Part 58: 6/25: I Have No Idea What The Fuck Either

Hey, guys! No hard feelings, right? Hehe, of course not. I was obviously kidding, duh. Just ignore all that weird shit I said, because none of it was true! Isn’t that convenient?

Well, I’d post an update, but between some real-life circumstances I won’t get into, and lasting trauma from the last time I tried to clear out the Palace, I’m afraid I just didn’t get around to capturing any new footage. I’ll be sure to get around to it… oh, sometime in the next month. Welp, bye!

Wait… what the hell is this?




Dare I?



Well, that’s not happening. Wait… Hm… Yes… I’m being informed that I have to do it, or I’m grounde—Uh, never mind, let’s just… *sigh* ...Let’s just get this over with.



What foul secrets might this document contain?



Oh god.

Part 57: 6/25: I Have No Idea What The Fuck Either



The first thing I notice before even opening MY VIDEO.mp4 is that yes, Ari seems to have put at least another three hours on the clock and gotten Maaku to level 26. I have yet to decipher the cryptic details of “READ THSI,” however. Whether he actually managed to clear the dungeon has yet to be seen; he could just as easily have spent three hours running around fighting Shadows. Does Ari think that “beating the game” entails finishing this Palace, or just leaving it? It’s too early too call, so further analysis will have to follow at a later date.

On the plus side, he was courteous enough to rotate the save file.

Music: Aria of the Soul



Once we actually start digging into this “update,” the first thing Ari does is a lot of fusion, starting with Suzaku from Pixie and Inugami.



The burning light that illuminates the future is now your new mask…

Suzaku is one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellation, representing fire, the direction south, and summer.



Ari wrote some… commentary of his own that I am obligated to include. It will be denoted through italicized quotes.

”From what I saw of my brother’s other tries he was getting killed by fire a lot so I picked something that couldn’t get hit by fire. I don’t know what most of these skills do but they seem cool.”

Stunning logic.



Next, this Orobas from Kushi Mitama and Mokoi.



I’ll become your mask and show you the truth of the future you want.

Orobas is one of the 72 demons of the Goetia, known as the Prince of Hell who answers questions about the past, present, and future.



”I like horses.”




Me mysterious. Now me new mask. Nice meet you.

”I wish I could talk like this guy. Seems easier.”

Nue is a legendary monster in Japanese mythology with the head of a monkey, the arms and legs of a tiger, the body of a raccoon dog and a snake for a tail. I’m not quite sure I see the resemblance.



This guy will be useful when we dance with the Angels.

Now, it’s time to head back in. I’d like to see how he deals with Oni’s Rampage spam.

Music: Last Surprise



What is he—oh.



I honestly never considered doing this.

”Despair is useful because it gives the enemies crippling depression, draining their mental strength (SP) and preventing them from acting! My mom says this is what my brother has, and this seems pretty accurate.”

Ignore that, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.



Well, that’s dark.

”After three turns, a foe with despair will succumb and die! Cool!”

I should probably talk to someone about this kid.



Here’s Makoto’s All-out Attack finisher. It’s pretty alright.

Music: Price



But look. It says, “No entry by unauthorized personnel.”

Oh goddammit he got bored and messed with my portraits

That just makes me want to go in more! Isn’t there anything we can do?



There’s another entrance in the form of a vent around the corner.



That Shadow’s in our way… What should we do, Joker?


\


”This fight is a joke”

When he’s right, he’s right. It’s four Orobases and it’s simple enough I’ve even dispensed with the usual video.

Music: Suspicion



This appears to be some kind of monitoring room. I hope we can find clues in here...



Hey guys, I think I found something! Ain’t this some kinda keycard?




I’d bet that’s where the Treasure is...



Unless we can obtain another map, we won’t know for certain.



It would probably make sense to head there first…
Shall we go on that elevator we found earlier then?
That should be our last resort. First, let’s see if there is anywhere to use this keycard.
Oh! Didn’t we pass by a door we couldn’t open on the way here?
Yeah, let’s go check it out!

Music: Price




Next, Ari tries to leave, but the exit is still closed off.




Hm, we may be able to use this in other places as well.

Music: Aria of the Soul



”I talked to the girl and she wanted this guy with… Magaru? Well, I got a Nekomata in the dungeon, and it knows that skill! I’m not sure why everything has such weird names in this game though.”

Instead of exploring further, Ari has chosen to return to the Velvet Room and fuse the Matador we need for the Strength Confidant using Nekomata and High Pixie.



This body of mine, born from the bloody throes of battle, shall be with you as a mask from now on.

Matador is just a matador. Not even like, a specific one.



Matador needing Magaru is a sly reference to Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, where Matador was a boss fight who would use Mazan (Nocturne uses Force instead of Wind) to push your shit in.

“I LIKE THE SKULLMAN”

That too.



So, you’ve brought us another Persona we asked for.
This is a Matador with the skill Magaru… I have verified it. That completes your current assignment...

What did he dooooo



It is to be expected of the human our master saw potential in.
You’re dedicated, I’ll give you that. Just keep it up, all right?



That is a fine attitude to have.
Talk’s cheap though. You’re gonna have to put your money where your mouth is. I’ve gotta say, Justine, it’s an accomplishment that he hasn’t thrown in the towel yet.




That task list you wrote. It’s not only keeping him on his toes, but helping him improve too.
Hm…? I am not the one who wrote it.



I had always assumed it was you...
What!? I don’t know anything about that thing.
...I suppose now that I consider it, that list is far too precise for you to have written it.



But wait… Who wrote it then? It wasn’t our master, was it?
No. I have not heard him mention anything of the sort… How long have we had this list…?




Just keep quiet and focus on finishing your tasks, Inmate!
Caroline, should we consult with our master about this?



All our master told us to do is oversee the rehabilitation, and it’s our duty to follow orders. We shouldn’t waste his time on something this pointless.
...Indeed. It does not matter who thought of the list.



Of course, we will continue to offer benefits to you if you can further fulfill our tasks. All that we ask is that you work hard in the duty you are assigned. ...We shall do the same.
I feel like my bond with Caroline and Justine is growing deeper…

”I don’t know what any of this conversation means, but I wanted them to be eyepatch buddies.”



Lockdown is interesting. We’ll go into what exactly it is later.



You may now place a Persona into Lockdown and train it to learn new skills.
While you’re lazily wasting away, your Persona’s gonna grow all on its own. Talk about hospitality! ...Anyway, time for your next task! According to the list, it’s… uh… What is it, Justine?
The next task is...



One more thing… the next privilege we provide for you will unlock great power. Therefore, we will need you to fulfill two more tasks before we can hand it over to you.
*chuckle* The world’s not so easy, is it!? First up, bring us a Flauros that has Tarukaja!
As always, speak to us once you have obtained it. We will know if the deed is done. Am I clear?



Back in the palace, Ryuji finally learns Mazio.

”I like pirates a lot. We learned about them in social studies and they’re really cool! Ryuji’s the best!”

Accurate.

Music: Price





Yeah, it has to be the one they’re controlling externally. So this is right above it…
So what, this is the control room or something? What’s the point of comin’ here?



Perceptive as usual, Joker. We should be able to ride on top of the elevator.
I see. We sneak atop it, then wait for it to move on its own.
It does sound like that plan will take us further down.
All right, let’s get on there!









Is that Kaneshiro…!?




”I don’t like the scary purple man! He looks like Hitler!”

...Huh, I guess I kinda see the resemblance. It’s nothing compared to this, though:



It seems painfully obvious where the Treasure is now...
But the map from earlier doesn’t show that much… I wonder if there’s another one somewhere.
In any case, heading down should be the best move. Let’s keep our eyes out for a map while we explore!



Up ahead, Ari finds our first safe room.




Joker, can’t you use your observation skills to see the camera’s range? Make sure it doesn’t catch sight of us!



You can see the camera’s range with Third Eye, as per usual.



What’s wrong, Joker?
Is that a device of some kind? Let’s go check it out.



The word “camera” is written on it...
Oh, this must be for the surveillance cameras! Let’s destroy it, Joker!



Nice kick!

A swift kick...



...turns the cameras off.

Ohhh, I get it! We can break this shit to kill the cameras!



Further ahead, there are two cameras blocking the way.




Ari kicks one power box, turning off the first camera.




And now the second.




Morgana learns Me Patra (Patra but multi-target) and Yusuke learns Counter (10% chance to reflect Physical attacks).



Further ahead, there’s a honeypot. Ignoring Makoto’s warning will cause you to run smack-dab into view of the cameras.



Kicking the power box around the corner solves that problem.




Finally, using the keycard here allows you to unlock a shortcut back to the safe room.

I’d love to say this weird bullshit was over, but, well…

”That’s all for today! I’ve got the rest ready, but I’ll save it for later. So long for now!

Also I drew this shark I hope you like it”



*sigh* What he said. See you chumps later. I’m gonna go rethink all of this.