Part 9: I'll never be able to forget you; I wish that I had never met you! (aka The Big Choice: Round 1)

~Update 6.5 (Serina Bonding): I'll never be able to forget you; I wish that I had never met you! (aka The Big Choice: Round 1)~

Okay, so the thread has a... minor opinion on Serina. Not going to say I didn't expect it, but we're still going to be doing up to her first Bonding Event. Everyone deserves a fair shake. Who knows, maybe she'll grow on you over the course of the update.

Anyhoo, we're doing another half update this time because on top of catching up with Serina, there are a bunch of people that want to chatter incessantly with us. Might as well use this opportunity to get them out of the way since there are no other new heroines for us to get acquainted with (Torri won't be with us until next chapter).


-Training Facility-

Hey Mark! I need to use Redux to go over some basics with Ser--

....

Uhh.... Hey man. You work here by any chance?

Who wants to know?

....

....

I'm just gonna not ask any questions.

Damn right you won't. Redux is open right now. Go on.

Thanks...

The hell is that guy?


-Redux-

You're up. Don't forget to say it. It's a general phrase, so it should work regardless of your transformation.

I'm not saying that, you idiot! Are you trying to make a fool out of me?

I'm trying to make all of you look cool, but everyone except Narika is being a big baby about it. Say. The. Line.

As if. Just stand there and watch.

This transformation is actually not too bad, but I'm still gonna slap the siren on it anyway, just in case.
Serina Transformation




Serina is constantly pissed off, even when transforming.



She gets some kind of dog or rabbit ears headpiece. I do not understand this aspect of the transformations either. Serina and Fuuko have little animal ear headbands for no reason, while the others don't.

And then nothing happens with Ellie at all, despite the fact that she already has a floppy ears looking bow in her regular attire. There's no rhyme or reason to any of this.



Serina's costume change is quick and mercifully not pervy, both in design and the way the animation is framed. You could argue that it's still pervy because it seems to be catering to the Maid crowd, but it's modest and mostly sensible, so it's okay in my books.



She also gets some kind of... plug tail? I think that's what that is.



Her Dusk Breaker is some kind of leg laser cannon.



Also a jet pack? How many damn pieces are there to her costume?



That Dusk Breaker looks soooo goofy.

As an aside, if you recall my breakdown of Narika's transformation, I mentioned that her's was the only one that was made 'funny' or 'wacky' despite the fact that she is not the Chlotz of the girls.

Serina is the Chlotz of the girls. She is made the butt of jokes or otherwise has 'haha' moments happen to her (not constantly, but it does happen). Yet her transformation is played completely straight. I told you, Narika gets the shaft for some strange reason. It's weird. You'd think if it was going to be anyone, it would be Serina. Maybe have her land on that leg thing and slip, or her jet pack shoot her off into various directions.

Perfect, just like I practiced.

You didn't say the line.

I told you I'm not saying any stupid lines. I won't make a fool out of myself for your amusement.

Then you and I are going to have a problem.

By the way, what the hell is that thing on your leg?

What do you mean? It's my Dusk Breaker.

Your Dusk Breaker? I thought it was a cast or something. How the hell do you use that as a weapon?

It's a cannon! You want a demonstration!?

How can you even move like that?

The jet pack let's me move around freely. I skate on my Dusk Breaker.

So needlessly complex.

Whatever. It's not like I can change it. Let's break for lunch.

Good. I was getting hungry.

User BlazeEmblem mentioned that they liked Serina because she was the only heroine to attack physically instead of by using a gun. I admit that I thought the same thing at first, but their post made me take a closer look at her Dusk Breaker.

Serina's Dusk Breaker actually is a gun. Specifically a cannon. When she attacks, it looks very much like she is making a kicking motion, but the attack has a 'piercing' animation to it. Serina's battle artwork gives a good view of what is going on. The outer shell opens up slightly to reveal the laser cannon inside, near her leg.

So although her animation looks like she's kicking the monster, she actually appears to be swinging her leg up so that she can aim and fire her Dusk Breaker, which makes sense. Narika's Dusk Breaker appears to have some weight to it, so Serina's must weigh a fair amount. Given her size, she can't exactly just hold her leg up and take a careful shot.

The Database entry on Dusk Breakers also describes them as firing compressed Star Energy (the same way Ruby describes Fuuko's guns to her). It makes no mention of there being different types, which means that Serina's Dusk Breaker would also work the same way.


Anyway, just a little thing someone noticed that made me take a closer look and realize that I was getting her weapon wrong the entire time. I had to rewrite this scene because of it. Let's move on and get rolling with Serina's introduction.

-3rd Year Classroom-

Where is she? I figured she would have come back here with lunch.

Hey! I can't get inside with you hogging the doorway!

There you are.

Hmph... ah...

What?



Can't even go get some milk with you standing there.

Now then, time for lunch!

Hold up. I needed to talk to you about something.

But I don't want to talk to you. Now, if you'll excuse me.

Oh... If it's about you touching my chest, you don't have to worry about it. Because I will never forgive you for that.

I really don't give a shit. I could not care less than I do now.

But I still need to meet with you. It's kind of important that we have a dialogue.



When you need me, just come find me. Are you happy now? If I sit here talking any longer, my milk is going to spoil.

You got a hot plate under that thing or something?

Whatever. I'm sure we'll be an awesome pair.

Yeah, yeah. Best team ever... Bye now.

Hey, watch out for that trash can.

A-Ahhh!?

*Serina eats floor*

Ugggh... Ohhhh... I crushed my milk carton...

Ugh! My uniform's soaked! I'm going to reek of milk...

Yeah, well, maybe don't be in such a rush to brush me off next time.

*sigh* Here. Let me help.

Hey! Wh-Whaddya think you're doing, trying to wipe me down!?

Wh-Who do you think you are? Who said I needed your help?

If you don't get it quick it's going to soak in.

You're just trying to get a cheap thrill again, huh? Creep.

Would you stop being a pain in the ass for like 5 seconds?

From now on, you keep an arm's length away from me... And I'll keep an eye on you.

Fuck this. I'm out.

Good, you understand. Now move it! I need to go change into my P.E. uniform.

*Wake leaves*

*sigh* I'm soaked right through to the skin...

Okay, so those two aren't off to a great start. What to do.... Oh! Chlotz. Chlotz certainly has some sage advice for this particular situation.


-2nd-Year Classroom-

Yo, Wake!



I'm having trouble with someone else right now, Chlotz.

Man, don't just brush me off like that. You did the same thing to her! She really seemed to have gone out of her way to say "hi" and be friendly. You gotta meet her halfway.

Ellie and me are fine, Chlotz. You're not listening, I'm--

You can't just ignore someone who's that into you.

Listen, if you want to take Ellie to the Star Conception Festival... You gotta make the effort before she's convinced you don't like her. She may come off real friendly, but everyone's got their limits. You could end up messing up a good thing.

Chlotz, why don't you ever put this advice to use and go flirt with the girls yourself?

What!? No way, man. You're the one they're into, so I'm helping you out.

And how do you know that? Maybe one of them really likes you. Why not put your own advice to use and take a shot?

....

....

....

*Chlotz fucking books it*

Figures.

Well, Chlotz was no help. Not when it came to Serina at least. Oh well. Our good buddy Alec is in the neighbourhood though, let's say hi.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



Oh, hey. Keeping busy?

I'm the leader of the Fort City Guard. I can only use my strength on the ground. Unlike you, I can't enter the Labyrinths.

I mean, we need to deal with the monsters on the ground too. Not exactly an unimportant task.

I know that. But then what good is being an S Rank Disciple? All I can do is stand here and look busy.

Dude, we need S Ranks around to coordinate the other Disciples. I don't exactly have a lot of faith in the survival rate of Standard Disciples without an Elite nearby.

I was trying to make a joke. Don't worry about it. Now, if you'll excuse me.

*Alec leaves*

Alright, bit of a self-depreciating humor about him. I can respect that. Too bad I can't read his face at all to tell if he's trying to be funny.

Alec is still a downer. At least he's trying I guess. Wake will crack that armor some day, I'm sure.

Moving on, it's time to tackle Mark. He's got a lot on his mind, so let's indulge him.


-Laboratory-



I just walked in here. You haven't specified what 'this' is. So no, I haven't.

The government has a facility that raises monsters for research purposes.

Excuse me!?

The Chief says that the Dusk Circles are all part of a big conspiracy. It's all a ruse by the government to discover a resurrection method.

The government is in on this!? Where is the facility!? I'll level it!

Oh, I'm sorry! Please calm down. Chief Ruby said all of this yesterday when she was drunk.

I think she made the whole thing up in her inebriated noggin.

Mark, next time open up with that little detail. You know how I get with monster anything. I could have run off and pulled a coup based on Ruby's drunken ass babbling about conspiracy theories.

I really do apologize. But sometimes I wonder...

The government's research team gets new information before we do. And I think that's what's making the Chief so suspicious.

And on top of all that, neither side wants to divulge its findings. Despite the fact that the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Oh yeah, that sure does suck. If only those idiots in the government would get their heads out of their asses and consider the safety of the world!

Point taken. I take it that you still hold a bit of a grudge.

Not usually, but when you guys start trying to dig for sympathy it tends to make a comeback. Understand?

We really need to rethink our priorities.

Good, at least I know I'm getting through to you. Now if only I could do the same with Ruby.

I'll try and work on it. On another note...

Something on your mind?

You look like you've got something else to say on the topic.

Yeah, actually. I haven't really gotten the chance to ask, but what exactly happens to those sterilized Dusk Circles? I know they don't produce as many monsters, but is that all?

In a way, they become inert and they can no longer eject Nests.

And we have no evidence that the monsters inside are respawning. It's thanks to you and your team.

Alright, well keep me up to date if anything changes. Don't hide that stuff from me.

I knew we could count on you. Though, I hope that doesn't happen.

Another thing. Could you visit Renda when you get a chance? She gets grumpy when she has no one to play with.

First of all, we agreed on Redux. Second, do not personify it, Mark. That's creepy.

Fair enough. On an unrelated note...

How does the combat suit fit?

Pretty good. No major complaints on my end.



AD Fiber is quite a marvel of modern technology. It protects you from excess Dusk Energy consumption.

The other neat thing about your suit is that it was conceived by a famous designer.

Okay. Kind of wish it was conceived by a combat specialist instead, but whatever, I do enjoy having some flair. Not going to lie about that. Who designed it?

Ichiro Ozuka. He's actually an acquaintance of the president. They say it cost as much to hire him as it did to develop the suit.

I believe this is a reference to the character designer for Conception 2, Shinichiro Otsuka. I'm not sure if the developers deliberately changed the last name in order to be a little more subtle with the reference, or if the translation team screwed it up. I'm going to assume that it was a deliberate change.

So please, cherish this masterpiece. And appreciate it for both its aesthetic and practical appeal.

Yyyeaahh. I uh... I may have intentionally bleached it white.

You what!?

Oops. Well, whatever. Those fashion designer types seem like chill people. I'm sure he won't mind that Wake immediately made some modifications to his master work.

Time to check back with Serina. Maybe Mattero can help mediate things with some bonding over Star Children.


-Church of Aterra-

Next up, we need to have Serina do a test run of the Star Child ritual. Let's get a better look at her stats before we begin.



Serina excels in TEC, the same as Narika, but she has better Magic Attack instead of Narika's Physical Attack. The rest of her stats are a little wonky.

To make up for those wonky stats, Serina has two defensive elements instead of one. She uses Earth Element for attacking, same as Narika, but she resists both Earth and Fire from a defensive standpoint.



With that out of the way, let's get to Star Child makin'.


-Ritual Hall-

Hmmm, so this is the place.



I want to reiterate that I'm doing this under protest!

*distant* You must forge strong bonds with the S Ranks! Try and make amends, for the good of the world!

Old bastard. Fine.

Come on. Let's get this done.

So, what do I have to do?

Just grab on. I'll do the rest.

So I DO have to touch you... At least you don't get to touch me. There's no telling what you'd try to do.

Are you STILL bitching about that?

I told you already: I will never forgive you for that.

This is different though. This is important, so I'll help you.



It's about time.

Wait, what does it... feel like? You know...

Oh, it feels amazing. It's completely pleasant and feels nothing at all like a bad drug trip.

You're lying! I changed my mi--

Too late!

We are 1000% not seeing the transition scene here.



Even at default level, Serina has the necessary balance of stats to get us Archers.

Archers have a stat spread nearly identical to Serina herself. They've got high accuracy and decent MAT, and that's about it. They have a limited skill pool, but I'll show those off if they wind up in the thread party. They aren't anything particularly fancy.




I make one with the random name of 'Frey'. She will be Independent very soon.

*pant* *pant* *pant* Why am I so exhausted?

Yeah, the process takes a bit of a toll. Do you need a minute?

H-Hey! You just worry about yourself. I've just never done this before, so I'm a bit tired.

It was easier than I thought it would be. Why was I even worried?

Ooooh, were you nervous about this?

I-I-I bet lots of people would be, right? Anyone would get nervous the first time, right?

We're not talking about other people. We're talking about YOU.

You just won't let it go, will you? Does it even matter?

What's important is that I'm finally a full fledged S Rank. I gave birth to my first Star Child. Tonight, we celebrate! I'm going to make a delicious celebration feast!

There'd even be some breadcrumbs for you. Since, technically, you are the father of this child.

Haha, not a chance. I'd sooner have lunch with Ruby.

You know what? I'm in a great mood right now.

But that doesn't mean I'm going to forgive you for grabbing my chest. Bye now.

I. DON'T. CARE!

Ahh. Youth.

Still not there yet, it seems.



So, we've had our Classmating introduction to Serina, as well as Wake's typical meet-and-greet. We'll take a break from Serina before getting to her first bonding event. Ruby wants to talk, and she's going to go for a while.


-Laboratory-

Oh, hello. Can I help you?

I was hoping to get some time in Redux. Need to relax a bit.

Unfortunately, another Disciple just started using it.


[Horny Schmuck Jobber]: *muffled* I'll show you what I can do Chief Ruby! I'll prove myself worthy of that reward!


That figures.



I'm doing fine, thanks. Don't start worrying about me now.

If you say so. Just make sure you get cozy with a lot of girls and keep making Star Children. You can't let that miraculous 100% Star Conception Rate go to waste. By the way, if you want an energy drink, let me know.

What are you, my coach? Why the generosity?

We've got so many in the fridge the hinges are buckling.

I'm good, thanks.

Children... I wonder if I'll ever have children of my own one day.

God, I hope not.

Don't be an ass.

Well, good luck. Feel free to take an energy drink on your way out.


*Later that day*

-Laboratory-

Oh, you're still here.

Wow, you make it sound like you don't want me here.

Ahhhh, you wanted to have a guy talk with Mark, didn't you?

Nope, not looking for Mark.

Don't say that. You should be on good terms with Mark. He's great: he works hard, he's loyal... He's a bit like a dog.

You must be thrilled. Sounds like everything you want in a man.

Well, if we're being honest...

Stop, don't finish that.

I'll warn you though, he's a little strange. You probably haven't noticed yet, but you'll pick up on it.

He's a brilliant researcher but he gets irritable when he's tired, like a child.

I have an idea: why don't you and Mark spend some quality time together? You might just see another side of him.

Trust me, I've seen plenty of his sides over the past few days.

Don't be so sure. It's actually kind of amusing.

Moving on...

Sealing the Dusk Spawners appears to be going well.

I meant to ask about that. What exactly did you do with Asmodeus?



By analyzing the Dusk Energy extracted from the Dusk Spawners... We can extrapolate data about the Dusk Circle as a whole. Think of it like a blood test.

And you're doing that here I take it?

My, my, aren't you a curious little boy? I'm sorry to say, but that's confidential. No need to worry. I'll make sure none of it goes to waste. We'll worry about that. You just worry about slaying the Dusk Spawners.

I AM worrying about the Dusk Spawners. Namely the one you have laying around the lab. What happens if it breaks out?

Don't worry about it. We have countermeasures in place for that.

In the event of such a threat, we can purge this facility from Fort City.

Of course, we would have no time to evacuate the personnel before doing so. So we'll take every precaution to make sure that doesn't happen.

I want to sarcastically respond with 'That's a shame', but I met the lady working the Quest board in the lab and I really like her, so that would actually make me sad.

Anyway, I came by to check and see if Redux was available now.

Someone's using it right now, but it should be available shortly.

Again? Fine, I'll wait around for a bit.

I'm impressed by your hard work as a Disciple. Since you're God's Gift, I imagine you'll go very far after graduation.

Is that so?

There are a lot of wonderful opportunities available to Elites after graduation. It's not unusual for Elite Disciples to become CEOs or high-ranking officials. Many of the Elite Disciples end up in critical positions.

On occasion though, a stray few have been known to open cafes...

That's it! Do you want to join my team? I guarantee VIP treatment.

Noooooo. You blew that prospect out of the water with that stunt you pulled. When this is done with, I'm going to cash in a little on this God's Gift thing and then head back home to start rebuilding.

I see... I admire your plan.


*Some stress relieving Redux training later*


-Laboratory-

That freakin' perverted geezer!

Great, what happened while I was gone?

Oh... Didn't see you come in. I'm sorry; I was reliving an infuriating memory from a long time ago. Well, it was from last week. That deviant Mattero was flirting with one of my female lab workers.



You should keep an eye on your partners around him. He'll chase after anything that moves. Hell, he tried it with me five years ago. And ever since then we've been at each other's throats.

When you talk to girls, you have to be sincere, or else you'll get into trouble. And once a girl is out for blood, your life is over.

...

Why are you just standing there smiling?

Oh, I just wanted to let that whole rant play out. That's some serious pot and kettle shit, Ruby.

What? How am I being--

*imitating Ruby* Oooh, you're such an honest young lad. I liiike that. I might have a good reward for you laaaterr.

*clears throat* Touche.

Good job, Ruby. Way to get up on that high horse with a big dunce cap on your head. Anyway, it's about time we get back to Serina.


-3rd-Year Classroom-



My growth spurt couldn't have ended before it even began...

What's wrong? Physical results didn't come back how you wanted?

What're you starting at me for, ya creep!

You are so nosy, I swear...

What can I say, I can't resist when someone is getting that worked up. What's wrong? Something come back positive?

None of it's positive. I'm still small. Listen, this doesn't concern you, so butt out. It's not like you'd understand anyway...



(I mean, I can't resist this. Things might be off to a rough start with us, but I have to take this opportunity.)

Is this about your temper?

What!? How can they tell that from a physical exam? Are you saying everyone under five feet tall is mean? You just made every kid in the country your enemy, buddy.

I'll be sure to sleep with one eye open. So then what is this about?

Duh, my height. Think a little, will you?

All I want is to be just a little taller. I'd be happy around 9 feet, just tall enough to hit the ceiling.

Y'know, "There's Serina: that's what an S Rank should look like!"

What, you mean incapable of fitting through doorways? I'm sure all the Disciples will be in awe of that.

The S Rank thing should be impressive enough. Didn't you even work your way up to it instead of just being put there?

W-Well, yeah. I worked at it for two years... But that's not enough. I need to look the part, or else I'll just be treated like a kid.

Who exactly is treating you like a kid? Other than maybe that douche-bag you beat the crap out of?

It doesn't matter. This is my problem.

And you better not try to boss me around just because I'm small. I'm gonna be at the top of the class soon.

Well aren't you a role model.

Huh...? You're acting weird today. Are you sick or something? I've got some herbal extracts that'll settle you right down. You need some?

No, I'm fine. Just thinking about how I'll have to work really hard to keep up with you.

Y-You better... You try your best to keep up. It's hard to get motivated when you don't have a goal, right? All I can do for now is chug milk until my stomach moos! And then when I hit my growth spurt, I'll be ready.

Anyway, I gotta go get some milk. If you keep me here any longer, they'll be sold out. Bye now.

*Serina leaves*

*exhales* There, I tried my best Mattero. I hope you're happy.



Before we go, I want to point out that our boy Wake has picked up some new skills.

Ultimate Slash Storm - Wake's basic attack special. Deals a good amount of damage
Ether Release - This was mentioned during an earlier tutorial. It allows us to raise Ether Density by a level, which boosts our speed.

We already know God's Poke (kill weak enemies instantly) and Dusk Analysis (see monster details on the dungeon map). Most of Wake's other attack skills will come from Seventh Burst skills with the heroines.


Sorry that this update is a little short on screenshots. There was a lot of side character dialogue to get through. I also want to get this update posted as quickly as possible, because there is an important vote that I need taken care of.




Before that, I need another small vote. Just like everyone else, please vote on which color set you want for Serina.

Regardless of how the big vote turns out, I want every heroine to be wearing their 'voted for' costume.

Put your votes in Bold for either SerinaNormal or SerinaAlt.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now for the big one. We've seen the introductions, first time Classmating, and opening events for every heroine so far. We currently have five: Chloe, Fuuko, Narika, Ellie, Serina.

Although it isn't particularly hard or time consuming to level up the bond gauge, trying to keep up with every heroine's individual story arc is going to be very hard. There are seven bars on the bonding gauge, and those bars begin and end with multiple special events.

Doing a bonding update for just four of the heroines took up basically an entire post. Once our party hits 7, I would need to make 4 or more bonding posts per chapter in order to stay on top of them all. That would be fine if this were a completionist run, but as I stated from the get-go, it is not.



That means we have to narrow the field for our boy, Wake. Specifically, we'll be narrowing it to just 3 heroines.

So at minimum, two of the heroines have to be benched this time. Before we begin, here is a rundown of where they all stand, as well as a small hint of what's to come.


Fuuko

Bonding Events: Classmating 1 and Formal Introduction, Transformation and First Major Event

The story so far: Fuuko thinks she's just a completely ordinary, nothing noteworthy, average girl. She wants to find a way to be useful in her new role as an S Ranked Elite Disciple, so she goes to join a club. Wake talks her into the Aquatics Team, since she really likes swimming.

Teaser for what's next: Wake checks in on Fuuko after Aquatics practice, Fuuko goes to change, then something freaks her out. No, Wake does not unintentionally run in on her naked, despite the obvious set up. Wake then goes back to the pool to investigate the sighting.


Narika

Bonding Events: Classmating 1 and Formal Introduction, Transformation and First Major Event

The story so far: Narika is really shy and has some anxiety regarding public speaking/being the center of attention. She is Vice Class President however, and also too kind for her own good. So everyone has been piling work on her. Wake has been helping her out and keeping an eye on her while she works on the self confidence thing.

Teaser for what's next: Narika has to act as the 2nd-Year Representative for a strategy conference, where Disciples present and debate battle plans that their fellow Disciples will carry out. It's basically Lord of the Flies meets the UN Security Council.


Chloe

Bonding Events: Classmating 1 and Formal Introduction, Transformation and First Major Event

The story so far: Chloe is a super genius and super popular at school. She has a constant line of Disciples going to her for all sorts of help, from homework to inane garbage like their love lives. Wake can barely get five uninterrupted minutes with her, as she appears to be buried in work and her attention constantly in demand.

Teaser for what's next: Chlotz twists Wake's arm into asking his sister to get the School Store stocking 'naughty' comics. Wake then proceeds to sell him out immediately, and Chloe ponders why her brother won't just talk to her himself, like family are supposed to do. Chloe's fan club is surprisingly absent, or at least Wake doesn't have to line up like he's in fucking Disney World just to talk to her.


Ellie

Bonding Events: Classmating 1 and Formal Introduction, Transformation and First Major Event

The story so far: Ellie gives Wake a geography lesson about the giant mega city located at the base of the Rootstone, where the Church is headquartered. She also mentions that the reason she's late to class so often is because she used to be a nun, and is now doing work for the Church while attending the Academy. She isn't allowed to talk about details though.

Teaser for what's next: Ellie continues to talk about her work for the Church that she isn't supposed to talk about. She also acts cagey around Wake, letting a suggestion slip that the two of them have met before despite Wake not having any idea what she's talking about. She then immediately back peddles on the comment.


Serina

Bonding Events: All of it is contained in this update (Update 6.5).

The story so far: Serina is constantly angry about being small, so she chugs milk in the belief that it'll make her tack on 5 extra feet. She continuously reminds Wake that she won't forgive him for the wacky anime hi jinks that happened during their first meeting. She seems to have a goal of becoming the perfect Disciple that everyone adores.

Teaser for what's next: Serina continues being angry and chugging milk. Wake gives her a hand with the latter, and she actually displays a moment of kindness towards him.


So have at it everyone. For those wondering, the three heroines voted for in this Round will be focused on until we get our last party member (Chapter 4 I believe). Once she joins, we'll do another vote involving her and Torri to see if you want to swap them in instead.