Part 44: Episode 44: Evil’s Fading Silhouette

Episode 44: Evil’s Fading Silhouette

This is a really stupid update, I don’t know if I want to take part in it.
Oh, we have to.
Hide me!
Ah!
Ah!
Holy crap!
Just hide me!
O-Okay, let’s just roll with this.

Video- “Evil’s Fading Silhouette”

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Is it really okay for her to be here?
It’ll be fine, I think.
Quiet as a mouse, I promise, just don’t let them find me!



So Arfoire is getting revived?
It’s safe to assume so. I’ve gathered enough accounts to verify a tremendous power coming from the graveyard.
Bah. I thought we were winners ‘cuz winners don’t use drugs!
What’s going to happen now?
It’s said that Arfoire is an evil deity who exists only to devour Gamindustri in its entirety.
If this old bedtime story is true, Gamindustri is most certainly doomed.
Yeah, some bedtime story.
Why would ASIC want to bring such a demon back to life?
Maybe some people longed for the sweet release of death. Such cults have always existed in some form.
And like most cults, those involved on the lower rungs are innocents, blissfully ignorant of the truth.
Thinking like that, I almost pity them.
Yeah, but all our jabberin’ isn’t gonna change the situation. We just gotta go beat up Arfoire and stuff, right?
She’s called the Deity of Sin for a reason. If defeating her was a simple matter, we’d be done already.
If we don’t beat up Arfoire, Gamindustri will be destroyed, right? I think our choice is kinda obvious.

Well, this is your fault, so I guess you are obligated.
Owe her one.



Yeah, let’s beat her up. She’s no match for Lowee’s twins. Just another dummy who’s gonna lose!
When I hear you make all these crazy speeches about not losing, I feel like it’s stupid to sweat the small stuff.
But you know what? They’re right. No matter how much we wrack our brains, there’s only one thing we must do.
Time is of the essence, I fear. We must counter while she remains in the Gamindustri Graveyard.
Once she steps onto Gamindustri’s mainland, it’s game over for us. It’s do or die.
This will likely be our final battle. I apologize for making you engage in such reckless skirmishes.
We’re not strangers, Histy. Stop being such a worrywart.
It’s our duty to defend Gamindustri.
As Lowee’s CPU, I’m interested in the Deity of Sin supposedly born in my land.
The final boss battle is the most basic conclusion to any RPG. I’m always so excited to face them.
It’s going to be fine, Histoire. We’ll definitely return victorious.
Please do so. I trust you all to go and save Gamindustri!

So wait, I’m sure you guys haven’t beaten Arfoire yet. So what did you do next?



Um…yes, she went out by herself. She said she wanted some time alone.
Your big sister is funny. I like her.
She’s a bigger baby than Rom. It’s like she’s our age.
Th-That’s a bit harsh. Once she transforms, she’s a really cool and mature adult woman.
Just like that person over…um…?
Why, if it isn’t Nepgear and her little friends.
Neptune! W-Why are you in that form?
Is there an enemy on the loose!?
Where? We’ll transform and beat ‘em up!
Hmm…
Calm down. No enemy is in the vicinity.
You already took care of it? Wow, you’re so amazing!
That isn’t the case, either. No enemy was ever present.
Then…why did you transform?
Amusement park.
What?
Those fools claimed my human form was too short to ride an attraction. This caused me to become angry.
Are you serious? That’s…really the reason, isn’t it?
Did you ride a roller coaster?
I did. However, it was less thrilling than I had hoped, since this form limits the enjoyment of weightlessness.
Were any of the other riders kinda startled to see you?
Yes. It became a minor panic. I believe I’ll return home before this becomes a huge ordeal. Farewell.
A cool and mature adult woman, huh? Unbelievable.
Goodness… Neptune, you’re so embarrassing…

Oh, dear. This is all so embarrassing.
Wait, so this is what started all that crap?

Video- “Playing Dirty”

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Goodness, what’s going on, Neptune? Why’re you so excited?
Listen up, my amazing little sister. I came up with an awesome strategy.
We can totally get all the shares of Planeptune back with this. No, all of Gamindustri’s shares!
That sounds incredible. Tell me what your plan is.
Hmhmhmm! Hold onto your knickers. You and I…will debut as an idol duo!
Huh? Wh-Whaaaat?! That’s impossible!
My dear Nep Jr., you danced onstage at a concert in Leanbox, didn’t ya? Iffy and Compa told me about it.
I wanna dance and sing, too!
B-But, I had no other choice… Looking back, that was so embarrassing.
Whoa there, kiddo. Don’t get shy. All CPUs must be able to sing and dance. It’s like a requirement or whatever.
So we’re agreed, right? Right. C’mon, we gotta shoot a promo video!
D-Don’t put words in my mouth! I have no idea what we’d even sing. What about choreography? Managing?
Ah, yes, I see. We should get lessons. Nep Jr., look how motivated you are.
N-No, that’s not how I meant it!
Great, let’s aim for the top!
It looks like our goal has already been decided.

Why do you let your sister rope you into things like that?
I just can’t help it…



We did it, we’re all done! Finally, our promo video…
Yes, we really did it.
Oh boy, I’m so happy right now. You didn’t like it at first, but look how cooperative you ended up.
We worked really hard on it, so of course I’ll celebrate with you. Let’s go see how it turned out!
Most def, my gyrating sibling. Now, for the moment of truth!
Oh my goodness, this is so embarrassing. It’s way too embarrassing to watch myself dance on television.
Don’t get like that. You’re so super-duper cute, Nep Jr.
Th-Thank you. I suppose it turned out better than I expected.
Yep, it’s completely flawless in every possible way. Our shares are gonna skyrocket!

W-Well, I think we’re all to blame.
Ugh, I’m increasingly embarrassed at how badly you guys defeat us every time.

Video- “The Great Election”

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It’s not just popular here, but in the other nations, too!
Really? So we can get our shares back?
Right now, we’re just a little bit more popular than before. At this rate, though…yeah, totally!
That’s good to hear. Going through that embarrassment was totally worth it.
This isn’t fair, Neptune!
Yikes, Noire! Where’d you come from!?
It’s unfair to get popular like this!
What’s wrong, Noire?
She’s upset because she saw your promo video playing in Lastation.
It’s a problem in my nation, too.
Blanc, even you’re here?
You’re cheating. Everyone in Lowee is starting to chant your names.
Miss Nepgear, you’re popular.
This situation is similar for me.

Nuh-uh, we’re just super strong even wasting tons of time.



Let’s just calm down, buddies. It’s just part of our mission to take shares from ASIC. It’s not about being popular.
That’s even worse. If that’s your brilliant scheme, then the most popular CPU of the world, me, should star.
What? Where’s your proof?
I dunno about that one. Vert, the most popular?
Maybe within a specific demographic.
Wh-Whatever does that mean? What sort of people are you suggesting find me attractive?
I get what you’re trying to do. I’ll make my promo video and get this operation on the right track.
Your logic is strange. I’m everyone’s favorite.
Nope, you can’t be more popular than me. I mean, I’m the main character of this franchise and stuff.
Since when were you the main character? It’s common for the main character to become less popular than her peers.
Anyway, I’m the most popular.
I disagree. It must be me.
I just frickin’ told you it’s me!
Totally me! I called dibs!
I get the feeling the plot’s getting shelved for a bit…

I mean seriously, how do you all sleep at night?
Your crushed hopes of beating us make my pillow extra fluffy!
Whoa, zing out of nowhere from Rom!



Rom, who do you think is best?
I…um…dunno…
Fine. Let’s settle this!
Sure. We’ll find who’s the most popular.
Let’s hold an election!
Bring it on, ladies!
Thus, the entire world got dragged into their personal conflict, and a worldwide election began.

Poor Underling, look how damaged her self-respect is.



E-Everyone, please support my sister!
The People: * cheers! *
I’ll take a walking tour from Block 7 around through Block 11. Uni, direct our staff.
More walking tours? First off, why do I even have to help?
Stop complaining like a commoner! I mustn’t lose this election. Oh, also, go print out my headshots.
Yes, ma’am…
Hey, anyone who votes for my sister will be given the opportunity to run a hand through her hair!
One line, please.
The People: * cheers! * Lady Blanc!
Tch. It’s all for the sake of being the most popular.
Hmhmhmm. It appears everyone is exerting effort in more traditional methods.
I’ll build a web ring of support sites! My focus will be on the internet crowd.
What, a CPU election? Those spoiled drama queens are comparing ego sizes the first chance they get, eh?
I guess it would be fun to watch. I was getting pretty bored, anyway. I’ll ruin the election and they’ll all lose face!

Why did you think that was a good idea? I mean we’re always beating you up, right?
I don’t even know any more, it seemed like a good idea at the time.



The time has come.
Yeah, now we’ll see who’s the best.
No grudges, please.
Doesn’t matter. I’ll win.
When are we gonna hear the final tally?
P-Please, wait a bit longer. There’s just so many votes, it’s hard to count them all.
Why did I let myself get dragged into this?
You read my mind. This is beyond the scope of my duties.
Neptune, I cannot believe you. This has caused even more work for us.
Hah, check it out, Rom! I made a cool paper plane.
I made a crane.
Now, kids. Don’t play with the people’s votes like they’re origami!
All right, antoher vote for Vert. This is…aren’t there any more votes for her lying around!?
All the Oracles are involved, too. Goodness. Let’s just get it over with.

This was really the dumbest thing we’ve done so far, though.



I’ve been waiting!
It feels like years have passed. Please, tell us the result.
Zzz… Zzz…
Zzz…
Looks like some of us fell asleep. Come on, put an end to this.
Oracles, announce your nations’ votes. Let’s start with Planeptune.
U-Us? Very well.
Neptune garnered 123,456 votes.
Oh, I like the randomness of the number.
Allow me the honor. As for Lastation, Noire has…
Oh, 123,456 votes here. That’s the same.
I’m in a tie with Neptune? You must’ve counted wrong.
You really think I’d make a mistake when it comes to numbers?
Uh… Pardon me…
Blanc also has the same number.
The…hell…!?
If all three of them have the same, that means victory is ours! Now then, let’s read off the winner’s votes.
Vert has…123,45… W-Well…
Chika, be honest when you tell us. You know how I dislike cheating.
Y-Yes. 123,456 votes.

Goodness, I don’t know how it even happened.



Th-This is stupid!
Blanc’s votes include her twin sisters. That means she’s the least popular.
D-Don’t mess around, you morons! You saying CPUs’ votes don’t count!?
By that logic, I should be the winner as I don’t have a sibling.
We were all busy this morning, so we didn’t have time to vote.
We made this big deal and it turns out to be a tie? What did we do all this for?
In conclusion, Neptune loses because she barely even tied despite putting out that ridiculous promo video.
I don’t object to that.
The real issue is finding out who the grand champion is among us three.
W-Wait, c’mon, don’t make me the loser without asking if I’m cool with it!

Seriously, though, you barged in on eight CPUs. How was that ever, ever going to turn out well?
I-It could have! In ways I haven’t figured out yet!



Ugh… I overslept.
Yo, morons. Your ridiculous prom queen contest is over. ASIC is gonna go ahead and take over your little venue now.
…
…
…
…
Wh-What? Why’re you all so quiet? It’s creepin’ me out.
Why aren’t you complaining, like usual? Like, ‘oh crap, not you again, Underling!’ or something similar.
Did you cast your vote?

Did you hear that? I think I heard her!
Over here!
Aww, crap!



Hmm, so yours is the final vote.
The election literally hinges on it.
You’ll vote for me, of course. Right?
Wh-What? Don’t stare at me like that! This is getting really uncomfortable.
Hey, c’mon. Give us your answer.
Although, I already know what it is.
If you’re gonna be shy about it, I’ll force you to say my name.
Depending on your answer, I just might kill you.
I-I-I don’t really get what’s going on, but this gives me a really sick feeling. I’m gonna get outta here!
Aw, popcorn. She escaped!
Hmph. Do you really think you can escape from us now!?
Le’ts capture her so she can’t leave until she casts her vote!
I’ll chase you to hell!
They’re gone. I sort of feel bad for her.
I’m with you, this time. Let’s never get involved in something this stupid ever again.

And, she’s gone.
Think she’ll be okay?
Nope!
Next Time, Hyperdimension Neptunia Mark Two: Wasting Time Again.