Fate of The World Session 22

You split off from your friends and head for the 4th floor. You're a bit scared to go alone, but the summons you have should be able to support you throughout this little adventure.

"You'll be fine Holly." Patchouli says curtly from your COMP, it never ceased to surprise you how she knew just what to say and when to say it. Though in Patchouli's own words you were 'sickeningly easy to read.' At first you were insulted, but...Patchouli was surprisingly nice despite that. Cheering you up when needed and even offering to turn anyone who wronged you into mud. Given her magical prowess, you weren't going to think she couldn't do it.

Taking the elevator you arrived at the fourth floor, but to your surprise, you see something you didn't expect. Those are...game companies?! It takes you a moment to process everything, but of course some of them would show up at a tech expo. While they weren't showcasing new games, they would showcase new up and coming tech that they'd use in games!

It takes you a moment to compose yourself

"Er...Holly are you well?" Aqua asks from your COMP

"I'm fine, it's just...t-think about all the cool things we can find here! I'm wondering what new tech we'll see for games in the future!"

"Oh I agree!" Maple calls out "I wanna see what games in this world are like! What about MMOS?"

"E-er...well...that is a bit..." You start "It's not so bad...just be on the lookout for people throwing slurs around. We can play some when we go home Maple. That'd be fun right?"

"Really? I can't wait!"

You chuckle lightly to yourself as you look around at several companies that you recognize talking up their products and you've got the pick of them all! You can't help but feel a bit bad that Hiro is missing out on it all.

>VR games
>New Consoles
>Add-Ons
>Preservation of past games

>Do it, it looks like fun!

"I'd love to try!" You exclaim with a wide smile, you were probably a bit more excited than usual, but you couldn't help it, especially when it came in regards to video games

"Great, now then...just follow me."

It turns out there's a general 'test area' out for people to try it out for themselves. The person in front is more for drawing people more than anything.

"Now then, we want you to experience everything hands on. So, with that being the case I'll leave you to your own devices to enjoy things. In about 30 minutes I'll come back and that'll be it okay? I hope you enjoy it. Oh right, let me help you get set up!"

You spend the next few minutes getting the VR headset onto you and some fancy gloves put on as well, all of it meant to let you  enjoy the game more and really feel like you're in the game. As things boot up you're met with a title screen with a simple question displayed.

>What would you like to play?

Interesting...there's options! That's a lot more than you expected. Especially for a demo. A tech demo at that.

You look at the list...

>Force and Sorcery
>The emptiness of space
>Sweet Loving Memories

>The emptiness of space

"The Emptiness of  Space...?" You mutter "A horror game? Sounds fun!"

You pick your choice and instantly you feel yourself...drop? You don't know how to explain but you fall...and land into what looks to be a space station.

"Wait...I...I'm actually *in* the game?!" You exclaim looking feeling yourself all over, you pinch your arm and feel a small jolt of pain.

Yeah...you're definitely in the game...but how?

"Th-this is good...P-Patchouli...?"

"Yes. I'm here..." Patchouli replies

"W-what's going on, we're in the game! Literally!"

"Hmmm..." Patchouli hums "I suspect we've been pulled into a pocket dimension. Troublesome, but I'm sure we can escape."

"B-but how?"

"Well, there's a source for this kind of thing. Always is, we just have to look."

"O-okay..."

The space station is thankfully well lit and on the wall you see a map. Time to find a way out...

>Engine Room
>Mess Hall
>The Bridge
>Security Room

>Engine Room

Okay, you decide for the Engine Room first. You aren't sure what you'll find, but maybe whatever is the cause of all this will make itself known. Walking along thanks to the directions of the map, you're a bit disturbed at just how...quiet everything is. The Space Station is clean, sleek, and shiny, but otherwise it was dead silent.

It's very off-putting actually.

As you continue you continue on you hear...something. There are definite footsteps, they sound a bit far away, but even so, you know that there's something else here with you. It's footsteps cause the ground to shake, even from this far away...

Doing your best to keep quiet, you head for the engine room, but so far find nothing too strange here, it looks to be running normally, nothing broken or destroyed, but the issue is the pounding of the footsteps...they're becoming louder and louder. Whatever it is that is on this space station with you is clearly hunting you down! You've played enough horror games, you know how this goes you have exactly two options available to yourself.

Hide...or fight.

Running isn't an option, this is a dead end, and the only way out is back the way you came. No doubt the monster would see you if you tried that tactic...

>Hide
>Confront it

>Confront it

You don't have a choice. You're cornered and the only way out is back the way you came. The footsteps get louder and louder until finally, the entire area is quaking from the steps taken. You brandish your bat at the creature as it comes into full view. It's a towering creature that lets out a small huff as it looks at you, two axes in hand.

"W-wow..." You mutter, it's definitely terrifying, but you don't have a choice, it's seen you and it looks to be ready to fight you until you're dead on the floor.

"C-C-Come on on then! I-I'm not scared!" You sputter out


>You are fighting the Judge Demon!

>Choose your summons etc

>Holly:Wonder Wall
>Aqua:Balloon(79)
>Eizen:Winter Winds(103)
>Patchouli:Silent Selene(49)
>Maple:Cover Up(Patchouli)

You get into the thick of things quickly, getting ready to shore up your allies defenses with what magic you know. As you do that, Aqua fires off a spell at the monster. A small balloon like object floats towards it before exploding and causing the monster to groan in pain.

"Take this!" Eizen roared getting in close and dealing two rapid punches towards the monster, causing it to groan again.

"Silent Selene!" Patchouli called out, attempting to follow up on Eizen's attack by hitting it with some of her magic, unfortunately, the monster sees it coming at the last second and dodges out of the way, causing Patchouli to growl in frustration.

"Stay behind me Patchouli." Maple says "I'll keep you safe!"

"Right, very well." Patchouli replies

The monster lets out a roar before swinging its axes at you twice. You're lucky though and its swings are too slow, allowing you to dodge out of the way with ease.

"G-gonna have to do better than that! You try to boast

Holly:HP:200/200 MP:92/97(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Aqua:HP:114/114 MP:116/116(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Eizen:HP:97/101 MP:75/75(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Patchouli:HP:73/73 MP:123/158(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))(Cover:3 turns)
Maple:HP:214/214 MP:57/64(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-2))

Judge Demon: 379/450

>Holly - Brutalize(85)
>Aqua - Balloon X2(110,107)
>Eizen - Winter Winds(101)
>Patch - Silent Selene(80-NAT 1 OVERRIDE)
>Maple - Iron Wall

You muster as much strength as you can and slam your bat into the monster, to your surprise, it actually works and hurts it!

"Balloon!" Aqua calls out firing more of those weird orbs at he monster as they explode on contact again. "Eizen, it's open!" Aqua calls to him.

"Got it!" he roars moving in and attacking with another two jabs of his fist "All on you now Patchouli!"

"Patchouli goes to cast her spell, but something goes wrong! It fizzle and pops, causing in explosion that hits not only her but Maple too!"

"W-what? How could I...?" Patchouli mutters

"Eeek!" Maple squeals "A-are you okay Patchouli"

"I'll be fine..." Patchouli coughs "What about you?"

"I'm fine! I can keep going!" she says slamming her shield down on the ground

>Maple's defense increased!

The monster lets out a sickening roar directed at Aqua causing her to freak out

"G-guh...th-that sound it's...it's horrifying!" She yells, the terror in her eyes overtaking her

>Aqua is inflicted with fear!

The monster attempts to attack Eizen, but he dodges the move easily


Holly:HP:190/200 MP:92/97(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Aqua:HP:114/114 MP:106/116(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))(Fear)
Eizen:HP:93/101 MP:75/75(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Patchouli:HP:41/73 MP:88/158(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))(Cover:3 turns)
Maple:HP:190/214 MP:57/64(DEF(-8))(Elemental Resist(-2))

Judge Demon: 229/450

>Holly - Brutalize(82)
>Eizen - Amrita Soda (Aqua)
>Patch - Silent Selene(97)
>Maple - Iron Wall

"E-Eizen, can you help Aqua?!" You shout as you hit the enemy with your bat again.

"Got it! Snap out of it Aqua!" Eizen shouts dousing her in the juices of the Amrita Soda, causing Aqua to snap out of the fear induced shock she'd been stuck in

"T-thanks..." She mutters

"Pay me back by helping us kill this thing." Eizen replies

"R-right..."

"This time for sure!" Patchouli shouts firing her spell at the enemy. And this time it goes through, hitting the enemy with a powerful hit.

"Hmph, as expected." Patchouli mutters

I'll keep you covered Patchouli!" Maple says slamming her shield on the ground again

>Maple's defense increased

You dodge out of the way of the initial axe strike of the monster, but what gets you by surprise is when he brings his second axe out in a wide sweep that hits nearly everyone save for Eizen and Aqua who both managed to dodge just in the nick of time. Patchouli winced as Maple endured the sickening blow, the monsters axe clanging against her shield even as she took some damage still.

"A-Are you okay Patchouli?"

"I'm...fine. What about you?"

"I can keep going. Don't worry!"


Holly:HP:152/200 MP:92/97(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Aqua:HP:114/114 MP:106/116(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Eizen:HP:93/101 MP:75/75(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Patchouli:HP:41/73 MP:53/158(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))(Cover:2 turns)
Maple:HP:134/214 MP:53/64(DEF(-12))(Elemental Resist(-2))

Judge Demon: 182/450

>Holly - Brutalize(30)
>Aqua - Sonic Blade, Cura(97)
>Eizen - Eleventh Hour(102)
>Patch - Silent Selene(110)
>Maple - Devour(110)

You bring your bat down on the enemy's side again, but this time it sort of just bounces off, not being strong enough to get through his hide. You dodge backwards, not wanting to get hit by the axe again.

Aqua moves at a blinding speed as she slashes the enemy at least 3 times before healing you and the rest of the party

Following behind her Eizen delivers a singular gut-busting punch to the enemy, causing it to visibly stagger from the attack

"Just like before. Die!" Patchouli calls out striking the monster with magic again, hitting it just as hard as before.

The last thing to happen...the thing that ends this fight...is Maple. She gets close to the enemy and...eats it. And not just one bite either. She tears into its side, tearing out a large chunk of it, causing the monster to roar in pain. She continues eating away, the monster's body shaking and twitching as it tries to throw her off. One of its axes goes flying across the room as Maple knocks it over and eats it alive. It's like watching a zombie movie as she tears away hunks of flesh, noisily chewing as you and everyone else look on in morbid curiosity. It isn't long before Maple finishes with a small burp.

"That was pretty tasty!" She giggles

>Maple learned axe tornado!

>You defeated the Judge Demon!
>Gained 380 EXP!
As you celebrate the victory with your friends, there's a sudden blaring from a computerized voice

"Danger! Engine failure detected! Please proceed to the escape pods or administer proper repairs..."

"What?! Engine failure?!" you shout looking back at the engines to see...the monster's axe. Embedded in one of the engines and causing it to leak steam and electricity

"Holy shit...we've gotta move. NOW!" Eizen said

"R-right, we gotta find that source! Let's go!" You say leaving the area with your allies in tow

>Mess Hall
>The Bridge
>Security Room

>Mess hall

You decide to make a beeline for the mess hall. Sure you have no idea how long it is until things go south, but you may find something useful there right?

...Wrong.

You find absolutely *nothing* of value in this mess hall. No food, it's all spoiled, no kind of item. Nothing. This place was nothing but a waste of a stop and now you're a bit more behind than expected.

"Darn..." You mutter

"Well, it was worth a shot I guess?" Maple says trying to cheer you up "Let's just keep going for now okay?"

"Yeah...I guess." You mutter as you turn to leave. Now where will you head to next...?

>The Bridge
>Security Room

Well, next stop is the bridge! There's bound to be something there that's useful. Much more so than what you've seen in the mess hall, which was all of nothing. You run as fast as you can towards the bridge, the maps guiding your way. The blaring of the alarm only gets louder and louder as you go and you can feel your heartbeat picking up the pace as the idea that you may actually die here dawns on you. As you enter the bridge you're greeted by a...robot?

"W-what are you?"

The robot says nothing as it stares at you

"Engaging Combat Mode."

Oh come on! you scream internally

"Holly." Patchouli calls to you "That's the source."

"The source?"

"The source of this dimension...that metal golem is oozing magic believe it or not. No doubt it's holding this space together and killing it will set us free."

"O-okay...I'll do my best."

>Speed Combat Unit appeared!

>Choose your team, etc

>Holly:Wonder Wall
>Aqua:Thundara, Blizzara(62,106)
>Eizen:Flash Step
>Patch:Sweet Drink
>Maple:Cover Up(Patchouli)

Trait: Activated:Immovable Library

"That Golem..." Patchouli starts "I'm sure it'll be weak to electrical attacks. Try focusing on that..."

"R-right!" You recall raising your party's defenses

"I'll handle the magic!" Aqua calls as she fires off a round of thunder and ice magic. The thunder magic unfortunately, misses it's target, but the robot is hit by the ice magic that managed to home in on and hit it.

Eizen, does a quick few hops from left to right. Feeling himself become faster!

>Eizen's AGI increased!

As the fight ensues, Patchouli casually drinks some of the sweet tea that Ryza made "This is truly delicious. I'll have to ask that alchemist to give me the recipe for when I return home."

"You just drink away Patchouli. I'll keep you covered, just like before!" Maple said stepping between her and the enemy.

"Increasing speed output." The robot drones

>The enemy's AGI increased!

"Initiating attack mode."

The robot's arms grow two blades as it dashes at you at a blinding speed, slashing you before you can react! As you're reeling from the attack, a small minigun appears on it shoulder and it begins opening fire! You manage to dodge though, not suffering any damage at all.


Holly:HP:126/200 MP:87/97(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Aqua:HP:114/114 MP:78/116(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))
Eizen:HP:91/101 MP:70/75(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))(AGI(+2))
Patchouli:HP:41/73 MP:41/158(DEF(-2))(Elemental Resist(-2))(Cover:2 turns)
Maple:HP:176/234 MP:54/72(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-2))

>Speed Combat Unit:457/500(+2)

>Holly:Wonder Wall
>Aqua:Thundarax2(71,78)
>Eizen:Choke Slam(109)
>Patch:Raijin's Drum(74)
>Maple:Devour(111)

You continue raising your team's defenses, while Aqua attempts to hit the enemy with more thunder magic. Unfortunately, it's only gotten faster now and dodges her first attack just like before. And just like before the second one lands true, striking it and causing it to stop for a moment.

And that moment is long enough for Eizen to literally *jump up in the air, grip the thing by the neck and then slam it down to the ground. Leaving it stuck trying to figure out what just happened.

>Enemy stunned!

>Thanks to this opening, Patchouli is able to strike the robot with her magic without a chance of missing!

"Raijin's Drum!" Patchouli shouts as a cascade of lightning hits the robot

And just as that finishes, Maple comes and takes a large bite out of the robot...even as it still suffers from the electrical attack, completely unfazed.

Holly:HP:126/200 MP:82/97(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Aqua:HP:114/114 MP:70/116(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Eizen:HP:83/101 MP:70/75(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))(AGI(+2))
Patchouli:HP:41/73 MP:21/158(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))(Cover:2 turns)
Maple:HP:171/234 MP:54/72(DEF(-6))(Elemental Resist(-4))

>Speed Combat Unit:294/500(+2)(Stunned)

>Holly:Brutalize(107)
>Aqua:Thundarax2(101,74)
>Eizen:Eleventh Hour(83-NAT 1 OVERRIDE)
>Patch:Raijin's Drum(53)
>Maple:Devour(100)

Following up on the opening Eizen left you, you take your bat and slam it down as hard as you possibly can on the robot, trying to bludgeon it as much as possible.

Meanwhile Aqua continues pelting the robot with lightning. Then things take a turn for the worse. Just as Eizen is going for another hit on the robot, it springs up, clutching him the same way he did when delivering his choke slam, causing Eizen to stop in his tracks, before slamming him down with just as much force as he'd done to it previously!

>Eizen rolled a Nat 1! He cannot act during the next round!

To make matters worse, the robot dodges Patchouli attack and manages to shrug off the damage from Maple's bite.

"Increasing Speed."

>Enemy's AGI increased!

Once again the enemy tries to open fire at you, with you dodging out of the way just in time.

Holly:HP:116/200 MP:82/97(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Aqua:HP:114/114 MP:70/116(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Eizen:HP:34/101 MP:70/75(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))(AGI(+2))
Patchouli:HP:41/73 MP:1/158(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))(Cover:2 turns)
Maple:HP:166/234 MP:54/72(DEF(-6))(Elemental Resist(-4))

>Speed Combat Unit:130/500(AGI(+6))

>Holly:Swap Patchy for Aurora
>Aqua:Thundara,Cura(80)
>Maple:Devour(83)

"Holly...my magic...it's spent!" Patchouli wheezes

"O-okay! You take it easy! I'll call Aurora!" You respond, recalling Patchouli and bringing in the small child to replace her.

"Take this!" Aqua calls firing off some lighting at the robot...only to just barely miss before casting some healing magic. "Dammit, it's gotten even faster!" Aqua growls

"I-I'll try getting it! Maple calls as she just barely manages to catch it in her teeth again and taking a bite out of it.

"Commencing assault."

In retailiation the robot opens fire on Maple, hitting her pretty hard with its bullets, though she manages to remain firm. It whips around and then takes a shot at Aqua, hitting her too, before finally aiming at the stunned Eizen, hitting him as well!

Holly:HP:151/200 MP:82/97(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Aqua:HP:89/114 MP:70/116(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Aurora:HP:135/135 MP:82/82
Eizen:HP:31/101 MP:70/75(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))(AGI(+2))
Maple:HP:140/234 MP:54/72(DEF(-6))(Elemental Resist(-4))

>Speed Combat Unit:99/500(AGI(+6))

>Holly:Brutalize(67)
>Aqua:Thundara,Cura(87)
>Aurora:Elevate Damage,Burst Blade(101)
>Eizen:Winter Winds(73)
>Maple:Cover(Eizen)

You try to hit the robot, but it's just way too fast. Zipping out of the way and causing you to stumble forward. Meanwhile, Aqua manages to get more healing out while hitting the robot with some more magic.

Aurora raises her attack power before swinging her blade at the robot and managing to catch it off guard to land a sickening blow on it.

"Now it's my turn!" Eizen growls attempting to attack the robot, but missing, causing him to curse himself for missing.

"Careful Eizen you're hurt. I'll keep  you safe!" Maple said getting in between him and the enemy

The robot targets Aqua hitting her with one of its retractable blades, before following up with unloading its guns on her!

"Ngh~!" Aqua cries as she tries to deal with the pain, those attacks together really did a bad number on her.

"One minute until complete engine failure..." The voice echoes

"W-w-we gotta finish this and fast!" you shout



Holly:HP:177/200 MP:82/97(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Aqua:HP:42/114 MP:50/116(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))
Aurora:HP:135/135 MP:79/82(ATK(+2))
Eizen:HP:63/101 MP:66/75(DEF(-4))(Elemental Resist(-4))(AGI(+2))(cover:3 turns)
Maple:HP:176/234 MP:47/72(DEF(-6))(Elemental Resist(-4))

>Speed Combat Unit:28/500(AGI(+6))

>Holly:Brutalize(98)
>Aqua:Thundarax2(102,107)
>Aurora:Burst Bladex2(98,68)
>Eizen:Winter Winds(88)
>Maple:Attack(27)

You frantically hit the robot with your bat. Hitting the thing over the head and as it falls you continually bash it as hard as you can, hoping to finish it off. The robot tries to say something but you aren't sure what as you just keep bashing the thing.

"Die.Die.DIE!" You exclaim smashing it still.

So busy are you, you don't realize that you're perception has warped and...you're back? At least, you realize that you have the VR goggles on again and the screen is reading 'Game Over'

"A-am I back...?" You mutter looking around

Before you can say anything, the person who had led you to the back returns "Ma'am, are you okay? Your time is up."

"Oh...y-yeah I'm fine...thank you."

"Alright then, I hope you enjoyed it, and please do spread the word!"

"S-sure..." you reply quickly removing the VR goggles and gloves and quickly exit the area...you don't want to be around there anymore. At least not right now.

>You defeated the Speed Combat Unit!
>Gained 395 EXP!
>Gained 1 AGI Incense!
>Gained $450!

Next you head to...

>New Consoles
>Add-Ons
>Preservation of past games

>New Consoles

Well, with that ordeal over, you decide to head for an area that's all about new consoles being released. Well...you are wondering about the PS5, you've been hearing rumors about that one, and the latest Xbox Console has had you curious as well. You doubt you'll see much, but maybe enough to quench your thirst as an enthusiastic gamer.

When you arrive, the person at the front of the Sony booth (as noted by the large sign hanging up and saying so) is going over some of the features of their rumored new console. The usual stuff, stronger power, better running of games at a stable 60 FPS, really, it's the same kind of stuff that's said each time a new console is closer to release. While you're mildly interested, without an idea of what the thing even looks like, you admit that your interest is quickly waning. As much as you like new game releases, you could never care all THAT much about the specs. You were more concerned with what kind of games they'd put out for the console.

>Hang around some more
>leave(Choose where to go)

>Hang around

Despite your waning interest you hang around still. The person continues explaining what all little specs the new console will have, when asked if there were any chance to get a look at the console's design or a controller or anything, that wasn't allowed. There was going to be a online 'state of play' announcement for that. And honestly, despite the fact that that could be written off as an announcement of an announcement you couldn't help but feel just a little excitement.

You're about to leave, however you see...someone leave from the booth. Not a big issue, by itself, but the way they're moving...it makes it seem like they don't want to be seen. You aren't sure who or what this person is, especially given your foray into the VR space, but you could probably follow them and see what's up. You'll have to be careful though, you don't want to be found out on your little stalking escapade.

They're getting further away, and if you don't make a decision, then this person will be lost in the crowd and thus lost to you.

>Follow them
>Leave them alone

>Follow them

Yeah, you're gonna follow them! You make your way through the crowd and do your best to keep up with the person moving towards what looks to be an area for the staff. You're a bit intimidated at first, but you've played Metal Gear Solid! You can sneak in here easy! You just have to channel your inner solid snake! Yeah, that's all! You continue following them and just as they duck into the back area, you quickly slide through the door, not allowing your hair or anything to be caught.

You're a lot better at this than you thought. Looking around, you see the person turn a corner. You quickly follow after them, keeping up as they turn several more corners before finally going out into what appears to be an outside area exclusive to the work staff. You hang by the door, doing your best to not attract attention and hear anything they're saying and keeping an eye on them for anything weird that may happen.

"God, finally I can get out of that place." you hear the person you were following say "Now I can finally drop this stupid disguise if only for a little bit."

The person...they sort of just...shed their skin? It's weird to say, but the apparent disguise they had been wearing just falls off, Not just their clothing, but their entire body too and what do you see when the spectacle is all done and over with? Something that causes your body to freeze up stock still and you feel your entire being become cold. You feel rooted to the spot as you see a face you'd never thought of seeing ever again for as long as you lived.

"D-D-Damien...?" You mutter in terror

>Leave. You need to leave. You need to leave now
>Confront him
>Continue listening

>Leave. You need to leave. You need to leave now

You don't even think before your legs carry you away from where you are. You don't know how fast or how far you ran, you don't know if Damien heard you or not, all you know is that you need to get out of here. You need to get away from him.

"Holly, Holly calm down!" Aqua calls to you from your COMP. Breathe Holly...breathe."

You do as she says, taking a moment to get your nerves under control and gauge where you are. You've ended up in the bathroom, why here? You have no idea. Maybe Damien would respect the rules of don't enter the ladies room?

...You honestly doubt it

You continue trying to get your nerves under control. It's...not really working to be honest. You need your friends. Hiro, Renee, even Alphonse though you barely know him could be a nice presence. Or just...go somewhere he wouldn't. Damien didn't really care for video games too much. Called it 'kiddie shit' most of the time, so why he's here you don't know.

You...You really need to relax. You can feel your body shaking uncontrollably...

>You need to leave. You've gotta find Hiro or Renee
>Go to Add-Ons
>Go to Preservation of Past games

>Add-ons

Without a second thought, you feel your legs carry you out of the bathroom and towards one of the areas you've not been to yet. You end up finding yourself at the 'add-ons' booth. Basically, this is for all the things you'd see that help to enhance your gaming experience. Different controllers, light guns, dance pads. There's tons of things here old and new you could find. As you look around, you see some price tags on things and this seems to be acting as more of a shop rather than a booth for explaining the tech behind things. It's interesting and some of the stuff here *does* tickle your fancy.

"Hey there Miss, anything I can help you with?"

"O-oh um..."

"We got some real collectors items here today you know, and discounted at that!"

"R-really...?"

"Yeah, boss thought it'd be good for business. If it were me, I'd hold onto these babies and never let go, but well, he's got family to look out for and I can respect him for wanting some extra cash for his kid's future."

"O-oh...w-well what do you have?"

"Haha, take a look!"

>Super Scope($1200)
>Power Glove($800)
>Antique PS1 Controller($500)
>Gameboy Color Link Cable($300)
>DDR Dance Pad($1000)
>E-reader Cards($200)

All of this is interesting...and while it doesn't seem like much, maybe if you gave them to Ryza she could do something with them...?

>Chose what you wanna buy. Of course, you can opt to not buy anything.

>Super Scope
>Power Glove

You decide to buy the Super Scope and Power Glove. These are the two things that seem the most obvious for Ryza to use in making weapons and armor for you. This should be pretty good. You thank the person behind the counter and walk away with a bag of your purchases. A part of you wants to keep these for yourself. It really is hard to find these kinds of things these days, especially with how prices have inflated over time.

As you walk your mind wanders back to Damien. As much as you want to believe that what you saw was some sort of nightmare, it doesn't change the fact that you saw him...alive. Though you wonder just *how* that happened. You saw him die...

You shake your head, you need to forget about him. It's not important right now...though him being disguised as one of the workers is cause for concern...

There's only one real stop left. After that you should try and regroup with the others.

>Go to Preservation of Past Games
>Regroup with the others.

>Past Games

Well, it never hurts to cover all your bases right? You head on over to the final stop "The Preservation of Past Games" booth. What this one is about is the tech going into keeping all those old classics alive and available for people of the future to enjoy. This is especially noted with many Japanese games as they just flat out didn't do that kind of thing for a long time and these days it's biting them in the ass pretty hard. Or so the woman talking says.

You look around for a moment and marvel at the booth. Dozens upon dozens of games lined up in a row, all of them perfectly preserved and looking as if it's the day that they first released. You can't help but look at them all and take note of what games you know of and have played in your past and it brings a warm, nostalgic feeling.

>Being surrounded by things that remind you of the few fun moments of your past calms you down considerably. You feel refreshed!

You continue hanging around for a bit, just enjoying the atmosphere of the place, all of the games making you feel safe and at home. There's some really obscure games like Chiki Chiki Boys sitting around too and that's a game you barely remember. You think you had to have been at least 4 years old when you played it last.

Alas...all good things must come to an end. And so with a heavy heart, you leave. But as you do you look up and see something you didn't expect. Several people are staring as well. Right there on the ceiling is...

"W-what is this...?" You murmur staring in disbelief.

You need to find the others...and you need to find them now.