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“I… I don’t understand.”

Chuichi looks back. No sign of the others. His breaths are heavy, his face flushed. What happened earlier… the truth has finally been revealed. The truth of what he did. Blue… he didn’t mean to hurt him…

And while he thought he would meet his fate then and there before the people he lied to and manipulated, that was not what happened.

Instead, something wholly unexpected happened.

“Kaiya…” Chuichi mutters, looking to the young woman who interfered on his behalf, allowing his escape from the scene. “Why did you help me?”

Kaiya looks ahead into the distance. “The end has come… meat boy.”

“Still calling me that…” Chuichi sighs. “That doesn’t answer my question. Why would you help me? You… you know what I’ve done, right?”

Kaiya nods. “I know.”

“It was…” Chuichi replies. “The path I’m on… I can’t let anyone else follow me down this route, Kaiya. This responsibility is my own. The others don’t understand… I don’t want them to understand. Do you really want to join me, knowing that?”

“Not joining,” Kaiya explains. “Protecting.”

“But why?”

“The class breaks…” Kaiya replies. “The class… broken. In the fates are death, destruction, ruin.”

“What else is new for you?” Chuichi replies. “Your visions are always apocalyptic, aren’t they?”

Kaiya nods. “Tend to be.”

Chuichi approaches her. “Then why of all times are you stepping in?”

Kaiya turns her head back to him. “Obvious, is it not?”

“You might want to be more clear… I’m kind of dumb,” Chuichi admits.

“Simple…” Kaiya gives him a rare, reassuring smile. “I don’t want my friends to die. Any of them.”

“Kaiya…”

>Takeshi

Takeshi steadies his feet as he sets ground upon the red soil in the Darkworld. It’s been over 12 years now since he first stepped into this place. That unease, that lack of assuredness… it never seems to go away no matter how many times her finds himself there.

“They have to be around here somewhere…” He notes to his two companions. Two uncertain elements. The enigmatic Keiji and his wild and crazed former sensei, Act Nakatoni. Both of them look for family, but Takeshi is worried for his class as a whole.

“If you ask me,” he continues. “We should focus on finding a vantage point where we can-“

“MAYUUUUUUUUU!” Act roars, before rushing off to the west on her own.

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“S-sensei!” Takeshi protests, but it’s too late. “Well, then… that was expected. You and I should-“

“Kaiya! Kaiya!” Keiji calls out as he rushes off on his own in turn.

Takeshi shakes his head. “Welp… that’s not good…”

“Takeshi-sensei, do you hear me?” Hoshi’s voice rings out in his head.

“Loud and clear, Sanada…” he nods. “Just… get on with your day. I’ll contact you when I’ve found them.”

“Oh… okay… good luck…”

Takeshi sighs. “I’m gonna need it…”

“What was that?”

“N-nothing!” Takeshi replies.

He sighs, then takes a step forward, calling out into the air. “Kids? Kids?”

>Kiriko

She’s been out there for a while now…

While Akuro cradles Blue, the life fading from the agent, you look to the chasm of ice formed by Mayu, her shivering yet unmoving body, almost in a trance, with her blade dug deep into the earth. On all sides, she’s surrounded with walls of ice, burying herself in.

“We… we have to go…” You mutter, but you don’t know… you don’t know wat you can even do.

If Makoto was here… if Kaz was here… someone would know how to take charge.

Roka looks to you. “What’s the plan?”

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Why is he asking you? Can’t he figure something out himself? Since when were you the ideas person? To you… this still doesn’t even feel real. Chuichi, a murderer? Crazed and determined to wipe out the academy? It’s like a nightmare, and an unbelievable one at that.

“For Blue’s sake,” you reply. “We need to get somewhere safe in a hurry. Then, we need to find the others.”

“Chuichi?”

“I don’t know…” you mutter. “That comes later.”

Roka nods, taking note of your direction. He then turns heel, and starts marching towards Mayu, his boots cracking through the ice with authority. “Roka?”

Roka marches up to Mayu, and scales an icy slope created by her. He breaks his fists through, grabbing Mayu by the robe. He pulls her up through the frosty glass and shakes her back into some semblance of consciousness. “Roka, what are you…?” you begin.

“WAKE THE HELL UP, SAMURAI!” Roka scolds her.

Mayu’s eyes turn to attention, snapping back to the reality around her. She looks to Roka with concern as he holds onto her robe in stern anger. “I almost had him…” Mayu replies.

“I know,” Roka replies. “But you aren’t going to get him again if you choose to sit on your ass! You’re the best among us, we need you! You sure as hell aren’t giving up! You think any of us can face Kazuma if we bring you like this? No way in hell. We’re going to get that reckless idiot, kick his ass for being stupid, find the others, kick their asses for the hell of it, then find Chuichi, and kick his ass because he damn sure deserves it! Now, get moving, or you’ll be first on the ass-kicking list!”

Mayu pauses, then gives a hesitant nod. “R-right…”

She shuffles through the ice. “Did… I create this?”

“Don’t ask me how…” Roka replies. “You’re even stronger than I thought.”

As Roka passes you by with Mayu in tow, he gives you an assured nod.

>Maybe you should take charge…
>Good work… I think.
>Do you really think she’ll be okay?

>>4538677
>Good work… I think.

>>4538677
>Do you really think she’ll be okay?
Even Takeshi knows working with Hoshi is a death sentence

>>4538677
>Do you really think she’ll be okay?

>>4538677
>>Good work… I think.
Big oofs the movie

>>4538677
>Good work… I think.
I expected Keiji to be more coolheaded.

>>4538677
>Good work… I think.

>>4538677
>>Good work… I think.
>>Do you really think she’ll be okay
Ohshit dee gee ayy

>>4538677
>Do you really think she’ll be okay?
Wonder who'll be the one to try to off Chuichi, Keiji for trying to permanently kill off his sister or Act for beating Mayu

Calling for
>Good work… I think.

Writing now.

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>Good work… I think.

"I'm just doing what you would have expected..." Roka replies.

Roka... you may butt heads often. But right now?

He's got your back to the end.

"Mayu... are you okay?" You ask your friend, her face still unsure, her words still lacking.

"I will be focused," Mayu replies in a stilted tone. "We will press forward, and protect the others."

She holds tight to Kaz's music player. "Kazuma..."

The brief silence you're allotted is by Blue coughing.

"Blue!" Akuro exclaims. "You... you..."

"He sure knows how to hurt a guy..." Blue sputters, bleeding from the mouth.

"Blue... can you..." Akuro begins.

Blue almost lets out a chuckle, but he just coughs more instead. Shaking his head, he replies. "Nah... let's not fool ourselves, kid... I'm already done for."

"No!" Akuro protests. "You're really going to give up that fast? Come on, we can get you to-"

"What?" Blue jokes. "One of those famous Darkworld hospitals? There's perseverance, and there's feeling your organs shut down... come on, kid. The least we can do is let me die knowing. I'm... not interested in the struggle. Was always boring. Would prefer to lay back..."

His eyes close, as Akuro shakes him on instinct. "No!"

His eyes briefly open again. "Course... I'd prefer laying back on a beach in Hawaii... guess I'll never get that..."

Tears run down Akuro's face as she clings to him tight. "Please... don't go... dad..."

This time, Blue manages a laugh. "Now you say it... look, Akuro... I've never asked a lot of you, right? I'm gonna ask two things. Don't worry, they're easy."

"What is it?" Akuro asks. "Anything..."

"First..." Blue replies. "You gotta apologise to Green for me. All the trouble, all the headaches I've caused him... sucks that I can't do it in person... guess I'm just a coward like that."

"I will..." Akuro chokes on her words. "And... and the second...?"

Blue gives a small smile. "I need you... to... save him."

"Save..." Akuro looks, confused. "Save who? Who is..."

"You're a smart kid, figure it out..." Blue replies, briefly touching her face. "Sky's the limit, Akuro. Always has been."

With that, he closes his eyes. This time, they don't open again.

"Dad...?" she mutters. "Come on... dad... you lazy bastard, always sleeping on the job..."

You fall to your knees before them, as Akuro continues to cradle her foster father's body. Blue... he's really gone...

>Akuro... I'm so sorry.
>Do you know what he meant?
>Hug her.

>>4538724
>>Akuro... I'm so sorry.

>>4538724
>>Akuro... I'm so sorry.
Rip Lil Blue

>>4538724
>Hug her.
Based Blue planting the seed for Chuichi’s salvation.

>>4538724
>Akuro... I'm so sorry.

>>4538724
>Akuro... I'm so sorry.
Welp, nothing stopping Chuichi now that's he's starting his body count

>>4538724
>>Akuro... I'm so sorry.
Fucking pain...

>>4538724
>Hug her.
Thankfully Kiriko's not related to Kaz genetically so option 2's off the table

Calling for
>Akuro... I'm so sorry.

Writing now.

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>Akuro... I'm so sorry.

Akuro gives no reply. She cradles Blue as tears roll down her face. Eventually, she reaches out a hand for support, and you take it. She squeezes your hand tight, before rising to her feet.

You take a moment for Akuro to commemorate Blue's body. There's no flowers that grow out in a land like this, nothing beautiful to dress up the scene. Akuro just lays stones around the body, laying him down in an awning. "He'll get to be in the shade, at least..." Akuro mutters.

Roka turns his head, his tough demeanour melting. "Blue... he always had an eye out for us. I'm not going to forget that time he took us to the beach any time soon."

Akuro gives a small smile. "He really did look out for us, when he never had to... shame I didn't see it..."

You look to her. "Akuro, do you need more time?"

She shakes her head, before reloading her gun, taking Blue's and holstering them both. "No... he would hate it if I wasted more time mourning him like this... we need to get the others. That's what matters."

>POV Shift: Kazuma

Mio runs her hands through her hair, pulling out some bandages and wrapping them around Anri's wounds. "I don't know if a sling will help with this..." she mutters. "But it's worth a shot."

You pick yourself off the ground, and place a hand on her shoulder. "I'm glad you're here."

Mio smiles back. "Thanks... now let's hope we can say the same to the others... and Atasuke, when he comes to his senses."

"If I carry him..." you reply, looking at Atasuke's unconscious body. "Can you carry Anri?"

Mio ponders. "It would leave us defenceless…" she notes. "But... it's not like we have any other choice, do we?"

"Until we find the others, I suppose not..." you reply.

"Well... the ground we were on is all misshapen and changed now..." she notes. "I'm thinking if we head off that way, hopefully the split paths will converge, is that right?"

"And what of Taiyo?" Anri points out. "If he's still back at the forest, and if he can move on his own power... that's all the defence we and the others would need."

Atasuke said Taiyo was no longer at the ritual site when he came to... so that means he could eventually move... but considering how hard he was hit, you doubt he made it any further than just outside the forest, same as yourselves.

"What's the plan, Kaz?" Mio asks.

Why is she asking you? You're hardly the coolest head in this situation... well, Mio trusts you. She always has.

>Let's see if we can find Taiyo before moving on.
>We have to press ahead. See if your theory holds through.
>I can't think straight right now... it's up to you, Mio. I trust you.

>>4538795
>>Let's see if we can find Taiyo before moving on.
Time to beat Tsuki's ass with Kazumajin

>>4538795
>>Let's see if we can find Taiyo before moving on
Cmon Kaz when was the last time you care about silly things like “thinking straight”?

>>4538795
>>I can't think straight right now... it's up to you, Mio. I trust you.
Kaz still reeling

>>4538795
>Let's see if we can find Taiyo before moving on.
Time for the return of Based Tsuki

Calling for
>Let's see if we can find Taiyo before moving on.

Writing now.

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>Let's see if we can find Taiyo before moving on.

Mio nods. "Exactly what I was thinking. If there's even a chance he's back there... we can't abandon anyone."

You grab Atasuke and use the strength you can muster to carry him, as Mio takes Anri's shoulder and supports her as you all make your way to the forest.

"So... did you see anything of the others?" Anri asks.

Mio shakes her head. "No. I think... I saw Gado and Kuin getting separated in the chaos, Makoto went off a cliff..."

"Makoto..." you mutter. "He better be okay. We could use him right now."

"Five seconds without our leader and everyone was scattered..." Mio jokes with a weak smile. "Chuichi tried to press this way, but didn't make it..."

"Chuichi..." Anri mutters.

"Something wrong?" Mio asks.

Anri sighs. "For another time. For now, Taiyo."

You arrive at the edge of the forest, and you begin to keep your eyes peeled. "Anyone see him?"

"No..." Anri mutters. "I doubt we have time to scour the entire forest, either..."

Just then, a signal. A glowing light, coming through the brush. It glows, then dims, like the beam from a lighthouse. Could it be...

"Taiyo?" you mutter, as you press forward through the brush.

Following the source of the light, your group is lead to the location of the Archdemon of the sun, laying against a tree. Wounded, he can barely move. "Taiyo... that trap got you good, didn't it?"

"I wish it was merely that..." Taiyo mutters in shame. "In my weakened state... I could no longer contain..."

"Contain what?" Mio asks. "Geez... you look real beat up..."

"He did this..." Taiyo replied. "Then he decided it better to leave me here. He cannot survive without me... so he simply took pleasure in hurting me and moved on."

"What are you talking about?" you ask.

Anri lowers her head. "I think I know... he's returned, hasn't he?"

Taiyo performs a painful gulp as he collects his words, before speaking. "Yes... Tsuki is free."

>That can't be possible. We dealt with him, didn't we?
>Which way did he go?
>Heh... heh heh... of course. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

>>4538853
>>Heh... heh heh... of course. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?
m i nd b r e a k

>>4538853
>Heh... heh heh... of course. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?
Damn, who could've known keeping a hostile demon around could backfire?

>>4538853
>>Which way did he go?
>So we can avoid going that way.

>>4538853
>Heh... heh heh... of course. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?
Wei walks out of the bushes and tells them it's all a ruse, no one dies in DGA

>>4538853
>Heh... heh heh... of course. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?
Snap.

Calling for
>Heh... heh heh... of course. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

Writing now.

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>Heh... heh heh... of course. It just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?

"Kaz...?" Mio asks with concern, as you continue to chuckle to yourself.

Of course... all of this... Yasunari... Chuichi... the whole class separated, they could possibly be dead... why wouldn't Tsuki return?! Just to top it all off.

"Ha ha ha ha!" you laugh to yourself, throwing your head back, the blood on your face drying into your hair. "Why wouldn't he return?! Clearly this is the universe's big joke! It's all a dream, isn't it? Any second I'm going to wake up, and Chuichi is gonna call me a doofus for ever dreaming up something so absurd! It'll happen any moment now!"

"Kaz... you're worrying me..." Mio mutters, concern in her voice. She reaches out to grab you, but you instinctively turn away, grabbing Taiyo and picking him up as well.

Anri looks at you, examining you. "Kazuma... you strength is returning to you much faster than mine is."

"We have stuff to do, don't we?" you reply. "Now... the others."

You carry Taiyo and Atasuke as Mio follows close behind. "Kaz..." she mutters softly, walking behind you. "You know... there was time after I lost my mother and my sister that... that I didn't believe it was real. Not a dream, but some kind of... trick, you know? Like... someone was taking me for a ride, it was all a ruse to make an idiot out of me, and any second now Io was going to pop out and yell... surprise!"

Mio pauses. "Of course... she never did. And it was the most painful thing that I could ever imagine."

You continue walking on in silence, while Mio continues to talk. "But I had to press on. I couldn't get trapped in that fantasy, forever... I had to keep living."

More silence. "Kazuma..." she mutters in a serious tone. "We can still find Kiriko. And Mayu. And all of the others. Don't unwind on me now, okay?"

You can't think straight at all. Your mind is completely on Chuichi. Part of you still aches, pulling you away from that thought. Chuichi couldn't have done all this... he couldn't hurt a fly... he's too dumb to hurt anything.

But still...

"I won't."

That's what you finally reply, and it brings a small smile to Mio's face. "I know you won't," she replies.

You don't get much farther after that.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcslVx9BAT8

You should have expected him standing there before you... of course he wouldn't go far. How long has he been stalking your group?

There he stands, over a steep incline into a pit below.

"Long time, no see," Tsuki smirks as he folds his arms. "I see you're carrying my dead weight."

"Tsuki..." Taiyo groans, as you stare dead ahead.

"I don't have time for you," you reply. "If you want to fight, then shut up and do it. I'll take you to the bitter end, no matter what."

Tsuki chuckles. "Kazuma, as feisty as ever... but no. I wouldn't want to fight my friends, after all! Besides... you look like you've already lost a few fights, and I don't mean physically. Look at you... if only you could see the look in your eyes, Kazuma. Your spirit is broken... and I think I know why!"

Taiyo grunts. "Tsuki, enough..."

"You're so used to holding me down, you think you can still do it in your position?" Tsuki laughs. "That's adorable, brother. Kazuma... I know the secret you unveiled. And I have the true answer."

"What?" you ask.

You don't know why you asked. Maybe a part of you is hoping for a different answer from what you know he'll say.

Tsuki chuckles. "Taiyo only saw you wielding the blade, he wasn't smart enough to see the one pulling the strings that night."

"The strings..." Anri mutters.

Mio pauses. "H-hey... what are you guys talking about?"

Tsuki shakes his head. "Such an unexpected thing... but you worked it out, didn't you Anri? You've always been smart. Of course, you always suspected me, and I turned out to be nothing short of a saint! Still... you know who our killer is? You know the fool is the one behind this all."

"The fool..."

Tsuki continues to laugh. "And watch, as the light behind Kazuma's eyes fades even further! Yes, I saw it with my own eyes that night... Chuichi Murkami is the traitor in your midst."

Mio's mouth hangs agape. "W-what? Anri, he's just joking, right?"

"..."

"K-kaz..." she mutters. "Why are you taking that seriously? He's full of crap! I... I mean... it's Chuichi! He... he..."

>He's telling the truth, Mio. It was Chuichi.
>I'm not going to believe a word that comes out of your mouth, Tsuki.
>Leave, Tsuki. Stop torturing us.

>>4538922
>>Leave, Tsuki. Stop torturing us.
hahahahahahah OOF

>>4538922
>Is that all? You can fuck off now.

>>4538922
>Leave, Tsuki. Stop torturing us.
Kind of want Tsuki to stick around just so the others have to decide between trying to take him out or stopping Chuichi's righteous crusade

>>4538922
>I'm not going to believe a word that comes out of your mouth, Tsuki.

>>4538922
>>Leave, Tsuki. Stop torturing us.

Calling for
>Leave, Tsuki. Stop torturing us.

Writing now.

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>Leave, Tsuki. Stop torturing us.

"Oh, does the truth torture you so badly?" Tsuki smirks. "It won't change a thing. Chuichi is the one who killed Yasunari."

"He... what...?" Atasuke's voice groans as his body lies over your shoulder.

"There it is!" Tsuki laughs. "There's the last little bit of hope in your eyes... gone. I really does warm my heart to see you in pain, Kazuma."

You fall to your knees. You set Atasuke and Taiyo down, as you look ahead at Tsuki. "I can't... leave me be."

"Oh, now it's just depressing..." Tsuki replies as he draws his sword. "Well, let me put you out of your-"

Mio raises her arm, and unleashes on Tsuki with her turret. Tsuki avoids the shots, before grabbing Mio and throwing towards the edge of the put, her arm dangling over it. "Mio!" you call out, as lays back, having being knocked down in the altercation.

Tsuki grabs Mio by the arm and holds her up. "What do you think you're doing, snake?"

"I'm not..." Mio replies. "Letting you lie... to them!"

Mio raises he legs, kicking Tsuki in the chin. Tsuki releases his grip, before you charge at him.

He steps aside, but you hold your sword tight. He stands between you and the injured members of your group. "One step towards them," you warn. "And I kill you."

"Like you killed my demidemon?" Tsuki asks. "I do owe you for that one."

From behind, Taiyo's hand glows. "You're surrounded, Tsuki. Don't try... anything."

Tsuki smirks, before putting away his sword. "No matter..." he replies. "I don't intend on hurting any of you... least of all you, brother. I will see you around, Kazuma... I think it's time I reconnect with your sister."

"Bastard..." you mutter.

Tsuki turns to leave, before briefly pausing. "Oh... before I do..."

He reaches out his hand, and hits you with a blast. You feel a burning pain in your gut as you're launched into the pit below. It's a short drop followed by a harsh roll down a steep incline, before Tsuki clears off this time.

"KAZ!" Mio calls down below. "ARE YOU OKAY? PLEASE BE OKAY!"

>I'm fine... worry about the others.
>I... I'll manage.
>I deserve this, Mio...

>>4538975
>>I'm fine... worry about the others.

>>4538975
>>I'm fine... worry about the others.
Big Vegeta crying in the rain energy going on today

>>4538975
>I'm fine... worry about the others.

>>4538975
>I... I'll manage.
Spoiler - He doesn't

>>4538975
>I deserve this, Mio...
Shouldn't have broken the bro code Kaz

Calling for
>I'm fine... worry about the others.

Writing now.

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>I'm fine... worry about the others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_aqeCDk1Yk

"Okay..." Mio mutters. "Sit tight, I'll pull you out in a sec."

You pick yourself, turning around in the pit... and pausing.

Before you... everywhere... that glow...

No... it can't be... it can't be...

"M-Mio..." you mutter. "Pull me out."

"What?"

"NOW! PULL ME OUT!" you call out.

"Kaz, what's down there?"

"It's..."

Before you...

The stones.

Everywhere, the stones.

Glowing blue, just as the one your father gave you.

Dozens of them, surrounding you.

Your eyes burn at the sight.

And you don't like the thoughts in your head.

>Risa

"Keep moving, keep moving!"

Risa blasts at the running creatures as she sprints alongside Mai and Ukon. "We can't put up a fight head on..." she mutters. "This way!"

The three of them turn a corner, and jump off a ledge to avoid the creatures. Risa huffs as she checks her ammunition. "Shit..." she mutters.

"Risa..." Ukon mutters. "You know, the others should be around here-"

"We better hope..." Risa replies. "I... I can't keep this up."

"Still not feeling that angel form, huh?" Mai asks.

Risa shakes. "No... and I won't again. I... come on, let's keep moving."

Mai and Ukon move ahead, but Risa takes a moment, leaning against the cliff wall. "I... I'm losing it..."

"Yeah, and you're hallucinating, too."

Risa recognises that voice well... but it isn't what she wants to hear. She turns her head to see the blonde haired mercenary before her. "You..." she shakes her head, closing her eyes. "Stop it, you're not really there, Kats."

"Obviously," the vision of Katsuyori replies. "I'm just an image appearing to you because your mind is going through extreme stress. I'm dead, you know that."

"And you wouldn't be if it weren't for me..." she replies. "And now... I'm going to let Mai and Ukon..."

"Hell you are," Katsuyori replies. "I may not be real, princess. But I'm still here to tell you to GET. IT. TOGETHER. If you won't listen to yourself... there's a chance you might listen to me."

Risa's eyes well, as she re-examines her guns. She shakes her head and presses on, catching up with Ukon and Mai. "Gonna ignore me like that?" her image of Katsuyori speaks. "You're as rude as ever, I see..."

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>Gado

"If we go this way, we can avoid them..." Tami notes, checking the tracks ahead of her. "Still no trail on the others, though... is he okay?"

Gado is yet to say a word since the group got moving from the separation point. His usual cool demeanour gives way to a shaking and frail figure, with eyes like a child before a raging fire. Ninsei walks back to him as he trails behind the other two. "Gado..."

"She's dead," Gado replies, finally speaking. "Kuin is dead."

Ninsei sighs. "Gado, we don't know that-"

"No, I know..." Gado replies. "I did it again... I failed it... I've never been able to save anyone..."

Ninsei shakes his head, grabbing Gado by the arm. "You don't know a damn thing yet. Kuin won't be any safer if you stay like this."

Ninsei drags Gado ahead, as all his thoughts flood back. His crew, Saya, Katsuyori... and now Kuin. Maybe even others. They're gone... some guard he was.

>Amaya

Amaya leans her body on Sae, still hobbling after her injury. Kuin follows closeby, clutching onto Sae as they all walk together. "I can't imagine just the three of us escaped..." Amaya notes.

"Y-yeah!" A frightened Kuin adds. "Gado... the others should be around here, right?"

Sae nods. "Yeah... what I'm worried about... Amaya..."

"Yes?"

Sae sighs. "We saw what happened. Makoto going off that cliff... I know that's on your mind."

Amaya shakes her head. "My brother will be fine. He's made of stronger stuff than that."

"You really believe that?" Sae replies. "The look on your face says otherwise..."

"It... it's not that..." Amaya explains. "My brother is fine, but... this place. I... I don't know if he should be alone here..."

"Because it's dangerous?" Kuin points out.

"Well... yes... but..." Amaya mumbles.

"What else?" Sae asks.

"..."

"Amaya, what are you talking about?"

"It... it's nothing. This place could just have... an effect on him..."

"What kind of effect?"

Amaya remains silent once more.

"Secrets upon secrets..." Sae mutters. "Fine, have it your way..."

>Alice

"Find something?" Alice asks Concordia, as she returns to the group. "Hanako is worried sick about her buddy!"

Concordia gives a quick bow, but with a puzzled expression. "It is... odd. The tracks show that she went off in that direction and then double back... but on the return..."

"What?" Hanako asks. "Is she okay?"

"A second set of tracks," she explains. "She has another with her."

"Another..." Hanako mutters. "Kaiya... what are you doing?"

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>Mayu

You always dreamed you would be stronger than this...

Mayu Nakatoni. Age 16.

The daughter of Act and Kano Nakatoni, both former instructors at the Dakugeto Institute of Higher Education.

At the age of four, she picked up the violin for the first time. By all accounts, she was a prodigy.

She even made the newspapers for her first public performance at the incredible young age of five.

Age 7, Mayu Nakatoni is entered into the Nishinihon International Music Competition and places first, in a field with adults who have trained for years.

Age 9, Kano Nakatoni passes away. The circumstances behind his death are unknown. Mayu Nakatoni withdraws from her regular recitals, moving to the countryside with her mother. She never touches a violin again.

That sword became your new instrument... yet you never truly were able to handle it...

Are you truly strong enough? To protect your mother? To avenge your father?

You now how to gain that power, Nakatoni. Just speak the words...

The voice in Mayu's head speaks words all to familiar to her, but in a voice she does not recognise.

She knows what creature invades her thoughts.

And perhaps, Mayu may just be able to ensnare it.

Her thoughts turn back to words with Kazuma on this subject...

"These Archdemons... they fall in the hands of these evil people. People who use their powers do commit horrible deeds. And yet... we have seen from Aoki... from Takaaki Yamada... from Alice, from Ryoji-senpai. It is possible to have full control over these demons... do you... do you think that someone like you or I could prevent them from falling in the hands of the greedy, the vain, the murderous... if we tried to control them ourselves? If we could, we would be able to use their powers to help, not harm."

"I don't know... it's possible, I guess."

To be stronger... to be able to protect Kazuma... and to have full control over a volatile power...

"You will not control me..." Mayu speaks to herself as she clutches Kazuma's music player tight. "I will control you."

That's all for tonight! Thanks for playing, we'll be picking up again tomorrow!

>>4539082
>Mr blue sky
Oh no

>The stones
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST OH NO

>Risa breakdown
FUCKING OH GOD NO MY BOY IS HERE AND ITS BAD

>GADO THINKS KUIN IS DEAD
OH FUCK CHRIST JESUS FUCK STICKS OH NO

>RELIGIOUS DEMON FORM
BANG BANG BANG PULL MY DEVIL TRIGGER?!?!

>MAYU ARCHDEMON
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Hype

File: The Kind Man.jpg (37 KB, 761x579)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIXFyi3juv8

"I know what you are."

The Kind Man looks to Makoto, his pale eyes peering through his facemask. "Oh? And what is that?"

"You're no demon... you're no human either..." Makoto replies.

"In that case..."

"You're an angel, aren't you?" Makoto asks directly. "Created by the Elder One."

The Kind Man gives a coy smile. "Perceptive. Fitting of The Herald."

Makoto turns away from him. "Why do you call me that? What is The Herald?"

"Surely you must know the fate that lies before you?" The Kind Man replies. "Your family never told you?"

"Told me..." Makoto mutters. "No, they never did."

"Come with me."

The Kind Man leads Makoto to the wall of the cliff, a small cave burrowed inside. There, he see engraved markings along the walls, glowing blue. "These... look familiar," Makoto speaks to himself. "I... saw them in my father's notebooks. What do they mean?"

"Messages," The Kind Man replies. "Left behind by our maker. The creator of this world and yours."

"The Elder One..."

"If that is what you choose to call them..." The Kind Man replies. "A being of many names... I know him as Albion."

Makoto looks at the etchings, stunned. "Albion... and you?"

"I am a patient servant, awaiting the day he returns," The Kind Man explains. "You may call me Urizen."

Makoto nods. "The day he returns... and when is that?"

"Full of questions, aren't you?" Urizen replies. "You understand your role, do you not?"

Makoto shakes his head. "I'm confused. What do I have to do with being The Herald? What's my connection to The Elder One, err... Albion?"

Urizen gives another coy smile. "Should that not be obvious. He is you."

Makoto remains silent.

"Surprised?" Urizen smiles. "His essence was broken in his destruction, and the last fragment was held tight by the Shibata family line, until a child could come capable of hosting him... of returning him to life. To become the god above all... to be reborn as Albion... that is your destiny."

"I..." Makoto pauses. "But I'm a twin. What of my sister?"

"She is of great importance as well," Urizen replies. "You are not yet ready to reawaken as Albion... but you can awaken your spirit as The Herald now. To tap into that power... all you must do is touch those etchings."

"Touch them?"

Urizen nods. "Once you touch them, their words will become clear to you. You will reawaken the true power of your spirit. Do it now, Albion. Become your true self."

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Makoto stares at the glow in awe, his hand reaching out...

Before slowly pulling away.

"Are you afraid of the power you could hold?" Urizen asks him.

Makoto shakes his head. "It's not that... my friends are in danger. They need me. If this is truly my destiny, if I am to tap into this power... I have to ensure that I deserve it. I need to earn that gift. I have to help me friends first."

The smile on Urizen's face fades. "I see... you truly carry the kind spirit I remember of you, Albion."

"Makoto... for now, I'm just Makoto," he replies. "I... we'll talk again, I hope."

With that, Makoto runs off, hoping to find his friends once more. Thoughts running through his head. To become The Herald, then to become The Elder One... Makoto seemed unsure. He was ready to touch the etchings, yet something didn't sit right with him.

When he mentioned Amaya...

Urizen flinched.

>POV: Kazuma

"Sit tight, Kaz!" Mio calls, as you back up to the wall, mobbed by the glow of the stones. It's so bright... you try to close your eyes, but they just continue to shine through.

"Go away..." you mutter. "Please... go away..."

Mio slides down, grabbing you by the hand. "Let's go... whoa... there's so many of them..."

"I know."

Mio shakes her head, avoiding the distraction, before pulling you up with her.

You fall to your knees, catching your breath. You're sweating profusely, the panic of being down there with... them...

"A whole ore deposit of those power stones..." Mio notes. "What the hell are they, anyway?"

Anri shakes her head. "They clearly aren't a complete rarity in the darkworld. With the power they contain, I never expected to see them in clusters..."

Taiyo grimaces. "They do no belong here either..."

"What?" Anri asks.

"Their aura..." Taiyo replies. "It isn't demonic in nature. I cannot tell what they are."

Mio touches your shoulder gently. "Kaz... are you okay?"

"I... I'll be fine..." you lie.

Mio frowns. "Kaz... what Tsuki said about Chuichi... is it..."

You sigh, then Mio shakes her head. "I... I don't want to know right now," Mio changes her mind. "But Tsuki... what are we supposed to do with him?"

>We can't let him get away. We have to track him down and put a stop to him.
>We're going to try to avoid him, no matter what. We can't fight him.
>I don't know... but we have to find the others before he does.

>>4540139
>Urizen
MORE POWER
>>I don't know... but we have to find the others before he does.

>>4540141
>>I don't know... but we have to find the others before he does.
Don't think Kaz could fight his way out of a paper bag right now, much less half an archdemon.

>>4540141
>I don't know... but we have to find the others before he does.
The students aren't CUHRAZY enough to take on Urizen

>>4540141
>We're going to try to avoid him, no matter what. We can't fight him.
Couldn't even beat him with Wei without mineral hacks

Calling for
>I don't know... but we have to find the others before he does.

Writing now.

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>I don't know... but we have to find the others before he does.

Mio nods. "Right... if he catches them first..." she shakes her head. "I can't even begin to think about that."

As he lays there, Atasuke groans, before rising. "Chuichi..."

You flinch slightly as Atasuke rises. You worry he will attempt another attack on you... but that name he spoke. "You heard Tsuki speak?"

"All of it..." Atasuke replies. "Anri... is it true?"

Anri has a brief moment of silence, before nodding. "Yes... Kazuma was just a controlled puppet. It was Chuichi who truly killed Yasunari."

"And I almost ended your life..." Atasuke speaks with a voice of shame. "You were the wrong target, Kazuma..."

Mio looks between all of you, a worried look on her face. "H-hang on... Anri, stop with the jokes. Chuichi... Chuichi is-"

"Not who we thought he was..." Anri replies. "Mio, I'm sorry... but it's the truth."

Mio shakes her head. "No... no way... you don't believe this, do you Kaz? Kaz...?"

You stare straight ahead. You can't even bring yourself to answer.

"That can't be right..." Mio replies. "L-look, everyone thought the worst of me... m-maybe there's something we're missing. Maybe there's something else to the story. Chuichi... I can find out what really happened..."

Atasuke straightens out his back, clutching his knife. "Best find out fast... because when I find Chuichi, I'm going to kill him."

"Kill him?!" Mio protests. "You wouldn't just kill him, would you?!"

"Ask Yasunari."

A harsh silence falls over the group. Mio looks to you, her eyes welling. "Kaz... say something..."

"Let's move."

That's all you can say. The group gathers themselves, as you look back over the pit.

The pit...

You need all the power you can to handle Tsuki again... to save the others...

To be like your father...

>Leave now.
>Take a stone.

>>4540210
>>Leave now.
No crack.

>>4540210
>>Leave now.
DONT YOU FUCKING DARE FUCK BOY

ALSO JESUS CHRIST THOSE FUCKING PLOT HOOKS

>>4540210
>Take a stone
We only beat Tsuki the last time because we had a stone, no way we can beat him when we're mostly crippled without help

>>4540210
>>Leave now.
Nope, nope, nope.

>>4540210
>Take a stone.
We need the POWER, plus Kaz has to learn to deal with the stone, otherwise all a demon has to do is flash a shiny rock and Kaz curls up like a bitch during a fight

Calling for
>Leave now.

Writing now.

File: Roka05.png (426 KB, 584x804)

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>Leave now.

You look into the pit, turning your head away... then turning back. The glow... it's so powerful...

Your focus is broken by Mio taking your hand and squeezing it tight. "Kaz, you promised you wouldn't lose it on me, didn't you? Come on, Kiriko and Mayu are waiting."

She beams you a warm smile as you look back at Anri, who gives a reassuring nod. "Let's go, partner."

You smile back, and nod. "Yes."

>POV: Kiriko

"Wait, wait!"

You hold out a hand, stopping the others in their approach. Demons ahead... lots of them. Like a marching army troupe.

"Through here..." Akuro whispers, finding a crack in the rock wall for you all to hide in. Maybe you can wait for them to pass over.

"Where are they going...?" you ask. "It's... it's like they're on patrol."

"Up there..." Akuro points out. "In the distance, up the hill..."

Your eyes look up, seeing far off and high up. It's far, but seeing it from here... it's large. "Is that some kind of fortress?"

"Could be..." Roka replies. "Demons aren't always mindless beasts, remember. Some even have their own civilisations..."

You remember well. That tournament held by that Archdemon known as The Conqueror... are there more places like that in the Darkworld?

"It's... cramped in here..." you point out, as you realise how much you're pushed up against Roka.

Roka's face turns slightly red. "Yeah... just wait for it to blow over... then we can keep moving..."

"Yeah..."

Roka pauses. "We'll find Kazuma."

"Hm?"

"We'll find him," Roka replies, looking dead ahead.

>You care about Kaz now?
>Why be so specific? Geez... we're looking for the others too...
>Trying to cheer me up? Do I look that lost?

>>4540246
>>Trying to cheer me up? Do I look that lost?

>>4540246
>>Trying to cheer me up? Do I look that lost?

>>4540246
>You care about Kaz now?

>>4540246
>>Trying to cheer me up? Do I look that lost?
Good gorrilla bf

>>4540246
>Why be so specific? Geez... we're looking for the others too...

Calling for
>Trying to cheer me up? Do I look that lost?

Writing now.

File: Akuro16.png (2.16 MB, 1140x2157)

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>Trying to cheer me up? Do I look that lost?

Roka shakes his head. "Just telling the truth."

You hang your head low, keeping it just away from burying it in his chest. "Dammit... how are you of all people so calm right now? With your temper..."

"I'm calm?" Roka replies. "I didn't notice."

You can't help but let out a laugh. "That's because you never think, isn't it?"

Roka lets out a sharp exhale. "I don't have time to lose my cool... not this time. I have to stay focused... on getting back home. Fly... Kiriko, we all have the people we want to get back to. To be trapped here... to never see my little bro... my mother, my father, my uncle... the people I care about... I can't let that happen."

"And the same goes for me..." you reply. "I need to get to Kaz, bring him back to our mom..."

"And the others..." Roka replies. "We may all hate each-other most of the time... but this class is a team."

"A family..."

You and Roka both turn your heads to Akuro, her head hanging low. "I didn't expect that from you..." Roka mutters.

Akuro remains paused. "I... never had a family. I don't even remember what my parents looked like... I could only go off of what Raiden told me. Blue took care of me... but that agency was never a home. Blue was the only one who cared... I never had anything close to a family, or a home... until I came to the academy. Until I met all of you..."

"Akuro..." you sigh.

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"I hate saying it..." Akuro keeps her head down. "It hurts ever aspect of my pride to spit it out... but as much as I tried to avoid it... I can't deny where I was finally accepted."

"We're all freaks here," Roka replies. "Isn't that right?"

You nod. "Yeah... that's how Class 1 rolls."

Akuro gives a small smile, but it fades quickly. "Chuichi... I thought he was the same. A part of me still thinks he's the same... we're not so different. But the path he walks... that could have been me. If I didn't have Blue..."

Akuro's speech is interrupted by the ground rumbling. This crack is getting tighter...

"Something's pushing us in," Roka whispers. "Move. Now, we don't want to be crushed."

"We won't fit," you reply. "Take my hand, all of you."

Akuro reaches out so that her hand touches yours. Mayu's hand grasps your arm, cold to the touch. Roka simply leans forward, placing his hand atop your head. You close your eyes, concentrating... before teleporting the four of you out of the crevasse.

You lie down... teleporting four at once, even such a short distance, proved exhausting.

"We're out in the open..." Roka mutters.

"Did the patrol pass?" you ask.

"Yeah... but they aren't all."

Roka points up, and your eyes follow. Hanging above you... that same damned demon from before. The one who separated the class in the first place. "Aw, hell..." you mutter. "Okay... let's do this."

"You ready, samurai?" Roka asks Mayu as he clutches his sword. "Or do I have to shake sense into you again."

Mayu's head hangs low. She's been silent for so long now... she grips her sword, and raises her head with an icy stare. "That will not be required. I am awake... my eyes are open."

That will be all for tonight! Thanks for playing! May not be able to update tomorrow outside of a post or two, but we should have our thread closing session Friday!

File: Chuichi01.png (958 KB, 700x942)

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>Chuichi

"When a man's an empty kettle, he should be on his mettle, and yet I'm torn apart..."

Kaiya walks with Chuichi, lowly singing a tune. Chuichi doesn't listen closely to her words, his focus firmly set on the horizon. "That fortress up ahead..."

"Just because I'm presuming, that I could be kinda human, if I only had a heart."

Chuichi continues to stare at the fortress. "What could be in there...? More demons?"

Kaiya leans her body against his. It's burning up at the touch. "I'd be tender... I'd be gentle..."

Chuichi shakes his head, looking at her.

"And awful sentimental... regarding love and aaaaart..."

"Kaiya..."

"I'd be friends with the sparrows, and the boy who shoots the arrows..."

"Kaiya!"

Kaiya pauses and gives a smile. "... If I only had a heart."

Chuichi sighs. "Kaiya... you don't seem lucid enough to decide anything right now."

Kaiya shakes her head. "Lucid as ever, meat boy. Let's avoid that fortress. It's hidden in shadow."

"I can see it clearly..." Chuichi replies.

"Hidden. In. Shadow."

Chuichi gives a hesitant nod. "Kaiya... if you want to protect all of the class... you should go back to them. Go back to Hanako. It's not too late."

"But I need to protect you too!"

"I've already crossed the line," Chuichi sighs. "I'm not longer part of that class..."

Kaiya shakes her head, before reaching out and taking Chuichi's hand. "Yes you are... and we always will be."

>Kazuma

"Any sign of the others?"

You look at the group. No tracks of any kind. "I think we're way off base."

"No doubt about that..." Atasuke flicks his hair, tending to his wounds. "Kazuma, why are we focused on finding the others?"

"Because they could be in-"

"They can handle themselves, surely?" Atasuke replies. "We should prioritise finding Chuichi specifically. Anyone he is with will be in danger."

"And when you find Chuichi?" Mio asks hesitantly.

Atasuke shakes his head. "I already told you. I have no intention of sparing his life, regardless of your feelings towards him."

"My feelings..." Mio replies. "No... Chuichi isn't a danger to his friends! We need to focus on finding everyone else first, then the truth will come out, okay?"

"Suddenly the snake is in love with the truth," Atasuke spits, before marching in a separate direction. "You may try to retrace your steps, Mio... and the rest of you may follow. I'm focused on tracking down my enemy. That's all I care about."

>Don't be a fool, Atasuke. You'll only get hurt going it alone.
>I won't stand in your way... go ahead.
>None of us know where we're going. We'll follow you wherever you turn.

>>4542735
>Don't be a fool, Atasuke. You'll only get hurt going it alone.
It's 2v1 and one of the 2 nuked an Archdemon singlehandedly

>>4542735
>>Don't be a fool, Atasuke. You'll only get hurt going it alone.

>>4542735
>None of us know where we're going. We'll follow you wherever you turn.

>>4542735
>>Don't be a fool, Atasuke. You'll only get hurt going it alone.
Thats a route to being murdered city

>>4542735
>>Don't be a fool, Atasuke. You'll only get hurt going it alone.
And with each post an ending where Chuichi and Atasuke both survive gets more unlikely.

Calling for
>Don't be a fool, Atasuke. You'll only get hurt going it alone.

Writing now.

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>Don't be a fool, Atasuke. You'll only get hurt going it alone.

"I don't care if I get hurt," Atasuke mutters. "I don't care if I die."

"Atasuke..." Anri mutters.

Atasuke continues to step away. "All I care about it getting him. If I can manage that... whatever happens, happens."

You raise your eyebrows in concern as you approach. "Atasuke..."

"Kazuma... I'm sorry," Atasuke replies, as he turns away. "I was blinded in my anger... but now my vision is focused."

"Atasuke, please..."

He turns his head back and smiles. "Well, this may be a final farewell... let us hope it's an au revoir and not a sayonara. If I don't see any of you again... promise me you'll stay pretty, okay?"

With that Atasuke runs off. You let out a sigh and turn around.

"I think he will be okay..." Taiyo notes. "He knows what he's doing, moreso than he lets on."

"I hope you're right..." Anri replies.

You hunker down, breathing heavily, running your hand through your hair. "Dammit... Dammit..." you mutter to yourself.

Mio helps you up, giving a weak smile. Even her classic facade is struggling to keep. "Let's... let's keep moving..."

As you walk along, you hang your head low. The silence is heavy among the group.

Eventually, Mio speaks up once more.

"Kazuma... are you familiar with the art of kintsukuroi?" she asks.

An odd question, but you feel compelled to answer. "Can't say that I am."

"I am aware of it," Anri replies. "It is the art of repairing with gold, correct?"

Mio nods. "Right... you take a broken pot of something, okay? And then you use gold or silver lacquer to fuse it back together."

"That's an artform?" you ask. "Sounds like... repairs."

Mio chuckles. "It's not just fixing up some pots or plates... it's the understand that... it was more beautiful for having been broken. At least... that's what I used to tell people to up the price on formerly broken plates."

"Of course."

"But I'm thinking... maybe it's not so cynical," Mio replies. "Maybe there's something to it?"

>Yeah... maybe there is.
>Why are you asking this now?
>When something's broken... it's broken. Whatever you have when you put it back together isn't the same.

>>4542843
>Not that it's not interesting, but...
>Why are you asking this now?

>>4542843
>Why are you asking this now?

>>4542846
Adding
>Things can be fixed, but they'll never be pristine or mint again

>>4542843
>>Why are you asking this now?

>>4542843
>When something's broken... it's broken. Whatever you have when you put it back together isn't the same.
Not necessarily bad, just different.

>>4542843
>Why are you asking this now?

>>4542843
>When something's broken... it's broken. Whatever you have when you put it back together isn't the same.
Bet Mio thinks Banksy shredding a painting makes it more valuable as well.

>>4542843
>>>Why are you asking this now?

Calling for
>Why are you asking this now?

Writing now.

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>Why are you asking this now?

"I... was just thinking..." Mio points out. "We take a lot of blows... a lot of blows. But maybe... maybe in the end we're shaped into something more beautiful."

"Stay pretty..." Anri mutters Atasuke's last words to you as she walks along.

"Maybe I'm just babbling..." Mio replies.

You remain silent for the time being.

"Wait..." Taiyo places out an arm, stopping you in your tracks. "I'm feeling something ahead... something powerful."

"I heard something as well..." Anri replies. "Stay ready..."

Stay ready? At this rate... what can any of you do? Even Taiyo is severely weakened... and you... what good are you? What good have you ever been alone?

Something comes around the corner... and then instantly falls flat on its face. On his face.

The red hair is instantly recognisable.

"Agh, got carried away..." he mutters as he dust himself off, still not even noticing your group.

"Oh... it's just Takeshi..." Mio can't help but chuckle. "Wait... Takeshi-sensei!"

He jolts to attention. "Kids!" he exclaims as he rushes to all of you. "Are you okay?"

"We're..." you begin, but you can't honestly finish that sentence. "We're not okay... it's all going wrong, Takeshi..."

Takeshi frowns, noticing all of your bruises and wounds. He gently places a hand on your shoulder. "Kaz, Kaz... I'm here now. I'm gonna get you kids all back home. Hoshi?"

"No."

Taiyo is the first to speak, as Takeshi looks confused. "What?"

"It's good to have you here," Anri clarifies. "But we cannot return. Not yet... we have business to attend to. I require answers, and the others..."

"The others!" Takeshi exclaims. "I found tracks heading back, but I heard some talking over here. Three sets of tracks, based on shoe size Kuin is among them. But I have to send you kids back first..."

Mio shakes her head. "No... not yet. Atasuke... he went back there."

Takeshi sighs. "So, the group is all split up then... I'll have to track him-"

"I will," Mio replies. "You should find the others, sensei. I'll drag Atasuke back here. We'll meet back here, and then we can all go home... together, okay?"

"Mio, I can't just let one student wander off on their own!" he protests. "Do I look irresponsible to you?"

"Sens-"

"Do I look THAT irresponsible?" Takeshi clarifies.

She's not just looking out for Atasuke's safety in wanting to follow him... she's looking out for Chuichi as well. She still has faith in him... and a part of you feels the same.

"Let's gather the others first, we shouldn't split off," Takeshi replies, but Mio already gets moving back.

"No time! If we head off that way, there's no telling where Atasuke will end up! We have to cover ground!"

With that, she runs off in the distance in turn. "MIO!" you call out in protest, but her attention in focused on catching up with Atasuke.

"Kazuma..." Anri mutters.

>I'm going to follow Mio. Find the others, and bring them back here.
>We'll find the others together first, then double back for those two.

>>4542924
>>I'm going to follow Mio. Find the others, and bring them back here.

>>4542924
>We'll find the others together first, then double back for those two.

>>4542924
>>I'm going to follow Mio. Find the others, and bring them back here.
That’s where all the shit is going to go down... probably.

>>4542924
>We'll find the others together first, then double back for those two.
We're a barely functioning mess, we'll need the backup

>>4542924
>We'll find the others together first, then double back for those two.
Remember we need to deal with Tsuki as well, he ran off after Kiriko

>>4542924
>>We'll find the others together first, then double back for those two.

>>4542924
>>We'll find the others together first, then double back for those two.

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>We'll find the others together first, then double back for those two.

It pains you not to chase after them... but you can't split up the group any more. Mio can get a hold of Atasuke, while the rest of you have Tsuki to worry about... he's out there, and he could be heading straight for Kiriko. If he does that...

You brandish your sword. "Come on, sensei. Let's go."

>Mayu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOLiW2hmR_g

What a fool you were.

Don't you know what you are?

You thought you could find warmth?

"Mayu! Stay focused!" Roka yells. "Dammit samurai! Wake up!"

Roka is swatted aside by the creature, who lurches towards Mayu. Kiriko appears before it, stabbing the demon in the back, but a flap of the wings and she's sent flying in turn. Akuro fires off some shots that clink off the creature, only serving to distract it.

Even now they suffer... and you can not to anything about it.

You were not made to be warm. To be soft.

You were forged not in fire and passion, but the ice cold winds of revenge. Of honour.

You were made to be sharp at the touch. To tear the skin in frost.

You could only pretend for so long... what lies inside.

Emptiness. The cold.

That is your strength.

Embrace what you are, the cold that's inside.

Become The Frost.

And now, Mayu Nakatoni... I have you.

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>Kiriko

Damn it all... that thing's too strong...

"Look out!" Roka yells, taking a shot on your behalf which sends him flying. He picks himself up, grunt and looking at his wound.

"Ape..." you mutter.

Nobody should be taking a shot on your behalf...

Makoto would make a decision at a time like this... yeah, it's on you to be a leader, isn't it?

"Listen!" you call out to the group. "We can't fight it! We need to retreat!"

"You said it..." Akuro mutters.

"Roka, understood?"

Roka nods. "Hate to say it, but I know when I'm beat. How about you, samurai?"

"Mayu?" you call out.

She... she was here a moment ago... where did she go?

The demon turns to the rest of you. You have to retreat before it attacks again... but you can't leave without Mayu!

Dammit...

It draws its arm back steadily... only for a massive shard of ice to fly into it's back, sending it flying into a rock wall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSx-8yI59s0

What the...?

You look to the source.... Mayu?

She stands there, with her sword at the ready, ice forming around her feet... but her clothes... her look...

Her clothes now black, her face covered in some sort of visor, covering her eyes. Can she even see...?

Did she just attain the form of an angel?

The demon spins around, flapping its wings and flying towards Mayu. Mayu summons a wave of ice to carry her upwards, sliding forward along it to meet the creature. They collide, and the burst of energy almost sends all of you flying back.

The demon comes out on top in the exchange, as Mayu is sent flying into the rock wall. Tendrils emerge from the demon's body, which launch and stab into the samurai.

"MAYUUU!" you cry out in concern... but your fear for her safety doesn't last.

The frost comes in, and the tendrils freeze up and snap. Mayu, the visor cracked from that attack, launches herself forward with pinpoint precision, plunging he blade deep into where the heart would be if that demon was a human. With a quick swing, remaining in full control and without a single change of expression, Mayu takes the creature down, vanquishing it.

But as she collides with the ground below, an explosion of ice erupts from under your feet, sending you all flying into the air.

You come down, falling at the same time as Mayu, and in stunned silence, the two of you look face-to-face. Well... you're looking at her. Mayu seems to be looking through you.

"Mayu...?" you ask, with a crack in your voice.

Then, you gasp as you see her eye through the crack in her visor.

This is no angel form.

... And that isn't Mayu.

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>Makoto

"Sensei, do you intend to follow behind me forever?"

Act steps forward from the shadows, facing Makoto with a smirk. "I knew you were right to be my student," she brags. "I was just checking to see you had your wits about you."

"Have you come across any of the others?" Makoto asks.

Act shakes her head. "You know that's not why I'm here. Especially not now."

"Not... now?"

Act looks away. "So you didn't just feel it? It really was just me?"

"Feel what?"

Act mutters to herself. "I just... had the strangest sensation... I couldn't possibly know... but I feel sure of it..."

"Sure of what?"

Act looks back at Makoto. Act has always been an intimidating presence... but never before has Makoto seen so much determination in her sole remaining eye.

"Something has taken my daughter," Act replies. "And... I intend to get her back."

END OF EPISODE 40

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YF8vecQWYs

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! Apologies for the delays on this one, but I promise the next thread will be much sooner. As a break from the escalating fire of Class1, next thread will actually be hopping back to Class 2's affairs as we enter the final 10 threads of the season! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Questions
Class 1 is in shambles, so there's a lot of questions here. What will become of Chuichi? Who do you see on the chopping block? Can Mayu be saved, and how? Will Kaz keep it together? What's with the fortress? And where do you stand on kintsukuroi?

>>4542987
MAYUUUUUUUUUU!

>>4543005
>Chuichi
Ded, no big surprise.
>Block
Atasuke, Kaiya, Keiji-Senpai when he turns on everyone cause Kaiya is fighting back.
>Mayu
>Kaz
Power of love. Or Majin Kaz.
>Fortress
I'm thinking the Conquer is planning an attack at the same time Chuichi destroys the school, leading to a another invasion and everyone will tell him it's his fault.
>Kintsukuroi
It's still broken, buy a new bowl.

>>4543005
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Much as I'd like Chuichi to make it out the other side I expect him to die in a mutual kill, either against one of the chopping block or following through on his goals to actually do DGA's job correctly and offing the Archdemon that runs the fortress.

Kaiya's actively searching for the block, doubt Mio'll be on the block, she'll probably get knocked out or something when Chuichi and Atasuke'll fight, Atasuke might be killed by Chuichi and I actually think Kaiya'll be the one to kill Keiji in a kind of "I want to die/I can't live without you" murder-suicide.

Mayu'll definitely need a dip in the magic bath, doesn't matter if she needs drugs after, she made her bed so she can lie in it as well. Might come around briefly after the Act fight.

Oh yeah, Kaz'll tap into whatever secret form he gets from Kankuro, either go full feral or develop a genuine split personality.

I imagine the fortress'll be set up for another Season 4 threat or something.

Call me a pragmatist or a filthy cretin but why would I spend money on gold to fix a bowl when I could get like 100 identical bowls for the same price?

>>4543005
>What will become of Chuichi?
Saved by friendship.
>Who do you see on the chopping block?
Mayu hopefully
>Can Mayu be saved, and how?
Can you save someone from themself
Will Kaz keep it together?
no
>What's with the fortress?
evil emerald city?
>And where do you stand on kintsukuroi?
Gorgeous art form

Mio still best girl.