COSMET

Yukikaze: … And now I’ll summon Archer on Ice!

Tao: Then I’ll use… Trick Card: Shield of the Flame Dragon!

Yukikaze: Heh… Sorry, but that dragon’s not going to be playing any tricks.

Tao: What…?!

Yukikaze: Archer on Ice’s ability: if there are 3 ice guardians on the battlefield, power and life points are doubled for one turn… so the action will still hit!

Tao: Wha… oh no!

Yukikaze: Furthermore, I’ll use Snow Sorcerer’s special ability and pull three cards from my deck. End of turn.

Tao: Urgh…!

Nagi: W-Wow… Yukikaze-san reeled off some super long incantation, and now Tao’s in trouble.

(I don’t have a clue what’s going on, but I can feel his nerves from here. This is a bona fide heart-pounding duel…!)

Sojun: (He realized his opponent would use his trick card and used his own guardians to counter… I wouldn't expect any less from Kamina-san.)

Nagi: But isn’t Yukikaze-san almost out of, uh… life points? Can’t Tao win if he recites his own incantation?

Sojun: Do you mean the ability description? … It depends on the cards they have on hand, but I doubt he’d have an easy time securing a victory.

Tao: (There’s a pretty good chance Kamina-san pulled a strong card just now…)

But I’ll lose if I stay off the offense any longer. I’ll take a shot! I’ll send two of my onfield guardians to the graveyard, and activate Hellflame-Clad Gladiator! For 3 fire mana, I cast a max-power spell!

Yukikaze: Good call. But you won’t beat me that easily. I activate trick card: Avalanche of Fury!

Tao: Argh, I knew he’d have something good…!

Yukikaze: Avalanche of Fury’s ability: in exchange for sending 1 guardian to the graveyard, incoming attacks are countered and reflected!

Nagi: If it’s reflected, then…

Sojun: That’s check mate.

Tao: … Darn, I really thought I had a chance this time, but Kamina-san’s way too good.

Yukikaze: No, I’d have been in trouble if I hadn’t pulled that trick card. Good game, Tao.

Sojun: Those were outstanding plays from the two of you.

Nagi: It was all so immersive I almost thought you two were taking the hits yourselves. I’m glad you guys are alright.

Tao: Ahaha… I guess there are a lotta shows like that, though.

Nagi: And now to our victor, I bestow a prize.

Sojun: A pot…?

Yukikaze: Ah, the herbs I asked you for.

Sorry to keep you waiting after you came out of your way for me.

Nagi: Don’t sweat it. I think I lucked out, getting to watch such an exciting battle and hear Sojun-san’s commentary.

Tao: I didn’t know you were into MotG, Sojun-san.

Sojun: I first started playing with Kamina-san in the Boss’s stead, but recently I’ve started working on improving my deck of my accord.

Yukikaze: Thank you for always playing with me, Sojun.

Tao: So you got hooked from that.

Nagi: I was totally bewitched just from watching one match… I’m sure once you get hooked on MotG, you’re in for life.

Yukikaze: If you’re interested, Nagi, I can help convert you.

Nagi: Convert…?¹

Yukikaze: I have a couple of starter decks sitting on standby, so feel free to take one.

Nagi: A whole deck…? I’d feel bad taking it from you.

Yukikaze: Then how about I give it to you in exchange for the herbs? I’m grateful for them, so I’d like you to accept this in return.

Nagi: O-Oh… Then I humbly accept.

Yukikaze: I have a couple different ones set up, but…

Hm, let’s go with this one.

Nagi: “A Party Peeking Through the Trees”...

Sojun: I’ve never seen this set before.

Tao: This is the new one that just came out, right? Is it good?

Yukikaze: Mhm. It’s easy for beginners to use, too.

And it’s mostly nature guardians, which I thought fit Nagi just right.

Nagi: Fit me… just right…

Tao: … Oh, that reminds me! I wanted to pick up a pack of the other set that came out with this one, for some new fire guardians.

And losing just now made me wanna improve my deck, so maybe I should go grab some now…

Yukikaze: Then why don’t we all head to the card shop together? My TCG friends are usually at the store this time of day.

I’ve been meaning to introduce them to Tao and Sojun.

Tao: Sounds sweet. I’m in!

Sojun: I’d be happy to oblige. The Boss ordered me to accompany you today, after all.

Yukikaze: I think Nagi’d get something out of it too, since you’re just getting into MotG.

Nagi: Then… I can tag along too. I’ll make sure to watch my manners in front of my esteemed forefathers.

Yukikaze: My friends are all very kind, so just be yourself. Let’s get going.

 

---

Yukikaze: ……
 

Nagi: (… Yukikaze-san? Is he worried about something? He’s staring a hole into his tablet.)

(Wait…! On the family advice segment the other day, they brought up that all-too-typical noontime problem. Could it be…?!)

How about chanko nabe? With some ginger, too, so we can warm up our body and soul from the cold.

Yukikaze: Hm?

Nagi: Oh. So you’re… not worried about what to make for dinner.

Sorry. Now I look like a weird chanko advertisement that popped out of nowhere.

Yukikaze: Don’t worry about it, Nagi. Feel free to give me requests for dinner anytime. We can have chanko tonight.

I’m trying to work on my BD event in mahorova right now…

Nagi: Hm. You were gonna make it a rink, right?

Yukikaze: Yeah. I plan on letting everyone skate to their heart’s content, and then doing my own performance at the end.

Nagi: I’m always slipping up my jokes and on bananas and stuff, so I’m glad I’ll get a chance to try my hand on actual ice this time.¹

And I’ll get to watch one of your ice shows without putting my life on the line to get a ticket. I’m seriously blessed.

So… were you worried about what you’re doing for the show?

Yukikaze: Ah, actually… I’m trying to think of what light setup I want to do.

I have a specific vision for it, but it’d probably be hard to pull off in real life, so I’m not sure where to start…

Nagi: You’re shooting for the stars, huh.

I like it. You can weed out every obstacle on any weedy path if you start small.

You can do basically anything in mahorova anyway, so why don’t you try sketching out your idea first?

Yukikaze: I’ll give it a shot. I’m thinking of…

… Something like this.

Nagi: It reminds me of… a Nebuta festival, kinda? But these, uh… beams? The way you drew them reminds me of the violent ebb and flow of life…²

You should definitely see this through, Yukikaze-san. Not realizing this would be a great loss for all mankind.

Yukikaze: I see… Thanks, Nagi. I’m a little more confident in this now.

I’ll ask Nayuki to stick this in the center of the rink and have it emit some light.

Nagi: Light… ah, then how about you give all the guests penlights in the same shape?

I saw Toi using one before. They may be small, but a whole bunch of them together is incredibly bright. It might reach the level of light you’re aiming for then.

Yukikaze: That’s a great idea, Nagi. I was trying to think of ways to have the guests be involved in the performance already, too, so I’d like to use it, if you don’t mind.

We should be able to mimic a fraction of the Chief’s brilliance this way.

Nagi: Huh? The Chief…?
 

Kafka: Hey, Yukikaze! What does the Chief have to do with any of that?!

Yukikaze: Kafka, Liguang, welcome back. Did your meeting go alright?

Liguang: Yeah. We managed to reach an agreement.

But it sounded like you’re talking about your BD event…

Kafka: You cannot be serious, Yukikaze. How is that bipedal blob of algae supposed to be Chief?!

Yukikaze: I was trying to evoke the Chief’s overwhelming brilliance. This is what I ended up with.

Nagi: I think it looks fine… It gives me the same happy feeling Chief does.

Kafka: … Well, you do get that sorta feeling from the Chief, true…

But more importantly! How is anyone supposed to skate with this giant thing smack dab in the center of the rink burning everyone's eyes?

Yukikaze & Nagi: True…

Yukikaze: The rink has to be kept at a certain brightness, or else it’s not safe to skate on. What was I thinking…

Liguang: Were you distracted by your own desires? That’s not like you.

If you want that thing to mirror… “the Chief’s image”, then you can just have it emit less light.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with the illumination idea on its own. That might be one way to pull it off.

Yukikaze: Liguang…

… I want to make this event as good as I possibly can.

(I want the guests, the Chief… everyone who’ll go out of their way for me to enjoy it.)

Would you guys mind lending your inept big brother a hand?

Nagi: Of course. I’d be more then glad to help you. Properly, this time.

Liguang: I don’t have any plans after this.

Nagi: What about you, Kafka…?

Kafka: … I’d rather you not be doing weird stuff in the name of the Chief, and since the company’s backing it, I do want the event to go well.

I’ll give you some advice, as your president.

Yukikaze: Thank you guys. I’m so lucky to have so many kind little brothers.

I’m sure we’ll figure something out if we all put our heads together. I think the chanko nabe will turn out extra tasty tonight.
 

???: Hic… sob…

Yukikaze: (Is one of my little brothers crying…? It’s coming from the living room… I wonder if something happened—)
 

Toi: Uuu… hic…

Yukikaze: Toi! Hey… is something wrong? What happened?

Toi: Ah, Yukikaze-san…!

I’m sorry, please don’t worry. I was just really moved by what happened in my game…!

Yukikaze: Your game…?

Toi: That's right. I'm sorry for worrying you…

Yukikaze: It's okay. I'm just glad you aren't upset.

But what kind of game are you playing? It moved you quite a bit.

Toi: Oh, it's a romance game that takes place at a school, and the heroine is in trouble, so to protect her from the rival factions at the final… AH!

I'm diving into major spoiler territory… Hmm, I'm not sure how to explain it… but it was a really really good scene…!

Yukikaze: ……

Do you think I could try that game, Toi?

Toi: Huh?

Yukikaze: I'd like to borrow it from you. I'm curious to see what kind of story it is for myself.

Toi: R-Really…?!

Yukikaze: Yeah, if you think I could manage…

Toi: Of course you can! It's a traditional otome game, so all you have to do is read the text and select from the choices it gives you…!

I can lend you the whole console, so please try it! I'd love to know what you think about it!

Yukikaze: Really? Thank you. Then I'll be sure to give it my full attention.

Liguang: … What is that?

Yukikaze: Sorry, is it too loud?

Liguang: The volume’s fine… The rabbits don't seem bothered.

Yukikaze: That's good.

Liguang: But you've got your hands on yet another oddity… What's caught your attention this time? A game?

Yukikaze: Yeah. It's a romance game. Toi lent it to me.

Liguang: … Why would he lend it to you?

Yukikaze: Apparently the story is really good. It moved Toi to tears. I was curious about it, so I asked him to lend it to me.

Liguang: Huh…

Yukikaze: Do you want to watch? Alright, let’s get started.

 

Linxing: LA~LA~HA~MA~♪ HAAA~MAAAAA~♪ Oh~Yeah!

Renga: Someone’s having fun.

 

Linxing: Of course I am! I’m here with Onii-chan and Renga-san, after all!

 

I don’t remember it that well, but if I feel like we did something like this back when we were kids… it’s like I’m reliving my childhood memories!

 

Liguang: … That so.

 

Linxing: Ah… this is the spot where Renga-san was running in “Es-S”. That scene was so cool!

 

Renga: Really?

 

Liguang: … And excessively reckless.

 

Renga: What’s that look for?! L-Like you… you were rolled the wrong way!

 

Liguang: It’s “rub”, bèndàn.

 

Renga: And just what is that ben… whatever ya keep saying?! Are you insulting me?! He is, isn’t he?!

 

Linxing: (And they’re at it already…)

 

(Onee-chan told me they used to be the best of friends, so why don’t they get along now?)

 

(Whatever the case! They should try and get along, just like old times!)

 

(And with that said… I shall now commence “Operation: Make Onii-chan and Renga-san Make Up”! My first plan is—)

 

Why don’t we all ride on the teacups together?

 

Renga: Teacups?

 

Liguang: … I’ll watch from here.

 

Linxing: Don’t be like that~ There aren’t a lot of people here, so we can get on right away!

 

Liguang: But…

 

Linxing: Pleeease?

 

Liguang: … *sigh* Fine.

 

Renga: I… I’ll ride too!
 

Attendant: Next please… Three of you? Go right ahead~

 

Renga: … So there are the teacups… I’ve heard of them before…

 

Linxing: (You can chat on the teacups, and they’re loads of fun too… Perfect for making up!)

 

 

Linxing: Ah, my boyfriend’s calling me.

 

Sorry, you guys can ride without me. —Excuse mee, I’m getting off!

 

Renga: Huh?!

Liguang: Hah?

 

Liguang: Then I’ll get off too. I’m not riding this thing with just you.

 

Renga: Wait a sec, Liguang! You can’t just stand up like that, or else…

 

 

T-The cups are moving…?!

 

Liguang: ……

 

Renga: … Hey, what’s this thing in the middle? It’s spinning, even though we’re not touching it…
 

 

YEEP?!

 

Liguang: Tch, you idiot…! Don’t touch things if you don’t know what they are!

 

Pass it over. No more touching it.

 

Renga: Hey, don’t hog it all to yourself!

 

Liguang: Just listen to people when they’re talking to you!

 

Renga: Give it to me—woah, it’s speeding up…?!

 

Liguang: Urgh…!

 

School kid in line A: Woah, look at that cup go! They’re spinning like crazy!

 

School kid in line B: They’re really going at it! WOW!!

 

Linxing: (Aw, he asked if I’m having fun with Onii-chan. Going out of his way to call me… he’s the sweetest.)

 

I should pick something out for him… Ah.

 

 

Liguang: Knock… off…! Bèndàn…!!

 

Renga: Shut it! You’re the… should be…!

 

Linxing: Woah~! I can’t tell what they’re screaming about, but they’re spinning so fast!

 

I guess guys really like spinning wheels… Ah, I should send a picture to Onee-chan!

 

“They’re getting along great~♪”...

 

Aaand send! Hehe, at this rate, they’ll be getting along in no time ♪

 

←
 

 

 

Gast: —Hey, Marion. We booked out this room, right?

 

Marion: ? Of course we did. I reserved it for us.

 

Gast: But like… someone’s over there…

 

Marion: What?

 

Ren: … Who’s that?

 

Jude: Ah, Marion. What a stroke of good luck.

 

Marion: Jude Ares… What are you doing here? We’re set to use this room now.

 

Jude: That would be true. I was using it right up until just now, but I haven’t gotten my fill yet.

 

But I remembered that Sage told me “good things come to those who wait” this morning, so I decided to test that out now.

 

And lo and behold, you arrived. Come on, let’s get on with the bloodshed already.

 

Marion: … And why would I entertain a freak like you? Get out already, we have our own training to do.

 

Jude: Then let me join you guys.

 

Marion: Hah?

 

Jude: It seems like there’s enough of us to split into two. So to kill some time… I’ll be Marion’s opponent.

 

Marion: Are you stupid…? Well, I guess you’ve always been.

 

Dammit… Should I get one of the rookies to go get Bianchi?

 

But that’d be a waste of time… and letting this guy get in the way of our practice? No way.

 

Gast: S-So, Marion? Whadda we do?

 

Marion: … Fine. I’ll let you join our training.

 

Jude: Great.

 

Marion: But you’ll be going against these two over here, not me.

 

Gast & Ren: Huh?!

 

Marion: Don’t worry. He acts like a freak, but he’s one of the stronger guys from the 12th gen. He’ll make good practice.

 

Of course, he’s no match for me, though.

 

Jude: But I want to fight Marion. Are these guys… rookies from the 13th generation?

 

Marion: Yeah. They’re not much more than fledgling little commoners, but I put my time and energy into training them.

 

I wouldn’t make light of them if I were you.

 

Ren: Marion…

 

Gast: This is kinda becomin’ a pain in the ass… we seriously doin’ this?

 

Ren: I’ve spoken with that guy before.

 

Gast: Huh? Really?

 

Ren: He reached out to us once when I was hanging out with Will on the rooftop… They seemed to be pretty friendly with each other…

 

Jude: Will? Who’s that?

 

Ren: Huh…?

 

Jude: And I’ve never seen you before either.

 

Ren: ……

 

Marion: Don’t take it to heart, Ren. This guy forgets everything that doesn’t catch his interest.

 

But if you manage to shine today, there’s no way he’ll forget you.

 

So you have to leave an impression on him, like I did.

 

Jude: Why are you making it sound like I’m interested in you?

 

I just haven’t forgotten about you. I’m not interested in you. Well, you are strong, I have to admit.

 

But my worldview is simple… there’s “Bianchi” and “not Bianchi”. You’d do well to remember that.

 

Marion: What…?

 

Gast: ……
 

Ren: Are we really doing this?

 

Jude: I should be the one asking that. I waited here just to find someone strong to have a bloodbath with—

 

Marion: Shut your trap. You’re wasting our time. Get in position, Gast.

 

Gast: O-Okay… But are ya sure about doing this 2 v 1?

 

Jude: … Why wouldn’t I be?

 

Gast: I mean, I doubt you’re weak or anythin’, but we both use guns, so we can do long range combat. But you…

 

Ren: Is your weapon just that hammer?

 

Jude: Yeah. I’ll toss it if it gets in my way, though.

 

Ren & Gast: ……

 

Jude: … But going against two gun wielders. This could be interesting.

 

Alright. Let’s get on with it already.

 

Ren & Gast: …!
 

 

Jude: HAAAAH…!

 

Gast: Urgh… He keeps comin’ straight at us…! Ren, shoot ‘im some more! Use your ice to stop him!

 

Ren: I’m trying! I’m hitting him too!

 

Jude: TAKE THAT!!!

 

Gast: The hell… he seriously smashed it all with the hammer…

 

Ren: With so much force, too… Isn’t he hurting himself like that…

 

Jude: If you want to stop me, then shoot, shoot, shoot!

 

Gast: But you’re like totally unarmed besides that hammer! And you’re not even using your ability!

 

Jude: Just shoot me already! What are you wimping out for? Is that gun just a toy?!

 

Gast: …!

 

Jude: Too slow.

 

Gast: ?!

 

Ren: Gast…!

 

Jude: KYAHAHAHA! Look, I’m on top of you! I’m beating the shit of you! I’ll kill you if you don’t fight back already…!

 

Gast: Urgh… Gah!

Ren: Knock it off! This is just a fistfight at this point!

 

Jude: Shut it. This is the most effective strat right now. What, there are rules we have to follow now…? Take that! And that! And that!

 

Gast: Argh… OOOOUUGHH!

 

Jude: … He stopped my fist?

 

Gast: … RAAAAAH!

 

Jude: …!

 

Gast: Thanks, Ren. Hearin’ ya say fistfight snapped me outta it…

 

Nah… it took a load off my shoulders, I guess? Fights are my turf after all.

 

Jude: Oh…?
 

 

Ren: —I’m off.

 

Marion: Oi, don’t go off by yourself, Ren. You go with him, Gast.

 

Gast: A’ight—

 

Jude: Gast Adler, was it? That sure was something.

 

Gast: Haha, I got in trouble with Marion, though. He got mad at me for makin’ this a fistfight. I guess it must’ve been pretty rough to watch, huh?

 

Jude: Beating each other to death isn’t bad at all. But you went about it in such a crude way…

 

Ah, right. It reminded me of when I was on the battlefield.

 

Gast: Huh…?

 

Jude: I spent some time being something of a mercenary. The feeling I got on the battlefield was the same as what I felt just now.

 

Gast: ……

 

Jude: Have you gotten up to something like that, too?

 

Gast: Nope. What business would I have on a battlefield…

 

Jude: That so.

 

Gast: Well, see ya around—

 

Jude: … “Adler”?

 

Gast: ……

 

Jude: Come to think of it, I feel like one of the higher-ups in the military we got a lot of work from was named something like that…

 

Are you connected to… Ah, he left.

 

Gast Adler… It wouldn’t hurt to remember his name, at least.

 

 

Akira: Ah, Gast!

 

Gast: Woah, Akira? What’re ya doin’ here?

 

Akira: Nothin’ much, just…

 

Gast: ?

 

Akira: Mm.

 

Gast: Mm?

 

Akira: MM!

 

Gast: … What’s this bag? Ya givin’ me somethin’?

 

Akira: It ain’t for you.

 

Gast: Then what the heck is it?

 

Akira: … Pass it to Ren, couldja?

 

I dropped by home, and Mom made me take it. It’s probably some snacks.

 

Gast: Huh…

 

Just give it to him yourself, then.

 

Akira: But, y’know…

 

Gast: … Fine, I’ll hand it over.

 

I feel like Ren always perks up a little when ya guys get into your fights, though—
 

───

 

Ren: —From Akira?

 

Gast: From his mom is more like it. He got it from his place.

 

What’s in it?

 

Ren: … It’s umeboshi.

 

Gast: Umeboshi?

 

Ren: It’s Japanese. It’s plums but… pickled?

 

Gast: That so? Ya guys are Japanese, right?

 

I don’t usually think about it, but ya guys are related, huh? Your parents were siblings?

 

Ren: ……

 

Gast: Ah, my bad. Guess it’s not a fun topic for ya…

 

Ren: Our mothers were sisters.

 

Gast: Ooh…

 

Ren: They made umeboshi together every year, since it’s the food of our ancestors.

 

But Akira and Sis didn’t really like it, so I was the only one who got excited about it.

 

Gast: That so?

 

Ren: Yeah. It made me way happier than cookies or cake.

 

… Auntie probably remembered that.

 

Gast: Hm… Good for ya.

 

Ren: ……

 

What about you…?

 

Gast: Hm?

 

Ren: What… what kind of person was your mother?

 

Gast: Huh…?

 

Ren: … You don’t have to tell me if you don't want to.

 

Gast: Woah… look at you bein’ considerate.

 

Ren: You did the same thing.

 

Gast: Haha, guess it’s just that kinda day, then.

 

My mother, huh… hmm… She was kind, and really pretty too, I guess? 

 

She actually came from a real nice family, so she always acted all graceful.

 

Ren: Hmm… wouldn’t expect that.

 

Gast: Cuz I’m her son?

 

Though I do remember getting scolded for all sorts of stuff back then.

 

Ren: Stuff…?

 

Gast: It’s all cute lil stuff, since I was just a kid. Like gettin’ too caught up in playin’ and breakin’ stuff and makin’ a mess, hurtin’ myself, that kinda thing…

 

Since she was brought up well, she was real strict about manners and stuff. Prolly even stricter than my old man.

 

Ren: Hmm…

 

Gast: But she wasn’t an ignorant young lady or anythin’. She was workin’ way before I was born…

 

Ren: That so?

 

Gast: Yeah. Lookin’ back, she taught me all kinds of stuff, not just manners.

 

Yeah… I guess the image of a frail lady I’d wanna protect stuck with me more, but…

 

But she was prolly a lot more capable and stronger than that.

 

Ren: ……

 

Gast: … I wonder what she’s up to right about now.

 

I’m sure she never wanted to quit her job…

 

Ren: ? Was she some kind of specialist?

 

Gast: Ah… I guess she could be out there workin’ somewhere. Prolly shouldn’t assume she isn’t.

 

Ren: ……

 

Gast: Hey, Ren. Lemme try one of those umeboshi things.

 

Ren: Huh…?

 

Gast: Do ya just pop it right in? How do you eat it, Ren?

 

Ren: … You can have one, but you might regret it.

 

Gast: Huh?

 

Ren: I told you Akira and Sis didn’t like it, right? Umeboshi’s pretty sour.

 

Gast: Sour…?

 

Ren: Yeah, sour.

 

Well, it wouldn’t hurt to try it. Apparently it’s supposed to be good for you.

 

Gast: Uuuhh… how sour is “pretty sour”?

 

Ya said it was pickled or somethin’, yeah? Is it not like that?

 

Ren: ……

 

It’s better than sticking a lemon in your mouth.

 

Gast: HUH?!

 

Ren: You have to try it to understand.

 

Gast: Hmm~... lemme take a look at it first—

 

Ren: That won’t tell you anything.

 

Gast: Wa… wait a sec, Ren!

 

 

Akira: Uooghhh…

 

Gast: Hm?

 

Akira: UOOOGHHHHH!!!

 

Gast: Oh, Akira! Heya.

 

Akira: Gast!

 

Gast: What’s got you in such a hurry?

 

Akira: I ain’t in a hurry or anythin’. I just couldn’t hold it anymore.

 

Gast: Whaddya mean…?

 

Akira: Y’know how we got a test next class?

 

Will was buggin’ me to study, so I tried, but I couldn’t hold back the dashies.

 

Gast: Aah, so yer good ol’ hatred of studyin’ flared up.

 

But like… we had a test comin’ up?

 

Akira: Yep! C’mon, study with me! You could help me get motivated.

 

Gast: Sorry, I’m headin’ out right now.

 

Akira: Huh, where to?!

 

Gast: Nowhere in particular. Gonna ride my bike with Asch.

 

Akira: BIKING?! WITH ASCH?!?!?

 

Gast: We head out together sometimes. Didn’t expect that, didja?

 

Akira: First time I’m hearin’ about it! No fair! I wanna go too!
 

 

Will: AKIRA!!!

 

Akira: Ah…

 

Will: Running all this way… wait, Adler?

 

Gast: Hey, Will.

 

Will: ……

 

Gast: Ah, just sayin’, but I didn’t call Akira out here. Ya two were studyin’, yeah?

 

C’mon, Akira. Back to studyin’ ya go.

 

Akira: Uu…

 

Gast: Haha, ya got this ♪ I’m rootin’ for ya~

 

Akira: DAMMNITTT!!!

 

Akira: Stop~~~ I don’t wanna take the test~...

 

Gast: Yo, Akira. Finally time, huh?

 

Akira: Gast! You’re takin’ it too? Didja study?

 

Gast: Nope.

 

But I brought up the test with Asch, and he started yellin’ at me to take it.

 

Said he wouldn’t go drivin’ with me otherwise, so I figured I’d take it just to take it.

 

Akira: Hmm…

 

It’ll piss me off if ya still get a better score than me.

 

Gast: Ooh, wanna have a little competition?

 

Akira: Nah… I’ve gotta put my all into just gettin’ past this test…

 

Gast: Haha, ya really do hate tests, huh?

 

Akira: Bye, then… Hopefully, I’ll see ya on the other side…

 

Gast: Woah, dramatic much?
 

Akira: HAAAAHHH~~~...

 

Gast: Good work ♪ Glad to see you back in one piece.

 

Akira: Am I still alive…? It feels like I was trapped in there for a whole century…

 

Gast: You’re a-okay. Looks like the same ol’ Akira to me.

 

I was sorta stressin’ about you running out. I bet ya wanted to, right?

 

Good job holdin’ yourself back.

 

Akira: I can do it when it counts…

 

Gast: Yep. I remember ya started gettin’ good grades near the end of our Academy days. Ya can do anything ya put your mind to.

 

Akira: I’m not sure if I did well yet, though…

 

Gast: Well, don’t sweat it, ‘kay? What matters is that ya got through it…

 

Ah, right. Got some time, Akira?

 

Akira: …?
 

Akira: WOOHOOOO~~~~~~~! THIS FEELS GREEEEAAAAAT…☆

 

Gast: That’s good to hear.

 

Akira: Thanks a bunch, Gast! This is the best treat I could ask for ♪

 

Gast: Ya can still feel the wind behind me, right?

 

Akira: Yep! It’s been a while since I’ve ridden with you. This is great!

 

PHEW~~~~~!!! I’m so glad I pushed myself through that test~!

 

These things rock. Maybe I should get my license.

 

Gast: Why not?

 

Ah… but you’ll hafta study for it, though.

 

Akira: Ugh…

No—I can do this! Akira Otori can push through anything he puts his mind to!

 

Gast: Haha, that’s right.

 

Well, I can always give ya some pointers, and Asch might be willin’ to help out too.

 

Akira: WHOO!!! Just you wait, tests!

 

Akira Otori’s got this in the bag ☆

It's a pretty old physical card game, but it's still popular even today.

Liguang: Hm… rare to see physical paper media these days. But why do you have it framed? Don't you need it for the game?

Yukikaze: These cards also make a fun collectible.

I like collecting rare cards too. Like ones you don't see on the market too often, or ones with special illustrations or effects.²

The particularly rare cards can get pretty expensive, and there are fakes on the market too. This one's been verified as legitimate.

Liguang: So similar cards can have different values. How expensive do they get?

Yukikaze: Let me think… some of the very rare cards can run you millions of yen.
 

Liguang & Sojun: ?!

Yukikaze: MotG's been around for a while, after all. It's pretty common to see first generation cards priced that high.

Liguang: Kamina… Don't tell me you…

Yukikaze: Of course, I don't own any of those. I just like the illustration for this card. It's not that valuable, either.

Liguang: … That so.

Still, your collection must mean a lot to you. I'll be careful around your cards.

Yukikaze: Thank you.

Ah, would you like to join me for a round? I have several decks put together for games, and I can teach you the rules.

Liguang: Ah, sorry, but I have some business to attend to soon—
 

Yukikaze: … Oh. That's too bad.

Liguang: … Sojun.

Sojun: … Understood. Please allow me to join you.
 

Yukikaze: Of course, thank you for joining me. Let's start with what all the cards do—

Liguang: (... That's a happy look alright. I never would've guessed he had this side to him.)

←

1. In this line, "Malice of the Guardians" is written in katakana instead of roman characters. He's using a more pronounced accent to make what he's saying more clear. ↑

2. By effects, he means cards that have a holographic quality, among other various paper qualities. ↑

Stories Masterlist

Sage: Ah, take a look at this, Bianchi-san!

Bianchi: Hm? What is it, Sagie?

Sage: Jude-kun's trending on social media again.

Bianchi: Oh, him? You don't have to bother telling me that, dear…

Sage: It's like he takes over social media at regular intervals. That's amazing!

A lot of the hype is coming from foreign visitors this time. “New Million had such handsome heroes?!” And such.

Bianchi: Gracious, everyone always gets fooled by his looks. If only they knew what he's really like…

Sage: I get why so many people love him though.

I mean, true, he can be a little violent… and reckless…

But he's always helping the citizens out, so I'm sure they admire that part of him too ♪

Bianchi: … I wonder?

Sage: ?
 

───

 

Market shopkeeper: Ah, Jude-kun! Do you have off of work today?

Jude: No, I've got some work later in the evening. I just wanted to do some shopping before I head to the Tower.

Market shopkeeper: Then please, take a look at my store! We have nothing but the freshest tomatoes~♪

Jude: Tomatoes… You have anything else?

Market shopkeeper: Why of course~! Let me give you some freebies, as a thank you for always protecting New Million!

Jude: Alright, then—

Man's voice: Oh my god, apparently there's a fire at Emerald Street!

Jude: … Fire?
 

───

 

Rescue worker: It's not safe here! You need to back up!

Apartment resident: My dog's still in there! He’s my precious family…!

Rescue worker: You live on the top floor, yes? We're doing everything we can to put out the fire, but heading up to rescue it is too—

Jude: Which room?

Rescue worker: Huh…?

Apartment resident: I-It's on the right side, furthest from the stairs! I beg of you! Please save my family…!

Jude: Leave it to me.

Rescue worker: W-Wait! Just what do you think you're doing?! The fire’s too strong right now! It's too dangerous!

Jude: Heh, that just makes it even better—
 

───

 

Dog: Woof woof! Arf!

Apartment resident: I can't thank you enough! I'm in your debt…!

Rescue worker: That was amazing, not even we were willing to risk it in this situation… You're not hurt, are you?!

Jude: I don't think so…

Ah… I burnt my back a little, but it's no big deal. Well, I've got places to be, so I'm off.

Rescue worker: Ah, wait…!

Apartment resident: He's something else! Just who was that super cool hero…?!
 

───
 

 

Jude: (That was easier than I thought it'd be. I was expecting more of a challenge…)

(Well, what's done is done. Time to head back to that shop and buy some vegetables—)

Woman's voice: EEEEEEK! SOMEBODY, HELP~!

Jude: …?
 

───

 

Jude: What's the matter?

Female tourist: A bird snatched my phone and dropped it in the ocean! I think it sank somewhere over there, but… I can't swim…

Jude: Well that's good news. The sign says no swimming today. Must be because of a jellyfish outbreak or something.

Female tourist: !! So there's no hope…?

Jude: When did I say that? I'll go get your phone, so wait here.

Female tourist: Huh?!

Jude: Hehe, I wonder if there are any poisonous jellyfish waiting to spice up my day—
 

───

 

Female tourist: I can't thank you enough! Thank you so much…!

Jude: When did this crowd get here?

Female tourist: Um, are you okay?!

Jude: Yeah. These sting wounds must've come from a jellyfish…

But I don't think there were any poisonous ones… Too bad…

Female tourist: Oh no! We need to treat them! And then, please let me repay you!

Jude: Don't bother. I've got places to be, so I'll be going now.

Female tourist: S-So that's one of New Million's heroes… OMG…
 

───

 

Sage: Wow! Look at this, Bianchi-san!

Bianchi: Yes?

Sage: Jude-kun's trending again…! That's twice in a day!

Bianchi: A-Again…?

Sage: It looks like he helped a tourist. Woah, he's soaked for some reason…

And a lot of people in the comments are saying he's helped them too.

Wow… He's so cool ♪

Bianchi: … It's a miracle none of his bad sides come out. Well, I suppose he is helping people, so things may be alright like this.
 

Jude: Bianchi…!

Bianchi: ?!

Jude: I went out and bought some fresh vegetables for you, Bianchi. They'd be perfect for your smoothies, right?

I thought they'd make you happy, so I bought a whole bunch. Please, take them.

Bianchi: A-Ah… thank you for that…

Sage: We saw you blow up on social media, Jude-kun. You've been making yourself busy today, huh?

Jude: Busy?

All I remember doing is buying the vegetables.

Sage: Huh?

Bianchi: … I suppose you could say he has no desire for that sort of thing.

Jude: Sorry for bothering you, Bianchi. You can ignore me and carry on with your work and conversation.

I'll be keeping a close watch, so I can find more ways to please you, of course.

Bianchi: … Why does everyone fall for it…?