Part 28: Part of me is fighting this; but part of me is gone

~Update 13: Part of me is fighting this, but part of me is gone~

Welcome back. It's finally time to return to the story! Yay! For about one update before we immediately go back to bonding! Yay!



We're off to Wrath. Narika joins us for this one.



Wake, Maximize!






ReBoot!




I miss ReBoot... No, that garbage Code Lyoko knock off they shat out is not an acceptable replacement.





There's actually no pre-dungeon discussion for this one. We're just dumped in here with no pomp or circumstance.



I'll be heavily abridging this dungeon. It's an incredible drag, and goes for about 15 floors.



There are some new colour swaps, and some entirely new enemies. The snake guys are fast and pack a decent magic punch. This is the beginning of original Team A(wful)'s graceful exit.



We also run into the freaky eyeball monsters from that quest I showed off previously. They're mostly just annoying because they have Stare of Death and a lot of defense. Plus they have Curse, which means they'll be dealing supereffective damage to any member of your team barring Feene.



Another colour swap. These warthog/rhino guys keep showing up and it's bugging the crap out of me. They take forever to kill due to my complete lack of magic offense.

Six floors in, we finally hit our first story beat.



*Core Assualt Squad or whatever they're called, elminates the monsters*

Whew... The monsters are much stronger inside the Labyrinth.

Don't you think so too, Rus? How about you, Clau?

.....

.....

Ahaha... I guess not.

Everyone, let's keep going in.



Did I or did I not say to avoid bum-rushing the Dusk Spawner?

God's Gift.

So they sent you in before us. Why am I not surprised? Reckless bastards.

And we'll seal the Dusk Spawner before you get the chance to fight it, too.



Well, not like I honestly expected you to listen to me in the first place. I guess we'll just have to beat you there and seal the Spawner before you can get yourself into trouble.

We'll see about that.

Alec, we should get going. Please be careful on your way.

Once the Dusk Spawner is sealed, let's all go back together and share some noodles.

Good luck to you.

Same to you guys.

*Team Alec leaves*

You seem much less upset than I thought you'd be.

Narika's right. What gives? Kind of thought you'd be pissed at him.

Short of breaking his legs, there's no way I would have been able to stop him. I knew that the moment they strapped him with a God Brace.

But aren't you worried?

Nah. Unlike Ruby and Mark, I know that Alec can take care of himself. He's basically me. Reckless, but with the strength to stop that from biting him in the ass. Besides, Triche is with him. I'm not sure what the two mimes are capable of, but if they were chosen for a team like that then they must be somewhat strong. They'll be okay on their own.

That being said, I don't intend to let him even reach the Dusk Spawner in the first place. Let's get a move on before they manage to get ahead.



Moving on, we run into the other creepy quest monster from before. He's got a lot of HP and solid DEF, but he's not exactly a powerhouse.



Then there's this abomination. Some kind of mermaid/siren/fish woman. Not much to her either, although she does display the ongoing issue I am having with magic. Her magic attacks can actually deal some decent damage due to a lack of MDF focused Star Children.

Floor 7 leads us into the mid-boss.



That one has really quick moves. It's also capable of Paralyzing you, so be careful. One more thing: it's got a really low magic defense, so exploit that weakness!

And here's the next nail in the coffin of the current Star Children army. Once again my complete lack of magic offense has bitten me in the ass. Not that it will really matter in the grand scheme of this battle though.



Gloomy is fast and that's pretty much it. It doesn't have much in the way of attacks. It's main purpose in this fight is to try and paralyze you so that the accompanying Micros enemies can wail on you.



Unfortunately, it is still Dusk element, which means it's going to be dealing extra damage.



Anyway, there's not much to say about this fight. If you have some magic power behind you, then you'll have an easier time than I did. If you don't, then you might just want to resort to popping MECUNITE and abusing Master Heal or the super "Hit everyone" move.

In terms of actual strategy, you may want to break off from the mid-boss and take out the Micros first. You can kill them much easier, and if you move away from Gloomy then it'll likely waste most of its turns just trying to catch one of your teams since it only has physical attacks.



No celebration of this one either. We're just dumped back to the dungeon to resume our march.



Anyway, this was the point where I regrettably had to stop my short-lived experiment with OG Team(A)wful. Their survivability actually wasn't the issue that caused me to finally swap them out, it was the fact that they just weren't hitting hard enough.



So our original thread Star Children will bow out in order for me to bolster offence. I also use the opportunity to correct the severe lack of magic.

Felicia, Seth, and Luna won't be leaving us though. They had an amazing run and have earned the right to mooch off of dad and spend their days lazing around the dorm, or lab, or wherever the hell they hang out when not with Wake.

Remember, you guys voted for these three back in Chapter 1. They've since fought through 4 and a half story dungeons along with 4 sub-dungeons. They hit their level cap back near the beginning of Chapter 2. That's impressive. Good job little warriors.



After some fiddling, Team B gets reinforced with another Lancer and Team C gets some support from a Minstrel.



With that done, it's back to Wrath and oh fuck me I'm only half way through!? Ugghhh....



A new enemy pops up a few more floors in to my second expedition. Carina are fast and have okay magic attack. If this thing were Dusk element it would be very dangerous. You also can't run from it.



There's also upgraded versions of Regred. These ones are actually a major step up from their predecessors. Their HP is way higher and they have the first two stages of Dusk element magic. You'll want to be careful with these guys.



That being said, they are still worth some good experience and relatively easy to set up chains on.



We find another version of Sagitta as well. This one is part of a different quest. One of these guys will pay out 2500 experience, but unfortunately this one came alone. Cool Professional remains the best DLC quest for experience at the moment.



Finally, we run into one last new enemy. This quick-footed wolf with some solid defense.



In a rare act of mercy, I run into a random trap a few steps into Floor 11 that just transports me straight to Floor 12. This trap will usually be a welcome thing.



Let's finish this horrible Dusk element filled dungeon.

There you are. We've tracked down the Dusk Spawner, Chlotz.

It looks like it!



It seems to be the type that releases strong amounts of Dusk Energy. It'll try to take over the battlefield and fill it with Dusk, so be careful. You'll have to deal with its helpers and control the Ether Density while you fight. But I'm sure it'll be a breeze for you now. Hang in there!

What Chlotz just said is relevant to this fight, but the advice is a little wonky when it comes to the "controlling Ether Density" and "deal with helpers" parts.



That's how I know I'll be able to try even harder now!

As reassuring as that is, let's try and finish this up before those other Labyrinth fighters show up. I don't want Alec rushing in half-way through and pulling something stupid.



This is one of the rare boss fights in this game where you will need to be very careful. Everything can go very wrong in a very short amount of time.

First of all, Satanael is Dusk Element. Not off to a good start. On top of that, it has a new version of Dusk Release called High Dusk Release. On top of that, it also has Triad Curse. Combine that with a high defense and speed and you have a bad recipe.



The adds also come packing the regular Dusk Release. This is why controlling Ether Density is dicey advice. You'll have enough BP at this point in the game to pull Ether Release maybe four or five times. However, these little fuckers and Satanael will spam the shit out of Dusk Release spells. You are much better off using BP to MECUNITE. If you do want to pull Ether Release, then make sure you time it very well.



Thing to watch out for #2: Do not go after the adds. Satanael can revive them on its turn and the cost of doing so is not very high. It's easily possible for Satanael to revive an add you killed and then get another turn shortly afterward, before you can move.

Splitting up to take out the adds will just result in you dealing no substantial damage to Satanael while it continuously undoes your progress. The adds will then proceed to just pepper you with Dusk Release and Curse for somewhere in the neighborhood of 800-1300 damage each.



High Dusk Release also hits like a truck that's been loaded with steel girders if it crits. It hits like a regular truck if it doesn't. Make sure that at least Wake's team is maxed on health basically all the time.




I do tactically bust out an Ether Release here and have Team A(wful) MECUNITE to abuse the Code attack, which will hit every enemy on the field.

Two Code attacks is enough to wipe out the adds for the time being without giving them a chance to retaliate or lower the Ether Density.



High Dusk Release can hurt. It also drops the Ether Density by a level. I had Wake and Narika buffed a bit for this one to blunt the damage.



Master Heal then erases Satanael's progress, then Team B hits with a Temple Chain and manages to Chain Satanael. The entire team then dumps on the bastard as hard as possible before it can get another turn to reverse the situation.



Also, I find out that apparently MECUNITE can wear off. Interesting. No fight with MECUNITE has ever lasted long enough for me to find this out until now.



So that's the Wrath Boss. Keep in mind that I'm a bit underleveled for this fight. Most of the team is around 29-34, while Satanael is 35. I'm also working with lower-tiered classes.

Even still, you should be careful. The Boss, and this dungeon in general, abuses the shit out of Dusk's current dominance over your Star Children. For those of you who are curious, you can get Ether Matryoshkas to make Star Children with, but they are very rare drops that I don't think are even available until the final dungeon. You're sort of boned until then. Feene is your only recourse for dealing with it.



Dusk Spawner is out of commission. We're heading back now.

Great to hear!



We aren't used to traveling through Labyrinths yet. Let's just be glad we were able to make it this far on our first time inside one.

Oh hey, Alec's team made it, too.

The Dusk Spawner's been sealed...

We will head back by ourselves...

*The wonder twins piss off*

Oh, they've taken off... I was thinking we'd all get together and have some noodles to celebrate.

Something tells me that those two aren't the celebrating types. Tough luck for them. Soba is on me this time, Triche. I still want to make up for turning you down last time.


-President's Office-

Enzea, is the Neo Ether improvement going as planned?

Without a hitch.



Are there any other problems that need to be reported to me?

Not at all.

I see. Very well, then.



Well then, please excuse me.


-School Rooftop-

And now, we bear witness to Chlotz attempting to nut up and make his move.



Nah, I should be the one apologizing. Sorry for calling you out here.

It's okay. There's something I wanted to speak to you about.

Huh? Really?



I-I see! Then, you can ask me anything!

Really? Thanks!

To be honest...



Booo! Don't pull that cut-away garbage! Damn tease.


-Hallway-

Are the preparations going well, everyone?



Still, if we aren't careful, this might take us all night.

That's why I was speaking with Ms. Serina just now to see if we should take a break.

Let's all take a break together, then. I'll treat you to some drinks!


-School Rooftop-

Time flies, doesn't it? The School Festival is almost upon us.

I still do have some concerns, since I joined midway through the year. Ms. Chloe, I must hear your opinion...



Of course you are.

I mean, I'm still striving to become like you, after all...

If someone like you is saying that, what does that make me? I became an S Rank through hard work and guts, but I've got a long way to go.

Wow... I had no idea that you both felt that way. But there's no need to worry!



Truly?

I believe that I have to continually better myself throughout my life.

But hearing you say those words is a great relief, Ms. Chloe.

We are the same age, and the oldest of the S Rank girls, after all... Let's keep helping each other out and backing everyone up, okay?

...Yeah. We look completely different, but we're still all the same age.

Looks, huh... I wish I could wear a Disciple uniform like you two.



Oh great, this shit again...

What? How in the world are you not feminine, Feene?

You've got a great body, you're beautiful, and you're so elegant, too!

But my companions in my ground combat team often told me to be more feminine...



Um, Ms. Chloe...

I haven't said anything about that...

Oh... Sorry, sorry!

I get the striking feeling that Chloe is some kind of closet pervert.

Well, I guess I should start heading back. The class I'm in charge of isn't close to finishing their prep work either.

Good luck, you two!


-Hallway-



Everyone's been busy, after all. It can't be helped that the Disciple don't have much time for the School Festival.

Man! Looks like we're gonna have to sleep here tonight to get ready for tomorrow! I'm crossing all my fingers that a Dusk Circle doesn't become active today.


[1st-Year Disciple A]: Hey!





[3rd-Year Disciple A]: I have to pull an all-nighter after this! Now shut up so I can take a nap!


Ugh, that dinner the girls made was disgusting!

Would someone give this damn kid a name?


[3rd-Year Disciple B]: Then don't eat it!


Oh, my, each year has different troubles. I'm sorry, Wake, but... Could you go check on how everyone's doing? I have a lot of responsibilities since I'm in charge of an Elite class.

Isn't that your job? Go do it yourself. Don't work us Disciples like your slaves.

Did you say something, Chlotz?



Alright, everyone shut up. I have the time, I can take care of it. Problem solved. Now, go.

Thanks, I really owe you one!

Ms. Chloe! Over here, please! We don't have enough ingredients for prep!

Whaaat? You only found that out now? Who ordered the ingredients?

*Chloe heads off to handle the problem of poor logistics*

Fuuko, we need your help over here, too!



*Fuuko heads off to help in an unspecified way*

Alright, I guess I'll make one more effort, too!

Hold up.

Huh?

Maybe it's just me slowly growing more insane, which is possible if Narika is anything to go by, but you don't seem to be acting like your usual self. Something feels off.

Wha!? M-Man... I was trying not to let it show, but I guess you saw right through it.

Okay, so it's not creeping insanity. Then what's going on with you?



Turned down? You mean by Luce?

I... was getting a little full of myself. I thought she had a thing for me, even if it was only a little... But it turns out she likes someone else... Any guess who?

Alec.

Yep, that's right. And I only learned that because she came to me, asking for help with her love life. She told me she wanted to confess her love to Alec, but couldn't do it. And then I told her that I'd cheer her on.

So then you didn't get shot down. You took off, encountered the other plane, then got on the radio and asked if you could become their wingman.



No arguments there. Not for the reason you think though. Still, I'm sorry to hear you got blindsided like that.

...Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to kill the mood like this. Well, you have to go check around, right? You should get going.

*Chlotz leaves*

I better keep an eye on him. He's trying to hard to downplay the pain.



This is another heroine choice event. Feene got the last one, so this one goes to 2nd Place, Narika. There are some CGs for these events too.

Oh, Wake. I'm glad I ran into you. I'm carrying the ingredients for tomorrow, but I could use a hand... Would you mind helping me?

Yeah, I can handle that. Where are they going?

Thank you. I just need you to carry them to the classroom.



I'm fine with any time. Whatever's convenient for the rest of you.


[Female Disciple C]: Then could you take a shift with Wake? We're low on staff during the lunch hours.


All right, I'll be here during lunch hours tomorrow.


[Female Disciple C]: And Wake? That's okay with you?


Yeah, I don't mind. I've got to take a shift one way or another.

Um, Wake...

What's up, Narika?

After we finish our shift tomorrow...



I mean, if you have time, that is.

(This is a good opportunity... I was right on the nose about Chlotz. I've got to be on to something with her. I can't be going crazy.)

Yeah, I don't mind. Sounds like fun.

Really?

Yeah, really.



Looking forward to it.

Yes, me too.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



Costume Cafe was a major success. Seems like it's mostly thanks to how many people were flocking to see you.

And once again, you were totally okay with that? Not nervous or shy at all?

I was against the idea of wearing that, but Chlotz insisted I'd look good in it. And I had fun, in the end. It was like pretending to be someone else.

(Interesting choice of words...)

Well, are you going to go get changed?



(And Chloe doesn't see anything strange about this? This is totally normal.)

Suit yourself. Is there anywhere you'd like to go in particular?

No. I'll let you decide.

Let's just walk around for a while then.


-Hallway-



That looks interesting.

Yeah, I could go for a movie.


[Male Disciple C]: Two more coming in!


-Classroom-

It's all dark in here.

They've got it completely curtained off. Lot of people in here, too.



That sounds like it's going to be an enjoyable film. Nothing terrible could happen with a setup like that.

Hey, Narika. I think there's a bug on your back.

What!? Oh... I'm actually, um, not very good with bugs...

I'll get it, just hold on.

I don't want to move too much and disrupt the movie. If I stay still, could you...?



Another touch event, similar to what happens in Serina's route. LP Wake is a goddamn gentleman, so he's going straight for that circle on her back and grabbing that bug.

Oh...! That tickles. Oh...p-please hurry...

I've got it. You can relax.

Thank you. Now I can concentrate on the movie again...

Is it just me, or are these seats awfully close together?

They must be trying to cram as many people as they can in at a time. Just scooch over towards me a bit. There's still some room there.

Th-Thank you. But I'm a little too close to you now. Aren't you feeling cramped?

I'm good. What about you?

Feeling...normal?

Yes... I'm all right.




-Hallway-

That was longer than I thought it would be. It's already evening.

It was fun walking around with you. I especially liked the movie...

I had fun too. We'd better get back to the cafe, though.

Yes, let's.

(Okay, Wake. It's been kind of inconclusive so far. Need to be direct.)



Hey...! Though that's kind of a good motivation for me too.

(Come on! Which is it!? Are you shy or flirty! Confident or nervous! I'm not crazy! Everyone else is crazy!)

Sorry, let's just get back.

Let's go.

You tried, Wake. Still no conclusive answers though.

This is where Chapter 5 ends. However, there's still room left in this update and not much for me to slot in. So we're going to keep rolling right on through to Chapter 6.


-Gymnasium-



Plus, sad stuff is happening. Can't have this update ending with mostly happy events, now can we?

But the number of cases of residents of Fort City becoming monsters is increasing. Recently, a Disciple of this Academy seems to have been dragged into a similar case.

I know an A Rank girl was sent to the emergency room the other day... Rumor has it her father suddenly turned into a monster at home and attacked her.

This is getting out of hand. It's spreading out to random citizens now...

Her dad was a top executive at a private company in the city.



Bad luck doesn't strike based on class.

This is more than just bad luck, dude.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



What is it?

I heard that the research lab took a sample from the person who turned into a monster.

I'm surprised you knew that... Then again, you are the President's son. The lab was officially commissioned by the government to perform an autopsy.

Wow, what do you know? The government is actually doing something.

It's true, then?

Yes, but it's a different lab than the one we have here.



So, are they getting close to finding out the cause behind the transformation?

I don't have any idea. I'm not in the loop regarding that. But Chief Ruby might've received a report on it.

Would the two of you meet with me after school? I wish to speak with Chief Ruby.

Sorry... I actually have plans after class.

I see. How about you?

I was kind of hoping you guys had forgotten that I was here. Not going to lie, Alec. That's a major pain. You know I hate Ruby.




-Laboratory-

Ah, welcome.

We've come because there's something I wish to ask you, Chief Ruby.

I'm actually not sure why I'm here.

Is that so? Now under what curious turn of events would you have business with me?



Don't be a creep, Ruby.

It's about that person who turned into a monster in town. I heard that a sample of the monster was taken into custody of the research lab.

Did your brother tell you about that?

Neither my father nor my brother have told me anything. That is why I came here now.

I don't know anything. That autopsy isn't being done here.



You apparently leave classified documents lying around a lot, so... yes?

Just because you're an S Rank and God's Gift doesn't give you access to everything.

And that's why we run into so many damn problems trying to save the world. Thanks for that.

Stop it.

.....

And... If Chlotz told you, then he probably also told you that we don't have time right now. There are Dusk Circles that are rapidly approaching activation. Because of that, our company is demanding development of more powerful weaponry. The moment Neo Ether was implemented, we were given this directive. I bet some of us researchers are going to be worked to death soon.

You mean Mark, in other words.



Seriously, what is Chlotz up to, if we're all so busy here?

Looks like Ruby has been the one tossed aside now. Sucks, doesn't?


-Downtown-

In the end, we learned nothing.

Not all that surprising, really. Ruby is rarely an actual help.



Oh, yes.

Oh, hey Serina. Hanging out with friends?


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: Ooh! He's calling us over! I'm so lucky I'm with you today, Serina!


What, are you heading home too?

Nah, Alec dragged me over to the research lab.


[3rd-Year Disciple B]: Wow, we're so luck to run into God's Gift and Alec somewhere like this!


Why?



Huh? There's a fan club? For these two?

About time.


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: You really don't know about things like that, do you? I mean, it's the original God's Gift and Alec, the second God's Gift!


The second God's Gift...?


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: That's what his fans call him. The Core Assault Squad is getting all the attention at the Academy right now.


[3rd-Year Disciple B]: That's totally common knowledge.


I've never heard of it.


[3rd-Year Disciple B]: H-Hey, maybe we should take the plunge and ask them to hang out with us!


Well, I have to help out at home, so I can't hang out now.


[3rd-Year Disciple B]: Awww, really?


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: But then we'll have two boys and two girls... Mwa ha ha...


Hrgh, I can't keep up with this... I'm going to leave now. See you all later.

*Serina leaves*



I'm sorry, but I have training to get to. If you'll excuse me...


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: Whaaat? Oh well. We'll invite you another time!


*Alec totally ditches Wake*


[3rd-Year Disciple B]: No wonder he's the second God's Gift. He's a bit cold, but he's so cool.


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: Ummm... Could it be that you can't go either, God's Gift?




Uhhh... I wouldn't say that. I just have other plans. I'm kind of a busy guy most of the time.


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: I see. Well, I guess there's nothing to be done about it, then.


Sorry.


[3rd-Year Disciple A]: Mm, it's okay. Maybe another time, then.


[3rd-Year Disciple B]: Bye-bye, God's Gift.


*The girls leave*

(Man, I suck at the defensive. Not on my A game right now.)


-2nd-Year Classroom-



Stop it. Don't call me that.

You'll encourage him.

Pff, like I need encouragement from others.

That's what everyone's calling you, even people who aren't in your fan club.

You're called the God's First Gift.

Sweet.



Huh?

She speaks of you a lot.

O-Oh, I see. So you and her are pretty close, then?

Hm? Oh, no. She and I are only childhood friends. We aren't in a relationship.

I see, that makes things difficult...

How so?

Never mind. It's nothing.



Hm? The hell is that...

Hrgh... Fine, I'll say it.

Hold up.

What is it?

You guys hear that? Something's going on outside.

Look, over in the yard.


-School Grounds-



Chlotz... Wake...

What are you doing out here?

You aren't looking too good, man.

I'm sorry... I... Nngh... didn't think.... grrr... this would... gr...

What are you...

Ohhhh, shit...



Gaaaaaaah! Grrrrrr! A-Aaagh... Aaaaah, grrrrr!


[Standard Disciple]: Aaaah!




No... Y-You gotta be joking...


[Former Disciple]: Shaaaaaaaaa!


*Former LightBlueHair charges Wake*

Gah! Dammit!

Dammit, he's going berserk! What're we supposed to do!?

What's going on!? Why's there a monster in the Academy!?




[Standard Disciple B]: I-It's the Witches! God's Gift and the Witches are here!


[Standard Disciple A]: They'll save us!


[Standard Disciple B]: Hey! Hurry up and kill that monster!


Guh! How about you all shut your fucking mouths!? I'm not your personal soldier!

Ngh... Wake! What should I do? What am I supposed to do?

Now is not the time to freeze up, Alec! Calm down!

But...

Use Star Energy to pin it down! We'll catch him!

Catch him?

Form a barrier! You can corner him like that! Just hurry it up before I kill him! I'm having really conflicting emotions on monsters, here!

Right!




[Standard Disciple A]: H-Hey! What're you doing!? He turned into a monster!


[Standard Disciple B]: Just kill that thing!


The next person that tells me to kill it is going to get my blade through their skull! Understood!? Now shut up!

I've contacted the lab! Mark and the others are preparing a cage for the monster right now!

Alright! Everyone just keep it up until the cage gets here!

There is no need for that. Rus, Clau. Settle this.

Yes...

*The wonder twins proceed to murder the fuck out of Former LightBlueHair*


[Former Disciple]: Grrrr.... Shhh....




Fair thee well, LightBlueHair. You made me do a bunch of portrait editing work for expressions that didn't even end up being used. You son of a bitch...

Haha... So weak.




[Standard Disciple B]: Whew, I wondered what was going to happen for a moment. Thank the Star God for AngelMarker! They sure get the job done fast!


A-Ah...

*sob*

What the fuck do you think you're doing!?

Brother... Why!?

As a result of our investigations, we have reached a certain, important conclusion.



No...

But thanks to you, the casualties at the Academy were kept to a minimum. This is a blessing in disguise.

Excuse me!? A blessing!?

The research lab will take care of this sample. Mark and his men are bringing a container here to haul it away.



Don't you worry, Chlotz. Leave this all to the adults. Alec, are you all right?

Yes, I'm fine...

I see. Then, please excuse me.

*Enzea leaves*


[Standard Disciple]: Enzea is so cool...


Dammit, dammit...! What the hell's going on!?

(You should have never offered these assholes your help, Star God. It's all wasted.)

That was a major bummer...

But life goes on, and we have matters to take care of. Important matters. Star Children related matters. More on that soon.