The heist has officially begun! With your chef cover on (Not Johnnini), you infiltrated the home of the Ace of the Five Titans, and had to prove your culinary skills under the vigilant eye of Chef Haytham Gerges. With no room for failure, you went all out and baked the Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter to impress! After boasting about its magical properties, the other chef wanted to see it in play — with the leftovers in hand, you fed it to the *actual* Main Chef of the kitchen: Ms. Kushi.

Despite being a reasonable expectation, Ms. Kushi surprised you by confessing her physical attraction towards you! Very inappropriate for a first meeting, you’d say. But it’s only the two of you in this guest room…

...And the suspiciously locked closet (with chains AND paper seals!). What’s in there? You need to know! Maybe it’s the Scroll you came looking for!

Anyway, another woman has fallen for your questionable charms. Support is going wild with suggestions on how to proceed, the one thing they agree with is that you gotta act with delicacy!

“W-Was I too forthcoming? With the clarity your dessert spoke into my soul, I don’t believe I said anything outlandish…” Main Chef Kushi wants to hear you out.

“Actually, you haven’t given me room to say anything.” You say.

“I’m all ears, Esteemed Chef Noon. I will not say one more word unless it is necessary.” Kushi obediently stays put. Or she does the facade of compliance, she has other motives to be seen as friendly…

“Mr. Noon, movement is sparse in the house. You won’t be in danger if you proceed with caution.” Vortexia reads the situation through your and Crossbill’s active intel. Basically, you can take your time here if needed.

“Phil, whatever you do. DO NOT ENGAGE with her in any way. She’s nuts!” Vera is as useless as she is pretty.

“Please, be gentle if you turn her down…” Vortexia sounds like someone broke her heart before.

“Do what you must to investigate the room! Got a feelin’ a key is around.” Crossbill can’t help but think about the mysterious closet. Vortexia relayed your bestie’s message verbatim. She’s quite skillful at mimicking voices...

What do you do?

>“Esteemed Chef Kushi, you’re feverish and need to rest. I’ll forget this ever happened.” Give Kushi some medicine lying around, and disengage.
>“Inappropriate question or not, I find you cute. Where are you going with this?” Play along and assess Kushi’s loyalties.
>“There’s a van near this address, wait for me for a couple of hours there…” Let Support handle this one.
>Write In.

>>6244088 (OP)

Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/QM91m
Discord: https://discord.gg/AmjbaTR
Archives: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=do+your+best+quest
(Rough Grammar ‘till half of the 9th Thread)
Incomplete Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-nIx_dvaNCPQ7zLg2BK_ucCyGNM741kAANxqXj7hdDs/edit?usp=sharing

Votes:

Votes are counted until 25 minutes have passed. This rule doesn't apply to the last reply of the day.
Votes that require a dice roll are counted until 15 minutes have passed, so we can speed up the process. Rolls are counted until 10 minutes have passed, so be prepared!

(NEW) Dice Mechanic:

We always roll 1d100s!
Since most people weren’t happy with the system of averaging top four rolls, we’re using best of 2/3/4 depending on the attribute a prompt requires. If Johnny is a genius and it’s a Knowledge based roll, he gets more rolls (Max. 7)! If he sucks, he gets less dice (Min. 2)!

When asked for rolls, I will specify how many you’re going to get. Rolling begins after it’s asked.

Rolling 100 is a critical! There are no Critical Failures anymore!

The difficulty of the roll is tied with the effectiveness of the action. In other words, the harder the option the better the result!

Don’t forget that at the end of the day, this is a story-driven quest! What the prompts are describing is more important than the difficulty of the rolls, for results in a fight.

Again, rolls are only counted when they are posted within ten minutes of being asked, so watch out!

>>6244088 (OP)
>>>“Esteemed Chef Kushi, you’re feverish and need to rest. I’ll forget this ever happened.” Give Kushi some medicine lying around, and disengage.
>Write In.
Check her forehead to see if the fever got worse.

>>6244088 (OP)
>>Write In.
Ask her to help us find the key

>>6244088 (OP)
>>>Write In.
>Ask her to help us find the key
>Ask about what's in the closet

>>6244097
>>6244108
+
>“Inappropriate question or not, I find you cute. Where are you going with this?” Play along and assess Kushi’s loyalties.

>>6244115
+1

Rejected OP picture idea (from Johnny): Bust size lineup of all the girls in the quest.

You'd rather have extra hands to help than turn them away! Kushi looks like she knows a thing or two about this place — with her help, finding the key should be easy.

“First of all, if I may…” You check her forehead to see if the fever has gotten worse. She doesn’t have any real fever, the Beef Bowl did its job. This is something different. Vortexia commends you for being attentive!

“Isn’t evidence such a wonderful thing?” Kushi is pretty confident she’s no longer sick. If you ask her, she’d say she wasn’t to begin with. “Ah! I spoke again. Old habits die hard.”

“Ehem, when it comes to the earlier topic, inappropriate question or not, I find you cute.” You clear your throat only for a less-than-smooth change of subject. Vera is groaning. “But the thing is… I’m here to find a key of sorts.” Now Vera is happy that you’re focused.

“M-Mya! E-Excellent, I can sense that you mean your words from the bottom of your soul!” Kushi almost explodes from the joy. “A-As for the key, what kind of key are you speaking of?” Kushi is willing to hear you out not to blow her chances. Her query has been answered anyway.

“For starters, there’s a mysterious locked closet here.” You point at it.

“That? It’s a matter of little importance! Just things they couldn’t fit in the storage room.” Kushi chuckles at this waste of time. “The owner buys so many props and collectible trinkets that the place is cluttered to the brim. Quite unsafe, you shouldn’t get near it.”

“It wouldn’t be like that if nothing important is in it, right?” You can’t shake off your curiosity!

“Agreed. I’ll unseal it for you if that’s what you desire.” Kushi pulls her purse from the side of the bed and rummages through it to find the key. “I’m allowed to stash my valuable equipment in there.”

“Why not in the kitchen?” You wonder.

“I won’t allow the chance of a lowlife getting to touch my knives, even by accident.” Kushi is protective of her utensils.

“Uhm, it’s not that big of a deal, as long as the knife cuts, it’s fine, right?” You shrug.

“Ugh, the words of an amateur coming from such raw talent and beauty…” Kushi recoils. “Hmph, this is a sign that your skills can develop even further…” The Main Chef changes perspectives. You’re not sure if this means much from a person who doesn’t think that beef and shrimps can go together. But she’s right, you’re an amateur...

“I’m gonna open it! What about the seals?” You get closer, but...

“Hm, those are for show. Props from an old movie production the boss took part in. He might see them as amusing. Perfect to trick bandits.” Kushi dismisses your worries. “Watch your head once you open it.”

>>6244270


You use the door to open the chains on the closet. Inside, you find a bunch of random movie props as expected, and a bag with Kushi’s label on top. You look deeper to find a literal boss key, it even has horns. You were about to dismiss it as a movie prop, but Vortexia (in her Crossbill voice) tells you it’s the real deal.

You pocket the key and hand back the closet key to the Main Chef.

“Esteemed Chef Noon, I failed to ask… Why are you doing this?” Chef Kushi had a moment to think about what’s going on.

You don’t know if you should credit Kushi for coming to her senses briefly, or blame yourself for this pitiful example of Kobashi’s cake...

How do you respond?

>“Oh, I’m here to steal something. Don’t tell anyone, I trust you.” Wink at Kushi.
>“Thanks, by the way!” Ignore the question altogether and headpat the lonely woman.
>“I don’t know, I’m just curious like this.” Keep it casual.
>“No real reason. Now it’s my turn to return the favor! Anything you want from me?” Move past this question quickly.
>“A security person asked me to find a key in this room. I don’t know why either, just doing what I’m told.” Play dumb.
>Write In.

>>6244272
>>“Oh, I’m here to steal something. Don’t tell anyone, I trust you.” Wink at Kushi.

>>6244168

Had to draw it!

>>6244272
>“Oh, I’m here to steal something. Don’t tell anyone, I trust you.” Wink at Kushi.
>"Honestly, the Lonely Lady Heartbreaker was the first version of my ultimate cake. I honestly have no idea why the effects are so similar to the improved version. Typically that one requires two people to make it, and the effects are more extreme the more emotionally... closed off the person is."
>"Chef Kushi, mind if I get your number so we can discuss this at a less stressful time?"

>>6244281
Love it! Did Johnny survive the backlash?

>>6244286
Supporting

>>6244272
>>“I don’t know, I’m just curious like this.” Keep it casual.
>"What do you think about the other chef here? Don't you think his cooking is good? (wink wink nudge nudge)>

>>6244272
Hey Chief does the heart melter's target only have their heart melt for the one who cooked it?

>>6244286
This
Also
>Write In.
“Is that the Jack Frosties costume!?!” Our mystery must be solved!

>>6244294
You (as the baker) put your feelings into the cake, eating the cake feels like receiving the most tender hug when you need it the most. If effective, the person who eats the cake will feel an incredible amount of gratitude for whoever baked it, and will want to show their appreciation. But they don't instinctively know who baked it, they only know if you tell them.

I hope this answers your question!

Time to come clean! You know Kushi is on your side by this point!

“Oh, I’m here to steal something. Don’t tell anyone, I trust you.” You wink!

“P-Pardon me?!” Kushi had to look away to not suffer all the brunt of the damage from your charms!

“I know you heard me right.” You chuckle.

“N-No ordinary thief can trick Chef Gerges…” Kushi acts in denial.

“It should tell you about my aptitudes.” You adjust your glasses. Your cooking is as true as your blood!

“...It seems your carelessness about cookware is the only telling sign about your dubious background.” Again, Kushi will never let an amateur touch her knives.

“Call me what you want, I still trust you.” You wink again.

“L-Likewise…” Kushi doesn’t deny it! Her face is still painted red. You take a closer look.

“Honestly, the Lonely Lady Heart Melter was the first version of my ultimate cake. I honestly have no idea why the effects are so similar to the improved version.” You know it worked on Yareli, but this is a bit much, isn’t it? “Typically that one requires two people to make it, and the effects are more extreme the more emotionally... closed off the person is.”

—

“Your words are absurd. You can convey a deep emotional message through culinary greatness. I haven't felt such a rush since my early childhood, before I closed my heart to devote myself to my craft! I tell you, this is no magic, this is the talent I aspire to reach every day — and I’ve done so many times!” Kushi is either still in denial about food having powers, or wants to believe that her feelings for you are real. Both arguments are pretty indistinguishable at this point.

“D’aww, thank you! I’m glad you think so.” Maybe all you learned was how to make a very delicious cake!

“And such a pleasing reminder should be requited! Follow me to the kitchen at once.” The Main Chef still wants to get to work! “I’ll cook for you, and I’ll cook for you again until you burst out of happiness!”

“Uhm, head chef Kushi…?” You believe she forgot an important detail.

“Kushi. You and only you can call me Kushi.” The Chef smiles.

“Yes! Kushi! Uhm, I’m in the middle of a heist…” You scratch the back of your head. “Do you mind if I get your number so we can discuss this at a less stressful time?”

“My motivation is at an all-time high! You already turned me into an accomplice, so please, tell me how I can be of help!” Kushi wants to return the favor no matter what! Cooking is truly serious business!

Kushi gives you her number anyway. A decision must be made…

>>6244444


What do you do after?

>With the Boss Key, move to the room where the Scroll is. It’s time to steal it.
>Hand over the Boss Key to Crossbill for her to take the Scroll, you’ll continue playing Chef to not raise suspicion on yourself.
>Hand over the Boss Key to Crossbill for her to take the Scroll, you’ll distract security to leave the path open for her.
>Write In.

What do you do with Kushi? (QM Note: If you send her to do the same thing as you are. You’ll work together.)

>Kushi will distract the head of security.
>Kushi will help with the kitchen. Everything will be normal.
>Kushi will be sent to the van until further notice. An ace under your sleeve!
>Kushi will return home with a sick leave, and prepare a feast for your return!
>Tell Kushi to be safe. There’s no need to risk her life.
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>6244286

Nothing bad happened to him! They actually let him do it, to distract him!

>>6244444
>>6244445
>With the Boss Key, move to the room where the Scroll is. It’s time to steal it.
>Tell Kushi to be safe. There’s no need to risk her life.
>Kushi will be sent to the van until further notice. An ace under your sleeve!
Nice quints

>>6244481
I'll back this

As confirmed by your clumsy navigator and the data from everyone assisting you, everything that you need to go to the boss room is already in your possession. If anything, the path forward is straightforward, meaning there’s not much Kushi can help with right now.

“I’d be more relaxed if you were safe. There’s no need to risk your life.” You shake your head. Kushi isn’t satisfied with your answer. “But if that isn’t enough, go to this address, and wait for me inside the van that’s around until I call you. My team is in there.”

“I shall do as you’ve told me. I’ll heed your call at your earliest convenience! Until then, farewell!” Kushi grabs her stuff from the closet and sends you a kiss. “What a pleasant surprise, this is much bigger of a deal than I originally thought…” She mutters to herself before leaving the room.

That’s it for the former storage room.

As you make your way to the vault (?) where the scroll is. You hear your navigation team bickering about Kushi arriving their way.

“Great! Now I’ll have to convince her to join the fan club!” Vera grumbles.

“Mine or his? Also, why…?” Vortexia is perplexed.

“His, duh! And to keep her under control, double duh! I’ll make sure the cat stays in the bag, if you feel me.” Vera acts like it’s obvious.

“How does being part of a fan club help in that regard? Sounds nonsensical as far as I’m concerned.” Vortexia doesn’t buy it.

“W-Why do I feel like you’re questioning me more than you ever question why this mission had to happen…?” Vera is flabbergasted.

“Anyway, Mr. Noon! The coast should be clear! Agent Crossbill is distracting the head of security. I can’t disclose her methods, but they’re very cool and effective.” Agent Clutz partly informs. You feel like she read it from a cue card...

“What are you talking about? The gangster guy is talking to her right now. Dark suit, sunglasses, and a boring haircut, right? I’ve been surveying them this entire time.” Vera crosses her arms. They have an eye on him with another sneaky camera in their clothes

“Hold it…” Vortexia notices something. “I-I think they’re twins…!”

“Not twins…” You remark as you spot someone guarding the entrance to the Vault. “Triplets.”

As labeled next to the gate, it’s not the entrance to a vault, but a home cinema… Still, this is the place to be!

What do you do?
>Put your invisibility cloak on, knock on the door (right next to the guard), wait for her to open it – and sneak in! All in one sweep!
>Approach this woman and act like a Concerned Chef who saw something off in the former storage room!
>Call over Crossbill to distract this guard. She got the wrong one!
>Call over Kushi to distract this guard. No time for her to go in the van!
>Write In.

>>6245027
>>Put your invisibility cloak on, knock on the door (right next to the guard), wait for her to open it – and sneak in! All in one sweep!

>>6245027
>Put your invisibility cloak on, knock on the door (right next to the guard), wait for her to open it – and sneak in! All in one sweep!
I like the triple moles under her eye.

>>6245027
>Put your invisibility cloak on, knock on the door (right next to the guard), wait for her to open it – and sneak in! All in one sweep!

Out of the view of anyone, you let your invisibility shroud your entire body from top to bottom. With the swift steps you learned from Houda Lan, you’re impossible to detect. It takes you no effort to reach the entrance to the Home Cinema, and knock 5 times on the door.

Confused, the guard turns her head to your direction, and hesitates to put her hand on the handle. Before she does so, the door opens. A second (fourth?) identical woman in a suit peeks from the gap. There’s a movie going on inside.

“Why did you knock?” The twin inside the cinema asks the one outside, voice low.

“I did not knock.” The outsider grumbles as she whispers back.

“Then who did, hmm?” The one inside acts like the other is being childish.

“You did.” The outsider furrows her eyebrows.

“I did? It came from outside.” The insider raises an eyebrow.

“No, it didn’t.” The outsider doubles down.

“Yes, it did.” The insider bickers. “Look around and find what it was.”

“No, you look inside, and figure it out.” The outsider barks.

You don’t think you can make it through the gap, so you’ll push through.

…

The sudden widening of the gap took the Insider by surprise, and trips to the wayside. Whoops.

You’re inside the home cinema, and there’s nothing homely about it. It’s a carbon copy of a regular one, except flat like an auditorium. A giant screen, luxurious chairs, red carpet, noise-canceling walls, and a great sound system… Maybe this is VIP section quality. Oh, and the movie playing is a crime drama, not that you care.

“G-Ggh…” The one you pushed stands up.

“Get it together, the boss is going to hear you.” The outsider reveals a tiny smirk as she extends her hand to help.

“Y-You pushed the door.” The insider refuses to take accountability as she grabs her coworker’s hand.

>>6245075


From the middle row, a hand raises up holding a TV remote and stops the movie. Complete silence engulfs the theater, both guards stay put.

“Giiiirls! What’s the ruckus?” A flashy guy tilts his head backwards to look at the two bickering guards.

“Mr. Zexian. We heard a strange noise and we were trying to determine what it was.” Outsider explains.

“Apologies for interrupting the movie screening as well.” Insider adds.

This man… this is the Ace of the Titans, the number 1! Mr. T-Rex!

“What did I say before? I have enough time to watch one movie before our guests arrive, right?” Jielun Zexian asks. “You know what that means...”

“Sir, we have to identify the sound first.” Insider retorts.

“From what I heard, it was one of you two… wasn’t it?” Jielun Zexian raises an eyebrow. “The one who did it, just confess, and lemme finish my movie.”

“…” Both remain silent.

“I won’t get mad. You know I’m a class act. A friend.” Jielun Zexian can’t believe they’re both staying quiet.

“…” Both remain silent again.

“Hahaha… That’s it. I’m closing shop.” Jielun Zexian presses a button on his remote that locks all the exits in the room with bars — like a spy movie! This is a fire hazard! “One of you, confess. C’mon, be good sisters.”

“…” Neither will admit fault.

This is becoming very silly…

You spy around and see there’s one door at the end of the room that leads behind the projector. It has a silly locket that totally indicates the Boss Key will work here. But, with the extra security.

What do you do?

>Get closer to the Boss Door and wait for this to pass. They can’t stay here forever, they have guests later!
>Tell Clutz to mimic the voice of one of the guards, and make her confess using your phone speakers.
>Tell Vera to make rat noises, and make her confess using your phone speakers. There’s a rat in this house.
>Knock the wall at the other side of the room, leave them distracted, figuring this out. A ghost (You) will take the blame…
>Turn the lights off. They probably panic and end up opening the doors. You’ll go through the Boss Room as soon as they do. (You have night vision!)
>Write In.

(Last Reply of the Day, we continue tomorrow!)

>>6245076
>>Turn the lights off. They probably panic and end up opening the doors. You’ll go through the Boss Room as soon as they do. (You have night vision!)

>>6245076
>>Knock the wall at the other side of the room, leave them distracted, figuring this out. A ghost (You) will take the blame…
Or pipes just knocking

>>6245076
>Knock the wall at the other side of the room, leave them distracted, figuring this out. A ghost (You) will take the blame…

It's the pipes. Plumber must have cheaped out on the caulk.

If they’re looking for a sound, they’re going to find it. You walk sideways from the entrance, and knock on the wall. Five taps again. Was it a ghost? A rat? The pipes? Who knows? It’s up to them to figure it out.

“Is that the noise?” Jielun Zexian asks his crew.

“No, it’s different.” Both say in unison, assured they heard something else.

“Maybe you got it wrong?” Jielun shrugs.

“Impossible.” Former Outsider says.

“I know what I said.” Insider replies.

You knock the wall again.

“Ladies?” Jielun is waiting for an apology.

“…” Not even their breath escapes their mouths.

“Do you agree that something is clearly wrong on that wall?” Jielun crosses his arms.

“Perhaps.” Insider agrees.

“There’s inconclusive evidence.” Former Outsider denies.

“Hahaha, you’re going to be the end of me!” Jielun facepalms. “To the one who agreed, find a way to fix it. Delegate if you have to.” Jielun presses a button to dispel the bars from the exits! It’s your cue to move forward!

“…” She looks quite grumpy. No time to find out why!

As they are distracted bickering about which of the two should do this, you walked all the way towards the backroom door — and use the obnoxiously obvious Boss Key on the Boss Key locket to open it up. Then sneak in.

The backroom is an actual home cinema, long shelves from top to bottom filled with tapes, DVDs, and other antique forms of cinema to choose from. The side of the shelves has movie posters from the classics to recent flicks. More posters hang from the ceiling like it’s a festival. This place is like a library that solely hosts movies. There’s one not-as-obnoxiously-big TV hanging on the wall, and a rather quaint couch in front. There’s a door to a bathroom, too. That’s neat. You could stay here all day watching the catalog…

But the thing is, where is the scroll? There’s no indication that it is around. In fact, all you feel is that you are invading someone’s man-child cave!

Support is as puzzled as you are, until Crossbill reveals the answer. She tells you to find the case of Zexian’s favorite film… The Koggig!

Despite your initial hesitation, you pull the case from the shelf, and it makes a clicking sound!

…

It unlocked the bathroom. Crossbill says it’s probably in there with some hesitation. Clutz didn’t need to mimic your bestie’s hesitation, but you appreciate seeing all your friend’s flaws. Anyway, you’re one step away from getting the scroll.

“Who dares enter my domain of lousy entertainment but great cultural value?” Zexian opens the door to the entrance of this room! Mr. T-Rex has appeared — and knows immediately that something is afoot if the bathroom is unlocked!

…

You gotta move carefully...

>>6245557


What do you do?

>“It is I, the man of invisibility. I’ll make the ultimate secret of the mafia mine, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me. Bitch.” Be extremely cocky to the point everyone will wonder why you went through the trouble of sneaking in.
>Sneak attack the man with the Spice Technique to knock down people.
>Stay put, don’t do anything, don’t even breathe. Let his suspicion pass.
>Write In.

>>6245557
>Stay put, don’t do anything, don’t even breathe. Let his suspicion pass.
Dude's a martial artist, he'll sense our killing intent. Or whatever intent it is when we're about to knock out a dude.

>>6245558
>>Write In.
Challenge him to a game (entity battle) where if he loses he has to tell us where the scroll is without a fight and not tell anyone about us and if he doesn't accept it tell him that we'll break everything is this room

>>6245558
>>Write In.
Can we mimic the sound of the Koggig?
We can try!

>>6245558
>Stay put, don’t do anything, don’t even breathe. Let his suspicion pass.

>>6245582
I'll change to this.
>>6245561

>>6245558
Sorry, everyone, due to me getting sleepy, we're going to continue tomorrow.

But it will be e a r l y.

>>6245561
Sure!

>>6245561
This
>Write In.
Also ask if he has the sequel to The Koggig since it got mentioned it would raise our Courage a few threads back.

Casually, you dispel your invisibility from in front of the couch, appearing as you were hunched over the entire time — getting things ready to put a play on the TV.

“Hey, I know you gotta have the sequel for the Koggig. Can you lend it to me?” You say as you’re holding the first movie’s case. “It’s an impressive collection, but your cataloging sucks. I couldn’t find it next to the original!”

“You got some spine!” Jielun smirks softly, unimpressed and annoyed. “Under other circumstances, I would’ve humored you.”

“Huh, you really like these movies.” You can see some glee in his glare.

“Isn’t feasting your eyes at the world’s pinnacle of the cinema conservation efforts clue enough?” Jielun says.

“Hey, man, you know how collectors are. Sometimes they don’t have love for the art, but the prestige or the money.” You’d only trust Craig on stuff like this. Too many scalpers in this world.

“You don’t have to worry about the future of film after I grind your bones to make my bread.” Jielun is done messing around.

“Get a little more violent, and your little heaven on earth will end up engulfed in flames.” You threaten. “Now listen to what I have to say.”

“…” Jielun drops his fighting pose.

“I know you have an entity, so let’s decide this in a game.” You say. “If you lose, you’ll tell me where the scroll is without a fight, and you won’t tell anyone about me or what happened ever. You don’t have to accept it if you don’t want to, but I’m serious about turning this place to shreds.”

“If I win, you’ll tell me what you’re up to, you little snake. I want every detail.” Jielun makes the stakes clear on his end.

“Fine by me. I’m calling a Judge through the app.” You get comfortable on the couch as you do so. “It should be here any second now…”

Immediately after the last word comes out of your mouth, an Undisclosed Flying Referee shoots itself down from the skies like a rocket and pierces through every single barrier and wall inside this house, and arrives in front of you two. And yes, it went through part of the collection. Whoops.

“Bwop~!” It’s the Jellyfish Judge! One of Esperanza’s. You thought a Toucan would be dumb enough to skydive into here.

“Ugh, at least it went through the DVD collection…” Jielun is having a hard time calming down.

Even if the Jellyfish Judges were known for their psychopathic behavior, it seems they have chilled out, because it is asking you what game you want to play…

What do you do?

>Challenge him to a 4 vs. 4 Tug-O-War. (You can invite/channel characters in this.)
>Escape Room challenge.
>Challenge him to a Go-Kart Race.
>Write In.

>>6245918
>>Escape Room challenge.

>>6245918
>>Challenge him to a Go-Kart Race.

>>6245918
>>Escape Room challenge.
Looks like the skills learned from the Margician and our other criminal friends might, finally, be of some use here

>>6245918
>Challenge him to a Go-Kart Race.

What style are we doing? Mario Kart style? Crash Team Racing? Diddy Kong? Burnout? FlatOut?

...Big Rigs?

>>6245943
I'll agree only if we race in monster trucks

>>6245918
>Challenge him to a Go-Kart Race.

>>6245918
>Write-In
Martial Arts challenge, let's make Matilda proud.

>>6246018
This another grind before we ever fight Flint to complete our promise with Mats.

You need to challenge him at something that you’ll have the advantage on!

Huh…

The Flying Referee is asking you to pick from a list of predetermined challenges on a touchscreen, similar to the ones bad fast food chains have. Escape Rooms, Tug-O-Wars, Golf, and many others litter the monitor.

…

There are Go-Karts too…

“Is it okay with you if I challenge you to a Go-Kart Race?” You ask to your future opponent.

“Are you politely asking my preference?” Jielun is a bit flabbergasted.

“Um, yeah.” You shrug.

“Despite your methods, you have some honor. Quite a surprise.” Jielun crosses his arms.

“Hey, blame the job, not the person.” You shrug.

“I accept your incoherent yet fun conditions.” Jielun nods.

“Alright, Go-Karts it is!” You press the option.

“Bwop!” The Judge Referee takes your order and makes the screen disappear.

Then a black-hole like dimensional gate appears out of thin air, and sucks you two inside it! This is not the type of nonsense you were expecting! You quickly wake up in a Go-Kart Race Track in another plane of existence. Nothing looks out of place, it’s a perfect recreation, in fact — it’s so good, your equipment is working as always, meaning support is losing their minds.

“WHAT? WHAT? WHAT?!” Clutz can’t comprehend what just happened. You should’ve turned your camera off.

“S-Since when does stuff like this happen?!!!” Vera can’t believe it either.

“This is new.” You clear your throat.

“Were we teleported somewhere else? That’s vastly complicated.” Jielun is wondering if this is going to take too long.

“I’m not sure anymore…” You’re out of words.

The Flying Referee makes a holographic screen appear, and on it — the rules. There are none aside from the regular 3 Laps, you’re encouraged to throw stuff at people. Yes, weapons will be provided as you go. This pretty much confirms you’re in some sort of dream dimension, or something.

Maybe it’s like the Bubble? It says you can’t die here. Maybe you couldn’t die over there too? How does this work? It’d be a better idea if your frame of reference is the Esperanza Tournament. It doesn’t explain how the others can watch this shit, but you gotta roll with it.

>>6246046


“Hey, what do you mean we’re waiting for more players?” You noticed down below. “I’m fighting this guy.”

“Bwop.” The Flying Referee explains that whoever gets the best result of the two will win the duel. But it’s more efficient to have a full lobby of 8 people. If it takes more than 5 minutes, the lobby will be filled with CPUs.

You better prepare to the best of your abilities…

…

You don’t know how to drive. And the closest thing you’ve done that is like this is play video games! And after going through a couple of dates, you don’t think they’re a very realistic representation of the subject they’re about. You did play that retro kart game with Constance and Ame though...

Anyone you know who you’d want to join the race? This won’t help that much. (You have 3 spots.)

>Vera?
>Suan De?
>Constance?
>Xavi?
>B-WORM?
>Nariko?
>Nina?
>Jesse?
>Not Ame. Fuck that. (This option doesn’t select Amelia.)
>Write In. (Only Flame Users allowed.)

What’s the plan?

>Lead all the way. There’s NO way going first can backfire in a Go-Kart race! [Courage Based] [Normal Roll]
>Make sure you’re beating Jielun. Above Mediocrity time! [Athletics Based][Normal Roll]
>Smash the crap out of Jielun’s car during the race. Destroy him. [Courage Based][Hard Roll]
>Learn how to drive properly as you go. It’ll make things easier in the future, but you’ll lose some ground. [Knowledge Based] [Normal Roll]
>Write In.

>>6246048
>>Constance?
>Suan De?
>Learn how to drive properly as you go. It’ll make things easier in the future, but you’ll lose some ground. [Knowledge Based] [Normal Roll]

>>6246048
>Jesse?
>Vera?
>Learn how to drive properly as you go. It’ll make things easier in the future, but you’ll lose some ground. [Knowledge Based] [Normal Roll]

>>6246048
>Nina?
>Aurora?

>>6246055
Forgot the second vote.
>Learn how to drive properly as you go.

Attempt to not ding the go-kart. What would our van think of us if we did?

>>6246051
>>6246052
>>6246055

I'm gonna need you guys to roll 1d100, best of 5!

>>6246083
By the way, we're still accepting votes for the racers.

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>6246083
Here goes nothing babies

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>6246083

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>6246083

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>6246083

>>6246084
Sorry, everyone! Due to the number of drawings and other stuff, I don't think we can continue today. We will continue tomorrow, though!

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>6246083

People start being teleported into the lobby! Many familiar faces — no, scratch that, WAY too many familiar faces are showing up, right now. Well, it’s a bit of a spoiler warning as they’re showing up one by one.

“Vera? What are you doing here?” You can’t believe support is crossing the battle line!

“If you really think I’d stay put when I can do something about this, think again!” Vera grumbles. “Agent Clutz and I came up with this idea together, so you can thank us later. But mainly me! Because I’m here, and she’s not!”

“Oh yeah, how did you get here?” You just realized there’s something off here.

“Cheese-on-Wheels called me over to help! We’re technically having a duel. She’s, like, super clever!” Aurora shows up! Honey Bunny is here to drift! And, whoops, you forgot to call Vera by her professional sobriquet.

“Too bad we can’t go out of our way to help other drivers…” Vera grumbles loudly.

“Honey Bunny?! That’s awesome! I’m so glad you’re also here!” You didn’t expect this! You get a big hug from her!

“Hehe, I had to pretend to be sick to sneak out of class. I’m sleeping in the infirmary!” Rora whispers to you. “I think, anyway. I got sucked here.”

“Wait, we can have long-distance duels?” You realize as they mention it. Maybe you can challenge people through correspondence.

“Oh, you look so hot when you think about the implications of what’s happening…” Vera wants you to do this more often.

“Popular, aren’t you?” Jielun crosses his arms as he says with disdain.

“I mean, like, look at him! That’s a face you love to smooch!” Rora likes you so very much!

“True, true.” Vera nods profusely.

“I respect those who do, but I don’t swing that way, young lady.” Jielun is awfully polite to women.

“Put a shirt on, freak.” Vera doesn’t like him immediately and acts like a guard dog. “Noon, crush this guy.”

“Noon? You’re on a mission? Is that why you’re absent today?” Nina shows up too!

“Oh crap, a teach…!” Vera is horrified at the prospect.

“I-I never said I was faking my illness, no, ma’am! I’m totally sick!” Rora covers her bases.

“...We don’t go to the same establishment.” Vera is astonished by Rora’s lack of common sense.

“P-Please, calm down. I’m not here to scold anyone, or even have the thought cross my mind.” Nina shakes her head.

>>6246949
“I’m so happy to see you here, but *why* are you here?” You’re more surprised to see her here than everyone else! You get another great hug!

“Constance wanted to show me this game, and I’m on my lunch break, so I figured, why not?” Nina shows the little mummy behind her.

“Hey, everyone!” Constance waves at the group! “I put a filter on to keep everyone’s names secret!”

“Constance!!!” You grab the little mummy in the air, then put her down! “How is it going?”

“I’m doing great!” Constance radiates happiness. “I can’t wait to play with all of you!”

“And so we are!!!” Aurora pats the Mummy’s head with her vintage chant! Chan! Chan! Chan!

“You gotta help us beat this dude...” Vera will never take anything easily, as she whispers to the Volleyball Head with bad intentions.

“No cheating!” Constance is too kindhearted for this type of scheme!

“Let’s have a blast, young lady!” Jielun is even more abnormally nice to Constance. Probably because he appreciates the honesty. “And you too, as well, madam.”

“Likewise. Uhm, is he...?” Nina sways her eyes towards you.

“Eyup.” You nod. Now your teacher has the full picture.

“I see.” Nina nods back with determination, then realizes... “Why… Why are you dressed as a chef?”

“To cook, duh.” Rora doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Isn’t he cute?”

“Yes, it fits him perfectly!” Nina approves. “But are you sure it’s not because he went undercover?” The teacher likes this reason way more.

“It’s both reasons, actually.” You adjust your glasses. Rora, Constance, and Nina believe this is pretty cool!

“But what did you cook?” Nina wonders. “Don’t tell me…?”

“Yes, I did, Nina.” You know what she means. “Next one will be yours and even better if I get help!”

“T-Thank you! But I didn’t mean to make this about me. Sorry, everyone.” Nina apologizes profusely. For a moment, she thought you’d forgotten!

“You’re… You’re planning on feeding *that* cake to the teacher…?” Vera is utterly flabbergasted.

“Vera, stop acting like you don’t know Nina. I told you all about her.” You remember

“Sorry, can’t recall much, your recap usually got miles better when she wasn’t around.” Vera admits. Nina is thunderstruck by this!

“Are we talking about cake? If we’re getting some cake, I’d love to eat some!” Rora adds herself to the mix.

“N-No, wait…” Vera doesn’t like where this is going.

“I don’t want to force Johnny to do anything, but if he’s up for it!” Nina is happy to share.

“S-Stop…” Vera is fearful!

“Can we have cookies too?” Constance asks.

“Of course! Anything for you, girls!” You pump your fist!

All the girls (but Vera) cheer!

“Mr. Noon… You’re friends with Nina Uccelli?” Clutz was flabbergasted the moment Nina entered the frame.

>>6246950

But before you can muster a response, more people show up!

“Dragon?” Jielun is the first to react to a newcomer for once.

“Dino boy.” It’s Suan De! Your favorite homeless kitty and Slob Dragon!

“Suan De, I’m so glad you’re here! Did you come to help?” You’re having so much of a blast you destroy any tension between the two. “Thank you!”

“Don’t act like a puppy.” Suan De is a little embarrassed by your genuine reaction.

“Good one again, Vera!” Rora acts like Cheese-on-Wheels is the smartest girl on the planet!

“D-Don’t look at me, I didn’t invite her.” Vera cleans her hands.

“I’m glad you’re here either way.” Nina smiles at the dragon. Constance smiles alongside her.

“You know this gang of misfits? Hm, explains a lot.” Jielun is making his own conclusions.

“And I’m here due to different circumstances.” Suan De relies.

“Which are?” You wonder.

“I knocked on the door, and they attacked me on sight! What’s wrong with this city?! The only saving grace is that I’m dealing with the less unhinged one.” That annoyed voice, it’s Jesse! Your friend from the bubble! “I wanted to pay you a quick visit, now I’m entangled in this meaningless duel.”

“Ichie?” You ask Suan De. Your new hobo can be erratic sometimes...

“Ichie.” Suan De sighs.

“Sorry about that, man.” You scratch the back of your head.

“It could’ve been worse.” Jesse sighs.

“Mr. Rosenberg?” Nina is somewhat surprised to see him here.

“Ms. Uccelli? Are you part of this, too?” Jesse is confused. “Oh, you’re here with Constance. I see.”

“Hey, Jesse! How’s Yukika doing?” Constance wonders.

“She’s fine… She might pay you a visit soon. I should do one as well.” Jesse feels a little guilty.

“You all know each other?” You raise an eyebrow.

“Kata introduced us. I ask her to inform me of all Flame Users she finds, since you know what her ability is.” Nina explains.

“That Kata is trouble…” Vera grumbles.

“Kata? Nah! She’s lovely!” Aurora has a different experience.

“Uccelli and I come from the same town, funnily enough. Never got the chance to talk to her since she’s much older than I am.” Jesse adds.

“Y-You don’t have to specify that much.” Nina feels slighted.

“I mean, I think you look great for your age! Whatever it might be!” Rora sure knows how to cheer someone up! Nina appreciates it somehow.

>>6246952

“You’re dueling with this guy then.” Jesse turns to the main baddie of the day.

“You guys are sharing the spotlight with me? The audience almost forgot I was in this scene.” Jielun chuckles. “Actually, I was enjoying watching you lot interact. It’s never a pleasant time to square off with someone who doesn’t have a heart. I enjoy a fight when it has meaning. I can’t always motivate myself for self-expression.”

“Conceited as always.” Suan De crosses her arms.

“It’s the attitude one needs to have to not let time pass you by.” Jielun smirks. “Our lobby is full, shall the race begin?”

“Bwop!” The Flying Referee opens the portal that will lead to the track.

“Then rev up those engines, because the fun is about to start!” Jielun is the first one to leave the platform…

“You know what it’ll be really fun? Whoever gets first place gets to kiss Johnny!” Aurora says in a joking manner!

“I don’t want to kiss that man!” Jesse grits his teeth.

Everyone rushes into the portal...

Your plan is to get used to driving before going all in…

“Jesse…?” Vortexia mutters with an open mouth.

Sadly, this is all we have for this thread, thanks for playing, and see you next time!

>>6246955
Thanks for running!

>>6246955
Thanks for running

>>6246955
Thanks for running!