like this. “Can I trust you to handle the rest of the endeavors back home at the capital, Bolic? It seems that I’ll be quite busy in central for quite some time.” The lord asks calmy despite still being joyous.

“Yes, it goes without saying, my lord.” The bearded man spoke, kneel in a bow to show his gratitude at being told he was free to return to his duties and not remain in the capital being his chauffeur.

“Then I’ll bid you farewell for now and wish you for a safe journey.” The Lord nods, giving a wave to Bolic.

Upon saying that to him, Bolic proceeds to leave the room in a timely manner. During your talk with the Lord, you caught his lecherous glimpses at you. Looking at you from all sides to get an eyeful of your presence. At first, you thought of him was keeping his guard and trying to gauge what kind of person you are. But it was soon clear to you that you were overestimating the advisor. Unsurprising to you as even as a child you saw such dirty, nonsensical eyes when surrounded by the bootlicking nobles who wanted to be in your family’s approval.

Seeing him close the door on his way out, the lord turns his head back to you and Mine.“There now, I believe things will be far more relaxed now that you don’t have my advisor eyeing you constantly.”

“You certainly painted that far nicer than I could have my lord.” You smile coyly, joining in the lord charming antics.

>>4213923

“Anyway, it is as our belief states, we the people should strive to do goodwill and fight against the darkness. There is no human out there who doesn’t have a shred of darkness. Everyone has to fight with the duality that lies within them. Our path is within the light, maintaining a healthy distance with the looming shade but never letting ourselves lose our light and be swallowed into eternal darkness.” The lord explains, directing you and Mine to come to follow him as he starts to lead you two into the further levels of the church.

“Just as it’s in human nature to be self-preservation, nearly to the point of being self-centered, it is in our nature to do good, even if they are not all good. The four beginnings of morality is a sense of compassion that develops into benevolence, a sense of shame and disdain that develops into righteousness, a sense of respect and courtesy that develops into propriety, and a sense of right and wrong that develops into wisdom. These beginnings are characterized by our affective motivations and intuitive judgment. That’s why I believe by reflecting on these beginning manifestations, one can find their virtual and walk down the path of peace and goodness. “

Nodding to his explanation you keep one hand close to Mine to hold as you enter the inner hall and walk down the path. “And what if not everyone sees your beliefs that we humans have the potential for good? With all that has happened in the capital alone, they’d probably believe the opposite is more true.”

“We do not deal with what-ifs nor strongly sway in absolutes. We do not believe that the capacity for evil is grounded in human nature, like our innate potential for good. There are many factors that can lead a person astray and/or warp their mind into corruption. This country is a fine example of that. “ The Lord firmly states, keeping a polite tone as their voice doesn’t frighten the child accompanying you.

“I’m curious to ask why you say that.”

“It’s riddled with pain, suffering, and despair. Countless heinous acts have been done throughout these lands as if they were the natural thing to do. Such atrocities aren’t that of the path of men, but that of demons. With such people at the top of the food chain, it’s not shocking that our organization has ended up being so popular. And yet the empire wants a fraction of our donation and other proceeds for privileges and protection. Among other things that are quite confidential.”

>>4213935

“Then you don’t mind if I asked you about how you guys came to being? I don’t think I recall you guys being here in the capital until recently so I’m curious about this religion’s origins. As well as how many churches you have currently. If you would be willing to humble someone lime with a history lesson.” You prod subtly.

Simply nodding to your request, the Lord turns their eyes forward down the path. “We started with just one church but over time our influence and popularity continue to skyrocket through generations. But if I was to give an estimate to how many churches that we have in the empire. I’d say about thirty thousand to be the precise number, the most popular being the eastern and central lines. “

“Our organization’s origins lie within Kyoroch, a large prosperous town that eventually became the flourishing metropolis with its own unique culture. It all started four hundred years ago. Way back when the region wasn’t even part of the Empire and was just a modest settlement in the fracture Eastern territories. The land was plagued with drought and famine and many other atrocities that lead the people consumed with despair. Before long it seems like hope would fade out entirely under such harsh conditions. “

“That’s when a lone person, a singular savor stepped outward from far out into the east. This person carried upon them a heavenly presence, a shining beacon of life as everywhere they touched life began to form. Restoring the scarred land out of its war-torn depravity back to its beautiful scenery. The mysterious savior had remarkable restoration and purification powers in addition to their otherworldly beauty and grace. To the people, their savor was nothing short of an angel, descendant from the heavens to bring forth a new future to the once forsaken people.”

“With their powers over divination, the mysterious savior foresaw the future of the land and changed the simple town into something greater. Soon their influence spread through multiple lands as the mysterious savior traveled from place to place. Healing any injuries and purifying the mind, body, and soul as they elevated them of their suffering. This mysterious person managed to unify the people and stopped the fighting over the fractured region. Ushering a new order as leaders came together and conjoint together to make for one whole kingdom. One that would eventually be integrated into the empire centuries later in it’s growing expansion.”

>>4213941

“As peace finally came to the land, the mysterious savior foretold that their time on this world would soon come to an end. In that time, far off into the future, something terrible was to foretold that would change the very nature of the world. After ushering decades of peace, the mysterious savior gave upon their most trusted follower, one who was pure of heart their blessings. And so to that person came to obtain the same divine powers as the mysterious savior. After completing their final tasks and setting up the necessary steps for succession, the mysterious savior disappeared just as they appeared. Without a trace.”The Lord finishes summarizing the origin of the church during your trip down the hall. Finally stopping at what appears to be a large well-crafted door with religious symbols.

“For generations onward, those who of pure of heart find themselves blessed with the power of the savior, becoming the lord of the Path of Peace. A religion made in honor of the benevolent angelic savior who saved the people from the catastrophe. I am but one of the vessels chosen by our savior, Kannon to carry their will. From the moment I was born, I was blessed with the same powers of healing and divination as the savior. With my prophetic dreams, I’m able to prevent disasters and change fates just like the savior. “

See the mask I am wearing. It represents the absent fear of death, a symbol of someone who has unrivaled toughness, strength, grace and courage. But most of all, it shows someone who has endured hardship but is still able to move forward, offering protection to those who it safeguard and treat as family. That is the same symbol that Kannon has demonstrated during the battle against a super Danger Beast that threatened to bring the land to ruin. Akabeko. To Kannon, death was not the end. Only the start of another journey as we ascend to the next stage. Hence why the savior did not fear it when it was their time.” The Lord points out, showing the chipped scars around the eyes despite being well preserved and sturdy. On the forehead was the cross symbol with four smaller crystal points each covering an extra direction.

“But there’s another truth that solidified their stance on the cycle of life and death. The mortal shell is finite and destined to return to the world that gave birth to it so it can repeat the cycle again. The soul, however, is eternal for it never dies. So no matter what happens to the physical form, it’s our spiritual bodies that truly hold the key to eternal happiness. Most of all, it is our thoughts and wishes that we leave behind that keeps us connected to the world. Allowing us to never be forgotten and achieve immortality. “ The lord states, opening the door before going inside. Waiting for you to follow him into a massive study room filled with books, scrolls, and other necessities for a religious office.

>>4213954

“That is why even in the darkest times, we the followers of this religion can endure with a smile for our face. For as long as some remember us, we are never truly gone. We just merely shed our physical forms to reach a higher plane as we become one with the world. Everything is connected.”

“You certainly gave an insightful understanding of your organization and how it came to be. I think I’m starting to understand just why so many people have flocked to this organization for salvation and comfort. But is that talk of being Kannon’s vessel really true? Surely there can’t be a power that gives one the ability to see the events as clear as day.” You questioned in between stepping inside and seeing the Lord opening up a rather large, thick olden book from the secret compartment.

“I assure you that it’s all true. Just like how I know that you would be coming to this church, I foresaw the events of our meeting in my dream. And I know that you’re not precisely who you make yourself out to be on the surface. You’re quite good at using the psychological presence of the masks, both on the inside and the outside to masquerade yourself as someone else. “ The Lord says, turning back to you as they lift their mask slightly to reveal the lower half of their mouth. Removing the need for the filter as you hear the voice of a soothing, mature man in its place. Making his implications all the more suspicious as the skull glows, further giving you an unsettling vibe. “But that can wait for another time, let’s talk about why you’re really here. This room we’re in is soundproof, so you don’t have any fear of anyone eavesdropping on us. “


>How do you proceed?

>Tell the truth of your intentions and try to convenience the lord to join your cause
>Asks for a demonstration of his powers to confirm your suspicion before talking
>Deny his claims and continue to pretend that you’re a simple traveler
>Change the subject by talking about his advisor
>Other [write-in]

>>4213966
>>Tell the truth of your intentions and try to convenience the lord to join your cause

>>4214491

Give me a d100 roll if you please.

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4218656

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>4218656

>>4218656

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>4218666

Whoops