Part 24: Let me give you some green color and you will ask for more; You will see that you never felt this way before

~Update 12: Let me give you some green color and you will ask for more; You will see that you never felt this way before~

Chapter 5! We've moved over the half-way point. Shit is about to start rolling downhill now. Well, rolling faster I guess.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



Yeah, but we've got the Qualifying Exam before that. A Qualifying Exam that has some stakes, at least for you.

Yeah... I'm going to make sure I become an A Rank on the next exam, no matter what!

Good luck, Chlotz.

You better save some of that luck for yourself, you know. The exam isn't just a Chlotz problem.

Hrgh... Yeah, I need to do my best to make sure I don't get demoted.

*Luce enters*

Hello.

Oh, Luce.

Hey, Luce. It's so good to see you stopping by.

Don't you dare say a word.

Is Alec here?



Mm, it's okay. It wasn't that important anyway.

Huh? You're carrying two boxed lunches...

Oh... Yes, I made too much food. Would you like to eat the extra, Chlotz?

Really!?

You've given me a great deal of help, after all.

Here you go. I hope you like it.

Of course I will! Thanks!

Well, I'll be going.

Hey, let's eat together. We haven't eaten yet, either.

I get all nervous when I'm here, though. You know I'm from the Standard class.

That doesn't matter. Let's eat together.

It's really not a big deal, Luce. You're playing up the Elite and Standard stuff too much.

But...

If it's really that much of a problem for you, then why don't we just go to the Old Schoolhouse?




-Serenity Chamber-

Why is this place called the Serenity Chamber? Who approved that idea?



You're on my list, Wake! I'm gonna leave you in the dust!

*laughing* Please, you're never going to pass me.

We can't know that for sure until I really try!

You tell yourself whatever you want if it helps you feel better.

Good luck, Chlotz.

Haha, the goddess of victory smiles upon me!

Chlotz is all fired up and ready to rock! Can he succeed? Will he get that date with Luce?


-Hallway-




He's definitely way above either of us now...


And he wasn't way above you guys before? Did you jobbers really think you had a shot at catching up to Wake before this exam happened? Get out of here with that delusional garbage.


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: I'm an even bigger fan of God's Gift now!


Hell yeah. God's Gift Groupies. Still seeing a disappointing lack of a fan club though. At least he's getting some attention.


Well, you made it to A Rank, like you wanted. Congrats.



You know what this means though. You are going to ask her out, right?

Well, yeah! I did say I'd do that if I made it to A Rank!

Just making sure you commit. I'm looking forward to seeing you try.

I know you're saying that because you want to see me get shot down, but I'm going to choose to believe that you're being honest. Besides...

I'm gonna need someone like you in my corner cheering me on. Thanks.

*Luce appears*

Ah... Chlotz.

Are you here for Alec?

Hey, Alec... Wait, he's not here again.

He's pretty good at slipping out unseen.

Mm, that's not why I'm here. Fuuko told me that you were promoted to A Rank.

O-Oh. Yeah, I was.

*whispering* Do it. Doooo it.

*whispering* Shut it.



R-Really? Heh he... Well, it was a breeze.

Um... That's all. Well then, see you later.

Huh? You came all this way to just tell me that?

Oh, I'm sorry. You and God's Gift are having a conversation, right?

*Luce starts to leave*



Hm? What is it?

Uh... Nothing. I'll see you later?

Mmhmmm. Bye...

*Luce leaves*

...

Hey! Don't you look at me like that.

You choked.

Y-You moron! I'm not asking her out in public! ...And not in front of you, either!

There's a time and place for everything!

...You totally choked.

Shut up! I did not!

*Alec reappears after apparently sneaking away earlier*



Oh, sure. What do you need?

Come to the research lab after school. I need to speak with you.

Alright, I can do that. Not sure why you're being so secretive about it.

Hm? What's this, Alec? You just walk up, and now you're talking behind my back?

Ah, Chlotz. Congratulations on your promotion to A Rank.

Something tells me that you don't really mean that...


-Laboratory-



*Ruby leaves*

Do you know what this is?

Uhh... some kind of suppository?

What!? No!

Please take this seriously.

I was. I don't know what that thing is, so I took a guess.



So...what? Does that mean the project is complete now?

According to my brother, the final testing still remains to be done. I believe you and your team will be summoned to the labs tomorrow. It seems the lab wishes to confirm whether all of you are compatible with Neo Ether.

Pretty sure I've got the Ether thing covered au naturel.

Once it's done, I intend on volunteering to join a Labyrinth investigation team. Though we won't be on the same team, we both will be able to fight from now on. Most importantly, the handicap between me and you will be gone.

Handicap? Is that really the excuse you're going to pull?

It is no excuse.

Oh yeah, it is.

We will agree to disagree for the time being. The results of Neo-Ether will speak for themselves.



Wait, that's the only reason?

Yes, that's it.

Mmkay. Well, regardless of all that handicap nonsense, let's both work hard on capping those Dusk Circles.

Indeed.

I'm disappointed in you Alec. I didn't think a guy like you would resort to making excuses for (sort of) losing. You're the one that cheated in that training match you know. Shame on you.


-Downtown-



I've said this before, but you weren't summoned here today, Chlotz.

Aw, don't give me the cold shoulder. We've Classmanted! Doesn't that mean anything?

Chlotz, could you please not bring that up in public?



Huh? Oh, um... I don't really know.

Do you know what it is, Fuuko?

Huh? Who knows? Maybe Serina's heard of it.

H-Hey, don't assume I know something like that!

Th-Then, what about you, Feene?

I have not witnessed it in person... But I would assume that it involves a deep, intimate moment between two men...

What do you mean, "intimate"?



Chloe is in to this shit.



Nothing untoward or shameful occurred. It was an experiment.

I know some vile rumors have spread amongst the female Disciples, but they are untrue.

Wow, Alec sure is talkative today.

It's your fault.



Giving the girls the wrong idea is all Chlotz does. You'll have to get used to it if you plan to hang around him.

Hey, come on.

That's right, come on. We're almost at the lab.


-Laboratory-



This Neo Ether has infinite possibilities that can even surpass the Star God's Ether.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I strongly suggest not making statements like that, man. You're getting way too big for your britches and Star God will be all too happy to correct that.

Your concern is appreciated, God's Gift.

Hey, don't say I didn't warn you.

Today, I want you to experience the power of the Neo Ether that we have created.

President Rhiod is here with us today, as well.

Thanks, eagle eye. I almost missed him.



This experiment will be its final hurdle. I'd like you heroes to be the ones to cut the ribbon marking its completion.

Well, that's that. Make sure you do your best, everyone.

Alright, guys. Let's get this done.



Because you produce the Star God's Ether, I'd like you to learn about Neo Ether, too.

Works for me. It's nice to be able to sit back for a change.


-Redux-



I feel sick... What is this? Is it really Ether?

Oh... My head is completely spinning...

Those are all probably bad things.

Hey, you guys okay!? Here, hang on to me.

Good heavens, all seven are showing abnormalities...



I see... I had a feeling it would be like this.

Enzea, what is the meaning of this?

Allow me to put it simply. These Disciples normally use Ether generated by the God's Gift... Because of this, they show a strong rejection towards Neo Ether.

What?

It's because his Ether and Neo Ether have a different particulate structure. If we were to take a closer look at the bodies of these girls... It would most likely show that they have an increased affinity to a God's Gift Ether. In other words, this is akin to an allergic reaction to the Neo Ether particles.



To think that our most accomplished female Disciples cannot use it... Enzea, isn't there anything that can be done?

We had suspected this would happen, though. I'm glad we were able to confirm it today.

Ngh...

Then why the shit did you test it on all seven of them at once!? Why didn't you just test it on one, like Serina!?

Hey!

Then, that means...



Awww... I was looking forward to the Witches of the Seven Stars rampaging through a Labyrinth.

*sigh* I guess this is on me then. Sorry, guys.

It appears he's changed us... We're completely dependent on his Ether now.



*Serina nails Chlotz*

...Nngh!

That hurt...

Cram it, Chlotz.


-R&D Lab-



But we see that you are capable of becoming stronger than God's Gift with Neo Ether. Alec, become the best in the Core Assault Squad, as well. When that happens, it will be me, Enzea, and you standing at press conferences.

Thank you, Father.

Aww, Alec almost has daddy's love. Good for him. I mean, fat chance of him ever being stronger than Wake, but still.




Break time. Some new stuff has opened up in Fort City. Shop, Quests, and the Labyrinth are just the typical stuff. Day Camp is brand new though. Let's check it out.




I'm good, thanks. The other Star Children could use some good training though.



So yeah, we've got a daycare where we can drop off our layabout Star Children. It's... kind of disappointing actually.



When you pick a Star Child to put into Day Camp, you can choose between Normal and Hard training courses. Normal gives 20% of EXP earned in Labyrinths, while Hard gives 25%. Hard is more expensive though. Neither of them are particularly cheap at the moment either.



That's all there is to it. You go back later to pick them up at a higher level. It's kind of like the Daycare from Pokemon.

I never really use it myself. I suppose it's useful if you don't have access to the DLC and wanted to raise some Star Children to use as City EXP. If you do have the DLC though, then it's far more efficient to just load up a team with the kids you want to level and then go kill one or two Sagitta.



I guess if you really wanted to maximize your training then you could do that and also put kids in the training camp. I've never really felt the need, personally.





Remember to clear out the quests board as well. Taking out Belphegor gives Upgrade Parts A. You can also get stuff like the Stardust Suit armor for Wake and the Twin Breaker weapon.




Unfortunately both of those things are immediately rendered useless by what's in the shop. Shell Blades give an attack and defense boost. The Rabbit Armor gives a really nice shot of speed and defense for only a bit of TEC.



More Sub-Events have opened up with Chlotz and Alec. Luce and Triche are hiding out behind those too. Let's take a break from the story and see what's on a few of their minds.


-2nd-Year Classroom-

Hey you two. What's going on?



Bye.

*Luce leaves*

You two go way back, right?

We've been through a lot together. One day I saved her from a bully, and she's been attached to me ever since.

I never thought she'd become a Disciple.

Why not? What's the problem?

Look at her. She's not ready to fight. She's never even been good at sports. And for as long as I've known her, I've had to keep her out of trouble.

Could you imagine that girl fighting monsters? It's kind of cruel.

Not like she has much of a choice, Alec. When the Brand appears, you go. That's just the way things are.

I'm just thankful she's in the Standard class.



You sure care about her quite a bit. I'm thinking someone has competition...



Nothing. Nothing at all.

I'm sure there's someone you want to protect. And I'm just destined to protect Luce.

Alec seems more dense than even Official Wake. That's hard to top.


-Dojo-

Hey there, Wake. I hear you cleared out that Nest.

Yeah, it didn't take too long. Nests are a lot easier than the Labyrinths.



The way I understand it, the High Priest sent you off without her permission.

Yeah, I bet that really pissed her off.

Yeah, usually Chief Ruby has to give the go ahead for your team to be dispatched. It doesn't help that Chief Ruby and the High Priest hate each other. Apparently he was just relishing in her sense of indignation.

Really? Huh. My opinion of Mattero is a little higher now.

It's funny, Chief Ruby is pretty carefree most of the time. I don't think she's really upset at him for breaking the rules... She's mad because he completely undermined her authority.

Oh yeah, she hates that.

Hold on. Why are you telling me all of this, anyway? Not like you to gossip about stuff like this.



But... She mainly wants people to know that the High Priest ignored protocol.

Like she has any damn right to mount that high horse.

Well, I did my duty, I've spread the story to you. Now, if you'll excuse me. I'm going to count on you to keep spreading it around.

Not happening. If Ruby wants it, then I don't want to do it.

You suck, Ruby. That is some childish, petty-ass, grade school bullshit. I would ask how Ruby manages to keep her job, but it's clear that she's in a mutual ass-kissing situation with Enzea.

Anyway, Triche has a little more for us.


-Dojo-

Hey there, Wake.



Granted, every time seven S Rank girls get together it's Academy-wide news.

Not to mention that they've gotten really close to each other. They've got some strong bonds going.

They aren't the only ones who have bonded together recently.

What do you mean by that?



They even held a meeting recently. The topic of discussion was...

"Why does God's Gift get to keep the Witches to himself?" As a result, they've decided to boycott you.

A Disciple was kind enough to tell me all of that... I thought I'd let you know. Now if you'll excuse me.

"Get to keep the Witches to himself?" I'm not their fucking owner. What kind of rumors about me are floating around, exactly?

I'm going to go ahead and guess that fan club is composed entirely of dudes who think that they would totally be able to ask out one of the S Rank girls if only God's Gift didn't exist in the general vicinity. That's totally the obstacle in play here.

Let's chat with Chlotz a bit before we move on. We'll save Luce's stuff for another time.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



Of course you do. Hit me.

We've got more monsters roaming than ever.

Most monsters can't get past the Original Core...

Pandora.

Not the time, man.

So they're probably from the active Dusk Circle on the continent.

And now, the Academy has decided to bolster the island's defense.

It's about damn time. What's bad about that?

Even the Standard class Disciples are being send to guard the Nests. I'm worried they're going to send Luce in.

Hard to believe the two of you could be so different and yet so much alike. She's stronger than she looks, Chlotz. Give her some credit.

Err, really? That's hard to believe...



*Chlotz starts to walk away*

Hey, Chlotz. You'll want to maybe watch out for--

*Then he trips over himself*

Whoa!

Ouch... What am I doing, tripping on nothing...

This is just getting sad now.

Finally, Chlotz has some of his patented wisdom for us regarding the thread's new addition to the Focus Heroine team. This should be good.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



I'm so envious, I want to die.

Gonna guess you're talking about Feene, right?

Who else would I be talking about? I was starting to wonder what was going on between you two.

Don't tell me you're dating her already.

No, Chlotz. I haven't started dating her.

Thought so... Besides, I heard she was sweet on some guy back home.

Though maybe you've still got a chance to be her someone special. Listen, if you want to take Feene to the Star Conception Festival... You gotta make her feel like she belongs, you know?

She does feel like she belongs Chlotz. She just joined us for shopping and a pool trip, then me and her went out and grabbed a bite to eat. How much more can someone belong?



Sure, Chlotz. At least this marks the end of your little advice sessions.

But what about Serina? I've--

No!

The thread was very decisive on that one, Chlotz. That advice would fall on deaf ears.


-School Gate-

What's with that crowd? Is Enzea hanging out here again?




[Standard Disciple A]: Whoa, what does this say? They're recruiting for a "Core Assault Squad"...?


[Standard Disciple B]: Right after Neo Ether was finished, too! We're not like God's Gift. Who would want to go into a deadly Labyrinth by himself?


[Standard Disciple A]: Even if doing that guarantees us a good life after this, it's no good if we die.


God's Gift isn't going to die that easily.



That's right, it's the dead man walking that's keeping you idiots alive.

Listen, if you aren't going to put up then just shut up, okay? Now piss off.


[Standard Disciple B]: R-Right...


*Those two assholes fucking book it*

Whatever.

That reminds me, Alec and Triche volunteered for this group. The team's going to be carefully selected, but I bet those two will make it.

Of course they'll make the cut. Who else would they recruit if not Alec and Triche? Not exactly a big bag of prime candidates at this Academy.

I guess we've got some rivals now, wouldn't you say?



"Rivals" is a strong word. Let's just call them teammates.


-Laboratory-



Mate-o-tron version 4!

Wait, so the last one we tried was the third iteration?

No, that was version 1.

Development went through a number of twists and turns to reach this fourth iteration. It's sad that the second and third versions will never see the light of day.

But, thanks to those noble sacrifices, the 4th version has dramatic new developments.

So, what are these "dramatic developments"? You kept saying that it'll be a surprise, but you wouldn't even tell me about it.



I don't know why, but something tells me I'm not going to like this.



......

Yaaayyy....

Does that mean... three guys--



If this succeeds, special Star Children that we've never seen before may be born. How about it? Doesn't thinking about that get you excited?

This has gone on long enough.

What do you mean, "gone on long enough"? This is a very important experiment. If you're participating half-heartedly in these, then you're free to leave at once.

Really? Sweet. Peace out!

You also give up your pay.

...

Well?

I'm debating it.

...Fine. I'll stay, for now.



Dammit woman, what are they changing into!? They're wearing the exact same outfit they always do!


-Ritual-

Is everyone ready to go? We'll first conduct the experiment with just two people. You can decide who goes first.

Who'll go first today?

I just want to get this over and done with. Would it be alright if I go first?

Fine with me. Who do you want to go with?

Either is fine. Just do whatever you want.



...What in the world is she talking about?

She's being a creep. Just try and ignore her.

Anyway, if it gets this done with quicker then I'll go with you. Come on.

Hopefully it goes well this time...

*More Classmanting*

Alright, it's finally a success!

We did it, Chief Ruby!



Let's keep this up and try with three of you this time! God's Gift, you have the most experience, so make sure you lead the other two.

Yeah, yeah. I know how this works Ruby. Cram it.

Y-You better be gentle with us!



Good luck with that.



W Classmanting? Am I missing something there, game?



Man, we're impressive. I guess we're perfectly compatible?

Whew... there is no doubt that this ritual is much more exhausting than fighting.

We'd like to examine these Star Children at the lab for a while.

Well done to all three of you!


Science!


-Downtown-

I swear that Mark likes Chief Ruby.

Likes?



I'm not interested.

Yeah, I thought you'd say that.

If you're curious, then you should ask him.

Please, as if it would ever be that easy. You really think Mark would answer that?

That's not the issue here...

You really don't do conversations like these, huh. I bet you've never been in love before.

I won't deny it, but...



Huh? Me? Uh... Of course I am!

To be honest, that's rather surprising. I didn't know that you had a lover.

Wha-- I said nothing about having a lover!

Didn't you say that you're in love though?

Hrgh, well, that's...

Leave him be, Alec. He's got someone he likes. If it feels like love, it is.

Dude, I don't know how you said that with a straight face.

Hm... That is one way of thinking of it.



*sigh* Well, that was a buzz-kill...

I know, let's go eat before heading back. There's a great ramen shop nearby.

Yeah, I could go for something to eat. You in, Alec?



Look at you. Finally interested in hanging with the guys.

Alright, it's decided then!


-2nd-Year Classroom-

Guys, I have some bad news...

Been getting a lot of that lately. What happened now?



Dematerialized...?


Science...


The cause is currently under investigation. But apparently those Star Children were very unstable and couldn't stay for long. It's sad... to have a child's light go out so young.

So the experiment was a failure...

I keep warning people not to fuck around in Star God's territory.

Well, it's time for my training. Excuse me.

*Alec leaves*



You are a really bad judge of character, Chlotz.


-Redux-

Ah, have you come to train?

Sort of. I wanted to ask about the Star Children incident as well.

Right... Even the Chief looked depressed.



Well, maybe she'll stop getting her sick little kicks out of those experiments now. Should be a sobering experience.

Also, Alec came by a moment ago. He gave a silent prayer in the room where the Star Children had been... then he left.

It must have affected him deeply, too.

Yeah, that's a very 'Alec' thing to do.



I was just thinking about sending a message to all of you to come here.

Why? What's going on? More bad news I take it?

The time we've been waiting for is here. The fifth Dusk Circle has activated.


-Laboratory-



This Dusk Circle is within the Sanzur mountain range, the highest in the world. Nearby villages have been evacuated, and teams of Disciples are heading there.



*Alec and Triche enter*

Ah, Alec and Triche!

We'll be on a different team assaulting the Labyrinth at the same time you are.

You know more about the Labyrinths than we do. Please, tell us what you know.

Okay, first rule is: Do not bum rush the Dusk Spawner. I know that's what Alec is planning. Also...

Uhh...

....

....

*Also Rus and Clau are here, apparently*



The Core Assault Squad's ready to be deployed already?


Of course they're not, Serina. But AngelMarker is going to send them in anyway because it's staffed by a bunch of reckless morons.


It's a team of four, but they're the best of the best.

That seems reassuring.

You're all very reassuring to us.

Well, the mission to enter the Labyrinth has been approved, and is given. I know I'm repeating myself, but make sure you're all fully prepared to go in. Got that?

[All]: Got it!

I know what I'm doing, Ruby.


And that's it. We're clear for the next Labyrinth.

Which also means that we're clear for bonding. Feene is going to need her own update, because we need to catch up on all of her glossed over events. I'll try and fit Chloe and Narika into the update following that.