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“985... 986...”

You're not sure exactly how you got roped into this when you woke up this morning. Stepping out into the common room, you discovered Mai and Ukon, the resident sporty kids in class drawing up some sort of list. You soon found out that Ukon, in his ever competitive mind, had the idea to pit the class against each-other in order to determine where people rank in certain categories; combat, intelligence, and so on. Mai thought it was a good idea for a fun group activity, and before you knew it, you were taking part in the contest to determine the most powerful member of class 1.

Of course, they didn't decide this by having you actually fight and see who comes out on top... no, that would be silly. Instead, the best combatant in Class 1 was going to be determined between you and Roka performing a rigorous exercise routine. It's only the two of you because most of the class refused, and Gado bowed out as soon as Kuin failed in the routine in order to make her feel better. No matter, you and Roka have always been second and first place respectively in this category from the beginning. As lame as you find the concept, you can't deny that there's an incredible rivalry between the two of you, the flames of which have been fanned with all these rumours of Roka having a romantic eye for your sister despite their constant arguments.

“Come on, Kazuma!” Mai cheers on encouragement. “I know you can do it!”

“Don't give up, Roka!” Ukon cheers on as well. “They all think you're a bad guy, but I know you're capable of more!”

“995... 996...” the two of you groan in unison as you continue your push-ups. You're certainly starting to feel the burn in your muscles, and Roka is feeling the same, no doubt.

Your competitive exercise is promptly interrupted by Kiriko stepping out into the courtyard in front of the dorms. “Kaz! I've got a serious problem!”

In a flash, you instinctively stand up, breaking your push-up streak. You don't care so much about this competition thing, not if Kiriko's in some kind of trouble. “What's wrong?”

“Yeah Fly, what happened?” Roka's voice asks from behind you, as you notice that he sprang to his feet just as fast.

“Wait! Does this mean it's a tie?” Mai asks. “Oh, are we going to have to start again?”

“Well...” Ukon places a finger to his chin. “Roka did perform a good portion of his with one-hand. Did Kaz follow suit?”

“No...”

“Then I think it's safe to declare Roka the winner!” Ukon exclaims. “Well done, Roka! I knew you could do it!”

“Don't be discouraged, Kaz!” Mai smiles with a comforting tone. “I know for sure you'll get it next time!”

“Whatever,” you and Roka non-chalantly fire back in unison.

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“I don't know why you care ape,” Kiriko places her hands on her hips. “But no offence, I want to talk to Kaz in private.”

Roka scowls. “Fine... not like I care anyway, you pesky fly.”

As Roka storms off, Mai and Ukon check the clip-boards in their hands. “Hmm... next is measuring intelligence. I think we know there's only two candidates for this one!” Ukon exclaims.

“Pop quiz between Kuin and Anri?” Mai suggests. “Oh, it'll be so fun!”

As those two skip off, Kiriko approaches you. “Geez, what do you think that ape's story is, anyway?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, he's dumb as bricks, can't read, terrible temper, not to mention his face scar...” Kiriko ponders. “I swear, too many people in our class are a mystery.”

“Yeah, but I think I prefer Roka staying a mystery,” you mutter. “So, what's your problem?”

“It's not actually my problem... well, it is! But it's mainly Mayu's.”

“Oh...” you mutter. You know what this I about. The tension between yourself and Mayu has been unbearable. After all that's happened, she can barely look you in the eye... you were angry with her at first, of course. But the shame she's felt, the way she's continuously beaten herself up over it... it's worse than anything you could do to her. Mayu has never been the kind of person to smile much, but these days she feels absolutely miserable.

“She's becoming really distant...” Kiriko sighs. “And not just when you're around. She'll barely talk to me, she'll go to bed early, and she'll cry through the night. I... I think she's planning to cut herself out of the club, and... I just don't know what to say to her. Please, I need your help here. I know you and her aren't on the best of terms, but I thought that maybe hearing something nice from you might...”

>Of course. I'll try talking to her.
>You should try talking to her. She'll listen to you.
>I can't say anything to help her. We're not friends.

>>911418
>Of course. I'll try talking to her.
Oh geez...Mayu noooooo

>>911418
>>Of course. I'll try talking to her.

>>911418
>Of course. I'll try talking to her.

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>>911418
>Of course. I'll try talking to her.

>>911418
>Of course. I'll try talking to her.
Well that was a sudden start.

The Archdemon wouldn't be that obvious would it?

>>911418
>>Of course. I'll try talking to her.

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>Of course. I'll try talking to her.

"Good, can you do it now?" Kiriko asks. "She's back in our dormroom and... I'm really worried. She hasn't spoken a word all day, she's all in black mourning clothes, and she just keeps staring out the window. It's creepy and wrong and I'm scared for her."

You nod. "Okay, right away. I'll see what I can do."

You step into the dorms and make your way down the hall to the door outside Kiriko and Mayu's room. You knock gently on the wood of the door, to no answer. No surprise there. You knock again, just to make sure, before calling out to the girl inside. "Mayu?"

Silence. You know she's in there, though. "Mayu... I'm going to come in now, so if you're undressed..."

You know she won't care for or understand any of the humour in your comment, but you needed to say something to lighten the mood for yourself. You're not sure if you're ready to talk to her yet either.

You enter the room to a rather chilling sight. Mayu, sitting alone in a chair, dressed all in black robes, as she stares off into the distance with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Mayu... are you okay?"

Stupid question, of course she's not... but you can't think of anything else to say. She's in terrible condition... though she's been simply a friend to you, there was no denying that Mayu carried herself with a silent grace and beauty at all times. You'd admit to even catching yourself being stuck staring at her face for periods of time, she's always been that beautiful a girl... but that aura is gone now. Stripped away, and now all you see is a scared and sad teenage girl. But what can you say to her? What could you possibly do to mend this bridge? Do you address it? Do you show forgiveness? Do you show her affection, show her love and companionship with a simple hug, or maybe even a kiss? There's so much swirling in your head, and you know one of these options may help, and a whole bunch of them may hinder. You have no clue at all...

"Mayu, I'm sorry about what happened between-"

"Kazuma, today is not about you," Mayu coldly interrupts.

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Well, at least she's talking again. That alone is enough to make you smile. "What do you mean?"

"Make no mistake," Mayu replies, "I am still feeling the guilt of my actions towards you a million times over. What I did to you was deplorable... and I'll never forgive myself as long as I live. I must live with that shame forever, knowing the great dishonour I caused... but today I wear black not because I am sad, or that I feel guilty... today is the anniversary of my father's death."

"Oh, Mayu..." you mutter. "I'm so sorry."

"You have no need to be sorry," Mayu replies. "You did not take his life... though it did take me some time to realise that you are not at fault for your father's actions. Yet another thing that fills my heart with guilt."

There she is again, saying your father killed hers. A dangerous accusation, but one you've never found the appropriate time to question, to learn more about. Maybe your father wasn't the perfect hero you often make him out to be... but he's no killer.

"My condolences," you offer her, trying hard to show her respect.

"Please... Kazuma..." Mayu mutters, her eyes darting downward. "I would prefer it if you left. I can't bare to face you, especially at a time like this. I am already plagued with thoughts of how I destroyed our friendship... a friendship I never truly appreciated until it was gone. You came to mean a great deal to me, Kazuma. You were my friend, my companion, my confidante... and I betrayed you. It's for that reason that I feel that I should withdraw from the club, and spend out the rest of my days here alone, in silence."

She can't be serious, right? "Come on, we're still friends-"

"No," Mayu replies. "I do not deserve your friendship. I do not deserve the kindness and love from you and Kiriko. I will not accept it... I cannot accept it... no matter how much I may want it."

She's so distraught, so down and out... you can't just leave her like this, right? You need to do something, you need to do something to show her how much of a friend you are. Something to do, something to say... something that will really show her how much she means to you, so she can begin to forgive herself.

>Mayu, I forgive you. You did the right thing.
>Do you want to talk about your father?
>Okay, I'll give you some space... but I'm always here if you need to talk.
>Hug her
>Kiss her

>>911462
>Hug her
>>Mayu, I forgive you. You did the right thing.

>>911462
>>Do you want to talk about your father?
I want to talk about your father.

>>911462
>Mayu, I forgive you. You did the right thing.
>Hug her
after that...
>Do you want to talk about your father?

>>911462
>>Mayu, I forgive you. You did the right thing.
>>Hug her
Hold her for a bit then
>>Do you want to talk about your father?

>>911462
>Do you want to talk about your father?
We seriously need to get this out the way.

>That last option
NICE TRY BOOKER BUT I WILL NOT BITE THE BAIT

>>911471
>>911474
Changing my vote to this

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>Mayu, I forgive you. You did the right thing.
>Hug her

"No, I didn't..." Mayu cries. "Perhaps the ends may have been a positive result, but the means..."

Before she can continue, you begin to pull her in close. You wrap your arms around her and squeeze her as tightly as you can.

"Kazuma..." Mayu mutters. "Please... don't..."

"Mayu, I need you to know you did the right thing," you smile. "No matter what happened between us, I forgive you... and I'm your friend."

Mayu squirms uncomfortably as you hold her close, yet makes no attempt to break the hug. "No, you can't. Please... I forbid you from forgiving me. You shouldn't forgive me, you... you shouldn't..."

In reply, you just hug her tighter. "I'm your friend, Mayu. Nothing is going to change that."

"But... I do not deserve-"

"You deserve a lot more than you think you do," you reply. "My friendship is the least of it. You know, most people would consider my friendship a punishment in the first place."

"Kazuma..."

"Stop doubting yourself. You did good. You more than deserve me and Kiriko's friendship, and we both want yours. We love you, Mayu."

Mayu's protesting stops, as she remains dead silent for a while, before finally wrapping her arms around you. "I... I don't deserve this..." she cries into you. "W-why am I accepting it?"

You place your hand on the back of her head. Her soft hair amazing at the touch. You allow for Mayu to hold you close and cry into you as you gently stroke her hair in a soothing manner. Once she has calmed down, she begins to break away from the hug. She places her hand up to her mouth, gently nibbling on her index finger in hesitation. "Kazuma... no matter how much you forgive me, I can never forgive myself. However... I understand now that I should not punish the person I've wronged even further through my guilt. You wish to be my friend... then it is my duty to fill that role in order to make amends."

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You sigh. You knew you couldn't get through to her all at once, and you'll definitely need to explain to her that friendship isn't a duty that she must perform... but it will have to wait until later. For now, she's made some kind of improvement, and it's about time you asked her something very important to her.

"Do you want to talk about your father?"

Mayu pauses. "I... yes, a little. I would rather not dwell on his death today."

"Okay then, tell me about his life," you smile.

It warms your heart to no end to see Mayu return the smallest of smiles back. "Kano Nakatoni... my father was a good man. He trained me in the ways of the blade at a young age, knowing I had great potential within me. He was a former student of this school, and he went on to teach history here after his graduation. He was a great military mind, and immensely talented with the sword. Were you to ask me, I would have said he was the greatest ever... though if you were to ask anyone else, they would point in the direction of a former friend of his..."

Mayu pauses, biting her lip. You know why... she was talking about your father, and she already said she didn't want to focus on Mr. Nakatoni's death...

"My father had a strict code of honour. One he passed onto myself. A believer in Bushido, the way of the warrior, and he also taught me to protect those in need. Those I care for. He told me... he told me that you should never be afraid to sacrifice yourself for the greater, moral good."

>He sounds like he was a great man.
>You must miss him a lot.
>Do... you still resent me? For who my father is?

>>911535
>>He sounds like he was a great man.
And had a motherfucking eyepatch.

>>911535
>>He sounds like he was a great man.
>>You must miss him a lot.

>>911535
>You must miss him a lot.

>>911535
>>He sounds like he was a great man.
>>You must miss him a lot.

>>911535
>He sounds like he was a great man.

Much more successful that I expected! This is a good thing!

>>911549
Fuck it, I'll add this to what I first put in.

>You must miss him a lot.

>>He sounds like he was a great man.
I am also gonna add the
>>You must miss him a lot.

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>He sounds like he was a great man.
>You must miss him a lot.

"He was... I do," Mayu mutters. "I... thank you, Kazuma. Though I don't think I continue talking about my father like this... not with you. I'm sorry."

"That's okay," you reply, lightly patting her on the shoulder. "Take it easy today, Mayu. Get some rest, I'm sure your father wouldn't want to see you like this."

Mayu nods. "True... he always encouraged me to smile more," Mayu mutters. "I haven't smiled much since his death..."

Mayu sits down on the edge of Kiriko's bed, gently placing her hands on her lap. You begin to see a little of that trademark grace once again. "Carry on, Kazuma. I'll be fine for now."

"Are you sure?" you ask.

"Yes," Mayu replies. "I would like some time alone for now, though I appreciate the time you have spent with me..."

You smile and nod as you make your way to the door. "And Kazuma..." she begins, prompting you to turn back around. "I will continue to work. Until I can deserve your friendship... and Kiriko's love."

"You already have," you reply, but you know that won't matter to her. You exit the room and shut the door behind you. As you do, you feel a buzzing in your back pocket... oh yes, that new phone. Chihiro Toriyama was giving them out like pieces of candy earlier in the week. Odd to know people that are as wealthy as her. You wonder if any of Class 1 are on the same level of wealth as the likes of Chihiro or Hoshi Sanada... Atasuke, maybe? He certainly sounds rich. Hanako? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, you pull the phone from your pocket to see you have two messages waiting for you.

>From: Kiriko
>Hey, hope the stuff with Mayu went well. You want to meet for lunch to chat about it?

>From: Chuichi
>Hey man, I was just about to pick some stuff up from my folk's house in town. Wanna join?

Two equally tempting offers... but you suppose you can only go with one.

>Have lunch with Kiriko
>Go to town with Chuichi

>>911591
>>Go to town with Chuichi
Alternatively go shake down Atasuke for lunch money.

>>911591
>>Have lunch with Kiriko

>>911591
>Go to town with Chuichi
Got to start setting Goose up with the qt mute demon.

>>911591
>Go to town with Chuichi
Either one of these are really good, but I'd like to hang out with our bro. We should meet his folks.

Probably should text Kiriko though and say that we will chat about it later. She'll want to know.

>>911591
>>Go to town with Chuichi
If we are breaking the sacred bro code of "dibs" the we need to inrease his social link first, and get him the qt mute demon waifu.

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>Go to town with Chuichi

You decide it's better to hang out a little with your roommate, try to clear your head a little of the Mayu business. Then again, it might be difficult for Mayu's name not to come up considering Chuichi's crush on the girl... regardless, you send Kiriko a text letting her know that everything went well and that Mayu's doing okay, letting Kiriko know that you'll be free to talk about it more later, before making your way to the school gates and meeting with Chuichi, who is inexplicably holding two skateboards under his arms.

"That second one better not be for me," you remark.

"Not, I'm using both," Chuichi laughs, rolling his eyes. "Come on, Kaz! It's a fun way to get around!"

"If you're eight."

Chuichi chuckles. "Oh yeah, I forgot all the world's skateboarding champs are pre-pubescent. Heh, something tells me you just don't want to risk looking uncool when you don't know how to ride."

"That's not it," you say, knowing full-well that it's definitely at least ninety percent of why you don't want to skateboard.

"Oh well," Chuichi laughs. "Guess I'm gonna get there faster, dude. Hope you can keep up!"

Without warning, Chuichi begins to roll down the hill into town, while you're left running in order to keep up with him. Dammit, if only he told you where his parent's live, then you could move at your own pace, but no... you have to look like a goof sprinting down hill to stick by a guy casually rolling down on a skateboard.

"Here we are!" Chuichi smiles in front of one of the quaint Dakugeto cottages as you try to catch your breath. "My dad's a travelling salesman, and my mom works two jobs, so the house is empty."

Chuichi hunkers down and grabs a key from under the mat, sticking it in and entering through the front door. Inside is a rather dusty, yet average looking home, with all the necessary furnishings, though not much else. No pictures hanging up on the walls or anything. Must not be a very sentimental family. Either that or their all just too busy to take pictures together.

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"Ah, home sweet home," Chuichi stretches out. "I know it must be great living in the city, but there's something to be said for having your home always be in walking distance."

"Yeah..." you mutter, though you know that having to catch a train is far from the only reason you never visit your own home.

"Hey, come check out my room!" Chuichi exclaims, as he rushes up the stairs. Once her reaches the door, he turns to you as you follow him. "Now, I'll give you fair warning... most people would consider my room to be kinda... you know, creepy."

"Creepy?" you ask. "I can handle creepy."

"Can you handle... puppets?" Chuichi laughs, as he swings the door open. Wow, he wasn't kidding. Along the room, the are lined countless wooden puppets. Sitting on shelves, on the bed, on the floor. Everywhere.

"Should... should I ask?"

Chuichi chuckles. "Yeah, kinda weird right? It's just an old... and current hobby of mine. Ever since I was a kid, I liked making dolls and puppets and stuff. Regular craftsmen, me. I keep every single one of them, even the crummy ones, here in my room. Like a freaky keepsake that would make any normal person think this room was haunted. Don't worry, the creepiest puppets are in the closet. I made them back when my level of skill placed me in-between making puppets that just looked crummy and the puppets that actually look good. The middle-ground ones I made are neither... just look a bit off. What do they call it?"

"Uncanny valley?"

Chuichi snaps his fingers. "Yep, that's the one!"

>Yeah... this is really creepy.
>They actually don't look too bad. You have some talent, Chuichi.
>Of your many, many hobbies, this is definitely the worst one.

>>911676
>>Yeah... this is really creepy.

>>911676
>They actually don't look too bad. You have some talent, Chuichi.

When have dolls in anime ever been creepy, am I right people?

>>911676
>They actually don't look too bad. You have some talent, Chuichi.
That explains a little about his weapon but just a little.

>>911676
>>Yeah... this is really creepy.
Stilll like ya since he clearly keeps this kind of thing to himself and doesn't go around parading them. I can respect that.

>>911676
>They actually don't look too bad. You have some talent, Chuichi.
Bring them to school to build Kuin's army.

Oh yeah, Chuichi's The fucking Puppetmaster then.

>>911676
>Yeah... this is pretty creepy.
>Still, they actually don't look too bad. You have some talent, Chuichi.

>>911676
>Kinda wondering why you didn't do a puppet show during the festival.

Calling for
>They actually don't look too bad. You have some talent, Chuichi.
There'll be a slight delay on the update of about 10 minutes.

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"You really think so?" Chuichi smiles. "You're not just pulling my leg, right? I mean, even I think they're kinda freaky sometimes."

"Nah, some people just find dolls and puppets creepy no matter what," you shrug. "I don't. I think you've got a real gift here."

"Heh, between skateboarding, rollerblading and puppetry, you could say I'm a real jack of all trades!" Chuichi boasts.

"Those are only three things, and two of them are very similar..." you mutters. "But still, I do think you've got talent... hey, what's this?"

You approach what stands as a wooden block, partly carved into a body shape.

"Oh, that's my next work in progress," Chuichi remarks. "I mean... it's been in progress for a while now, haven't had much time to work on any puppets with school and club duties. I was working on one modelled after you."

"On me?" you ask.

Chuichi scratches the back of his head. "Yep, a mini Kaz puppet. Figured it would be a nice gift come your birthday... or one that scares the pants off you. Either way is good."

The two of you share a laugh as you pick up the incomplete puppet. "Would this be your first modelled on one of the class?"

"No, actually," Chuichi replies. "A bit after he died, a whipped up one of Yasunari. Sort of a 'in memory' thing... plus that kid was always wearing suit, and those are the most basic and simple puppet clothes to make, so I went with it. Hang on, I think it's over here."

Chuichi pulls down a small black haired puppet from the shelf, sporting a small suit and tiny glasses glued to it's face. It's kinda simplistic, but detailed just enough that it's immediately recognisable as him. "You know..." you begin. "Seeing one modelled after a dead guy does make them feel a little creepier."

"I know, right?" Chuichi remarks. "I don't even like this one all that much. But when you make something... you can't really bring yourself to trash it, you know? Something that's the fruit of your labour... your creativity... it's really sucky throwing something like that away... no matter how crummy and creepy it may be."

Chuichi picks up a supply of string from his room, assumedly what he was coming to collect, before the two of you make your way back to the school. "You know, my mom hates those things," Chuichi laughs. "Always threatening to throw them out while I'm at school. Sometimes I wish she would, so the burden's lifted from my shoulders. Anyway, I'll catch you back at the dorms later. I promised Takeshi that I would help him mop floors today."

As Chuichi rushes off, your phone buzzes again. A new message. Wait... two new messages.

>From: Sae
>HEY DOOFUS COME GRAB LUNCH WITH ME! IF YOU DON'T I'LL POUND YOU LATER

Someone really needs to tell Sae that she can turn the capital letters off.

>From: Tami
>Hey, you hear about this new simulation room? Risa and I were going to train a little inside. You're welcome to join!

Great, more choices.

>Hang out with Kiriko
>Eat lunch with Sae
>Train with Tami

>>911762
>>Eat lunch with Sae

>>911762
>>Eat lunch with Sae

>>911762
>Train with Tami
Let's see if the Crit Machine can teach Kaz not to job.

>>911762
>Eat lunch with Sae
I really want to train with the girls later. But lets eat lunch with Sae. Its been a long while for all three of them.

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>Eat lunch with Sae

You don't feel particularly up to getting punch by Sae later on, so you decide it's best to just go along with her to grab some lunch. You text her back, and she tells you to meet her in the cafeteria.

You enter the cafeteria, and you discover her sitting at the table, munching away at two trays worth of food. "Isn't it a little late in the day for you to be having lunch?" you ask.

Shoving a riceball into her face with a single gulp, Sae turns her eyes to you. "This is my fourth lunch of the day, genius! Now sit down!"

You do as Saw commands, as she slides a tiny tray of food over to you. "That's yours," she explains. "I know you're a tiny guy with a tiny stomach, so that's as much as I got you."

You feel like she's insulting you, and the most insulting part is that the amount on the tray is more than enough to satisfy you. "So what's wrong?" you ask.

"Nothing's wrong!" Sae protests. "What? Can't a girl just eat a damn meal with her friend without something having to be wrong?"

"Well, usually I have to say something before you start snapping at me like a crocodile," you reply. "So I've got a feeling that something's bothering you."

"Ugh, I don't want to talk about it!" Sae yells. "Yeah, something's bugging me, but I brought you here to help get my mind off it! Now do something amusing! Dance, sing, whatever the hell it is you do!"

"Come on," you shake your head. "I'm your friend right? If something's bothering you, you should tell me."

Sae gives you a curious glance as she swallows down a doughnut. "... Fine. It's nothing big, which is why I didn't want to talk about it... just very annoying."

"What is it?" you ask.

Sae grumbles. "My old boyfriend from middle-school has started to write to me. He was a nice kid, but kind of a dork. To be honest, I was kinda only with him because he would help me with my homework and so I wouldn't be alone during lunchtimes. He was head of the student council, so people thought better than to try messing with me while he was around. Hell, the kid never even met my mother."

"What's he writing about?"

"Stupid stuff!" Sae yells. "Asking me how I'm doing, wondering how high-school is going, asking me if I want to meet him and catch up some time! It's really bugging me! He's a nice kid, but I really don't want to get back together with him, and I don't know how to turn him down!"

>Why turn him down at all? What's the harm in giving him a shot?
>Why do you think he's trying to get back with you? Maybe he's just being friendly?
>Do it gently. Let him know that you're not interested, but don't make him think it's his fault.
>Be direct. You're always good at that. It shouldn't be hard.

>>911821
>Why do you think he's trying to get back with you? Maybe he's just being friendly?
You could always be friends, right?

>>911821
>>Be direct. You're always good at that. It shouldn't be hard.
No harm in telling him you're doing fine though.

>>911821
>>Be direct. You're always good at that. It shouldn't be hard.

>>911821
>>Why do you think he's trying to get back with you? Maybe he's just being friendly?

at least feel it out for a second, and if he starts making clear signs that he wants to spend more time with you and stuff about his feelings, THEN cut it off hard.

>>911821
>>Why do you think he's trying to get back with you? Maybe he's just being friendly?
Interesting the old tale of the bully and the Student Council President just like in my chinese comics.

>>911821
>Why do you think he's trying to get back with you? Maybe he's just being friendly?

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>Why do you think he's trying to get back with you? Maybe he's just being friendly?

"Are you kidding?" Sae huffs. "Guys don't write that crap in letters because they want to be friendly! What year do you think it is! The only reason a guy would want to write a letter to a girl anymore is to be romantic! Stupid loser jerk is trying to buddy up to me and put the moves on me, and I won't let him!"

"I think you're jumping that gun," you reply. "Are you really going to get this mad at a guy who maybe just wants to be your friend?"

"Well..." Sae begins, but doesn't have a finish to her sentence. "Look, what am I supposed to write to the guy, anyway? Yo, school's doing fine, despite all the demons of hell I have to gun down? Can't find a time to catch up, I'm too busy saving the damn world?"

"You don't have to tell him everything," you reply. "Just vague stuff will do. You know... tell him you're doing fine, school's going well, then ask him how he's doing. That's how you start a conversation with a friend."

"And with if he tries to make it romantic?" Sae asks. "What do I do then?"

You shrug. "I don't think he will, but if he does-"

"Oh, I know!" Sae snaps her finger. "I'll pretend I have a boyfriend! Then he'll either avoid trying to be romantic, or stop writing altogether! It's perfect! Now, who to be my fake boyfriend..."

You sigh. "Don't look at me."

"Ew, of course not!" Sae snaps. "I want him to at least think I've done well for myself... hmm... oh, how about that Makoto kid? He's too wholesome for my tastes, but he's popular with the girls, and I'm sure he's willing to do me a favour!"

"Please don't rope anyone else into this..." you mutter.

Sae crosses her arms. "Heh, too late! My mind is set!"

Sae burst from her chair, but continues to finish off her meal before moving. She wanders off, before immediately wandering back. "By the way... thanks for listening to me, I guess. You're a real loser, Kaz... but you're not a bad friend."

"You're not a bad friend either," you smile.

"Okay, don't make it mushy!" Sae yells in an angry tone, before rushing off again.

You rise from your chair, before feeling a hand on your shoulder. You turn around, to see one of the agents. Green, you think. "Agent White would like to see you in his office."

"Is it mandatory?" you ask.

"No," Agent Green replies. "But if you ask me, it should be. Were I you, I wouldn't keep him waiting."

Well, it's just about time for your therapy session with Akihito, anyway. So either way, you're leaving one authority figure waiting.

>Hang out with Kiriko
>Train with Tami
>Go to Agent White's Office
>Go to Therapy

>>911895
>>Go to Therapy

>>911895
>>Go to Agent White's Office
I won't like it but I think he is going to tell us something important.

>>911895
>Go to Therapy
This is kind of critical for Kaz the person.

Then we will go to White.

>>911895
>>Train with Tami
Time to burn down the hivemind.

>>911895
>Go to Agent White's Office
Dr Kazuma, I'm CIA.

>>911895
>>Go to Agent White's Office

Pretty much echoing >>911907 sentiments.

>>911913
>>Go to Therapy
Alright then guess I'll switch then.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>911905
>>911912
>>911947
>Therapy

>>911907
>>911918
>>911919
>White's Office

Rolling to break the tie

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>Therapy

Taking a trip to White's office can wait. For now, you have an appointment with Akihito that you have every intention of keeping. You make your way up the steps to Akihito's office, knocking lightly on the door. You can hear some chatter on the other side.

"Come on in!" Akihito's voice calls out.

You open up the door to see Akihito leaning against his desk, chatting with Ryoji Shida. "Ah, Kazuma! You're here for our session! I have to say Ryoji, I'm both very surprised and extremely pleased that you decided to pay a visit, but now is not a good time for me, I'm afraid. We should make plans to chat later."

"Whatever you say, teach. We'll grab a bite to eat after you're done... therapising. Saki misses having you as homeroom teacher too, so she'll probably join us."

"I look forward to it," Akihito smiles.

Ryoji gives you a knowing nod as he exits the room, and Akihito motions for you to sit down on the couch. "So, our last meeting was quite the illuminating one, wasn't it?" he asks.

"Yeah, I did get pretty emotional..." you chuckle.

Akihito nods. "Indeed, but that's a good thing. It was good of you to let it out the way you did. Now, today I want to focus on your relationship with someone very close to you."

"And that is?" you ask.

"Kiriko," Akihito answers. "You've known her since the two of you were babies, correct? She's always been a big part of your life. After her parents died, she came to live with you and your mother. Kiriko is effectively your sister, and I've noticed you call her that several times during our sessions."

"She calls me little bro all the time too," you explain.

"Yes," Akihito nods. "So it's safe to say that the two of you share a sibling relationship. There are few people closer than siblings, and it's clear that she's your most trusted companion."

"As long as I've been alive, we've been best friends," you reply.

Akihito smiles. "A very comforting thought. To have known your best friend your entire life, to have them be part of your family. I'm an adult and your relationship with Kiriko has me beat. I've known my best friend going on... twelve years now."

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"You have a best friend?" you ask.

"Surprised?"

You shake your head. "Sorry, that sounded rude. I'm just surprised, because you never leave the school."

"I don't have to leave the school to get into contact with my best friend," Akihito laughs. "He's moping... or rather, failing to mop the floors as we speak."

"Takeshi?" you ask.

"Yes," Akihito replies. "Me, Takeshi and Tekina are the sole surviving members of our class."

"All but three of your class are dead?" you ask. Damn... you knew the death rate among students was bad, you never realised just how bad it was. You and the second years class are two of the most successful classes of all time in that regard, and even then you have casualties.

"Yes... well, let's return our focus to you and Kiriko," Akihito replies. "Now, this next exercise may sound counter-intuitive, but I would like you to tell me something you don't like about Kiriko."

"Huh?" you ask. "But Kiriko's my best friend."

"Yes," Akihito replies. "That's a good thing, without a doubt. Yet we all often find ourselves developing... unhealthy views of those we love and admire. We ignore their faults, and bottle up our issues with them. You come to value someone so highly, you begin to worry that any umbrage you may take with them could lead to a collapse of a relationship you hold dear. But the truth is that a relationship as strong as the one you have with Kiriko will survive a few complaints, and that it's healthier for you to admit any issues you may have. Now, I want you to dig deep, and tell me a single negative thought or fear you may have concerning Kiriko. I want you to admit something inside you that you may be trying to force to the back of your mind."

>I feel like we're growing apart.
>She can be a little oblivious sometimes.
>Her excitement can be a little grating.
>I don't like how she acts around Roka.
>She's impulsive, and is going to get herself in serious trouble one day.
>Honestly, I don't have any problems with Kiriko.

>>912054
>>I don't like how she acts around Roka.
Jealous brother mode ON!

>>912054
>>I don't like how she acts around Roka.

>>912054
>She's impulsive, and is going to get herself in serious trouble one day.
Case in point. That Roka prank...

>>912054
>>I don't like how she acts around Roka.

>>912054
>She's impulsive, and is going to get herself in serious trouble one day.

I'll change my vote to the more serious and honest answer. Because she really is, is like a mini Rei without the whole dying on the inside thing.

>She's impulsive, and is going to get herself in serious trouble one day.

>>912054
>She's impulsive, and is going to get herself in serious trouble one day.

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>She's impulsive, and is going to get herself in serious trouble one day.

"Oh?" Akihito asks. "How so?"

"Geez, where do I start?" you sigh. "Kiriko's a really carefree person, and she likes doing things for the fun of it... but she never thinks about consequences. For example, there's this guy in class who really pisses me and her off, her especially. They're always arguing about something or other... but then she ended up pulling out a prank on the guy that was just a little too cruel. And this guy is like twice her size at least, and he has a short temper! She was lucky he just got bummed about it, and didn't try to kill her. She's always rushing ahead, putting herself in harm's way, not thinking about what other people might think or do or say, and she's always liable to hurt someone... and that someone is usually herself."

"And you resent having to clean up any mess Kiriko leaves behind her?" Akihito suggests.

"Yeah..." you reply. "I mean, don't get me wrong. If she screws up and gets into trouble, I'll always be there to drag her out of it, to help her out... because she's my best friend, she's my sister, and there's nobody in the world more important to me. But she has me worrying... what if next time she screws up, I'm not there to help? What if she finds herself with nowhere to run? Nobody to bail her out? She could end up hurt... or worse, dead. I can't keep having to worry about my sister getting herself killed."

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"Hmm..." Akihito nods. "You clearly care a great deal for Kiriko. It's admirable. Though it seems that you may be unwilling to allow Kiriko to make her own mistakes, and in doing so, preventing her from growing from them. After all, how is she to learn that she did wrong when you're always there to prevent any consequences. Of course, with the dangerous life we lead, I don't suggest you abandon her when she puts herself in danger as some sort of lesson. No, that would be twisted. But I ask you to question if you've been over-protective of Kiriko as of late."

"Huh... I don't know," you shrug. "Maybe? But when she does something dumb, I can't let her pay the consequences, not when the consequences could be death."

"Indeed, it's a difficult position," Akihito replies. "Anyway... do you feel that admitting that has harmed your relationship with Kiriko in any way?"

"No," you reply. "Actually, it felt good to get it out there."

"Exactly my point," Akihito smiles. "Now, I wanted to talk to you about..."

You and Akihito begin to cover some general things for the rest of the session, until your time comes to an end. As you shake his hand and exit his office, you see Io waiting on the other end, busily twiddling her thumbs. "How'd it go?" she asks.

"Pretty well," you reply with a smile. "Good luck in yours."

"Thanks buddy," Io smiles back, before lightly patting you on the back. "After this session, we should grab dinner or something!"

Io winks at you as she steps inside. You stretch out and let out a yawn before checking your phone.

>From: Mai
Hiya! Me and Ukon are back at the dorms! We have an intriguing proposition for you!

Interesting to be receiving a message from them, but it's probably something silly.

>Hang out with Kiriko
>Train with Tami
>Go to Agent White's office
>Meet with Mai

>>912155
>Go to Agent White's office

>>912155
>Go to Agent White's office
Let's see what the spooks want.

>>912155
>Go to Agent White's office
We have our priorities.

>>912155
>>Go to Agent White's office
Now we advance the plot. Will talk to Ukon and blond Ukon with boobies later.

>>912155
>>Go to Agent White's office

>>912155
>>Meet with Mai
>all these no fun allowed votes
F-fine!

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>Go to Agent White's office

You decide it's for the best that you go Agent White's office now, before it's too late. You probably don't want to piss off the government suits that are currently running this place while Principal Wei hides away in his office. You make your way down the hallways to the door guarded by Agents Blue and Green.

"You're an hour late," Green mutters. "You think you can just disrespect us like that?"

"I had therapy," you explain.

Green scoffs. "That's no excuse. Your duty as a member of this school should always come first."

"Come on man," Blue yawns. "If the kid had therapy, he had therapy. It's not like this is even mandatory anyway, White just wants to talk to the kid for a bit."

"I would appreciate it if you didn't undermine my authority."

"What authority?" Blue chuckles. "Go on ahead, kid. White's waiting for you."

You step into the office, to see Agent White sitting patiently at his desk. He nods and smiles as you come in. "Ah, Asai. Have a seat."

You take a chair opposite White, as he begins to ponder. "You know Asai, I knew your father."

"You did?" you ask.

White nods. "Yes... I was a former student of the school. As you can tell by my hair and my many wrinkles, I graduated a long while before your father even started. I never taught at the school after graduating, but my government work still left me very much in contact with Kankuro Asai. After all, he was an honorary Vice Principal of the school, and I often found myself more in contact with him than Wei. I must admit, I had no idea he had a child."

"He never mentioned me?"

"No," White shakes his head. "Of course, we never considered it appropriate to chat about our personal lives. I never brought up my own children, or my grandchildren, and he never mentioned his family. We were all business."

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"Is this what you called me here to tell me?" you ask.

White shakes his head again. "No. I brought you here because as the only Class 1 student present when Yami was captured, I figured I should make you a sort of representative between myself and the rest of your year. A sort of Class president if you will."

"We have a class president," you explain. "Hanako-"

"I know," White nods. "But miss Simada is in direct contact with Principal Wei. I'm placing you in direct contact with myself from now on."

"Oh... thanks?" you reply.

"Heh, I suppose you mustn't be wholly grateful for being imposed with more responsibility," White laughs. "Still, that is what I have brought you here to bestow upon you, and to update you on the condition of our prisoner."

"Oh?"

"Yami has been a tough one to crack," White explains. "He has remained sedated and harmless, but he remains evasive throughout all our interrogations. All we've gathered from him is information on who he was before the demon took control... information that isn't relevant to us. Regardless, I'll update you more when we receive more information."

"Right," you nod. "Can I ask... why am I the representative for my class? Why not Akuro? I thought that was why you put her in our class to begin with?"

"No, I placed her in your class because she's young and inexperienced. Plus, she is awakened, and therefore more useful as part of the student body. She's no good as a representative of the class, because to them she's still a complete outsider... but you have reminded me of another thing I've been meaning to ask. I'm currently in the process of evaluating her position as an agent? Would you care to share a few thoughts on her performance so far?"

>I have no complaints. She's good at her job.
>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.
>She's awful. My club would be better off without her around.
>She's a good person.

>>912231
>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.
>She's a good person.

It's the honest truth. She's sometime gets a little carried away in her station, but it's clear that she does mean well, and is doing her best in a rather unusual situation.

>>912231
>>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.
>She's a good person.
He can name us king of the school for all we care not like we need to have any loyalty to him.

>>912231
>>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.

>>912231
>She's not much of a people person, a bit condescending.

>>912231
>>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.

>>912231
>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.

>>912231
>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.
>She's a good person.

>>912241
Pretty much this. She’s performed admirably someone in her situation and at her age. Solid in a fight and a decent head for questions. I think she'll be fine.

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>She has her stumbles, but she's young. She'll grow into it.

"I see..." White mutters as he begins to scribble something onto a notepad. "And do you believe that she'll grow into it sooner rather than later?"

"Can't say," you shrug.

"Because we can't sit around and wait for Akuro to become better at her job. We require the best, and we require them right away. Even at her incredibly young age, Akuro aced so many of our entrance exams and trials. She was a real force of nature. To hear that she's already beginning to stumble and slip, it's... disappointing."

"You should give her more of a chance," you reply. "She just has a few social stumbles. It must be hard for her getting used to her new surroundings, her new powers... this world is foreign and strange to her, she doesn't know a lot of us, her estranged brother is here... it's a lot to get used to. But she's proven herself more than capable in a combat situation, and she's one of the best minds we've got on the team. She's valuable, without a doubt."

"I suppose you're right," White chuckles. "Perhaps we'll not send Akuro to the chopping block just yet, since you're so desperate for us to keep her. How does that sound, Akuro?"

White looks behind you, and your eyes widen as your head spins around to see Akuro standing at the door. When the hell did she come in. The look on her face is one of hesitation, nervously biting her lip.

"Anyway, you may go now..." White waves you off towards the door. "It's time Akuro had her personal evaluation."

You stand up and give a respectful nod as you turn towards the door. "Oh, and Kazuma..." White adds, his tone shifting as you begin to leave. "Maybe next time you're here you can tell me the story of how you, a middling class 2 student and the weakest student in the school managed to take down an Archdemon by yourselves. Seems very... odd, don't you think?"

Yep, he's suspicious as hell. But you don't know what he's suspicious of... does he suspect Ryoji has an Archdemon? Did Akuro fill him in on Archangels, and now he has his eyes set on Ken? You don't want to probe any further, least you end up giving him the answers he needs.

The sun is falling. Thankfully, there's no Darkworld tonight, so you have time to relax back in the dorms before getting a nice sleep. Stepping out of White's office, you see you've been left with another message.

>From: Io
>Hey cutie! I'm out of my therapy session! Want to grab a nice cozy dinner back at my dorm? I'll supply the blankets! xx

As forward as ever. Still, a nice meal couldn't hurt, though you may have other responsibilities to take care of.

>Hang out with Kiriko
>Train with Tami
>Go to Agent White's office
>Meet with Mai
>Have dinner with Io

>>912290
>>Hang out with Kiriko
We did say we would meet up later and tell her how things went

>>912290
>>Meet with Mai
New social links and possible party members go.
Why would we want to go back to the agent's office?

>>912290
>Have dinner with Io
I had a feeling she was going to show up. I hope Akuro isn't grilled too hard.

>>912290
>Train with Tami
Get SWOLE with the Crit Machine.

>>912302
I am changing my vote to this, she has been waiting since morning. The Sora's of class 1 can keep being ignored for now.

>>912290
>Have dinner with Io

Time for best girl a good time

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>912302
>>912331
>Hang out with Kiriko

>>912306
>>912334
>Have dinner with Io

Rolling to break the tie

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>Hang out with Kiriko

You decide it's about time you got around to talking to Kiriko about your meeting with Mayu this morning. Firstly though, you send a text to Io letting her know that you've got some stuff to do before you can have dinner. She promptly replies.

>From: Io
>Awww! Maybe later? ;)

She's more well-versed in text speak than the rest of the class. You wouldn't dare send out an emoticon to someone, cramps your style. Io probably doesn't care about looking cheesy or overly affectionate though, hell she probably prefers it.

You message Kiriko and she tell you to meet with her in the courtyard. You arrive to see her sitting reflectively on one of the benches. "Hey Kaz," she smiles as you approach.

"Hey," you smile back. "How was lunch?"

"Outside of the dumb ape getting pissy because I was eating lunch in his 'spot' or whatever, pretty uneventful. All I could think about was Mayu... I'm glad to hear everything went well, but I've still avoided going back to the dorm until I know all the details. I don't want to end up saying the wrong thing... and I figured she could use some space to herself, anyway..."

You nod. "Well, you'll be happy to know she's not leaving the club, and she still wants to spend time with us," you reply. "She's still feeling guilty as hell though. She doesn't feel like she deserves our friendship, no matter how much I tell her otherwise... still, today was particularly sad for her for unrelated reasons... it's the anniversary of her dad's death."

"Oh..." Kiriko mutters. "She never mentioned it... explains all the black."

"Yeah..." you mutter. "Still, I think I'm starting to get through to her."

"Well... as long as she's improving," Kiriko sighs. "Mayu's condition has left me so worried, I was thinking my hair might start falling out. I'm so glad to hear she's on the upswing. Still... there are times when I feel like I just don't get Mayu. You and her are my best friends, and yet... there are times when I don't know if I'm that close to her. At times she just seems to withdraw, she always acts weird at strange times. She's always uncomfortable when I'm talking about boys, and sometimes she'll look outright upset when I do. I thought I understood Mayu very well... but I can't help but feel like she's always keeping something from me. I don't know, Kaz... what am I missing?"

>She's not used to having friends.
>She's uncomfortable with small-talk, that's all.
>She's in love with you.
>I think it's just your imagination.

>>912412
>She's in love with you.
Let's just get this out into the open already.

>>912412
>>She's in love with you.
>Pretty sure she's a lesbian Sis

>>912412
>>She's not used to having friends.
Dat bait.

>>912412
>She's not used to having friends.
>You should ask her what your missing Sis, She has to be the one to tell....

>>912412
>She's not used to having friends.

I want to tell her Mayu's feelings. But I also believe that Mayu would rather we didn't tell Kiriko that.

>>912412
>She's in love with you.

Phrased as 'Have you considered the possibility she likes you as MORE than a friend?'

>>912437
Oh this is a good write in addition I'll back that.

>>912437
I'll go with this.

>>912437
Changing vote to this.

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>She's not used to having friends.
>You should ask her what your missing Sis, She has to be the one to tell...

"Huh, I guess you're right..." Kiriko mutters. "I suppose I kinda take it for granted... I've never really had a problem makings friends, have I? I'm pretty friendly to everyone... except for jerks. When I see a dumb jerk, I let them have it! But... Mayu's a lot more reserved. I guess she's never had a proper friend before me... she doesn't know what to do in a lot of those situations, because she's never been in them before..."

Kiriko pauses for another moment. "And you're right... there's no point asking you what I'm missing. I guess if I need to know something about Mayu, it's dumb of me to ask anyone other than Mayu herself. I should do that... thanks for talking to her, Kaz. I knew I could count on you."

"Don't mention it, Kiriko. I'd do anything for you or Mayu."

"Really?" Kiriko grins devilishly. "Then I guess you won't mind if I talk about boys!"

"Oh crap..."

"So, what do you think of Gado?" Kiriko asks, smiling.

"What, you have a crush on Gado now?" you raise an eyebrow.

Kiriko laughs. "Well, he is pretty handsome, but if I had a crush on any guy in class it'd be Makoto. Every girl other than his sister has a crush on Makoto though... pretty, smart, and ridiculously sweet..." Kiriko gives a small swoon at the thought. "Gado's tall, mysterious and handsome for sure... but it's the mysterious part that has me interested. I was thinking about asking him on a date just to know more about him. I'm sick of everyone in class being a closed book!"

You and Kiriko continue to chat about members of the class before she ends up taking off to see Mayu back at the dorms. You check your phone. No new messages. Good to know, nothing worse than having your schedule clog up, especially when you can only find the time for one more thing to do today.

>Train with Tami
>Meet with Mai
>Have dinner with Io

>>912511
>Train with Tami

Let's try out the damn holodeck already!

>>912511
>Train with Tami
SWOLE, Crit Machine etc etc.

>>912511
>Have dinner with Io
It's dinner time!

>>912511
>>Train with Tami
Sure why not.

>>912511
>>Have dinner with Io

>>912511
>Have dinner with Io
......

>>912511
>>Have dinner with Io

>>912511
>Meet with Mai

>>912511
>Train with Tami
Mai might have been an interesting new lead/development, but doesn't look like there's much interest in that.

>>912526
Changing my vote, fuck ties
>Train with Tami

>>912511
>Have dinner with Io

>>912511
>Have dinner with Io
Just came in the nick of time

Calling for
>Train with Tami
Writing now

>>912607
IO GOT THE POPULAR VOTE

THE ELECTORIAL COLLEGE IS A SHAM!

>>912616
Booker largely works on a 15 minute reply window (or at least tries to), so both
>>912597
>>912606
missed it, albeit only marginally.

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>Train with Tami

You'll make it up to Io later. Definitely have breakfast with her tomorrow morning before class. For now, you do want to check out this simulation room with Tami and Risa.

You make your way up to the nurse's office and enter. There, Nurse Tekina is sitting at her desk, talking on the phone in a hushed tone. "I don't know what I'm going to do about it mom... of course I do, it's Takeshi... but I could lose my job and my lab..."

You ignore that phone conversation and make your way towards the simulation room, where you see Risa and Tami waiting outside it.

"You guys haven't gone in yet?" you ask. "You sent me the message hours ago!"

When Tami speaks, you can see that she's out of breath. "The room takes a lot of energy out of you. You have to take long breaks between using it. Or else..."

"Or else what?" you ask.

Tami points over towards the girl lying in the hospital bed, being tended to by two of her friends. Rei Arisato of Class 2, looking very sickly indeed.

"But we were just about to go in for another round!" Risa explains. "Some specialised training. Target practice."

"Nice, I'm in," you reply.

"Fantastic!" Tami replies. "Risa, give it to him!"

"Give what to me?" you ask.

Risa smiles as she hunkers over and hands you a metal case. "Open it up."

You proceed to open up the case, as it reveals a smooth black sniper rifle. "What's this?"

"It's a gun," Risa sarcastically replies. "I made it for you."

"Really?" you ask.

"Yeah, you were beginning to show a knack for marksmanship," Risa replies. "I figured you could hand using both a gun and sword in battle. Gado does it."

"Gado carries a small pistol," you reply. "This is a lot heavier."

"Oh no, your frail bones won't be able to take it!" Risa feigns concern. "Come on Kaz, it's a gift."

"You're right, sorry... and thanks," you smile. "I didn't mean to complain."

"And now we've got another marksman among our ranks!" Tami laughs. "It's a shame neither of you can hold a candle to my skill!"

"Yeah, and it's a shame you don't use something with a little more firepower," Risa fires back. "Isn't it about time you dropped the bow and-"

"No!" Tami snaps, her voice taking a sudden angry tone. It's jarring enough for you to be taken aback.

"Geez... sorry," Risa shrugs. "Anyway, let's get training!"

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You step into the simulation room, and Risa begins to play with the settings. "Okay, I'm gonna do the marksman challenge special, level... let's see... let's go with skill level 4. To go easy on Kaz, you know? Now, let's see who can score the most points!"

As Risa hits the last button on the pad in the wall, everything around you begins to change. The walls disappear, replaced by a vast jungle landscape, far reaching beyond the confines of the room. You quickly realise that this is more than an amazing piece of tech, some magic went into creating this room too.

"Enemies are scattered throughout the area," Tami explains. "Whoever can take out the most without being spotted will be declared the winner. Shall we begin?"

As Tami readies her bow, Risa loads her pistol. "I don't see why not. Kaz?"

"So I can't use my sword?"

Tami groans. "Come on, you're never going to get the hang of that thing if you don't use it! You're a natural hunter, Kazuma. It's about time you brought that side out in you."

With a sigh, you ready the sniper rifle. Guess it's time to go to work.

>[CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS]
>Kazuma
>Risa
>Tami

>[STEALTH+PERCEPTION ROLL. ROLL 3D100, BEST OF 3]

Rolled 74, 75, 68 = 217 (3d100)

>>912730
Yes sir!

Rolled 55, 1, 27 = 83 (3d100)

>>912730

Rolled 46, 53, 94 = 193 (3d100)

>>912730

Rolled 3, 39, 16 = 58 (3d100)

>>912730

>>912739
>>912745
>>912746

>Kazuma 74
>Risa 75
>Tami 94

There is something to be said about traditionalists.

I see that Tami contineus being a crit machine as always.

File: Risa21.png (410 KB, 589x831)

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Kazuma: 74 +7
Risa: 75 +9
Tami: 94 +7

You begin to wander around the jungle area, sneaking through whatever patches of grass you can find, in an attempt to scout out and take out any of the enemy figures in the distance. Man... this machine couldn't make them any creepier, could it? All just complete dark shadow figures, moving with uncomfortable stiffness throughout the region. You don't know if this is just a kink of the simulation machine that needs to be ironed out, of if they're supposed to look like this just to scare the crap out of everyone who takes part in this simulation challenges. Still, you eventually get a hang for the rifle in your hands as you hunker down and take out your first target without being spotted. Pretty good so far. Then you take down a second target, and a third. Using the bushes and your speed to your advantage, you always manage to remain hidden, taking down more and more of your enemies, from the bushes, from behind trees, from tree branches, you blend into your environment as you take more and more of them out, one by one.

But eventually, your luck runs out, and one of the never ending stream of reloading enemies catches you in their line of sight, and it's game over for you. Before long, the other two contestant are caught as more and more enemies flood into the simulation, the difficulty increasing over time until it's impossible to avoid the sheer number of foes. With the simulation coming to an end, you begin to compare scores with the others. "Wow Kaz, you got forty enemies!" Risa laughs. "That's pretty amazing for your first time with that rifle!"

"What did I say? He's a natural!" Tami cheerfully remarks.

"Hell, I only managed to beat your score by two," Risa remarks. "How about you, Tami?"

Tami's smirk is damn near unbearable.

File: Tami19.jpg (655 KB, 800x1131)

655 KB JPG

"Well, this little girl who's behind the times and uses and outdated weapon just scored fifty enemies!" Tami laughs. "Make this a lesson to the both of you! You can't out-hunt the hunter! Mock it all you want, but I'm starting to think my bow was blessed by the god's themselves!"

"If you love that bow so much, why don't you marry it?" Risa asks.

"Who says I won't?" Tami jokes, kissing the bow gently. "This bow has gotten me out of more jams than I can count, and that includes before the academy!"

"Before the academy?" Risa asks. "Now there's a story I want to hear."

"I'll tell you mine if I tell you yours," Tami smirks.

"Nice try."

You bid your farewells to Tami and Risa and make your way back to the dorms as you carefully check the time. Hey, maybe you still have time to catch up with Io after all! You rush back to the dorms at a quickened pace and knock on Io's door. No answer.

"Io? You in there?" you ask, before slowly creaking the door open. As you do, you're welcomed by the sight of Io sounds asleep, lying sideways on her mattress. She probably tried to stay up and fell asleep waiting. Her roommate also appears to be napping underneath the bed, but that's pretty standard for Alice.

>Wake Io up.
>Tuck Io in.
>Leave her be.

>>912813
>>Wake Io up.

Tami is so the Heir of Artemis.

>>912813
>>Tuck Io in.
>>Leave a note offering to meet for breakfast
The cutest.

>>912813
>Wake Io up.

>>912813
>Leave her be.

>>912813
>>Leave her be.

>>912813
>>Leave her be.

>>912818
Going with this

>>912813
>>Wake Io up.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>912815
>>912819
>>912879
>Wake Io up.

>>912820
>>912821
>>912826
>Leave her be.

Rolling to break the tie

>>912892
Dice are not kind today...

I just hope we can make it up to her.

File: Gado&Tsuki.png (798 KB, 800x600)

798 KB PNG

>Leave her be

You don't want to bother Io while she's asleep, so you decide to just leave her as she is. She looks plenty comfortable where she is anyway. You'd feel bad to both miss having dinner with her and then rudely wake her up afterwards. "Goodnight Io," you whisper with a smile. "We'll talk more in the morning."

You calmly shut the door to Io and Alice's room, but all your attempts to be quiet are undone by the sounds of crashing and yelling.

"I'll kill you, you son of a bitch!"

What the hell? That was Gado's voice, and it was coming from the common room. You rush into the common room to see what's going on, and you're not the only one, as soon half the dorm comes in to bear witness to Gado yelling wildly at Tsuki. "What's going on here?" you ask.

Gado waves a piece of paper in his hands. "A certain somewhat stapled this cheerful message to my door."

Gado tosses the paper, to where you can see the word "MURDERER" written in dark red on the sheet.

"You expect me not to believe it was you?!" Gado yells.

"I don't expect that," Tsuki smirks. "It was me. You're a murderer. I just wanted people to know."

"You bastard, I swear to god I will beat you into the dirt," Gado scowls.

Tsuki claps his hands. "Oh, I'm so scared! The babysitting killer is angry at me! Face it, you're not threat to me. You may be a murderer, but we both know that you wouldn't have the guts to pull your gun on me. Not in front of this people, not in front of your little brat!"

Tsuki motions towards Kuin, before Gado slaps him in the face. "Don't you dare call her that!"

"Or what?" Tsuki taunts. "That little girl's a bratty little bitch. Does me saying that make you angry. You gonna try to kill me? I bet you want to. You would kill me if you could get away with it. Go ahead, murderer. Draw your gun. I dare you. Do it. Do it."

"No."

"Pathetic. As soon as your back is turned I'm going to grab that little brat and I'm gonna-"

In a flash, Gado draws his gun, aiming directly at Tsuki's head... but just as quickly, Tsuki springs into motion, drawing his katana and holding it up to Gado's throat. With the barrel of the pistol pressed against Tsuki's skull and the blade of the Katana less than an inch away from Gado's Adam's apple, the two men find themselves in a stalemate, needing to be broken up.

"Guys, guys!" Makoto cries. "Please can't we try to get along? Now, let's all calm down and-"

"Tsuki, stop."

Taiyo speaks, and Tsuki listens, pulling away from Gado with a smirk. "You're lucky today, murderer. Watch your back."

Tsuki pushes through the crowd and returns to his dormroom, Taiyo slinking back as well.

File: Gado.png (340 KB, 531x622)

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Gado takes a look at his pistol, before throwing it across the room as he lets out a frustrated growl.

"Gado?" Kuin asks, a tone of concern in her voice. "Why does he keep calling you a murderer? I mean... I order you to execute people all the time, but you never do it!"

Gado looks in shame at all the curious faces surrounding him. With a sigh, he collapses onto the couch. "Screw it... it's time I told you all who I am... who I was."

"Whoa, really?" you ask.

"Yeah..." A saddened Gado grumbles. "Besides, Brainiac here already knows, and I guess it's not fair to keep it secret from the rest of you."

"Are... are you sure you want to tell them this story?" Anri asks.

Gado pats the cushion next to him. "Sit next to me brainiac. You can fill in the parts I forget."

Anri hesitantly joins him on the couch.

"This... this is madness," Amaya crosses her arms. "Gado, you shouldn't sit here and tell us your story all because of some horrid accusations that we all know aren't true. I admit I've been a little harsh on you, called you a brute, but you're no killer! R-right... Gado?"

Gado hangs his head low. "Blondie... be prepared to hate me after this."

It's then that Gado's eyes turn to another classmate standing in the room. "Risa... be prepared to hate me even more."

"What?" Risa asks, confused. "Why would I hate you?"

Gado is deathly silent, as Risa's eyes widen. "No... no, you didn't..."

"I'm sorry..." Gado sighs. "But I have to tell my story."

END OF EPISODE 23

File: Gado14.png (692 KB, 680x865)

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LhG3AV14ec

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

Thanks for playing! Next thread will be up Saturday, and it will be a special POV thread, chronicling Gado's backstory! Follow the Twitter for any further updates!

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

>Player Question
Who do you think had the most interesting social link in this episode? Which party member's social link are you most interested in seeing developed?

>>913065
>PQ
Akihito's therapy session was fun as usual. Flashback episode about their class when Booker?

>>913065
Thanks for Running Booker
I can't remember that last time I was present for an entire thread

PQ
Chuichi's the Murderer! I'm calling it now. Creepy puppets

>>913065

>Player Question
Mayu in both, although I am also looking forward for more Chuichi and Sae.

>>913065
Excellent thread. Kind of frustrating that we couldn't get to Io today, but I can accept it.

>PQ
Best one is Mayu. But the Kiriko, Chuichi and Akuro ones were nice as well.

I most look forward to Io, Mayu, Risa, and Anri right now.

Sae will be great too. But I expect a train wreck.

Y
This system is going to be very difficult. I like it but at times I hate the difficult decisions. They are more than a little rough.