Part 64: 09/30/09 - 10/03/09

Only a scant few days now until the full moon. Let's get to it, then.

Changing Seasons / Sun



Pretty good.
Haha, that's great! Same here!
Let's OWN that next Shadow and make the world a better place, huh!?

Actually, wait, hang on. Before we do anything else, let's take a bit of a trip to the mall real quick-like.

Paulownia Mall



We're gonna be doing something new at the Antique's Store today. Been able to do this for a long while, but uh I sorta forgot about it to be honest.



So, weapon fusion! It's not exactly a new thing, by any stretch, but it's still pretty dang useful and handy. We've got more Nihil Guns than anything, so we'll use one for this.



Most weapons you can make are just 1 of 3 generics, based on the weapon type. They can give some bonus abilities that you can't get in weapons otherwise and are pretty much always gonna be better than weapons you could buy even without that. At level 40, you can get Cu Chulainn though... and putting him in a gun makes a spear.

And it is his spear, at that. Each weapon type has at least 1 unique weapon that can only be obtained via fusing a specific Persona into any Nihil weapon. Gae Bolg is the first one we can make and it is very powerful for when you can get it. Makoto's a little overlevelled and we can buy a spear called the Lance of Death. Which has an attack power of 186, and requires you to be level 47 to buy.



Next spear we can buy is the Ranseur at level 55 which has an attack power of... 224. So, uh, yeah. Gae Bolg is, far and away, the strongest weapon available right now, never mind strongest spear.

That it has Wind Boost is a bit unfortunate, since there's no major reason to give this to Ken. There's a few that are clearly designed for Makoto like that. Gae Bolg is also noteworthy because... its basic attack is Wind elemental. Yes, not only is Gae Bolg already stronger than any other weapon right now: it makes itself stronger. Fucking hell. And this is technically the worst unique fusion weapon, and its not even close.

I'm gonna make and use the fuck outta this. That is has less accuracy than a bow is pretty bad, but that's mostly inconsequential in practice. This is how the lower-end of the unique weapons balance themselves. Later ones don't even pretend to be balanced.

Unique weapons do take longer to make than nondescript generics, but its not at all a big deal.



Anyway, we'll be heading to student council because we haven't been in a while, really.

Joy



The teachers want the student to be expelled as soon as I find out who it is.

> The Student Council Room is getting noisy.

Explusion, huh...?

> Hidetoshi looks exhausted.



...About the smoker's punishment, that is.
He should suffer.
I think so too.



I think once I catch the culprit, I'll give him a good lecturing.
After all, the point is to try and prevent it from happening again.
It'd be great if I could get people like him to change their ways.
I don't sympathize with students who break the rules, but...



I don't know why I'm complaining. It's really not like me. I guess I'm just confused because I feel so powerless.
I'll have more power if I do what the teacher wants and win his trust. Then, people will have to listen to me.
Watch me, Makoto-kun! I'll work my way to the top.

> Hidetoshi has opened up to you.

> Your relationship is stronger now!





You should go home, Makoto-kun. And be careful.

> You decided to go back to the dorm.

Iwatodai Dorm



Definitely the day. Can you not read your HUD and calendar, Aki?

It's nothing to worry about, though. I'm sure we'll be fine.
Well, you can count on me!
Wait a minute... Is it just me, or does Iori actually sound serious for a change?
Hey, what's that s'posed to mean!?

Probably exactly what it sounds like, really.



I have no doubt we will be victorious.



The end is near, but don't get nervous.
Just prepare for victory.

Oh, I'm not nervous. I've probably over-prepared as is, anyway.



I told him not to overestimate my ability.



Newscaster: According to them, it takes around two weeks for victims to recover. If this is true, then the current victims will start to recover around the 5th of next month...

Well, that date is definitely correct but not quite for the reasons they think.



Took long enough to get that close, though.

Changing Seasons / Sun



Gossiping: But I looked in the pocket, and I found a lost possession!

D-did you just not wash your uniform for months...?

Listening: My shoulders hurt too... Plus, I hear weird voices... And I've got a headache...
Gossiping: ...P-Possession...!

> The first bell has rung.



I couldn't sleep a wink last night, I was so excited!
Let's get started! We'll begin with Date's early life.
In 1567, at Yonezawa Castle...

As tempting as it is to just fall asleep here, we'll force ourselves to stay away.

...And at age 15, Masamune Date emerged victorious on his very first battle!
Thus began his rise to power... Huh? We're out of time? ...What's your next class?
Composition? Hmm... I'll have to talk to Ms. Toriumi later.
I'd better bring some cake. Anyways, let's continue...



Nothing else of particular import to do today, so we'll go to the photography club I guess. We should be doing that more anyway.

Joy



The club would be fine without me... And I...
I'm not very good at taking photos anyways...



Makoto-kun! Wh-When did you get here!?
H-How long were you listening?
Are you going to quit?
Haha... S-So you heard everything, huh?



...My dad told me I should quit the Photography Club.
He said I need to concentrate more on my studies...
I told him that the photograph I submitted was selected to be in the finals...
But he said I was just wasting my time.



My dad doesn't care about me! He only cares about his stupid hospital!
And why does everyone think I'm going to be a doctor!?
Just because my dad's a doctor doesn't mean I want to be a doctor too!
Ugh, I can't take it any more! I have my own dreams, you know!
Complaining won't help.
Yeah, you're right... I have to tell my dad how I feel...



...Yeah, you're right, Makoto-kun.
...I've got it! I-I'm going to make a bet with my dad!



But if I win, then I can do whatever I want! Yep, that's it! As soon as I get home, I'm going to talk to him.
P-Please don't tell anyone about this, Makoto-kun!
I don't want everyone to worry about me quitting the Photography Club, so let's just keep it between us, okay?

> Keisuke has opened up to you.

> Your relationship is stronger now!





I'm going home so I can talk to my dad about you-know-what.
Alright, see you later, Makoto-kun...

> Keisuke left the room.

The one thing I like about Keisuke's link so far is that compared to most others, is that it's managed to be consistent for the first 4 ranks. Most of the others suddenly changed gears around about now for no real reason whatsoever. Let's hope it lasts!

Iwatodai Dorm



Oh yeah, tonight is the one night we can get a thing from Aigis.

There are many types of oil... Fuel, food, and so on...
If you'd like, I can give you some of my silicon oil, for delicate parts.
I have a large supply.



It's really weird that you're only allowed to get these on one day so better hope you don't miss it! At least it's pretty easy to do.



This may be difficult for every team member to do, however.
So, please be aware of everyone's weaknesses.



Since Chidori's on my side now, they don't have anyone to provide support!
They're like a jock strap without a protective cup!



Wait, we do...? Huh. That's gonna be a problem.

I wonder if we could get them to make a rule that exams can't be scheduled right after an operation...



He's also kind and reliable. He reminds me of an older brother.
But, it's strange...
Why did he quit SEES and spend all his time at that place?



At most, I think there'll be two...
But, if it's two powerful ones, it's going to be a tough fight...
...so make sure you're ready for the next battle.

Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. We're definitely ready for pretty much anything that Sunday can throw at us.



They're right on schedule.
Good. Let's do our best!



Yeah.
Tch...
You're one lucky bastard.



"Toche" means "Thank you." I hope this word catches on someday!
That's all for this week! Back to the news!

Newscaster: ...And now for news. Our topic today is Apathy Syndrome...

I kinda agree with Lisa on this one. I sure hope basic manners catch on someday too!

Anyway, let's go give this oil to Elizabeth.

The Poem For Everyone's Soul



The label on the can says... Mechanic Oil.
So this oil is used for cooking mechanical things...?



Though now that the idea is in my head... I'd like to try some...
Thank you for completing my request. You may take the oil back with you.
Would it be too much trouble to ask you to bring me some Mech Fries?
Please accept your reward.



Not a bad way to get a bunch of Magic Mirrors quickly. We'll definitely be able to put these to use at some point, I am sure.



But that's it for now. There's only 3 requests currently avaiable and none of them are doable for a while.



Nothing else happens today, so we'll just go and collect this thing.



This is still pretty dang disgustingly strong right now, not gonna lie. I'd opt to not use it, but eh nah. We'll be grand, like.



So, since we apparently have exams sometime this month, we'll take advantage of this opportunity to go to Student Council.

Troubled



Um... What happened to Hidetoshi-san?
What do you mean?
Just now, a teacher called him to the office...
The teacher seemed really upset...

> Chihiro seems scared.

> You decided to go to the office.

Calamity



So, uh, we don't know what teacher this is but since we know Ekoda inexplicably still works here...

> You hear someone yelling inside the office.



That's why I don't consider him a suspect.

> You hear a teacher and Hidetoshi talking.



No, there aren't...? They can't witness something that didn't happen. Unless it's a Tartarus thing in which case... I really wonder who could've seen that and thought Makoto was the weird bit.

I thought you hated students who don't follow the rules...
I don't doubt that there were witnesses, but...
I believe in Makoto-kun. So, I'm not adding him to the list of suspects.
I thought you were smarter than that, Hidetoshi...
...Forget about our deal.
...If you'll excuse me, then.

Joy



> Hidetoshi looks uncomfortable.

It wasn't me.
I know; you don't have to tell me.



That teacher thinks it was you... Did he really pass his certification exam?
Don't worry, Makoto-kun. Even if the whole school turns on me, I won't sell you out.

> Hidetoshi seems to be a true friend.

> Your relationship is stronger now!





See ya, Makoto-kun.

> You decided to go back to the dorm.

That Hidetoshi claims to be a true friend who will never betray you is a weird thing for rank 8. I dunno, it's just weird.

Iwatodai Dorm



Only three Shadows left...
We're almost done.

Three months to go. October, November, December. It's perfect.



Have all your items and equipment ready for the battle.



Today's subject is a 20-year-old man who's proud of his amazing intelligence.



...Next is news. Apathy Syndrome, go away!



So, Kei Nanjo is someone the game has made allusions to before. Kei is the token Smart Kid of the Persona 1 team and even suggests letting people die as it'd be more effective for stopping the main antagonist of the SEBEC route. Naturally, Kei ended up as an executive of the Nanjo Group which is a business conglomarate that still canonically exists as far as Persona 3 cares. Mitsuru's family used to be a part of it, even. Takeharu told us as much.

Kei's primary arcana is The Hierophant, of course, and his default persona is the Ragaraja, one of the five Wisdom Kings from Buddhism. But that's not interesting. No, what is interesting is that his Ultimate Persona is... literally his butler. No, really.



Yamaoka is a unique Hierophant Persona that only exists in Persona 1 and Eternal Punishment. He is uniquely usable by Kei exclusively and was Kei's butler until he died at the start of Persona 1. If he wasn't a Persona, Yamaoka's race would be Herald.



Anyway, I just remembered a thing I can do easily and whoops I need money for it. Gonna take a quick jaunt through Tartarus. This one is just for something I should've done forever ago to be honest.



Just making it easier to get some of the better low-level Heart items. Nothing too wacky, just yet.

An Unpleasant Premonition



How come?
I cannot explain why, but our highest priority should be eliminating the remaining Shadows.
The moon will be full tomorrow.
I shall accompany you in battle.

...Well, maybe. Don't be so sure just yet, Aigis.

Changing Seasons / Sun



...Ten days?! Shit, that's really not good!

If this class doesn't do well, it'll be my fault, so you'd all better study hard!
Well, let's open to page 125. "The younger generation is creating its own language in cyberspace."



I, uh, really wouldn't say "mastered"...

It's useful!
I've even come up with my own internet slang.
Not only is it totally unreadable, it's impossible to tell whether it's gibberish or real sentences!
With my flair for cryptology, I could be a government spy... Yeah... That's what I'll shoot for!

I could totally believe that Toriumi just shitposts when drunk.



Anyway, we recently got a reminder that we haven't spent time with Yuko in forever. And thankfully we just finished Fuuka's link, so we're not punished for it now!

Joy



Blue Shirt: Coach! We raced one-on-one, and we beat two of the sixth graders! We lost to the other two, but overall it was a tie!
Blue Skirt: They're gonna let us use the playground now! We even became friends!



I knew you guys could do it!
I-I wasn't worried at all, because you trained so hard!

Yellow Shirt: Thanks, um... B-Big Sis!

You guys don't have to call me that if you don't want to. Just call me "Coach"!

> Yuko seems happy.

Kids: One... Two... Three! Good luck with your boyfriend!



Oh thank God, this seems to be over. It took long enough, and what doesn't help is that it's so unbelievably boring. I dunno if that's just me or not, though.

......
Why does this seem like...
...the end of some cheesy made-for-TV movie?
Well, there they go...
Are you relieved?
Of course! I'm the one who'll get busted if anyone finds out about us using the practice field.



To be honest, I was almost too lazy to help them. But, not that they're not around, it feels kinda lonely.
I don't wanna give you the impression I've been slacking off as a team manager...



Maybe I was meant to take care of people...
...Hey! By the way... I wanna thank you, Makoto-kun.
Maybe we should have a little party... You know, to celebrate our first attempt at coaching...
Sure.
I can't wait!



A restaurant would be expensive, and I'd rather not have it at the dorm with all those people around...
How 'bout we have it at my house?

> You sense that Yuko is developing feelings for you.

> It seems like things are starting to get serious.





Oh goddammit, already? That seems completely arbitrary.



...Let's talk about this later. We'll have plenty of time at the party.
C'mon, let's go.

> You left school with Yuko.

Hopefully this at least means that Yuko's link is going to get interesting. When we can touch it again... after exams are over...

Iwatodai Dorm



I'm sure a Shadow will appear, so please be ready.

Oh, I'm ready. I even did some Special Shopping earlier today for good measure.



You better be ready...
Let's go in there and kick some ass.

I'm sorry Shinji, but you won't be fighting tomorrow.



Newscaster: The rising number of Apathy Syndrome victims has led to a declining Japanese economy, and...

Not because I don't want to use Shinji, but because he's just not available. At all. Junpei wasn't around last month, and this month Shinji and Ken aren't either.

...Don't worry, we'll definitely be using Shinji when we go to Tartarus again afterwards. He's mandatorily missed out on 2 bosses in a row now!



Everyone else is grand though. Except Koromaru. You're not allowed to vote for Koromaru.

Because I'm voting for Koromaru, so he's coming. He hasn't been used in a while after all and I'm sure he'd be in anyway. I know you people.



Anyway, everyone else. Yukari's really unfairly powerful right now, thanks to all her +Magic gear. I do have a Vayu Bracer now, so she could use that. Or the Wizard's Mark. Both are good, but the Mark gives her functionally infinite MP if that matters.

It won't, but hey.



Junpei's pretty good now too, though that 40 Str is courtesy of some new +Strength gear as well. He's not getting these Agni Bracers, because seriously. I'm not an idiot, here.



Akihiko sorta peaked at the Sleeping Table fight, in a way. That said, he's not likely to be a BAD pick by any means and since he has Elec Boost that means he can be the only non-Makoto person with both his relevant Boost and Amp! These Indra Bracers are basically gonna stay glued on for the indefinite future because of that.



Mitsuru's a little behind the rest of the gang, and her being a solid 10 Mag short of Yukari hurts more than it seems like it could. She'll probably keep the Varna Bracers because hey she's still a good mage and all.



Aigis is pretty bad, honestly. She's a competent tank but her damage output sorta sucks and her buffing is woefully inadequate. But she's still usable, just the worst of the lot.

So, yeah, two slots again this time.

Who gets 'em?