>>5484744
>“Yeah.” You think she’s not a conventionally shaped woman, but you like it.
>“You’re not answering my question.” You won’t let this devilish policewoman avoid the topic.
Kids
>Don’t make them do anything yet.

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>>5484744

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

Votes:

Votes are counted until 25 minutes have passed. This rule doesn't apply to the last reply of the day.
Votes that require a dice roll are counted until 15 minutes have passed, so we can speed up the process. Rolls are counted until 10 minutes have passed, so be prepared!

(NEW) Dice Mechanic:

We always roll 1d100s!
Since most people weren’t happy with the system of averaging top four rolls, we’re using best of 2/3/4 depending on the attribute a prompt requires. If Johnny is a genius and it’s a Knowledge based roll, he gets more rolls (Max. 7)! If he sucks, he gets less dice (Min. 2)!

When asked for rolls, I will specify how many you’re going to get. Rolling begins after it’s asked.

Rolling 100 is a critical! There are no Critical Failures anymore!

The difficulty of the roll is tied with the effectiveness of the action. In other words, the harder the option the better the result!

Don’t forget that at the end of the day, this is a story-driven quest! What the prompts are describing is more important than the difficulty of the rolls, for results in a fight.

Again, rolls are only counted when they are posted within ten minutes of being asked, so watch out!

>>5484744
>>“Yeah.” You think she’s not a conventionally shaped woman, but you like it.
>Ask them to bring Grace, Mirjam, and Jesse here.

>>5484744
>“Yeah.” You think she’s not a conventionally shaped woman, but you like it.
>Don’t make them do anything yet.

>>5484744
>“Yeah.” You think she’s not a conventionally shaped woman, but you like it.
>Don’t make them do anything yet.

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Even if it isn’t the best topic to get deep into, huh, you still need to answer her.

“Yeah.” As a thigh enjoyer, you absolutely feel like it does. Lt. van Zullekom isn’t a conventionally shaped woman, but you like her form anyway!

Wait. Why are you talking about this with her?

“Oh goodness gracious.” The policewoman is having mixed emotions as she checks her meaty thighs just like yesterday. Before, kids were screaming in terror at the sight of her moon manifesting, now someone is complimenting her looks. That’s hard to process. “Leader Phil, you don’t happen to find me… attractive, correct?”

“Well—”

“Would you like to touch them?” Vanessa proposes before you can answer.

This is going places you weren’t prepared to go… You must be careful!

What do you do?

>Use the Poking Stick. She’s getting carried away and needs to cool off.
>Grab one and make a honk sound. For fun.
>“You’re kidding, right?” You don’t think it’s the moment or the place for something like this.
>“Vanessa, we're in front of children. What’s wrong with you?” Be Judgmental. She’s a dirty cop in more ways than one! And you knew about the picture already!
>Write In.

>>5484794
>>“Vanessa, we're in front of children. What’s wrong with you?” Be Judgmental. She’s a dirty cop in more ways than one! And you knew about the picture already!
>Use the Poking Stick. She’s getting carried away and needs to cool off.

>>5484794
>Grab one and make a honk sound. For fun.
> write in "Kids don't follow my example"

>>5484797
+1

>>5484797
supporting

>>5484794
>Use the Poking Stick. She’s getting carried away and needs to cool off.

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“Vanessa, we’re in front of children. What’s wrong with you?” You act judgmental due to this woman’s complete negligence!

You have no other option but to bring it out! Yes! Your Poking Stick! You take her offer and begin assessing her thighs with your weapon of choice! She begins screaming in a similar fashion to how she was while being swatted – which means nobody even raises a brow to check what’s going on. After some shouting from the trauma-filled policewoman, she recovers her composure!

“O-Oh apologies, dear leader Phil! I was so out of focus due to your alluring piercing glance, flattering words, and my inconsolable longing for intimacy and human touch – that my mind skimped over where we are, and who is present!” Vanessa apologizes profusely for the terrible example she is giving.

“You sure?” You raise the poking stick threateningly.

“P-Please have mercy on me. I’ll do your bidding without a hitch, leader Phil.” Vanessa pledges her allegiance to you.

Just like with the Choir Kids, you can order Lt. van Zullekom around for some reason…

By trying to defend herself from the poking, parts of her uniform ripped apart – thankfully, not her bottom. You don’t need to presence her ‘Scarlet’-ing it again… Anyway, she looks absolutely like a bum. So you wonder, does she count as a new hobo?

“L-Lieutenant, I don’t want this from you…” You’re starting to feel like as long as you give her any attention, she’d be happy to hang around.

“Anyhow, I was hoping if you could aid me in my search of Ms. Ophelia’s office, leader Phil.” Oh, Vanessa wants your help, that’s all. After all the detective work, she finds you quite fitting for the task. “I was merely in there for a moment, and with your expertise involved, it’d soothe my worries.”

“You want me to find your pic…?” You raise an eyebrow.

“I-I want you to make sure it isn’t there, ciivy…” Vanessa doesn’t trust her own skills.

Do you really want to get involved more in this?

What do you do?

>Accept this sidequest. You’ll search Ophelia’s office. It’s a good chance to look for something.
>Remind Vanessa she’s still a lowly criminal you have to deal with. She stole food from orphans, gosh darn it!
>There’s still that smoker… confront her!
>Write In.

You can order the kids around!

>Tell the kids that it’s Punishment Time. Vanessa will be humbled by a bunch of children.
>Ask the Kids to help look into their mother’s office.
>Tell them to play by themselves and have fun while you’re busy.
>Write In.

You can order Lt. van Zullekom around…

>Tell her to get new clothes. She looks pathetic.
>Tell Vanessa to bring Mirjam, Grace and Jesse here.
>Ask her to come along to look into Ophelia’s office.
>Write In.

>>5484958
>>Accept this sidequest. You’ll search Ophelia’s office. It’s a good chance to look for something.
>Tell them to play by themselves and have fun while you’re busy.
>Ask her to come along to look into Ophelia’s office.

>>5484958
>Accept this sidequest. You’ll search Ophelia’s office. It’s a good chance to look for something.
>Tell them to play by themselves and have fun while you’re busy.
>Ask her to come along to look into Ophelia’s office.

>>5484958
>>Accept this sidequest. You’ll search Ophelia’s office. It’s a good chance to look for something.
>>Tell them to play by themselves and have fun while you’re busy.
>Tell her to get new clothes. She looks pathetic.

>>5484958
>>Accept this sidequest. You’ll search Ophelia’s office. It’s a good chance to look for something.
>Tell the kids that it’s Punishment Time. Vanessa will be humbled by a bunch of children.
>Tell her to get new clothes. She looks pathetic.

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“Fine. I hate seeing you worried about it still.” You believe this isn’t something Vanessa should be dealing with.

“Oh thank goodness! I’m in your debt again, Phil! You’re truly an amazing ally!” No honorific or ciivy, Lt. van Zullekom means it. You’ve been at odds against her more often than not, so you don’t know how to feel about it. Did she really never take it personally? You find her to be a strange woman.

“But before we go…” You start signaling the choir brats to come over for the next instruction.

“Yes, leader Phil?” The leading voice girl stands in front of her colleagues, eagerly awaiting your instructions.

“I’m sure you’ve come up with a fitting punishment for the wrongdoer.” You start your speech. “But, and it’s a big but.” Like Vanessa’s. “I need to make sure if she’s an actual criminal or not. So, I’m going to investigate the office with her. In the meantime, I want you kids to have fun while we’re busy, okay?”

“B-But, there’s no bigger enjoyment than to punish evildoers! Evildoers! Evildoers!” The choir laments. “We want everyone to be on their way to enlightenment! Enlightenment! Enlightenment!”

“Aw, you kids are so nice.” You pat their heads. Despite having learned fucked up world views, they have the best intentions! “Don’t assume she’s innocent yet.” You wink at them.

“Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!” The kids do a weird dance together. They’re excited now! “Pu-nish-ment! Pu-nish-ment! Pu-nish-ment!” Vanessa is not enjoying this chant in the slightest. These sadistic little blueberries aren’t the adorable creatures she thought they were.

“We’re leaving. Have fun!” You decide to walk over to the office.

But before you do, the leader girl approaches you alone. “Leader Phil, I don’t believe this is a good idea. She’s not to be trusted, and there’s nothing less blue than untrustworthy individuals.” She’s acting like she’s your advisor. You don’t want to imagine what she grew up to be…

“I can deal with her.” You adjust your glasses.

“Oh, little blueberry, your worries are unfounded. Here. Have some candy!” Vanessa has a sweet lollipop to offer. Where did she get that?

“I don’t accept bribery.” She takes it anyway… “I’d be protecting the door from the outside, leader Phil. I wish you luck!” She’ll be on the lookout.

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>>5485124

You’re back inside Ophelia’s office. Last time, you didn’t have much time to inspect the place since Houda Lan was here. But now is a different story. The bookshelves are still at full capacity, one on each wall. The tidy desk with the old computer and phone remain here as well. No scattered papers though. There’s a strange sound you didn’t hear last time, you can’t pinpoint what it is, but it’s not coming from outside the building. Vanessa informs she already looked into the desk.

You have no doubts there are no pics, so wherever you look, you’ll net the same results. But you may find something else important.

What do you do?

>Maybe Ophelia scanned the pic into her computer! Look into the PC. Hmm, why does it feel like you should’ve done this before? Like way before! Not with this one though…
>Look into the Bookshelves. You’ve seen Spy Movies. There are always secret passages behind them.
>Find the source of the weird noise.
>Write In.


(Last Reply of the Day! We continue on Monday. But we might get a post tomorrow!)

>>5485127
>>Find the source of the weird noise.

>>5485127
>Find the source of the weird noise.

>>5485127
>Find the source of the weird noise
Phil can float through the walls and floor and such to see if someone/something behind them is making the noise.

>>5485127
>Maybe Ophelia scanned the pic into her computer! Look into the PC. Hmm, why does it feel like you should’ve done this before? Like way before! Not with this one though…

>>5485329
Great idea! +1!

>>5485329
supporting

>>5485617
Suppin

>>5485329
Meant to support this

>>5485127
>>Find the source of the weird noise.

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What’s really bugging you is that damn sound. You better find the source before it drives you crazy. You want to be subtle about it, so you’ll require Philonune’s help. He’s part flame and can float, so he can go through walls, right?

Philonune informs you that you’ve tried this before. Neither of you recall the results. He does tell you that he can float within a short distance. If you want to peek, you’re going to need to be really close to the wall, unless you’re willing to summon him properly, he gets more range like that. Not wanting to cause any disturbance around spiritually gifted kids, you decided you’ll be awkward instead.

“You hear that sound?” You ask Vanessa before looking like a goof.

“Oh! Yes! I believe it’s coming from behind that wall.” Vanessa has good hearing. You couldn’t pinpoint the source since it’s so quiet it feels like it’s coming from anyplace.

“What do you think it is?” You ask since Vanessa doesn’t appear worried by it.

“A creature scurrying away through a compact corridor of sorts.” The Lieutenant is eerily casual about it.

“And you’re not bothered by it because…?” You raise an eyebrow.

“Oh, leader Phil, don’t you tell me a little mouse has never sneaked through your house?” Vanessa acts like this is normal. Which it sounds like it is, until... “It’s rather large for a mouse. Perhaps it’s a baby elephant?”

You know, you’re going to ignore her theories and just check. You press your body against the bookshelf Vanessa pointed at, to let Philonune float through the wall.

“Partner, there’s a narrow corridor, and a small child in here. He’s alive. It’s too dark to see anything else.” Philonune informs.

“Philo, you can see through the dark.” You remind him of his only ability…

“…The corridor leads to a staircase going downwards.” Philonune lets you know.

“And the child?” You wanna know if he’s fine or not.

“He’s sitting right by the wall. I assume he’s waiting for your departure to enter the room.” Your partner reports.

What do you do?

>Tear down the wall with Philonune.
>Try to find the secret door behind the bookshelf.
>Alert the child there’s gonna be consequences if he doesn’t come out from where he’s hiding.
>Ignore it, and keep looking for the photo.
>Write In.

You can order Vanessa round…

>Order her to find suitable clothes.
>Tell her to search the picture through the computer.
>Just let her continue following your lead.
>Write In.

>>5487131
>>Try to find the secret door behind the bookshelf.
>Order her to find suitable clothes.

>>5487131
>>Try to find the secret door behind the bookshelf.
>Order her to find suitable clothes.

>>5487131
>Try to find the secret door behind the bookshelf
Look for a suspicious book to pull, obviously.

>Tell her to search through the computer

>>5487150
>>5487140
>>5487139
>The corridor leads to a staircase going downwards
There might also be a way in on a lower floor?

>>5487157
And we should just not look for the totally classic secret passage? Ridiculous.

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There’s a kid in here, and you’re going to meet with him if you seek the secret door behind the bookshelf. Taking into account how traumatized the Choir Kids were after *that* happened, you think it’d be wise to ask Vanessa to find clothes that don’t have more holes than any of Amelia’s plans.

“Lt. van Zullekom?” You try to sound serious from the get go.

“Yes, Leader Phil?” Lt. van Zullekom is ready to take action.

“Can you look for, uhm, more suitable clothing?” You drop it like it is.

“Do you happen to know anyone who wears clothes my size?” Vanessa sounds so full of hope right now. You have an idea, but…

“Maybe you can find some of Ophelia’s clothes?” You know it’s not going to help with the narrative that she’s a filthy robber, but who cares? “Tell my second-in-command it was my idea.”

“Pardon me, but who are you speaking of?” Vanessa remains clueless. You wonder if she ever had to solve a police case by herself, and feel sorry for the victims.

“The little blueberry guarding outside…” You think you’re going to stick with that. You mean, Vanessa is a radish, they’re blueberries – and, uh, there’s the Cheese Goddess! You feel like you’re forgetting an important food-based nickname you used an obscene amount of times. Eh, it isn’t important now. “I’m going to try to find a secret passage while you’re gone.”

“Understood.” The Lieutenant knows this isn’t a great idea, but believes in you. She leaves the room. The door opens back. “E-Excuse me, what did you say last?”

“You’ll see when you’re back! Now get those clothes!” You wave her outside. Your Second-in-Command sees this interaction, and agrees to help Vanessa. “Now where was I?”

It’s incredibly cliché, but you’re certain that one of these books unlocks the secret passage. You find this cool. You hate that Ophelia –of all people— had this cool idea. Thank god, Ophelia is ‘baby’s first puzzle game’ level of clever, because you think you found the solution: there’s exactly one book that isn’t blue on this bookshelf! This must be the key! You take it!

…

Nothing happens.

You check the book. It’s a family photo album. You don’t know who the people in them are. This doesn’t belong to Ophelia, or – at the very least – it’s not her family.

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>>5487219

Wait a minute, you’re so stupid! The button must be in the space behind the book you took! Doing the trick by pulling the book must be too expensive for a stinky orphanage like this one. You peek and see… the end of the bookshelf.

…

A-ha! You’ve found the solution! You need to rearrange the order of these 6 books from the same series – and this will surely set this off!

…

Nothing happens. Is this where Bernie got the inspiration for his stupid dungeon? You hate it. You curse this stupid bookshelf, and give it a good kick!

…

The Bookshelf rotates until it’s left sideways, leaving an opening. The secret passage is for you to travel into… You realize there's a switch on the very bottom of the bookshelf and you accidentally kicked it.

Good thing you were alone during this.

…

You hear the kid running down the stairs...

What do you do?

>Chase after the kid before he sets up some traps!
>Wait for Vanessa to come back and assess the situation together.
>Carefully make your way down the stairs while invisible. No need to rush, but no need to wait.
>Write In.

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

>>5487221
>Leave a note or something for Vanessa telling her to stay put and not cause any trouble for when she comes back, then turn invisible and make your way down the stairs.

>>5487221
>Wait for Vanessa to come back and assess the situation together.

>>5487221
>>Wait for Vanessa to come back and assess the situation together.

>>5487221
>>Chase after the kid before he sets up some traps!

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Rushing into a bad situation is something you do depending on the mood, and right now, you prefer being precautious – it’s like this 90% of the time, but oh boy, people keep reminding you of that 10%, don’t they? It is usually when things don’t go great, so you can’t blame them.

Several minutes pass by. Vanessa returns wearing an old timey dress, your second-in-command is by her side acting like… a police officer bringing a suspect to the station. You’d say it’s a role reversal, but Vanessa is both an officer and a criminal…

“I was expecting you…” You turn to them while sitting on Ophelia’s office chair like you’re a gangster from an old timey movie.

“You were?” Vanessa is treading the line between naivety and plain stupidity.

“Y-Yeah, I told you to come back.” You’re losing braincells by interacting with the Lieutenant faster than Nariko watching her dramas.

“You’re right, ciivy!” Vanessa shakes off her shock to show off her dress. “Do you like how I look? I believe it gives me the air of a classical theater actress! Oh, how much I wish to see another play…” The lieutenant looks like another type of homeless person…

“You found Mother’s dungeon, leader Phil!” Your Second-In-Command is so shocked she interrupted the lieutenant. “You figured out to pull the crimson book, rearrange the sapphire tomes, and found the secret switch – you’re truly one of a kind! The bluest of the blue!”

“Um, huh, uhm, yeah. Yeah, I did.” You adjust your glasses. You’re a sham, and you just talked like Cookie. You’re a double sham. “Wait. You knew about this already?”

“Tskies, leader Phil, I live here.” Second-in-command loses a bit of spark answering you.

“In the dungeon…?” You’re horrified. Damn, Ophelia was really a heartless woman even to her allies...

“Oh poor thing…” Vanessa looks so sad for her.

“N-No. My mother let me know, and asked me to keep it a secret.” The little blueberry corrects. “It was strictly forbidden for anyone to come inside. By the way, if you got the combination wrong, Mr. Sieb’s disco ball would’ve come out from the ceiling! I don’t believe Mother particularly liked it. Wee hee hee!”

“Strange, I found many garments of that particular style to choose from...” Vanessa crosses her arms. Wait, Ophelia’s into disco? Or are they both? Wait. Why do you care?

“Shall I show you the way, leader Phil?” Your Second-in-Command wants to please you. Or… she has never actually been there.

It’d be safer for you if she comes along, but…

What do you do?

>Your extended party will explore Ophelia’s secret dungeon.
>Ask your Second-in-Command to stay guarding outside. You and Vanessa will deal with this.
>Go on your lonesome while invisible to be safe.
>Write In.

>>5487996
>>Your extended party will explore Ophelia’s secret dungeon.

>>5487996
>>Ask your Second-in-Command to stay guarding outside. You and Vanessa will deal with this.
She has the important job of keeping people out as we search for clues!

>>5487996
>>Your extended party will explore Ophelia’s secret dungeon.

>>5487996
>Your extended party will explore Ophelia’s secret dungeon.

>>5487996
>Your extended party will explore Ophelia’s secret dungeon.

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“Sure, but stay between us, so nothing bad happens to you, okay?” You pat her head while stressing this.

“Yes, leader!” Your Second-in-Command salutes all proudly. “Though, being close to this lowly evildoer makes me feel unblue…”

“B-But you told me I had a strong resemblance to your beloved mother!” Vanessa has that goofy shocked look on her face. She’s comparing herself to a child abuser…

“I said the exact opposite!” The little blueberry puffs her cheeks in disagreement.

“Let’s put this aside, and move on.” You break the bad cycle of violence by being impertinent. “We have a dungeon to explore.”

And so, your new extended party starts walking through the dark corridor towards the secret dungeon. You feel like you have changed too many party members in too little time. You feel like you forgot someone along the way... Doesn’t matter now, you’re in a creepy situation and need to be wary.

With your nightvision – which you will remind everyone about immediately each occasion is useful – this situation is far less unsettling than it would be otherwise. It changes the mystery and unsettling nature to… disgust. This corridor is in dire need of some sweeping. Besides, your cute blueberry is lighting the path with torches that have… stones on them? You’d ask about them if danger wasn’t on the horizon.

Your party reaches a wooden door straight from medieval times. It’s well kept, unlike everything else you’ve seen so far.

“Leader Phil, would you like to solve the puzzle to unlock the door?” Your second-in-command wonders if you want to be challenged.

“C-Could you not, please? This place is rather unsettling.” Lieutenant doesn’t like dark places.

“I’m leaving this one to you.” You pat the little girl’s head to encourage to be a good girl. Works on Nariko.

“Yes, leader!” The little blueberry plays with the dices inside the lock. Yeah, you said that right. There’s a small box that seems to be the lock with them inside. “Voila!” She’s done.

“Let me go in first…” You pull from the heavy doorknob…

It’s a secret garden fully lit by grow lights. Plants of all species – some you’ve never seen before in your life— are here. Shelves and shelves of them crowd the space, except in the middle, there’s a little pond in the middle with a tiny bridge crossing it. Also, there are some tubes with some kind of liquid inside. This must be Sieb’s secret room, right? You don’t see the kid from earlier here.

“This is the secret garden.” The little blueberry has little to no interest in the herbage, she must’ve seen it before. “There’s a door across the room. I don’t know how to unlock it...” Her eyes shine towards you. “I know you can solve this one, leader Phil!”

“Yes, indeed, leader Phil is so knowledgeable!” Vanessa is in total agreement.

“Let me see…” You look into what seems to be the next puzzle.

>>5488085

It’s just a lock. It literally has nothing but the keyhole. There’s nothing to figure out here. You need to find the key.

You have a set of expectations planted on you…

What do you do?

>Ask the little Blueberry if she knows about a kid going in and out of the dungeon.
>Tear down the stupid door with Philonune.
>Look around for a key. Maybe under a plant pot near the door?
>Investigate the place out of curiosity. There’s probably nothing useful here, but…
>Write In.

>>5488089
>>Look around for a key. Maybe under a plant pot near the door?
If there's a carpet check there too

>>5488089
>Investigate the place out of curiosity. There’s probably nothing useful here, but…
>Look around for a key. Maybe under a plant pot near the door?

>>5488089
>>Investigate the place out of curiosity. There’s probably nothing useful here, but…

>>5488098
+1

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You’re not going to do much if you don’t start looking around for the key – so that’s what you’re going to do! Not much! Wait, wrong, you’ll look around for the key! And add some investigation of the place for purely scientific curiosity.

“There’s no puzzle.” You lament. “We’ll have to look for the key.”

“There was one when I snea— came here last time.” Your Second-in-Command might not be much of an actual well-behaved girl… She takes a look at the door. “Tskies! How detestable of them to change the locks!”

You three start looking around for the key, but not in the most obvious place it could be in. You take some time to try to digest what this place is all about. All the plant pots have names. And one of them piqued your curiosity… It’s named ‘Wilma’. It reads below that it is a Marigold. Perhaps everyone in the orphanage has one?

“This is an Yuropean flower...” Vanessa has a melancholic look on her face upon looking at it.

“How do you know, lowly evildoer?” The little blueberry has such a bad opinion of Vanessa that she doesn’t think she can ‘know things’.

“It grew inside my...” The disgraced captain has a reminder of the worst time of her life. “…my place of isolation.”

“I don’t understand.” The poor little girl is confused.

“Do you think you can find yours?” You change topics.

“Mine?” The little Blueberry doesn’t get this either.

“I imagine they’re named after you kids from this orphanage.” You point out.

“Hmm…” The little girl looks around with determination. “A-ha! Here!”

“It’s a Gladiolus.” You look at the flower... “Thank you, Debora.” …and the name.

“You have permission to call me ‘Lady Debbie’, leader Phil.” Little Debbie stands proud.

“Ms. Ophelia must have one as well. Perhaps, the key is in it!” Vanessa snaps out of her cycle of sadness to suggest. Not a bad idea. But…

“I think it’s the one right by the door…” It’s so lazy, it might be it – also, it looks like it was moved. You’ll look under the pot after you make sure it’s Ophelia’s. And it is! The flower is a Cow Bitter. Hmm… What did Sieb mean by this? A key is under the pot. “Found it. This might be it.”

You unlock the door with ease. You find… another secret passage, so long you can’t even see the end with Nightvision. No matter how useful it is, Nightvision has its limits.

“Please… Please don’t come!” You hear a child shouting. He doesn’t sound particularly worried.

What do you do?

>“Then you come here!” Shout back like a doofus.
>“No, we are coming!” Bring the party along, you’ll find where this mystery leads you!
>“Don’t worry, we’re not here to hurt you.” You’re friendly! You’re here to help! Unless they’re doing something evil in the evil dungeon…
>Make an unearthly sound to scare that kid shitless.
>Write In.

>>5488181
>“Don’t worry, we’re not here to hurt you.” You’re friendly! You’re here to help! Unless they’re doing something evil in the evil dungeon…

>>5488181
>>“Then you come here!” Shout back like a doofus.
>"Vanessa has candy."

>>5488181
>“No, we are coming!” Bring the party along, you’ll find where this mystery leads you!

>>5488089
>Write-In
You know actually could we materialize Phil's arm on the other side of the door and just unlock it from there? If not then
>Look around for a key. Maybe under a plant pot near the door?
>Investigate the place out of curiosity. There’s probably nothing useful here, but…

>>5488213
Wrong prompt anon

Supporting.

>>5488193
Srrry this one!!! This one!!!!

>>5488181
>Make an unearthly sound to scare that kid shitless
Channel the energy we used in our first session of karaoke

>>5488181
If I can change my vote still, I'll change it to
>“Don’t worry, we’re not here to hurt you.” You’re friendly! You’re here to help! Unless they’re doing something evil in the evil dungeon…
Let's see what he has to say first.

>>5488193
Changing to this

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“Then you come here!” You need something to lure him here! “Vanessa has candy!”

“…What kind of candy?” Do all the kids in Xumenlo have a sweet tooth?

“What kind of candy?” You turn to Vanessa for answers.

“I have more lollipops.” Vanessa shows some.

“Can I have one?” That’s the nicest the little blueberry has ever sounded towards the lieutenant.

“Yes, of course!” Lt. van Zullekom hands one over.

“Lollipops!” You shout into the abyss.

“…What flavor?” This damn kid sounds picky.

“What flavor?” You turn to Vanessa once again for answers.

“Uhm, a little bit of everything I believe.” Vanessa looks at the rainbow in her hands. “I went to the store and bought a box before arriving here.”

Lady Debbie is licking her lollipop enthusiastically. She’s not… going to help much.

“We have many!” You shout once again.

“…Do you have papaya?” The kid is quite picky.

“What in the world is a papaya?” You ask the people around you.

“Do you not know what a papaya is?” Vanessa is surprised by this.

“Never heard of it.” You won’t lie. You’re realizing your level 4 Knowledge is as useful as… whatever they teach in school.

“Not even once?” The lieutenant is flabbergasted.

“Do you have it or not?” You ask.

“I believe this adorable blueberry is eating the last one.” Vanessa brings the bad news.

“Can you double check?” You roll your eyes.

“Let me see…” Vanessa pulls one candy out, takes the wrapper off, and licks it. “Hmm, strawberry.”

“…You know, forget it.” You turn back to the void. “Pick another flavor!”

“What?” The mysterious kid doesn’t follow.

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>>5488350

“I said pick another flavor.” You angrily shout back.

“You don’t have it…?” He sounds so disappointed it melts your heart.

“I don’t know what it is. So ask for something else more easy to recognize!” You admit it! Everything related to leveling up Knowledge is a farce.

“You don’t know what a Papaya is, mister…?” The kid is stupefied. You wonder if this stupid fruit is really that common.

“No, I don’t.” You’d say it was like you landed in another reality all of the sudden, but that’s what actually happened.

“The flavors are on the wrapping. You don’t *have* to know.” This shitty little kid must be important, or else you’ll lose your mind.

“He has a point.” van Zullekom raises her hand. SHE’S THE ONE WHO STARTED TASTING THEM INSTEAD OF READING THE LA–

“I don’t care. You can come over here and check if you want!” You frown.

…

…

…

You hear the little dumbass walking over. It takes a couple of minutes, but here he is.

“Where’s the candy?” The dumbass asks.

“Here, little sandbag.” Vanessa shows her collection.

“See? She has it.” The kid points out. He takes the candy and starts walking away…

…

“I can’t tell who he is.” At last, Debbie says something now that she finished her lollipop candy.

…

…

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>>5488351

…?

>“Stop right there, you little dwarf.” No more mister nice guy.
>“I imagine you’re showing us the way, right?” Try to be nicer, but drop some sarcasm here and there.
>“Kid, what in the world are you doing here?” Follow him and get some answers.
>Tell Vanessa to take the kid away, you’ll keep exploring on your own.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, I don't know when we're going to continue, but it won't be tomorrow. Most likely Thursday.)

>>5488357
>>“Kid, what in the world are you doing here?” Follow him and get some answers.

>>5488357
>“Kid, what in the world are you doing here?” Follow him and get some answers.

>>5488351
>You admit it! Everything related to leveling up Knowledge is a farce.
91m10 IS A HACK
FRAUD
FAT FUCK
LOST HIS WAY

>>5488357
>“Kid, what in the world are you doing here?” Follow him and get some answers.
Pursue

>>5488639
It’s Vanessa’s fault!

>You were?” Vanessa is treading the line between naivety and plain stupidity.

>“Y-Yeah, I told you to come back.” You’re losing braincells by interacting with the Lieutenant faster than Nariko watching her dramas.

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You need to leave your frustration aside, and go after that kid! Looking up close, he looks like he’s about 4-6 years old. He wobbles to move forward like a penguin.

“Kid, what in the world are you doing here?” You get deeper into the perceived darkness with him. The other 2 trail behind with some distance. It’s too dark for them.

“A felony for love.” The sandbag decides to cooperate because he’s thankful for the candy… and he has nowhere to go.

“Explain.” Your inner Vivienne came out for a second.

“Hmmmmmmmm… I can’t.” Sandbag doesn’t think it’s a good idea.

“Tskies! No need to keep secrets in front of leader Phil. I – one of the Noble Heads – vouch for him and his blueness.” Debbie drops her cred card. They have ranks? Which one do Wilma and Fiora have?

“I don’t know what a ‘Felony’ is. But he told me we were doing one to help Mother.” The kid is ignorant, not malicious. You wonder who he is referring to.

“You’re helping our Mother?! We’ll be glad to be of aid!” The little blueberry gets all excited. Wait, you don’t want to help that b—

“Cool. Over here.” Now that the Sandbag trusts you all, he somehow turns the lights on, and leads the way.

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>>5490518

The deeper you go, the more crystalized the path becomes, these rocks are shining bright and are working as torches. You’ve never seen anything like this. The final door stands before you. Looks sturdy. The little kid knocks on the door, not even bothering to try with the puzzle. A quick exchange from your Sandbag and a voice inside unlocks the door.

“BLWAAA?! –Who are these people?!” A really fat and weirdly shape kid drops onto his butt as he opens the way for you all. He loses his mask immediately, making him easily identifiable. He looks 2 years older than Debbie at most. “This Bluad! Really Bluad! I told you to make sure not to brin’ anyone here! T-This is exactly the opposite of what I requested of you!”

“They want to help. Lady Deborah is among them.” Sandbag tries to calm his fellow former sandbag boy.

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>>5490520

You, Little Blueberry Deborah, and Lieutenant Vanessa van Zullekom step inside… this holy new structure. It’s an enormous aquamarine church, half of it was repurposed to be filled with books, statues, whiteboards filled with schemes, and weird museum-like exhibits from a lost culture. Also, there’s a big sloppily-made hole going deep into one of the walls. For some reason, you feel like you’re at the top of a building, if that makes sense somehow…

“Oh goodness gracious…” First time in a while that the Lieutenant is justified to look this stupidly stunned.

“Oh my blueness…!” Debbie is experiencing a level of excitement that shouldn’t be possible.

“Woah…” This is way more than you were expecting.

“Enough audible astonishment. You're an utter fool, Victor! We don't need any help with the hole, this project was of the utmost secrecy to make sure Mother flees undetected!” Fat boy reprimands the little one.

“Cupcake, don’t tell me this hole finds its way to the police station?” Vanessa is flabbergasted yet again. “Y-Your mother has hefty charges against her! You must stop!”

“You’re helping Mother... escape prison?” Poor Debbie looks deeply conflicted.

“If the rules of the land are unjust, we’ll make them blue.” The fat boy recites from memory. “As a fellow Noble Head, Deborah, I expect you to agree.” He turns to you. “Are you truly with us? Or against us? If you decide to stand in our way, you’ll feel the wrath of the 3rd strongest Noble Head – Unai Jaimito Montemayor Jurado del Puerto Bonito Bruun!”

…

…

>>How do you deal with the fat kid?

>Throw Vanessa under the bus, and pretend you’ll help their mother.
>Defeat Unai Ham Itoh Montez Wabalidoo Bruun in a battle, and make him acknowledge you as his leader.
>“Kid, it doesn’t matter now. There’s no point in doing this anymore.” It’s over…
>He’s fat. Bribe with Candy.
>Ignore him.
>Write In.

>>What do you do?

>Check the Whiteboards.
>Check the Museum-like bit.
>Check the hole in the wall.
>Ask Unai the Fat Boy for a tour of the place.
>Write In.


(Last Reply of the Day, we continue on Saturday or Sunday.)

>>5490521
>>He’s fat. Bribe with Candy.
>Check the hole in the wall.
We dum dum.

>>5490521
Alright so I don't think that now is the time to undo these blueberries' brainwashing.

"Unai Jaimita, Victor, I think you should have a certain amount of faith in the justice system, at least enough to let Ophelia go to trial before you attempt to spring her from captivity. As it stands now there's still a possibility that she'll get out through the normal process of law, whereas if you break her out then she'll be a fugitive and certainly considered guilty.

Your behavior right now, if revealed, would only pile more weight against your Mother as well. It's exactly the sort of thing that people would expect brainwashed children to do, and if it was revealed to the courts by someone...say, a police officer (if you can believe it) then it would be very bad.

Unfortunately we have a police officer here with us. Also unfortunately I can't allow you to harm her. I'm sure she'd be willing to forget about this if you stop though.

Also, consider that if you allow the trial to play out and it goes poorly, you can always execute this same plan at where ever she ends up at later. Whereas if the trial goes well, and you children will surely be used and witnesses so how could it go otherwise, then Ophelia will be free and unhindered.

>>5490521
>Bruun
HMMMMMMM

>>5490521

>How do you deal with the fat kid?

>>Write In.
This here is Vanessa, she's with the police and with her as our contact in the police department we can ensure her safety, but if we break her out, the people who got her arrested may decide to take more drastic measures. So for the time being, keeping her there would be the safest for her.


>What do you do?

>>Ask Unai the Fat Boy for a tour of the place.

>>5490521
>>“Kid, it doesn’t matter now. There’s no point in doing this anymore.” It’s over…
>Check the Museum-like bit.

>>5491091
I'll support this

>>5491091
+1

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“This here is Vanessa. She’s with the police, and with her –as our contact in the police department— we can ensure your mother’s safety, but if we break her out, the people who got her arrested may decide to take more drastic measure. So, for the time being, keeping her there would be the safest option.” You’re going to issue a well-thought logic argument to convince the obese boy.

“Are you certain? She looks like a lowly criminal to me.” Unai believes you’re lying because Vanessa does not simply fit the bill for what a decent policewoman should look like.

“I hate doing this, but I have to agree with him, leader Phil.” The little Blueberry won’t trust the crooked policewoman no matter what.

“Nah, she gave me candy. She isn’t bad.” Sandbag Victor is a simple minded kid. You feel like this is something Nariko would say… Or maybe Nina?

“Thank you for giving me some of your trust, little one.” Vanessa is overjoyed to have someone on her side. “Kids, Phil is no liar. I’m in charge of the Police Station. My name is Lieutenant Vanessa van Zullekom.”

“Oh, Sunshine, Thunder, and Rain! T-The name checks out…” Unai – for some reason— knows the details.

“…What a corrupt institution.” Debbie isn’t wrong about that…

“Even disregarding this Phil’s comments. With the police on our tails, this operation is fried…” Unai admits defeats rather quickly.

“It’s okay. It was Mother’s idea anyway.” Victor has no qualms throwing the blame elsewhere. This sudden reveal leaves Unai in shock, while Debbie is disappointed.

“Whatever do you mean?” Vanessa has *some* investigative tendencies.

“M-Mother devised a contingency escape plan in case she was wrongfully arrested. I never had access to this place before, and in her instructions she forbade me from touching anything.” Unai takes control of the situation to not let Victor speak more than necessary. “I accept that this isn’t the best route to take. Therefore, we will stop.” He’s trying really hard to sound intelligent.

“Sounds good to me.” You acknowledge his decision with a thumbs up. “Now, with that out of the way…” You look around. “What the blue is this place…?”

“Oh! I was so concentrated to stop these kid’s acts of mischievousness that I completely overlooked the unsettling unworldly scenery we’re in!” Vanessa tends to overlooks things, doesn’t she?

“I’d like to know as well, Unai!” Lil’ Debbie has been dying to know.

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>>5493739

“Can you give us a tour?” You ask politely.

“A tour, you say? Hm. I think I have the perfect idea. Could you please press the button over there?” Unai points at a panel behind you. It looks similar to those goggles you used. “It’s one of the few things I tinkered with. I believe it’ll do everything you want.”

“Okay.” You absentmindedly press the button that looks like a certain trap. You start feeling a tingling sensation.

A spotlight comes from the ceiling, inside it is a hologram of a woman in a lab coat of sorts robotically rising from the ground... Everyone but Unai is flabbergasted at this sight. You find it neat. Victor hides behind Vanessa. Debbie hides behind you. And… Vanessa hides behind you too…

“Everyone, welcome to the Temple of Understanding! I’ll be your tour guide this joyous – morning—! We’re so glad to have you – 5 — here with us.” The hologram cheerfully introduces herself. You think she just scanned the area. “Feel free to ask any questions as we go through the exhibits. Now let’s commence! Follow me!”

…

>>What do you do?

>Let the tour guide guide the tour.
>Ask what the exhibits are going to be.
>Ask who and what she is.
>Ask where the bathroom is.
>Write In.

>>5493741
>Ask who and what she is.
>Let the tour guide guide the tour.

>>5493741
>>Write In.
>Ask if she's one of the exhibits.

>>5493741
>>Ask who and what she is.
>Let the tour guide guide the tour.

>>5493741
>Ask what the exhibits are going to be.

>>5493741
>Ask who and what she is.
>Let the tour guide guide the tour.

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You politely raise your hand to ask a question. The hologram takes a moment to notice and give you the word.

“Yes? What is your question, dear guest?” The hologram is glad to answer every inquiry.

“Who are you? And more importantly, what are you?” You’re sure this is going to break the ice.

“I’m your tour guide! Silly!” The hologram chuckles. The way she acts is indistinguishable from a real person. “If you’re wondering whose image I’m currently mirroring, it’s the last individual to input a command into this device, its entry name is –Y=0U|?##°Y°$#$=#?%%!!!&&443350024234°°°°°°3!!!24A!!42424***!?1243232??!°N+22+++##44242####24324214—”

Maybe she doesn’t sound THAT human…

“I-Is she okay?” Lt. van Zullekom is worried about the machine, but she’s not malfunctioning.

“Of course, I am, dear guest! Pardon me, that was a mouthful!” The hologram girl chuckles. “As for a thorough answer to what I am: I’m a prototype device created to educate people spending time in one of the five sacred temples of the Kingdom of Prancijan, in this case – the Temple of Understanding and Kindness— Is that clear?”

“Yeah, you can start the tour if you like.” You think you’re all ready.

“I’d love to!” The hologram gets all excited. “The exhibits… are misplaced. Recalculating.” She freezes for a moment.

“Psst, Unai, did you do the tour already?” The little blueberry asks her colleague.

“N-No. I asked her to shut down before she started. I got scared…” The fat kid admits.

“Calculations are done. Enough energy to restore damaged last entry. Let’s commence!” The hologram turns to you, since you’re the one who is talking to her the most. “Woah! You have a lot of spiritual prowess, dear guest! Make sure to go to our gift shop for a present!”

“Oh cool.” Wait a minute, there’s no gift shop here! You got excited for nothing!

“Please select a route to go through!” She’s all smiles waiting for your answer.

You look around, and nobody is willing to give you any input. Cowards! All of them!

>>Which Route do you select?

>The History of the Kingdom of Prancijan.
>The History of the Temple of Understanding and Kindness.
>The History of the Great Artifact.
>The Lost Entry.
>Write In.

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

>>5493843
>>The History of the Kingdom of Prancijan.

>>5493843
>The History of the Temple of Understanding and Kindness.

>>5493843
>Write-In
Can we do all of them?

If not then
>The History of the Temple of Understanding and Kindness

>>5493843
How did Yu Yan manage to make this hologram?

>>5493843
>The History of the Temple of Understanding and Kindness.
Yo this pic has transparency? Cool

>>5493843
>>The History of the Temple of Understanding and Kindness.

>>5493864
I'd support at least asking if we can do all of them.

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Above the hologram the choices appear: The History of the Kingdom of Prancijan, The History of the Temple of Understanding and Kindness, The History of the Great Artifact, and The Lost Entry.

“Can we do them all?” You don’t see the point of choosing except for disgusting padding.

“Naturally, we’re going to do ALL of them. But – like with any great hypothesis— we need to start from somewhere!” The hologram smirks. She sounded a little forceful for a moment there... “And we need to space these routes for questions!”

“How lovely! Too many moons have passed since I’ve visited a museum.” Vanessa is quite excited.

“We can tell.” Damn, your Second-in-Command really has it against the lieutenant.

“Please, do not discourage other guests from participating with those snide comments. Knowledge is for sharing! And Knowledge is caring!” The hologram gently scolds the little blueberry. “If you behave yourself, I’ll make sure there’s something for you waiting at the Gift Shop!” Don’t fall for her lies, Debbie! There’s no gift shop! “It goes for all – 3— kids on this tour!”

“WOO!” Victor likes this news. Unai notices there’s no shop of any sort, but doesn’t say a word…

“You’re quite advanced for an antique piece of machinery. So advanced that I believe we’re talking to a real human being made out of meat and eyeballs!” Vanessa compliments the hologram!

“Yes, quite! Imagine how far we’ll get when this knowledge spreads around, and humankind can work together towards new advancements!” Your tour guide’s eyes shine with hope… somehow. “I’ve been hung up so much about knowledge, you may think we’re in a different temple, he he he!” This hologram even has a sense of humor.

“Do you have a name?” You don’t want to call her just ‘hologram’ or ‘tour guide’. It feels disrespectful.

“Refer to me as – Tour Guide—, or in case you prefer a common name, we can use this avatar’s name –Y=0U|?##°Y°$#$=#?%%!!!&&443350024234— —“

“I-I don’t think that’s gonna work…” You interrupt before she keeps spouting nonsense. “How about ‘Holly Gram’?” You propose a pun name. One that reminds you of a wonderful mother with an extremely caring personality, and other lovely assets… You wonder how the Dewitts are doing —Rora especially due to her new powers— and want to see how they’re holding up.

“That’s terrible…” Unai shakes his head in disapproval. Nobody is willing to defend you.

“…You’re getting no gifts with that attitude.” You angrily point at him. “Tell him, Holly Gram.”

“A name for a device? I’ve never been named before. Processing…” Hologram starts loading to become Holly Gram. That’s strange, humans tend to name everything silly stuff, like hurricanes being named after Scarlet and all.

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>>5494823
“What’s so bad about it?” Victor doesn’t get it.

“It’s a pun name. It’s similar to Mr. Sieb’s jokes, therefore lame.” Unai explains to his minion.

“Huh? Like my nickname?” Sandbag Victor points at himself.

“Yours is more a shortening of one than a mere pun, Victor. But I suppose it is, in a sense.” Unai strokes his chin in deep thought.

“Done. You can refer to me as – Holly Gram – as well, dear guests! Please applaud the guest over here for having so much spiritual capabilities to allow me to overwrite these functions!” Holly Gram claps without making any sound. Everyone starts clapping. It’s awkward. “Let’s begin, shall we? Which route do you choose?” Back to square one…

“How about the history of this temple?” You’re going to take initiative because the people around you have no urgency.

“Very well! Please come over here!” Holly Gram teleports to another part of the room, one near a map. You all groan because of how far she teleported to, and make your way over there. “The Temple of Understanding and Kindness is one of the 5 Temples created after the unification of the Kingdom of Prancijan as tokens of gratitude to the monks who negotiated the peace treaty. It was built 807 years ago to worship one of the great deities the monks followed, the Goddess of Absolution: ‘Ahriman’; and to safeguard one of the Almighty’s treasures. Yes, in its soil, resides one of the pieces of the Almighty’s Crown: The Crystal of Kindness. It was buried to signify that its divine power belonged to the land and its people – not its rulers – and to bring prosperity to the ground it was immersed in.” Holly Gram presents the bust with the goddess’ face.

“That’s our goddess! Angra Mainyu!” All the kids get excited like watching someone they know on TV. You’re struggling to not boo her.

“Isn’t she wonderful? She’s the symbol of the people of the most prosperous land in the Kingdom: Chi-Athua. To spread kindness and love is our mission. We need one another. We’re human beings.” Holly Gram doesn’t see the irony of a machine saying it… “Well, you are. He he he.” That didn't sound cheerful.

“Chi-Athua?” Vanessa never heard of that place before.

“Chi-Athua is the prosperous land we’re standing on, dear guest. Are you lost?” Holly Gram looks concerned. “Time to proceed. The Temple of Kindness and Understanding became one of the Kingdom’s most advanced places thanks to its unrelenting pursuit to bring the psychic energy to the masses, where new technologies are being discovered by our spiritualists and scientists working alongside each other. This mission all started by our founder –NO DATA—, and now it’s being continued by our head mistress –5S05H958E393CA928NT42305099431B9E932203024302N30000984AM03403504305E03053053D –.”

>>5494824


“That’s a mouthful too, I imagine.” You joke.

“He he he, correct!” Holly Gram puts her hand over her mouth to giggle. “Any questions?”

>>How do you respond?

>“Nah, I’m good.” Move on.
>“Which are the other temples? Do they have super rocks too?” Why did you call them ‘super rocks’…?
>“Isn’t Angra Mainyu evil?” Do some heresy.
>Write In.

>>Next Route?

>The History of the Kingdom of Prancijan.
>The History of the Great Artifact.
>The Lost Entry.
>Write In?

(Only reply of the Day. We continue tomorrow!)

(The Bust belongs to the Head Mistress, not Angra Mainyu.)

>>5494824
>“Isn’t Angra Mainyu evil?” Do some heresy.
>The History of the Kingdom of Prancijan.

>>5494848
+1

>>5493843
The letters in the symbols and numbers spell out YU YAN

>>5494824
The letters in the symbols and numbers spell out SHE CANT BE NAMED

>>5494848
Support

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“Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t ‘Angra Mainyu’ evil?” You decide to do some heresy.

Everyone (including Vanessa) is in utter shock! Well, not Holly Gram, she’s just waiting for the reaction to die down before answering your foul question.

“You stand in awe before Ahriman’s creations, and this is your query?” Holly Gram uncomfortably chuckles.

“All I see is ruins.” You don’t think it’s particularly the demon’s fault, but the observation still stands. Besides, humans built everything, right? You don’t know what’s so great about the spooky demon.

“I wonder what happened here as well, but how is our goddess to blame for this?” Holly Gram is moving goalposts like a stinky human would!

“I mean, look at her! She looks sinister!” You grab one of Angra Mainyu’s figurines that’s laying around.

Everyone (including Vanessa) gasps loudly except Holly Gram! Unai is so overwhelmed by your heresy that he faints! The Lieutenant catches him before he hits the ground…

“H-How are you faring, big tadpole?” Lt. van Zullekom checks the kid.

“I’m… running low on sugar…” Unai pretends he’s dying.

“H-Here.” Vanessa hands him a lollipop candy.

“Yay! Strawberry!” Unai is fine now…

“Leader Phil, what you’ve said… is so utterly unblue I can’t stand it! You must be stopped!” The Little Blueberry Deborah isn’t going to follow you if you act this way.

“Yeah, you crossed the, uh, line.” Sandbag Victor doesn’t like you anymore.

“We have no other option but to put a stop to your madness! Police involvement or not, we’ll take you down!” Big Tadpole Unai unites with his siblings in blue to attempt to defeat you!

“Enough, dear guests. There’s nothing that goes against Ahriman’s teachings more than resorting to punitive violence. He’s merely an outsider. Through kindness, we will make him see the errors of his way.” Holly Gram is determined to prove you wrong. “Let’s continue with the tour. I believe this will answer your question, dear guest.”

All the kids are glaring at you now…

“L-Let’s continue with the History of the Kingdom of Prancijan.” You decide to move on too before they crucify you.

You have come to an important realization… You already know this! These were Nina’s classes that you totally paid all your attention to, and not on other distracting things like her melodious sleep-inducing voice, her voluptuous curves, the strange ways your other classmates snore, or literally anything! Your High-Level Knowledge should back you up on this – even though it’s telling you to pay attention. Well, if your brain is saying so, you should do it! Wait, if it’s your brain talking as a separate figure, who is thinking this right now…?

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>>5496139

Anyway, you’ll pay attention to what Holly Gram is saying…

“Thousands of years ago, in the land of the east, the four strongest nations within the territory –that will be known as the Kingdom of Prancijan— were at an ever escalating war against one another, and all of them were bordering a total collapse. The people were suffering. Resources were low. And a famine was nearing. It was clear that the bands of mercenaries and criminals started to rival the nations in power, and it was a matter of time before they realized they could take over.”

“In a little town in Topakasa’s territory, renowned country-wide for the bravery of its people, advisors from all the nations decided to meet together in secrecy to create a peace treaty. During the meeting, they realized there’s one thing that the four nations still had in common: their religion.”

“There was a problem: It’s a Polytheist Religion. In the many years of division, each nation adopted a different god from the lore as their symbol. All the advisors were Monks/Priests/ or Religious ones, and knew these different visions weren’t *necessarily* against one another. One of them saw an opportunity, and urged the others to convince their rulers to meet up. The plan went ahead.”

“The Rulers couldn’t go past their petty disagreements, the meeting was destined for failure. The advisors stepped in and suggested a way to solve these issues: through Sporting Matches! A bloodless (and cheap) way to honor their own respective god with their victories, and to show the might of each territory! The Rulers were intrigued and accepted.”

“It was said that the only thing the Rulers agreed upon without the advisors' input was that the Prancijan flower –that was flourishing in the garden where talks were being held– is beautiful. Later naming the unified kingdom as such. How fascinating, isn’t it?”

Holly Gram is done! Y-You knew all of this of course. The kids clap!

“Any questions, dear guests? Holly Gram turns to you. Seems like you’re the only one with the balls to go against the status quo.

>>How do you respond?

>“This didn’t answer my previous question for shit.” You’re going to say a bad word. But under these circumstances, you think you get a freebie.
>“Four Nations. Five Temples. Four Nations. Five Temples.” Raise an eyebrow. There’s something off here…
>“Who are the Gods? What are the Kingdoms?” You think she missed some key details.
>“Woah, first time I’m not half-asleep after a history class!” Give props to Holly Gram! She’s a great Tour Guide!
>Write In.

>>Next Route?

>The History of the Great Artifact.
>The Lost Entry.
>Write In?

>>5496140
>>“Who are the Gods? What are the Kingdoms?” You think she missed some key details.
>“Four Nations. Five Temples. Four Nations. Five Temples.” Raise an eyebrow. There’s something off here…
>The History of the Great Artifact.

>>5496141
+1

>>5496140
>“Four Nations. Five Temples. Four Nations. Five Temples.” Raise an eyebrow. There’s something off here…

>>5496141
+1

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“Yeah, I do!” You raise your hand with enthusiasm. The little brats are waiting to boo you relentlessly if your question sucks. “What are the Kingdoms? Who are the Gods of each one?” Judging by everyone’s reaction, you’ll be spared.

“Is Leader Phil from overseas?” You hear the kids muttering among themselves. “That explains his totally uncalled for insults to Angra Mainyu.” They keep chatting.

“Great question! The nations that formed the alliance were as follows: The Yoinkshire Empire, The Baochang Dynasty, The Lokyo Tribe, and The Kingdom of Topakasa.” Holly Gram is happy to clarify this for you! It seems you’re getting back on her good side! “The Yoinkshire Empire hosts the –Temple of Beauty—, there they worship ‘The Supreme Creator’: Ohrmazd.” Philonune is reacting. He’s telling you that that’s the Creator! His arch-nemesis! Lloydington’s entity most likely…

“BOOOOOO!!!” The kids relentlessly boo her! They don’t like the creator at all!

“These kids are not so bad after all, aren’t they, partner?” Philonune is a little biased.

“Tskies! I can’t believe that I not only come from a place where the sky is never blue, but that its roots are tied to *that*!” The Little Blueberry acts like she wants to puke.

“Next, the Baochang Dynasty hosts the –Temple of Power—, there they worship the Ancestor of the Great Balance: Hongjun Laozu.” Holly Gram explains more about the temple you’re actually the closest to at the moment. “And the Goddess of diseases, calamities and slaughter: Seioubo.”

“Why would anyone worship that…?” You aren’t sure why this is a thing. It’s the only outright evil one from the entire list so far. No wonder nobody had a problem with Angra Mainyu.

“That’s the temple Mr. Bombastus and I visited. I wonder how Mistress Ning is doing.” Vanessa has fond memories of her trip from years ago. Before, you know, she was sent to jail…

“Now the Lokyo Tribe hosts the – The Temple of Courage—, there they worship the personification of eternity: Hauhet.” Holly Gram claps enthusiastically for some reason.

“Woo. Lokyo.” You cheer your hometown. That’s what good boys do.

“Mother told me she stole me from there.” Victor crosses his arms. You can’t tell if he’s joking or not…

“And at last, the Kingdom of Topakasa hosts the –Temple of Knowledge—, it worships ‘The Goddess of Knowledge’: Saraswati.” The bear?! Amelia’s stupid bear?! AMELIA’S STUPID BEAR IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST ENTITIES?! Oh right! You remember you saw on TV that someone vandalized her stupid temple once. Yeah, this isn’t news. Well, you don’t actually know if this makes that honey lover one of the strongest entities in the war, she was once worshiped, that’s all. “And the concept of the Ultimate Reality: Brahma.” Oh, it’s both, no wonder they turned into the strongest thing you’ve ever seen when they were together!

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>>5496358

“Aw, the memories. I miss my hometown sometimes.” Unai has fond memories of Topakasa. Isn’t that the countryside? Where Nina and, ugh, Carmella come from?

“Another question!” You raise your hand, then clear your throat after Holly Gram gives you the word. “Ehem. Four Nations. Five Temples. Four Nations. Five Temples. FOUR NATIONS. FIVE TEMPLES.”

“Dear guest, you have to actually ask a question!” Holly Gram has a good laugh. She’s sounding even more natural than ever before.

“Why is that?” You keep it simple.

“Because there were *5* advisors.” Holly Gram explains it like it’s natural. “One from the town that hosted the meeting between the rulers.”

“And he had his own branch of religion ready?” You raise an eyebrow. It is way too suspicious. Almost van Zuspicious levels of suspicious…

“Not exactly. They were already practicing it.” Holly Gram smiles. “You see, the bandits, criminals, people without alliances, and such – had their own fork.”

“Oh.” You felt really clever for a second, now you feel stupid. Yet, you can’t help but to think you’re onto something here. But until you get more clues, you’ll leave it be. “Can you tell us about the History of the Great Artifact.”

“I’m glad you asked!” Holly Gram leads you to the seemingly last route of the tour. She points at some paintings showing the rulers in despair as a fleet comes to land. “The alliance that forged the Kingdom of Prancijan wasn’t enough to protect themselves from the outside forces. Perhaps it was too little, too late for it to be effective. But what nobody thought is that those outside forces came from overseas…” Holly Gram is narrating this like some Saturday night cartoon. “The strongest naval force the world has ever seen came to the coast of the newly formed country, the invasion from the United Kingdom of Yurop began. But before the forces could lay their feet on the land…” Holly Gram points at the statue of a giant lizard. “A mysterious child appeared with a musical instrument, and with a powerful melody she called upon the great creature from the sea… The Great Goalzilla! He and his monster friends destroyed the entire naval forces from Yurop and protected Prancijan!”

“…” You and Vanessa aren’t buying it. The kids are loving it though.

“The People of Prancijan were so moved by the monsters’ efforts, they decided to let them roam the seas around the coast of the entire country, and feed them when the beasts felt like it! That’s how the Monster Sea was born.” Holly Gram crosses her arms and smiles. ”Of course, the great people of Prancijan saved the foreigners, everyone became friends, and there was a banquet.”

“Yaaaay!” The kids celebrate! What a beautiful tale!

>>5496360

“The Great Artifact lies here. It’s the same instrument that was used to call Goalzilla that day! Now, if you want to call him yourself, you need to wish to protect those around you, feel it from the bottom of your heart. Then sing this song!” Holly Gram plays the song from… somewhere. It’s the same melody as the song Mr. Won-Jae told you about. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Now! Who is ready to buy a Goalzilla doll from the gift shop and take a picture with our replica!”

“Us! Us! Us!” The three kids very happily join in this farce!

“………” You’re speechless. There’s still no gift shop.

>>What do you do?

>“Hey, what happened to the question sections?!” Demand this tour guide to go back on route!
>“Wait, isn’t it ‘Ghoulzilla’ instead?” You remember your mother talking about Ghoulzilla, not this Goalzilla shit.
>…Take the Artifact and play the melody.
>Take a Picture with Goalzilla.
>Write in.

>>Are you forgetting something?

>The Lost Entry.
>Nah, you’re good.
>Write In.

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

>>5496364
>…Take the Artifact and play the melody.
>The Lost Entry.

>>5496364
>“Wait, isn’t it ‘Ghoulzilla’ instead?” You remember your mother talking about Ghoulzilla, not this Goalzilla shit.
>…Take the Artifact and play the melody.
>The Lost Entry.

>>5496397
+1

>>5496397
>>5496620
>>5496378
Why would you want to call forth Ghoulzilla without sufficient cause or an offering handy. Do you want the countryside to get ravaged?

>>5496364
>“Wait, isn’t it ‘Ghoulzilla’ instead?” You remember your mother talking about Ghoulzilla, not this Goalzilla shit.
>The Lost Entry.

>>5496652
We can't awaken Ghoulzilla if we don't meet the full requirements to do so, and this is a time-bubble simulation not realspace

>>5496364
>>5496652
Support. Even in a simulation it's dumb to try it.

>>5496659
>this is a time-bubble simulation not realspace
Everyone we've met easily passes the Turing Test

>>5496364
>>“Wait, isn’t it ‘Ghoulzilla’ instead?” You remember your mother talking about Ghoulzilla, not this Goalzilla shit.
>The Lost Entry.

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“Wait, isn’t it ‘Ghoulzilla’ instead?” You recall a different name from your mom’s strange crypto stage. Too bad the kids aren’t here to hear it because they all left to follow Holly Gram. Another Holly Gram shows up to respond to your queries.

“Dear guest, you’re so amazing, I have enough power to do this trick! As for your question…” Holly Gram is overjoyed to be able to do multiple things simultaneously. “Perhaps it is a mistranslation from your country.” She has no idea.

“No, I’m 100% sure it is ‘Ghoulzilla’. But it’s fine, there’s nothing we can do if you don’t know.” You shrug. It isn’t that important or will ever be relevant.

“Allow me a moment to do some research.” Holly Gram takes more of your energy… “Woah, found something! There’s a recording from a shady science journal of a cryptid of similar appearance that was later dubbed ‘Ghoulzilla’. I believe this is your guy! And he doesn’t exist!”

“But Goalzilla does?” You raise an eyebrow.

“Its grave is located in Chi-Athua, and we commemorate his passing every year. It’s a town holiday.” Holly Gram looks almost disappointed in you for not knowing. But she’s too kind for that!

“Oh dearie, we’re living on top of a giant lizard’s massive grave…? No wonder my luck had a downturn!” Vanessa can’t stop being flabbergasted.

“That more or less concludes our tour. Follow me to the Gift Shop for magnificent offers!” Holly Gram starts floating away.

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>>5497290


“Hold on. There’s still an exhibit left!” Maybe this isn’t the right word here, but you know there’s another tour. “Let’s go with ‘The Lost Entry’.”

“Alright! Come over here!” Holly Gram leads you and Vanessa back to the busts from before. “Come over here…” Holly Gram loses all her enthusiasm.

“Are you doing all right, Ms. Gram?” Vanessa is as concerned as you are.

“Yes…! It’s just unfinished, and I thought it might be a problem. I hope you don’t mind…” Holly Gram tries to inject some good vibes to her speech, but it comes out flat. “This is it for me, for us – for the people of Chi-Athua. I don’t have much time. I’m not prepared to convey the events that transpired in words, to convey these feelings, my immediate death. They didn’t listen to us. Our brothers and sisters from the other temples didn’t believe us. We didn’t mean any harm, we didn’t know – we were lied to as well. Even if everything we built started on lies –the lies of a man who wanted this beautiful world to burn — we truly believe in our teachings, helping one another, we believed in kindness. We’re sorry. We didn’t know. We didn’t know the true nature of Ahriman. We begged them. They slaughtered us. Trapped us here underground. With our own technology. The one we shared with them. They buried us alive in our temple of lies, with all our so-called cursed gadgets, to never return, to never see the light of day, to never smile together. Left us to perish. We loved you, we are still brothers and sisters, so why couldn’t you believe us?! We don’t want our universe extinct, we wanted the world to flourish! How couldn’t you see this?!”

“Not now, in my biggest moment of weakness, I prayed for Ahriman to fulfill her wishes. Her oath to bring the world harm. We’re not the people they thought we were. That’s my comfort.”

“This is my last message… The last message of my people… Please… I beg to the gods, let someone hear these words. Find these ruins and tell the world that the people of Chi-Athua were kind, brave, knowledgeable, joyful and proud. I don’t want them to be forgotten. I know the love we gave to this world was necessary. I don’t want to—”

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>>5497292

Holly Gram shuts up abruptly in front of Ophelia’s whiteboard. You paid no mind to the board, as the schemes on there were incomprehensible, but one phrase stands out now:

—For Retribution—

>…?

>Ask Holly Gram if the person who recorded this message is the one she’s taking her appearance from. Maybe the recording is from earlier than the last time a person recorded something into the artifact…
>Ask for more details. You feel like there’s a little more…
>Check on the kids, you think they heard it – this content ain’t age appropriate.
>Leave.
>Write In.

>>5497293
>Ask for more details. You feel like there’s a little more…
PURSUE THE LEAD!!!

>>5497293
>Ask Holly Gram if the person who recorded this message is the one she’s taking her appearance from. Maybe the recording is from earlier than the last time a person recorded something into the artifact…
>Check on the kids, you think they heard it – this content ain’t age appropriate.
>Have Vanessa give them more candy, and make sure to comfort them. You can be a nice guy sometimes.

>>5497293
>>Ask for more details. You feel like there’s a little more…

>>5497293
>Check on the kids, you think they heard it – this content ain’t age appropriate.

>>5497293
>>5497301
Changing vote to just
>Check on the kids, you think they heard it – this content ain’t age appropriate.
So it's less convoluted.

>>5497293
>Ask Holly Gram if the person who recorded this message is the one she’s taking her appearance from. Maybe the recording is from earlier than the last time a person recorded something into the artifact…
>Ask for more details. You feel like there’s a little more…

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“Holly Gram, the person who recorded this is the same person you’re taking your appearance from, right?” You want her to say no.

“Dear guest Phil. Don’t ask me something you already know.” A wry smile appears on the hologram’s face. “You’re here to learn, remember?”

“I’m sorry.” The apology escaped your lips.

“I know. I can feel it.” Holly Gram places her hand over her chest. She sounds robotic no more.

“Is there something else about the last entry we should know?” You ask for more details just in case.

“From the recording, I cut out the moment she… y’know…” Holly Gram looks at the ceiling longingly.

“Anything else?” You still have the intuition there’s something more.

“Will you lend me a bit more of your energy to check?” Holly Gram asks as a favor. You nod without hesitation. “—Processing--”

The entire room silently waits for Holly Gram to load.

“I found a log detailing the events of that fateful day. From the marching troops from the different nations led by the temples to the sinking of the entire city of Chi-Athua. There’s an event that was almost lost through time…” Holly looks rather gloomy again. “In a moment of desperation, the Great Artifact was played with the melody, and against all odds, Goalzilla raised from its tomb – but the kind lizard couldn’t do anything to stop the massacre, as it refused to hurt the people it loved. The wounded beast perished once again by the weapons of those it swore to protect, bewildered and hurt. He too fell with the Kingdom’s capital...”

“Leader Phil, could it be that ‘Ghoulzilla’ is the sorrowful spirit of the beast still walking on this earth unable to find rest after those tragic events?” Vanessa asks a heart-wrenching question.

“I-I don’t know… Maybe?” You wonder why Vanessa is trying to make you feel like absolute shit about a giant friendly kaiju with a stupid t-shirt…

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>>5497412

That reminds you that the kids are still here! Oh crap! They shouldn’t have listened to the story. Maybe, they were distracted by the other Holly Gram and there’s nothing to wo— Oh no, they’re crying, tears are falling from their faces, this is no good. Victor is even hugging Goalzilla’s statue. Oh these poor kids! You need to do something!

“V-Vanessa, the kids are heartbroken! We need to do something! Hand them some candy!” You need to act fast!

“Y-Yes, immediately! Here, blueberries of different sizes! Some sugary goodness!” Vanessa complies with your orders, and helps you calm the kids.

You three (yes, even Holly Gram) all take a moment to console the poor children… Not only was everything they knew turned upside down, but the cheerful mascot they just fell in love with is in eternal suffering! Thankfully, Naiad reacts, and makes various items appear that help the kids kill their tantrums! You thank god for this fairy.

“Dear guest Phil, there’s something else I need to talk to you about…” Holly Gram stands firmly. “I, Holly Gram, require your help!”

Sadly, this is all we have for this week’s thread! Thanks for playing! And see you next time!

>>5497413
Thanks for running

>>5497413
Thank you QM, have a good one!

Thanks for running!

The way this temple, and Holly Gram, operate is pretty interesting. The way Holly keeps asking us for energy in order to do things, it’s like they’ve perfected spirit energy-as-useful energy like Dr. Bombastus was pursuing all along.

It also makes Ophelia’s desire to make peace with us and make us cooperative back when we were causing a distraction on the orphanage’s roof way more sinister. Maybe we should go chat with her in jail.

>>5498007
Now that we know this I agree that we should probably ask her some questions. Luckily we got Vanessa her to help us