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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFtWziksPa8

“Happy birthday!”

Saki lets out that party streamers as Akemi blows out the candles on her birthday cake.

The class claps and cheers as Akemi bounces on the couch. “All right! Now I can finally get my scooter license!”

“Uhh... that was last year,” Kosuke points out.

Akemi lets out a gasp. “Then it's too late? Aw nuts, I wanted to race scooters!”

Kosuke shakes his head. “I... I'll explain later.”

Ken crosses his arms as he looks across the room. “Well, now that the baby of the class has joined the rest of us, we're all seventeen now. We're this close to becoming seniors... weird.”

“We are pretty close, huh?” Satomi realises.

Akira nods. “Hard to worry about mundane stuff like becoming high school seniors when we're still on every tv channel in the country.”

Akio shrugs. “Please, I don't worry about either of those things. I've always run the roost, senior or no, and I love the limelight.”

“What limelight?” Hikaru points out. “Your fanclub is two kids in a storage closet-”

Akio tries to shush Hikaru, leading to a playful wrestle between the couple.

Akemi hops off the class and looks at her cake. “It's a shame not all of us could be here, but I'm sure they're smiling down on the rest of us somewhere!”

“Yeah...” Hiro nods. “Sho, Maya, Daisuke... and, well Raiden is still with us, though he still can't be here...”

You sigh. “I still think the choice to videocall him into the party was weird.”

“Tell me about it,” Akuro's voice calls out from Chihiro's smartphone, her image next to the comatose Raiden in the nurse's office on the screen. “I feel so weird looking in like this.”

Akemi places her hands on her hips. “Well, I couldn't just let one of my best friends miss my seventeenth birthday party! Your seventeenth is the most important birthday there is!”

The class lets out indifferent 'ehhs' to that statement. You've all been seventeen for a while now.

“This way, we can say that he didn't miss it, technically!” Akemi beams with pride. “My best idea yet!”

“Yeah, well I wouldn't save him a slice of cake...” Akuro mumbles.

“Okay, group hug!” Akemi announces. “Bring it in! Chihiro, get your phone in on the hug!”

“What?!” Akuro exclaims, but it's too late, as Akemi pulls everyone in for a group hug among the entire class.

“I'm so happy!” Akemi exclaims. “That I could spend a day like this with all my friends... you guys are the best!”

“Akemi please, the camera is pointing down Hikaru's blouse!” Akuro explains. “I don't want to be a perv!”

“Hands off my babe!” Akio yells at the camera, still in the group hug.

“I'm half a mile away!” Akuro protests.

“Keep it that way!”

“This is mortifying...” Hikaru mutters. “How much longer on the hug, Akemi?”

“20... 19...” Akemi counts down.

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A groan emits from the entire class, as they remain in the group hug.

As the group hug eventually counts down and releases, everyone breathes a sigh of relief.

“It's so stuffy in those group hugs,” Rini admits. “I couldn't breath for shit.”

“Don't complain,” you reply. “Now you don't have to do it again until Akemi's next birthday... actually, until Easter. Maybe Valentine's day... or really until next time someone says something sweet.”

“I hate having friends,” Rei complains.

Isamu snaps his fingers. “Oh, I just remembered! Akemi Ibushi, my oldest and dearest friend, your father sent you a message, seeing as he couldn't make it up to see you today. He placed it inside this strange black box... I don't know how he expects this to fit inside the DVD player, but...”

As Isamu pulls out the box, you let out a sigh. “That's a freakin' VHS tape, you should know what that is...”

“Well, let's get watching!” Nanami exclaims. “I command the remote. TV, I beseech you to turn on!”

Nanami hits the wrong button on the TV remote, corrects herself, and turns the tv in the lounge on. The first image to come on screen is a man in a red suit standing behind a desk.

“... and these FRAUDS at Dakugeto don't have anything to say about it!”

You groan. “Oh, this is that pundit guy. Takooky What'shisname.”

“Takaaki Yamada,” Sayeka replies. “My parents used to watch his content. He's such an... angry man, don't you think.”

“For all his classy outfits I think he's rather horrid,” Chihiro agrees.

Rei shakes her head. “Okay, fess up. Which of you have been watching this crap? Kobashi, I bet it was you!”

“What?” Saki gasps. “I don't have time for television!”

Hiro raises his hand. “I believe that was me.”

“Not who I would have guessed...” Hikaru notes. “You really watch this garbage?”

Hiro shrugs. “His nightly show comes on after my favourite sitcom. I've fallen into a habit of watching it before bed. I don't agree with anything he says, but it's... interesting viewing. It's odd hearing what a certain number of people think about us.”

You shake your head. This guy... Takaaki Yamda, he's some radio and television personality who's developed a serious vendetta against Dark Gate since you were revealed to the world. Non-stop, all over television, he's been insulting the school, calling you frauds, and denying that you've ever fought demons in the first place.

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“Let's face it, let's look at the facts... the last two public demon attacks that this supposed academy has handled? An actor and a wannabe actress model. Same city, too. Coincidence? We're supposed to believe that these famous entertainers turned into demons and died, right? And every news station on the planet is reporting this like it's real? It's a joke! And it's just a coincidence that these demon 'attacks' happened in the land of special effects? Come on, people!”

Chihiro places her head in her hands. “Can we change the channel. This is so horrid. People died, and he wants to deny it?”

“He does have a lot of passion,” Nanami points out. “He'd do great in a stage performance.”

Rini grumbles. “What a freakin' clown. How about he comes down to the academy and we show him a real incursion, huh?!”

“And I know what some of you are saying,” Yamada continues. “Oh, if you're so sure they're a bunch of frauds, why don't you go down there and see for yourself?”

“Hey, you just said that!” Akemi laughs.

Rini rolls up her sleeves. “Hey, I did! You bastard, stop guessing what I'm saying!”

“P-please don't pick a fight with the tv...” Hoshi mutters.

“Well, guess what?” Takaaki explains. “In three days, I'll be going down to that academy, and I will prove conclusively that it's all fake! And if they turn me away at the door... well, then they've just proved my point. What do they have to hide? So, if you're listening to this... Wei Kobashi, or whoever's really in charge there... I'm coming. And I am exposing you for the frauds you are. I will spend a night in Dakugeto, and prove to everyone that you're nothing but a bunch of liars and cowards!”

A silence falls across the room, eventually broken by Reiji as he adjusts his glasses. “Well... he's going to die. Isamu, I believe we have a VCR around here somewhere... perhaps the Class 3 dorms have one.”

“You're moving on pretty quickly,” Nariko notes.

Reiji shrugs. “Some buffoon putting himself in danger is of no concern to me. He can come if he wants, but he shouldn't expect any protection.”

Saki sighs. “As much of a jerk he is... he's still a civilian. An innocent civilian's life should be priority... even if he is putting us in a bad spot...”

“Either way,” you chime in. “We'll burn that bridge when we get to it.”

“I don't think that saying is correct...” Sora mutters.

“Whatever, he's an issue for another day. Ken, come on. We'll grab the VCR from Maro's dorm. The rest of you, break out the board games.”

“Oh yeah!” Akemi cheers. “Let's do Twister first!”

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>Three days later

“I really hate that we have to greet this guy...” you grumble.

Saki nudges you on the shoulder. “Stand up straight, Ryoji. I'm not a fan either, but he's a celebrity. He has a following. And with camera's everywhere, we have to make a good showing for the school, especially when his intent is to antagonise us.”

“I hate that I'm one of the popular ones,” you reply. “I just want to sleep in...”

“I know, jellybean, but duty calls.”

Agent Blue lets out a yawn as he stands beside the two of you. “Here he comes...”

A black limosine pulls up at the school gates, as Konami and her protesters are forced to clear the way. Out steps the man in sharp red suit, who gestures to the crowd of anti-Dakugeto people. Michiko, Akio's old middle school girlfriend is standing at the ready with a copy of the man's book and a marker, hoping he'll sign it. Konami meanwhile just rolls her eyes, she mustn't be a huge fan of the guy either.

“How can you like him?” Konami asks. “You know the demons and the powers are real. You've seen them!”

“But I'm still a huge fan!” Michiko explains. “Besides, you've got to keep an open mind on these things!”

“This is the opposite of an open mind!”

Takaaki Yamada approaches you and Saki and adjusts his tie. “Saki Kobashi, I presume?”

“Yes,” Saki gives a respectful bow. “I am head of Class 2, and I'm the granddaughter of the principal who is currently injured, so he can't meet you.”

“You seem well-rested for someone who fights demons at night,” he replies.

Saki tilts her head. “Oh? Well, we weren't last night. That was a safe night.”

“A safe night?” Yamada notes, bemused. “How wonderfully convenient.”

Saki giggles nervously. “Uhh... I suppose it is. This is my fiance, Ryoji Shida.”

“Fiance?” Takaaki mutters. “Aren't you two a little young to marry?”

“We aren't married yet, just engaged... we probably won't get officially married until after college,” Saki points out. “Though our classmates are married, actually.”

“How odd,” Takaaki remarks.

>Not really that odd. Love is love, man.
>Yeah, you got us! We're secretly a sex cult.
>I guess it is a little out of the ordinary... but you grow up fast in this school.

>>2867173
>Yeah, you got us! We're secretly a sex cult.

>>2867173
>>I guess it is a little out of the ordinary... but you grow up fast in this school.
Fuck I want to say sex cult but he's going to fucking quote us in his next book

>>2867173
>Not really that odd. Love is love, man.
Many people marry right after high school, most of the time due to pregnancy but it is still normal.

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>2867179
>Yeah, you got us! We're secretly a sex cult.

>>2867187
>I guess it is a little out of the ordinary... but you grow up fast in this school.

>>2867196
>Not really that odd. Love is love, man.

Rolling to break the tie

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>Not really that odd. Love is love, man.

Takaaki Yamada stares at you then shakes his head, shrugging his shoulders casually. "I suppose so. Oh, sorry if it sounded like I was judging you. Nice of you to refrain from being standoffish."

"It took some effort," you admit. "I'm pretty suspicious of people with 'Yam' in their names. More than a few bad memories there."

"Hey!" Miss Yamano protests from behind you.

"Not you, Yamano-sensei," you explain. "You're the only good one."

"Aw!" Miss Yamano smiles. "I guess you could say I'm a SWEET Potato! Get it? Because... yams? Oh, never mind..."

Yamada lets out a small chuckle as he walks up through the school courtyard along with you. "How eccentric... I'm sure many of you aren't happy to see me."

Saki nods. "You would not be wrong in thinking that."

"Not surprised," Yamada notes. "But... between us, all the things I say on tv? It's mostly an act, an exaggeration for entertainment. These days you can't get ratings without extreme hyperbole."

"If it's all an act, then why did you bother coming here?" Agent Blue asks. "Publicity stunt?"

Yamada shakes his head. "I did say mostly. I was always taught to question everything I see or hear until I experience it myself. A sceptical mind is a healthy one, my father would always say. I'm sure you agree to that sentiment."

"You're not wrong," Saki admits. "It's good to investigate things for yourself..."

"And you can't blame me for being more than a little disbelieving," Yamada continues. "I mean, demons? Angels, gods? It's like something out of a fantasy novel. And not a very original one. All so... contrived. I mean... according to yourselves, this academy informs students of the whole... demons and monsters and spooky ghoulies thing on their first day. I'm sure the two of you were as disbelieving as I on your first day, hmm?"

>You're right, I didn't believe it at all.
>I dunno, at this point it's hard to remember a time where I didn't believe... for more reasons than one.
>We're not the best pair to ask. I didn't get briefed until I was dropped in that world and Saki's known about it since she was a child.

>>2867234
>We're not the best pair to ask. I didn't get briefed until I was dropped in that world and Saki's known about it since she was a child.

>>2867234
>>We're not the best pair to ask. I didn't get briefed until I was dropped in that world and Saki's known about it since she was a child.
>>I saw someone die right in front of me!

>>2867234
>>We're not the best pair to ask. I didn't get briefed until I was dropped in that world and Saki's known about it since she was a child
Maybe he's a nice guy

Calling for
>We're not the best pair to ask. I didn't get briefed until I was dropped in that world and Saki's known about it since she was a child.

Writing now.

>>2867234
>We're not the best pair to ask. I didn't get briefed until I was dropped in that world and Saki's known about it since she was a child.

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>We're not the best pair to ask. I didn't get briefed until I was dropped in that world and Saki's known about it since she was a child.

"Is that... normal?" Yamada asks.

You shake your head. "For me? Nah, I was a special case. For Saki... more common than you'd think. There's a few of us with family who attended the academy before us. Akio, Kaz and Kiriko, Mayu..."

"So this school has a history?"

"Yes," Saki nods. "Tracing back to my grandfather, the last surviving member of the original class of 1951. Of course, while the academy dates back to then, we have records of an earlier demon incursion happening in this village back in the 1700's, fought off by the villagers at the time."

"I'd quite like to see those records," Takaaki replies. "Maybe even date them, to see how genuine they are."

You shake your head. "Why don't you wait until tonight? Not that I recommend it, but you'll see the darkworld for yourself."

"And I won't see the demons unless I'm supposedly worthy, right?" Yamada asks. "Unless they're possessing someone or bound to a real world object, then I can see them, correct?"

"Those are the rules, I don't make 'em," you reply.

Yamada nods. "Well, I'm sure you can forgive me for worrying that you people might want to scare me off campus to avoid this supposed Darkworld before the sun goes down. I'd like to gather as much evidence as I can before that happens."

"He really is adamant..." Nina notes. "I can't really blame him... if I thought what he did I'd be wary too... still, it's frustrating to think that there are people out there who want to deny the sacrifices that we've made..."

Yamada clasps his hands together. "Now, if you don't mind, I don't exactly know my way around campus. Do you mind doing me a favour and guiding me to where I most need to be?"

>You do have some quarters for staying the night prepared. I'll take you there.
>I'll take you to Agent White's office. He kinda runs the show around here.
>I'll take you to Vice Principal Namika. She'll take care of everything you need.
>You're on your own, pal.

>>2867269
>>I'll take you to Agent White's office. He kinda runs the show around here
What could go wrong

>>2867269
>>I'll take you to Vice Principal Namika. She'll take care of everything you need.
If anyone had files it would be her

>>2867269
>>I'll take you to Vice Principal Namika. She'll take care of everything you need.

Calling for
>I'll take you to Vice Principal Namika. She'll take care of everything you need.

Writing now.

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>I'll take you to Vice Principal Namika. She'll take care of everything you need.

"Vice principal?" Yamada notes. "Oh, right. The real principal was shot not too long ago. My condolences, by the way."

Saki nods. "It's quite alright. He's still in good spirits while recovering."

"Most of those good spirits involve yelling at me," you point out. "When he found out about the proposal... man was he pissed. Hasn't spoken to me since."

"I don't know if he's mad..." Saki points out. "Just quiet when it comes to our relationship. I think he's happy and just doesn't want to admit it, so he decided not to talk instead."

"Or he's so consumed with rage that he can't even find the words to scream at us," you add. "Either-or."

You lead Yamada to the office of Vice Principal Namika Mashita, and enter. Namika is in her chair behind her desk, doing paperwork, as you enter with Takaaki in tow. "Yo teach, we've got our guest."

"Ah!" Namika nods. "So you're the one who thinks we're all a bunch of frauds! I would stand up to greet you, but you see, my spine was shattered by a demon and I'm paralysed from the waist down. Isn't that funny?"

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Yamada nods. "Now this is the welcome I was expecting. My sincerest apologies, ma'am. I don't mean to insult you with my investigation. I don't mean to make light of your injuries, I only wish to seek the truth. I'm sure you can respect a quest for true confirmation, assuming you are perfectly honest?"

Namika pauses, then nods. "Of course I can. Sorry, where are my manners? I'm Namika Mashita. It's good to see so much new interest in our school. I expect enrolment next year to be an all-time high at this rate."

"You have issues with enrolment? I thought only the worthy got invites to this place anyway."

Namika chuckles. "That's true, but shockingly not many of those invited take the offer from the mysterious school they never heard of or applied for that won't explain what they're about until they show up. We only average out at a single class of around twenty per year. As you can see from the size of the facility, we're capable of hosting many more students than that, but we don't have anywhere close to the numbers."

"It is an impressive building," Yamada remarks.

Namika nods in agreement. "Now, since you've decided to plunge yourself into the danger of the darkworld for tonight, I've decided to attach some students to guard you and keep you safe. It's no place for a civilian, even the most trained of fighters put their lives at risk at every incursion. I see you've already met one of those guards in Ryoji Shida."

"Whoa, what?" you protest. "Hey teach, I didn't sign up for this."

"I'm sorry Ryoji," Namika replies. "But when I shortlisted those most suitable for the role, your name was at the top of the list. You may not have a reputation for taking orders well, but your ability makes you basically perfect for a defensive mission. Your healing factor makes you... well, there's no nice way of saying this... the ultimate meat shield."

>I'm not interested in defending this windbag. Screw that, teach.
>... Fine. But I'm only doing this as a favour for you, okay? Don't spring jobs on me like this again.

>>2867307
>>... Fine. But I'm only doing this as a favour for you, okay? Don't spring jobs on me like this again.
>>Also can I at least get a cooler nickname, like at least the ultimate shield or Unkillable

>>2867307
>So basically you want this guy to film me being torn apart to air on TV
>... Fine. But I'm only doing this as a favour for you, okay? Don't spring jobs on me like this again.

Calling for
>... Fine. But I'm only doing this as a favour for you, okay? Don't spring jobs on me like this again.

Writing now.

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>... Fine. But I'm only doing this as a favour for you, okay? Don't spring jobs on me like this again.

"Understood," Namika smiles. "And I do appreciate it. You're such a nice boy, not wonder my son looks up to you."

"Kaz looks up to me?" you mutter. "Whatever, I already said I'll do it. But you owe me big time. Start by never calling me the ultimate meat shield again. I don't want that one catching on."

"It's pretty accurate..." Saki admits.

"Just call me the ultimate shield, then!"

"But you're not," Saki points out. "I am. I have the shield. You're a shield... made of meat. It's all pretty clear."

"Sak... are you actually teasing me this time?" you ask.

Saki smirks as she crosses her arms. "I might be."

Namika nods. "Well, I told the other two bodyguards to wait in the lobby, so you might as well join up with them now. Saki, you stay with me, we need to work out this interschool sports festival."

"Inter-what now?" you ask.

"Shh," Saki replies. "It's a surprise. Don't worry about it."

Confused, you lead Yamada out into the lobby, where you spot the other two assigned to him. Akira and Hiro. Makes sense, Hiro's shields make him a good bodyguard, while Akira has acted as a guard for Rei many times in the past. Plus, her agression in battle makes up for your lack of strength and Hiro's outright pacifism.

"I see..." Takaaki Yamada notes. "Is this supposed to be some sort of scare tactic? Assigning the student with a prosthetic arm to me?"

You grunt. "Well, if you don't like that, we could show you the student with the missing eye, or the blind student, or the student currently in a coma and covered in scars... or the gym teacher. The gym teacher is her own bundle of problems."

"Most of you are still children..." Yamada notes. "God, even if everything you say is true... it doesn't give your school a very good image."

"Well, we can deal with a few spots on our record when we're busy saving the world," you point out.

Hiro gives a respectful bow to Takaaki Yamada, as Akira munches on a chocolate bar. "Yamada-san, it is very nice to meet you! I watch your show a lot."

"Oh, a fan?"

"No," Hiro replies. "To be honest, you come across as rather mean."

You sigh. "Hiro, try saying that less like a five year old..."

Yamada yawns. "Well, I think I'll make my way to wherever I'm staying tonight and crack open a bottle of wine. I know you three are a little young to drink, but I'll let you have a little as long as you don't get me in trouble with your teachers."

>No thanks, I just want to get this over and done with.
>Well, you're picking the right ways to win us over...

>>2867341
>>Well, you're picking the right ways to win us over...
>>Some people would also say we are to young to die in horrific ways, or to sell our immortal soul for powers in order to protect others!

>>2867341
>Well, you're picking the right ways to win us over...

>>2867341
>>Well, you're picking the right ways to win us over...

>>2867341
>Well, you're picking the right ways to win us over.
Well Ryoji can’t get drunk due to super regeneration can he?

Calling for
>Well, you're picking the right ways to win us over.

Writing now.

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>Well, you're picking the right ways to win us over.

"Really Ryoji? That's all it takes to win you over? Alcohol? I don't want to lecture you, but..."

"Not like I can escape any lectures," you think to yourself. "Besides, don't worry about it. With my healing factor, it's not like I can really get drunk, anyway. You'd need enough alcohol to kill an elephant to even effect me."

"Did... he just zone out?" Yamada asks, staring at you with an eyebrow raised as you speak to Nina.

Akira nods. "He does that sometimes. Come, your beddings for tonight are this way."

As the four of you begin to move, you notice a figure heading your way, carrying... a wheelbarrow? As the figure gets closer, you begin to recognise it. Kazuma's middle school friend Konami, who was present at the gates... only she's wearing a fake mustache? What's going on here?

"Don't-a mind-a me-a!" she exclaims in a crummy Italian accent. "Just-an a ordinary-a janitor!"

"What are you doing?" you ask. "Aren't you supposed to be smart, Konami."

Konami is quick to drop the act with a sigh. "Yeah... but she promised she would help me get inside the school if I did this."

"Who did?" you ask. "Oh no... you can't mean..."

"A-ha!" Michiko exclaims as she bursts free from the trash loaded atop the wheelbarrow. "I may stink of garbage, but now I'm inside the school!"

"That's not much different from usual," you point out. "If you want to bother Akio, he's out on the town with Hikaru."

Michiko scoffs. "Akio? Puh-lease! I'm waaaaaaaaay over Akio! B-but if he mentions me let me know! No, I'm here to bother Mr. Yamada!"

"Bother me?" Yamada notes, bemused.

"N-not bother you!" Michiko admits. "I... uhh... I'm just a huge fan! Will you please sign my copy of your book!"

Yamada lets out a small laugh to himself. "Sure... I suppose. Where is it?"

"It's right..." Michiko mutters, patting herself down, though her eyes widen when she comes to a startling realisation. "Oh no... it's somewhere in the trash here... uhh... let me see. Hang on!"

"Oh god..." Konami sighs, putting her fingers to her forehead.

>You're both idiots. Scram.
>You know, we were just about to have drinks with Yamada here if you want to join us. Maybe then, you'll leave us alone.

>>2867374
>>You know, we were just about to have drinks with Yamada here if you want to join us. Maybe then, you'll leave us alone.
Ah fuck it they've proved that are nowhere near a threat to anyone but themselves

>>2867374
>You know, we were just about to have drinks with Yamada here if you want to join us. Maybe then, you'll leave us alone.

>>2867341
OH SHOOT INTERSCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL OH BOY OH BOY

>>2867374
Promoting teen drinking is bad, and it's not like we're some master delinquent or anything. We're a great role model for all the children. I mean, think about it, when's the last time we ever did a prank?

>You're both idiots. Scram.

Calling for
>You know, we were just about to have drinks with Yamada here if you want to join us. Maybe then, you'll leave us alone.

Writing now.

>>2867374
>You're both idiots. Scram.
>Remove trash

I see Michiko has infected Konami with her stupidity.

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>You know, we were just about to have drinks with Yamada here if you want to join us. Maybe then, you'll leave us alone.

"W-w-w-what?!" Michiko exclaims. "You... you mean it? Oh, Ryoji! Thank you, thank you! You're the best! I'm so sorry I ever called you a good for nothing ruffian with no life goals other than being a jackass!"

"You never called me that."

"Not to your face!" Michiko exclaims. "But I'm sorry all the same!"

You turn your head to the mortified Konami. "You in? I know you don't like this guy, but it's a chance to see some of the school before they kick you out again. Just... make sure you're both out of here by sundown."

"Yes, that's when the boogeyman arrives, isn't that right?" Yamada laughs.

Konami nods. "Sure... I'm in. Lead the way."

As Akira leads you towards where Yamada will be staying, Hiro is quick to introduce himself to Konami, and the two almost instantly hit it off. Michiko as well is much nicer to the boy. You don't know how he's so good at making friends, but Hiro has a special kind of charisma that not even he's aware of.

"This is it," Akira states as you arrive at a small building near the class 2 dorms. "This is usually our sensei Akihito's residence, but he's agreed to stay with his fiance tonight. She lives in the village on account of not being awakened. She can't stay on grounds at night."

"There's that word again," Yamada sighs. "Fiance."

"Not a fan?" Hiro asks.

Yamada shakes his head. "Not a fan of the entire concept. Marriage is a sham, just a drain on your resources, stuck at the wallet to someone you barely tolerate until you both eventually die."

"Oh... kay..." Konami mutters awkwardly.

"Just speaking the truth," Yamada replies, fixing his suit. "You're all young, but believe me. You'll realise when you're older."

>Doesn't seem like much of a scam to me. Besides, I don't really have many resources to drain.
>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself.
>You really don't like anything, do you?

>>2867442
>>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself.
WOW WHAT A LOSER WITH NO ONE WHO LOVES HIM LETS LAUGH AT HIM

>>2867442
>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself.
3DPD, not even once

>>2867442
>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself.

>>2867442
>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself.
RIP

>>2867442
>>You really don't like anything, do you?
Sounds like someone is involuntarily celibate

>>2867442
>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself
To a horrible woman.
Also Yamada acts cautiously around Hirashi and she wondering why when?

Calling for
>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself

Writing now.

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>Sounds to me like you used to be married yourself

Takaaki laughs. "That obvious? Yes, I've been married... two or three times. And I've had enough bad experiences with marriage to last me a lifetime, let me tell you. Now, how about I crack open that wine?"

You step inside as Takaaki unloads his bags, pulling out a large bottle of wine. "Which of you wish to partake? I drink only the finest, so please don't be that person who takes a sip and sends it back. It's very expensive stuff."

"I'll pass," Akira replies. "I don't like alcohol. It's bad for you."

"You say that," Yamada replies. "But you haven't stopped chewing on something sugary since I've met you."

Akira shrugs, as you raise your hand. "It'll probably just be the two of us. I don't think any of the others will-"

"Hiro, you'll try a drink right?" Konami asks. "Come on, Hiro!"

"Eh... maybe a little..."

Michiko and Konami cheer as you swing your head around at them. "Don't you two even think about corrupting that boy! He's innocent!"

"He's older than me..." Konami points out.

Yamada pours a glass for those of you who will drink... and one for Akira. She initially refuses, but Yamada convinces her to try just a little. You can tell he's a tv personality with his charisma and persuasive manner of speech. "What should we toast to?"

"To friendship?" Hiro asks.

"To alcohol," you retort.

Yamada shakes his head. "No... to the truth."

Sure, whatever, you can dig that.

"I have to say, Ryoji... he's a lot more pleasant than I expected him to be. The last few celebrities we've dealt with have been... well, you remember."

"Probably helps that he's not a demon," you point out. "He doesn't even believe in them."

Yamada meanwhile performs a card trick among the others, wowing Hiro especially. "This was your card, right?"

"Yeah!" Hiro exclaims. "That's some fancy magic!"

"Not at all!" Yamada smirks. "It's only sleight of hand. It's all tricks. There's no such thing as magic."

You scoff, as Yamada turns his head to you. "Ryoji, I can see your eyes burning with a question. Go ahead, my boy. What is it?"

>Where did your boner for the truth come from? I'm curious.
>What were your marriages like? Are they why you're so cynical?

>>2867483
>>Where did your boner for the truth come from? I'm curious.

>>2867483
>>Where did your boner for the truth come from? I'm curious.

Is it a religous thing cause we just call them demons and angels i dunno if theres deeper biblical meaning

Calling for
>Where did your boner for the truth come from? I'm curious.

Writing now.

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>Where did your boner for the truth come from? I'm curious.

Yamada pauses, as he leans back in his chair. "What a crude way of putting it. Well... I suppose I will oblige. I think that it goes back to a single instance in my childhood..."

"Oh no, this isn't going to be a traumatic story, is it?" Michiko groans as she slurps on the wine.

"You're the worst," Akira mutters to her.

Yamada chuckles. "This was all in my book. Haven't you read it?"

"Oh..."

Yamada clears his throat. "Well, it goes back to this one incident when I was a child. I had a neighbour... a very quiet man. You'd never see him out in the daytime, and in the evening you'd be lucky to get a simple hello before he'd rush back inside his house. Well... he would often go out late at night and bring women back to his home."

"Sounds like a real party animal," you reply. "Hungover all day then goes out to clubs at night."

"That's what my father told me," Yamada explains. "But I didn't believe it. Somewhere in my small child mind... I was terrified of this man. You see, I had somehow convinced myself that he was a vampire, and I was dead set on proving it. I remember it now, spying on him from my treehouse, taking notes... it was my very own wistful childhood adventure."

"So, what happened?" Konami asks. "Was he a vampire?"

Yamada chuckles. "I was certain of it. I even left cloves of garlic by his door to check. Eventually my suspicions reached a boiling point. I borrowed my family's phone and I called the police to investigate his home. I didn't tell them I thought he was a vampire, because I knew they wouldn't believe me. So the police came, and they investigated his home..."

"And?" Hiro asks. "Was he really a vampire?"

"No, you silly boy," Yamada replies. "Vampires aren't real. No... he was a serial killer."

... Oh.

"He would hide the women he brought home underneath the floorboards," Yamada explains. "Here I was, thinking the reason that those women never turned up the next morning was because he turned them into vampires too! The mind of a child! What a startling moment it was for me when I saw the crime scene. That's an image that will never leave my mind."

Yamada takes another drink of his wine. "You see, the truth isn't magical, or fanciful, and it sure as hell isn't very nice. But it's the truth. From that moment on... I considered myself a seeker of the truth, no matter how horrid or reprehensible that truth may be."

>Well... I can't blame you there.
>You're sure good with the speeches, but it doesn't change the fact that we're genuine.
>Are you looking forward to discovering the truth tonight?

>>2867543
>>Are you looking forward to discovering the truth tonight?
OOF alright, ill admit that would mess me up a lil as a kid

>>2867543
>Are you looking forward to discovering the truth tonight?

>Search for the truth was started by a serial killer
>inb4 it ends by Hanako adding him to her list of murder victims

>>2867543
>Are you looking forward to discovering the truth tonight?

>>2867543
>>Well... I can't blame you there... but it doesn't change the fact that we're genuine.

>>2867543
>>Well... I can't blame you there... but it doesn't change the fact that we're genuine.

Calling for
>Are you looking forward to discovering the truth tonight?

Writing now.

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>Are you looking forward to discovering the truth tonight?

Yamada looks at you, giving it some thought. "Well... that all depends on what the truth I discover is."

"And what truth do you hope to find?"

Yamada smiles. "I haven't decided yet. We still have time until sundown, don't we?"

Yamada finished off his glass and sets it on the desk, before looking to the rest of the group. "Look at this, I've been sitting here telling stories and I still finish my drink off faster than the rest of you! Drink your wine, don't nurse it! There's still plenty left!"

"That story... I kind of feel bad for him. Seeing things like that as a child can have a real effect on you. I remember I once found
a dead bird on my way to school, and it remained in my mind for months. Those kinds of images shouldn't be seen by a growing mind."

"I think I remember that," you reply. "You asked me if I had seen any dead animals, then you started crying and begging me to stop listing them off."

"That's right!" Nina laughs. "I had a really weak stomach when I was that young, and-Ryoji... wait... did you just have a memory... with me in it?"

"Uhh... yeah."

Nina shakes her head. "N-no... that can't be right. I... that memory must have been made up. I'm not even the real Nina... I... I think I accidentally planted it in your mind or something. I... I'm sorry, it mustn't be real."

"That's fine," you reply. "Real or not, it was a nice memory. That's all that matters."

"Ryoji..."

"There you go, zoning off again!" Yamada laughs. "These others have already gotten tipsy!"

"Hey, I finished my drink already," you reply. Just then, a tipsy Hiro leans on your shoulder. What a lightweight.

Hiro mumbles to himself before turning to you. "Everything's spinning... hey Ryoji, do you think Nariko is cute?"

>You're only noticing now?
>I don't know, do you?
>The harbinger of those evil cats can't ever be cute.

>>2867599
>>The harbinger of those evil cats can't ever be cute.
fucking cunt cats

>>2867599
>The harbinger of those evil cats can't ever be cute.
FUCKING DAISUKE STEALING OUR SMOKES

>>2867599
>The harbinger of those evil cats can't ever be cute.

Calling for
>The harbinger of those evil cats can't ever be cute.

Writing now.

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>The harbinger of those evil cats can't ever be cute.

"That's mean!" Hiro protests. "I think her cats are perfectly nice... just like her..."

Hiro lets out a yawn as he falls asleep leaning on your shoulder. You sigh, and lean Hiro back in his chair. "Geez, what a lightweight."

"I must be too..." Akira notes. "I'm feeling awfully sleepy myself. I... mmmm... sugary sweet..."

Akira dozes off, as you turn to notice Michiko and Konami sleeping huddled together. "Oh, Akio..." Michiko mumbles in her sleep while hugging into Konami. "I always knew you loved me back..."

Takaaki lets out a small laugh. "Well, I guess I shouldn't have expected some teenagers to handle wine very well."

"Either that or there's a gas leak," you reply. "What a bunch of lightweights. I expected at least a little more out of Akira..."

Yamada smirks. "Well, congratulations Ryoji. You're the last one standing."

"I'm tough," you joke. "Didn't you hear? I'm the ultimate meat shield."

The two of you share a small laugh as Yamada looks to the sleeping students. "They won't be like this all night, will they? If so, it was foolish of me to give wine to my supposed bodyguards for the evening."

"Nah," you shake your head. "They'll be fine. They won't sleep through an incursion at least. Oh, but I will have to move Michiko and Konami. They can't be on campus by sundown, or we'll have three dead weights to protect... no offence."

"None taken," Yamada notes. "Before you do that, though... I have a quick question."

"Shoot."

"Why aren't you asleep?"

You pause. "Uhh... I don't know. What kind of question is that? Alcohol doesn't effect me as strongly."

"They alcohol shouldn't matter," Yamada explains. "It's the sleeping pills I slipped into all your drinks. Sleight of hand, you know."

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... What? Okay, this has taken a dark turn... keep your cool, Ryoji. You don't know what kind of crazy you're dealing with here. "I don't know why you did that," you reply. "But you're shit out of luck, targeting me. Drugs don't effect me as strongly as it does others. You can't knock me out with some pills... though strong blunt force trauma has done the trick before."

"Oh... like this?" Yamada asks, before smashing the win bottle over your head, the glass piercing into you, as black blood begins to trickle down your forehead.

"Black..." Yamada mutters, before placing his hands around your throat and squeezing tight as you fall back in your chair.

"Ahh! Ryoji, he's gone insane! What's he doing?!"

Yamada stares at you with a murderous glint in his eye. "You want to know the truth I seek, Ryoji? Do you? How about what happened to him?"

"To... who?" you gasp out as Yamada strangles him.

"WHO?!" Yamada screams. "MY SON, THAT'S WHO!"

"Your... what?"

Yamada tightens his grip around your throat. "From my first wife... my only boy. A good boy at that. Always played well with others, excelled at everything, far nicer than his old man could ever hope to be... Daisuke. Daisuke Hayate. What happened to my boy?!"

"Daisuke? That's..."

Oh no... Daisuke...

You use what energy you have to push him away, allowing yourself to speak briefly. "L-look man, just calm down, or else-"

Yamada pounces on you once more, holding you down. "Or what?! Oh, that's right, they said that Kanako Iwatani and King Thunder listened to a strange voice in their head making them promises before they turned into monsters. You're worried I'll do that? You think I'll take an offer from some voice promising me a way to find the truth? Huh?"

You gag and nod, the breath draining from your lungs.

"Well, too bad..." Yamada mutters, as he presses his face closer and closer to yours. "Because I already did that."

END OF EPISODE 23

>>2867663
BOOKER NO PLEASE YOU CANT

>>2867663
YEAH BOI, CAN'T BEAT THE TRUTH

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZLEXj52lcc

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! This session wasn't too long, but it was more the prelude part of a two-parter! Next session will be up very soon!

>Player Question
Remember Daisuke? Also, thoughts on Yamada thus far?

>>2867675
>PQ
Who could forget the strongest and coolest cast member

NOT HIS DAD

HE REMEMBERS

>>2867675
Not like this, Booker, not like this. Time to fight The Truth, I suppose.

Daisuke was best boy, and Yamada is just a father trying his best. Don't make us kill him, I beg of you- why do you always have to make every Yam the best?

>>2867709
>why do you always have to make every Yam the best?

Because they're so sweet.

>>2867675
>not picking the option for shipping Nariko and Hiro
Boooo

>>2867881
>Not shipping Hiro and Nari for based mad scientist antics
>Shipping Hiro with the child murderer that makes no moves and then moans about Hiro not noticing her
Shit taste Cleric

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>>2868011
>Shit taste Cleric
Being insulted
>Excepting anything less from anyone posting in this quest

>>2868011
>ClericMan
>having shit taste
Choose 2