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Your name is Keiichi Hirayama, a modern, Japanese high school student. You are seventeen years old, have a license to carry firearms and live in a world where magic has integrated itself within modern society. In this world, magus academies exist—educational institutions specifically for children with the gift of magic. You and your sister Airi are both students of one such academy in Shibuya. Last year, the two of you caused no small amount of chaos across the city. So much so, that you both have somehow interrupted Japan’s premier magus academy battle tournament thrice in a row!

The Ministry of Education has decided enough is enough. They have forced you and your sister to complete ten tasks that will in some way assist the organization of the tournament this year. Will you and Airi be able to complete all tasks before the time of limit of three months is up? Or will you both be blacklisted from every educational institution in the entire country? The fate of your future career is in your hands, so don’t screw it up!

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Academy%20Tournament%20Organization%20Quest
Ask fm: http://ask.fm/TwilightThorn441
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwilightThorn
>>
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Hi, there! It’s me, Makoto Kushikawa, the student council president of Shibuya’s True Hearts Academy. You might be wondering why and how I’m speaking to you all. To answer the first question, I’d thought it’d be nice to give you guys a bit of an update of what happened after Keiichi, Airi and Michiko beat and the Udagawa thief. As for the second question, um, that’s going to take a while to explain, so let’s leave it for another day. That cool?

After Michiko called the police, anonymously I might add, she, Keiichi and Airi removed any trace of their existence from the apartment, then skedaddled out of Udagawa as fast as their legs could take them. No sooner than a minute after their exit, police cars were pulling up on the street outside the apartment. They then went back to Dogenzaka to retrieve the set of pins and cloth doll from the second-hand shop.
Turns out the elderly shopkeeper was also hoarding some other items, all of which belonged to Michiko’s friends. Did he have a complex about the stuff held by young girls on a frequent basis? Eh…that sounds gross. I’m not going to think about it.

Anyway, Michiko was really pleased with the result. Keiichi reported she was bouncing up and down with joy. ‘Not in an annoying manner either’, according to him. Man, that’s some praise from him. Michiko should feel really proud of herself!

Back in Udagawa, the police stormed the apartment and arrested the guy.

To make a long story short, the police stormed the apartment and arrested the guy. They found quite the amount of evidence in there: traces of an illegal spirit domain, stolen blueprints of department stores and other target places, boxes and boxes of stolen goods and most importantly of all, a list of records on his computer—revealing names, dates and locations pertaining to sale locations and underworld contacts. It’s enough to put the man away for at least a decade. What a relief!

Eh? You want to know more about the thief? That might be a little difficult, because I don’t remember his name. I know I wrote it down, but then I forgot about it. Oh well, it’s probably not very important. The thief’s modus operandi involved the shadow magic art blessed upon him by his spirit mentor, the Scavenger. He could make them dive in and out of shadows and carry objects. It was all remotely controlled. He also had some knowledge of security wards.
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I hate to admit it, but he was rather efficient at his job. Well, lesson learned and all that. True Hearts won’t let anything of the sort ever happen again. Besides, I received report from Keiichi that the man’s spirit mentor severed their connection, which should reduce the effectiveness of his magic art. Even if he wanted to commit the same crimes, it would be very difficult for him to do so.

End result: the thief was defeated and arrested. The items are being tracked down and returned to their owners as we speak. True Hearts Academy is on the top of the priority list. If you think that I used my influence as the student council president to achieve this…then you would be absolutely right. Please don’t think it’s anything bad, though! It’s all for the good of the academy! That means its justifiable, right?

Uh, we’re nearing the end, so let’s keep going. Wow, those Hirayama siblings sure are efficient, aren’t they? Two tasks done in two days. That’s more than I could ever expected. I can see why the Ministry of Education picked them for this task. Still, I do hope they keep themselves safe. I’m mean, I’m not apathetic to their plight; I want to come out of this relatively unharmed. Still, I have a gut feeling that everything will ultimately be fine. It always is with those types of guys.

Anyway, that’s all for today. See you later!
>>
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>>Task 2 (Tsukiwaki Introduction): END.

>8/10 tasks remaining!

Today is a Saturday. You know this, because last night you remember thinking to yourself that a Friday had finally ended, which meant two days of sweet, sweet weekend. The fact that are you are aware of these thoughts means you are beginning to wake up. You open your eyes to see the pale light of dawn being filtered through your curtains. The air stings cold on your exposed cheeks and your ears catch the chirps of birds, high-pitched and free.

All of this adds up to the realization that you have woken up earlier than expected. That can’t be right; you’re a pretty intense sleeper. You yawn and wriggle around beneath your blankets, working the stiffness out of your legs. Hey, what’s with the sudden weight pressing down your front body?

The corners of your eyes are blurry. You rub the sweat and grime out of them, then direct your vision up. Somebody is kneeling on your body, staring downwards. From your position, you have the perfect mugshot. A young girl, slender of stature and pale of pallor. Long, black hair descends like a set of elegant curtain drapes, parting in half on both sides of her head. The room is dark and her dress is even more so, save for a patch of white silk positioned in the middle.

Her lips are flat. The skin is clean, but devoid of cosmetics. Her twin violet eyes bear down on you, cold and expressionless.

What will you do?

>Wave hello.
>Roll over and go back to sleep.
>Lift your head up.
>Push the girl off the bed.
>Custom option.
>>
>>673098
>Wave hello.
>>
>>673098
>Wave hello.
>>
>>673098
>Wave hello.
>Roll over and go back to sleep
>>
>>673098
>Lift your head up.
"Before you say anything, I swear to god that's my sidearm."
>>
>>673098
>>Wave hello.
>>Roll over and go back to sleep.
>>
>>673098
>>Push the girl off the bed.
>>
Writing now...
>>
>>673098
>>Wave hello.
>Lift your head up.
>"I must be dreaming, hello dream."
>>
>>673077
I finally realized this wasn't about participating in a tournament.

Fuck.
>>
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You raise your hand, palm flat. The girl tilts her head to side, her black hair swaying. “A gesture of greeting?” she says in a clipped tone, “Is that what this is?”

“Yes, because it’s…” You quickly check your bedside clock, “five in the morning and I want to sleep. Goodbye.”

“That is your answer, then?”

“Yup.” You say, “Goodnight. Or good morning. Whatever.”

“I see.”

You roll over in your bed and close your eyes. You feel your consciousness sleeping away as rest takes its relaxing hold over you. And then, your find yourself rolled over to the front by a pair of steady hands. Your head is smashed against the pillow, fingers with grips like thumbscrews squeezing the frame of your face.

“Incorrect answer,” The girl says, her expression frozen in a scowl.

“Gah! What the hell?”

“To think that this foolish boy would have the sheer audacity to ignore me, a High Waffegeist, the conceptual spirit of humanity’s deadliest weapon and his very own spirit mentor,” Through the cracks between a delicate yet firm palm, you see the girl is above you, glaring at you with icy fire in those dull eyes. Her words are as hard and cold as iron. “He has become too complacent and arrogant over his relaxation. Something has clearly gone wrong.”

“Ow ow ow! It hurts!” You yell. It seriously does. Does this woman have brands on the ends of her fingertips or what?

“Look at him,” The girl continues to mutter, “He says he wants to win the upcoming tournament, yet here he is, lazing about in bed without a care in the world. If this is not a case of cognitive dissonance, I don’t know what is. His parents and sister would be so disappointed.”

“Jesus, you could have shaken me awake or something!” You say, “Let go already, Akasha!”

The girl’s glare intensifies. “That is Akasha-Alea to you, boy.” She growls, then relents. You sit up, mumbling expletives and rubbing the notches on your face. They sting, slow to fade and are most likely red. You look at the girl, who doesn’t move.

“It took you long enough.” She says, impatient, “Hurry up and get dressed.”

“What for?” You ask.

“Training, what else? Did you not hear my comment about the tournament, boy? If you wish to beat the others, then you must stay in shape. Your clothes are messy as always, but they'll do.”

“It’s five in the goddamn morning!” You shout, “Nobody else is awake at this hour!”
>>
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Akasha-Alea turns to glance out the window. “I detect several human figures walking in the streets below your dwelling this instant.”

“That’s not the point and you know it! Let me get my sleep first, then we’ll talk about training, okay?”

“You have slept enough.” Akasha-Alea says, narrowing her eyes. “I am your spirit mentor of two years. I know.”

“No, I believe that as me, I know when I have gotten enough sleep…” You mutter.

“Listen to me, boy. I do not believe you understand how upset I am.” Akasha-Alea snarls, and the air between you turns bitter and frigid. Any other retort dies in your throat. Damn it, she’s using that voice again. When she speaks like that, everybody has to stop what they’re doing and listen. It’s so infuriating. “To watch as a proud and strong mentee degrade himself with a life of idleness...do you know how it feels? To watch as his strength and spirit fade with every passing day? It has gone for far too long already. I cannot stand by and let it worsen.”

“You’re still on about that?” You say, as memories of your hospital stay flash into your head. They’re mostly white and smell of cleaner fluids. “I was just following doctors’ orders!”

“Incorrect.” She says, “You spent the first month recuperating, like I expected you, and the second month lazing about, watching your infantile human entertainment and eating the snacks your comrades sent you. How very disappointing.”

She’s now on your front, her hands groping around your chest. If this were any other girl, it would be pleasing. Instead, a sinking sensation drops into your stomach. She grabs the bottom of your shirt and wrenches it up, then squeezes your belly.

“Look at this puppy fat. To think that several months ago there was actual muscle,” She hisses, “I watched that battle with the toxic spirit. The past you could have done it alone and in half the time. The same applies with the skirmish against the rogue.”

She crawls back, hops off the bed and stands next to it with her arms crossed. “You are going to reach your previous level of strength and then we'll decide where to go.” She nods her head towards your bedroom door. “This weekend will suffice as a starting point. I will hear no further arguments. Remember, this is for your own good.”

>“Screw you, don’t tell me what to do.”
>Forcibly remove her from the room.
>“I think I’m okay with myself.”
>Relent and go.
>“This is why you don’t have a boyfriend.”
>Custom option.
>>
>>673287
>>“This is why you don’t have a boyfriend.”
BAIT. BAIT. BAIT.
>>
>>673287
>>“This is why you don’t have a boyfriend.”
>>
>>673287
>>Relent and go.
mumble
>“This is why you don’t have a boyfriend.”
>>
>>673287
>>Relent and go.
>>“This is why you don’t have a boyfriend.”
>>
>>673287
>>Relent and go.
Gentle reminder that she's a freaking spirit, and so that boyfriend zinger isn't as much a zinger as we think it is.
>>
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>>673333
How can we take shots at her if we don't start poking?
>>
>>673287
>Relent and go.
>>
>>673287
>>Relent and go.
>>“This is why you don’t have a boyfriend.”

I want off the sister route, lets go with the spirit
>>
>>673362
The idol/diva route looks good too.
>>
>>673366
>Michunko
>anything but shit
>>
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“This is why you don’t have a boyfriend.” You mumble.

“Romance is of no interest to me.” Comes her swift reply. She walks towards the door. “I will waiting for you in the front hall. Be quiet as to not disturb your sister.”

“What are you, my mother? And I already know that…” Akasha-Alea vanishes from sight. You sit there for a second, ruminating over your choices. There aren’t any, at least in the scenario where you don’t jump out the window. Sighing, you climb out, pick your clothes from the ground and get dressed. On goes the T-shirt, tracksuit pants and the actual tracksuit.

Akasha-Alea, the spirit of firearms, age of roughly seven centuries. A mentor spirit, unique in the fact that she has no subordinates and is supervising only one student—you. She appeared to you when you were fourteen, offering a contract to train under her as a spirit mentee. You obviously accepted and so you set down the path of wielding assault rifles and shooting your peers with plastic bullets.

It is said that she has knowledge and possession of every firearm and ammunition to ever exist. You can confirm this as truth, because you have spent countless hours in her domain, listening to her lecture about the specifics of her craft. As for the impacts she had on your daily life, that’s a myriad of stories you’ll leave for another day. Suffice to say, they have all made you want to open your mouth and scream to the heavens.

You exit your bedroom and into your hallway. Akasha-Alea is standing next to the shoe rack. She points at it.

“Done? We’ll start with jogging.” She says.

“Geez, at least let me get a snack bar or something to eat first.”

Your mentor spirit thinks for a bit. “I suppose you need the energy. Be quick.”
>>
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“Yeah, yeah…” You head to the kitchen open the pantry cupboard. The box of snack bars are there, as expected, along with flour, sugar and other assorted materials Airi uses for her cooking. She’s the one who makes the meals in the house. You can do some basic ones, but they pale beneath Airi’s deliciousness. That’s not what’s pressing right now. Your grip on the door handle trembles. The picture here is incomplete.

“Where the hell are the chocolates?” You growl.

“I disposed of them,” comes Akasha-Alea’s reply.

Your head cranes around into Akasha-Alea’s unimpressed flat line of a mouth. “You what?”

“There were making you fat. Necessary measure were taken,” She says, in that aggravating, knowing tone of hers.

“You ate them, didn’t you?”

She doesn’t even bother to deny it. “They were adequate. Unlike you, boy, I exercise every day and have no need to fear for my weight.” You open your mouth to retort. She beats you to the punch. “What are you standing around for? Hurry up, boy! Time waits for no-one!”

Her words push you out the kitchen and into the hallway, where you put on your shoes and trudge out the door. And so, thus begins a certain typical weekend in the life of you, Keiichi Hirayama. It is one in which your mentor spirit pounds you into the dirt, both in the human and spirit realms. In the future, she would call it ‘necessary training’. You would refer to it as ‘hell’.
>>
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>>Explain the stat system.

Now’s a good time as any, considering you are training. Every individual in the world can have their physical capabilities measure with six stats. They are as follows.

STRENGTH (STR): Raw physical power.
PERCEPTION (PER): Ability to notice and aim, general sensory alertness.
DEXTERITY (DEX): Skill in performing tasks with the hands.
CONSTITUTION (CON): Physical stamina, vitality, endurance and recovery speed.
MAGIC POTENTIAL (MAG): Ability to perform the miracle of magic.
AGILITY (AGL): Coordination of one’s body, ability to move quickly and well.

They are generally measured on a numerical 1-20 scale. 6-8 is the average for normal humans, 9-10 is the average for magi, 14-15 is considered to be very good, 16-17 is great and 20 is more or less reaching the peak. The cost for increasing a stat increases linearly—meaning that it costs more to raise to 15 than it does to raise to 14.

These are your stats:

12 STR, 17 PER, 11 DEX, 12 CON, 11 MAG, 13 AGL

As you can see, your PERCEPTION is very high. You are, in fact one of the best in terms of accuracy in the academy. However, your STRENGTH, DEXTERITY and CONSTITUTION are all barely above-average. Compared to someone like Michiko, your MAGIC POTENTIAL is pathetic. Please keep this in mind when you get into fights!

Your sister, Airi, has these stats:

9 STR, 11 PER, 15 DEX, 10 CON, 13 MAG, 16 AGL

Airi is super fast! Maybe she’ll become faster once she trains more. Otherwise, she’ll be chewed up and spat out by her rivals. Her high dexterity is needed to wield her curved blade. Don't expect her to carry much with that STRENGTH...

By the way, here are Michiko’s stats:

11 STR, 10 PER, 14 DEX, 15 CON, 17 MAG, 13 AGL

As you can see, she has a higher stat total than you and Airi. This is because she was training in the time you were recuperating in hospital. She’s also has decent constitution, which corresponds to her...nah, that sounds rude.

Akasha-Alea knows all of this and she wants you to get stronger. As a courtesy, she let you pick which stat to focus the most on over the weekend. So, which one was it?

>[STRENGTH] More muscle means more guns and less recoil.
>[PERCEPTION] Better aim, better analysis.
>[DEXTERITY] Better for disassembling and reloading.
>[CONSTITUTION] Tank more hits, fight for longer.
>[MAGIC POTENTIAL] Actually use some spells.
>[AGILITY] Run faster, jump higher.
>>
>>673462
>[PERCEPTION] Better aim, better analysis.
>>
>>673462
Why would we up strength? Are we throwing the bullets?
>[AGILITY] Run faster, jump higher.
>>
>>673462
>>[AGILITY] Run faster, jump higher.
>>
>>673462
>[AGILITY] Run faster, jump higher
>>
>>673462
>>[AGILITY] Run faster, jump higher.
Gotta dodge more
>>
>>673462
>[PERCEPTION] Better aim, better analysis.
>>
>>673462
>[MAGIC POTENTIAL] Actually use some spells.

>>673484
To carry bigger guns.
>>
>>673484
well the REALLY big guns have a shit ton of recoil and are heavy as shit.
>>
>>673462
>[AGILITY] Run faster, jump higher.
>>
>>AGILITY.

Your AGILITY has increased by 1.

Akasha-Alea also spent time reviewing your magic. Your relatively low MAGIC POTENTIAL has made you turn to firearms for weaponry, which was probably Akasha-Alea’s plan all alone. However, that does not mean you are without magic skills.

As the mentee of the spirit of firearms, you have access to a hyperspace armory. It allows you to store three types of firearms and their (and only their) ammunition. The armory is invisible, protected against magical detection and cannot be accessed by others. However, the combined weight of the armory presses onto your back, much like carrying a real army backpack.

There is also the magic talent you honed over the past year. At the cost of some mana, you can perform a very specific spell. Which one is it?

>Bullet Time: Sharpen one’s perception to intense levels in order to perceive the world at half its speed.
>Duplicate Shot: Fire two shot’s worth of ammunition with a single pull of a firearm’s trigger. The second shot is made of raw magic. Consumes one shot’s worth of ammunition.
>Protected Bullets: Make the next second’s worth of shots resistant to magic effects and defensives.
>Recycler: Convert nearby scrap metal into cartridges. Caliber size limit is .243 inches/6mm.
>>
>>673553
>>Bullet Time: Sharpen one’s perception to intense levels in order to perceive the world at half its speed.
>>
>>673553
>>Protected Bullets: Make the next second’s worth of shots resistant to magic effects and defensives.
FUCKING ORIGIN BULLETS
>>
>>673553
>>Protected Bullets: Make the next second’s worth of shots resistant to magic effects and defensives.
FUCK MAGIC
>>
>>673553
>Bullet Time: Sharpen one’s perception to intense levels in order to perceive the world at half its speed.
>>
>>673553
>>Protected Bullets: Make the next second’s worth of shots resistant to magic effects and defensives.

>“Romance is of no interest to me.”
Welp, guess im back to cheering for sister route.
>>
>>673576
You gotta break down her barrier.
>>
>>673553
>Bullet Time

>>673576
>Giving up this easy
Anon, you're weak
>>
>>673553
>Protected Bullets: Make the next second’s worth of shots resistant to magic effects and defensives.
Channel our inner Kiritsugu Emiya.
>>
>>673553
>>Recycler: Convert nearby scrap metal into cartridges. Caliber size limit is .243 inches/6mm.
>>
>>673595
This won't fuck up their magic circuits though
>>
>>673600
Probably not, but it'd at least make magic-reliant enemies go:
>"Ha ha! How can a mongrel like you hope to get past me and my energy field-"
>"OH GOD ARE THOSE FUCKING BULLETS OH GOD I'M BLEEDING"
>>
>>673462
>She’s also has decent constitution, which corresponds to her...
HER WHAT?
>>
>>673553
>Protected Bullets: Make the next second’s worth of shots resistant to magic effects and defensives.
There's no listed caliber size restriction for this one. How far does 'shots' stretch here? Is a MANPATS fair game? Or a tank round? Or a Davy Crockett?
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>>673553
>Protected Bullets: Make the next second’s worth of shots resistant to magic effects and defensives.
>>
>>673656
/k/ pls go
>>
>>673643
We will have to find out, lewdly. Alternatively it ahs to do with how long she can sustain her singing voice and hold her breathe.
>>
http://www.strawpoll.me/11384126
http://www.strawpoll.me/11384126
http://www.strawpoll.me/11384126

Tentative waifu poll
>>
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>>Protected Bullets.

Yes, that is indeed your magic talent. Any shots you fire within one-second window will become resistant to magical effects. They will be harder to freeze, more difficult to knock off path and will bypass magical barriers. In a world where you have been looked down upon for not wielding traditional weaponry, this talent has let you defeat those hecklers.

“Bear in mind that it only applies to firearm ammunition,” Akasha-Alea says. “Ammunition such as tank rounds or cannon shots do not apply.”

“I already know that!” You exclaim, “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you may have forgotten,” She replies.

The weekend flies by in a rush. Every waking moment is spent working your body. At her behest, you run laps around the city, beneath sunny blue skies, until sweat is pouring from your legs. You go to the local gym and work the machines there until she tells you to stop. She blindfolds you in your room and when she lifts it all your firearms are on the ground, disassembled into parts and all mixed up. A timer starts and she urges you to get assembling.

On a Sunday afternoon, you sit in your room and let your consciousness flow into the reaches of the spirit world. In a world that is a cross between an army training ground and battle-scarred terrain, you wake up to find your mouth full of dust and a variety of weapons on the ground next to you. Without another word, you select a rifle at random and stand up.

“We will now begin the hunting game.” Akasha-Alea says, hoisting her own rifle from out of nowhere. The air stinks of mud. The ground beneath you is riddled with notches and trenches. “You have twenty seconds to run and hide. Your objective is to land three shots on me. If you get hit ten times, you lose.”

She takes out her stopwatch and presses the button. “I wish you the best of luck.”

You then spend the next half hour being shot at by your mentor spirit from all directions. Your weapon breaks. You toss it aside and find another. Akasha-Alea snipes your from afar, her chest flat against the ground. You sneak up to her position. She lets you hit her with you rifle, then she’s in front of you, swinging her leg towards the side of your torso. You block it with your arm. She draws her pistol before you can blink and caps you in the chest with a rubber bullet. You are sent tumbling into the dirt.

“That counts as a hit.” She announces. The fringes of her black funeral dress sway and wave in the cold wind. A flashbang falls from her hands and she’s gone. The game continues until its end, where you emerge victorious. You open your eyes again to find it’s Sunday night and the skies are dark.

Your vision becomes black. You hear something metallic being pressed in your hands.

“Boy, what firearm is this?”

"It's my Howa, of course."

"Then hurry up and disassemble it. You aren't moving from here until you're done."

You complete it in a minute. It's far too long for her liking.
>>
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Monday morning comes, and you are flat-out exhausted. You eat breakfast with a trembling pair of chopsticks, hobble to school with Airi, then slump on the desk when you enter the classroom. Your head hits plastic. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. This is not the first time this has happened. The rest of the class reflects this by ignoring you and chatting away. They sound like air raid sirens to your exhausted ear.

The door slides open and Michiko walks in, a light swagger to her step. She brightens upon catching sight of the two of you.

“Morning, guys.” She says.

“Morning, Micchan!” Airi says, returning a smile of her owns. You grunt and raise your hand in greeting. You also try to smile, but it comes out as more of a scowl. If it has offended your blonde friend, she doesn’t show it. She takes her spot in the seat next to you and places her bag on her lap.

“How was your weekend?” Airi asks.

“Good, thanks! Saturday was the usual, but I spent most of Sunday on a shopping trip with the girls at 109. Bought some new accessories and some nail polish. Then we went to see Blonde Bear at Toho later on.”

“That’s the new movie about the romance between a delinquent and a noble schoolgirl, isn’t it? Everybody is talking about it on the Internet.” Airi squeals and slams her palms on the table, kicking her hair backwards and standing up. Her cheeks are flush with redness and anticipation. “Aaah, I’ve been meaning to see that for ages! Micchan, you should’ve called me!”

“I did! Multiple times, but you didn’t respond. Was your mobile off?”

“It was! I was training with Shesmur for most of the afternoon and night.” Airi responds, sounding surprised. She slaps herself on the cheek. “Oh no, I can’t believe I missed out on something so important…”

“I should’ve known better and come to your house directly. I’m really sorry. That movie is really, really good!”

“Tell me more!”

Michiko nods enthusiastically. “The acting, the direction, the sound composition…it’s all so wonderful. That scene where the lead and the main heroine…” She slaps her hands over her mouth and giggles. “Sorry, I almost came close to spoiling the whole thing. But that’s how much I enjoyed it. I literally couldn’t wait to tell you! I haven’t been this excited about a movie in, like, ever!”

Airi grabs Michiko’s hands in hers. “Let’s go tomorrow after school, Micchan! I know for a fact I’m free then!”

“Great idea, Airi. I’ll take you around 109 too!”

The two girls squeal in delight. That right there is a display of true friendship between two young ladies. Place a cartoonish background behind them and a trough of glitter and sparkles and you could call it a scene from a young girl’s anime. It’s warm, flowery and a diabetes level of saccharine. If you weren't close to these two, you'd feel like throwing up.
>>
“You girls do know the DVD version was leaked a couple of days ago?” You speak up, resisting the urge to groan. “Just download it off the Internet if you want to watch it so much.”

“We can’t do that, onii-chan!” Airi shoots down your suggestion, sounding offended. Michiko is glaring at you. Whatever. “That’s committing a crime. We need to support the actors and creators!”

“Believe me, those guys have got enough money. They’re not going to miss a sale or two. Besides, it’s a legitimate way of saving money, which you are so concerned with…”

“Onii-chan, we’ve had this discussion before…” Uh-oh, Airi’s cheeks are puffed up and she’s got that pout on her. You know the one. It’s usually followed by at least ten minutes’ worth of sisterly berating. As if Akasha-Alea wasn’t enough. You shrug your shoulders, raise your hands in surrender and attempt to drop the subject. It is a success. Airi still looks midlly annoyed with you, though. Really, what the hell is so great about that movie? You haven't seen it, but it’s probably full of clichés and terrible acting.

“So, how did your weekend go?” Michiko asks.

“Not much, really.” Airi says, “Studied, practiced cooking and magic. As for onii-chan…”

“You look rough, Keiichi.” Michiko says, and laughs. “Did something happen?”

“I got yanked around by my spirit mentor.” You reply, groaning at the memories. “Spent hours in her realm being shot at.”

“Sounds tough but, hey, you’re still in one piece, aren’t you?”

“The same can’t be said for the snacks back home…”

“Onii-chan, I do agree on Akasha in this matter,” Airi says, wagging a finger, “You really need to stop eating so many unhealthy.”

“Says the girl who’s been stealing chocolates at night.” You retort.

“I-It was just the once!”

“Then why were there two wrappers in the garbage bin?”

“So it’s all normal with you two, then?” Michiko asks, smiling. “That’s good. Hey Keiichi, I think I might have something that might cheer you up. Here.”

She takes a white, cardboard box out of her bag and places it on the table. It’s wrapped with a red string. The side of it has a name written in faux gold plating. She undoes the knot and takes the lid off, revealing a dozen small round chocolates, placed in oily paper stands and arranged in neat rows. You take an experimental sniff. Sugar, mint, orange and coconut assault your senses. It’s deliciousness taking confectionary form, and your mouth salivates in response. Out of the corner of your eye, your sister seems to be having more or less the same reaction. You look up to see Michiko beaming at you.

“What’s the occasion?” You ask.

“Does there need for an occasion for friends to give chocolates to each other?” She asks.

“No, but they aren’t usually this fancy.” You say, poking the box with a finger. “How much did this cost?”

“It’s from the girls I hung out with on the weekend.” Michiko replies, “Consider it a token of appreciation from them.”
>>
“For wha—oh, are you talking about the locker room thief from last week?” You ask. Michiko confirms your suspicions and you nod in acknowledgement. You then frown. “Isn’t this overkill? That job wasn’t even that hard. I mean, I shot that guy with a full magazine and he fell over. That’s weak.”

“I agree with him.” Airi chimes in. “Micchan, these chocolates look like they cost an absolute fortune. You needn’t have gone to such lengths with us.”

“Like I said, I didn’t buy this alone.” Michiko says.

“I know, but I think the appreciation is enough for us.”

“Believe me, we didn’t do this on our own volition. We did it because the Japanese government forced us to.”

“And you came with us, Micchan! You made our job a lot easier. We should be thanking you instead.”

Michiko sighs and smiles again, this one part amused and forlorn. “I should have expected this. Just listen to me, alright? You know that Mio girl with the glasses? The one you two met before we set out for Dogenzaka? Her cloth doll is crucial to her magic art and had been with her since she was a little girl. When she found out it was stolen, she plain near had a nervous breakdown and would have if Natsuki hadn’t supported her. She was in tears when she first came to me. You have to understand, Keiichi and Airi, that you returned one of the most precious things in the world back to her.”

Her voice wavers and she takes a deep breath. “Some of the other stuff that was stolen was more materialistic, like pins or clothes, didn’t have as much sentimental value, but they were still important to their owners. I don’t think it matters how easy the job was. You guys helped a lot of people and you deserve to be thanked for it. So hurry up and accept the chocolates already. Otherwise, you'll make the girls feel guilty.”


>“Can’t exactly say no to free food.”
>“Fine, but you better eat some of these, too.”
>“Let’s take these home and eat them later.”
>“My mentor spirit is gonna get angry. Sorry, I’ll pass.”
>Custom option.
>>
>>673827
>>“Can’t exactly say no to free food.”
>Custom option.
Save one for our mentor
>>
>>673827
>>“Fine, but you better eat some of these, too.”
She did help
>Save some for Akasha the sweet hog that she is.
>>
>>673827
>“Fine, but you better eat some of these, too.”
we can save a few for spirit lady.
>>
>>673838
This

>“Let’s go tomorrow after school, Micchan!
Michiko you cock blocker
>>
>>673827
Seconding:
>>673838
>>
>>673838
>>673860
>>673868
Any particular reason you're not sharing with a party member and friend besides being a siscon?
>>
>>673886
Because this might be the last chocolate we will be able to eat for a while. In other words, gluttony
>>
>>673891
we can always buy more then eat them on the spot, just don't try to store em.
>>
>>673898
But this is high-quality chocolate!
>>
>>673827
>>“Fine, but you better eat some of these, too.”
Mentor can have one too.
>>
>>673902
sharing encourages her to get more though.
>>
>>673827
>“Fine, but you better eat some of these, too.”
>“Can’t exactly say no to free food.”
and
>>673838
>>
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“Can’t exactly say no to free food.” You reply and reach for the chocolates. The instant you do so, you feel a tug on your soul. Of course, you groan to herself. Your spirit mentor just has to interrupt when things are about to get sweet (in multiple ways). She’s residing in the spirit realm, but a mental link between exist the two of you. She’s constantly aware of what you are doing and, if she focuses enough, can see what’s happening around you.

Normally she respects your privacy. This is not one of those times.

“What are you doing, boy?” comes her inquisitive, stern voice, heard only by you.

“Oh come on,” You mutter under your breath, “It’s a gift from a friend.”

“Did I not tell you to refrain from consuming fattening substances?”

“You sound so damn posh,” You reply and roll your eyes, “Look, if I don’t eat these I’m going to hurt Michiko’s feelings. I’ll even save one for you.”

You play that card because you know spirits are finicky about reputation and honor. Even the Spirit King dares not to skimp out on his debts, lest he lose face. Also, your spirit mentor loves sweets. The field rations she eats don’t contain a lot of them. Akasha-Alea falls silent. When she responds, it is as thus:

“There will be more endurance training this afternoon.”

Excellent. You smirk and grab an orange-flavored from the box. “Hey Michiko, you better eat some of these, too.”

“If you insist.” She grabs a mint and pops it into her mouth, relishing the combination of freshness and wholesomeness the sweet brings. You bite down on your own chocolate and the tanginess of the orange explodes on your tongue. Airi sighs and a slightly disappointed smile appears on her looks.

“I suppose it isn’t bad to treat yourself every now and then…” she says, reaching for a coconut.
>>
>>673984
>orange-flavored
Good to know we have top tier taste.
>>
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>>673984
>You smirk and grab an orange-flavored from the box.
>>
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The chocolates disappear into your mouth until only two is left. Your energy has been restored. You feel like you could actually get through today’s classes without falling asleep. The box goes into your pack for later. Fifteen minutes remain until the start of homeroom. Michiko rests her elbows on her table and smiles at you and your sister.

“So, Keiichi, Airi, what’s next?” she asks.

“Homeroom and maths,” You reply, glancing at your timetable.

“No, not that. You two are being forced to do tasks for the government, right? Are you two going to do another today?”

“We were going to do one tomorrow, but then you wanted to take Airi to a movie.” You say, “Eh, it can wait for another day. This is one thing I’m fine with procrastinating for a while.”

Michiko giggles. “Just don’t procrastinate all the way until a week before the due date again.”

“…that incident last year was unintended, I assure you.”

“Micchan, are you planning on coming with us?” Airi asks.

She frowns at the question. “I’m still debating about it. I guess it depends how much free time I’ll have. There’s still my club activities to take care of.”

“Well, don’t push yourself.” You say, “I wouldn’t want to be caught up in this bullshit either.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m willing to help. I just might not be able to do it all the time.” She says, “Did you know the student council president called me last Friday?”

“What, did he congratulate you or something?”

“He did!” She exclaims, “The president also said he had transferred funds into my bank account!”

“Just how much spare change does the Japanese government have, seriously…” You grumble, “You spent it on the weekend shopping trip, right?”

Michiko smirks and pats her chest. “Who do you think I am, Keiichi?”

>>Skip to Wednesday.

[Choose your perspective]
>Keiichi Hirayama
>Airi Hirayama
>>
>>674049
>>Airi Hirayama
>>
>>674049
>>Airi Hirayama
>>
>>674049
>Keiichi Hirayama
>>
>>674049
>Airi Hirayama
>>
>>674049
>>Keiichi Hirayama
>>
>>674049
>>Airi Hirayama
>>
>>674049
>>Airi Hirayama
>>
>>Be Airi Hirayama.

You decide to stop being the boy and be the girl for once. You are now Airi Hirayama. You are seventeen years old, enjoy cooking and have a fondness for plain yet attractive clothes. You are a spirit tamer—a magus who works in tandem with a spirit partner. Spirit partners tend to be lesser spirits who seek the benefits a human partner can give—entrance to the human world, mana, reputation and protection against enemies. You carry a katana, a chain and a set of throwing knives as your weapons. Also, explosions tend to happen a lot around you. It's not your fault...mostly.

Right now, you and your brother Keiichi are walking to the student council’s room on the third floor. Your brother looks tired. From an outsider’s perspective, it seems as if he had just come back from a harrowing battle. You know it’s because he just struggled through his chemistry homework—his worst subject.

“Hey hey onii-chan, Micchan was telling me what happened to the two underclassmen girls.” You say.

“Natsuki and Mio, if I remember correctly? What happened to them?” Your brother asks.

“Micchan said those two were really happy that you helped them out. Natsuki was all like ‘Y-yeah, I guess that no-good Keiichi guy isn’t so bad after all’. It was so adorable!”

Your brother clicks his teeth and groans. He turns away from you and rubs the back of his neck, then mutters something. You can’t help but giggle. That’s cute as well, in a platonic way.

Keiichi knocks on the door to the student council room. The two of you let yourselves in. Makoto is sitting behind the big desk at the back, sipping on a soda can through a straw. A laptop is in front of him and a sandwich wrapper lies on the side. There are crumbs and strands of lettuce scattered across the desk top. Did he fall for Keiichi’s coments from last time? Either way, it’s good he’s not eating a burger. Those are so unhealthy.
>>
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“Oh, it’s you two. Come in, come in!” Makoto greets, smiling.

“We’re already inside.” Your brother points out.

“Well, you know what I mean.” The student council president replies, not skipping a beat. “Good work on the last task, by the way. Practically everyone’s pleased about it.”

“Thanks,” you say. “Has everyone got their stuff back?”

“Most, but not everybody. We’re getting there! A few more pushes in the right direction and we’ll be done.” Makoto says. He fiddles around on his laptop and turns it to face you. “I’ve sort of got a lot of council work to get through today, so I’ll keep this brief. Please pick the next task you want to do.”

MY FANCY CHEF CAN’T BE THIS UPSET!
In Supein-zaka, there’s a fancy restaurant called the Universal Retreat. It most specializes in high-class Western foods, including those from the Mediterranean. It also has some of the most expensive prices in the street. Critics say that its prices are well deserved, though.

The head chef of the restaurant was contracted to cook for the opening party at the Festival of Magic, but for some reason he isn’t complying any longer. He’s saying he wants out! There’s probably some misunderstanding between him and some officials. It shouldn’t be hard for the two of you to sort it out.

SCUM ON THE STREETS!
Every city has its delinquents, and Shibuya is no different. Groups of delinquents are lurking around the area near Udagawa. They seem to have been making some funny moves lately. I’m sure the two of you are enough to investigate and solve whatever trouble they are brewing.

[Choose only one]
>MY FANCY CHEF CAN’T BE THIS UPSET!
>SCUM ON THE STREETS!
>>
>>674222
>>SCUM ON THE STREETS!
STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM
>>
>>674222
>MY FANCY CHEF CAN’T BE THIS UPSET!
>>
>>674222
>>SCUM ON THE STREETS!
Other one seems too easy, it's probably a huge pain in the butt.
>>
>>674222
>>SCUM ON THE STREETS!
>>
>>674222
>>MY FANCY CHEF CAN’T BE THIS UPSET!
>>
>>674222
>MY FANCY CHEF CAN’T BE THIS UPSET!
>>
>>674222
>SCUM ON THE STREETS!
Let's get our delinquent waifu.
>>
inb4 the Chef is a DiU chef clone
>>
>>674222
>SCUM ON THE STREETS!
>>
>>674222
>>SCUM ON THE STREETS!
>>
>>674222
>MY FANCY CHEF CAN’T BE THIS UPSET!
>>
So, guesses for what happened to get GunxSword in the hospital?
>>
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“Let’s take the delinquent task,” You say.

“Are you guys sure?” Makoto asks, “That one looks like it could take a while.”

“Better reason to get it out of the way first,” Keiichi remarks, “You know anything about this one?”

“Afraid not.” Makoto says, “I don’t really hang around places like that.”

“We’ll give it our best shot.” You say, “Please wait patiently for us, Makoto.”

He gives you a warm smile. “Okay, I’ll be looking forward to it. By the way, in regards to the chaos you two cause…”

“What about it?” Your brother asks, sounding guarded.

“Well, the Japanese government called me yesterday and told me to tell you…just don’t do too much of it, okay?’

“What do you mean?” You ask.

“If you guys blow up an entire department store, that’s bad and you’ll be arrested. But if you guys do minor things like stealing cars, blowing up kitchens, slashing tires or anything like that, the Japanese government will cover for you!”

“It’s actually a bit scary just how much power the government seems to have…” Your brother mutters.

“Do your best and it’ll all work out! That’s what I believe, anyway.” Makoto smiles again, “Sorry, can you guys see yourselves out? There’s a deadline I need to get my work done by.”

>>Task 3: Begin!

You and Keiichi emerge out of the student council room and into the near-deserted hallway. Lunch is in full swing and everybody is enjoying the sunshine outside. The only place inside that’s teeming with students is the cafeteria.

“So, sis, do you know anything about the delinquent gangs of Shibuya?” Your brother asks.

You pause. No, you absolutely don’t! Keiichi notices the pause and sighs.

“Well, we better start by gathering from info. But where…?”

>Ask Michiko.
>Ask a journalist in training.
>Look it up on the Internet.
>Head to Udagawa and check the place out.
>Custom option.
>>
>>674424
>>Ask Michiko.
>>
>>673992
>>674000
These are some conflicting opinions.

>>673766
Wow, I can't believe it's already happening. Right now, Akasha-Alea is in first. She's seven hundred years old, so if Keiichi married her would it be some really intense ss?

Going to take a break for lunch. Shouldn't take more than thirty minutes. Feel free to discuss things while I'm gone.
>>
>>674424
>>Ask Michiko.
Friends first and that way she can keep her ears open if any one else drops any juicy info.
>>
>>674424
>Ask Michiko.
>Ask a journalist in training.
>>
>>674424
>>Ask a journalist in training.
New character.
>>
>>674424
>>Ask a journalist in training.
Time to meet the journalism club girl
>>
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>>674434
Can it really be /ss/ if the older person looks like a fourteen year old?
>>
>>674468
Is a girl considered a milf if she has a child while she is or looks 14?
>>
>>674468
Wouldn't romancing spirit literally be fucking a gun?
>>
>>674484
I've already seen characters fucking swords and books so that wouldn't be much different.
>>
>>674468
technically I don't think keiichi qualifies as a shota since he's like what ? 16? thus its not "straight shota".
I also doubt spirits like akasha can have kids or if they can that she's had any so she's not a milf either.

thus relations with her can only be qualified by her personality and body type: Domineering Loli
>>
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>>674484
Well, romancing swords is always fun, why not give guns a shot? At least they have a hole.
>>
>>674477
That depends on whether you're going by the strict definition or the societal definition. The former states they are "a mother you'd like to fuck" whereas the latter holds certain expectations that a 14-year old could not fulfill.

>>674484
She is a spirit, but she is not literally a gun.
>>
>>674503
You really can't spell best without Est
>>
>>674505
Season 2 never ever
>>
>>674503
Sword dance was a mistake
>>
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>>674527
Nonsense, at the very least it gave us Est.
>>
>>674537
It also gave us Claire.
>>
>>674585
Is that you THK?
>>
>>674606
>boogeyman
I'm horrified that anyone genuinely likes her.
>>
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>>674631
She was cute.
>>
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>>Airi: Ask Michiko.

“…you want to know about the delinquents in Shibuya?” Michiko cries, her eyes going wide. She shakes her head, her blonde hair flying about. “Huh, why would you guys think I know something about those?”

She spits the word those as if ejecting a phlegm from the back of her throat. Your smile fades a little and your brother presses on his forehead, exasperated. “Because you’re so well connected around here, Michiko.” He says.

“Yeah, but I don’t associate with ruffians like delinquents!” Michiko exclaims, waving her right hand back and forth. “Really, Keiichi, I don’t know what you’re thinking. Do you see any delinquents in True Hearts?”

“That’s what they used to call Airi and I last year.” Your brother points out.

“Only because we skipped classes a whole bunch…” You chime in.

“No it’s because we did a lot of stupid things. Especially, on the first—” He stiffens. So does Michiko, whose cheeks have somehow turned into twin hot plates. “Actually, never mind.”

“Y-yeah…” Michiko mumbles, finding a nearby bush to be far more interesting.

“Christ, why did I have to bring that up…” Keiichi groans, staring at a nearby wall. Is he planning to bang his head against it, like the time when he found that Akasha-Alea had confiscated part of his movie collection for not being ‘accurate’ enough? Oh no, that would be terrible! You’ll have to stop him if he tries.

“A-anyway, if you want information about delinquents, though I have no idea why,” Michiko begins, swallowing to regain her lost composure, “Talk to Nishio! He came back from his holiday.”

“I didn’t see him class today. He wasn’t next to onii-chan.” You remark.

“That’s because the lazy bum slept in. I ran into him during the start of lunch. He’s napping in a tree somewhere, I just know it…”

“Alright, we’ll go and check it out.” Keiichi says, “Thanks, Michiko.”

“No need to thank me,” Michiko replies, “Try to be careful, okay?”

“We’ll keep it in mind.” You say.
>>
>>674699
Side goal: find out what happened that cause so much spaghetti.
>>
>>674714
Wasn't it mentioned that they kissed or something or am I just making shit up somehow?
>>
>>674724
nope not mentioned.

>inb4 we ripped, fell and accidentally tore her blouse and she wasn't wearing a bra
>>
>>674724
If I had to guess, someone's head ended up in someone else's crotch.
>>
>>674724
I think it was implied to be an anime "meet cute girl accidentally grope tits/see panties" moment
>>
>>674733
>>674737
Probably saw her changing.
>>
>>674759
Nah nah, it was when they first met, on the first day of school, and apparently public enough for it to be in the rumor mill
>>
>>674765
Depending on how big of a fuss she did it'd be very public. I bet she challenged us to a duel.
>>
>>674777
Just like my chinese cartoons!
>>
>>674777
Are you insinuating the opening to Asterisk War happened to them? Especially since Thorn read the whole thing...
>>
>>674788
I was insinuating the opening to Rakudai :^)
>>
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>>674788
So I should have been posting from my Asterisk folder, not Blade Dance?
>>
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>>674810
You guys are alright.
>>
>>674802
Didn't the guy call her fucking mad for challenging him to a duel over such a petty thing?
>>
It's time
Magika: Koyuki = Kanae
T7: Sora = Levi = Arin = Mira
DAL: Kotori = Kurumi
Campione: Athena = Luo Hao
Antimagic: Mari = Lapis
DXD: Ophis
Testament: Maria
Vanadis: Mira
StB: Avrora > Yukina = Natsuki
Rakudai: Shizuku = Nene
Fafnir: Charlotte > Vrita = Mitsuki > Kili
Machine Doll: Yaya = Charlotte
Bahamut: Krul = Yoruka
Hundred: Emilia > Karen
Asterisk: Fan > Julis
IS: Laura > Charlotte
Raildex: Leivinia > Mikoto > Othinus
HxH: Gertrude
Blade Dance: Restia = Est > Claire
Color Wars: Red > Green = Brown
Absolute Duo: Julie = Sakuya > Rito
World Break: Maya > Satsuki > Shizuno
>>
>>Go and find this Nishio fellow.

The rest of lunchtime, all twenty minutes of it, are spent combing school looking for the guy who sits in front of your brother in class. The cafeteria is the first to go, then it’s the roof. Said place is empty, for once. Keiichi checks the boy’s bathroom and returns with nothing save for some bad smells. You place your hand on the entrance to the girl’s bathroom, before remembering this is a boy you’re looking for.

You head out into the courtyard. Keiichi sits down on a bench and scans the nearby courtyard. His vision is filled with the sights of soccer balls rolling, girls chatting, food being eaten and the hot sunlight of spring beating down on lush green grass and the concrete of Shibuya. He lets out a yawn. Then he’s up again, marching towards a tree.

“Found him, onii-chan?”

“I hope so, because we don’t have much time left.”

“You know, we could just wait until class. He has to come.” You point out, to which your brother shakes his head and snorts.

“Airi, the less time we spend on these tasks, the better.”

“Onii-chan, you need to be more patient…” You trail off, as your brother reaches the shade beneath a gathering of tree leaves. He looks up, squints his eyes and kicks the trunk.

“Hey dude, get down from there. We need to talk.”

There’s a pause, then a light chuckle. A figure leaps out from the tree, scattering twigs and tree leaves to the ground. It lands on the ground in a crouching position. It steps into the sunlight to reveal a boy your age and around your height. His hair is blonde like Michiko’s but there are noticeable trails of brown at the tips of the sides, revealing a dye job. His cheeks are spotted with his light freckles.

His slim build is dressed in the summer academy uniform: white shirt and dark grey trousers, but there’s no tie. There’s a pen and book in one hand and an impish grin on his face.

“Yo, Keiichi and Airi!” The boy says, curling his free hand into a fist, “You guys look good. Especially you, Airi-chan!”

“Good day to you, Hideki.” You say, smiling gently.

“Please don’t hit on my sister while I’m here,” Keiichi rolls his eyes, then bumps fists with the boy. “You had a good time in the tropics?”
>>
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“Sure did. Got to go swimming and gorge on the fruits. Plus, I saw some interesting sights in the local area…” Hideki grins, “Want me to tell you about them?”

“Nah, I’ll pass.”

Hideki Nishio. A member of the journalism club and an avid one at that. This boy is responsible for a third of the rumor mill’s content. He seems to be everywhere with his pen and pad, scribbling down stories and then giving him to the academy newspaper. It’s earned him quite a few enemies, a great deal of which are girls. However, attempting to catch him when he’s trying to get away is considered to be a futile endeavor by most.

“We’re actually on some other business…”

Your brother explains the situation to him, skewing it towards biased with his irritated attitude. Hideki nods in response. You don’t miss him repeating the words your brother tells him beneath his breath, soundless.

“I see. I see. Man, you two have gotten into some funny business, huh?” Hideki smirks, “Want to do another interview afterwards?”

“There was a disaster that happened after my interview was published.” Your brother says, “I thought we both learned something from it.”

“Aw come on, I’m sure you won’t be challenged by a gang of girls again.”

“I’m not taking any chances.” Your brother grunts. “So, do you know anything about the delinquent problem in Shibuya?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I was investigating the place last night. I managed to spy on a couple of them and get some good info.” Hideki says, “Name your price.”

“Pardon?” You ask.

“This information is top grade stuff! It’s not anything you can find by scouring the Internet..” Hideki says, a spark in his thin eyes, “Sorry, but I can’t just give this away for free. A man's gotta eat, you know.”

>“Oh Hideki, you are such a kidder.”
>“We’ve already paid.”
>“Shesmur, there’s something I need you to take a look at…”
>Smile at him.
>Offer him some chocolates.
>Wait for your brother to do something.
>Custom option.
>>
>>674880
>smile warmly and affectionately at him
>lean in close to his ear
>our breath hot and wet against his sensitive skin
>whisper to him, like a lover at his bedside:
>"I won't castrate you with a teaspoon."
>>
>>674880
>>“We’ve already paid.”
>>
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>>674841
That's a huge list.
>Antimagic: Mari = Lapis
>Bahamut: Krul = Yoruka
>World Break: Maya > Satsuki > Shizuno
>DAL: Kotori = Kurumi
I can agree with these. For the rest I either don't remember or don't have a specific best girl. I'll dispute the Blade Dance though, Est a best and always will be.

>>674880
>>Smile at him.
>Wait for your brother to do something.
Totally innocent smile, that definitely wouldn't causes his to piss his pants.
>>
>>674880
>>Smile at him.
>Wait for your brother to do something.
>>
>>674894
This. Why not.
>>
>>674894
Supporting
>>
>>674880
>>>Smile at him.
>>Wait for your brother to do something.
>>
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>>Airi: Act.

You walk to the boy, your footsteps like feathers dancing on a field of snow. Your smile is as warm as the gentle kiss of the first light at dawn. You lean in close to his ear. Your breath is hot against his sensitive skin. Heat radiates from his body. You whisper to him, the magic words that only a lover would do at the bedside:

“If you don’t tell me I’m going to get my spirit to bite your private parts off.”

Hideki makes like a statue, then cracks a smile. He shoves you in the shoulders and stumbles back, wagging a finger. Sweat trickles down his cheeks.

“Wow, you saw it too, Airi-chan? Figured you would be a fan of the romance genre.”

“How was my acting?” You ask, sweet as honey.

“I give it an eight out of ten.” Hideki says, “The whispering could use some more work.”

“Great! By the way, I haven’t fed Shesmur today.” You note.

“Ha ha ha, those spirits, am I right? They're always so hungry.” Hideki chuckles, but there’s nervousness in his tone, the type that smells of advantages to bloodthirsty fighters in the arena.

Keiichi frowns. “Hey, stop fucking around, you two. Hideki, just tell us already.”
>>
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“Alright alright, I get you. The situation about the delinquents in Shibuya? Firstly, that requires a bit of background.” Hideki says. He takes out his mobile phone and opens the browser. He then flips the screen your way. You see a trio of boys in black jackets. An emblem of a flaming skull is painted on the wall behind them in a vivid, colorful style. They all have dyed, punkish hair that comes with metal piercings on the side. They’re glaring at the camera, wooden bats on their shoulders and the fingers in their free hands in some sort of rude gesture.

“The biggest delinquent gang in Shibuya is the Red Skull Rockers. They’re a biker gang. They do the typical stuff: riding their bikes, hanging around street corners, busting up vending machines, threatening passers-by and more. Their leader is said to be a chill guy, though.”

“So they’re responsible for most of what’s going on?” Your brother asks.

“Only half. Check this out.” Hideki shows you another screen. It’s another picture of delinquents, except these ones are wearing white jackets and sunglasses. “These are the Brave Ravens. They hang out in Shinjuku and do more or less the same things as the Red Skulls. Apparently their leader is a complete hothead.”

“Shinjuku, that’s where Stonewolf High is.” You hear yourself mumble.

“The two delinquent gangs were a thorn in the side of the police and the public avoided them yadda yadda yadda.” Hideki continues, his smile widening. He’s clearly enjoying himself, “Last year, they were cool with each other. Some of the gang members were even buddies with each other. Recently though, there’s been trouble between the two. There’s been reports of fights in the streets. People have been sent to the hospital with stab wounds and stuff. Seems like both sides now have a reason to attack the other.”

“Nasty…” Your brother remarks. “Also, both are shitty names.”

“Tension is super high. It could even escalate to a full-blown gang war.” Hideki finishes. He makes a thinking pose. You know the one. It’s where he closes his eyes, placing his thumb beneath his chin and makes a humming noise. “Hmm, that could be an interesting story.”
>>
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“…I guess the Japanese government wants us to stop that from happening.” Your brother says, “They should go to the police first…”

“Well, you two are quick at doing things. Remember the Festival of Magic from last year? You guys cancelled that within a day of the opening!”

You blush and try to cover it up with your scarf. “Please don’t remind me of that…” You plead.

“Sorry, Airi-chan.”

“How do you know all this stuff, anyway?” Your brother asks.

Hideki grins again and spreads his arms wide open. “Don’t underestimate me, Hirayama siblings.” He booms, “I have a spider web of contacts far beyond your comprehension. Also, I started looking into them last year because I thought they were interesting.”

“Typical Hideki.” Your brother snorts.

“So, what do you guys plan to do now?”

After school, you’ll…

>Go to Udagawa to confront the Red Skulls.
>Go to Shinjuku to confront the Brave Ravens.
>Look more information up on the Internet.
>Postpone the task for another day.
>Custom option.
>>
>>675121
>>Go to Udagawa to confront the Red Skulls.
>>
>>675121
>>Go to Shinjuku to confront the Brave Ravens.
>>
>>675121
>>Go to Udagawa to confront the Red Skulls.
>>
>>675121
>>Go to Udagawa to confront the Red Skulls
Lets talk with the chill leader first, maybe we can work out a sweet plan with him.
>>
>>675121
>Go to Udagawa to confront the Red Skulls.
>>
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>>Go to Udagawa to confront the Red Skulls.

You and Keiichi decide to do that. You both make your preparations. Keiichi stocks up on ammunition and checks that his guns are all operating correctly. You consult with Shesmur and discuss battle plans. The second the final bell rings, the two of you rush home to place your bags, then are off to the grimy backstreets of Udagawa.

“Man, it sure is hot today.” Hideki complains, “Wanna stop for a drink first?”

“Why are you even here?” Keiichi retorts.

“Think about it, brother.” Hideki puts his arm around Keiichi’s shoulders, causing the second to flinch. “The infamous Hirayama siblings taking on the Red Skull Rockers of Shibuya. Doesn’t that sound like a great scoop to you?”

“You’re gonna hear about it through the grapevine, so why bother?”

“Keiichi! I’m disappointed!” Hideki exclaims, sounding offended. “I’m a professional and thus need to keep my sources as reliable as possible. What better way to ensure that by going to the source directly?”

“Are you sure about this, Hideki?” You ask, “Your magic art isn’t suited for fighting.”

“But it is for evading.” He winks. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be cheering on you both from the sidelines. By the way, the leader of the Red Skulls is said to be a pretty strong magus. Be careful.”

According to the streets, the whispers of which are said in hushed and frightened tones, the hideout of the Red Skulls is located in an abandoned warehouse. The building certainly looks the part. The windows are filthy, the metal is brown with rust and the area around is battered concrete and cracked tarmac. Tyre tracks are present on a makeshift cement driveway. A group of thugs are standing around outside, backs to the filthy walls.

They notice you approach.

“Who the hell are you bastards?” growls one, speaking through a lit cigarette. Thick with a mohawk and a voice of a hog.

“Hey look. They’re True Hearts shit.” Says another, “Bet they’re here to taunt us.”

“Issat so?” A third says. He’s got an empty cola can. He throws it at you, which you dodge with a tilt of the head. “They can fuck right off. The girl’s not half bad, though.”

>“May we speak with your leader, please?”
>“You shouldn’t swear like that!”
>“Please step aside, because we’re going to get through one way or another.”
>“Tell your leader that SwordxGun is here.”
>Let Keiichi act.
>Let Hideki act.
>Try and find another way into the building.
>Custom option.
>>
>>675263
>>“Tell your leader that SwordxGun is here.”
What could possibly go wrong?
>>
>>675263
>>“May we speak with your leader, please?”
>“Tell your leader that SwordxGun is here.”
>>
>>675263
>>“Tell your leader that SwordxGun is here."
>>
>>675263
>>“You shouldn’t swear like that!”
>>“Tell your leader that SwordxGun is here.”
>>
>>675263
>>“Tell your leader that SwordxGun is here.”
>>
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“May we speak with your leader please?” You ask.

“Fuck off.” Is the reply. Okay, time to change tactics.

“Can you tell your leader that SwordxGun is here?”

“Huh? SwordxGun?” The first delinquent utters, “That name of some edgy rock band?”

“Look, I don’t know who the hell you people are, but this is Red Skull Rocker turf. Our boss Kata ain’t no time for private school shits like you.”

“We’re not budging until we see your leader, got it?” Keiichi states, crossing his arms.

“Then we’ll make you leave.” The trio of delinquents snicker, their eyes sharpened with malice. One of them cracks his knuckles. The second grabs a chain from a nearby fence. The third picks up a wooden bat. They advance towards your group and the scent of violence flashes into your surroundings.

Your brother draws his handgun and points it at the delinquents. They stop in their tracks.

“You heard the lady,” he says, “Tell your leader that SwordxGun is here.”

“What makes you think Kata knows you?”

“He’s a magus, right? He probably keeps up with the news, particularly about tricky magi in Shibuya. He’ll know us. If he doesn’t, he soon will.”

“Yeah, you should do what my friend says!” Hideki chimes in, “You wouldn’t want to make your boss mad! Plus, that’s not the only gun he has. He’s got a full armory with him!”

Keiichi glares at him. “Don’t spoil, will you?”

The tension is like fine piano string. Your brother focuses his gaze on the three delinquents in front of him. They scowl at him, make threatening faces. It doesn’t work. He keeps on staring the trio down, neither wavering nor blinking. Hideki scratches his head and whips out his notepad. You, on the other hand, smile in the same manner as you always do, as your scarf flutters by yourself in the air.

One of the delinquents spits on the ground. “This better he good.” He snarls.

Then he retreats into the warehouse, his shoulders slumped.
>>
That'll be the end of it for today. Thanks for participating! Next thread will be on the 14th of October, 9:00 pm UTC. See you all there! I've gotta run now. If you've got any questions, post them on my ask page.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwilightThorn
Ask fm: http://ask.fm/TwilightThorn441
Archived Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/673077
>>
>>675366
See you soon.
>>
>>675366
Thanks for running TT!
>>
>>675366
Thanks for running. Looks like the job we picked up will be a bit of work but hopefully we can work things out without having to crack some skulls.
>>
>>675366
I missed it all.

I'll be around for the next one, Thorn. I promise!
>>
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>>673484
>he doesn't want to use a THOR, a Contender, or some other ridiculous hunting "pistol" chambered for Big Five appropriate rounds
>>
>>673565
Not really. Kerry's Origin Bullets work due to his dual Origins of Severing and Binding, turning the Magic Circuits of whoever they hit against them. They're an utterly brutal anti-Magus weapon because of it. If I had to venture a guess I'd say that in terms of this Quest's mechanics an Origin Bullet equivalent would be something that deals bonus damage based on the target's MAGIC POTENTIAL.
>>
>>673674
Anon, our Mentor is basically Murdercube-chan. This is one Quest where /k/ should come and stay.
>>
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>>679548
True, I was mostly referring to how the Origin Bullets just bypassed magical defenses to hit the magus square on
>>
>>674468
Also, does she take that form by choice, or is she locked into it?
>>
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>>The 6th of April, 2015…

It was the first day of the school year in Shibuya and Keiichi Hirayama was freaking out. One could hardly blame him. The transition from the lush and empty pastures of the countryside to the noisy and cramped streets of the big city had been jarring enough. But for him to make a clean slate at this True Hearts Academy, one of the premier magus private schools in the entirety of Japan, the student body of which could fill a small army? It was like being dumped into a warzone on his first shooting lesson. He could feel his stomach retreating into itself from the nervousness.

He stood trembling in his new shiny leather shoes at the edges of the front gate, watching fellow students pass through. They were laughing and talking without a care in the world. How envious he felt. He tried to not let his tension show, but he was certain his muscles were strung tighter than piano wire. He was sure sweat was dripping down the side of his face and that his bottom lip was shaking. Count to five, he said to himself. He couldn't get to five before more treacherous thoughts invaded his mind.

“Dammit, get it together! What are you, a little kid?” he grumbled to himself, slapping the sides of his cheeks. The sharp sound hissed through his ears. At once, he felt a little bit better. Then the moment passed and he didn’t. Instead, his slump got even worse.

A beehive of questions swarmed through his mind. Was he wearing the proper clothes? Was his tie all straight and normal? Would he be laughed at for his lack of city knowledge? Seriously, how could one city have so many clothing brands and why was his sister so damn interested in them? The same applied for department stores, restaurants and cars on the street. How did people not kill themselves?

What about the curriculum here? He had never been the best at his studies—that had always been Airi’s forte—but he was repulsed at idea of disappointing his parents. The school fees at this academy were steeper than the slopes of Mount Fuji and his mother and father had worked around the clock to raise the necessary funds. If it all went to waste, how on earth would he explain it to them…
>>
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He suddenly felt a familiar, soft sensation around his right hand. It yanked him out of his thoughts and into reality. He glanced over to the side to see his sister, Airi Hirayama, squeezing his hand, a sunny smile on her pretty features. Her warm, well-groomed, chocolate-brown hair swayed in the breeze, “Don’t worry, onii-chan.” She said, in a soothing tone, “We’ll get through of this, I’m sure of it.”

“You sound sure of it.” Keiichi said, hardly convinced.

“To be honest, I’m nervous too.” Airi confessed, “This academy looks so big compared to our little country school.”

“I know, right!” Keiichi exclaimed, “It’s almost twice the size. What the hell do these kids need all this space for?”

“It’s all so foreign. Almost overwhelming, onii-chan.”

“I’m glad someone agrees with me.”

“But, I get the feeling that as long as we both keep looking forward, we’ll have nothing to fear. That’s how we got here in the first place. Don’t you agree?” Airi kept on holding Keiichi’s hand, rubbing it gently. Bit by bit, he could feel the shakes in his body subside. His breathing returned to normal. He felt a pull on his soul.

[i]You should listen to your sister.[/i] Came the chiding, clipped voice of Keiichi’s spirit mentor, the renowned Akasha-Alea of firearms, [i]Nothing will be born from your fear here. If you falter at this step, how do you expect to overcome the challenges in your future?[/i]

Well, that certainly decided it. Two ladies, one young and one old, were telling him to man up and face forward. How could he ever say no? He took a deep breath, placing his palms on his temples. He smoothed his shirt, ruffled his trousers and checked his tie. He counted to three and did an inventory check. His bag was full of books and his lunch was all packed. Everything was set. He turned to Airi and gave her one of his rare smiles. She reciprocated.

"No point in standing around, huh." He said. “I guess I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”
>>
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“That’s the spirit! Let’s go.” Airi said, tugging at his sleeve.

Keiichi nodded. He stared up at the front entrance of the academy, taking in the shining glass windows, the five multicolored pillars and the carving of the founder. The fear was suppressed and he could sense that an entire ocean of possibilities had been made available for him. It was a chance to learn about the world, to connect with magi like him and to shape his future into something he could feel proud of. He took another breath, and made his first step into the academy, his beloved little sister by his side.

He promptly slipped on a banana peel.
>>
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Said banana peel was fresh, yellow and had brown spots. It had been thrown away by a pudgy boy in a white shirt, whom had apparently yet to realize the concept of trash cans. Airi was still clutching his sleeve. His shoes were now ruined. These were all facts that Keiichi realized out after he and sister had been sent flailing through the air like a pair of kicked cartwheels, before making a splash finish on the hard concrete path below.

His body collided against something. He heard a feminine shriek. There was no time to determine whether it belonged to his sister, because there was a dull thump and his vision went dark. A few second later, it returned. Not that he could see anything; the world was darkened and blurry, and spiraling in and out all around him.

Another couple of seconds passed before his head stopped tumbling like the contents of a washing machine. His perception, honed by countless hours firing weapons in his spirit mentor’s domain, took action and registered several things. His head was in a dark, warm space. His right hand was clenched around something that was soft, squishy and about the size of a small melon. Muffled, frantic voices buzzed around him in all directions, rising above the hum of Shibuya’s omnipresent traffic.

None of it sounded good. It also was confusing, that was for sure. So, he looked up.

A flap of patterned cloth slid past his face, brushing against the grooves. He gaped it. He recognized where he had seen the pattern embroidered on it. The penny took its sweet time dropping.

It was a girl’s skirt, part of his new academy’s uniform, and his head had just come out from beneath it. A small crowd had gathered around him and they looked just as horrified as him. Some of them were even taking photos with the same attitude one gets upon looking at highway truck crash.

Instinctively, his hands squeezed the object he was holding. This produced a feminine yelp, high-pitched and youthful. He looked to the source and discovered that said object was the breast of a blonde girl he did not recognize. She was lying on her back, with an expression of pained surprise plastered on her soft-looking lips. Her eyes were closed. Her long, slender legs were spread out in a sort of V-shape.
>>
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The sight brought a memory from the depths of Keiichi’s mind. A sight he had seen in that warm, dark space, once lost in the rush of his confusion. Another piece of V-shaped cloth, thin and colored pink, not to be seen by just anybody…

Heat exploded around his cheeks. There was now an overwhelming temptation to draw his handgun and cap himself in the head.

The crowd had gone silent. Dozens of pairs of eyeballs had their sights on him, catching the most minute of his moves. Since this situation had no chance of getting worse, he looked to the side to see what else had occurred. There was Airi, his sister, sprawled on the ground next to him, her face planted against her concrete. Her right hand was gripped around the mystery girl’s other breast and thus Keiichi was corrected with the force of a thousand dropped anvils.

[i] D…dual wielding?! [\i] His mind screamed at him.

Then the blonde girl, whom they would later get to know as Michiko Tsukiwaki, the self-proclaimed diva of the academy, woke up, looked down and began to scream.
>>
>>687716
>>687725
It only confirms what we already knew, but still nice to actually read it.
>>
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>>The year 2015, when the towers of Shibuya seemed to scrape against the heavens…

Your name is Keiichi Hirayama and today is unbelievably hot for spring. The weather reports said as much last night, warning the citizens that a sudden heat flash would be passing over Tokyo. They talked about dehydration, the proper use of sunblock and the careful usage of fire magic. You hadn’t put much thought into them. Then you opened the door this morning and a gigantic sledgehammer of heat smashed you in the face.

The countryside was less violent.

The heat was everywhere. The gaps created by the tall buildings gave it passageways to tunnel into. It infected every block and street corner, transforming the tarmac roads into a snake’s den of makeshift hotplates. Yet, the city of Shibuya still persisted. Workers gathered on subway trains, vendors hawked their wares in the morning heat haze and the children of the town had laughed and skipped their way to school. It quickly became apparently to you and your sister that Shibuya was not a town that let a little heat get in its way.

It was admirable, you remember yourself thinking. And crazy, because all you thought on the way to school was how nice it would be to lie on the ground in your air conditioned apartment and never get up again.

At present, you are not concerned with the heat. Not with the wrathful sun in the sky, nor with the sweat soaking the back of your shirt. If someone offered you an ice lolly at this very moment, you’d probably accept it, but you’d ask them to wait until you finished watching the video on your smartphone.

Said video is making you grit your teeth and scowl.

“The hell is this?” you growl to yourself. Around you, your classmates complain about the heat. An announcement sounds from the speakers, reminding everyone that there is a sale for the school curry today. How laughably ironic. It must’ve been a choice they made several days beforehand.

“Yo, Keiichi!” A voice calls out. You look up to a see blonde classmate of yours walking towards you, a plastic-wrapped piece of bread in one hand and a bottle of water. Guy has a cheer in his step. “What’s up?”

“Hideki, right?” You enunciate the word slowly. You met this guy yesterday, but that sort of passed by in a blur, so you are unsure. You twist your chair to face the boy, scraping it against the enamel floor. “What do you want?”

“Nothing much.” Hideki says, sitting down his seat, which happens to be the one next to you. He places the bottle and the bread on his desk, “You eating lunch alone?”
>>
“No. My sister Airi has gone to the toilet.” You say, “She’ll be back soon.”

“That’s good, that’s good. I’ve always thought lunch is better eaten with pals.” Hideki says. He then chomps into his bread, grinding strands of lettuce and chunks of beef between his teeth. A note of a hunger- escapes from his full mouth. It could rival a high piano note. This guy is real loud eater. You roll your eyes and wait for him to finish chewing.

“You saying you don’t have any?” You ask.

“Well, I’ve been in this academy since last year, so what do you think?” He replies, which is followed by a cheeky wink, then a swig of water.

“You could be one of those types who spent all year in the library.” You retort, crossing your arms. The side of your lips flicks up, not a smile but something close to one.

“Ooh, nice response! But bzzt! Sorry, you’re wrong!” shouts Hideki, as he folds his arms in a cross, before pretending to brush a tear from his eye. “You don’t get the million dollar prize.”

“I’m so wounded.”

“As for the actual response, I have the entire journalism club behind me. Joined in the first week of the first semester last year.”

“Right...” You say, your eyes slanting a fraction. “So why aren’t you with them?”

“Just thought I might check in on the new student. We got acquainted yesterday, so why not?” Hideki slaps you on the shoulder. Your phone slips out of your hands and falls onto the floor. It bounces off with a hard, plastic clang. You shoot an unamused look at Hideki, then lean down to pick it up.

There’s truth in his words, but what he actually did was ask you a bunch of questions after your little incident yesterday. That was irritating, because you really didn’t want to think about it. Then you found out he was your seat buddy. He kept passing you little notes and winking.

This animosity must have shown somehow, because Hideki puts a hand around your shoulder and squeezes a grin.

“You know Keiichi, you don’t act so hostile. We’re all cool, here!” he says in that loudness of his.

“This is me and my sister’s second day at this school and already we’ve earned the ire of the entire female population.” You say, flat as the butt of a rifle and venomous as rat poison. Your spirit mentor is truly rubbing off you. “You’ll have to forgive me for not feeling entirely safe here.”

“Oh, that?” Hideki lets out a bark of laughter. You frown. “Don’t worry about it, man! A lot of people here are all bark, no bite. They won’t approach you if you show your strength, which you sort of already have.”

“And what about Airi?” You demand.

“Uh…that might be a bit tricky.” Hideki confesses,

“If anyone tries to bully my sister, there will be hell to pay, even if it’s a girl.” You growl, glaring into the blonde boy’s eyes. Your fingers twitch themselves into a handgun’s grip—an instinct and a development of your mentor’s work. Your olfactory senses detect fresh iron and carbon. Deep within your soul, your mana buzzes and hums.
>>
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You are barely aware of it, but you are on the edge of your seat, one hand on the backrest, as if ready to pounce up, draw your gun and start shooting. If Hideki is intimidated, he doesn’t show it. He just smiles.

“I don’t doubt you, man, considering what you did to Michiko in your first match. Besides, I like to think people are generally alright. If they still try to hurt your sister…well, you have my consent to do whatever you please!” The guy shrugs, talking as if this is the most normal conversation in the world, “So, what are you pissed about, anyway?”

“Funny you should mention that girl.” You groan. You toss your smartphone to the boy, who catches it with a single fast, swing of his hand. Good reflexes there. You watch as Hideki stares at the screen, the way his eyes light up like fireflies with recognition and the satisfied smirk that spreads across his baby-faced, weasel-like looks.

“This is…”

“Yeah.” You grumble. There’s nothing else to day. The ViewTube video can do all the talking here.

Title: ‘Self-proclaimed diva of True Hearts get beaten by new transfer student!’. Views: close to a hundred thousand. Like/dislike ratio: twenty-two to one.

The description is a hotbed of Internet slang and had enough tags to choke a clothes shop assistant. As for the actual video itself, it’s of a terrifying familiar duel, in which a blonde girl gets peppered by the entire magazine of a Howa Type 89 assault rifle, wielded by yours truly. When you had seen in the morning, your stomach had practically fallen to the bottom of your guts. The less said about the condition of your phone’s frame the better.

Below it all are a series of recommended videos and the juiciest and the rottenest part of the entire page: the comments. Reading each one felt like chipping off a bit of your soul and scattering it to the winds of the abyss.

>Michikofags absolutely blown the FUCK out
>implying that there were michikofags beforehand
>shut up dont you dare insult our sweet singing goddess
>lololololol whats the point in rooting for a magus who gets beaten by a kid on his first day
>i told you fags. i warned you all. i said there was a risk of rooting a girl that thicc. I WAS FUCKING RIGHT.
>What kind of scrub brings an assault rifle to a magus fight?
>the smart kind you faggot
>wowwww i won because of an instant kill weapon so kewl
>implying that this kid didnt train his ass off to become the next school shooter
>Hey, cut him some slack.
>No u
>Bringing guns…that sounds like it’s breaking some sort of rule
>no, there definitely isn’t one. magi have used pistols and stuff before, but never this tactical
>Say, what’s the guy’s name?
>Keiichi Hirayama, I think. Audio was kinda shit.
>Never heard of him.

The video lasts for a whole minute and Hideki takes his sweet time watching it. You notice there’s a notepad in his hands. He’s scribbling away like mad, the pen bouncing up and down over the red-lined paper. Did he have it in his pocket in the whole time?
>>
He chuckles a few times, then slams his notepad shut. He hands the phone back to you. Dude is amused. You are not.

“Wow, your match was recorded and put on the Internet.” He says, “Uh, why are you so angry about this again?”

You glance down, clenching your teeth. “It feels like I’m being made fun of.”

“Why, though? People cheered and a lot of people like the video.”

“It’s hard to describe. Maybe it’s the comments. Maybe it’s the fact my face is on the Internet without me asking for it to be put there. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of my incredible fuck-up from yesterday.” You rub your forehead. Repress the memories. The past is the past and cannot be reclaimed, therefore look to the future. Don’t think about how soft…oh no you’re already doing it.

“If it’s any consolation, lots of guys here would kill to have themselves go viral.” Hideki says.

“They want their mistakes broadcasted to the entire world?” You question.

“No, they want to get their name out. You know, for fame and reputation. Some people think it’s important.”

“They don’t tell you anything like that in the advertising brochures. What’s the deal, then?”

“It mostly looks good. There are a lot of talent scouts in Shibuya searching for talented young magi, for advertising deals, company internships or stuff like that. Getting your name out helps.” Hideki explains, “Oh, and some companies might decide to sponsor you if you participate in the Festival of Magic.”

“I’ve heard of that.” You say, “That’s the tournament between this academy and its three rivals, right?’

Hideki cracks a wry grin, “Technically, any young magus can join. But yeah, most of the competition comes from here, True Hearts, and our rivals: Stonewolf High, Caelestis College and Lady Sagisawa’s School of Knowledge.”

“I don’t think I really care about the Festival of Magic at this point. My sister and I came to this academy for the study.”

“You’re not alone. So did I. Fancy that!” Hideki laughs again, “Anyway Keiichi, don’t worry about the rumours. Things move fast in Shibuya. People will forget about it soon.”

“I’ll believe it when that Michiko girl and the rest stop glaring at me like they want me to explode.”
>>
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“Just keep your head down for a few weeks and everything should work out fine. It’s not like you’re going to run around doing crazy stuff for the rest of the year.” You sigh at Hideki’s response, but nod anyway. Life in the countryside was relatively peaceful for you and your sister, barring a few incidents where you accidentally drew your gun in public. You hoped your life in Shibuya would be the same, if only because it would make your acclimation in the urban jungle easier.

That idea seems to have backfired on the very first day. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice a gaggle of girls near the classroom exit. They are huddled together in a tight bunch. The tallest one, the leader, whispers something to her cronies. They turn their heads and shoot daggers at you. You raise your eyebrows. Those girls could be mistaken for robots with that level of synchronized movements. Not bad at all. You consider clapping and how much it would piss them off.

You rest your head on the table. Outside, the heat haze continues its reign across the city. An airplane soars through the blue sky, leaving behind a trail of white. Your sister’s mana signature is now apparent, dampened through the walls of the classroom. She’s approaching closer and closer, in a hurry. Good, lunch will be soon.

You pray that the rest of the week will be uneventful.

“So, do you like ice-cream?”

“Huh?”

He repeats the question. You tilt your head in confusion. “Uh, I don’t hate it or anything.”

“Awesome. There’s a great ice-cream parlor nearby. Want to come with your sister after school? They make the best vanilla.”

“I dunno. I’ll have to ask Airi.”

“Come on, man. It’ll be fun. Trust me!”
>>
>>687716
>>687725
As expected
>>
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>>692748
>>What kind of scrub brings an assault rifle to a magus fight?
>>the smart kind you faggot
>>wowwww i won because of an instant kill weapon so kewl
>>implying that this kid didnt train his ass off to become the next school shooter
>>
>>692753
Wonder what we did to make Michiko fall for us.
>>
>>696067
Tuned her antenna?
>>
>>696067
Probably shot up some would be rapists or apologized so profusely she got embarrassed.
>>
>>696067
That notion is incorrect.
>>
>>697638
Wonder what Airi did to make Michiko fall for Keiichi?



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