It’s really has been a long while since the last thread so I recommend checking the archives out:http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=slightly+petty+revengeLast time out: after destroying the life of the hairdresser scammer and taking a great sum of her money, Odetta needed to rebuild the reputation of her old informant group named “Xi Psi Pi” to have her old clientele back as a favor. And the only way to restore this fame was to fulfill the random requests of the online users of the site, so it was up to you all to do the grunt work.You had to make a subpar superhero quit his duties, help a distressed girl quit a shady cult and deliver a cake to a lovely family. But work still needs to be done… Helping the Uccelli Family net you some kindness. A useless stat. That’s it.After 3 days of strange experiences, you and your teammates have upgraded their stats.There are more rewards you need to cash in, but you need to talk to the daughter again. But now it’s not the time, you need to go to bed. But not before deciding again which request to take… It seems you couldn’t decide last time.[Important Notes: For a period of time you will do these Side-Stories as the only activity of the day, you’ll get bonuses depending on the degree of success you have. You get to choose 2 requests per day: one Alfred and one teammate will do, and another for the two teammates left. Each request is paired with one of your teammates because they are integral for each side-story. The other teammates will do one of the other requests you didn’t want to so you can skip the one you don’t want to play (you’ll get a brief summary of what that consisted of later). You’ll open up more requests as you complete them. That’s it for now. Have fun!][Also note that options that are not selected to be completed or skipped will remain as options for the future.]Which request do you want to pick for tomorrow? (Please select first the one you want to do and then select a second as the one you never want to play.)>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]>[NEW] “We need extras for our Silver Sun filming production! We need people with lots of stamina!” requested by Lai Zhi. [Bruce Case]>"Hey, I need to find the legendary Boxer 'La Pared'. Can you do it? I need his wisdom." requested by Terezinha. [Maggie Case]>[NEW] “I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]>[NEW] “We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4497557>>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]>[NEW] “We need extras for our Silver Sun filming production! We need people with lots of stamina!” requested by Lai Zhi. [Bruce Case]
>>4497557>[NEW] “We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4497557Choice for do:>>"Hey, I need to find the legendary Boxer 'La Pared'. Can you do it? I need his wisdom." requested by Terezinha. [Maggie Case]Choice for never:>[NEW] “We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4497559To break the tie, I'll change my first choice to>[NEW] “We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4497557>that picI WANT TO PLOW ODETTA INTO THE BEDSHEETS AFTER HAVING A NICE DINNER AND MAKEOUT SESSION WITH HER, AS SHE FEELS SO MUCH UNDENIABLE PLEASURE AND JOY THAT SHE STARTS BEING AFRAID SHE'LL DIE FOR REAL, BUT THE SENSATION OF MY CUM FLOWING INTO HER WOMB AND KNOCKING HER HOT SPOOKY CRIPPLED ASS UP AND THE KNOWLEDGE SHE'S GOING TO BE A MOTHER WILL BE SURE TO KEEP HER SOUL TIED DOWN... FOLLOWED BY TYING THE KNOT AND MAKING HER THE HAPPIEST PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR "ALIVE"!!!!!
>"Hey, I need to find the legendary Boxer 'La Pared'. Can you do it? I need his wisdom." requested by Terezinha. [Maggie Case]>[NEW] “We need extras for our Silver Sun filming production! We need people with lots of stamina!” requested by Lai Zhi. [Bruce Case]
>>4497557Stats
>>4497557Dewitt:>>"Hey, I need to find the legendary Boxer 'La Pared'. Can you do it? I need his wisdom." requested by Terezinha. [Maggie Case]Never:>[NEW] “We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4497557Do:>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]>[NEW] “We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4497557>[NEW] “We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]>[NEW] “We need extras for our Silver Sun filming production! We need people with lots of stamina!” requested by Lai Zhi. [Bruce Case]
>>4497557>"Hey, I need to find the legendary Boxer 'La Pared'. Can you do it? I need his wisdom." requested by Terezinha. [Maggie Case]>[NEW] “We need extras for our Silver Sun filming production! We need people with lots of stamina!” requested by Lai Zhi. [Bruce Case]
>>4497559>>4497585This tie has gone on for too long, changing to>"Hey, I need to find the legendary Boxer 'La Pared'. Can you do it? I need his wisdom." requested by Terezinha. [Maggie Case]
[DAY 19/THURSDAY]With your early morning routine out of the way, it’s time to pick up today’s request. Everyone is gathered around the couch to determine who goes where. Unlike yesterday, Maggie seems to be holding herself acceptably.“A-A Silver Sun filming production that I wasn’t invited to despite being his greatest enemy?! The nerve!” Catastrovania is fuming at the sight of ‘We need extras for our Silver Sun filming production! We need people with lots of stamina!’ request by Lai Zhi. “That production is doomed! In fact, I’ll curse it!”“It’s not like they need you there, they’re probably going to hire an actress to do your part.” Maggie argues. What does she mean that they’re probably going to do that? They have to do it.“They are not going to capture my WELL-CRAFTED and MYSTERIOUS character without MY input!” Catastrovania objects to the idea that she isn’t valuable.“So you want to d-do that one?” Bruce is interested in these superhero shenanigans.“She just cursed it.” You don’t think that’s the point.“Remove your curse at once, and deal with it yourself! Use that passion for something useful!” Odetta wants the movie to do well for her client’s sake. You don’t think Catastrovania is able to curse anything but her damn luck.“Fufufu… very well. I told Silver Sun that that wasn’t the last he’s seen of me!” Catastrovania walks away from the apartment with vengeance on her mind. You like that. Too bad you know it’s not going to be of much use.“W-Wait, it says you need people with stamina though and Cat barely can lift her own eyelids…” Maggie has a bad feeling about this. Cat was too absorbed in her own thoughts to listen to Maggie, that’s usually a good thing, but not in this case.“I-I always wanted to be at a movie production, so I’ll make up for her.” Bruce is prepared to do the impossible. “I’ll see you guys later.” He walks away as well. It seems he doesn’t mind being around Catastrovania all that much. That’s progress.
>>4497674You’re left with Maggie and Odetta to discuss what you’re going to do on your end.“So I’m thinking of choosing this one.” You show everyone the Case: ‘Hey, I need to find the legendary Boxer 'La Pared'. Can you do it? I need his wisdom.’ requested by Terezinha. “It could be useful for our training as well.”“Isn’t that like the crap Odetta does? Looking for weirdos? I bet she can do it easily.” Maggie is not sold on it.“Your flattery needs work if you want me to do your job, you weasel.” Odetta isn’t impressed with Maggie’s words.“W-Weasel?!” Maggie is offended.You don’t want to listen to these two drivel…What do you do?>Call the Client. Try to get as much information as you can.>If La Pared is that legendary, search him online. Maybe you can learn something interesting.>Try to convince Odetta to help you out this time. It would be nice to have her around.>Write In.
>>4497676>>Try to convince Odetta to help you out this time. It would be nice to have her around.
>>4497676>If La Pared is that legendary, search him online. Maybe you can learn something interesting.
>>4497557Cutedetta>>4497676>Try to convince Odetta to help you out this time. It would be nice to have her around.
>>4497676>Try to convince Odetta to help you out this time. It would be nice to have her around.CUTE WHEELCHAIR CRIPPLE GOTH
“Her point still stands, we could use your help in this instance.” You don’t think Maggie was off the mark here. “So please.”“I like your tone much better, but I don’t think you need me. It’s a waste of my talents for me to do this meager task.” Odetta is not really up for it.“It would be far more efficient to do it with your help instead of wasting hours doing pointless research.” You object. “Besides, you need to go out every now and then.”“I can see the outside world using my Astral Projection, which I would use if I aid you.” Odetta doesn’t want to leave the apartment.“But your body needs more than 10 minutes of sunlight.” You know she needs more Vitamin D.“That’s the daily requirement!” Odetta argues.“The bare minimum, you mean.” You remind her.“So? I just said I’ll be using my Astral Projection, so your point is meaningless.” Odetta smirks.“But your ghost form is weaker under the sunlight. I mean, all ghosts are!” Maggie believes something with no basis in reality.“You’re so wrong on every level I’m going to start ignoring you.” Odetta didn’t like what Maggie said.
>>4497768“You’re so sensitive…” Maggie smiles.“Weasel.” Odetta is a petty girl. What happened to ignoring her?“Zombie.” Maggie is even worse.“Enough.” You stop this nonsense. “What is certain is that you two need to learn how to work together and this is a proper opportunity to do so.”“We did just fine in the hospital.” Odetta doesn’t believe this is true.“Allie, can’t you tell that she just wants something in exchange?” Maggie is tired of playing this game and just spits the facts.“Hey, hey, if you spell it out like that you make me look selfish… We’re just having a friendly chat that could lead to some benefits.” Odetta smirks.“See?” Puffy Maggie shrugs.With these pretenses gone, you can go convince Odetta to actually help now…What do you do?>Offer Odetta some junk food for later.>Offer Odetta a secret present for later.>Just make her do it, Odetta needs to help every now and then.>Don’t offer this ungrateful ghost anything.>Write In.
>>4497770>>Offer Odetta some junk food for later.>>Pretend to call a pizzeria just to fuck with her.
>>4497770>>Offer Odetta some junk food for later.Getting her some extra sunlight will offset the downsideds
>>4497770>Offer Odetta some junk food for later.
“Fine. You’ll eat some junk food later, I promise.” You give her your terms. You’re not going to buy her anything too heavy for her body. But she doesn’t need to know that now.“That’s better than what I was hoping for, hehe.” Odetta liked that answer. “Don’t think ya can buy me with food all the time, I’m just trying to be nice ‘cause it’s you.”“Thank you I suppose.” You don’t know if that’s true or not yet.“I still feel a lil’ bit bloated from yesterday, but I can’t wait!” Puffy Maggie is excited as she grabs her waist.“Maggie, I never said I was going to buy for everyone.” You ruin her party before it gets dangerous.“Huh?! You can’t be serious!” Maggie feels betrayed.“Don’t sweat it, in the state I’m in I’ll end up sharing.” Odetta is being nice all of the sudden.“Really?! I’m sorry for calling a zombie, Oddy!” Maggie goes to hug the skeleton. “You’re the best!”“Egh! S-Stop it, woman!” Odetta tries to push Maggie back but she’s too weak. “H-How basic can you be to get all excited for food?! Are you a dog or something?!”“You just negotiated for some.” You remind the ghostly creature.“J-Just get her away from me…!” Odetta doesn’t like getting hugged. You understand why.After Maggie stops Maggieing, you go back to the issue at hand, you need to find the legendary Boxer ‘La Pared’.“S-Since when were you so affectionate, woman?” Odetta didn’t like having Maggie that close. Or maybe you don’t go back to the issue at hand after all...“I don’t know! Since yesterday I feel, like, so lovely inside that I wanted to share with the whole world! So hugs for everyone!” Maggie giggles. “Or maybe I have digestive problems, but I don’t think so! I just want everyone to feel happy happy!”“You two were just bickering moments ago.” You point out.“Allie don’t ruin it.” Maggie continues smiling but her tone of voice has shifted.“Whatever that is, I don’t want any of it.” Odetta hates it.“Allie, can I hug you?” Maggie wants to embrace you.“No.” You deny it.“Hmm…” Maggie does it anyway.“Stop that, we have a job to do.” Odetta complains.“Agreed.” You won’t admit that Maggie feels nice.“Okay, one of you needs to call our client, and the other needs to search online for pics of this guy. Famous people are easy to find, just leave the rest to me.” Odetta is confident that this is going to be easy. She’s the expert, so you don’t mind her taking the lead.What do you do?>Call the Client.>Search for pics of ‘La Pared’ online.>Write In.(I got a little tired so this is the last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)
>>4497826>>Call the Client.
>>4497586Based btw
>>4497826>Call the Client.
>>4497826>>Write In.Look up La Pared's wikipedia to find out what his deal is to begin with.
>>4497826>Call the Client.Also look up 'La Pared' ourselves online
>>4497826>>Search for pics of ‘La Pared’ online.
“I’ll call the client.” Like you always do.“Oh, oh, then I’ll look this guy up, where’s Cat’s laptop?” Maggie is looking around for it. “Wait, what’s the password again?”“I’ll type it up, just bring it here.” Odetta cracks her knuckles. It’s good that Catastrovania is willingly letting you guys use her computer.“I’ll leave it to you two then, excuse me.”You go to your room to make the fated call to your client to get as many details as possible for a smooth investigation. You introduce yourself neatly and get directly to the subject of importance.“I’m very thankful you have come to my aid.” Your client Terezinha has a commanding voice despite her respectfulness. “You must keep this exchange a secret from everyone, I don’t want any of this information leaked. I decided to contact you because you’re in Hamje and the people in the big city barely know about the site.”“Secrecy is part of our policy.” You maintain your professionalism. “Any information you can provide us will be useful.”“That’s reassuring. I would be in great trouble if people find out I’m doing this.” Terezinha appreciates it. “You see, I’m the professional boxer ‘Green Wall’ Terezinha, I’m fairly new to the Pro scene and I’m getting my ass kicked. I’m going behind my coach’s back to find a way to turn this bad stint around, so you understand how bad this could be for me if someone finds out, right? I could be kicked off the team, and even out of the gym.”“Right.” You say.“Let’s get right to business then, the guy I asked you to find? That’s the man I molded my own boxing style on. I’m surprised you haven’t heard of ‘La Pared’ but you don’t sound like a big boxing fan, so I supposed it’s not that big in Topakasa.” Terezinha notices. Maybe she’s hurt that you didn’t recognize her.“I have a friend that is, so I’m not completely lost.” You wonder how Koh is doing right now.“Knowing the rules isn’t important here, it’s the history behind it. La Pared is the second most important boxer that our country has ever produced and arguably the most influential! He was known for having an impenetrable defense and nasty counterpunches, his cerebral style revolutionized the whole scene at the time. He was champion for years until El Macho took him down.” Terezinha gives you a brief introduction to the man in question. “You know El Macho, right?”“Yeah, I do.” You know El Macho more for staring in old action movies your father liked than for whatever boxing achievements he had, you know he was world champion for over a decade. He’s still regarded as one of the nation's greatest icons.
>>4498972“Well, La Pared was his fiercest rival, but he was always outmatched, if only La Pared was a couple years younger – I know for sure there would be more of a debate over which of the two was the greatest of all time. Regardless, their matches were legendary. In their last bout together, La Pared was pilling up injuries and years over his physical prime, but he was determined to defeat el Macho with his new technique, but he got his ass handed to him in the first round before he could use it…” Terezinha is really getting into this story. “The press destroyed him, he was only seen as a joke… Humiliated, he disappeared, never to be seen again, and with him, all his secrets. Now he’s not even a footnote in our sport’s history since El Macho surpassed all his accolades with ease… except for the day he was humiliated. It was a terrible day for our sport, so much lost valuable knowledge disappeared with him.”“Wouldn’t it be wiser to use El Macho’s fighting style?” You question.“Yeah, but that’s what everyone does, the modern boxing style we know is based on what that man did. Everything is now! The costumes, the elaborate entrances, the team based sport… All on him! Even the fact that La Pared had to wear a mask and call himself that was thanks to him. So you know where this is going, right?” Terezinha wants to know that secret technique La Pared never got to use.“I do. Any clues on where to find him?” You want to get this going.“My style is just a crude imitation from the footage I found of him, so I need his guidance and h-his autograph… and yes, I have pictures of La Pared before he wore a mask, these are pretty rare nowadays. I’ll send them to you. His real name is Zain Koroma and there is a rumor that he lives near Hamje.” Terezinha is a big fan girl of the guy. “Thanks again for doing this, Alfred. I will be forever in your debt.”“I’m only doing my job.” You don’t want unnecessary praise.“You’re that kind of guy, huh? I wish you well!” Terezinha sounds excited. She seems to hold the Xi Psi Pi group in high regard if she is taking this for granted…You have received the old pics…What do you do?>Give all the information to Odetta and let her deal with this.>Expose the long backstory of La Pared to the others because if you had to listen to all of it, they should too.>Ask Odetta what you should do without using her powers, that will be the last resort.>Write In.
>>4498975>>Give all the information to Odetta and let her deal with this.Return of Odetta quest?
>>4498975>Give all the information to Odetta and let her deal with this.
>>4498975>Expose the long backstory of La Pared to the others because if you had to listen to all of it, they should too.
>>4498975>Ask Odetta what you should do without using her powers, that will be the last resort.
>>4498975>>Expose the long backstory of La Pared to the others because if you had to listen to all of it, they should too.
“With the information at hand you take the most logical next step; giving it to Odetta and letting her deal with this. You go back to the living room to tell both girls about your findings. They’re both sitting on the couch, with the laptop by the side, waiting for you to come back.“Hey Allie, nobody knows anything about the guy online ‘cept that he’s a big loser.” Maggie initiates the conversation with an interesting tidbit. “He’s also wearing a mask in the pic we found on Wakapedia.”“Not even his real name is listed. How bothersome.” Odetta isn’t pleased about this. Wakapedia usually has all this surface level information. “Up to our client to clean this up or we’re going to do more work than it’s worth it, what you got?”“The bare minimum.” You show them the picture on your phone of the guy when he was younger and tell them his name, and that he should be around. “Now show us what you can do, Odetta.”“That’s a good start, but that ain’t enough. Let’s see, he must be an old man now, and his name is Zain Koroma. Let’s look him up first…” Odetta takes the laptop and begins typing, she’s trying to find him some way. She’s really into this.“Oi, Allie. C’mere, I wanna see that pic, like, up close.” Maggie waves her hand towards herself. You relent and get closer to show her the pic. “Hmm… I think I know him.”“You do?” You wonder how.“Yeah, yeah, it’s that old man that asked me to…! N-Nevermind, I never saw him in my entire life. Nope. Not once.” Maggie changes her mind and lies terribly. She’s even carefree whistling…“Could you be quiet? I’m doing your work here.” Odetta wants peace… She wasn’t listening to the conversation.You know what you must do now.What do you do?>Make Maggie tell Odetta what she just said. Social pressure will force her to confess.>Tell Maggie that it’s pointless to keep hiding this information.>Help Odetta search online instead. If Maggie doesn’t want to talk, it’s for a reason. Also you could learn a thing or two about how Odetta does things.>Write In.
>>4499115>>Make Maggie tell Odetta what she just said. Social pressure will force her to confess.
>>4499115>>Help Odetta search online instead. If Maggie doesn’t want to talk, it’s for a reason. Also you could learn a thing or two about how Odetta does things.
>>4499115>Make Maggie tell Odetta what she just said. Social pressure will force her to confess.
>>4499115>Make Maggie tell Odetta what she just said. Social pressure will force her to confess.Tell Odetta about any possible leads so when the time comes she can do her mission as best she can
“Didn’t you hear her, Odetta? Maggie, tell her what you said.” You bring up the pressure to make her confess.“I-I said nothin’!” Maggie gets all nervous.“That sounds like you’re hiding something, do I have to remind you what line of work I perform in? It would be better if you just confess, y’know?” Odetta grins mischievously.“A-Allie, she’s threatenin’ me!” Maggie acts afraid.“She’s a cripple.” You reply.“S-So?! She can turn into a ghost and spook me! And you know what happens when I’m spooked!” Maggie pretends to be in fear.“I’m not a cripple, and I’m DEFINITELY not a ghost! Knock it off!” Odetta has an outburst. She starts coughing. “Oh good…”“A-Are you okay, Oddy?” Maggie and you check on her, she looks a little tired.“Stop calling me Oddy…” Odetta doesn’t like that either.“Did you get tired out from typing on a computer?” Maggie looks surprised.“S-Shut your trap...” Odetta looks really uncomfortable as you take away the laptop from her lap, she didn’t struggle to keep it. Her expression just tells you Maggie was right on the nose. “Just confess already so we can move on…”“Agreed.” You want to get this case done as soon as possible.“B-But…” Maggie really doesn’t want to.“I’ll threaten you for real.” Odetta glares at the suspicious girl.“I get it! I get it! Like, calm down!” Maggie admits defeat. “You two promise me you won’t tell the others or look down on me for this!”“I have more than enough reasons to look down on you, this one won’t change anything.” Odetta has no regard for Maggie.“Is that supposed to make me feel better?!” Maggie gets angry.“No.” Odetta deadpans.“Allie, tell her something! She’s being too mean!” Maggie wants retribution.“I know you’re just buying time, Maggie.” You won’t fall for her tricks.
>>4499298“Tch, you two are just too sharp.” Maggie pouts, then she inhales and exhales:“I’ll tell ya, the guy in the pic looks like an old man I met at the beach in Naramatsunai, I’m sure of it, I’m good at recognizing people’s faces even if they get all old and shit.” Maggie starts bouncing on the couch for no reason. “He was an artist or something, he was carrying a giant sketchbook and charcoal with him all the time. He approached me and asked if I could be his model for a lil’ bit, I told him that I wouldn’t do it for free, so he could get a grip. But then he showed some mad money, so I had no other option to accept! It was for artistic purposes! And even if they weren’t, my aunt taught how to handle perverted old men, so I wasn’t worried. He even gave me extra cash to do it in a bikini, I mean I couldn’t refuse that either! He needed to see as much as he could so he could have an anatomically correct sketch! That’s how I paid for the cabin and realized my tummy was all smooth and stuff. Oh, he also asked me if I could take my top off, but I wasn’t sure if I could. I've seen nudist beaches in foreigner movies but I don’t think they’re a thing here. Then he offered me to do it at his house one of these days if I wasn’t comfortable exposing myself in public – and if I was he would be waiting at the beach as he spends most of the day there drawing, I said maybe! But then we had to leave 2 days later...” It’s been a while since you heard Maggie talk this much… You have no idea how to feel about what she just said.“T-That went way longer than I anticipated. What can you tell me about the way he looks?” Odetta doesn’t know how to respond.“He has moustache, a man bun and looks like he lives a miserable life.” Maggie smiles.“Very well, let me see that pic again and I’ll be ready to find him.” Odetta smirks. “I’ll steal his phone number and find his address. I’ll be back in a bit.”“Wait.” You stop Odetta before she does anything.“What…?” Odetta looks concerned.Why did you stop her? What are you planning to do?>“We’re going on a trip to meet this man instead.” You’ll drive with the girls.>“You stay put. You’re tired. We’ll go meet him.” Let Odetta rest and do the mission yourself.>“Are you sure this is all you need?” Make sure Odetta is ready for real to do this.>Write In.
>>4499300also last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow.
>>4499300>>“We’re going on a trip to meet this man instead.” You’ll drive with the girls.
>>4499300>“We’re going on a trip to meet this man instead.” You’ll drive with the girls.Everybody loves a roadtrip, right?
>>4499300>“We’re going on a trip to meet this man instead.” You’ll drive with the girls.
>>4499300>“Are you sure this is all you need?” Make sure Odetta is ready for real to do this.
“We’re going on a trip to meet this man instead.” You’re going to drive these two there, everybody loves roadtrips, that’s a fact. “We can get your food on our way back.” A perfect plan.“Huh?” Odetta looks perplexed.“You heard that, Oddy? We’re going to the beach!” Maggie gets all excited.“I-I thought you wanted me to do my thing…” Odetta wants to use her ability. “You want my help or not?”“Yes, that’s why you are coming with us.” You told her that she needed some sunlight. “Now let me search for the wheelchair.”“How many times have I told you that I can walk perfectly fine?” Odetta doesn’t want to feel humiliated, despite coughing again. She moves around like her legs are made out of wood.“Oddy, you just got exhausted from typing.” Maggie reminds Ms. Only Bones about that. “Noooow, should we pack some swimsuits or not?”“No.” You have a mission to do.“At least let the question breath for a sec!” Maggie didn’t like your sharpness.Despite your answer, Maggie changed clothes to ones more fitting for the place you’re going. You put sunscreen on everyone because the sunlight seems particularly strong today, it was barely noticeable on Odetta, she’s just too pale. You had to go to the gas station ‘cause you were already running low on fuel from yesterday’s trip. With everything ready, you drove to Naramatsunai.During the trip, you and Maggie tried to show Odetta the scenery, but you barely know the place so you mostly talked about the random hills near the highway. Some were tall. Odetta was amused enough not to fall asleep. You saw the original Flux on the way, you wonder how Camillo is doing, but there is no time for detours, you just need to go to the beach.Odetta demanded to be on her feet instead of using the wheelchair any longer, but she clearly needs help to keep standing up for longer than a few minutes, so she’s leaning heavily on you. As heavily as a paper bag can that is.From afar, Maggie points out the target among the people on the beach, he is scribbling in his big sketchbook on a tall rock near the coast. Looks like the perfect spot for something like this. He looks like a homeless man. You hope he doesn’t smell like one or is affiliated with a certain secret spy network.What’s the plan?>Let Maggie deal with him. Tell her to explain the situation and request politely for his help. She’s a familiar face to him after all.>Approach the old man together, and explain the situation and see how he reacts.>Pretend to be interested in his terrible excuse for art and go from there.>Write In.
>>4500456>>Pretend to be interested in his terrible excuse for art and go from there.
Well flattery always makes situations easier or more difficult, you expect the former because street artists like to be praised an unorthodox amount for lackluster work, like graffiting your old store for example. You wanted to approach him by yourself, but with Odetta clinging onto you and Maggie not wanting to be left alone, you all went in together.“A nice day to draw, isn’t it?” You slay the ice with your sharp tongue.“Yeah, I suppose. Every day works differently for everyone.” The old man fails to sound wise as he continues drawing, he doesn’t take his eyes off the canvas.“From what I see, you’re having a good one, eh?” Noticing what you’re trying to do, Odetta plays along.“This? This is nothing but a scribble waiting to die a slow death.” Zain Koroma isn’t particularly proud of his work.“A good hand can be seen through hard times.” Odetta smiles.“Your words of praise are destined to fall deaf to the ears of this putrid old man, so give them to someone who can appreciate them.” La Pared has seen better days. He sighs.“Maybe the old man can appreciate his own work for once.” Odetta is trying to be nice.“Listen here, kids, what I don’t appreciate are liars. I can tell when someone genuinely likes my work easily, because it hasn’t happened yet.” Zain doesn’t stop working, like you’re not worth his time. “So if you want anything from me, I’m all ears.” He says that, but he’s not interested in the slightest about you two.How do you respond?>“We require your services, Mr. La Pared.” Explain the situation with Terezinha.>“Your name Zain Koroma, correct?” Start slow, but start being frank.>“Artists like you are their worst critics. You’re not bad.” Pretend to be honest and nice.>“Your work is shit.” If he wants to hear the truth…>Unleash the Maggie. Maybe he’ll get more talkative with her speaking.>Write In.
>>4500538>>Unleash the Maggie. Maybe he’ll get more talkative with her speaking.
>>4500538>>“Your name Zain Koroma, correct?” Start slow, but start being frank.
>>4500538>Unleash the Maggie. Maybe he’ll get more talkative with her speaking.
“It would be nicer if you could look at us while we’re talking.” Odetta doesn’t appreciate the carelessness of the old man.“I’m terribly sorry, but you’re the ones interrupting me here.” La Pared is awfully honest. You respect that.But even if you understand, his attitude is a hindrance to your mission, you have no other option but to unleash the Maggie. They know each other, so the least you expect of him is to react to her somehow. You gently tap your secret weapon on the shoulder to make her act…“Hey old geezer, I’m back!” Maggie pretends to be in a better mood.“Freckles, is that you?” La Pared’s head turns away from the canvas as he shows an emotion that isn’t disdain. “It is you, my dear muse!” He doesn’t seem joyful, but it’s pretty close to that. “What happened to your hair…?”“Tee-hee, you like it? It’s like all puffy now. Don’t know how to feel ‘bout it, it’s really comfortable to sleep on it though.” Maggie plays with her new hairstyle.“It compliments your face, mhm.” La Pared seems to have good thoughts about it.They’re talking like you and Odetta are not even here…“Our paths couldn’t have collided at a better moment! I’ve been in a slump and I require your services, freckles!” Zain Koroma struggles to hide his excitement, but still he remains composed.“Jeez, you need to calm down, I just wanted to have a lil’ chit chat, that’s all.” Maggie plays dumb.“But there is no time to waste, I feel the inspiration coming to me.” Zain Koroma nods to himself.“Hey, you were talking to us.” Odetta makes her fingers snap.“Oh, apologies. Now that I’ve taken a look at you too…” La Pared is examining you and Odetta. “You seem to be in great shape, young man. Perfect for the job as well, if I was interested in drawing men.”“Thank you.” You don’t like the compliment coming from him though.“But I’m not sure that I’m interested in skeleton anatomy… Are you eating properly, young lady? I’m concerned.” La Pared is concerned about Odetta.“From one decaying corpse to another: fuck you.” Odetta didn’t like that one bit.“What a foul mouth from such a lovely face.” Zain Koroma is a strange guy. “Either way, freckles. I formally request you for your assistance once again. Please.”“Well… Huh…” Maggie turns to you, expecting an answer.How do you respond?>“We can make a deal.” Propose the exchange of information with Terezinha for a Maggie modelling session.>“Before we get into any negotiation, your name is Zain ‘La Pared’ Koroma, right?” Start negotiating.>“Maggie is not doing anything like that.” Get that out of the way now before it blows up later.>Write In.
>>4500622>>“Before we get into any negotiation, your name is Zain ‘La Pared’ Koroma, right?” Start negotiating.
>>4500622>“Before we get into any negotiation, your name is Zain ‘La Pared’ Koroma, right?” Start negotiating.
>>4500622>“We can make a deal.” Propose the exchange of information with Terezinha for a Maggie modelling session>Volunteer as well
“Before we get into any negotiation, your name is Zain ‘La Pared’ Koroma, right?” You want to start this negotiation properly.“Pardon?” La Pared plays dumb but you can tell by his reaction that he knows what you’re talking about.“Multiple time National Heavyweight Boxing Champion in a time when Prancijan had the best fighters in the world, two time World Heavyweight Champion on top of that if you have any doubts about his abilities.” Odetta reads it out loud from Wakapedia. “You were quite the individual, the impenetrable wall one might say.”“Freckles, you know these two?” The old man sounds distrustful.“Yeah, they’re my friends.” Maggie’s carefree attitude should be a good signal for him. “I didn’t know who you were until moments ago…”“Yes, I’m Zain Koroma. What do you want from me?” Zain finally admits it.“No need to be hostile. We’re not interested in revealing your identity to anyone or anything of the like.” You come in peace.“Hmph, I’ve never been afraid of telling people who I am, so don’t be concerned. But if you had the pretense that you could blackmail me with that information, I know I can’t let my guard down.” Zain tries to sound more cunning than he is.“You really think this poor frail girl could do anything to a former world champion? You are way too kind with your words.” Odetta starts getting jokey.“I’m just a loser with a busted knee and a broken back, nothing more.” La Pared pretends to be cool.“Don’t be so melodramatic.” Odetta smirks. “You’re in good company.”“What do you want?” Zain is ready to talk.How do you go about this?>Appeal to his pride. His redemption arc will start with him as a coach for a new prospect. The story of La Pared isn’t over yet.>Go the extra mile. Negotiate an art modelling session for his services. If he wants Maggie to help him out, he’ll have to comply with your demands.>Keep it simple. Relay the information Terezinha gave you, he’ll make his decision, going out of the way to make this work isn’t part of the job.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)
>>4500670>>Appeal to his pride. His redemption arc will start with him as a coach for a new prospect. The story of La Pared isn’t over yet.Save Maggie modeling as a last resort
>>4500670>Keep it simple. Relay the information Terezinha gave you, he’ll make his decision, going out of the way to make this work isn’t part of the job.
>>4500670>Appeal to his pride. His redemption arc will start with him as a coach for a new prospect. The story of La Pared isn’t over yet.Cause we might as well give it a shot
>>4500670>>Write In.Negotiate about going extra mile. Ask what modelling he needs in return for his time. Also suggest that if Alfred is perfect for the job then Zain could use this as an opportunity to broaden his skills. If he doesn't find it working out after one try then perhaps Maggie could be convinced.
>>4500676+1
>>4500670>>Appeal to his pride. His redemption arc will start with him as a coach for a new prospect. The story of La Pared isn’t over yet.
“I’ll take it from here.” You explain everything about Terezinha’s plight, and how he’s the key to her potential success in the boxing world, as his knowledge is invaluable to her chances. “So we need your cooperation.”“So her moniker was a homage to me…?” Zain is taken aback.“It appears you’re keeping up with boxing.” You notice.“I’m retired, kid. One tends to go back to his old hobbies when they’re older, looking back into what you did to relive those memories.” Zain is not ashamed or bothered to admit it. “Or find new ones that don’t have painful memories attached.” He raises his piece of charcoal. “I’ll stick to what I’m doing.”“You’re not interested in coaching her?!” Maggie seems surprised for something that appeared far too obvious by the way he’s talking.“Freckles, there’s no point.” Zain doesn’t have any hope in his old bones.“Is she far too talentless for you to bother?” You want an explanation.“Raw talent gets wasted more than any resource in this world, having the right attitude is enough to have a degree of success, and it’s often everything a coach needs to work.” Zain says. “But having a degree of success is not something legends aspire for. You need to get to the mountain top, make it your own, then reach new heights. It’s what separates people like me from immortal ones like El Macho.”“Is that the only amount of success that matters?” You put it to question.“Breaking that ceiling is the only motivation that would let me face those demons again. To finally be at his level.” La Pared looks up like trying to find his old rival in the stars, sadly it’s the middle of the day and there is nothing but clouds. He’s going to get his eyes burnt.“And what makes you think you can’t do it as a couch?” You don’t think giving up is the answer.“I’ve trained young people before, after I retired from the ring. Not everyone for boxing mind you, but there were some. In the dojo I worked at, I usually got the rejects, the kids with no talent. My friend was the owner and head trainer, he broke that ceiling as a coach – but boy he was picky with his trainees. I know what it meant not to be the best, so I was more than glad to help them. But there was this kid I was assigned to, he was talented, like real good.” La Pared gets all excited just thinking about it. “It must’ve been a mistake from Spice, but I got that fire in me, I was going to make this kid a champion.”
>>4501431“And what happened?” Maggie wonders… you’re all sitting down on the rock, like this is some type of campfire. Why are you listening to his story? If he told you he sucked it would’ve been enough.“I was out of my depth, but I made it work. Of course, my friend helped me so I can’t take all the credit, he showed me the ropes as well. And before I knew it, I had the National Champion under my tutelage. He was one of the greatest.” Zain has a melancholic smile on his face. “Then, after many successful defenses, we thought he was ready to take on the world… And he got decimated in his first match. It was all off, like he was another fighter altogether. We were building on his return and it was shortly after that we all realized that was his last match.”“W-Why?!” Maggie is too into this story.“He just didn’t care... He was talented but had no passion in the ring, he was scared of getting injured! He got to that point because I kept pushing him forward, but I couldn’t motivate him anymore. It wasn’t worth it for him! I dedicated my life to him and he decided to quit when it mattered the most! What a coward! I built another joke for sporting fans to revel in. I hit that ceiling again…” La Pared crumbles once again.“But you’ll have someone with passion for the sport this time around, right?” Odetta brings a nice point.“So? No matter what I do, all that this sport has brought me was pain and suffering.” La Pared isn’t built to last.How do you convince him?!>Offer that Modelling Session for his services.>Encourage him to give it one more try. It’s not always about being the best.>“Hey, you can be either a shit coach or a shit painter, and I’m sure the art world would appreciate the former.” Insult him to encourage him.>Write In.
>>4501432>>Encourage him to give it one more try. It’s not always about being the best.>"With all due respect, sir, I don't think being best is all that matters. El Macho may have been the champion at the end of the day but I'll have you know that you're our Client's idol. Some people may laugh at that last match but to others you were their inspiration, even if you were second best. I don't believe that your career was a waste at all."
>>4501432>Offer that Modelling Session for his services.
>>4501440Support but don't mention the laugh at the last match, change it to something like "some people may not give you the value you deserve" saying some people may laugh might rub him in the other way even if were trying to cheer him up, also propose a meetup with our client so he can gauge himself wherever the client is worth one last shot.
>>4501440Support
>>4501432>“Hey, you can be either a shit coach or a shit painter, and I’m sure the art world would appreciate the former.” Insult him to encourage him.
>>45014614chan's fucking up, ignore this
>>4501432>>Write In.Without La Pared El Macho would have not become so widely regarded as champion. What claim to fame would El Macho have without his fiercest rival? Can you name a single opponent?Regardless how some would claim or how you now feel, La Pared left his mark on the sport for the rest of time and there will always be those who will follow in his footsteps. It's up to you if they will proceed to stumble by themselves or shown the way and whatever you let one bad experience leave them in the darkness.Either way, if you want we can talk about modelling in return for your help if you insist sticking with you by your own admission shitty art. Maybe we can help you get better at it.
>>4501481This too
>>4501440>>4501481+1
“With all due respect, sir. I don’t think being the best is all that matters. EL Macho may have been the champion at the end of the day but I’ll have you know that you’re our client’s idol. Some people may not give you the value you deserve but to others you were their inspiration, even if you were second best.” You try to put into words why he’s just beating himself up for meaningless reasons. “I don’t believe that your career was a waste at all.”“You never delivered that final punch, right?” Odetta has been skimming over the details of his career on her phone.“That technique you couldn’t use...” You remember. “And that pupil of yours took the fruits of your labor away from you again.”“Huh? What?” Maggie has no idea what you’re talking about because you all never had a briefing about what Terezinha said.“…” Zain remains silent.“Regardless of what others say or how you feel now, La Pared left his mark on the sport for the rest of time and there will always be those who will follow on his footsteps. It’s up to you if they proceed stumbling by themselves in the darkness or show them the way.” The battle isn’t over until you call it quits. “You have another chance.”“Don’t you feel cheated? Why don’t you try again?” Odetta smirks. “Make your peace.”“You kids have made your point, I’ll talk to this woman. I’m sure there isn’t much I can do to help her, but I can keep ignoring the signs.” La Pared straightened his back. “Not even the calm sound of the waves could help me make peace with my mistakes. I sacrificed everything for boxing, it’s time for it to give me something back.” He starts grabbing his stuff.“Here is her information.” You pass to him all that he needs to get in contact with Terezinha.“Wooo!” Maggie is really happy for this perverted legendary boxer coach artist man. “I barely did anything!”“Well, I’m not quitting art, so if you want to be useful… Anyhow, I’d like to keep in contact with you and your hat friend.” La Pared wants to exchange information. Maggie does so because she’s stupid.“Me?” You aren’t sure why.“You possess that something that Freckles does as well.” Zain looks at you like you’re a painting.“I’m not comfortable continuing this conversation.” You’ll refrain from talking with him again.“You actually need to give this a shot, old geezer, because meeting you wasn’t worth it.” Odetta doesn’t like Zain one bit.“I don’t make promises.” Zain starts walking away.“Hey, aren’t you going to ask our names or something? We cheered you up!” Odetta is a little confused.“Ha! I never knew the name of my greatest rival, and you think I care about your names?” La Pared leaves laughing out loud.“What an asshole.” Odetta doesn’t believe this was worth it one bit…“Indeed.” You agree.
>>4501563That’s the end of your mildly entertaining adventure.“So, Allie, can we enjoy the beach for a bit?” Maggie asks you like a little girl would do for candy.“Hey, stop that, we need to go back to get my damn food.” Odetta wants her junk food.“…” You don’t really care for either side.What do you do?>Stay on the beach for the rest of the day.>Go back to Hamje and get that junk food for Odetta.>Make a short visit to The Flux.>Write In.Which request do you want to pick for tomorrow? (Please select first the one you want to do and then select a second as the one you never want to play.)>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]>“I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]>“We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4501565>Make a short visit to The Flux.Might as well, since we're here>>“We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4501565>Make a short visit to The Flux.>“We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4501565>Make a short visit to The Flux.>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]>“I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]
>>4501565>Make a short visit to The Flux.>>“I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]I am really curious about Siske, she is actually trying to unfuck her life and trying to be an adult.
>>4501565Sorry, everyone, I feel sickish I don't know why. We'll continue tomorrow.
>>4501565>Make a short visit to The Flux.Do:>“I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]Do not:>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]
>>4501565>Make a short visit to The Flux.>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]
>>4501565>Make a short visit to The Flux.Do>“We need people to help us out with the preparations for this year’s Red Emitter Dance! Help us out, will ya?” requested by Laoling’s City Council. [Catastrovania Case]Do not>"Help me unveil the mystery of Ghoulzilla, please!" requested by Madotsuki. [Catastrovania Case]
“It was a long trip, I don’t want to go back yet.” You retort.“Huh?!” Odetta looks betrayed.“Yeeees!” The foolish Maggie is getting excited.“I’m going to visit my ex-coworker.” You start walking away. The Flux is not that far from the beach. Camilo said you were always welcome the day you left.“Y-You can’t leave me here! I’m coming along!” Odetta demands to go. “Use the car, damn it. My legs hurt…”“W-Wait, I don’t want to be alone, I’m coming with ya too.” Maggie decides it’s better to hang out with you all instead of spending time on the beach alone.“It wasn’t an invitation.” You didn’t plan for this.“I’ll take it as one. Now, if you may!” Odetta points at the car. You grab her by the shoulder and help her inside… Maggie follows. You’re not heartless enough to leave them alone, you don’t even want to imagine what they could do if you are not here. So yeah, bringing them to a place with alcohol is the right move.It’s been like a week since you left. It’s closed during these hours, but they should be preparing to open up very soon, so you knock on the door. And who would’ve guessed? Camilo opens up and invites you inside after you introduced everyone. He didn’t have any issue with them coming along, that’s nice of him. Both girls are sitting on the barstools, and Camilo is at the other side of the counter.“I didn’t expect to visit so soon.” Camilo is enjoying the company… Mostly because you’re helping him out. “It’s been like a week, right?”“I was around, and I felt like paying you a visit.” You wanted to check the place out again.“This place is identical to the other…” Odetta mutters to herself.“You visited our other locale? How did you like it?” Camilo is interested in what he's hearing.“Not in person, so I don’t have anything to say.” Odetta wants to appear mysterious.“So you admit you’re a ghost?” You deadpan.“Shut your trap.” Odetta doesn’t find it amusing.“There is so much booze inside!” Maggie stares at the place in awe.“It’s a bar, woman. What did you expect?” Odetta is puzzled.“I’ve never been into one before!” Maggie reveals.“Why do I have a hard time believing you?” Odetta doesn’t buy it.“Oddy, if I wanted to get drunk I would visit a nightclub. Me and the girls always find a way to get inside.” Maggie has a point. One point you dislike. “Great, now I’m feeling thirsty…”“Stop that, I don’t want to imagine how obnoxious you’ll get when all drunk.” Odetta shuts down the idea.“I’m more like a crier than anythin’.” Maggie doesn’t see the issue.“That’s still obnoxious.” Odetta really doesn’t get Maggie.
>>4502685“You’re not getting any free drinks.” You draw the line. “So how have you been?” You ask Camilo.“I’m doing great! I almost quit even! The environment here got pretty toxic all of the sudden, but Laetitia offered me more benefits and a huge pay raise, so I took it. But it was more than that, it was a complete attitude adjustment from her end, so I can say that I enjoy working here now.” Camilo seems content. “I would say more, but I don’t want to put Laetitia in a bad light in front of your friends.”“Don’t mind us, those details will stay a secret...” Odetta has that malignant smirk on her face.“Even if I wanted to badmouth her, she’s here today.” Camilo is not a stupid enough guy to do that. “I asked her for a new coworker, so she’s filling the spot for now until we find one. I’ve been using her to deal with Ugolino, who has been coming here a lot lately. She has stopped drinking as much, and she’s working as my subordinate, so that’s fun.”“I see…” Are you responsible for that? The Ugolino part you mean.“That guy… Eugh.” Odetta doesn’t like the sound of the rich guy.“Huh? Who’s that?” Maggie doesn’t get it.“I knew I was hearing people’s voices!” Laetitia comes from the back. She’s wearing a waiter uniform. “Huh? Alfred…?” She’s in shock. “It’s great to have you here…! But who are these women?”“Hey.” You wave. “These are my friends.”“She sounds rude…” Maggie whispers to Odetta.“Oh! Friends! That’s remarkable, I guess. Doesn’t sound like you have much appreciation for them.” Laetitia has disdain for both Maggie and Odetta.“She is rude…” Maggie corrects her whisper. Odetta rolls her eyes.“So I've been doing pretty well, don’t think you so, Alfred?” Laetitia winks at you. “I’m sure Camilo has told you how much of a great boss I am now.”How do you respond?>“I thought he was the boss now.” Correct her.>“I’m glad you’re doing much better.” Try to be nice.>“Let’s hope it lasts.” Be tough.>“Camilo, this waitress is harassing me.” Joke. It’s not a joke. But you hope they treat it like one.>“Why are you asking me?” Be mean.>Write In.Want to ask anything to Camilo?>No.>”What happened to Siske?”>”What’s Ugolino been doing lately here?”>”You mentioned your sister before, what’s she like?”>Write In.
>>4502689>>“I’m glad you’re doing much better.” Try to be nice.>”You mentioned your sister before, what’s she like?”
>>4502689>”You mentioned your sister before, what’s she like?”
>>4502699>>4502689>“I’m glad you’re doing much better.” Try to be nice.for the first prompt
>>4502689>>“I’m glad you’re doing much better.” Try to be nice.>”What happened to Siske?”
>>4497557You're back QM, long time eh?
>>4502689>“I thought he was the boss now.” Correct her.>”What happened to Siske?”
“I’m glad you’re doing much better.” Positive reinforcement has worked with your team so far after they do well, so you don’t feel like you need to change strategies with Laetitia.“It’s all thanks to the handsome boys I have around! I wish they were just a tiny bit less serious so they would fool around with me every now and then after work.” Laetitia smiles towards you and Camilo. You both play dumb for your own safety. “I kid, I kid! Boys like you are fun to tease!” Laetitia chuckles.“Tease? That sounded like a threat.” Odetta mutters to herself.“We need to protect Allie from her.” Maggie is concerned about you. “I’ll be keepin’ an eye on her.”“You ladies don’t appear to be any fun either! No wonder why Alfred is so gloomy.” Laetita giggles.“Huh!? I’m fun! I’m the definition of fun! I bring, like, rainbows and sunshine wherever I go and shit! Give me one of those bottles for free and I’ll show ya!” Maggie wants to strike a deal. She might not be as stupid as you think she is.“Ehem.” Camilo interrupts this nonsense. “We still need to get prepared for today, Laetitia, and there’s still much to do.”“Y-Yessir!” Laetitia’s demeanor changes in the blink of an eye. Seems like Camilo has complete control.“Bring in the boxes from the back, the ones marked in red.” Camilo gives his orders.“We need to restock again…? It’s just Wednesday.” Laetitia really has no idea how a bar works.“Thursday.” You correct.“Thank you.” Laetitia rolls her eyes. “Hey you, freckles. Help me out and I’ll give you that damn bottle.”“If it gets done, do as you please.” Camilo is not against the idea.“Sure! How bad can it be?” Maggie seems up for it, then she winks at Odetta like this was all part of her plan.Laetitia and Maggie disappear to the back of the Flux where all the stocks of drinks are.“Some peace at last…” Odetta enjoyed that.“A little passive aggressive, aren’t you?” Camilo chuckles.“Passive? What part of what I said was passive?” Odetta pouts.“Ha! You remind me of my sister. Always speaking her mind, even if people don’t like it.” Camilo decides to stop moving things around. You stop as well.“Who’s passive aggressive now…?” Odetta glares at Camilo.“Sorry, I didn’t mean it to come off that way. Your quips have been fairly entertaining so far.” Camilo cleans his hands from danger.
>>4502864“You mentioned her before, what’s she like?” You wonder about that sister of his.“Her name is Carmella. She’s shy and insecure, not the cute kind. She often lashed out when she felt threatened or overshadowed, and often confused being direct with being an asshole. She loved pointing out people’s hypocrisy even if they were little details. Naturally, she was the target of a lot of harassment, the bullies felt justified after Carmella started insulting them back. Incredibly unpopular, but Carmella didn’t mind all that much.” Camilo makes you want to never meet his sister.“You were insulting me just now then.” Odetta isn’t impressed.“Sounds like a handful. No wonder you worked perfectly fine alongside Laetitia for so long, you already have a lot of experience.” You deadpan.“You could say that, I can stomach a lot of pain.” Camilo doesn’t mind the backhanded compliment. “But you know, I always felt bad for her best friend. She had it rough too but for different reasons, she was bullied because she was the type who was quick to forgive and people took advantage of her. She pretended it wasn’t the case and even took the moniker they gave her as a quirky nickname, I think they called her mom or something because she looked old for her age. I don’t know how, but she maintained a cheerful and positive attitude through all of that. I remember the first time I met her, she was so nice with me – she even hugged me. My sister used to yell at her for dumb reasons, just small things here and there… And I yelled at my sister for being a hypocrite, everything she criticized this girl for, I turned around to her… That made things worse in retrospect.”“You weren’t just insulting me, you were calling me a monster…” Odetta feels insulted now.“Please continue.” You want to hear what’s next because it reminds you of your times at school.“Well the longer she stuck by my sister, slowly I witnessed how she started to become more and more reserved, and more insecure. Last time I saw her she couldn’t even look me in the face…” Camilo sighs. “And she wasn’t the only one, her ex-boyfriends started as cool guys then they became spineless… I’m glad most of them ran away from her, though the later ones were scumbags as far as I know. I still remember this guy called Servello, he was a great weightlifter, he even attended international competitions, awesome dude all around… Then after a year together, he quit his dream and was working a desk job and was miserable. I have no idea what happened to him… Anyway, last thing I heard from her she was dating a guy named Billy, I think? Or were they friends?”
>>4502866“So his sister is a monster, is that what you wanted to know?” Odetta turns to you.“I wasn’t expecting this long of a story.” You’re being honest.“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to talk too much. It was the first time I told anyone about her.” Camilo wants to apologize more but can’t.“I don’t mind. It was interesting, I never had a sibling.” You care to admit.“I used to. They’re not great.” Odetta wanted to throw it as a joke but it didn’t come out as one.“Not in my case.” Camilo smiles.“So I take it you hate your sister.” You throw that one out there.“No, I don’t. She’s family and she’s a good person underneath, but I don't think anyone has been able to successfully get through to her. Every now and then I get in contact with her again and try to work things out, but after a while she just ignores me. It’s never that easy…” Camilo shakes his head. “I’ve never been the best at describing people by their virtues first.”“No matter what one says, the negatives always stand out.” You point out.“You’re right about that, but that’s a rather sad perspective.” Camilo isn’t sure if this is good.What do you do?>Wrap things up, time to leave to get Odetta that food.>“So Odetta, you have siblings?” Ask the Ghost about its past.>“And what exactly kind of help does your sister need?” You’re still curious about that.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)>>4502765Glad to be back doing this!
>>4502869>>“So Odetta, you have siblings?” Ask the Ghost about its past.
>>4502869>“And what exactly kind of help does your sister need?” You’re still curious about that.>“So Odetta, you have siblings?” Ask the Ghost about its past.
>>4502869>“And what exactly kind of help does your sister need?” You’re still curious about that.>>Wrap things up, time to leave to get Odetta that food.
>>4502869>“And what exactly kind of help does your sister need?” You’re still curious about that.>Wrap things up, time to leave to get Odetta that food.
>>4502882I'll change to >“And what exactly kind of help does your sister need?” You’re still curious about that.>“So Odetta, you have siblings?” Ask the Ghost about its past.
“And exactly what kind of help does your sister need?” You’re still curious about it.“How can you make someone who doesn’t want to listen, listen?” Camilo has been wondering that same thing himself. “The only thing that occurs to me is someone who can confront her without having any baggage themselves, but that’s impossible, isn’t it?”“She sounds like the type of gal who would invent something just out of spite.” Odetta points out.“You think confronting her would do her any favors? Is that how you would help her?” You don’t know if you have to be antagonistic necessarily.“You’re not wrong for questioning that, I’m shifting the goalposts because you need to get through to her first and that’s exactly where I’m stuck. She simply won’t open up, so there won’t be any meaningful progress.” Camilo explains.“Not all progress needs to be meaningful, step by step you’re going to cross the finish line.” Odetta makes this sound evil.“The longer you take, the more opportunities for her to see your flaws and use them against you.” Camilo feels like this puzzle has no answer.“Your sister sounds like a ticking time bomb, why don’t you just go in there and cut all the cables? You might get lucky.” Odetta retorts.“H-How?” Camilo adjusts his glasses.“Just corner her, don’t give her time to think, raise up the stakes. People who are volatile will lose their cool, and since she’s so sanctimonious, whatever her reaction is you can just throw it back at her – take her off her high ground, that’s what I say.” Odetta concocted a plan.“How would that stop her from blaming you for her uproar?” You think this plan needs work.“She won’t be thinking rationally, right? She’s a little baby that can’t handle the truth. Just make her question herself, make her feel bad, exaggerate a bit, throw a lie every now and then – and she won’t be able to keep her act.” Odetta is a more sinister person than you thought she would be.“Gaslighting her?” You aren’t sure if this is the way.“I’m not sure if I’m capable of doing something like that, even if I find your reasoning correct, which, frankly, I don’t think would be much of a help.” Camilo is too nice for that. “I’m just throwing ideas out there…” Odetta grins from ear to ear.“I doubt its effectiveness. To change a person for the better you need to earn their trust, trust later nets you respect, with respect you can criticize them without them resenting you – believing your comments come from a good place. In the long run, façades just leave openings for them to distrust.” You lay it out as simply as you can.
>>4504205“It’s not as simple as a mathematical equation...” Camilo thinks you went overboard with your simplification.“Indeed, feelings are far more complex than that.” You aren’t an expert in socializing.“What would you do then?” Odetta is fairly curious.“I would slap her.” You deadpan.“…” Camilo coughs.“…” Odetta is not sure how to react.“It was a joke.” You want to make clear.“Heh, that’s what I imagined.” Camilo finds it humorous now, or he’s laughing out of the awkwardness. “Can you answer the question truthfully?”“Get her professional help.” This is beyond your scope, you’re sure someone else can handle it. “Otherwise, I would need to meet her myself.” And you’re not up for that.“Can I take you up on that offer?” Camilo smiles. “No idea how you would fare, but your methods seem unorthodox enough to get some kind of result. I saw how you dealt with the clients here and I was impressed.”“It was a disaster.” You don’t know what he’s talking about.“You did make them talk with so few words, so maybe you have the gifted gab.” Camilo has faith in you.“What would you do if your sister falls in love with this Smooth talker?” Odetta wiggles her eyebrows.“Feel sorry for him.” Camilo deadpans. “With your help now I have a couple of things to try. Families are complicated, aren’t they?”“Eh…” Odetta just shrugs in response.“So Odetta, you have siblings?” You think this a nice segway to her.“Kinda? I had a cousin that was like a sister to me.” Odetta is not being very expressive now.“Had? Excuse me, does that mean what I think it means?” Camilo has a bad feeling about this.“Yeah, dead and buried. That dumbass…” Odetta looks afflicted in a way you’ve never seen before.“My condolences.” Camilo starts feeling guilty even thought it was your fault for asking.How do you respond?>“So, ready for some junk food?” The promise of a quality meal might cheer her up.>“What was she like?” Since the mood is already ruined, might as well continue asking.>”Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” Apologize.>Write In.(Only reply today, we continue tomorrow.)
>>4504206>>“What was she like?” Since the mood is already ruined, might as well continue asking.Get to know our teammate
>>4504206>“What was she like?” Since the mood is already ruined, might as well continue asking.Al does care, he's just super stoic
>>4504206>“What was she like?” Since the mood is already ruined, might as well continue asking.
“What was she like?” You cannot possibly ruin the mood anymore, so might as well ask...“Me calling her a dumbass piqued your curiosity?” Odetta raises an eyebrow.“Maybe.” The answer is no, you’re just curious about Odetta in general.“Do you want me to go to the same length as glasses here? Because I’m happy to disappoint.” Odetta doesn’t want to indulge herself.“Go as long as you feel like.” You retort.“Hmph, I’m not the kind of person that opens up that easily.” Odetta doesn’t feel comfortable sharing.“I’m not either, but you saw what happened.” Camilo chuckles. “If it’s too painful, you don’t have to tell us.”“Painful? Aren’t you gettin’ ahead of yourself?” Odetta didn’t like that.“It’s hard not to draw a conclusion like that with what we know.” Camilo doesn’t know what to do with his hands.“If I call you a dumbass, you think I miss you…?” Odetta frowns.“Yes.” You chime in.“Jackass…” Odetta insults you just like that.“I thought you throwing that tidbit like that meant you wanted to talk about it. My mistake.” You don’t think you read it wrong, but if she’s playing hard, you’re not going to indulge her.“Yeah, I don’t. All you need to know is that she was an idiot, one treacherous dumbass.” Odetta gets irritated.“That’s it?” You question.“That’s it.” Odetta looks away and after a few seconds of silence, she opens her mouth again. “Take me to the bathroom…” She whispers.“Hmm?” You didn’t hear her clearly.“Take me to the bathroom! I don’t know where it is!” Odetta is looking angry.How do you respond?>“It’s at the end of that hallway. You can’t miss it.” Point that out.>“Sure, let me help you.” Lend her your shoulder.>“Camilo, where was it?” Pretend you don’t know.>Write In.
>>4505252>“Sure, let me help you.” Lend her your shoulder.
>>4505252>>“Sure, let me help you.” Lend her your shoulder.
>>4505252>“Sure, let me help you.” Lend her your shoulder
“Sure, let me help you.” You go right next to her and lend her a shoulder, she grabs it and both of you walk away. “We’ll be back in a few.”“Take your time.” Camilo smiles.As you two walk through the hallway towards the bathrooms, Odetta pulls you closer…“What’s wrong with you? Why are you puttin’ me on the spot like that?” Odetta gets all defensive.“I was merely curious.” You retort.“You really wanted me to be all personal in front of a stranger I just met…?” Odetta doesn’t buy the truth.“I didn’t believe it was personal enough for you not to be able to talk about it. Besides, you can trust Camilo.” You know Camilo has proven himself trustful.“So you were testing me? We’re friends, Alfred. You don’t need to do stuff like that.” Odetta smirks.“Testing you how?” You believe she’s overreacting.“Are you playing dumb?’” Odetta glares at you.“No, I’m not.” You think Odetta is being paranoid. “Does that mean you’re willing to tell me more about you once we are alone?”“Why do you care…?” Odetta doesn’t get it. Then she starts coughing, you try to hold her tighter so she doesn’t move as much doing so.“Why wouldn’t I?” You need to build trust. Odetta looks away without answering. “Are you using the restroom or not?”
>>4505391“I wanted to talk to you in private, idiot...” Odetta is losing hope in you.“I’m asking because it would look weird if you don’t go.” You need to work on your alibi. “Also, I needed an ice breaker because you ignored my question.”“I’ll go, I’ll go…” Odetta leaves the comfort of your shoulder and walks inside the restroom for men.“That’s the wrong one.”“Oh shut your trap!” Odetta gets angry inside.“Do you want me to wait outside?” You wonder.“I-I don’t know! Can I go back on my own?” Odetta sounds really irritated there.“Don’t forget to drink some water to stay hydrated.” You know she needs it.“Stop acting like you’re my dad!” Odetta is about to explode.“Can we talk about him later?” You deadpan.“I don’t know why I keep responding…” Odetta mutters to herself loudly enough for you to hear…Eventually you all returned together to the lobby of the bar, yeah, that includes Maggie and Laetitia. Maggie earned her own bottle of liquor for helping her out, you, on the other hand. got nothing for being nice. It’s getting late and you haven’t eaten anything but breakfast…What do you do?>Buy some food around and eat during the trip back.>Buy some food around and ask permission if you could eat in the Flux.>Go back to Hamje and then get food there.>Write In.
>>4505393>Buy some food around and eat during the trip back.
>>4505393>>Buy some food around and eat during the trip back.
>>4505393>Buy some food around and eat during the trip back.I think this exchange right here >>4505391 >>4505393 with Odetta and Al is really well done.>"Why do you care…?” Odetta doesn’t get it. Then she starts coughing, you try to hold her tighter so she doesn’t move as much doing so.>"Why wouldn’t I?” You need to build trust. Odetta looks away without answering.Reminds me of Zidane from FF9 going "Do i need a reason to help someone?"
You decided you’ve spent enough time fooling around, it was supposed to be a short visit, but you’ve stayed for a while now.You make everyone know that it’s time for all of you to go; Laetitia gives you one underserved hug before you part away, testing Maggie’s patience in the process, and you once again shake hands with Camilo before leaving, both saying that you’re welcome back here any time. And Laetitia being very persistent about you calling her when you have the time. Odetta cordially says goodbye to both, and thanked Camilo for the time spent. Maggie thanks the owner again for the bottle, which she retorts by warning her from enjoying it too much…Back in the car, you know the journey is way too long to get home, so you decide to go to a fast food place around here instead of waiting to get to Hamje. The options are limited, but the decision is for Odetta to make. Ms. All Bones’ only desire today is for a burger, so you found the first place with takeout to get your needs met. You let Odetta order whatever she wanted, and told Maggie to be mindful about what she was going to eat – they didn’t have a salad, so you had to eat one of the sets too.The smell is abhorrent, but you can tell it has been made with more love than your regular soulless fast food chain. Odetta wasn’t going to give up this time and manage to eat the whole burger she ordered, she looks damn happy about it. The fries went to Maggie, who was more than content to get her mouth filled with fried poison.As Maggie consumed her food like the wild beast she pretends not to be, she felt sleepy and just decided to take a nap on a whim. It seems you’re stuck with Odetta for the rest of the trip, which gives you a perfect opportunity to talk about the topics she evaded just an hour ago. But maybe you need to give her some space and let it rest for now.What do you do?>Make the corpse talk. You want to know about her sister.>Wake up Maggie, make her join the conversation, have a good time chatting.>Let it rest for now and continue as normally.>Write In.
>>4505532>>Make the corpse talk. You want to know about her sister.
>>4505532Also last reply of the day, we continue Sunday.
>>4505532>Let it rest for now and continue as normally.
>>4505532>Make the corpse talk. You want to know about her sister.
>>4505532>Wake up Maggie, make her join the conversation, have a good time chatting.
>>4505532Sorry everyone, we will resume the session tomorrow.
>>4508003Don't feel bad OP, you're doing good. I wish DYB and this had more players and people getting invested in it though. Maybe recap threads are the answer? Maybe shilling in /qtg/ is the answer?
>>4508068Recap would be cancer, they should read the threads like everybody else. They won't be really invested otherwise. And shilling will just annoy people.
>>4508299But then they go "WAAAAAH!!! I CAN'T READ 100 THREAAAAAAADS!!! RECAP ME OR FUUUUUUUCK OFFFFFF!!!111!!!!!1!!", even after I tell them "relax, almost every thread after 10 has a post count total of less than 200, sometimes barely hitting 100; it isn't hard to read through". No idea what to do.
>>4508476Reading is the bare minimum level of engagement you can have, 100 threads is a lot but if they can't even do that then they'll just have to miss out. Reading the Doc alone and maybe skimming through some current threads should be enough for them to see if they'll like it or not.
>>4509035Chief has had to say reading the doc is not a good idea since most of it is horribly outdated
>>4509248It's still enough to get a general idea of what the quest is about
“So while we’re stuck here, can we resume the conversation we were having earlier?” You politely ask the corpse as you continue driving.“What do you mean…?” Odetta knows what you’re trying to say but she’s playing dumb.“About your sister.”“I’m not stuck here, you know? I can astral project somewhere else if I want to, I can get work done.” Odetta is creating a diversion.“Thank you for sticking with me then, now if you may.” You want to hear her.“What makes you think I’m staying because of you?”“Why else?”“Digestion. I need to make sure everything goes well, I have a body to take care of.” Odetta rubs her cheeks.“Then you’re stuck here.” You go back to the original point.“Huh, what…?” Odetta got startled.“You can’t leave.” You change the wording.“Aggh…” Odetta shakes her head. “From friend to friend: You need to realize when you have to let these topics go.”“From friend to friend, I have realized you aren’t comfortable with this, but opening up might help you. And the latter will benefit us both.” You have a long time to kill so you don’t mind arguing this point.“Help me with what exactly?” Odetta looks mighty confused.“With the pain you’re struggling with.” You saw the expression she made once she mentioned it the first time.“You’re starting to sound like that Vender guy…” Odetta looks disgusted.“Then you don’t see me as a friend if you don’t believe my concern comes from a good place.” You know that sometimes sounding so monotone leaves people to believe you don’t actually care.“Casting doubts on our friendship? You got it all wrong, Alfred. We don’t have to break the wonderful bond we have because of this little mishap, we’re still useful to one another.” Odetta smirks.“You’re getting ahead of yourself, I never implied severing ties with you.” You calmly continue traversing the long road.
>>4509777“Good, because I think we have a fruitful partnership and it would be a waste if it went away!” Odetta looks satisfied. “I’m glad we put our differences aside for the sake of our friendship. Now, tell me what your favorite radio station is so we can enjoy some good old music… Driver chooses and what not.” Odetta ends the topic.“Odetta, could you please tell me about your sister?” You decided for a direct approach.“She’s dead, Al. There is nothing to talk about.” Odetta turns on the radio and starts going through different stations hastily.You turn that noise off.“Odetta, could you please tell me about your sister?” You repeat yourself.“…Leave me alone.” Odetta leaves all pretenses aside and tells it like it is.“We’re in a car.” Those are the first words that came into your mind.“You understood what I said.” Odetta is not playing around. “Just keep your eyes on the road and we’re going to be fine and dandy.”“Odetta…” You put a stop to the car.“…Unbelievable.” Odetta gets pissed enough that she’s about to go into Ghost Form…What do you do?>“Fine, I’ll drop it.” You won’t bother her anymore.>“Stop running away.” Confront her.>“I’m making an official request to Xi Psi Pi. I want to know about my friend Odetta’s past.” Say something stupid.>“Hey, what about your body?” You need to make sure she knows the consequences.>Write In.
>>4509780>>“Stop running away.” Confront her.
>>4509780>“Stop running away.” Confront her.
>>4509780>“Stop running away.” Confront her.Tell her about Al's dead mom, if she won't talk?
“Stop running away.” You grab Odetta’s arm before she leaves her body. Odetta keeps glaring at you as the visual effects of her ghost magic slowly stop. “…You have a lot of nerve.” Odetta is pissed off.“You’re not as scary as you think you are.” You retort. “I’ll drive, you talk. Take as much time as you need.”As you go back to the road again, Odetta turns her head and starts looking outside from the side, without even bothering to look at you at any point. Not like you have enough time for surveillance since you’re actually driving, and you don’t want to turn this rental car into a casket with wheels. After 5 long and tense minutes, Odetta is the one who starts talking…“…You don’t want to know about me.”“Why’s that?” You’re glad there is no else on the road. That has nothing to do with what Odetta is saying, but it’s something nice to mention.“Just be quiet and soon you will realize why.” Odetta sounds ominous. “Everything I told you when I didn’t have my body was a lie. I eavesdropped on your story moments earlier from when you told Bruce and concocted my own, I wanted to look like the kind of person you would be inclined to help, all to encourage you to help me recover this body. I never met the Price Kid, but I remembered his brother for reasons I couldn’t recall. We both know our friendly talk was disingenuous, so I won’t delve into that. Wasn’t it obvious? It was too much of a coincidence, don’t you think?” Odetta keeps looking outside.“But it gets worse…” Odetta turns to you and smirks. “I know everything about your daddy. He was one of my targets, all the people in that shopping street were. His name was Hank Brown, he was the owner of his own little convenience store named after himself; your lovely mother Yareli committed suicide when you were a little chap. Your house is at…” That’s your old house’s address. “I can go on, but you get the gist of it; don’t ya? Just stop the car and drop me off… I’m not answering any of your questions, so kick me out. I’ll find a way to get back up, I always do.”Odetta starts having a coughing fit.What do you do?>“I only wanted to know about your sister. Where did this come from?” Make fun of her.>“If you’re honest that means you care. So I have no reason to kick you out.” Forgive her preemptively. Just hope it doesn’t get worse.>“You’re staying and you’re answering my questions. Now tell me about your sister.” Be casual about it.>“Don’t tell me you were feeling guilty and that’s why you’re telling me all of this? I always knew you were lying, I just didn’t care.” Shrug it off.>Kick her out.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow.)
>>4509984>“I only wanted to know about your sister. Where did this come from?” Make fun of her.
>“I only wanted to know about your sister. Where did this come from?” Make fun of her.
>>4509984>“You’re staying and you’re answering my questions. Now tell me about your sister.” Be casual about it.
>>4509984>“I only wanted to know about your sister. Where did this come from?” Make fun of her.She still deserves compassion
>>4509984>>“I only wanted to know about your sister. Where did this come from?” Make fun of her.
>>4509984>>“You’re staying and you’re answering my questions. Now tell me about your sister.” Be casual about it.
“I only wanted to know about your sister. Where did this come from?” You’re going to try to make fun of her. “I wonder if I ask you about the weather, you’re going to tell me my fortune.”“H-Huh?” Odetta is puzzled. “Didn’t you hear me…?”“I asked you the same question 4 times and you have the nerve to say that to me.” You would shake your head if you weren’t driving.“You aren’t going to kick me out for what I did…? What?” Odetta’s wide smile disappears from her face.“Now you owe me more than one, friend.” You keep going with your charade.“I know you are not the kind of person who would let this slide. You’re on a quest for vengeance for crying out loud.” Odetta talks like she wants to be kicked out.“Maybe your intel is wrong, or I’m more forgiving than you thought.” You casually continue driving.“I don’t understand.” Odetta doesn’t sound confident anymore. “What do you want from me?”“I want you to tell me about your sister.”“Stop being facetious.” Odetta is not amused.“Do I really need something from you?” You don’t want to loot the corpse.“You want to know what happened, don’t you? I can tell you’re trying to manipulate me to tell you the whole truth, but if I reveal it, you’re not going to have any use for me – and I don’t want to think about what you’re going to do to get rid of me. You’re not stupid. Everyone has ulterior motives, no exceptions.” Odetta doesn’t buy it. “Test me.” You defy her notion.
>>4510835“Sorry, I can’t run the risk, there is someone I need to meet before I can let anyone murder me.” Odetta smirks.“Yet you cornered yourself in this situation.” You take your hat off. “I’m not interested in taking your life. Trust me, Odetta.”“But for all you know, I could be responsible for what happened to your father...” Odetta knows the possibility.“And you’ll have to work your ass off to make up for that.”“And that Price kid doesn’t get that benefit but I do… Why?” Odetta is really hard to convince.“That Price kid destroyed my store.” The venom comes out of your words.“I-It’s all about that damn store…?!” Odetta is in shock.“It has always been about that.” The pride of your whole family gone, not once, but thrice, without even an ounce of remorse in that man.“You’re retarded.” Odetta has no qualms telling you that.“Can we finally move onto what’s important?” You wonder.“Tch, fine. What do you want to know?” Odetta is finally ready to talk.You think that was way harder than teaching Maggie math, at least Bruce said as much.What do you want to ask her first?>ABOUT HER DAMN SISTER. HELL, ADD THE WHOLE DAMN FAMILY TOO.>About why she spied on your father.>Write In.
>>4510836>>ABOUT HER DAMN SISTER. HELL, ADD THE WHOLE DAMN FAMILY TOO.
>>4510836>About why she spied on your father.
>>4510836>ABOUT HER DAMN SISTER. HELL, ADD THE WHOLE DAMN FAMILY TOO.Spill that damn info
“About your sister…” You feel tired of repeating yourself at this point. “Do me one better and tell me about your whole family.”“You’re really curious about that, aren’t you?” Odetta is not impressed.“I believe I had enough patience in letting you move on at your own pace, but I’ll let you know that I would appreciate it if you get to it.” You politely ask Odetta to just tell you instead of going around the issue yet again.“You’re really tactful…” Odetta drips of sarcasm. “Where do I begin…?” At last, Odetta is going to open up about her past…Odetta’s biological parents were violently murdered in their home when she was 4 years old, to this day the authorities never knew who did it or why – Odetta was lucky because that day she was visiting her relatives who ended up adopting her later. The family being her father’s sister’s: Marcela Larsen, married to Percy Larsen, and their only daughter Jaylene Larsen. Odetta doesn’t remember anything about her first family, but her uncle and aunt always talked about them in a positive light, and did everything to tell her as much as they could, even with pictures if they had them. Their visits to the zoo together, the aquarium, the amusement park. It was really important for them that Odetta didn’t forget them and their love for her. They went to the extent of correcting Odetta every time she tried to call them her parents.Her aunt Marcela was a headstrong, diligent and kind woman, who was never afraid to speak her mind to others and butted heads constantly with other parents and teachers because she called out people like her life depended on it. She liked calling her May because it rhymed with Jay. She was the one who introduced Jaylene and Odetta to the spiritualist world.Her uncle Percy was stoic, just, patient and kind hearted; he was a man of few words who liked his peace and quiet but commanded respect. Odetta never saw him lose his composure, less so seen him get angry, except that time she invited a boy over to their house. That didn’t go well. Odetta always pranked her uncle to finally see him break his stoicism, but never pulled it off.And finally, the moment you were waiting for, Jaylene was a dumb ass brat that wasn’t like her parents at all. A coward who was afraid of all social interactions, who always relied on others to do stuff for her, including Odetta, who was a couple of years younger. She was madly in love with their loser ass neighbor because she had a thing for strong-willed losers who cannot help themselves in their idiocy. They had a good relationship, mind you, it’s just that the later events that transpired between the two, soured her feelings for Jaylene.You can tell that it’s not true, and Odetta is just kidding herself, but you didn’t shine a light onto that matter. “There, that’s my family. Happy?” Odetta feels embarrassed for talking for so long.
>>4511039How do you respond?>“It’s that how you really feel about your sister?”>“Why do you hate her so much?”>“Now tell me why you spied on my father.”>Write In.
>>4511040>>“Why do you hate her so much?”>“It’s that how you really feel about your sister?”
>>4511040>“Why do you hate her so much?”>“It’s that how you really feel about your sister?”
>>4511039>“Why do you hate her so much?”>“It’s that how you really feel about your sister?”
“Why do you hate her so much?” You want to know the details.“It’s a long story.” Odetta doesn’t feel like sharing.“It’s a long trip back.” You’re asking her because you want to hear it after all.“It would be so much easier if I had a photo of her, she has that kind of face that just bugs the hell out of people.” Odetta sounds so petty right now.“Like Aleister’s?”“I feel like his friends are much worse.” Odetta has no kind words for either Ichie or Vender.“Now, please tell me.”“Fine…” Odetta clears her throat before continuing…To understand why Odetta dislikes Jaylene so much now, you need even more context…After a couple of years together, her uncle Percy was framed for a murder he didn’t committed and was sentenced to life in prison. The whole case was sketchy as hell, but they couldn’t do anything but see their loved one get taken away… Their little family didn’t last at all.Thanks to that, the rest of the family had to move away for a year to a monastery until aunt May figured things out. And without Uncle Percy to stop them, Aunt May was able to teach Jaylene and Odetta about the secret spiritualist arts… Uncle Percy didn’t like “ghost nonsense”. But once Odetta got the gist of it, she kept visiting her uncle just to spite him. She kept this a secret from the others.Jaylene was actually very talented at it, but her own laziness got the best of her and she didn’t improve. Odetta adds this to her list of why nobody should like Jaylene.Later, they all returned to the city once aunt May learned a trade to pay for the living expenses. And with that, Jaylene and her dear neighbor Oliver were reunited. Liking Oliver is another reason why nobody should like Jaylene. Oliver was a complete weirdo who pretended to be the reincarnation of some legendary hero named ‘Leo Major’. His eccentric persona, aside from being cringeworthy, somehow encouraged people to try their best, something Odetta never understood. After a certain incident, he stopped pretending to be an idiot.Everyone in the family knew Uncle Percy was innocent, but Jaylene was determined to prove it, and Oliver wanted to help her, despite never believing Uncle Percy wasn’t the perpetrator. It always bugged Odetta the way he talked about her uncle. Those two created their little investigation team, but Odetta helped from time to time because, unlike Jaylene, she put more effort into her spiritual training and her abilities could be of use.
>>4511184It started small but more people joined as they dug deeper during the years, the members were: Oliver Watts, Jaylene Larsen, Rhys Frie, Ascher Mendel and Zinon Vassatos. They discovered a deep rabbit hole of manufactured truths by different groups of influential people all around the country. A group of rich assholes who were so powerful that they could do whatever they wanted. All their crimes were covered up by other members and they put the blame on innocent people like her uncle. Why? To get rid of key individuals so these powerful men could keep their hegemony over the whole country, and sometimes just for the sake of it. It varies depending on the case.With this work done, the investigation group gathered enough evidence not only to prove that the evidence in Uncle Percy’s case was tampered with, but many other cases as well. It would be the biggest news of the last decade. And the members were determined to showcase this information to everyone through the press… Odetta was the only one against the idea. The whole team was gathered that fateful day:“Jay, don’t fuckin’ do it! Stop listenin’ to him! You promised me that we were doing this to save Uncle Percy!” Odetta yells at her sister, who’s carrying the Investigation’s team laptop with the information. “B-But…” Jaylene hesitates again.“Little O, don’t you understand what we have in our hands? We can change the fate of this entire country! Save the people from the tyranny of these fiends.” Oliver argues against it. “Don’t be so selfish.”“Yeah, stop being a shitbag, you scaredy cat.” Rhys always backs Oliver like the little minion he is.“You mentally handicapped manchild, we can’t fuck with these people or they’re going to target us! You know what they do!” Odetta has never been able to convince Oliver of anything before.“And that’s why we need to stop them once and for all.” Oliver argues back.“She has a point. Maybe we could do this step by step, help Jaylene’s father first and see how they react to the news.” Zinon backs Odetta up. He’s more level headed than the others, but he’s still very passionate and easily dissuaded.“You two are so damn selfish, we all busted our asses to get to this point! We help him and then what? We get our asses kicked for so little? They get away with everything else?!” Rhys gets heated.“I did all the grunt work, you couldn’t have done it without me! Just listen!” Odetta argues back.
>>4511185“You’re a little good with computers, but it was only a matter of time before we could do it!” Rhys retorts. All the members believed Odetta and Jaylene found the key information thanks to their hacking abilities. Principle #2 of their spiritual teachings was to never reveal their abilities to people who aren’t aware of the spirits.“Yeah, the guy who constantly misspells his own name is gonna accomplish anythin’ with technology!” Odetta shows Rhys her tongue.“S-Shut up, you little brat! It hasn’t happened in weeks!” Rhys shouts back.“Enough arguing you two! You’re giving me a headache!” The supposed-muscle of the team, Ascher, stops them from bickering any longer. “We all agreed as we joined that Jaylene has the last word. She’s the founder and we’re doing this for her, first and foremost.” That was Odetta’s failsafe in case things got dangerous, she knew she could convince her sister to do the right thing if needed.“Me…?” Jaylene feels conflicted.“It’s our main rule for good reason. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, you helped all of us out when we needed it the most.” Zinon smiles at Jaylene, who looks away all embarrassed.“Buahehahuhihihihihi…!” That’s Oliver’s fake laugh when he pretends to be Leo Major. “Everyone but this humble servant! I’m the only one strong enough to help her out! The only one who will never ever need her help.”“Just shut up, man.” Odetta hates this so much. Everyone appears to like it when he acts like that for reasons that confuse Odetta to no end.“But what you guys say is true. It's all in Jaylene’s hands.” Oliver nods to himself. “Now, dear Jaylene! The future of this country is in your hands! Will you selfishly use this weapon to help yourself, or will you become a legend which this country has never seen before?!”“Jay, this is not a joke. We’re not playing a game. If we take this laptop to Aunt May, I know we’re going to be reunited with Uncle Percy again.” Odetta grabs Jaylene’s arm to get her attention. “I can forgive you for not telling me earlier that we had enough information to save him and all that stuff you hid from me. It’s fine, seriously.”“Odetta…” Jaylene is lost for words.
>>4511186“My dear Jaylene, are you going to let this little devil convince you? Is the need of the few greater than the needs of the many? Don’t be afraid, the path of justice is open for us, we just need to traverse it!” Oliver continues his magniloquent speech. “This might be our only chance.”“We shouldn’t waste it, Jaylene!” Rhys backs Oliver up. “It’s going to be worth it!”“If anything bad happens, we’re in this together, no matter what.” Ascher gives her a thumbs up.“We’ll back you up, Jaylene.” Zinon smiles as well.“J-Jaylene, please, just listen to me… These fuckin’ idiots are just talkin’ nonsense… You know how dangerous it is… C’mon, sis, I want to hug dad again, just hear me out, please.” Odetta starts begging.“Sorry, Odetta…” Jaylene leaves her sister hanging as she joins the others with the laptop.In one last ditch attempt, Odetta tried to steal the laptop, but was easily apprehended by the guys, she was tied up and left in one of the lockers…
>>4511189The next day after they sent the information to the press, nothing was shown. One of the parents of each of the Investigation Team members were murdered, their homes ransacked and all the information lost. The murders were considered accidents of different degrees. They effectively worked for nothing. The mysterious powerful group gave them their response…The team never met again…Odetta lived in an orphanage for a couple of weeks, then she requested to be transferred back to the monastery she was part of years ago, until she was old enough to join a state program that let her live in a dorm under the guardianship of a qualified volunteer.“Do you understand why I hate her?” Odetta’s pain is palpable.“I do.”“She ruined everything…”“That she did…”“I hate her so much…” Odetta looks empty.“But is that how you really feel about your sister?” The answer seems obvious.Odetta didn’t respond for a solid minute, until she said:“…Why didn’t she listen to me?”How do you respond?>“Because she was infatuated by that ridiculous man.” State the obvious.>“Is your father figure still alive?” Slightly change topics.>“I have no idea.” You have no words.>“I’m sorry.”>Be quiet.>Write In.(Last reply of the day, we may continue tomorrow, but don't count on it.)
>>4511190>>“I have no idea.” You have no words.
>>4511190>“Because she was infatuated by that ridiculous man.” State the obvious.
>>4511190Say>>“Because she was infatuated by that ridiculous man.” State the obvious.But in a less blunt way like "Love can make people do stupid stuff, even if the right answer is right on her face."
>>4511190backing >>4511299
>>4511190Yupp, backing >>4511299
>>4511190>“Because she was infatuated by that ridiculous man.” State the obvious.Keep it simple
“Love can make people do stupid stuff, even if the right answer is right in her face.” You tell it like it is. Feelings get in the way at the worst of times.“I’m not stupid, Alfred, I know that...” Odetta didn’t want such a direct response. Or maybe she did, because she’s starting to look more confident again. “It still pisses me off, she picked him over me when it mattered the most…”“Can’t blame you for feeling that way.” You don’t think she’s wrong to feel that way.“You never know who’s willing to backstab you, Alfred. Always keep your eyes open.” Odetta doesn’t want that same thing to happen to you.“Even my dear friend Odetta?” You deadpan.“Yeah, even your dear friend Odetta. I’d rather you distrust me than anything bad happen to ya ‘cause you didn’t see it coming, you’ve got to be sharp, Alfred.” Odetta smirks. “Besides, I’m used to it. Part of the job.”“I have my healthy bit of skepticism already, so it’s fine.” You were a Store Clerk after all, you can’t trust that everyone who went through that door was only there to shop.“I can’t believe I told you all that… I haven’t told this to anyone before…” Odetta starts feeling embarrassed now that it dawned on her. “You must keep it between us, you hear me?”“Yes, I do.” You don’t mind.“Now it’s your turn. Tell me about you.” Odetta crosses her arms.“Huh? I thought you already found out.” You retort.“C’mon, I know there is more than what I found, and I want to hear it from you… Help me develop this genuine friendship, Alfred.” Odetta wants to hear it all from your point of view.But there are questions unanswered and not enough time to delve into them…What do you do?>Reveal your boring past to Odetta.>Ask the reason why she spied on your father.>Write In.
>>4513636>Reveal your boring past to Odetta.
>>4513636>>Reveal your boring past to Odetta.
>>4513636>>Write In."Don't I get to beat around the bush first? I kid."Reveal your boring past. It's so boring after all it would baffle anyone who is looking for dirt on us.
“Don’t I get to beat around the bush first?” You deadpan. Odetta frowns. “I kid.”“I couldn’t know how much you valued our everlasting friendship if it wasn’t for me beating around the bush.” Odetta unnecessarily explains. “Of all the things I expected from you, forgiveness wasn’t one of them.”“You still need to make up for it, whatever you did.” You won’t live that down yet.“I don’t like how the balance of power has shifted in your favor, Alfred...” Odetta gives you a mischievous look.“You are going to work hard until I’m satisfied.” You won’t make it easy.“Now who’s beating around the bush, huh?” Odetta displays her smugness. “C’mon, get on with it!”“Right…” You begin your own unremarkable tale…You talked about your whole family for the first time in a while. Your dad and your mom and the events that happened… It felt good to remember them, you miss them dearly. You hope they are together wherever they are and hope to meet them again.…You’re almost at the apartment and almost finished with your story.“A whole pen through her hand?!” Odetta is in shock.“Yup.” Anger is one strong weapon.“HahHAHhA, that’s awesome!” Odetta finds this humorous. “You must’ve been pretty strong.”“I moved too many boxes.” You didn’t mind working at the shop.“That farmer's strength on full display.” Odetta cackles again. “I’m surprised Bruce and your other friends didn’t hide from you for the rest of their lives.”“They’re not that kind of people.” You think Bruce, Koh and Jesse are all reliable.“Unlike the sloth behind us.” Odetta makes fun of Maggie.Since you’re at a red stop, you glance back to Maggie for one second, she winks at you and goes back to sleep… Or was she awake this whole time? You would say something, but you feel like Odetta wouldn’t appreciate having Maggie in this conversation.After a long ass day, you’re finally back at the apartment. You woke up Maggie and brought Odetta inside with her wheelchair. Both Catastrovania and Bruce were waiting for you.Their request consisted of being stunt doubles for the action scenes in the new Silver Sun movie, and even acting in real scenes as some forgettable characters. Except for one character, Bruce played Kaiju Catastrovania in the last fight scene and wore a giant Catastrovania suit. You have no idea what the movie was really about…Lai Zhi was the producer, and he’s the same guy from the CC&C commercial. Silver Sun was there as well as a consultant and writer. Bruce thought it was fun being part of a movie production; Catastrovania didn’t like that her character was so mishandled.
>>4513879“It appears that all of our clients were more than happy with our efforts, good job everyone.” Odetta puts the final note of the day.“I wish I could be happy about the DESPICABLE way they RUINED my character…” Catastrovania is still fuming. “What’s for dinner anyway?”It was an exhausting day for everyone, so after eating dinner, you all went to sleep…[DAY 20/FRIDAY]Maybe you all went to bed a little early because you’re up before your alarm… It’s a nice day to do one of the missions. You look up at the ones you have left and decide to take the one about the most important festivity in your hometown even before the meeting. As a proud citizen of Laoling, you know it’s your duty to help…You enjoyed having Odetta helping around yesterday, you might want to include her again in today’s quest. She owes you a lot after revealing her truth yesterday, so you won’t need to bribe her to help.What do you do?>Call today’s client. You wonder what member of the town hall is going to answer…>You might want to check up how your old clients are doing. Some of them told you to contact them after the fact.>Write In.Add Odetta to the mix again?>Yes.>No.>Write In.
>>4513880>>You might want to check up how your old clients are doing. Some of them told you to contact them after the fact.>Yes.Check on how things went with Terezinah
>>4513880>You might want to check up how your old clients are doing. Some of them told you to contact them after the fact.>Nolet her rest a little.
>>4513880>You might want to check up how your old clients are doing. Some of them told you to contact them after the fact.>Yes.
>>4513883Backing it up>>4513880
You decided to start your routine earlier under these circumstances, surely nobody is going to complain about getting things done in a proper time. Bruce stayed here once again, you don’t think he’s going to go back to his apartment any time soon. You wake them all up, prepare them breakfast, do your morning exercises and Odetta’s treatment, and gather everyone in the living room to discuss what request everyone is going to take.And yes, they did complain about working earlier.After making your intentions clear with the mission, it was up to them to see who will accompany you to aid the township.“I’m not interested, my dad used to make me help and I’m glad this is the first year I don’t have to do it.” Bruce is the first one to decline. “Maybe I’ll feel nostalgic by next time.”“Another long trip…? I wanna do something here in Hamje.” Maggie is tired of long trips.“Then that leaves me with Catastrovania.” You turn to your supposed boss. “Let’s do our best.”“Eh?! M-Me?” Catastrovania loses her composure for an instant. “Fufufu… I certainly will be needed to discover the great mystery of Ghoulzilla! So I can’t go!”“Don’t you worry, we got this, me and Brucey.” Strangely, Maggie is up to take part in finding the truth of this mysterious myth.“B-But I picked it!” Catastrovania complains.“Eh? Us? I-I thought you were afraid of monsters and ghosts…” Bruce is surprised by Maggie’s resolution as well. Everyone turns to Odetta once the word ghost is mentioned, much to her dismay.“Of course I am! You’re going to have to do all the work, Brucey! Good luck!” Maggie the lazy already has a plan.“Hey, you can’t laze around. We need good reviews.” Odetta immediately shuts this down.“D-Don’t worry, Maggie, if I could t-teach you math, I’m sure I-I can teach you how to be brave.” Bruce is convinced.“I don’t think you’re the most fitting individual for the task...” The other unfit individual for the task, Catastrovania, points out. You just realized that 3/5 of your group can be considered cowards. “So I’ll deal with Ghoulzilla!”“You’re my partner already, Cat. Get used to this.” You are tired of this nonsense.“B-But ex-assistant…!” Catastrovania is about to throw a tantrum.“You shouldn’t have fired me.” You don’t care about that job, but it hurt your resume.“A-Are you that petty…?” Cat can’t believe her eyes.“You and Odetta aren’t from Laoling, so it will be good if you experience our history and culture first hand.” You have made your decision.“Me too…?” Odetta is confused. “F-Fine.” She didn’t complain like you were expecting.“It’s been decided! No backsies! Now, it’s a bit early, sooo… I’m gonna take a nap!” Maggie escapes to the girls' room.
>>4513953“I suppose we don’t have to start our missions early today.” You admit that it’s a good idea, there are some things you can do.Everyone takes this as a cue to do their own thing…You want to check up on how your old clients are doing since some of them told you to contact them after the fact. Also, there are other individuals you might want to call as well…Who do want to call?>Gualberto. Silver Sun’s little brother. If his brother made a movie that means things didn’t go well for the kid…>Lorena. The girl of the many Juice Boxes. Did the cultists let her be or did they start to creep up again?>Nina Uccelli. The daughter of your kind neighbors. She mentioned a special reward, or was that your imagination?>The Green Wall Terezinha. The professional boxer girl. Did La Pared decide to help or not?>Kong Bo. The fisherman. Do you even have his phone number…? Maybe you’ll have to make a smoke signal?>Kae. The trash girl. How did things go for her in the New Flux?>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)
>>4513954>Nina Uccelli. The daughter of your kind neighbors. She mentioned a special reward, or was that your imagination?She did say to call her back later.
>>4513954>>The Green Wall Terezinha. The professional boxer girl. Did La Pared decide to help or not?
>>4513954>The Green Wall Terezinha. The professional boxer girl. Did La Pared decide to help or not?
>>4513954>The Green Wall Terezinha. The professional boxer girl. Did La Pared decide to help or not?Do we have time for other calls?
>>4513953 #>“You’re my partner already, Cat. Get used to this.” You are tired of this nonsense.>"B-But ex-assistant…!” Catastrovania is about to throw a tantrum.>“You shouldn’t have fired me.” You don’t care about that job, but it hurt your resume.>“A-Are you that petty…?” Cat can’t believe her eyes.Its in the name, you dumb loli cunt. Slightly PETTY Revenge Quest. Way better than the shithole quest YOU come from, you sad worthless fucking excuse for a meme character. I hope that idiot ShortstackQM stops being a pretend smug bitch about you too, god fucking damn
You’re going to call the one you feel is the most urgent to know of, the boxer girl Terezinha. Did the wall agree to coach the other wall? You have no idea what to expect despite leaving with a good taste in your mouth over the ordeal yesterday. Time to find out…After greeting each other, you ask the pertinent question…“How did things go with La Pared?” You need to do quality control.“He is as intimidating as I was expecting but willing to listen, truly a formidable man from a bygone era.” Terezinha recalls. You never found him intimidating in the slightest. “Though, I have to attribute his willingness to you, he said as much. I really can’t thank you enough.”“Did he?” You’re surprised he even mentioned you, knowing how bizarre the guy is.“Yes, your group helped him find his courage! I can only imagine how tough it is for your passion to be the source of so much pain. I won’t let his fire extinguish again, that’s my promise.” Terezinha sounds determined. “He did say you wanted to remain anonymous for some reason despite, you know, me being the one who contacted you…”“He’s kind of an eccentric guy…” You won’t delve into that. He didn’t bother to ask your name after all the help you gave him...“But he was really grateful to you all! I felt like once we hit it off together, he understood that he hit the jackpot with me and that you gave him a real chance to redeem himself in his eyes.” Terezinha is not that humble about her own abilities. You respect that. “He’s already a legend, so I hope our partnership will show him how much he means to the world of boxing.”“So I assume things went well between you two, then?”“Yes, he wasn’t easy to convince despite all your help. I had to overcome a tough test before he agreed.” A proud Terezinha explains. “Also, his plane tickets… He wanted first class, I’m a professional but I’m not rolling in money yet.”“What kind of test?” You’re a little interested in this.“He taught me how to do his legendary Corkscrew Counterpunch! It was a nightmare to use the phone’s camera for it, but I passed it without issues. I thought I had it dominated from my studies, but he showed me you can’t learn anything just from analyzing it.” Terezinha tells it like it was fun.
>>4514684“How does that work? Can you show me how?” You’re curious if this really can be a thing.“But of course! I’m glad to teach the ways of La Pared to anyone!” Terezinha is up for it.You learned the cowardly dark art of counter punching… What an awkward way to learn it…“You’re not half bad, I didn’t expect you to be in such good shape if I’m being honest.” Terezinha seems surprised.“Thank you, it means a lot coming from you.” You didn’t think it was going to be this easy.“Those words will carry more merit in a few weeks, hahaha!” Terezinha’s spirits are all high up. “See this little lesson as another way to thank you aside from the payment.” Odetta is probably receiving all that money… “If you’re up for it, I can relay to you the lessons from my new coach! It will be a good way to practice.”“Sounds like a lovely idea.” You’re up for it. You might have unlocked a new way of training…Anything you want to ask to Terezinha?>No.>“So who was the guy who beat you that started this whole thing?”>“You’re firing your coach then?”>Write In.Who do want to call now?>Gualberto. Silver Sun’s little brother. If his brother made a movie that means things didn’t go well for the kid…>Lorena. The girl of the many Juice Boxes. Did the cultists let her be or did they start to creep up again?>Nina Uccelli. The daughter of your kind neighbors. She mentioned a special reward, or was that your imagination?>Kong Bo. The fisherman. Do you even have his phone number…? Maybe you’ll have to make a smoke signal?>Kae. The trash girl. How did things go for her in the New Flux?>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.>Nobody, you’re good to start the mission.>Write In.
>>4514685>>“So who was the guy who beat you that started this whole thing?”>Nobody, you’re good to start the mission.We've delayed this for way too long
>>4514685>“So who was the guy who beat you that started this whole thing?”>Nina Uccelli. The daughter of your kind neighbors. She mentioned a special reward, or was that your imagination?
>>4514685>“So who was the guy who beat you that started this whole thing?”>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.And then do the mission
>>4514685>“So who was the guy who beat you that started this whole thing?”>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.
“So who was the guy who beat you that started this whole thing?” You’re curious to know more about one of the finest boxing prospects the country has to offer.“I believe I told you it wasn’t just one fight, I lost several and in most of them I felt outclassed. The press didn’t think so, but I knew better. I didn’t resort to this because I only lost one match.” Terezinha has a point. “I’ll admit that I got humiliated in my last match though…”“By whom?” You wonder.“Another rookie that goes by the name Red Bullet. Unlike my other matches, he toyed with me just for the sake of it, finding pleasure in my lack of skills… To most people it was a close fight, but he only made it seem that way just to piss me off. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it!” Terezinha sounds angry but composed. Red Bullet sounds oddly familiar…“How are you so sure he was toying with you if nobody else noticed? Maybe you got it all wrong and it was a close match.” You make what you think is a valid point.“It’s the little things… the way he moved… the unnecessary flashiness… the way taunted me.” Terezinha is more of the silent rage type. “I know most of it comes from the style of boxing nowadays, but I just couldn’t stop him!” Terezinha really felt outclassed.“I lived through something similar, it feels frustrating just thinking about it.” And that’s the reason why you’re training.“Haha! You get me!” Terezinha has a cute chuckle. “I know this is a sport and all, but that Koh is going to pay for what he did.”“Koh?” You don’t think that’s…“Sorry, Alfred, I’m going to hang up. My blood is boiling and I need to channel this ire of mine into results! Wish me luck!” Terezinha hangs up.“Good luck.” You say goodbye to no one. So Koh made it to the big leagues, huh? You’re happy for your friend, even if he’s not the type that gets all cheerful.…That’s rich coming from you.
>>4514751Next on the list is to call your lovely neighbors’ daughter, Nina Uccelli. Last time, you used Disquid to communicate with her by her own request, and by her, you mean the other mysterious girl... You’ll stick to the phone this time.“Hello, am I speaking with Nina Uccelli?” You greet.“Yes, this is totally Nina Uccelli. Who am I talking to? What do you need?” Nina responds. She sounds… different, in more than a manner of speaking.Something is off.How do you respond?>“Yes, I’m Alfred Brown from the Psi Xi Pi. You requested me to talk to you after the mission was done.” Be professional.>“Can you hand the phone to the real Nina Uccelli?” You know it’s that other girl.>Hang Up.>Write In.
>>4514755>>Hang Up.It's not worth this shit
>>4514755>Hang Up.
>>4514755>Hang Up.Clearly not out client. Waste of time remaining on the line
>>4514755>“Can you hand the phone to the real Nina Uccelli?” You know it’s that other girl.Professionalism demands dealing with bullshit I guess.
As you pass through the names, you receive a call. It’s from Nina Uccelli.“Hello? Al? I’m so sorry! I was so careless!” It’s the real Nina this time. “I have no idea when she stole my phone, but I’m here!” That’s the sleep inducing voice of the real Nina.“There is no need to apologize, I’m glad you returned my call.” You try to calm her down a bit.“I feel so embarrassed, I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.” Nina sounds really apologetic.“It’s not as big a deal as you’re making it to be.” You don’t want her to get all agitated for nothing.“I understand you’re trying to be polite with me, but I know how frustrating this can be.” Nina can’t let it go. “I’ll find a way to make it up to you.”“If that makes you feel better, feel free, but there is no need.” You feel like you need to relent instead of going in circles.“You’re as polite as my momma says. Oh shoot! I-I mean mom…! L-like my mom says!” Nina didn’t realize she was using her more affectionate nickname for Berenice.“You called her like that all the time last conversation.” You remind her so she doesn’t feel bad.“Oh no…” Nina sounds embarrassed. Mission Failed. “L-Let’s move on! Oh, I know why you called! The payment didn’t go through, right? I have no idea why that keeps happening…”“No, that’s not it.” You reply.“But I feel like I forgot something…” Nina is onto something.How do you respond?>“You said you wanted to call you after the mission was done to personally thank us.”>“The other person that lives with you, that Susie, why does she keep stealing your phone? I would be careful if I were you.”>“So how are you planning on making it up to me?”>Write In.(No more replies today, we continue when we continue)
>>4514887>>“You said you wanted to call you after the mission was done to personally thank us.”
>>4514887>“You said you wanted to call you after the mission was done to personally thank us.”
>>4514887>“You said you wanted to call you after the mission was done to personally thank us.
“You said you wanted us to call you after the mission was done, so you can personally thank us.” You remind this clumsy woman of something she said two days ago.“That’s correct!” It all makes sense to Nina now. “I’m sorry for being so absentminded, it’s been a strange day for me so far.”“There is no problem.” You know it’s not a big deal.“I know it’s an empty display of gratitude saying it over the phone, but thank you for all you did, Al! And your friend Maggie as well!” Nina sounds more cheerful than you thought was possible from her sleep inducing voice. “But you know what, I think you deserve something a little more special than this.”“We received your payment, it’s fine.” That’s how deals work.“I digress! My parents were overjoyed with your visit, probably the best anniversary they had in a long while! You accomplished way more than what our deal stated! The money you received isn’t enough.” Nina wants to find a way to compensate unnecessarily.“I don’t feel comfortable receiving anything more from your family, they treated us very well the other day.” You’re more than indebted them.“You really sound like a hard guy to please! I know you’re trying to remain humble, but you sometimes need to relax and be thankful you’re getting a present every now and then, that’s how life smiles back at you. If not, slowly you’re going to miss these tokens of appreciation and then you’re going to start feeling lonely…” Nina is projecting, but you’ll take her advice anyhow. “You’re a friend of our family, and we don’t have many of them. So you don’t have to see this as a present, but as friends helping one another.”“Understood, ma’am.” You don’t want her to keep rambling about this so you’re going to accept her present.
>>4516303“Let’s talk about business, shall we? Before anything, please, don’t tell my parents about what I’m going to say, I don’t want them to worry. It’s a secret between us.” Nina is being suspicious all of the sudden.“If you’re in danger, I’m going to tell them.” You don’t want them to see that family suffer in any shape or form.“C-Calm down, Al! I’m perfectly fine, I promise! No danger at all!” That took Nina by surprise. “S-Should I mention this or…?”“The cat is out of the bag.” And it’s not Catastrovania.“I guess you’re right…” Nina feels like she has no other option. “I’m offering you an exchange information, Al. I now understand what your group is all about, so this might be useful to you. Let’s say I have access to a certain large database of sorts, mostly from people here in Pokyo Lokyo… So if there is anyone you want to ask about, I’ll look into it! So, is there anyone you want to know about? Let’s test it…”This is not where you were expecting this conversation to go at all…Do you want to know about someone?>Aleister Price.>Thank her, but you don’t need it now.>You’re not interested at all. You don’t want any information now or ever.>Ask her to explain what’s going on.>Write In.Who do you want to call now after this call is done?>Gualberto. Silver Sun’s little brother. If his brother made a movie that means things didn’t go well for the kid…>Lorena. The girl of the many Juice Boxes. Did the cultists let her be or did they start to creep up again?>Kong Bo. The fisherman. Do you even have his phone number…? Maybe you’ll have to make a smoke signal?>Kae. The trash girl. How did things go for her in the New Flux?>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.>Nobody, you’re good to start the mission.>Write In.(Only reply of the day, we continue tomorrow and Happy Halloween!)
>>4516307
>>4516307>>Aleister Price.>Gualberto. Silver Sun’s little brother. If his brother made a movie that means things didn’t go well for the kid…
>>4516307>Aleister Price.>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.
>>4516307>>Aleister Price.>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.
>>4516307>Aleister Price.Know your enemy>Ichie. Aleister’s friend. Keep the charade that you have no intention to hurt Aleister and get more information about the bastard.Using our new info to maybe manipulate her is in-line with what Alfred would do
“Very well, I would like to know about a man named Aleister Price.” You’re not going to turn down the chance.“All right!” Nina seems enthusiastic about divulging a stranger’s personal information. You’re meeting too many people who are like that, you’re not sure if you like it. “It’s a hit! We have him in the database, how strange. I was prepared to send people over to investigate, I mean, they’re not exactly people, but…”“Why is it strange?” You’re tired of asking questions all morning, but it’s necessary to keep the conversation going.“Uhm, without boring you with the details, it means someone else was interested in him at one point.” Nina partially reveals instead of rambling like last time; she sounds like she’s new to this. “Now, before we continue, I’m not going to ask you why you need this information, but in the future, I expect the same treatment from you if I require your help again.”“That’s fair.” And useful.“I expect you not to use it for anything bad, so please don’t disappoint me.” Nina cordially requests. “Also, don’t say a word to anyone! I trust you, Al!”“Duly noted. Please, proceed.” Nina starts relying the information she has to you:—Aleister Price18 Years old. Highschool Student. Born in the region of Baochang. The youngest of the Price Brothers, one of the families that are part of The Five Heavenly Pillars: The group of the 5 wealthiest families in the country who backed the current President’s coup decades ago. The Prices have a lot of companies under their wing, but they keep all ties anonymous.Aleister’s dad, Gamadel, died of old age not too long after Aleister was born. There are no records of his mother. His brothers are Gamadel Jr. and Maximum, they have a considerable age gap between them all, and the former died under strange circumstances.Aleister was raised in the capital Pokyo Lokyo for most of his life – he attends The Golden Peak Academy, the most prestigious private school in the country. Known troublemaker and loves to get into gang fights, nicknamed the Man-Made Tempest for his ability to absolutely annihilate large groups of delinquents all by himself. Despite all that, he never formally formed part of his school gang, as they were considered a bunch of weaklings. It is said the only person who ever beat him was a kid named Blake Wilkinson. None of these misconducts appeared in any official school documentation or police files until very recently, like someone wants to get rid of him.He’s known to hang out with Vender Duss and his childhood friend Ichie Saionji. Some say he has a crush on one of the school’s model students…Aleister is a fan of overseas superhero comics and MMA; he dislikes Garlic, Ducks, Criminals, Flowers and Little Convenience Stores.
>>4517684It appears that the information is not up to date. But you still find it useful.Do you have any question?>“Thank you, this information was useful.” That should be it for this conversation. Time to move on.>“Can you give me information on his brother?” You’re interested in knowing more about his family.>“Can you look into it more? I believe the information is not up to date.” You know there are missing pieces here and there. You’re not going to be informed about this right away though.>Write In.
>>4517685>>“Can you give me information on his brother?” You’re interested in knowing more about his family.
>>4517685>“Can you look into it more? I believe the information is not up to date.” You know there are missing pieces here and there. You’re not going to be informed about this right away though.
>>4517684>“Can you give me information on his brother?” You’re interested in knowing more about his family.
>>4517685>“Can you give me information on his brother?” You’re interested in knowing more about his family.
>>4517685>“Can you give me information on his brother?” You’re interested in knowing more about his family.Family ties are those that bind but can also strangle
“I wasn’t expecting Blake and Nariko to come up here…” Nina mutters to herself, she’s too surprised by this information, which means you were right: she’s new at this.“People you know?” You wonder.“Yes, but don’t mind me. There isn’t much I can do anymore…” Nina doesn’t want to alarm you. “Will you be okay? These are the Five Heavenly Pillars we’re talking about here.”“I don’t think so, but can you give me information on his brother?” You need as much information as you can.“Very well, anything to make you be sure that you will be…” Nina starts digging up from her database…You’ll omit information you already know.—Maximum Price46 Years Old. Senator and businessman. Born in the region of Baochang. The middle child of the Price Brothers. Holds the concept of family in high regard. Currently, the head of the Price Family and the many companies they have under their control, which he can’t be directly involved with thanks to his political career. It is believed the SaoinjI Family is the one administering them, but there is no evidence.Lawyer and Historian by trade, he had to study the former for his father to let him do the latter. Still, he ended up practicing the law as a judge until his political career opened up early in his life. To this day, just a marginal amount of people know him since there are too many members in the senate, and he doesn’t use this platform to speak often. Despite that, he has a perfect track record in the senate, one of the few. He’s also one of the most seasoned members of the senate, and has never voted against the interest of “the people”.Despite being relatively young at the time, he was the one who convinced his father to join the now-president’s coup against the president’s father. Many have said that all the success of the Price Family was thanks to him for these kinds of decisions.He’s incredibly secretive about his personal life, and nobody is really sure where he lives, if he even lives in one place. All this information came from different members of his entourage.It is known he’s a fan of Strawberry Juice, and severely dislikes violence and boxing.That’s interesting information, but if you want to get to him, you’ll have to go through Aleister first and use him as bait. Not like you’re planning to do anything to him…Do you have any questions?>“Where did you get all this information?” Know more about Nina’s informants.>“Thank you, this information was useful.” That should be it for this conversation. Time to move on.>“Can you look into Aleister’s information more? I believe the information is not up to date.” You know there are missing pieces here and there. You’re not going to be informed about this right away though.>Write In.
>>4517826>>“Can you look into Aleister’s information more? I believe the information is not up to date.” You know there are missing pieces here and there. You’re not going to be informed about this right away though.
>>4517826>“Can you look into Aleister’s information more? I believe the information is not up to date.” You know there are missing pieces here and there. You’re not going to be informed about this right away though.
“Can you look into Aleister’s information more? I believe the information is not up to date.” You know there are missing pieces here and there.“Consider it done! Well, don’t; I’ll need some time to dig it up first! I’m not fond of texting, but I’ll send you a message with our findings. I don’t want to interrupt your day later.” Nina accepts to look further into this. “I’m free to talk if you choose to.”“Great, thank you for all of this, it will come in handy.” You didn’t think helping the Uccelli would aid your vendetta, but here you are.“Don’t mention it. Just make sure to stay out of trouble and stay healthy!” Nina is being far friendlier now that she knows you a bit, just like Berenice. You appreciate it. “I shouldn’t worry, momma said you’re in great shape.” She again called Berenice ‘Momma’…“I keep my exercise routine every day.” And without fault.“That’s great! I wish I had the same tenacity as you. A great diet also helps wonders.” Nina chuckles. “I imagine that went out the window a bit the other day knowing my parents! I bet they stuffed you like a teddy bear! Hmm… How I miss my momma’s cooking, maybe I could make myself a pie.”“A pie? All for yourself?” You question.“I-I’m not planning to eat it all in one go, don’t be ridiculous! I-I’ll share with some friends!” Nina is on the defensive right away. “M-Maybe he read my messages and we could meet today…” This latter part she murmurs.“…Nina, you’re out of shape, aren’t you?”“Ah…?!” Nina sounds like she’s in shock. “Well… I… just a tiny bit. Over my usual weight. Yeah.”“Show me. I can help you figure out an exercise routine.” If you were able to help Maggie, you can help anyone.“T-T-That’s fine! I bet you’re having a busy morning, so I’m not going to take any more of your time! I’ll look into this Aleister kid again, See ya!” Nina hangs up like her life depended on it.“I’ll convince her next time.” You’re not going to let people laze around easily under your surveillance.Next on the list to call is Ichie… You learned some information about Aleister, it may be of use here… You dial up her number.“Alfred! I was thinking about you!” A cheerful Ichie greets you.“You were?” You don’t know how to feel about it.“Indeed, I was thinking about what happened at the Great Care and how sorry I still feel. I’m glad you decided to call me! It means you really care.” Ichie is so happy for you like you’re a recovering alcoholic. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
>>4517938How do you respond?>“So where is Aleister living? I want to meet up to apologize in person.” Get more info.>“So how have you been, Ichie?” Pretend you care a great deal for her.>“Well, I called you, but I’m not exactly sure how to continue from this…” Pretend to be troubled and in seek of guidance.>Write In.
>>4517940>>“So where is Aleister living? I want to meet up to apologize in person.” Get more info.
>>4517940>“So where is Aleister living? I want to meet up to apologize in person.” Get more info.
>>4517938>“So where is Aleister living? I want to meet up to apologize in person.” Get more info.
“So where is Aleister living?” I want to meet up to apologize in person.” You pretend to be interested in taking the next step now.“Woah, Alfred, I’m deeply touched! I know how difficult it must be for you to leave your pride aside and plea for forgiveness! In a world where men are educated from birth to make that admirable notion define them, for you to put it aside, it means so much!” Ichie is almost in tears. “I knew you were quite something.”“Thanks, I suppose.” You don’t know how to respond to this.“And that’s exactly the reason why I want to support you while you’re doing this, traversing the correct path is a difficult task that clouds your mind with doubts. I know I can help you with that little push! Seeing a great man fight against this cruel society’s expectations and rise above them, it’s so wonderful to see! A treat in all of its letters!” Ichie is too excited about this. “It’s so enthralling, don’t you think? I want to see it!”“I understand.” You still don’t know how to respond to this.“Then you’ll grant me your permission to accompany you on this magical day?” Ichie is begging it by her tone.How do you respond?>“A real man’s apology is one on one. Sorry, Ichie, but my pride doesn’t let me. Now tell me where he lives.” Pretend to be the caricature she’s making and deny her access.>“Sure, I don’t mind.” What was the point of this again?>“I’m sorry, Ichie, but I don’t trust you yet. I hope you understand.” You don’t hope she does, really.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow or Tuesday.)
>>4517993>>“A real man’s apology is one on one. Sorry, Ichie, but my pride doesn’t let me. Now tell me where he lives.” Pretend to be the caricature she’s making and deny her access.Tell her this is between two man.
>>4517993>“I’m sorry, Ichie, but I don’t trust you yet. I hope you understand.” You don’t hope she does, really.>"But if you trust me to handle this alone, I'll be able to trust you."
>>4517993>“A real man’s apology is one on one. Sorry, Ichie, but my pride doesn’t let me. Now tell me where he lives.” Pretend to be the caricature she’s making and deny her access.
>>4517993>“A real man’s apology is one on one. Sorry, Ichie, but my pride doesn’t let me. Now tell me where he lives.” Pretend to be the caricature she’s making and deny her access.I hope when the time comes, we kill her and Vender too. This has to be a fucking facade with how insufferable she is
“A real man’s apology is done one on one. Sorry, Ichie, but my pride doesn’t let me.” You pretend to be the caricature she created. “Now tell me where he lives.”“So bold and impudent! Demanding others to do your binding to maintain your own essence! Yet it is so wonderful you use this rashness to find a way to overcome your own failings, it’s so magisterially ironic. So inspiring! Witnessing it brings me so much joy…” Ichie sounds touched by your answer. “But you shouldn’t let these false expectations weigh on you, a real apology comes from the heart, the circumstances in which it happens don’t determine the veracity of it. Just like last time at the Great Care, when you apologized and made your wonderful promise, I knew your bodacious words were real because I felt it deep in my heart, and that was despite you doing it in front of everyone! That’s all that matters! Your love!” Ichie says despite all of those words being lies.“Yet, I maintain that I need to do this alone. This is far more serious than what happened at the Great Care.” You continue your charade.“Alfred, I invite you to reflect on the words I just said. Is it really important to you for me to be there?” Ichie doesn’t like where the conversation is going.“No, that’s why I want to go alone.” You retort.“I wish it was that simple! But Aleister won’t be as receptive if you were to do it all on your own, a familiar face like me would do wonders for your apology to be received. I have no doubts he will accept them, he’s an incredible individual after all!” Ichie won’t let you get that information easily. “Is it that you don’t trust me?”How do you respond?>“If he’s that receptive, he will hear my heartfelt apology, Ichie. Believe in me.” Be positive.>“I do, but it’s not that simple for me. I swear this is going to be the only time I’ll do it on my own. Small steps.” Defend the idea to be all alone.>“You really don’t care about helping me out, you’re just like everyone else.” Act dejected.>Write In.
>>4518580>>“You really don’t care about helping me out, you’re just like everyone else.” Act dejected.>"I thought you were different, Ichie."
>>4518580>>“If he’s that receptive, he will hear my heartfelt apology, Ichie. Believe in me.” Be positive.
>>4518580>“You really don’t care about helping me out, you’re just like everyone else.” Act dejected.>"I thought you were different, Ichie."
“You really don’t care about helping me out, you’re just like everyone else.” You act dejected. Your charisma is high enough for you to fool people easily. “I thought you were different, Ichie.”“Wait, Alfred! There is nothing in this world I care more about right now than helping you with your struggles! It’s my mission as the heir of the Saionji family to care about those who we believe in!” Ichie expresses her desire to help you. “I understand that society as a whole has made you jaded and distrustful to people, but I want to be the welcoming change inside your heart before it turns dark. Please, listen to my words!”“You don't sound that different than everyone else...” You continue your act.“But I am! I’ll do anything in my power to help you become the wonderful individual you were always supposed to become, Alfred!” Ichie makes her pledge.“You promise?” You act like you’re having some faith.“I do!” Ichie is so naïve.“Then, tell me where Aleister lives.”“It’s going to be fruitless without my presence. Please reconsider!”“You just don’t believe in me.” Back to acting jaded.“I do, Alfred. With all my being. But it’s hard not to take into account the effects society has had on you, and what consequences those could bring.” Ichie is being honest or at least pretends to be. “I too am affected by the presumptions this world created. It’s a daily struggle that I wish to overcome when I’m mature enough one day, but these faults won’t deter me from helping you.”“Yet they stop you from helping me right now.” You plant the seed of doubt.“I’m aware of that, but I believe we can arrive at a consensus, work a new deal! My greatest fear is that you won’t be able to express your feelings towards Aleister in an adequate manner on your own, but with my guidance, I know you will be able to.” Ichie has a proposition in mind. “So we need to arrange a counseling session! Just the two of us, I don’t want Ms. Duchemin or that witch looking girl around. I’ll be more than glad to teach you what you need to know to make this apology work!”Ichie has offered to teach you how to deal with Aleister. A lesson that would’ve been useful months ago. You could potentially earn her trust, but you don’t care about that.How do you respond?>“Like, right now?” You don’t have the time, you need to do the mission! You can arrange this for later…>“Sounds good, anything to apologize on my own.” Accept her strange deal.>“That’s a convoluted way to tell me how untrustworthy I am. If you can’t tell me where Aleister lives, I don’t think we should continue this conversation.” Continue your charade. Be consistent.>Write In.
>>4518640>>“Like, right now?” You don’t have the time, you need to do the mission! You can arrange this for later…>"But, as a sign of mutual trust, can you just tell me where Aleister live already?" Ask again.
>>4518640>“Sounds good, anything to apologize on my own.” Accept her strange deal.
>>4518640>“Like, right now?” You don’t have the time, you need to do the mission! You can arrange this for later…
>>4518640>“Sounds good, anything to apologize on my own.” Accept her strange deal.>Avoid vomiting into your mouth at the very thought of apologizing to Al*ister
>>4518652>>4518640changing to>“Like, right now?” You don’t have the time, you need to do the mission! You can arrange this for later…
“Like, right now?” You don’t have the time for this right now.“Are you busy? I thought you were determined to work it out today! That makes things easier.” Ichie relaxed. “I hope you don’t lose the spark that made you want to work things out today! It’s a huge step and it’s going to be so worth it!”“Believe me, that spark won’t go away anytime soon…” You give her an ominous response. “But yeah, I have work to do.”“I imagine some exhausting labor is on your way knowing your circumstances, working every fiber in your entire body with little to no hope for moving up the social ladder… Such a breathtaking tale! Just don’t neglect your body and stay healthy, Alfred!” Ichie wishes you well the same way Nina did, but 10 times phonier. “Feel free to call me anytime to arrange our counselling! I’ll be eagerly waiting for your call!”“Even at 3 AM?” You deadpan.“Of course! I said anytime!” Ichie is one weird girl. “Work that makes you stay out so late… Alfred, I’m so glad we’re doing this for you!”“I’ll be talking to you later, see ya.” You’re happy to hang up on this conversation.“Take care, Alfred! Don’t forsake the path of redemption!” Ichie is way too excited about this.You’re glad this conversation is finally over, but you didn’t get the results you wanted…Do you want to keep calling people? If so, who?>Gualberto. Silver Sun’s little brother. If his brother made a movie that means things didn’t go well for the kid…>Lorena. The girl of the many Juice Boxes. Did the cultists let her be or did they start to creep up again?>Kong Bo. The fisherman. Do you even have his phone number…? Maybe you’ll have to make a smoke signal?>Kae. The trash girl. How did things go for her in the New Flux?>Call nobody, you’re good to start the mission.>Write In.
>>4518729>>Call nobody, you’re good to start the mission.
>>4518729>Call nobody, you’re good to start the mission.
Enough time wasted, let’s get into action and do this mission at last. It’s time to get that so-called important briefing before you get moving, in other words, you’re going to call your clients. You find it strange that the township decided to request for help on this shady website, even more suspicious that it's about the most important celebration to the people of Laoling: the Red Emitter Dance. As a little history lesson, you’ll explain what it is:The Red Emitter Dance is a celebration a couple of days before New Year’s Eve. Almost one thousand years ago, there were two provinces at war trying to conquer each other, the one correspondent to Laoling's enlisted almost all of the men in the province to join the army.But, unexpectedly, the other province went for a flank attack through the sea, directly to Laoling. Capturing it will give them leverage for a pincer attack to the Province’s base. With nothing left but young men between 12 and 16 years old, they made an impromptu battalion to repel the attack.The kids were sent in little boats to stop the enemy men before arriving, most of them were killed on their shitty boats. Legends say that the beach’s waves turned red with their spilled blood. They were massacred, but the rest of the town was able to escape.Months later after the war was over, near New Year’s Eve, the townsfolk came back to their ravaged village. The mothers of the dead kids did a special ceremonial dance to guide their kids' souls back to heaven, so they can find peace at last.It became a national holiday thanks to the display of courage made by the kids as a political ploy of the owner of the province, who should thank them for saving his territory as a whole. It is said that killing a bunch of kids completely demoralized the flanking army, and mutinies began to happen, rendering the planned pincer attack a disaster.At this point in time, nobody outside town remembers what the day is really about. The tourists just like the dances and festivities attached to it. The whole town of Laoling gets filled with them during the week of New Year’s Eve, and people know Laoling has one of the best firework shows in the whole country.Bucket Day is regarded as a better holiday for the townsfolk in Laoling anyway, ‘cause it’s far less noisy. As the once-owner of a little convenience store, you got a good bump in sales, so you don’t complain about it. You like both holidays almost the same for different reasons.
>>4518808Where were you? Oh, right, you need to call the number the township left… You’re introduced to Gao Wu, he’s the mayor’s assistant. After briefly introducing each other, he explains what’s going on:“It’s an emergency that needs to be kept between us, do you understand? We didn’t develop the best festivities in the whole country by divulging our secrets.” Gao Wu sounds like a fishy guy.“I do. I imagine it is something serious if you’re using informal means to tackle this issue.” You respond.“Sharp, aren’t you?” Gao Wu doesn’t appreciate the comment. “The celebration is months away, but we need to have this done soon-ish. If you’re tackling this today, you need to go to the town’s main temple. There they are going to give you a briefing on what to do.”How do you respond?>“If I don’t know what I’m getting into, I don’t know if I can help.” You need to know more.>“Understood. I’ll be going.” Take Cat and Odetta with you, you’re going onto another trip. Also, remind him that he’ll pay for the fuel.>“Does the mayor know about this?” Something is fishy here…>Write In.
>>4518810>>“If I don’t know what I’m getting into, I don’t know if I can help.” You need to know more.
>>4518810>“If I don’t know what I’m getting into, I don’t know if I can help.” You need to know more.
>>4518810>“If I don’t know what I’m getting into, I don’t know if I can help.” You need to know more.He's retarded if he thinks the job can get done with so little prior ibfo
“If I don’t know what I’m getting into, I don’t know if I can help.” Information is key.“What’s the point of hiring a secret agency if you want me to divulge this information by phone? Who knows who’s listening to us right now…” Gao Wu is pretty bothered by your question. “You’ll get there, and someone else is going to explain it to you, understood?”“I do, but I don’t want to travel for hours just to realize I wasn’t needed. So if you could please at least give me a little tidbit, it would be appreciated.” You retort.“Ugh, I’ll explain, but I’m keeping my eyes on you, kid.” Gao Wu is getting angry, but relents. “It is going to sound preposterous, but a ghost is haunting the temple, and it’s not letting the dancers rehearse. We always use the Temple for everything related to the festivities, even accommodating some of our guests and the dancers, and one of the most important parts of the whole spectacle is done there. So we can’t just move.” Gao Wu explains. “Some believe the ghost showed up because for the first time ever we brought a foreigner to do this year’s choreography. The tourists were having issues following it up, so we brought her to simplify it. What nonsense, the truth is, I think someone is sabotaging us. Whatever it is, we need your people to deal with this.”“I see…” Strangely, you’re perfect for the job.“We read that you successfully got rid of that office ghost, so we knew you were perfect for the job. So next time instead of asking redundant questions you can just trust we’re doing our part for the hiring process.” Gao Wu is really mad at you.“I don’t think anyone cares if you’re getting haunted for real or not. I’m sure all the people in Laoling would be happy to help you get this done.” You retort.“Secrecy is the most important aspect of our festivity! I don’t have time to keep talking, so now you must get this done. You understand? Our integrity is at stake.” Gao Wu pressures. “Either way, I wish you the best in this endeavor. Our town depends on you. Ciao.” He hangs up.“Right…” You won’t become a folk hero for this. But you do care about the town.
>>4518896How did you end up dealing with even more ghosts…? Either way, it’s time to embark onto a new mission. Bruce and Maggie were already gone by the time you went for the spooky girls. As you drive them, you explain to them what’s going on. Both of them are confident they will get this done with ease, each one for different reasons… Only one of them gives you good ones.This time too Odetta wanted to go without the wheelchair, you relented but took it just in case. You’re back to using your stupid hat just in case…It took a long while, but you arrive at the temple, sadly there is no one outside…“The temple of knowledge…” Odetta reads the nameplate over the giant door out loud. “Looks like a dump.”“Assistant, you’re re-hired for this mission!” Catastrovania proclaims! “Now, explain to me, what are we supposed to do? There is no one here!”What do you do?>Try to find someone who works here.>Knock on the giant door.>Call Gao Wu and ask him what you are supposed to do.>Tell them to find the ghost, if there is any, and get this done with.>Write In.
>>4518897>>Try to find someone who works here.
“Let’s find someone we can talk to.” You put it in simple.“Our client didn’t set us a meeting with the people we’re working with? How lazy can he be? Let’s tell the ghost to haunt him instead.” Odetta is already plotting revenge.“I feel an otherworldly presence around us, I think our vengeance is inevitable.” Catastrovania chuckles, all pleased.“We’re at a temple, of course there are spirits wandering around. But are they strong enough to haunt people? I doubt it.” Odetta rejects the idea.“You have no idea what kind of DEMONS have joined my ARMY of DARKNESS! I feel the presence of one of that kind.” Catastrovania tries to act all cool.“Your dumb charade makes it difficult to take what you say seriously…” Odetta is the only one who truly believes Catastrovania has some kind of real power.“I don’t think you’re supposed to.” You intervene before noticing someone from afar. “Hey there, you work here?”“Hello there, I’m sorry, but the temple is closed today.” The woman in robes responds.“You work here?” Odetta asks immediately.“Yes, I’m one of the attendants who works here, my name is Emilie. Who are you? How can I help you?” Emilie sounds kind of cold.How do you respond?>“We’re the Ghostbusters.”>“I wanted to show the temple to my friends here, I know it’s not usually closed. What gives?”>“The township sent us to help with the Red Emitter Dance stuff.”>Write In.
>>4518966>>“The township sent us to help with the Red Emitter Dance stuff.”
>>4518966>“The township sent us to help with the Red Emitter Dance stuff.”
“The township sent us to help with the Red Emitter Dance stuff.” You clarify.“Is that so? I’m glad.” Emelie relaxes. “At last, help has arrived… we’re in big trouble here.”“I can sense it, the evildoer is among us…” Catastrovania pretends to be psychic.“Don’t listen to her. She’s like the team’s pet.” Odetta makes it painfully obvious that you should ignore Cat.“P-Pet…!?” Catastrovania feels really offended.“Do not fret, you’re not the first group of oddballs the township has sent. The strangeness doesn’t bother me.” Emilie seems used to this.“Now we’re labeled as oddballs all thanks to you, Cat.” Odetta pouts.“H-How is this MY fault?! This woman has no tact!” Catastrovania gets annoyed too.“Just follow me inside, please.” Emilie doesn’t give two fucks about what any of you think as she sports a smile from ear to ear. Her attitude is commendable in your book.You are welcome inside the temple at a long empty area with a stage at the back of it, you imagine this is where the dance will happen, it’s as huge as you imagined just from looking outside. She invites you all to the next floor, where Emelie assured you there is a good place you can talk. You go through the enormous stairs to some kind of reception, almost looking like something you would find in a hotel. There are some seats she invites you all to sit on.Emelie was about to explain what’s going on, but you inform her about the intel you got from Gao Wu. That leaves Emilie speechless. Oh, and you introduced yourselves.“…You got Mr. Wu to inform you of everything? That’s simply amazing. He’s always about keeping secrets and whatnot.” Emilie already feels more trust in you.“We’re professionals after all.” Catastrovania replies, all smug.“Indeed, we are.” Odetta is on the same page. “So we got ghosts or a potential saboteur, which one do you think it is?”“I believe there is a specter at play here, yes.” Emilie doesn’t seem to be pulling your leg. “I don’t know if Mr. Wu is not aware of this or if he simply omitted it, but for the ceremony we need to bring the Statue of the Parting Souls down to the floor level. We keep it at the top of the temple all year, so it can be visible for the people outside, but it’s a key element for the dance since it symbolizes the spirits of the deceased instead of the coffins like in the tale. The thing is, we can’t open the door to the roof, it’s like a dark force maintains it closed. We just don’t know how or why, but it’s not like we can bust it open, this temple is considered World Heritage and our home.”“That does sound like the work of an evil spirit.” Catastrovania draws her own conclusions.But you need more information to draw your own.What do you do?>Ask Emilie to meet all the possible suspects or the dance group.>Go to the top floor to take a look at the door.>Write In.
>>4519013>>Ask Emilie to meet all the possible suspects or the dance group.
>>4519013>Go to the top floor to take a look at the door.
>>4519013>Ask Emilie to meet all the possible suspects or the dance group.
>>4519013>>Go to the top floor to take a look at the door.Bring crowbar
>>4519013>>Go to the top floor to take a look at the door.
“It could anything really, I think we should check the other people who are involved he—”“Let’s check that door.” You interrupt Odetta with your great idea.“It’s the sensible path to take.” Emilie agrees that this is the way.“Fufufu~ I knew you would agree.” Catastrovania nods to herself.“…Or not.” Odetta feels like she’s surrounded by idiots.You all decide to walk to the final floor of the temple. Yes, walk, there are no elevators. Odetta immediately surrendered to your arms once you took that decision, and with good reason, she’s not as idiotic to think she can go through all that by herself. She’s not that prideful. Except when she did squats to prove she was in great help. Maybe you don’t understand her just yet. There aren’t many floors here, but the space between them is considerable, it was a long walk.“Why… is… this… like… this…?” Catastrovania collapses on the floor once you reach it.“Lady Catastrovania is not in good shape, is she?” Emilie feels guilty about letting Cat exercise.“That and she’s pathetic too.” Odetta makes fun of Cat in her position of privilege.There is a huge door in front of you, it’s like a gate. There is a crowbar by the side, which makes you believe the previous argument about not opening up by force is a lie.“What’s that over there…?” Emilie looks confused at the crowbar.“I thought you didn’t want to force the door.” You point out.“Perhaps someone tried to.” Emilie looks concerned. “Do you sense any spectral force at play here?”“What… I feel… is… thirst…” Catastrovania throws her last words. You check on her and give her some water that Emilie offered from a bottle she brought with herself. “Fu… Fu… Fu… I feel better…” Catastrovania sounds like a granny.“Perhaps I was right and I should’ve carried her.” Emilie feels guilty.“Nah, I like her this way.” Odetta is sadistic. She gets off your back and starts analyzing the situation.“The exercise won’t kill her.” You assume. “I’ll take care of her, don’t worry.”“Right…” Emilie isn’t sure you’re going to do much. You start carrying Catastrovania on your back. “So, again, do you feel anything?”“No, but some spirits throw their tantrums when perturbed.” Odetta explains. “The door looks old, but in good condition, so you might be right that it could be stuck for other reasons…”“You don’t look convinced.” You don’t think Odetta thinks a ghost is doing this.“I don’t want to jump to conclusions, that’s all.” Odetta keeps looking at the door. She’s being really careful.“But if you don’t, how can you rub it in everyone’s face when you call it…?” Catastrovania retorts.
>>4519057What do you do?>Try to open the door.>Try to open the door with the crowbar.>Knock on the door and politely ask to come in.>Investigate the crowbar to see if you can find who the owner is.>Write In.
>>4519060>>Investigate the crowbar to see if you can find who the owner is.Gather up clues
>>4519060>Investigate the crowbar to see if you can find who the owner is.
>>4519060>>Write In.Find alternate route past doors, and see if they're barred from other side.
>>4519086Supporting
“Do you want me to attempt to open the door?” Emilie asks Odetta, who’s still taking a closer look at the door.“Go ahead.” Odetta smirks as she steps back. Emilie tries to open the door but it doesn’t budge in the slightest.“You felt anything?” Emilie is still trying.“Nah, but put a little more effort, priestess.” Odetta has bad intentions.With that to the side, you decide to look at the only tangible clue you have: the crowbar. Perhaps there is a chance to know who this belongs to, any kind of lead would be useful.“Assistant, you have a great intuition, I wanted to check that crowbar up close as well.” Catastrovania comments. She’s like a parrot on your shoulder. You don’t know how to feel about being in sync with Cat.“It’s perfect to bust someone’s knees.” You take a closer look at it. “Made in Yurop…”“That’s our first real clue.” Catastrovania is getting excited. “A great mystery is in front of us, assistant! But this clue reveals very little.”“What do you mean?” You want to hear her train of thought.“We heard it before, didn’t we? There is a traitor among them, one who doesn’t like the foreigner. Such an obvious clue is only there to incriminate him or her!” Catastrovania is already having a hot take.“Or perhaps the person is still around and left it here and panicked…” You don’t see anyone though. You hate to admit it, but Catastrovania has a point but… “Are we even sure there is something at play here at all? We haven’t discarded the presence of ghosts yet.”“That is true, but it could also be both…” Catastrovania brings another good point. You hate that ghosts are a thing that you need to be aware of now, but such is life. “Keep your eyes open. We’re just getting started. This doesn’t prove anything, who knows what the origins of the objects we have are?”“Everything I own is Prancijan made.” Helping your local stores is one of your principles. You take another good look at the crowbar. “Well, it’s pink. You don’t see that often.”“That’s not pink, it’s magenta. You have much to learn about the world!” Catastrovania is proud of the knowledge she’s displaying.“…What’s the difference?” You don’t care.“Can’t feel anything.” Odetta sighs as Emilie collapses on the floor from the amount effort she put in opening the door. “Shame, shame, shame.”“Are you sure… it’s not just… you?” Emilie pants loudly.“Hey Al, you either try to bring this door down or we start talking to the people down below.” Odetta offers you to choose the next move.“Why would we leave…?” Emilie doesn’t get it.It would be a waste of effort to leave things here…What do you do?>Open the door with the crowbar.>Leave and meet the other people involved.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, hopefully we continue tomorrow!)
>>4519133>Leave and meet the other people involved.
>>4519133>Open the door with the crowbar.
>>4519133>Knock on the damn door and request the spirit to show itself, explain why it is doing this.Confront the being outright
>>4519133>Leave and meet the other people involved.>Take a crowbar with you.
>>4519133>>Leave and meet the other people involved.
“The ghost isn’t here, we got no reaction, he must be meandering somewhere else.” Odetta concludes.“So we need to meet the other people involved. The culprit is sabotaging your rehearsals, so it’s going to show up sooner or later.” That’s your train of thought anyway.“B-But the door…” Emilie doesn’t quite follow.“The specter doesn’t have to be here to keep the doors sealed, just close enough so its spell doesn’t vanish.” Odetta explains. “We could’ve bust them open and force a meeting, but you want to keep your doors in one piece, right?”“Yes, that is most favorable. Either way, I trust your judgment, you’re experts after all.” Emilie believes in you three.“We’re facing a DEMONIC FORCE the likes this temple has never seen before…” Catastrovania states.“D-Demon?” Emilie looks worried now despite being all tired.“Let me be clear, Demons don’t exist. She’s a low level esper, ignore her.” Odetta clarifies.“You consider me, an ex-combatant in the Construct Wars, a low level esper? Don’t make me laugh.” Catastrovania won’t let her name be thrown in the mud.“Don’t wanna; nobody wants to hear your shitty fake laugh.” Odetta antagonizes the owner of the catastrophic eye of destruction.“I-It’s not fake! It’s how I laugh! Fufufu!” Catastrovania tries to prove Odetta wrong by proving her right.“Just shut up and pay attention, you could learn a thing or two.” Odetta scolds your boss.“Ngh… Say something to her, my MALIGNANT STEED!” Catastrovania wants you to back her up.“No.” You remain calm. “Let’s move on. Emilie, shows us the way.”“U-Understood…” Emilie starts walking away, happy to stop hearing these two talk.“W-Wait, you need to carry me too...” Odetta wants her space back on your arms.“I can carry you both.” You extend your arm.“Don’t wanna share with her.” Odetta shakes her head.“Then walk, fufufufu!” Catastrovania takes this as a win. “Forward, steed!”You carry both girls like they are barrels on your shoulder, or cats. Yeah, "cats" is more of an appropriate term here.
>>4519844You’re back at the reception room, Emilie asked you to wait as she’s going to try to find everyone involved. Sadly, she brings only one person back as the others are out in town, she called them back so they should arrive in a short time.Emilie gives everyone a short introduction to one another. The girl you have in front is the Yuropean choreographer Dulce Rodrigues. She looks fishy, but you’ll keep those comments to yourself.“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, Alfred, Odetta and Cat!” Dulce smiles from ear to ear. She’s moving her hips from side to side, almost hypnotically. “How can I help you, my good-intentioned associates?”What do you do?>Wait for the others to arrive before you begin this interrogation.>Ask her about their rehearsals and the strange events related to them.>Ask her to talk about herself freely.>Ask her what her opinion on what’s going on is.>Tell her that you’re planning on rehearsing to see the spirit in play.>Ask her about the crowbar.>Write In.
>>4519845>>Ask her to talk about herself freely.>Ask her what her opinion on what’s going on is.
>>4519845>Ask her about their rehearsals and the strange events related to them.
>>4519845>Ask her about their rehearsals and the strange events related to them.>Ask her to talk about herself freely.>Ask her what her opinion on what’s going on isAsk about everything we can
>>4519871+1
>>4519871Support
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to take care of something quick.” Emilie excuses herself and goes down the stairs. You all say bye to her for now.“Ms. Dulce, we need your help to get a better picture about what’s going on. So if you can clarify some of the events for us, it would be a world of help.” You retort.“So you’re going to interrogate me? Hmm?” Dulce is excited. “I overtalk when I’m nervous, so excuse me if I overshare, tee-hee.”“An interrogation? That sounds harsh, we’re just having a nice conversation amongst people who are concerned about the future of our favorite festival, so relax. As for oversharing, don’t worry, your secrets are safe with us… Why don’t you sit down?” Odetta asks one of the possible culprits to be more comfortable.“My pleasure! You’re very kind.” Dulce grabs a seat. “Assistant, ask away.” Catastrovania pretends to be in charge.“…” You want to tell Cat off, but you need to proceed.“Your cute assistant doesn’t believe you’re in charge, Cat. Even if he’s hard to read, I can tell by his intense look.” Dulce chuckles.“Y-You’re not planning on betraying me, r-right!?” Catastrovania wants to hide. You’re going to ignore her for now.“All I’m planning right now is to ask a pertinent question.” You clarify before Cat does Cat things. “As far as we know, a bunch of strange incidents have happened during your rehearsals that haven't let your team perform them. Could you tell us more about that?”“We gathered to practice 3 times a week on the floor below, at first there were some minor inconveniences, like the wrong song playing, the lights went off and a disgusting smell covered the area. Every day was different, so we paid it no mind.” Dulce starts playing with the ball on her head. “Yet, it started to escalate, the floor became sorta slippery at first, then people started to fall down on it like they were thrown by a golem or something; the radio we were using exploded, then our phones when we tried to replace it – also, our bags went flying out of nowhere more than once. Of course, the dancers started to get injured and some straight up quit after a while. Until a few days ago, when our prankster was tired of being subtle and left us a message painted in red: ‘Stop this mockery.’ Pretty scary.” Dulce uses the flashlight on her face from her phone for atmosphere. “I’m currently teaching 4 more people, so when everything returns to normal, us 5 can teach everyone else.”“I see.” You think it sounds exactly like what Odetta was doing to Bruce.“You don’t look surprised about what happened…” Dulce finds you all strange.“It’s pretty mild stuff, fufufu.” Catastrovania isn’t concerned.“Stop laughing like that.” Odetta really doesn’t like when Cat does that.“S-Sorry…” Catastrovania is losing her battle against Odetta.
>>4520085“Woah, I didn’t know this was a normal occurrence in this country! I’ll add it to my list of the very few things I don’t like about this place!” Dulce acts surprised.“Can you tell us more about yourself? Feel free to share anything with us.” You go to the next question.“I call you cute and you are already interested in me? Hmmm? D-Don’t take it badly! It wasn’t my intention! If you take care of our big bad prankster I would love to have some dinner together! It’s just that your intense glare makes me fuzzy inside and I can’t control what I am saying!” Dulce is acting irrational. “I can’t think long term if I don’t keep my work visa! So help!”“So this is what you mean by oversharing…?” Catastrovania doesn’t like this one bit.“Hey Dulce, get ahold of yourself. This man is not interested in you.” Odetta snaps her fingers. “So talk about something that could relate to what’s going on.”“T-That’s a shame…” Dulce looks disappointed. “Well, I was the one who applied to be part of this project. I’m a prolific dancer, I used to work in one of the most distinguished ballet companies in the whole world, but I always preferred directing over performing. I’m still relatively unknown. I was surprised that they would hire a foreigner like me for this, knowing how culturally tight this whole country is and this being one of your biggest celebrations. I’m doing my best to not alter the dance because I understand how important it is to the townsfolk. I always found this country marvelous and admire its history, the way it’s set up and the importance they give to preserve its diverse customs… It’s amazing! There is nothing like it! So having this chance is like a dream come true.”“What do you mean?” Catastrovania sounds puzzled.“You created 4 calendar systems for each of different regions to have their own holidays, respecting even the smaller celebrations like this one, and it’s up to its citizens to pick which one they want regardless of where they live. Sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare, but I like it! This country has the largest number of world heritage sites and national monuments by a good margin just like this temple! Every town, no matter how small it is, has a library and a museum. Your public television has many hours dedicated to cultural programs, which means the amount of recognition the artists in this country get is nothing like overseas, here it’s likely that your middle of the road person knows the name of your most talented dancers! I would be a star if I made my career here. ” Dulce is gushing about something that has nothing to do with you all.“That’s great.” You don’t know how to respond.
>>4520086“I’ve never heard anyone talk about this place like that before.” Odetta is in shock. “And I don’t want to hear it again, it’s weird!”“I just like this place…” Dulce feels guilty. “It’s people are a little cold, but once you meet them, they are anything but.”“How is this anything related to what we are doing, focus!” Odetta won’t stop complaining.“It’s been a while since I told anyone about this, so sorry but not sorry!” Dulce doesn’t give a shit about boring you all.“So back to where we were…” You shake your head. “What’s your opinion about what’s going on with the spooky happenings?”“Please just talk about that…” Even Catastrovania is tired of all her drivel. You don’t mind, you like hearing the different viewpoints around the world about the place you live.“Since ghosts don’t exist, there is one big prankster who’s responsible for all this. But I don’t think it’s one of the dancers I’m working with.” Dulce nods to herself. “Don’t you think, hmm?”“We’re going to find out.” Odetta smirks.“To be unaware of DEMONS, how naïve…” Catastrovania looks down on Dulce.“Demons? Huh?” Dulce looks confused and excited.“Stop saying it’s demons.” Odetta hates that a lot.“Odetta, Alfred and Catastrovania; the other dancers have arrived. Do you wish to speak with one at the time or all at once?” That’s Emilie. She’s back.“Emilie, don’t act like you are not part of the group!” Dulce interrupts. Emilie looks away somewhat embarrassed.What do you do?>Interview them one by one.>Interview them all at the same time.>Interview them all at the same time with Dulce and Emilie around.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow! Sorry for the massive delay.)
>>4520087>Interview them all at the same time.
>>4520086Nice worldbuilding.
>>4520087>Interview them all at the same time.Surrounded by others, the culprit should drop their guard a little, thinking they will go unnoticed. Assuming the culprit really is one of these people.
>>4520087>>Interview them one by one.
>>4497586Horny overloadfighting the urge to just jump any women in this quest we lay eyes on is getting even harder (and so am i)QM, why just why did you make all of the females characters this damn hot and attractive (fuck even cat is hot) i can't stop my inner coomer now may the lord help us when we have to choose one the waifu war will be a bloodbath painted white (aka a orgy aftermath)
>>4520161also i really want to see the hairdresser nudesfor.... research purposes....
>>4520161I too want to fuck Cat, just so she can shut up for a second.
>>4520214same but killing her
>>4520214most likely wont shut up but will defiinitely be screaminggood news during the aftermath she will be too tired to scream or bother us anymore
“Bring them all at once, please. Also, we only want to discuss the events with those 3.” You respond to Emilie’s question.“Well said, assistant! Now, it’s the time for the next round of suspects.” Catastrovania exclaims.“Very well. Please, Ms. Dulce, we have to prepare the floor below for practice.” Emilie assumes her role without issue.“Huh? Did I bore you guys that much, hmmm? I hope that isn’t the case…” Dulce doesn’t look as happy as before.“It’s nothing like that. We’re merely doing what’s best to get the job done.” You didn’t see much of an issue.“Speak for yourself.” Odetta won’t let that pass. “But it was helpful regardless of how long you took, so good job there.”“My pleasure!” That cheered up Dulce slightly as she left with Emilie.Shortly after, Emilie brings in the group of dancers, briefly introduces everyone to each other, explains the reasons why you three are here, and then leaves. Emilie is one reliable woman. “Can you girls introduce yourselves again? I didn’t quite catch everything from the priestess.” Odetta pretends she didn’t hear much so she can hear it from them. “Tell us something about yourselves too to spice things up. Try to keep it related to what’s going on as much as possible.”“Name is Chloe, I’m from here. I’ve been helping with the festival for years, it’s my family tradition at this point, but this is the first time I’m doing it as a performer, too bad it’s the first time they decided to change it.” The big nosed girl is pissed about it. “Still, I don’t know why the township is busy with this when the mayor should be worried about our damn bucket! I didn’t want to leave the research group for this…” Chloe has a point. What happened to the bucket?“Please abstain from talking about other topics like the bucket.” Odetta reprimands.“B-But i-it’s the damn bucket!” Chloe is in shock.“I don’t care about the bucket, I care about what I was hired for.” Odetta retorts.“Y-You’re not from here, are ya?!” Chloe looks a little pissed.“Next!” Catastrovania demands more information. “My, my, hello there, my name is Iamar. I’ve been helping with the ceremony for a tiny bit more than two decades, I’m the one who knows the original dance the best out of everyone who’s left, but I’m not particularly good at dancing. I’m so used to this I keep helping out.” Iamar is by far the oldest person in this room.“Last but not least is me! My name is Brandy! I’m not from Laoling, my friend who was participating at one point is, but she got injured real badly. But I decided to stay here ‘cause I got kicked out of college and I have nothing better to do, and I couldn’t afford rent no more.” That’s Ugolino’s other date, the annoying drunk girl. You have terrible luck. “Hmm… Do I know you?” She’s looking at you intensely.
>>4520919“She doesn’t stink as much now…” Odetta was there too…You thank god that Brandy didn’t recognize you, but…How do you respond to Brandy?>“We met before at the bar. Let’s never talk about what happened there.”>“No, I don’t know you. Please stop acting suspicious.”>Write In.What do you ask the girls?>Tell them to go rehearse so you can see the spirit at play.>Ask them to talk about Emilie.>Ask them to talk about Dulce and her role here.>Write In.
>>4520598Ideally, she will also be knocked up
>>4520923>>“No, I don’t know you. Please stop acting suspicious.”Stay professional>Tell them to go rehearse so you can see the spirit at play.
>>4520923>“No, I don’t know you. Please stop acting suspicious.”>Ask them to talk about Emilie.
>>4520923backing >>4520927 but also>(to Chloe) "Please tell me what happened to the bucket. I'm very interested."
>>4520931Bucket is very suspicious
>>4520936>"I didn’t want to leave the research group for this…"And what "research group"?
>>4520931Support, we need a bucket update
>>4520925nah lets not go that fari dont want to explain to the others that we got cat pregnant
>>4520923>No,i dont know you. Please stop acting suspiciousas lustful as i am this is not the time or place plus its brandy(shes hot but i feel like shes out for our money rather than love) >>4520931bucket is very important we must figure this out
“No, I don’t know you. Please stop acting suspicious.” You need to stay professional.“Don’t be so mean, you sure we haven’t met before…? Mmm?” Brandy gets closer to you and tries to allure you with her charms. “Did I do something embarrassing? Is that it? ‘cause I’m sure I know that face...” She boops your nose.“Brandy, give the man some space. This is serious.” Iamar wants some order.“Trying to get on his good side doing this is not going to net you any favors.” Odetta intervenes as well. “This ruthless machine of a man isn’t interested in what you can offer, woman.”“Cold, remorseless, vindictive… Alfred is not interested in such a flimsy concept called love.” Catastrovania sells you as a creature of darkness.“You girls know I had a girlfriend once, right?” You don’t want to become whatever caricature they think you are. You had a relationship during high school that lasted almost half a year, it wasn’t meant to be so you broke up with her.“Y-You did!?” Both Odetta and Catastrovania are incredibly surprised. These are the moments that make you question why you’re nice to them at all.“Woah, that’s mean spirited!” Brandy looks uncomfortable. “All cute men are capable of love…”“I’m curious now. I should’ve asked about that yesterday, it doesn’t appear he’s too comfortable about it...” Odetta is scheming something.“Maybe we can find out later…” Catastrovania is willing to work with that ghost for information.“Either way, I believe you should all prepare for practice, because we want to see what this curse is all about.” You change topics before it gets dangerous for you.“Nobody said we were going to practice today…” Iamar sighs. “Do you kids have some countermeasures in place? I don’t want to get hurt.”“Catastrovania and I will work on something, give us a minute.” Odetta offers. “C’mon, let’s go.”“Leave it to us, fufufu…” Catastrovania agrees to help. The paranormal shows the best part of the cat lady. Both girls go downstairs.“Use this time to prepare.” You tell everyone else. Brandy, Iamar and Chloe walk towards the stairs as well, until you stop the girl with the large nose. “Chloe, wait.”“H-Huh…?” Chloe is surprised you made her stop.
>>4521108“Please tell me what happened to the Bucket. I’m very interested.” You need an update about that.“Hohoho, are you? Maybe you’re someone I can trust.” Chloe likes what she’s hearing. “You know about the war Bucket disappearance, right?”“Yeah, but what’s this research group you were talking about?”“We’re a group of neighbors trying to figure out what happened to it. Since our damn mayor is not interested in doing anything, we had to organize ourselves. Here, I’ll add you to our Chat-Now! Group.” Chloe pulls out her phone and asks for your number. “There. Don’t tell anyone who you are not sure is on the Bucket’s side in this.” Boris is on there...“So what do you guys have found out?” You want to know more.“We think a kid named Aleister Price stole it.” Chloe whispers a shocking revelation. “There is a video online that shows he destroyed the shopping street, and you know what’s at the end of the shopping street? Yeah, the Bucket! It’s all a ploy to revoke the land of its national monument status so they can build a massive resort. The mayor and the Min-Hu Alliance are all in on this. We’re still gathering proof... but we’re almost 100% sure this is what’s going on.”“That damn bastard.” You won’t rest until he’s out.“Yeah! Screw him!” Chloe agrees.Anything you want to ask Chloe before you go begin the ghost encounter?”>“Do you guys have any idea where he lives?”>“But who’s behind all of this?”>“Thank you, I’ll be on the case as well.”>Write In. For the ghost happening, on who or what are you going to put your focus on? You need to catch the perpetrator red handed!>Your surroundings. Because it’s a ghost!>Emilie.>Dulce.>Chloe.>Iamar.>Brandy.>Write In.
>>4521109>>Iamar.
>>4521109>“But who’s behind all of this?”>Brandy.Because I can see her wanting money out of this
>>4521109>Brandydistrust
>>4521112>>“Do you guys have any idea where he lives?”Also this, for the millionth time today
>>4521109>“Do you guys have any idea where he lives?”>Dulce.
“Do you guys have any idea where he lives?”“Not right now, but when we gather enough proof, we’ll get the police on the case and we might find out.” Chloe is confident that it’s only a matter of time. “With a warrant we’re going to have our bucket back!”“Not even one clue?”“We’re not trying to take justice in our own hands, but I remember someone saying he lives near the beach, you’ll have to read the backlog to make sure – but I don’t remember his address ever getting posted.” Chloe reveals. “The kid is loaded, so maybe he’s staying in a fancy place? There is a big fancy house at the end of it, the one everyone thinks is going to sink eventually.”“Right…” You’re a tad disappointed you couldn’t find more information.“If the police don't do anything, I think I know who to call to help us out…” Chloe gives you a mischievous look. “We’re making everyone wait, let’s deal with the asshole who’s doing this.” Chloe walks away, looking far happier than before when you were questioning them. You both go down the stairs.Everything is already set up! Emelie, Chloe, Iamar and Brandy are all standing next to each other with at least one person’s worth of distance to each other, right in front of them is Dulce with a little more separation. Right behind the main choreographer is a new radio on a chair. And behind the dance group, almost half the room back, is a cheap imitation of the statue for practicing purposes you imagine.By the side, for all of you, there are a couple of chairs to sit on and the belongings of some of the girls. None of them changed clothes, so you don’t think they were prepared for this. Except for Dulce, she took her coat off.Odetta demands you two to be alert for anything as their practice starts…You decided to keep your eyes on Brandy, knowing her story, she’s up to no good.“It’s been a week since we last practiced, so let’s go over the basics…” Dulce shows them her back and gets moving and grooving. The girls start following her lead.“Feeling anything?” You whisper to your companions.“No…” Odetta shakes her head. Catastrovania pretends she’s in sync with her.Brandy’s dancing style is rather peculiar, she exaggerates her hip movement so much that you doubt it goes in accordance with the dance. And thanks to that, she tends to readjust her clothes far too much since they are so tightly on her body. Once she notices you staring, she sends you a kiss, which you evaded masterfully.Suddenly, you notice a dark shadowy circle slowly approaching Brandy! Is this the work of the ghost or a prankster? You can’t tell. But you have to do something! You have plenty of time to react since you were looking at the drunk girl from the start.
>>4521208What do you do? >Go there and save Brandy from danger.>Tell Odetta and Catastrovania to keep their eyes around the ground near Brandy. No need to interfere yet.>Tell all the dancers to stop practicing.>Keep looking, see how things unfold.>Write In.
>>4521210>Tell Odetta and Catastrovania to keep their eyes around the ground near Brandy. No need to interfere yet.
>>4521210>>Tell Odetta and Catastrovania to keep their eyes around the ground near Brandy. No need to interfere yet.No point in doing this if we don't observe what happens
>>4521208>>Tell Odetta and Catastrovania to keep their eyes around the ground near Brandy. No need to interfere yet.
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwhy do you torture me like this QMespecially during NNN
>>4521208>>>Tell Odetta and Catastrovania to keep their eyes around the ground near Brandy. No need to interfere yetyeah lets not interfere yet
>>4521216So we can turn it into Never-ending Nut November and torture you.
>>4521230COCK AND BALL TORTUREFROM WIKIPEDIA
>>4521230you call this torture?my wave of nut is already endlessthe coom inside of me will never go away
>>4521210>Tell Odetta and Catastrovania to keep their eyes around the ground near Brandy. No need to interfere yet.>Write In.We should get ready to jump in once the psychic(s) know what's up.
“Hey, keep an eye on the ground near Brandy. There is a black circle underneath.” You point out so the girls can pay attention to it.“Ngh… What’s that…?” Catastrovania feels troubled by its presence.“That’s our specter.” Odetta casually points out.“Why aren’t we doing anything?” You question your passiveness.“He’s just moving around and hasn’t done anything yet.” Odetta wants a bigger show before interfering. “We can chase him away but it will come back. I’m planning on capturing it, so I need him to stop being inside the floor.”“Wait, how is Al able to see him? He’s no esper.” Catastrovania brings a point you didn’t think of.“It’s an anomaly, anyone can see those, it’s like when I moved the furniture in Bruce’s apartment. So right now, he’s turning the portion of the floor he has control over black. Using shadows just shows how weak it is.” Odetta explains. “Or maybe something else, I don’t know. We just know it looks black. Once it leaves the floor, Alfred won’t be able to see it unless it manifests itself/ If it’s even powerful enough.”“So there was no traitor, culprit or anything, it’s just a ghost…” Catastrovania sounds disappointed.“I’m not so sure about that. Territorial ghosts have stronger control over their environment, the air feels more oppressive, the lights dim, the temperature changes and so on... So someone brought it here.” Odetta leaves that door open. “Did you see where it came from, Alfred?”“No, all I saw is that it appeared behind Brandy. And not to bother you, but why didn't you tell us what to do before we started this?” You don’t know exactly what you should be doing, what you should be looking for, nothing.“I have everything under control, Al. We just have to be patient.” Odetta taps you on the back.
>>4521351Immediately after Odetta ends her phrase, you see Brandy tripping onto the floor as the black circle underneath moves past her.“Ouch, fuck…” Brandy exclaims as she rubs her butt in pain, she looks fine otherwise. “I’m fine! I just slipped…”“Are you okay?” Chloe checks on Brandy first, then Emilie gets closer.“It was the ghost, right? What happened to the safety measures?” Iamar complains.“I don’t know. Maybe you could answer us…” Emilie demands a response from you three.“I-I just slipped, chill out people…” Brandy tries to calm everyone down. “I can keep going.”“We’re really on the edge tonight…” Dulce doesn’t like this at all. “Experts, should we continue as planned?”“Please do! The ghost is here, we just need to wait for it to come out!” Odetta explains casually.“Hmmm… So it is an actual ghost.” Dulce smiles, then she starts trembling while maintaining it.“I feel like there is some type of negligence here…” Iamar shakes her head.You think there is a way to resolve this quicker…What do you do?>If Odetta thinks someone brought the ghost. Wouldn’t that mean they have something to contain it with? Demand to inspect their bodies and belongings.>Continue watching, the culprit it’s going to show itself sooner or later.>Go to the top of the temple and see if you can open the door.>Join their dancing efforts. Being another target will reduce the number of injuries.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow or Friday.)
>>4521354>Join their dancing efforts. Being another target will reduce the number of injuries.
>>4521354>Continue watching, the culprit it’s going to show itself sooner or later.
>>4521354>>Continue watching, the culprit it’s going to show itself sooner or later.
>>4521354>>If Odetta thinks someone brought the ghost. Wouldn’t that mean they have something to contain it with? Demand to inspect their bodies and belongings.
…But you’re going to continue watching anyway. You keep your eyes on the circle, which decreases in size considerably and hides under Brandy.“That was a long enough break, c’mon ladies! I wanna see some dance moves! Our ghost is getting interested but he’s a lil’ shy.” Odetta pressures them to continue.“I don’t see the purpose of continuing when we’re bound to get hurt.” Iamar won’t comply.“Don’t tell me you don’t care about the festival anymore?” Odetta eggs her on.“How could you ever come down to that conclusion? There’s no one more committed than me to making this work.” Iamar is dumbfounded. “I just don’t want anyone else getting injured for this, that’s all.”“Then continue dancing and I’ll make sure nobody is going to get hurt by this ever again.” Odetta is confident.“E-Easy for you to say when you’re not the one who is in danger.” Iamar doesn’t feel comfortable doing this anymore. “You didn’t provide us the help we need to carry on as normally.”“Stop complaining so much, she just slipped, right?” Odetta looks at Brandy for confirmation.“Y-Yeah…” Brandy stood up. The circle is not there… “I’m good as new!”“No big deal, you see?” Odetta smirks. “I said the ghost is here, I never said it was responsible for anything.”“Why does the township keep sending these quacks…?” Iamar relents and gets into her position.“I disagree, I believe these people have our best interests in mind.” Chloe responds to the woman’s rhetorical question while looking at you. “They have gotten as far as identifying its presence unlike anyone else before them.”“Those people were detectives, these are the first who are paranormal investigators.” Emilie clarifies.“We’re far greater than just that, fufufu…” Catastrovania fails to be cool like usual. “Now, if you may…”“We can’t risk losing more people for this, but if you all are so sure.” Iamar just wants to move on.“Hmmmm…” Dulce is conflicted with what’s going on. “O.K., as we were doing, and a 1… and a 2…”As the dancing resumes, you need to choose who to put your attention again…On who are you going to put your focus?>Emilie.>Dulce.>Chloe.>Iamar.>Brandy.>Write In.
>>4523164>>Dulce.
>>4523164>Dulce.Always cheerful, easily flustered. Something up there?
>>4523164>Brandy.
>>4523164>Iamar.
To get rid of all suspicion on her, you’re going to put your eyes on Dulce, since you believe she’s in that middle gap between her being too obviously the culprit, and her being the perfect target to be blamed.“Psst, assistant. Odetta clearly doesn’t expect anything from us, so let’s find the culprit before she does.” Catastrovania whispers as the dancers are getting into the groove.“I just want to get this job done.” You don’t care about merits since it’s a team effort.“You know I can hear ya, right?” Odetta can’t believe Catastrovania is doing this.“No, you can’t.” Catastrovania denies Odetta’s world view.“W-Why do you, of all people, have to be somewhat talented…? You’re so annoying to deal with.” Odetta looks pissed.“Somewhat? Don’t underestimate me! I’m—” Catastrovania has been playing her character all day, you don’t know how to feel about her getting better at maintaining it. “Pay attention, you two, you’re the ones with that talent.” You interrupt Cat before she goes on and on. You’ve kept watching Dulce move around this whole time without issues, but these two don’t seem to have the same attention span as you do.The shadow is still missing, and Dulce has been acting very strange the entire time you have observed her, she has an absentminded look, like she’s avoiding to look at your direction, her moves are less graceful than when you started watching her – and you have a general feeling that she’s thinking about something else. Still, her movement is crisp and refined unlike Brandy’s, which makes her far more appealing. Except now, she just tripped. She looked right at you just for a second and she lost her balance.As soon as Dulce hit the floor, the lights turned off!“T-The lights!” Brandy was surprised.“D-Did Dulce just trip?!” That’s Chloe’s voice.“Instructor, are you okay?” Emily sounds concerned.“That ghost again!” Iamar sounds concerned. “A-Are you three going to do anything?!”“Ngh… I don’t think it was the ghost.” Catastrovania reveals.“Yeah, it wasn’t.” Odetta finds it odd. “Someone turn the lights on…”What do you do?>Turn the Lights on.>Check on Dulce if you can.>“I don’t want anyone to move.” Turn your phone’s light on.>Write In.
>>4523240>>“I don’t want anyone to move.” Turn your phone’s light on.
>>4523240>\>“I don’t want anyone to move.” Turn your phone’s light on.
“I don’t want anyone to move.” You shout. “If I hear one of you moving, you’re going to become our main suspect.”“B-But what about Dulce?!” Emilie retorts while worried about the cute foreigner.“I would comply if I were you, you don’t want to see my assistant mad.” Catastrovania tries to sell you like a real threat.“I was right, you three are—”“Keep your mouths shut for a little bit please.” You interrupt Iamar before she can drown out more noise.You are almost sure you heard someone moving while everyone was airing their concerns, you might be able to catch someone red handed, you just need to put the lights on them… You’re going to do it to everyone anyway, but getting it on the first guess would be cool.Who do you flash?>Dulce’s corpse.>Iamar.>Brandy.>Emilie.>Chloe.>Wait for someone to make some noise and put the light in that general direction.>Write In.
>>4523318>>Chloe.
>>4523318>Dulce’s corpse.
You put the flashlight on Dulce’s corpse since she’s the center of everyone’s attention and the one of the most likely suspects, or at least point at the spot where she should be. Perhaps surprising to some, Dulce is not there…“Huh? Where is she?” Brandy is so confused by it she couldn’t remain silent.“Sssshhh!” Odetta shuts the party girl up. “I don’t wanna hear anyone moving still!”You move your flashlight to the side and find Dulce a couple of feet away from her spot, crawling on all fours trying to get away from her. With the light on her, she freezes…“You! You did it!” Chloe is ready to give her the blame.“Ssssssshh…!” Catastrovania imitates what Odetta did but ten times louder.“M-My mistake…” Chloe mutters her apology.“Dulce...” You caught the choreographer red-handed. “Could you explain what just happened?”Dulce slowly rises from the ground, head last to get straight, an odd movement. You see a bruise on her head from the fall she just took. Dulce stands still for a second, then smiles.“You caught me, hat man. I was trying to get away!” Dulce confesses just like that.“Away from what?” You wonder.“From you all. I couldn’t fake it anymore, so I pulled my last trick but I tripped and couldn’t escape.” Dulce confesses, but her plan makes no sense. “I’m responsible for everything.”“Why?” You want more answers.“To extend my visa. If I spaced out the sessions, I could apply for my citizenship. Too bad, I must return to my country now and never come back.” Dulce has accepted the consequences.It would be a nice ending and all but…This actually makes no sense.How do you respond?>“Is someone setting you up? What kind of trickery is this?”>“You’re giving up on your dream a little easy…”>“Odetta, Cat, I think I found our ghost.”>“You can pretend you’re possessed all you want, but you injured a bunch of people, we’re calling the police.”>Write In.
>>4523431>“Odetta, Cat, I think I found our ghost.”
>>4523431>>“You’re giving up on your dream a little easy…”
>>4523431>“Odetta, Cat, I think I found our ghost.”How did she do all that?
“Odetta, Cat, I think I found our ghost.” You have determined.“I’m glad you realized it.” Odetta is proud of you.“Y-Yes, obviously...” Catastrovania pretends she realized it as well.“G-Ghost? Where?” ‘Dulce’ plays dumb.“Right in front of us.” You won’t fall for her tricks. You have no idea what to do now though.“You mean me?” ‘Dulce’ is confused.“Yes, you. If you’re Dulce, tell us what you said to us three earlier today.” You just make it plainly obvious.“…” ‘Dulce’ just smiles. Suddenly she faints! You’re quick enough to grab her before she eats dirt again.“Let’s use the magic trick you taught me, Al…” Odetta pulls her phone out and then a beam flashes out of it! The ghost gets pulled inside the phone just like you did to Odetta! “Gotcha…”“Good job everyone.” Catastrovania turns the lights on! She went all the way back in the room to turn on the lights. “Now allow me to reveal who the actual culprit is…!”You look around to see everyone’s positions…Iamar is close to where Dulce fell down. Perfect place to implant the ghost inside Dulce….Chloe was walking towards the lights, which is the same direction as the door…Brandy was getting closer to your team, maybe planning to take you out…Emilie was moving towards the stairs, you wonder why…What do you do?>Let Catastrovania make a fool of herself.>Tell Odetta to ask the ghost with whom it was working with.>Take Catastrovania’s thunder and reveal who really did it! (You’ll have to guess!)>Write In.
>>4523524>>Let Catastrovania make a fool of herself.
>>4523524>Let Catastrovania make a fool of herself.
>>4523524>Let Catastrovania make a fool of herself
“Fufufufufu~, I foresaw it all long ago with my CATASTROPHIC EYE of DESTRUCTION! We’ve reached the point where the proofs are UNDENIABLE!” Catastrovania Strifaust Morituros IX is ready to show the whole world how completely idiotic she is! “Now, it’s time to accept your FATE!”“You’ve reached the truth?” Emilie is surprised.“I told you not to take her seriously…” Odetta isn’t impressed.“I’ll make you eat those words, second assistant!” Catastrovania is being way more confident than usual.“S-Second assistant!? You’re not even close to my level!” Odetta barks back.“Enough.” You interrupt. “Just let her talk so we can move on and actually find out who did it later.”“You all dare to underestimate me but soon you will regret it.” Catastrovania’s confidence is through the roof. And the roof of this temple is pretty far up. “Before I bring damnation over you, I’ll give you one chance to confess, I’m generous like that…”Everyone stays silent. During this uncomfortable silence, you check on Dulce… She’s just unconscious.“Just get on with it.” Odetta is tired of this drivel.“The one true culprit is none other than you!” Catastrovania points at the perpetrator…!
>>4523648“Me…?” Iamar is the one selected by Cat. “You people are truly hopeless.”“Iamar?” Emilie is shocked.“But you’re so nice!” Brandy is dumbfounded as well.“Hmm, makes sense.” Chloe likes this theory.“Cat, are you actually sure about this?” Randomly accusing people is not the way to go.“Do you doubt me, assistant?” Catastrovania is quite confident.“Yes.” Odetta responds instead.“W-Well I’m not wrong! A-Ask the ghost you captured!” Catastrovania loses some of her confidence. “It was between her and Emilie! Both of them are absolutely atrocious at dancing!”“Aggh…” Emilie felt that.“Is that your proof? The way I dance? This is ridiculous.” Iamar feels insulted.“Ms. Iamar was the one more concerned for our safety, is she really the culprit?” Emilie needs to be convinced. “Wouldn’t the ghost acting of his own volition be more likely?”“In fact the only one who never bothered to say a word about what’s happening is Ms. Chloe over there.” Odetta thinks otherwise.“That is true, but it’s because I really want to be part of this year’s dance.” Chloe has no issue admitting she’s suspicious.“There you go, and that’s still a flimsy theory.” Iamar is getting angrier.“That isn’t all! It was all a setup! You’re in cahoots with that girl over there! I saw you all buddy-buddy with her while we were preparing the floor before Al and the other girl came down the stairs. I saw the money being exchanged!” Catastrovania defends her point by accusing Brandy as well. “The little incident was nothing but a scheme to make us believe you were concerned!”“Nah, you lost me there.” Brandy shakes her head.“The ghost disappeared under you for a reason!” Catastrovania knows it.How do you intervene?>“Odetta, just ask the ghost for the culprit.”>“Brandy, is that true? Please be honest with us. I have 20 bucks with your name on them if you tell us the truth.”>“Catastrovania, stop blaming people. There is no culprit, it was the ghost and nothing else.”>“Chloe, you’re acting suspicious…”>Write In.
>>4523652>>“Odetta, just ask the ghost for the culprit.”
>>4523652>“Odetta, just ask the ghost for the culprit.”
“Odetta, just ask the ghost for the culprit.” You already won at this point, why waste more time?“Yeah, give me a sec, I’ve been torturing him this whole time, maybe he wants to talk now…” Odetta has been tapping on her phone for a while now.“I’m saying the truth! Just believe me!” Catastrovania complains.“We’re getting your proof, just one second.” You retort.“How do we know your proof has any validity?” Chloe wants an answer to fully trust you.“You either believe us or we’ll make you believe…” Odetta isn’t concerned by that.“I can attest that their capabilities are real, I just saw them capture the specter.” Emilie is being a fair judge.“That explains the green beam.” Chloe nods. “Being aware of this all being real is terrifying.”“Imagine being blamed for something this strange.” Iamar is still offended.“These types of occurrences are incredibly rare, you should feel lucky instead. I’m sure you’ll never encounter anything like this ever again in your lives.” Odetta retorts.“I noticed not many of you care about Dulce, but she’s fine…” You feel bad about this poor girl in hindsight.“A-Apologies, I was so concentrated about the culprit that I forgot…” Emilie feels guilty.“I assumed she was fine under your care, you are a reliable guy.” Chloe excuses herself.“I’m glad to hear she’s fine.” Iamar relaxes.“Cat’s right.” Odetta confirms it. “It was Iamar.”“Ha! I told you, everyone!” Catastrovania pumps her chest, victorious.“W-Wait, I have the right to defend myself from these accusations!” Iamar can’t believe what she’s hearing. “D-Do you actually believe I did it…?” Iamar is trying to gather sympathy.“You have a bracelet on your leg with a crystal that lets you store the ghost. Taking over Dulce’s body was a last second decision by the ghost to take the blame alone. And you’re wearing black panties.” Odetta smirks. “Our specter here is something I’ve never seen before, he thinks he’s a demon, but I don’t think that’s important now.”“Bracelet is right there.” Chloe takes Iamar by surprise and shows it off. Everyone (except you) gasps.“How could you…?” Dulce woke up just in time for the big reveal.“If you expect a big confession, don’t delude yourself. Everything that happened here cannot be proven to the police.” Iamar starts walking backwards. “You’re free to draw your own conclusions, I’m taking my leave.”“That’s it? You have done this for decades, flying from the capital every year since you moved out and you’re going to throw it all way?” Chloe doesn’t quite get it.“Yes. That’s it.” Iamar made up her mind.
>>4523799“Lady, wait, maybe the law can’t do anything to you, but I sure can.” Odetta smirks. “If you want to return to your peaceful life, you must confess. Or else, with your buddy’s help, I’ll know more about you than just the color of your underwear.”“I don’t have much to live for... Please let me be.” Iamar wants mercy.“Just tell us why.” Odetta wants to satiate her curiosity.“…Since my teen years, every single year, the same people gathered here to practice for the festivities. I’m not much of a dancer, but I loved coming over. We were a tight-knit group, all friends with each other. Our lives were too busy to meet any other time that wasn’t for this. Except this year, this year the township decided to update our tradition.” Iamar says. “On a personal level, this year was already miserable… my husband cheated on me, I lost my house, I was fired from my job… All I had to look forward to was this, and when I came here, all my friends were replaced for you people. Young, upcoming and open for change kids… The township kicked out the old guard so we didn’t sabotage their precious idea. I was the only one that came flying when we started, I didn’t get the memo; Dulce was so kind to let me join because they need someone who knows the old dance… but it wasn’t the same, not even close... The other dancers looked down on me for not being as they are, treated me like an old hag, and insulted me behind my back.”A disheartened Iamar starts chuckling. “So I decided to sabotage their precious project, I tried to do it nonviolently, but they kept going and going. So one by one I took them out… I started to stretch it out so they felt no other option but to bring the old guard to have a dance for New Year’s Eve… My other friends probably don’t care about this anymore, but I kept going anyway… I don’t know why… I’m pathetic, I know.”“You sure are.” A cold-hearted Odetta agrees.“But why are we the ones left…?” Dulce doesn’t get it. “If you injured me first, maybe you would’ve gotten your way.”“You’re the people who I liked the most…” Iamar looks away. “Now please, let me be…”How do you respond?>“Get a hobby.”>“We will, you can leave now.”>“Is it too late for you just to join this group and move on? I know we can keep it a secret. If the girls here are willing to accept you.”>“Explain to us the ghost stuff and we’ll let you go.”>“I don’t know how but you need to pay for what you did.”>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue Monday unless a miracle happens.)
>>4523803>>“Is it too late for you just to join this group and move on? I know we can keep it a secret. If the girls here are willing to accept you.”
>>4523803>“Is it too late for you just to join this group and move on? I know we can keep it a secret. If the girls here are willing to accept you.”Clearly competent and cares a lot, which is more than most. Just needs a safe constructive outlet and to travel
>“It was between her and Emilie! Both of them are absolutely atrocious at dancing!”>“That isn’t all! It was all a setup! You’re in cahoots with that girl over there! I saw you all buddy-buddy with her while we were preparing the floor before Al and the other girl came down the stairs. I saw the money being exchanged!” Catastrovania defends her point by accusing Brandy as well. “The little incident was nothing but a scheme to make us believe you were concerned!”>“Cat’s right.” Odetta confirms it. “It was Iamar.”Okay this fucking chuuni being this competent is irritating me more. I wish she wasn't skilled and talented in this sort of thing like Odetta said, so she'd be worth killing off without a second thought later. God I fucking hate chuuni character stereotypes. I want to shove their face into a fucking wall, yell at them and threaten until they break and the real person underneath comes out of the fucking mental weeb cave they're trapped in. I want to brutally tear off all their fake and edgy accessories that take at least 15 minutes per morning to put on and tilt at just the right angles to be as anime as possible, wash off all their emo and goth and dark and "cool" makeup so their face is as plain as it should be. I want to slam them into something hard every time they try to talk chuuni, or do any sort of gesture that they stole from dumb overseas media they consumed once upon a time. Every single thing about the middle schooler syndrome archetype infuriates me to the core, and watching one break and become traumatized and drop the chuuni is the height of good character development
>>4524371holy shit anon is everything okayhonestly though im gonna take a wild shot and guess that cat has childhood trauma and is using chunni to copecause i love rolling with anime tropes
>>4524371Heeey buddy, you want to count your psych meds? Make sure you didn't forget any or double up on some? Because that is not a normal response to something you dont like.
I read over the previous threads and discovered that the boss of the lawyer firm that Cat and Maggie did a job for in this thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4138703/ post No.4145049Also appeared on the Aleister flowershop video:http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3377220/ post No.3383530Even Maggie thought he looked familiar.Ubaldo Hae-Seong is the Min-Hu Boss and we need to break his legs for blackmailing us after be bust out Reids from their HQ.
>>4526466Fantastic work, anon, serious cudos to you. Still, gotta keep in mind that Al doesn't know this knowledge yet.
>>4526466based, are you going to investigate more?
>>4526685>>4526485Looking over the posts http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3738095/ where the Min-Hu boss tells us his backstory No.3748274 and No.3748277 we can effectively confirm his identity.He claims that he has done his darndest to distance himself from mob activates to protect his reputation and private business.Therefore the boss would not take on Aleister like a thug nor would he clean up the scene afterwards like Vender did.Ubaldo Hae-Seong is the only one on the video who fits these parameters. He runs a law firm that would crash and burn if mob connections were discovered. It can't be Vender, because he is underaged, in school and has no ambitions beyond helping Aleister and assaulting girls. He has not had a change to build anything that could be ruined with bad reputation.Unless Odetta showed everyone the mugshots of the each case's client as were on the posts for those cases, then it falls on Maggie to remember or Cat to see the video to make the needed connections.
>>4526967>by not taking the ghost at the law firm job, we dodged the Min-Hu boss>either Alfred or Ubaldo or both would recognize the other from their voices on that one phone call, resulting in disaster or worse>but now Ubaldo knows Maggie and Cat personally, which I bet 91m10 will make relevant if it ever comes to that>but who was the ghost at the law firm, why were they there, and what are their connections to Ubaldo?
“Is it too late for you to join this group and move on? I know we can keep it a secret.” You propose. They are going to struggle to build that trust back, but you feel like everyone here wants the festival to succeed. “If the girls here are willing to accept you.”“It’s pointless, why would they—”“I certainly don’t mind.” Chloe interrupts Iamar before she can turn the idea down. “You and my mother worked together to keep this tradition going, she always had kind words for you and I sympathize with how you feel. Our mayor is so shortsighted, he doesn’t understand how his actions affect us. But he’s far from being the main man responsible for this. You still have to take responsibility for your actions, I’ll be there for you if you need my help.”“I harvest no hard feelings against you. In fact, without your help I couldn’t have gone this far, I was mocked as well for my lack of skill and you were the only one who understood my struggle. I found comfort in your words, I still feel in debt.” Emilie is too willing to give Iamar a chance.“Eh? You girls are for real?!” Odetta is shocked by what she’s witnessing.“Eeeh… I’m not sure, you literally brought a ghost to haunt us! That ain’t easy to forgive, y’know?” Brandy is being a brat again.“You were her accomplice! I saw you!” Catastrovania won’t forget that.“She just gave me a couple of bucks to play dumb! Nothing more!” Brandy defends herself.“An accomplice is an accomplice. You need to atone as well.” Chloe has a strong sense of justice.“R-Really?!” Brandy is in shock. “Damn, this sucks… But I guess that’s fine if I don’t do it alone.”“What about you, Dulce? You are the one who suffered the most thanks to her.” You ask Dulce whose upper body is resting in your arms. “Not counting the people she injured that is…”“None of the injuries were serious or else I couldn’t be this forgiving. The worst I heard were a couple of bruises and ankle sprains.” Chloe points out. “Scary enough to dissuade them from coming, but they weren’t committed enough, so who cares?”“Thanks for the clarification.” You respond.“You’re welcome!” Chloe smiles.“Iamar… After all you did for me, I really thought you were my friend. I’m outgoing, but even I feel lonely, and yet you…” Dulce has earned these conflicted feelings. “Iamar, I… I can’t forgive you without an apology.”“I…” Iamar is lost for words. “I’m sorry everyone… I’m really sorry.” Iamar starts crying. “I couldn’t let the last thing I have crumble in front of me… I know I’m pathetic…”“It’s fine! See? That easy!” Dulce smiles at the crying woman. “You don’t have to worry anymore!”“T-Thank you…” Iamar can’t contain the tears. For some reason they felt heavier, like they haven’t come out in years… What do you know? You never cry.
>>4527605And that pretty much sealed the end of the case. Everyone involved decided to keep the secret with the only caveat being that Iamar will have to make amends with the people she hurt, and Brandy will have to do the temple’s chores for a while. Knowing Iamar’s situation more carefully, Emilie offered her to work as one of the temple’s attendants permanently since the spiritual knowledge is more than appreciated for the job, Iamar accepted.Odetta wanted more information about the ghost and what Iamar did. Iamar was more than happy to help clarify her doubts with the only condition of releasing the ghost back to her, Odetta begrudgingly agreed to it. Iamar couldn’t go in too deep since it wasn’t the time for it, but she is more than willing to explain herself further if you call her later, which is something you added to your to-do-list. You two have her number now.Speaking of phone numbers, you got Brandy’s as well. She took your phone and added it herself after realizing you were the bartender from the other day. Brandy said you look cuter now that she’s sober. She wants to have fun with you. Also, she kept this revelation to herself thankfully.After your bucket talk, Chloe knew you were the most trustworthy person in that room, and relied on you as much as she could. Then she realized you were the owner of that little convenience store that was no more and gave you her condolences. You took them.Dulce confided in you that she felt responsible for everything that happened because all her actions led to this disaster. You try to reason with her, but it was futile. You hope the other girls can cheer her up.Emilie took you three to see the statue at the top now that the gate can be opened, the girls were underwhelmed. Emilie and you sighed.All in all, everyone here is really thankful for all you three did. So mission accomplished.Before you go, you think perhaps you could talk with someone in private…Anything you want to do before leaving?>Talk to Iamar.>Talk to Emilie.>Talk to Dulce.>Talk to Brandy.>Talk to Chloe.>No.Which request do you want to pick for tomorrow? (Last One.)>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]>“I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]
>>4527606>>No.>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]Bruce is the only one we haven't really seen this thread
>>4527606>No.>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]
>>4527606>Talk to Iamar.>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]
>>4527606>>Talk to Emilie.>>4527606>>“I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]
>>4527606>no>“I really need your help to find someone I need to apologize to in person! My days as a naughty girl are over!” requested by Siske. [Maggie Case]
>>4527606>Talk to Emilie>"My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges. [Bruce Case]
Yeah, with everything done you don’t have anything to bother yourself with right now. You wish them good luck and the 3 of you get aboard the car, a long trip awaits you. You don’t expect a long life story from Odetta again, so instead you asked about what she learned from Iamar.Odetta says she learned very little but the snippets she got left her confused. Iamar talked about ghosts looking like flames or something, and that they are being controlled by their ‘users’ – and they have their own special abilities. Iamar’s lets her ghost unlink from her or something.Catastrovania was talking about how those are demons from another dimension fighting to become the rulers of their own universe in an interdimensional battle royale using your world as a battlefield. Both of you ignored her prattle.After that, the conversation drastically shifted and you guys talked about what Iamar did and how it must’ve sucked returning to your home after a while and everything being torn apart. You mention that you lost your store that way 3 times but they ignored you. Catastrovania says she misses Starphase every now and then, but you all amuse her enough for her to not want to return home yet and deal with her troops of darkness. In Odetta’s case, she says she doesn’t have a place to return to, but she has someone she wants to see again once she doesn’t look like a skeleton…Catastrovania mentions she has never seen that side of Odetta before, which the ghost just tells her to shut her trap and mind her own business. Catastrovania replies that her businesses go beyond Odetta’s comprehension, and even discussing them with her would be a waste of time.“Where the hell did you find this girl?!” Odetta is tired of Catastrovania’s eccentricity.“I loom inside every SHADOW of this world! My DARK DOMAIN extends from the DARKEST CORNERS of all REALITIES with internet connections and beyond!” Catastrovania eloquently explains.“Or a car rental.” You deadpan.“Yes, that HELLHOLE, I remember it. Filthy place.” Catastrovania is way into her character right now. “You should’ve SUMMONED me in an appropriate place instead of that dump.”“Do you regret meeting her?” Odetta wonders.“………..No.” You think.“T-That took way too long to answer, assistant!” Catastrovania shouts. “But your hesitation will disappear as I announce that you two have permanently joined my LEGION of WICKEDNESS! You should be proud. Maybe one day you can challenge Starphase’s place as my right hand… I doubt you would succeed, but it would be a great honor regardless.”“I quit.” Odetta doesn’t want any of it.“Y-You can’t quit! You made an OATH! Only I can dismiss you!” Catastrovania complains.The bickering continued until you got home…
>>4527781Back at your apartment, Bruce and Maggie haven’t returned yet, so you decided to wait for them with dinner ready. You prepare delicious and nutritious food for everyone, who challenge the idea of it being delicious. Eventually, all the members of the New Xi Psi Pi or whatever this shit’s called gathered to eat and share their stories…So Maggie and Bruce left to reveal the mystery of Ghoulzilla! What is it? Where did he come from? What does he want? Did this wild goose chase have any results?In your client words (Madotsuki), the legend of Ghoulzilla spawns from decades ago! In the Dark Lagoon of Hamje, the one where the legendary Tsunami Karp was found, during random nights – a thick fog appears in the Lagoon, and in it… a ginormous dark shadowy figure emerges! A lizard-like figure with no feet… That figure is known as Ghoulzilla! The plan was to find it, whatever it took.A lot of unexpected people joined in this mission, one of them being Catastrovania’s sister, Starphase! Starphase and Madotsuki are friends and classmates. The others being: your friend and ex-colleague Kong Bo, one of the people who believed he saw Ghoulzilla decades ago. Heidi, the woman who worked at the hospital to make sure the girls will be fine and knows Kong Bo for some reason. And a weird guy named Gerard, nobody knew why he was there but he joined.And they found the huge monster, it’s real. There is a huge lizard monster who lives in the Dark Lagoon of Hamje and now all of them have to live with that fact. And so do you. Yeah.“So that explains why Maggie is not talking.” You come to that conclusion. Now you have met Mute Maggie.“Y-Yeah, it was pretty scary… But I’m glad I did it. I feel like my life has a new meaning, and it terrifies me.” Bruce nods to himself. It seems like he’s slowly getting more and more confident. That’s good.“W-Wait, you met Starphase?! D-Did she ask about me?!” Catastrovania is on a whole new level of concern.“Y-Yeah, w-we told her you were fine and showed her a pic from our DnD session from the other day.” Bruce explains.“Oh…” Catastrovania feels lonely for a second.“There is no way there is a big stupid giant lizard in that place.” Odetta doesn’t believe in that crap.“B-But it’s true…” Bruce isn’t lying, which is terrifying.“Whatever, the clients are happy so I’m happy. Good job everyone, now let’s go to sleep! We have to take advantage of the fact that she can’t talk.” Odetta points at Maggie.“…” Maggie is looking way too pale.Tomorrow is the final mission. Do you want Odetta to accompany you?>Yes.>No.Do you offer everyone to sleep in the same room to help Maggie?>Yes. Help Maggie overcome her fears.>No. You like your sleep.
>>4527782>>Yes.>Yes. Help Maggie overcome her fears.Bring her aboard for the last mission
>>4527782>Yes.>Yes. Help Maggie overcome her fears.
“Everyone, I have a proposition to help Maggie.” You know Freckles needs your help.“She’s useless to us like this, what are you thinking?” Odetta agrees that there is a problem.“I propose a slumber party here in the living room so Maggie can recover.” You exclaim.“How does that work…?” Odetta is confused.“Maggie is a simple and needy girl, she needs comfort and safety to have her strength back.” You explain.“T-That is true, I’ve seen it! It is so painfully obvious that I don’t even require to use my CATASTROPHIC EYE of DESTRUCTION to see it.” Catastrovania agrees with this method.“That s-sounds like Maggie…” Bruce agrees that this would work.“Wait, a slumber party? We’re just going to sleep here?” Odetta is confused.“And next to each other.” You answer. “It will help build camaraderie as well. Let’s bring the futons.”Everyone but Odetta follows your order. “I-I didn’t agree to this… ugh… fine.” Odetta just gives up, she’s too tired to argue.You had to move some of the furniture away to make some space. It looks like the day you got to this place, empty and with a foul stench coming from its habitants. It’s not that bad, it was a joke. Everyone took a shower between coming back and going to sleep, so there isn’t anything to complain about.Now everyone is inside their futons, and Maggie is basically the barrier between you and the other girls. You have Bruce at your right side. It’s weird since nobody is saying anything. Maggie immediately rests her head on your chest, and you start patting her head like a dog so she calms down, because she’s trembling a lot. It didn’t work so well, so you asked for backup. Cat, who was the closest on the other side, helped patting her. It didn’t work all that much. You asked for more help, meaning that Bruce and Odetta joined. It was uncomfortable and nobody liked it, so you all stopped and figured out that Maggie is destined to suffer. You all called it quits and went to sleep without any more words.
>>4527846[DAY 21/SATURDAY]You start to stir awake after a horrible sleep. A great way to start this normal day where nothing important will happen at all.“Hey, wake up.” Odetta taps your shoulder with her feet. “I’m joining you today as well, right?”“Yes.” You don’t know why she woke you up 5 minutes before your alarm.“Then I’m picking today, we’ll do this one.” Odetta shows you the "My lifelong rival and I want to settle our dispute once and for all, we require judges for our cooking duel. Can you help us?" requested by Haytham Gerges Mission.“Why?” You don’t mind at all.“’Cause the other involves that fat bitch and I don’t want to have anything to do with her.” Odetta is talking about the other one involving Siske.“That’s fair.” You agree.“W-What are you two talking about?” Bruce wakes up, he yawns immediately after finishing talking.“Congratulations, you’re joining us on our next mission.” Odetta recruits Bruce to it.“A-Am I…?” Bruce is confused.“I already dealt with Maggie and Catastrovania, and you woke up first. So yes, you are.” Odetta smirks. She seems to like Bruce the most.“Cool.” Bruce doesn’t mind in the slightest.“You heard that Maggie?! These fools are looking down on us!” Catastrovania woke up as well.“Thank you everyone for taking care of me.” Maggie is shockingly thankful.“…” Catastrovania is out of words.“…Where did that come from?” Odetta is in shock.“I’m sorry if I haven’t expressed my feelings of gratitude before, that’s something I deeply regret now.” Maggie feels apologetic. “Now let’s all enjoy the daily miracle of breakfast together.”“D-Do you think Maggie got so scared that she ended up like this…?” Catastrovania is scared.“I don’t know, but you’re the one dealing with her. Tough Luck.” Odetta has no mercy.“Are you feeling better, Maggie?” Even you’re a little concerned.“Yes, Allie. I feel perfectly fine.” Maggie smiles. You’ll call this Maggie: Ascended Maggie.“Well, uh, if you have any issues with her, m-make sure to c-call us, Cat.” Bruce is the most optimistic of all of you.After your daily routine is done, it’s time to decide how to tackle this final challenge. You assume it’s the final one since Odetta hasn’t highlighted any new ones.What do you do?>Call the client, get the info, you know the deal.>Check if Maggie is all right. You are 90% sure she’s playing one of her games, but you never know.>Write In.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)
>>4527847>>Call the client, get the info, you know the deal.
>>4527847>Check if Maggie is all right. You are 90% sure she’s playing one of her games, but you never know.
>>4527847>Call the client, get the info, you know the deal.
>>4527847>Check if Maggie is all right. You are 90% sure she’s playing one of her games, but you never know.No reason not to do this first
Despite being almost completely sure that this is another one of Maggie’s shenanigans, you have foolishly decided to check if she’s alright or not. Bruce and Odetta will go to fill the rental car’s tank in the meantime, so you’re left with Catastrovania and Freckles.“Still acting up?” You ask Catastrovania for a report.“Ngh... So you’re worried too? What a relief! I won’t have to deal with her alone!” Catastrovania was waiting for your help. “And yeah, she’s still acting weird! Just look at her! Look!”“Catastrovania Strifaust Morituros IX, there is no reason to be concerned, we should be calling our client now.” Ascended Maggie believes that her wanting to work doesn’t raise any red flags.“Very concerning indeed.” You asses.“Aren’t you exaggerating, Allie? Everyone knows that life threatening situations change a person.” Ascended Maggie defends her new quirkiness.“Y-Yeah, but your personality doesn’t get overwritten like this! You’re like a different person altogether.” Catastrovania argues.“How am I any different than you and the way you act, Catastrovania Strifaust Morituros IX?” Ascended Maggie’s voice is emotionless yet relaxed. “One moment you’re a defenseless girl and the other an ex-combatant of the Construct Wars, right? Am I not allowed to be any different from the Maggie you know?”“Mine is pre-established lore! Don’t compare us!” Catastrovania won’t be introspective in any way, shape or form.“When I saw Ghoulzilla with my very own eyes and the terror propagated into every fiber of my mortal body, I came to realize the many regrets I would’ve taken with me to the afterlife if I died in that moment. I’ve never felt so much pain in my life like in that moment. I have a second chance and I’m going to make the best of it.” Ascended Maggie proclaims. You almost want to call her Margaret from now on… “I’m sorry if I’m making you worry.”“I-I can’t tell if she’s lying to us or not…” Catastrovania isn’t even sure of what’s going on.This is Maggie’s best performance ever or all the loose screws inside her head were fixed simultaneously by a giant lizard monster. Knowing her, it could be anything.How do you respond?>“Cat, just go ahead with the mission. Maggie won’t be able to keep this up all day.” Maggie is just playing. You don’t want to lose more time with this, you’ll call the client.>“I prefer the old one if I’m honest.” Make Maggie know that you miss her useless old self.>“You’re just playing this up again, aren’t you”? You won’t fall for her tricks.>“Good for you, then. Keep this up.” Encourage her to continue this new form.>Write In.
>>4528760>>“Cat, just go ahead with the mission. Maggie won’t be able to keep this up all day.” Maggie is just playing. You don’t want to lose more time with this, you’ll call the client.This is a rare opportunity, let's see how this plays out first
>>4528760>“Good for you, then. Keep this up.” Encourage her to continue this new form.
>>4528760>“Cat, just go ahead with the mission. Maggie won’t be able to keep this up all day.” Maggie is just playing. You don’t want to lose more time with this, you’ll call the client.An ascended Maggie past an ascended Maggie. Call it Super Maggie 2...
>>4528760>“You’re just playing this up again, aren’t you”? You won’t fall for her tricks.
>>4528760>“Cat, just go ahead with the mission. Maggie won’t be able to keep this up all day.” Maggie is just playing. You don’t want to lose more time with this, you’ll call the client.
“Cat, just go ahead with the mission. Maggie won't be able to keep this up all day.” You know Maggie is playing, this was a waste of time.“Uhm… Sure… I’ll find a way to manage.” Catastrovania isn’t sure this is a good idea.“We’ll do a splendid job, leave it to me.” Ascended Maggie pretends to be reliable. “Now let’s get in contact with our client.”“I’ll do the same.” You will take your leave.But before you leave the room, Maggie grabs your arm and kisses you on the cheek.“Good luck today.” Maggie giggles.“Ah?!” Catastrovania is in shock and fearful for her life.“I said I will seize the moment from now on.” Maggie smiles.“T-The first and last one…” Catastrovania is already planning her funeral.“Maggie...” You give her a scolding look.“I’m sorry, I don’t regret it.” Maggie shows you her tongue.“B-Before you leave!” Catastrovania tries to save Maggie’s life by changing the topics. “The preparations for the Operation Stygian Counter Act are almost done, we’re waiting on the delivery of the final piece of the puzzle!”“That’s great. Good job.” You acknowledge her efforts.“Fufufu~ It’s just a matter of time before our plans go underway!” Catastrovania loves being praised. “Farewell for now!”After hearing the good news, you leave them be in their room and you go back to your own. Odetta and Bruce are taking their sweet time, so you’ve decided to call the client in the meantime.Your client’s name is Haytham Gerges, he’s a well-known chef in the city, and he sounds like a confident, outgoing guy. After introducing each other he gets into the heart of the matter.“Alfred, we would like you to join us in our cooking duel as our judges. That simple!” Haytham briefly explains.“You said you don’t want to go into details, but surely there are more well-equipped people for the job than us.” You think if Odetta heard you, she would kill you right now.“Perhaps! But I don’t think so! Any person with taste buds holds a valuable opinion to me, any potential client does.” Haytham must have his own motives then. “We’re dueling restaurants who have fought it out for decades, both on the same street, one in front of the other! Everyone in town is a fan of either one, and all we want are impartial individuals to decide who the best is! Please come down here! If you have any doubts, we’ll be sure to answer them when you get here.”He’s reluctant to give you any information, he doesn’t want you to pry, but you know the general idea, you don’t need to know more to continue your job…How do you respond?>“Why are you being so secretive?”>“Why are you dueling?”>“We’ll be going then, sir.”>Write In.
>>4528878>>“Why are you dueling?”
>>4528878>“Why are you dueling?”
“Why are you dueling?” You need just a tiny bit more before you decide to royally fuck up their duel.“For honor, my friend. To settle this once and for all and determine who the best in town is.” Haytham keeps it simple.“So there is no prize or anything of the like?” You want him to be specific.“Everyone faces defeat in different ways. A grand decision can be made when reality sets in, and the consequences could grander than we expected. There is no monetary win here, but there is a lot at risk.” Haytham sounds determined to win this duel. “A long battle that is going to end today.”“I understand.” You know this is bigger than he lets show.A cooking duel to determine the one who stands at the mountain top. You can imagine what a prideful man would do if he doesn’t win.How do you respond?>“Why are you being so secretive?”>“So we go there, eat your food, decide who’s the best one and that’s it? Job done?”>“We’ll be going then, sir.”>Write In.
>>4528918>>“So we go there, eat your food, decide who’s the best one and that’s it? Job done?”
>>4528918>“So we go there, eat your food, decide who’s the best one and that’s it? Job done?”
>>4528918>“So we go there, eat your food, decide who’s the best one and that’s it? Job done?”>Write In. "Is that a banana under your hair?"
“So we go there, eat your food, decide who’s the best one and that’s it? Job done?” You can’t believe it’s just a free food day.“Precisely! Only one thing matters, who’s the best chef around!”“Sounds like a dream come true.”“Ha! Ha! Ha! I feel honored by your words, but they will carry much more weight when you taste my food!” Haytham bursts out in laughter. “Now, I wasn’t expecting you guys to reply to us today, we need to get everything ready. Come visit us as soon as you can. We’ll be ready. Thank you for this and farewell!”“Good-bye…” You don’t get to ask more questions.You leave the room just to find Odetta all alone. You asked where Bruce is, and she told you he took the girls to their mission, they’ll come back through public transportation later. You take advantage of this moment to explain what’s going on to Odetta, you assume she will be fairly happy to hear what your job is – but she asked a really good question: What kind of food do those guys serve? You should’ve asked...“I’m b-back…” That’s Bruce just in time to save you from this awkward moment. “A-Are we going or…?”“Yes, today we have a fairly simple job.” You explain to Bruce what you’re going to do. “Easy, right?”“So, w-what kind of food…?” Bruce wonders.“W-We will find out.” You excuse yourself as you leave first.“I guess t-that’s a surprise, haha…” Bruce laughs it off.“He can be an idiot every now and then too, huh?” The Ghost isn’t impressed with you. You don’t care, you have a job to do.In downtown there are both of the restaurants Haytham mentioned: The Brimstone Road and The Meadow Tower. It appears they want to settle this on the Meadow Tower, as you see workers from both restaurants going in and out of there.“A duel 20 years in the making…” Bruce reads the billboard on the Meadow Tower out loud.“Why couldn’t they settle this earlier?” Odetta is confused by this.“Y-You have to admit it sounds cooler t-the bigger the number.” Bruce defends the idea. “T-To keep competing after so long… It’s admirable.”“Oh Brucey, you’ve always been so naïve…” Odetta doesn’t hold it in the same regard Bruce does.“S-So what do we do…?” Bruce looks around.What do you do?>Talk to the people congregating to know more about what’s going on with these two restaurants and their rivalry.>Go and try to find Haytham amongst this disorder.>Go inside the Brimstone Road and see who’s around there. Less people to deal with.>Write in.
>>4528991>Talk to the people congregating to know more about what’s going on with these two restaurants and their rivalry.
>>4528991>>Talk to the people congregating to know more about what’s going on with these two restaurants and their rivalry.
“Let’s find out what’s going on with these two places and their rivalry.” You think it’s a good course of action. “We’re going to have to ask around.”“It’s been a while since I asked people directly.” Odetta chuckles.“S-Should we split u-up?” Bruce doesn’t want to at all but he proposed it anyway. “That won’t be necessary, kid. Sorry for eavesdropping but I can help.” That man, that’s the guy who made the cake for the Uccellis! It’s Gunnar!“H-Huh, a homeless guy?” Bruce doesn’t know when he got next to all of you.“I’m not a homeless guy, you impertinent brat!” Gunnar gets all angry. That’s the cranky old man you know.“You’re the one who meddled in our conversation, old man!” Odetta points out.“I-I know the kid over there, okay?!” Gunnar points at you. “This happens every single time I try to be nice!”“You know this guy?” Odetta wonders.“Yes, I do.” You admit. “What are you doing here?” You thought he would go back into retirement again.“I wouldn’t miss my opportunity to watch this duel. I know these people from my younger days, and the last two days I’ve been catching up with ‘em.” Gunnar gets all angry explaining everything. “What a happenstance to find you here, kid. I barely recognize you without the hat.”“A-Are you going to tell us what’s going o-on?” Bruce wonders.“What’s up with you, kid? You sound like you just shit yourself.” Gunnar is incredibly confused by Bruce’s mannerisms.“And you sound like you don’t shit enough, now stop bothering Bruce, you mongrel.” Odetta is tired of hearing the old man.“You clearly down-graded with this toadhead, pal. The other girl was far cuter.” Gunnar ignores Odetta’s yapping to tell you that.“Please treat them nicely, these two are some of my best friends.” You don’t even remember him treating you any better, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.“You kids wouldn’t last a week inside a kitchen with that attitude.” The pastry chef that lost his dreams because he couldn’t keep up says.“I bet you would last an eternity inside an asylum though.” Odetta retorts.“Can we please get to the point?” You want some order.“P-Please…” Bruce is on your side.“You wanna know what’s going on? I can tell you what’s going on.” Gunnar is ready to tell another long story.“Please do.” You don’t even know why he’s bothering to do this, but you won’t complain unless he fights with Odetta again.“These two restaurants have been rivals for decades, now after years of speculation of who’s better, they are duking it out in one last time.” Gunnar explains nothing new.“We already knew that, you worthless senile chucklehead!” Odetta shouts.“Let me fuckin’ finish, you toadhead toothpick!” Gunnar shouts back. “Agh, I lost my train of thought…”Maybe if you ask something specific, they will stop shouting…
>>4529086What do you do?>Ask about Haytham Gerges, your client.>Ask about the other dueling chef, the one who owns The Brimstone Road.>Ask why they are settling their differences now.>Write In.
>>4529087>>Ask why they are settling their differences now.
>>4529086>Write In. Ask what kind of food they cook. Cake?
>>4529087>Ask about Haytham Gerges, your client.>Ask about the other dueling chef, the one who owns The Brimstone Road.
>>4529086>Ask why they are settling their differences now.
>>4529087>Ask why they are settling their differences now.
“What kind of food do they cook? Cake?” You don’t think he would be around if it wasn’t a pastry duel.“Y-You’re still hanging on that…?” Odetta isn’t impressed. “It is going to be important though.” She thinks it over.“Sea food, what else? We’re near the coast!” Gunnar is just mad at everyone now.“Aw, I-I’m tired of eating fish…” Bruce isn’t excited about this anymore.“The only thing you should worry about is if the food is good or not!” Gunnar barks again. “Any competent chef can make the dishes you want, only the best ones make the ones you learn to love!”“W-What if I’m allergic…?” Bruce points out.“Screw that! Even if you make the best broccoli dish ever, that shit is never going to taste good!” Odetta has strong feelings about food.“One day we’re going to find a better recipe and you will like it! That’s what we chefs do, damn it!” Gunnar argues back.You need to stop this fight with another question…“Why are these restaurants settling their differences now?” You somehow make yourself audible amidst the ruckus.“Ehem, from what I recall, these two places have had a fairly friendly rivalry over the years, they even feud semi-regularly for years. Both owners were the respective chefs of their places. The Meadow Tower being the more popular of the two, but the Brimstone Road won every single one of their duels. Like I said, all on friendly terms, you could consider them best friends still.” Gunnar starts explaining like he should’ve at the beginning. “The old owner of the Meadow Tower retired a few years ago and his son took his place. The son wanted to keep the tradition going but the owner of Brimstone Road wasn’t interested in competing with the kid. Unlike his rival, his son wasn’t interested in keeping the family business, and he had no successor to leave the place to. So, now that the Brimstone Road owner plans to retire fairly soon and close doors, the son wants one last chance to prove his food’s worth… Which the old man unexpectedly accepted. And here we are.”“Not much of a rivalry if you lose every match.” Odetta doesn’t understand it.“Not much of a rivalry if you always lose in sales.” Gunnar responds.“D-Dueling with your best friend for so long, huh…?” Bruce looks at you while saying this. “I-I guess it’s t-too late to build my o-own convenience store, haha…”“I would’ve crushed you.” You don’t hesitate.“I would’ve loved to see that.” Bruce responds with no hesitation.“I think we got a pretty picture of what’s going on now.” Odetta interrupts your fun exchange. “Thank you, old man.”“D-Don’t mention it.” Gunnar didn’t expect Odetta to thank him. “I was invited to be one of the judges since I haven’t eaten in these places in so long. But it appears they found 3 people to do it instead.”
>>4529221“W-What a coincidence… Haha…” Bruce chuckles suspiciously.What do you do?>Report to Haytham. You’re ready to judge!>Meet the old chef in competition before you get to judging.>Tell Gunnar you’re today’s judges.>Write In.
>>4529223>>Meet the old chef in competition before you get to judging.
>>4529223>Tell Gunnar you’re today’s judges. With a smug smirk >Meet the old chef in competition before you get to judging.
>>4529223>Meet the old chef in competition before you get to judging.
>>4529223>Tell Gunnar you’re today’s judges. With a smug smirk>Meet the old chef in competition before you get to judging.
“Let’s meet up with the old chef before we settle down in our role.” You tell everyone.“Role? Huh?” Gunnar is confused.“We’re today’s judges.” You smirk.“Y-You?!” Gunnar is in shock.“Jealous, old man?” Odetta eggs on him.“You need more than one meal to look decent, tadpole.” Gunnar fires back.“Yeah, you can tell he’s a pastry chef because all he cares is about looks.” Odetta counterattacks.“Little…!” Gunnar was about to explode… then he laughed. “I’ll give you that one, but that joke certainly gets old fast. The guy you’re looking for should be inside the Meadow Tower. Can’t go with you, I’m waiting for someone.”“Let’s check it out then, shall we?” Odetta leads the way. She has been holding herself pretty well so far, not as tired as two days ago.You go inside the Meadow Tower to look for the other chef, instead you meet up with Haytham who warmly welcomes you all to his restaurant. It’s smaller than you expected but a little fancier. He said he wants you all to be as impartial as possible, so he’s going to be brief for now. You simply asked where the other chef is to introduce yourselves before getting things going. Haytham happily shows you the way. You’re now at the back of the restaurant, in a little hallway. Haytham introduces each of you before taking his leave.“So you’re the fortunate pipsqueaks who are going to help us out? Thank you!” Jasper Ando, the owner and main chef of the Brimstone Road, deadpans.“Do I have to argue with another old man again…?” Odetta is ready to fire.“Please no.” Bruce begs for mercy.“Don’t take it badly, little girl, it’s a joke.” Jasper apologizes. “You’ll see no ill will of mine in my food, then you’ll know I’m genuine!”“We’ll see…” Odetta glares at the old man.“I imagine Haytham barely spoke to you all, right?” Jasper wonders.“Y-Yeah, he barely said a w-word to us.” Bruce says.“I knew it! He’s trying his darndest not be as warm as he usually is with you all! He wants a fair duel and all that, but he tends to be too kind to everyone and people get attached to him. He didn’t want that to happen with you lot so you could maintain your fair judgment.” Jasper explains.“That’s very kind of him.” That’s just your opinion though.“Don’t you think he’s a complete and utter buffoon?!” Jasper starts laughing hysterically. “The only advantage he has over me and he just throws it away like a dumbass! I have over 50 years of experience ahead of him, and he thinks we’re on an even playing field! How stupid can you be? There is no way he can beat me inside the kitchen… I almost feel bad for what I’m about to do.”“You have a point right there, mister.” Odetta smirks.
>>4529353How do you respond?>“That will be that, mister. We’re going to wait for your meal now.” Time to get to work.>“What if he ends up surprising you?” Remind him that he needs to stay sharp.>“If you’re trying to manipulate us one way or another, it’s failing.” You won’t fall for his tricks. Whoever’s the better cook will win tonight.>Write In.
>>4529355(Also last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)
>>4529353>Jasper Andowew boy>>4529355>>“What if he ends up surprising you?” Remind him that he needs to stay sharp.
>>4529355>“What if he ends up surprising you?” Remind him that he needs to stay sharp. Bringing the A game might would only be the right thing to do
>>4529355>“What if he ends up surprising you?” Remind him that he needs to stay sharp.
“What if he ends up surprising you?” You want to remind him that he needs to stay sharp.“You think I’m taking this lightly? If that scallywag wants to face me, he’ll fight me at my best – and I’ve never been bested when the fire rises, kid! There is no chance in hell that he’ll win! My family is known for its do or die attitude, and I’ll show why we are so strong with our backs against the wall!” Jasper gets serious. “I have no successor, today is the last day the world will witness how great the Brimstone Road’s food is, and I’m planning to go with a bang. Dueling is life, kid. It’s the only time I feel any real passion inside that kitchen…”“He still has a chance.” You still point out.“And I’m gonna crush him.” Jasper is not playing here. “Thank you, kids! I hope you enjoy the food!” Jasper is all smiles all of a sudden as he taps you and Bruce’s back, then he walks away.“What a confident guy...” Odetta sounds sarcastic.“T-This duel means so much to these g-guys, I feel bad that it’s us who decide the victor.” Bruce feels regretful. “L-Like imagine how the l-loser would feel, maybe we should… y-you know…”“Oh Brucey, you’ve always been so thoughtful…” Odetta chuckles. “I remember when I was haunting you and you always apologized for being loud, telling us why you went out every time, and warned us beforehand when you did your manly activities in the bathroom…”“W-W-W-Why a-are you bringing this u-up?” Bruce is in shock.“Stop being so naïve, damn it! You don’t need to care about what happens with these two! We’re just here to do our job! If you really care about their feelings, just be fair to them.” Odetta doesn’t want Bruce to carry an unnecessary burden. “Right, Alfred?”How do you respond?>“Plain and simple, like you said, Odetta.” You agreed only to do what you’re being paid for.>“Bruce, are you suggesting we rig the vote?” Is that where he’s going with this?>“Did you watch Bruce masturbate?” Deadpan. You’ll never have this chance again.>Write In.
>>4530515>>“Plain and simple, like you said, Odetta.” You agreed only to do what you’re being paid for.
>>4530515>“Plain and simple, like you said, Odetta.” You agreed only to do what you’re being paid for.
>>4530515>“Did you watch Bruce masturbate?” Deadpan. You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.
>>4530517>>4530527>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.Well boys? What is it?
>>4530515>>4530527>“Did you watch Bruce masturbate?” Deadpan. You’ll never have this chance again.Fuck it I'm changing
>>4530515>>“Plain and simple, like you said, Odetta.” You agreed only to do what you’re being paid for.Alfred would not care about someone choking their snake unless it helps him with revenge.
>>4530555>>4530558killjoys
>>4530515>“Did you watch Bruce masturbate?” Deadpan. You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.>You’ll never have this chance again.Lets fucking goooooooo
>>4530515>“Did you watch Bruce masturbate?” Deadpan. You’ll never have this chance again.
>>4530515>“Did you watch Bruce masturbate?” Deadpan. You’ll never have this chance again.I doubt Odetta’s a perv, but she’d absolutely take advantage of a situation like this somehow.
“Did you watch Bruce masturbate…?” You deadpan.“WAH...?! EH…?! AH…!? HUH?!” Odetta is overly embarrassed by your question in a way you’ve never seen before. “Alfred, you fuckin’ dimwit, the fuck are thinkin’?!”“You left yourself open for that kind of question, which I found valid and your attitude concerning.” You continue pretending to be serious.“I a-absolutely didn’t do that, you dolt! He told me not to!” Odetta is really embarrassed and angry at you.“Everyone knows you would’ve ignored Bruce’s warnings.” You shake your head.“Oh god…” Bruce is embarrassed and ashamed.“Don’t believe him, you puke head!” Odetta can’t believe this is happening.“B-But why w-would you get so embarrassed if it wasn’t true?” Bruce has a point or he’s playing along.“One, you’re not my type, and two—”“Who’s your type then?” You interrupt Odetta before she can continue.“Neither of you two are! I don’t have any! I don’t think about this stuff, I’m too busy for this crap!” Odetta defends herself poorly. “What I was trying to say before, ghosts can’t get horny! We don’t have bodies!”“T-That’s a phrase I n-never thought I would hear.” Bruce tries to pass this as a joke.“So you admit you’re a ghost.” You nod to yourself. “The first lewd ghost at that.”“I hate you two so much…” Odetta is plotting for revenge.“H-Hey, why me? It was my r-right of privacy that w-was violated...” Bruce defends his actions.“The other girl watched you, he said you had it small.” Odetta lies through her teeth.“So you went and checked it?” You wonder.“Shut your trap!” Odetta shouts.“I’m pretty sure I don’t have it small.” Bruce sounds almost proud.“Can we not talk about this any longer…?” Odetta is defeated.“We will take it as your confession then.” You respond, and together with Bruce look down on her.“Fuck you…” Lewdetta walks away. “Let’s do our job.”With your victory accomplished, you decide to obey her orders.The restaurant is ready for this duel to begin, the whole place was arranged for it to have two dueling kitchens, one in front of the other, while behind all that are your seats. There is a crowd in front of this all, awaiting for this to commence. In the first row you see old man Gunnar and his disciple Lin, amongst the crowd you recognize other faces like Calin and Kae from the bar, and Silver Sun’s little brother Gualberto. You wonder why they are here.Everything appears to be ready for the duel to begin.What do you do?>Take your seat, it’s time to judge.>Invite Gunnar to take your place.>Ask the contestants to give a speech before starting.>Write In.
>>4530649>>Ask the contestants to give a speech before starting.
>>4530649>Take your seat, it’s time to judge.
>>4530649>>Ask the contestants to give a speech before startingShowboating good
>>4530649>>Ask the contestants to give a speech before
>>4530649>Ask the contestants to give a speech before starting.
It seems the workers here got the memo and now they are asking you to take your seat at the judges’ table, you ask one of them to tell the competitors that it would be interesting if they could give a speech before starting since it’s a big occasion. Whoever the guy you talked to was, he seemed to love the idea and immediately went to Haytham to pass it on. After grabbing your seats, it’s just a matter of time before this begins.It wasn’t long before Haytham asked everyone for their attention, and said both competitors will give some words before we get the duel underway per the judges’ orders.“I hope you don’t mind addressing this crowd one last time.” Haytham jokes around with Jasper.“Sure don’t…” Jasper is ready at his workstation.“You want me to go first?” Haytham politely asks.“Contenders always go first, champion’s advantage.” Jasper is taunting him.“Ha! Ha! Ha! You still got your edge, huh?” Haytham found that response hilarious, he now turns to the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight decades of history end, tonight we’re reunited together to witness the end of the rivalry of our two restaurants, one final confrontation to determine who’s the best. Those who know me know that I’m the kind of guy who says sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. But this day is different, no matter what, I have only one chance to bring the old man down. A feat my father never accomplished. A burden my family will have to carry for the rest of eternity if I happen to fail. It is not this burden that weighs on me this evening, no, what rests on my shoulders is the weight of my own ambition. I have to prove today everything I stand for, behind this counter I’ll make my statement. Excuses stop here. Uncle Jasper Ando, I respect you, but I don’t fear you – and I’ll show what I hold on my shoulder is heavier than an old man’s pride.”The crowd erupts in cheers. They seem to have like that elongated speech. It was full of passion and determination, you can feel how much it means to him – so the reaction is understandable. It didn’t resonate with you in particular though.As for the people you know, Calin, Gualberto and Lin were impressed by him, Kae got scared from the cheers, but Gunnar didn’t seem to change his serious stance.“W-Woah…” Even Bruce is moved by Haytham’s words. “I c-can’t wait to eat his food!”“Oh right! I thought they were going to beat each other up!” Odetta got caught on the wrong idea.“We must remain unbiased.” You remind them.
>>4530769Now it’s Jasper’s turn to talk. He confidently clears his throat…“L-Let’s give it everything we got…!” Jasper wasn’t prepared at all!The crowd isn’t impressed at all and remains silent except for Lin who politely clapped. It was awkward.“T-That’s it, old man!? What the hell was that?!” Odetta complains.“I-I’m a chef, not a motivational speaker!” Jasper yaps back.“Well said.” Haytham is prepared to cook.“T-That was certainly underwhelming…” Bruce doesn’t have good words for this.“…It was.” It was so underwhelming it made you feel like you shouldn’t vote for him. But you must remain unbiased.And now, the cooks start their show! They move around, chopping dead animals and combining them with non-poisoned plants and vegetables to enhance their flavor. They don’t look like the master of their craft like they sold themselves as, but you are no expert in cooking. You have no idea what you were expecting, too much hype ruins things. Well, watching people cook certainly made you hungry…After a good while, the food is ready, you get served Haytham’s plate first, you don’t recognize what it is exactly but you can tell it has salmon by the smell……And it’s pretty damn good, the best thing you can compare it with is with the food at Ishikawa’s. You like it. Your teammates are in the same boat.Now Jasper’s, you can tell it has squid in it, you recognize it because it’s the same kind you fished with Kong Bo. The terrible memories are coming back to you.…And it’s even better than Haytham’s, it’s not even close, not even Ishikawa’s can compare! You put it on the same level as Berenice’s lovely food. Simply spectacular.Now it’s the moment to decide…Who’s better?>Haytham.>Jasper.>No one. It’s a tie.(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow.)
>>4530770(Not so sure if we continue tomorrow if I'm honest. But we'll see.)
>>4530770>Jasper.
>>4530770>>Jasper.It is our job as judges to remain unbiased
>>4530770>Jasper.But we are not the only judge. We should discuss this over with our fellow judges to reach an unanomous conclusion.
You have made your decision but it appears they expect you to talk amongst yourselves to come to the grand conclusion. In which case, you asked one of the workers if you could leave to the back to talk it out. He didn’t oppose the idea and went to inform the cooks about it. The cooks let the crowd know as you leave to the room you were talking with Jasper in earlier.“I thought we were going to vote there, but oh well, let’s make it quick. Who are you guys voting for?” Odetta is the one leading the conversation.“I’m voting for Jasper. His food was better, plain and simple.” You will stand by this decision.“Huh, funny, I’m voting for Haytham.” Odetta’s decision is unexpected to you. “If we count the speech, he has the lead. The Old man’s food is good, but not good enough to beat the other man’s food and his speech combined.”“Our job is to decide whose food is better.” You retort.“No, our job is to decide who wins this duel. I’m taking into account everything since the duel started.” Odetta backs up her stance. “Well, it’s pointless to argue, Bruce, let’s get this done, who are you voting for?”“I-I d-don’t know…” Bruce has been mulling it over for a while now.“How do you not know…?” Odetta isn’t impressed. “I don’t know w-what’s worse… d-denying a man his chance of redemption, or condemning a-another to leave without ever getting one after losing once…” Bruce is really thinking this over.“Bruce, I understand what you are trying to say, but that’s none of your business. You either think one plate is better than the other, or you like one guy better than the other. That simple.” Odetta doesn’t see the point of overthinking this.“Which dish was your favorite?” You put it simple.“J-Jasper’s, but…” Bruce feels guilty about it.“There are no buts, that’s it.” Odetta doesn’t care one bit. “Jasper won, two to one.”“Wait, b-but—” Bruce tries to interrupt Odetta but he gets cut off too.“Hello there, everyone. I apologize for intruding like this.” It’s Lin! When did she get here? “I wanted to speak to you, Alfred. I wanted to personally thank you for helping my teacher get his confidence back. Thanks to you, I’m in the process of adopting the Lovely Velvet Butter Cake to my family…”“No problem.” You accept her gratitude.“Huh?!” Bruce got spooked. You’re talking like Maggie now, you need help…“C-Couldn’t it wait?!” Odetta feels weirded out by her presence.“It could. I was waiting outside but I eavesdropped on your conversation and I couldn’t stay put.” Lin makes things worse by being honest. “From someone who partakes in the culinary arts… I implore you to reconsider your stance. These two chefs’ only desire is to best their opponents through their cooking and nothing else. Even if both men's careers are at play here. Let your stomachs decide. Now farewell.”
>>4530832Lin walks away like nothing happened.“Take care.” You wave goodbye.After making sure Lin is actually gone, Odetta resumes talking.“I’m not one to pay attention to intruders like that, but I guess she’s right. I’m voting for Jasper.” For some reason, Lin made Odetta reconsider.“S-She just said b-both guys’ careers are on the l-line..” Bruce points out. “A-Are we g-going to leave this t-town without 2 of its best chefs…?”“I thought it was a manner of speaking.” You retort.“Even if that’s true, you heard the giraffe, right Alfred?” Odetta nudges you.How do you respond?>“Yes. Jasper is the winner.”>“I’m not sure anymore.”>Write In.Who shall tell everyone who is the winner?>You.>Odetta.>Bruce. It will be funny.(Now this is the actual last reply of the day, we continue most likely Friday, but you never know!)
>>4530834>>“Yes. Jasper is the winner.”>Bruce. It will be funny.Bruce works good under pressure
>>4530834>>“Yes. Jasper is the winner.”>>Bruce. It will be funny.
>>4530834>>“Yes. Jasper is the winner.”>You.I just want us to do our equivalent of Ego's review speech when we offer our decision.(Ratatouille spoilers if anyone cares)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih6jcKd7VwU
>>4530834>“Yes. Jasper is the winner.”>Bruce. It will be funny.
>>4530835+1
“Yes. Jasper is the winner.” In your opinion that is.“Agreed.” Odetta ended up being convinced by Lin.“I-It’s unanimous...” Bruce makes his decision as well.“Now Bruce, you will be our spokesman.” You’ve decided on your own.“M-Me…?” Bruce doesn’t like what he's hearing.“Yes, you. There is no one better for the job than you.” You deadpan.“We want a big passionate speech, you hear me? Honor these men’s final plight.” Odetta plays along because she finds it funny.“B-But…” Bruce doesn’t know what to do.“We’re counting on you, Bruce. Break a leg.” You pat his back to give him confidence.And so, you all left the room to give your final verdict, you can hear the crowd’s roars waiting for their hero to be crowned as you pass through the final hallway. Once you all appear, the crowd turns silent with expectation. Both Haytham and Jasper look confident to hear what’s to come. Bruce steps out in front of you and Odetta and clears his throat.“This is going to be a disaster.” Odetta whispers to you as she looks like she’s about to have some fun watching.“…You’ll see.” You know the deal.“Ehem…” Bruce clears his throat again. “Tonight, we witnessed these two men give everything they have, it feels unfair that we’re the ones deciding the fate of this battle, but we carry this mantle with the seriousness it deserves. Their passion isn’t displayed by knowing their stories or listening to their speeches, in this duel, what truly shows their dedication is their craft and that’s what we came to judge. That’s what we like to believe anyway, all I can say for certain is that both tasted good.” Bruce’s dead eyes tell you he’s melting down right now. “We decided that tonight’s winner is Jasper Ando!”The crowd stays silent… Bruce starts showing his nervousness, so you drag him back where you were standing… There is foam falling down his mouth. He used all his energy. You thank Bruce for his efforts. May he rest in peace.“You kids didn’t care about the crowd, huh?” Jasper finds it odd. What a strange thing to say after winning.“…Sounds about right.” Haytham closes his eyes, he looks hurt for a second then looks up with no regrets on his face. “I don’t know if everyone heard it, but your winner is Jasper Ando! The Almighty Iron Chef of Hamje!” Haytham announces to the crowd once again. Lin and Gunnar start clapping, then the rest of the crowd follows. “Thank you for the great match.” Haytham bows to Jasper.“Keep your head up, Haytham. Tonight, we fought as equals.” Jasper smiles.“Right.” Haytham looks up and nods. Then he walks away towards you all. “The loser shouldn’t take the spotlight.” He walks to the back…“…” Jasper stares at the polite crowd that keeps on clapping. His face remains expressionless.
>>4533105What do you do?>Follow Haytham.>Stay to watch Jasper.>Write In.
>>4533108>>Follow Haytham.
>>4533108>Follow Haytham.Client comes first
>>4533105>Stay to watch Jasper.
>>4533105>>Follow Haytham.
“Client comes first, let’s check him out.” You propose to the group.“Our job is done here anyway.” Odetta agrees to follow.“GLashAHBGLArgh…” Bruce eloquently says. You drag him with you…You don’t know why you keep coming back to the same room over and over again, but you feel like you should give it a name at this point. Here Haytham is sitting on a steel chair looking down to the ground in deep thought. You excuse yourself and the three of you get inside.“Was it close?” Haytham looks damn serious.“No.” You bring the bad news.“I knew it.” Haytham smiles.“Hey, be a little nicer to our client.” Odetta nudges you.“The truth will always be nicer to hear.” Haytham lifts his head with a wry smile on his face. “…Is your friend okay? Should we take him to the hospital?”“Bruce? He’s fiiine…” Odetta slaps Bruce’s back, making him spit the foam out of his mouth.“Eeeeee….” Bruce is so exhausted he sounds like a zombie.“If he was in any danger, we wouldn’t be casually talking right now.” You clarify.Either way, Haytham offers his chair for Bruce to sit, you put him on it just to not worry your client more than necessary.“Did I really look that afflicted outside that you felt the need to comfort me? I don’t want to worry anyone or sour Jasper’s party.” Haytham asks.“You took your defeat as gracefully as humanly possible.” Odetta is right. “I don’t praise people for their ability to lose, mind you.”“Aren’t you a little cheeky?” Haytham chuckles. “Anyone who comes unprepared, is prepared to lose. I knew I didn't have the skills to match up, but I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me. Still, it doesn’t make me feel better. Losing like this, I just put my family through another humiliation… I should’ve known better, but I let my own arrogance get the best of me.”“You’re being hard on yourself.” You point out.“Hard or fair.” Haytham quips. “I think it’s time I take responsibility for my actions. I let my family’s pride be tainted irredeemably by its greater rival, any honorable man should step aside and quit.”
>>4533327“A-Are you sure...?” Odetta can’t believe Lin wasn’t lying before.“I don’t make these decisions lightly, I live for this but I made the wrong decision, I took things lightly. I can only hope our duel reignited Jasper’s passion one last time.” Haytham has a bittersweet look on his face.“I-If his food is a-anything to go by, I think it d-did.” Bruce is awake again.“You’re fine, man! I was worried! Ha! Ha! Ha!” Haytham chuckles.“Do you have any regrets?” You ask.“Like any man who challenges himself, I do.” Haytham smiles.“Then you shouldn’t give up.” You won’t let him go through this; regrets eat away a man’s soul until he’s nothing… And coming back from that is impossible. He’ll throw his life away. “It starts slow, but once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.” He doesn’t want to be on your side of the road. “Isn’t this what you love doing?”“It is…” Haytham is in deep thought. “But I have a duty.”“You heard the grim rascal, don’t quit over me of all people.” Jasper appears out of nowhere. “I bet that your father is still salty I told him he can’t beat me in a way that matters and he made you do some dumb shit.”“But I can’t challenge you again, there is no point continuing.” Haytham wants to recover his honor.“Learn to live with your failures, Haytham! Nobody gets their fairytale ending…!” Jasper shouts back. “That’s just life!” Jasper gets pissed. “What’s your dream, huh? Beating an old man or being the greatest chef in the world? You know what? I don’t wanna hear it! I don’t have time for losers…”Jasper storms out of the room…“What a rude, cranky asshole.” Odetta shakes her head.
>>4533328“So, what’s your dream?” You ask Haytham. You’re not so sure why you’re so interested in this melodrama, but hey, you don’t have fun often.“The one I don’t accomplish by staying here.” Haytham smiles.“Oh, are you going on a trip?” Odetta smiles the only way she knows how.“All I know is that I need a change of air.” Haytham shrugs.“Y-You’re not quitting?” Bruce wonders.“No. Not for now.” Haytham is still struggling with his decision. “I thank you for your work here, but I have another request: Please don’t forget the flavor of Jasper’s last meal. One day, we will meet again and I’ll cook something even better than your embellished memories of it.”Haytham Gerges has something to fight for.That was practically the end of this final mission. Before leaving, Lin stopped once again outside and gave you a really big muffin, she says it’s a family recipe from a cousin of hers. She said she felt like she needed to give you something more than her thanks. You accepted it… Then you three went back home.Inside your apartment, Odetta told you two that she was going to take a long nap and not to disturb her. You and Bruce just shrugged and let her be, despite it being strange. At that moment Bruce told you that Odetta took a random ass nap at the gas station, she said she needed to do something urgent. You wished he told you sooner, but knowing Bruce, you think he never found a good chance to tell you until now.You’re just chilling on the couch…“Hey Al.” Bruce wants your attention.“What’s up?” You retort.“Are you okay?” Strange question from Bruce.How do you respond?>“I’m perfectly fine, why?”>Write In.
>>4533329>...No. not really. I am NOT fine, and was NOT fine for a long time.
>>4533329>>“I’m perfectly fine, why?”>"I'm just like how I always am."
>>4533329>“I’m perfectly fine, why?”
>>4533329>“I’m perfectly fine, why?”>"I'm just like how I always am."
“I’m perfectly fine, why?” You ask back. “I’m just like how I always am.”“It’s j-just so different from how y-you usually are… the way you act… y-you look glum...” Bruce explains.“Am I? I don’t feel like I am.” You’re not exactly sure what he’s talking about, but if he’s worried it’s because of something important.“J-Just know you can t-talk to me if you need t-to.” Bruce acts like a good friend.“I don’t want to worry you; I just don’t feel any different.” You know it’s not something you can easily figure out.“Do y-you mind if I ask you s-some questions?” Bruce gets more serious.“Go ahead.” You’re ready.“Well, f—”Out of the blue, the apartment’s door bursts open… It’s Catastrovania and she looks like she saw a ghost. Er… the light? What’s the equivalent of a ghost to a creature of the night? An angel?“I’m… tired... So tired…” Catastrovania doesn’t even have energy to do her usual spell. She just walks forwards and drops next to you. “Nggggggh…..”“Catastrovania Strifaust Morituros IX! You forgot your new sweater!” Ascended Maggie is back! Oh no, she’s still like this. She has a pink sweater in hand with a duck motif. “Mission accomplished everyone.”“We were in the middle of something.” You retort.“My mistake, Allie.” Maggie profusely apologizes, she’s carrying a box with her.“It’s f-fine, we can leave it for later.” Bruce is way too nice to them.“That reminds me, Siske wanted me to give you this letter. Be sure to read it! She poured her heart into it!” Maggie happily gets closer and hands you the letter.“Thank you.” You grab it and rip it to shreds. “I’m glad you did a good job, you two.”“Uhm…” Ascended Maggie doesn’t know how to react to that. Bruce laughed tho. Maggie grabbed the pieces and took them away.