>>515623
>>Who was Suzu Suzuki, really?
I assume we can only ask one

>>515623
>>Who was Suzu Suzuki, really?

>>515623
>What are the circumstances that surround your accident?

>>515623
>"Buried? Why would you bury the living?"
I want to know what he meant by this, actually.
Unless I'm retarded and overlooking something.

>>515728
he probably means that her death will be hushed up for a short while until a more convenient accident can be fabricated to explain her death in a way that does not make the school liable.

>>515728
You'll learn about that through story progression. Are you sure you want to caste your vote that way?

>>515737
Yes
>>515728
Might be right, but I gots to know

>>515758
Can't even link the right post, meant
>>515736

>>515623
>Who are the Demon Hunters, and why does he want you to join?

"Wait. Before going, tell me: who was Suzu Suzuki, really? You owe me this much, at the very least", you ask, trying to sound imposing but without screaming.

"Owe you? Last time I checked, you were the one in debt with me. To being with, you'd be dead without that knife". Mutou sighs. "Stay in class tomorrow after lunch, I'll tell you what I know. And now, get lost!"

Nodding at him, you take your leave. You reach your room as quickly and as silently as possible. Even with the demon dead, the unpleasant feeling of being followed around hasn't left you.

You lock yourself up in your room, take your medicines, and lie on the bed. Your sleep is plagued by nightmares , so waking up feels like breathing again.

It's Thursday, and today, if your assumption is correct, you will meet your History professor for the first time. Once again, Mutou's class is the last before lunch, and once again you have to work all alone. Miura is still giving you the cold shoulder, and the people sitting next to you are still missing.

'Are they dead too? Or did something even worse happen to them?'

Fear and anxiety paralyze you. You can't solve even a single exercise, and hand in the paper completely in white. Just like yesterday, you wait for everyone to leave.

Mutou gathers his belonging, and signals you to follow him. Walking through a corridor unmarked on your map, you reach a door. Your professor unlocks it with a key from his pocket, then invites you to come in.

"Now, Nakai. You're my most brilliant student when it comes to science, but I need to ask you: do you believe in magic?"

>No, I am sure science has an explanation for magical phenomena
>I guess I can't deny its existence anymore
>This is irrelevant. You told me you'd tell me about Suzuki.

>>515925
>>I guess I can't deny its existence anymore

>>515925
>I guess I can't deny its existence anymore

>>515925
>Well, either magic is real or I've completely lost my goddamn mind and most or all of this is some delusion.

>>515925
>I guess I can't deny its existence anymore

>>515925
>No, I am sure science has an explanation for magical phenomena

You shrug. "What I witnessed was definitely a magic of some sorts. I can't deny its existence anymore. What I don't understand, on the other hand, is why a science professor practices magic, or rather, why a magician poses as a science professor".

"Well, first of all, let me correct one of your minor, yet crucial misconceptions. I am not a magician, I am a magus. There are few exceptional individuals in this world who are capable of True Magic, and those we call magicians".

"So how are a magus and a magician different?"

"Let's put it this way. Supposes you wanted to start a fire. You'd likely use a match or a lighter, while a magus would use his magecraft. Suppose you wanted to bring someone back from the dead. You couldn't do that, and neither could a magus. But a magician could"

The door you entered leads to a corridor, and that corridor to one more room. Pieces of human-shaped dolls are scattered everywhere.
It is an eerie sight.

"But to answer your question, well, all science is based on maths, maths comes from philosophy, and philosophy comes from magecraft. My magecraft is based on the Qabbalah, the ancient Jewish Numerology, and more precisely on the Notarikon. This is how I keep my dolls alive".

As if responding to Mutou's mental commands, all the dolls and the dolls' heads in the room turn your eyes towards you. A cold chill runs down your spine.

"No need to be afraid, Nakai. Now is the time for answers. Suzu Suzuki was an ordinary girl, born with a special gift. In her narcolepsy-induced sleep, she could contact demonic entities. Don't let the name fool you: demons are gentle and prone to accommodate human nature".

"So why did I have to kill her?", you ask.

"Because soon the demons would have taken over her body. Demons aren't evil, but they can be hungry. And just like every hungry creature on this planet, they look for food"

"Are we... are we food for demons?"

"Sometimes, sometimes even incubators for them. This is why the Demon Hunter Organization was assembled. We wanted to eradicate all these threats to mankind"

You glare at Mutou. "So Suzuki's only crime was.. existing?"

The professor looks at you with compassion. "Nakai, a beast that doesn't follow the rules of the human society can't be called guilty or innocent. It can't be judged with the morality of a single individual. Instead, it must be judged with the morality of the entire species. To let another race prosper at the expense of your own: that is a crime".

"So that's why you gave me the knife? To extirpate all those who are guilty of not being humans?"

"You assume too much. I just wanted to save you. You had the capabilities, you just needed a tool." He pauses for a second, looking at you and taking a deep breath.

"Something happened during the accident. Your body and your mind were disjointed for a second, and this is how you could fall without getting hurt, dying while still existing. That fracture might have caused your amnesia, and give birth to your condition"

"My condition? That is, seeing those lines?"

"Indeed. Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. So rare, that people even doubt they exist. What you see is death, Nakai. And what you'll desire will be death too. The only thing you can do is learning how to redirect your murder instinct towards those who deserve it".

"And you can teach me?"

"Of course. But the choice is yours. Join the Demon Hunters, and I will teach you how to use those eyes. The death that you see does not just exist for living creatures... but I guess you know that already".

>Join the Demon Hunters [PERMANENT CHOICE]
>Refuse to join the Demon Hunters [PERMANENT CHOICE]
>I need time to think about it.

============

I think this will be it for tonight, guys. I woke up really early this morning because I was sick, so now I am exhausted. I hope you enjoyed the quest so far. See you tomorrow!

>>516164
>Join the Demon Hunters [PERMANENT CHOICE]
Sounds pretty legit
And goodnight? Narrator. Have a nice Yurop-sleep

>>516164
>Refuse to join the Demon Hunters [PERMANENT CHOICE]

>I can understand why you do these things, I may even be willing to admit that it might be necessary. But I cannot bring myself to kill others for the sake of an organization.

feel better op

>>516164
>I need time to think about it.

>>516164
>Join the Demon Hunters [PERMANENT CHOICE]

There goes my slowly realizing that Hisao needs to join the hunters after multiple events after denying

>>516164
>>I need time to think about it.

I want to know about other organizations.

>>516164
>I need time to think about it.
We have too little information to make a decision now.

>>516164
>>I need time more info
I'm inclined to join, but I'd like more info before deciding

>>516164
>>I need time more info
No Nakai, you are the youkais.

>Might want to check if family is not a band of demon users

>>516164
>I need time to think about it.

Mutou's offer sounds very interesting. If he's right, like he's been so far, your powers will slowly drive you to madness unless they're properly harnessed. Even so, there's no need to make an hasty decision.

"I will consider it. Do you want me to return the knife?", you ask.

"No, keep it. You'll need it. After all someone is still after you, isn't that so?"

You are shocked by Mutou's deduction, but try not to give your surprise away. Thus, you simply nod.

"Very well. Then, one final warning. There are bigger monsters in this school than Suzuki. She was just a pawn, if you will. Moreover, there are other 'hunters' in this school. Hunters who aren't able to differentiate between a destructive power and one that can be harnessed for a greater good."

"Who are these people?"

Mutou doesn't respond. He walks towards a locker and opens it, exposing what's inside: Suzuki, dressed in her school uniform, crouching. For a moment, your heartbeat stops.

Then, the girl stands up and walks up to you wordlessly, her eyes vacant.
"Nakai, do me a favor and bring Suzuki to her classroom, now that you're done with your lessons. She fell asleep in the bathroom, isn't it so, Suzuki?"

"That is correct, Master Mutou", the doll responds.

"From today on, you'll call me professor Mutou. From today on, you'll live Suzu Suzuki's life in her place. Do you understand?"

"Understood, Professor Mutou"

"What's the meaning of this?", you demand, angry.

Mutou shrugs. "We can't afford to have a dead girl in our school, Nakai. It's just too much of a fuss. Just go along with it, you don't have to be the doll's friend after all. Now, before you go, I have two things to tell you".

"Go on"

"The first is that as long as you wish to become a demon hunter, you can only kill one human being. One is acceptable, but no more than one. The second is that the Philippines is the South-East Asian country with the largest concentration of catholics."

Mutou stops, checking his wristwatch. "Off you go, Nakai. You should call your parents while you have time".

There's a million things you still want to ask Mutou, especially since you can't really make sense of what he just said, but he'll probably not tell you more once you decide to join. You turn around and head for the exit, followed by Suzuki.

Once you're out of Mutou's personal workshop, the Suzuki doll waves at you and leaves. You wonder what kind of persona and memories Mutou programmed into her.

In any case, you have some unfinished business to take care of.

>Call your parents
>Check if Rika still needs your help
>Take a walk around the school

>>517861
>Call your parents
Ask whether they're demon users and if we're adopted

>Check if Rika still needs your help

>>517861
>Call your parents

>>517861
>>Check if Rika still needs your help
I want a Suzu clone foor myself

>>517934
It's not a clone anon.
It's a sad empty copy that will forever make you pine for the now unobtainable real deal.

>>517861
>>Check if Rika still needs your help

>>517861
>Check if Rika still needs your help

>>517896
>>517934
>>517960
>>517983

Next to be waifued.
Next to die.

>>517989
We gotta break Hisao before he can be strong

I just want to make this a miki route

>>517996
miki is going to be the demon overlord, cap this post

>>517996
>mfw never played KS
>mfw don't know who all these people are

>>517999
Miki is the illya of katawa shoujo, best girl no route

>>518011
Alright, it seems like most of you want to go see Rika.

I am typing up the update, it will be coming shortly.

>>518011
>Best girl no route
>Ilya
>Not Satsuki
>Isn't it sad

>>518016
(I didn't mean to quote)

Come to think of it, you promised Rika you'd help her with maths. The poor girl must have waited for you for hours yesterday.
You decide to get your lunch at the cafeteria first, thinking at the same time of a good excuse to give her for not coming.

Once you're by her room, you knock a few times on the door.
A faint voice comes from inside. "Who's there?"

"Rika? It's me, Hisao".
The door opens. Rika is a bit paler than last time you saw her, and Rika's already quite pale. She has a scarf wrapped around her neck.

"Oh, Hisao. Can I help you?"

"Actually that's my line. I couldn't come yesterday because my headache got worse, but I was thinking I could make up for it today".

"Ah..." Rika looks dejected, almost pained. Did you hurt her that much? She forces herself to smile. "I am afraid I can't host you in my room today. You see *cough cough*, I am a bit sick, and I wouldn't want my illness to spread".

"Oh, really? What happened?"

"Well you see, yesterday you didn't come, so I decided to go for a walk in the city. I guess I caught a cold there".

You feel a pang of guilt. If just you had taken up her offer... well, no need to dwell on the past now.

"I understand. In that case, would you want me to make some notes for you? Just give me a list of topics you didn't understand, and I will write some complementary notes on those subjects for you"

Rika's eyes shine with gratitude. "Really? You would?"

"Of course. It's the least I can do. I'll wait outside, so take your time".

Rika goes back inside closing the door, and when she reopens it, she has the list ready for you. You check it quickly: they're all topics you know well.

"I think I'll have your notes ready by tomorrow. Is that fine?"

Rika nods. "Perfect. I'll be waiting. Bye-bye, Hisao!"

The door closes, and you take your leave.
Once in your room, you work to simplify the topics through the use of more colloquial language and examples. After a few hours of work, the lines appear, and with them, the now-familiar headache. Rather than feeling dizzy, you feel even more focused.

'Is this my killer instinct at work?', you wonder. In any case, you don't stop until you're done with the notes. The sun has set, and you're just in the mood for some dinner. You could wear your sunglasses, go downstairs and hope your condition will return to normal, but a part of you opposes this decision.

'I can't be reliant on my environment forever. I need to learn how to control this power'.

>I will do that later. I need to eat first.
>That's right, learning about myself comes before eating.

>>518058
So, vampires now.

>That's right, learning about myself comes before eating.

Because vampires

>>518058
>That's right, learning about myself comes before eating

>>518058
>That's right, learning about myself comes before eating.

>>518058
>>That's right, learning about myself comes before eating.

So... Can we all agree that anytime we talk to the Suzu doll we write in as many hanging puns as we possibly can?

File: No.jpg (107 KB, 818x479)

107 KB JPG

>>518115
>friend hangs herself
>every time we see her likeness we should make jokes about it
Maybe you should kill yourself instead.

>>518128
You seem a little high strung friend. There is no need to be so upset.

You close your eyes and focus.
Working together with Miura. Helping Rika with mathematics.

As you open your eyes, the lines disappear. You close them and focus once more.
Analysis. Calculus. Monsters.

Your eyes' power activates, letting you see death lines and death points.
You close your eyes once again. Playing videogames with Suzu.

The lines appear and disappear basing on whether you can find a contact with your human side or not. Anything that is abstraction, abnormality or murder triggers your power.

You stand up, satisfied to have found a sort of 'switch' for your eyes. Your stomach growls, and the cafeteria beckons.
As soon as you leave the room, you feel observed.

"Good evening, stalker", you say to no one in particular. Even if it's unpleasant, you now trust your body enough to know that the enemy won't be able to assassinate you that easily.

It must be later than you thought, because besides you and the clerk at the desk, the cafeteria's empty. You select the meal that looks less disgusting and proceed to dig in.

"Oi, Nakai! Always surrounded by friends, I see".
An unexpected face appears. It's Miura.

"Miura, long time no talk", you respond, trying to subtly hint at her silence during class. "What brings you here?"

"What do you think, dummy? I am hungry"

"Is that so? I would offer you to join me, but you've not been particularly fond of my company lately".

"Watcha sayin'? It's nothing like that. Girls just know that you and Suzuki are an item now, so we ain't messin'. That's all".
She walks up to the counter, gets her food and comes to sit in front of you. "Although I think you might be off the hook already".

"Off the hook?"

"Ye. Suzuki says she's done with everything but studies, she wants to live a 'proper life'. Geez, she never was the soul of the party, but ya really did somethin' to her, didn't cha?"

You bow your head slightly. Miura has no way to know, but she's right. In a certain sense, it was your fault.

"Cheer up, buddy. Plenty of fish in the sea, although I kinda dislike you for taking away my gaming partner".

She's right. For Suzu's sake too, you need to get yourself together. What could be a good topic of conversation?

>The exams
>Suzu Suzuki
>Her personal life

>>518171
>Her personal life

>>518171
>The exams

>>518171
>Her personal life

>>518171
>Her personal life

We could be her new gaming partner

>>518171
>>Her personal life
I'm getting the hang of those video games

>>518171
>The exams

Hitting on another girl right away will just make us known as a manslut and a creep.

"Videogames, huh? I am starting to get the hang of them myself"

You make a casual remark about your personal life, trying to induce her to do the same. She starts eating her food with her only hand, which looks quite challenging for you.

"They're fun, aren't they? Man, how I envy Suzuki. Her parents just spoil her with the latest consoles and games at her request. I had to work to buy mine", she complains.

"Is that so? Well, in any case, it's no fun to play alone. Games are meant to be shared with friends".

"Preach it. I always had a gaming partner, even when I lived in the Philippines".

"The Philippines?"

"Didn't cha know? Me mum's a Filipina. That's how I got this tan", she says, pointing at her skin visibly bragging. "She married a Japanese man, but we moved here only recently".

"I see. To get this discussion back on topic, I wouldn't mind playing videogames with you once in a while".

She finishes up her meal, then drinks from the soda she bought at the vending machines.
"Playing videogames, huh? That's the euphemism you go for? Sorry sweety, you're gonna hafta work a bit harder. Or look like the nurse".

Miura stands up, brings the tray back to the counter, then leaves, turning your back on you but waving at the same time.

You sigh. She misunderstood your intentions completely. You can't blame her, Miura is quite beautiful. Surely she has a lot of guys courting her, and she mistook you for one of them.

Even if you started before her, you're still not done with your food. A glare from the clerk is more than enough to convince you to speed up.

Satisfied with your meal, you go back to your room. No stalker is around this time.

>>518245

Friday begins like every day of the week so far, that is, with the alarm ringing. You get ready to leave for class, making sure to be a bit late.

This time, two girls are standing by the desks that are usually empty. One is communicating with her hands, the other is responding in the same way and talking at the same time.

You assume that the black-haired, black-eyed composed girl with glasses is mute-deaf, while the bubbly pink-haired girl is her interpreter. The latter erupts in a hearty laugh, then suddenly her attention shifts to you.

Her eyes well with tears and she rushes to hug you crying.
"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAH, HICCHAN! HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT? WE WERE SO WORRIED! UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH"

You try to pat her on her back to get her to calm down. "Come on now, I am fine, can't you see? You should just return to your sit, ehm, miss...?"

She lets go of you and stares at you accusingly. "Hicchan, don't tell me you've forgot about me and Shicchan? I am Misha, remember?"

"No, not really. I am sorry"

The girl places her hands around her waist, looking serious. "I see, I see! So that's what they call 'amnesia'. Hicchan, we're..."

The black haired girl snaps her finger, producing an incredibly loud noise. She starts signing back and forth with the pink-haired girl, who apologizes.

"Sorry, Hicchan. Shicchan reminded me to keep translating. So, have you made up your mind? Will you join the student council?"

>Is this the kind of thing you ask to an amnesiac?
>What is a student council?
>I don't think I am in any condition to join.

>>518247
>>Is this the kind of thing you ask to an amnesiac?

>>518247
>Is this the kind of thing you ask an amnesiac?

We gotta tell them our answer eventually though

They're pushy af

>Is this the kind of thing you ask to an amnesiac?

>>518247
>Is this the kind of thing you ask to an amnesiac?

>>518247
>Is this the kind of thing you ask to an amnesiac?

>>518247
>Is this the kind of thing you ask to an amnesiac?

You give the girl a quizzical look. "Is this the kind of thing you ask an amensiac?"

Misha laughs once again. "Sorry, Hicchan, but Shicchan told me to ask you, just to check if you really lost your memory. We wanted to make sure you weren't lying. If you were just...hm..fe-i-gning amnesia, you would have answered something like 'oh no, not this again!', betraying yourself", she explains, stumbling a bit on a few signs she didn't fully understand.

Your gaze shifts from the girl in pink drills to the deaf girl. She looks back at you triumphantly, pleased with her masterplan.
You sigh. You take your spot by the window, preparing yourself mentally for a long school day.

Finally, the lunch bell rings, and you get ready to leave.

"Hey Hicchan, do you want to have lunch with us?", Misha proposes.

"Thank you girls, maybe another day. There's something I need to do now".

They look a bit disappointed, but they'll have to deal with it. You have something important to do.
Taking out the notes you prepared for them, you head for Rika's room. Once you're there, you knock on her door gently.

"Hisao? Is that you?"

"Yes, Rika. I have your notes".

The door opens, and an unfamiliar sight greets you. The room is pitch black, while your friend is wearing not only a scarf, but also sunglasses and a towel around her head.

"I am sorry for looking like this, my condition worsened"

"No need to apologize. Here, I have your notes", you say, handing them over to her.

"Haha. Thank you, Hisao. Look, I have one last favor to ask you. I am out of medicines, but I can't tell the nurse. I need you to sneak in his office and steal the ones I need." She fumbles with her pocket, then hands you a piece of paper.

It's the list of medicines she uses. They're mostly the same the nurse prescribed to you, except she doesn't need as many.

>Steal them as she asked
>Refuse
>Give her your own

>>518331
Ask her what they are for exactly and why she can't just ask for them. If she doesn't say, let's take a look at our bottles and read what they are used for.

I Don't want any more dead girls

>>518346
Supporting.

>>518331
>Why can't you tell the nurse?

>Look if any of the medicines are hematopoietic and whether their dosage is peculiar.

>>518356
Dude, I understood that word because I studied ancient greek. I don't think Hisao knows what hematopoietic means.

In any case if you have other ideas by all means write them down.
So long as it's not

>give her the D

>>518373
People who take a lot of medicines usually learn all kinds of words.

I would like to add to mine>>518346
Let's agree to help her so she won't shut us out of her life. Their is something obviously wrong with her, and it's either emotionally related ir demon related.
Let's talk to our teacher about this before we decide but tell her we'll help

>>518331
Also:
>They're mostly the same the nurse prescribed to you

What is different?

>>518346
+1

>>518331
>Rika I know I promised to help you, but I could get in real trouble for stealing from the nurse, can you at least explain to me why you wont ask him for them before I try to do this?

"Rika, why do you need the medicines?"

"You see... I need to go for a trip. For a while, that is, and the medicines I have on me aren't enough for the duration of the trip".

"Aren't you too sick to leave?"

"I am', Rika replies. "This is why I will call for a taxi"

"But why wouldn't the nurse give you the medicines you need?"

"He says that the medicines in the infirmary are for those in dire need, and that I should buy my own otherwise".

"So what's the problem? Do you need money? Can't you go somewhere and buy them?", you inquire.

"There's a pharmacy in town, but I am too sick to go and you can't leave the school yet. I don't want to resort to stealing either, but I have no alternatives".

============

Mini-update to clarify the situation. The options are the same as usual.

>>518481
>What kinda trip would require stealing meds

>>518481
>>518331
>Sneak into town and buy her medicine.

Hisao does what he wants.

>>518499
>>518508
>>518481

Switch if we can afford it

>>518481
>Think up something to get the scarf off her and take a good look at her neck.

We know demons exist, so this doesn't require a big leap of logic.

>>518508
Supporting, it's better than stealing from the nurse at least.

No matter what she says, you can't believe her. Her story is fundamentally flawed, and you're sure she's hiding something. You believe she's concealing something under her clothes, so you have to try and figure out what you can.

"Rika, could you take your scarf off? I would like to check something".

"What is it that you want to check?"

"I just want to make sure you're alright".

"You're strange, Hisao. Why do you want me to take off my scarf? I don't understand."

You sigh. You can't simply say 'I believe a demon might be haunting you', not if you want to keep your dignity. It's probably better to leave it be.

"I am sorry, I asked for something strange. But Rika, I can't help you with the medicines. I can't simply go and steal them".

"I see", she responds, sounding sad. "But... thank you".
She grabs your hand just like the first time you met, and you feel her gaze upon you even through the sunglasses.

"Anyone else would have called me a fool, or even worse, they would have called the campus security. But you're always on my side, aren't you, Hisao? Even when you can't help me".

"I am. I made a promise after all"

"I know. You're a good guy, Hisao. Thank you for everything. Goodbye".
Saying these parting words, Rika steps back and closes the door.

You feel sad. You know very well that Rika wasn't trying to guilt trip you, but the sincerity of her words only makes you feel worse. And then you insinuated she could have been a monster. You didn't say it aloud, but you thought of it.

Your eyes never reacted to her, and that's already rather strong evidence against her monstrous nature. Is there really nothing you can do? Going to town is out of question, you wouldn't know how to go back.

>Talk with the nurse (tell him about the entire situation)
>Talk with the nurse (See if you can get the medicines, check if she might be attempting suicide, ask about side-effects)
>Go back to your room

>Rika why don't you just have the taxi swing you by the pharmacy when you go on your trip? Seriously this isn't rocket surgery. If it isn't too personal may I inquire as to where you are headed?

>>518594
>Talk with the nurse (See if you can get the medicines, check if she might be attempting suicide, ask about side-effects)

shit, shes gonna die too

>>518599
I am sorry your vote came too late. But look at the bright side: you've got nice dubs.

>>518594
>Talk with the nurse (See if you can get the medicines, check if she might be attempting suicide, ask about side-effects)

We take the same drugs so asking won't be suspicious.
Ask specifically about photophobia and throat ache.

>>518594
>>Talk with the nurse (See if you can get the medicines, check if she might be attempting suicide, ask about side-effects)

>Check the side effects of the meds she was asking for.
Qm did state we had quite a few of them.
>Go ask Muto about signs of demon possession.
If possible.

>>518594
>Talk with the nurse (See if you can get the medicines, check if she might be attempting suicide, ask about side-effects
>Talk to Mutou about situation

You'll talk with the nurse, and see if you can get those medicines. There must be a way out, a delivery system, anything!
You run downstairs, to the nurse's office.

You knock on the door, and you barely wait for the 'who's there?' to come in. The nurse, however, greets you with his usual smile. "Yo, Nakai! Feeling sporty today? Good for you, but don't overexert yourself!"

"Indeed. I will be more careful. I need to ask a favor of you"

"What is it? If it's within my power, I'll be glad to help".

You hand the list of medicines to the nurse. "I need those for my friend. She can't go out because she's sick, and neither can I, given the circumstances. Do you have some of those in stock that I could take?"

The nurse rubs his chin. "It's your lucky day, Nakai. I happen to have a surplus of those. I ordered them for you in case you needed them urgently, but then I realize I might have overdone it a bit. There aren't many students with an heart condition in Yamaku, so I am afraid some of those will go to waste"

"So you'll give them to me?"

The nurse flashes you another of his cheeky smiles. "Of course, Nakai. Give me a minute".
He disappears behind a door, then comes out briefly afterwards. "There you go. These should be enough for two weeks. Tell your girlfriend Katayama I said hi".

"My... no, you got it wrong, hey, how do you...?"

"I told you, did I not? Only a few students in Yamaku have an heart condition", he reminds you, winking.

"I owe you one. One last thing: is it possible that she might attempt suicide by overdose?"

The nurse raises an eyebrow, pensive. "Normally, every medicine is deadly if you assume a critical quantity of it. I am not saying she isn't trying to kill herself, I am saying that Katayama is smarter than that. If she wanted to die, she'll be cold already".

"Thank you again!", you say, before rushing out of the door.

As you run in the corridor to reach Rika's room, you can hear his voice telling you to slow down. Why are you even running? You can't tell, but you have a sense of urgency in you.

You knock furiously on her door. "Rika! Rika, it's me, Hisao!"

She opens the door, and a sense of calmness pervades you. The anxiety is gone, and now you can even pinpoint its cause: your fear that she might have been dead by the time you were back. An irrational fear, but a very human one. One motivated by seeing your friend hanging from a noose.

"I have your medicines, Rika. The nurse says they'll be enough for two weeks. I didn't have to steal them, they were in surplus and..."

Your explanation is cut short by an hug. She starts sobbing, clinging to you desperately.
"Thank you, Nakai. You saved me. You saved me!"

"It was nothing, Rika. I am glad I could help you"

She gets the medicines from your hands and puts them on the desk. You stare at her, worried. She turns around, probably noticing you concern. "What is it, Hisao? Are you ok?"

>Is anything wrong with you? Are you hiding something from me?
>When am I going to see you again?
>Yes, everything's fine

(we're gonna see mutou next, even if that option didn't win majority vote)

>>518740
>Is anything wrong with you? Are you hiding something from me?

>When am I going to see you again?

>>518753
>Is anything wrong with you? Are you hiding something from me?

>>518740
> No I don't think I am Rika, honestly you're scaring me a bit, can you please tell me whats going on?

>>518740
>Is anything wrong with you?

>>518941
This

Guys, sorry about this but I will have to postpone the update to tomorrow. I've been writing for 20 minutes and it's frankly shit.

I'd rather give you a quality update. See you all tomorrow.

>>518970
See ya tomorrow QM!

>>518740
>Is anything wrong with you? Are you hiding something from me?

"I am worried about you, Rika. You tell me you're leaving, you ask me to steal medicines... you're scaring me a bit. What's going on? When will you be back from your trip?"

She lift her hand to caress your face. "I will be ok, Hisao. We will see each other really soon, it's just that I need to go. Really, I am ok. And I am saved, thanks to you. So please stop worrying, ok?"

"I can't promise you that. You're my friend, of course I am worried"

"Then now I can call home and say: 'All my friends are worried for me!'", Rika jokes, chuckling a bit. "You should go now, Hisao. A lady needs her privacy, you know?"

You nod. There's nothing you can do now. Alerting Mutou could result in a big misunderstanding if the school personnel is aware of Rika's trip. Drastic solutions in this situation would be the most effective, but also the ones that have the hugest probability of backfiring.

You step aside, wave Rika goodbye, and leave the female dormitory. You take a deep breath. Not everything is paranormal, not everything is monsters. There are normal people too, with their problems and their quirks.

You try to convince yourself of that, and you try to convince yourself that Rika is just the normal girl you've always imagined her to be.

The nurse's words brought you comfort as well. She's not trying to kill herself, or she would have done so already. Then, what is this crippling feeling of guilt? The fear you might have helped a delinquent sneak out of campus, by providing her medicines?

Rika isn't a delinquent, you know this for sure. So why? Even if you know all these things for certain, why are you afraid?
'Fear is irrational by nature. I can keep thinking about this as much as I want, but nothing will change, inside of me or outside of me', you conclude.

The day is still long, and tomorrow's Saturday, so homework is less than usual. You have some free time while everyone's in class

>Visit the library
>Go to your room
>Talk with Mutou and call your parents

>>520130
>Talk with Mutou and call your parents

>>520147
This.

>>520130
Talk with mutou

>>520130
>>Talk with Mutou

>>520130
>>Talk with Mutou and call your parents

>>520130
>Talk with Mutou and call your parents

File: mutou.png (495 KB, 491x600)

495 KB PNG

Now that you think about it, you did promise you'd call your parents with the school phone. It's not like you have much to say, and a part of you is scared of telling your parents you have no idea who they are. Even so, it's something you need to do.

You leave, looking for Mutou. You try in your class, but he's not there. Then you try knocking on the locked door in the unmarked corridor, but you receive no response. Finally you ask for help at the Information Desk, who contacts the professor and sends him your way.

"Nakai? Were you looking for me?"

"Yes, I would like to talk with you. I also need to talk with parents, so if you could help me..."

"I got it. I need to take care of something first, so wait for me at the usual place", he says, turning his back on you and leaving.

'The usual place... that must be his atelier', you think.

Indeed, the professor is waiting for you there. Making sure that no one is around, he opens the door and lets you through.

"To begin with, I'd like to apologize. I already contacted your parents on your behalf, and we talked about your situation. They'll come to visit you one of these days. They also arranged for your allowance to be sent to the school for the time being, so if you need money, come to me"

You sigh in relief. "Thank you, professor. You have nothing to apologize for".

"You're welcome. I suppose there's something else you want to discuss with me however, is there not?"

"Yes, you're correct. I think one of my friends might be in danger"

"Did you feel something paranormal about her? Did your eyes trigger?"

"No, not quite. It's just a hunch"

Mutou closes his eyes and breathes out. "Nakai, you encountered one phenomenon of Demonic possession and it had to slap you in the face before you recognized it as such. Don't go throwing assumptions left and right, now. I'll have you know, these detection tasks can be difficult for professionals too".

You nod. As you suspected, you were being too hasty. 'At least I didn't do something foolish', you console yourself.

"In any case, I can't rule out the possibility that something might be wrong with her. I can't help you with this Nakai, I have other business to attend to".

"Demon hunting?"

"Sort of. Let's just say there can be only one sheriff in town", he casually remarks, lighting a cigar.

The professor diverts his gaze from you to the ceiling, and you realize it's your time to leave. There is a test tomorrow, and you have to study for it. On the other hand, this might be a golden chance to visit the library, while everyone is still in class, or even the rooftop.

>Visit the rooftop
>visit the library
>Go to your room

>>520242
>>visit the library

>>520242
>>Visit the rooftop

>>520242
>>Visit the rooftop

>>520242
>Visit the rooftop

It's where all the fateful meetings occur.

>>520242
>visit the library
>not going somewhere that's comfy for Hisao

>>520269
+1

No one should be on the rooftop now. You decide to go there, looking for clues about your previous life.
The door opens with a creak. You're alone up there. The view is rather impressive, especially looking towards the town. Yamaku is set on top of a hill, giving it a privileged position as an observation point.

The fence is broken on the side of the roof that overlooks the inner courtyard. You carefully and slowly move towards the opening point. Is that your doing? You fell down the roof, breaking the fence?

You take a step back and hit something.
'A glass bottle? Yeah, an empty bottle of whiskey. Who brought it here?'

You pick it up, and suddenly some memories from that night return to you. You weren't alone, no, there was someone else with you. A drunkard who was babbling something.

'It is our occasion, Nakai, how can you not understand? We can get back at them for all they've done to us', you remember him saying.

You shake your head. That doesn't make any sense, you're not out to get revenge on anyone. Those words were just that, ramblings of a boozer. You put the bottle down and get back inside the school. You have a long study session ahead of you.

Saturday is an half-day not just for you, but for the rest of your classmates too. Because of this, you expect your fellow students to be a bit more rowdy today.

Instead, approaching the classroom, you can hear only two voices debating. You recognize the first: it's the pink-haired girl who hugged you yesterday. The other voice belongs to a person you don't know.

Judging from her tone of voice and from her speech patterns, she sounds like a polite young lady, one of those people who tend to sound more mature than they actually are.

If you step in now, you'll interrupt the fight and create an awkward situation. On the other hand, class will start soon and the teacher might wonder what were you doing outside of the classroom.

>Enter
>Bide your time

>>520344
>Enter

>>520344
>>Enter

>>520344
>Bide your time and eavesdrop

>>520403
Supporting

Vote for>>520403

You lean against the door, with your right ear over it, trying to eavesdrop.
The conversation sounds like something trivial, an affair related to the Student Council and the school administration.

"What is it that you're doing?"
A familiar voice catches your attention. Mutou is standing in front of you, looking at you quizzically.

"Ah, this, well, you know..."

"Say no more, I understand completely. It's Hakamichi fighting with Satou again, using Mikado as her megaphone, and you don't wish to intrude. Am I right?"

You nod, having no idea who Satou is. The professor hands you a piece of paper. "Please bring this to the nurse. It's important".

You take it and leave for the nurse's office. It's a bit sudden, but you're no position to refuse a favor asked by Mutou. Moreover, you owe the nurse for helping you with the medicines.

When you knock on his office, he greets you with his familiar smile. "Ah, Nakai. Can I help you?"

"I have a message from Prof. Mutou", you say, handing him the paper.

He looks at you, then bursts into laughter. "That man never changes! Tell him that drinks are on him tonight!'

He hands you the piece of paper back. You open it, wondering what the professor might have written. It turns out that he just wrote gibberish on it, probably a sort of inside joke between him and the nurse.

As you walk back to your classroom, you start to put the pieces together. This was a decoy, a way to get you out of harm's way. But what form of harm? Natural or supernatural?

Apart from this minor incident, the school day proceeds as usual. The test is tough, but you prepared yourself carefully.
As the lunch bell chimes, signaling the end of the lessons for this week, two of your classmates approach you.

"Hey, Hicchan!", Misha greets you, flashing you one of her usual smiles. Shizune Hakamichi, the deaf girl, is standing right besides her. "Will you come with us to town? We'll treat you for lunch"

>Accept, it's your chance to grow more familiar with the nearby town
>Refuse, they're just trying to lure you into the Student Council
>Propose another place to have lunch together [specify]

>>520344
Enter

>>520505
>Accept, it's your chance to grow more familiar with the nearby town

>>520505
>>Propose another place to have lunch together [specify]
Let's head out for pizza. My treat.

>>520505
>Accept, it's your chance to grow more familiar with the nearby town

>>520505
>Accept, it's your chance to grow more familiar with the nearby town

>>520505
>Refuse, they're just trying to lure you into the Student Council

>>520505
>>Refuse, they're just trying to lure you into the Student Council
Smells like a trap.

"I guess I can't ditch you twice in the same week. Let's go eating!"

You leave with the girls, and even if the medical personnel makes some resistance at the gate, Shizune and Misha quickly convince them that you're in good hands.

It's your chance to learn how to navigate the town. The road that leads there from Yamaku is quite straightforward, and you quickly locate a supermarket and a pharmacy. The girls chat silently with each other, gesturing and signaling.

Before long, they stop in front of a tea house. Misha and Shizune signal with each other for a bit longer, then the girl with pink drills turns towards you.

"Sorry, Hicchan, Shicchan and I wanted to show you this place, but it's closed today. There is a friend of ours who used to be the waitress here, but now she's quit her job. It's a sad story, so let's just eat somewhere and think of something else", Misha concludes with a smile.

"It's not like I have any objection", you respond, shrugging.

Walking a little further, you reach a Chinese Restaurant that both girls approve of.
The discussion at the table is mostly about the content of today's class.

"What do you think, Hicchan? Western Religions sure are strange! But I think the strangest is Catholicism. Catholic priests can't marry, and only they have the power to administer some special rites. It's also strange that there is, like, a boss of all the priests".

You nod in agreement. "Being amnesiac and all, I don't really know what to believe about religion. Maybe Catholicism and the Pope are strange concepts for us because we're Japanese", you try to rationalize.

"Who knows? But still, a lot of Japanese are Catholic. Shicchan says that some students in our school are Catholic too".

"Is that so? Fascinating".
This topic might rouse the girls' interest, but it's not nearly as fun for you.

You return to the school by the sunset. You've strolled around, ate ice-cream, and played arcade games. The girls offered to pay for most of it, and you sort of regret thinking this might have been a trap.

You split up at the gates, not before you've thanked them.
"It's fine, Hicchan. You missed the festival, so we wanted to give you a 'refund'. The money we spent comes from the Student Council budget, so you don't have to pay us back", Misha explains.

You bow your head in gratitude once again, then bid them farewell.

'I am grateful for what you've done for me, girls. This might be the last day of my life, and you made it a special one', you think.

As you head towards your room, in the pitch black darkness of the night, you hear the footsteps of your stalker. You have two options here: run away, or fight the assassin here and now.

>Run
>Fight

>>520642
>Fight

>>520642
>>Run
We don't know who or what it is. We might accidentally kill some one innocent or someone we know. We don't have our powers fully figured out to where we can kill a demon without harming it's host.

>>520670
Second

>>520642
>Fight
We just were taken out for dinner by two cute girls. We lived a good life.

>>520642
>Run
Might as well keep the knife on hand just in case we need to fight, though.

>>520642
>Run

>>520704
seconded

>>520670
>>520685
>>520704
>>520709

You'll get us eaten by a floor shark anons.

>>520718
you'll get us killed by a side character

>>520642
>Fight

Or at least confront whoever it is.

>>520642
>Run

>>520642
>>Run

level those eyes up before fighting

>>520642
>Fight

You turn around and run away. Your target is your dormitory.
First, the enemy might have a longer weapon than you. A smaller space, such as the dormitory room, will negate that advantage.
Second, your opponent is wearing a gown. Another advantage of a narrow space is that this will hinder her movements.

By the time you reach the door, you receive a kick in the back that propels you forward and makes you tumble in the corridor. A white light shines in the darkness, coming straight for your neck. Your eyes activate, showing you which death line the light is aiming for.

You grab your knife and parry the attack, using the opening given by the failed strike to stand up.

Your opponent takes a few steps back, pointing her silver blade to you.

"Let's get it over with, Miura", you taunt your enemy.

The girl is wearing a long black dress, and a metal prothesis to hold the silver blade she used to attack you. It was this morning that you realized the point of Mutou's warning, and his remarks started to make sense. 'There can only be one sheriff in town'. Right: the Church, or the Demon Hunters.

"As you wish, Monster!", the girl shouts, charging at you. You suppose her blade to be some sort of holy relic of the church, but why is she using her prothesis to wield it? Another deadly attack comes for you, which you easily parry.

"Not bad, Nakai! You surely have trained. What a pity that you're a monster, you would have made a fine addition to the track and field club!"

"I suppose I couldn't have joined it to begin with. My heart problems would have kept me"

"Ah, right. Don't worry, I shall relieve you of those too!", Miura says, lunging at you.

The fight goes on, and you've been on the defensive so far, trying to elaborate a plan. Killing her wouldn't be difficult, and it wouldn't stop you from joining the Demon Hunters. After all, murder is allowed so long as you don't kill more than one person.

On the other hand, you could try something greedier: breaking her prothesis and sparing her life. You suppose she needs it to use her weapon, so breaking the metallic hand would mean disarming her

>Aim for the throat
>Aim for the arm [Note: you will have to join the Demon Hunters if you don't kill her]

>>520825
>Aim for the arm

>>520825
>Aim for the arm.

Let me further clarify: aiming for the arm means not killing her. Killing her means joining the Demon Hunters.

>>520837
well shit.

>Aim for the throat

>>520242
>>Visit the rooftop

>>520825
>>Aim for the arm

>>520825
>Aim for the throat

Plenty of other potential waifus for us. One or two will not be missed.

>>520825
>>Aim for the arm

>>520837
So not killing her route locks (presumed) church route?

>>520877
If you kill her the church will consider you an enemy. You can't join the church, since you have the MEoDP.

>>520825
>you will have to join the Demon Hunters if you don't kill her
>Killing her means joining the Demon Hunters.

???

>>520891
Ah

>>520895
The opposite. Killing her leaves the opportunity open, on the other hand, not killing her leads you to joining them. It's like when in KS you decide to run and that locks all the route options.

>>520911
Coulda worded that better...

>>520917
>>Aim for the arm [Note: you will have to join the Demon Hunters if you don't kill her]

Was this not clear enough?

>>520925
it was, but then this post
>>520837
>Killing her means joining the Demon Hunters.

made it unclear, its all good now though.

>>520825
>>Aim for the arm [Note: you will have to join the Demon Hunters if you don't kill her]

There's no reason to kill a person.

>>520825
>Aim for the arm

>>520825
>>Aim for the arm

>>520934
Fuck, I had a brainfart. I can't even delete the post now.

Shit. No, let me repeat myself. KILLING HER= FREE CHOICE

NOT KILLING HER=DH

You can't kill her now. If you slay the first opponent you meet, what will be of the others to come?
You get to murder only one human. You can't waste that privilege so easily.

Once again, you deflect the silver blade coming for you. Breaking the prothesis will require a gambit, which means coming very close to dying. Her attacks are a combination of cleaves and lunges. You need to lunge back at her when she lunges.

Finally, your chance comes. Parrying a couple more strikes, you prepare to counter her incoming thrust. A point of death exists near the wrist, and that's what you aim for.

You move your knife, but your opponent is too quick. The knife sinks deep into the metal hand, and you brace for impact. The blade will probably pierce your flank, and judging by the force with which it is swung, it might even create a hole in your body.

But once again,'killing' the hand means stopping it completely. The prothesis comes undone, and the sword falls on the ground.
You seize the opportunity, bringing the knife against Miura's throat.

"And there goes my hand of St. Eurosia. Well done, Nakai. But I shall warn you: I have a capsule of silver in my mouth. The second you try to suck my blood, I will swallow it and kill the both of us".

"Suck your blood? Why would I do that?"

The girl's eyes widen in shock. "You... you're not a vampire? Impossible... the consecration rites revealed you as a non-human! So what is it?"

"I have no idea. All I know is that I don't suck blood. You've got the wrong man".

"Just what are you, Nakai?", she asks, spiteful.

That's a difficult question to answer, even for you. But the thing is, you're the one with the knife against her throat. You should be the one who gets to ask questions. What should you ask about?

>Write in

==============

I am leaving you a write-in as a parting gift for this evening. I kinda fucked up the whole demon hunters thing, so I want to make it up to you by leaving you absolute freedom. If you manage to converge on 2-3 questions, I will make Miki answer all of them. Goodnight.

>>520979
>I'm a human, why would you think I'm a vampire?

>>520979
You're telling me I have to fight not just demons but vampires too. Damn.
I did die apparently but I'm now alive but I remember nothing. Apparently I can see death of all things.
Who are you?

>>520979
>I'd like to know myself.

See if we can get any info about us, like why the church wants us dead.

>>520979
I don't know what I am, but you know what I'm not? I'm not a deranged psycho that tries to kill his classmates without any provocation.

>>520979
>I'm not a vampire. As far as I know I'm still human. Why did you think I wasn't?

>I don't remember much. Tell me what you know about me and the school?

>You're Catholic, right? What interest does the church have here and who else works for them?

>>521094
This

Been a while since I've played Fate or Tsukihime, but didn't the Church have very little presence/interest in Japan because of its atheist beliefs or somesuch? The only reasons Ciel and Kotomine were there was for Roa and The Grail War. So if she's an actual agent of the Church, she's there for a specific purpose, and doubtfully just hanging around waiting for something to show up.
But I could be way wrong. Like I said, been too long since I've played either.

>>520979
I suggest we try to figure out what's going on with monsters in this world and who are the big players in it.

>>520979
To be totally honest with you, I simply don't know what I've become since my accident, but whatever it is I don't need to feed on people. Pizza generally tastes better. In fact I rather like people. I've even found that keeping in touch with humanity helps me to keep my powers under control. Now since we're sharing why don't you tell me what your deal is. I suspect we are working towards a common goal. I imagine you probably have little love for demons either.

>>520979
>Wat's the consecration rites and when did you manage to perform them on me?

"What am I? I am your classmate, Hisao Nakai. I never drank blood in my life, I much prefer pizza"

"That's very funny, Nakai. So tell me, how does a crippled boy get a Mystic Code strong enough to face my Hand of St Eurosia and the Coldsilver Blade? Or is that a Conceptual Weapon?"

"Eh, this switchblade? It's just a knife, Miura"

"That's bullshit. That knife could hardly cut fruit, how did it manage to break a Relic of the Church?"

"It's not the knife that broke it. It's my eyes". You move a bit further away from the window in the dormitory hall, and your eyes glow their usual shade of blue in the dark.

"Ah, shit. Then I didn't stand a chance from the moment I decided to fight you. Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. Even among monsters, you're the most monstrous, Nakai."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but so far the only thing I killed was a demon, and I plan to keep on supporting Team Humans. What is a member of the Church doing here? How did you manage to perform the consecration rites on me?"

"Ah, that? Easy peasy. You passed out in the cafeteria, right next to Suzuki, so I consecrated the two of you while you were collapsed".

"So you knew about Suzuki".

"I did, but I am no exorcist. there was nothing I could do to save her. She hanged herself and she spared herself a lifetime of misery. No, I am here because I am after a Dead Apostle, a powerful vampire, an enemy of the Church to the core. But now, thanks to you, that mission failed".

"If you could correctly identify her as a victim of a demon possession, why did you mistake me for a vampire?"

"Good question. Apparently the rite doesn't differentiate between the falsely living and those who can see death. You'll have to forgive me, but those Mystic Eyes are so rare, some people don't even believe they exist".

"No, I am sorry, I didn't mean to put a spoke in your wheel, but you're the one who attacked me. If I put the knife down, will you try to attack me again?"

"For what purpose? You've already beaten me. Besides, it's not like I can pick up the Coldsilver sword with my barehand, else I'll lose my good hand too".

You look at the blade on the ground. Luckily for you, your assumption about the prothesis was right. It's relieving to know you didn't have to kill this time.

You step backwards, but decide to hold to the knife for safety measures. Miki, on the other hand, suddenly tears off the lower part of her gown.

"What are you doing, Miura?"

"What does it look like I am doing? Using a Holy Shroud to wrap the Coldsilver Blade, and turning my skirt into a miniskirt in the process"

" 'Miniskirt' being the understatement of the year. I can basically see your panties"

"That sounds like your problem, not mine. The Coldsilver Blade passes judgement on the living and on the falsely living, and in its eyes we're all sinners. It could kill a vampire with a single slash, and it's why I needed another Relic, the Hand of St Eurosia, to wield it".

"So you're using the Shroud to insulate it"

"That's the gist of it, yeah".

Miura sounds like she knows a lot about the supernatural. After all, she works for the Church. Maybe you could ask her more about...

>...The Demon Hunters
>...Vampires
>...The Church

>>521855
>...Vampires
And symptoms of vampirism.
How, say, does someone bitten by a Dead Apostle look and behave?

>>521854
Also,
>"She hanged herself"
How do you know that?

>>521854
I feel like you forgot to explain/introduce some stuff you're writing about here, like those consecration rites

>>521875
I didn't want to go super in details into it, since I figured it might be boring, but what Miki uses is a modified version of the consecration rites used by the Tohsaka.

Or rather, at least in my 'canon', Rin learned it from Kotomine and used it to determine one's elemental affinity, while originally it was used to determine the 'status' of a person. (i.e. if he/she was being possessed or so).

I am not sure how Nasuverse canon this is, but a common theme in the Nasuverse is the concept of 'slightly shifted worlds', as in Knk, Tsukihime and Fate could have been occurring in the same universe if it weren't for minor differences (like Hisui using ESP instead of magic and so on), so I decided to change consecration rites a bit for this quest.

>>521855
>>...Vampires

>>521855
>>...Vampires

>>521855
>...Vampires

"How do you know about Suzuki?", you ask, while Miki is bent on the floor, carefully trying to wrap the silver blade with the holy shroud.

"Oi, Nakai, who do you take me for? Mutou's tricks have no effect on me. If you have serious questions to ask, be quick about it".

"Yes", you hesitantly say. "About this 'Dead Disciple' you're hunting..."

"Dead Apostle. What about it?"

"What kind of creature is it? Is it a vampire?"

"That's one way to put it. Didn't Mutou teach you about them?"

"Not really"

"Alright, let's start from the beginning then. There are two different kinds of vampires: True Ancestors and Dead Apostles. You can't become a True Ancestor, either you're born one or you're not. I won't go much into detail about them, if you happened to stumble upon one of those, you'll be as good as dead"

"And what about the Apostles?"

"Apostles are a different story. They were humans first, but something turned them into Vampires. Magecraft, the bite of another vampire, or even the bite of a True Ancestor. Those who are bitten by a vampire become the Dead if the vampire injects a bit of his blood in his victim. The Dead are corpses without intelligence, attacking those around them."

"So how are vampires born?"

"Let me get to it. The Dead are familiars, eating the flesh of others to sustain their power as well as their master's. However, in some rare instances, the blood of a vampire turns the creature into a Ghoul instead. A Ghoul's body and brain are damaged, just like those of a Dead, but by eating other humans, he can restore his own flesh and intellect".

"Is it then that he becomes an Apostle himself?"

"No, if he succeeds, first he becomes a Living Dead, a creature possessing an ego, but much weaker than the Dead. It's then that his climb to power begins: by continuing to consume other people, he regains human intellect and the full capacity to become a Vampire. He's still bound to his parent Dead Apostle, however, and he has to defeat him to become an Apostle himself, and master of his own destiny. The transition from Ghoul to Vampire, or to Dead Apostle, can take several years".

"I see. So the enemy you're after is particularly powerful, having completed all this steps".

"He didn't, but that doesn't make him any less dangerous"

"What do you mean?"

"Those who are bitten not by a vampire or a Dead Apostle, but by a True Ancestor, are known as Dead Apostle Ancestors. Immensely more powerful than a Dead Apostle, they're even capable of manifesting a Reality Marble. This is the enemy I am after".

"I understand. In that case, I will finish your task. Me and the Demon Hunters will".

"The Demon Hunters are a sham. This is just a cockfight for them, and you're the beast they've bet money on".

"Even so, I have a chance of defeating this Dead Apostle Ancestor. I will talk with Mutou, I will make him do all he can to cover for you at the Church".

"I doubt it will work, Nakai, but suit yourself. You're making a mistake by allowing me to go free, but I am glad I am through with this. I can't wait to leave Japan. Horrible food, horrible weather, and small penises. I won't miss any of those".

Saying so, Miki Miura grabs the shrouded sword, breaks the window and disappears. You, on the other hand, grab the broken prothesis she forgot on the floor. 'Mutou might find it useful', you think.

Reaching for the key in your pocket, you open the door to your room, closing it as soon as you come in.
You lock it and throw yourself on the bed, leaving the broken relic on the floor.
You're really, really tired.

Knock knock knock.
'What is it?'

Knock knock knock.
'It's Sunday, I am not late for class, what do you want?'

Knock knock knock.
Reluctantly you get up and to the door.

"Who is it?"

"This is the Police, we'd like to talk with Hisao Nakai".

"That's me, how can I help you?"

"Well, to begin with, open the door please".

You oblige the officer. In front of you stand three policemen. The one who has been talking with you smiles at you before introducing himself.

"Very well, mr Nakai, could we ask you some questions?"

"Sure, I am ready to fully co-operate with justice".

"Is that so? We're glad to hear that. In particular we'd like to ask about your friend Rika Katayama".

"What about her?"

"She disappeared. And you're the prime suspect".

This concludes the second part of 'the Garden of Cripples'. A new thread will begin as soon as this goes into autosage.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, I will be glad to discuss them here.

>>522083
I'm enjoying the story so far, and I like the idea but it seems a little unreal how readily our protagonists with no memory acceptes the supernatural situation that he's thrust into. I also feel like we don't have alot of control as to how he acts. I still feel like this story is good and I'll continue to follow it.

>>522124
>I also feel like we don't have alot of control as to how he acts
I have to second this. I've also had this feeling.

Also, I feel Nakai became to jaded too quickly, like only wanting not to kill Miki to save his one free kill for later.

Nevertheless, I'm enjoying this quest very much.

>>522136
>>522124

I will address these points.
Hisao accepts that something supernatural exists quite late, pretty much around when the demon tries to kill him first. Maybe my writing should have conveyed that better, but in this story, Hisao accepts the supernatural only when he sees it. He's not the sort of guy to pull out a ouji (or whatever it's called) board and contact the dead.

Hisao isn't jaded. When he says that he wants to save his kill for another time, it doesn't mean he's trying to save his free 'get out of jail' card. It means he's afraid that killing this enemy now means going down the path of death and destruction, and that he's not ready to bear the sin of murder yet.

Don't get the wrong idea: I am by no means implying this is your fault for not understanding. Indeed, when one is not understood, most of the time it is his own fault. I know my writing isn't that good, and I am trying to improve. My issue is that I take things for granted, especially those my players can't know about. I do know them, so it's up to me to communicate them to the players.

So in the future, I will try to describe Hisao's feeling and motivations better. I will also try to hand you the control more often, insofar as that doesn't compromise the quest entirely.

>>522152
I'd say the handing off of the control to the players wasn't not often enough, but rather... not full enough? I can't express this clearly.

>>522172
I believe I understand you.
It's not that I didn't let you choose often, it's that you didn't feel like your choice mattered in the end. Or that the scope of your choice wasn't broad enough.

>>522152
I want to add that I think you are giving us to much information on the consequences of our actions before we make them, and you have been giving us to strong of foreshadowing, like the repetition of Catholics.
I have to agree with>>522172
I'd also like it if we could ask questions and interact with some characters before changing scenes. For example we the players weren't able to really interact with Misha and shinichan during the trip to town, and the goes for some of our encounters with the teacher.

>>522190
that was necessary since I doubt Hisao would have recognized Miki as member of the church.

He knew people from the philippines were catholic, and that Miki was half-filipina. Still, he didn't know what that entailed, or what the church in itself was

I wanted to avoid the tsukihime effect, where Shiki recognizes Ciel's weapon accurately with (realistically) zero chances of having heard of that before.

>>522228
Ah! This reminds me. When we were asked to choose between running or fighting, the next post revealed that Hisao knew things about his pursuer the players did not and based his IC decision on this information while the players had to decide more or less randomly.

>>522252
At that point Hisao knew who was after him, I wanted it to be a plot twist for the players. But I realize now it was a bad idea.

>>522256
The unreliable narrator is a interesting writing tool and one of my favorite authors, Gene Wolfe, uses it in many books. Sadly it is an awkward tool to use in a quest where the player is supposed to have control of, and therefore have access to the main characters knowledge.

>>522305
I took note of it. I strive to improve and to deliver the best quality I can. Sometimes I try to jump the shark and it doesn't always work, but this is why feedback is so important

>>522367
The fact that you are experimenting with different writing techniques is part of what has made this quest worth following in the first place.

It shows that you are actively putting in effort to make things interesting rather than just phoning it in. I look forward to seeing where this quest goes OP.

>>525533

the story continues