Fate of the World Session 20

The day had finally come for the tech expo and though you and Renee were getting ready, the air between the two of you had changed a bit. It started back when you all had decided to get drunk. You don't really remember what happened, all you remember is that somehow Renee ended up in your bed with barely any clothing and at some point Holly had joined in.

Thankfully(?) You still had your pants on and you all quickly got dressed. But ever since then in the intervening days, things have been kind of awkward around the three of you. For the sake of things, you shook it off and continued going about your business, even so there's still been that awkward air among you. Right now, the two of you were having some breakfast before heading out.

"So...remind me again why this expo wants models?" You ask Renee

"Sex sells. Simple enough reason really."

Her answer was short and a lot less...well Renee than usual.

"Yeah, guess that makes sense. Nervous?"

"Hell no, I've prepared for this! I won't let this chance slip away!" she said with a look of determination on her face

Now that was a more Renee response. You both continued getting ready, Holly had said she'd meet you at your car to head over there with you, while Alphonse was already there, being directly involved with it and all.

Renee finishes her small bit of food as you down some coffee.

"So, are we gonna head out now Hiro?" Renee asked

>Let's go
>Go to the Velvet Room
>Other/Write-in

>Give her a hug for good luck
>Okay let's go

"Well, there is one thing." You say getting to your feet

"Huh, what is it?"

You don't say anything and wrap her up in a quick hug, causing her to squeak involuentarily in response.

"Oh...t-thank you. Now, let's get going."

"Right."

The two of you head down to the parking garage and sure enough, Holly is already there and waiting, waves to the two of you.

"H-hello. Are we heading out?"

"Yeah, let's get going." You say as you all file into the car and you drive off. Getting to the convention center isn't too hard, it's in the middle of downtown and with you all being up so early traffic isn't a problem. As you step inside, you take a look at the convention center's main floor.

Not bad." you say with a whistle

"Yeah, talk about fancy looking." Renee added on

"Good, you're here." you look to see the source of the voice coming from Alphonse, a serious look on his face

"Oh you're that Alphonse guy, good to meet you." Holly said with a wave

"Pleasantries can wait. We're on the job right now." Alphonse said

"O-oh...um, sorry."

"Anyway, I've got reason to believe that things aren't as safe as they seem. My father...he's been talking about some new partner of his, I couldn't find much info, nothing more outside of the fact that he just turned up at my father's office one day and showed off some new products. Some of his work will be here today, but be careful we don't know what will happen. With that being the case, I suggest we all split up and roam one of the floors. There's 4 of them. A perfect split."

"Well, I can take the first floor. The booth I'm supposed to be working is there." Renee said

"Good. That just leaves the the other three."

What floor to take...

>2nd Floor
>3rd Floor
>4th Floor

>3rd Floor

"Okay, I'll take the third floor then." You say with a nod

"I-I guess I'll take the 4th then?" Holly said

"Okay, then I'm taking the 2nd floor." Alphonse said "Stay alert. And don't screw up." Alphonse said before turning and walking away

"Well, he's fun to talk to..." Renee muttered

"Yeah, but regardless of his attitude, he's on our side and we need all the help we can get." You say

"S-so, I guess this is it then, we're splitting up for now?" Holly said

"Yeah, looks that way. Stay safe out there."

"Right. I'll be okay." Holly muttered as she began to head off to the elevator

"Guess I'll get going too, I've got to get changed after all. I'll see you later Hiro."

"Alright, I'll catch you later."

You part ways with Renee and are left alone for now.

Who will you take control of first?

>Hiro
>Holly
>Renee
>Alphonse

>Alphonse

You arrive on the second floor, keeping a wary eye for anything out of the ordinary. You're really not too keen on working with those other three, but if what Igor told you is true, the world is on its way to suffering a huge disaster that it can't recover from and you're more than willing to put aside any personal feelings you have on the matter. You don't know what is going on exactly, at least in regards to this whole expo. All this new tech dropping out of nowhere? That's suspicious.

"I've got to be on guard." You mutter, as you walk around and look at some of the booths and the people beginning to flood in. Nearly all of them were wearing business suits of some kind or even talking on their cellphones. Not a surprise really, this wasn't meant to be a 'fun' sort of expo. This was all business and anything but. Even the models they'd gotten for this thing were really only here to help boost their company's standing and hopefully get some deals later down the line.

You continue on, staying on the lookout. The general floor doesn't look to be too strange, so perhaps it has to do with the booths themselves? You could try checking some of those out. There's at least a dozen strewn about on this floor, so you may end up running into a few duds here and there. You see a few lining the current area in your in, and decide to choose one for now.

>VR massages
>New Music Accessories
>Business Electronics
>Items for Healthcare

>Items for Healthcare

You decide to check out the items for healthcare. Upon going to the booth, you see that there are numerous types of new medicines lined up as well as some machines that would be used in hospitals. As you check it all out, you're approached by one of the models who had been hired.

"Hello sir, are you interested in what we have lined up~?" She spoke in a teasing tone, one that doesn't really have an effect on you, but you humor her

"I'm quite interested, what do these do?"

"Ah well this one is meant to help invigorate a person, by giving them a boost of energy. Perfect for when one is working out or needs to get through the day."

"You mean like five-hour energy?"

"Yes, but this time it actually works."

You can't stop yourself from suppressing a chuckle at that. You'd used that crap before and nothing good came from it."

"What about the machines?"

"Ah, those are for the hospitals. The idea being that it's meant to help lull people to sleep for operations more efficiently, another is meant to help monitor and stabilize heart rates. Would you like to try it? We are offering free demonstrations."

"Hmmmm."

>Do it
>No thanks

>Do it

You shrug "Okay, why not."

You head into the booth and sit down on a chair. The interior is made to look like an actual doctor's office, probably to help people feel more comfortable while going through with the demonstration.

"Alright, here we go." The model says strapping your arm in. "It works similar to the ones currently used, but this one is fully automatic. Now then, it'll only take a few minutes before it's done, once finished, just head out of the back there and come around the front okay?"

"Sure."

You sit idly as the machine begins to calculate your heart rate, but as you do, you feel it constricting your arm more and more tightly. Far too tightly in fact.

"Ngh, what the hell...?" You grunt as you begin to furiously pull it off. You just barely do so, and before your eyes, the space around you begins to warp.

"Don't tell me..." you mutter

The machine slowly warps as well, and where there was once a mundane machine now stands some sort of robot.

It's look is basic, but you can tell that the blade it has can easily cut you up if you aren't careful. Not helping things is that 2 more of the machines transform as well. You look to the entrance and the exit...but they're gone. You're trapped in here with these things. Great.

"Subject has shown resistance. Moving to forcibly subdue and harvest."

Like hell! you take out your own weapon, a Katana you'd picked up from Hanekoma and prepare yourself

"Get ready to die." you say coldly

>Alphonse: HP:115/115 MP:103/103
>Sadius:HP:100/100 MP:80/80
>Oswald:HP:150/150 MP:100/100
>Jade:HP:90/90 MP:140/140
>Jane:HP:205/205 MP:120/120

>Alphonse - Target, Gun Attack(102)
>Sadius - High Voltage, Heel Stomp(99)
>Oswald - Shadow Claw(91)
>Jade - Barrier
>Jane - Mark of Death

You take out your gun and aim it at The first Robot and then fire at it with your revolver, you hit it dead on, the attack hitting it right between the eyes. Unfortunately, the thing is still sturdy enough to get back up.

"Hora Hora...how fun this will be~" Sadius grins as she channels lightning into her body. She quickly moves in towards one of the robots, tripping it before stomping on it and driving her heel into the robots body, electricity traveling throughout its entire body.

Not wasting anytime Oswald slashes at the third robot with his claw, a frightening shadow enveloping the area and hitting the enemy.

"Barrier!" Jade says casually as a small diamond like barrier engulfs all of you.

"..."

Jane says nothing as her coffin opens and sends a dark miasma engulfing all the enemies before retreating back. You...aren't entirely sure what it is she did.

"Moving to Apprehend target."

All 3 robots attempt to hit you, but you dodge out of the way of their attacks with ease, it's almost child's play in how poor their swings are and how easily you can see them coming.



>Alphonse: HP:115/115 MP:95/103(DEF(-2))
>Sadius:HP:100/100 MP:77/80(DEF(-2))(ATK+2) High Voltage:3 turns)
>Oswald:HP:150/150 MP:90/100(DEF(-2))
>Jade:HP:90/90 MP:135/140(DEF(-2))
>Jane:HP:205/205 MP:110/120(DEF(-2))

>Sword Bot A: 152/180(DRK RESIST(-3))
>Sword Bot B: 146/180(DRK RESIST(-3))
>Sword Bot C: 155/180(DRK RESIST(-3))

>Alphonse - Target (Bot B), Gun Attack (Bot B)(101)
>Sadius - Whip Crack X2 (Bot B)(89,92)
>Oswald - Shadow Claw (Bot B)(94)
>Jade - Barrier
>Jane - Mark of Death

You once again take aim at one of the robots, and aim your revolver at it. You get another devastating shot off before dodging a swipe from one of their attacks.

"All mine~" Sadius laughs as she hits the second robot with her whip, the electricity causing it more pain than usual. All the while, Sadius smiles even wider.

"This is fun, I like it~"

"Hmph." Oswald grunts as he attacks the same robot with his shadow claw again, the robot you've all been focusing on is just barely staying up, it's body twitching every now and then suddenly.

Jade Once again casts Barrier on you all, hardening the shield, while Jane does the same as before, hitting the robots with...Something.

Continuing their assaults undeterred the first robot makes an attack on Sadius! and it hurts too, as she yells in pain from the attack, staggering backwards.

The second one aims for you, managing to get a solid hit in as well, you brush the pain off, doing your best to ignore it as the third robot attempts to hit Jade, but misses, causing the man to smile lightly



>Alphonse: HP:99/115 MP:87/103(DEF(-4))
>Sadius:HP:25/100 MP:77/80(DEF(-4)(ATK +4)(High Voltage:2 turns)
>Oswald:HP:150/150 MP:80/100(DEF(-4))
>Jade:HP:90/90 MP:130/140(DEF(-4))(Smug:1)
>Jane:HP:205/205 MP:100/120(DEF(-4))

>Sword Bot A: 152/180(DRK RESIST(-6))
>Sword Bot B: 25/180(DRK RESIST(-6))
>Sword Bot C: 155/180(DRK RESIST(-6))

>Alphonse - Target (Bot A), Rain of Blades(107)
>Sadius - Electric Fence X2 (Bot A)(95,70)
>Oswald - Vile Rush(94)
>Jade - Lightning(83-NAT 1 OVVERRIDE)
>Jane - Life Transfer (Sadius)

With the second bot nearly you down, you decide to focus on the first one. One technique you picked up was being able to call down a rain of blades on the enemy. It involves some magic(You still have some trouble truly accepting that it exists) but for the most part, it just involves you slashing all your enemies really fast. Which you do. This time all 3 of them suffer from the attack as you hack and slash at all of them. One of the robots is  completely destroyed from the attack.

Sadius follows up, firing off a sort of net...that is electrified and covers both of the robots, slowing the first down a bit, while the second one managed to dodge.

>Enemy's AGI decreased!

Oswald followed suit behind you, hitting the other two robots as quickly as hard as he could, damn near shredding the things with his power.

Jade follows up by striking one of the third robot with lightning...but instead of getting hurt like usual, it seems to have powered up!

"All systems operating at 120%. Moving to subdue."

>The enemy' attack increased!

"How irritating..." Jade groans

Seeing that Sadius is in trouble, Jane sends a small light towards her, all while staying eerily silent.

The robots retaliate again, and while the first one misses, the second manages to hit Jade easily, the power boost it got, helping it hurt him even more than usual.



>Alphonse: HP:79/115 MP:87/103(DEF(-4))
>Sadius:HP:53/100 MP:67/80(DEF(-4)(ATK +6)(High Voltage:1 turn)
>Oswald:HP:130/150 MP:80/100(DEF(-4))
>Jade:HP:60/90 MP:135/140(DEF(-4))
>Jane:HP:177/205 MP:110/120(DEF(-4))

>Sword Bot A: 59/180(DRK RESIST(-6)(AGI -2)
>Sword Bot C: 76/180(DRK RESIST(-6)(ATK UP:+8)

>Alphonse - Target (Bot C), Wind Blast(108)
>Sadius - Attack X2 (Bot C)(53,99)
>Oswald - Shadow Claw (Bot C)(89)
>Jade - Lightning(85)
>Jane - Attack (Bot C)(97)

Channeling the magic within your blade, you send out a blast of wind that sends both robots swirling around in a small tornado, when they fall back on the ground, Sadius attacks the third one, with her whip again

The robots attempt to move, but the combination of Oswald and Jade's attacks End them both before they can really act. causing them to be nothing more than destroyed husks on the ground as they billow smoke and sparks.

"Worthless." Oswald mutters

"Agreed on that front." You say calmly "Still, this means that the enemy is in fact here."

"Troubled perhaps?" Jade said with a grin

"Not at all, if it's something like this, it's nothing to worry about."

Your summons return to you and the space dissipates, with a few of the machines now broken. Interesting.

>Defeated Sword bots!
>Gained 150 EXP
>Gained $200

As the world is back to normal, the model returns to you

"Sir are you done and-Oh my!" she exclaims looking at the multiple broken machines "W-what happened?!"

"I don't know. This thing sort of malfunctioned and I got it off my arm, it hit the others and they sort of spazzed out as well. I think the ones that didn't are fine though."

"I see...well, they are still in the works. Thank you for letting me know."

"No problem." you quickly exit the tent, not wanting to hang around any longer than needed. Well, there was one something off there, but there are still some other places to check. Where to now?

>VR massages
>New Music Accessories
>Business Electronics

>Business Electronics

Business electronics seems like a good next stop. As someone who plans on taking over the family business one day, you actually do have sort of a genuine interest in what could be used in the future to help you in the business world. When you get the booth, it's showcasing tons of different computers and programs meant to help increase productivity and efficiency within the work place.

It's interesting, but ultimately dull, the computers are definitely top of the line, so you may want to pick one up for yourself when all this is over with.

"I hope you found things enjoyable sir." The model working here says

"I did. This was quite informative, thank you. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this in the future."

"Oh? Sure you aren't looking at something...else?" She coos at you sweetly

You...have no idea what she means.

"Um...no?" You say genuinely confused

"Really? Nothing?"

>There's nothing else here but you
>Can't say so
>Ma'am are you attempting to flirt me?
>Leave

>Can't say so

"Can't say so." You reply with a shrug

"W-what? I...I see..."

The woman seems a bit shocked at your words almost sad even, but you don't fully understand why. With a shrug, you turn to leave the area, there was nothing there of note, so you doubt that anyone will be  in danger as they listen to her talk.

"Once again, thank you for the explanation. I enjoyed it." You said before turning and walking away

"Now...where to next..." You mutter

>VR massages
>New Music Accessories

>New Music Accessories

Music Accessories, that's your next stop. You actually do enjoy some music, though it'd be hard for anyone to say that they don't in some compacity.

You head over to this booth and this time you're given explanation on an assortment of new things coming out. New and Improved Wireless Headphones, Boom mics, as well as special cameras meant to be used for music videos specifically.

"Well sir, would you like to try these headphones? They're meant to be top of the line in noise-cancelling and really immersing you in the music. We've prepared several musical samples for you to enjoy. We hope at least one of them meets your taste."

Well...will you take her up on it?

>Listen
>Don't

Also what type of music?

>Classical
>Heavy Metal
>Rock
>Rap
>Other/Write-in

>Listen(J-pop)

You decide to listen to some J-pop. You'd never admit it openly, but you find Japanese music to be quite entrancing. Some cursory searches through the internet have helped you find some good songs, however, several times you were called a 'weeb'. You weren't sure what that meant, but you're sure it was an insult.

Listening to the music, you have to admit that these work quite well. You can almost feel yourself drifting away through the music, however the music begins to weirdly drone on, becoming more and more out of tune. You feel yourself being pulled along now, even more than before. It's almost like your soul is leaving your body.

"Kehehehe, another soul for my master..." The voice mutters

You feel a pang of danger course throughout your body. You need to get up! But the song is so great! You just want to keep listening to it for as long as you can. Truly it's an amazing piece of music!

"Just a bit more and you will be mine..." The voice growls

Such a good song...

>No, no you've got to stop listening
>Continue listening

>No, no you've got to stop listening

No...no this isn't right. You've got to stop listening to this music. You can feel yourself slipping, you manage to get a hold of yourself, forcefully pulling yourself back into reality. As your vision returns to focus you see a terrible looking creature in front of you.

"W-who are you?!" You exclaim

"How irritating, it seems you woke up. It matters not, I will just do this in the far more entertaining way. "I am Bushyasta. After being killed by those irritating brats, I was brought back to life by master Nyarlthotep. Now human, accept your fate, and help fuel the coming of my master."

"Like hell!" You growl calling forth your allies from your COMP "Get ready everyone!"

Your summons all let out a battle cry(Well, except Jane) and get ready for battle!

>Make your moves

>Alphonse - Target, Shine Light(96)
>Sadius - High Voltage, Taser Cannon(94)
>Oswald - Bloodlust
>Jade - Barrier
>Jane - Day of Ruin(99)

You don't care who or what this thing is, you're going to kill it! You don't waste any time and slash your sword at the air, this time sending a wave of light towards the enemy.

Sadius charges herself with electrical power before taking out her gun and aiming it at Bushyasta, firing a single shot and hitting her dead on. The attack has a surprising effect on her as she recoils in pain.

Bushyasta's weakness found!

Oswald gives the enemy a fierce stare, letting all of his bloodlust seep out. it visibly manifests off his body in fact as a sickly black aura, that causes the enemy to shudder.

"Barrier!" Jade calls out, encasing you all in  a small diamond like barrier

"Here I go..." Jane mutters before attacking Bushyasta with a blast of dark magic. You watch as some of Bushyasta's life force returns to Jane, healing her somewhat.

Bushyasta points her finger at the party, making you all feel weaker...

>Party's attack decreased!

She then swipes her hand at you! Hitting you extremely hard!

"G-gah!" you grunt as you're knocked back from the attack, Sadius catching you

"On your feet. No dying out there!"

You don't say anything and get back into it. That hit alone was a lot more dangerous than you expected.

She's about to rear back and hit you again, but Oswald quickly dives in front of you, taking the hit.

"Tch, stronger than I thought..." Oswald mutter


>Alphonse:HP:26/115 MP:54/103(DEF UP(-2)ATK(-2)
>Sadius:HP:53/100 MP:64/80((DEF UP(-2)High Voltage:3 turns, Sadism:+2,ATK(-2)
>Oswald:HP:76/150 MP:80/100(DEF UP(-2))ATK(-2)
>Jade:HP:60/90 MP:125/140(DEF UP(-2),ATK(-2)
>Jane:HP:190/205 MP:90/120(DEF UP(-2))ATK(-2)

>Bushyasta:HP:732/800(DEF DOWN(+4))

>Alphonse - Target, Drop Dead Easy(88)
>Sadius - Taser Cannon X2(88,107)
>Oswald - Bloodlust
>Jade - Barrier
>Jane - Life Transfer (Alphonse)

You struggle to stand, but manage to do so, taking out your gun and aiming it at Bushyasta, you just hope you've got as good a aim as Sadius. Thankfully, you manage to hit her with the bullet, getting her right in the head. You did some studying on firearms and this particular shot was meant to literally blow someone's brains out. Especially with a revolver.

The problem with that is that Bushyasta is a demon. A very hardy one at that. So her head remains intact even as she screams.

Following your lead, Sadius opens fire on her as well, aiming for her torso and landing two devastating shots to her.

Oswald again intimidates Bushyasta, decreasing her defense while Jade raises yours!

"...Here you go." Jane mutters, sending some of her life force your way and healing your wounds.

Bushyasha lets out a blood curdling scream that hits everyone except Jane! It's so strong it knocks Sadius and Jade out!

>Sadius and Jade are asleep!

Bushyasta points her finger at the party again, causing you to feel more fragile...

>Party's defense decreased!



>Alphonse:HP:30/115 MP:31/103(DEF UP(-2)ATK(-2)
>Sadius:HP:34/100 MP:34/80((DEF UP(-2)High Voltage:2 turns, Sadism:+4,ATK(-2)(Sleep:3 turns)
>Oswald:HP:57/150 MP:80/100(DEF UP(-2))ATK(-2)
>Jade:HP:41/90 MP:120/140(DEF UP(-2),ATK(-2)(Sleep 3 turns)
>Jane:HP:148/205 MP:85/120(DEF UP(-2))ATK(-2)

>Bushyasta:HP:594/800(DEF DOWN(+8))

>Alphonse - Patra Stone (Sadius), Patra Stone (Jade)
>Oswald - Boiga (Sadius)
>Jane - Life Transfer (Alphonse)

You and your team are losing momentum. You've got to turn things around! You quickly fish out two stones said to heal things like Sadius and Jade falling asleep. You crush over their heads, the two waking up instantly. As soon as Sadius is on her feet Oswald shoves some food into her mouth.

"What are yo-!"

"Shut and eat." Oswald says jamming it into her gullet

"Here's...a little more." Jane murmurs healing you again

As you all scramble to gt yourselves back together, Bushyasta attacks you!

You quickly dodge the swipe coming at you.  The same goes for Jade, and even Jane manages to dodge as well.


>Alphonse:HP:52/115 MP:31/103(DEF UP(-2)ATK(-2)
>Sadius:HP:55/100 MP:34/80((DEF UP(-2)High Voltage:1 turns, Sadism:+4,ATK(-2)
>Oswald:HP:57/150 MP:80/100(DEF UP(-2))ATK(-2)
>Jade:HP:41/90 MP:120/140(DEF UP(-2),ATK(-2)(Smug:1)
>Jane:HP:126/205 MP:80/120(DEF UP(-2))ATK(-2)

>Bushyasta:HP:594/800(DEF DOWN(+8))

>Alphonse - Gun Attack, Drop Dead Easy(100,93)
>Sadius - Taser Cannon X2(79,92)
>Oswald - Bloodlust
>Jade - Lightning(66)
>Jane - Day of Ruin(100)

You and Sadius aim your guns at Bushyasta, the two of you sending several rounds at her, all of them hitting.

"Now that's what I'm talking about! You'd make a good cop!"

"I'd rather not be in that line of work." You reply not taking your eyes off of Bushyasta. All the while, Oswald continues afflicting her with that aura of his.

Jade attempts to hit her with a lightning spell, but Bushyasta manages to evade...and right into Jane, smacking her with her coffin and stealing more of her life force in the process

"Annoying little-!" Bushyasta growls pointing at your party again and sapping their strength!

>Party's Attack decreased!

She does so again, pointing at you and making you feel fragile again...

>Party's defense decreased!

Bushyasta whips her arm out towards Jade, but he dodges it, the grin on his face getting even wider...it's actually quite unsettling.


>Alphonse:HP:52/115 MP:16/103(ATK(-4))
>Sadius:HP:55/100 MP:4/80(Sadism:+6,ATK(-4))
>Oswald:HP:57/150 MP:70/100)(ATK(-4))
>Jade:HP:41/90 MP:110/140,(ATK(-4))(Smug:2)
>Jane:HP:174/205 MP:60/120(ATK(-4))

>Bushyasta:HP:396/800(DEF DOWN(+12))

>Alphonse - Bandage (Sadius), Bandage (Jade)
>Sadius - High Voltage, Heel Stomp(99)
>Oswald - Attack(95)
>Jade - Lightning(33)
>Jane - Life Transfer (Alphonse)

You quickly move towards Sadius and Jade, patching up some of their wounds. All the while, Sadius builds up power in her body before rushing towards Bushyasta and planting her heel as deep into her body as she could. As she did this Oswald attacked from the other side of her, driving his blade as deep into her body as he possibly could.

Jade attempted strike Bushyasta with lightning, but she was able to dodge the attack at just the right second, Jade letting out a low hum of annoyance as a result.

Jane mutters...something, as she gives you some more of her life force, mending your wounds.

As she shakes off your attacks,  Bushyasta swings her claws at you and the others, her attacks miss...until she's able to land a hit on Jane, who was too slow to see it coming in time.

"Kya...!" Jane whimpers, taking the full brunt of the attack. "Hurts..." She mutters getting back to her feet "Hurts a lot..."


>Alphonse:HP:80/115 MP:16/103(ATK(-4))
>Sadius:HP:70/100 MP:4/80(Sadism:+6,ATK(-4)(High Voltage:3 turns)
>Oswald:HP:57/150 MP:70/100)(ATK(-4))
>Jade:HP:71/90 MP:100/140,(ATK(-4))(Smug:2)
>Jane:HP:105/205 MP:60/120(ATK(-4))

>Bushyasta:HP:333/800(DEF DOWN(+12))

>Alphonse - Gun Attack, Drop Dead Easy(96,112)
>Sadius - Whip Crack X2(75,88)
>Oswald - Attack(64)
>Jade - Lightning(51)
>Jane - Day of Ruin(89)

You take out your gun and take aim at Bushyasta, getting in solid hits. Your second shot is placed right between her eyes in the hopes of ending her outright. She shrieks in pain, but it's clear that she still has quite some fight left in her.

Following up behind you, Sadius hits her with her whip again, the electricity surging throughout her body. Jade and Oswald attempted to follow up, but were unable to land their hits, but this left Bushyasta open for Jane to siphon off some more of her life force and take it as her own.

Bushyasta points her finger at your group again, and you once more feel yourself getting weaker.

>Party's attack decreased

Swinging her arms around wildly, Bushyasta attempts to hit you all a myriad amount of times. however, she's only able to hit both Sadius and Jane out of the entire thing.


>Alphonse:HP:80/115 MP:1/103(ATK(-6))
>Sadius:HP:31/100 MP:4/80(Sadism:+6,ATK(-6)(High Voltage:2 turns)
>Oswald:HP:57/150 MP:70/100)(ATK(-6))
>Jade:HP:71/90 MP:90/140,(ATK(-6))(Smug:2)
>Jane:HP:102/205 MP:40/120(ATK(-6))

>Bushyasta:HP:187/800(DEF DOWN(+12))

>Alphonse - Medicine X2 (Sadius)
>Sadius - Heel Stomp X2(72,106)
>Oswald - Attack(74)
>Jade - Lightning(84)
>Jane - Life Transfer (Sadius)

You toss Sadius some medicine, telling her to down it to help heal her wounds somewhat.

As soon as she's done Sadius stomps her heel into Bushyasta...and her first hit bounces off. She swings back around and this time really drives it in, breaking through her flesh you're pretty sure.

Oswald comes from behind her, delivering another sickening attack to Bushyasta, as Jade hits her at the same time with his magic. The amount of attacks has caused Bushyasta to stagger and she looks visibly tired now, but still willing to fight.

"Here..." Jane mutters sending some of her energy towards Sadius.

Bushyasta swings her claws again, this time managing hit not just you, but Oswald as well. Oswald taking the worst of it as he's barely left standing after the attack.


>Alphonse:HP:45/115 MP:1/103(ATK(-6))
>Sadius:HP:56/100 MP:4/80(Sadism:+6,ATK(-6)(High Voltage:1 turn)
>Oswald:HP:6/150 MP:70/100)(ATK(-6))
>Jade:HP:71/90 MP:80/140,(ATK(-6))(Smug:3)
>Jane:HP:72/205 MP:40/120(ATK(-6))

>Bushyasta:HP:90/800(DEF DOWN(+12))

>Alphonse - Gun Attack X2(89,107)
>Sadius - Whip Crack X2(105,76)
>Oswald - Burning Rage
>Jade - Lightning(62)
>Jane - Life Transfer (Alphonse)

You continue to open fire with your revolver, once again dealing some solid shots towards Bushyasta, the gun attacks seem to have staggered her just enough for Sadius to come back in with more hits from her whip. The last attack being enough to finally end Bushyasta's life.

"Tch! No...! Again...?! To think...that my life would be ended by...humans...once again..."

You watch as Bushyasta fades away, her body no longer filling the room with its oppressive aura.

"Glad that's over..." Sadius sighs

"Indeed, quite a troublesome foe, but we're safe...for now."

You feel yourself fading or rather...returning to where you were before. Sitting and listening to music. The song has only just finished, and you feel a tap on your shoulder.

"Sir? I'm sorry, but if you're done, we'll need you to move along, we can't have you holding things up."

"Hm...? Oh right, sorry. My mistake." You say taking the headphones off and exiting the booth.

>You defeated Bushyasta!
>Obtained 400 EXP
>Obtained 5 rare summon crystals
>Obtained $500

There's still one place of interest, but you could also try recuperating with the others

>VR massages
>Go to the first floor

>Massages

You're tired. Quite tired. And so you decide to check out the VR massages. You aren't sure how that's going to work, but who cares, as long as you get some form of relaxation. Upon reaching the area, there's a full on parlor set up, something you aren't really surprised by given who all attend these kinds of events. You listen to the model whose explaining as the idea is that the VR massages are meant to help soothe your mind, more than your body. The result of which, has you become suitably more relaxed overall.  When offered up the chance to test it out, you don't hesitate to answer with a yes.

You don the VR headset and your bombarded with...pleasantly calming sounds. Ocean waves, chilled night air, the sound of rain lightly tapping the window, it's all quite relaxing indeed.

"Oh I quite like this." Sadius mutters from your COMP.

"How in the world...?"  You mutter

"Not sure, but maybe the COMP is connecting to this thing? Either way, after all that fighting, I like this feeling."

"It's not...terrible." Oswald mutters "Keep it running for a while."

And so...you do. You just let the sounds play as the VR sifts through different scenes, all of them relaxing to the ears and eyes. There's even one view of a lake that perfectly reflects the sky.

>You feel soothed and relaxed. HP/MP restored!

When you're done, you feel oddly refreshed. The model thanks you for trying things out and you make a mental note to definitely pick up one of these when they hit the retail market. For now, what do you do...?

>Look around some more
>Leave this floor

>Look around some more

You can't leave any stone left unturned. So, you decide to simply wander, keeping your eyes out for anything that seems odd or offputting. As far as the booths go, there's nothing too out of the ordinary, the people who come and try the various machines and items out don't appear to be hurt or acting odd in anyway at all. You're about to leave when you lock eyes with someone a young woman with raven colored hair. It's for a split second, but you get a small smirk from her as she begins to walk away.

Something about this girl is off...and you aren't entirely sure if following her is wise...

As you sit and internally debate on what to do, the  girl shoots you another quick look and a wink before finally walking off somewhere. Judging from that look, she's being more...flirty? You *think* that's what it is. You were never really good with women or their tells. Still, you can't shake the feeling...

>Follow her
>Don't

>Follow her

You can't help but want to follow her. There is *something* about this woman, but you aren't sure what it is. Just as a precaution, you keep your hand on your gun, ready to take it out and shoot at a moment's notice. You follow her as best you can. You aren't sure where it is she's going, but you hang back a bit so that she doesn't see you right away. She's going...into the staff area? This girl clearly doesn't care about the rules, it's not the same for you, you can move throughout the area without worrying about anything or anyone giving you trouble.

You're pretty much in the 'back' area of the convention center now. Nothing but staff workers here, and you pay them no mind. The only issue is you've lost sight of the woman. You opt to ask one of the people you see walking around if they've seen her.

"A girl? Nope, haven't seen anyone who isn't suppose to be here." The worker said before going on their way

You ask a few more people and still nothing. You continue your search, but nothing still. you search all over the staff area but cannot find her whatsoever, it's like she just disappeared.

"What the hell...?" You mutter to yourself as you take a seat in the break room. There's refreshments and you can't stop yourself from taking a quick drink.

"My my, looking for me~?" Comes a voice from behind you

you whip around with your gun at the ready as you face the girl from before

"How scary~! You shouldn't point that thing at a lady you know!"

>Who are you?
>Fire
>What do you want?
>Other/Write-in

>Who are you and what do you want?

"Who are you and what do you want?" You growl

"Me? That's quite rude you know, you should give a girl your name first."

You say nothing as you keep your gun trained on her

"You're no fun. I'm Kurumi Tokisaki, and who is the dazzling young man in front of me?"

"Alphonse Grant. Now speak, what do you want?"

"So cruel, I don't know if I feel like talking to a man who points his weapon at a lady so frivolously! No, I think it's about time you show some *actual* manners."

"Hmph."

Judging by her looks, she's not going to say anymore until you show some 'manners'. What will you do?

>Fine, *please* tell me what you want
>Shoot her

>Fire

"And here I thought entering a staff room without being an employee was considered r-"

You quickly pull the trigger as a loud bang fills the room. The bullet hitting the girl square in the chest. She has a confused look for a moment before her outfit becomes stained in red. She doesn't say anything before crumpling to the floor. You watch as the life slowly leaves her eyes. It is...unsettling to say the least. While you're willing to do what needs to be done for the world, killing another human...or at least one that looks human is still a bit overwhelming.

As a show of decency, you bring your hand over her eyes closing them, and lay her hands over her wound, at the very least to give her some sense of peace. You'll need to get a cleanup crew and maybe some police officers involved. Someone has to move the body after all. You'll have to explain it as self-defense most likely. You head over to the door, ready to leave the breakroom, only to see that it's not opening...

"What the hell...?"

"Now that was quite rude of you."

You turn to look at the familiar sounding voice and...it's the girl from before, alive and well, but in a strikingly different outfit than before, with two musket like guns in her hands

She quickly looks at the dead body on the floor before with a wave of her hand, it sinks into a pool of inky blackness

"Best to get rid of that, we can't have the room looking all dirty now can we my dear sweet Alphonse~"

You growl as you stare at her, taking out your gun again

"Oh! Again? I like you...wanna see who can hit the other first~?"

She points her gun at you "I'm ready when you are~"

>Fight
>Run
>Talk

>Talk

Though you aren't willing to lower your gun just yet, you don't fire this time and decide to question Kurumi as best as you can.

"I am curious...what are your masters planning?"

"Masters? Planning? Sorry, but I'm not affiliated with anyone, in fact...I'm actually kind of lost. You looked interesting, so I figured you'd at least tell me something. Well...I was half-right at least. Not many people shoot an innocent girl dead like that as easily as you did."

You wince a bit, you didn't particularly like that you gave off that impression. Kurumi seems to pick up on this though and smirks slightly.

"Oh? You...were bothered killing me like that? How cute!"

You can't say anything as she hits the nail on the head perfectly

>Kurumi is slightly happier

>Fight
>Run
>Talk

>talk

"This is interesting. I don't know how I ended up in this place, One moment I'm minding my own business, the next I'm here in this crowded convention hall. Next to no Japanese either, so I was quite stumped for a bit there.

"Wait, you're speaking Japanese?" you ask confused

"You're...not?" She asks in equally confused voice "That's quite interesting. I wonder how we're able to communicate then?"

You look down at your COMP, perhaps that's the reason you're able to?

"I guess it doesn't really matter...so long as I have a cute boy like you to talk to, it's all fine~."

You can't help but wince at that again.

"This is a tad boring though. I want something."

"Want something?"

"Yes. I want something. Give me something."

"Like what?"

"What do you think a woman would like?"

>Choose an item to give Kurumi

>Topaz

You decide to hand over a topaz. Not a particularly amazing jewel, but a jewel nonetheless.

"Goodness, is this for me? You're quite the smooth operator aren't you?" Kurumi laughs looking at the jewel

"I wouldn't say that. Women just tend to like such things." You reply

"And you are not wrong." She quickly slides the topaz into...whatever pocket she has on the dress before smiling at you again.

>Kurumi is very happy!

"Now then, I posit another question to you Alphonse. What are *you* doing? It is not normal for one to be running around with weapons like that. Teehee...well, unless you're like some of the people I know back home."

>I'm fighting against evil
>I like shooting people
>I was hoping to meet a cute girl

>I'm fighting against evil

"I'm fighting against evil." you say resolutely "Malevolent forces seek to bring ruin to my world and I don't plan on letting that happen.

"Oh my, evil forces? So you're a superhero then?"

"I wouldn't call myself that, Just someone willing to fight if the need arises.

"Oh ho, you do say such interesting things~"

"I only speak the truth."

"It would certainly appear that way. Now then, I have one last question for you then."

"And that is...?

"Am I evil~?" she gives you a playful smile, awaiting your answer

>No you aren't
>You clearly are
>You're...unique

>You're...unique

"You're...unique." You say after thinking it over for a bit.

"Unique? In what way?" She asks, genuinely curious

"You're suscpious, that much is true, however you have not done anything truly evil as of yet. If however, you plan on getting in my way of ridding this world of the evil that threatens it, then I'd consider you an enemy."

"Oh, so you're saying you'd kill me?"

"Without a second thought."

"Oh! So blunt! So cruel!" she says in a tone of faux pain "But...I quite like that. Teehee, I think this'll be fun."

"What will be?"

"Us of course."

"...Us?" you reply confused

"That's right. Let's enjoy ourselves."

"I'm sorry what?"

For a minute everything is silent before Kurumi breaks out into laughter "Ufufufu, my you're a really interesting one Alphonse! What I mean is from today onward, we will be working together."

"I...what...why?"

"I too have evils I wish to expel. Though not from this world, I understand the sentiment. So for now, let's work together to help you realize your goals. Okay~?"

Before you can say anything, Kurumi is teleported into your COMP

"Oh my, now this is new! Alphonse dear...can you hear me~?"

"I...can."

"It's quite roomy in here, though these other people are staring."

"Those are friends."

"I see, I'll be nice then~!"

Before you can talk any longer, the entire building shakes and rattles, you rush from the break room to find the problem...and what you see causes you to go silent in shock.

>Who will you control next?