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>>30968104

HOLLOW SUN: 45.8%

http://pastebin.com/BCn0xVsn

RESEARCH:

[X] ESSENCE ASSIMILATOR
[X] AUDITO ARRAY
[X] VOID ANCHOR

VOID ANCHORS:

ORIGINAL HIVE

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/7vzY4Zp2

>>30968117

All that hollow sun charge.

Is the Black Tri Star's old base still infested with smilers Joker OP?

If they trashed it and left maybe we can get the tri-stars to go and do a void anchor drop mission there.

>>30968162
>a void anchor drop mission there.

I can't believe it took us 20 threads to put a void anchor down.

Holy shit look at that sun charge just climbing up and up and up.

We need more of those asap.

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>>30968198

I know right. I'm just rubbing my hands in glee just watching it change from thread to thread.

Then again it was partially due to JokerOP originally having the charge only increase after each ingame day instead of per thread.

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>>30968162

(You can't be sure; The entire Holophusikon was dragged into the depths of the earth. There's a great chasm where the modular fortress used to be.)

>>30968117

The new city. Beneath velvet skies, bathed in the pale light of the moon, the great skyscrapers gleam shining silver; Every building an island of radiance in a sea of shadow, ascending upwards and outwards into infinity.

The car smells of fresh leather and quiet wealth. A smoked-glass screen separates the passenger compartment from the driver's section - Through the misty glass, you can make out the slight motion of Aoba's form as he relays instructions, his words muffled to indecipherability.

The ride is a short one - Just long enough to be uncomfortable, every moment bleeding into the next. The shadows play over Isao's face; He looks wan, exhausted, and so very, very young. More than once, he glances up at you, as if for reassurance - His lips pressed together in a thin line, as the city blurs into a smear of motion beyond the window.

The engine purrs, as it pulls into the covered driveway of the company clinic. Even here, the faint smell of paint and antiseptic linger; New enough to be cloying, even as the doors swing open - Parting the abstract silver fox-head symbol of Sterling Industries right down the middle, EMTs at the ready.

In pale blue and white, they secure Shuya's limp form with a quiet competence - The stretcher's wheels rattling as they roll him through the double-doors; A fitful red light flickering into existence as they swing shut behind him, a splash of crimson amid all that silver.

(Continued)

>>30968379
>(You can't be sure; The entire Holophusikon was dragged into the depths of the earth. There's a great chasm where the modular fortress used to be.)

Dammit is that the new smiler HQ.

>>30968379

The car doesn't wait. As soon as Aoba disembarks - Straightening his tie, absently - it pulls away in sleek silence, merging seamlessly with the gloom. The lights blink once, again - And then it's gone, as quickly as it came.

His eyes close, for a heartbeat. He sighs, his shoulders setting; Like a man squaring up to a burdensome and unwanted task.

"Anon," he says, without preamble - Indicating a side-annex of the building, with a tilt of his head. "-This way."

"Where are they taking hi-" Isao begins, starting forward - Only to be speared by Aoba's swift glance. He stops, mid-sentence; Stiffening in place beneath his regard, his expression confused and imploring at once.

"Not you," Aoba says. His level gaze settles on you.

"-Just him."

[ ] "Like hell. We go together."
[ ] "Shuya's his best friend. Let him in."
[ ] "Isao...Wait outside, will you?"
[ ] "Isao, go home. I'll take care of this."
[ ] "Is he going to be all right?"
[ ] "What's this about?"
[ ] "Where are we?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30968470

>[ ] "Is he going to be all right?"
>[ ] "Isao...Wait outside, will you?"

The first one is more for Isao's benefit.

Oh wow, surprise thread. Feeling better OP?

>>30968470
[X] "Isao, go home. I'll take care of this."
[X] "Where are we?"

This is probably going to be bad. Haze shouldn't be involved more than necessary.

>>30968470

> [ ] "Isao...Wait outside, will you?"
> [ ] "Is he going to be all right?"

Yeah, I got a bad feeling about this.

>>30968470
>[ ] "Shuya's his best friend. Let him in."

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> [X] "Is he going to be all right?"

Aoba doesn't answer, not right away. Then:

"-We'll do all we can for him."

That, do your mind, doesn't sound reassuring.

> [X] "Isao...Wait outside, will you?"
> [X] "Shuya's his best friend. Let him in."

"Right," Isao says; He seems to receded into him, a little more, his voice leaden. "Right, I'll just..." He fumbles with his trailing scarf, his breath puffing in the air as he looks around for a place to sit-

Aoba gives a slight - faintly irritated - shake of his head. "He can wait in the main building," he concedes; You can't help but feel, somehow, that you've scored a point.

He turns, with a sweep of his coat - His long strides eating up the distance, as he crosses over to the annex door. A keycard chirps, and it swings open; Aoba glances over his shoulder, to make sure you're following, and steps across the threshold...

-The world blurs red.

(Continued)

>>30968644

STAGE: <REDACTED>

You catch a momentary, fleeting glimpse of the hallway beyond - Before the walls and floor go translucent, then transparent, into something as clear as glass but as hard as steel. There's energy in it, too - A low, subliminal charged hum that shivers through the narrow space, ghost-readings dancing at the edge of your HUD.

And beyond *that*-

You stand on a walkway extending across - And above - a great chamber; Row after row of perfectly cubical cells, stacked up on either side in an achingly precise configuration. Most are empty; Some are darkened to near-opaqucity, not quite enough to hide the riling motion of the dark shapes inside...

A gleaming silver knight, Armaros clomps ahead; The vanes of his backpack shedding vapour, the distortion halo between the focusing array muted to a low murmur. He seems, as always, faintly ungainly for a Player - His form bulked-up, expanded, with grafts of myomer fibre and gleaming silver, compared to the brutal elegance of your crimson plate.

A few yards forward, it's a dead end - A wall of solid polygons, flat and opaque. Armaros manipulates something small, between his oversized fingers; He swipes across the face of the black card he holds, and the world lurches into a new configuration.

> EXEC_INSIDER

Suddenly, you're down *there*, walking between the rows of cells - The effect is momentary disorientating, made worse by the lack of a transition: It's as if you've stepped from one level to the next in the space of a breath, to be brought to a sudden and lurching stop.

(Continued)

>>30968727
>> EXEC_INSIDER

Oheyeah. I've been meaning to ask this:

Put up barrier and decompile the codeburst so we can get back here if we need to save argents ass in a hurry

>>30968752

Don't nullify it, just record the pattern.

>>30968752

Too late.

We need to activate it first.

Also its being applied across something else, probably an access panel, not us.

>>30968752
Doesn't it have to be targeted at Joker for Barrier to manage that?

Besides, we've got the Nihl Sphere. Opens doors, remember?

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>>30968752

(My sincerest apologies; I've actually removed that property from EXEC_BARRIER. In playtesting, it proved to require too much bookkeeping - At any rate, the Codeburst has to be directed at you for it to function.)

>>30968727

The cell to your right shivers, slightly, from an internal impact; The mist momentarily clears, and you see-

...It's a Corrector. Some kind of avian beast - A raptor-analogue, perhaps, with scything talons and the cruel curve of a hooked beak. Gleaming filaments thread into it's flesh, from above and below; It's enmeshed at the centre of a great silver web, the impossibly-fine filaments shimmering with a faint green glow, as...

-As they leech the Essence from it. It rebounds from the wall, leaving it undented; About to struggle upright again, before the walls turn almost-opaque once more.

> [X] "Where are we?"

Armaros stops. Looks back.

"Officially, this is a Sterling Industries company clinic - One of the many around the city, open on a 24-hour basis." His voice is tinny, echoing slightly within the chamber - "But we know it as Reclamation Facility Designate #1-08."

[ ] "...What are you *doing* to that Corrector?"
[ ] "'Reclamation' Facility?"
[ ] "What does this have to do with Rook?"
[ ] "Where's Argent Prominence?"
[ ] "You're full of surprises, aren't you? I never knew this existed."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30968788

>[ ] "...What are you *doing* to that Corrector?"

>[ ] Free
"That thing is turning him into a corrector, isn't it?"

>>30968788
>[x] "He sure knows how to keep his resources well hidden. Could learn a thing or two from this."

>>30968788
[X] "You're full of surprises, aren't you? I never knew this existed."

[X] "Why would you need to reclaim Essence from Correctors? Isn't destroying them enough? Or is this to prevent leakage?"
[X] "How good are the threads at separating Player Essence from the virus? Wait, is Argent himself controlling the threads?"

>>30968470
>[ ] "Isao...Wait outside, will you?"

> [x] "He sure knows how to keep his resources well hidden. Could learn a thing or two from this."
> [X] "You're full of surprises, aren't you? I never knew this existed."

Armaros makes a noncommital sound; The plates of his reactive armour articulate, as he shrugs.

> [X] "...What are you *doing* to that Corrector?"
> [X] "Why would you need to reclaim Essence from Correctors? Isn't destroying them enough?"

He hesitates - As if unsure how much to reveal to you. But then, he says:

"As long as their structure remains intact, all Red World constructs gradually replenish their store of Essence." The lens of his helmet flicker, as Armaros considers the cells on either side. "By gradually depleting the reserve - And allowing it to regenerate - the overall yield is significantly greater."

A blink-click.

"...Or so I've been told, at least."

> "Or is this to prevent leakage?"

"-It's more than that," Armaros admits, almost grudgingly. "There are...other uses for Correctors, once the harvesting is complete." He falls silent, for a moment - The servoes in his neck whirring, as he glances upwards.

"The Manifold Project is always in need of raw material."

> "Wait, is Argent himself controlling the threads?"

His silence speaks volumes.

> [X] "How good are the threads at separating Player Essence from the virus?
> [X] "That thing is turning him into a corrector, isn't it?"

"That," Armaros says, heavily, "...is what we're here to find out."

You walk on in silence, for a little longer - Then, at some silent signal, Armaros comes to a stop again.

"Over here," he says, his visored gaze settling on a certain cell.

(Continued)

While I'm still around, could we get some more research going? I'd like to initiate the Siegebreaker Chassis and Photon Shield Generator research options.

>>30968976
Sure, why not? Might as well.

>>30968976

I'm thinking about maybe getting some weapon research going instead of the shield generator.

Like the Mass Drivers.

>>30968942

This cell is a modified one; Suspended on a silver cross - The twisting struts of the metal growing out from the ground - Palladium Rook's form is enmeshed at the heart of a web of filaments. They sink into him, into the cracks of his armour - Like a million needles, lancing through his cuirass, tendrils finer than human hairs burrowing into him, sniffing their way up and down his backbone, twisting up through the hole where the spine enters the skull.

A quartet of blank-faced Players stand attendance; All five are neutral silver humanoids seemingly cast from the same mold - They circle him, holographic windows opening and closing in a cascade of data. You note that they're careful not to touch him: However, the impossibly fine threads glisten with black oil, siphoned from his form.

"-Interesting," Armaros utters. His head is canted to the side; He must be privy to some readings you can't perceive. "They're reading elevated levels of a, a...alien substance. It seems remarkably tenacious - From the looks of it, they're attempting to gradually siphon it off."

A pause, as fresh data enters his calculations.

"...He may be here for a while."

[ ] "Are you sure that's going to work?"
[ ] "...And his body?"
[ ] "You don't seem particularly concerned."
[ ] "Tell them to be careful. That stuff is toxic."
[ ] "Any idea what it is?"
[ ] Take a closer look.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30968976

(By all means.)

HOLLOW SUN: 10.8%

> [X] SIEGEBREAKER CHASSIS
> [X] PHOTON SHIELD GENERATOR

>>30969026
>[x] "Want a hint? Remember the rumors of Black Joker's curse."

>>30969026
>[ ] "Tell them to be careful. That stuff is toxic."
>[ ] Take a closer look.

"I got a automated warning saying that it's signature matched that of the Black Joker. Be careful."

>>30969026
>[ ] "...And his body?"

[ ] Take a closer look.
We spotted shit armaros missed last time.

Go two for two.

"Also.... this thing is connected to the black joker, somehow. Earlier, he was growing black roses on the vines growing out of him."
nice and easy, provides crucial info without involving the hollow un.

>>30969026
>[ ] "Tell them to be careful. That stuff is toxic."

>>30969018
I'm not opposed to weapons research, but the key to getting the most out of any resource is maximizing how long you have it. The survivability options will improve this the most. Reactive Plating is lower down my list because I want to grab some Red Comet upgrades.

>>30969039
Thanks. Next time we meet Rook, I want him to build a new function into Leukocyte: teleportation. Use the new research option as a technological base and the Joker/Tri-Star Emblems as target locks and the Hollow Sun's inner chamber as a destination.

>>30969026
>[X] "...And his body?"
>[X] "You don't seem particularly concerned."
>[X] Take a closer look.
>[X] "Tell them to be careful. That stuff is toxic."
>[X] "According to my info it's the Black Joker."

And a shot in the dark, but what the hell. "Armaros, would you kindly say 'Fumito-san is very important to us'?"

>>30969129
Goddamn it I just about to fix that.
>The next time we meet TYRIAN I want him to build a new function into Leukocyte.

>>30969129
>And a shot in the dark, but what the hell. "Armaros, would you kindly say 'Fumito-san is very important to us'?"

What are you getting at?

>>30969129
>Reactive Plating is lower down my list because I want to grab some Red Comet upgrades.

Reactive plating leads to assault shroud upgrades tho

>>30969129
>Thanks. Next time we meet Rook, I want him to build a new function into Leukocyte: teleportation. Use the new research option as a technological base and the Joker/Tri-Star Emblems as target locks and the Hollow Sun's inner chamber as a destination.

To do that we probably need the teleportation attack upgrade.

I was thinking: why don't we hook the halo shroud up to the red comet?

>>30969139
Someone from within Sterling Industries gave the Red Joker Bardiel's location without Argent Prominence's go ahead. We've been saying it was an inside job by the Smilers because it amuses us to spread chaos, but I want to know who it really was.

>>30969146
Potentially. Maybe even probably, but I'd prefer to not make assumptions about secondary features of items in the game.

>>30969169
Again, probably, but if the principles are known, maybe Tyrian can direct the Hollow Sun's internal logic circuits in that direction.

(Gentlemen; I'll include the second half of the conversation after the answer to this one. That is, the warnings about the toxicity of the substance.)

>>30969060

> [X] "...And his body?"

"We'll keep him here, until he recovers." Armaros shifts his stance, slightly - His helmet is, as always, expressionless. "It's not much of a burden, either way."

> [x] "Want a hint? Remember the rumors of Black Joker's curse."
> [X] "According to my info it's the Black Joker."

"That was...Death Calibre, wasn't it? As I recall - You killed him."

> [X] "You don't seem particularly concerned."

An autoloader *clunk* echoes from somewhere within Armaros - The mechanical equivalent of a grunt. He straightens, turning to face you; "For what he's done? No. No, not particularly."

His visor swings back towards Rook's pinioned form - There's the faintest edge of distaste to his words, now, audible even through the emotionless filter of his voice.

"-In my opinion, Rook was never good for much. He certainly wasn't fit to lead a squad; I always knew he'd come to a bad end. This-"

And Armaros inclines his head.

"...has been a long time in coming."

> "Armaros, would you kindly say 'Fumito-san is very important to us'?"

He stops. In the space between one breath and the next, Armaros goes completely still - From a Player to a statue. There's a long, deadly silence...And then he makes that machine-loader clunk again, and looks away.

"-You're sharper than I thought, Joker." he growls, with grudging respect.

"How long have you known?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30969146
Speaking of assault shroud upgrades, I want to see if we can induce a permanent codeburst conversion. I want EXEC_SWARM to be the new default form of the shroud, the armor consuming locust swarm becoming the "fabric"- a literal nanomachine colony attached to our body. I was also thinking we could hook the swarm shroud up to a modified void anchor. Instead of transporting essence to the hollow sun it feeds the shroud, so when we deploy fortress mode it can act as it's own little hive spawning in more locust swarms, shrike blade volleys, cracker explosive waves (when we get capa), lasting illusion fields (when we get capote), etc...

What do you guys think, is it doable?

>>30969237
>"How long have you known?"

"Well, I was only speculating. I wasn't sure until now."

>>30969184
I'm pretty sure a some of Red Comet's research options are based on the Halo Shroud. Mimetic Alloys and Galvanic Emitters, for one.

>>30969237
"Since our first meeting. When you talk about Argent there's an edge to you that isn't there otherwise. You'd do anything for him, even betray him, if you thought it would help him."

"And apparently I've been too subtle: The Black Joker is an entity that is to me what I am to the rest of you. The reason you don't know it exists is that it has killed everyone who has ever laid eyes on it with two exceptions: Argent Prominence is one of them. My predecessor was the other."

>>30969237
>"Death Caliber was in no way the Black Joker. He was just a random player that somehow got one of Black Joker's relics and got consumed by it."
>"The Black Joker is no rumor, no urban legend, though I'd prefer if he was. If I had to choose between fighting him or facing all the Smiler top tiers at the same time alone, then I'd choose the latter."

>>30969332
Come to think of it, Hellebore probably saw BJ too, but no need to spread news of her around.

>>30969394
I'm partial to "If I had to fight Black Joker or have all my limbs removed with a rusty knife, I'd offer to perform the amputation myself."

>>30969291
Doable? Maybe. Practical? Ehhh.

> [X] "Well, I was only speculating. I wasn't sure until now."
> [X] "You'd do anything for him, even betray him, if you thought it would help him."

"Betrayal?" The word echoes in the air. "-Bardiel needed killing, Joker. It's as simple as that." The glow in Armaros's eye-lens redoubles; A fitful, sulphurous glow beneath his visored faceplate.

"There are lines that Argent Prominence isn't willing to cross. But to make a better world - To make a *safer* world - there are some things that *have* to be done." He grinds out the words, his voice flinty - As if he's chewing rocks.

"-He lived like a dog, and you put him down like one. You had your reasons for wanting him dead, too - Cypher said as much."

> [X] "Tell them to be careful. That stuff is toxic."

"Toxic?" Armaros sounds faintly contempous, now - As if he's certain that you're overreacting. "It's volatile, certainly. It has unusual properties - But we've handled hazardous substances before."

> [X] Take a closer look.

You take a step closer, until you're almost pressed up against the not-glass. As if in response, Palladium Rook twitches slightly, like a dog with nightmares.

>>30969394
> "And apparently I've been too subtle: The Black Joker is an entity that is to me what I am to the rest of you. The reason you don't know it exists is that it has killed everyone who has ever laid eyes on it with two exceptions: Argent Prominence is one of them. My predecessor was the other."

The world blurs, once more. The Red recedes.

(Continued)

>>30969499

You stand in a small, Spartan room that smells strongly of antiseptic - There's a small table, flanked by a pair of folding chairs; The floor is achingly clean, a sign - EMPLOYEES ONLY - picked up in red and white overhead.

"Let's say I believe you," Aoba says. The rich smell of caffeine wafts upwards from the coffee machine, as he pours himself a cup. Even at ease, there's an alert air to him; You notice that he never quite takes his eyes off you, not for long.

"Let's say - For the purpose of this argument - that there *is* a 'Black Joker' at large." He has the faintly superior tone of someone with absolute confidence in his own opinion.

"-What would you have us do?"

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30969507

> "Look, Argent Prominence knows about this. Just let me talk to him, and it'll make sense."

>>30969507
>"I would have you stay away. Be cautious of anything that has a connection with him."
>"I'll search for any signs of him and try to figure out how the Smilers got hold of something that could have caused "this". Sadly, it's a Joker's job to outjoke a Joker."

>>30969507
>"-What would you have us do?"

"Before he turned, rook warned me, he saw snippets of the other side through the link. A ship of stars, with enough black oil in it to poison the world."

>>30969507
>"-What would you have us do?"

"I need -leads-. Every time I find smilers, or anyone else really it ends in fights, not answers. There operations, their territories, how it maps to the red... "

>>30969565
Pardon, hit enter early. meant to post a less anti-smiler versions.

"I need -leads-. Every time I find smilers, or anyone else really it ends in fights, not answers. I think your people have the best feel for.... zones of influence and control, and how it maps from the red to the real and back. Its intertwined now, and getting closer and closer. The only way we get ahead of something like this is by working together."

"Argent is so furious with me He wouldn't even consider coming down from his tower."

>>30969525

"-But he doesn't want to talk to you."

You look up. Aoba speaks in the same level tone that comes so easily to him; He loosens his tie, as he sips at his coffee.

>>30969572
>>30969545
>>30969565

> "Argent is so furious with me. He wouldn't even consider coming down from his tower."

"It's not that he won't. It's that he *can't*."

Aoba puts his elbows on the table, leaning forward.

Is that the ghost of a smile, on his face? Or is he just shading his eyes?

"We can't afford any distractions at this stage, Anon. We're *this* close to finishing the Manifold Project - And, once that's complete?" He nods at you. "-All of this will be irrelevant."

Absently, his hand comes up - To feather a strand of hair back from his eyes. "None of this will matter, because there will no longer *be* any Players. And you, Joker - Even you - will be obsolete."

There's something almost smug in the way he says it, as if it's fact.

"I'll be frank. Before, you *were* in favour. But now..."

"-You've let him down, Anon...No, Joker. Now, he simply has no time for you."

"From now on - You speak with me."

(Continued)

>>30969507
"So long as you don't present a target of opportunity, Black Joker will come straight for me. All you have to do is... well, nothing, so far as that is concerned. But something else comes to mind."

"Armaros... has Argent told you why he's displeased with me? Have the rumors reached you yet? I took control the Original Hive. Rook gathered a team. I armed them and led them. We did quite well all things considered. Kraken killed more Players than the descent.

"The weapons I provided proved effective. Armaros, I want to make a deal. With Argent if possible, but he's quite put out with me, so I'll take it to you first. I want the Smilers dead. They're going to come for you--Sterling, I mean. Most of the Players with your group are mid-level, but their overall combat experience is low. The weapons I can offer let 40 disparate units punch into the Original Hive with minimal losses.

"I just want two things. First, I want the weapons used to kill Smilers and Correctors. I imagine you don't have any problems with that. Second, I want the Manifold Project data. I have no intentions of interrupting Argent's work. I want the data as a backup, and stored in an area completely unaffiliated with Sterling Industries, so if anything should happen to the Bastion there's a chance to rebuild. I'm even willing to waive the second condition if it will induce you to accept the first.

"Oh, and I'd also like any codeburst data you might be willing to share, I've recently developed some suspicions about the system, but need more variables to test."

>>30969624
Ah, too slow. Feel free to ignore.

>>30969623
"Whatever you say. As long as he gets the info he needs and can objectively see what it means, the rest doesn't matter much."

>>30969552

He tsk's, in that infuriatingly adult way.

"Because he's been *so* reliable so far," Aoba observes, stirring his coffee with a silver spoon. It's still much too hot, apparently. "We're aware of the Smilers, of course. We know that they pose a..."

He purses his lips.

"-A moral threat. But..."

"We need to be pragmatic about this. To be blunt; As long as we hold the Bastion, the rest doesn't matter." There's the slightest edge to his words, now. "-We certainly don't need someone provoking them further."

>>30969624

Aoba holds up a hand, to forestall your words.

"You're asking for a lot," he says, mildly. "The fact is; We've already made our preparations. Believe me, they're extensive - The only reason you're here is because, very soon, we'll be shutting down this facility, too."

"In two months, maybe one, the Red World will no longer matter." He allows himself a smile at last, a condescending one - "...And then you can go back to being a schoolboy."

"Isn't that fortunate?"

[ ] "...You want to *try me*, asshole?"
[ ] "You're assuming that the world will last that long."
[ ] "You think the problem's just going to go away?"
[ ] "-How did you *ever* live this long?"
[ ] "Tell me, have you even seen what the Smilers can do?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30969719

Wow. What a dick.

>>30969719
>[ ] "You're assuming that the world will last that long."

"The raid went much too smoothly. Even to my estimates. When I arrived, Kraken readily abandoned his base at the hive. A base that was capable of producting Amaglams from the remnants of players.

Oh. And I met Bardiel's while I was there. Thought you might want to know."

>>30969719
I wonder if anyone's told this dude he is a pretty smug asshole.

>>30969719
>"That's all fine and dandy. I'm honestly rooting for you and I admit that I have great hopes for Argent's plan."
>"Sadly, I am a paranoid person. I do not believe that the Smilers will just sit back and watch as you lock away the Red. I do not trust you to succeed like this."
>"Here's a fun fact: the Smiler's likely do not intend to play fair. They won't be as blunt and direct as I and raid the Bastion without much of a plan. They may intend to do it from the inside-out, or maybe strike from the Real."

>>30969719
"I'd love to belive you, if this plan works argent would have my eternal gratitude...

But it won't. There are too many variables at play here. You've spent too long banking your hopes on this last ditch effort, when you should've been preparing for war. Pazuzu will bring that war to you I guarantee it.

I'm trying to help all of you before it's too late."

Haha, wow, Argent can really pick them.

>>30969719
[X] "-How did you *ever* live this long?"
[X] "Tell me, have you even seen what the Smilers can do?"
"For what it's worth? We're in agreement that Argent shouldn't have put his faith in me."

>>30969785
>Oh. And I met Bardiel's while I was there. Thought you might want to know."

Thats a good one.

lead in with [ ] "Tell me, have you even seen what the Smilers can do?"
Then
"Bardiel's alive. Resurrected from the dead as a monstrosity. So is phantom edge. "

"Do you *really* think you can hold the bastion for two months when their endgame is starting already?"

>>30969719
>[ ] "You're assuming that the world will last that long."

"You are all so innocent."

>>30969850

SHit.

Does bardiel KNOW about their plan with the bastion?

>>30969822
Forgot to add, get up and leave. Let's get Isao home, text Rena that Mio's okay and a prank we'd suggested backfiring was why she disappeared, and see if Kazuya is free.

Heck, text Mio that staying with us is fine in the future if she doesn't have anywhere else to go.

Come to think of it, we've just handed Black Joker entry to Argent's secure Essence extraction network, haven't we? Whoops.

>>30969850
Not A monstrosity, a few thousand monstrous copies of him.

>>30969865

wasn't bardiel their most trusted lieutenant, too?

>>30969865
I doubt it.

>>30969870
>Come to think of it, we've just handed Black Joker entry to Argent's secure Essence extraction network, haven't we? Whoops.
I'd expect that to work "wonderfully".

>>30969822
>"For what it's worth? We're in agreement that Argent shouldn't have put his faith in me."

I say no to this, for the first time in Anon's lige Argent is the one that's wrong here.

>>30969870
>Come to think of it, we've just handed Black Joker entry to Argent's secure Essence extraction network, haven't we? Whoops.
For once it's a fuck up we can't be blamed for. It feels strangely nice even if when shit backfires from it we will be the one blamed anyways.

>>30969870
>Come to think of it, we've just handed Black Joker entry to Argent's secure Essence extraction network, haven't we? Whoops.

We seriously need to figure out how the cross plays into this, by the way

>>30969885

Maybe, but its more the background behind what he knows, secrets, backdoors, how argent thinks. I'm worried about what he could know.

>>30969891
>I say no to this, for the first time in Anon's lige Argent is the one that's wrong here.
I think it's a fine line. There is no need for RJ to hold a grudge over this.when he can just neutrally wave it off and then watch as Aoba and argent swear after realizing their mistake.

>>30969719
>[ ] "Tell me, have you even seen what the Smilers can do?"

Fuck it.

Lead off with this.

Then when he tries to be a dick about it, look him in the eye and use Reap in reverse - send our sensor data to his, show HIM the facility.

>>30969915
>Then when he tries to be a dick about it, look him in the eye and use Reap in reverse - send our sensor data to his, show HIM the facility.
We're in the real now, so we can't do that.

>>30969915

So we sudoku in order to send him the information?

I don't think you've thought this through. Besides, we're in the real.

>>30969785
>>30969793

His curiously blank eyes narrow, fractionally - You note a flicker of...*something*, gone as quickly as it comes.

"-I'm supposed to believe this? That the dead are coming back to life?" Aoba says - There's a slight twist to his lips, a kind of polite disbelief. "If you hit their base...I'd say that they've been crippled - Even if you give them too much credit."

>>30969793
>>30969814

> "I'm trying to help all of you before it's too late."

Aoba's brow furrows. He sets his cup down, disbelief etched on his features.

"This is your idea of helping? Gathering the scum of the Red World - Trying to start a war?" He makes a curt gesture - "Setting half the city on fire? Getting dozens of Players killed? That's how you're trying to help us?"

> [X] "-How did you *ever* live this long?"
> [X] "Tell me, have you even seen what the Smilers can do?"
>>30969861

His chair scrapes back, as he stands - Abruptly, real passion in his words, now. Suddenly, he's in your face.

(Continued)

>>30969894
It doesn't, I suspect. It'll be used to indicate to other adherents of the Cardinal's that we're in the know, and possibly be used dramatically in the Black Joker confrontation.

>>30969891
I mean overall. You trust the Red Joker to kill everything the Red Joker doesn't like. That's about all you can expect of them.

>>30969892
If only you knew. Remember the tunnels Joker pulled Rook out of? Tyrian spotted a distortion down there. Joker went to Nara Dreamland instead, following a different distortion.

Before it happened though, Anon called Argent Prominence through Natsumi and TOLD HIM TO SEND A TEAM THERE.

>>30969915
Real world now.

>>30969936
>So we sudoku in order to send him the information?

Just because the codeburst works on death for normal use doesn't mean thats its only use.
The way we learned it was from regular, non-death eye contact with a data receptacle

>>30969947
But it wasn't exec_reap that sent it to us. The head was a quasi-Relic designed to transmit codeburst data created by a mad genius.

>>30969966

It was CLEARLY reap related, given the hypnotic eye contact

>>30969970

It wasnt us though.

Which means we don't have the ability to use reap like that, in any case.

>>30969974

yeah, just like we can't Nihl Scan because that ability isn't on our sheet, and yet it got us the armory guardian

>>30969719

Quick question for you, sir - does the void ordnance array for the red comed actually come with any to start?

also essence battery when?

>>30969979

You know, I can't really refute that.

We don't really experiment with our powers at all because people naysay instead of trying to row row fight the power

>>30969940
>His chair scrapes back, as he stands - Abruptly, real passion in his words, now. Suddenly, he's in your face.

Wow, struck a nerve there eh? i guess babyfaces don't like getting told what they are on their faces.

>>30970000
More like, three out of four times trying to experiment gets us nicely fucked over.

>>30970029

only with women, anon

>>30969940

"We can't all be *you*, Joker. Paranoid, damaged, murderous-" Aoba bites his words off, his jaw locking. It takes him a moment to compose himself - The spasm of rage passing, as quickly as it'd come.

For a moment, he looks genuinely regretful.

"-If it was up to me," he says, almost to himself. "...You'd never have to exist at all."

>>30969850

"It doesn't matter what...Ghouls they have. Ghosts. Whatever." He gives an irritated shake of his head, dismissing your words. "Anon - It's all academic, anyway. We can't spare the resources to chase after them."

He forces himself to sit, again - But his apparent tranquility is ruined, now. There's a raw edge to his words; "We *have* to hold the Bastion, no matter what. We-"

"...We've come too far."

Aoba draws a deep breath. "-Most Players are your age, you know," he says, quietly. "Younger, even. I know what you're saying, but...If there *is* a war - We'll be sending children to their deaths."

He glances at you, sidelong.

"Mr. Ebara can't be part of that. *I* can't be part of that."

(Continued)

>>30970035
>Aoba draws a deep breath. "-Most Players are your age, you know," he says, quietly.
"You do realize that I've spend decades in the red world right?"

>>30970050

he knows - we covered this last time.

>>30970035
>"-Most Players are your age, you know,"

No, Aoba. No player is my age, not even Argent.

>>30970035
>"Younger, even. I know what you're saying, but...If there *is* a war - We'll be sending children to their deaths."

"War is already coming. If you want to protect your younglings then start training them in PvP cause Smilers and Correctors won't hesitate to kill them. "

>>30970035
OP, when we meet him when this starts to close, the first option on our list had better be >[ ] "I told you so."

Poor Armaros. So devoted to his ideals that he never imagined the betrayal they'd set him up for.

And guys, seriously, stop with the mid-update suggestions. Wait until we know where it's going.

>>30970081
>Wata telling others to stop with mid-update suggestions

>>30970035

A momentary silence descends. Abruptly, Aoba stands - His drink half-finished, wisps of vapour coiling upwards into the air.

"-I'll show you out."

> Forgot to add, get up and leave. Let's get Isao home, text Rena that Mio's okay and a prank we'd suggested backfiring was why she disappeared, and see if Kazuya is free.

Your phone beeps, as your messages wings their way across the ether.

A gust of cold air greets you, as the doors slide open. Isao - A little stiff, a little clumsy - rises to his feet, his hands in his pockets. It's true night now; Hard to believe that it's all happened in a single day, so far.

His anxious expression says it all, even before he opens his mouth:

"How is he?"

[ ] "He'll be fine."
[ ] "They're keeping him under observation, for now."
[ ] "They're not sure what's wrong with him."
[ ] "That was...rather less helpful than I expected."
[ ] "Come on. Let's get you home."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30970094
>[ ] "They're not sure what's wrong with him."
>[ ] "That was...rather less helpful than I expected."

Should we pitch for Isao to join our side?

>>30970094
>[ ] "They're keeping him under observation, for now."
>[ ] "Come on. Let's get you home."

>>30970035
>"All is fair in love and war, Aoba. That is something both you and Ebara should learn."
>"If you can neither fight this war of support me, then I don't have any other choice than to fight it myself. It's already begun, and you two no longer have a say in how it goes from now on. If I have to, I'll gather my own army or fight alone."
Stand up to leave.
"Just like you, I've come too far. The main difference between us is that I no longer have morality to hold me back."

>>30970090
I'm working on it myself.

>>30970094
>[X] "They're keeping him under observation, for now."
>[X] "Come on. Let's get you home."
"His people have him. There's a treatment that should work, with time. I'll see if we can set it up so you can visit, but they're going to be awfully busy soon."

Best of luck, all.

Can Isao able to contact the survivors of the strike team?

We need that meeting soon to form the Red Army.

File: 1395400503028.jpg-(36 KB, 408x800, jokerisao.jpg)

36 KB JPG

>>30970107

>[X] "They're keeping him under observation, for now."
>[X] "Come on. Let's get you home."

"Oh," Isao says. He looks down, and goes quiet.

You walk on in silence, for a while. It's a clear night; The dust storms of the previous days have ceased, and the air is crystal-clear. Isao shivers slightly as he trudges along, his hands in his pockets - You notice that he's biting his lip, clearly working up to something.

> Can Isao able to contact the survivors of the strike team?

He nods.

"Shuya...He showed me how to, before, well..." Isao looks away. "I don't know who these people are, but...I can g-get the word out. If you need me to, that is."

It's a little further to the bus stop. The streets are quiet, here - Sometimes, it seems that the city is emptying out, slowly; You cut through a tiny park, the grass rimmed with frost.

And then-

"Anon-"

Isao moves in a loose-limbed surge, hurrying to get ahead of you. He bows from the waist, head down, as the words come out of him in a rush.

"Please - Show me how to fight!"

He grits his teeth: "I want...I want to *do something*. I hate being useless - Having to rely on other people! If I'd been better, maybe Shuya wouldn't have..."

His breath catches. "So - Joker, please! Teach me how to be like you!"

[ ] "...Are you serious?"
[ ] "Isao - You don't want to be like me."
[ ] "You're not thinking straight. Go home, Isao - Sleep on it. Ask me tomorrow."
[ ] "Only if you're sure about this."
[ ] "-You don't really need my help. You handled yourself pretty well, on the raid."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30970235
>"You're not thinking straight. Go home, Isao - Sleep on it. Ask me tomorrow."

>>30970235
>[ ] "You're not thinking straight. Go home, Isao - Sleep on it. Ask me tomorrow."

Only option.

>>30970235

"Are you ready for what comes next? Thr coming battles will make the hive mission look like a cake walk. People will die. Lots of people will die, you too most likely; maybe even me.

Go home. Sleep on it. If you wake in the morn and your heart is still set, you know how to find me."

>>30970235
>[x] "You're not thinking straight. Go home, Isao - Sleep on it. Ask me tomorrow."

>>30970246
>>30970260
>>30970296

> [X] "You're not thinking straight. Go home, Isao - Sleep on it. Ask me tomorrow."

"But-" Isao begins, a kind of desperate frustration on his face. "-I have to-"

>>30970274

Something in your voice silences him, makes him go pale. He inhales, sharply - For a moment, it's clear that he doesn't trust himself to speak.

"All right," he says, at last - His voice shaky. "...Then, I'll - I'll think about it." For all his bravado, it's clear that he's deathly afraid, all the same - But given how he survived the Hive, perhaps he'd made of sterner stuff.

Or perhaps he's just lucky.

He backs away from you, cautiously - A step at a time - Until he's out of earshot. It's only then that he turns, his footfalls crunching against the snow.

You wonder what his decision might be, come morning.

As your breath smokes in the cold air, the electronic blurt of your phone cuts through the stillness; Kazyua's voice cheery as always, a faint roar of noise in the background.

> "Hey, Anon - Didn't think you'd be calling back, man!"
> "Listen - If you're free, we could hang out at our old haunt, you know that one."
> "You got something on tonight?"

[ ] "-Go on ahead. I'm thinking of turning in." (Go home.)
[ ] "There's someone I need to see - Just thought I'd give you the head's-up." (Visit Cybele.)
[ ] "Nah, I'm good. I'll be right there."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30970359

Go hang out with him, we've been neglecting him for quite a while.

>>30970359
>[ ] "Nah, I'm good. I'll be right there."

>>30970359
>"Nah, I'm good. I'll be right there."

>>30970359
>[ ] "Nah, I'm good. I'll be right there."
Time for best bro.

>>30970359
>[ ] "Nah, I'm good. I'll be right there."

When we meet the survivors, we should have the remaining members still under argent's banner spread the word that the red joker will arm any of argent's squads who desire weapons.

At the very least, some will be armed with hellion weapons against the smiler tide.

>>30970385
>>30970380
>>30970395
>>30970409
>>30970418

> [X] "Nah, I'm good. I'll be right there."

It's not that far from here, come to think of it - At the border between the old city and the new. The ugly, square-cut buildings of new constructions - Raw, somehow, with the same blocky aesthetic - gives way an uneven, cluttered skyline. Your 'old haunt' is a derelict mall; One of those places that's constantly in a state of disrepair, always awaiting a new coat of cracked and peeling paint...But familiar and somehow reassuring, one of the few landmarks that's remained relatively untouched.

And a sign, in bright neon that would've been tacky twenty years ago:

YOSHIDA BATTING CENTRE.

The entrance to the mall is sealed off - A plastic barricade erected, a glance through the battered glass panels revealing only scarred and empty stalls. But then-

"Yo, Anon!"

You look around.

"-Over *here*, man!"

The voice comes from above - Perched on the fire escape, Kazuya beams down at you; He has one of those oversized plastic bags in his left hand, and he's waving with his right.

"Yeah, that's right - This way!"

A rusted metal grate blocks the exit - But steel rungs form a makeshift ladder up to the next level, worn from long use.

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30970529

Climb over.

Join him at the top

>>30970529
Climb on up, yeah.

And uh... /why/ are we meeting Kazuya? Not saying it's a bad idea, I just can't remember if there's something specific we wanted to do.

>>30970555
I wanted to tell AP we've got about a week after the festival before the world ends, if we don't take action. Personally, I'm for relaxing until we have to prepare to defend the Festival from Smilers.

>>30970540
>>30970555

You set your feet on the rungs below - Pull yourself up, hand-over-hand. The trick is to move quickly, and not look down...But somehow, it seems higher than before. The cold wind gusts around you, your coat flapping in the breeze - And then you haul yourself up and over with a grunt, the fire escape creaking beneath you with a shriek of rusty metal.

"-Yo, well done. Here, catch!"

Kazuya's wearing his favourite coat - The one with that ridiculous fur trim, the collar turned up. He tosses a soda can to you, underhand; You catch it, the metal cold against your fingers. His bag clinks - He's stocked up on snacks beforehand, apparently.

"Thought you weren't going to make it, man-" Kazuya chortles; He begins to ascend the steps, his shoes clashing against the open steel gratings. "C'mon, this way."

Four storeys up, and you're at the rooftop - It's all green tarmac, safety netting and railings bordering the area. A grubby arcade corner, the machines filling the air with tinny white noise, is tucked away at the side along with some rather dubious-looking vending machines.

Kazuya slaps at the buttons on his way past - Dull red OUT OF ORDER lights flicker, and he shrugs, with a wry grin.

"Eh, saw that coming. Good thing we brought our own, right?"

[ ] "...I didn't think this place was still here."
[ ] "-When was the last time we came here? Feels like forever."
[ ] "What's up, Kazuya?"
[ ] "Care to hit a few balls, for old time's sake?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30970644
What's up dude?

>>30970644
>[ ] "-When was the last time we came here? Feels like forever."

>>30970644
>[ ] "What's up, Kazuya?"
>[ ] "Care to hit a few balls, for old time's sake?"

These.

>>30970644
>[x] "-When was the last time we came here? Feels like forever."

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109 KB JPG

>>30970664
>>30970712

"It's been, what...Five years?"

Six.

You still remember it, of course - The last, perfect day. Everything was brighter then, brighter and larger - Now, looking around the place, it seems faded and tawdry. Except it isn't the place that's changed, not entirely; You've changed, too.

It's been a lifetime.

"Yeah, well..." Kazuya's exuberant mood is slightly dampened - His voice sobering, for a moment. "-I happened to be in the neighborhood last week. Didn't think the old place was still standing - I thought, y'know, you'd like to know."

He puts his hands in his pockets - Looking over the chain-link fence, with a sigh. The tall buildings of the new city loom over the old mall; Their long shadows are somehow oppressive, despite the floodlights beaming down onto the green tarmac.

Kazuya shades his eyes with a hand, squints against the light.

"Man. That's *really* an eyesore; On a good night, you could see all the way to the other end of the city from here."

He lets his hand drop.

"Well. Still, it hasn't changed, right? That's worth something, at least."

(Continued)

File: 1395405835771.png-(546 KB, 704x473, jokercity2.png)

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> [X] "What's up, Kazuya?"

"Ahhhhh, you know." He makes a face - "...This and that."

It's clear that he's building up to it, as he crosses the tarmac - He sets his bag down, with a dangerously casual flick of his wrist.

> [X] "Care to hit a few balls, for old time's sake?"

His eyes brighten.

"Thought you'd never ask."

Fortunately, it's all automated - The pitching machines are in surprisingly good condition, though it takes a bit of trial-and-error to find one that works. You count out a handful of tokens (Beneath a faded sign promising a family discount at the arcade) and slot them in, one at a time; With a familiar whirr, the machine rumbles to life, softballs feeding into the breech.

Kazuya's already in position - He tries on one of the plastic safety helmets, then tosses it aside, with a snort. His aluminium bat taps against the floor, as he settles into a batter's half-crouch...

The first ball is a speeding blur, that outraces the sound of it's own launch - The bat comes across as Kazuya swings for the fences, the satisfyingly loud *THWACK* of impact echoing for a long moment - Ending with a rustle as the ball impacts the netting at the far end.

"Ha! See that? Home run!"

[ ] "-Lucky shot."
[ ] "You're still pretty good."
[ ] "How's Natsumi?"
[ ] "Something on your mind?"
[ ] "Give that over; Let me show you how it's done."
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30970820
>[ ] "-Lucky shot."
>[ ] "Give that over; Let me show you how it's done."

After a few rounds.


>[ ] "How's Natsumi?"
>[ ] "Something on your mind?"

>>30970820
>[ ] "You're still pretty good."
>[ ] "How's Natsumi?"
>[ ] "Something on your mind?"
>[ ] "Give that over; Let me show you how it's done."

All of this. He gives us a turn while he talks.

>>30970820
>[x] "-Lucky shot."
>[x] "Give that over; Let me show you how it's done."

>>30970864

> [X] "-Lucky shot."
> [X] "Give that over; Let me show you how it's done."

He arches a dubious eyebrow - "Whatever you say, Babe Ruth." - but hands over the bat anyway. You brace yourself, and-

-Whiff-

Okay, that was a free one. Your eyes narrow, as you swing and-

-WHIFF-

"Oh, come *on*-"

You're just getting your eye in. Breathe; Breathe. And now...

-THWACK-

...That's more like it.

There's a smattering of applause from Kazuya; "Not bad, not bad," he comments, as you hand the bat over. "Next time, I'll keep my eyes shut - Just to keep things fair."

-WHIFF-

-WHIFF-

"Ffffff-"

What goes around comes around, Kazuya.

(Continued)

>>30970954

> [X] "You're still pretty good."

"I'm just getting started." Kazuya's brow furrows, as he plants his feet - His concentration, absolute. His focus...*focused*. His face knits in a scowl, as he brings the bat up to his shoulder-

> [X] "How's Natsumi?"

-WHIFF-

"Aww, that's not *fair*."

He tosses the bat over, with an alarmingly casual flick of his wrist - You catch it the right way, the tape-wrapped grip slapping solidly into your palm. With a grunt, Kazuya settles himself down - You hear the pop-fizz of a can of soda opening, as he shrugs off his heavy coat.

"Yeah, well...I gotta admit - Things could be better on that front." His nose wrinkles. "-We've been taking things slow, but...Sometimes, it feels like she's just putting up with me, you know? I know it's a busy time, but...Aaah, I just don't know."

He glances up at you, with that familiar lopsided grin - "How's things on your end? Is all the, y'know, philandering working out for you?"

-WHIFF-

"Dude, I was just joking."

> [X] "Something on your mind?"

Kazuya has the grace to look slightly embarrassed, a hand to his head as he clears his throat - "Uh, actually...I got fired." He coughs lightly into his palm; "I'm not the only guy, at least. But, well...Easy come, easy go, right?"

[ ] "You got *fired*?"
[ ] "Don't feel bad. They've been letting a *lot* of people go, recently."
[ ] "'Putting up with you'? That's a little harsh."
[ ] "-About the girls...I might be in a bit of trouble, Kazu."
[ ] "...I think Yui's sweet on me."
[ ] "Come on, it's more than that, isn't it? What's eating you?"
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30971028
>[ ] "You got *fired*?"

>>30971028
What does "...I think Yui's sweet on me." mean? I'm not familiar with that idiom.

>>30971049

It means 'I think Class-Rep-Chan wants to bang me.'

>>30971049
She wants to fuck Anon

>>30971028
>[ ] "You got *fired*?"

>>30971049

She rikes anon

>>30971028
>[ ] "You got *fired*?"

>[ ] "'Putting up with you'? That's a little harsh."
>[ ] "Come on, it's more than that, isn't it? What's eating you?"

I'm tempted to ask about girl trouble and Yui but its dangerouuuus

>>30971040
>>30971079
>>30971128

> [X] "You got *fired*?"

Kazuya winces - "Yeah, probably shouldn't have said that. It's more like...They just let me go, y'know? They were really polite about it, and everything. Most of the other part-timers, too...It's an exodus."

He rubs the back of his neck, a sheepish gesture; "I wanted to ask Fumito-san about it, but...Turns out he's pretty busy." Kazuya makes a face. "...So that's how it is." He exhales, a slow sigh; Crumpling up the empty can, and making a desultory pitch at the bin. It bounces off.

> [X] "'Putting up with you'? That's a little harsh."

"I know, I know. It *is* a little harsh. It's just that..."

He looks up and away, troubled. "Ahhhhhh, I don't know. I'm beginning to wonder if it *can* work out, you know? It feels like Natsumi-chan's really trying, too, but..."

His voice trails off.

"...Feels like I said too much, already."

> [X] "Come on, it's more than that, isn't it? What's eating you?"

There's a discreet rustle, as Kazuya opens up a bag of prawn chips. He peers into the bag, as if contemplating the toxins that are about to enter his body...Before he sets it down to the side, the temptation momentarily defeated.

"-It's going to sound dumb," he warns you - "...I mean, *really* dumb."

With a grunt, he pulls himself to his feet - Leaning against the batting cage. "-I just...Really, it's stupid...I just have a really bad feeling about things." Kazuya frowns, thoughtfully, as if considering his own words...

-Then he nods, in confirmation.

(Continued)

>>30971303

"What I'm saying is...The past few weeks, they haven't been great. Not for anyone. But...It feels like it's just the tip of the iceberg, y'know? Like there's something..."

...And apparently, that's where his imagination fails him - He settles for a helpless shrug. "It just feels like," Kazuya says, finally, "-That the world is *wrong*, somehow. Wrong, and getting wrong...er."

"Does that make any sense at all?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>30971322

> "Everyone feels that way sometimes. Don't let it get to you."

>>30971322

"It is with great regret that I share the same feelings. The upcoming days feels like its going to be rough."

Take a swig from the can.

"All these girls will be the death of me."
[Played off to break the sombre mood. It's not good for him to dwell too much on this.]

>>30971322

> "Hey, it could be worse. Chin up, Kazu...Whatever happens next, we'll face it together."

>>30971374
>>30971376
>>30971471

> "Everyone feels that way sometimes. Don't let it get to you."
> "It is with great regret that I share the same feelings. The upcoming days feels like its going to be rough."

"You think so?" Kazuya's brow furrows - There's a thoughtful note to his voice. "...I was thinking, it's not like me at all. But given all that's been happening recently...Well, you have to wonder."

> "All these girls will be the death of me."

He chuckles, but it's a little sombre. "Yeah, well...Sometimes I envy you, Anon. You're spoilt for choice - I don't know what they see in you."

A thought crosses his mind, and he grimaces:

"God, I can't believe we're going to Seisin High in two days. If this keeps up...Man, you're going to be *insufferable*."

Kazuya gives you a sidelong glance, his expression wry: "Just remember, Anon - It can't last. At some point, you're going to have to *choose*...Or you're just going to end up hurting everyone."

He folds his hands behind his head; Looking up at the moon, hanging low and silver through the clouds. The shimmering glow lingers, dappling the slumbering city beyond - A wave of illumination melding with the thousands of lights below.

"Now, look at *that*," Kazuya says, with a low sigh. "-Isn't that something."

> "Hey, it could be worse. Chin up, Kazu...Whatever happens next, we'll face it together."

"Now *who's* getting all gloomy?" He claps you on the back, hard enough to make you wince - But then he grins, that irrepressible troublemaker grin that's got the two of you in and out of more scraps that you can remember. Soda sloshes, as he lifts his can in a mock salute; His expression sobering, just for a heartbeat.

"You and me, man - You and me. The two of us; We can take on the whole damn world."

Metal clashes, with a brassy clang - And in that perfect moment, beneath the light of an amber moon, Kazuya's words have the ring of prophecy.

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 87

TO BE CONTINUED

>>30971673

(Gentlemen; My sincerest apologies, but it's extremely late on my end - And it looks to be the same on /tg/, too. This looks like a natural break point; I'd love to continue, but I'm completely exhausted.

I apologize for the comparatively slow pace of recent chapters; I'll admit that I may have underestimated the time involved for certain events. But thank you for your patience and your consideration.

Good night, and God bless: I hope to see you again soon.)

>>30971700

No worries JokerOP. We're still along for the ride.

Still hoping for the Yui-IF though heh.

>>30971700
Things take as long as they take in this game and any other. Thanks for running.

Speaking of, do you still think you'll have time later this weekend, or was this it?

>>30971769

(I'll try to get it up in a day or two.)

>>30971773

(Hopefully, but I have some work commitments to meet.)

>>30971810
Understood. Until next time, then.

>>30971028
I wish we could have mentioned our troubles to him.
He seems like the best candidate for hearing us out.

>>30971673
>"You and me, man - You and me. The two of us; We can take on the whole damn world."
...And now I wonder if we won't have another member for the napalm club.

Anyway, I seriously hope that the players keep
>At some point, you're going to have to *choose*...Or you're just going to end up hurting everyone.
in mind. The Yui part was a good first step, but it's only one step. We need to do more to finally decide.
...Finding Hecate would make it easier. At least then we know if she's alive.
Hell, if we gather all three girls, we might find a way to talk it out. Even if it costs us another Nihl charge.

>>30973402
Isn't Heate dead? Kotone told Joker to find someone to care about, and she'd been watching him for a while.

>>30969940
>Getting dozens of Players killed? That's how you're trying to help us?"
He got us on that one. If we'd warned Argent beforehand, or retreated in time, we would'nt be in this mess..

>>30973844

Aoba basically thinks that there shouldn't be any Players at all. He seems to be personally offended by the idea of child soldiers, which we arguably are.

He is apparently a pretty good fighter, though. He destroyed a Manifold Guardian more-or-less by himself.

Guys, can we agree on getting teleport homer and AI as our next two researches?
We are currently good on Hellion stuff, but our tank really needs some utility.

>>30973844
>He got us on that one. If we'd warned Argent beforehand, or retreated in time, we would'nt be in this mess..
We would also miss out on finding early on that Smiler's have revived Phantom Edge, made made an army of Pseudo-Bardiels, Pseudo-Thiefs and Amaglams and are trying to force Players into the Real.

>>30976067
I actually don't care about automation, I want to cover its vulnerabilities.

The beacon's high on the list though.

>>30977043
>I actually don't care about automation, I want to cover its vulnerabilities.
We don't get essence while we drive it. It also disables our own weapons.
When the thing automates, it can fight alongside us, ferry reinforcements, etc.
Basically, it would be Lassy the tank.

>>30977171
Oh, I'm not saying it's useless, but keep in mind we downed a Guardian by taking advantage of programming bugs. It did wise up, but by then we were in position to end it.

Lassie the tank made me smile though, so well done there.