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>>36405813

HOLLOW SUN: 72.5%

http://pastebin.com/pgsfdDje

RESEARCH:

[X] INDUCTION BLASTERS
[X] MACHINE CANNON
[X] POSITRON LANCE
[X] DISTORTION CANNON
[X] REACTIVE PLATING
[X] RESEARCH: HELIOS MATRIX
[X] FIRMWARE UPGRADE
[X] RESEARCH: SUPERHEAVY CHASSIS
[X] ARC CHARGER
[X] CHOIR BEACON
[X] GRAVIMETRIC NEXUS

VOID ANCHORS:

ORIGINAL HIVE
THE TRIBUNAL
NARAKA
THE VAULT
TUSITA

HOLDING: 0 (VECTOR GEIST: 1)

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/LJAfQmXy

UPDATES:

- KOLEOS removed from RELIC VAULT.

>HOLDING: 0 (VECTOR GEIST: 1)
Time for scaring the crap out of a guy!

>>36405846
>HOLLOW SUN: 72.5%
Wait, we have that much already?

>>36405962
The day ticked over.

I would have wished for research finishing, though.

>>36405813
>you dispatched the THIEF to extract PALLADIUM ROOK
I really don't regret this. Should I?

Remember: Today is upgrade day.

I'm in favor of Argus upgrades.

>>36406070
He needs some fun once in a while.
For us, it's mass murder. For him, heists.

>>36406017
Oh, right. Completely forgot it worked like that.

>>36406072
Dirge Caster seems pretty useful, so I'll vote for it.

>>36406072
If we're outfitting Joker to fight Bishamon there's really no point. Bishamon won't use targetting sensors, and probably won't be able to hide himself. Makes both the Argus mods unnecessary.

I'd recommend the Condemner and Mentiroso.

>>36406173
Do we use the adapter?
Switching back to Muleta should be useful. It's stabby.
Also, does Aquila grant movement shipped?

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(Gentlemen, my apologies for the delay: I'm presently in a different timezone, and I failed to account for the time difference - I thought it was one hour, instead of two hours displacement from the usual time.)

>>36405962

(It's a new day. This is the first cycle of the new charge.)

INTERLUDE

STAGE: <REDACTED>

The white cells of Reclamation Facility Designate #1-08. Blank walls of photo-optic crystal, thickened to opaquecy - A prison without windows or doors, the smooth blankness broken only by the silver filaments that descend from above, the shimmering gossamer of a puppet's strings.

By coincidence or by design, it is a place of bleak industrial cruelty: A place where things are broken down, reshaped and put to new uses. The Facility is a place with no hope of escape - For the blank, faceless walls are the last thing a Corrector will ever see.

Palladium Rook's cell is no different. Suspended at the heart of a web of filaments, he hangs crucified - The syrupy black oil draining from him, channeled along silver lines with a sickening slowness, even as it wells up from within. Hidden machinery hums and whirrs, electronic notes sounding a constant background chorus like a digital rainforest, the twisting lines slotted into shelves to connect with the facility's vital support system.

The Thief stands before him, and watches the blank-faced drones go about their work. He does not wish to be seen, so he is not seen: the tableau before him presents him with a condurumn. Ghosting past the Facility's defenses was difficult, but not impossible - Taking Rook from here, however, is a challenge all of its own. It is clear to him that Rook is in flux, becoming 'other'; Rightly or wrongly, through well-meaning misjudgement or deliberate calculation, Argent Prominence's silver knights are preventing his metamorphosis.

Perhaps he cannot free Rook.

But he can give Rook the capacity to free himself.

(Continued)

>>36406173
Aquila System, then? That would presumably be useful in close combat.

>>36406162
Most prefer the Signal Booster, due to the fact that it's triggered with the cobalt boosted Carnifex.

But Argus probably isn't a good thing to upgrade, today.

>>36406173
I think we can also squeeze a Hellion upgrade or two in there, like the Microcompact Fusion Reactor.

>>36406198
No. Replace muleta outright. It's 25 for an adapter.

And while I like the Aquila, it's also not something we'll need for the upcoming fight.

>>36406219
If we're going to get a Virtue upgrade it should be the one that adds debuffs to their attacks. I really do recommend going all out on preparedness though. Maybe Echo Regalia? We never agreed what that did.

>>36406263
I can agree with echo regalia.
Replacing muleta is sad, though.

So yeah, regalia is a good idea.

But why Mentiroso?

>>36406263
>not something we'll need for the upcoming fight
>"rapid evasive motion"
>Not something we need against a melee-only Player
It allows us to skate like an AC, effectively.

>>36406289
And shoot while moving backwards.

>>36406263
To be honest, if we're really trying to gear up for the next fight as much as possible, it might be worth giving the Adamant shield a try.
As long as he doesn't manage to take the entire arm to get around the shield, anyway.

Also Aquila does sound nice, just not in a combination with the Adamant shield.

>>36406201

The Fatal Abyss blurs. Power relays short out. A drone lurches clear of the gravimetric support field - Head snipped off - and falls, smashing onto the polished metal floor. Flickers of energy, dark and unhealthy, flares across the damaged cross: the throbbing murmur becomes discordant, noticeably more urgent.

The Thief's skull-mask betrays no emotion, as he holds the injector gun steady. A measure of black Lachryma - Riling slowly, sluggishly - churns within. With a *hiss* it deploys; In his uneasy sleep, Rook convulses - A nerve-spasm, a misfiring signal along the myomer bundles of his muscles - like a dog with nightmares. There are things breaking within his form, growths and shapes that strain against the confines of his tarnished plate-

And as his sealed visor rips open, as Rook's head twists with a squeal of tortured metal and cables, as the monotone howl of ultimate agony and dimly-intuited rebirth fills the air, the Thief thinks-

Kill or cure.

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

Blackness. The mire of sleep, blissful sleep, deep and all-consuming - Giving way to a kind of half-wakefulness, aware but with all troubles thankfully at bay...

A pounding sound. Irregular, but continuous - Something that filters into a dim kind of recognition, and isn't there something you should really remember right about no-

"...non, wake up...re you in there?"

Natsumi's voice. It brings back the memory of better times - When there wasn't that odd edge to it, the faintly harried notes of concern, of ever-present worry. That sound again, returning-

Natsumi's...She's knocking on the door.

Consciousness returns, as your eyes open. It's a cool day - The window slightly ajar, pale sunlight slanting through the windows. Something strikes you as odd, and it's not just the unusual surroundings; There's something more than that, something that you should remember in a moment as you stir...

(Continued)

>>36406320
Nah. If we're going to take a special weapon into the fight I'd prefer Kura.

>>36406320
> hey guys, let's remove our speed with a directional defense that works best against ranged attacks!

Forgot to say, good evening OP. Hope you're well. Back for the holiday?

>>36406288
An idea to end the fight quickly. Get Bishamon to stab a shroud double and knife him invisibly from the side.

>>36406289
I'm not saying it has no use, I'm saying there are other things that would be more useful. Plus I'm not. convinced it's a straight mobility upgrade.

>>36406320
Really not inclined. The Adamant has way too many drawbacks to be used by anyone unwilling to entirely build themself around it. And it's nowhere near good enough for us to do that.

>>36406350
Then use the Kura. I would rather vote to buy the Aquila, anyway.

And it's not ENTIRELY useless in melee, the retaliation attack only triggers on contact anyway.

>>36406350
Actually it only works at all against melee attacks.

>>36406263
The Microcompact Fusion Reactor is a Throne upgrade that provides a general stat boost, which seems like a good investment for the elite units.

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>>36406334

A soft weight restrains you. Smooth, softly-curving, not unpleasant - A soft sound half-cohered, merging a sigh and a murmur...

-Mio. Mio's in your bed.

"...mi, just sleep a little more..." she murmurs, thickly - Nestling closer, an arm draped across your chest. Her head rests against the curve of your shoulder, her long hair spilling across the pillow - At some point during the night, her sleeveless shirt's slipped down, down one slim shoulder-

"-non! Wake up already!"

Now *that's* familiar. Natsumi's fairly easy-going, but you're fairly certain that her temper is fraying by this point - This was usually when she'll drag the covers off and drop you on the floor. The next *thump* makes the door rattle, the knob turning back and forth-

"...ay goodbye to Asuna, at least."

[ ] "What? What's going on?"
[ ] Wake Mio up.
[ ] "One moment!"
[ ] "...What time is it?"
[ ] Go back to sleep.
[ ] Answer the door.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36406389
Not against mister samurai bullet time.
He'll just attack from behind.

>>36406377
It's only 35%. We're about to fight Bishamon, a Player based entirely around melee. Aquila will give us a significant advantage. The description outright states that it will improve our ability to evade attacks.

>>36406407
>"One moment!"
>Wake Mio up.
>Answer the door.

>>36406417
The omnidirectional speed boost makes it for for kiting.
Which is the art of abusing a range advantage.

>>36406377

(Back for good, more or less.)

>>36406417

(Yes, the Aquila does improve your ability to evade attacks when active.)

>>36406407
> Answer the door.

>>36406407

Shit. Can we throw a blanket over her or something?

>>36406403
Oh, it's a great upgrade. It's my second choice after debuffing. Also fuck, confused the Thrones and Virtues.

>>36406410
I agree which is why I think it's a terrible idea.

>>36406407
Adjust the girl's shirt before anything else.

"Anon's dead. Let the dead rest in peace. I'm also naked so don't come in."

>>36406452
>I'm also naked so don't come in.
Mio will suddenly be very awake.

>>36406417
Oh why not. Condemner and Aquila. Save the rest to roll over unless there's strong interest in that new weapon unlock.

>>36406432
I suppose congratulations are in order then?

>>36406502
>Oh why not. Condemner and Aquila. Save the rest to roll over unless there's strong interest in that new weapon unlock
Well, now we know what to make of our free holster.

>>36406524
That's for heavy weapons. Speaking of, one Line Launcher please.

>>36406571
We have one free because we shifted our arc gun to slake.

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> Adjust the girl's shirt before anything else.

The fabric seems to hover above Mio's skin, as you ease it back up; the gentle contact makes her stir, slightly, her breath warm against your neck - beneath your hand, her skin is very, very smooth.

> "Anon's dead. Let the dead rest in peace. I'm also naked so don't come in."

A pause. Then:

"-Very funny," Natsumi sighs. "Anyway, just...Wake up already, all right? It's important."

> Wake Mio up.

You give her a little shake - Then another. Mio seems to be a heavy sleeper, but her eyes flutter open - S-l-o-w-l-y - a low yawn teased from her lips as she shifts in place; Sleepy surprise flits across her face, in the moment between dreams and waking up - she smiles at you, warmly, with a kind of lazy, easy confidence that comes with an untroubled sleep.

"-Anon-kun, good morning~" she says, softly. "Did you...sleep well?"

She's about to say more, when from outside-

"...Who was that?" Natsumi's voice, even faintly muffled, has a new note of curiosity in it. Mio's eyes go wide, her lips shaping an 'O' of surprise - She tenses, as if only just remembering *where* she is -

>>36406443

And then you toss the blanket over her, and hope that she takes the hint.

> [X] Answer the door.

You're still a little unsteady on your feet, and you're probably all bleary-eyed and clumsy - A quick glance over your shoulder confirms that Mio's just a suspicious lump under the blankets, which is probably fine if no-one gets a good look at her.

(Continued)

>>36406590
Both are Cobalt Lasers if you read the equipment guide.

>>36406571
Why line launcher?
Wouldn't gravity be a good debuff against a speed type?

>>36406603
JQOP, what are our current weapon slots looking like?

We also need to consider when we want to gamble on the Skyshaper being good or not.

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>>36406571

(The Line Launcher is a Heavy Weapon, by the way. You're already carrying a Fusion Beamer and the Hailfire Chaingun.)

>>36406524

(Gentlemen: So you're unlocking the Condemner and the Aquila?)

>>36406603

The door opens, with a creak of hinges, as Natsumi peers through the gap.

"*There* you are," she says - sighs, really, but with a trace of a smile. Her gaze darts up - You can tell that your hair's a mess, right now. A little quizzically, she moves to open the door wider: "Anon, is someone else in there...? I thought I heard..."

[ ] "It's just your imagination."
[ ] "Don't worry about it."
[ ] "What is it?"
[ ] "Uh. Natsumi, I need you to remain calm-"
[ ] "What was that about Asuna?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36406625
>[ ] "What was that about Asuna?"

The best way to dodge suspicion is redirect the line of questioning.

>>36406625
>[ ] "Uh. Natsumi, I need you to remain calm-"

Oh no. We aren't going to treat Mio like a dirty secret we have to hide. Fuck that noise. Treat the woman with some respect.

then

> [ ] "What was that about Asuna?"

>>36406644

You're aware that Mio could be expelled for having a boyfriend, right?

>>36406625
>[ ] "What was that about Asuna?"
Dodge the bullet.
>>36406644
>Oh no. We aren't going to treat Mio like a dirty secret we have to hide. Fuck that noise. Treat the woman with some respect.
Don't be a goddamn idiot. This isn't about respect, this is about causing a clusterfuck that will be impossible to untangle.

>>36406609
Non-lethal capture. And not necessarily, we've seen people resist the cannon. Plus the debuff only lasts as long as you hold the trigger down, right?

>>36406625
Oh, did we re-equip the Chaingun? Swap out the Beamer then.

>[X] "What was that about Asuna?"
"Neighbors stayed up all night watching anime. Could be they're still at it."

>>36406665
>>36406653
So now we don't trust Natsumi?

>>36406672
>Plus the debuff only lasts as long as you hold the trigger down, right?
Well, we have Aquila and a talon built into our right arm.
It's not ideal, but could allow a few tau shots.

Also, Natsumi REALLY doesn't want to know about the girl in our bed. Remember her feelings, ffs.

>>36406653
Unless Mio heals the headmistress. BAM, bitch loves her to death now.

>>36406699

It looks bad, that's all. It looks like we brought Mio over and fucked her. You can bet that Natsumi's going to overreact.

>>36406699
SHE IS IN LOVE WITH US.
You fucking Moron.

>>36406699
It's dangerous for Mio's status, risks making Joker's relationship with Natsumi even more awkward and is a waste of time when we have plot to deal with.
There is not a single good reason to not hide it.

>>36406712
Mio can't heal, tho. Only control light and burn people inside out.

>>36406699
Now Joker is discreet on general principle. Private schools can have zero tolerance policies for this kind of thing, and only bend the rules for favorite children.

>>36406712
Unless the student council president has a professional role in the school that won't help Mio's case if the school decides to take disciplonary action. Besides, healing isn't Hellebore's thing, much less in the real world.

>>36406625
Forgot to say, yes to those two, and the Vector Trap as well.

>>36406774
> #Forgot to say, yes to those two, and the Vector Trap as well.
Seconded

>>36406774
>Besides, healing isn't Hellebore's thing, much less in the real world.

Are . . . are you serious? We've had multiple instances of Mio healing shit, and bringing small animals back to life. I mean, I said it as a joke, but really.

Jesus Wata, some days I wonder about you. Haha, no I don't, you're a faggot just like the rest of us.

>>36406625
Yes to Condemner & Aquila, no to Line Launcher.

>>36406861
>no to Line Launcher.
Which weapon do you suggest then?

>>36406861
Hellebore told us herself what her power was. And I have no idea what you're talking about with Mio healing anything.

>>36406642
>>36406665
>>36406672

> [X] "What was that about Asuna?"

"It's..." Natsumi's brow furrows. "Anon-kun, I'm...not sure."

Worry flickers across her features, her eyes growing thoughtful. "-I think she's sick. I don't know what happened, but...She's going home now. Yui's taking care of her, and..." Her voice grows lower, hushed. "...She looked awful. Like she'd been crying all night..."

Her fingers rest lightly against the door, concern writ large in that slight gesture.

"I...just thought you wanted to know, that's all," she says, avoiding your gaze.

> "Neighbors stayed up all night watching anime. Could be they're still at it."

"Hmmmm." she seems to consider this...Then shrugs, brushing it off as unimportant - Her curiosity apparently sated.

"At any rate...It's a bit early, but - She'll be leaving soon. If you hurry, you could catch her before she's gone - If you want to, that is. And - that's all." For a moment, Natsumi looks like she's about to say something more...But then she just shakes her head, and withdraws. At the stairs, she pauses, turns back:

"Oh, and - Kazuya says you owe him, whatever that means," she adds, with a smile to her words; You get the feeling she's trying very hard not to roll her eyes. "-He also says that you can pay up later."

Her footsteps clatter down the stairs, and you breath a little easier when you close the door securely behind you.

(Continued)

>>36406882
Actually, changed my mind. We gotta capture collectors (I guess, do we have time for that?)

>>36406928
Looks like Asuna's powers acted out.

>>36406928

There's a rustle, as Mio pushes the blankets back - They fall loosely to her waist, as she exhales in relief.

"Haaahhhh...I thought I was going to die~!" she says; her expression growing troubled. "-That was...Natsumi-chan, wasn't it?" Then, distantly, as if only now aware of where she is - "...It'd be bad if we were seen together..."

Her gaze darts to the clock, and a low sigh of relief pulses from her lips. It's 7:45 AM - There's about half an hour left before the Student Assistants are meant to meet with your group.

"Hey-"

Mio's voice is lower, now, softer. Still dishevelled from sleep, her hands rest lightly on the bed, the blankets gathered around her waist.

"Anon-kun, what are you going to do?"

[ ] "I'm staying here with you."
[ ] "I'm worried about Asuna."
[ ] "You should slip out while you have the chance."
[ ] "You could stay for breakfast."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36406995
>[ ] "I'm worried about Asuna."
>[ ] "You should slip out while you have the chance."

>>36406995
>[X] "I'm worried about Asuna."
>[X] "You could stay for breakfast."
"I'll be back soon."

Kiss her. Wake up together and she gets a kiss. Almost tradition at this point.

Wait, does she have her uniform?

>>36406995
This cells like a potential kidnap flag.

>>36407079
>cells
* sounds
No idea how autocorrect did that.

Is it wise seeing Asuna if she is crying and distressed? I mean she fears us so we might make it worse

>>36407079
Asuna dreams about the Red World, sees Joker relevant information regularly, and can apparently be inspired to see specific things. She might have seen the deaths in the immediate future, what happened at the school ten years ago, someone's endgame plan, Joker's death or Anon spending time with Mio. We don't know what, but something she saw is the cause.

>>36407178
It's one last chance to make peace if nothing else.

HOLLOW SUN: 2.5%

RELIC UNLOCKED:

> [X] THE CONDEMNER:

Incorporating the functions of both a Cobalt Laser and Phase Sword, this dual-mode weapon is a masterwork of photonic technology.

In it's primary form, the Condemner can be utilized as a high-powered pulse laser - However, when the firing impulse is sustained and the cohered phase field activated, the constant stream of photonic energy can be wielded as a blade of ferocious cutting power.

While lesser models rely on a solid blade for the weapon's core, the Condemner can be swiftly reconfigured into a potent close-combat weapon with the press of a button.

SPECIAL: When enhanced by the Cobalt Booster, the Condemner's pulse capacitators are united and overcharged - Instead of firing a constant stream of energy, the dual-phase weapon unleashes a single, blinding beam of focused photonic fire especially effective at ripping through armor - At the cost of temporarily overloading the weapon.

In blade mode, the Condemner's containment field expands in a blaze of photonic fire - Extending the already-ferocious edge into a true greatsword that can be wielded with one hand. However, the resulting edge is incredibly potent but dangerously unstable: A sufficiently solid hit could cause it to detonate against the opponent rather than slicing into them, temporarily disrupting the Condemner's functions.

RELIC ENHANCEMENT:

Named after the distinctive plumes of thrust released when activated, the Aquila System is a high-performance modification of the Tempest Scrander - Allowing for a sustained hover at extremely low velocities, through the use of the ground effect. Effectively, the Tempest Scrander can now be used to glide mere feet above any horizontal - Or uneven - surface in a way reminiscent of a hovercraft, allowing for rapid evasive motion.

Notably, it takes a moment to transition from hovering to true flight. (Or vice-versa.)

(Continued)

>>36407256
We didn't upgrade Slake? Guys, seriously?

>>36407256
That is a ridiculously fun gun. Now I wonder what the Hellion Launcher is like in burst mode. Does the Condemner have the same long summoning time the Immolator does?

>>36407382
Point to where that's an option.

>>36407410
If we're able to upgrade Relics then of course its an option.

Fuck, we could have upgraded Abjuration Jets and Slake.

Condemner is a solid call but I've said from the start its the only close combat weapon that suits RJ

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>>36407256

SPECIAL: When enhanced by the Cobalt Booster, the Tempest Scrander can effectively - And immediately - switch from the Aquila System to true flight. Note that this only allows for a switch in modes, without the increased speed and velocity that would usually result from Boosting the Tempest Scrander.

(i.e. You can change modes for free, instead of using an action.)

WEAPON RESEARCH:

> [X] VECTOR TRAP

> [X] "I'm worried about Asuna."

"Is she all right?" Mio's voice is shaded with anxiety, now - She's caught snippets of the conversation, and her worry deepens when you explain it to her, her head dipping in a little nod. "Natsumi-chan's right; Whatever it is, it sounds bad." Then, almost to herself -

"...Wasn't she supposed to be the Witch today...?"

That's right.

> [X] "You should slip out while you have the chance."
> [X] "You could stay for breakfast."
> [X] Wait, does she have her uniform?

She colors, slightly - avoiding your gaze.

"I..." there's a hesitant note to Mio's voice, a little embarrassed, a little shy. "-I brought a change of clothes. Just in case we, ummm-" she flushes, at her own words - A hushed inhalation leaving the rest unsaid.

> "I'll be back soon."

She nods - "Then...I'll see you soon," she says, softly - Her eyes meeting yours, just for a moment.

> Kiss her. Wake up together and she gets a kiss. Almost tradition at this point.

When you draw closer, Mio's breath catches in her throat, her lips curving in a soft, sweet smile...But when you lean in for the kiss, she turns her head at the very last moment, so you graze her cheek instead. Her blush lingers, even when she touches a finger to your lips - You must look surprised, because she laughs, a silvery sound.

"Morning breath," she says, lightly - Before her gaze becomes meltingly-soft, nostalgic. "-It's only fair if I get to tease you too, Anon-kun~"

Well, she's a lot more cheerful now - That's for sure.

(Continued)

>>36407474
ZURBERT HER NECK, CLAIM TO BE THE DRAGON OF MORNING BREATH. ALL WILL FALL BEFORE US!

The cuteness, in shall know no bounds.

>>36407426
Anon... Go to the Hollow Sun guide. Look at the Foundry. The list of Relics that we can modify (it's not direct upgrading) is there. Better yet, Ctrl+F "Slake".

>>36407507
...That's disgusting, anon.

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>>36407474

It takes you mere minutes to splash some cold water on your face - To rinse sleep from your eyes, and otherwise make yourself presentable for the day. It's not long before you're descending the stairs to the lobby, to the sounds of the others gradually waking up. You can hear faint music, from behind a door - Laughter, from another. In the pale light of day, the place is oddly cozy, though you've only spent two days here...And very little of that, no less.

At the foot of the stairs, a snatch of conversation:

Yui's voice, soft with concern -

"-suna, are you sure? This is...It's really important to you, isn't it?"

Asuna, troubled - Her voice small -

"I'm...very sorry. I - I don't...I don't want t-to let everyone down, but..." A hushed breath, a pause. "I...I can't - I can't stay here. N-not - Not even for a moment longer."

Natsumi's right. She sounds *awful* - There is a dread in her voice, mingled with gnawing exhaustion; As if her words are an iron band, slowly squeezing the life from her.

"-don't really understand it, but...It's all right."

"I...I wish I could *tell* you-"

The last step squeaks. Yui turns, startled - Asuna echoes the gesture, the motion quick and somehow guilty. Yui looks...Well, pretty much the way she always does. (It's somehow unsurprising that Yui looks like she's slept soundly, her uniform pristine.)

(Continued)

>>36407507
I'm starting to think the JQ followers are like, 1/2 full retards. Some of these write ins are horrific

>>36407718

Asuna...Her eyes are red-rimmed, her face pale - She looks like she's received the worst news possible: A death in the family, a fatal disease - yet somehow tempered with a kind of defensive self-consciousness, as if she's not quite sure she believes herself. From the way she *looks* alone, you could believe that she's ill - She clearly hasn't slept for most of the night, if at all - Her hands folded together before her, her fingers working lightly against each other as they fidget.

When her gaze lights on you - There's a low, startled gasp:

"A-anon-kun?" Then...she lowers her eyes, avoiding your gaze - Staring at the floor. "Oh..."

The note to her voice draws a concerned glance from Yui, before her attention returns to you.

"-You're up early, Anon-kun," she says, politely but formally - With a flicker of surprise in her gaze. "...Is something the matter?"

[ ] "Asuna - Are you all right?"
[ ] "I just wanted to see if Asuna was okay."
[ ] "What happened?"
[ ] "Is anyone else up?"
[ ] "I was looking for Kazuya, that's all."
[ ] "I was looking for Kouichi, that's all."
[ ] "On second thought...Never mind."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36407754
>"Asuna - Are you all right?"

>>36407754
>[ ] "Asuna - Are you all right?"
>[ ] "What happened?"

>>36407754
>[X] "Asuna - Are you all right?"
>[X] "What happened?"
"Natsumi told me. I know a bit about night terrors. If there's anything--anything--I can do to help on either side, let me know."

Too coded? Not coded enough?

And to Yui: "Did we have an understudy for the witch?"
And while we're at it: "Has anyone seen Kazuya?"

>>36407807
>Too coded? Not coded enough?
A bit too coded.
Not sure how to make it better, though.

>And while we're at it: "Has anyone seen Kazuya?"
I don't think that's the right moment for that.

>>36407772
>>36407786
>>36407807

> [X] "Asuna - Are you all right?"

She stiffens, when you address her directly - Her head comes up, her gaze uncertain yet somehow imploring...Then she shakes her head, dropping her gaze again.

"I-" Asuna begins, in a small voice - Weak, thready. "I-I'm not...I don't feel well, t-that's all..."

There's something in her voice that simultaneously begs you not to ask further - Yet perversely welcomes the question.

> [X] "What happened?"

You catch Yui's quick glance - She's been asking that question too, you can tell, with little success.

"I just...I need to go home, that's all," Asuna says. "Just - *Please* let me go home. Please-"

For a moment, she looks like she's on the verge of tears - Until Yui lays a comforting hand on her shoulder, a little awkwardly; Comforting people doesn't come easy to Yui, but she's clearly trying.

"Asuna - It's all right," she says, her expression softening. "Really, it is. We'll be fine."

> "Did we have an understudy for the witch?"

A brief hesitation - then Yui nods. The slight gesture means that she probably doesn't want to discuss this right now.

...It's her, isn't it.

> "Natsumi told me. I know a bit about night terrors. If there's anything--anything--I can do to help on either side, let me know."

Asuna looks at you - Right at you. You sense her weighing, considering...The import of your words sinking home, at last, her breath catching in her throat...

And then - Slowly, almost reluctantly - she nods.

"Anon-kun..." she says, softly - "C-can you..." A deep breath. "Can you - send me home?"

From the way she avoids Yui's gaze when she says this - the odd undercurrent to her voice - it's clear that there's something she can't say...Not here.

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36407870
>Walk her home

>>36407870
"I can walk you to the gate. Do you have your things?"

"Sorry for stealing your thunder madame president. But it's really not the anything you can share with someone who doesn't know it."
"Besides, isn't the meeting with the Seisin representatives soon?"

Man, imagine the squad combat potential that transformation servoes could grant.
I bet a later Cherubim transform would grant Crisis Arms.
You could equip a squad with that kind of weapon for specialist work.

Actually, wouldn't that make the Virtue servoe one of the most awesome ones to get?
Remember the raid, when only some of the party members could fly?
With the servoe, we could make *everyone* on our side fly.

>>36407951
The modular frame thing only works for RJ, Anon.

I still think we should expend more resources into boosting Hellion specialization/optimization and getting them fully decked out, to be absolute BOSS once we pull the trigger on that thing.

>>36407968
Force multipliers would be priority, actually.
Which means all the basic upgrades (Which we almost have), as well as stuff like the Choir Beacon (Which is being researched).

>>36407968
He's talking about scrapping a Hellion for an item, you're talking about limb replacements.

And we're one step away from maximizing the base abilities of all Hellions models. Once the Shrike Blades are queued uo it's a matter of deciding what specific models we most want to optimize.

In between upgrading the various super weapons of course.

>>36407989
>He's talking about scrapping a Hellion for an item, you're talking about limb replacements.
And here I was thinking that I had missed something.

Didn't we get elaboration on the topic at some point?

>>36408003

(There's actually two: There's limb replacement and transformation servoes, which are different research paths. One of them allows you to, well, replace limbs - The other transforms Hellions into weapons or items to be used in combat.)

OP, how does the Condemner interact with burst mode?
Are we forced to fire its ranged mode in bursts instead of using continuous fire?

>>36408012
Can these items be used by other people?

>>36408003
To add to >>36408012, the idea is that it's a way of getting use out of damaged Hellions. Lose a leg? Snap one off of the one-armed Cherub and turn the rest into a pair of shoulder mounted machine guns. Or turn a nearly shredded basic Hellion into a boosting item.

>>36408039
Limbs are Joker exclusive so far as we know.

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>>36408039

> OP, how does the Condemner interact with burst mode?

(You can still fire it/swing the blade in normal mode. It's just that choosing the Cobalt Boosted version is free.

Also, the items can't be used by other people yet. There'll be a follow-up upgrade that makes things more accessible once unlocked, however.)

> "I can walk you to the gate. Do you have your things?"

Asuna nods, gratefully - For a moment, she looks a little surprised that you agreed. Her luggage is a wheeled carrier, one that rattles as it rolls along behind her.

> "Besides, isn't the meeting with the Seisin representatives soon?"

"That...*is* true," Yui allows. She looks faintly troubled by your words - As if about to say something more...But then she seemingly decides that it's none of her business. A deep breath: "Very well, then," Yui says - Her brow ever-so-slightly furrowed. It's close to crunch time; There must be a million things she's worrying about.

"Asuna...Get well soon, all right?" Her voice is tinged with genuine concern, a concern that quite belies her calm expression; "-We'll manage, somehow." You can tell there's a conflict there: She doesn't want to tell Asuna that she wouldn't be missed, but she *also* doesn't want her to worry-

...It's tough, either way.

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

The third - And last - day of the Cultural Festival. This early, most of the stalls are still closed: The brightly-colored flags fluttering in the breeze, the sky grey, overcast. Flakes of snow waft down from above, and the temperature has dropped - It looks like winter is about to begin in earnest, now, as if the distant cold has finally worked its way to the heart of oddly evergreen Seisin.

Without the crowds of people from yesterday, the place feels oddly forlorn, somehow - As you and Asuna thread your way through the die-straight lines of stalls and booths, headed for the gate.

(Continued)

>>36408120
>You can still fire it/swing the blade in normal mode. It's just that choosing the Cobalt Boosted version is free.
>Also, the items can't be used by other people yet. There'll be a follow-up upgrade that makes things more accessible once unlocked, however.
Both of these facts are fucking awesome.

>>36408139
The second one means we have to pay twice to get Relics we can give out though.

>>36408172
Well, yeah, but it also means that the option exists.
Which is kinda important.

The biggest issue is that it might not be possible to get them in time for future raids.

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>>36408120

Asuna says little, as she walks - there's a quiet to her, a thoughtful silence that leaves no room for words. Her gaze wanders, but distantly - As if recalling how the place looks in the full bloom of day, and how it looks now: With the students working to bring the stalls to life, to prepare for the crowds of the very last day.

"I..." she begins, abruptly - gravel crunching underfoot. Then, she stops, shakes her head.

Very quietly:

"Mio is..."

"...Mio is - A really nice person," Asuna says, at last. "She's kind - and sweet - and beautiful...I'm - really happy for the two of you. Really, I am."

She makes herself smile, looking only slightly pained - Her gaze lingering slightly on a mask stall, where a distantly familiar figure (You've seen him somewhere before) turns a ceramic harlequin's mask over in his hands, weighing it briefly before setting it aside.

"M-most...Most people only - They only tolerate me. B, but...But she - she really cares. Like Yui-chan, or..."

She bites her lip, her brow furrowing in momentary agitation.

Then-

"Anon-kun...What if I told you-"

A deep breath, drawing strength from within.

"W-what if I told you I had-" softer now, embarrassed at herself.

"-I had...A, a - really bad dream?" Asuna winces, slightly, as if aware of the ridiculousness of her own words.

[ ] "A dream?"
[ ] "-I don't think it was a dream at all."
[ ] "What was it about?"
[ ] "That's not true. A lot of people care about you, Asuna."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36408197
>[ ] "-I don't think it was a dream at all."
> I know that you have some people who care for you, Asuna, and that's what's important. Not the number of people, but the quality. And you know that they like you because of who you are, not what you are.

>>36408197
Is it Ruler?

>>36408211

(He's human, if that's what you're asking.)

>>36408197
>"-I don't think it was a dream at all."
>"That's not true. A lot of people care about you, Asuna."
>>36408211
Probably.

>>36408197
>[ ] "-I don't think it was a dream at all."
"I'm actively trying to prevent bad things from happening here. I'm not surprised that you might have seen something nasty.
I would be glad if you could tell me anything notable."

I'm feeling like I'm being too insensitive. But the "that's not true" line sounds a bit empty, considering that we aren't aware of her social circumstances.

>>36408197
>[X] "That's not true. A lot of people care about you, Asuna."
>[X] "What was it about?"
"I would say that it's probably a very familiar dream."

Don't say it wasn't a dream. She's leaving because she couldn't face it. Let her have that much.

>>36408211
He was the guy in charge of the shooting gallery.

>>36408197
"I'd be inclined to believe you."
>[ ] "What was it about?"

>>36408211
>>36408225
>jokersuou.jpg

>>36408232
So, Ruler.

>>36408236
>>36408232
It's Ruler. Fuck. He may just try and kill Asuna.

>>36408237
>>36408239
I'd wager that a Smiler or the White Joker is more likely.

>>36408239
Uh, why? Sure he's a sociopath and all but that doesn't mean he'll just kill someone for literally no reason in broad daylight with a witness who he knows would be a lot harder to kill than her.

>>36408208
>>36408231
Seriously, don't try to convince her it was real. She'll be much more open if she can keep the fig leaf.

>>36408236
I made that joke years ago.

>>36408239
Please, he doesn't give a fuck. He's preparing for later.

>>36408247
Asuna's getting clear entirely.

>>36408257
>She'll be much more open if she can keep the fig leaf.
Eh, I guess we'll go with your direction.

Then again, showing our "knight in shining armor" side might make her feel more confident.

>>36408268
The best way to do that is not shove her powers in her face.

>>36408257
He said he'd kill someone for us, who will or could prove a threat.

>>36408257
Nah, we can say we've had a bad feeling, and sometimes it's right to listen to those.

We don't have to go full Enlightenment! on her, just reinforce that her bad feeling is valid and she should GTFO.

Of course, by trying to save her, we will be responsible for damning someone else. We're kind of a fucked like that.

Anyways, it's 4 to your 1, Wata.

>>36408282
He said he would save our life, no matter if we wanted or not.

The chucklefuck would likely inject us with Lachryma if we weren't immune. Just to be an ass about the whole "survival" thing.

>>36408282
Whether we want him to or not, he will save us.

We should probably let him know that we might have to kill him for that. How Shakespearean!

>>36408285
>Anyways, it's 4 to your 1, Wata.
3 to 2, actually.

>>36408282
Worse than that: He said he'd save Joker's life whether he liked it or not.

>>36408285
You're not reading what I'm saying. Let her say it's a dream. We all know it isn't, but she can keep herself together better if she does.

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>>36408208
>>36408225
>>36408231

> [X] "-I don't think it was a dream at all."

"It was a dream!" there's a sudden vehemence to Asuna's voice - one that brings a flush to her cheeks. She ducks her head, instinctively going quiet - So quiet that you have to strain to hear his next words. "Something like that...It was definently, definently a dream..." Her words are almost pleading, but it's not clear whom she's trying to convince...Herself, perhaps.

Then:

"-I dreamt...I dreamt that, that - I was buried alive." Her throat works, her whisper low, almost sibilant. "...Buried alive, by other people. There - there were so *many* of them, falling from the sky...Not *whole* people, but - but *pieces* of them, raining down from a-above..."

"And..." Almost to herself, now - "...And they were crushing those below."

A tear tracks from Asuna's eye, across her cheek - Before she wipes it away with her sleeve. "-I...I could hear them calling out - All of them, trying to call for help, but..."

"-But I couldn't move. I couldn't move, and they were drawing *closer*..."

Her voice trails off. She can't bear to go on. To anyone else, it would sound vague, faintly ridiculous in the cold light of day - But there's something in your expression that makes her breath catch, makes her look away.

"There's no way...It c-could be anything but a dream..."

> "That's not true. A lot of people care about you, Asuna."
> I know that you have some people who care for you, Asuna, and that's what's important. Not the number of people, but the quality. And you know that they like you because of who you are, not what you are.

She doesn't answer. Not right away, at least.

(Continued)

>>36408297
Make it 3 and 3!

>>36408301
>We all know it isn't, but she can keep herself together better if she does.
Yeah, even she herself knows that it's real.
She tries to tune it out.

Personally, I'd say an impression of "It's real and a trustworthy dude is handling it and I can later ask him how it went" is better for her mental condition, but it would require more effort at not dropping our spaghetti.

>>36408311
>Joker combat from the perspective of an innocent person

>>36408311
Please approach the dream from >>36408285
point of view. We don't want to mess with her head or give her a revelation.

Sometimes our minds find ways of telling us what we want to do, or need to do. If she still is feeling scared she can call us, we're one of her friends and we'll support her. If she feels safer leaving, we'll support that too.

>>36408315
Well it really doesn't matter now. That wouldn't help either though, she wants to be assured that nothing is wrong, not told that her nightmares are real and the apocalypse is tomorrow.

>>36408330
Don't think so. She has a painting called "The Future of Man" which is a lot like this.

>>36408350
She's already made her decision. It's not Joker's place to opine on it anymore.

>>36408311

As she crosses the concourse, she remains silent - there's an oddly guilty air to her, an air that lingers as she paces alongside beside you: Her head down, the grinding clatter of her carrier's wheels the only sound in the crisp morning air.

It's actually disquieting. She doesn't look to either side, now - steadfastedly avoiding staring at anything beyond the ground. The bus stop is a short walk away; for once, there's already a bus there, idling. It's almost entirely empty, with this stop being little more than a cursory one.

Then-

"Anon-kun...I-"

"I...dreamt about you too."

She's carefully avoiding your gaze, now. Her hands are folded on the handle of her luggage, an artist's graceful hands.

A shuddering breath-

"I dreamt - I dreamt that..."

"-I dreamt that you were in Hell."

The words cause her significant distress - that much is clear.

"Just...Everyone, in Hell. Forever. That's why - That's why, I..."

"-That's why I have to run *away*-"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36408403
Cocky wink time. "What do mean, it can't truly be hell if I'm there with all my friends. Did you maybe think of Jersey?"

Okay, I just wanted to fit Jersey in there.

Just tell her it's okay to do what she feels she has to do. We'll stay behind, and whatever it takes to get the others safely home we'll do it. Even if it means taking on Hell itself. It won't be able to contain a Joker like us.

>>36408197
Oh wait, I didn't catch the filename. It's not Ruler, it's Shindo's friend. Wonder if Kraken told him that Joker killed Bardiel, or if someone else did.

>>36408403
"I'm not surprised. Was the White one there? The Black one? Or was I alone again."

"Do you think you can get far enough away?"

"Stay safe Anatole. It was fun."

>>36408403
"Hell really isn't all that bad. After a few decades you get used to it.
Don't worry. When we meet again, it will be in the real world."

>>36408446
>Anatole
wat

>>36408436
This is the dumbest thing I've read this week and I've been following Ferguson.

>>36408436
I don't think she's going to know what the fuck Jersey is

>>36408460

How about no.

>>36408460
I can't recall Joker's ever making light of the sojourn. This sentiment really doesn't feel appropriate somehow.

Anatole is her artist name. She made kind of a big deal about hiding it.

>>36408403
"Forever's a long time, Asuna. I'll do everything I can."

"Stay safe, okay?"

>>36408403
Oh wait, something actually comforting. "It won't happpen Asuna. It was just a dream after all. And dreams always end."

> "Just tell her it's okay to do what she feels she has to do. We'll stay behind, and whatever it takes to get the others safely home we'll do it. Even if it means taking on Hell itself. It won't be able to contain a Joker like us."
> "Don't worry. When we meet again, it will be in the real world."

For a long, long moment, she just looks at you. But then a soft sigh peals from her lips.

"...As I thought," she murmurs, almost to herself. "Even you..."

Then - "Anon-kun...I - worry - about you, sometimes." It seems like she's about to say more - But then Asuna just shakes her head. Behind her, the bus's lights flash - It rocks on it's wheels, engine grinding like a beast ready to spring.

> "I'm not surprised. Was the White one there? The Black one? Or was I alone again."

She hesitates. Then, slowly:

"It felt like...It felt like you'd been alone for a, a-"

"...A very long time. And - that you'd wander for longer still."

Her fingers tighten on the handle of her luggage, until her knuckles show white.

> "Do you think you can get far enough away?"

"I-" she swallows, hard.

"I...I have to *try*," Asuna says, faintly. "-If...If I don't - I just have..."

"-I just have this horrible *feeling*..."

> "Forever's a long time, Asuna. I'll do everything I can."
> "Stay safe Anatole. It was fun."

Her shoulders are bowed, as she ascends the steps - At the mention of her name, she starts: A little gasp pulsing from her throat, an urgent flash to her eyes...

Until the doors swing shut behind her, and - With ponderous unstoppability - it begins to move. Asuna's hand lights against them from the inside; Her lips moving without sound, turning her head - As if she's trying to say something more, her expression still deeply worried as the bus continues to roll down the hill.

[ ] Go after her.
[ ] Return to the school.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36408559
>[ ] Free
...I don't see any reason why we can't at least call her.

>>36408559
What does going after her entail here OP? Not jumping on the next bus I hope. If it's following the bus until it speeds up then go ahead.

I mean, we can just text her and tell her to message what she was saying.

>>36408620

(You could probably catch the bus, but it might take you some time to get back.)

>>36408633
Can't we just call her? We got things to do at the school. Like protecting Mio.

>>36408633
Yeah, not worth it. For better or worse we've all made our choices. Now it's time to live with them. Turn and walk away with a one armed wave goodbye... while in the other hand text her "You could just tell me in a message."

>>36408620
>>36408659
Absolutely do not text her unless a call won't go through. Actual ringing will get her attention way quicker than whatever vibration/short tone she has set for text messages, especially if she wasn't thinking straight and threw it somewhere in her carrier out of urgency to get her stuff together and get out.

Courtesy to her fellow passengers (the few of them there are) is kind of a secondary concern at the moment to whatever just came to her mind.

>>36408616
>>36408620
>>36408653
>>36408659
>>36408696

Your phone rings once. Twice. Ag-

There's a click, as Asuna answers. Background noise blurs her voice, as the bus diminishes into a small point in the distance - A soft, hushed gasp coming over the line. Then, rather more softly:

"Anon-kun; Please - take care of Akira-kun. He's not..."

"-he's not as strong as he thinks he is."

It's so soft, almost a whisper, that you might almost have imagined it.

And then - there's only the low, constant chime of the dial tone.

You stare down at your phone for a long time, before you retrace your steps.

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

Heading back, through the gates, it seems that a profound change has taken place. The first of the stalls has already opened; There's still about an hour before the last day of the Festival actually begins, but people are streaming through the gates in their ones and twos. But there's that strange, oddly forlorn feel that comes in the hollow hours, made more so by the wan light of the sun overhead...

-The weather doesn't look good. Perhaps it'd hold just long enough.

The grey light glitters starkly from the gleaming silver foxhead emblem of the Sterling Industries booth - It's pretty much a mobile trailer, larger and climate-controlled, so full of sophisticated electronics that a barely-audible hum of power surrounds the stall. You catch a glimpse of a familiar silhouette-

-Aoba.

He is, categorically, not smiling as he opens the door - Conferring briefly with a subordinate - his brow furrowing even further, his mouth setting in a grim line.

(Continued)

>>36408816
>"Anon-kun; Please - take care of Akira-kun. He's not..."
>"-he's not as strong as he thinks he is."
Well, duh.

>>36408816
>He is, categorically, not smiling as he opens the door - Conferring briefly with a subordinate - his brow furrowing even further, his mouth setting in a grim line.
HE KNOWS.

Not that there's any actual reason for him to, but this is exactly the kind of situation I can see him assuming is our fault on reflex.

>>36408816

Some distance away - At a cafe, slow contrails of steam coiling up from something hot and piping - Naoya Shiga takes his ease. His expression is, as usual, serene but distant...Looking out at the festival grounds, taking slow sips of his tea. There's a kind of delicate, exceeding grace to his motions, though it's clear that his mind is a million miles away.

The scarlet banners flap and flutter in the breeze. A few Seisin High girls - apparently allowed out, for the last day - circulate amongst the stalls; Their light, airy chatter reminds you of birdsong, like flashes of exotic color amongst the drabness of the day. At one of the open stalls, the boy from before seats himself at the counter...He's surrounded by masks ranging from truly awful and garish to surprisingly graceful creations of spun glass and vivid art.

He doesn't look happy, either.

[ ] Approach the mask booth.
[ ] Approach the Sterling Industries trailer.
[ ] Visit the cafe.
[ ] Return to the dormitory.
[ ] Talk to the girls.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36408924
>There's a kind of delicate, exceeding grace to his motions, though it's clear that his mind is a million miles away.
Sounds like a joker.

Anyway, masks first.

>>36409000
Naoya is Pazuzu. Seriously, who else could be Pazuzu?

Then again...I mean, he was set up as a possible romance option to Mio and may have known Kotone...

>>36408924

> [X] Approach the Sterling Industries trailer.

I'm wondering what happened to Rook.

>>36408924
>[ ] Approach the Sterling Industries trailer.
Not like his mood is going to get any better today,

>>36409133
>>36409136

You approach. The closed trailer is larger-than-average, and - Even at this time of the day - radiant with a yellow light that wells up from within. You recall, dimly, that this is apparently part of a promotion of some kind: Something to do with the World's Largest Crane Machine, or another of those vaguely-defined events that you only read about but never see...

Up close, however, it doesn't seem likely. Perhaps the first problem is that the people - About a rough dozen of them, loitering (Though 'lurking') might be the better term - around the machinery that bristles in the vicnity; There's tall, imposing stacks of what vaguely resembles speakers, cables and antennae bristling from the top - A mist gathering where cold air meets the interior space. There's nary a smile in sight: they don't look like as if they've been tasked with a boring but generally lightweight task - Instead, they look nigh-universally alert, enough that you feel suspicious eyes on you when you approach-

...Another warning sign.

There are some tables and chairs set up in the surrounding area, on an expanding carpet of green baize; Small knots of men - With a few women, each one looking as stern and proper as if tasked with handling the controls of a nuclear submarine - gather, speaking in low voice, looking uncomfortable.

Before you get within twenty meters of the trailer, one of them - Unassuming, except for his crisp suit - moves to intercept you. He's tall, with brown hair, and he can't help but look down at you a little - Not looking down *on* you, but it's close - as he raises a hand wardingly.

"-We're not done setting up yet," he says, with the rote monotone that sounds like he's done it a thousand times before. "The equipment's sensitive - Please, stay back."

(Continued)

>>36409228
Well, at least they are prepared.

>>36409228

An instant later, his expression goes distant - His hand coming up to the side of his head, touching the wireless clip-on earpiece as a burst of static comes through. His expression changes; Eyeing you thoughtfully, as he steps to the side with a slight nod of his head; the gathering tension relaxes, but you can still feel the pressure of their gazes...

The door's already opening, when you get close; Aoba straight-arms it outwards, his gaze settling on you - Frowning, his brow furrowing, before he shrugs. It's an oddly resigned gesture, as if to say "-It's not like things could get any worse." The metal steps clunk under his feet, as he descends to meet you: His breath swirling in the cold air, as he jerks his head in the direction of the bristling electronics.

You can almost feel the distortion in the air, even when all the equipment is at rest: The atmosphere is a little heavy, making your skin prickle - Charged, somehow...Perhaps deliberately?

"What is it?" he asks, bluntly but not rudely - He doesn't seem to have a lot of time for small talk, and the bags under his eyes (If anything) have grown worse. There's faint stubble on his chin; While he's impeccably dressed (As always) it looks like the long nights are beginning to tell on him.

He eyes you thoughtfully, for a moment: "-Is there something you need?"

[ ] "...What are you doing here?"
[ ] "What happened to the other group?"
[ ] "You're up to something, aren't you?"
[ ] "For 'secret agents', you're not actually very good at this, you know."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36409285
>[ ] "...What are you doing here?"

>>36409285
>[ ] "What happened to the other group?"
>[ ] "You're up to something, aren't you?"
"Thought about exchanging some information. It's going to be a hectic day, so I figured it'd be better if to know approximately how much mayhem the other side is going to try to either cause or prevent."
"A repeat of last time wouldn't be any good for either of us, after all."

>>36409285
>[ ] "For 'secret agents', you're not actually very good at this, you know."
"So, are you trying to prevent the end of the world, as well?"

I would be partial to offering them equipment.
They are on the right side, after all.

... Can we ask them to protect Mio?

>>36409432

Do you want Argent Prominence to cut her to pieces? If he knew who she was, he'll freak.

>>36408474
I'll take "What is a joke" for over 9000, anon.

>>36409345
>>36409377
>>36409387

> [X] "What happened to the other group?"

"-They've been replaced," Aoba says, in a tone that means dismissal. He doesn't sound happy about it, at any rate; There's - very distantly - a note of frustration to his words.

> [X] "You're up to something, aren't you?"
> [X] "For 'secret agents', you're not actually very good at this, you know."

For a moment, his eyes close - His lips moving soundlessly. You think, but you can't be sure, that he might be praying for strength.

"This is an...irregular situation," he admits, rather grudgingly. "-We've had to move on short notice. Things are...They are not ideal." He glances past you, at the odd-dozen men and women waiting outside; "...This area, too, is-" Aoba hesitates, searching for the words. "...The properties are..."

He rallies, magnificently. "-Still to be determined."

Close enough.

>>36409377
>>36409387

"What are you talking about?" From his tone, you can tell that he's unsure whether you're joking - Or whether you're serious. So they *don't* know anything about this...

"The end of the world?" Aoba echoes, looking away - He reaches up to adjust his tie, as if it's choking him. Then, his lips curve in a smile entirely without humor - "...Certainly, this might be the end of *someone's* world. If it can't be avoided, that is."

> [X] "...What are you doing here?"
> [X] "A repeat of last time wouldn't be any good for either of us, after all."

He stops. Considers you. There's a long moment of silence, his stare unyielding, not giving at inch.

But then - Just a little, like a flaw in a rock, Aoba relents.

"-It's Shuya," he says - Reluctantly, slowly.

"He's loose."

[ ] "...What?"
[ ] "-Well, *someone* wasn't doing their job."
[ ] "I thought he was in a coma."
[ ] "...Loose? What does 'loose' mean?"
[ ] "You can't be serious."
[ ] "What makes you think he's here?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36409534
>[ ] "I thought he was in a coma."

>>36409534
>[ ] "What makes you think he's here?"
"Normal players can't even enter the Red here."

>>36409613
Nope nope nope

That'd be a total fuckup.

>>36409681
Not like they can actually do anything about it.
Well, whatever.

>>36409718
They can use guns in the real.

>>36409762
On who?

>>36409785
Us, you nitwit.

Although...I think slipping into Red World would allow us to kill them all.

>>36409852
It won't, because they can't be challenged here.
That's the issue. We have the Red in this area, they don't.

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>>36409557

> [X] "I thought he was in a coma."

"He *was* in a coma." Aoba's grey eyes go distant, his words thoughtful. "-By all accounts, he was supposed to remain in one for the foreseeable future. Except-"

He exhales, slowly. He has the air of a man confronted by the impossible - He looks shaken, somehow, as if some fundamental law of the universe has been overturned.

"...The reports are - confused. Somehow, he broke free - We're still not sure how. There was significant damage to the confinement cell, and..."

Aoba breaks off, abruptly.

"-He assaulted the doctor when he made the rounds. We believe he had a weapon of some kind - the needle from his IV, or some kind of improvised blade - which he must have used to cut through his restraints...He must have."

His voice trails off, his expression troubled.

"...And somehow, he overpowered the orderlies that attempted to restrain him, and fled."

"Except...There were significant defenses in his way. How he managed to elude them - When and how he woke up - it's still a mystery." Then, grudgingly - "...There's a lot we don't know."

(Continued)

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>>36409603

> [X] "What makes you think he's here?"

Aoba gives you a quick, considering look - Then he makes a low sound, a sound of annoyance in the back of his throat.

"When Rook was confined, a tracker unit was implanted in his Frame's shell. Just in case - In extremis, it could be used to deliver a paralyzing shock; One that could incapacitate him, if the need called for it."

That admission is a grudging one.

"He...Somehow, it didn't seem to take effect. The tracker implant continued to function - Our last reading is somewhere in the vicinity, before we lost all contact."

> [X] "Normal players can't even enter the Red here."

"We're aware of that. It's a black zone, off the grid - We believe that Shuya knows it too."

Aoba turns aside, his eyes narrowing.

"He's *here*," he says, almost to himself. "-I know he is."

[ ] "If you find him...What will you do?"
[ ] "Do you think he's dangerous?"
[ ] "There's something else, isn't there?"
[ ] "...What do you think he's trying to do?"
[ ] "So that's why you're here? Because of *one man*?"
[ ] "How can I help?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36409976
>[ ] "If you find him...What will you do?"
>[ ] "Do you think he's dangerous?"
>[ ] "There's something else, isn't there?"
>[ ] "...What do you think he's trying to do?"
>[ ] "So that's why you're here? Because of *one man*?"

>>36409976
>[ ] "Do you think he's dangerous?"
>[ ] "...What do you think he's trying to do?"

>>36409976
>[ ] "If you find him...What will you do?"
>[ ] "There's something else, isn't there?"

>>36409993
>>36409995
>>36409996

> [X] "If you find him...What will you do?"

"Recapture him," Aoba says, sharply. "Whatever's happened to him...He can't be left to run amok."

> [X] "Do you think he's dangerous?"

A pause, as Aoba considers this - A brief hesitation, his brows drawing together. Then:

"To himself? Certainly."

> [X] "So that's why you're here? Because of *one man*?"

"That's classified." A flat stare, no variance to his words. Apparently he's not willing to relate that: But you can guess. Given that the trailer was here before...Sterling Industries might already have an interest in this place. At any rate - Aoba's not telling.

> [X] "...What do you think he's trying to do?"

"At present? We can't be sure. He might simply be seeking shelter, or he might be out for blood. His mind might be confused, disordered - Or some outside influence might be controlling his actions. It's a possibility we haven't ruled out."

(Continued)

>>36410181

Aoba ticks the points off on his fingers - "Whatever the reason - He has to be contained, quarantined. There are...discrepancies...in his syndrome that our understanding has yet to define. Something has happened to him - something was *done* to him - that we don't fully understand."

A sidelong glance. "-Or he might be trying to contact you."

> [X] "There's something else, isn't there?"

A pause - That same weighing, contemplative stare - before Aoba says, at last, very quietly:

"-I don't think he's lost to us."

A slow exhalation. "When he escaped - He broke an orderly's arm, and threatened the doctor with a weapon of some kind. But..." And he looks up, at you: "-He let them live. Despite the risk of discovery. Even though it would have been easier."

He looks away, for a moment. "A monster would have butchered those men. Whatever Rook's become - He's not a monster. Not yet."

There's more, but Aoba clearly isn't willing to divulge it - Just yet.

"If you see him-" he begins - "If you have any idea what he might be trying to accomplish - *Tell* us. The city is a powder keg: Shuya might be the spark. At this juncture - More than anything, we can't risk that."

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>36410195
"I will definitely try to talk to him if I can find him.

Also, be careful. Today the Smilers might try to pull something crazy. And it might happen here."

>>36410195
"I'll keep an eye out."
"You should be careful too, Aoba. Here and today, the Smilers are most likely to take action. And based on what I've learned, Nara Dreamland will seem like a joke in comparison."

>>36410336
>Nara Dreamland will seem like a joke in comparison.
Saying this feels a bit out of character given what happened, even if it might technically be accurate.

>>36410195
"If you believe that, do us both a favor and talk first shoot second when you see him."

"One good turn and all that. Kotpne Mikogami is the Black Joker."

"Aoba, does the word 'Convergence' mean anything to you? It's ten years to the day since the last. Tonight the Shroud cracks. The Smilers are already in position if you're willing to believe Enfer."

>>36410386

I don't think he'll believe us on that one. It also wouldn't mean anything to him.

>>36410386
How about we tell them whomth BJ is if they get Shuya back to us safe. Or just say we have to talk to them about the BJ after we find him.

>>36410383
Think of it as Joker self-affirming his understanding of the situation and realizing that if the last time temporarily left him as a maddened beast looking for revenge, then a failure this time may just fucking break him.

>>36410195
Forgot the obvious: "What Shuya wants hasn't changed: Revenge on the one who wronged him. He's looking for Alura Une."

>>36410407
He'll know Mikogami. And that Kotone is dead. Once you know Black Joker's identity a lot of pieces click into place. Plus it's an actual name instead of just saying "Black Joker's alive yo".

>>36410490
Tell him to look into the creation of Rust Kaiser and into the figure known as Imago. Include information about an unknown white armoured (not silver, white) player who has associated with both Imago and Rust Kaiser and the Black Joker.

This way, we can make them investigate snakecunt while thinking Milogami is back.

Also, tell him about the Diadems menagerie and the Simulation Nodies. Not what they're for, but its how Kraken controls Correctors.

>>36410284
>>36410336

His expression reveals nothing, but there's something in your voice - He nods, slowly, thoughtfully, and you can almost see the gears turning in his head. For now, Aoba says nothing more; But there's a grim set to his mouth, the hard lines of his face becoming more pronounced.

"Even here..." Aoba murmurs, low, almost to himself. He rakes his fingers through his hair, a sound - A low, heavy sigh - sawing from his throat. "-If it comes to that, we're ready for it. Not that our equipment is functioning as it should; But if the situation changes, we *will* respond."

>>36410386

"-That was my intention from the beginning," he says, stiffly - As if he's slightly offended by your words. But he brushes it off, a moment later:

> "Aoba, does the word 'Convergence' mean anything to you? It's ten years to the day since the last. Tonight the Shroud cracks. The Smilers are already in position if you're willing to believe Enfer."

He frowns, doubt shading his voice - "*Enfer* told you this? Can you confirm it?" It's not that he doesn't believe you; It's just that he doesn't feel that it's plausible. "Why would a Smiler - A known *terrorist* - tell that to you?"

A glance over his shoulder, over the Seisin High grounds.

"'Convergence'...It's not a term I'm familiar with. But - Until we recapture Shuya, we'll be in the area...Perhaps until the end of the day. He couldn't have chosen a better time to conceal himself; In the crowds, he could be anyone - Or anywhere."

Aoba stares out at the stream of people trailing in, as if he bears a personal grudge.

"At any rate - Until we can access the Red - our options are limited. All we can do is wait."

He lowers his voice:

"Anon - You should be aware: Nearly all our assets have been relocated to the Bastion. We might be the only squad still capable of moving freely. And even then, there's doubt that this deployment is feasible. Barring these...unique circumstances...we wouldn't even be here."

(Continued)

>>36410645
>"Why would a Smiler - A known *terrorist* - tell that to you?"
How the fuck would we explain that without offending the dude?
"Oh, we let the mass murdering terrorist get away because he seemed like a bro. He was also a good sport about us trying to kill each other very hard."

>>36410629
We actually have no idea how Kraken controls Correctors. The dude at the Diadem was probably White Joker too, since he had one of his bodies attack Akira.

>>36410680
Enfer's just converted to a new religion. Recent converts never shut up about their experiences.

>>36410645
Give him the real world idem ties of Enfer, Rust Kaiser and Megumi. Include Naoya in the list.

>>36410747

Have we confirmed those, or is it just speculation?

>>36410747
Identities

>>36410759
Megumi, Enfer and Rust are confirmed. Naoya is joining them because he's either Pazuzu or WJ

>>36410747
This would either go very well or very badly.

>>36410759
Confirmed except Naoya. He isn't a Smiler, at least.

>>36410747
I'd prefer not to.

>>36410790
Include him in the list anyway. If he isn't a Player, they'll be able to tell.

>>36410835
At this point in the game, it'll help save AP's men's lives and will fuck over Smilers. I would say we should have done this earlier but we didn't. Now, we can have AP's dudes kill them for us or else, at least be ready for them.

>>36410855
Dang OP, you couldn't include my brilliant plan?

>>36410747

(My apologies: I'll edit the post accordingly. If there's consensus on this course of action, however - I'd like to confirm the names and identities of those you're listing.)

>>36410928
We don't have any of their surnames.

>>36410928
Someone really needs to make a character list...

Um, does anyone know all the names off the cuff or do we search the archive?

>>36410956
Curse those orphans and their lack of surnames!

>>36410969
I'm guessing he'll just have to deal with first names only.

>>36410969
Enfer - Ren
Bell Zephyr - Megumi
Rust Kaiser - Kou

Like I said, we can't effectively ID them because we don't have their surnames.

>>36410992
Tell him they're all from Mikogami's orphanage and have worked in the Arcade?

Also, don't forget tagging Naoya as a Smiler. To save the world.

>>36411006
None of them worked at the arcade though.

>>36411041
It'll still make him check out the Arcade for more Smilers. At least tell him they're heavily associated with it.

>>36411053
There's nothing at the Arcade anymore. Planting the Void Anchor shut the whole place down, and the Smilers cleared out once the Amaglam died. Plus they've withdrawn from all the Red World that we can observe. There's nothing for anyone to find but wild geese.

>>36411123
I was thinking he could use the Arcade and the Orphanage to help him catch more Smilers in the real but okay.

> "What Shuya wants hasn't changed: Revenge on the one who wronged him. He's looking for Alura Une."

"-And he thinks he can find her here."

Uneasy, now, Aoba looks up - Frowning to himself.

>>36410629

"Imago-" he murmurs the word softly, thoughtfully. "-I've heard that name before. You say he *made* Rust Kaiser?"

Aoba's expression is distinctly concerned - A man beset with doubt, or one trying to find a way for it all to make sense. "A *White* Player..." There's a lot he's not saying - You can tell that much - but he's taking you a lot more seriously now.

He shakes his head, as if to banish the unwelcome thoughts.

"The fact remains - This is not an optimal situation." Then - "-Perhaps we were meant to be here," Aoba muses aloud, troubled. "As a way to divert us from our true task, or..." His uncertain words linger in the air, the sentence left unfinished.

A slow breath, his expression contemplative.

"What you're saying...It's a lot to take on faith."

>>36410992
>>36411006

"Interesting," Aoba says. He's listening - Intently - but his expression is closed, guarded again, despite your careful disclosure. You have to admit - You were hoping for rather more than that.

"-It's not that quite simple. Until we make the confirmation - There's little action we can take. More; This list of names...It assumes that you're completely correct. At this juncture - Pursuing them might be difficult. We have a wider mandate, but...overt action...is complicated, at the best of times."

"Still," Aoba goes on - His grey eyes narrow, ever-so-slightly. "-The Salvation Children's Home."

"It's a start. There is a...complex agenda at work here. The Smilers are notoriously hard to locate - Any possible lead might be worth pursuing. The last place we raided had signs of their passing...But it'd been stripped of anything useful. Quite diligently, in fact. If what you say is true - A more thorough investigation might be warranted."

(Continued)

>>36411194
At the very least give him the address Megumi left Anon. Something to keep him from pointlessly raiding an orphanage. Not that it really matter now, but Christ.

>>36411194
>If what you say is true - A more thorough investigation might be warranted.
It's probably worth mentioning that just because they are kids there doesn't mean they're Smiler sleeper agents waiting to be tapped. It's only a source of people because they have access through the Mikogami connection and orphaned kids are already in a rough place.

Same way you shouldn't take a bit of inside information about operations to point at Sterling Industries and say everyone's guaranteed to be Player, it'd be absurd of them to go in thinking the whole Home will be crawling with Smilers. Hell, most of the ones we're aware of are already out of the system.

>>36411235

(He's actually already raided that one - It's what he was talking about in the previous post.)

He raises a hand, warningly, as if to keep you from getting your hopes up.

"But - This comes first. Once we've located and recaptured Rook, we'll follow up."

Then, frowning:

"...All the same-" Aoba mutters, low - "The Smilers have been quiet, recently. Ever since your...unsanctioned raid - the number of sightings have decreased. It's almost as if..."

"...There's something in the air..."

You turn to follow his gaze - As he looks up at the grey sky, an overcast sky filled with grey cloud. Heavy, sullen - With the rotation that threatens a thunderstorm.

And then-

And then the world goes red.

Red.

(Continued)

>>36411278
I thought we gave him the place Joker burned the Amaglams out of after the raid?

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>>36411277

(Gentlemen: This point might require stating OOC - Armaros is aware, and he's not likely to take drastic and immediate action beyond his mandate (Like burning down the orphanage, for example.) By 'investigation', it's more likely that they'll begin by exploring the Red World analogue of the place, then prcoeeding accordingly.)

STAGE: ARCADIA

Around you, the magnificent open city expands outwards into infinity - Their sheer glass reflecting the light of the black moon, becoming part of the heavens.

There are very few stars, now. On all sides, the alien towers are clad in glass, or raised to be crowned with majestic finials or spires. Even the bruised sky has turned an odd, murky colour - A violet hue that suggests some kind of disease, trails of black cloud moving in the wind as the city glitters like a gem.

Overhead - the black moon, bisected by the perfect lotus of the Diadem. Close enough to touch, a cold, eerie un-light spreading across the tiles...Like a creeping malevolence, expanding the slow sweep of its shadow across the world. The crystal city was made to reflect light *and* darkness - the new aspect revealing stark, almost psychedelic symbols, defining precise, invisible axes; Revealing a peculiar, almost beautiful symmetry to the city layout, a design less like a city and more like a vast and complex mechanism.

(Continued)

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>>36411332

Here - only here - you glimpsed the scattered, lithely graceful forms of Seisin High's Players: The eerie light casting a surreal, fluctuating illumination.

Every last one of them is looking up.

The sky - The sky is a cold, dark red, the hue of dried blood. The moon dominates the heavens - A peerlessly black orb, surrounded by a crackling corona of writhing amber flame. The dark fire of the eclipsed sun haloes the black moon; Pulsing red, pulsing blue, as a howl builds in the voice of the wind...

Grey phantoms flicker against the uncertain ground, and a slender shadow touches your own.

"Joker-kun."

You hear Cybele's voice before you see her: Her silhouette limned with unlight. In a world of blurred shapes and uncertain angles, she is the only real thing - Realer than real. So real that she stands apart from the fabric of reality, the aching lines of her form a distant vision.

The wind plays around her, her long tresses fluttering, streaming in her wake; But there the illusion ends, her kimono's long, trailing sleeves untouched by the breeze.

And she says, simply:

"-It's time."

JOKER QUEST

EPISODE 112

TO BE CONTINUED

>>36411357
So we get time for a pre-combat planning session with Cybele.
This will be very useful.

>>36411305

(I'll have to check that to confirm it.)

>>36411357

(Gentlemen: My sincerest apologies, but I'm utterly and completely exhausted. I'd love to continue, but it's extremely late on my end - After accounting for time difference - and I'm afraid that I might not have been able to do as much justice to the last few posts as I initially intended to.

However, I'll do my best to run the next session in the days to come, before I begin work in earnest. The rate of sessions will likely have to slow down to once-per-week out of necessity, I'm afraid.

At any rate, good night and God bless. I hope to see you again soon: You've been a wonderful audience, and I wish I could dedicate more time to this.)

>>36411396
Thanks for running.

>>36411409
It's interesting how the Black and White Jokers both focus on creation while the Red Joker is all about destruction, isn't it?

>>36411443
Nah, White creates, Black changes, Red destroys.

>>36411443
Creator, preserver, destroyer. Except all three have been compromised.

>>36411493
>>36411476
Black creates Correctors and can create Player/Corrector Hybrids while White is able to subvert and control Correctors.

I could be wrong though.

>>36411629
Black seems to be more about mutation or undeath.

I wonder:
Wouldn't Frost Cestus be better suited at fighting against Bishamon?

Wait, I just realized. If Aoba said AP recalled all his forces, why is Natsumi still at the school?

>>36411764
Because she's a teenager?

>>36411629
Side effects. White Joker creates Players and Player analogues. Black Joker has the lachryma (and probably other tools) for extending and "improving" life. Red Joker has... a lot of guns. Hm. Anyway, he's supposed to be in charge of destruction.

White Joker is using Corrector parts to augment his own power, thus violating his supposed role. Black is actually sidelined and the lachryma is primarily being used to twist and strengthen life. Who knows if that's what it was meant to do all along. Red is flailing about without any clear idea about any of this but at least he's destroying things. Non-zero chance of him jumping out of the system entirely, by either reverting to normal Player form or becoming Daegal.

>>36411747
God no.

>>36411764
Because you can't keep school kids in an office building 24/7 without getting the cops called. Natsumi probably will spend more free time there than anywhere else.

OP if you're still around, did you ever check your email?

>>36411841
>Anyway, he's supposed to be in charge of destruction.
You don't get any more destructive than by having a black hole cannon.

>>36411841
>Red Joker has... a lot of guns.
And instant essence processing. Whatever that means, considering that the raid has shown that other people gain upgrades at the same pace as we do.

It's hilarious how Joker has at least three finalist pieces.
Red Joker armor, Daegal, Nihl and possibly a Chalice Queen.

>>36411858
Single target. Collateral limited. Prohibitively expensive/can only be used when plot allows.

Red Comet and Leukocyte are the closest he's come to fulfilling that role and we've yet to do anything with the latter.

>>36411902
The Cardinal's piece was the Crux and it may or may not be related to White Joker. The Spheres are apparently separate.

The Cardinal planned something with the Crux, spheres and Fatal Abyss. Interesting how the h4x equipment makes up some kind of set. I will die laughing if the Crux is like the Shield of Seals

>>36411841
>>36411902
Wait, what if Red Joker's power is the ability to interface with any piece of equipment?
That would allow him to activate the various doomsday devices in the Red (Fuck, we even get upgrades for activating manifold towers!), as well as expand his loadout to incredible heights.

By the way, remember our initial Cobalt Booster upgrade?
One of the upgrades was Vernier Thrusters. I'm pretty sure that the abruption jets function in similar ways.
What were the other upgrade options back then?

>>36411980
>Leukocyte
...That's not even Joker's power. That was the power of that one guy, transferred into something useful by the Hollow Sun.

Hell, was Ixion a finalist archetype? Because his power level was totally whack.
Actually, could Asuna be related to his powerset? They both had the seer thing going on, even if he had it due to his tachyon powers.

>>36411983
The Nihl Sphere does that. Joker has a connection to the towers, everything else is upgraded system access.

And I'm pretty sure it was a shield thing.

>>36412016
No and no to the questions. And Leukocyte isn't based on Ixion, the Hollow Sun needed a power source for a super project it couldn't complete on its own.

>>36412090
>And I'm pretty sure it was a shield thing.
"INTEGRATED DISPERSION FIELD"
Yeah, sounds like a shield.

Anyway, the Leukocyte is still not a unique Joker power. Same goes for the GARM.
Joker's power up until now haven't been all that spectacular. Though it seems like we have a higher tech level than other players.

What is the Shield of Seals?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernier_thruster

I now want the Abruption Jets to get an Aquila Vernier Thruster upgrade.
To gain accuracy and fire stability while in hover mode.

>>36412236
That's kinda my point. Joker didn't activate GARM, it's the Sphere that did and still does it. And the Hollow Sun planned and built Leukocyte without Joker's input. And yet those are the tools in Joker's arsenal that are most capable of laying waste.

The Shield of Seals is the literal Fire Emblem. Magic shield, slot in the magic gems and it gets plot powers.

>>36412297
Maybe one day we'll be able to finally invest into our base capabilities.
If we finally get all natural equipment, we might be able to figure out what's special about Joker.

Currently, we'd be totally crippled without all of our bling. Especially the Cobalt Booster, which could almost be considered an inherent ability by now.

>>36411980
>Single target. Collateral limited. Prohibitively expensive/can only be used when plot allows.
Red Joker's role is vague. He's either the personification of death, destruction or both. Considering that the first has been brought up more often the QSC is appropriate as despite its drawbacks, it is likely the one weapon that could kill absolutely anything in the Red.

>>36413006
The executor's strike...

It could remove any kind of corruption, as it even destroys the essence.