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shonpota · 16 hours

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[BSTS] Kokuyou Birthday 2024 4* Card Story

chapter 1 -starless hallway-

kokuyou: Oh so you’re here today huh? Come to enjoy my hospitality this month have you?

saki: Wah?

kokuyou: I’m talking about the special butler service we’ll be doing for my birth month. I figured I should at least get used to the outfit first. Not like I’ve got much choice. I’m too old to be throwing a fit and saying I don’t wanna do it.

saki: That’s very mature of you.

kokuyou: But still, last year we all made merry choosing presents and this year we’re cosplaying butlers? As usual, the way this store works ain’t normal.

saki: (I can’t imagine Kokuyou-san acting like a proper butler and serving guests like that at all.)

kokuyou: What’s with that strange look you’re giving me? Anyways, look forward to it, yeah?

saki: Huh?

kokuyou: You’re way to easy to read. C’mon, I’ll escort you to your seat.

-starless restaurant area-

kokuyou: Here’s the menu. I’ll attend to the other guests while you decide what you’d like to order. Is that ok?

saki: Ah, yes. That’s fine.

kokuyou: Sorry, I’ll be right back.

-koku moves to another guest-

kokuyou: Hey, you’re a regular aren’t you? Your seat is this way, follow me.

-koku moves to another guest-

kokuyou: I don’t need to give you a long welcome spiel do I? So, what do you wanna order?

Got it, I’ll bring it out once it’s ready… What, you think I’m lacking as a butler? I’m missing a my butler’s smile? Hah, you must still be half asleep. That’s not what you really want from me is it?

saki: (H-he’s killing it out there!)

-koku moves to another guest-

kokuyou: I see your glass is empty. What would you like for your next drink? You’ll leave it to me? I’ll make sure to get you something real exciting then.

Yeah of course it’ll be low on the alcohol, the show hasn’t even started yet after all.

Ah sure, you can take one quick photo. I’m only giving this kinda service while it’s my birthday month, so you better enjoy it.

chapter 2 -starless lobby-

saki: (I wonder if Kokuyou-san is still in the restaurant area?)

-cg

kokuyou: You’re still here? I thought you’d gone home already. Today’s butler service has already ended I’m afraid, all the guests have left. Or did you forget your bag or something?

saki: No, but I did forget to say something… Happy Birthday, Kokuyou-san. I’m glad I got to celebrate such a special day with you.

kokuyou: …Yeah, thanks.

kokuyou: ……..

kokuyou: Hey, do you still have some time?

saki: Hm? Yes.

kokuyou: Wait there in that seat then.

-koku leaves-

saki: (Kokuyou-san…? I wonder what he’s doing.)

-time pass, koku returns-

kokuyou: —I am most sorry for the wait, my lady.

saki: …!?

kokuyou: Please enjoy this drink. I prepared it just for you, Miss Saki.

saki: Wh- Huuuh…!?

kokuyou: Tonight please allow me to take care of whatever it is that you wish.

saki: I couldn’t make you do that…! Um, Kokuyou-san…?

kokuyou: …Pfft, how come you’re freaking out? I’m a butler at the moment, right? So you should act the part too.

saki: Huh!?

kokuyou: So, my lady. What is it that you desire?

choice:

Have tea together / Don’t be unreasonable! / Excuse yourself

>have tea together

saki: Would you like to join me for some tea?

kokuyou: Very well. Then, please allow me to take the seat beside you.

saki: O-of course…!

-koku sits down-

kokuyou: Hahahah, we’re both pretty bad at this huh? You can’t stay in character at all.

saki: That’s because you sprung this on me so suddenly, I couldn’t help but be surprised!

kokuyou: I think that should do it. I had just been planning to entertain you a little as thanks for the birthday wishes but I ended up having fun myself.

I don’t consider my birthday to be anything special, its just another normal day like any other. However, it wasn’t half bad hearing you congratulate me. So thanks, Saki.

I’ll make sure to properly play my part as your butler for the rest of the month, so come and visit the store whenever you feel like it. I’ll have to say this every time won’t I?

“Welcome back, my lady.”

—end

other choices:

>don’t be unreasonable

saki: Hmph! You’re being unreasonable!

kokuyou: Hah… My deepest apologies. Please grant me your forgiveness, my lady.

saki: Oh, no! I’m sorry too— Ah, wait, oops…

kokuyou: Hahahah, we’re both pretty bad at this huh? You can’t stay in character at all.

>excuse yourself

saki: Please excuse me.

kokuyou: What are you saying, my lady?

saki: Uhh… I can’t think of anything else to say…!

kokuyou: Hahahah, we’re both pretty bad at this huh? You can’t stay in character at all.

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shonpota · 4 days

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Ok i am alive i just feel tumblr is not for me

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shonpota · 16 days

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[BSTS] Hari Easter 4* Card Story

do I need to put a cw for necrophilia implications?? LOL (note: Team C’s show is based on the nursery rhyme ‘Who Killed Cock Robin?’ by Mother Goose but it has been changed to be a story about humans, Hari’s role ‘Kaito’ is the kite, ‘Mei’ is the heroine/audience and she is the cock robin, ‘Sienna’ is who kills her.)

chapter 1 -break room-

hari: ……… (deep in thought)

hari: …No, doing it this way is still no good.

saki: (Maybe I shouldn’t bother him.)

hari: Oh, Saki-san. Sorry for standing in the way, would you like to use the vending machine?

saki: Ah! No, that’s not… I’m sorry for interrupting you.

hari: Interrupting me? In what way?

saki: Um, it looked like you were really thinking something over, that’s all.

hari: Oh, I’m sorry it appears I’ve caused a misunderstanding. Was I wearing a troubled expression? If so, don’t worry as that’s not the case. Our rehearsal just ended so I was cooling off and rearranging my thoughts.

It’s the funeral scene in particular that I’m stuck on. No matter what I do I can’t seem to make it flow well… After I carry Mei’s coffin to her grave site, how am I supposed to monologue about my feelings to the audience? Wouldn’t I just be forcing my own interpretation onto those watching?

saki: What do you think would improve the flow of the dialogue, Hari-san?

hari: I want to express my feelings towards Mei in the scene before the one where I carry her coffin. I want to reveal my feelings to Mei and Mei alone. Whilst no one else can overhear.

saki: I see, it is a very personal moment after all.

hari: After I proposed to make the scene this way the team fell into a bit of a heated discussion… Rehearsal ended without us coming to a resolution and so I’ve been left to think it over myself. My suggestion aside, it wasn’t productive to stop the run through of the show in that way. Getting all worked up like this isn’t like me, it’s not a mistake I usually make.

saki: I can tell that you’d just like to make the show the best it can be though.

hari: …Thank you. The reason I came to this store is because I wanted to experience all sorts of new things. I thought that they would become a good foundation for my improvement. However, now I simply enjoy facing the shows head on.

saki: I think that’s wonderful.

hari: I agree. I feel as though I’ve discovered a new side to myself. However there’s no point in having ones emotions take the forefront when the direction and expression of the scene aren’t there to back up the moment. I need to grasp this opportunity and make it my own. That way I can show it to you on the stage.

chapter 2 -starless stage-

hari: “The funeral proceedings are over, I shall carry her coffin to the cemetery.”

saki: (Kaito is going to carry Mei’s coffin… It’s the scene that Hari-san was talking about the other day.)

hari: “I wanted to see you one last time, as you sleep soundlessly inside your coffin. Mei… Do you really forgive Sienna? Was it really your wish to die by his hand? Even if you do forgive him, I simply cannot. I wanted you to live on, in whatever form that may have been. So please take your answer with you high into the sky, into the heavens above…”

“Let us go now, Mei. I’ll be the only one who lays a finger on your coffin. —Ah, my dear Mei. Like this we’re finally alone together, aren’t we? Just the the two of us.”

-time pass, after show, backstage-

hari: You came to watch the show, Saki-san. As you saw I did end up changing the order of the scenes a little. If the bird that carries the coffin is a black kite, then I think this direction fits perfectly.

saki: What do you mean?

hari: It’s because black kite’s are known to be scavengers. Mei had a mysterious illness which caused her body to decay and rot away over time, and even after death her corpse will continue to do so. This time, after the funeral Kaito accepts Mei’s coffin and carries it whilst being ‘alone together’ with her. It poses the question, was Mei still inside that coffin by the time he delivered it to the cemetery?

saki: That’s…

hari: Of course, its fine to imagine that she is still there peacefully sleeping in her coffin too. Throughout the run of the show my interpretation of the anger that I feel towards Sienna gradually changed too.

To be honest, at first I never imagined I’d be able to come up with an idea like this. Perhaps its because of the experience I’ve gained performing so many shows here at Starless, or perhaps… These sorts of feelings had already been residing deep within my heart. The feeling of not wanting to hand the person that you love over to anyone else. That’s the emotion I had been trying to grasp.

—end

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shonpota · 17 days

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[BSTS] April Fool’s 2024 ‘The Hero, Reincarnated in Another World’ Event Story - Final

Part 2

Chapter 14

-starless hallway-

haseyama: So we've finally reached the Demon King's castle huh... You call this place a castle? It's just the store isn't it?

strongest sorcerer (lico): The store?

haseyama: Never mind. So, where's the Demon King?

strongest sorcerer: Who knows. He's probably chilling in a large room somewhere right?

warrior (kokuyou): Let's try that room. I'm sensing something is in there.

-starless restaurant area-

warrior: Hm? Is that a treasure chest over there?

haseyama: A chest in the Demon King's castle you say? Allow me to open it... Oh? What's this? Gold?

strongest sorcerer: Ooh, I knew loot from this castle would be good. That's a gold pendant...

-kokuyou runs in front of them-

warrior: —Get down, quick!!

haseyama: Woah!?

-zakuro attacks kokuyou-

??? (zakuro): My oh my, I did not calculate that you would be able to predict my attack. The Hero party's strength is no lie.

haseyama: Who are you?

-taiga appears-

poison fang of the north (taiga): That's my automaton. It's being controlled by my puppeteer magic. Sorry for ruining your fun after you just arrived, but you'll be becoming my creation’s prey.

strongest sorcerer: It's a doll? Is that why it's moving in such a creepily unnatural way?

??? (zakuro): My my, there is no need to address me in such a rude manner.

poison fang of the north: Just ignore them. Now go, HAK=T=M! Defeat the Hero!

HAK=T=M (zakuro): Indeed, indeed!

-zakuro attacks-

warrior: How annoying, don't get any closer.

-kokuyou fights back-

HAK=T=M: Ough!! I-indeed... indee... indedededede...de...zzzt...

-zakuro shuts down-

haseyama: What's this? It only took one hit to take it out?

poison fang of the north: H-HAK=T=M~!!

warrior: Well then, looks like it's your turn to get punched in the face.

poison fang of the north: Ah, no, I surrender. Please let me join your side.

haseyama: What?

poison fang of the north: I stand no chance in a 3v1. My motto is 'if you can't beat them, join them'. I don't actually care about being one of the Demon King's great leaders or whatever.

strongest sorcerer: Wow, this guy really just threw his weapon down without hesitation. Does he have no pride?

poison fang of the north: Anyways, that warrior you've got on your team is real strong. I respect his ability. Is it ok if I refer to you as 'big bro'? I want to work for you.

warrior: Sure thing.

poison fang of the north: Thanks! Here, I'll cast some buffing spells on you.

warrior: Do whatever you want.

poison fang of the north: —No, by God Keep rolling Feel it in my bones...

strongest sorcerer: Huh? That spell... Watch out!!

haseyama: ...!? What do you mean!?

poison fang of the north: —No exit!

-spell is cast-

warrior: ...!?

-room explodes-

-starless hallway-

strongest sorcerer: Shit that was close, he used explosion magic. If I'd been caught up in that I'd be dead! I'm done with this dangerous mission, I'm leaving!

-cut back to restaurant area, place is destroyed-

warrior: ...Fuck that hurt. That wasn't a buff, you asshole.

poison fang of the north: What!? You're alive...? How is that possible!?

warrior: Kuku, you wanted to call me big bro right? Well as your big brother how about I correct that rebellious behaviour of yours? Come with me.

poison fang of the north: Ky-kyaahhh!? Where do you plan on taking me...!?

-kokuyou drags taiga away-

—end

*HAK=T=M - reference to the song hakuchuumu/daydream

Chapter 15

-starless hallway-

haseyama: (coughing) ...Godammit. Was that explosion just now caused by magic or something? The path I came in from has caved in... Oi, is anyone there!?

haseyama: .......

haseyama: ...So they all ditched me in the final stretch huh? Those damn brats! Well, it can't be helped I guess... I'll just have to do something about this myself. Hah, reminds me of when I was a kid. I'd rush into raids all on my own...

-haseyama's office-

haseyama: Come on out, Demon King! Where are you at? Show yourself already!

-takami appears-

??? (takami): Welcome, Hero. So you've made it this far.

haseyama: Hah, you're the Demon King then? I see, I'm gonna wipe that smug smile off your face.

??? (unei): W-wait! He's not the Demon King, I am!!

haseyama: ...What!? You? Aren't you just Unei!?

??? (unei): (clears throat) Indeed... I am the one who soars in the sky decorated with white stars, the king of everlasting darkness who reigns over the demon world from my throne— It is I, The Demon King of the White Star Realm! The strongest, most fearsome Demon King who rules over this land!

haseyama: That's one lame name you've given yourself.

demon king (unei): Come, Hawklook, destroy the Hero!

hawklook (takami): Yes, my lord.

saki: Wait, p-please stop this!

haseyama: So the princess really was you after all, young lady.

demon king: It is fine, princess. I shall defeat the Hero, so watch closely.

saki: (Nothing about this is fine though...)

hawklook: Let us fight. I'll make you bow before the Demon King, dear Hero.

haseyama: Uwah!? He's so fast!

mob class demon: Allow me to help you, Hawklook-sama~! There's no way the Hero can win against our numbers~!

haseyama: Huh!? I have to deal with those weak ass mobs too?

hawklook: Is this really the time to take your eyes off me?

haseyama: Guh... Ah, shut up!

mob class demon: The Hero is backed into a corner! We're sure to win at this rate~!

demon king: Kukuku... I wouldn't count the Hero out yet. You agree, don't you princess?

saki: Um... Could you stop fighting now...?

demon king: Of course not, its almost time for my debut! Watch me, princess! It's showtime!

haseyama: ...!?

demon king: 'White Wish'... Assemble the darkness, Starry Love!

-unei casts magic-

haseyama: Uwah... Aaghhhhh!!

-screen goes white-

—end

Chapter 16

-haseyama's office-

-screen flashes red-

haseyama: Sh..it...

demon king: Haahahahahah!! The Hero is no more~!!

haseyama: Being done in by Unei... How could something like this... happen...?

-haseyama collapses-

-white screen, kei appears-

king (kei): Hah, how unsightly.

haseyama: You...! Kei you damn... Wait no, you were that unreasonable king right?

king: So in the end this is how much a man like you could achieve. You were truly nothing but a disgraceful man who was only a hero in name.

haseyama: Excuse me!?

king: Even though it was faint, I was a fool for expecting anything great from you. Giving you that legendary sword was a grave mistake. There was no way you could've become a hero.

haseyama: You're the asshole who summoned me here in the first place! Quit talking crap and just return me to my world already!

king: Oh? So you still have the strength to snap back at me? In that case, stand back up, Hero. Use the true power of that blade, the 'Stein Schwartz'... Show them the skill of legend—

haseyama: What...!?

-haseyama's office-

hawklook: What would you like me to do, Demon King-sama? Shall I finish him off with a stab to the heart?

demon king: Uhh, I don't think we need to go that far... While he's still unconscious let's just dump him outside the castle...

mob class demon: Leave throwing him outside to me~!

saki: Um, so the fighting is done now?

haseyama: ...Ah... Damn it...

mob class demon: Oh, Demon King-sama, the Hero seems to have awoken.

demon king: What? Then whack him unconscious again—!

haseyama: Tch, I just have to win huh?

hawklook: Oh my, you can still stand?

demon king: Huh, you're gonna fight again? I'd really wish you'd just surrender already though...

haseyama: ...Unei, I think it's about time I put you back in your place!

demon king: Whaaat!?

-flash of light-

demon king: W-what's that? The Hero's sword is glowing...!?

haseyama: It's shining with my ultimate skill! Blow them away— Scarlet Desire!!

-screen goes white-

mob class demon: Aaaahhh~! He's got us~!!

-kasumi disappears-

hawklook: Guh...! So this is the Hero's ultimate skill...! This is where I withdraw.

-takami disappears-

demon king: Aaaahhhh... Uwaaaahhhhhhh~!!

-credits roll-

—end

Chapter 17

-starless office-

saki: (waking up) Mm... Hm? This is...

unei: Ah, are you awake, Saki-san? You'll catch a cold if you sleep in here!

saki: Oh... Please excuse me.

saki: (I fell asleep... So was all of that just a dream?)

unei: So um, by the way, how was it?

saki: Hm? How was what...?

unei: Whaat, did you not even read it? I'm talking about the novel I wrote about myself being a hero!

saki: Oh.

saki: (That's right, I vaguely remember I had been reading a fantasy novel that Unei-san wrote.)

unei: Was it no good...? I tried my best at drawing the map of the world as well...

saki: Ah, no, I didn't mean to imply that. I thought it was a very interesting novel.

unei: Really? I'm so glad, thank you! I thought the same when I tried designing those outfits, but creating something yourself is really fun. Since I ended up writing so much I'm going to publish it on a web novel site.

saki: That sounds like a good idea.

unei: I want to keep challenging myself by trying new things. Because I'd be happy if any of those skills end up becoming beneficial for the store!

saki: Fufu, do your best.

unei: Ah... Oh right! I had to discuss something with Yakou-san. I have to step out for a bit, you can stay in the office however long you need to, Saki-san!

saki: Thank you.

-unei leaves-

-aogiri walks in-

aogiri: Hello, Saki-san. I see you're awake now.

saki: Yes, sorry about that. I accidentally dozed off.

aogiri: It's no trouble at all. Were you reading that book? It was an interesting story, wasn't it? Though, I did find Unei-san being the Demon King to be a little unbelievable.

saki: That's true— No, wait, but I'm pretty sure Unei-san was the hero in the novel...

aogiri: Fufu. The truth is… I'm also capable of casting some magic. Whether you want to believe it or not is up to you.

—end

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shonpota · 20 days

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[BSTS] April Fool’s 2024 ‘The Hero, Reincarnated in Another World’ Event Story - Part 2

Part 1

Chapter 9

-village, day-

priest (qu): Let's rest in this town. I need to replenish my magic.

warrior (kokuyou): Can the Hero really not move on his own? Can't be helped I guess, let's find a treatment facility.

haseyama: Hurry it up! Ow, it hurts so bad...

-sin appears-

??? (sin): ...That sword. Are you the Hero?

haseyama: Huh?

??? (sin): ...It's grey exterior has been polished to be as pure as ice and snow.

haseyama: What are you talking about?

??? (sin): The chaos that crawled out from the underworld laughs in mockery. It reverberates all around, crushing each and every star in the sky, returning everything back to nothingness.

strongest sorcerer (lico): Um, what is this guy going on about?

haseyama: Who knows. I guess he's exactly the same even in this world.

-nekome appears-

villager B (nekome): Oh, would you like me to interpret for you? I can more or less understand what that man is saying.

haseyama: Oh really? Sure then.

villager B: This man used to be a hero but he was defeated by the Demon King. Now he's in this town recovering from his injuries. That's what he's saying... I think.

strongest sorcerer: You think?

haseyama: You, did you used to be a hero? If you fought with the Demon King then surely you know the directions to his castle, yes?

former hero (sin): A place without a sun cannot be called hell. For it is under the bright sun in which darkness spreads further.

villager B: He's probably saying that the Demon King is super strong no matter what.

strongest sorcerer: Probably?

haseyama: I don't care about that, I'm asking you for directions!

former hero: On the path to chaos you will meet with a bewildering forest as far as the eye can see. You can do naught but pray for Hermes' divine protection to guide you.

villager B: "The Demon King's castle is really big and fancy so it's easy to get lost in it~" Or something like that.

strongest sorcerer: Something like that? Why are you so unsure of your own translations?

villager B: That's cause I'm not completely sure what he's saying either. Sorry if I got anything wrong~

strongest sorcerer: Can this guy really be called an interpreter?

former hero: ...On the way to the Demon King's castle is a large and winding forest. Without a map you will not be able to traverse it.

strongest sorcerer: So he was translating wrong after all! Also what, you could've just spoken normally this whole time??

haseyama: Where am I supposed to find this map exactly? And don't say to head north!

former hero: The goddess behind the palms in the depths of the forest is laughing. Where exactly are you planning on going with those clothes made of scrap paper?

villager B: I think he's saying that you have no chance of defeating the Demon King if you don't gather better items and equipment first~?

haseyama: That's true. Video games always make you prepare better equipment too. But how the heck am I supposed to pay for it all? That stupid great leader or whatever stole every last cent we had!

warrior: We can't do much other than defeating some weak enemies to earn some pocket change.

haseyama: Do we really have to do something as tedious as that? Such a pain.

villager B: Ah, in that case there's a place nearby you could visit. It's the ALL IN casino.

haseyama: A casino! That's exactly what we need! We can rake in a large sum of money real quick!

qu: And where do we get the money to make our initial bet exactly?

haseyama: I'll just use my sword.

strongest sorcerer: If you do that and end up losing the sword don't expect any of us to stick around.

haseyama: Ah shut up! What other option do I have here?

—end

Chapter 10

-inside casino-

haseyama: So this is the ALL IN casino huh? Hey, is the owner here? Bring him out!

casino owner (hari): Oh my, if it isn't the Hero himself. I humbly welcome you to my casino.

haseyama: ...So you're the owner. Well whatever, our standings mean nothing in this world. I'm the Hero, I've come here to win big.

casino owner: I'm honoured. Which game would you like to play?

haseyama: Whatever is fine. I'd like a high stakes table where you can win a huge amount in one round.

casino owner: I see... And how much money do you currently have on hand?

haseyama: I don't have any. I'm the hero so I'm paying with credit!

casino owner: Throw him out please.

bodyguard (kongou): Yes sir. You, we're heading out the back entrance. Never show your face here again.

haseyama: Excuse me!? Who do you think you're saying that to━

??? (ran): Hey hey. Are ya really the Hero, old man?

haseyama: And what are you supposed to be?

viper gang leader (ran): I'm the leader of the Viper Gang, we're a group of bandits. Let's play a round together, old man Hero.

haseyama: A round in what?

viper gang leader: Poker! An' we'll have the other guests of the casino bet on who they think'll win. The winner takes all the cash. I'll let the owner decide the payout percentage. Does that sound good?

haseyama: Fufu, Poker huh? Sure thing. This is an unexpected opportunity.

bodyguard: What do you think, owner? Do we allow them to play?

casino owner: It's fine, I'll allow it. If you're really calling yourself the Hero then show me you can beat the Viper Gang. I'll have high expectations.

haseyama: Hmph, leave it to me.

-time pass, playing poker-

haseyama: Call! What're you gonna do?

viper gang leader: Hmm... Ya probably only have a two pair, I have a straight so I'll raise.

haseyama: Huh!? ...Tch, I fold.

viper gang leader: Hahah, I win again~ Ya not lucky at all huh, old man?

haseyama: ...Oi, use your magic on him.

strongest sorcerer: What?

haseyama: The way he's able to predict everything is fishy. He's definitely using some sort of magic.

strongest sorcerer: Are you sure you're not just bad at poker?

haseyama: I know a cheater when I see one! If you won't check then I'll just have to doubt your magical ability instead!

strongest sorcerer: What kind of reasoning is that? Well whatever, I'll check. ━Reflection magic!

-screen flashes white-

viper gang leader: Woah!? What just happened?

strongest sorcerer: ...Oh, he actually was using magic. That guy is using x-ray vision magic to see through the cards.

viper gang leader: Agh!

haseyama: Hey now, seeing through the cards is cheating is it not? Can you really allow that to slide, mister owner?

casino owner: Of course not. The Viper Gang Leader is disqualified!

viper gang leader: Seriously!? Wait a sec, it was just a little prank, I swear!

bodyguard: You must leave immediately. Never show your face here again.

viper gang leader: No way~!!

-ran gets escorted out-

haseyama: Tch, trying to win by cheating. I hate dishonest players like that.

-sotetsu appears-

??? (sotetsu): Congrats on the victory, Hero-san. It's a joyous occasion winning so much cash isn't it?

haseyama: Huh? Who are you?

information broker (sotetsu): I'm just a humble information broker. I bet on you to win and just made billions.

haseyama: Billions...!? You mean all the other guests thought I'd lose?

information broker: I'm grateful you won, so I'll let you in on some top secret information. You'll accept it yeah?

haseyama: ...What is it?

—end

Chapter 11

-inside king's castle-

ghost (gui): The crystal is now projecting the Hero. Can you see him?

king (kei): Yes, I do. However... He has conducted some aggressive behaviour at that casino. Was it a mistake to entrust that man with the legendary sword?

-screen flashes white-

king: Who goes there?

master swordsman (yakou): Are you the king of this land? ━I'll be taking your head!

-yakou runs forwards-

ghost: ...! Watch out.

-gui steps in front of kei to protect him-

-kei steps back in front and smirks-

king: Lower your blade. How many times have you attempted this now? Dealing with you is child's play.

master swordsman: Don't you dare underestimate me... Here I come! Technique 'Advance, Bloom of One Hundred Flowers'! Sword style 'Unsinking Moon'!!

king: 'Paint it, all black' ━The light shall vanish, Starless!

-background goes black-

master swordsman: Guh, the light... is gone...!? I can't see anything! Ugh... Uwaaaahhh!!

-inside castle-

ghost: That master swordsman has been coming here daily.

king: It is not only the Demon King who is aiming to take my throne. The peace of this nations citizens is always in danger. Therefore, I cannot step away from my throne... However... Whenever I think about how scared the princess must be, my heart feels as if it's about to break. If that Hero ends up being useless, then even if it means abandoning this nation, I shall defeat that Demon King myself━

-cut away, forest, night-

priest: There's no demons here so the atmosphere is nice and tranquil. The Lost Forest is a surprisingly nice place.

warrior: Who would've thought that guy was gonna give us map for free. He looked like he'd be a pretty useful dude, you should've had him join us.

haseyama: Hah, no thanks. That bastard just wanted to use us for his own gain.

-flashback, casino-

information broker: As for the info I can give you... Did you know that there's a place known as the 'Lost Forest' that blocks the way to the Demon King's castle?

haseyama: That's all you've got? I already heard about that from some guy who was speaking in gibberish.

information broker: If you follow this map closely then you'll get through the Lost Forest without worry.

haseyama: Oh!

information broker: I'll give you this map for free on the condition you settle some trouble that's cropped up in the forest for me. That way I'll be able to use the trade route through there again, deal? I'll be counting on you, Hero.

haseyama: Huh? Why do I have to do that for you!?

-cut back to present, forest, night-

haseyama: That bastard is just treating us like his own personal handymen.

priest: Oh, can you all see that light over there? There's a signboard too.

strongest sorcerer: It says it's an inn called 'Period'. Oh thank god, I don't have to do more camping tonight!

-inside inn-

inn owner (yoshino): Welcome. Oh my, that sword you're carrying. Are you the Hero?

haseyama: Yep, I'm the one whose on his way to save you all. I'd like a room, it's an honour to have me stay here is it not?

inn owner: Yes indeed! The hero party is most welcome to stay here. Please come right this way, I shall prepare a banquet for you all.

warrior: Ooh, a banquet you say? Will booze be included?

inn owner: Of course. It will all be my treat.

strongest sorcerer: My, what an upstanding inn.

haseyama: This is all because I'm the Hero y'know. You should all be more grateful towards me.

priest: ...On your high horse once again I see.

—end

Chapter 12

-inn room-

haseyama: Whew~ The alcohol here is strong!

warrior: Yeah, it's pretty high quality... hm...? What's wrong?

strongest sorcerer: Ngh... My hand is going numb...!

priest: Could it have been spiked with something?

haseyama: You damn inn owner...! What the hell are you trying to pull!?

inn owner: Fufu... fufufu...

-yoshino transforms-

haseyama: Who the hell are you...!?

shunran of the west (yoshino): Thank you for being so easy to deceive, dear hero party. I am one of the four great leaders of the Demon King's army. I have spiked all of your drinks with a poison that inflicts paralysis. With this, you're finished!

haseyama: Oh my, we can't have that.

warrior: Take this!

-kokuyou attacks yoshino-

shunran of the west: Ngh!? How can this be... When did you get behind me? Why are you still able to move!

haseyama: I heard from that information broker that a certain inn in the Lost Forest has had a habit of poisoning its guests!

priest: That's why I used my magic to give everyone poison resistance earlier.

shunran of the west: Then, you collapsed on purpose...!? To trick me!?

haseyama: You should try some of your own poisoned concoctions. Mm, tasty isn't it?

shunran of the west: Guh...! Stop that at once...!

-screen flashes white-

haseyama: Woah!? Huuh...! What's with this powerful wind...! Hm? Oi! Where'd that great leader bastard go!?

priest: ...He disappeared.

strongest sorcerer: What do you expect me to do when he made that sudden gust of wind? I don't want to get something in my eye.

haseyama: God you're all useless!

-time pass, next day, inn-

strongest sorcerer: Yaaawn~ Ah, I slept so well.

warrior: It's been ages since I last slept in a proper room on a futon. I feel so much more refreshed.

haseyama: Let's get going then. We're getting the hell out of this forest.

priest: I'm sorry this is so sudden, but I've decided that I'll be staying here.

haseyama: Huh? Why?

priest: I've taken a liking to this forest. And since the owner of this inn is gone, I'd like to live here and welcome guests in his place. I never had a desire to fight and defeat the Demon King in the first place. My apologies.

strongest sorcerer: Hmph, well whatever. Do as you like.

warrior: No point dragging along someone who has no will to fight.

priest: Thank you for the journey so far, so long, Hero.

haseyama: Tch... Do whatever you want!

—end

*Shunran means spring storm

Chapter 13

-lost forest, day-

warrior: !

-kokuyou attacks kasumi-

mob class demon: Uwah! He got me~!

strongest sorcerer: Take this!

-lico attacks another kasumi-

mob class demon: Kyaahh~! They're strong~!

haseyama: Tch, it takes you guys so long to defeat these mobs. Put more effort into it.

strongest sorcerer: Shut up would you? Our party is smaller now, what do you expect?

warrior: Before we face the Demon King we should probably find some extra firepower.

haseyama: Fine, let's go look for some companions then. What a pain.

-time pass, village-

haseyama: So, what do you think? Spot anyone useful?

strongest sorcerer: Not at all. Despite this village being so close to the Demon King's castle all these villagers are just living their happy go lucky lives.

warrior: There's no mercenaries or bodyguards around.

haseyama: Why's this place so peaceful? Did the Demon King forget to destroy this village? Also are the villagers just fine with living next to the Demon King's castle? Why didn't they evacuate their homes in fear?

warrior: Either way, we won't be finding any new recruits here. What should we do?

haseyama: Well, we've got plenty of equipment and healing potions. I'm sure we'll be fine. Let's rest in this village for today.

haseyama: ━Hey, whoever owns this inn! I'm the guy that's gonna defeat the Demon King, so prepare me a nice room to stay in. You don't get many travellers through here anyways right? Bring out all the booze and meat that you've got!

warrior: ...You're more of a Demon King than a hero yourself.

strongest sorcerer: I'm fine with whatever but this better not end up being my last supper.

-cut away, haseyama's office-

??? (unei): Sigh... Dammit. They're all falling like flies, useless! If they can't defeat the Hero on their own then what good are they. You wouldn't think they were a subordinate of I who is so powerful. So um... Is your name pronounced Hawklook?

??? (takami): That is fine. Rather, you can refer to me as harshly as you like.

??? (unei): Mm, but I'd feel bad about it for some reason. Well whatever. Kukuku, watch yourself Hero, for your next challenge will not be an easy one!

saki: (I don't know who they are, but I hope this Hero person will be ok...)

—end

(to be continued)

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