Part 108: December 20 - December 22 Part 1: Preparations Complete

-The Path is Open-


The finalized design for Marie. Her design didn't change much from the early stages to the finished design.



-Omen-

> You overhear students talking.


Pained student: Is this from the fog? Or is it because of the TV...? Oh? What's the matter, Senpai? You look gloomier than usual. I heard from my classmate that you studied all night again.
Depressed girl: ...Well, everyone else is studying, too. I can't slack off. Plus, the teacher said if I can solve all the problems in the study guide, the entrance exam should be easy!
Pained student: Come on, Senpai, the world is ending soon. I can't believe you haven't heard about it yet. Everyone else is talking about it. The entrance exam is useless! Anyway...My head. It's seriously killing me...I wonder if it's from the fog...Well, if it is, that fog's not going away, so neither will my headache...


Hey, there's a place I want to go. The place with the meat on the sticks. It's okay, right?

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Shopping District, Souzai Daigaku...At Marie's insistence, you have come here to eat steak skewers...


It really bugs me that it has to be foggy now...It's tough, hard to bite into, and it got cold while I was still eating it.
...It was tasty. I remember it all from when we came here. This place, this taste, and you.
This is a memory...A new memory, one that has no ties to who I was before. I can feel it now...It makes me happy.

> Marie smiles happily...

When we were looking at clothes, your friends told me something...There are things that you can't do by yourself, but can do with others...That's true.
You gave me a new memory. You taught me that I don't need to be worried...I wouldn't have been able to do that on my own. I only realized that because of you.
It was fun.
...I enjoyed it, too.
The outside world is fun...but that's not what made my time outside so enjoyable. It's because I was with you.

> Marie smiles bashfully...

Hey...You can have this.

> Obtained Old Bamboo Comb.

I don't need to worry anymore. So I'm giving this to you. Finding my memories, making new ones...Either way, I'll be with you, right? So...I want you to have this.

> You feel Marie's strong trust in you...



-The Path is Open-

Marie has...uh, given up.



I'm sure this will never be a problem again.



-Like A Dream Come True-

Good. Next! Let's go visit a bunch of new places! I want to go to a beach, and on a mountain, and...and...um...
Whatever. You figure it out. I'll leave EVERYTHING to you!

> You accompanied Marie to a number of different places...



> The model has been completed! Obtained Pink Scooter. You should put it on your shelf.



-Omen-


I was wondering why it hasn't been getting lighter, then I realized that the winter solstice is tomorrow. The longest night of the year...But after that, it'll only get lighter. Everyone's been acting weirder and weirder...Even the school seems funky. But if what Adachi said is true, then we'll be saving the whole town when we beat him. There's not much time left until the end of the year...Let's finish this!
Yeah!
An entire year...I'm glad you were our leader.
I'm countin' on you to lead us to the very end! Let's do it!

-Specialist-


Ms. Sofue: Hm...While I don't want to minimize its magnitude, a catastrophe like that has never happened in human history. Don't you think it'd be a wonderful experience to be here when it happens? Of course, if the world ends, you must consider the fact that we're all going to die. When I make that journey into the world of the afterlife, I would like to sleep beautifully like the Egyptian royals. I wouldn't say I'd be as beautiful as Cleopatra, but I have to make myself somewhat presentable. Now that the river of conversation has flowed to Cleopatra, I'm going to ask you a question! There were many queens in ancient Egypt named "Cleopatra"...Yet, which Cleopatra is the one who was known as one of the three most beautiful women in the world? Let's hear from you, Mr. Hanamura. You seem like you would know a thing or two about beautiful women.


Sanzo, will you tell me if you know the answer?
VII.
Ms. Sofue: Ah, I expected nothing less, Mr. Hanamura. That's right. It was Cleopatra VII who was counted among the ranks of the world's great beauties. However, since the other Cleopatras were also royal queens, I'm sure they were each beautiful in their own ways. Anyway, you sure are knowledgeable about beauties. I had a feeling you would.
Thanks, Sanzo. Though, I feel like there's some new rumor going on about me...

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Yasogami High rooftop, on top of the water tower...You followed Ai up here.


I don't mind.
Thank you, Sanzo...You really are a nice guy.

> Ai smiles gently...

...After I calmed down, I gave my life some serious thought. Why do I go on such crazy shopping sprees? Why do I feel the need to be so well dressed all the time? What makes me want to ditch class? Do I want to stand out so that I'll catch people's eyes?...And...why do I always find myself wanting to talk to you?
I always thought that if I couldn't be pretty, I'd be better off dead...Nobody likes people who aren't pretty. They hate you. What's the point of life if everyone hates you...? But lately I've been thinking, maybe I'm wrong. There's still a lot I don't know...I guess I shouldn't be jumping to any conclusions.
And before I realized it, I was crying. I've always made sure not to cry, too, because it makes my eyes swell...I pulled back my curtains, and the sun was just coming up...The stars were shining so dimly...And for some reason, it made me think of you. I wonder why...
Because we're friends.
I have a lot of male acquaintances...But you're probably the first one I can call a real friend.

> Ai smiles happily...

...You're a weird guy, Sanzo.
I'm glad we met.

> You feel genuine trust coming from Ai...


Let's go home, huh? If they catch you with me, you'll probably get all the extra lectures too...

> You parted with Ai and went home...

-Omen-




Sober subordinate: He was annoying, and preachy, and nosy, but...Looking back, he always helped me at work, and always listened to my complaints and demands when we drank together. I always thought he was an asshole, but now I'm sad to see him go.


Hobby shop owner: This is a foreign model kit, too, but don't worry about the instructions. They're all wrong and don't match anyway! These are actually the most fun kind of model to make! You just look at the parts and imagine how to put them together, so--Zoning out already? Aw, all right. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing what your imagination does to this.





-Omen-

> You overhear students talking.


Bright student: You know, this fog is really liberating. I can't even imagine how I used to live before the fog came. Back then, I had to be cautious of what I said to others, but not any more!
Ill student: ...Wh-What...? Did you say something?
Bright student: Come on. Don't make me waste my breath. Does your head still hurt? Anyway, don't worry about it. The fog is still covering everything. Another day of this glorious weather. Oh, yeah, I heard on the TV that the world was about to end. I wonder what will destroy the world...I'm getting so excited! I can't wait until it happens! *chuckle*

-Fearful Experience-

> The classroom is in an uproar...


Female student: Yeah, I'm the same way! The TV will tell us what to do!
Male student: Yeah, I hardly even care about the fog anymore, either. By the way...Have you heard the rumor about the grilled steak they sell at the shopping district...?
Female student: Really? That's not what I heard. I heard that the lady at Souzai Daigaku is...
Ms. Sofue: Everyone, please quiet down right--Huh!? What did you just say!? Can you give me any details!?

> The uproar only grows louder...

This has gone on long enough.

-Studio Backlot-



> Rise looks determined. Will you go apprehend Adachi?

Let's go right now.
Yeah! I'll do my best to back you up!


(Ask about Adachi and Namatame)
Anyways, it's clear now that Adachi committed the first two murders. And he gave us that bullshit, saying he did it just 'cause he could! Namatame couldn't prevent the first two deaths. So he put people in the TV, thinking that would save them from the killer...And that bastard Adachi made it sound like it was just an amusing coincidence! He's the one who talked Namatame into it, saying stuff like "you could shelter her in the TV" and all that crap! Adachi's been controlling everything from the shadows, so he could watch and enjoy...Damn that Adachi...He's been laughing at us all this time!
My head's all steamy, like a boiling pot! I'm never, ever, ever ever ever gonna forgive him! How did a jerk like Adachi, who only thinks about himself, get the power to enter TVs...? And Namatame, too...How did someone who didn't understand anything get a power like that? What's wrong with this world!? Or the other one!?
By the way, I heard from Yosuke-san and Chie-san. That small, bizarre room where we found Adachi...It already existed on your first visit there, yes?
Oh, yeah. I think it was there when we first fell in.
I imagine that place is most likely something similar to my so-called "secret lab"...If the thoughts of those who enter the TV create a new place, that must have occurred before we went in as well. Thus, perhaps that was the place created by Ms. Yamano's thoughts?
Though...I shudder to think what kind of feelings she harbored to produce those faceless posters and a noose...
If we think about it that way, does that mean we will be entering Adachi-san's inner thoughts...?
Ugh...That sounds like a recipe for disaster...
What're you wimping out for, huh!?
Don't you remember...? That bastard's been conning us this whole time, like he was on our side...All this time, when we were risking our lives...That time when King Moron died...
When Dojima-san got into an accident...and even when Nanako-chan was about to die, dammit! It ain't got nothing to do with his damn crimes! We can't forgive him as a person!
Yeah, I totally agree.
We don't know exactly when this "end of the year" Adachi mentioned is. But everything we did will be useless if we rush things and get ourselves defeated. Let's make sure we're ready...
'Cause we're gonna crush Adachi! It's time he paid for everything he's done!
(Ask about Teddie and Shadows)
Let's hurry and beat up Adachy-baby, and end this rotten case!
We know...No need to get all impatient. I mean, I understand why you're so anxious, since we don't know what counts as "the end of the year." But everything we did will be useless if we rush things and get ourselves defeated.
You know...It's pretty mysterious. Teddie was originally a Shadow, right? Out of all the Shadows over there, why did Teddie like peace and want to be friends with us?
At first, I only wanted the world I lived in to go back to normal. But after getting to know you guys, and helping with the rescue missions...
Before I knew it, I was a friendly, lovable bear.
I don't get it at all...
Perhaps he's trying to say that his nature has changed? Through prolonged contact with humans, he may have taken on human traits...
So much that he forgot he was a Shadow and ended up looking like a human? I ain't never seen a Shadow that could do somethin' like that though, besides this guy...
I bet there's another one with the same destiny as me, somewhere in this great big world! I know it.
He'd have dashing looks like me, hiding beneath them a dangerous ladykiller who scores with all the girls!
Keep dreaming.
Teddie's a Shadow who blended in with us. Adachi, on the other hand, is a human who likes watching people suffer...
I guess it all depends on how you choose to live.
He's gotta pay the price for choosing to act like a jerk! We gotta crush Adachi! This is it, guys! Let's brace ourselves and get going!
All right, let's go!

Just a few little things left to sort out.

-PML: Soul Drive-

Remember those fetch quests Sanzo picked up about five hundred years ago?



You can find Fine Coal on the eighth floor of the Secret Lab.




I'm gonna do everything I can! I'm gonna give it my all! I'm ready on so many levels!
...Remind me again which bear it was who got TOO fired up, and is all pooped out now?
I-I wonder what bear that could be...
You're the only bear here! Sheesh...this is the real thing, okay? Don't go running off on your own!
Chie-chan, who once ran off heedlessly on her own, has finally become an adult...I'm moved to tears...*sniff*
Sh-Shuddup!
Don't push yourself too hard, okay Leader? I can keep going!
That's fine, but you've been staring at your wrist and grinning all this time, Chie-chan.
Hehehe, isn't this cool? It's proof of friendship!
F-Friendship...!? I want one too! I want one too, raaaawr!
I don't think it'll fit around your wrist, though...


Hm? Did you change, Senpai? Wow, you have some stylish clothes. You're like a fashion stylist. Pick out something great for me to wear next time, too?
Oh, hey, I'm in my uniform again, but now it's insulated against the cold. These legwarmers are warm, too. I put chili pepper powder inside. When it comes to knowing how to stay warm, you should trust the wisdom of high school girls! Oh yeah, you changed too, Sanzo-kun. You're looking good. Gosh, you're so fashionable. I only understand the basics of fashion, so I'm kind of jealous...
Oh, I changed into my school uniform, but it's prepared for midwinter.
I wonder why they make us girls wear skirts in the winter? Pants would be so much warmer.
Some girls wear their jersey pants under their skirts, but that looks a bit strange...
Oh, how do you like your new outfit, Sanzo-kun? That coat looks warm. But winters around here are brutal, so don't let your guard down.
Ok, I changed into that outfit you gave me. It's great protection from cold! Hey, are you the type to wear your PJs under your uniform? It gets so cold trying to change in the winter. I just don't want to let the warmth from the bed escape.
Oh yeah, you changed too, Sanzo-kun.
That's a great coat. Looks good on you.
I've been looking for a coat, too, but I can't find one that I like.
There seems to be a strong Shadow on the highest floor...Um, it's still a normal Shadow, though, so you can ignore it if you want.

Animal Guides are on Heaven's first two floors.







Modest Lamps are a little farther up.







Classy Lumber is on the fifth floor.





And Old Ore is on the sixth.
















Laa laa laa...


Drill, baby, drill!



It's deadly, AND topical!




Here comes a pick-me-up!










Hahaha, I did it!




Woo! That went well!


Yes, investigating this place is necessary for us to deduce anything further. Oh, that's right. Please use this if you'd like.

> Received Chewing Soul.

I feel as though the search is completely different now. There are so many clues and things to discover...I'm painfully aware of how aimlessly I had been searching through this place until now.
...That's nice. Good for you. Now could you stop dragging us in too?
Mental exercise is just as important as physical. Exercising one's brain is useful in preventing senility. Tell me, Kanji-kun, have you solved that riddle yet?
Urrrgh...Oh yeah, have you been using that phone strap? It's been popular at our shop.
Oh, the phone straps everyone's been talking about...
...Th-They're very cute.
Oh, you wanna make one too, Naoto?
I-I believe...I'll decline.





The Lost Okina uses area physicals, Megidola, Ma-dynes, and Makarakarn. He's immune to Physical and absorbs Ice.



So don't bring Chie, Kanji, and Teddie. You know, the way I did in my first game.





Mind Charge gets my seal of approval.


















I'm on a roll today!

It's too bad that boss nulled Physical. I'm curious how Yukiko stacks up against Kanji and Chie now.



> Obtained Chakra Ring x 1.



Pretty awesome, but most of Sanzo's current Personas are rocking the Spell Master skill, which does the same thing and doesn't stack. Naoto can make good use of this, though.



And there we go. The team is as ready as they'll ever be.