>>5632027
But you can’t stay here forever enjoying your victory, you need to move on!

What do you do?

>Claim your prize. Demand Gerard go on a tour to apologize to everyone he ever hurt.
>Ask Ambition-P to come down to talk. She turned back to a blueberry! Maybe you can engage in conversation.
>Tell Kata you’re in debt to her again! You couldn’t have done it without her. Maybe she has something planned for you to do already?
>Ask Fiora if she’s happy with how you did. The duel was her idea! From the looks of it, Odetta had a blast seeing Gerard suffer, but the tall lady is a mystery. Even if you can gauge her reaction a little!
>Ask Wozart if he has some spare time, you’d like to have a chat with him. He seems like a fair but quirky fellow. Maybe he can help you revive Ivanna.
>Write In.


---

>>5632027

>>5632027
>>Claim your prize. Demand Gerard go on a tour to apologize to everyone he ever hurt.
>Tell Kata you’re in debt to her again! You couldn’t have done it without her. Maybe she has something planned for you to do already?

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>>5632030

Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QM91m
Discord: https://discord.gg/AmjbaTR
Archives: https://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!

>>5632035
>Claim your prize. Demand Gerard go on a tour to apologize to everyone he ever hurt.
>Tell Kata you’re in debt to her again! You couldn’t have done it without her. Maybe she has something planned for you to do already?

>>5632030
>Claim your prize. Demand Gerard go on a tour to apologize to everyone he ever hurt.
>Ask Ambition-P to come down to talk. She turned back to a blueberry! Maybe you can engage in conversation.

>>5632030
>Claim your prize. Demand Gerard go on a tour to apologize to everyone he ever hurt.
>Ask Ambition-P to come down to talk. She turned back to a blueberry! Maybe you can engage in conversation.

>>5632047
I'll change to this to break the tie, still we should thank Kata later

>>5632030
Force Gerard to try the cake.

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“Claim your prize, whatever it may be, Johnny.” Fiora points onward where the Knight is hovering. A clear signal you can choose whatever you want, and not consult with her.

“Anything you want, Kata?” You ask your kitchen partner for input. You have an idea of what you want, but you can’t hog the reward all for yourself when it was a team effort, can you?

“Only something you can provide, sweetheart.” Kata boops your nose and gives you a cheeky smile. You nod in acknowledgment! You hear Odetta scream that it needs to be something that will make Gerard suffer. Amelia agrees, but you don’t know if because she feels that way, or because she’s trying hard to please the twig girl.

“Referee, I want this man to apologize to every single person he has ever hurt.” You ask the Wyvern Knight to make it official.

Whoever is controlling Gerard loosens his hold, and the incompetent chef comes back for a moment.

“I-I must refuse! The task in itself is impossible! It’s ludicrous to believe I can remember every single person I have caused damage to.” Gerard may have a point, but then... “People in the crowd! Tell me, is any man capable of recalling every single child he had run over in their lifetime? Hmm? Be honest!”

Only Gordon Senior seems to agree. This is kind of twisted…

Before he gets an actual answer (Booing), Gerard has a little seizure that brings his entity back in control…

“How strange, I happen to remember everyone now. It won’t be an issue.” Gerard (?) chuckles to himself.

The Flying Referee didn’t care one hoot either way! Gerard would have to find a way regardless if he could or not because the contract was made! The Contract turns into a little greenish flame that goes inside Gerard’s body.

“I’m unsure of what’s happening anymore! But that settles it! Thank you everyone for accompanying us today! Good day and have an exciting rest of the week!” Mr. Excitement legally calls the show off the air. As everything winds down, Mr. Excitement thanked you for your cooperation and said you did remarkably well before leaving.

Vivienne tells Not-Gerard to get that thing in his eye checked before it gets more bloody, but the entity decides to ignore the issue for now. With that, Vivienne and Wozart decided to stay with Gordon Senior until Ivanna wakes up from her cake-induced coma. Helmaer left to visit catering.

Ambition-P jumps down from the gallery to come to talk to all of you. Amelia and Odetta get down as well. The bodyguards remaining say there’s no pressure for any of you to leave, and that if you’d like, you could visit Ka-Shing, he’s busy, but can make some time for you. You’ll keep that in mind. Now onto what’s important.

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>>5632151

“You’re not currently Mr. Luther. Correct?” Fiora is not used to all the things the entities can do.

“You’re right, madam. I’m his partner: Bruthete.” Not Gerard explains. “I’m open to having a conversation. The Invading Parasite Act won’t trigger unless I leave the premises.”

“You’re possessing his body, right? That’s freaky. I’d never do something like that...” Odetta talks like she’s lying. She… couldn’t possibly do something like that, right?

“That’s too specific...” Amelia is having her doubts.

“You say weird shit too, Ms. beary dumb.” Odetta raises an eyebrow. “We are not exactly the most sane looking group of people.”

“Ah, yes, and the most freakish of them all is you, Ms. Ghost girl. My two eyes cannot believe you are standing right in front of me.” Kata pats Odetta’s head condescendingly. Eyes? Kata has two eyes? She’s always covering one, so you thought that maybe she had a patch thing going there.

“What’s that supposed to mean? And who are you calling Ghost girl, huh?” Odetta doesn’t take that well.

“Last time I saw your pretty face, you were sleeping so soundly like an angel.” Kata grabs Odetta’s face. “Oh Heidi, why didn’t you mention that this cute little cherubim woke up when we were having tea the other day?”

“Don’t treat me like a doll, you garbage baker toy looking woman!” Odetta dislikes the direction things are going.

“W-Why does everyone seem to dislike my costume?” Kata feels uncomfortable about it.

“I love it, Kata!” You cheer her up! It fits her qualities…

“Me too!” Ame agrees.

“And me! I think it really fits you well!” Ambition-P nods.

“D’aww! Aren’t you all the sweetest?” Kata was fishing for compliments and grabbed them!

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>>5632153“Deborah, it’s been a while.” Fiora notices that Ambition-P has been awkwardly standing around you for a while.

“It’s been a while since someone called me that, Ribbit…!” That’s the least passionate frog noise from Ambition-P you have heard so far.

“So you are little Debbie!” You knew it! She’s your little minion!

“L-Little Debbie?” The idol has no clue what you’re talking about.

“Y-Yeah, I’m tall! I can call everyone ‘little’!” You pretend this is what you were going for.

“No, you meant something else.” Odetta caught you red-handed.

“There are some exceptions.” Fiora smirks.

“Yes, I would say I’m all grown up.” Baker Calamity winks.

“W-What’s that supposed to mean?!” Amelia doesn’t like the nurse’s comments. Your little sister is so insecure about growing up still. Since she’s your little sister already, should you call her your little little sister?

“Shall we move on or…?” Gerard Bruthete feels like the odd one out.

“Hold on!” Ambition-P does a twirl to make her idol outfit vanish and appear in casual clothing! “I’m ready and optimistically looking at the future!”

“Is everyone some sort of magician or something?” Amelia doesn’t like what’s happening anymore. You almost pull out a coin to do a magic trick yourself, but maybe later.

What do you do?

>Ask Ambition-P why she is here. You don’t think she was only called to be a Judge for the contest, right?
>Engage with Bruthete in conversation. He will answer the questions Gerard didn’t want to.
>Ask Kata what she meant with the Odetta stuff. It was cryptic enough to catch your attention.
>Write In.

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

>>5632156
>Engage with Bruthete in conversation. He will answer the questions Gerard didn’t want to.
Only good time we can get answers from him is now. What did Gerard do back when he was with the Hosts of Rebellion? How did he really lose his eye? Which sides were he on? Does he know anybody we might find important? Anything useful

>>5632156
>>Engage with Bruthete in conversation. He will answer the questions Gerard didn’t want to.
plot? Plot. Plot. PLOT. PLOT. PLOT. PLOT PLOT PLOT PLOT PLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOTPLOT

>>5632156
>Engage with Bruthete in conversation. He will answer the questions Gerard didn’t want to.
>Ask how Gerard REALLY lost his eye.

>>5632156
>>Ask Kata what she meant with the Odetta stuff. It was cryptic enough to catch your attention.

>>5632156
>Ask Ambition-P why she is here. You don’t think she was only called to be a Judge for the contest, right?

>>5632159
Supporting all this but also asking why he even joined the terrorist in the first place

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“Hey, want to join us, Little Debbie?” You make some space for her! Why did you call her that again? Anyway, you feel bad for the idol because she was trying to join the conversation for a while and she just stood there doing nothing instead.

“Y-Yes, why, thank you! You’re very kind!” Oh no, the little blueberry is socially awkward! “Please, call me Amber if you have to. Or Ambition-P. Little Debbie is a bit strange, but do what you’re comfortable with. R-Ribbit.” Again, one of those dejected frog noises. It’s like her heart isn’t in it anymore.

“How about simply Deborah?” Fiora suggests.

“That’ll do too, Fio. Hee hee…” Debbie will put up with anything as long as she doesn’t get kicked out.

“I’m gonna keep Debbie.” Odetta says with too much familiarity for a stranger. They know each other too, but not that deeply.

“Well then, it’s nice meeting you again, Deborah. You seem to be doing well.” Fiora tips her hat.

“I remain optimistic, yeah! Ribbit!” The blueberry pumps her fists.

“Ah, you mean to say blueptimistic, don’t you?” Fiora chuckles.

“N-No, not really, ribbit… I left the blue to the sky...” Ambition-P can’t face the truth that she wants to fully return to being a blueberry.

“Dear, tell us how exuberant you are after the man of your dreams noticed you?” Nurse Calamity begins her teasing. “I’m quite assertive, but I pale in comparison to your hankering. He has a date and everything, and you went ahead anyway! No wonder you call yourself Ambition.”

“A-Ah! N-No! Y-You got that wrong! I actually saw him in my dreams! Without the mustache, that is! I-It’s nothing romantic.” Debbie tries to dissuade the situation with more gasoline. “A premonition, perhaps?”

“Don’t look too disappointed, handsome. You still have me for the rest of eternity.” The evil nurse turns to you!

“I can’t be disappointed when I was right!” You thought exactly that before! So what’s so bad about this? “Now, what was the dream about?”

“You raised me into the air by the head while a bunch of kids pointed their flyswatters at me.” Debbie explains it in too much detail. To say everyone looks confused is the understatement of the evening.

“Um, uh, yeah, that sounds nuts. You sure it was a dream?” You think it sounds like a nightmare. “Anyway, we should talk about this later.”

“You know exactly what she’s talking about, you maniac.” Odetta reads you like a furniture manual!

“Johnny, you know psychology? Woah!” Amelia seems impressed. You’re trying to get your masters, but won’t admit it.

“Psychology has nothing to do with exploring dreams anymore, dear.” Kata doesn’t want your stupid sister to spread misinformation. “Whoever is trying to give that idea is trying to scam you.”

Amelia looks worried for a second. You’re going to ignore that for the time being.

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>>5633048

“Now I’m really curious about you, sir.” Ambition-P won’t leave your side.

“Let’s leave this idle chatter for later. Deborah is aware of the events surrounding the city, so we don’t need to dwell on details for now.” Fiora interjects. “Please, Mr. Bruthete, we’d like to hear what you have to say.”

“Yeah, I’m curious too.” You nod.

“What do you wish to know?” Bruthete is open to questions. “Beware, I’m no storyteller, and I do not have pieces of information from Gerard Luther available to me. I try to keep our souls as separate as possible.”

“How about you answer everything Gerard refused to before?” You take charge with the interrogation. “Like what he did back when he was with the Hosts of Rebellion.”

“As you please.” This New Gerard is very cordial. You bet that he and real one hate each other. “Gerard Luther was a spy. He worked as a high-end chef in the most reputable hotel in this city, frequented by this country’s high society.” Bruthete gets to the point. You infer that Gerard eavesdropped on people for a living, not the cool spy stuff you do.

“And why did he join them?” You forgot to ask.

“He was bribed. Then blackmailed. But he had a general distaste for the rich and powerful by this point.” That’s almost too mundane of a reason for Gerard. But you’re not going to question it.

“How did he really lose his eye?” You ask the next question.

“Oh yes. He misfired a bullet that ricocheted into it. It not only took his eye, but his life as well. Truly tragic.” Bruthete is enjoying telling the story. “I, then, brought him back to the land of the living.”

“A little context, if you may?” Odetta asks sarcastically.

“He was on bodyguard duty inside a luxury cruise. As a double agent, he worked as the main chef of the ship. The family he was protecting was targeted by Gerard’s enemies; in the fateful encounter, he misfired his gun trying to defend them. I mistook his actions as heroic, and revived him. He pulled off the job with flying colors after that. Escaped the ship once it began to sink and all that.” Bruthete explains.

“Protect who? They must be important for this dummy to help them!” Amelia wonders.

“His main collaborator’s family: The Dawkins. As members of the high society, they disowned Lemuel Dawkins after it was revealed that he was the leader of the resistance, but he still cared deeply for them.” Bruthete reveals like it’s no big deal. The leader of the Hosts of Rebellion had a family?!

“They’re still alive, if you’re wondering.” Odetta lets everyone know.

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>>5633051

“What side Gerard is really on?” You need an actual answer this time!

“He wants to bring the most powerful deities in existence into this world for the greatest battle that will ever grace human soil. He does not care who wins, as long as he watches it. Whatever side that may be, is the side he’s on.” Bruthete lets you know the level of insanity that Gerard Luther has reached. “To all deities, demons, angels and creatures from the other dimension, he’s the most impartial judge.”

This is the stupidest thing you have ever heard, and everyone seems to agree because not a word has been muttered since the Judge let those words out.

“...Can we kill you?” Odetta deadpans.

“No, but I wish you could.” Bruthete sighs. You… feel for this entity. “I’m cheering for your victory, humans.”

“A-Anything you can tell us that you think might be important?” You want to move on.

“Only that I am truly sorry.” Bruthete keeps it simple…

“Do not despair. We will prevent Gerard’s plans from ever happening, and protect this beautiful world from harm’s way.” Fiora reassures the poor entity.

“Thank you.” Bruthete spills more blood with his nodding.

What a mood swing this conversation was…

What do you do?

>Ask Ambition-P why she is here. You don’t think she was only called to be a Judge for the contest, right?
>Ask Fiora what she means with Ambition-P knowing this stuff.
>Ask Kata what she meant with the Odetta stuff. It was cryptic enough to catch your attention.
>Tell Kata you’re in debt to her again! You couldn’t have done it without her. Maybe she has something planned for you to do already?
>Write In.


Hey, you noticed there’s some cake left! You should give it to someone!

>Give it to Amelia.
>Give it to Fiora.
>Give it to Odetta.
>Give it to Kata.
>Give it to Wozart, again.
>Give it to Debbie, again.
>Give it to Vivienne.
>Give it to Ivanna, again.
>Give it to Helmaer.
>Write In.

>>5633052
>>Ask Ambition-P why she is here. You don’t think she was only called to be a Judge for the contest, right?
>Give it to Vivienne.
It's called The Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter after all

>>5633052
>Ask Ambition-P why she is here. You don’t think she was only called to be a Judge for the contest, right?
>Ask Fiora what she means with Ambition-P knowing this stuff.
Just handle the Ambition-P details.
>Give it to Vivienne.
What >>5633055 said

>>5633052
>Ask if there's way to transfer Bruthete to another host since he doesn't seem to like Gerard either.
>Vivi

>>5633060
+1 to asking him this host transfer question too, as it seems interesting

>>5633055
>>5633056
Supporting these

>>5633052
>Ask Ambition-P why she is here. You don’t think she was only called to be a Judge for the contest, right?
>Ask Fiora what she means with Ambition-P knowing this stuff.
>Ask if there's way to transfer Bruthete to another host since he doesn't seem to like Gerard either.
These three questions sounds interesting.
>Give it to Amelia.
I think this could be funny.

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“Is there a way to transfer you to another host?” You ask Bruthete if there’s a chance for him to be happy.

“That would require me to go rogue, and I cannot do that in good consciousness. Not only do I have a duty to perform, but there is a balance we must maintain. Any Judge who rebels must be exterminated. It’s difficult to prove, but discarding my partner is a malpractice that won’t be tolerated, even if my intentions are to continue doing my duties.” Bruthete sees no way out. “And as I mentioned, Gerard is very popular with the creatures from the other dimension, and it’s best not to provoke them and maintain peace.” Politics are in the way, basically. How lame! That’s the lame stuff that should stick to your world and nowhere else!

“You’re telling us that having this psychopath running around is better than the alternative? That’s hard to believe.” Odetta points out.

“We’re in the middle of two paths: one of foreseen consequences and the other of unforeseen ones. My duty is to the game, to you, and all the participants. So I must choose the one I can prepare for.” Bruthete explains.

“One path is total destruction, Mr. Bruthete. Perhaps you should reconsider?” Kata points out it’s suicide if Gerard accomplishes his objective.

“My partner is anything but competent, reaching that destination isn’t certain.” Bruthete justifies. “And if the world is truly in great peril, I’ll do what I must…”

“As far as I understand, the pathways to this world once shut are impenetrable. So, I must ask, in all sincerity, why should we care about those entities revolting in their own world?” Fiora brings a magnificent point, and honestly, it was something you were thinking! But it was kinda mean, so you didn’t say it. “And I’m sure the other judges will turn a blind eye if you ask them to.”

“The game’s objective is to bring peace to the other dimension as much as it is to choose a new leader.” Bruthete points out that this line of thought contradicts years of work. “Please understand that it’ll be catastrophic if I get rid of Gerard.” Hey, he said Kata’s name!

“...Yes, I do understand.” Fiora won’t push the issue. But something tells you she got the answer she was looking for. “Please, keep us in your thoughts, and try to find ways to help us along the way.”

“I will, madam.” Bruthete nods once again. “Now, I’ll take this man to the infirmary.” He walks away…

“I can check your wounds properly if you want, Mr. Bruthete.” Kata REALLY wants to heal his wounds.

“No, the pain feels nice.” Bruthete walks away… that was a concerning thing to say. Kata pouts, all disappointed.

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>>5633139

“So, you are all planning to kill him, right?” Odetta looks around to the group now that the entity is gone. “Right…?”

“We’ll find another way to deal with this.” Fiora is a very professional woman!

“Hmmm…” Amelia writes it down on her phone.

“We’re not doing murder.” You take your sister’s phone away.

“Aww.” Both Amelia and Odetta are extremely disappointed.

“Sweethearts, murder isn’t going to solve your problems.” Kata talks from experience. That’s concerning too.

“Let’s all be optimistic about this, and hope for the best! I know Mr. Brutty will handle it!” Ambition-P has a prettier outlook on things!

“Indeed.” Fiora agrees with this rationale.

“Hey, Debbie. I have a question for you.” Now that Bruthete is gone, you feel like talking more casually. “I can’t imagine you being here just to be a judge for the contest. So, why are you here in general?”

“Oh! My agency and Ka-Shing Corp. merged. Well, they bought it. I’m visiting the faculties to see if I sign with them or not.” Ambition-P puts one finger under her lips. “Saw the little knight hovering around and asked who was dueling, and whoop, here I am!”

“You can see them?” Amelia gets all tactical again. It’s like she forgot before.

“I know what’s going on, yeah. Flame users call us Special Humans or something.” Deborah responds all casually. You suppose this was what Ophelia trained her for.

“There’s a term...?” Odetta doesn’t like it.

“I’m not the only one who thinks Psychics is better, right? Back me up, here. Fio will get mad at us if we don’t use Spiritualists, and I find it so dull.” Ambition-P gets all excited.

“I’m not like Madam Ning. You’re free to call yourselves as you see fit.” Fiora has a sensible chuckle.

“And yeah, you and Fio just got here, right? Still don’t know what’s going on?” Ambition-P talks so casually with the new girls, you feel left out.

“There’s a world of difference between knowing what’s going on, and seeing it.” Odetta shrugs. “And don’t get too casual with me. I barely know you.”

“S-S-Sorry. Like, I’m mega sorry. I thought we… maybe… you know...” Debbie’s heart breaks into pieces.

“Oh my god, she’s so adorable…!” Kata is in love with Debbie’s pure heart and dorkiness.

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>>5633140

“C’mon, Little O. Be nicer to her.” You nudge the mean skeleton.

“You be nicer to me. I barely know you too, lamp post.” Odetta raises a brow.

“Yeah, you don’t have the bond we two have.” Amelia pumps her fist. Odetta looks away and acts like she’s about to throw up.

“Is this what you mean by Ambition-P knowing stuff, Fiora?” You want the clarification.

“Indeed. It was her who ultimately convinced me to take the job, as she confirmed to me the actual spiritual presence in the city.” Fiora tips her hat to the idol. Guess that friend of hers didn’t manage to convince Fiora all the way. “We were going to meet after our visit to the graveyard.”

“And I’m not signing here! Need the free space in my schedule in case Fio needs me.” Ambition-P lets you all know. “I could go independent, but that’s too much work for me to handle without any help!”

How do you respond?

>“Any help, you say...?” Wiggle them eyebrows! Offer to help Ambition-P continue her music career! It’ll be your side hustle! Or your primary hustle? You’re still in school! How does that work?
>“Why not sign here anyway? Ka-Shing will give you a lenient schedule.” You know the guy! He’s pretty chill!
>“Sounds sensible to me.” Don’t interfere. The blueberry can make her own decisions.
>“You shouldn’t join Fiora. You should join my team!” Steal the Blueberry from Fiora’s hands! Then work with Fiora anyway, making this pointless.
>Write In.

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

>>5633141
>Help her cause she's our minion. Our influence will reach a wider and more vulnerable audience!.... Is what we would say if we were Benny.

>>5633141
>“Any help, you say...?” Wiggle them eyebrows! Offer to help Ambition-P continue her music career! It’ll be your side hustle! Or your primary hustle? You’re still in school! How does that work?

>>5633141
>Why not sign here anyway? Ka-Shing will give you a lenient schedule."
Getting a mole into Ka-Shing's organization? Yes please, thank you sir.

>>5633141
>“Any help, you say...?” Wiggle them eyebrows! Offer to help Ambition-P continue her music career! It’ll be your side hustle! Or your primary hustle? You’re still in school! How does that work?

>>5633141
>>“Any help, you say...?” Wiggle them eyebrows! Offer to help Ambition-P continue her music career! It’ll be your side hustle! Or your primary hustle? You’re still in school! How does that work?

>>5633141
>“Any help, you say...?” Wiggle them eyebrows! Offer to help Ambition-P continue her music career! It’ll be your side hustle! Or your primary hustle? You’re still in school! How does that work?

>>5633141
>>5633143
Supporting this one.

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“Any help, you say…?” You make your eyebrows dance and wiggle like they are tagging with Kata in a cooking competition.

“Planning on disrupting the music industry, handsome?” Kata half-jokes. She knows you can be serious about the silliest things. But this isn’t silly, this is about art!

“Kinda, I’d love to help Debbie out more than anything.” You raise your thumb up to offer your help! She’s still your blueberry minion, doesn’t matter what dimension you are in!

“Tskies! Don’t take this lightly, you need a lot of commitment!” Debbie can’t hide the excitement (This word is becoming meaningless to you now) from your offer behind her concern.

“Yeah, if you’re not willing to bust some kneecaps, you’re in the wrong business, kid.” Odetta knows about the in and outs of show business.

“E-Excuse me?” Debbie is a little troubled by what Odetta said.

“Oh, you’re doing it the legit way…” Odetta acts like she understands everything now.

“Dear Odetta, I don’t recall you acting this unhinged before.” Fiora is getting second thoughts about having the frail girl on board.

“I’m joking! I’m joking! I’d never do something like that!” Odetta chuckles. “...That’s a goon’s job.” Oh no, Amelia is taking notes!

“There’s something unreservedly precious about this little peach pretending to be tough.” Kata pokes Odetta’s head. The little ghost girl tries to swat the Nurse’s hands away, but your cooking partner keeps dodging her efforts.

“All I’m sayin’ is that you could have a grand time if you take it seriously.” Odetta wouldn’t mind helping with the ugly side of show business.

“I am. Not sure why everyone is assuming otherwise.” You adjust your glasses!

“They’re cruel, handsome. Why else?” Kata pretends to be on your side only to mock the others. “They saw a very capable man put his soul into his passion, and it simply isn’t enough for them…”

“A-Ah? Y-You’re mistaken! T-That’s not it at all!” Debbie doesn’t want to lose your possible assistance! “I-I want him to help me!”

“...Why?” Amelia just realized how stupid this business decision is. “Cooking has nothing to do with being an idol.”

“I-I’m not planning on singing. Just helping her out with whatever she needs.” You don’t want to kill anyone with your awful voice!

“And I’d love to have your help!!! That’s enough for me!” Debbie makes clear the decision has been made with a little too much confidence!

“Sure!” You got a little spooked by her shouting, but you have enough courage to appear unaffected.

“There’s no need to beg, cherry pie.” Kata finds the reaction so incredibly amusing. The Blueberry feels stupid for a moment.

“Thank you, Johnny. I wasn’t pleased with myself for interfering with Deborah’s passion.” Fiora is in deep gratitude.

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>>5633628

“Fio, it’s my decision! But that doesn’t matter now, does it? I have all the help I need with you guys!” Debbie smiles from ear to ear. “We’ll hone out the details later!”

“Sure!” You nod back. The conversation continued with some fun idle chatter...

As the spiritualist trio was engulfed in catching up, you, Kata, and Amelia ended up grabbing the last slice of cake. The production left the food untouched, so you took it! Who could have stopped you? Natalie? She didn’t mind, in fact, she asked you to inform her when you wish to leave to prepare your getaway vehicle, or if you need anything else. Anyway, you know what to do with the pastry with unknown properties!

“Here, Vivi.” You hand over the slice to the serious girl. You’re all around Ivanna’s unconscious body in the gallery seats. It’s you, Kata, Amelia, Vivienne, and Wozart sitting next to each other, with Ivanna’s corpse in the row in front. Gordon Senior is still by the judge's table a few feet away.

“……...Why are you giving this to me?” Vivi doesn’t seem that annoyed to be called Vivi again.

“Because I have a hunch that you’re going to like it!” You wink at her. It’s largely ineffective.

“That’s it?” Vivienne doesn’t want to grab the plate. “What do you truly want with this?”

“It’s a gift! He wants to see you smile, Lady Neuville. What else? It’s the only reward he needs!” Wozart doesn’t think there are more reasons than being nice.

“Showing some gratitude shouldn’t be that difficult, Ms. Neuville.” Nurse Calamity smiles. “Or are you afraid that you’re going to truly like it, Ms. Neuville?”

“Seeing as we’re waiting for one of the victims of this recipe to wake up, I have my reservations.” Vivienne points out.

“I enjoyed it and I feel dandy.” Wozart points out. Debbie is good too!

“Maybe the miss over there was too weak to handle it. What does that say about you, hmm?” Kata smirks.

“Please, I just want to share the cake.” You don’t want this delving into a fight.

“…..Fine. I’ll take it.” Vivienne takes the plate from your hands, nods, and… stays there.

“You’re not eating it now?” Amelia seems bothered by the fact.

“I see no reason to eat it now.” Vivienne is doing the one thing you didn’t want!

What do you do?

>Tell Vivienne it tastes best recently served! She should eat it now.
>Get Vivienne a container to safeguard the cake for later!
>Try to give the cake to someone else instead. (Write In.)
>Write In.

>>5633629
>>Tell Vivienne it tastes best recently served! She should eat it now.

>>5633629
>Tell Vivienne it tastes best recently served! She should eat it now.

>>5633629
>Tell Vivienne it tastes best recently served! She should eat it now.

>>5633629
>>Write In.
Look sad and dejected that she didn't try the cake.

>>5633636
Indeed.

>>5633629
Man, definitely Yareli's daughter somehow.

>>5633629
>Tell Vivienne it tastes best recently served! She should eat it now.
>Look sad and dejected that she didn't try the cake.

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“But Vivi, the cake tastes best when just served!” You give her a reason to eat it now!

“That is irrelevant. It’s a cake.” Vivienne believes cakes are different from regular food for some reason.

“Uhm, why do you say that...?” Now you’re plainly confused.

“It is not going to expire now.” Vivienne has a firm resolution.

“S-So? Doesn’t mean it will taste as good later...” You point out.

“G-Girl, you just participated in a cooking duel, you should know that at the very least.” Kata is flabbergasted.

“Oh the stars, no wonder gentleman Luther lost!” Wozart feels bad about the man nobody should feel bad for.

“I got the message, people.” Vivienne sounds a bit frustrated, the pressure dies down… but she doesn’t do anything.

Ivanna’s body remains motionless.

“And...?” Amelia expected more.

“...I’ll face the consequences when I decide to eat it later.” Vivienne doesn’t want the cake.

“Unbelievable.” Nurse Calamity is so disappointed in her right now.

“B-But the thing tastes better now, missy!” Amelia pouts.

“I’m aware.” Vivienne is tough to crack.

“Lady Vivienne, that's the point of concern, you are not. If you don’t eat it during its peak, how can you be aware of the differences in quality?” Amadeus Wozart tries to explain.

“……...Point taken.” The former cultist takes the musician’s words to heart… and archives them, because she doesn’t do anything else.

“Are you going to eat it or not?!” Amelia wants the cake only to take it from the cold girl’s hands.

“Later.” Vivienne responds with no hesitation.

“Later—?!” Amelia, Kata and Wozart are in shock. You and Ivanna are just lifeless.

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>>5633693


“I’m not in the mood. It’s my own prerogative to save this treat for whenever I see fit.” Vivienne has her own free will.

“How cowardly.” Kata sighs.

“No, Kata, it’s fine… Vivi can eat it when she wants. She doesn’t owe anything to us.” You look sad and dejected.

“Look what you’ve done to him!” Amelia growls at Vivienne.

“Madam, he only wanted to see your smile, and you left him in tears!” Amadeus Wozart feels bad for you too.

“……….F-Fine, I’ll eat a spoonful.” Vivienne gets guilt tripped into tasting the cake.

“You mean it?!” Your soul is back in your body! Philonune felt lonely for a moment there!

“Yes. But you all promise you’re going to stop bugging me.” Vivienne wants everyone to take it seriously.

You 4 all raise your hand and solemnly give your word.

“Here.” You hand over a fork from who knows where. Do you carry forks with you? Since when? “Bon appetit!”

“Thank you.” Vivienne is gonna take a bite…

…

…

You all await her reaction…

…

Vivienne puts the tiny piece of the experimental cake inside her mouth… The former cultist starts levitating from her seat, her hair starts flickering upwards, her face starts shading red and…!

…

She puts both of her fingers inside her mouth and pukes the cake out of her body… She’s breathing heavily and holding her throat. Everyone stays silent.

Vivienne is panting loudly and grabs a napkin from Amadeus’ hands. “What in the world did you feed me…? Is this… an entity’s ability…?” The girl is sweating bullets.

How do you respond?

>“So, did you like it?” Raise an eyebrow.
>“Uhm, it’s just cake. You know my powers. And Kata doesn’t have any, so…” Explain to Vivienne the powers of the culinary arts.
>“Oh wow, I’m so sorry, I didn’t expect this to happen.” Be very apologetic.
>"You haven't finished it yet, Vivi!" It’s bad to waste food!
>Write In.

>>5633694
>>“So, did you like it?” Raise an eyebrow.
>"You haven't finished it yet, Vivi!" It’s bad to waste food!

>>5633694
>“Uhm, it’s just cake. You know my powers. And Kata doesn’t have any, so…” Explain to Vivienne the powers of the culinary arts.

>>5633694
>“Uhm, it’s just cake. You know my powers. And Kata doesn’t have any, so…” Explain to Vivienne the powers of the culinary arts.
>"How is a simple cake recipe I got doing this? And only to girls too." Just how on earth did Kobashi come up with this? This is clearly nothing ordinary.

>>5633698
Backing this!

>>5633694
>”So, did you like it?” Raise an eyebrow
>“Uhm, it’s just cake. You know my powers. And Kata doesn’t have any, so…” Explain to Vivienne the powers of the culinary arts.
>”I just follow the recipes, that’s all”

>>5633698
+1

>>5633694
>“Uhm, it’s just cake. You know my powers. And Kata doesn’t have any, so…” Explain to Vivienne the powers of the culinary arts.
>"How is a simple cake recipe I got doing this? And only to girls too." Just how on earth did Kobashi come up with this? This is clearly nothing ordinary.

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“So, did you like it?” You raise an eyebrow! Vivi didn’t say anything about the cake’s flavor, she just made wild accusations and puked it out! That doesn’t tell you anything!

“A-Answer my question.” Vivienne cleans everything with the napkin, then throws it in the trash. What a perfect toss!

“Vivi, it’s just cake.” You ask again after answering. “You know my powers, and Kata doesn’t have any.”

“Our cake has only one otherworldly aspect and it is its succulent flavor, dear.” Kata is really proud of the cake you two made together. You are too! That’s why you need to know if Vivi liked it! “Anything else is your imagination.”

“…...I don’t believe you.” Vivienne shakes her head.

“Well, Madam, our other lovely judge and I were unaffected by whatever spell you believe this pastry is casting. And I will add that we ate the whole plate.” Amadeus Wozart recalls that neither him nor your favorite blueberry went through something like Vivienne seems to be experiencing.

“You’re a big drama gal, aren’t you?” Kata begins chuckling at the prospect.

“I assure you there’s something abnormal about this cake.” Vivienne will stick to her version of the events.

“But did you like it?” You ask again.

“….Like it?” Vivienne doesn’t get your question. She had the most violent response ever, even puking it out, she thinks that’s enough to gauge her opinion! “How can you possibly ask me such a question?”

“She’s right, handsome. How can she form a serious opinion when she only ate a snippet?” Kata acts all smug.

“Kata, you’re right!” You open your eyes wide. “You haven’t finished it yet, Vivi!”

“I’ll feed it to her. I want to see that fun reaction of hers again.” Kata has the cake in her hands.

“…………..Stop. The cake is satisfactory. I do not need to say mo—”

With surgical precision, Kata fires another piece of the cake from the top of her fingertips into Vivienne’s mouth. The stoic girl unintentionally swallows it. Her engines begin revving up again. She’s going through the same course as Ivanna did, but since this is her second bite, she’s handling it a bit better. Despite that, the former cultist pulls out her entity — the strange mirror shield — and somehow enters into it. Leaving it on the floor with no Vivi in sight…

“Aw, just when it was about to get good!” Kata pouts as she feels cheated.

“Hey, she admitted that she liked it!” It’s your win!

“Hmmm… I’m not sure.” Amelia has trouble believing that.

You ignore your sister and leave the rest of the cake on the mirror, hoping it gets to Vivienne.

And sure enough it starts sinking in! You like to think that means she really wants it!

A few seconds later the plate comes back completely empty. Even if she wasn’t a judge you feel like you got her vote!

>>5633762


Seems like you’re pretty much done here. What’s next?

>You agreed to help ’Ambition-P’ Deborah! Figure that out first!
>Thank Kata for everything she did today! She’s awesome! You owe her one!
>Maybe go meet with Ka-Shing. You’re here, so why not?
>You need a break, time to go back home. Fiora will call you when she needs you.
>Write In.

>>5633763
>>Maybe go meet with Ka-Shing. You’re here, so why not?

>>5633763
>Maybe go meet with Ka-Shing. You’re here, so why not?
Time to meet most Based adults out there! Even if he’s a man(baby)

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“Clean as a whistle.” Kata shows the plate to everyone. “It’s always the serious ones who provide the most entertainment. Don’t you think?”

Ivanna stays knocked out. You agree with Kata, but you know deep down every girl can be adorable!

“All things considered, it is a good signal that Lady Vivienne cleaned her plate.” Amadeus was wondering if Vivienne was okay inside the mirror. Or what you think she calls it: ‘her happy place.’

“...I don’t like goofy people.” Tactical Amelia comes back in full force to outright lie without any ounce of shame.

“Speaking of goofy...” You have an idea!

Since you’re in the new Ka-Shing base, why not visit the man himself? With the luck you have, you might end up getting funds for Ambition-P! But you shouldn’t jump the gun, cowboys know when to shoot. And you might not be a cowboy, or know how to use a gun, or have any idea about show business, but you have one special thing under your sleeve: Superpowers!

“Speaking of goofy, what?” Amelia is concerned you didn’t finish your phrase.

“Oh, yeah, I wanna visit Ka-Shing.” You explain instead of having an internal monologue like a fool.

“That’s rude, Johnny. You can’t call people goofy like that.” Amelia has no chill and tells you like it is.

“You just did.” You frown. “Anyway, I’m gonna ask Natalie if she can arrange a meeting.”


You go over with Natalie to ask if it’s possible to meet up with Ka-Shing. She mentioned earlier that it was a possibility, so you’ll take it. Natalie says that’s absolutely possible! He is in his private lounge at the moment. Due to the new security protocols, you can only bring one friend along if you choose to.

“Will you come along as well?” You need as many allies nearby as possible!

“Absolutely, sir! I have your back!” Natalie nods and smiles. Still the best assistant ever.

“Great! I’m always counting on you.” This is a win in your book.

But now, who will you pick…?

Who do you want to bring along?

>Kata.
>Amelia.
>Fiora.
>Odetta.
>Deborah.
>Amadeus Wozart.
>Ivanna’s corpse.
>Vivienne’s mirror shield.
>Gordon Senior.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day! We continue tomorrow!)

>>5633808
>Gordon Senior.
Remember, this is the man behind CotF

>>5633808
>Odetta
Because Odetta a best

>>5633808
>Vivienne’s mirror shield.

>>5633808
>>Vivienne’s mirror shield.

>Amelia.
Someone got to drag that mirror, after all!

>>5633808
>>Vivienne’s mirror shield.

>>5633808
>>Odetta.

>>5633808
>Write In.
T_T Neko

Do you do this professionally? Are you going to make this into a book when you're done? I'd buy it.

>>5633808
>Odetta.

>>5633808
>>5634026
+1

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You inform Natalie that you want to bring the Mirror Shield with you. Confused by this, the assistant asks you if you want to bring anything else instead, and that’s when it occurred to you that Amelia can carry the Mirror Shield! Natalie takes it as you wanting your sister along and leaves it at that. It took some time to get to the meeting, and during the waiting, you told Fiora what you are planning to do, and she didn’t oppose it.

Anyway, you walk through many hoops, hallways, fake corridors, and all types of liminal spaces to reach Ka-Shing’s den. Amelia was tired of carrying the mirror halfway through the trip, but thanks to your and Natalie’s cheering, she found the strength to continue her labor. You did a very exhausting cooking challenge, you couldn’t help! Now the bodyguards that escorted you three here? They are dicks.

The Billionaire’s secret personal lounge area is a mix between a bar and a bowling alley. Neon signs, big couches, sports memorabilia, and the smelly aroma of the many types of food and beverages that are served here. It all paints a picture of excess and lousy entertainment.

The man of the hour is by the bowling area, comfortably seated on a crimson couch turned purple by the lights, eyes looking upwards to the main screen hanging over. Video footage of the Cooking Contest is replayed. The entire paraphernalia was a show for him. He tilts his head back to you three and greets you with his untrustworthy smirk.

“Here they are, sir!” Natalie salutes and then resumes her position as a bartender.

“Thank you, my tiny Peach!“ Ka-Shing acts exuberant. “Pay no mind, money is better spent elsewhere. Her last shift just started, if you are wondering.” For some reason, he wants to explain that he’s not overworking Natalie. “Welcome! Welcome! Nice showing out there, Johnny boy! You’re a good cook, but you need to work on that charisma. Loved your lady friend’s personality though…!”

“Hey there, Ka-Shing.” You act respectfully.

“Ka-Shing, grrrr…” Amelia hasn’t forgotten what happened on Judgment Day.

“You little fiery lady, no wonder Masterson talked you up! Love your attitude! Men like me can tell when there’s a fire behind those peepers. Your brother and I squashed our beef, but I don’t think the message reached ya. Sorry about our little encounter, darling. I never apologized for betting on myself, but it’s the first time it became a risky bet. So, again, sorry! Get her a good sweet drink, Peach!” Ka-Shing has a good laugh and asks Natalie to prepare Amelia a drink. “That aside, let’s get right down to business, there’s much to talk about, money is going in and out as we speak, but one thing bugs me… What’s up with the mirror?” Ka-Shing lowers his voice with the last question.

>>5634477

How do you respond?

>“It’s Vivi.” Show the mirror. “Say hi to Ka-Shing, Vivi!” Wave together at the billionaire.
>“You don’t know? How come you don’t know?” Ask. It’s his associate’s power! Ka-Shing should know!
>“You kidding, right?” Play along? Yeah, you think he’s joking!
>“Trust me. It’s going to be important later.” Wiggle your eyebrows and act mysterious.
>Write In.

What do you want to talk about with Ka-Shing?

>Flint Masterson’s disappearance. Ask for Ka-Shing’s help! Or help him out, it’s his bodyguard, not yours.
>Ask for help to find his former associate who he parted ways amicably: Billy! He might know where Carmella is.
>Ask about his Idol agency and the weaknesses of his business model.
>In honor of Osgood, you want a Sparks of Luck duel. You’ll probably get some money.
>Write In.

>>5634479
>>“You don’t know? How come you don’t know?” Ask. It’s his associate’s power! Ka-Shing should know!
>Ask for help to find his former associate who he parted ways amicably: Billy! He might know where Carmella is.
>Ask about his Idol agency and the weaknesses of his business model.
We could get some info on how to help Ambition-P

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>>5634356

I have no idea how to turn this into a book, or if I would ask for money for it. But thanks for the nice thoughts!

>>5634479
>“Trust me. It’s going to be important later.” Wiggle your eyebrows and act mysterious.
>Flint Masterson’s disappearance. Ask for Ka-Shing’s help! Or help him out, it’s his bodyguard, not yours.
We need to reunion our lovebirds once more.

>>5634479
>“Trust me. It’s going to be important later.” Wiggle your eyebrows and act mysterious.
>Ask about his Idol agency and the weaknesses of his business model.
We shouldn't involve him in the Carmella stuff, he might involve himself

>>5634488
This

>>5634499
Good point, I'll switch to this

>>5634479
>“You don’t know? How come you don’t know?” Ask. It’s his associate’s power! Ka-Shing should know!
>Flint Masterson’s disappearance. Ask for Ka-Shing’s help! Or help him out, it’s his bodyguard, not yours.

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“Trust me. It’s going to be important later.” You wiggle your eyebrows savagely as you tap Vivienne’s Mirror Shield. If Ka-Shing has no idea what you have here, then it’s going to be a fun surprise when Vivi comes out! Y’all will have a sensible chuckle together! You can’t wait!

“Right, right…” Ka-Shing decides he will trust his security and believe you didn’t bring anything dangerous. What an idiot! It’s his security head hiding like a cute dumbass!

The bodyguards drag some seats for you and Amelia to be around Ka-Shing’s couch.

“Here’s your beverage, Missy!” Natalie hands over a glass of orange juice to Amelia.

“Thank you!” Amelia tastes it by giving a couple of quick licks with the tip of her tongue. She must feel it came right on time after dragging the mirror for so long. But since she’s Tactical Amelia, she can’t show any tiredness or other type of weakness!

“As a seasoned businessman, my meetings start with me listening to the other side’s propositions. The floor is yours.” Ka-Shing wants to know why you are here.

“We heard about what happened to Flint Masterson and we’d like to help in some sort of form if you have something going.” You go straight to the topic. The bear is worried, so you’ll help her husband out.

“Sorry, Johnny boy, that’s none of my concern. Flint and I amicably ended our business relationship. Trust me, that man was one of my best investments, but he had no interest in being part of my emporium. I don’t cut wings, just losses — and I had to let him fly on his own.” Ka-Shing has no incentives to help you.

“But he was like a friend to you, wasn’t he?” Amelia expresses her hunch.

“Many great minds have said that you have to separate business from personal affairs. Personally, I think it’s a bunch of horse shit, you gotta put your heart into the things you love doing. And I love making money. But the truth is, as much as I like the guy, I’m not dumb enough to bet he’d put his neck out for me, less now that he’s not under my payroll.” Ka-Shing shrugs. “Look, it doesn’t mean I can’t lend a hand if you two brave souls have something cooked up. Let K here finance whatever sick operation is in the works as a gesture of goodwill. Eh? How does that sound?”

Ka-Shing is trying to be fair here, but you get the feeling that he’s doing this to get in your good graces rather than actually caring for Flint. Doesn’t mean it’s something you have to decline, but you got a lot of things to do...

>>5634553

How do you respond?

>“Ka-Shing. I’m sure if you put actual effort into saving Flint, you’ll get his loyalty forever. That’s the kind of man he is. So, it’s better if you pull this off.” Convince Ka-Shing to save Flint on his own. You might help a little, but you don’t want to go out of your way to do it.
>“I guess we will be counting on that aid.” You’ll come up with something to save Flint with Ka-Shing’s financial help.
>“Sorry, you got us wrong. We came to help if you were doing something. But since you’re not, we’re not planning on risking our lives for him.” You know Flint even less than Ka-Shing…
>Write In.

>>5634554
>>“I guess we will be counting on that aid.” You’ll come up with something to save Flint with Ka-Shing’s financial help.

>>5634553
>“I guess we will be counting on that aid.” You’ll come up with something to save Flint with Ka-Shing’s financial help

>>5634553
>“I guess we will be counting on that aid.” You’ll come up with something to save Flint with Ka-Shing’s financial help.

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“I guess we will be counting on that aid.” Since you’re determined to defeat the White Flames eventually, you know you’ll end up helping Flint at one point. Regardless, you don’t think it’d be that soon.

“Here’s an advancement! Some pocket change I have on me. Get yourself a good getaway vehicle.” Ka-Shing hands you some money from his pocket.

You get 50.000 Gor$! Hooray!

“J-Johnny, with this we can replace the van!” Amelia’s eyes turn to currency.

“You mean improve?” You smile.

“Improve…?” Amelia doesn’t like where this is going.

“Anyway, Ka-Shing, are you sure? This is a lot of money.” You don’t want to scam the guy even if he looks like a consummated scam artist.

“Trust me here, this is nothing for the kind of operation you kids want to pull.” Ka-Shing feels like he’ll throw out more money later. “You have my number, we’ll figure out how much green goes down the drain. Don’t know if I can lend some of my guys, but we’ll see. My motto in these situations is no wild expenses with no wild ideas. Ya feel me? So if you wanna rock, you have to rock hard.”

“Right, thanks, Ka-Shing.” You thank him again. Amelia nods rapidly.

“Now, Johnny Boy, Amelia girl, I heard some rumors. Some birds chirping and tweeting. I like their tunes, but their lyrics… their lyrics concern me, man.” Ka-Shing slaps his thighs. “You two have pulled out some miraculous crap, but I gotta ask: You got anything to do with the Cult raid? My feathered friends chirped about an Invisible man, and the only one I know with that quirk is you, Johnny boy. So?”

Ka-Shing is expecting an answer… You don’t know how Viv’s mirror works, so she might be listening. You have to be careful with what you say.

How do you respond?

>“I was there but I didn’t do much.” Pretend you were looking around but did nothing.
>“Took them down with Vivi and Carol. Why?” Be stupidly honest.
>“Yeah, I had something to do with it. Can’t tell you more than that.” Imply something cool and nothing else. Ka-Shing can draw his own conclusions.
>“Why are you asking me? Vivienne and Carol work for you. If they saw me, they saw me. But since we both know I’m invisible…” Act mysterious and throw vague hints.
>“I’d love to take responsibility, but it wasn’t me. I encountered Ammirati inside the sewers, so I heard our meeting made him paranoid, but that’s it.” Lie, lie, and lie!
>Write In.

What do you do next?

>Leave! You got what you need from Ka-Shing.
>Now that you got help for Flint, maybe ask for help for Billy!
>Ask him about his Idol Agency and the weaknesses of his business model.
>Write In.

>>5634619
>>“Yeah, I had something to do with it. Can’t tell you more than that.” Imply something cool and nothing else. Ka-Shing can draw his own conclusions.
>Ask him about his Idol Agency and the weaknesses of his business model.
Might as well

>>5634619
>“Yeah, I had something to do with it. Can’t tell you more than that.” Imply something cool and nothing else. Ka-Shing can draw his own conclusions.
>Ask him about his Idol Agency and the weaknesses of his business model.

>>5634619
>“Yeah, I had something to do with it. Can’t tell you more than that.” Imply something cool and nothing else. Ka-Shing can draw his own conclusions.
>Ask him about his Idol Agency and the weaknesses of his business model.

>>5634619
We literally called Ka-Shing to ask him for the use of some muscle before raiding the cult. I forget how many details we gave him, but he shouldn't need to ask this question.

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“Yeah, I had something to do with it.” You won’t say a word about the details. “Can’t tell you more than that.” You’ll let the billionaire draw his own conclusions.

Ka-Shing starts tapping his thighs with one hand, the other one is under his chin, he’s looking away deep in thought, then takes a quick glance at the mirror. He shakes his head once and returns to his old, carny self.

“You’re smart with your words, kid. I respect that. We both know this cult business came out of nowhere for everyone.” Ka-Shing acknowledges you for whatever reason. “What you did required guts, the cult stuff. And let me tell you, there are a lot of folks who won’t mess with a guy who can do shit like that. And as a smart businessman, I’m one of ‘em. I’d be friends with them like I am with you! Friends forever.”

“Okay?” You raise an eyebrow.

“Just sayin’, kid! You know business talk! It’s confusing to everyone, and then you leave smiling for no good reason!” Ka-Shing has a good laugh.

“...I don’t get it.” Amelia is very confused by Ka-Shing’s words. Unlike with Odetta, she can’t take notes of this nonsense.

“It’s okay, Ame. I’ll explain it later.” When you get it… “There’s something else I want to talk about.”

“Shoot, cowboy! I’m all ears and green!” Ka-Shing starts strutting in place.

“Tell me more about your Idol Agency.” You smile, then you put your fingers together in the evilest way possible. “...And the weaknesses of its business model.”

“You want some trade secrets? Hire somewhere else who knows their shit and watch the numbers go up!” Ka-Shing puts in the lightest terms that he’s a leech.

“W-What happened to putting your heart into the things you love doing?” Amelia points out the hypocrisy.

“It’s a balancing act! I interfere when the money is guaranteed. I have my fun, but I know when to let go. You have to put your ego aside for the greater good.” Ka-Shing acts like he’s a clever man.

“I’m drinking my orange juice on a Ka-Shing Corp. cup.” Amelia points out that EVERYTHING here has his name somewhere.

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>>5634693

“It’s all a play, Amelia girl. A ruse. A joke.” Ka-Shing backpedals. He turns to you. “You wanna know more about my Idol Agency, kid? It’s flawless. We have the 3 most popular acts in the business, and we’re about to hire the last one. It’s key to our business model that we get all four top talents. The Weekly TOP 10 only has space for four single acts. You got no chance if you're a new label trying to make a name for itself. You wanna know why? This country loves the arts, so getting a good musician is a must! But that ain’t enough. You need an organic loyal following. No matter how shitty your stuff is, as long as they keep believing in you, they’ll support you like a bunch of bees. They’ll support you into the TOP 10. It’s beautiful really.”

“Right, but let’s say I have one of them, what’s next?” Now you’re the one taking notes.

“Just ride your cash pig and let it squeal.” Ka-Shing really has no idea what he’s doing. “Work the scene, kid! That’s all!”

“You’re really not helping me here.” You cross your arms.

“Get fans by putting you and your talent out there. Get sponsors from whatever stinky businesses are out there that aren’t mine. Get on TV doing interviews to be on everyone’s radar. Do all the social media stuff I don’t fucking get, sell merch, winning music contests against my guys, and reach for the stars!” Ka-Shing tries to sound passionate.

“Right…” You think you might want to ask Deborah what you should do instead.

“Did that help?” Ka-Shing wants your opinion.

“No.” You shake your head.

“What am I even helping you with?” Ka-Shing raises an eyebrow.

“Nothing.” You shrug.

“Yeah, right, it’s impossible for you to get in. Now, I need to get that signature...” Ka-Shing nods to himself. “Or else I’ll have to hire my own talent and teach them the ways to stardom. Hmm… that sounds like fun.”

“I guess.” You shrug again.

“To start from the bottom and reach the top… What a dream, isn’t it? Like watching the sky from your old car.” Ka-Shing gets nostalgic.

“We all can dream.” You nod.

“Exactly. I’ll dream again.” Ka-Shing smiles.

What even was that?

>>5634695
What do you do?

>“Wait, Ka-Shing, did you pretend to not know what the Mirror Shield is so you could then pretend you didn’t know about the cult raid in front of Vivi because it’s somehow in your best interests that this is the narrative she believes? Because I remember telling you about the raid beforehand because I needed all the help I could get, and you agreed to send me some help, but then I told you about Carol being a cultist, and you and your muscles went to talk with Carol instead of helping me with the raid, but Carol wasn’t there, because she was at the church. Which I raided. And I told you about it before it happened.” Why are you explaining Ka-Shing’s scheme? You’ll do it anyway… If Ka-Shing wanted you to be quiet, he should’ve winked!
>Leave! You got what you needed! Time to move on! Huh, and take the mirror. Yeah, Vivi doesn’t need to know whatever Ka-Shing is trying to hide.
>Leave! You got what you needed! Time to move on! Huh, and take the mirror. Once you’re in a safe place, tell Vivienne immediately everything about what Ka-Shing might be hiding.
>Write In.

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

>>5634697
>Leave! You got what you needed! Time to move on! Huh, and take the mirror. Once you’re in a safe place, tell Vivienne immediately everything about what Ka-Shing might be hiding.
>”Oh, by the way, was that cooking show was on live? I kinda don’t wanna embarrass myself with not goofy enough costume...”

>>5634697
backing >>5634698

>>5634698
Sure, this

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“Well, thanks for your time, we gotta go.” You tell Ka-Shing that this meeting is over. “Ame, grab the mirror.”

“OK…” Amelia knew this moment would arrive and sighs very loudly.

“Oh, by the way, was that cooking show live?” You wonder. “I kinda don’t wanna embarrass myself with a costume that was not goofy enough…”

“Kid, aside from your mustache, you weren’t ridiculous. It was disappointing.” Ka-Shing didn’t enjoy your performance that much. “It was live. I’m watching a rerun ‘cause the other cameras have nothing good on.”

“Hey, my mustache isn’t as ridiculous as yours.” You angrily point at the Billionaire.

“T-Take that back!” Ka-Shing looks really offended.

“No! You take back what you said first!” You believe he made it personal first.

“No deal!” Ka-Shing is ready to throw hands. This is why you’re going to bring his stupid idol agency down!

“Stop!” Tactical Amelia wants order. “W-We’re leaving now! I’m not waiting until you two stop shouting at each other! I don’t want to keep carrying this stinky mirror forever!”

“I’ll escort them out, sir!” Natalie leads the way and opens the door for Amelia to keep dragging the mirror away.

“She’s right, Johnny boy. I made a mistake. I was being way too harsh about your mustache.” Ka-Shing tries to be the bigger man.

“Yeah, I guess I reacted badly too.” You’re man enough to admit your faults. “Let’s forget this ever happened.”

“That’s the spirit that will get us all ri—”

“Stop, you dummies!” Tactical Amelia roars from the hallway, shutting Ka-Shing before he finishes. “T-There’s no time to reconcile either! We’re out! Out!”

You walk away like a scolded child… Ka-Shing doesn’t even say a word, he feels the pressure as well.

And with that, you left the multi-millionaire’s secret lounge! Natalie is guiding you through the maze this building calls modern architecture. ]On the way, you asked Natalie if there is a safe place you can engage in without any cameras, she lets you know that the locker room you used and the bathrooms are fair game — but notes that nobody is watching the 3000 Cameras in the corridors, and if someone is, that person is being underpaid. Anyway, you decide to have a one-on-one talk inside the locker room you and Kata used before the contest. You need to tell Vivienne everything about what Ka-Shing is hiding!

“Baaw~!” Amelia drops the Mirror Shield. She looks exhausted.

“You can go now, I’ll talk with Vivi in private.” You give your sister a thumbs up for the help. The former cultist won’t be open to talking with strangers.

Amelia grumbles loudly as she slowly walks away.

>>5635364


“N-Natalie, could you please give her some water?” You ask your super assistant to continue assisting!

“Absolutely, sir! This way, Ms. Amelia!” Natalie guides Amelia to another room. Your poor sister is dragging her feet as she keeps on grumbling…

...

The Mirror Shield rests on the wall…

What do you do?

>Knock on the Mirror Shield like it’s a door. Ask if anyone’s home!
>“Vivi, we’re alone. We need to talk.” Get all serious. Vivienne likes when people are not goofy, just like you!
>Lure Vivienne out with the promise of more experimental cake.
>Try entering the mirror since you have experience going into other dimensions.
>Write In.

>>5635365
>>“Vivi, we’re alone. We need to talk.” Get all serious. Vivienne likes when people are not goofy, just like you!

>>5635365
>Try entering the mirror since you have experience going into other dimensions.
goodbye bubble arc, hello mirror arc

>>5635365
>“Vivi, we’re alone. We need to talk.” Get all serious. Vivienne likes when people are not goofy, just like you!
>Knock on a frame for a good measure.

>>5635369
+1

>>5635365
"Mirror, mirror on the wall... You doing okay in there?"

>>5635368
This

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“Vivi, we’re alone. We need to talk.” It’s time for you to get serious. Vivienne doesn’t like goofiness. You still need to gently knock on the frame to call her out, because what else can you do? Besides, Amelia didn’t carry the Mirror Shield all the way here for you to not touch it! In fact, it’d be silly if you didn’t come into contact with the thing. All that work for nothing? Ha! Actually not engaging with the mirror in any shape or form is what a silly man would do. And like you just said, Vivienne appreciates no-nonsense above all. So you knock on the mirror’s frame...

…

You grab a chair and wait.

…

The Mirror starts shaking, instead of dropping down, it rolls around like a dropped coin from a pocket, until it stops in the middle of the floor, and gently drops face up. Two hands come out of the center of the mirror, they spread and hold onto the frame for support, then Vivienne pulls out of the mirror-like exiting a swimming pool. Her rosy cheeks, unbuttoned top, unkempt appearance, and ceaseless panting leave you troubled. But what crosses the line from mild concern to anxiousness is that the dark flame on top of her head flickering incessantly and the size being bigger than usual…

“Vivi…?” You approach.

“…….This warm feeling doesn’t go away… No matter how much I wait… It just doesn’t...” Vivienne locks eyes with you. She looks like she has a fever! “…...That damn cake, and that damn nurse.”

Vivienne drops onto the floor from exhaustion!

“...Close the goddamn door.” Vivienne doesn’t want anyone to see her like this.

…

What do you do?!

>Throw Vivi back into the mirror.
>Ask Vivienne what she needs aside from closing the door.
>Suggest going to the infirmary.
>Ask Vivienne what’s going on with her.
>Create a makeshift bed from the things here. There are a lot of costumes that could help make something comfy.
>“Vivi, it’s just cake. Stop being ridiculous.” Call her out.
>Call Kata for help! She’s a medical professional!
>Write In.

>>5635426
>>Create a makeshift bed from the things here. There are a lot of costumes that could help make something comfy.

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>>5635426

Sorry, everyone. Last Reply of the Day. Got too tired to continue now, so we will tomorrow!

>>5635426
>Create a makeshift bed from the things here. There are a lot of costumes that could help make something comfy.
>Ask Philonune to check the walls and ceiling for any hidden embedded cameras. He should be able to figure out what's not supposed to be there.
>Finally, close AND lock the door. You have enough Knowledge and experience to know exactly what will happen...

>>5635550
>Create a makeshift bed from the things here. There are a lot of costumes that could help make something comfy.
>Ask Philonune to check the walls and ceiling for any hidden embedded cameras. He should be able to figure out what's not supposed to be there.
>Finally, close AND lock the door. You have enough Knowledge and experience to know exactly what will happen...

>>5635426
replied to the wrong post but I'm this vote
>>5635550

>>5635426
>>Create a makeshift bed from the things here. There are a lot of costumes that could help make something comfy.
>Ask Vivienne what’s going on with her.

>>5635626
This

>>5635626
I'll change to this to break the tie. If things seem to go in that direction we can always do the other later on but we should really tell her about the Ka-Shing shit first

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“Vivi, I’m going to make a bed for you to rest —”

“Close the door I say.” Vivienne drops her head down, she’s lying limp on the floor. She didn’t let you finish.

You decide to ignore her plea for now and start on the bed. In the meantime, Philonune will check the walls and ceiling for any hidden embedded cameras. He should be able to figure out what’s not supposed to be there. Natalie told you specifically there aren’t any, but who knows? You learned Ka-Shing is a big liar! Not your regular run-of-the-mill liar! A big liar! If you feel any more paranoid, you could always use the crimzone to deactivate any technological devices, but that would bring some unwanted attention, right? That’d be a bad idea.

Anyway, Philonune can’t check properly if you’re not close by, he has a very restricted range where he can float, and you’re busy on the bed. Surely, you can trust your assistant on this one! And you can check with the agonizing head of security here if you want to, and that’s who you should be focusing on.

“C’mon, Vivi, hop on the bed.” You carry the feverish-looking woman to bed despite her struggling and twitching. The mirror behind her becomes pocket-sized, and whatever supernatural aura it had is gone.

“I didn’t ask for this.” Vivienne’s harsh words make the situation even more confusing. Her handgrip is intense, almost drilling her nails through your clothes. She’s clutching for dear life like a baby possum.

“You’re getting it anyway, lady. Quick, tell me what’s going on.” You hate to reiterate, but you have to. She’s a stubborn lady. But you hope she isn’t stupid and begins cooperating. You lay Vivienne on the makeshift bed and put a blanket on her. It wasn’t easy for her to let go, but she got the clue once she felt the softness of the nest you made. Doesn’t she have a fever? Why did you put a blanket on her?

“......That cursed cake did this to me.” Vivienne complains and complains. Her body twitches more and more now that she’s not doing anything in particular.

“Okay, how? It’s a normal cake.” You don’t understand. Truthfully, the experimental cake is no ordinary pastry, but when it comes to having actual magical properties, that'd be a big stretch.

“YOU LIE!” Vivienne will never admit you didn’t curse her. Maybe Kata is right, Vivienne is quite the dramatic girl just like Nariko! “What it’s making me feel is not remotely similar to anything I have experienced in my life. It took the loneliness away. It wanted to remind me that I could find joy in this world. It validated, comforted, and encouraged my whole being with such gentleness that it made my heart skip a beat. This spell is forcing me to express my gratitude to you and that wretched nurse... It’s overriding all of my senses. I’m fighting it… This brainwashing won’t work on me… But...”

>>5635930


Vivienne believes she’s fucked…

Sadly that’s all we have for this thread! We continue on the next one! Thanks for playing and see you next time!

>>5635931
Fantastic thread! Thanks for running!

>>5635930
To think this is still the incomplete recipe. Gotta run it by Nina's mom to perfect it.

Also poor Vivienne, we should close the door like she asked.

>>5633694
Say, what if Vivi isn't far off the mark here? What if Johnny or Kata have some sort of latent Spiritualist powers, and have been using them subconsciously to make their food taste really good?

Leaving Johnny and his heritage aside, Kata's obviously got some sort of spiritual mojo capability since she can see flames.

>>5635930
"Vivi if you really believed the cake had an entity's influence on it I don't think you would've finished it."

>>5635967
Honestly I think it's more fun if it's just they're really good at baking. Also Kobashi could make this and I'm sure he has nothing.

>>5635931
Thank you for the thread!

>>5635930
I love this. Seducing all these cute girls with our cooking and looks is exactly the kind of stuff I read this quest for