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

“I should have figured…”

You look to Raiden, as he picks himself from the rubble he was blasted into. “What do you mean?”

Your eyes gaze up at Tori, who seems to be ignoring you in favor of admiring his new, ultimate form.

“One hundred deaths was never going to be enough…” Raiden explains. “I’ve seen this before… this undying will… I’ve seen it in you. In Arisato-san. In Ryoji… this man will march through hell for his ideals.”

His ideals? His ideal is to become a god, to lord over both realms… there’s no admirable will in that. He’s nothing but a dangerous egotist…

Raiden shakes his head. “I don’t like it… but this fight has made me realize. He’s much more than a preening peacock. Despite it all, he believes every word of what he says. His dream of Avidya is just as strong as our own desire to protect this world…”

You pick yourself up. “I see…” you mutter.

“It takes a lot to be willing to die for your ideals…” Raiden mutters, as you prepare to finish his sentence.

“… But Tori is desperate to live for his.”

Raiden nods.

You sigh. Your energy drained… that golden buster was all you had. And Nanami’s slash… that last ditch attempt should have had him, and yet… he’s got one more trick up his sleeve. Looking at him now… darn it all… it’s like you didn’t even damage him at all! Just how powerful is he? All of you… the strongest amongst you all teaming up, and you’re out of energy. Akihito-sensei has a timer above his head, his time running out fast. If you can’t take Tori down… he’ll be just like Ryoji…

Taka lets out a small chuckle as he wipes his scraped chin. “Heh… maybe he really is god… Hey, bozo!”

“You will refer to me as The Herald,” Tori replies. “As Albion.”

“Just asking…” Taka adds. “If we pledged allegiance to this Avidya or whatever of yours… if we accepted your godhood, would you spare us?”

“What?” Akio glares with anger.

Ken shakes his head. “You can’t be serious.”

“If you devote yourself, to become a child of Albion… then of course,” Tori replies. “All followers of The Way will find themselves seated at the table in Avidya.”

Taka smirks. “Figured… well, in that case…”

Taka rushes. He leaps up, driving his greatsword down. Tori blocks with his scythe, as the bones protruding from his new form extend, piercing Taka’s shoulders through his armor. The big man grunts, but puts his foot forward and pushes with the greatsword. Tori won’t budge, but he keeps him in the clash.

“Senpai…” Kosuke mutters.

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“Sorry to tell ‘god’ this…” Taka spits. “But I don’t intend to spend life on my knees. Not for anyone.”

Taka keeps his focus on clash of blades… it seems like Tori is giving little effort. He’s simply playing cautious, getting a feel for his new power. Taka doesn’t turn his head, but he shouts back to the group.

“Listen up!” he exclaims. “I’m the strongest student in the school remaining… making me the leader of the student body. And I know my strength… this guy is going to kill me. I don’t stand a chance… and neither do any of you!”

“Not the most inspiring, Taka…” Lilo gives a nervous laugh. “If you can’t beat him, fall back! We’ll have a pla-“

“We have nothing!” Taka fires back. “Save yourselves! Fall back inside, get patched up, and defend the school from the interior! I’ll hold him off as long as I can…”

Nanami readies her sword. “Not a chance! I haven’t even taken a blow yet!”

“And one will kill you, now go!”

Taka raises a good point. You’re all spent… it took all of you, but…

This battle, at least this stage of it, is a loss for Dakugeto. You need to get back, to Tekina, to be healed, and…

“Sensei, this will do, right?”

You turn your head, to see Hiro, laying his hands on Akihito. His hands glow, a blinding white, as his healing energy envelops your teacher. “Hiro, wait!”

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Hiro looks to you and smiles. “I have no intention of running.”

“Healing that much at once, it’ll kill you!” you protest.

Hiro returns his focus to Akihito. “But it will heal him, won’t it?”

“HIROOOOOOO!” Nariko exclaims. “STOP!”

But it’s too late.

Once the glowing fades, Hiro quickly collapses.

Akihito stirs, groaning and rising. He places a hand on Hiro’s head, ruffling his hair gently with a proud smile, before checking his pulse. “He’s still with us…” he assures you. “Barely. He’ll need the nurse.”

“I’ll take him!” Satomi exclaims, before grabbing Hiro and rushing back to safety.

“Hiro…” Nariko mutters solemnly.

“Enough of this,” Tori grabs Taka by the face, holding him up as the protrusions stab into his body repeatedly. The most powerful member of the most powerful class… and he’s nothing in the face of this power. “You may join The Order or die, there is no in-between.”

“I can think of one alternative,” Akihito states, before leaping forward, his shadow step activating. Tori takes out an afterimage, while the real Akihito kicks him from behind. Taka is freed, and Tori flies back, flipping in the air and landing on his feet.

“The doomed soul returns,” Tori replies. “I defeated you when I was weaker. You intend to try again?”

“You got lucky, I say.”

Tori tilts his head. “A waste of your final moments, Naito. Like teacher, like student.”

Akihito pauses. “Say that again.”

“Your student, Ryoji. He-“

“I didn’t say you could say his name,” Akihito mutters. He pulls a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it up in his mouth. You look closely… his eyes are welling. “Looks like I’ll have to beat that name out of your mouth.”

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>POV: “Nina”

“It’s time that Ryoji Shida finally wakes up.”

You shake your head. “What… what are you talking about? Hey! You disappear for months, and then… Ryoji’s dead! And now you pop up again?!”

“You think I planned on that?” Stranger explains. “The twelve archdemons that were released… they were my soldiers. My generals.”

“Your… what?” you raise an eyebrow. “You had generals?”

“What good demon lord doesn’t?” he jokes. “And I was the greatest demon lord of them all… until I wasn’t. We had lost everything. Our home, our families, our status… and that is when they got desperate. They wished to abuse the secrets held only by my clan… that is why I had to seal them away.”

“But… you were the one who released them again.”

Stranger shakes his head. “I had no intention of freeing them. With Ryoji’s body, I intended to absorb their power, and take back what was had been stolen from me… but I was interrupted. And immediately, the twelve abused that power, that knowledge I have them.”

“What knowledge?”

Stranger sighs. “I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now, Nina. The gate between our worlds… isn’t one-way.”

Wait… then that would mean…

“Any demon who knows the technique could travel to your world.”

“And you know the technique, because…?”

Stranger chuckles. “You’re really going to make me say it? The most recent rift, that opened all those decades ago when that academy was formed… all me.”

He caused it? All of this, was caused by The Stranger?

“And yet…” Stranger mutters. “It took so long for me to find a willing host. One who would accept me… first, that was you, Nina.”

“What?” you clutch your head. “No… shut up. Shut up! I never accepted you!”

“You sure rejected me fast later,” he jokes. “Then I had to move on to Ryoji-“

“I NEVER DID ANYTHING!” you scream. “I’M NOT THE REAL NINA! I’M… I’M NOT REAL! YOU CREATED ME, YOU MONSTER! AND THIS… THIS IS JUST TORTURE, ISN’T IT! YOU’RE TORMENTING ME IN DEATH!”

You fall to your knees, as Stranger looks on. You can’t see behind his wrappings, but his eyes… his eyes soften. “I’m not the one who made you… and Nina, are you still under the impression that… you aren’t the real thing?”

>The real Nina is dead. What are you talking about?
>Stop this. Leave me to suffer… I don’t want to see you again.

>>5210256
>The real Nina is dead. What are you talking about?
Plot twist, Nina absorbed her twin Nino when she was a baby and now they think they're the same person.

>>5210256
>>The real Nina is dead. What are you talking about?

>>5210256
>The real Nina is dead. What are you talking about?
Captcha piss off

>>5210256
>The real Nina is dead. What are you talking about?
So not only did he steal the beach episode but he also jobbed to Kaz as well

Calling for
>The real Nina is dead. What are you talking about?

Writing now.

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>The real Nina is dead. What are you talking about?

Stranger leans back, rubbing his temple. "You're pretty unimaginative, aren't you? The real Nina died that night last year protecting Ryoji. The real Nina stands before me right now, asking a bunch of annoying questions! Don't you see how both of those can be true at the same time?"

"What? Annoying?" you huff.

"You're not some figment," Stranger explains. "You are the other Nina's essence. You are a part of her, living inside Ryoji's heart. The same soul, just separated."

The same soul... but, you don't feel real. You're in Ryoji's mind, a mind that carries next to no real memories of you... memories you don't carry either. You don't even know yourself. You're a facsimile of Nina Nagata, you can only say that name... how can he say you're that same soul?

"Are you done having your existential crisis?" Stranger asks. "Because without your help, Ryoji is doomed."

"He's already dead!" you protest.

"Death is severely overrated," Stranger replies. "We need you."

"But... what use am I?"

Stranger throws his head back, putting his hands on his hips. "Question after question... you're so annoying..."

"Insults aren't going to get you anywhere, jerk!" you snap, before calming down. "I'm getting distracted. Just answer the questions."

"You're not just Nina," he explains. "You carry Ryoji's soul as well... which makes you the key to his awakening. You are how we access the core of Ryoji... and what he lost."

Stranger reaches out and offers his hand. "Nina... you don't like me. And you annoy the hell out of me... but I need Ryoji. You need Ryoji. And Ryoji needs you... please."

>Take his hand.
>Don't take his hand.

>>5210318
>Take his hand.

>>5210318
>Take his hand
Ghost Nina feeding herself to the demons so Ryoji can get enough of a power boost to stop being a dead boi

>>5210318
>Take his hand.

>>5210318
>>Take his hand.
Ohshit

>>5210318
>Take his hand.
If he pulls anything we break it off

Calling for
>Take his hand.

Writing now.

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>Take his hand.

You pray you're not making a mistake, as you reach out, taking Stranger's hand. At the moment you connect, your hand begins to glow. The misty void you inhabit shifts, and begins to form into the image of... a playground?

A playground, at night. Just outside of... right, just a small walk from your home. From Ryoji's home in turn. It's a cold winter night.

There, sitting on the swings... alone.

It's you.

Judging by your looks, you seem to still be in middle school. This was a few years ago.

You look as your head hangs low, as you weakly shuffles along the gravel, twisting the chains of the swing, before limply changing direction.

Then, footsteps.

"Thought you'd be here."

Ryoji, in a thick winter coat, walks into frame.

"Why are you showing me this?" you turn to Stranger.

Stranger shakes his head. "I have no idea what this is. I'm not showing you anything... this is all you."

"All these memories were erased..." you remark.

"Exactly," Stranger nods. "You're unlocking them... in order to find the core."

You look at the scene, as the younger Ryoji rests against a steel bar by the swingset. "Your pops said you were down. What's going on?"

The younger you sighs. "You wouldn't get it, Ryoji..."

"Try me."

"Do you... think I'm more of a soccer club or swimming club person?"

Ryoji chuckles. "What?"

"I knew it..."

"I'll hear ya out."

The young Nina sighs. "I can only take one... both club heads are scouting me, and they've been pulling me in either direction non-stop. I ended up getting so frustrated I ran out of a meeting."

Ryoji raises an eyebrow. "That's it? That's the cause of the late night moping?"

"I wasn't moping! I was... look, you don't get it. It's not a simple choice. This could inform which way the rest of middle school goes for me. A club like that... it'll be the complete dedication of my time. Every new friend I meet will have to be from there. Every day will have to revolve around it. My future academic prospects will revolve around how I do there. I realised... it would be setting my life down one completely different path... and I'll never get to see the other."

"Well... which one do you like more?" Ryoji asks.

Nina hangs her head low. "That's the silly part... I don't really like either?"

"Then don't do either."

"It's not that simple!" Nina protests. "I've got a talent for these, people have expectations of me... I'd be abandoning people who have faith in my skills either way! Don't I have a responsibility not to let them down?"

Ryoji leans back on the bar. "I dunno... if you think you've got that responsibility, then maybe you do. What I know is... you shouldn't let anyone tell you how to live your life."

"Is this the master delinquent speech again?"

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"It's a valid speech!" Ryoji protests. "Above everything else in this world comes your freedom! It's about your drive, your dreams! You should give less of a damn about what anyone expects of you, only what you expect of yourself! That's being a master delinquent!"

The young Nina smirks. "In saying that, aren't you telling me how to live me life? Contradictory, don't you think?"

"I couldn't tell you anything," Ryoji responds. "I am going to sit on the swings, though. And I won't be going home until I see you smile, proud knowing what path you're gonna walk."

"It's freezing."

"That's why you should have my jacket."

"You'll catch a cold!"

"I know," Ryoji replies. "I'm fine with that."

Ryoji gently lays his coat on Nina's shoulders, and takes a seat in the swing next to her.

"Wait... is this just an excuse to skip school tomorrow?" Nina asks. "You're trying to get sick!"

"Heh... maybe."

Nina lets out a laugh, before cracking a strong smile, one that bring a grin to Ryoji's face. "So..."

Nina nods. "I'm joining the history club."

"History club?!" Ryoji raises an eyebrow. "We have that? That was an option?"

"Not until now."

"You any good with history?"

"Doesn't matter," Nina gives a small, playful swing. "I like it."

The scene begins to disperse, as Stranger looks around. "Well... that wasn't it."

You snap your head around. "Huh? What does that mean?"

"Wasn't the core," Stranger shrugs. "There must be something more meaningful. Let's keep looking."

Stranger turns around and takes a few steps, before turning back to you. "You coming?"

"Ryoji just wanted to live his own life, huh..." you mutter.

"Huh?"

>Stranger, what do you need Ryoji for?
>... I ruined his life, didn't I?

>>5210374
>... I ruined his life, didn't I?
I mean Stranger also deserves some of the blame but yeah, pretty much.

>>5210374
>... I ruined his life, didn't I?
Knowing Ryoji he'd have gatecrashed Dark Gate once no other school's would've had him even without the deal

>>5210374
>Stranger, what do you need Ryoji for?
REVEAL YOUR SECRETS

>>5210374
>... I ruined his life, didn't I?
Look at this nerd, self-reflecting and shit wew

Calling for
>... I ruined his life, didn't I?

Writing now.

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>... I ruined his life, didn't I?

"Pretty sure the big guy with the scythe ruined his life," Stranger jokes. "What are you beating yourself up for?"

"I'm the reason he came to the academy," you mutter. "I set it all into motion."

"I opened the portal," Stranger replies.

The demon lets out a sigh. "We're all cogs on the wheel, even me. The wheel's gonna keep on spinning. Do you really want to feel sorry for Ryoji? Or do you actually want to do something?"

"I... want to help."

"Then let's keep looking."


>Meanwhile

“What? Hiro, too?”

Rei gestures for Nurse Tekina to turn her attention to the new arrival in the main hall. She rushes to the body brought by Satomi, sitting on her makeshift bedside. “The fight is still going…”

Satomi places her hands on her head, panicked. “It’s not good! We thought we had him, Nanami really got him in the back, but then him and his girlfriend or wife or something fused and now he’s a new guy and way more powerful and all of us are out of energy except Akihito, but he’s got a death clock on him and-“

“Mashimo, calm…” Wei steps forward. “I understand the state of affairs…”

“We should consider evacuating,” Agent White chimes in. “The civilians should be escorted-“

“Where?” Wei asks. “There’s only one path out of this village. On top of that, we would be abandoning the trapped freshmen class to their fates if we disturbed their rescue process.”

“Aki’s time is running out?” Tekina mutters. “And Takeshi is still collecting the young ones… and I…”

“You’re here to heal,” Wei points out.

“But I can fight! Akihito can’t stand to him alone, and the children aren’t strong enough… but I’m still a third of Thunder Fire Rock! I’m not just support, I-“

“You are vital,” Wei points out. “If we were to lose you, the children would be doomed… you’re the only one who can treat injuries of this nature. We cannot risk losing you… I’ll go.”

“No, you don’t,” White points out. “You’re still recovering. The strain of fighting alone… your heart would give out before you even get going.”

“My granddaughter is fighting for her life-“

“Furthermore,” White continues. “If the school nurse is so vital, what are you? You’re even more important to this operation.”

Rei shakes her head. Her aches are still there… that form took so much from her. Neither her nor Isamu can return to battle. Akira is out of commission too… and now the team’s healer is down? Dammit… if she weren’t so reckless, she could still be out there. She could still help…

I think Booker Man is the real culprit behind ruining Ryoji's life

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All the noise is cut through by a single, gravelly voice. “Seems you’re having a little trouble sending a lamb to the slaughter.”

Stepping forward, a man wearing cuffs around his arms, and a smirk on his face. Kenshiro Tajiri. “I think we’ve got an expendable fighter right here.”

“Are you fit to fight?” White asks. “You had your demon extraction ritual performed only earlier. From what I understand, it puts great strain on the body.”

“Does it matter?” Kenshiro asks. “You don’t need me. I owe my son my life. And I have a lot to pay back Taguchi for.”

Wei gives him a nod. “Fight honorably, Tajiri-san.”

“I’ll fight to kill the bastard.”

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>POV: Ryoji

"We're about to make the move..." Nina mutters. "Ryoji, are you ready?"

You nod. "I gotta get back."

"That guardian..." Nina shakes her head. "That's a force greater than any of us. But... if we're lucky, we'll be able to hold it back, while you and Maro escape through the misty impasse. Through there, your souls return to your bodies."

"And you can't come with us?" Maro asks.

"No..." Nina replies, solemnly. "You two were sent here by unnatural means. Yamato and I died, we breathed our last breath. You and Maro were sent here by the will of another."

"Then... Yamada could be..." you mutter.

"In the sea of souls," Yamato butts in. "It's too late for him. In a matter of moments, that route from here will be locked off for the two of you, as well."

"Then it's all or nothing..."

This is it. A pathway to return home. Back to Saki, back to Ken, back to all of your friends... and back to a chance to level your fist against Tori Taguchi's jaw.

All you have to do is get through that... colossal hooded creature floating above you dual wielding pistols twice the size of your body... simple, right?

"Before we move..." Yamato ponders for a moment. "Ryoji, may I have a word?"

"Look, I get that you're the uncorrupted guy and all... but I still hate your face," you note. "That isn't going to change."

"... Understandable," Yamato admits. "But Ryoji... losing my way, giving in to that demon was the last fatal error of my life. My life extinguished, my reputation tarnished... and deservedly so. I walked down the wrong path... but that will to protect... that's a flame that will never die."

"Protect, huh?"

Yamato looks off into the distance. "Learning Nina had perished after me... and now Yasutake and Maro... my heart aches, Ryoji. This could have been avoided if I..."

You notice Yamato's eyes welling up. Despite it all... despite all the armour, the poise, the power... and despite all the hatred you hold for him...

Yamato was just a kid, wasn't he? Like you. Just a kid trying to do right...

"Maro told me..." Yamato continues. "Is it true? My little brother sought out the school?"

You nod. "And he'll be attending next year."

"Ryoji..." Yamato shivers. "I... I know I hold no right to ever ask something of you... the nerve and the gall it takes for me to stand here and say this, but I don't care. Please... take care of him. Right my wrongs... take care of everyone! Make sure another student never had to fall! If I can be granted one thing, just one thing... p-please... carry on my will."

>Yamato... I will. I promise.
>I carry out my own will. If they align... they align. But I won't do it for you.

>>5210419
>I carry out my own will. If they align... they align. But I won't do it for you.
>If it makes you feel better, know I'll knock your little brother upside the head if he starts acting like too much of an idoit.

>>5210419
>Yamato... I will. I promise.
I mean that’s pretty much what we’ve been trying to do already, aiming to get as close to the Golden Ending as possible.

>>5210419
>Yamato... I will. I promise.
Might as well aim for the Silver ending since Yamato's already dead

>>5210419
>Yamato... I will. I promise.
Can't give him too much grief, Ryoji's the one with the body count

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Calling for
>Yamato... I will. I promise.

Will continue the thread tomorrow! Thanks for playing!

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>Yamato... I will. I promise.

Yamato sniffles, before wiping a tear from his eyes and turning away. "Thank you, Ryoji. Thank you... that's all I needed to know."

You clench your fist. Yamato was just a kid... with dreams, with goals... and his flame was snuffed out. Dammit... you're not supposed to feel bad for this guy. He gave in to a demon and lost his way... but before that...

"Y'know..." you wonder. "Even if we met before that demon business... I would have been a real pain in your ass."

Yamato looks to you, and he begins to laugh. "Are you so sure about that?"

"Absolutely, I still kinda hate your guts," you reply. "Your whole act is pretty annoying."

Yamato runs his hand through his hair. "I think I would have won you over... ha, I would have liked that, Ryoji. Maybe if we met earlier, you could have lit that fire under me. As I understand, it worked for Kobashi."

"I might have liked that too," you reply, before looking up to The Guardian. "So... what's the gameplan?"

"We'll need someone to make the first blow," Yamato explains. "Draw that guardian out into the open. We won't be able to defeat the thing... I don't even know if you can defeat something like that... so the plan is to draw it away from the opening, so that you and Maro can escape."

"Someone has to draw it out, huh?" you reply.

"Whoever does it..." Nina continues. "We'll all have to move quick to pin it down."

"We'd want to keep a range, then..." Maro notes. "Actually draw it out a good distance. I can handle that."

Yamato shakes his head. "But then that would be drawing it... towards you. Counter-productive in getting you out of here."

"I'll be able to get around it when you guys pounce," Maro explains. "Besides... it's Ryoji who really needs to get out of there. If I don't make it... fine."

Yamato's face turns to a scowl. "How dare you say that."

"What?"

"You think Chouko would want to hear you say that?!" Yamato yells. Maro goes silent, as Yamato continues. "Her spirit is here too... somewhere. We're all fighting to give you a second chance, and you're going to live! You can't keep sacrificing for someone else's sake... you need to be there for them! Stop turning to loss when life is still an option! It took me far too long to realise that, and I won't let you forget it!"

"Right..." Maro mutters. "I'll be going with Ryoji, then. Sorry, Yamato... still, I think I'm the best bet on drawing it out. I'll have faith that you and Nina will be able to slow it from there."

Nina turns to you. "Well, Ryoji?"

"Well, what?"

"I understand you've become quite the strategist over the past year. All three of us want to be the valiant first blow... but I trust you know who's best for the job."

>Yamato has the greatest raw strength of any of us, he'll be able to take that guardian to task.
>Maro is right, a long-distance attack is more likely to draw it out from it's spot.
>Nina, you're a defensive fighter. You're the best bet on making that guardian make the first march.

>>5211533
>Maro is right, a long-distance attack is more likely to draw it out from it's spot.

>>5211533
>Maro is right, a long-distance attack is more likely to draw it out from it's spot.
Give's us more time to react if it tries to pull something

>>5211533
>Yamato has the greatest raw strength of any of us, he'll be able to take that guardian to task.

Just ignore Yam-Man got ganked by Shinji of all people

>>5211533
>>Maro is right, a long-distance attack is more likely to draw it out from it's spot.

>>5211533
>Maro is right, a long-distance attack is more likely to draw it out from it's spot.

Calling for
>Maro is right, a long-distance attack is more likely to draw it out from it's spot.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>5211560

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>5211560
Rollin

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>5211560

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>5211562
Well damn

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>94

Maro sets up his position, taking a distance point while readying his rifle. You motion for Yamato and Nina to take separate point on the great plane. When the signal is given, Maro will fire, and draw out the guardian... hopefully leading it into a pincer attack.

You hunker down... you'll need to sprint for that portal as soon as the thing is held down... there's no telling how long it can be for. But you can't leave without Maro... no matter what, you need to make sure he'll be able to exit with you.

You clench your fists. Dammit... you remember a time long ago when your fists where feared. When you were the master delinquent, when you could fight your own battles. Nina's right... you've become quite the strategist in your time with the academy to compensate... for your weakness. The brains is one thing, but you can't stand it. You want to be able to do something yourself... you want to be able to carve a path for yourself, not always have to rely on the kindness of others. They've gotten you by so far... if only you could repay them.

But dammit, that's how the die turns, huh? Master delinquent, master strategist, whatever it is... you have to use all of your resources.

The signal is given, and Maro fires. A clean bullet collides with the massive robed torso of the guardian. It pierces through, entering with a shadowy effect, a whisp of smoke coming out the other end. This thing's body isn't entirely solid, is it? That's another problem.

Maro fires again, and the guardian realises the threat being posed to it... well, threat might be an exaggeration. More so, it notices the bug in need of squashing. The creature has no weight, it does not shamble, it does not shake the ground around it... it flies like a wisp of smoke, coming towards Maro faster than one of his own bullets. Despite it's speed, Yamato and Nina are prepared.

"Not so fast!" Nina declares, as she slashes with her sword, a large blade aura firing out, which separates the upper and lower half of the guardian. It's made of smoke, so it doesn't slow it down any, but it does divert its attention for Yamato to slash downwards with his greatsword, separating it again.

"NOW!" Yamato commands, as Maro nods before sprinting across the void plane in your direction.

As he does, however, smoke begins to pool under his legs. He's quick to notice, and he leaps up, before drawing his revolvers and shooting downwards at the creature. He lands on his feet as Yamato and Nina try to catch up, and the smoke reforms itself, beginning to take shape once more.

"We can beat it down... but not for long," Yamato notes. "We have the power behind us, but we need to be able to pin it down! We've drawn it out, now to put a stop to it!"

>Physical attacks won't work! Yamato, blast it with something magic!
>It's going to keep pursuing its target, we just need to divert it. Nina, keep its attention!

>>5211597

>Physical attacks won't work! Yamato, blast it with something magic!

>>5211597
>Physical attacks won't work! Yamato, blast it with something magic!

>>5211597
>Physical attacks won't work! Yamato, blast it with something magic!

>>5211597
>It's going to keep pursuing its target, we just need to divert it. Nina, keep its attention!
Can't get any deader

Calling for
>Physical attacks won't work! Yamato, blast it with something magic!

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>5211618

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>5211618
Rollin again

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>5211618

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>50

Something magic... dammit, this would be better if you really knew the extent of what Yamato could do. You're not exactly used to fighting on this guy's side...

"I'll try," Yamato notes, before stretching out his greatsword as it glows. "Take this! Silver Flowsion!"

Yamato slashes the air several times, streaks of the slash glowing silver and remaining in the air. He reaches his hands out and swipes them forward, as the streaks fire off as projectiles towards The Guardian.

Unfortunately, the guardian dissipates into smoke, and navigates between the beams. "It's too fast!" Yamato exclaims, before the creature appears before him. His eyes widen, as the guardian holds out the barrel of its massive gun before him.

"No!" Nina exclaims, leaping into the fray and slicing down, cutting off the gun's barrel. The guardian tosses the first gun aside, before using it's now free hand to pin both Nina and Yamato down.

"Shit..." Maro mutters, as Nina and Yamato hold their swords up, preventing themselves from being crushed.

"GOOOO!" Yamato exclaims. "DON'T WORRY ABOUT US!"

You look to the exit pathway, then back to the guardian. It's still far off... will they really be able to distract it long enough in this state?

It's then you notice Maro. "They're willing to do this for us... they're already dead, but... if they're killed again here, what does that mean for them?"

"Senpai?" you raise an eyebrow.

"This place..." Maro mutters. "It's terrifying, it's disgusting... but it means there's another side. Yamato, Nina, Yasutake... Chouko... when the day finally comes that I go... I want to see them again on that other side..."

It clicks. You understand what he means.

Dammit... you can't just leave yet. They may be dead, but you can't abandon their souls to just... this, can you? No...

It's not smart, but it kicks in. You and Maro both start running. Maro opens fire on the guardian, freeing Nina and Maro.

"What... what are you doing?!" Nina exclaims. "The exit was-"

"We weren't close enough anyway!" you protest. "So if you think we're throwing away our chances of life for you guys, forget it. This is just as practical as it is... right."

Yamato looks puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"You don't deserve this..." Maro replies. "This subjugation, this fear. If you're to be trapped in this world beyond, then..."

"It won't be under anyone's thumb!" you exclaim. "Maro and I are getting out of here, but first..."

"First?" Yamato raises an eyebrow.

You smirk. "We're killing this grim reaper."

The guardian turns to you. It seems to notice you... did it understand your words?

>I don't know what power you serve... but you better tell them they just made an enemy of Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!
>Yamato... you asked me to carry on your will. You can't blame me for this.
>Nina... you're pretty pissed off with me right now, aren't you?

>>5211639
>I don't know what power you serve... but you better tell them they just made an enemy of Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!
Fuck you Charon we're keeping our Macca

>>5211639
>I don't know what power you serve... but you better tell them they just made an enemy of Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!

Alright, anyone know how to inflict depression?

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>5211639
>>I don't know what power you serve... but you better tell them they just made an enemy of Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!

>>5211639
>Nina... you're pretty pissed off with me right now, aren't you?

File: Trivia_Maro.png (209 KB, 1100x622)

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Calling for
>I don't know what power you serve... but you better tell them they just made an enemy of Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!

Will continue from tomorrow! Thanks for playing!

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>Meanwhile

“Shadow step!”

Akihito disappears from sight right before his attack, leaving an afterimage for Tori to slice through, while his real self catches him from the side. Fist connects cheek, as Tori is sent flying. He spins in the air, catching his feet on the ground in the field, the grass and flowers beneath him wilting and decaying in his presence.

At that moment, Akihito looks down at his fist, steam rising up. “Even to make contact burns…” he remarks. “Heh… don’t you see how deluded you are?”

“What?”

“You claim to be a god, someone who’ll deliver the people to paradise, but look! Everything around you is dying! You’re a toxic demon, nothing more!” he exclaims. “But dammit… I can’t hit you on my own then. One punch isn’t nearly satisfying enough, but…”

“Stop your blathering,” Tori explains. “It isn’t my fault you can’t see my deliverance to the great beyond for what it is.”

“ROCK N ROLLA!” Akihito declares, stomping the ground, causing the earth beneath to crack and break up. “Try this… Mr. God.”

Boulders are sent flying after Tori, but the demon is able to slice them with ease. He looks down at his hands. “Now…”

Akihito clutches his ribs. He could only be healed so much… he’s not at full power. But Tori… he’s only getting stronger. “Used to the new form, eh?” Akihito asks.

“Even Da Vinci needed a moment to take in the Mona Lisa,” Tori replies. “I understand my achievement now. You put up a good fight, Akihito Naito. You deserve a seat at the table of warriors in Avidya.”

Black lightning swirls around Tori, as dark ooze seeps from the aura around him. A toxic, noxious stench enters the air, as the stagnating death that surrounds Taguchi begins to spread like tendrils, making it’s way towards Akihito.

Akihito begins to move, but clutches his ribs, coughing up blood. “Dammit…”

“This is the end!” Tori exclaims. “Perish!”

Before the darkness can reach Akihito, a blast of energy deflects the tendrils. Leaping into the fray… Kenshiro Tajiri.

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“Dad?” Ken mutters.

Kenshiro helps Akihito up. “You better not be dying. I don’t know if I can take this guy alone.”

“You…” Akihito groans. “You shouldn’t be here-“

“Come on,” Kenshiro replies. “I got myself into this mess. You… took good care of my boy, right? Guess I owe you, too.”

Akihito gives a small smirk. “Thanks for the back-up. You’re a good man, Tajiri.”

“No, I ain’t…” Kenshiro replies. “That’s why I’m doing this. Oi, peacock! You and your damn cult ruined my life! You think you can take both of us at the same time?”

“Yes.”

A cold, blunt answer, one that causes Kenshiro to grimace. “Whatever… if I die, I die. I’m not letting you take my son!”

Ken hangs his head low. You look to him. “Come on, we should get others to the medic while they hold him off. We’ll have another round of offence if we can keep him busy…”

Ken doesn’t react. He just balls up his fists. “Ken…?”

“They… don’t stand a chance, do they?” Ken asks. “We… can’t win this one…”

You look around. Heads are hung low all around, everyone has lost hope… no surprise. You have to admit yourself… not even Akihito can hold him off. All of you together… you gave all of your energy, and he’s only become stronger. This man… he’s unstoppable. But… one of you isn’t carrying the same sour face. One of you is… smiling? And no, it’s not Akemi or Nanami attempting to keep up spirits. It’s…

“Sayeka?”

Sayeka closes her eyes, unable to hold back the small grin on her face. “We don’t stand a chance, no… but I know exactly who does.”

File: The Guardian02.jpg (131 KB, 960x723)

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>I don't know what power you serve... but you better tell them they just made an enemy of Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent!

The guardian shifts its head. It had no eyes, and yet... you can feel the thing staring at you.

You hold your fist up, pointing it at the guardian. "You hear me, don't you? I mean every word of it, dammit!"

The creature responds by pointing its revolver at you and firing. A cannon sized bullet flies towards you. You shift to move, but Nina moves faster, pulling you to safety as she readies her blade. "Ryoji, do you really want to antagonise that thing?" she asks.

"Yes."

Nina pauses. "Okay... I should have that expected that answer. It's you. But Ryoji, you can't beat it! You can't even harm it!"

"And?" you ask.

Nina looks to you, confused, for a moment. Then, the realisation washes over her face. "Same old Ryoji... always walking uphill. Okay... we'll defeat it. Together."

Maro hangs his rifle over his shoulder. "Four kids against death itself... what's your plan, Shida?"

>We have to hit it while it's in its physical form... it has to be solid to attack. We can time this right.
>Yamato, you noticed. It dodged your magic attack. It didn't phase through like with physical moves, it moved out of the way... that means they can hurt it.

>>5212609
>Yamato, you noticed. It dodged your magic attack. It didn't phase through like with physical moves, it moved out of the way... that means they can hurt it.

>>5212609
>Yamato, you noticed. It dodged your magic attack. It didn't phase through like with physical moves, it moved out of the way... that means they can hurt it.

>>5212609
>>Yamato, you noticed. It dodged your magic attack. It didn't phase through like with physical moves, it moved out of the way... that means they can hurt it.

Calling for
>Yamato, you noticed. It dodged your magic attack. It didn't phase through like with physical moves, it moved out of the way... that means they can hurt it.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>5212694

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>5212694

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>5212694

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>5212694
Ohno

File: Ryo.jpg (84 KB, 700x990)

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>59

"They can hurt it..." Yamato nods. "But like you said, it dodged. If I can hit it, I might be able to do some real damage... but it's too fast for me to hit head on."

You scratch your head. "Yeah, geez... if only some attention grabbing delinquent was able to draw its attention away while you do your thing."

"You'll be putting yourself at risk!" Yamato protests. "Even if I can hit it before it reaches you, you'll be putting yourself in the crossfire!"

"Don't care."

"But-"

"Too bad."

Yamato pauses, then chuckles. "You really set your mind to these things, huh?"

You nod, before sprinting in the opposite direction.

Noticing your movement, the guardian snaps its head and begins to pursue and... oh crap, it's fast. It's way faster than you thought.

"Damn..." Yamato mutters, as he readies up his attack. "SILVER FLOWSION!"

The slashes light up, and Yamato unleashes them upon the guardian... who handily dodges the blades as the come flying.

"What?!" Yamato exclaims. "It saw them coming, even from behind?"

"Did it understand our plan?" Maro mutters.

Nina looks shocked. "No... it couldn't have... right?"

Crap... shit... that thing's coming at you real fast.

It's giant hand comes down, grabbing you and pining you down. You can't move... you feel like a several ton barbell has just fallen on your chest. It's... constricting...

As smoke billows from the neckline of its faceless sack head... you hear a growl.

"SHIIIIIIIIIIIDAAAAAAAA..."

What.

No.

WHAT?!

It spoke?!

And that was your name!

>... What are you? Who made you?
>Get it right. It's Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent.

>>5212807
>Get it right. It's Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent.
What a smug son of a bitch.

>>5212807
>... What are you? Who made you?
Why are you?

>>5212807
>... What are you? Who made you?
I want answers damn it!

>>5212807
>Get it right. It's Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent

>>5212807
>>5212815
I’ll change my vote to
>... What are you? Who made you?
For the lore!

>>5212807
>>Get it right. It's Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent.

File: Trivia_Ryoji.png (190 KB, 1100x622)

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Calling for
>Get it right. It's Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent.
>Now, what are you? Who made you?

Will continue tomorrow! Thanks for playing!

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>Get it right. It's Ryoji Shida, Master Delinquent.
>Now, what are you? Who made you?

You're caught between the fingers of the creature, but you can still run your mouth off to it. As you do... it inches its head, moving closer to you. Within an inch, it stares with the vacant void in place of a face. As smoke billows out, you hear a growling voice.

"ALLLLLLBIIIIIIIIOOOOOON..."

Albion... you've heard that before, haven't you? Recently, too...

That's right, that damn peacock. He mentioned it several times. The Herald of Albion... he wouldn't shut up about it.

"So the Elder One... that's Albion, right?" you reply. "The Elder One created you?"

Smoke continues to billow.. as it begins to squeeze you, crushing you beneath its weight.

"RYOJI!" Nina exclaims as she sprints towards you.

You try to punch... a single arm is free, but you can hardly bat it away. You can't hurt anything... dammit... every time, you need saving. Every time... you're so damn weak...


>POV: Nina

"What is this memory?"

You find yourself standing in the middle of a small street. This area... it's nearby the park in your hometown. Ahead, you spot a group in jackets. A leader amongst them, wielding a shiny silver baseball bat, counting money.

“A little light…” the leader of the delinquents speaks.

“OI!” a young voice calls out, as the gang turns their heads.

You turn your head as well… it’s him. Ryoji… this…

“Middle school…” you mutter. “First year.”

Stranger stares at him. “Is… that his green jacket?”

You recognize it instantly. The same green jacket he wears to this day… of course, all those years ago, it didn’t exactly fit. Baggy, with the sleeves rolled up and constantly sliding down, Ryoji looks like a child wearing his father’s suit.

“It’s that kid again…” one of the gang members mutters. “What’s with the coat? Little big on you, isn’t it?”

“Jado!” Ryoji points, causing the sleeves of the jacket to flop and cover his hand. “I’m not here to join your gang, alright? I’m here to take over!”

“Take… over?” Jado smirks. “You?”

Ryoji folds his arms. “This ain’t your territory anymore! This is now the territory of Ryoji Shida, master delinquent!”

There is a pause.

Then a round of obnoxious laughter from the delinquents.

“YOU?!” Jado cackles. “HEE HEE, How about you find clothes that fit, first!”

“My best friend bought me this jacket!” Ryoji protests. “I’m gonna grow into it, you got that?!”

Jado continues to laugh, wheezing. “And you… YOU! You’re gonna take over this spot?”

“You put up a lousy toll to pick on kids,” Ryoji points out. “When I’m in charge, I’ll put a stop to that. We’ll be robbing all the shitty adults of the world, not picking on the little guy! You’ve got your boots on their heads, and that ain’t right! That isn’t the delinquent spirit!”

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Jado holds his bat over his shoulder. “And you’re gonna challenge me?”

“Yeah!” Ryoji exclaims. “I’m calling you out!”

Ryoji… no…

Stranger shakes his head. “Of course… even as a kid, he’d stand up to the biggest guy, huh?”

No… no…

This memory is coming back to you…

“I don’t want to watch anymore.”

“Huh?”

You shake. What happens next. “I… I don’t want to see it… make it stop…”

“I can’t,” Stranger replies. “You’re the one who summoned it.”

Ryoji charges at Jado, only to eat a boot to the face. He collapses on the ground, and Jado turns his back. “Come back when you’ve got what it takes, kid.”

Ryoji stands up again. He already has a bloody lip… but he charges at Jado again. He swings wildly… and lands a punch on the jaw of the older delinquent.

It all floods back to you now.

That was the worst mistake of his life.

Jado glares at Ryoji, before kicking him in the guts. Ryoji bowls over, and Jado follows up with several punt kicks to his stomach. Ryoji writhes on the ground, only to be delivered several more kicks. Ryoji coughs and gags, trying hard not to throw up from the impact.

Jado pins him down, placing the heel of his boot on the back of his head. “Had enough, kid? What, are you pissing your pants?”

“Shut… shut up…” Ryoji pushes his arms against the ground.

“Ryoji, stop…” you cry. “Please… just stay down. Don’t do it…”

Ryoji pushes himself up, pushing Jado back. He spits and stares the delinquent in the eye. “I’m gonna kick your ass…” Ryoji threats. “And I’m gonna make sure no kid is under your boot again. Because I’m Ryoji Shida, the Master-“

And that’s when the silver bat came down on his skull.

Ryoji instantly collapses, but Jado doesn’t let up. Another whack… then another…

“Make it stop!”

You try to get in between Jado and Ryoji… but it’s just a memory. You can’t interfere… the bat phases through your ghostly body and connects with the back of the downed Ryoji’s skull with a sickening crunch. “

“STOOOOOOP!”

You fall to your knees… you can’t bear to look behind you, as the delinquent gang walk off. Ryoji, he…

“The hell…” Stranger mutters, even he shocked by what he saw. “How did Ryoji not die from that?”

>Ryoji’s a survivor. Always has been… he doesn’t know when to quit.
>I… don’t know. I’m still unlocking these memories…
>Please… tell me this is it. This is the core, isn’t it?

>>5215089
>Please… tell me this is it. This is the core, isn’t it?
I'm waiting for Truck-kun to make a guest appearance now

>>5215089
>I… don’t know. I’m still unlocking these memories…

>>5215089
>Please… tell me this is it. This is the core, isn’t it?
Turns out The Stranger was only joking when he said he eats memories, Ryoji's just really forgetful

>>5215089
>>Please… tell me this is it. This is the core, isn’t it?

Calling for
>Please… tell me this is it. This is the core, isn’t it?

Will be continuing the thread tomorrow at an earlier time than usual! Thanks for playing!

File: Ryoji Sr..jpg (369 KB, 715x1024)

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>Please… tell me this is it. This is the core, isn’t it?

Stranger shakes his head. “Doesn’t look like it… we might have to move further.”

“I don’t want to see anything else like this…” you mutter.

Stranger sighs. “It’s rough, I get it… there’s some thing I’d rather not relive. But remember, all of this already happened. Ryoji came out the other end… relatively unscathed, I guess. We need to worry about his future, not his past.”

You nod. He’s right… this is about Ryoji in the now. You can’t dwell on moments like this… you have to find the core, so you can move forward.

“What happened next?” Stranger asks.

And with that question, you find your surroundings hurdling and changing around you.

Oh no…

A hospital room.

“Yuki-sama…” a younger version of you speaks, as Ryoji’s mother steps into the room, hugging you tight.

“My baby…” Yuki sobs. “My baby boy!”

Nina of the past holds Yuki by the shoulder, leading her to her chair and Ryoji’s bedside. He’s bandaged, he’s bloody, and he’s wheezing…

In the corner, by the window, Ryoji’s father smokes a cigarette with the window open. You see his eyes… his reddened eyes.

“I remember…” you speak. “He would step out of the room to cry… he didn’t want to do it in front of his son…”

“Why…” Yuki sobs. “Ryoji, why…? You made a mess of the nice jacket Nina got you!”

Yuki, still not afraid to lecture her son’s irresponsibility… such a sweet-hearted woman.

Time passes, as the past Nina and Yuki sit by Ryoji’s side, late into the night. As the women fall asleep, Yuki covered in a jacket, Ryoji’s father stands.

“You’re gonna have to speak eventually, son.”

Huh…? You… weren’t awake for this. Of course, this is Ryoji’s memory, not your own. You’ve never seen this before…

“You’re a smart boy…” Ryoji’s father speaks. “Your mother and I didn’t raise a fool. You know when you’ve been beaten, don’t you?”

“… Yeah…” Ryoji weakly answers.

“Then why?” his father asks. “Why would you try to get yourself killed? You didn’t think you could take on a whole gang, did you?”

“No…” Ryoji mutters. “I didn’t think I could win…”

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

His father shakes his head. “So you entered a fight you knew you would lose?”

“A fight I knew I had to fight…” Ryoji weakly, slowly holds his fist up. “They needed to know… they had an enemy…”

“What?” his father raises an eyebrow. “Son, you did all this to… prove a message?”

Ryoji keeps his fist up, looking to the roof. “They were taking a toll… every kid in the town was afraid of them. Children were quitting clubs, quitting their hobbies because they couldn’t afford them anymore. Those guys… they weren’t just stealing some cash… they were taking away their options! Nina… Nina had to quit history club! She couldn’t afford the damn books because of them!”

“Ryoji…” his father gives a small smile. “You’re a darn fool… but I’m so proud of raising such a noble spirit.”

“I know, pops…”

“Don’t tell your mother I said I was proud,” he adds. “We’re both still very disappointed in you. You almost gave your poor mother a heart attack. Nina, too.”

“Sorry… but I’ll have to keep worrying them some more, pops…”

Ryoji pulls himself up, sitting up… before forcing himself out of his bed. He looks through the window, reaching out to the full moon above him. “I know what I’m supposed to do… I’m gonna change the world.”

His father chuckles. “Is that so?”

“I’m gonna make the world a peaceful place!” he declares. “I’m gonna rise to the top… I’m gonna stand proud over anyone who tries to tell me how to live! Anyone who tries to hold the boot down! I’m gonna create a world where kids will be free! Independent! Rebellion will win! I’m gonna do it, pops… I’m gonna be the Master Delinquent!”

“Ryoji…” you mutter.

So this is it… this is his motto. Why he’d pick a fight with anyone, why he’d rebel against any authority in his life… and even though the memory was ripped from him… deep down, why he chose to stay in the academy. To change the world, to create a peaceful future of… ha, it’s all so silly… a future of delinquents.

“Yeah… this isn’t it,” Stranger shrugs.

You bolt, confused. “What?! How is this not it?!”

“I don’t know!” Stranger protests. “There must be something more important!”

“Darn it…” you mutter, before the scene changes again.

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One year later… that same street. That same gang… Jado still collecting money.

“Oi.”

You look, seeing Ryoji once more… this time, his growth spurt has kicked in. His eyes are firey, and his stance is confident, the green jacket only… slightly rolled up.

Jado examines him. “Oh… wait a minute, it’s you, isn’t it? Ha! I thought this kid was dead! How long did you spend in the hospital, was it? Six months? Seven? What, you come back for a second ass-“

A fist to the face, and Jado’s nose explodes. He falls back, as the rest of the gang jump in on Ryoji. Ryoji strafes back, catching one attacker with a knee to the chin. Another comes from behind, and Ryoji stomps on their knee, before catching them with a back elbow. Jado charges in again, only to be caught with a lariat.

Jado collapses, as Ryoji holds his boot over his face. But instead of bringing it down upon his enemy, he plants it on the ground, kicking dust into his eyes.

Ryoji holds out his fist. “Listen up! This area now belongs to Ryoji Shida, the Master Delinquent! If you got a problem with that, you can fight! But let me tell you… I will never lose a fight again!”

>POV: Ryoji

“I will never lose a fight again!”

Words from the past… words you can’t place… but words in your voice.

Your feckless flailing stops, as the guardian holds his face up to you. Nina won’t make it in time… you’ll be crushed.

And so… you pull back, loading up a punch.

And you swing.

And it hits, with the force of a tank.

The head of the guardian flies back, as it loses its grip on you. It wasn’t expecting that! Shit… you weren’t expecting that!

You pick yourself up, and look at your fist. It’s steaming.

Nina approaches, and looks at you, shocked. “Ryoji, did you…?”

“Yeah…”

“Was that The Stranger?” she asks. “Did he finally lend his power?”

You pause. “No… that was me. And… you, I think…”

“Me?”

You look down. “My jacket… it got left behind when I fought Tori, but… you bought it for me, didn’t you?”

“You remember that?” Nina pauses.

“Uhh… yeah…”

You turn to the Guardian, who seems to be collecting itself, it didn’t expect you to hit it.

“We still have this to deal with…” Nina mutters. “Are you okay?”

>Better than okay… I think I can fight it.
>Nina… I’m sorry. For worrying you all those times.
>Stranger… he’s up to something right now… I know it.

>>5216161
>Nina… I’m sorry. For worrying you all those times.

>>5216161
>Nina… I’m sorry. For worrying you all those times.
Oh damn, Ryoji's actually becoming a combat unit

>>5216161
>Stranger… he’s up to something right now… I know it.
He's going to take away the next beach episode I just know it

>>5216161
>Nina… I’m sorry. For worrying you all those times

Calling for
>Nina… I’m sorry. For worrying you all those times.

Writing now.

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>Nina… I’m sorry. For worrying you all those times.

"Ryoji..." Nina mutters. "Why are you apologising for that now?"

You look to her, deep into her ocean blue eyes. "When else should I? I'm sorry."

"I know..."

You hear a roar, and you're interrupted by the guardian charging. Nina steps ahead of you. "Stay back! I'll handle this!"

Nina doesn't have to confront the guardian, however, as Maro unloads on it from behind. He gets a few shots in on the guardian before it converts its body to smoke once more. It spins around like a hurricane before facing Maro... and unloading a massive bullet from the chamber, spinning in Maro's direction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrrUtJy418A

Maro holds his ground, firing away... but he's not gonna be able to stop it. Yamato can't stop it... Nina can't stop it.

You... you...

"SENPAI!" you shout, reaching your hand out.

And you hear a booming sound. The sound of a rip, a tear.

And you note, the bullet of the guardian... it's changed direction, firing upwards.

Nina looks to you, confused. "Ryoji, what was..."

Did you do that? You did, didn't you?

"I... don't know..." you mutter.

"No matter," Yamato jumps into the fray. "Whatever is going on with you, Ryoji, it's helping. Now... how do we deal with this creature? Once and for all?"

>All out attack. The three of you combined can overwhelm it, I know it.
>It's focused on me, most of the time. If I prove the distraction, you can get a fatal hit on it.

>>5216241
>All out attack. The three of you combined can overwhelm it, I know it.
Surely we can't fuck up a Yamato/Nina this time?

>>5216241
>All out attack. The three of you combined can overwhelm it, I know it.
It's only taken 3 seasons for Ryoji to win his first fight

>>5216241
>>All out attack. The three of you combined can overwhelm it, I know it.

Calling for
>All out attack. The three of you combined can overwhelm it, I know it.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>5216324
Hopefully we don't end up super dead

>>5216332
Don't waste the good rolls man.

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>5216324

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>5216324

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>5216324
Missed the window but rolling for the hell of it, what could've been

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>5216324
man I'm late

File: Yamato.jpg (420 KB, 1280x720)

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>92

"It's time to finish this thing..." Maro mutters.

You all nod, as the three combatants spring into the fray. The guardian loads up its revolver, and fires off a bullet, directed towards Nina. To your shock, Nina runs headlong into the projectile. A projectile that outsizes her several times. She hold up her greatsword, stopping the momentum of the bullet.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" she screams, as she spins around. "TAKE THIS!"

She turns the momentum, sending the bullet flying at the guardian, piercing through it's torso, leaving a massive hole that it tries to refill with smoke.

Maro in turns unloads, catching the guardian with an onslaught of bullets that rip and tear through its physical form, as it continues to revert to smoke.

And then, Yamato stands his ground.

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

"Misawa..."

You look to him. You don't know why, but you don't call him an insult, or even by his name. Looking at him now, you... "Senpai?"

"My family began the school..." Yamato speaks. "The Misawa clan, time and time again... we set out with a goal. A goal for a golden future for mankind. But every step of the way... we fell at the last hurdle. My forefathers failed to Kobashi family, and I was no better. But no... never again. NEVER AGAIN!"

Yamato throws his cape aside, before looking back at you. "Don't let the Kobashis down. Make sure my bro keeps on the right path."

"I will."

"Maro," he speaks. "Keep pushing forward. You're a true leader... one I could never be."

"But Yamato-"

Yamato laughs. "You got Ryoji Shida calling you senpai, and you still doubt yourself?"

Maro and Yamato share a smirk, before he turns to the guardian, and steps forward.

"You understand our words, right?" Yamato declares. "Well, after this... I'm coming to speak with your creator! Pass on the message..."

Yamato readies his blade, and begins charging up his mystic slashes. With eyes of fire, he looks up to the guardian, trapped in place.

"MY NAME IS YAMATO MISAWA!" he declares. "MY SOUL SHINES LIKE SILVER! AND MY WILL LIVES ON! TAKE THIS... SILVER FLOWSION KAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

Thousands... tens of thousands of silver glowing blades fly at the guardian.

If it had a face, it would be panicking.

Each one hits, tearing it apart. You watch as the cloth rips and tears, and even the smoke wisps away, turning into nothingness. You watch, as the guardian completely disintegrates before you.

There it is... the grim reaper... defeated.

Yamato stands, his body smoking from the energy he expended, as he looks back to you. "That good enough?"

>Yamato... I'm sure happy I met the real you.
>Heh... dumb name, though.
>Speak with the creator, huh? Maybe I'll see you there.

>>5216433
>Heh... dumb name, though.

>>5216433
>>Speak with the creator, huh? Maybe I'll see you there.

>>5216433
>Yamato... I'm sure happy I met the real you.
We better a NG+ where we don't fail our rolls during the Class 3 so we can have more Yamato time.

>>5216433
>Yamato... I'm sure happy I met the real you.
Pour one out for all the cool dead characters

>>5216433
>>Heh... dumb name, though.

>>5216433
>>Speak with the creator, huh? Maybe I'll see you there.

>>5216449
I can swap to the creator one to fix the tie

>>5216433
>Yamato... I'm sure happy I met the real you.

Calling for
>Speak with the creator, huh? Maybe I'll see you there.

Writing now.

File: Yamato03.jpg (229 KB, 850x1020)

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>Speak with the creator, huh? Maybe I'll see you there.

"We'll see each-other again, huh?" Yamato gives a warm smile. "I'd like that, kouhai. I truly would."

"Kouhai?"

Yamato chuckles. "Heh... I figured that was pushing it."

He reaches out a fist, and you bump it. "Whatever lies beyond now... I hope I see you there," Yamato smiles. "When you're ready, obviously!"

"You too!" You call back, as Yamato steps away. "Believe me, I'm gonna kick your ass again for old time's sake."

Yamato chuckles. "Say sorry to everyone for me."

"There it is..." Nina remarks. "The portal home. Nothing stopping you both now."

You look to the portal, then look back. "You really can't come with us, can you?"

Nina shakes her head. "Afraid not. Only you and Maro can access it."

"But... what about Yamada?" You mutters. "And Sora, and Daisuke, and Yasutake... hell, even the demon hosts who were tricked! What about-"

"Ryoji..." Nina gives a weak smile. "Some people go... we have to move forward, don't we?"

"Yeah, I..." you mutter, before a sharp pain enters your head. You and Nina both clutch your heads, doubling over.

"Nina, Ryoji!" Maro calls out, as your vision begins to fade.

What's happening... is this... Stranger?

File: The Stranger05.jpg (301 KB, 834x1198)

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>POV: Nina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BS1lcNDDtQ

"This is it..." you mutter. "This is the core memory... I can feel it. It gives off such an aura..."

The scene begins to fade in. Ryoji's core memory... just what could it be? What lies at the centre of his heart, that was buried a year ago? What needs to be restored for his awakening?

The scene fades in... it's... your stairwell in middle school. This is the Second Hope middle school, no doubt.

From the steps, walking down... it's you. And close behind, a small grin on his face, his bag slung over his shoulder. Ryoji.

"May 2nd..." you mutter. "The date comes to me... that's when this was. May 2nd... it was Ryoji's second year, my third."

The past you walks around the steps, snaking around. It's all so vivid, how you check your phone, your head down. How you watch your step before hitting the next flight. How Ryoji gives a small hop that skips the final step before landing, his left hand never leaving his pocket.

And then... it ends.

"That's it," Stranger mutters.

"What?" you ask.

No... that can't be it...

Play it again.

The memory plays again, repeating once more. In every detail. You walk down the steps, your head down, Ryoji follows, he skips the step.

"This is the core," Stranger mutters.

"How...?"

He shakes his head, watching the scene. Again and again, on repeat. It's only ten seconds. A small, ten second snippet of life. That's all it is.

"Nothing happens," Stranger notes. "You don't even say a word. Walking down the steps in silence... something you did every single day! The most uneventful thing in the world! How is that what Ryoji Shida holds so dear."

Nothing happens, no words...

... Oh.

Right.

That's it.

"Because..." you mutter, your eyes beginning to well. "Because it's peaceful. It's quiet. No interference, no pain... just a free moment of bliss. Of normalcy. The whole world ahead of us on that afternoon in May..."

Stranger looks to you, and you spin back, your arms outstretched. "Don't you get it?! That's it! That's all Ryoji's ever wanted! And he's been denied it at every turn! A peaceful world, a free world, all that means to him... a normal life. A life he can choose, a life he can be happy with. He held onto this... these ten seconds... he held onto them, and that's what kept me alive, isn't it!"

"... It's what kept him alive too..." Stranger mutters. The demon takes a seat, cross-legged, admiring the scene. He begins to laugh. "Ha... this kid... I know how to pick them, huh?"

You then notice. Stranger pulls back his hood. He removes his bandages. His face... it's like Ryoji's own. Just different enough, and his eyes... they're welling up.

"I get it..." Stranger sniffs. "I... I get it. Nina... let's wake him up."

File: Nina29.png (418 KB, 750x750)

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>POV: Ryoji

You're back in that void... you've been called under again, haven't you? That sneaky bastard, has he stolen your body once more? That son of a bitch, you'll...

Nina?

Before stands the two of them. Stranger... his face... which is sorta your face... revealed to you. "What's going on?"

"Ryoji, look..." Nina smiles.

You look down.

Your green jacket.

Behind them, a vision of your old middle school... you remember that day. May 2nd.

Huh... you remember it all.

You remember everything.

"You've suffered so long..." Stranger mutters. "Sat on the sidelines, forced into a weak role... passive, ineffective... well, turns out all you had to do to reverse that was die! Ha!"

"Didn't miss your jokes..." you mutter. "Nina... what's...?"

"It's time to answer," Stranger asks. "It's time to decide."

Huh?

"Decide what?"

Stranger reaches out his hand. "I understand you, Ryoji... and I can help. With symbiosis, we can be like Alice... all the power, without the drawbacks. We can become one being, all my strength, but your memories are intact."

"And I can trust you, because?"

"You can't... that's why there's another option... your angel."

"I don't have a-"

"You do..." Stranger smirks, before gesturing to Nina. "She's standing right here."

"What?"

Stranger cricks his neck. "I think Nina's done being a voice in your head, right? But you can awaken now... with her spirit becoming a true part of you. She'll no longer be trapped in your head... she'll finally be free to move on to the next world, but her power will guide you. It will also expel me... so I'll be free to do as I please, out of your body, like you've always wanted."

Nina nods. "We think we know your answer... we're fine with either scenario... either one allows for you to finally be awakened. I think I know now... but I want to hear it. Answer the question... who are you?"

>I am Ryoji Shida, The Stranger.
>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent.

>>5216500
>>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent.
AAAAAA

>>5216500
>>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent.

I mean, we keep saying it. Might as well speak it into existence.

>>5216500
>>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent.

>>5216500
>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent.
Didn’t see that coming, should we think about the consequences of this super important choice or just go with the usual catchphrase…duh!

>>5216500
>I am Ryoji Shida, The Stranger.
Ah fuck, as much as I want that asshole gone him having free reign to run around in the background is a bad idea, even Tori's body count is tiny compared to the entire city The Stranger let The Darkness attack.

>>5216500
>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent and Stranger
>Now who fuckin said either of you are allowed to leave? Cause I sure didn't give you permission to leave my head!

I hate everything about this choice
Finally purge the demon but at the cost of embracing fuckin MEME MODE
Fail to purge the demon to avoid fuckin Meme mode

Aaaaaaa

Captcha fuck off

>>5216500
>I am Ryoji Shida, The Stranger.
If he's the one responsible for the entire plot letting him go is probably going to bite us in the ass later on. And who knows, maybe Ryoji'll learn to hop between the world's himself so he isn't cursed to fail like everyone is when Hoshi tries to teleport someone.

Calling for
>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent.

Writing now.

File: Nina43.png (545 KB, 1009x1200)

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>I am Ryoji Shida, The Master Delinquent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHh7msG33Zs

You reach out, and Nina reaches out in turn.

You encroach closer, as the tips of your fingers connect. The fall and connect, pressing the palm of your hands together. As they do, Nina is enveloped in silver light. All this time, trapped in your mind... finally, she will get some rest. But she won't be forgotten. No, she will always be remembered.

Nina scatters into dust, which enters your body, and you can feel a warm glow from within.

You turn around, and you're back with Maro and the real Nina... with tears streaming down her eyes.

Her... her spirit, her soul has been rejoined, hasn't it?

"It's all there..." Nina gives a warm smile. "You... you spoke to my dad... I got to see him one last time. We had one more Christmas together... we... we did a lot of fighting! Ryoji... I really did spend... just a little more time with you..."

You nod, and she sobs.

"Thank you..." she cries. "Thank you!"

The two of you embrace in a hug. As she holds you tight. "Would I be selfish..." she sniffs. "If I asked for a few more years...?"

"No..."

"I know..." Nina buries her face in your chest, holding you tight. "You... really grew into that jacket, huh?"

And there.

Without any more words.

None need to be said.

Your final goodbyes, that you were denied so long ago.

You break away, and Nina kisses you on the cheek. "Live well. Don't forget me."

You feel the tear streaming down your face. "You're a part of me, Nina. Always will be. I... can never forget you."

And it's true.

She's been with you, through it all.

Since you were little kids throwing rocks. Since you stood up for her against other kids. Every time you scraped your knee. Every summer you couldn't afford ice-cream. Every late-night studying session because you slacked off. Every christmas, every new year, every birthday.

It's not fair.

She should be at your graduation, and you at hers. She should be at your wedding, and you at hers. She should meet your kids, and you meet hers.

The idea that Nina Nagata and Ryoji Shida... those two inseparable kids...

The idea that she won't be there on the last day of your life breaks your heart.

But you'll never forget that time together.

You'll never forget that stairwell.

"I'll be there."

Nina smiles as she speaks. "You know I'll always be there, Ryoji!"

She always could read your mind...

Nina turns and fades away...

Your oldest friend. Your first friend, your earliest love. Your will, your spirit.

You'll keep making her proud.

"Ryoji..." Maro mutters.

You nod. "Right, let's go..."

"There's another..." Maro points.

You turn, to see Stranger standing there. "Well... this is our farewell. For now, at least..." he mutters. "Hate to say it, but I'm guessing we won't be allies if we meet again."

"We aren't allies now," you point out.

Stranger chuckles. "Yeah..."

>Why did you give me the option?
>You think we'll meet again?

>>5216562
>>Why did you give me the option?
Doesn't seem very Stranger-esque huh

>>5216562
>Sucker punch the Stranger as a farewell
>There's no "if", only a "when" we meet again, so it's only Goodybye for now ya hear me!

>>5216562
>>Why did you give me the option?

>>5216574
I'll back this

>>5216562
>You think we'll meet again?
The options were either find a way to get expelled to go solo or get waterboarded by the magic bathwater.

>>5216562
>You think we'll meet again?
Maro please don't be like Gado, take the fucking shot

>>5216562
>Why did you give me the option?
Still don’t get him.

Calling for
>Why did you give me the option?

Writing now.

File: The Stranger06.jpg (620 KB, 850x601)

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>Why did you give me the option?

Stranger smirks. "You really think it was up to me?"

You raise an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"I wouldn't be able to stop you either way," Stranger notes. "Besides... you deserve your freedom, right? You've earned that."

With that, Stranger turns around, walking off into the distance. "See ya around, kid."

As you watch, you see Stranger walking off, throwing up a simple thumbs-ups behind him as he fades away into the mist.

Goodbye Stranger, it sure hasn't been nice.

You feel a hand on your shoulder, you turn to see Maro.

"You ready?"

You nod. "Absolutely. Let's go."


>Meanwhile, at the school

“Tajiri!”

Akihito quickly pulls Kenshiro out of the way of a blast, but finds himself falling back in exhaustion. Kenshiro falls back on top of him.

“This is bad…” Akihito mutters.

“Sensei…” Saki shakes her head.

Kenshiro lets out a chuckle. “All spent, huh… I wasn’t smart to jump back into fighting either…”

Kenshiro tries to pick himself up, but crumbles.

As he does, Tori simply saunters towards his two down opponents, his face calm and his body unbroken. “The last desperate gasp of Dakugeto…” Tori speaks. “Defeated. I am victorious… Albion is victorious!”

He throws his hands out in a victory pose, basking in his own glory, before reaching out to put the finishing touches on Akihito and Kenshiro.

“Damn…” Akihito mutters, his timer running down to the final minutes. “This is how it ends…”

“No!” Ken exclaims. Nanami tries to stop the weakened hero, but Ken leaps down, clutching his chest as he steps in front of Tori. “No! You… you took my brother from me! I… I won’t let you take anything else, even if it kills me!”

“Ken, no!” Saki exclaims.

Nanami looks on in horror, as Ken reaches his hands out and swings his staff.

“One last… JUSTICE WAAAAAAAAAVE!”

Ken lets out one more blast of energy, which sends Tori flying back into the distance. Ken shakes, his body steaming… before he collapses, unconscious.

Tori rises, steam rising from his body… but his expression unchanged. A victorious calm. Slowly, methodically, he begins to approach, his claw hand glowing with murderous intent.

And then, another figure steps into the crossfire. This time…

Sayeka.

File: Sayeka16.jpg (130 KB, 850x1202)

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“A blind girl?” Tori tilts his head. “Do you intend to defeat me?”

Sayeka smirks, and silently crosses her arms in defiance.

Tori hesitates for a moment, before making his way towards her. “Very well, you have volunteered to go first.”

“Sayeka?” Chihiro calls out, confused. “Sayeka, dear? What are you doing?”

“Hey Sayeka!” Akemi shouts. “He’s coming right at you!”

Saki looks, confused… but then she notices Raiden, smirking.

“I see…” Raiden nods.

Tori begins to pick up his pace. He breaks into a sprint, his claw held out.

“Stop!” Kosuke yells, attempting to jump into the fray, but it’s too late.

Tori reaches Sayeka, and brings the claw down, inches from her face…

When a bright rift cuts through his chest.

Tori staggers back, confused…

And then two figures burst from the rift.

As it closes up, the two young men stand tall.

Sayeka calmly raises a fist… and Ryoji Shida casually bumps it.

“Ryoji…?” Saki stands, stunned.

“That’s… that’s Ryoji!” Nanami exclaims.

“He’s aliiiiiiiiive!” Akemi cheers.

“Heh… knew he couldn’t be kept down…” Akio chuckles.

“Bastard scared me…” Rini pushes her hair back.

Ryoji smirks… and then falls flat on his face.

“Might have been rough on his body…” Maro shrugs.

“You… YOU!” Tori exclaims… before being blasted in the face with a revolver shot from Maro. Tori flies back, as the rest of Class 3 enter the fray.

“Maro…” Shinji gives him a solemn nod.

Lilo approaches him, before loading her crossbow and firing Tori in the chest. “You’re back…” she mutters. “Well… now we can’t lose, can we?”

As Class 3 hold off Tori, the rest of the team stare at the downed white-haired boy.

"Uhh... you okay?" Seishiro asks. "Yo, Shida!"

"Ryoji..." Saki mutters, still stunned, collecting her thoughts.

Ken staggers awake, looking at the figure planted before him. "Ryoji...?"

"Ryoji, wake up!" Akemi yells.

"Yeah!" Nanami chimes in.

"Snoozing at a time like this..." Kosuke mutters. "Ridiculous."

"Ryoji..." Saki continues to stare.

And she continues to stare.

Until her voice errupts.

"RYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

File: Spoiler Image (146 KB, 850x1258)

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>POV: Ryoji

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeYrHmAB0Vc

... And there's that voice.

You roll onto your back.

Your eyes burst open, a grey winter sky above you.

You reach your hand out to that sky.

And you speak.

One, simple demand.

"Smokes."

Saki reaches into your old jacket pocket, and tosses you the pack.

You catch is while down, and withdraw a single cigarette.

As you stand, you begin to feel the aura course through you. Nina's spirit... and your own will.

The cigarette ignites, and you take a puff.

Class 3 scatters, as Maro looks to you. "Huh... you're really doing it, then?"

"Ryoji..." Saki stares in stunned quiet, as your new appearance takes shape.

You're Ryoji Shida.

And you're finally awake.

Two weapons appear in your hand. A silver, elegant longsword... a faintly sprite of a thing... wonder who that reminds you of, eh? The other, a dark black blade of considerable weight, which you balance over your shoulder like a baseball. Oh yeah... that's your side of the deal, all right.

"Question..." you speak. "Not exactly a mirror around here... do I have wings?"

"And horns!" Nanami adds. "And they... ARE. RAD."

You puff your cigarette. "Good to know."

Tori staggers up, blasting Class 3 out of the way. "The Stranger is gone..." he mutters. "I must commend you, Ryoji Shida... to overcome even death..."

"That reminds me..." you take a few steps towards Akihito, minutes left on his timer. You set aside your thin blade, grab the timer... and crush it into pieces. "You ain't dying today, teach."

"You intend to ignore me?" Tori asks. "As you can see, I've achieved my true power as well. I am the Herald of Albion! You may have finally awakened, but you are still a mere mortal in comparison to-"

You punch him in the face. He flies back.

You flick your now finished cigarette aside. "Warm-up's over..."

"What is this?!" Tori exclaims. "What is this form? What is your title? What being did you make a deal with?!"

"None."

"None?!"

"No titles, no angels, no demons..." you reply. "I'm just Ryoji Shida... and I'm about to kick your ass."

Tori cracks a smile. "I appreciate the confidence. I thought this fight would be simple."

"Oh, it will be," you assure him. "Come on peacock, let's finish this."

Tori charges, as you prepare yourself. You're not even remotely used to this kind of power...

>He's relying on speed, but I can finesse him. This silver blade will cut him to ribbons.
>He's got the form... but I think I'm stronger. The dark blade will crush him.

>>5216623
>>He's relying on speed, but I can finesse him. This silver blade will cut him to ribbons.

>>5216623
>He's relying on speed, but I can finesse him. This silver blade will cut him to ribbons.
Can't believe Ryoji turnt into a dexfag

>>5216623
>He's relying on speed, but I can finesse him. This silver blade will cut him to ribbons.

>>5216623
>He's relying on speed, but I can finesse him. This silver blade will cut him to ribbons.
She's helped us out this far, might as well let her land the kill as well.

>>5216623
>He's got the form... but I think I'm stronger. The dark blade will crush him.

Crack his skull like some back alley thug
You did learn from thebworst after all

Calling for
>He's relying on speed, but I can finesse him. This silver blade will cut him to ribbons.

Roll 1d100, Best of 4.

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>5216653
>Best of 4
Oh shit, the power of the reroll!

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>5216653

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>5216653

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>5216653
>Best of 4
Not going to lie, would've been pretty funny if we fucked up with that number of rolls

File: Trivia_Sayeka.png (204 KB, 1100x622)

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We got a
>93

Load up your Limp Bizkit AMVs, Ryoji vs Tori finally begins when I continue the thread tomorrow!

Thanks for playing!

File: Tori_Taguchi (The Taker)04.jpg (629 KB, 850x960)

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>93

You tighten your grip on the silver blade. Even with the power surging through this form, experience with a weapon is something you're lacking in... but Tori's form is new to him too. Experience isn't a factor, it's pure instinct and reaction time. You noticed from the moment he moved, he's a speedster... but he's charging with direct intent. Work smarter... if you have the dexterity to cut him at the right time, you can get a good slice in.

Tori zooms at you, moving in a zig-zag motion. He's smart too, he's trying to throw you off, but his pattern is too predictable. He swipes his tail as the first attack, trying to find an opening. You weave out of the way, providing him with a chance to come at you with a lunge from his sharp claws. He's faster than you... but you know when to pick your spots.

You tilt your head, dodging the attack, as he lunges in closer. Fitting beneath him, your smaller, sleeker blade is able to slice upwards, slicing through his right side.

Black blood spurts out as Tori collects himself as he lands behind you. He staggers, noticing the gaping wound. "You cannot slash god!" Tori exclaims.

"I didn't," you reply. "I slashed you. You know anything about the guardian I fought?"

"What?" Tori replies.

"Thought so..." you nod. There was never a doubt, he's just a delusional demon. A powerful one... but you've seen enough fall to know they aren't unbeatable.

Tori staggers back, waiting for his wound to heal up. He's got a healing factor... like you. He's tough... but now it's your turn to go on the pursuit.

You step forward, pointing your sword forward. Tori leaps back trying to escape, but he's slowed by injury, and you can catch up. A stab to the gut, you withdraw your blade, and your second stab goes for the face. He narrowly avoids the blade going through his skull, chipping the attack off his horns, deflecting them downwards towards his cheek, which is left with a large slash mark.

"Where's that confidence?" you taunt. "I thought this was going to be my toughest fight. Didn't expect to be on the backfoot, did you?"

"S-shut up!" Tori replies.

Heh... the peacock is finally flustered. After all this time, all those smirks, looking down upon everyone else... you finally have cracked through his armor.

You slash again, but this time Tori wraps his tail around the blade to stop it. He struggles, but forces you to toss the blade aside, while his hands charge up a ball of energy. "Necro Butcher," Tori regains his smirk, "At this range it will tear apart even your flesh, until there's nothing left!"

You try to move, but his tail lengthens, wrapping around your waist. You grip your greater sword, about to bring it down, when the tip of the tail shoots up and stabs through your arm.

Dammit... he truly is a bird of prey, pinning down and clawing away at his feast. At this range, that blast is going to tear you apart...

But then... you see it.

What you saw, for a brief second, in the fight with the guardian.

File: Ryoji03.jpg (157 KB, 614x1024)

157 KB JPG

Almost imperceptible, to all eyes but your own.

The tiny, thin... threads.

Threads between spaces, everywhere you look.

Yes... this was what you used to safe Maro. You didn't realise it at the time, but...

"NOW! PERISH, RYOJI SHIDA!" Tori exclaims as he lets loose with the charged ball.

With your free hand, you reach in... and pull apart the thread.

Tori looks shocked, as now... the ball flies back towards him, coming from the side.

He releases you and leaps back, narrowly avoiding his own deadly attack.

"You... changed the direction of the attack?" Tori exclaims. "But... how?!"

You smirk. "Call this little trick... Destino. Not even the order of space in the world itself rules over me! I say a big Screw You to the flow of fate itself!"

Expand, contract, redirect... in small measures, you can change the layout of your physical space. Nothing is fully decided, you can change anything! Total freedom!

"You want another example?" you smirk.

You wave your hand, and cut away the space between you and the silver blade. It comes launching towards you, and you catch it once more.

"This..." Tori mutters. "This is ridiculous! How can you have a power like that! Albion controls this world! It has total order-"

"And you don't," you smirk. "Guess that means... you aren't Albion, then? Are you?"

Tori pauses, his eyes wide with hatred. "No... Sister... Kaori... all I've sacrificed to become The Herald... it's not true! I'll put an end to this miserable village! Dakugeto has stood in the way of order long enough! It must be destroyed to make way for Avidya!"

Tori throws out his arms, and the ground beneath you begins to bubble, turning purple. You leap to higher ground, as you notice everything being pulled down by the black bubbling substance... like a tar pit.

Tori laughs maniacally. "Everything will be pulled down, wiped from this earth! Cast aside, like you were! Say farewell to your friends, and this pathetic excuse for a village!"

What?

You look, and you see your classmates try to move to higher ground, others were still on the rooftops... but others are caught and being pulled down.

"Crap! Crap!" Seishiro exclaims, his ankle caught in the pit.

"Dammit..." Ken mutters, as he, Akihito, his father and Sayeka begin to get pulled in.

"KOSUKE!" Rini grabs Kosuke by the hand, attempting to pull him up, but the ground below resists, it's pulling with great force.

You grip your blades tighter. "You bastard..."

Saki stands on the rooftop, calling out to you. "Don't worry about us, Ryoji! We can get them free!"

"Yeah!" Nariko exclaims. "You just focus on taking him out, before the whole village gets pulled under!"

You would... but you notice a figure behind Tori... one that's being pulled in at a rapid rate. If you don't move... they might be pulled under.

"H-hey!" Akemi yells, already up to her waist. "Well... this isn't any fun! Uhh... help?"

Dammit...

>Focus on Akemi
>Focus on Tori

>>5221431
>>Focus on Akemi

>>5221431

>Focus on Akemi

>>5221431
>Focus on Tori
If we don't take him out we'll need to pull someone else out, and then another person, and another...

>>5221431
>Focus on Tori
Oh man, almost missed the fight

>>5221431
>>Focus on Akemi

>>5221431
>>Focus on Akemi
Always kemi

File: Trivia_Akemi.png (317 KB, 1100x622)

317 KB PNG

Calling for
>Focus on Akemi

Will continue tomorrow! Thanks for playing!

File: Raiden12.jpg (100 KB, 700x700)

100 KB JPG

>Focus on Akemi

With Akemi directly behind Tori, you can’t simply use your Destino. Your options there would be to pull Akemi closer to Tori, not a good move… or pulling everything closer to you, giving Tori a free attack on you, an even worse move. No, you’ve got to spring into action.

You notice a rooftop has sunk low enough that you could reach Akemi from it. You leap up, the wings now attached to your back allowing you to glide to your destination. You lean over the sinking rooftop, and offer out your hand.

Akemi groans as she reaches out, stretching as hard as she can… but the darkness is pulling her in. You lean in further, and grab her by the wrist. Slowly, with great resistance, you pull her free from the sinking hole. As you do, she holds you tight.

“Ryoji!” She exclaims. “No matter what… this is great day! You’re back!”

“We’ll see about that, fight’s not over…” you point out.

But now you need to get to higher ground…

“Ryoji! Up here!”

Raiden calls out to you, his arms outstretched on a higher rooftop. You shrug, and toss Akemi like a baseball.

“Wahoo!” she exclaims, curling into a ball and landing safely in Raiden’s arms. “Whoa… now I’m dizzy…”

“Let’s head up higher…” Raiden tells her, as she shakes off her grogginess. “This won’t stop until Ryoji… shit, look out!”

The tip of Tori’s tail pierces through your shoulder, and you let out a yell.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Tori replies, maneuvering you to the ooze, lowering you down.

It catches you in the back, as Tori tries to push you down further. “Dammit…” you mutter.

You struggle, but you’re caught… and Tori keeps pushing. The smug grin on his face returns…

Until Nanami swoops in with her cutlass. “Take this!” she exclaims. She slashes down, catching Tori by surprise once more… only for Tori’s armor to harden, the cutlass smashing as it makes contact.

Nanami falls back, wide-eyed, before being swatted away by Tori. He looks down on her, as the ooze begins to drag you down into the depths further. He raises his hand, about to perform a killing blow… when a dagger flies in. It bounces off with ease, but it’s enough to distract Tori’s attention to look at the thrower.

Sayeka stands with her daggers, and gives a nod in your direction. That’s the distraction you need.

You power through, your free arm thrusting forward as your silver blade embeds itself in Tori’s back. Like stabbing a pickaxe into a rock wall, you use this fulcrum as leverage, pulling yourself from the ground, flipping over and pulling your sword out, so that you’re now standing between Tori and Nanami.

File: Tori_Taguchi (The Taker)05.jpg (231 KB, 850x1092)

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“You still stand before me?” Tori remarks. “You fool. You understand now, you cannot stand in the path of Albion. You lost child…” he looks to Nanami. “You will be found in the glory of Avidya if you stand with me and-“

“Are you still selling this crap?” you interrupt him. “Look around you, genius. Nobody believes you. You have no followers left. You-“

Tori launches forward, hitting you with his shoulder. You’re sent flying, but catch yourself back on your feet. As you do, the ever-quick Tori appears before you, booting you back again, sending you back again.

The black ooze is no longer beneath you. You quickly realize that as the village continues to sink, your fight with Tori has led back to the gates of the academy.

“You interrupt me, I interrupt you,” Tori explains. “Isn’t that fair, Shida?”

You collect yourself, and stab forward… but you notice the layers of armor forming around Tori, his look changing once more.

“Thank you…” Tori notes. “You remind me of all I sacrificed. I loved my brother… I loved Sister… I loved Kaori… they gave their lives so I can follow this path! I will not disappoint them! I am The Herald… full power.”

He grabs you by the throat and launches you into the gate. The bars bend and break as you shatter through, before Tori boots you flying into the courtyard. As he steps forward, Tori notes a statue in the courtyard. “Master Mitsuharu…”

“Mitsuharu…” you mutter. “That’s Wei’s old classmate. You know him?”

“He founded our order,” Tori points out. “He tired endlessly of this world… it was he who discovered the records, the story of Albion, and Avidya. He was the one… who declared me The Herald. His work done… he disappeared.”

Tori is more confident than ever. He may have been overconfident with this new form, but he’s hit his stride with his own. This isn’t going to be an easy fight… he may be a fraud, but the demon powering him is stronger than any you’ve seen so far… and you have a time limit to defeat him. The village is sinking, and your friends with it…

>I’m sure I can find a flaw in his armour… Destino will let me find the right opening.
>If he wants to build the defence, then I’ll build on my offence. This dark blade has the right weight to smash through.

>>5223989
>If he wants to build the defence, then I’ll build on my offence. This dark blade has the right weight to smash through.
Time to deploy UNGA BUNGA

>>5223989
>>If he wants to build the defence, then I’ll build on my offence. This dark blade has the right weight to smash through.

>>5223989
>If he wants to build the defence, then I’ll build on my offence. This dark blade has the right weight to smash through.

>>5223989
>I’m sure I can find a flaw in his armour… Destino will let me find the right opening.

>>5223989
>If he wants to build the defence, then I’ll build on my offence. This dark blade has the right weight to smash through.
Ryoji and offensive, that’s not something we are used to see.

Calling for
>If he wants to build the defence, then I’ll build on my offence. This dark blade has the right weight to smash through.

Roll 1d100, Bo4

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>5224059

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>5224059

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>5224059

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>5224059

File: Tori_Taguchi (The Taker)06.jpg (996 KB, 2400x1472)

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>94

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=attNJ5pluDE

He keeps healing, he keeps growing his defences... you need to up your own power. You charge, your heavy dark blade at the ready. Tori leaps up, dodging your first strike, a slash that burrows into the ground, cracking the pavement below and kicking up a cloud of dust. Well, it certainly has the power... it's just a matter of actually landing the hit.

"A mighty weapon you have there," Tori replies. "Best I remove it."

His tail thrusts forward, aiming for your wrist. You block with your silver blade and push him back. You leap up, your wings keep you afloat as you heft the weight of the blade and bring it down from above. Tori's still prepared, and he slips through. He lands atop your back... and with his sharpened claws, slices off your right hand.

You large blade falls flies to the side, as Tori wraps his tail around your waist. Holding you down, he lowers himself in front of your face, like a spider lowering on a cobweb, as he holds his hand before you, glowing with energy. "Necro..."

You interrupt with a slice from your silver longsword, forcing him to throw his head back, his tail pulling you by the waist and throwing you back through the air, like a release german suplex.

You fly back and land on your feet, as Tori charges. "Heh..." you mutter. "Just what I was hoping for..."

You use your remaining hand, and activate Destino. You erase the space between you and the severed hand, bringing it to your side. Your healing factor kicks in, and your right hand re-attaches, with the greater sword still held tight... just in time for Tori to run in. Batter up, bitch.

You use both hands, swinging to the side, and catching Tori head on. He's stunned, and you keep pushing... a crack appears in the armour, but you need to go further.

You bite your lip and seethe, before pressing further with a yell "AAAAAAAAAGHHHHHH!"

You break through armour, hitting skin. You keep pushing against the pressure... until you find a sudden release, that almost throws you off balance.

Bisected at the waist, Tori's torso goes flying through the school courtyard, as you fall back on your ass. Damn... that swing took a lot of strength, but it was worth it.

You stand up and approach. You know better than to leave this guy for dead, you have to make sure, right away.

As you approach, you notice him stir. He rises, planting his leg in the ground to stand himself up. Heh... he looks like a scarecrow in a field.

"Damn you..." Tori mutters.

"Have to give it to ya..." you admit. "You're just about as stubborn as I am."

Tori gathers himself with sharp breaths. "The order... they've all been willing to die for this dream. But you and I know... dying is the easy part. One has to live for their dream! That's the true challenge!"

"We almost agree on something... how about that. Well, say goodbye."

File: Ryoji02.jpg (400 KB, 2048x1424)

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"You think I'm done that easily?" Tori asks.

"You look it."

"Guess again."

You take a step forward... or rather, you try.

Shit! He's got that damn ooze beneath your legs.

Tori lets out a laugh, before launching his body up. Landing directly atop you, skewering through your chest with his blade like tail, he plants you firmly down. You can't even swipe at him from this angle, as he holds his claws up, powering up one more Necro Butcher attack.

"I may not survive this..." Tori replies. "But I know it's what I have to do to kill you! I will erase every fiber of you from this world! Now... NECROOOOO..."

A slash, and you see Tori's hands flying through the sky. His eyes widen, in shock and terror, and he lets out a pathetic gasp.

You turn your head, to see him there. All seven foot of the man.

Wei. Kobashi.

"You best step away from that boy," Wei warns. "I won't regret what I'm about to do."

"You're too late, you old fool!" Tori exclaims. "Dakugeto has already gone under at this rate! This is the culmination of it all! Of all their sacrifice! Sister, Kaori, brother... thank you..."

You feel the fire in Wei's eyes. Those last words set the old dragon off more than anything. "What kind of a man... thanks someone for their death?! Like it was a service, a favour, a given! So many have died in my arms... how dare you see something like that as a step forward! A sacrificed pawn!"

"Gramps..." you mutter, as Wei plants his feet.

"This is my school..." Wei explains, as energy charges up in his greatsword. Wait, is that...?

"This is my village..." Wei continues. "These are my children! And they will live! And these grounds shall live! And I... I will live for them! This old dragon will stand at the gates, feet planted, until the time has come to move on! There will be no more pointless sacrifice! I am Wei Kobashi... and I am your end!"

File: Wei02.jpg (125 KB, 500x714)

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Tori panics and plans to move... but you grab his tail, keeping him in place above you. Old man... don't miss...

"DRACO BUSTERRRRRRRRRRR!" Wei screams, clutching his chest as a massive wave of energy bursts from his greatsword, blowing Tori away.

Once the dust settles, you remove the tail from your chest, tossing it aside. Wei in turn stumbles, but you catch him.

"Haven't had to use that in a long time..." he remarks. "And it wasn't full power... not in my state."

"Fine speech, gramps..." you joke. "Maybe next time you-"

Wei pulls you in, and holds you close.

"Shut up boy..." he remarks, holding you. "I don't know why you're here... but I'm so happy to see you."

You hug back. "You too, old man."

"Almost didn't recognise you," Wei replies.

"Because of the wings?"

"Because you were being competent," Wei fires back, with a small smile.

"Old man's got jokes."

Your reunion is cut short, as you hear a roar... as Tori's tail bubbles at the tip, spreading out and reforming. He's still alive... and he rebuilds himself from scratch, back in that ultimate form.

"AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!" he lets out a scream, steam rising from him. "My dream... my Avidya... you will NOT take it from me! You cannot stop the path of Albion!"

Well... seems you'll have to reduce him to dust to be done with this... no problem.

>Old man, I've got a plan. You got another one of those things in you?
>Sit back, gramps. I'm ending him myself.

>>5224150
>Sit back, gramps. I'm ending him myself.
HERE WE GO

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>5224150
>Sit back, gramps. I'm ending him myself.
Warming up the dice, I fully expect the Dice Gods to fuck us over

>>5224150
>>Sit back, gramps. I'm ending him myself.
He killed us so it's only fair we return the favor

>>5224150
>Sit back, gramps. I'm ending him myself.
He’s like a cockroach.

>>5224150
>>Sit back, gramps. I'm ending him myself.

Calling for
>Sit back, gramps. I'm ending him myself.

Roll 1d100, BO4.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>5224187
Let's fucking go

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>5224187

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>5224187

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>5224187
Go.

File: Saki01.jpg (297 KB, 724x800)

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>43

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rTsvjav6MA

You ready your blades, a smirk on your face. "Always so overconfident..." Wei mutters. "Well boy, you're free to him."

"You think you can take me alone?" Tori brags. "You see my body? Perfectly intact! I still carry all of my energy... while I can already see you struggle to maintain your own."

He's right... you're not used to something like this. It's taking a lot just to keep up the form at this stage. "Dest-"

Tori snaps to attack, appearing behind you and kicking you back. "I've had enough of your tricks," he notes. He slashes but you block with the large blade... which is starting to feel a lot heavier in your hand.

He's carrying the weight of all those who died for him... and you're no different. From Daisuke, to Yamato, to Nina... so many people you owe it to. Like Wei said, their service wasn't to die... it's not right that they're gone. You have to make it up to them. You have to do this.

You stab with your silver blade, but Tori has your moves scouted at this point. He stabs several times with his tail, puncturing your torso. Blood flies out from several pores as you stagger back.

"Seems you've reached your limit..." Tori remarks. "I have to say... you gave me more trouble than I ever thought you would. It's a shame... you have no place in Avidya."

"Don't care about your invite."

Tori hits you with a punch, his heavy armoured fist almost breaking your jaw. He throws more punches, battering you and sending you back, before you fall on your ass.

As you collapse, Tori holds his tail up to finish the blow... but you laugh. You can't help it, you laugh.

"You stupid peacock..." you mutter. "You're all alone..."

"Shut up," Tori replies. "You try to mock me in your final moments."

"Not mocking..." you reply. "Just reminding you... I ain't the only delinquent who's gonna stand up."

"Enough!"

Before Tori strikes, the ground crumbles. Bursting from above... a golden dragon.

A pair of hand grab you... Saki, always at the ready.

"You found one last gasp of power, Kobashi?" Tori remarks.

Saki nods. "Ryoji gave me the time to recover... and now, we'll finish this. I heard every word my grandfather said... we will protect this place, every generation! To you... every death is a feast, a needed sacrifice to keep you running. For us... every gravestone in the ground is a seed planted in our hearts! A duty to another life, to ensure future children won't befall the same tragedy!"

"So many speeches..." Tori remarks.

"Tired of your own medicine?" you retort as you pick yourself up.

"We must reduce him to ashes," Wei replies. "You cannot expect that alone, Ryoji."

"Then what's the plan?" Saki asks.

>You heard Wei. Reduce him to ashes. All out attack, coming up.
>It's not that easy, we gotta outsmart him... and I know exactly how.

>>5224224
>You heard Wei. Reduce him to ashes. All out attack, coming up.
No way we mess up twice in a row.

Right?

>>5224224
>You heard Wei. Reduce him to ashes. All out attack, coming up.
Don't tell me Ryoji's going to choke when there's a waifu on the line again.

>>5224224
>It's not that easy, we gotta outsmart him... and I know exactly how.

The muscle is here and will, waiting for the brains of the operation to finally return

>>5224224
>>It's not that easy, we gotta outsmart him... and I know exactly how.

>>5224224
>>It's not that easy, we gotta outsmart him... and I know exactly how.

Calling for
>It's not that easy, we gotta outsmart him... and I know exactly how.

Roll 1d100, BO4.

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>5224323
Here we go

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>5224323

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>5224323
Rollan

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>5224323

File: Tori_Taguchi (The Taker)03.jpg (359 KB, 850x1176)

359 KB JPG

>94

You look to Wei and Saki. The Kobashis look back to you, and give a knowing nod. They understand you perfectly. Tori needs to be reduced to ashes, and you're the one to do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeYrHmAB0Vc

You get into position, as Saki and Wei stand before Tori. "Grandfather... do you have much energy left?" Saki asks.

"Don't you worry about this old dragon..." Wei mutters. "Two generations... standing together... for the village."

Together, Saki and Wei charge up, and as Tori braces himself, the let loose with a double blast.

"GOLDEN BUSTER!"

"DRACO BUSTER!"

Saki's beam get caught in the gravity of Wei's larger attack, spiralling around it and gaining momentum, spinning like a drill to add a piercing accentuation to Wei's raw force.

Of course, Tori has it scouted, moving out of the way with ease. "You fools! It's going to take more than that to-"

"We know."

Tori's eyes widen, as he realises. He lost track of your position.

The beam comes flying towards you.

"Destino."

You swipe your blades, opening up a new tear in space, which swallows up the massive blast. And with a new swipe, you open up space, creating a new exit point for the beam... directly above Tori.

It comes crashing down from above like a bomb, as Tori looks up, no time to react.

"My god..." is all he can muster, before being engulfed in the blast.

You, Wei and Saki all have to back up from the blast point, as through the blue and gold light you can make out Tori, pieces of him flaking off. He barely manages to pick himself up, as he's being torn apart.

You just about make out his face. In his final moments, he closes his eyes.

You'll never know what he was thinking... but you think he faced his death head on.

In the end, all that remains in the courtyard is a massive crater.

You stumble back, as your form reverts. You used up all your time...

In front of you... heh, you're really losing energy. You can almost see her.

Nina...

Wei is right. You shouldn't just thank you for the life she gave. You owe her... you owe it to her to make sure that the next Nina gets the right to live a happier life. And the next Yamato. And the next Sora. And the next Daisuke. And hell, the next shoe-guy, even those you never met!

File: Spoiler Image (558 KB, 785x1049)

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You look out over the hill. The ooze disappates, and the village... well, it's saved.

The buildings are mostly sunken into the earth, every home is dilapidated. That's going to take a while to repair... but you owe it to the villagers.

Just when you think you've finally managed a quiet moment... lightning strikes, and a figure stands before the crater. What appears to be a woman in a cloak, looking over the wreckage.

"The hell?" you mutter.

"I resent that word," the woman speaks.

Wei looks at her, his eyes wide. "You... you're the one... all those years ago..."

"Wei Kobashi..." she nods. "You've grown old."

"You know her?" Saki asks.

"You're the one..." Wei groans. He tries to move, but he stumbles. He used up all his energy in that final attack. "You're the one who took Jun that day! Damn you!"

What? That's right... Wei told you about that encounter. So she's...?

She looks back. "This is a short visit, you needn't panic," she explains. "My name is Tenshi, in case you forgot. Write that down."

"Why are you-"

"Just making sure the pretender is dead..." she notes. "And to pass on a message... Ryoji Shida."

She turns her attention to you. "Albion heard your message, loud and clear. If you wish to wage war against the heavens... be prepared."

>So Tori really was a fake... I knew it.
>What does this Albion want, anyway?
>I already am.

>>5224361

>>5224361
>>What does this Albion want, anyway?

>>5224361
>I already am.
Bitch please, Ryoji's been waging war against fate since before the day he was born

>>5224361
>What does this Albion want, anyway?
If it's possessing Makoto then I'm guessing a circus

>>5224361
>What does this Albion want, anyway?
REVEAL YOUR SECRETS

Calling for
>What does this Albion want, anyway?

Writing now.

File: Tenshi04.jpg (1.07 MB, 732x782)

1.07 MB JPG

>What does this Albion want, anyway?

Tenshi looks back and gives a smirk. "All of this has gone on long enough, hasn't it? It's about time some order was restored."

Order? If you understand, The Elder One can't do anything yet. He's still waiting on this Herald... Tori thought till his last moments that it was him. But...

Tenshi gives a wink. "See you around, Ryoji Shida."

And with that, she disappears in another bolt of light.

That's it... the battle is over.

Tori, and with him both The Order and the escaped Archdemons... are defeated.

Had it really only been three months? Heh... felt like an eternity. You suppose literally dying might give that feeling.

You look to Saki... with the battle over, she's finally able to process it all... and she beams the most wonderful smile you've ever seen. Makes a man want to live forever, that.

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

She tries to pick herself up, but someone beats her to the punch of mobbing you with a massive bear hug.

"Dude, you..." Ken is sobbing, as he almost breaks a rib.

"Watch it!" you warn him.

"You'll heal!" Ken replies. "I... Ryoji, I'm so sorry..."

You hug your brother back as tight as you can. "Don't worry about it man... that was a lifetime ago," you joke.

Ken laughs back, before pulling away.

"Ryojiiiiiii!" Nanami sobs. "My first mate is back!"

"I knew nothing could keep you down!" Rini chuckles, pumping her fist.

"I had my doubts," Kosuke smirks. "Glad I'm wrong."

Chihiro approaches, fluffing her hair with a smirk. "A certain someone always knew you'd be back!"

"You did?" Hiro asks, as his group steps out from the inside, the coast now clear.

"No, the lovely Sayeka!"

You look to Sayeka. "Finally trusting those visions of yours?"

"It's funny..." she notes. "I saw many different possibilities... thousands upon thousands..."

"And?"

Sayeka smiles. "The fates must hate you, Ryoji... you came back in every single one."

"Ryo-kun... I'm so glad you're back," Akio throws a thumbs up.

You return it, but warn him. "I'm never going by Ryo-kun."

"Not even the reaper himself could match the might of the mighty emerald hero!" Isamu booms, clutching his back. "Death itself has been conquered! What else stands in our way?"

"Should we really get overconfident?" Raiden asks.

"Heck yeah!" Akemi cheers.

"Rhetorical question, and wrong answer..." he sighs, knowing it won't sink in.

Nariko pumps her fist. "I kept calm the whole fight! But if things got worse... I would have let that birdbrain have it!"

As Nariko mimes punches, Reiji pushes his glasses to his face. "Now, hopefully Hoshi will have returned Class 1..."

"Those juniors are just as tough as us," Seishiro assures him. "They'll be fine!"

"We've got a village to clean up too..." Hikaru remarks.

"That'll be fun!" Satomi points out. "It'll be like when we did community work as kids. Me, you, your brother, your sis-"

"Maybe not that last one," Hikaru sighs.

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As you see Class 3 helping Akihito and Ken's dad back inside, you see a hand placed on your shoulder. You turn, and Rei greets you with a small smile.

"Quite the crowd, you've got here," Rei jokes.

"A whole line waiting to welcome you back," Akira adds.

Rei tilts her head, pointing in a certain direction. "I think someone's got priority. We'll cut the others off. They've got a lot of work to do... after all, they just got shown up by the weakest guy in class!"

"I'll bet!" Tekina marches out. "All of you! Get inside! You kids all need patching up... this is going to be my toughest job yet!"

Tekina gives you a nod, gesturing you as you make your way over to the sitting dragon. You reach out and offer her a hand.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sak..." you smile. "Promise I won't do that again."

Saki takes your hand and you lift her up. You hold the back of her knees as you raise her, before lowering her gently in a tight embrace.

"We made such a mess..." Saki blurts out. Classic Sak... her mind always on the next thing. Always on the clean-up.

"We'll take care of it," you reply. "We always do..."

"Ryoji..."

"By the way, do I have to propose again?" you joke. "The statement is Til Death Do Us Part..."

Saki gives your shoulder a playful slap. "Ryojiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

Damn, how much you wanted to hear that again.

The clean-up begins here... but your trials aren't over, are they?

The Darkworld still exists. You still have to protect the world at large from it.

You've meant very word. Ever since you were a child. You've made promises to so many people... Yamato, Yamada, Sora...

Most of all, Nina.

And there's that promise you made to yourself... that got away from you all those years ago. You lost your way before you came to this academy... but somehow, you've found yourself on the right path.

Stranger is gone from your body, but you still carry part of his energy... that feeling lingers. You know you haven't seen the last of him.

You look out over the village, the sun setting before you.

You reach out your hand and clench it, grabbing the sun itself.

You meant every word you told your father that day... and you're going to do it. You're going to create that world, where the next Nina can choose her path, choose History Club or whatever it is she wants. A world of peace, and freedom to every kid who just wants to live their life. You'll do it... you'll put an end to the Darkworld, and grant that gift to the world.

Why?

Because you're Ryoji Shida, the Master... well, you know the rest.

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>Meanwhile

Nishi adjusts her eyes, her vision returning to focus. She’s in a forest… Utako ahead. Her partner notices her waking up, but says nothing. She looks away, sorrowful.

“What… where are we?” Nishi remarks. “Miyoko! Why did we leave the battle! Mr. Tajiri…”

“He wouldn’t come with us,” Soshu notes. “I told him he needed our help, but he was adamant to stay behind.”

Nishi grimaces. “We should have stayed behind. What’s the matter with you? What’s gotten into you?! Miyoko! Miyoko, answer me!”

“You needn’t worry about Dakugeto,” Miyoko explains. “They were able to conquer The Taker.”

“H-how do you know that?!” Nishi shouts. “How?! You just left them behind! You-“

“Because I have faith,” Miyoko gives a smirk. “Don’t you?”

Nishi turns silent. “But… where are we going? Before you left, you were talking about The Star…”

Miyoko looks away.

“What is The Star?” Nishi asks. “You said… why isn’t The Star here? What is that? Why were you expecting it?”

“Enough,” Miyoko replies.

“Nari, talk some sense into-“

“Enough!” Miyoko snaps. “The crisis point is not far from now…”

“The what?”

Miyoko shakes her head. “The gates between the Darkworld and this world must be closed for good… or else both are set to be destroyed.”

“What… d-destroyed?” Nishi pauses. “What… could do that?”

There’s a silence among the group. “H-hey…” Nishi mutters. “Omitsu, do you know?”

Omitsu looks away.

“Utako…?”

“Please stop talking…” Utako grumbles, fixing her hair. “Just… trust Miyoko.”

“Here…” Miyoko gestures through the brush. “They’re here.”

The group steps through the brush, into a small clearing. Within it, a campfire, and a caravan. As they step through, instantly a sword is drawn, and another figure holds out glowing hands. “I thought I sensed intruders,” a blonde girl in a witches hat speaks. “You won’t be able to get a drop on the Witch of-“

“Giulia, Shingo… lay down your arms,” an older voice speaks. “That’s no way to treat guests.”

The two young ones give a confused look, before stepping back. “I know who you are, and why you’re here,” the older man remarks.

“The false herald is defeated,” Miyoko announces. “Meaning… there only is one true Albion, isn’t there?”

Herald? Albion… Nishi pauses. What is Miyoko talking about.

“You would know this… Gedo Shibata?” Miyoko smirks.

The man take a bite of bread from his campfire, and begins to chuckle, a proud smile on his face. “My boy Makoto… he’s going to shift the heavens.”

END OF EPISODE 47

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F64yFFnZfkI

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thank you all so much for playing! This has been a long time coming, and you guys are the best for engaging and waiting patiently for every update! While this is it for Ryoji threads this season, Season 3 still isn't over! We've got Kaz's plotline to wrap up, and expect that next thread in the next week if we're all very lucky! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Questions
That's a season wrap for Ryoji, and a long ride it's been! What are you favourite Class 2 cast moments from this season?
We finally say goodbye to Nina, for good this time. She's been the supporting voice with Ryoji for a long time, what are your final thoughts on her?
Tori's been defeated! What did you think of this big arc villain?
What lies in store for Ryoji and the crew come Season 4?

>>5224461
>That's a season wrap for Ryoji, and a long ride it's been! What are you favourite Class 2 cast moments from this season?
Gonna have to refresh myself on most of class 2 shenanigans vefore picking a favourite
>We finally say goodbye to Nina, for good this time. She's been the supporting voice with Ryoji for a long time, what are your final thoughts on her?
Nina's poor soul can finally rest in peace
>Tori's been defeated! What did you think of this big arc villain?
Peacock is now peadead
>What lies in store for Ryoji and the crew come Season 4?
At least 6 couples have pregnancy scares, including one of Saki and Ryoji very own now that thr Stranger and Nina are gone and Ryoji's balls work again.

>>5224461
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Probably think one of my favourite moments from S3 involving Class 2 was the sports day with Kosuke being the winner in the end after Kento managed to dunk on the rest of the class.

Given how important Nina's death actually ended up becoming it's hard to imagine how the story would go if she wasn't skewered like a kebab back in S1. Having her help dive into Ryoji's head during the season was cool though and at least now she's finally properly killed off this time until the surprise spin off series revival.

Tori was pretty cool, him being able to remotely off his victims was an interesting power and he gave us some more lore as well. Although I'm still a little salty that it was a clean teleport for Ryoji and Maro's return and not them just bursting out of him like a balloon.

The Stranger's still out there ruining themed episodes so we'll have to deal with him soon enough, it's going to be weird having Class 2 actually be Class 3 and vice versa for Class 1. Looking forward to seeing the Demidemons that gave Hiro, Sayeka and Nariko their powers and what they're like as well.

>>5224502
>>5224461
Thanks For running Booker!
Thread was a blast