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HOLLOW SUN: 67.9%

http://pastebin.com/GxbD8pcJ

RESEARCH:

[X] TERMINUS SCANNER
[X] FALSEHOOD ARRAY
[X] RESEARCH: ASSAULT HARDSHELL

RESEARCH COMPLETE:

> [X] COBALT LASER: Enhances Photonic weaponry in the Hellion Armoury
> [X] GALVANIC EMITTERS: The Armory Guardian can now generate an anti-personnel shock field.

VOID ANCHORS:

ORIGINAL HIVE
THE TRIBUNAL

HOLDING: 4

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/7vzY4Zp2

UPDATES:

- CONDEMNER and AXEL GRIPS added to ARMOURY.
- COBALT LASER, GATLING LASER and PHOTON ZAUBER unlocked.
- LINE LAUNCHER, SCATTER LASER LUCIFER BITS and FUSION BEAMER upgraded.

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>>33373193
Sotto Voca, Mass Driver, Dirac Transmitter for Hollow Sun expenditures.

Hello OP, hope today was better than yesterday. How's the internship so far?

>LUCIFER BITS
>upgraded
This almost tempts me. Almost. OP, would it be possible to work Hellion Photon Shield research into Shield Bits?

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>>33373352

> How's the internship so far?

(Equal parts busy and tedious. Fortunately, it concludes next week.)

> OP, would it be possible to work Hellion Photon Shield research into Shield Bits?

(I'll have to think about it.)

The Cross Corner is crowded, tonight - The anonymous darkness filled with the bitter scent of cigarette smoke, wisps of vapour coiling upwards like incense. The tarnished metal of the pool cages, the voices distorted to half-cohered whispers...All rendered distant by the leaden gloom of the oppressive space, lit only by the glower of bare bulbs.

Motes of dust dance in the harsh light of bare bulbs. Their flickering radiance makes everything look washed-out, faded; It does nothing at all to the darkness, except make it dirty.

Before you - The worn green baize of the table, the wood scuffed and worn at the edges. A solitary chair teeters on three unsteady legs, the leather seat lined with hasty stitches.

"...How much longer?"

Isao's voice is tense, uncertain - Trying so very hard to appear at ease. In the last thirty minutes, he's asked the question again and again; Squinting, trying to make out the faded numerals of the overhead clock. He's fretting, his fingers plucking at his fraying scarf - Dark hollows under his eyes, as if he hasn't slept for days.

A low hiss of breath, as he winds his scarf back around his neck - Close by, his drink percolates, untouched, condensation beading on the glass.

[ ] "Isao. Calm down."
[ ] "-About ten minutes. *Try* to relax, will you?"
[ ] "Don't worry; They'll be here."
[ ] "We're still waiting on Cypher. Give him a chance."
[ ] "...You're *sure* you got the word out?"
[ ] Take a shot.
[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33373394
>[X] "Isao. Calm down."
>[X] "We're still waiting on Cypher. Give him a chance."
>[X] "-About ten minutes. *Try* to relax, will you?"
"Do you actually think they won't show? Now take a breath and straighten up. First impressions matter, after all."

>>33373394
>[X] "We're still waiting on Cypher. Give him a chance."
>[X] "...You're *sure* you got the word out?"

>>33373476
>>33373490

> [X] "...You're *sure* you got the word out?"

"-I did!" he says, defensively - "...I told you, I followed Shuya's notes *to the letter*."

Isao subsides - His brow furrowing, lost in thought. "At least, I'm *sure* I did..."

It doesn't really inspire confidence; Still, you suppose there's a first time for everything.

> [X] "Isao. Calm down."
> [X] "-About ten minutes. *Try* to relax, will you?"

"Right. I'm calm. It's just that - It's just that..."

He catches himself, mid-sentence; A sigh sawing from his throat, his eyes squeezing shut for a moment - Before he glances up at the clock again.

"-Well. Never mind."

> [X] "We're still waiting on Cypher. Give him a chance."

That's the crux of things, really. You left a message for Natsumi, with the time and place - But she never answered. Sometimes, it seems that too much remains unsaid...But perhaps that's preferable to the alterna-

Your handphone chimes, the sound a dull electric buzz. Static fuzzes on the other end of the line, resolving into a voice:

> "Anon-kun."

Natsumi's voice is faint, but measured - Very calm, with the slightest edge of trepidation. Her footfalls echo against the hard ground; There's the growl of traffic, the shriek of a rusted hinge.

> "...I'm at the place, now."

She says it softly, without affect; Almost absently, as if her thoughts are a thousand miles away.

> "-I'm here, but...It's better if I stay outside."

There's a catch to her words, her voice drawing taut:

> "...That's okay, isn't it?"

[ ] "Why not?"
[ ] "Natsumi, is something wrong?"
[ ] "...Are you sure you're up for this?"
[ ] "-I appreciate it."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33373193
I'll second the HS plans Wata has here. >>33373352

>>33373674
"As long as you're up for this. If push comes to shove and you're only in this up to your toes, it'll make you wish you had chosen to jump one way or the other."

>>33373674
>[X] "Natsumi, is something wrong?"
>[X] "-I appreciate it."
"...That's a good idea. I wish I'd thought of it, I could have done something."
"What is being here going to cost you with Argent?"

>>33373707
Thirded.
It's all stuff that I'm in favor of.
Though I would like Autocannon more than Mass Driver, but that's a minor complaint.

>>33373674
This the part where you feel bad for betraying me on Argent's orders?

HOLLOW SUN: 7.9%

HOLLOW SUN RESEARCH:

> [X] DIRAC TRANSMITTER I

WEAPON RESEARCH:

> [X] MASS DRIVER

RELIC UNLOCKED: SOTTO VOCA

(45% COBALT BOOSTER/ROUND)

An intricate network of concealed emitters, the Sotto Voca system is a directed-energy array as subtle as it is lethal; The only indication of the system's activation is a faint glow - Easily mistaken as a heat-shimmer - at the shoulder binders, sides and torso plating of your armour, with a brief sensor-glitch disruption of the HUD as the effect radiates across the EM spectrum.

The Sotto Voca system works on a similar principle as a microwave oven, with millimeter-wave energy exciting the target's molecules via dielectric heating - Though at a significantly higher intensity. Due to the nature of Player armour, most Players are unaware (And generally unaffected) by the attack, rendering it exceedingly hard to detect.

The effect irradiates all matter in the targeted area - A line directly in front of the user, when activated - but is generally meant to be focused on a single target.

After a round or two of exposure - Depending on the level of shielding - the target's ammunition, power cells and other volatiles begin to 'cook off', with the power of the resulting detonation directly linked to the yield of the respective technological item. (For instance, heavy weapons result in a significantly larger explosion than hand-held firearms.)

The surface temperature of the target continues to arise as long as Sotto Voca is applied. Organic targets (i.e. Correctors) tend to suffer spontaneous radiation burns and agonizing pain as their fluids are superheated - While this rarely inflicts permanent damage, it can cause significant penalties to such targets in the area.

tl;dr - It's a military-grade Active Denial System, with an emphasis on making ammunition, explosives and power cells explode.

(Continued)

>>33373864
I have only the slightest preference for Mass Drivers because it might include sniper rifles. I'll let you pick, it's all good so far as I'm concerned.

>>33373872
Kazuya broke up with her.

>>33373889
>Chest mounted Calamari cooker
I think we found the jackpot, even if in an unlikely fashion.

>>33373889
Anyone for takoyaki?

>>33373889
Another case of not setting expectations on what you think something is. At the same time, there's only one thought in my mind: We're cooking calamari for real.

It's a built-in version of the Interdictor, right?

>>33373924
That's octopus, not squid.

>>33373891
>I have only the slightest preference for Mass Drivers because it might include sniper rifles. I'll let you pick, it's all good so far as I'm concerned.
Don't worry. I'm okay with the current choice.

Though isn't our railgun basically Joker's type of sniper-rifle?

>>33373872

Don't say that to her face, seriously. That's completely insensitive.

OP, will you ever update the Armory Guardian guide?

There are at least three upgrade that would be nice to be included.

>>33373930
>Though isn't our railgun basically Joker's type of sniper-rifle?
Yes, but it's a tier-three meter weapon, while a Hellion sniper rifle would be a no-cost primary. Also the railgun works best at extreme ranges--I don't think we've ever used it in ideal conditions.

Also, the more I think about Sotto Voca the more I like it. Get a group of enemies in front of Joker and we can blow up the one in the middle as an opening move. Almost as nice as the Leukocyte explosive option, but without the lengthy delay.

>>33373955
I've been waiting until we get the Nitro Booster. If it really does work like the Cobalt Booster, it'll require a full overhaul.

>>33373955

(Sometime this week, I think. As soon as I get the chance.)

>>33373734

> "As long as you're up for this. If push comes to shove and you're only in this up to your toes, it'll make you wish you had chosen to jump one way or the other."

Natsumi makes a strange sound - A sound that begins as a laugh, and ends as a sigh.

"...I know," she murmurs, low and half-audible. "-I know."

> [X] "Natsumi, is something wrong?"

"Ah-" It's a gasp, quickly smothered. There's a pause; A momentary silence, where the only sound is the moan of the wind. "...It's - It's nothing," Natsumi says, too quickly - She sounds...*controlled*, somehow, as if each word is carefully chosen, carefully measured - "It's nothing," she murmurs, almost to herself...A faint crackle of sound, as if saying it would make it true.

> "What is being here going to cost you with Argent?"

A wince.

"...I don't know," Natsumi says, at last - Exhaustion weighing heavily in her voice. "-No-one tells me anything, now. I don't know what I'm-"

Another pause; Longer, this time.

> [X] "-I appreciate it."

A sigh.

"...Do you really?" It's nearly inaudible - You're not sure if you were meant to hear that. Then, louder, as if steeling herself:

"-I'll meet you there. Go."

A click, and the line cuts.

Isao, at the side - Determinedly chalking a cue, attempting to look casual - can't help but shoot you an uncertain glance.

"Well?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33373973
>Get a group of enemies in front of Joker and we can blow up the one in the middle as an opening move. Almost as nice as the Leukocyte explosive option, but without the lengthy delay.
One issue:
It requires two rounds, at 90 Booster.
We can do it while talking, though.

>>33373976
"Another friend will be joining us. Also, thanks. You didn't have to be here, and that choice means something to me. Don't as me what it means- I hate that sappy stuff."

>>33373976
"Chrome's here. Transfer over."

Text Natsumi before we jump. "I always will."

>>33373995
One or two. That booster upgrade needs happening, but after limiter.

>>33374034
Aw yeah limiter attunement.

>>33373976
Sounds like Natsumi might be getting watched by Argent, just saying.

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>>33374025

"Yeah, well-" Isao ducks his head, embarrassed. "...I - have to see this through. One way or the other, y'know." He tries for a smile, but it's rather sicklier than he means it to be - "After all...That's what Roo - Shuya - would've wanted."

> "I always will."

And even now, you wonder.

> "Chrome's here. Transfer over."

"-Already?" His eyes widen, for the span of a heartbeat - His teeth gritted, as if preparing for a plunge into cold water. "God, I *hate* this part-"

The world shudders; From far, far away, there is a sound that mingles seismic rumbling and distant plainsong. The sense-memory of a smell - Salt, woodsmoke, incense and bitter burning-

Blink.

The Red rolls in.

-------------------------------

STAGE: THE CROOKED HOUSE

The storm ended an eternity ago - But here, the winds continue to howl, the great double-doors creaking mournfully as they swing open. The house-that-is-not-a-house lingers, patiently; The twisted columns, broken and arched pediments, the jagging walls all fused together into a sprawling architectural monstrosity - A juggernaut of cracked tile and raw concrete.

Distortion Haze manifests from coils of dust and smog; The bright colours of his form oddly muted, like a child's drawing of better days. He shivers, involuntarily - The yellow glow of his eyeslits lingering, for a moment longer, before they flicker to serene green.

They're waiting for you inside.

-------------------------------

"Joker!"

Iron Ogre's words are delivered in a harsh metal-on-metal clash; If anything, he's grown larger than before, his bulky gorget part snarling mouth, part cage - His grey armour as solid as a tank's, one hand ending in the crackling claw of a three-taloned fist...A new addition, you can't help but note.

He's been doing well for himself.

(Continued)

Fuck, I forgot there was a thread tonight.

>>33373193
>Lucifer Bits got an upgrade
Can we get them next time?

>>33374338
Never

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>>33374346

He greets you with a slap to the back that - Even slowed by your inertia field - sends you staggering, ringing off backplate panels; Haze flinches back from the gruff good fellowship, drawing a grinding laugh from Ogre's speakers.

"Welcome back, little brother," he growls. "-What new things have you learned to kill?"

The others are here, too - Vector Geist, Silver Cross, Steppenwulf (In place of Vertigo Trisagion.) Flare Oriole, too, replacing Agite Striker; Her birdlike helm canted to the side, in an oddly disapproving gesture - Still uncomfortable around the others.

And Titanium Gigant, standing slightly apart from the rest, forlorn. He's the only one left from his squad - It shows, too, in the way he carries himself. The weight that bows his shoulders isn't just from his Gigant Launcher.

Of Ivory Zoauve's knights, there are no sign.

"Joker," Silver Cross crackles - His lanky form inclining in something that's almost a bow, long limbs articulating in strange ways. Vector Geist glances in your direction; His monoeye sensor cycling in a wink of acknowledgement, as he nods.

Titanium Gigant just grunts, morose.

Steppenwulf (Of the Menageria) drops down to all fours, before his chassis ratchets him to his feet - He looks unsteady standing on just two legs, his great cannons pivoting on his shoulders as his lupine head turns this way and that.

"Just you two?" he asks, his words oddly urbane coming from that fanged maw. "...Where's Rook?"

[ ] "-It's a long story."
[ ] "He didn't make it."
[ ] "He's out. It may be for good."
[ ] "I've put Distortion Haze in charge. You talk to him now."
[ ] "Where's Zouave's squad?"
[ ] (To Iron Ogre) "You're looking well."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33374364
"He's temporarily out of the game. Nasty goo stuff did a number on him."

>[ ] "I've put Distortion Haze in charge. You talk to him now."
>[ ] "Where's Zouave's squad?"
>[ ] (To Iron Ogre) "You're looking well."

>>33374364
>[X] "He's out. It may be for good."
"If you ever see Alura, blow her fucking head off. That might help."
>[X] "Where's Zouave's squad?"
>[X] (To Iron Ogre) "You're looking well."
"What happened after we went for the control room?"
"What's become of the Hive since?"

>>33374364
>[X] "He's out. It may be for good."
>[X] "I've put Distortion Haze in charge. You talk to him now."

>>33374364
"Distortion Haze is Rook's appointed successor. Don't count on it being temporary, either. You're looking well."

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> [X] "He's out. It may be for good."
> [X] "If you ever see Alura, blow her fucking head off. That might help."

There's an audible murmur; Vector Geist glances at Silver Cross, shakes his head. For her part, Flare Oroile seems oddly relieved, her stance relaxing.

> [X] "I've put Distortion Haze in charge. You talk to him now."
>>33374443

Haze visibly starts, at your words - His eyes flash yellow, then green again - but then draws himself up to his full height, meeting Steppenwulf's dubious gaze. Something passes between them, in a wordless exchange; Then Steppenwulf shrugs, as if it means nothing at all.

"Fine," he says. "-As long as the weapons keep coming."

With that parting shot, he pads away. The tension eases; The transfer of power passing without notable disturbance.

"Business as usual, then," Ogre grumbles, his neck servoes grinding as he stares at Haze. He snorts, venting steam; "Feh. We all have to start somewhere."

> [X] "Where's Zouave's squad?"

"Gone," Geist cuts in, with unnecessary relish. "-Took their payment, and buggered off; Said that the 'terms of their contract was complete', and that they couldn't spend another moment with us 'rabble'. So - 'Fuck you, I'm done.'"

A pause. His monoeye flickers.

"...But in a nice way, Joker."

"It was the *way* they said it," Silver Cross agrees, the actinic buzz to his words.

> [X] (To Iron Ogre) "You're looking well."

He chuckles, a deep rumbling laugh.

"*Very* well, little brother. We're recruiting again, you know? New blood. Mostly scum, but one or two have promise."

> "What happened after we went for the control room?"
> "What's become of the Hive since?"

"It's gone." Oriole's voice is strident, as she steps forward - Her talons scraping lightly against the floor, holographic flame flickering at the corners of her mask. "The whole area's been engulfed in that awful black oil. The whole Hive collapsed in on itself..."

(Continued)

>>33374509
>The whole area's been engulfed in that awful black oil
Am I the only one who really wants to walk over with the Immolator and set the entire oil lake on fire? It would probably be an improvement, both ecologically and aesthetically. And it might reduce how much Essence the Black Joker/Smilers have to draw on.

Not to mention, oil well fires burn damn near forever, meaning it would be a monument to pyromania to make Enfer burn with envy.

>>33374609
Either that or stick a VA into the goo.

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She's about to go on, when an actinic radiance shimmers in the air. There's a collective inhalation of breath - Hands reaching for weapons, heads turning...

-As CHROME CYPHER takes form.

Even now, it's hard to equate that silent, gleaming figure with Natsumi - They're nothing alike, Cypher's long-limbed stance perfectly centered, perfect poised; His flight pack articulating with a faint hum of gravimetric suspensors.

His quad-eyed gaze sweeps the room, in the momentary silence that follows-

"-Vector Geist." Cypher crackles - Shaking his head, slowly. "Silver Cross, too...Should have known."

Silver Cross stiffens, his arms crossing defensively over his chest; Frozen in the act of reaching for his weapons, Vector Geist's hands falling away from his twin machetes. They look like students caught by an especially stern teacher - Not guilty, just caught.

Cypher's gaze settles on Oriale, next:

"Agite?"

Oriale lifts her chin, her voice defiant. "-Dead. I'm squad leader, now."

The dismissive sound Cypher makes - A dry click of electronic noise - makes Oriale bridle.

Then -

"Iron Ogre."

Cypher does not sound happy.

"God damn running dog," Ogre growls in answer, stepping away from you. Sparks crackle, as his broad fingers curl into a fist - Cising arcs of electricity leaping over his knuckles. He lumbers forward, one slow step at a time; Cypher's hand curling around the grip of his electromagnetic sword-

[ ] "He's here by my say-so."
[ ] "He's our guest, Ogre."
[ ] "All of you, *stop*."
[ ] "Cypher - Be civil."
[ ] "You *know* each other?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33374634
Ok, just a forewarning. Do NOT vote for:
[ ] "You *know* each other?"
No shit they know each other. The squad members defected from AP. Please don't let us sound like a bag of dumb bricks.

Anyway, for my vote:
>[ ] "He's our guest, Ogre."
>[ ] "Cypher - Be civil."
"There's no reason to get agitated. This is a meeting, not a trap."

>>33374634
[ ] "You *know* each other?"
"This isn't the stage for this. Keep it in your pants, or I'll tear it off and roast it over the refinery fire like a goddamn marshmallow on a stick."

>>33374634
>[X] "All of you, *stop*."
>[X] "He's our guest, Ogre."

>>33374682
We know that- the comment is more of a 'what kind of history do you two have together?'

>>33374688
See >>33374682
Do you *really* want to vote for this? Like, REALLY?

>>33374633
Already one there. It's the Hive, after all.

>>33374634
"I really shouldn't be surprised you all know each other."
>[X] "Cypher - Be civil."
>[X] "He's our guest, Ogre."
"Save it for the Smilers. That's what we're ALL here to talk about."

>>33374682
>No shit they know each other. The squad members defected from AP. Please don't let us sound like a bag of dumb bricks.
IIRC that's not the case; Silver Cross was the only one we know was associated with Argent at all.

>>33374698
Don't take it so literally. It insinuates something we don't actively know yet.

>>33374700
Wait, small change, something that should actually smack Natsumi on the head: "No one likes an elitist, Chrome."

She almost went off on the Seisin girls because they were acting stuck-up, she has no cause to start with anyone but Iron Ogre.

> [X] "He's our guest, Ogre."

"-What?"

That actually checks him in mid-stride. He turns his head - As much as the pitted iron of his helm can form an expression, he looks utterly surprised.

And somewhere close by, Vector Geist mutters:

"*Great*."

Ogre subsides - His fist lowering by inches, to his side - but his gaze never wavers from Cypher, that growl echoing in the air like the rasp of a protracted threat.

> [X] "Cypher - Be civil."

There's a long, damned moment - One where everything teeters on a knife-edge - and then Cypher nods. Fractionally.

And everyone, eventually, starts breathing again.

"What is *this*?" Ogre's voice is a barely-controlled snarl - Banking the coals of his furnace heart. His drillspikes rumble, at combat revolutions; His form looming over Cypher's, in a way that trembles with barely-contained violence.

Silver Cross skitters back a step - Then another. Vector clears his throat, with an audible crackle of static: "Cypher, you have to understand-"

Cypher looks at him. Vector decides to shut up.

> "This isn't the stage for this. Keep it in your pants, or I'll tear it off and roast it over the refinery fire like a goddamn marshmallow on a stick."

"Fine," Oriole mutters, sounding petulant; At your side, you hear Distortion Haze sigh, aloud. This isn't going well.

(Continued)

>>33374817

"Now, isn't this interesting," Steppenwulf muses aloud - There's something snide in his words, pacing forward on all fours. "The silver fascist, in the flesh." A glance, in your direction.

"You're working with Argent, now? When were you going to tell us about *this*, Joker?"

Titanium Gigant seems to find this amusing, for some reason - His doleful laughter, a quick bark of it, booming within the chamber. Cypher turns in his direction; The green-alloy giant merely shrugs, and puts his hands up.

> "No one likes an elitist, Chrome."

Cypher considers this - He takes the rebuke with a silent stoicism and the slightest of shrugs.

"But - What's he here *for*?" Geist cuts in; It's clear that he's rather disturbed, his gaze alternating between Cypher's unchanging faceplate and the exit, as if calculating his chances.

[ ] "Correction: Cypher's working with *us*."
[ ] "Correction: Cypher's working *for* us, now."
[ ] "Does it matter?"
[ ] "We have a common enemy. That's what matters."
[ ] "Steppenwulf - Not another word."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33374824
>[X] "Correction: Cypher's working with *us*."

>>33374824
>[ ] "We have a common enemy. That's what matters."

>>33374824
>"Correction: Cypher's working with *us*."
>"We have a common enemy. That's what matters."

>>33374824
>Law faction intensifies

"Correction: Chrome Cypher works for *me* now."
"As for why... let's just say the old generation cannot build the new era, and leave it at that."

>>33374824

>[x] "Correction: Cypher's working with *us*."
>[x] "We have a common enemy. That's what matters."

>>33374899
>the old generation cannot build the new era
I see what you're doing there. And it amuses me.

>>33374922
What is he doing?

>>33374934
I admit it: I'm quoting Quattro Bajeena. Who is absolutely not Char Aznable.

>>33374971
I just want to say that I hate Camille so much.

>>33374839
>>33374864
>>33374871

> [X] "Correction: Cypher's working with *us*."

"*With* us?" Iron Ogre sounds incredulous, equal parts fury and surprise to his words. His voice lowers, to an ominous rumble. "-We should put him in the *ground*-"

"You'd try," Cypher rasps. The air smokes with their mutual antipathy.

> [X] "We have a common enemy. That's what matters."

"This is a bad idea." Oriole jabs an accusing finger in Cypher's direction, holographic flame writhing at her binders. "I refuse to work with that, that..." She hesitates - Either she can't find the right word, or she's afraid of what Cypher might do.

"The point is - No. No way. *Never*. I'm not going to-"

Titanium Gigant rumbles in motion, as he draws himself to his full height. He's a true giant, taller even than Iron Ogre - His shadow slanting black and sharp across the ground.

"-Enough." He sounds weary. "More bodies. More fodder. In the end, it doesn't matter."

> "As for why... let's just say the old generation cannot build the new era, and leave it at that."

A silence descends - Metal ticking over, cooling.

"Joker-" Steppenwulf paws lightly at the ground - "...You're *such* a card. No wonder Trisagion liked you..."

"-He'll be one hell of an asset, that's for sure," Vector allows, reluctantly. "That is, if we can trust him-"

Cypher gives Vector a long, long look - One that aptly communicates his scorn.

"Came alone," Cypher crackles. "-Not here for you."

Ogre subsides - Slightly. He glowers at Cypher, malevolently; But he doesn't make a move, which is perhaps the best you could hope for at present. You note that Silver Cross is carefully trying to stay out of Cypher's line of sight, more twitchy than ever before.

(Continued)

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>>33374987
Shit taste

>>33374987
Kamille's all right. I mean, Jesus, if you're going to hate anyone, hate Jesus Yamato.

>>33375032
How can you even hate Kira? He's devoid of any kind of personality.

>>33375061
Oh no, I'm not going back down that hole. All I'll say is that my friends are split between UC nerds and Seedlings and let your imagination fill in the carnage.

>>33375032
Had to look it up. Never watched Seed. My favorites are Gundam Wing, War in the Pocket, and MS IGLOO.

I feel really out of the loop right now.

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>>33374992

Haze clears his throat, desperate to break the tension. He keys the pressure-control in his hand, and the projector plates built into the Crooked House's floor shimmer to brilliant life - Their ghostly radiance filling the chamber, the shadows flickering at the very edges of perception.

"Uh...If I may?" he says, gesturing at the images before him - A god's-eye view of the city, in simulation. "...As per Joker's last communiqué, we're to converge on the Seisin High area-"

"'Communiqué'?" Steppenwulf mutters. "-Now I've heard everything."

"What's down there?"

Geist waves a hand through the holographic mists, cutting Haze off mid-sentence.

"-Pardon?"

"I said - 'What's down there'?" He looks around, for confirmation - "I've *been* there, Joker - There's nothing. The whole area is just this...dead zone. What could we *possibly* do there?"

Iron Ogre glances at you, sharply, suddenly intent. Cypher takes notice, too - A subtle shift in perception.

"What *aren't* you telling us, Joker?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33375151
I guess we'd better explain the whole Hyades thing to them

>>33375151
"We're going to have a peek behind the Great Oz' curtain, people. Give it a little shake, grab whatever falls out."

>>33375151
To Ogre:
">I'm guessing your lady hasn't summoned you there?"

>>33375151
"Turns out that there's a second layer of the Red there, which is used as a way to run a magic moon princess Highlander tournament, with players as champions.
The winner will become a real girl.
Also, all the students are players that are restricted to that layer and seem to be feeding a massive machine with their essence.
On a sidenote, that's how they spend boring lessons."

>>33375151
Well. Explain the Hyades game to them. Might as well tell them about how the Smilers are probably planning to break the shroud or drown the world in oil or something like that.

>>33375178
Didn't we see him as one of the viewers?

>>33375190
God no, vetoed 100%. We don't want to make the Hyades nervous that we're spilling their secreta.

>>33375244
Give a counter-suggestion, then.

>>33375151
"The stage is about to reappear, sometime within the next three days. The Smilers want it. I want to spite them. We are going to claim it before they realize it's returned."

>>33375127
G-Gundam. The Origin is excellent, and I'm really curious to see how they handle Zeta in that timeline.

>>33375136
Gundam fandom is a strange, strange land. It's a lot like Star Trek, except with a dozen separate continuities.

>>33375151
"It's a hidden stage, and tonight, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow it will rejoin the rest of the Red World. The Smilers who, according to my intel, should be present are completely absent from the area in both realms. Their decreased activity in the rest of the Red World suggests imminent mobilization. We are going to steal the stage from under their feet."

>>33375190
>>33375197
I'd prefer not to if possible. Too many questions there we don't want to answer.

>>33375252
Sorry, this is me. >>33375282

>>33375317
>We are going to steal the stage from under their feet
Now there's a nice bit of phrasing considering what happened to the museum fort.

>>33375169
>>33375190
>>33375197

Silence greets your words. Their reactions are a study; Steppenwulf nods, before he catches himself - Cypher straightens, with a narrow hiss that comes as a blurt of electricity. Oriole and Cross pause, uncomprehending, as Gigant stares at the ground - Receding into gloomy silence.

You get the feeling that there's very little Gigant cares about, now.

Geist begins to laugh. It's an involuntary thing, his shoulders shaking as he chortles - "You're not *serious*-"

"-He is," Iron Ogre growls, and Geist lapses into a kind of stunned silence.

"If I may," Steppenwulf adds; "There have been...rumours. Rumblings. Unusual readings; The loss of power in the border areas-" He indicates the shimmering map with a wave of his paw - "...Around the surrounding zones."

His gimlet eyes takes in you and Ogre - "-Neither of them strike me as humorists, as a matter of fact. That means...They're probably telling the truth."

"I've...heard something like that, too," Oriole volunteers. "A garden of maidens, a hidden city..." She falters, looking around - As if expecting derision. "-I never said it was a *good* rumour," she says, defensively.

>>33375282
>>33375317

Steppenwulf shakes his head, wonderingly: "...You don't ask for much, do you? A *whole* stage...That might just be the ticket."

"To getting us all killed," Geist adds, feelingly. "Joker...We're not *ready* for this. Three days...We're not back up to full strength, yet-"

"-It's more than that."

Steppenwulf again.

"It's not just denying them, is it, Joker? There's something in it for you, too. No - This *matters* to you. It's personal...Isn't it?"

[ ] (To Geist) "Then we'll just have to make do."
[ ] (To Geist) "-You have three days. *Be* ready."
[ ] (To Geist) "You'll have as many guns as you need."
[ ] (To Steppenwulf) "...What else did Trisagion tell you?"
[ ] (To Steppenwulf) "What makes you think so?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33375355
>[X] (To Geist) "You'll have as many guns as you need."
>[X] (To Geist) "-You have three days. *Be* ready."
>[X] (To Steppenwulf) "What makes you think so?"

>>33375355
>[ ] (To Geist) "You'll have as many guns as you need."
>[ ] (To Steppenwulf) "...What else did Trisagion tell you?"
>[ ] (To Steppenwulf) "What makes you think so?"

Didn't we intend to use the Void Anchors or something?
I'm not quite sure why we are making it sound like they'll need to do something exceedingly dangerous. Our original intention was to let them plant four anchors, iirc.

>>33375355
"This plan has an immense meaning to the Smilers. If we give up this chance, we'll eventually be dead meant anyway. Would you prefer to die standing or while on your knees?"

>>33375430

Better not say that. These people aren't it in for the cause, they're in it for the loot.

>>33375355
"I don't exactly intend for you to nuke the stage or something.
The dangerous part will be done by me.
I'll also give you new toys to work with."

>>33375462
It also makes us sound like we are in denial about our personal grudge, which undermines our authority.

>>33375355
>[ ] (To Steppenwulf) "...What else did Trisagion tell you?"

>>33375393
>>33375401

> [X] (To Geist) "You'll have as many guns as you need."

That stops him dead in his tracks.

> [X] (To Geist) "-You have three days. *Be* ready."

He thinks about it. He *really* thinks about it.

"...I could call in a few favours," he says, at last. "There are, uh, some people I know-" His monoeye flickers, as he glances at Cypher. Clearly it's something he doesn't want the other Player to hear.

>>33375469

"New toys?" Oriole's voice is intent, now - "You mean, you have *more*?"

And just like that, you've hooked them.

> [X] (To Steppenwulf) "What makes you think so?"

Steppenwulf, for the first time, shuts up.

"-Intuition," he says at last.

> [X] (To Steppenwulf) "...What else did Trisagion tell you?"

And *now* you've nailed him.

"Joker, there's no reason to-"

"What did he *say* to you?" Ogre's voice is a *snarl*, and rising - His fingers flexing hungrily, eager to rend. Steppenwulf shrinks back, looking left and right for support - He gets no help from Silver Cross's quarter, and even Oroile is looking at him askance.

"O-only that the Red Joker *had* to be a champion. That's all - I swear!"

Cypher stiffens, starts - The first unguarded motion he's made since his arrival. You feel his stare right through your armour, and it's almost accusing.

[ ] (To Ogre) "-He's lying."
[ ] (To Ogre) "He doesn't know anything."
[ ] (To Vector) "I don't care where you get them from. Just do it."
[ ] (To Vector) "...And are they trustworthy?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33375550
>[X] (To Ogre) "He doesn't know anything."
>[X] (To Vector) "I don't care where you get them from. Just do it."

>>33375550
>[X] (To Ogre) "He doesn't know anything."
>[X] (To Vector) "I don't care where you get them from. Just do it."

I kind of like Iron Ogre. Think he'll forgive us for killing his waifu?

>>33375550
>[ ] (To Ogre) "-He's lying."
[ ] (To Vector) "...And are they trustworthy?"

>>33375550
"Well, that sounds a lot like him. Might have been something useful to tell me.

Yes, I'm a champion. However, I don't intend to win.
If I could, I would save the girls.
However, it's unlikely to work out like that. Sorry, Ogre. I know what you are thinking."

>[ ] (To Vector) "...And are they trustworthy?"

...Did Watashi go away? Because right now I feel that we need him.

>>33375581
Find Aqua Mercer and ask him, I guess.

>>33375550
"We have several advantages we did not previously. First, most of you should recognize this trick." Arsenal Beacon out. Summon a Cobalt Laser, Gatling Laser and the Void Anchors.

"What you won't recognize is these. New toys, I'll come up with something funny some other time. Chrome, Gigant, catch." Cobalt to Chrome, Gatling to Gigant. "These are all new. Some weapons familiar to you have been improved since our raid."

"I created these thanks to the Void Anchor we planted the refinery. Tonight, we place four more. Your targets are Naraka, the Sheol Star Arcade, and two more Smiler outposts of your choosing. They should be unoccupied now, but I want the Smilers to come back and find their bases uninhabitable."

"Placing those lets me make these. Haze, catch." Toss him the LFC. "A small token, but one that frees him from the need to charge his weapon. And speaking of tokens, Chrome, here." Toss her an Icon. "For now it's a basic IFF system. In the next two days it will become a shortwave communicator, and that's just the start."

"Lastly, we have our success. We've hurt the Smilers as they've never been hurt. Word gets around. They've made enemies, haven't they? Most of them will be scum, but even the Red World has rebels without a cause. Find them. Bring them to me."

"I don't need an army. I need heroes. And if the heroes won't come... then I'll make you into monsters."

>"O-only that the Red Joker *had* to be a champion. That's all - I swear!"
Small aside, OP, but are we supposed to decide whether he's lying or not?

>>33375591
Still here, just having connection problems.

Also I'd like to veto everything you said after the first line, ESPECIALLY about not intending to win. They're listening, remember?

I'm really confused at what is happening right now.
Did we really plan to do it like this?
I thought we wanted to meet Natsumi and Haze at the same time and then get the raid guys to use our VAs, not talk about waifu genocide.

>>33375607
>Also I'd like to veto everything you said after the first line, ESPECIALLY about not intending to win. They're listening, remember?
Good point.
I step back with my vote.

>>33375607
This is a well thought out suggestion.

Let's also offer up the name Maverick while we're here. In a suitably dramatic fashion.

>>33375610
We tried to avoid talking about it, but the Steppenwulf kinda fucked that up. Now we just need to make sure that Iron Ogre doesn't lash out.

>>33375637
>Maverick
pls no

>>33375607
One question:
How do we handle the whole "Ogre, let's help me kill your waifu!" situation?

>>33375637
That name was terrible before and it's terrible now. Let's call ourselves the Anti Smilers and Others Group.

>>33375654
The Frowners?

R&D murder inc?

Sweepers? We clean the Red.

>>33375651
Offer him more guns

>>33375670
Haha.
You know exactly how severe the issue is.

>>33375681
Call bullshit on Steppenwulf for now and hope he buys it. By tomorrow, it'll be too late to stop us.

>>33375651
>How do we handle the whole "Ogre, let's help me kill your waifu!" situation?
What he doesn't know won't hurt him.
>>33375607
Don't we need one more VA for the Diadem tonight?

>>33375610
It's all one part. What will probably happen when the Hyades die? The field comes back. What are the Smilers doing? Overrunning special stages and making Hives. Why do we plant VAs? To make stuff to equip ourselves and our raiding party.

What I realized is that once the stage comes back, of course the Smilers are going to invade. And once they do, we have to be there to fight them off. We failed at Nara Dreamland, but with several well equipped squads, a mech, robots, people in power armor and the Chalice Queen...

>>33375651
Ignore it entirely for now, can't do anything about it. Finding Aqua Merrow should offer clues to prepare for his post-Hyade state.

>>33375637
>>33375669
"Principality", I think. They're one of the angelic orders, and served as the defenders of cities. Thematically appropriate and indicative of our goal.

>>33375709
There's no way there won't be a Hellion called that. Maybe we should try something with a playing card motif.

>>33375697
>>33375698
>>33375709
Welp, there goes "let's go out for a drink one day".

>>33375550
"That's disappointing. I'd figured Trisagion for a smarter man than that. Tell me, do I *really* seem like the sort of person who would fight in the name of some princess trapped in her tower? Is that the impression I've been putting across? Ha. Maybe I should stop being so noble and virtuous, eh?"

I feel like just saying 'No, that's wrong' isn't going to be enough. I don't want Iron Ogre to betray us before we can nuke the hyades.

>>33375709
Forgot to say: This is a reverse raid. We're playing Tower Defense when the Smilers come knocking.

>>33375698
I don't believe so. Might get one just to be safe, but most of the Diadem events should involve gunfire and system access authority. We want to CLAIM the Diadem, not destroy it.

>>33375709
>but with several well equipped squads, a mech, robots, people in power armor and the Chalice Queen...

I agree with your plans, but I hope it's enough. They still have a few absurdly powerful players, and who knows what new horrors they've created.

>>33375738
Well, there was the idea of jamming a void anchor into the Diadem just to dick with everything.

Think of the essence draw it would get, though. Mmm mm mm. All that delicious research.

>>33375738
>We want to CLAIM the Diadem, not destroy it.
Then we still have a chance of not murdering Ogre's girl.

Maybe have a 1on1 talk with him, asking him who his girl is and that we will be trying to make her one of our priorities if we have to decide which girls survive?

(Gentlemen: A very quick question. How do you want to distribute the Void Anchors?)

I'd just like to point out here that if we get inside the tower, we can probably kill off every girl and send a select few into a 'sleep mode' to conserve energy. The chicks at the school can remain there, powering them all.

With the women comatose, we can then program in firewalls forbidding them from entering. Beat Ogre and others into submission and let that be one of the possible victory scenarios.

That way, we can save our friends.


More coherently, we infiltrate the main computer, change the rules a bit, make this a situation where we don't have to gun down our allies.

>>33375742
Well, we also have a satellite weapon platform with an army killing feature... Speaking of, Positron Designator and the Sensor Array need to be looked at very seriously.

>>33375735
Ah, no, actually, I figured it out: Trisagion told him that Joker would decide to kill every last one of the Hyades. He's trying to avoid saying that out loud so Ogre doesn't go berserk.

>>33375751
Essence gains are constant, you'll be pleased to know. We'll get the same amount from any VA we place.

>>33375754
It's Zayin. Also no, we can't let a single about this slip or Joker dies. They'll activate all the defenses and make it impossible to get in, or worse, summon every champion simultaneously.

>>33375801
I'm...not sure who we can trust with this.

>>33375801
Hmm... Ogre, Cross, Gigant Oriole. They can take as many or as few people with them as they like.

I have an order for Steppenwulf once everyone else save Chrome and Haze has left: Send the rest of Trisagion's words to Joker via text.

>>33375568
>>33375581

>[X] (To Ogre) "He doesn't know anything."

"-I *told* you," Steppenwulf says, rather frantically - He breathes a lot easier as Ogre lowers his fists, but tenses again at the glowering look he receives.

It's a look that says: This isn't over.

>[X] (To Vector) "I don't care where you get them from. Just do it."

Vector nods, immensely relieved that you're not probing further.

"That, I can do," he agrees - With another rather guilty look at Cypher.

>>33375607

Gigant's arms come up - He catches the Gatling, staggering back a step; The barrels begin to whirr, clicking as he test-fires it. For the first time, his morose air seems to dissipate - "Good," he allows, cradling the weapon in his arms with a grunt of approval. There's something darkly morbid in the intensity of his stare: As if he's already bringing the weapon to bear.

Cypher catches the Cobalt Laser, one-handed - Without looking. It settles into his hand as if made for it: Still silent, for now, but you get the distinct sensation that there'd be questions later. The silver gleam of the Joker icon glints in the light.

> "I created these thanks to the Void Anchor we planted the refinery. Tonight, we place four more."

The Void Anchors are sleek, lethal devices - Oriole handles one gingerly, as if taking the measure of some unknown explosive...But then she nods.

"We can do that," she allows, stiffly. "-If these things work as they should..."

"They will," Cross crackles, in his static-laden buzz. "Used one before." His glance at you is knowing; He knows exactly what to do with his.

> "Lastly, we have our success. We've hurt the Smilers as they've never been hurt. Word gets around. They've made enemies, haven't they? Most of them will be scum, but even the Red World has rebels without a cause. Find them. Bring them to me."
> "I don't need an army. I need heroes. And if the heroes won't come... then I'll make you into monsters."

(Continued)

>>33375863

You don't quite get a cheer - It's not really that kind of speech. But Distortion Haze makes a low sound that might be approval, his eyes glowing with acid green light.

Gigant receives his Void Anchor gravely, with a slow nod.

"To monsters, then," he rumbles. There's something infinitely sad about him, now - A weary giant lumbering forward with a slow, plodding gait.

Without a word - But with a last glance over his shoulder, at you - Cypher strides to the doors, then out. Their hinges creak mournfully; Geist turns to watch him go, but says nothing.

"Joker." Iron Ogre's hand settles on your shoulder, as he looms over you. He holds his Void Anchor in one hand, like his kinetic mace.

"-A word."

[ ] "-About what?"
[ ] "Not here."
[ ] "Now is not a good time."
[ ] "...It's about your Hyades, isn't it?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33375804
Yeah, that might work.
We need to see our options once we interface with the system.

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540 KB JPG

>>33375863
>as if taking the measure of some unknown explosive
...ISN'T she, though?

>>33375881
>[X] "...It's about your Hyades, isn't it?"

>>33375881
>[x] "...It's about your Hyades, isn't it?"

>>33375881
>[X] "Now is not a good time."
>[X] "...It's about your Hyades, isn't it?"
Whelp.

>>33375881
>[ ] "-About what?"
>[ ] "Not here."

Please anons. We don't need another Rust Kaiser

>>33375863
>He knows exactly what to do with his.
I hope the implication is that we instructed the others on what to do to power the things.
Otherwise it will go hilariously bad.

>>33375921
We're not feeding anyone to the black oil, so it's probably not an issue.

>>33375931
Ahahaha oh god.

Well, Silver Cross managed to plant his without killing himself the first time, shouldn't be too hard for the rest of them.

>>33375921
Don't worry, we've got a near-perfect anti-Rusty combo now. If the conditions are right, he's better than dead, he's doing our job for us.

Hey OP. What was the Challenge about last thread? Will these be returning?

>>33375931
>"Okay, so it's a bomb or something?"
>"Do I... Do I twist this part? Maybe press thi-"
>"OH GOD WHYYYYYY"

>>33376014
Yes, but that is assuming Rust Kaiser hasn't leveled up too. Remember, killing PLayers is his only hobby.

>>33375921

> [X] "-About what?"

He only laughs - A grinding sound like bells being crushed in an industrial press.

> [X] "Not here."
> [X] "Now is not a good time."

"-Outside, then."

'Outside' is a crooked street somewhere in the pitiless iron city, between a sullen sky. In your armour, you feel nothing - But there is something impossibly desolate about the cyclopean skyscrapers that dot the landscape, rearing up from the black streets.

As Iron Ogre lumbers forward, steam gusts from the grille of his horned helm, and whips away on the wind.

>>33375894
>>33375904
>>33375907

> [X] "...It's about your Hyades, isn't it?"

"Of course it is, little brother," he growls. "-Of course it is."

He comes to a stop, stocky legs - The joints protected by riveted peruges and mail skirts - locking in place. There's a contemplative air to the furnace-eyed behemoth, as he looks up at the bruised sky.

"Even now, they watch us," Iron Ogre grumbles, but fondly. "Even now, they see all."

He exhales more steam, smoking in the air as it dissipates.

"Joker - When the time comes, I'll gut you without compunction. You know that, don't you?"

[ ] "-It doesn't have to be that way."
[ ] "...That's rather blunt."
[ ] "You don't seem especially bothered by it."
[ ] "Are you serious?"
[ ] "Likewise."
[ ] "Have you ever wondered whether you're doing the right thing?"
[ ] Free

>>33376038
Hopefully he doesn't have resistance to EXEC_DICTUM

>>33376047
>[X] "Likewise."
While I'd like to say that we don't have to kill him, we really can't afford to.

File: jokercity2.png (546 KB, 704x473)

546 KB PNG

>>33376014

> Hey OP. What was the Challenge about last thread? Will these be returning?

(Effectively, it was a mechanic I'm considering implementing - To give a bonus to interactions with Haze by fulfilling certain conditions. That is, it's easier to convince him, and he gets more out of the session.

I'll have to think about it, but it will most likely be limited to training sessions.)

>>33376047
>[ ] "-It doesn't have to be that way."
>[ ] "Have you ever wondered whether you're doing the right thing?"

Call him big bro throw him off his game

>>33376047
>[ ] "Just don't expect me to take it lying down."

>>33376047
> "Oh, I'd do the exact same thing. But I'd rather not, so I have...other plans in the works for that. This raid is mostly a cover so I can get into the computer for the whole tournament and see what rules can be kicked in the teeth.

>>33376072
Let's not go on the "you shouldn't have to" spiel. Kouichi aptly showed us that it's impossible to convince a champion that is dedicated to his mistress.

>>33376047
[ ] "You don't seem especially bothered by it."
[ ] "Have you ever wondered whether you're doing the right thing?"
[ ] "-It doesn't have to be that way."

>>33376059

This is really the only option that makes sense. It's not really possible to talk him out of it.

>>33376047
>[ ] "Likewise."
"I wouldn't be me if I didn't try to win in a direct fight.
But do you think there might be hope that we could end this all without bloodshed? I would prefer to save everyone. You've seen the girl that sacrificed herself for her champion, haven't you?"

>>33376075
Veto. No one must know.

>>33376047
>[X] "You don't seem especially bothered by it."
>[X] "Have you ever wondered whether you're doing the right thing?"
"To quote myself the last time someone challenged me over a woman: I don't think things will go the way you think."

>>33376052
I don't think he CAN resist it, his Wisdom stat is so low.

>>33376075
Even if you're trolling or joking, no. Vetoed.

>>33376090
No, stop. No suggestions to make the Hyades suspicious.

Vote changed according to >>33376085

Just took off my scuba gear after being in the archives for a few months.

Why does everyone hate Interceptor-chan? He's a pretty cool guy

I like them. I also support the motion we should upgrade them.


Be Gentle

>>33376099
>No, stop. No suggestions to make the Hyades suspicious.
But it doesn't even allude to our plan. It's just a statement about how sad this entire situation is.

...Then again, this is kinda dangerous territory.
So yeah, I take it back.

>>33376110
They're not very useful, and there are better things we can spend energy on. Though the Lucifer Bits did just get an upgrade, so it's possible we'll actually pick them up.

>>33376113
Still voting for "likewise", though. Because that's the right response.

>>33376068
It does sound like a fun concept, on the condition that the challenges force us to be creative with our powers.
I wouldn't like a challenge that depends on us rolling dice, instead of thinking about how to tackle the task.

>>33376047
>[X] "Likewise."

>>33376123
>They're not very useful
>ExplainFurther.jpg

I thought that was due to never really upgrading them compared to our other gear?

>>33376159
OP mentioned a few threads ago that they'd been nerfed. If you read the archives you can supposedly see the exact point where their usefulness became markedly worse. As distractions they serve, as special weapons that improve the functionality of the unit in combat I believe they no longer do. We haven't used the railgun in a very long time.

>>33376179
You're right, we haven't...

This must be rectified.

>>33376179
>Railgun

Oh so that's where that went Into the garbage
What a shame really liked the ceptors and Railgun

>>33376211
>>33376219
We never had the chance to use it at effective range.

>>33376224
Anon is correct, but forgets that juts because we never HAVE used it at effective range does not mean we never will. I think it's fairest to say that everything in the Joker's arsenal is circumstantially useful, and the trick is determining when it all is.

My stance is that the meter that goes into the Interceptors is much better put to use in other systems at most times.

>>33376265
If we have Hellions, Interceptors lose their usefulness.

>>33376139

(I'll keep that in mind.)

>>33376059
>>33376088
>>33376074
>>33376106
>>33376113
>>33376127
>>33376149

> [X] "Likewise."

"Good," Ogre growls - The low rumble of approval in his words.

> "To quote myself the last time someone challenged me over a woman: I don't think things will go the way you think."

Iron Ogre's laughter is bleak and hard - And thus perfectly suited for the unyielding streets. "-I could say the same, little brother," he rasps out - Low and guttural, an iron-on-iron scrape. It subsides, a moment later; Steam swirling around his form, a pensive glow to his eyes.

"Zayin thinks I should murder you, right here," he says, almost casually - His armour glowing with internal fires. "Throttle you with these hands, without warning." Ogre's fingers flexed, braided with the brambles of a three-taloned fist.

"-Women." It's a snort. "They'll be the death of us both."

Ogre shakes his head, from side-to-side; Neck servoes articulating with an unoiled shriek. "A word of advice, little brother - All women are trouble. *All* of them."

[ ] "Don't I know it."
[ ] "-Especially the Hyades."
[ ] "It doesn't bother you at all? Dying, I mean."
[ ] "Will you be ready in three days?"
[ ] "...What happens if you lose?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>33376381
>"Don't I know it."
>"Will you be ready in three days?"

>>33376381
"I know that more than you might imagine.

But are your really okay with this situation?"

>>33376381
>[] "Agreed. I'm still expecting to get a knife in the back one of these days."
>[ ] "Will you be ready in three days?"

>>33376381
>[ ] "It doesn't bother you at all? Dying, I mean."
>[ ] "Will you be ready in three days?"
>[ ] "...What happens if you lose?"

>>33376381
>[X] "Don't I know it."
>[X] "Will you be ready in three days?"

>>33376398

> "Don't I know it."

You share a mutual chuckle.

> "Will you be ready in three days?"

"Never doubt it, little brother," Ogre growls. His internal reactor banks higher - Pistons thumping within his torso. "As for the others..." A deep *clunk*, a dismissive sound, tells you exactly how much faith he puts in them.

> [X] "Agreed. I'm still expecting to get a knife in the back one of these days."

"-You should have let me crush that snake, Steppenwulf," he grunts - The memory bringing heat to his voice, fists closing convulsively. "Geist is a weasel. Cross, a cockroach. Oriole, a peacock. Gigant no longer gives a damn.

And Cypher..."

One eye revolves in it's socket, fixing on you.

"Watch that one closest of all, Joker," he says, all seriousness now. "That one stinks of lies."

"What kind of Player hides his true self from those around him?"

"You don't win battles by hiding secrets from your enemies. You win by showing them exactly what they're up against, and how miserably they're going to lose." Ogre chuckles, again - That rumble beginning deep within his chest.

"-It puts them in the right frame of mind to be annihilated."

> [X] "...What happens if you lose?"

Ogre puts his hand on your back and *shoves*, hard enough to make you stagger forward.

"-Then make sure you win, Joker; It's damn hot down in hell."

> "But are your really okay with this situation?"
> [X] "It doesn't bother you at all? Dying, I mean."

"You must think that's a profound question, little brother." Iron Ogre says, spearing you with a baleful look. "It is what it is, Joker. *When* we end doesn't matter - *How* we end does."

He laughs, but it's a sad sound. "I'm tough, but I'm not that tough. Just because it's never happened doesn't mean it never will."

"Take what you can *when* you can, little brother. Live as you want, and have no regrets."

(Continued)

>>33376731
>Oh come now, Ogre. Even I have a trump card I don't go flashing around everywhere.

>>33376782
A trump card or 6, more like.

>>33376731
Man, Ogre is a cool dude.

I really hope he doesn't hold the waifu murder against us. Hopefully the mindwhammy will wear off when it happens.

>>33376815
Let's see...Leukocyte...Hellions...Hollow Sun cannon thing...interfacing...Nihl Sphere (noone knows just what it does till it's too late)...what's the sixth?

>>33376846
I don't know why but I also really like Enfer

In part because we will never kill each other apparently

>>33376870
Isn't it our emblem?

>>33376870
What Hollow Sun Cannon?

Hellebore., GARM (well, not anymore), pimp fisting device...

>>33376872
I think most agree that Enfer is cool.

>>33376870
Joker's Memory.

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>>33376731

He stops. Overhead, the first flakes of ash-grey snow are fluttering down, flashing to vapour as they near him.

"This is as far as I go." he grunts. The heat sinks of his armour glow cherry-red; Iron Ogre's form tall and ugly and somehow invulnerable, the molten embers of his eyes the only light in city's vast gloom.

Sparks fly up. The shadows flicker, lent the illusion of movement by the inconstant illumination. The worlds blur together, then apart - Your shoes crunching on fresh-fallen snow.

Behind you, Iron Ogre watches, until you disappear into the enormous darkness of the city.

"Until the end, Joker," he says.

"-Until the very end."

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 98

TO BE CONTINUED

>>33376872
Enfer is also a great character.

>>33376926
I hope we get to the waifu genocide by episode 100

It'd be a perfect anniversary thread.

>>33376926

(Gentlemen, my sincerest apologies; I would love to continue, but it's late on my end - And I have a full working week tomorrow.

I'd initially intended to cover more ground in this session, but this looks like a natural breakpoint: After next week, I should have rather more time on my hands.

Good night and God bless - You've been a wonderful audience, and I hope to catch you again next week.)

>>33376926
Am I the only one who wants to go get wasted with Ogre and Geist?

>>33376969
We will have a party with all remaining characters once the story ends.

>>33376987
>implying we don't fuck up

>>33377003
There's always Valhalla. Most characters qualify for it.

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>>33376987
>remaining characters
>once the story ends

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>>33376987
>Implying anybody will be left who isn't either dead, or cursing Joker from a dark pit of despair.

>>33377003
>>33377017
>>33377056
Paragons of optimism and hope in this quest.

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>>33377073
>optimism and hope
>this quest

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>>33377073

>>33377096
People like you are the reason why we are stuck in our current situation.

>>33377116
I'm joking. Mostly.

>>33377116
Don't blame others for your own mistakes and don't attack others for joking around.

>>33377073
I have too much optimism and hope which strange cause I'm usually fucking paranoid all the time

So when are we getting the Advent Caster to engage plan 'Fuck Rust Kaiser Forever'?

>>33377201
First, we need to be swimming in Hollow Sun charge.

>>33377201
Fuck that, when are we getting the Ophanim?

>>33377251
Or the Shroud upgrades?
I want our pimp-ass camouflage ability.

>>33377263
We're not.

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>>33377201
>>33377212
>>33377251
>>33377263
>>33377273

Lucifer Bits fucking when?

>>33377312
Never

>>33376987
But Anon, drinking by yourself is depressing.

So who else do we need to recruit for the ultimate bro team? We already have Rook, Haze and Ogre. I know we need Enfer. Anyone else?

>>33377445
We could try calling our premiere swordsman in, but...

>>33377445
Bishamon and Utopia Ruler. Gotta have the spaghetti-man and glorious bastard.

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>>33377417
We can rebuild them. We have the technology. We can make them better than they was. Better, stronger, faster.

>>33377518
Again, they are redundant now that we have the Hellions. We need intense firepower against our current enemies. Even upgraded bits cant provide that

>>33377500
Bishamon I like. Utopia Rider...I'm hesitant on, but he has a stake in this venture.

Archive reader here. I just caught up, and there's something that I still don't fully understand. Are all the finalists supposed to fight at the end of the game, or was Black Cardinal just being a dick? The variety in powers makes the finalists seem more like a group out of an MMO than anything else, and it's weird how Argent made it out despite not having the ultimate armor.

>>33377581
Wait I thought we're keeping Hellions a secret?

>>33377609
I just think it would be funny. Bishi and Haze synchronized in their stuttering, Utopia chuckling at everyone derisively while Rook tries to out-edge him, Enfer and Joker poking at each other sarcastically while Ogre looks from the side while laughing like a hearty Russian.
>>33377634
We don't know. Argent lost most of his memories so neither does he. For all we know, the finalists are actually a raid group meant to take down that continent-sized corrector we saw in the Black.

>>33377445
Bomberman, Pestilence Boy, Drillhulk, Rook and the Red Armory, joined by Master Weeaboo Samurai and Calamari Hat.

>>33377609
Yeah, Utopia Ruler is batshit crazy and will betray us. I suspect that he's a sociopath.

>>33377753
>We don't know. Argent lost most of his memories so neither does he. For all we know, the finalists are actually a raid group meant to take down that continent-sized corrector we saw in the Black.
And yet we murder each other.
This is like Game of Thrones. The true terror lies behind the wall, but we just rip each other apart.

>>33377445

Armaros. The one time we fought alongside him, he could hold his own without needing help. This guy destroyed an armory guardian all by HIMSELF.

More, we can afford to lose Armaros, so that's a bonus.

Rook seems to be out of the picture, but Haze is a great understudy. Natsumi!Cypher might also be a worthwhile recruit, because the other squad leaders are terrified of her.

>>33376068
>and he gets more out of the session
By the way, it seems like Haze will get stronger and stronger in the near future, without even upgrading.

We will need to celebrate his first proper (as in: No nuke, only 1on1) kill once it happens.

>>33377634

The Black Cardinal had some kind of ulterior motive. Everyone was trying to kill the fuck out of him at the end, so it must have been really, really bad.

The last team was Phantom Edge, Chalice Queen, Argent Prominence and Red Joker. All of them versus one fucking guy, who must have been ridiculously badass.

>>33377881
I also wonder if the Red existed before that Priest dude lost his daughter.
Because some lines seemed to imply that he kickstarted player creation.
What if the Red was far smaller and more docile beforehand? Maybe people didn't have to fight to the death back then and it was all a more friendly thing.

The priest lost his daughter. What if he was the Cardinal and Red/IRL overlap caused his daughter to die by his hands?
It might explain quite a bit.

>>33377814
>Amaros

I almost forgot about batman it's hard to tell if he's suffering or if he's a dickbutt

>>33377881
What? No, that didn't happen at all. Argent remembers Edge and the Cardinal going at it before having to gtfo.

>>33377903
It did.

>>33377940

I thought it was implied they were working together. Old Joker was on Argent's side, for instance.

>>33377930
I would prefer a reformed Akira.
The dude was a good guy.

>>33377940
Whoops. Rather, the Red World did exist before Kotone died, and nothing we've seen indicates that the death game is a recent invention. The Cardinal did not create the curewnt system.

>>33377961
They were friends. Joker was probably friends with the Cardinal as well since Kotone knew him.

>>33377940
Argent said that the Chalice Queen did something shattering. I'm guessing Cardinal was acting the fool, started fighting Edge and blamed Edge for instigating. Chalice broke the Edge and his sword into tons of pieces. Cardinal then imprisoned her using his dimension fuckery. Joker then whacked Cardinal, shit happened and the Joker was in the bottom of a pit dying to death.
Hell, maybe it was supposed to be the finalists vs the giant Black Joker thing but the Cardinal didn't want to. Argent got fucked because he didn't have the ultimate armor that he was supposed to have, and it was eventually Red Joker vs Black. Red didn't kill it but came close, then he transferred the armor.

>>33378035
We also know that there might be a White Joker.

Also, OP loves setups that play with assumptions. Like making Natsumi Chrome Cypher, in contrast to Kazuya - Which will throw you off if you watched Accel World.

In Accel World, the White King was the one who caused the Black King to kill the Red King.
White is a pure support type in Accel World - Like the Hyades. Chalice Queen might have a similar function.
Red is the long-range type in that setting and Black on the offensive end of the spectrum, in contrast to White.

Damn,only one way to make sense of whats going on anymore-time to re-read everything again religiously and pay attention to the details.

>>33377930
>it's hard to tell if he's suffering or if he's a dickbutt
Why not both ? (or at least a little bit of the latter)

>>33377814
They're terrified of her because she's Argent's loyal watchdog. Their nickname for her is 'Silver Fascist'.

Guess she has a weak spot for Joker. Can't wait to let her down again.

>>33378121
I'm still worried that the original Red Joker was supposed to be guarding the greatest evil of them all and preventing it from escaping, and we never really got back to that.

>>33378124
>Guess she has a weak spot for Joker.
You GUESS that she has a weak spot for us?
The girl that we rejected and is still obviously madly in love with us?
You GUESS that she might play favourites with us?

>>33378035

The ultimate armour for Argent is clearly the golden armour. But no way in hell are we giving it to that dickbutt.

>>33378157

Did she break up with Kazuya this episode, or is that just my wishful thinking?

>>33378242
Gold Joker Armour is best armour.

Argent can bugger off.

>>33378242
I wonder if the guy was originally made from wood, then upgraded to Bronze and then Silver.

>>33378258
There is more than enough Daegal for everyone.
What if we take the pimp hand and give each team member another part of the pimp body?

>>33378256
It's already over, anon.

Natsumi got friendzoned hardcore style.

>>33377968
Man Akira was a bro what a goddam shame

>>33377636
I think there's a upgrade that allows them to follow us into combat. But their programming is to try to destroy everything in the vicinity even our allies after a while. While they are useful Id rather we keep them in our pocket a little longer before we start summoning them on the regular

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>>33378258
Too bad either it's not ready or it called us a scrub and tried to eat us

>tfw a set of armor told you to Git gud

>>33378242
>Argent
>dickbutt
Because he gave us relics and fought with us right ? I veto withholding the golden armor from Argent.

>>33378301
However, the transformation servoes would be nice elite upgrades.

Look at the list:
>Ardor Grip auxiliary charge units
Sounds like charging elements. Ideal for powering Hellion equipment.

>Metatron Wing flight units
Self-explanatory

>shoulder-mounted Goliath cannon arrays
I bet some of the guys will love that stuff.

And don't forget that the shit will likely profit from Hellion upgrades.

>>33378323

The problem with Argent is twofold. He has tunnel vision, because he's invested so much of his life into his pet project that he doesn't give a shit about anything else.

The second is that he is going to die, and very soon. He's literally flat-out told us: "Yep, I'm a dead man walking. I just want to fix things before I go."

>>33378321
Actually, it told us our soul is too small.
And remember, our soul is an amalgam of all the people that we killed.

>tfw your energy source is so weak for your equipment that it tries to take you over because it considers itself superior
Imagine a computer eating a power plant because the power plant is too weak.

>>33378321
But we are gitting gud. Daegal is part of our armour now.

>>33378364
And the armor is a manifestation of our soul.
Our soul is literally guns.
We are high-tech Shirou.

Fate/Stay Again cameo when?
It would unfuck AC Guy's fuckup.

>>33378321
>I waited all dis time and I get sum shit kid
>the fuck man ur soul is so tiny
>gg get good u garbage player i bet u dont even have a living waifu u scrub

>>33377777
Nice quints

>>33378339
>doesn't give a shit about anything else.
He still told Armaros to help us. And we are responsible for that tunnel vision, because we betrayed his trust after he invested a lot in us. Gigantic paranoia will only lead to a Bad Ending.

>>33378392
>cue OP having Daegal start speaking next thread
>Together with the yandere whispers of semi-sleeping Cybele and the voice of the last Red Joker, as well as Kotone and a fragment of Akira

>>33378404

What were we supposed to do, NOT attack the Smilers? Rook was going to send them in anyway, and it would have been a massacre. He would have judas'd them out to the flower bitch, and everyone would be dead.

I can't tell if Armaros is supposed to be a total asshole or a tragic hero. Or is it meant to be a bit of both?

>>33378404
What a betreyal, though.

No regrets.

>>33378436
Maybe we could agree that Armaros is a bit of both.

>>33378436

> I can't tell if Armaros is supposed to be a total asshole or a tragic hero. Or is it meant to be a bit of both?

He has nothing. His wife and child are dead, remember. He has no more fucks to give about anything.

>>33378436
Reverse-batman is both.

>>33378436
Ammy is an just an man who's lost everyone he's loved and suffers

>>33378436
>I can't tell if Armaros is supposed to be a total asshole or a tragic hero. Or is it meant to be a bit of both?

What is every single character in the quest?

>>33378462

He's also the second-oldest Player we've seen. Argent is the oldest, but Armaros is in his late 20s to early 30s?

>>33373183

Son of a bitch. The misarchivist strikes again.

>>33378647
Damn, not even a creative misarchive.

>>33378647
Why must I live on this planet?

>>33378647
>misarchivist

I'll never understand that guy

>>33377777
Cool repeating digits