>>5152822

Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QM91m
Discord: https://discord.gg/AmjbaTR
Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=do+your+best+quest (Rough Grammar ‘till half of the 9th Thread)
Incomplete Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-nIx_dvaNCPQ7zLg2BK_ucCyGNM741kAANxqXj7hdDs/edit?usp=sharing

>>5152822
>>Kobashi.

>>5152822
>Kobashi
LET GO

>>5152822
>>Kobashi.

>>5152822
>>Kobashi.

>>5152822
>>Ema Oka

>>5152822
>Kobashi
Saving the best for the last
I speadread the quest 2 weeks ago, what happened to that laptop we got after dealing with Dorothy?

>>5152822
>Kobashi.

File: 189.png (156 KB, 800x640)

156 KB PNG

The whole world still knows you as Kobashi, and you’re still a Private Detective! Close to two months ago, you were hired by the Gyerhae lead priestess Qiao Ning to find a missing emerald Ignis fatuus they were protecting. Or a green spirit. After your initial investigation over at the monastery, the clues pointed out to a foreign Professor named Bombastus. You traveled to Pokyo Lokyo to locate this university teacher. Things went smoothly until they didn’t. You ended up being pepper-sprayed by his assistant in a confusing incident, and they don’t want to see you ever again. That’s what you assume, you were labeled as a creep, and that hurt. So, you went to pursue new clues somewhere else…

The sole reason you got this far was thanks to the young girl you’re with right here and right now! Her name is Ema and she works for Bombastus in some capacity. You two met a couple of weeks ago when you trailed behind a white spirit that later sneaked into her apartment. After making sure she was fine. Ema clued you in on the mysterious Professor’s whereabouts, but couldn’t say more than that because she wasn’t contractually allowed to say a peep.

That same Tuesday when things went awry with the Professor, you went back to visit Ema to look for another opening for the case, only to find out it was her birthday… She was drunk, downhearted, and all alone. You couldn’t stand it, so you gave her some company, and even baked her a birthday cake! It’s been a while since you made desserts, but a good hand is never lost that easily. Her apartment was a mess, so you cleaned it too. Then spent some time with her. You couldn’t bring up the case, but the next day, you thought you could.

It’s been 2 weeks of this, every time you come back by evening Ema is already drunk. She doesn’t let you in until you promise to bake some cake, and her apartment is always in shambles despite you repeatedly asking her to not get it messy, because you don’t want to leave late again! She needs to be more considerate! She knows you’ll clean it up! It’s almost like she’s doing it on purpose.

Here you are, burrito in hand, watching Ema laze around… It’s already way too late, you finished cleaning and you’re feeling tired, but…

What about the case?!

What do you do?

>“Ema, I’m leaving! See you tomorrow!” You’ll think about what to do tomorrow.
>“Huh, Ema, I need to talk to you about something really serious.” You want to stop Ema from being a slacker!
>“Ema, remember the case I talked to you about? Can you help me out?” You’ve endured enough of this treatment to get something out of it…
>Write In.

>>5153161
>>“Huh, Ema, I need to talk to you about something really serious.” You want to stop Ema from being a slacker!

>>5153161
>>“Huh, Ema, I need to talk to you about something really serious.” You want to stop Ema from being a slacker!

>>5153161
>“Huh, Ema, I need to talk to you about something really serious.” You want to stop Ema from being a slacker!

File: 190.png (134 KB, 800x640)

134 KB PNG

>>5153161

“Huh, Ema, I need to talk to you about something really serious.” You clear your throat to show the importance of this walk… after you give the burrito a good bit. You put your tray with your food on the table… box?

“C-Can you bring me another can, p-please…?” Ema raises her hand and shakes her empty beer can without even looking at you.

“I told you when I have my burrito it’s my break.” You refuse to indulge her any further!

“O-Oh s-s-sorry! I-I didn’t see it…!” Ema turns her head and looks genuinely apologetic. You can’t get mad with that face!

“Ema, did you kiss Cactington again?” You can see the little thorns near her mouth…

“Mhm…” Ema is ashamed you noticed… again. “I-I kiss the people I love…”

“I know.” You had this talk before. It’s like she forgets about what she tells you every now and then. She likes repeating herself.

“I-I can kiss y-y-you too if you want…” Ema flashes red upon saying this nonsense.

“No thanks, not with these on.” You start taking each thorn one by one, Ema acts like a cat getting groomed, she doesn’t like it, but she knows it’s good for her. “About what I was trying to tell you, Ema, you can’t keep going on like this, you’re becoming a slacker.”

“H-Huh…?!” Ema acts like her entire world is falling apart, her eyes blink very fast and starts breathing erratically. “D-D-Don’t l-leave me p-please! I-I’ll do a-a-anything! W-We can work this out! I-I can f-f-fix this!”

“How about you return to work?” You didn’t think you'd get this far, maybe you should’ve tried earlier.

“B-But I-I a-already go to w-work…” Ema doesn’t understand what she needs to do. Well, she didn’t act like she does.

“Maybe exercise a little?” A healthy lifestyle is important.

“Y-Yeah! I-I love jo-jogging!” Ema will do it. “I-I won’t forget, I p-p-promise!” Ema grabs her futon…

“You want me to leave? I suppose it’s late.” You smirk and shake your head. “Well, I expect good news tomorrow!”

Ema nods rapidly, then quickly entraps herself in her cocoon mode. She doesn’t react to anything while enrobed. You take your cue and leave the apartment after wishing Ema and Cactington a good night's sleep. You’re so proud of the steps she’s willing to take for you!

…

WAIT, THE CASE!

What do you do?

>Just go back to your apartment.
>Go back and knock on the door.
>Write In.

>>5153308
>>Go back and knock on the door.
Being awkward is what separates the pro detectives from the armatures!

I think...

>>5153308
>Go back and knock on the door.

>>5153308
>Go back and knock on the door

File: 191.png (120 KB, 800x640)

120 KB PNG

>>5153308

Not being awkward has left you with two weeks of inaction, you’ll need to talk things over with Ema right now. Being awkward is what separates the pro detectives from the amateurs! You gently knock on the door.

“Y-Your co-coat…” Cocoon Ema hands you over your expensive coat. Yeah, you keep forgetting it because you take it off to wear the apron.

“Thanks, but that’s not everything.” You put your foot in between the door and the frame so Ema can’t shut it. “I need to ask you about the Professor.”

“I-I can’t…” Ema has said multiple times she’ll do anything for you except what she’s not legally allowed to. And she ain’t lying, she helps you out when you ask, but well, you don’t like bothering her.

You can’t discuss the research, locations, and the people involved. But…

“I figured it out, Ema. You won’t get into trouble, just answer me this…” You know how to get people talking without breaking the law! You were a Police Officer once… That didn’t go great, but you learned a thing or two.

What do you do?

>Ask Ema about the cakes the Professor sells. You think you can get an opening from there.
>Ask Ema about the Professor’s assistant. Maybe you can meet an acquaintance of hers and get the info from them.
>Ask Ema about her old second job. Ema said that’s where she got coincidently called first before joining the lab.
>Write In.

>>5153525
>>Ask Ema about the cakes the Professor sells. You think you can get an opening from there.

>>5153525
>Ask Ema about the cakes the Professor sells. You think you can get an opening from there.

File: 192.png (211 KB, 800x640)

211 KB PNG

>>5153525

“Tell me about those cakes Dr. Bombastus sells.” You believe this is the perfect opening to investigate them.

“N-No! D-Don’t eat t-them! I’d hate seeing you with a g-gut!” Ema’s mind is wandering odd places.

“No, I’m not planning on eating them.” Can you even afford them…?

“Y-You wa-want to mi-mimic the r-recipe? I-I’ll be ha-happy to h-help te-testing them.” Ema chugs down another beer can. You don’t have the heart to tell Ema she has been packing on the pounds since you met her. The people you have pointed that out to, haven’t received the news very well…

“No, Ema. Just focus on telling me how to buy one…” You hate bringing the poor CotF’s mood down, but you’re not a man who makes empty promises.

With the information written down on your notepad, you tell Ema to send your goodnight wishes to Cactington and wish her a good sleep as well, then leave for your apartment. You’ll still check on her tomorrow even if you got what you needed, you can’t leave her like that…

File: 193.png (199 KB, 800x640)

199 KB PNG

>>5153840


It’s Saturday morning. Since you were taking so long to get this case done, you rented a tiny apartment in one of the oldest districts in Pokyo Lokyo. It’s cheap and it isn’t plagued by construction work as much of the rest of the city, and it has the bare minimums for a comfortable stay. You’re done with breakfast and ready to move forward!


“Kobashi…” A familiar voice calls your name, it’s coming from the TV. What a coincidence! You need to turn it off! “The TV is already turned off! Boooo!”

“Gah!” The TV is cursed! You must destroy it before its evil influence affects the fridge!

“P-Put that chair down, it’s me, Madam Qiao Ning!” The screen shows the eccentric woman that sent you to this mission! “I’m here to get a report on your progress.”

“Why didn’t you use the phone?” You point out because… wait… how is she talking to you through the TV? Did she buy Ad time?! What in the world is happening? Must be spirit powers. But she’s no spirit. Yeah, you’re going to go back to the what in the world is happening stuff and maybe panic a little inside. You don’t like showing people your emotions.

“T-That’s too mundane of a question for the impressive feat you’re witnessing! This is the power of a prodigy! A prodigy!” Qiao Ning huffs and puffs from one side of the screen to the other. “You’re one of the few agents that has reported a surmountable amount of progress. So, rejoice! You’re worth checking on!”

How do you respond?

>“Let’s not be hasty, I have a lead, I’ll report my findings later tonight instead of wasting both of our time now.” You have confidence this cake lead is going to work.
>“Well, I did find out the following…” Put Qiao up to speed.
>“I’m not comfortable talking to a TV, so please leave. I’ll call you later. Using the Phone. Not the TV.” You won’t stand for this mockery of reality.
>Write In.

What do you do next?

>Call the Bombastus’ Cake Service to order some and get some intel.
>Go to the Store that sells Bombasuts’ Cakes to get more information.
>Pretend to be someone else and visit the Store that sells Bombastus’ Cakes.
>Write In.

>>5153853

(Also the last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5152980
Talk about your favorite characters, plot moments, fights, and whatever

>>5153853
>“Well, I did find out the following…” Put Qiao up to speed.
>Go to the Store that sells Bombasuts’ Cakes to get more information.

>>5153853
>>“Let’s not be hasty, I have a lead, I’ll report my findings later tonight instead of wasting both of our time now.” You have confidence this cake lead is going to work.
>Pretend to be someone else and visit the Store that sells Bombastus’ Cakes.

>>5152980
It's a full computer, not a laptop. It's still sitting in Johny's apartment desperately attempting to clue us in to The Plot.

>>5153853
>Let's not be hasty
>Call the Bombastus' Cake Service

How about this for a plan
>Call store and order cake, get what intel we can
>Taste cake, bake a superior one
>Get access to Bombastus himself by challenging him to a cake off, he'll take us seriously as a challenger after trying our cake
>????
>Get the info we need as prize for winning

>>5154276
Actually, I really like this idea, let's go with that

>>5154276
+1

File: 194.png (163 KB, 800x640)

163 KB PNG

“Let’s not be hasty, I have a lead, I’ll report my findings later tonight instead of wasting both of our time.” You’re confident you’re going to get something out today!

“Oooooh! Sounds exciting! I’ll be eagerly expecting a phone call later tonight!” Qiao Ning gives tiny claps. “I came here to show you the power of my incredible reach to stop you from slacking off! But before I go, I must inform you I sent you another item I forgot to give you. Apologies!”

“I have the Catching pot, don’t worry.” You wink at the TV. You have the Pot and the Special Goggles, the latter way more useful than the former. With them, you helped scare a spirit from a TV studio with a broom! You got handsomely paid for that.

“You remember its name! Your attitude is worth giving praise! Everyone else is so dismissive of our customs, my well-mannered associate. But not you! A grown-up with some deference! I’m really rooting for your success!” Qiao Ning loves that you remember the tiny details. “But no! It’s something else! The carrier must be outside! Be courteous with her like I know you will! And for now, I bid you farewell!”

The TV Screen turns static then black, it’s off again. Qiao Ning is nowhere to be found. You pour some salt on the TV to get rid of the dark spirits before opening the door as your employer asked you to. There’s a young lady in her early twenties waiting with a box in hand, she smirks upon seeing you.

“Mr. Kobayashi, I presume. Name’s Marcela, I’m part of the Gyerhae Monastery, and I have this package for you.” Marcela makes the little package spin on her fingers like it’s a basketball, while pointing at herself with the other hand. “Lil’ Qiao sent me here.”

“It’s Kobashi, actually…” It’s been a good while since someone got your name wrong…

“Oh! Thunderous wow! Don’t take it as an offense! I have my head in the clouds and whatnot. I heard you talking with lil’ Qiao and that’s all I could think of.” Marcela makes the package spin faster. “She’s a lil’ good girl, isn’t she?”

“I suppose so. I keep my personal opinion to myself.” You want to grab the package but Marcela keeps eluding you…

“But you must admit that lil’ thing being our clan leader at such a young age is pretty damn impressive. At 8 I was throwing rocks at bikers, not acting as the headmistress of one of the most important temples in the entire country. She was forced into the position after the older leader, her mother, suddenly died. She’s a prodigy and all, but that’s too much for her, don’t you think? Wait… Oh no, don’t tell me you didn’t notice how young she is? Don’t tell me the stilts fooled you? Aren’t you a detective?” Marcela is giggling in your face!

File: 195.png (202 KB, 800x640)

202 KB PNG

>>5155101

“Why are you telling me this?” You aren’t even attempting to take the box at this point. There’s something off about this delivery girl.

“What a sour puss, you looked like anything but that! I’m chit-chatting, a lil’ break before I get the other box to the other poor soul chasing green mist, I guess.” Marcela is caught off-guard by your change in mood. “You have such a friendly-looking vibe, I’m disappointed.”

“Do I…?” You open your arms and look down at yourself, then back at her with an incredulous look. You’re a large man with a dark coat, you look anything but friendly. “I used to be a little more gracious, but people weren’t keen on me prattling all day. I’m one of those types that when they hook you, they never let you go.”

“A relentless type, I can see it now.” Marcela starts finding you endearing. “But I’m worried about Qiao, the pressure is mounting on her. The clan has kept that noble spirit in check for over 200 years, and during her first year in charge she makes the big whoopsie. Lil’ Qiao was always opposed to the old-stagers, matters of ego more than anything, but during this crisis the elders have managed to get in her ear… so she’ll file in line with the same old, same old. And that’s not good for the clan. Maybe it’s not such a good idea if Qiao gets the Ignis Fatuus back…”

“And everything will be better if I hand it to you instead, right?” You know where this is going. In your line of work, you met a lot of people with these kinds of speeches.

“Exactly! How perceptive!” Marcela smiles from ear to ear. “I always knew you’re the right man for the job! But now? I have no doubts you’ll find it!” You know she’ll say the same thing to the other guy…

What do you do with this girl?

>Ask Marcela what’s wrong with the Elders of her clan.
>Ask Marcela what’s planning to do with the Green Flame.
>Ask Marcela to give you the box and tell her you’ll think about it.
>Write In.

>>5155107
>>Ask Marcela what’s wrong with the Elders of her clan.

>>5155107
Odetta's mom a cute

>Ask Marcela what's she planning to do with the Green Flame.
"If you wanted Qiao to not listen to the traditionalists, you'd want the Green Flame returned quick. Or maybe you're going to use it as a bargaining chip?"

>>5155107
>>Ask Marcela what’s wrong with the Elders of her clan.

>>5155107
>Ask Marcela what’s wrong with the Elders of her clan.

>>5155107
>Ask Marcela what’s wrong with the Elders of her clan.

File: 196.png (140 KB, 800x640)

140 KB PNG

(I made a mistake, it’s supposed to be “fall in line” instead of “file in line”. Brain farts are weird.)

“As antagonistic as it may sound, I need to ask you if you’re intentionally leaving details out. What’s wrong with the Elders of your clan?” You need this point explained regardless of if you’re interested in doing what Marcela wants.

“Oh! Clangorous yikes! I forgot to tell you! I’m used to everyone knowing how awful they are, so this one’s on me!” Marcela almost drops the spinning box from her fingers. “Onto what’s important…” Marcela begins explaining her side of the story.

The Elders were responsible for killing Qiao’s parents, the main target being the previous leader of the clan, Qiao’s mother – a woman Marcela almost mistakenly called ‘an Old Hag’ before correcting herself. The Old leader and the Elders had a disagreement on how to deal with an Extinct Enemy Clan that resurfaced out of thin air a couple of years ago. This evil clan reappeared despite being wiped from the face of the Earth centuries ago. Their sole mission is to bring a God of Death to roam this world to wipe it from existence.

The Elders wanted these individuals dead. The Clan Leader argued it was impossible for them to do anything, the clan’s influence and resources are not what it was centuries ago, and pulling something like this felt idiotic and unnecessary – she decided to find these individuals and speak to them to understand the situation better. Couple of weeks after this decision was taken, the Clan Leader showed up dead. Marcela doesn’t know for sure if the Elders were responsible, but the very same day they were talking about educating Qiao into their liking, to be their puppet.

“…By the look on your face, I can tell you figured it out, didn’t you?” Marcela knows more about you than it appears. “It was a case you were involved with.”

“The Orphanage of the Blue…” You feel like a headache is brewing, that damn case… Those bastards… Those damned bastards…

“Exactly! I bet you were thinking I was going to tell the same thing to the other detective! But no! Mr. Kobashi, I know you’re the real deal. I know you’re the only one who can find the Ignis Fatuus. You have experience in supernatural cases and…” Marcela notices how tense you are. “Something wrong…?”

…?

>“Your elders weren’t wrong about those people.”
>“You have no idea what happened, do you?”
>“I’ll think about it, I must go…” Grab the package and close the door, you need to make a call.
>Write In.

>>5155220
>>“I’ll think about it, I must go…” Grab the package and close the door, you need to make a call.

>>5155220
>“I’ll think about it, I must go…” Grab the package and close the door, you need to make a call.

>>5155220
>Your elders weren't wrong about those people.
>“I’ll think about it, I must go…” Grab the package and close the door, you need to make a call.

File: 197.png (115 KB, 800x640)

115 KB PNG

“I’ll think about it, I must go…” You grab the package and sigh. “Take care, Marcela.”

“H-Hey! W-Wai—” Marcela shouted as you closed the door on her face.

You take a deep breath and start thinking about what to do next. You grab a glass of water and throw it on your face then drink water from the sink. After calming down, you grab the phone and dial the number Ema gave you, you’ll be able to order the cake that the Professor is so proud of. The plan is to get your hands on some, get any intel you can, taste the cake, then bake one superior. Then you’ll challenge Professor Bombastus to a cake off! And after tasting your sugary goodness he’ll have no other option to accept.

Ah, a cake-off, reminds you of your time in high school with that idiot Gerard… Anyway, you need to get this done, you pick up the phone.

“Good morning and Salutations! This is Lucremoola’s pastry shop! How can we help you?” A hauntingly familiar voice takes your call…

“Hello there! Is this the place I can order Mr. Bombastus’s cakes from?” You ask gently, no… it can’t be…

“Yes! We have a special menu just for you, my dear fellow client! We have 3 kinds of cake the Professor makes. Is there any special flavor you fancy today? Or should we try to surprise you? If you choose the latter, it would be dandy if you’d tell me about any allergies you may have!” The cheerful woman asks.

File: Spoiler Image (189 KB, 800x640)

189 KB PNG

>>5155305

“S-Something is bothering me… Can I ask you something?” You can’t keep this feeling inside your head anymore.

“I-Is there something wrong? Ask away!” The lady is discombobulated by your tone.

“Vanessa, is that you…?”

File: Spoiler Image (273 KB, 800x640)

273 KB PNG

>>5155306

“…………….AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!! IT’S YOUUUUUUUUUU, KOBASHIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!”

The call ends.

…

…

What do you do…?

>Call again?
>Maybe go to the shop…?
>Open the box you got?
>Write In?

>>5155310

Last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!

>>5155310
>>Maybe go to the shop…?

>>5155310
>Maybe go to the shop…?

>>5155310
>Maybe go to the shop…?

The plot thickens like good cake batter.

>>5155310
>Maybe go to the shop…?

File: 200.png (244 KB, 800x640)

244 KB PNG

Vanessa van Zullekom is quite the complicated character, she was your mentor during your third stint in the police after you were kicked out of the force for multiple misdemeanors. She took you under her wing when no one else would, saved your job, and guided you to becoming a better officer and person. But it was all a charade, she made shady deals behind everyone’s back, collaborated with absolute scum, and tricked everyone around her into thinking she was innocent. One part of you still believes in her innocence, it’s just a hunch, but the facts say differently…

Speaking of facts, you were told she fled the country to avoid being punished by the law, so what the hell is she doing here?! She couldn’t have evaded justice altogether like they did...

Right…?

Maybe you should go to the shop instead…

You put the package inside your pocket and leave your apartment! You board the Kobamobile! A car created from a bunch of scraps. It was cheap to rent, so here you go. Yeah, it’s not yours, you can’t legally call it the Kobamobile. The actual owner is attached to this piece of metal, so it should be for a good reason. Truthfully, you don’t like it. If only this city was more bicycle-friendly…

File: 201.png (221 KB, 800x640)

221 KB PNG

>>5156339

You’ve arrived at Lucremoola’s Pastry Shop. The place is doing a cross-branding promotion with a cartoon show that airs every day at 7PM about a detective cat, you can’t recall the name since you always miss the opening. Ema likes the show a lot. That damn cat is better at your job than you are. You’re not that jealous. It’s a tiny two storey shop, it’s counter goes from one wall to the other, and there’s a poor guy wearing the detective cat’s costume behind the register.

“Hello there, sir! How can I help you?” The enthusiastic man inside the costume wonders. You say man, but their voice is rather indescribably indecipherable.

“Can I ask you something first? How comfortable is wearing something like that?” Maybe you can buy a giant cactus costume to cheer up Ema. Trying to cheer up people is a bad habit of yours.

“Well, sir! I’m glad I won’t have to wear this for the rest of my life! Perhaps, I’m being too much of a downer. It’s my first day, so I probably need to get used to it.” The cheerful employee raises his fist.

“I see, I see. You look good in it.” That’s not the best compliment you could’ve come up with. “You’re the only one working here?” You look around trying to spot Vanessa.

“Of course not! There’s people working in the kitchen and upstairs!” The Cat wobbles its head like nodding. “We have a counter up there for special requests.”

“Is that where I can get one of Bombastus’ cakes?” You got something here.

“Precisely. Are you an acquaintance of his?” The Cat head wonders.

“You could say that.” That’s a funny way of saying not at all.

“Does your name happen to be Kobashi?” The Weird shopkeeper is being intrusive.

How do you respond?

>“Some call me Coolbashi.” Wink.
>“No, actually, my name’s Kobayashi.” Pretend to be someone else.
>“Yeah, is anything wrong?” Have you met this person before…?
>Write In.

>>5156340
>>“No, actually, my name’s Kobayashi.” Pretend to be someone else.

>>5156340
>>“No, actually, my name’s Kobayashi.” Pretend to be someone else.

>>5156340
>“No, actually, my name’s Kobayashi.” Pretend to be someone else.

>>5156340
>>“Yeah, is anything wrong?” Have you met this person before…?

File: 202.png (242 KB, 800x640)

242 KB PNG

“No, actually, my name’s Kobayashi.” You’re going to pretend to be someone else. Good thing Marcela gave you an idea for the name.

“You are not Kobashi?” The shopkeeper asks.

“Do I look like a Kobashi?” You raise an eyebrow.

“I don’t understand the question.” The Creature inside the costume appears confused.

“Then you need to do a little bit of introspection.” You shake your head disillusioned as you walk away to the stairs you spot by the side. D-Did you make your own name some kind of insult? Just walk, Kobashi, don’t look back.

The fat cat on one of the display counters follows you up there, you noticed him now that he moved. What a great detective you are, no wonder the cartoon cat gets a TV series and all you get are speeding tickets... Anyway, the shopkeeper was too in awe to come up with something else to say and let you go. Maybe you confused him. No, there’s no ambiguity, you confused him. You’ll take it…

The 2nd floor is a mirror of the first one, the key differences being the number of customers and the person behind the counter: It’s Vanessa… And she’s wearing something on her face…? She actually looks ridiculous! Maybe she’s dressed as one of the characters from the cartoon. The antagonist most likely since she fits the role all too well!

File: 203.png (167 KB, 800x640)

167 KB PNG

>>5156413

“Hey, pal, it’s my turn.” A burly man grabs your arm. “Yes, this is the order for Dorothy.”

Isn’t that the name of Professor Bombastus’s assistant?

“I-I-I-It’s h-here, sir…!” Vanessa points at the counter where a little package is waiting. “M-Mr. dear fellow c-client, you need to g-grab a number first if you w-want to order anything.” Vanessa points at the ticket machine by the door. She’s playing dumb like always! “N-Next! 32!"

What do you do?

>Ask the burly man about who the cake he’s getting is for.
>Take a number and wait for your turn like a good ciivy would.
>“Vanessa, we need to talk now.” You won’t wait! You’re an impatient man!
>Write In.

>>5156453
>>“Vanessa, we need to talk now.” You won’t wait! You’re an impatient man!

>>5156453

Post ate the first line for some fucking reason. It was something akin to "You approach van Zullekom who cowers in fear."

With it, the site thought it was spam. I don't know why. Sorry for the delay.

>>5156459
It’s fine my dude. I blame Amelia for doing this.
>>5156453
>“Vanessa, we need to talk now.” You won’t wait! You’re an impatient man!

>>5156453
>“Vanessa, we need to talk now.” You won’t wait! You’re an impatient man!

>>5156453
>>Take a number and wait for your turn like a good ciivy would.

File: 204.png (221 KB, 800x640)

221 KB PNG

“Oh whoopsie! I almost forgot to say! H-Have a good meal, dear client!” van Zullekom waves at the burly man who just left.

“Thanks… Dorothy sure loves these…” The big guy is low in spirits. You could’ve helped him, but…

“Vanessa, we need to talk now.” You can’t wait, there are many questions unanswered! Mysteries to unveil! And you can get the cake faster this way too…

“T-Talk…? Why should we? I-I d-don’t think we met before, sir!” Vanessa looks at the fat cat like he’s going to tell her what to do.

“Vanessa…” You furrow your eyebrows; she’s so obviously lying it’s almost comical.

“B-But I’m dutifully doing my job…!” Vanessa cowers lower and lower until only her eyes are visible.

“No excuses, we—”

“Heeey, fuckhead, get out of the way. It’s our turn.” Another one of the customers grabs you by the shoulder, he’s looking for trouble.

“Excuse me, it’s not going to take long.” You try not to engage in his hostility.

“You heard the ugly klutz, she doesn’t want to talk to you. Now beat it.” The guy insists on getting on your nerves.

“U-Ugly klutz?!” Vanessa is in shock. It’s been a while since you saw her stupid expression, errr, Vanessa in dismay.

“C’mon Stan. We don’t need to cause trouble.” His friend with ridiculous hair tries to cool things down.

“Tch, you’re always a goody-two-shoes, aren’t you? I met you like a month ago, and every time you’ve managed to always suck out all the fun. How are you friends with him, anyway?” The problematic one of the two touches his chin. “Grow some balls and tell him to fuck off, we’re not waiting. Everyone is expecting us soon.”

“I-I’m not a party pooper.” His friend doesn’t like the remark one bit. “Sir, it’s our turn, and we want our cake.”

“Don’t be polite, you halfwit loser.” Troublemaker does not approve.

Violence is never the answer. But it is the question. And the answer is always when it’s necessary! And you might be approaching that point of no return.

What do you do?

>Smash their heads together and continue talking with Vanessa.
>“Get your cake quick, please.” Step aside.
>Listen to your friend, you really don’t want any trouble with me.” Warn them.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5156497
>>Listen to your friend, you really don’t want any trouble with me.” Warn them.
>>just tell Vanessa “it’s about Blues. Again.”

>>5156684
+1

>>5156497
>>Listen to your friend, you really don’t want any trouble with me.” Warn them.

>>5156497
>Listen to your friend, you really don’t want any trouble with me.” Warn them.

>>5156684
+1

>>5153308
>You put your tray with your food on the table… box?
In the main quest, the hero who cooks well (Johnny), deals with a mentally-ill shut-in girl (Ajna), who has unknown experiences with flame entities, in her apartment in disarray, having to use a box as a table. The exact same thing is happening here.

>>5157268
Kobashi is obviously Johnny's dad

>>5157274
Nah that's clearly him in >>5156497. And Kobashi knows Gerard, as in Gerard Luther, the one silly Judge that looks like Maximillian Pegasus, in >>5155305 from high school. But who is the guy in >>5156453?

File: 205.png (209 KB, 800x640)

209 KB PNG

>>5156497

“Listen to your friend, you really don’t want any trouble with me.” You still think there’s a chance you don’t have to get physical here. You’d prefer if you could find a way to deescalate, you hate beating up people. Everyone’s one bad fall away from permanent damage. Where you grew up being brash meant goons left you be; but everywhere else? Just trouble – it’s still a hard habit to shrug off.

“Shut your trap, you cocky bastard.” This Stan guy didn’t like the way you phrased it. Why is being polite so difficult?

“S-Stan, calm down, you’re making a scene.” His friend fails to appease Stan, you can tell he doesn’t want any trouble, but wants to impress this douche. He puts himself in front of his rowdy friend. “Sir! You’ve forgotten I’m the individual you’re talking to! Please don’t ignore me!”

“I’m not, but he’s the one looking for trouble.” You point at Stan.

“You sound like a sissy, man.” Stan is so disappointed in his friend. “No wonder I keep forgetting your name…”

“It’s Ruffus!” This Ruffus guy is too lenient with his friend here…

File: 206.png (171 KB, 800x640)

171 KB PNG

>>5157354

“I know what your name is, I’m mocking you… Forget it, none of you are worth the trouble.” Stan facepalms. He walks over to the counter, not without shoving you away... “We’re 32, cake for Dirty Rob… Pfft… Did you guys really write this down? Haha!”

“Hehehe, I-It was your idea, wasn’t it?” Ruffus chuckles uneasily, begging you with his eyes not to retaliate.

“C’mon, klutz, we don’t have all day.” Stan wants his service quick.

“Y-Yes, sir!” Vanessa starts looking at the cakes inside the display case next to her.

What do you do?

>React like a reasonable adult and trip him on his way out.
>“I don’t take kindly to what you just did, kid. Apologize.” Demand respect.
>Leave him be. What’s important here is Villain Vanessa.
>Write In.

>>5157357
>>React like a reasonable adult and trip him on his way out.

>>5157357
>React like a reasonable adult and trip him on his way out.

>>5157278
Also that guy is Jean-Loup from Slightly Petty Revenge quest, Masen's dad. It was revealed at the end that he knew Dorothy

>>5157357
>Seriously consider tripping this douche.
>("Everyone’s one bad fall away from permanent damage.")
>...
>Leave him be. What’s important here is Villain Vanessa

>>5157357
>Leave him be. What’s important here is Villain Vanessa.

>>5157357
>React like a reasonable adult and trip him on his way out.

>>5157357
>>React like a reasonable adult and trip him on his way out.

File: 207.png (216 KB, 800x640)

216 KB PNG

Vanessa hands the cake box to Stan, once he passes right by you, you subtly trip him with your foot – he loses his balance and ultimately succumbs to the floor with the poor cake protecting his fall. He has cake blood all over his waist.

“God dammit.” Stan grits his teeth and tries to clean himself up.

“S-Stan, you should’ve looked where you were going!” Ruffus tries to help his friend stand up, but he moves his arm away.

“You tripped me!” Stan accuses you of this accident.

“You were pretty clumsy before; don’t you think it was your fault?” You play dumb just like Vanessa would.

“Agh, fuck, whatever…” Stan licks the cream he has all over his body, he likes it.

“Now what are we going to do? We need it for Rob’s birthday…” Ruffus is conflicted on what to do next.

“I don’t know, maybe get a replacement going?!” Stan shouts loudly so Vanessa gets a clue!

“O-Oh! Apologies, but you’ll have to wait a couple of hours if you want one!” Vanessa isn’t pretending to be incompetent; she can’t get it done now.

“Whatever, Rob doesn’t deserve a good one anyway, let’s buy one from the first floor.” Stan isn’t that troubled about what happened. He cleans his T-shirt as much as he can and starts walking off. Without cleaning up…

“S-Stan, we can’t leave this place like this…” Ruffus is remorseful.

“Don’t worry, kid. I got this.” You feel a tiny bit guilty for what happened. It was reckless of you; you could’ve injured him – and the cake died. Poor cake. “Vanessa, hand me a mop.”

“F-For the last time, I don’t know any Vanessas!” Ex-Lieutenant is as silly as ever, you’d find it charming if you didn’t know her true nature.

“Don’t make me call you Klutz…” You’ll keep the ugly part to yourself because you don’t think it’s true. “Just go.” You tap that Ruffus kid’s back to follow his awful friend, he long left this floor. “Just don’t let him get to you.”

“R-Right… Sorry for everything…” If Ruffus was more confident, he would’ve stayed to help. But you can’t blame him, he’s just trying to fit in.

File: 208.png (202 KB, 800x640)

202 KB PNG

>>5157513

“W-Wait, don’t leave him with me…!” Vanessa just realized that she’ll have to answer your queries with those two gone.

“Vanessa, it’s about the Blues. Again.” You want to show her how serious this is.

“N-No, it’s about number 33! Please number 33, come ahead!” Vanessa tries to hide her fear behind her job…

“I came here to place an order, but you can two have a chat if you need, I haven’t decided what to have yet.” Number 33 smiles at you two… Y-You didn’t see him here before, your detective senses are awful!

What do you do?

>“No, it’s fine. Just hand me the mop for now…” You’ll wait until Vanessa’s shift is over.
>“Thanks, it’s not going to take long.” Thank the guy and talk to the Ex-Lieutenant.
>Take a bite from the exploded cake. That’s all you’ll need to know about the Cake’s flavor.
>Write In.

>>5157518
>>“Thanks, it’s not going to take long.” Thank the guy and talk to the Ex-Lieutenant.

>>5157518
>>“Thanks, it’s not going to take long.” Thank the guy and talk to the Ex-Lieutenant.

Reasonble Adults I swear

>>5157518
>>“Thanks, it’s not going to take long.” Thank the guy and talk to the Ex-Lieutenant.

File: 209.png (267 KB, 800x640)

267 KB PNG

“Thanks, it’s not going to take long.” You profusely appreciate his good disposition… Unlike someone else’s. “Vanessa…”

“Ah!” Ex-Lieutenant is hiding under the counter again, you can only see her bulging eyes.

“C-Calm down.” You don’t know why she’s being so effusive.

“Ah.” Vanessa just lowers her volume but continues being in a panic.

“Can we have a tiny chat in the back? We’ll need some privacy. Like I said, it’s about the Blues.” You don’t want this nice fellow to hear anything about it, no matter how pleasant he is. “No offense, it’s a personal matter.”

“None taken, I don’t want to pry in your business. Could you spare me a menu before you go?” The good fellow asks Vanessa… She passes one through the counter using one hand without leaving her position. “Thank you.”

You acted like a twat before with that Stan guy, why is he being so nice? Maybe he had some altercation with Stan previous to your arrival. Sounds likely with how easy that guy was to anger.

“U-Uh, dear client, you promised to clean up the mess!” Vanessa finds a way to delay this! “Yes! W-We can’t have a conversation until you do! I’m not too distracted to forget your promise!”

You turn to the non-existent mess. The fat cat ate everything, including the cardboard. No, he just folded it between his paws and now he’s dragging it to the dumpster. What in the world? Is that why he’s here? You and Client 33 share a look of confusion.

“Meow.” That’s the fanciest cat voice you have ever heard. Vanessa hides again…

“It’ll be a moment…” You reassure the other guy as Vanessa crawls to the back door without saying a word. “Huh, should I jump the counter or…?” You turn to Customer 33, he shrugs in response. You go the long way instead… You caused enough trouble as it is.

It’s a tiny storage room, there’s not much space to move around. Aside from the boxes, there’s a desk and a couple of plastic chairs. You don’t think any of this is related to pastry cooking, all the sweets are at the counter outside. Vanessa takes part of her costume off to reveal she’s still Vanessa…

“Sergeant Kobashi…” Vanessa finally looks you in the eyes.

“Ex-Sergeant, Lieutenant van Zullekom.” You sigh as you take your coat off.

“Ex-Lieutenant, Ex-Sergeant Kobashi.” Vanessa wants to chuckle but doesn’t know if it’s appropriate.

You have mixed feelings… On one hand she’s the reason for so much suffering, so much change in your life, to what happened to Yareli… But on the other hand, you thought she was dead, and you still think of her as your friend.

>>5157664

…

What do you do?

>“Get me one of Bombastus’ best cakes, I’ll meet you after your shift. We’ll talk in my apartment.” You said it was going to be short, so…
>“Vanessa, how are you alive? What happened? Are you okay?” You just want to know if your friend is all right…
>“Why did you do it, Vanessa…? Why?!” It’s never too late to get the answers…
>“Could you help an old friend with something?” …
>Write In.

>>5157666
>>“Vanessa, how are you alive? What happened? Are you okay?” You just want to know if your friend is all right…

>>5157666
>>“Vanessa, how are you alive? What happened? Are you okay?” You just want to know if your friend is all right…

>>5157666
>“Vanessa, how are you alive? What happened? Are you okay?” You just want to know if your friend is all right…

>>5157666
>>>“Vanessa, how are you alive? What happened? Are you okay?” You just want to know if your friend is all right…

File: Sorry34.png (174 KB, 800x640)

174 KB PNG

Sorry, everyone, the post became way too big, so I'll deliver it tomorrow (so the drawing quality doesn't suffer)! Again, sorry for everything!

File: 210.png (274 KB, 800x640)

274 KB PNG

“Vanessa, how are you alive? What happened? Are you okay?” You need to know if your friend is all right

But all the questions you just asked fell on deaf ears, the Ex-Lieutenant is on her knees, hands on the ground and head down. Her body trembles, little gasps come out of her mouth, like she’s drowning in a sea of her own guilt. You freeze, nothing you say is getting through her, then she lets it all out…

“Apo-Apo-Apologies! I apologize! I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! I made many misssstakes! It’s all my fault! I swear I want to take it all back! But I’m not the person they made you believe I am! I’d never hurt you! I’d never hurt Yareli! I couldn’t hurt a child either! I didn’t want any of this to happen! They tricked me! Hear me out, Kobashi, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!!” Vanessa is begging right now. Head touching the floor, going back and forth with each sentence.

“L-Listen to me!” You don’t mind! Now you know that you don’t mind! But she needs to listen…

“I-I made y-you this…” Vanessa grabs a backpack on one of the plastic chairs that you didn’t notice at first. “Every d-day over t-the past t-two years I made o-one waiting f-for any of you t-two to come… every single day without fault… TAKE IT!”

It’s a poptart. She’s raising one of her apology poptarts with both hands, without looking up… You take it…

“Vanessa…” You put it aside, you want her to stop…

“I-I knew no matter w-what I said, you wouldn’t believe me… j-just like last time… B-But you always said that f-food is pure and honest…! I-I only ask y-you to t-take one bite!” Vanessa wants a chance at redemption.

“Vanessa, I never said that.” You recall that it was a TV show.

“Y-You didn’t?!” Vanessa is in shock, tears falling down like she’s feeding them to the sea. She’s listening now!

“It doesn't matter. I don’t care. Just tell me, how are you alive? What happened? Are you okay?” You grab her by both shoulders and look her right in the eyes.

“…….Kobashi.” Vanessa van Zullekom doesn’t believe this reality. She looks away, so you can witness the tears falling.

“Now tell me everything… Please.” It’s your turn to put your head down and plead.

File: 211.png (249 KB, 800x640)

249 KB PNG

>>5159278

“Everything’s fine, huh?” A quirky-looking guy and the employee from the first floor show up, they look worried that something might have happened with Vanessa, and with good reason. With so much screeching, you didn’t hear the door being opened. He commands the man in the costume to leave you be. As the door closes, he clears his throat and begins talking. “Welcome, welcome, Mr. Kobashi, to my humble store. It’s been a while!”

“You know each other?” Vanessa knows this guy, well, it's her boss. But beyond an employer-employee relationship, you mean.

“We know each other?” You don’t recall ever seeing this guy in your life!

“My name is Ulrich Lucremoola! We both tried our luck to get the National Chef Scholarship of Excellence years back. If my memory serves me right, you were disqualified for trying to murder one of the contestants.” Ulrich has a good laugh. Oh yeah, you wanted to throw Gerard into one of the ovens for stealing your recipe, you never knew the results after what happened…

“I see you’ve done well for yourself.” You look around, not the best part of the store to make this remark.

“This? This is a mere hobby. I didn’t get the scholarship either, at least not on my first try. But that’s old news, and those pass by quickly to be forgotten by time and space.” Ulrich shrugs. “Ehem, onto the matter at hand, I was worried you were planning on throwing Ms. van Zullekom into an oven. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. Still, you’ll have to pardon my rudeness, but I’ll stay here for the rest of the conversation. Just in case you fall into a fit of rage. Nothing personal.”

“Ulrich, please! It’s not necessary! Kobashi has my entire trust!” Vanessa doesn’t feel that comfortable talking about what she wants to talk about with him here.

File: 212.png (223 KB, 800x640)

223 KB PNG

>>5159279

“Vanessa, dear, how many times do I have to tell you that your assessments are often wrong? Just let me stay, for your own security.” Ulrich turns to you as he grabs a plastic chair to sit on. “Mr. Kobashi, do not feel uneasy, I’m already well-aware of what Vanessa has gone through. I’m one of the people who secured her safety, if anything, my own safety is at stake if Vanessa’s situation comes to light. It’s a delicate matter, you see?”

“You came here in case I needed to be incapacitated, didn’t you?” You know Vanessa has dealt with many shady individuals.

“You’ve become a more rational man than the one I met years back.” Ulrich opens his jacket to show a gun. He closes it. “But I mean no ill will. Please proceed.”

“U-Ulrich, don’t you ever think about hurting Kobashi!” Vanessa will stand up for you.

“This noisy fella is only here in case he’s thinking about hurting me!” Ulrich looks surprised he had to say something he felt was obvious.

“Enough. I just care about what Vanessa has to say.” You don’t care about getting shot! Wait… You do! Forget it! You just want to hear what happened!

“…I’ll explain.” Vanessa takes a deep breath.

File: 213.png (338 KB, 800x640)

338 KB PNG

>>5159281

First, you’ll do a big explanation (Everything related to the Orphanage of the Blue):

The Orphanage of the Blue case is the biggest case you’ve been involved with in both your police and private detective jobs, and you’re not proud of that fact. It involved child-trafficking, child abuse, cult behavior, corruption, murder, everything a sick mind can imagine. The brain of the operation was a woman named Ophelia Bruun, an ex-government official and founder of this establishment and cult. Their mission was to revive an old forgotten deity to cast their revenge onto those who purged them. Pure unaltered madness.

Thanks to her connections, Ophelia’s orphanage got approved as one of the few official private adoption centers in the entire nation. She was also able to go around the country taking special children from different orphanages as she saw fit, most of them didn’t care since they are all Children of the Future. What made these kids special is the supposed ability to contact the spirits – all overseen by a teacher named Hamdaan Hubbard. A man with the supposed ability to see the kids’ potential. The children who were not showing enough progress were either sold overseas for adoption, enslaved or just plain murdered.

It all happened in your district at the time, in the peaceful town of Xumenlo, all under your noses. You and your former partner Yareli were the only ones who got a sniff about the operation, eventually, you two managed to dismantle the whole operation. Took years. Yareli grew too attached to the case as she befriended some of the orphans to get information. Once it was all over, those same kids were either found dead or in a state the kids were never going to be able to fully recover from. She was left traumatized upon witnessing those harrowing events, she sneaked in by herself, too worried about the kids’ wellbeing and paid the price, she saw it all… and you weren’t there for her.

The case was irrefutable, despite the government’s insistence on burying it deep into the ground, the news spread like fire overseas thanks to Lieutenant Vanessa’s connections as a police bodyguard, who risked it all to get justice for the people she felt failed to. Vanessa was in charge of the local police station, and always backed you up during the entire investigation. After the events, it came clear that Yareli would never return as a policewoman, the damage to her psyche was beyond repair. Because of that, you gave her all credit for the case, so she could retire early with a good pension for heroism. It worked out, but…

During the investigation, Vanessa van Zullekom was revealed to be one of the people who helped conceal Ophelia’s operation. Vanessa was taken into court, and promptly sentenced to death.

File: 214.png (502 KB, 800x1000)

502 KB PNG

>>5159283

But that’s not all, Ophelia Bruun and her minions were absolved of all charges. One of Prancijan’s magnates financed her defense, the case was a sham from beginning to end – justice failed. The kids involved in the case were given reparations, only and only if they stick to the adopted last name ‘Bruun’ they were given by their abusers. Most of them rejected and got nothing. In the end, most of the people who went to prison were other police officers involved in the case.

You fought back from within the police force, talked to every person in the chain of command, even tried to appeal the sentence with a lawyer friend of yours, a ballsy guy if you ever met one. You got nothing. You quit the force. You remember being in tears outside the courtroom when everything was over, your friend Cal grabbed you by the shoulder and told you “Today, today is not the day, but one day, I promise you, one fucking day we will have justice.”

A couple of months ago, you were told that Yareli had to receive a badge of honor by the President in a private ceremony. She couldn’t decline or else her pension would be at risk. They probably forgot who she was at that point. When it was her turn to get the medal, Yareli choked him. The President ended up with damaged chords, and unable to sing like he used to for the rest of his life. You wish Yareli could’ve told you in person, but you can’t meet with her without bringing bad memories afloat. You’ll never be able to see her again. You miss your friend.

File: 215.png (257 KB, 800x750)

257 KB PNG

>>5159285

Now onto Vanessa:

Vanessa managed to escape death by using the same connections that helped her spread the word overseas. A wealthy businessman that goes by the name of Lucas Cuadrado hired a mafia group that managed to heist Vanessa out of prison. She was supposed to escape to live overseas, but Vanessa was too terrified of living abroad, traumatized by the time she served in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. A trial was held against her for killing a foreigner politician. All proven false. Instead, she decided to live here, using a fake identity, being helped by two of her other friends that have connections overseas: Dr. Bombastus and Ulrich Lucremoola. They met the same way, she was their bodyguard at one point or another.

Vanessa reveals she never intended to help Ophelia in any way, shape or form. All she did was delay your investigation a bit at the start to buy time for her friend Houda Lan to steal a precious gem the same wealthy businessman that bailed Ophelia out of prison gave to the evil woman. That’s it. All extra files that were pinned to her, were created by another traitorous police officer to blame her specifically. Whoever that was, he was the true person responsible for helping the Orphanage, at least, inside your station. The rabbit hole goes much deeper than what you two thought before.

And Vanessa is okay for the most part, her prison time here wasn’t easy, some prisoners and guards alike took it out on her for what she supposedly did in retaliation. The news wasn't known inside the country, but someone in the force told everyone inside. She was ostracized, victimized and beaten up until her escape. From that point onwards, she mildly enjoyed her job as a shopkeeper, and she really didn’t want you to see the couple of pounds she gained. She has come to terms that she’ll never be truly free ever again.

“…I don’t know if this is enough, I don’t know if you can believe me, but I swear this is what happened. I wish I didn’t let everyone down. I wish I could’ve done things differently… I’m sorry, Kobashi. I’m sorry, Yareli. I’m sorry, Xumenlo. I’m sorry everyone. I apologize for being me…” Vanessa will live with guilt the rest of her life.

…

What do you do?

>“Vanessa, I believe you. Now hug me, you klutz!” Forgive and move on!
>“We failed so many people, Vanessa… Who am I to forgive you for anything?” You’re nothing but a clown.
>“Do you have any proof?” You want to believe her, but you need a little push.
>Write In.

What’s the plan for the future?

>If they’re friends with Bombastus, maybe they can arrange a meeting with him for you.
>Tell them you’ll return tomorrow with a perfect cake, much better than Bombastus’! The duel is inevitable! But you need to taste one of his first. You’ll find a way to phrase it correctly.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the week, we return Saturday.)

>>5159300
>>“Vanessa, I believe you. Now hug me, you klutz!” Forgive and move on!
>Tell them you’ll return tomorrow with a perfect cake, much better than Bombastus’! The duel is inevitable! But you need to taste one of his first. You’ll find a way to phrase it correctly.

>>5159300
>“Vanessa, I believe you. Now hug me, you klutz!” Forgive and move on!
>Tell them you’ll return tomorrow with a perfect cake, much better than Bombastus’! The duel is inevitable! But you need to taste one of his first. You’ll find a way to phrase it correctly.

>>5159283
Mommy Milkers

>>5159300
>“Vanessa, I believe you. Now hug me, you klutz!” Forgive and move on!
>Tell them you’ll return tomorrow with a perfect cake, much better than Bombastus’! The duel is inevitable! But you need to taste one of his first. You’ll find a way to phrase it correctly.

>>5159300
>“Vanessa, I believe you. Now hug me, you klutz!” Forgive and move on!
>Tell them you’ll return tomorrow with a perfect cake, much better than Bombastus’! The duel is inevitable! But you need to taste one of his first. You’ll find a way to phrase it correctly.

File: 216.png (165 KB, 800x640)

165 KB PNG

“Vanessa, I believe you. Now hug me, you klutz!” You decide to forgive and move on! Some questions remain pending, but that still counts as moving on!

“I-I’ve never hugged you before!” Vanessa doesn’t know what to do, also she wants to say something about being called a klutz.

“Then let me do the heavy lifting!” You grab the woman and make peace with her! Vanessa embraces you back! It’s great to have a friend around again…

…

…

…

“Okay, Vanessa, you can let me go now.” You put your hands to the side. The Ex-Lieutenant continues holding you for dear life.

“A-Apologies! I lost my focus in the moment! It feels too therapeutic!” Vanessa doesn’t let you go still.

“I wasn’t aware you were this clingy, Vanessa! Maybe I should’ve trusted you more and lent you the keys to the store.” Oh yeah, Ulrich is still here.

“C-Clingy?!” Vanessa gives you some space at long last. “H-He’s my good friend from years back, it’s more than acceptable to be a little emotional!” The Lieutenant has always been close to other people when given the chance, even though she has a hard time sharing her personal life.

“It’s quite the heavy task for myself to see the markswoman I knew at first and the quirky lady you commonly are as one.” Ulrich has better memories of the former than the latter. “Enough! I didn’t want to pry any more than I had to, I ruined your little scene. Oh well, everything is hardly perfect with Vanessa around anyhow.”

“What do you mean?” You don’t like what you’re hearing. Vanessa has ruined things in a major way only once!

“I’m jesting, my good fellow! Teasing this woman is one of my daily pleasures. Vanessa has been excellent through and through. Professionalism is not something you lose from job to job.” Ulrich raises his hands, very reminiscent of how Vanessa does. They’ve spent a lot of time together for her eccentricities to spread. Took you months to stop your eyes from bulging every time you were surprised by something…

“How come you never mentioned I was doing a wondrous job…?” Vanessa’s life is filled with stress and guilt.

“I don’t tend to exaggerate, that’s all.” Ulrich rolls his eyes.

“Oh right!” You almost forgot! “I want a taste of the good professor’s cake, please!”

“Professor Bombastus’, huh?” Ulrich doesn’t understand why you’re asking for some, but he’s intrigued. “A moment, please, I’ll bring a piece.”

File: 217.png (260 KB, 800x640)

260 KB PNG

>>5163103

Ulrich goes and comes back to the backroom with a piece on a plate and a fork by the side, ready to prove itself worthy of your palate. You thank the owner before taking a bite. You take a moment to gauge the cake’s worthiness. Rather delicious, the recipe must be pretty good.

“Kobashi, don’t tell me you found me by accident…” Vanessa is piecing things together. She thinks she’s the unluckiest woman in the whole blue world.

“Hold on...” You need to keep your concentration. “Yes, I can beat this no problem.”

“Beat it?” Ulrich points at your plate. “Do you mean the cake?”

“Yeah, I can bake one tastier than this.” You show your cocky smile. “I heard about the Professor’s prowess, but I can’t say I’m too impressed.”

“D-Don’t get Vanessa too excited!” Ulrich is the one more interested here.

“W-Why are you throwing me under the bus?” Vanessa retorts. You were wrong, Vanessa is equally interested, you can tell by her bulging eyes.

“Tell the good professor I’ll be here tomorrow with a much better cake than his.” You stroke your chin.

“C-Could you explain yourself? What are you scheming?” Vanessa wants an explanation.

“Vanessa, it’s pride. I can see it in his eyes. Kobashi believes he had no match in his cake baking abilities, that’s why he retired, nobody could be his equal. But now? He tasted something he felt could stand against him.” Ulrich believes he nailed your sentiment… You'll pretend he did.

“What more is there to say?” You shrug and start stepping away from this tiny place. “Here, Vanessa, I’ll leave you my number.” You pass your newly printed business card. You’re so proud of it, looks so cool and it has your name on it.

“W-Wait, you’re leaving!?” Vanessa can’t believe after all that just happened, you’re going to leave like nothing!

…Yeah, that’s really insensitive on your end! It’s hard to focus on two things at the same time, so your cool iron baker charade overwrote your worries about Vanessa’s wellbeing!

In other words, you are an idiot! But isn’t it too late to turn back…?

What do you do?

>Go back to your apartment, you need to figure out this cake stuff! You’re awfully underprepared!
>Wait, no! Invite Vanessa over! You need to actually catch up! She can be your cake taster!
>“Oh yeah, my bad. I almost forgot.” Pay for the cake. Now you can leave!
>Write In.

(Only post today, we come back tomorrow! Sorry!)

>>5163107
First, half jokingly
>“Oh yeah, my bad. I almost forgot.” Pay for the cake. Now you can leave!
Then,
>Wait, no! Invite Vanessa over! You need to actually catch up! She can be your cake taster!

>>5163324
Support

>>5163324
+1

>>5163107

>>5163324
It's important to both pay for the cake and have a taste tester.

File: 218.png (178 KB, 800x640)

178 KB PNG

“Oh, yeah, my bad. I almost forgot.” You take a couple of Gordollars out, you saw the price of a cake outside, so this should cover it.

“It’s on the house.” Ulrich is more confused than amused by your attempt to pay for the thing.

“I seriously appreciate this.” You nod as you put the money back into your pocket. Vanessa is still flabbergasted… Wait, no! Vanessa! Vanessa is here! “Wait! I almost forgot that Vanessa is here!”

“Happens to the best of us.” Ulrich chuckles.

“W-Will you stop?!” Vanessa doesn’t like being made fun of.

“Ehem. I’m not leaving just like that. Vanessa, will you tag along with me in this grueling mission to fabricate the most sublime cake ever conceived?” You pump your fist. “You’ll be my taste-taster!”

“I’ve dealt with every customer in your wake before interfering here, Vanessa. All in case the scene turned out gruesome. You’re free to go if you wish, but I expect you to pick up the slack once you return.” Ulrich has it all sorted out.

“P-Pick up the slack? Keep your demands to yourself, I haven’t had a vacation day since you hired me! I demand a break!” Vanessa doesn’t want to worry about anything.

“N-Not even one…?” Even guys like you need time for yourself.

“I’m kidding, Vanessa! Do what you must!” Ulrich finds her endearing. “Vanessa, you must really trust Kobashi if you’re not acting skittish about going out.”

“This man threw himself inside a piranha tank to save a kitty! A cute little kitty! Imagine what he would do for someone like me! He’s fearless and dependable!” Vanessa taps your back.

“N-Not my finest move…” It sounds stupid now that you hear it out loud.

“He also fought a buffalo to save a poor grandma from being attacked!” Vanessa has you well-scouted. You don’t want to remember that. The worried face your partner Yareli made after that is something you’ll never forget… Because it was the same as always! She could’ve worried a little! You almost died!

“I still d-don’t know why he was roaming the city…” Is getting battered by a stupid bull considered a fight…?

“He even faced a fearsome liontamer with his lion by his side!” An old, toothless Lion that is… And you didn’t fight it, you just kept it inside his cage, while everyone else tried to apprehend “the Leon-Tamer”. What a lunatic that guy was…

“Hold it, why is the king of the beasts less important than the tamer?” You feel like Vanessa’s not giving the tale justice.

“Vanessa, I believe it’s the authorities who you should be wary of, not wild animals. Anyway, I reassure you that they believe you’re dead and buried. So, there’s nothing to fear. Plus, this is the first time in a while that I haven’t seen you act skittish about going out, so be my guest! Have fun!” Ulrich shrugs. He didn’t believe a word of what Vanessa just said.

File: 219.png (266 KB, 800x640)

266 KB PNG

>>5164684

“Don't fear wild animals? These city folks don’t know how vile the world really is…” Vanessa looks down on the store owner.

“Tell me, Kobashi, do you think Vanessa is acting more unhinged now?” Ulrich lowers his voice.

“How worried would you be if I told you I’m not sure?” You feel like you have your good old friend back… “Anyway, you’re coming with me, right, Vanessa?”

“But of course!” Vanessa’s mouth is watering. You’re not going to tell her that tasting food isn’t as glamorous as she thinks…

“I’ll call a taxi for you, hold on a moment!” Ulrich grabs the phone outside the storage room.

“You’re so generous, Ulrich, I owe you one.” You thank him as he steps out.

“Well, if the cake business blossoms, who do you think it benefits the most?” Ulrich has ulterior motives. Not that you mind giving away the recipe, good food is for the world to own. “I’ll recommend you two to wait outside. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.” Ulrich grabs the business card you intended to give to Vanessa. “We’ll keep contact.”

“Take care, Ulrich. And don’t forget your clothes are in the washing machine.” Vanessa will be seeing her boss soon… Was she his personal maid…? With how clumsy she is, you don’t see it going well.

You leave the store at last, the sky tints orange, it’s evening. How much time did you spend there? Your stomachs roars for sacrifices, not loud enough for Vanessa to pick it up though.

“Is that the lion you guys were talking about?” That voice! It’s the girl from earlier! And she’s making fun of you!

“So it’s you…” You try to act cool because you forgot her name.

“Salutations! Who do you happen to be?” Vanessa is always up to meet new people!

“I’m Marcela! We’re business affiliates!” Marcela taps your back like you’re close friends. “I didn’t take kindly to you ditching me like that back there.”

“Business affiliates?” Vanessa wants to know more, then a moment later, looks surprised. “Oh! Whoopsie! It went over my head that I forgot to ask what you’re up to, Kobashi!”

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Marcela smiles from ear to ear.

The taxi is right in front of you…

What do you do with Marcela?

>Tell Marcela to leave you be. You’ll update Qiao about the situation in a bit.
>You guess you need to make some apology cake for ignoring her… Invite Marcela to the operation.
>Write In.

What do you say?

>“Were you eavesdropping on us inside the store?” Point out.
>“I’m waiting for dinner to talk to my dear friend, now quit it.” You’re finding her to be a little intruding.
>“I need to know first what you are doing here.” You didn’t know following you was part of her job.
>Write In.

>>5164687
>>You guess you need to make some apology cake for ignoring her… Invite Marcela to the operation.
>“I need to know first what you are doing here.” You didn’t know following you was part of her job.

>>5164687
>>You guess you need to make some apology cake for ignoring her… Invite Marcela to the operation.
If it means less cake and more bully for a Van Zulli, IM SO IN.
>“I need to know first what you are doing here.” You didn’t know following you was part of her job.

>>5164687
>You guess you need to make some apology cake for ignoring her… Invite Marcela to the operation.
>“I need to know first what you are doing here.” You didn’t know following you was part of her job.

>>You guess you need to make some apology cake for ignoring her… Invite Marcela to the operation.
>“I need to know first what you are doing here.” You didn’t know following you was part of her job.

>>5164687
Odetta's mom a cute

File: 220.png (229 KB, 800x640)

229 KB PNG

“I need to know first what you’re doing here.” You find Marcela’s presence here a little suspicious.

“Kobashi! We mustn’t make the taxi wait! It’s beyond reprehensible!” Ex-Lieutenant van Zullekom forgot she’s not your superior anymore with that attitude.

“Then Marcela, would you like to come over to my apartment with us? We’re going to embark into a culinary adventure, and you can be of help and get a lot out of it.” You put your head down. “More importantly, you’re right, ignoring you was too disrespectful. I want to make it up to you with some apology cake!”

“Ah! Apology pastries! My teachings have gone so far.” van Zullekom is so proud of you.

“You don’t have to do any of that, I’m just pulling your leg.” Marcela doesn’t quite understand why you’d do something like this. “I’m here to deliver a letter the other detective sent you, that’s all. I’m everyone’s delivery girl for some ungodly reason.”

“Other detective? I thought you resigned, Kobashi.” Vanessa doesn’t quite understand what’s going on.

“Oh no, don’t tell me you’re a cop, man.” Marcela doesn’t like this one bit.

“I’m a private detective, Vanessa.” You were going to explain everything if Marcela wasn’t here. Vanessa’s expression of concern tingles a long lost feeling you used to have all the time, of people being worried about your wellbeing.

The taxi honking its horn…

“TUMULTUOUS YIKES! Calm down, will ya?!” Marcela shouts to the taxi driver, a bit verbose in her delivery. She got all scared for a second there, and now look at her, all embarrassed.

“We need to get going! C’mon, young madam! We’re going to a land of sweetness together!” Vanessa is pushing Marcela into the car.

“Wha-What? Here’s the letter, I don’t need to go anywhere!” Marcela throws you the letter as she’s being pushed. You catch it and save it inside your coat. You’ll give it a read later.

“Nonsense! My dearest apologies for the forcefulness, but now that the possibility arose, I don’t want to feel guilty on this trip on my lonesome!” Ex-Lt. van Zullekom wants a partner in crime. “You’ll love it! I swear!”

“Guilty about what? Eating? I don’t get it!” Marcela is pushed inside the car without her consent.

“It’ll be fine. I’ll make sure you enjoy your stay.” You promise so Marcela can calm a little down.

“And you’ll tell me more about yourself, right?” Marcela peeks out through the window.

“That’s a promise.” You pat Marcela’s head with a smile on your face. Marcela feels condescended, so you keep going.

“Please, you too, get inside as well!” Vanessa exclaims as she peeks out next to Marcela. This goofy lady… You missed her! You grab the co-pilot seat and make your way there.

File: 221.png (151 KB, 800x640)

151 KB PNG

>>5164880

Too bad for Marcela, but you spent most of the trip getting her up to speed about the case, you couldn’t go in depth about anything else. Truth to his word, Ulrich paid for the trip in advance. You’re all back inside your apartment.

“It’s been such a while since I’ve been part of a case, you’ve my entire cooperation at your disposal if you need it, Kobashi.” van Zullekom yearns for anything to do that isn’t part of a desk job. You don’t recall her being part of the investigation side of things. “Just like you’re going to have it here!” Vanessa pumps her first like she used to do when serious, which happens rarely, and it usually doesn’t include her mouthwatering. “Oh, oopsies! We left so promptly; it thoroughly flew over that I’m still wearing this ridiculous costume!”

“I thought it’s one of your casual outfits.” Marcela giggles. “You have that kind of vibe.”

“What do you mean by that?” You don’t think it fits her anymore.

“Enlighten me with your reasoning, please!” Vanessa doesn’t know if she should feel offended or not.

“Ms. van Zullekom, I’ve known you for 30 minutes, and you’re... unorthodox?” Marcela grabs the tip of Vanessa’s skirt and raises an eyebrow.

“I’ve been called like that multiple times.” The good ol’ days when you got in trouble for being reckless. Thank god it doesn’t happen anymore! Marcela thinks you’re joking and chuckles, how naive.

“I assure you I’m a fairly ordinary individual! This outfit must’ve given you the wrong impression!” Vanessa believes she’s not one of a kind. “D-Do you happen to have a spare change of clothes? This dress isn’t as comfortable as I’d like.”

“Eh? You’re asking me? I don’t think we have the same size.” Marcela uses her hands to show the height difference between the two.

“Kobashi, you must’ve some spare clothes you can share with me, correct? Preferably something loose like exercise clothes. Either way, I’ve used prison garbs, anything you can lend me won’t be a bother.” Vanessa clasps her hands and looks at you with a smile.

“M-Mine?!” You think Vanessa has lost all shame! Wearing a man’s clothing?! Unthinkable!

“…I’m so out of focus! How unlady-like of me!” Vanessa just realized it too.

“You’re not sharing underwear, what’s the big deal?” Marcela doesn’t get it. You swear, young people don’t know about manners and… You feel old… You’re in your early 30s, you’re not supposed to be this ungroovy!

“I’ve maintained a proper lady’s appearance for years. And I’ve shattered that illusion…” van Zullekom is ashamed of herself.

“No, Marcela is right. It’s not a big deal. Here.” You grab some clothes from your wardrobe and hand it to Vanessa.

>>5164882

“A-A million thanks, Kobashi!” Vanessa grabs them with an incredulous look on her face. “I’ll be back in a trice!” She runs to the bathroom and locks herself inside. Did she live in an apartment like this before? How did she know the room?

“Marcela, I hope we’re not throwing you off here. We might come across as a little off, but we’re good people.” You scratch the back of your head.

“I grew up in a monastery, the weirdest thing about you two is how friendly to one another you are.” Marcela shrugs and smiles, then sits on the tip of the bed. “I enjoy it, keep it up, weird folks amuse me!”

Now you’re weird, great…

What do you do?

>Read the letter you got.
>Start the Operation. The greatest Cake known to man will be created!
>Tell Marcela that if she feels uneasy, she can leave…
>Write In.

(Last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow! My finger/arm hurt for some reason, so we had to start later. Sorry.)

>>5164887
>>Read the letter you got.

>>5164887
>Read the letter you got.
PLOT PLOT PLOT PLOT PLOT

>>5164887
>Read the letter you got.

>>5164926
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVKHadEvfs0

File: mmooriko.png (89 KB, 540x479)

89 KB PNG

>>5164887

We're delaying the session for tomorrow! But we will start early! So be there, please!

File: Night Shift Vergil.png (1.43 MB, 960x592)

1.43 MB PNG

>>5165846
No

File: 222.png (282 KB, 800x640)

282 KB PNG

“I’m not weird, I’m just energetic!” Flexing with these long sleeves doesn’t cause the same effect as before when you used your old police uniform. You should be careful, weird habits are coming back with Vanessa around.

Congratulations, Kobashi, you just admitted to yourself that you’re weird! Where do you go from here?! Huh?! …As long as you don’t say it out loud, you’ll be fine. Probably.

“Why do you look down, big weird man?” Marcela notices that your flexing lost all energy.

“Can we refrain from calling fine individuals like ourselves pejorative terms…?” This is what a lifetime of being called names does to a man, you have to beg to get some respect.

“Hey, I was saying it earnestly!” Marcela is having fun at your expense.

“That’s worse.” You shake your head. “Forget it, I’ll read the letter instead.” You open the envelope…

There’s not much to say about its appearance, it’s pink which isn’t common. You don’t know why but you expected it to be handwritten, but it isn’t. Machine or human, the message is the same. Time to read it.

“Delivery girl, if you’re reading this, I’ll let you know I will find out and there’ll be consequences for this act of vandalism. Just lead these papers to their rightful recipient.”

This warning message seems hardly necessary…

“What an obnoxious thing to write.” Marcela comments on the letter’s contents. You take back what you just said.

“D-Do you mind?” You pull the letter closer to your chest.

“It’s not a love letter, who cares if I take a snippet or two?” Marcela doesn’t see what’s wrong with breaching people’s privacy. “I trusted you and came over, the least you could do is show me what the letter has.”

“You have a point!” Trust goes both ways. You continue reading…

“Detective Kobashi, if you let the delivery girl read this message alongside you, there’ll be grave consequences for you too. This is a private matter.”

Now you’re being threatened…

“Is he serious…?” You find it a tiny bit humorous for it not to be the case.

“I can assure you the guy has a strange sense of humor.” Marcela shrugs, leaving the decision to you.

“We’ll be fine then…” You want to say this, but knowing that spirits roam the earth, his words might carry a curse.

File: 223.png (209 KB, 800x640)

209 KB PNG

>>5166606

You continue reading:

“I’ll try to be as succinct as I’m capable of. An old saying remarks: if I had more time, I’d have written you a shorter letter. I knew I was outmatched by you when the delivery girl informed me you were here investigating a couple of weeks prior to my arrival, only recently did I realize the spirit was let free in this city. My hope is to aid you bypass whatever roadblock you’re facing at the moment. I’d like to share a couple of my findings:

-The Emerald Ignis Fatuus wasn’t stolen It was left to roam free by the temple’s scholars unbeknown to their leader.

-The Spirit was tracked and captured by Dr. Bombastus and his research group. There’s no way to track him outside of his time in Pokyo Lokyo University. His laboratory is empty. His research group is a front, there’s no information about the actual one. His office doesn’t contain any documentation or traces of any clues. None of his residencies are being inhabited.

-There’s one more party tracking the spirit.

-If you happen to find the Delivery girl’s attitude suspicious, ease your worries, her intentions aren’t antagonistic to our job. She wants to help facilitate our mission to help her troubled leader swiftly. She didn’t deem me suitable enough work alongside my efforts. I question her reliability. It’s up to you if you consider her up to the task.

Best of luck.”

You put the letter on a table next to the TV.

“No wonder why he didn’t want me to read it.” Marcela didn’t like being called out. “It’s kinda like he says, but I already made up my mind about teaming up with you.”

“Why?” You raise an eyebrow… You’re making an apology cake for mistreating her for crying out loud.

“Didn’t we talk about your heroics?” Marcela puts both her hands behind her head, then shows you her back. “A friend of mine was among the people you and your partner saved from the Cult... So, will you let me tag along?”

What do you do with Marcela?

>Accept Marcela’s help.
>You’ll think about it.
>Reject Marcela’s help. This can be dangerous.

What do you do next?

>Ask Marcela who her friend was.
>Ask Vanessa what kind of cake would she like for you to start your training montage with!
>You have an apology cake you need to make first…
>Invite Ema over. She can be your third and final taste taster!
>Write In.

>>5166608
>>Accept Marcela’s help.
>Ask Marcela who her friend was.

>>5166608
>>Accept Marcela’s help.
>Ask Marcela who her friend was.
>Invite Ema over. She can be your third and final taste taster!

>>5166608
>>Accept Marcela’s help.
>Ask Marcela who her friend was.

>>5166608
>>>Accept Marcela’s help.
>>Ask Marcela who her friend was.

File: 224.png (194 KB, 800x640)

194 KB PNG

“I was going to talk you out of this, but what the hell? I enjoy the company.” Yeah, you’re back to your old habits. But this cool and aloof personality never suited you.

“Don’t back on your word, no man worth their salt changes their mind.” Marcela’s head turns to you lighting fast!

“T-That’s not a healthy viewpoint.” Seeing the errors of your ways is not a bad thing.

“Yeah, most guys I met aren’t anything like that. Still I thought you’d stand your ground and give an energetic Yes! or something.” Marcela is disappointed.

“What kind of person do you think I am?” You can’t picture what her imagination has in store.

“Knowing you tried to be a cook and you were a cop, I thought you’d be prideful. The you-can’t-talk-me-down type.” Marcela does not have the best image of people in your jobs. “Plus, being a disillusioned ex-cop turned detective narrows down the personality choices even more. But in reality, you’re just… goofy.”

“You took a moment to soften the blow and that’s the best thing you came up with?!” You cannot help but to be offended. Your job is serious! “Forget it, I don’t like talking about myself. Tell me more about that friend of yours, the one I supposedly helped a tiny bit.”

“Way to undersell yourself.” Marcela beats your ego and then cheers you up. She needs to make up her mind. “You recall a girl named ‘Fiora’? She joined our monastery after the cult was busted. Quiet girl, funny haircut, and loves her makeup. She had a hard time opening up, but we bonded over some, uhm, ‘out there’ hobbies. She’s like a lil’ sister to me, age gap and all.”

“Oh yes, I do remember Fiora. But I don’t recall her seeing me in a good light.” You recall Fiora throwing some of her handmade dolls at you once the arrests happened. The majority of the kids in the Orphanage of the Blue didn’t see you as anything but a nuisance that ruined their lives.

“Took a while for it to dawn on her what her guardian really did. She’s been dying to apologize to you for how she reacted for years now. You need to meet up.” Marcela smiles. “She’s too shy to arrange anything, so why don’t you take the first step?”

“You do know I have no idea where she is, right?” You thought they all hated you, so even if you did, why bother them? You’d only bring the trauma back…

“That’s what I’m here for!” Marcela wants this to happen. “First, we need to help Qiao tho.”

Suddenly, Vanessa bursts out of the bathroom!

“Salutations, everyone! I’m ready for our sugary trip!” Vanessa adjusts her (your?) pants!

V-Vanessa looks like she spends all day watching infomercials, like a slacker with no job!
“Lookin’ hot.” Marcela chuckles.

What do you do?

>You have a competition to get ready for. Time for your pastry making montage.
>Tell Vanessa she looks like a slob.
>Make an apology cake to warm up.
>Write In.

>>5166737
>>Tell Vanessa she looks like a slob.
>You have a competition to get ready for. Time for your pastry making montage.

>>5166737
>>You have a competition to get ready for. Time for your pastry making montage.

>>5166741
Support

>>5166737
>You have a competition to get ready for. Time for your pastry making montage.
Imagine caring what she looks like. Couldn't be me

>>5166737
>>5166741
I'll change to
>You have a competition to get ready for. Time for your pastry making montage.
To move this shit along

File: 225.png (211 KB, 800x640)

211 KB PNG

“Y-Yes, I’m aware I don’t look nice and proper! P-Please, pay no mind! My elegant and mature looks are taking a step back just momentarily!” Vanessa feels the weight of the social expectations on her shoulders.

“Vanessa, take it easy, you don’t need to explain anything.” You know the Ex-Lieutenant always upholds a high dressing-code standard for herself, and fashion is one of her favorite hobbies.

“S-Still, I assure you I have a tremendous affinity to dressing up tastefully! It’s quite empowering and lovely! I vastly prefer it over this, no matter how comfortable it is!” Vanessa doesn’t want anyone to paint a bad image of her. She forgets you thought her as a scummy criminal for way too long, so not being properly dressed 100% of the time isn’t even close to the biggest sin in your book.

“We know you’re dressing for the job.” Marcela has a good laugh. Vanessa doesn’t know how to properly respond.

“Which reminds me, I need to get my recipe ready. Time to get to work.” You take your coat and tie off, roll up your sleeves, and put your apron on. You can’t win a cake-off with no cake of your own! “Uhm…”

“Let me guess, you don’t have the ingredients.” Marcela assumes you’re an airhead for some reason.

“No, I’m well stocked. I’m just thinking about where to start.” You open the fridge for some ideas.

“Just follow your instincts, Sergeant.” Vanessa pumps her fist as seriously as she can, she believes in you.

…

…


What deep feeling is the inspiration of this recipe? In what were you thinking while making it?

>You’re going to surpass the recipe your ex-friend Gerard stole from you. It was your scholarship, it was your future…
>You want to see your friend Yareli once again. She didn’t deserve to suffer, and you two didn’t deserve to be drifted apart…
>Vanessa deserves the best cake she can get. She suffered immensely and you ignored it because you preferred blaming her for everything instead of learning the truth…
>The feeling that maybe it isn’t too late, maybe you can salvage something and move on… and you won’t move on alone!
>You’ll find justice for the kids, your friends, for everyone. This cake will represent your undying wish for justice to be had…
>Write In.

>>5166937
>>You’ll find justice for the kids, your friends, for everyone. This cake will represent your undying wish for justice to be had…

>>5166937
>>You’re going to surpass the recipe your ex-friend Gerard stole from you. It was your scholarship, it was your future…

>>5166937
>You’re going to surpass the recipe your ex-friend Gerard stole from you. It was your scholarship, it was your future…

>>5166937
>>Vanessa deserves the best cake she can get. She suffered immensely and you ignored it because you preferred blaming her for everything instead of learning the truth…

>>5166937
>>You’re going to surpass the recipe your ex-friend Gerard stole from you. It was your scholarship, it was your future…

File: 2266.png (265 KB, 800x640)

265 KB PNG

You recall a faint memory from several years ago…

“Hey Bashi, you awake?” As kind as ever and without leaving his sleeping bag, Gerard wakes you with some gentle kicks on the back. You two are camping near the place for the cooking contest.

“What?” You already knew you were not going to get any good sleep, but he doesn’t have to make it worse.

“Do you really think we’re getting in just with what the old witch taught us?” Gerard never had much respect for your Home Ec. Teacher…

“Don’t tell me you didn’t prepare anything for tomorrow?” You get fully awake by the surprise.

“It’s an iron chef duel, Bashi. You’re not supposed to know what we’re cooking until tomorrow.” Gerard has a good laugh. It’s not like that at all…

“We were told what we’re making a week ago.” You hope he’s pulling your leg here. “Gerard, I wasn’t going to make a 4 day-trip to bet on nothing.”

“You surely must be jesting …right?” Gerard tries to laugh it off.

“Of course not.” You look him right in the eyes to show him you’re serious, he tends to be dismissive of what others say.

“You’re right, you’ve never been funny.” Gerard’s eyes are bulging. Oh no, he actually didn’t prepare at all. “Y-You’re ready for this, I assume.”

“I have everything I need here.” You pat yourself on the chest, you’re keeping the recipe in your trusty pocket that has never ever failed you before, and never will. “Now, I need some sleep.”

“H-Hold it! W-What are we making? Help me mentally prepare now! Please, Bashi!” Gerard continues kicking you so you respond. You ignore him. He opens the sleeping bag and takes you out!

“Cake.” You glare at him like he killed your cat again, then get back inside the bag, turning into a ball.

“A pastry challenge, how uncouth!” Gerard hates the fact that cake of all things is gonna take him down. You hear him taking a step back. “Well, there’s nothing to fear then. I feel like doing something with strawberries. Let’s go back to sleep! Let’s kiss the Goddess of dreams! But before we do, I wanted to thank you… Without you, I wouldn’t have the slightest of chances!”

“Gerard, if you truly appreciate me, then shut up.” You don’t want to deal with his problems anymore, you have your own! Weird that he mentioned strawberries of all things…

“How ungentlemanly, best buddy. How ungentlemanly…” Gerard rolls around to get back to sleep.

Recalling this moment while making this new recipe made you realize that the moment Gerard kicked you out of your sleeping bag he stole your recipe. He even called you his best buddy shortly after. You’ll never forget it, because if he asked, you’d give it to him. That’s what best buddies are for…

>>5167147


You passionately bake the cake that harbors your conflicted feelings, one to surpass those bad memories and leave them behind… You’ll make a cake that triumphs over the one who took one of your dreams away. No matter how much you tell people you love your job as a cop, you love cooking for them just as much.

The recipe was a success. You created the Ultimate Lovely Strawberry Cake. The only combination that can beat your own old creation.

Both Vanessa and Marcela approved it. You sent a slice to Ema to apologize for not coming over that night. Now the morning of the next day, you’re ready to show off this incredible recipe.

What do you do?

>Go to Lucremoola’s pastry shop. Time to lay down your challenge.
>Call Ulrich, tell him you’re ready to show him what you got. Maybe you won’t end up at the pastry shop.
>You know, maybe the next cake you make will be even better! Share this one with Vanessa and Marcela. You have to make another since you’re not 100% sure on this one.
>Write In.

>>5167149
>>Call Ulrich, tell him you’re ready to show him what you got. Maybe you won’t end up at the pastry shop.

>>5167149
>Call Ulrich, tell him you’re ready to show him what you got. Maybe you won’t end up at the pastry shop.

>>5167149
>>You know, maybe the next cake you make will be even better! Share this one with Vanessa and Marcela. You have to make another since you’re not 100% sure on this one.

File: 2267.png (198 KB, 800x640)

198 KB PNG

After a brief call with Ulrich, everything is set up. Ulrich’s home will be the place you’ll lay the challenge! He didn’t want his store to be disrupted again, sales are important, or so he says. He will send a driver to take you all there, all paid by him. Yeah, you told him Marcela will join you, he didn’t mind, which surprised you. He has big expectations for you, you better not let him down. This is a welcomed short break, because you need a little time to relax after yesterday’s efforts.

And yes, both Vanessa and Marcela stayed over for the night, they both slept on your bed together, exhausted from eating cake – while you had the solitary confinement called the couch. Marcela handed you over her sleeping bag to make your stay better, too bad you were too big for it, it was a nice blanket though. You’ve slept in worse places, so it’s your age catching up that’s giving you this back pain. You’re a tough guy, you have to pretend you’re not in pain. Vanessa noticed though, and did her best to help your back, you didn’t know she was capable of giving such a pleasant massage! It was her way to apologize for ruining your shirt, the klutzy Vanessa absentmindedly decided to rip it apart to turn it into a dress to look more presentable for today’s event. And she does, but at what cost? Yours, of course.

One car drive later and you’re at Ulrich’s home, you’re being led by his butler to another room where the event will be hosted. It's a fancy place, spacious too. Classic architecture that’s been lost for the most part, the constant battles in Lokyo have made these buildings quite rare. Still not good enough to be considered National heritage and be actively preserved. It’s not like you care too deeply about this topic, but you had a client that did, and you’re echoing his opinion – and made it your own to an extent. You’re rambling, but this makes you think even better of Ulrich, who has been all nice except for pulling a gun on you. But oh well, everyone ends up having something against you, so you might be the problem. You’re about to challenge someone to a duel, of course you’re a troublemaker…

You meet with Ulrich first, no hints of the Professor yet. You have a quick chat to catch up with how things went yesterday. He was joyous to know that Vanessa had a good time. You introduced Marcela as your assistant. Ulrich had a little preview of the cake, just a look and nothing else. The preparations are ready, you just need the professor to arrive.

“Do you believe we could all grab a bite of the cake later?” Vanessa wonders as she’s being the main cake guardian. Some might say that leaving the wolf to take care of the sheep isn’t a good idea, but she’s not a wolf, she’s a domesticated puppy!

File: 2268.png (230 KB, 800x640)

230 KB PNG

>>5167499

“Do you believe we could all grab a bite of the cake later?” Vanessa wonders as she’s being the main cake guardian. Some might say that leaving the wolf to take care of the sheep isn’t a good idea, but she’s not a wolf, she’s a domesticated puppy!

“As the taste tasters, I thought you’d be sick of them by now.” Ulrich only gets hyped by pointing this out.

“When something’s great, it’s great no matter how much you eat of it.” Marcela, who just ate one pinch of each attempt, grins.

“So true.” Vanessa nods in agreement. “Right, Kobashi?”

“I’m so tired…” You don’t know how you’re keeping your eyes open.

Ulrich’s butler comes over and whispers into his ear. The businessman isn’t pleased by what he’s hearing.

“Just let her in…” Ulrich hands waves his butler away. His employee walks up to the room’s door…

“He didn’t make it again, did he?” Vanessa sighs. She warned you that Professor Bombastus is hard to reach, even harder to get a meeting with.

“Mr. Lucremoola! How many times do I have to tell you that to schedule a meeting with Professor Bombastus, you have to do it in advance? I apologize, but one day is not enough! You know he’s too incredibly busy to deal with these trifling cake matters. He met this week’s quota, so what’s the issue?” It’s Professor Bombastus’ assistant. Her name is Dorothy if your memory serves you right. Sounds like she made the decision herself and not Bombastus. “I’m here to act on his behalf, so please, if you have anything to say – inform me immediately. We don’t want to cause any grievances; your patronage is important to us.”

“I needed the good doctor here, Dorothy. I’m sorry, but you can’t do much.” Ulrich sighs.

“Why? What’s the ma— Oh no, it’s you! T-The stalker!” Dorothy notices you on the couch among the crowd.

“He’s no stalker, he’s an associate of mine, and it’d be prudent if you were a little more tactful. His name is Kobashi, and this is his assistant Marcela. You already know Vanessa.” Ulrich didn’t take too kindly to you being called names.

“It’s fine, Kobashi, we’ve all been called stalkers at one point in our lives.” Vanessa taps your back. No, Vanessa, normal people don’t.

“Yeah, don’t feel bad about it, happens to the best of us.” Marcela taps your back too. These two have iffy stories that they haven’t told you…

“A-Apologies, Mr. Kobashi.” Dorothy bows her head. “I must’ve misinterpreted your intentions before, I’m ashamed of myself and my actions.”

“Let’s leave that behind us.” You act like the better man. “And PLEASE never talk about it again.”

“R-Right…” Dorothy adjusts her glasses. “If my presence is not needed, I’ll be on my way. Apologies again.”

>>5167502

What do you do?

>“Hold on, Dorothy, I’m planning on challenging Professor Bombastus to a cake duel. And I’d like you to take a bite to let him know how serious I am.” Lay down the challenge, and try to convince her. She’s probably the roadblock that didn’t let this happen.
>“Can you give the good professor this package and letter?” You had the challenge written just in case. Good thinking, Vanessa.
>“Call that weak-ass piss drinking professor and his puny cakes here! I demand a challenge!” Act cocky to irritate her into bringing the Professor now!
>Write In.


(Last Reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5167516
>“Hold on, Dorothy, I’m planning on challenging Professor Bombastus to a cake duel. And I’d like you to take a bite to let him know how serious I am.” Lay down the challenge, and try to convince her. She’s probably the roadblock that didn’t let this happen.

>>5167502
>“Hold on, Dorothy, I’m planning on challenging Professor Bombastus to a cake duel. And I’d like you to take a bite to let him know how serious I am.” Lay down the challenge, and try to convince her. She’s probably the roadblock that didn’t let this happen.

>>5167516
>>“Hold on, Dorothy, I’m planning on challenging Professor Bombastus to a cake duel. And I’d like you to take a bite to let him know how serious I am.” Lay down the challenge, and try to convince her. She’s probably the roadblock that didn’t let this happen.

File: 2269.png (312 KB, 800x640)

312 KB PNG

“Hold on, Dorothy, I’m planning on challenging Professor Bombastus to a cake duel. And I’d like you to take a bite to let him know how serious I am.” You grab the cake inside the box from Vanessa, who looked sad to see her child go.

“B-Be careful with it…” Vanessa is one overprotective mother… A mother willing to eat her children. You don’t think your metaphor has a leg to stand on anymore.

“Pardon me, is this the urgent matter that needs to be addressed as soon as possible?” Dorothy is doing everything she can not to rage.

“Indeed, it’s serious business, Dorothy. Treat as such.” Ulrich demands respect once again.

“Oh please…” Dorothy rolls her eyes. “A cooking duel? Something worth the Professor’s time? Give me a break.”

“But chasing ghosts is?” Ulrich retorts with some venom.

“I wouldn’t call them ghosts.” Marcela mutters to herself.

“You… How many times do I have to explain to you that we…” Dorothy’s ire is about to be awoken, but she stops herself from ranting. She closes her and takes a deep breath, only to glare at Ulrich upon opening them. “Still as narrow minded as ever.”

“I could say the very same thing.” Ulrich is laughing at Dorothy’s expense.

“Please, you two, no need to fight.” You look at Dorothy as you open the box to show her your new specialty. “I only ask you for one bite. If you decide it’s not worth the professor’s time after that, I won’t complain.”

“Why me? I don’t enjoy sweets, my opinion on its quality doesn’t matter.” Dorothy doesn’t even take a glance at your creation. “Not even the ones the Professor makes are to my liking, and as far as I know, they keep your store afloat, Lucremoola. I’ll just throw yours away.”

“Are you telling us you came all the way here and you can’t spend one second eating just a tiny bit of cake? Like a fraction? C’mon, who are you trying to trick? You have the time! Afraid you’ll like it?” Marcela is trying to push Dorothy’s buttons.

“I can assure you it’s worth more than one bite! You’re going to fall in love with it!” Vanessa pumps her fist to show her determination to the cause.

File: 2270.png (178 KB, 800x640)

178 KB PNG

>>5168512

“Whether it’s tasty or not is the least important aspect to me. But if this gesture will refrain you from bothering me and the Professor any longer, so be it…” Dorothy shakes her head as she comes closer to the table everyone is sitting next to in this lobby area, mainly to the cake at the very center of it. The butler hands the scientist a fork, she looks down at the cake and raises her fork. “You don’t have to stare.” Dorothy doesn’t like being the center of attention.

Dorothy gently passes the fork over to grab a pitiful crumb of it. Everyone silently watches the scientist girl swallow your miracle piece. Dorothy stands frozen, fork still in her mouth, not even a hint of a reaction. It doesn’t look like she’s even breathing.

“And the verdict is?” Vanessa is the most anxious of them all.

Dorothy moves again, takes the fork from her mouth, and gives your sweet delight another try. And another. And another. And another until there’s no cake left. Upon finishing, Dorothy carelessly drops her fork onto the ground, and covers half of her face with her hand. Nobody has any words, nobody expected something like this…

“I concede.” Dorothy mumbles, head tilted away. “The Professor will be here tomorrow; I give you my word…”

“But did you like it?” Marcela wants to hear it for her own amusement.

“No! I hate it! These cakes are ruining my life!” Dorothy shouts all furious. Tears are forming under her eyes! She runs off…

What do you do?

>You better prepare for tomorrow then. That’s when the real challenge will be.
>“So did anyone see that coming?” Break the ice after the awkward moment.
>Chase Dorothy and ask what’s going on! You don’t want to see those kinds of tears after someone eats one of your cakes!
>Write In.

>>5168515
>>You better prepare for tomorrow then. That’s when the real challenge will be.

File: Oh No Anyway.png (1.2 MB, 1536x1571)

1.2 MB PNG

>>5168515
>>You better prepare for tomorrow then. That’s when the real challenge will be.

>>5168515
>You better prepare for tomorrow then. That’s when the real challenge will be.

>>5168515
>>Chase Dorothy and ask what’s going on! You don’t want to see those kinds of tears after someone eats one of your cakes!

File: 2271.png (148 KB, 800x640)

148 KB PNG

“That’s, uuh… Embarrassing?” Marcela tries to break the awkwardness by saying something ill fitting. You’re starting to believe she never tried to soften the blow by taking her time to respond.

“I relate to her. At one my point in my life I blamed it all my problems on the things I ate and drink, then I blame myself for my lack of restraint; later I realize the complexity of my issues were far grander to be caused by just one thing in specific, instead it’s a mix of the societal injustices, structural failures and personal mistakes that made me the way I am and allowed me to move on.” Vanessa thinks she has a lot in common with a person who thinks cakes ruined her life.

“You were a borderline alcoholic, Vanessa. It’s different.” Ulrich shakes his head.

“Borderline?” You disagree on some details… “I feel for her, we’ll see how she is doing tomorrow. Now, I need to prepare for tomorrow’s challenge, it’s the real one.” You stand up and stretch.

“Sounds very exciting! Feel free to take anything you need from my kitchen.” Ulrich is glad to help once again.

“Ulrich, you’re starting to sound like Mr. Excitement!” Vanessa is talking about a Game show on TV. You can’t recall what it's about, but the host is pretty famous.

“I just used the word excitement, nothing more.” Ulrich doesn’t like being compared to the host of that show.

“Sheesh, stop impersonating him.” Marcela teases Ulrich, the rich guy looks up, all indignant – he can recognize when he’s being made fun of. “C’mon, Kobashi, we need to get ready!”

“Right!” You need to work a lot tonight to have this done…

You’ll need to work some details on this Ultimate Lovely Strawberry Cake…

“The duel is gonna be here, can we stay the night?” Marcela wonders. To sleep on an actual bed will be great.

“But of course, feel free to use the premises to your heart’s content! Now that we have an extra day, perhaps I can prepare the stage in a fun way. My mind is racing! I’ll be seeing you later, everyone, I have other businesses I must attend to.” Ulrich nods to his butler, probably to keep an eye on you all – then leaves.

Later that day, after you baked tomorrow’s cake, the Butler lets you know that Ulrich is planning on having 3 Judges decide the victor for tomorrow’s challenge. You, Ulrich and Professor Bombastus need to handpick one person each for the role of arbiter for tomorrow. If you don’t feel like choosing anyone, he’ll find one for you.

You asked if it could be anyone, and he says there are no restrictions, he’ll find whoever you choose.

>>5168580


Of all the people you know, who do you pick?

>Vanessa van Zullekom.
>Marcela.
>Ema Oka.
>Ulrich Lucremoola.
>Qiao Ning.
>The Other Detective.
>Dorothy.
>Fiora.
>Dorothy’s friend.
>Gerard Luther.
>Yareli.
>The Store Employee (Wagie Cat).
>Stan.
>Ruffus.
>The Nice guy from the store.
>Mr. Excitement.
>The Leon-Tamer.
>Cal Christopher.
>Nigel Koroma.
>Hank.
>Wilma Bruun.
>Gamadiel Price.
>Gautier.
>Corrine.
>Mirjam.
>Grace.
>Chio.
>Pascaline.
>Annette.
>Chewnette.
>Charlotte.
>Ronda.
>Aref.
>Liam.
>Ophelia Bruun.
>Maximum Price.
>Sieb Bruun.
>Houda Lan.
>The Butler.
>Write In. (Anyone who exists during this timeframe is eligible.)

>>5168583
>>The Leon-Tamer.
Cause it's funny

>>5168583
>Yareli.

>>5168583
>The Leon-Tamer.

>>5168583
>>The Leon-Tamer.

>>5168608
>>5168583
Honestly I'll switch to
>Mr. Excitement!

>>5168583
>Gamadiel Price.
Serious meme vote

>>5168583
>>Write In. (Anyone who exists during this timeframe is eligible.)
THE LEON-TAMER'S LION

File: 2272.png (285 KB, 800x640)

285 KB PNG

“Can it be anyone?” You want him to clarify.

“Anyone, sir. Well, as long as the person’s alive.” The Butler shows you a tender smile.

“Even if it’s someone from my wildest imagination?” Be careful, Kobashi, you’re about to do something stupid. You cross your arms.

“As long as this individual exists, yes.” The Butler chuckles, he’s getting worried.

“Can it be the fat cat from the store?” You point at him with both hands still crossed.

“No, I’m afraid not, it’s not sanitary.” The poor guy is looking around for the screw you lost.

“But him being in the store is fine?” You raise an eyebrow.

“Yes, sir. Acting as a Judge for an eating contest is far different from just standing on the front of the store.”

“How about if the person is in jail…?” You have another crazy idea.

“I’ll find a way.” The Butler seems to like the challenge!

“Well then, I have an idea…!”


The Next Day

It’s noon. You never thought you were going to have a duel at high noon, but here you are! Doing what that bastard Gerard denied you from by betraying you! It’s time for everyone to arrive, you’re waiting in the same lobby room as yesterday.

You spent the rest of the night playing board games with Vanessa, Marcela and the Butler. Vanessa became a fan during her reclusive years. Of course, the Ex-Lieutenant won most of the time, and when she didn’t, Marcela took the crown. You’re still in a loss streak, and for someone who’s betting his job on winning a duel, that’s not good.

“Y’know, being a detective is really fun, you get to play boardgames, have cooking duels, watch TV and do little to no investigating! You guys really get things done!” Marcela comments as you continue waiting for the professor to arrive.

“Are you making fun of me…?” You notice Marcela acting all cheeky today…

“Don’t frown, Bashi!” Marcela kisses you on the cheek. She started calling you Bashi after you briefly told her about Gerard. “Today’s the big day! We’ll actually help Qiao now!”

“Stop being condescending.” You ruffle her hair in retaliation.

“There’s nothing to worry about, Kobashi! I have the utmost amount of confidence in your abilities!” Vanessa puts her hand on your shoulder and pumps her fist while looking confident. “I’ve seen you reach heights no other man I’ve known has reached before!”

“Thanks, Vanessa.” You enjoy having moral support.

…But you already did everything you could yesterday! So it doesn’t matter now!

File: 2273.png (175 KB, 800x640)

175 KB PNG

>>5168724

The doors open, Ulrich and his butler lead the Professor and his assistant Dorothy to this battlefield at long last. It’s taken you so much time to get some progress on the investigation that this doesn’t feel real. You greet and introduce each other very briefly, as Bombastus shakes your hand, he apologizes for the misunderstanding you two went through – he seems like a nice man without the pepper spray in your eyes.

With everyone gathered, Ulrich and his Butler asked you all to come with them to a new room they prepared for the duel, you all walk across the courtyard into another smaller building. Inside, it’s all set up like it’s an Iron Chef Duel from TV, two kitchens in front of the other, a stage with a long table and 3 seats for the judges.

“I thought we just bring cake done.” Bombastus raises his box, utterly confused.

“S-Same.” You raise yours. You didn’t break your ass yesterday to throw this away.

“Please pay no mind to the scenery, we’ll only use the stage! I told my guys about the event, and they must’ve misinterpreted what I said – and we got this. I only asked for a fancy dining table for the judges.” Ulrich doesn’t like feeling like he wasted his money. “So, who are our judges?”

“Oh yes, Mr. Kobashi’s is already waiting at the table!” The Butler points forward to see…

Your old arch-nemesis, “The Lion Tamer” Leon “The Leon-Tamer”!

“It’s a been a while, Leon.” You didn’t think the butler would actually bring him here.

“So it was you, Kobashiiiii! I knew you orchestrated all of this! But to what end?!” Leon the Lion Tamer is handcuffed, and has an iron ball attached to his feet.

“I don’t know, I thought it would be funny.” You shrug.

“Y-You purposefully put your head in between the lion’s teeth for your own amusement?! Ballsy, I have to say.” Leon has found some respect for you.

“Who’s this buffoon?” Marcela looks so confused right now.

“Are you talking about me?” Vanessa wonders, then realizes she’s not the topic of discussion and slowly pretends she didn’t hear anything – going back to catching up with Professor Bombastus.

“Remember the stories Vanessa told you about me? He’s the guy.” You don’t put too much heart into your explanation.

“The tiger guy?” Marcela can’t believe the story is true.

“Lion.” Leon corrects.

“I told you Kobashi is quite the spectacular individual! I recall when I read his antics, I was dying to meet him! And to be the one who saved his badge? It was such an honor! I couldn’t show my excitement due to my rank, but I know Kobashi felt my appreciation!” Vanessa has fond memories from meeting you. Huh, you didn’t know any of that.

“Not right now, Vanessa.” You don’t want to be flattered.

File: 2274.png (168 KB, 800x640)

168 KB PNG

>>5168725

“T-That man over there is a convicted criminal, Professor!” Dorothy looks a tiny bit scared.

“Woah! What a haircut!” Professor Bombastus is wowed by the dumbest things.

“W-Why did you pick him?” Ulrich is still confused by this.

“To test me, sir.” Butler has his own head canon.

“Oooh, I see, Kobashi is quite a peculiar fellow indeed.” Ulrich sees you in a better light for this. “Bombastus, who’s your judge?”

“Oh, my right-hand woman Dorothy, of course!” Bombastus smiles from ear to ear. “You’ll taste cake, and you say it’s good, right?”

“S-Stop with the fake accent! And I didn’t agree to any of this!” Dorothy is looking incredibly nervous now.

“You’ll eat cake! What’s there to reject? C’mon! Dorothy! Tonight, whether it’s mine or his! You’ll find in love with cake!” Bombastus just wants his assistant to see the light. But the thing is, doesn’t she already love cake?

“F-Fine…” Dorothy relents for seemingly no reason.

“And I’ll be the last Judge.” Ulrich points at himself. You assumed so since this whole duel became a thing. “S-Since none of you two brought anyone with any culinary knowledge. I feel forced to take the stand.”

“Booo!” Marcela didn’t like the decision.

“How horribly underwhelming.” Vanessa shakes her head. “He’s the one with most at stake here, so it’s understandable.”

“Hahahaha! It’s a friendly match! There’s no need for animosity!” Professor Bombastus taps Vanessa on the back.

What do you do? Do you have any objections?

>“Ulrich, I can’t allow you to be the Judge. You can taste the cake and give your opinion, but someone else needs to be on that seat!” Object to this setup.
>“Mr. Bombastus, a word if possible?” Talk with him before any of this happens.
>“We have this whole setup, why don’t we make it an actual Iron Chef duel?” You feel like eating freshly baked cake is better!
>No, you don’t. Let this play out.
>Write In.

(Last reply of the day! We come back Saturday!)

>>5168726
>“Mr. Bombastus, a word if possible?” Talk with him before any of this happens.

>>5168726
>“Mr. Bombastus, a word if possible?” Talk with him before any of this happens.

>>5168726
>>“We have this whole setup, why don’t we make it an actual Iron Chef duel?” You feel like eating freshly baked cake is better!
Seriously, day-old cake? Are you crazy.

Besides, Bombastus will come to US to talk after he sees our eminently superior cake making skills. That will be our opportunity to quiz him for the investigation.

>>5168726
>>“Mr. Bombastus, a word if possible?” Talk with him before any of this happens.

File: Sorry35.png (248 KB, 800x640)

248 KB PNG

Sorry, everyone, I'm too tired to run today, we'll return tomorrow. I promise.

>>5172341
No worries. Though, I don't even know the guy in the pic's reference. Got any hints?

>>5173284
I'm not sure either, but the only character I know of that has anything to do with card tricks would be The Great Markgician, Amirati's favorite underling.

File: 2275.png (176 KB, 800x640)

176 KB PNG

“Mr. Bombastus, a word if possible?” You approach the foreigner scientist. Huh, now you notice that you seem to be taller. A victory for Prancijan.

“Yes! Absolutely!” Professor Bombastus walks alongside you away from everyone else to have a private conversation. You’re standing at the edge of the stage. “I never thought I’d be challenged to an actual duel again! Friendly or not! This country is full of surprises! But I thought it’s customary to do it at sunset...”

“It is still.” You can’t say for sure here in Lokyo, regions tend to differ in customs. But in the majority of plays you’ve seen they tend to be before daylight fades.

“A foreigner like myself couldn’t be part of real one?” Prof. Bombastus doesn’t look amused anymore.

“It’s nothing like that, the time of day is irrelevant. I’m here to win, Professor.” You drop the pretense that this isn’t competitive.

“HAHA!” Professor Bombastus laughs loudly. “GREAT! Show me what you got! I can tell this will be closer than last time! Prancijan’s pastry didn’t impress, but you, you might be a different story. You changed Dorothy.” Did the Professor lose his accent? “My dear Assistant was vehemently anti-cake, but yesterday, she begged me to be here!”

“Good.” You’re glad Dorothy kept her promise as intended.

“I saw a wonderful side of her, all shy, all cherry, all cute! I wanted to hug her! She’d kill me if I did. But maybe, if she fully accepts cake, she’ll open up!” Bombastus wants Dorothy to have character growth. “I commend your ability, Detective. But even if your cake surpassed mine in her heart, it’ll all change in a matter of minutes. Now I’m fired up to get this affair of honor started!”

“Hold onto your horses, Professor. There’s something I need to say.” You calm him down.

“What is it, my good man?” Professor Bombastus asks.

What do you do?

>“Professor, by any chance do you have a green spirit in your possession?” Get directly to the point and ask now.
>“If I beat you tonight, will you be willing to answer some of my questions later?” You’ll bet.
>“Could you do me a favor and check on Ema?” You haven’t forgotten about her.
>“Good luck.” Extend your hand.
>Write In.

>>5173815
>“If I beat you tonight, will you be willing to answer some of my questions later?” You’ll bet.
>“Good luck.” Extend your hand.

>>5173815
>“If I beat you tonight, will you be willing to answer some of my questions later?” You’ll bet.
>“Good luck.” Extend your hand.

>>5173815
>“If I beat you tonight, will you be willing to answer some of my questions later?” You’ll bet.
>“Good luck.” Extend your hand.

>>5173815
>“If I beat you tonight, will you be willing to answer some of my questions later?” You’ll bet.
>“Good luck.” Extend your hand.

>>5173825
>>5173829
>>5173841
>>5173863

It's special rolling time, fellas! Let's see how Kobashi performs in the Cake duel! 1d100! Best of 4! This is considered a Legendary Hard Roll! Good luck!

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>5173880

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>5173880

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>5173880
no whammies no whammies

File: narino.png (16 KB, 132x132)

16 KB PNG

>>5173882

D-Don't worry, there are no critical failures anymore!

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>5173880

>>5173880
Also, I take that back (my mistake), it's a best of 5!

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>5173880
1 RESULT HERE I CUM!!!!

File: 2276.png (237 KB, 800x640)

237 KB PNG

“If I beat you tonight, will you be willing to answer some of my questions later?” You’ll gamble the entire investigation on this! Just like your trusty pocket, it can’t fail!

“I don’t give my own students time after classes, but I believe we can have a fruitful discussion together.” Bombastus smirks. “If you win.”

“Professor! Hurry up, you’re making everyone wait! We can’t leave Dan waiting in the car forever!” Dorothy gets all mad for waiting.

“Haha! That’s why I told you to invite your boyfriend over here!” Bombastus has a good chuckle.

“H-He’s not my boyfriend…” Dorothy melts in her seat, blushing a little.

“What is he then? Your dog? At least you left him with the air-conditioning on, right?” Marcela makes fun of the scientist’s assistant.

“W-What are you babbling about?!” Dorothy is infuriating.

“D’aww, to be in love…” Vanessa finds the reaction utterly adorable.

“What a foolish woman, he’ll be dead when you come back from an all powerful heat stroke!” The Leon-Tamer looks down on the four-eyes despite looking like a maniac. T-The guy is not a toddler, he won’t die, right…?

“I hope you two gentlemen are ready?” Ulrich wants the show to begin.

“Yes, we are.” You turn to Bombastus. “Good luck.” You smile and extend your hand.

“Let the best man win.” Professor Bombastus shakes your hand.

The time has arrived. All judges are given a piece of both respective cakes by the Butler. There’s nothing on each plate that shows which piece belongs to who, only a differently colored plate to differentiate them in case they eat the entire piece, so they can be impartial. The tasting process has concluded. By the reception, the three judges were enamored by the dishes, so it’s difficult to tell who the winner is. Maybe they are. Mainly Dorothy. She really liked them even though she tried to hide it.

“I suppose I’ll act the part of the event host!” Vanessa clears her throat, then gets confused. “…I’m so out of focus, I don’t know what to say exactly. Should I make an introduction?”

“Just ask each member of the panel for their preference.” The Butler suggests.

“Mr. Leon-Tamer, if that’s your real name, please select your favorite!” Vanessa asks the idiot you decided to bring here.

“I-I just want to say both pieces were absolutely marvelous…” The Leon-Tamer is moved, he has reborn anew. “Thank you, Officer Kobashi. I pick this one.” He pushes a plate forward with his chin.

“Ms. Dorothy, which one—”

“TIE. Now leave me alone!” Dorothy shouts before running away! Same reaction as yesterday!

“D-Dorothy?!” Bombastus doesn’t understand what’s going on.

“LEAVE ME BE!” Dorothy leaves the building…

“That again, huh?” Marcela isn’t impressed.

File: Spoiler Image (189 KB, 800x640)

189 KB PNG

>>5174014

“U-Ulrich, which one…?” Ex-Lt. van Zullekom tries to recompose herself after that.

“I’ll go with this one, easily.” Ulrich puts a plate forward…

…


You lost 3-1. You’ve been utterly defeated.

“Haha! Another triumph for Science!” Professor Bombastus celebrates by raising both hands. “I might not have best technique, but formula is flawless.”

“Congratulations, Professor Bombastus!” Vanessa is very proud of her friend’s effort.

“Y-Yeah, go you…” Marcela didn’t expect this result.

“Great work as always, Professor.” Ulrich claps for Bombastus, his butler joins the effort. “Your recipe is grandiouse, we need to talk about how to implement it on the menu at once.”

“Guh… Nggggh….” You put your arm over your face. Maybe Gerard saved you from being an embarrassment for the rest of your life… “Curses… If only I didn’t get cocky…”

“No, Mr. Kobashi.” Bombastus takes a bite from Ulrich’s plate. “You’ve done a remarkable job. Please, not be ashamed of this amazing creation. You’re a virtuous man and this is proof.”

“Just like when you threw me to prison, it put me to tears, but the good kind now.” Leon nods. “There’s much to roar about.”

“Well, if you'll excuse us, everyone. We need to talk.” Ulrich asks Bombastus to follow, and the three (including the Butler) leave the room.

…

Good job, Kobashi, you screwed everything up.

…?

>Return to the apartment. Lament defeat for the rest of the day.
>Go to Ema’s apartment and lament defeat there.
>“So, huh, Marcela, I just screwed up massively…” Confess about the deal you just made with Bombastus…
>Write In.

>>5174016
>>“So, huh, Marcela, I just screwed up massively…” Confess about the deal you just made with Bombastus…
Help, HELP!

>>5174016
>“So, huh, Marcela, I just screwed up massively…” Confess about the deal you just made with Bombastus…

May as well come clean.

>>5174016
>“So, huh, Marcela, I just screwed up massively…” Confess about the deal you just made with Bombastus…

>>5174016
>“So, huh, Marcela, I just screwed up massively…” Confess about the deal you just made with Bombastus…
>Return to the apartment. Lament defeat for the rest of the day.

File: 238.png (170 KB, 800x640)

170 KB PNG

You approach your group, it’s not like there’s anyone else here but the guy tied to the chair.

“So, huh.” You cough. “Marcela, I just screwed up massively…”

“Don’t tell me you bet extracting the information out of the guy on winning?” Marcela reads you like you’re a children’s book.

“Huuuuuuuh…” C’mon, Kobashi, you need to come clean. “Uuuuuuuh… Yes. Yes, I did.”

“You did what?!” van Zullekom is thunderstruck like half of the time.

“For the love of Saraswati…” Marcela facepalms as she looks down, she must feel lightheaded. “W-Why? H-How could you…? I believed in you, and you gambled everything…? This is just…” Marcela is in disbelief.

“I’m sorry…” You drop your head. At one point, your incompetency was going to get the best of you yet again… Another thing to add to your list of failures. Expert Private Detective your ass…

Why can’t you just be good enough…?

“Let’s not drop our heads just yet.” Vanessa has never allowed morale to drop! Unless it’s her fault. Then there’s no way to recover it. “A little step back has never stopped you, Kobashi. Just several massive ones!”

“And this isn’t one of them because…?” Marcela isn’t as optimistic as van Zullekom…

“This is no peccadillo from Kobashi’s part! It’s possible to make no mistakes and lose. That’s not failure; that’s life, young lady! Kobashi has proven reliable time and time again and this won’t change it. The case is still wide open.” Vanessa is your biggest believer here.

“I’ll tell you why this isn’t over, Marcela. I haven’t given up. I’ll never give up.” The only thing you can do now is keep going. “We just need to find a way.”

“I…” Marcela sees two doofuses having each other’s backs, who have proven to never measure up, yet they’re still going. “Yeah, you’re right. But how…?”

“We’ll have to break the Janeeva Convention…” Vanessa looks oddly serene. “Bombastus is truly a man too busy for his own good. But there’s someone else who works alongside him on his projects. And she really seems to like your cakes, Kobashi.”

“What’s the Janeeva Conversion?” Marcela doesn’t get it.

“You want us to find Dorothy?” You don’t like where this is going.

“And have a chat, perhaps.” Vanessa has her evil side. Maybe being wrongly imprisoned twice does that to your psyche…

“…Hey! Can any of you guys ask what’s going to happen to me? Am I going to stay here or what…?” Leon feels leonely.

What do you do?

>Offer Dorothy cake in exchange for information.
>Find Dorothy, befriend her, then maybe you can get something out of her.
>With Leon the LeonTamer’s help, maybe you can get the information you need from Dorothy.
>Write In.


(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5174133
>With Leon’s help maybe you can get information out of Dorothy

>>5174133
>>With Leon the LeonTamer’s help, maybe you can get the information you need from Dorothy.

>>5174133
>>With Leon the LeonTamer’s help, maybe you can get the information you need from Dorothy.

File: 239.png (199 KB, 800x640)

199 KB PNG

You forgot Leon the Leon-tamer was even here to begin with.

“…Wait, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” You have come to a realization! Of course, the solution was right here all along!

“I’m the one proposing it, so yes.” Vanessa is on the same wavelength as you are.

“Then let’s get to it!” You raise your fists to improve morale. Seeing you confident, Marcela decides to go along!

This plan cannot possibly fail!

…

5 Minutes later.

“T-This isn’t what I had in mind at all!” Vanessa is dumbstruck! Wait. Liberating the Leon-Tamer to help out wasn’t part of the plan? “I was too distracted by the comradery of the moment to realize it!”

“Ah?” You take the shackle from the criminal’s foot. Leon is free to go!

“I’ve been asking for the last 5 minutes why we're helping this guy out!” Marcela is actually furious.

“My plan was to bribe Bombastus’ assistant with cake!” Ex-Lt. van Zullekom had a sensible plan for once.

“But how does this guy come into the plan?” You were on the same wavelength, right?! Working by yourself has made you dumber…

“He does not!” Vanessa shakes her head rapidly.

“Then why did nobody stop me…?” Man, you’re dumb.

“Does that mean I don’t need to help you?” Leon rubs his wrists.

“You actually do.” You crack your knuckles.

“Very well.” Leon isn’t going to try to fight it out.

“How is he gonna help?!” Marcela loses her patience.

“Little girl, don’t underestimate me. The Leontamer always gets his man! Or in this case, his woman.” Leon plays with his mustache. “Your cake made me have a change of heart, Officer Kobashi. I won’t be pulling any tricks, I’m at your service. What exactly do you need?”

Vanessa takes control of the situation and explains in detail what’s going on. She has always been pretty good at briefings, her position demanded it.

“Chasing… ghosts? How quaint.” Leon likes the idea. “Leave it to me, I’ll get my claws on the matter and solve it quickly!”

With a confident smirk, a ridiculous haircut and one mission in mind, Leon the Leon-tamer walks away in pursuit of Dorothy.

…

“Did we just let a criminal roam the streets?” You think you should’ve supervised him…

“Kobashi…” Marcela grabs your arm. “I think you’re a moron.”

“Aah?!” Every single person you’ve known has told you that, and it never stops stinging…

File: 240.png (151 KB, 800x640)

151 KB PNG

>>5175241

Another 5 Minutes later.

“I’m here, Detective. I expect everyone here to keep what happened earlier between us, or else we won’t have a worthwhile conversation.” Dorothy, a guy you haven’t seen before and the Leon-Tamer are here. “What is it that you need?”
“Aren’t you going to introduce me to everyone, Dorothy?” Her friend tries to chime in.

“No.” Dorothy deadpans.

“W-What did you do…? H-How did you convince her to come here?” Marcela whispers to the Leon-Tamer.

“I merely invited her over to have a fruitful discussion.” Leon murmurs back.

“T-That easily…?” Marcela has realized now that being polite has its positives. “I think I’m a moron too.”

“Thank you for having us, Dorothy.” Vanessa acts all polite to not enrage her.

“Keep it quick, if you don’t mind.” Dorothy doesn’t want to waste her time as she checks her wristwatch.

It’s disappointing that you’ll have to resort to this, but this is the nature of the job.

What do you do?

>“Answer me this, does Professor Bombastus have a green spirit in his possession?” Keep it simple.
>“Leon, you were supposed to do everything.” Nudge the criminal! His job isn’t done!
>“Dorothy, I will offer you one of my delicious cakes if you answer one of my questions.” Bribe Dorothy.
>“I really don’t want to stir the pot, but I need you to answer a question or else… I’ll be divulging your secret. The secret of what happened.” Blackmail Dorothy.
>Write In.


>>5173284

He's one of the few you'll need more clues to know who he's related to. Though, not everyone who has shown up is related to someone.

>>5175243
>>“Answer me this, does Professor Bombastus have a green spirit in his possession?” Keep it simple.

>>5175243
>“Dorothy, I will offer you one of my delicious cakes if you answer one of my questions.” Bribe Dorothy.

>>5175243
>“Answer me this, does Professor Bombastus have a green spirit in his possession?” Keep it simple.

File: 241.png (163 KB, 800x640)

163 KB PNG

“Answer me this, does Professor Bombastus have a green spirit in his possession?” You decided to keep it simple.

“A green spirit…?” Dorothy is startled by your question.

“Like a green will-o-wisp!” Marcela plays with her hands to mimic the movement of a flame.

“I’m contractually obligated to not disclose any information about the research I’m taking part of.” Dorothy replies without a second thought. Same as Ema. Did the Professor make them memorize those statements word for word…?

“Nobody said anything about any research.” You don’t like how quickly she shot you down.

“Oh! How did I not notice! You’re correct, Kobashi!” Vanessa is in shock…

“But now we know it is related.” Marcela won’t let that detail slide. Bombastus’s research has to do with the Ignis Fatuus.

“Oh please, don’t jump to conclusions.” Dorothy adjusts her glasses. “Regardless, divulging any information about the Professor counts as a breach of the agreement. A lifetime of work is at stake here.” Dorothy knows she can answer your question. “Point is, if you want to know anything about the professor, you should talk to him instead.”

“That’s not how the contract works, Dorothy…” You won’t be tricked by legal mumbo-jumbo. “Please, it’s just a yes or no answer. People’s lives are in danger.”

“I find that difficult to believe…” Dorothy plays dumb. “And your insistence makes me believe you’re planning to interfere with the project if I happen to answer your questions.”

“Ask yourself this, princess: Where did the professor find the Ignis Fatuus? Oh, outrageous wow, he stole it from us! Can’t you believe it?” Marcela gets agitated and sarcastic, what a combination.

“D-Don’t besmirch the Professor’s good name. He might be an odd individual, but I believe in his character. He’d never resort to petty crimes to achieve our great goals.” Dorothy takes something out of her purse... “I’ll let you know this device allows us to locate strong concentrations of Spiritual Energy. Deduce the reason why I showed it to you all. Pardon me, but I have had enough, Good afternoon, everyone. C’mon, Dan.”

“Until next time…” Dan nods and follows the angry scientist.

“Do I know him…?” Vanessa feels the man is familiar…

Both leave the building without giving you any answers.

File: 242.png (178 KB, 800x640)

178 KB PNG

>>5175345

“How catastrophic! It appears you’ve blown your chance!” Leon is going to have fun at your expense. “Everything I worked so hard for! Went away like baby teeth!”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Marcela takes the device Dorothy showed you from her pocket.

“W-When did you get that?!” Vanessa can’t believe Marcela’s slickness.

“I stole my clan’s secret texts once; this is nothing!” Marcela throws the device at you. “Don’t screw this up, Kobashi. Please.”

“…” Unlike the Professor, you can resort to petty crimes to get your job done. Maybe that’s the reason why you lost the duel…

You turn the device on… It has some kind of radar, takes you a minute to understand what the screen is showing, but it appears there’s one massive concentration of spiritual quack in that direction, which looks like some kind of snowman.

What do you do?

>Inadvertently, you got what you needed! Go to the place the radar shows!
>Return the radar back to Dorothy. You’re not going to use a stolen object for your own means.
>Write In.

What do you do with Leon?

>Handcuff Leon the Leon-Tamer before leaving. He’s still a dangerous criminal.
>He’s, huh, part of the team now? Let him go with you.
>Tell him he’s free to go, but he needs to turn over a new leaf!
>Write In.

(Last reply of the day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>5175346
>>Inadvertently, you got what you needed! Go to the place the radar shows!
>Tell him he’s free to go, but he needs to turn over a new leaf!

>>5175346
>Inadvertently, you got what you needed! Go to the place the radar shows!
>Handcuff Leon to yourself. Be a wacky criminal fighting duo!
>actually no, don’t do that.
>seriously, don’t even consider it, man
>It’s not worth it.
>It’s not worth it at all.
>Just,
>He’s, huh, part of the team now? Let him go with you.
>Don’t even THINK about handcuffing him to you.
>Or do, a little. Like, you know, a possibility.
>A nice fun little jest to test the patience

>>5175346
>Inadvertently, you got what you needed! Go to the place the radar shows!
>He’s, huh, part of the team now? Let him go with you.

File: 243.png (201 KB, 800x640)

201 KB PNG

You take a moment to think if bringing Leon along is a good idea. Maybe you’ll need to handcuff him to yourself like in those cheap cop movies… No, that sounds like an awful idea. Handcuffing him to you that is. You believe he deserves to come along after helping. Though, you have no idea how Ulrich and the Butler will react and—

“C’mon, Bashi, we have to go!” Marcela doesn’t want to waste this chance.

“I was wondering what we should do with Leon.” You shouldn’t have said that in front of him though.

“Oh, that? Settle down, I’m very well equipped to handle him now!” Vanessa shows her murderous intent.

“E-Explain yourself.” Leon didn’t know his life could be at stake.

“Just be a good kitty, okay?” Marcela doesn’t wanna know what could happen. In any case, you’ll be the first one to restrain him, and you’re not intending on doing anything rash.

“That’s good enough for me! Let’s get out of here!” You nod like a simpleton and walk forward; Marcela is happy to string along. Leontamer gives Vanessa a look, she responds by smiling, which doesn’t settle him down. The circus man nervously trails behind…

This is one of those moments that made you wish you rented a car. But oh well, it took you a while to find a taxi but it doesn’t matter. You felt like you forced the poor taxi driver to take you in, she really didn’t want anyone to take the copilot seat, but the four of you didn’t fit in the backseat so you had to do it. Poor CotF girl looked nervous the whole way through. Giving her loose directions made the trip harder for her too, you tipped extra to compensate. The CotF girl was uneasy until you gave her some home candy you had in your pocket in case you needed to bribe kids for information during a stoplight anyway. So it wasn’t all that bad, right? Right…?

After so much struggling, you arrive at the marked destination on the radar: The Snowman. It’s actually an apartment complex in the Northern District of the City, known as the slums of the wealthy (it’s an oxymoron, but it’s not your nickname). Why? You forgot. You just know that no CotF lives around these parts.

Everyone else is outside the vehicle talking amongst each other. You told them what you came for is inside the building.

File: 244.png (193 KB, 800x640)

193 KB PNG

>>5176630

“S-Should I stay around, Mr. Kobashi?” The taxi girl asks as you leave the vehicle. She must’ve heard you talking about going in there quickly.

“No, dear, we’re going to be fine. Thank you for everything.” You try to be as nice as possible. After making her uncomfortable the whole way, you don’t think the tip will be enough.

“C-Can I say something strange…?” The Taxi driver shyly asks.

“Huh, sure?” You’re leaving. Why does she want to talk now?

“Nobody has ever treated me this nicely before… I-I think I’ve fallen for you. W-Will you marry me?!” The CotF looks on the verge of tears.

“Uhm… No?” You aren’t sure if you heard her right. She doesn’t even have a ring.

“O-Oh…” The taxi girl starts closing the window very slowly but it’s as fast as possible, you stare at each other, you can see the panic in her eyes… You aren’t sure why you aren’t looking away.

The taxi crashes into a garbage can before making its clumsy escape…

“W-What happened?” Marcela gets closer now that the taxi left…

“I think I blew my chance at love.” You knew your profession had a lot of heartbreaks. You walk past Marcela to join the other two. “Now everyone, the problem we have here is that while we know this is the place, I have no idea which floor we should go to.”

“Leave this to me again, Kobashi. I know what to do. The Leon Tamer always gets his man!” Leon walks inside the building with an absurd amount of confidence you’ve seen few people walk with. You three didn’t say a word to stop him, if he gets something done, great, if he ruins it, well, he’s on his own.

A minute later, The King of the Beast is back.

“I asked reception, and they informed me that Bombastus lives on the 6th floor.” The LeonTamer’s superpower is still asking politely.

There’s something wrong with society when a man that looks like him can get the information that he needs without any hitches…

What do you do?

>Try to sneak inside Bombastus’ apartment by going inside the building and using the emergency exit.
>Sneak inside Bombastus’ apartment by climbing up the wall of the building and getting inside through the window.
>Turn on the Fire Alarm, then sneak inside the apartment during the chaos.
>Write In.

Should you go alone?

>Yes.
>No. Bring Marcela.
>No. Bring Vanessa.
>No. Bring the whole gang!
>Write In.

>>5176632
>>Sneak inside Bombastus’ apartment by climbing up the wall of the building and getting inside through the window.
>Yes.
Worlds. Greatest. Detective!

>>5176632
>Sneak inside Bombastus’ apartment by climbing up the wall of the building and getting inside through the window.
>You can do this, right? You wouldn't have mentioned it if you weren't capable of climbing 6 stories up the wall of an apartment building, and comfortable doing so.
>Yes.

>>5176633
Support

File: kobashock.png (24 KB, 184x241)

24 KB PNG

>>5176633
>>5176638
>>5176655


Well, huh, let's see if it works! Let's roll 1d100, best of 4!