Part 29: I can't slow down, I can't hold back; Though you know, I wish I could

~Update 14: I can't slow down, I can't hold back; Though you know, I wish I could~

I clear out the former three teams to boost the city level. It gets up to Level 33 and provides a bunch of new stuff. The shop stuff is just new and better versions of existing items, such as a Multi-Potion that heals everyone for 3000, but is really expensive.




The other stuff is largely the same. New quests, Max Scavengers up, the kind of thing.



That being said, we now have a Lab Quest to hunt down an enemy called 'Sparf'. It gives us a weapon for Wake called Ray Cavalier as well. Lovely.

The noteworthy thing are the new gifts that are available.



A ton of new accessories are here for the heroines, and they will completely obliterate all the money I have because this Star Child is a damn highway robber.

I'll show them all off in due time. There are two things I want to highlight right away though.



The Persona Mask which had been previously requested is now available to pick up.



Studs of Aterra is the gift item which every one of the heroines will dislike. Handbook on how to make your boobs bigger? Chloe, Narika, Feene, and Torri are all about that. A party game that's basically Twister where you and another get wrapped up in each other's bodies? Some of the girls are down for that. Straight up Lingerie? Fuuko is the only girl that wants no part of that at all.

But a photobook of hot dudes? Keep that trash away from them, you pig!



Weird. I figured at least Chloe would be in to that, considering how excited she sounded when they overheard the Classmanting thing.

Anyway, before we get into the story, let's catch up with some of our 'friends'.


-Laboratory-



I spend most of my time in Labyrinths, so not really, no.

Good, then you might find this interesting.

AngelMarker Industries announced a new tactical device yesterday. It's designed to give our side the advantage in ground assaults. They call it a Neo Ether Bubble. Basically, it's a giant balloon. And it's filled with Neo Ether Gas.

So the strategy is to place it near a Nest before we move in troops. Once in position, we can burst it and fill the area with Neo Ether.

This raises the local Ether Density and, by extension, the Star Energy.

Sounds pretty beneficial.

Unfortunately, there is one minor hitch in the whole idea. It's tremendously expensive. Raising the Ether Density outside of a Labyrinth requires a lot of Neo Ether. Hence, a lot of money is necessary.

If the situation called for it, that kind of funding is available.



And some of the higher-ups don't like the figures at all.

Is this really the time to be penny-pinching?

Obviously, the extermination of monsters is a top priority. And we have invested heavily into that field of research.

But you have to realize that the budget can't be tied up in just one field.



It kind of seems like nobody on this planet quite understands the threat here. Are you all hoping that it just goes away on its own or something?

Seriously. The rest of the world is being awfully tightfisted considering this is an immediate global threat to humanity. This isn't the kind of thing where people can go "Yeah, but all the bad consequences of our inaction will be our grand-children's problem." This monster threat has been in the process of going critical for months now. The only reason the world hasn't been overrun is because Star God timed things perfectly and God's Gift is out there slowly pushing things back.

If something happens to that one teenager, or hell, if the Pandora Labyrinth just chooses to activate after God's Gift loses his brand, then everything is fucked. Everyone should be dumping as much money into this as possible to try and make as much progress as they can before something goes horribly wrong. Instead, people are going "Yeah, but maybe the world won't end and I can still be rich. I'm willing to take that risk."

The hell does Star God see in this world?


-2nd-Year Classroom-

Hey, Alec. How's it been going with the Core Assault Squad?

We're training in the Dusk Circles your team has already sterilized.



The two my brother selected are especially well-suited for combat.

Oh yeah, the two weird ones. Rus and Clau, right?

From what I'm told, they're brother and sister. They worry me a little bit because I have no idea what they're going to do next.

Thankfully, Triche is shaping us into a real team. Your team still has more experience in the Labyrinths. And there's a lot we have to learn from you.



I'll make everyone realize... I'm not some cheap replacement.

Well aren't you determined? I guess the Core Assault Squad must be making some quick progress if you're that sure of yourself.

Not enough. I admit, each member of the squad is more than capable.

But the Neo Ether places us under a strict time limit inside the Labyrinths. On top of that, our equipment can't use our Star Energy efficiently.

But worse than all of that, Triche said we can't function as a team.

I'll be brutally honest with you, I'm not surprised about that. I'm sure Triche is doing his best to make you guys click, but I just don't see it working. You and Triche work well, and the weird twins work well, but those two pairs together? You've got your work cut out for you.

Honestly, I admire your dedication to teamwork. The Star Children you have with your partners is proof enough of it.



I would appreciate it if you could teach me your secret one day.

To tell you the truth, I kind of just hang around them a lot.

That's...all? You just spend time with them?

Basically.

I see... I have the feeling that such a method would not work for our team.

Probably not.

I must find a way that works for us.

Speaking of...

I need to ask you something.

Something else you want to know? Sure, go ahead and ask.

I hear you have a 100% Star Conception Rate with S Rank partners.

Supposedly. Why?



What exactly do you do with them during the ritual?

Not quite the question I would have expected from you. That sounds more like a Chlotz thing to ask.

Don't get the wrong idea... I'm trying to raise my Star Conception Rate. This is for reference, not for... whatever reason Chlotz wants to know.

There's not a whole lot I can really tell you, honestly. I actually don't understand it much myself. I go up there with one of the girls, they usually ramble about being embarrassed or nervous, we hold hands and think about each other or something, then we kind of black out for a minute and stats float through my head.

Hmm... Does your Ether Count change the Star Conception Rate...?

Sorry I couldn't help out. I'm starting to get an idea of what works and what doesn't, but it all kind of differs from girl to girl.

Don't worry about it. I'm sorry I asked such a rude question.



(Guess I sort of forgot that Classmating isn't just an automatic thing for the other Disciples.)

Oh, by the way. I meant to ask how your team has been feeling. The girls all had a reaction to that Ether stuff because of me, but are you guys all completely unaffected by it?

The Neo Ether... It gives me a headache when I use it.

I'm not reacting as poorly to it as your partners did, so I've been ignoring it... And it doesn't seem to bother Rus and Clau at all.



Chief Ruby told me that I'm the only one they made that adjustment for. Unfortuantely, Neo Ether might be user sensitive.

When the Ether Density is low, my Star Energy is limited. Basically, I'm unable to fight to my full potential.

According to my father, Neo Ether still has room for improvement. I believe that one day I will be able to use it without any side effects.

Are you sure that stuff is safe for you to keep using?

I don't plan to use it forever. But for now, it's my only option. We have to make do with what we have.

That's right Alec. Just power through it. Pop some Advil before heading in to the dungeon and it'll all even out. No advice for the team building though. Rus and Clau don't look like the types to do trust fall exercises.



Time to move on. We need to crack open the next Labyrinth so that the new Star Children have somewhere to go (namely the Sub-Labyrinths, because there's neat stuff in those that will allow me to introduce 4 new classes).


-Wake's Dorm Room-

*There's a beeping noise*

Dammit...come on. Who's calling me?



What do you think? I'm trying to rest and clear my head, Chlotz. That's the entire reason I told everyone to leave me alone today.

Sorry to call you up on your day off.

*sigh* Well, I'm up now. Might as well tell me what you want.

We're going to debut something at the research lab. Make sure you get here.

I swear to Star God this better be fucking good...


-Laboratory-





You seem rather hyper today, Mark...

He really is. His dialogue for this scene sounds like "Heyeveryone!SorrythatIcalledyouguysheresoearly!" Just imagine he's talking really fast throughout this scene, because I'm not going to write all of his lines like that and make it a pain for you guys to read.



Pretty sure people call it "coffee", actually.

But, thanks to his efforts, the weapon's development has progressed dramatically.

In fact, we can finally announce its debit today!

Wowza bo bowza!

Gonna need you to tone it down, Mark. You're freaking me out.

Mark's completely out of character, isn't he...?

Hm...? Where's Chief Ruby?



Well, at least something good happened this morning. Not having to listen to her sure brightens my day.

So does that mean you've been pulling all-nighters too?

Yeah, but I'll be fine. I don't need much sleep anyway.

I bet Chlotz is a Trigger addict. He's so full of energy thanks to the power of drugs!

Not funny, Mark.



You're right. Everyone take a step back from Mark.

Still, a new weapon...

My heart is pounding already.

It's very exciting.

Chlotz, enough of the introductions. Hurry up and show it to us.

Well then, allow me to reveal the new weapons you'll all be using from now on! First, here are the weapons specifically for S Rank female Disciples!



Meh.

This is the upgraded Dusk Breaker. Its name is the "Dusk Blaster". This is the first to have something our company just developed in it... It's loaded with the Supernova Superchip. The amount of Star Energy it can compress has been greatly increased over Breakers.

Basically, it's really strong.

By the way, what's the, uh... Super... Nova... Super... Thing?



It's a totally inspired name, just like the Vis-o-matic! Isn't it totally awesome!?

Those are both absolutely lame.

Aheheh... You don't mince words do you...

Serina just hates anything that might be fun.

Go to hell!

What? I guess you girls can't understand its greatness.



What, you want me to agree with you?

Isn't it awesome?

It is certainly... unique.

Alec, if you think it's awful, you have to tell him. It's for his own good.

Man, you don't get it at all, Chlotz!

Fine...

Mark finally starts hitting the caffine wall. His speech is back to normal by this point.



If you want to know more about it, ask Chlotz later.

C'mon everyone, try equipping it.

*The girls go and get fitted with new weapons*



It's perfect, Fuuko!

This one does fit my knee better.

We did take careful measurements of your legs, after all!

Wow, it's so cute...

You're cuter, Ellie!

I think this is lighter than the other one.



I wonder if I'll be able to control it as well.

It's got even better handling than the Breaker series! You won't have a problem.

Hmmm... It fits my hand quite well. I'm sure I'll grow accustomed to this in no time.

I know you'll be able to wield anything, Miss Beautiful!

Chlotz, zip it. It's too early in the morning to put up with you yet.

In Sis' case... Well, I guess it doesn't really matter.



Good to hear there's a reason for me being here on my day off, at the crack of dawn.

This is the improved Ether Amp... We call it the Ether Booster! Similar to the Dusk Blaster, it's loaded with the Supernova Superchip.

It'll strengthen your weapons considerably more than the Ether Amp.

Do we get new transformations?

No.

Booo.

I'd like to try it out at once. Triche, why don't we go train together?

Please go easy on me, Alec.

*Alec and Triche take off to try out the new toys*

And this is for you, Wake.

Don't I already have one of these things?



From now on, use this when you communicate with anybody.

It's very expensive. Make sure you don't break it and that no one steals it. I'm entrusting you with ensuring that this world sees peace.

If I find out that this thing is recording my calls or something, I will smash it. Just an advance warning.

Yes, yes. We keep a list of your various threats posted in the lab, as a reminder.

I have to say... I'm pretty exhausted after all this. I'm going to get some rest...

Well at least someone will be able to enjoy some rest.

Yeah... I think I'll be able to sleep easily for once.

What Chlotz and Mark just explained to us is both relevant and not relevant. Despite Wake getting an upgrade to the Vis-o-matic and Ether Amp, there's not really anything new for him in terms of actual gameplay. No new weapons in the shop or anything like that.



The girls actually do get significantly upgraded weapons, though. There's an S, T, A, and normal version available and already in your inventory.

While these versions don't boost SPD, TEC, or bonus ATK any more than the previous weapons, they still provide a big increase to ATK and MAT. It also gives a +1 to their Element.


-Shop-

Did they do some renovating in here?

If this helps exterminate the monsters across the world as soon as possible, then all the all-nighters we've had to pull lately will be worth it. Then again, I'm aware that I was slacking off a lot until just recently.

Not going to argue with that. Not going to joke about it either, though. It really is good to see you doing some heavy lifting.



So you're still giving her advice on Alec, huh?

Yeah... but there was only one thing I could tell her in the end. "If you love someone, you owe it to yourself to tell them." ...That's all.

Might want to consider taking your--

*Luce appears like a damn ghost*

Hello.

Whoa!



Sure, let's go over there.

I'm sorry, Wake.

Don't worry about it, Luce. I kind of want to get back to my day off rest, anyway.

See ya, Wake.

God, that is painful to watch. He's basically lending Luce a pen to write her love story with Alec, but conceals the fact that he uses his own blood as the ink.

Oh well, that's his choice. Let's check in with Triche next.


-Dojo-



It seems that the active Dusk Circles are producing more Nests than ever.

Do we know how many we're dealing with?

They have an official number of remaining Nests now. There are nearly 100, but that only accounts for the Nests known to the government.

It's almost strange, the number hasn't increased significantly from last year. However, the Disciples are exterminating more Nests than ever before.



The Nests are being produced even more quickly. We're going to have to do better if we hope to keep up.

Well, there's only two Dusk Circles remaining. Other than the one here on the island anyway. If we can seal the other two up then we just need to keep an eye on Pandora while the God Brace Disciples start chipping in to that number.

Yes. At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Phew...

Hey, are you doing alright? You look like you're about to drift off on me.



I take it that's because of the Core Assault Squad?

Our squad is sorely lacking real combat experience in the Labyrinths.

But we have to prove that Neo Ether will be effective on the field. So we're going to have to train harder than anyone else.

You can't prove anything if you push yourself to death, man.

That's true...

I hate to say this, but do you think you could lead the Fencing Club's training?

Good to see that you've got more sense than Alec. Of course I can do that. You get some rest.



At least Triche has the common sense to accept his limits and slow down a bit. Good luck ever convincing someone like Alec to maybe ease up a bit until the kinks are worked out of the Neo Ether. He just has to get a crack at a Dusk Spawner ASAP.

Luce is kicking around and available to chat. Let's see if we can learn anything new about this whole love triangle situation that's developed. Or I guess it's more of a love line at the moment.


-Hallway-



There's something I want to ask you.

Oh, sure. Something wrong? Not often you actually ask me to help.

Yes, it's about Alec. He's always looked up to his father... But I feel like he's putting too much pressure on himself.

And it's gotten worse since he started fighting in the Labyrinths... He's just pushing himself too hard. I'm worried he'll wear himself out. But whenever I try to talk to him, he tells me not to worry. If you could, Wake... Can you tell him not to overexert himself?



I can try. You know perfectly well I can't make any promises though. I try to tell him not to do all sorts of things and he does them anyway.

Th-Thank you very much.


-School Grounds-

Hi, Wake.

You doing okay, Luce?

Huh? What do you mean?

Your face is kind of red. Did you catch a fever or something?



Well, if you say so. Just make sure you take care of yourself.

Um... May I ask you a question?

You sure are full of those lately. Not that I mind. Go ahead.

I heard your Star Conception Rate was 100%. Is that really true?

From what I've been told. Only with the S Ranks though.



That's why Alec was insisting...

What was he insisting on?

*gasp* Nothing! I'm sorry for asking you an awkward question.

I should go...



*Luce leaves*

I'm so glad that I'm not part of that whole thing.

One last person to catch up with and then we can move on with the story.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



You work there, don't you? You'd know something like that before I did.

You'd think that, but I'm only part-time.

The whole thing's confidential, even in the company; only a select few know. Even Chief Ruby doesn't know where the factory is.

And the more they keep it a secret, the more I want to know.



Well, you'll have to keep digging around. I don't know anything about where they make that stuff.

Awww, really?

I'm a natural Ether factory, Chlotz. Why would anyone bother telling me where they make artificial stuff?

Chlotz, of course they aren't going to tell God's Gift where the Neo Ether factory is. They don't tell God's Gift anything, even life saving information that directly affects his vitally important mission.


-2nd-Year Classroom-



They spend all their time together. Do you think it's an office romance?

What makes you think I give a crap about Ruby's love life?

Come on, dude. Don't be like that.

Wouldn't it be cool if you could spend all day with your sweetheart?

That sounds like a "Be careful what you wish for" kind of situation to be honest.

You are just such a killjoy today.

You know what though, when Enzea shows up, Chief Ruby gets all giddy. And Mark's mood just DROPS.



Man, Mark hasn't got a chance. After all, Enzea's the heir to a huge company.

But I'm rooting for you, Mark!

Come on, let's root for Mark together.

How are you not seeing the parallels here?


-2nd-Year Classroom-



Ahhhh, I get it! They've finally wise up and realized I'm the perfect stud!

Nope.

Damn. Take a second to think about it next time. I don't think it's my imagination, so why are they doing it?

Well they stare at me a lot, too.

Right? So I wasn't wrong. I just noticed though... I get more stares when I'm with you...

AHA!

Realize something else?

There's this little rumor going around... A rumor about Alec, you, and I.

I know where this is going.



You got it.

That's probably it.

It's probably because of that damn Classmanting stuff.

But Classmanting is a secret... And we're the only people who know about it, well, and your partners...

*gasp* It's them! It has to be!

So what you mean to say is that it's really YOUR fault.

What!? How is it my fault!?

Because you're the one that blabbed about it while the girls were standing nearby! Did you forget that?

Oh... uh...

*Chlotz fucking books it*




-Church of Aterra-


[Priest A]: High Priest.





[Priest B]: I believe the AngelMarker Industries shop was renewed.


Hm. So, what business do you bring me?


[Priest A]: We received the report on the sample taken by the government's research lab.


Oh...? It's unusual that this information gets to us before AngelMarker. I honestly wasn't expecting much from the government's institution.

Damn, Mattero. I mean, you aren't wrong. The government does seem pretty useless, but still.


[Priest A]: According to the report, Dusk Energy is found in all those who turned to monsters.


Their bodies certainly took on the forms of the Dusk-created monsters. We knew that without having to do an investigation.


[Priest A]: The report had more to say, though. It seems that they got all this Dusk Energy from highly-concentrated Dark Crytals.

Dark Crystals...? Then...




[Priest A]: According to the measurements, the density of the crystal must have been above 80%.


Hmmm... I had heard that the drug problem in the Academy used Dark Crystals as well...


[Priest B]: Yes! The Disciples who turned into monsters were all users of that drug.


Dear Stars...




[Priest B]: Those who have been arrested knew nothing, and were only working for the money. The source of the drug trade has yet to be pinpointed.


We still have no idea who the mastermind behind all this is...


[Priest B]: Yes...




It is most regrettable.


-Laboratory-

I wonder what's happened to Mark.

What do you mean?



It's been three days, and he hasn't called in sick. He won't pick up his comm, either.

Have you checked his house? He's probably trying to get some rest, like I was.

Yeah, but he doesn't seem to be in. There was a stack of newspapers on his doorstep.

I mean, that's kind of worrying, but not wanting your work to track you down isn't exactly out of the ordinary after the kind of work he's been putting in.



Could he really have up and left on a vacation?

It's not exactly hard to believe. He was tweaking on coffee and energy drinks when we last saw him.

Honestly, I kind of wish I had done that myself. Should have known better than to expect an uninterrupted day off.

Now, now, worrying about these things won't do any good. I'm sure Mark will come back eventually.

Isn't that a little cold, Chief Ruby?



Nice to see you finally embrace that.

In any case, I'm going to send word for everyone to come here now.

Let me guess, Dusk Circle?

This will be the sixth one.

*And so the Virtues Witches of the Seven Stars assemble again*

This is the newly activated Labyrinth.

Whoa... It's very large...



...

Don't either of you say a word!

I'm normally the one saying that to Ruby, but come on, not even I could resist that.

This Dusk Circle occupies the Coule Desert in the center of the continent. There are no cities or villages nearby, but this is by far the largest one we've seen.

It'll be a good opportunity to test out our new equipment.

.....

Let's all work together to sterilize this Dusk Circle as quickly as possible.



Chloe, now is not the time for that.

Yes, I'll be turning 19.

Ooh, congratulations!

But the worst-case scenario is that my holy powers may disappear on that day. I want to spend my days as a Disciple without any regrets before that happens.



Good job, Chloe. Way to bring that up right before a dungeon. Whatever, it'll probably be fine. Not like Team Pet Project can beat Wake and the gang to those Dusk Spawners anyway. They had a head start last time and we still made it before them.

Before we finish up, there are a few accessories to show off. There's also an interesting little tidbit of information from one of the generic Female Disciples about a certain someone from Chloe's route.


[Female Disciple]: Rumor has it...





[Female Disciple]: The director of the Field Hospital, though, is allergic to them. Though they're both fussy in their own ways... They have completely different hobbies. And that's all the gossip I have today.


Watts is a fucking counselor? Then why the shit is he acting like the Headmaster? Counselors don't have the authority that Watts has been wielding. Their job is to be advising students. Even if he were a teacher's counselor, the most he should be able to do is make a recommendation to the Headmaster.

So stupid. Anyway, the other generic students just yak about wanting to find partners for Classmating or about how fast the E.S. Savage is.

Anyway, accessory time.



Fuuko is showing off the Magicial Hat. Why do all these hats have to be so freaking tiny?



She also has some Fashion Glasses.



Ellie has the Jeweled Brooch.



Narika has the Persona Mask that was asked about previously in the thread. I think it's supposed to be reminiscent of Philemon, but different enough that they wouldn't have to work out a crossover thing with Atlus. Maybe one of the designers worked on Persona or something.



Chloe has the Diamond Earrings. Her hairstyle is probably the best suited to showing these off.




And Feene has some Feather Earmuffs.



Also an incredibly tiny Camera Badge which apparently has a functioning camera in it.

That's all for now. "Just 3 days from retirement" Triche gets a bit of a reprieve as we've got the penultimate focus bonding to do with Feene, Narika, and Chloe.