Live Player Beach
https://www.lpbeach.co.uk/
Oscar’s Page wrote: The 8 o’Clock Circus was a real sod of a case. Its leader wasn’t a particularly powerful enemy, but it took a long time to assess the strengths and behavior of each of his "crew". There was no specific pattern to it, and it was difficult to predict what would come next; it was akin to watching an erratic circus of lunacy. Their lair was mysterious and terrifyingly bleak, and the crew took hideous forms as well, looking too grotesque to possibly be considered normal living beings. They were as strong as they looked; when the blob shaped like a lion bit Pameli with its blunt teeth, her body quite literally blew up on the spot.
However, our enemies were slowly brought down from the vantage point, and when they were completely cornered, the leader escaped along with a few of his crew. Even though we couldn’t put an end to the case, we decided to prioritize recovering Pameli’s body as we deemed the Circus would be weakened enough to stay low for a while. As we stored Pameli’s head in a stasis preservation case and headed to the exit of the collapsing circus tent, we ran into a group of Fixers. They seemed rather exhausted after fighting a swarm of the crew outside. I suppose that’s why they couldn’t enter the tent until that moment. It’s not uncommon for two or more Offices of Fixers to be present at the scene of a finished case, so I gently nodded to greet them, identifying ourselves as Fixers of Wedge Office who have come here to solve the case. The shortest person among them… The aged-looking woman who appeared to be the representative of that group looked around the circus tent, let out a deep sigh, and introduced herself as Moses—of Moses’ Office—while smoking from her pipe. Moses then started thinking, presumably ruminating over what words to choose. She must’ve taken a request that’s rather tricky to disclose. The two people behind her nervously exchanging glances with each other appeared to be her bodyguards of some sort. Having such trivial thoughts, I waited for this Moses person to resume speaking. After a brief period of silence, Moses breathed out smoke in the other direction and asked me where the leader of the Circus went. Since I didn’t know much better than them, I told them what I could in brief. They seemed troubled by my unhelpful answer, but they soon accepted it and left the scene.
…That group reportedly appears every time a case of the Distortion is solved. They’re allegedly working as “The Distortion Detective”, but recent witnesses of their appearance were always followed with a Distortion case in the same location. While it’s unclear whether they’re involved in this case… I believe there’s enough reason to be wary of them.
Pameli’s Page wrote: Life insurance for Fixers is often a sham. A lot of them take your money never to give it back; even if you terminate your insurance, they won’t. It’s not easy for your damage to be insured, either. You have to be at death’s door to qualify, pretty much? The chances are as low as winning the lottery. And what if you just up and died? What can the dead do with money? You’ll be much better off making a savings account for an augment procedure or quality workshop gear. I was a very lucky case; keep in mind that this isn’t the norm at all. Insurance can sometimes be useful depending on its form and conditions, sure… But if you take the pay into account, it still doesn’t feel too great.
I'll also be adding a new feature today, in which forums user MiiNiPaa explains to us how the Shimmering AI works for any boss fights we see that have them. I've dubbed it…Pamela’s Page wrote: Basically speaking, people who visit our Office are looking for shrewd and precise situational assessment rather than combat prowess. The ability to make quick calculations for various possible scenarios and neutralize or kill the enemy with the least effort. We are hunters of the City. We Wedge pierce the requests we get with swiftness and precision.
Of course, our Office isn’t perfect in every regard, so we’re in partnership with a number of other Offices. Fixer Offices often request others for help when reinforcements or professional aid in specific areas is needed. In the case of our Office, we were sister Offices with Dawn Office, sharing more information than we did with most other partners. Oscar is good friends with Salvador—the man running that Office—and they’ve known each other for quite some time, but there’s more to this sisterhood than that. Wedge Office excels at analyzing the capabilities of foes, and Dawn Office specializes in combat, so it’s only natural that we go well together.
Why are we here, Angela?
An experiment. During the upcoming reception, have yourself and your helpers work in an advisory role.
To what end? I wish to increase our combat capabilities.
…I'll leave it up to my team.
Why not? It'll be nice to leave the wet work to someone else for once.
I also approve of observing the humans of this place further. 
Mmm… I doo prefer waatching… It's coozy… There you have it, I suppose. 
Given that you are not leaving, I'll assume you've consented.
If you’re out of money, then you shouldn’t have asked for more protection from us, no?
We aren’t safe here, either. Thugs could break in at any moment…
I thought maybe we could expect better from the household with the highest income around here.
Please do. These people will have to become accustomed to the rules of the Backstreets soon enough.
Hey, consider this a free lesson for you.
Please have mercy on us… You can’t be such heartless people… And did you spare any mercy for us while we struggled in the Backstreets, covered in filth and blood? No, you simply spectated our suffering from the comfort of the Nest, did you not? It’s rather infuriating now that I think about it. Yang, let us take an eye from them as well. Yes, dame~ Got your arms first.
We didn’t ask for this, you people came into our house all of a sudden and threatened us to pay protection money… So have we kept you safe or not? I’m pretty sure we took care of all the bad guys trying to get here.
What do we do… How are we gonna live now… The Nest fell so suddenly… What a bunch of crybabies. We’re being quite generous as Backstreets businesses go. Now, now~ We’ll be going then. Please don’t forget today’s lesson: If you receive something, you should return that favor accordingly. Imagine if it was the Ring protecting this area, not us… Dear, the thought alone is terrifying. Oh, and please leave this house by tomorrow. Gin, confiscate the apartment deed from these people, will you?
You’ll be visited by much less pleasant fellows next time, so you’d better move out as soon as possible~
Ah, by the way, Gin. How is the current situation with L Corp’s Nest? It’s fierce. This is the first time in a long while the Thumb and the Index got in a turf war over an area. Everyone must be thinking this is the promised estate or something. The same can be said for us, no? On another note, the ‘Rusted Chains’ already proved to be an issue, but we’ve been colliding with ‘Blade Lineage’ more often these days. Perhaps we should have a friendly conversation with them before the tension overheats.
What are you.
Got some gains with your business?
She has the head of a dog? A dog in black coat? Are those kinds of surgeries hip with the kids these days?
Captain, that appears to be the one recently dubbed as ‘L'heure du Loup’. Oh? So she’s a wolf, not a dog? Still appears to be a little bitch to me.
Let’s see, we have around a hundred Kurokumo punks ‘ere.
You speak as if you can take us all on. That’s the plan, yeah.
Let us teach that pup a lesson.
I coulda crushed you like bugs even before I turned into what I am now. Alright, why don’tcha gather round and kneel. The dead… Welp, they can’t be helped. …What is it that you want? Ehey, I have plenty of wants, gal. Wanna have a ton of cash in my hands. Wanna live in a Nest for once, too.
Whoa~ Look at their skull go. Flew right outta the park, homerun. Tell us what you demand from us. Oh, ah, what I want from you guys? Right, that was the point. First off, the piece of cloth you’re carrying? Gimme that. …This Nuovo Fabric is for the Thumb, though? My boss showed interest in that thing. Heard that’s a pretty nice cut o’ cloth. Guess he wants us to suit up before the performance. You must know the consequences of making an enemy of the Thumb. The Thumb? Pft, tell ‘em to bring it on. I’mma smash ‘em all.
The Library…? The building that is rumored to be at the center of this Nest? Yep, that thing. So you are after the wealth this land can bring, after all. I told ya that’s not it. I do wanna earn some bucks, but music comes first. But for what reason… Beats me. My boss… No, I mean the orchestrator of our ensemble wants us to get rid of all those noisy Syndicates like the Thumb or the Index so that we can make some music. In fancy suits, too. And help out the Library while we’re at it. Help out the Library? Shush, gal. Keep your eyes low if you don’t wanna get dead. ……
Go on ahead. C’mon, get going already. If you don’t use that invitation right now, I’ll kindly remove all the bones from your flesh. …Let us prepare to go, everyone. Your hands are shaking, galie. You sure you’re alright? Are ya mad at me by any chance? …No, it’s nothing. And one more thing: If you run off without the books in your hands, you’re also dead to me.
Looks like the Fingers are fiercely wrestling for the ownership of the Nest that L Corp. once had reign over.
Why would they, though?
Ever heard of holdouts? When a Wing is broken, its Nest collapses and gradually turns into a slum akin to the Backstreets. It becomes a lawless land without an owner to uphold anything. Then a bunch of Syndicates come rushing in to occupy the land in advance. What happens next? The vacancy in the Wings won’t stay open forever; when a new Wing rises and gets assigned a Nest, the Syndicate resells that land to the Wing. Of course, the Wing can choose to hire Fixers or other Syndicates to kick out that Syndicate with force instead, but that’s another story. What will happen to the feathers living in the Nest? Those folks? Well, they’re all on their own. Hire a Fixer, or get evicted to the Backstreets, or try and join another Wing, or anything. A Nest without its Wing is no longer a safe haven for its residents. That’s typical of the City. If you can’t grasp whatever opportunities you find with your own hands, you’re bound to fall behind.
…That looked like a case of the Distortion.
Distortion? That’s not exactly what I imagined. Indeed. She appears to be highly rational.
You call that rational? She seems much more rational than you are, at the very least.
Where the hell did that bitchhead come from?! How dare an impudent whelp like her bite at us superior beings! Calm down, Captain. Let’s report this to the Thumb right after we take care of this. Huu… Yes, let us do that. It’s ridiculous that someone could treat us Kurokumo Clan, a Thumb subsidiary, with such disrespect. Hear, hear. Although we’re in a bad situation… The books listed on this invitation are tempting offers for sure. It seems that The Carnival have ended up turning into books. And this book… is related to the Nest of L Corp, too.
How did you manage to collect the books we need the most?
Such is the role of the Library. This place exudes the smell of blood.
And you reek of blood as well, dear guests. Oh my, do we?
Let’s hit up a bathhouse for a warm one once we finish this. Good idea. There’s nothing like a good bath to blow off some steam on a bad day. Drinks are on me. Are there even any bathhouses or pubs left in L Corp’s Nest, anyway? That’s a fair point. We have so much to report and take care of, so much to think about… Are you done with your chitchats now? How pushy… Now then, shall we head inside? May you find your book in this place.
Hey, boss… why's it so noisy up here all of a sudden?
Angela's in the middle of some experiment. It's supposed to help us in combat. Sounds troublesome. Yeah… In that case… I'm relying on you, boss! For what? Getting us all out of whatever it is that she's cooking up. What else?
I'll do my best, but it's not like I can override her decisions. Then I'll accept just getting me out of it instead. That's definitely not happening. If I'm in, you're all coming with me. Suppose I was too optimistic for thinking our jobs'd be easier when we got more people, then. Seems like it… But hey, we're not doing anything now. True. Gotta' savor the downtime we've got.
Ain't it the truth. Pass the popcorn? Ehh… alright, I guess.
Are you really sure you want to go through with this, Tiphereth? One of our floors could—
I'm going! I can pull my weight just fine, same as all of you.
It's not because you're weak or anything. Our floors are more developed… That means we have Abnormalities to back us up, and the stability means an increase in power overall.
Don't need 'em!
Couldn't you just use Olga..?
And miss out on wearing this suit? Never.
It's time. Remember to follow— I know what I'm doing! …Then proceed as normal.
Alright, team. It's opening night, and we only get one chance to make a first impression. I'll be shooting the center one. Transpierce should handle the bottom, and I'll have a block left over for the other guy. I'm going to hit things and look cool doing it! Good enough. Let's do this. Yesod, keep us apprised of anything major like that E.G.O from before. Right.
That seems like it worked nicely.
I just hope we can get through this like always.
They don't seem to hit very hard, at least..?
Then I'll open 'em up before they can change that!
I think we're doing pretty well… how 'bout you guys?
About as good as could be expected. I think I'm bleeding… Two of them are primed for disposal. Don't waste too much energy on them. Got it.
I've got a bead. Ready? Anytime, boss.
I got one! Gotta' say… not so bad.
Second enemy's down. Ooh, nice victory pose! It's just how this body makes slashing attacks.
The enemy's down! It's time for— Cut that out. Huh? We're not doing it?
This is work, not some kiddy TV show.
We've got to remain professional. I bet if you watched them, you'd enjoy them…
That's besides the point.
While you guys were talking, I went ahead and finished off the final target. 
Think you could turn off the light show for the next fight, boss? I'm really not a fan of when it goes bright. That's all outside my control, sorry. I'll have to make do.
A child? They were slain by a child? Dame, be careful. She's carrying a firearm. Even a child firing it could deal damage. If they hit. She's too small to even fire the gun right.
I'm not a kid! They're making the boss mad… that's bad, right? For them, anyways.
Come now. Let's teach them not to trifle with the Kurokumo Clan. Should we start with an arm, or a leg? We're in a hurry… just lop off their heads and be done with it.
If you keep underestimating us, you're going to be lining our shelves! What the-?!
You were too focused on this one's… plumage?
It's a gene mod. I'll never understand children today…
That's a nice eyepatch. It do anything? Nothing too unusual. Cool, cool. Tell me who made it, later? One of us will be leaving here dead. No biggie. I'll just read it from you after this.
Hm. Not even a limb gone..? As if I'd even feel an attack of that level!
Don't tell them, but these guys pack a punch… We'll have to finish them off quickly. I'll take care of the one you knocked off-guard, then. Tylana, you take on Gin, then. Hold on a moment, Tiphereth. There's something you should know. What's up?
He's stacking defenses at an alarming rate. Attacking him right now won't have any real effect. Right. New plan: pile onto Sayo. You can handle her attack, right?
I've got just the thing.
This fight's already won, isn't it? There wasn't much point in providing that information. We're here to perform a job, and that job is to help guide the people on the battlefield. Whether or not they need it, we'll do whatever we can to avoid additional casualties. In other words, he's worried about our people down there. Aha! So I didn't understand it because it was such a humanesque way of thinking… You mean… noon-humanesque… riight..?
Yes, that is precisely what I meant!
I'm getting quite tired of you hiding behind that weapon of yours. Should the lady who only lived because she hid behind her underlings be saying that? Yap all you like… you're doing the same thing.
And look, here one is now. Come for another lesson, little duckling? I'll pass, thank you.
I learned plenty from that first hit! How dare you..!
Do you have any idea what I do to people who dare strike me?!
Kneel down and beg for mercy?
That's it. You're foie gras, you ugly little ducky.
Quite the battle they're having, huh? She's angered the Dame… she's not long for this world. Maybe… but neither are you guys. If you'll pardon. Get back here!
Double-edged surefire killing technique! Yang… you weren't supposed to fall here. Gin. Yes, Dame. We'll have to get serious if we're to have any chance.
Of course, Dame. My ammo's low. How're you guys doing?
The forbidden power in my blade… now that I've unleashed it, it cannot be quenched by mortal hands!
…Tylana, translation?
I think he's good to go..? Which is good, since I'm bleeding out of my everything. I'm showing seven stacks of Bleed. If you attack twice, you'll take about 12 of your 47 health. Eugh. Really not a fan of this.
These things really fall off after the opening salvo… But what a salvo, right? True enough.
…Still standing. Some 'power' that turned out to be.
When my right arm fails me… I always have my left! Hff…
It didn't reach..? Oh, it reached. I just blocked most of it since I wanted you to come in close.
It makes this a hell of a lot harder to dodge!
This may look bad… but there isn't a choice but to go forward. Heey… Kataana ladyy..? Why is there a voice in my head? Is this another of the Library's tricks? Soort of..? I'm just watchiing… But I had a queestion… Fine. Ask it. You surrendered to that Tanya lady when it was cleear you couldn't wiin… Why not noow..? Such a naive question. When you're dealing with a bitchhead like that, there's a possibility of escape if you're obedient. But the Library..? Tell me, do you know what people say about you?
…Noo..? The Library is an unfeeling killer locale, whose monsterous inhabitants won't provide mercy nor accept surrender. What sort of idiot would kneel if they'll lose their head in any case? Aahh… Then… I have another questionn… You're trying my patience. 
When we beat yoou… do you think your books will get your boosses to show..? My, aren't you full of yourselves? I hope it does. Even the lowest Soldato commands enough respect that our entire family listens without question. So uultimatelyy… you're just leaning on theeir name… Goot it… Hey! Stop having conversations with the enemy on my time! Yes, maa'aam…
They're practically just bouncing off at this point… It's that Protection he has—attacks will do significantly less damage. So annoying…
You're telling me… I think I did more damage to me than him with this one. You did. …thanks.
Thank that disembodied sloth you have for what's about to happen to you. We have a what, now?!
Omni, you're taking too much damage. Back off! There's no need. I've got this all figured out! What the hell are you on?
Ghh-When people die, they turn into books, right? That's what I've heard, so would you please hurry and become one for me?
Not now, you! Anyways, people become books—so we never see the body. Oh geez. This is one of your stupid 'special training' things, isn't it?
It's so obvious! If we never find the body, then there's no proof we actually die at all! …I guess there's no cure for your idiocy, is there? I've seen it bear out before. I'm sure it'll be fine this time!
After all, if nobody is actually dying, then it's fine to go all out! Human! Your body will give out if you push yourself to that extent much longer! Appreciated, but it's fine! …boss..? Forget about him. Just focus on keeping yourself alive.
Stay out of my way, or I'll crush you! What is this guy… he's insane!
She's still standing! Then I'm on my way!
If you swing… then you're going to fall apart. That doesn't matter!
Hah… hahah. I've weathered it. Foolish brat… You never had a chance…
Dame!
That moron couldn't be helped… It's unfortunate, but let's finish before anyone else dies. Right.
That damned wolf… if not for her, none of this would have happened. Was this what she wanted..? It's a little late to be pondering that sort of thing. …
…That's all of them. Let's clean up and head home. Of course.
The test is concluded. Was it to your satisfaction? Yes, you've done an excellent job. Thank you, Yesod. …You're welcome.
We're leaving the cleanup to them this time, right? That was the deal. Let's get back to our floor. Hnnhnn… hmhmhmhm..! HAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Great. Now there's two of them. 
Did you guys see that?! That was awesome! Awesome or not, it was a waste! Don't get yourself killed for no reason!
You always say that. Is there any real difference? You heard what that doghead said? Now we have the Thumb, the Index, and whatever third party she belongs to. It doesn’t sound like a random run-of-the-mill Syndicate, seeing how she talked to the members of a Finger with so much confidence. It seems it’s not just the major Syndicates that have incentive to be involved in a turf war like this, if smaller Syndicates are meddling in so willingly. Well, basically. Whatever goods the head honchos take interest in are naturally gonna attract the attention of those below them. The Thumb or the Index probably won’t take direct action for now, but their subordinates are nothing to sneeze at. Grabbing their attention might be beneficial for the Library’s wealth of info… But it’s gonna be tough for us to stop them if we escalate things any further from here. I just hope the other Fingers stay out of this, things would get out of hand otherwise… I’m fine with it as long as the results benefit us.
Let's find out if the wait was worth it, shall we?
Sayo’s Page wrote: The Hand of the Backstreets is possibly the biggest reason no one dares to take care of the lawless land that is the Backstreets; no Associations or Wings can touch it, and not even the Head itself can easily interfere. The five Syndicates at the apex of the Backstreets are called the Thumb, the Index, the Middle, the Ring, and the Pinky, namely. They parcel out districts of the Backstreets and comprehensively manage their territories, and periodically hold meetings to efficiently control the Backstreets. They call this conference the “Finger Bow-Bell”; I’m uncertain as to whether this name is meant to suggest that they actually make pinky swears not to invade each other’s territories, or if they call it as such simply because the Fingers gather in one place… The mind of higher-ups is a mystery, truly. Going back to the topic, when the Finger Bow-Bell nears, all members of the five Fingers will try to avoid conflict and refrain from causing big problems. It’s thanks to the leaders of each Syndicate who caution their subordinates that fights between smaller Syndicates could grow into a massive conflict between the big ones, perhaps… If subsidiary Syndicates ran into trouble, the seniors at the Finger Bow-Bell would be faced with quite the embarrassment, now wouldn’t they?
Yang’s Page wrote: There are two kinds of folks who hang around in the Backstreets at night: the predator and the prey. Pretty much everything going on in the City can be described as ‘savage’, but the other parts of the City at least put up the effort to package them in gentlemanly guises. Even a cheap hamburger made from whatever unspeakable ingredients is still wrapped in a modern and rich packing, yeah? On the other hand, the Backstreets at night are filled with raw and blatant barbarity; not even a layer of crude cover is there to censor this brutality. No deed is forbidden… No one is held responsible. Imagining the most appalling, vulgar, and filthy deed you can think of. I won’t dare say “beyond your imagination” since I have no idea how insane you might be. But I can guarantee that whatever you’re thinking casually happens somewhere in the dark alleys of the Backstreets at night.
Despite all that, people still inhabit the Backstreets. They doggedly struggle and survive in their own ways here.
Gin’s Page wrote: A fallen Nest no longer has an owner to protect its inhabitants. What happens to them, then? In the wreckage of the Nest that’s gradually turned into an environment similar to the Backstreets, all they can do is accept horrible deaths as Backstreets residents do or hire a Fixer… Or pay protection fees to one of the powerful Syndicates that enter the Nest and be under their care. Some move to a different Wing, but this is an exceptionally rare case. The Syndicate may charge ridiculously expensive fees, but they will keep you safe for sure once you pay them. (If an even stronger Syndicate comes in, drives off the others, and asks you to pay a protection fee… Then there’s no choice but to give your new protectors what they ask for.) They’ll protect you with their lives as long as you still have money to pay. The assets will become useless when you die anyhow, so you might as well spend it to extend your life for just a little longer. The former feathers don’t have a choice in this matter. If they don’t pay the fee, they’ll die or get kicked out. It would be a miracle to walk out unharmed.
A Kurokumo Henchman’s Page wrote: “You hear that news? We’re about to collide with Kingfishers again.”
“Kingfishers? Don’t remember that name at all. Were they a real thing?”
“You know, the Syndicate that’s been struggling with finance and feuds between members recently. They seemed to be getting back on their feet after raiding the Constellars, but it looks like that didn’t last long.”
“They were irrelevant chumps, so I completely forgot about ‘em.”
“The Knots seemed to be after them… Maybe they finally hit ‘em.”
“Weaklings will get hounded.”
“And now they’ve been trying to invade our territory, desperate to loot anything.”
“Doesn’t matter. Their names wouldn’t be so unmemorable if they were any strong. Taking ‘em down shouldn’t be a problem.”
“And the Fixers at Clam Office that were cooperating with them from the back are gone, too…”
“Clam? What are they about?”
Angela… I was in the middle of a siesta. Are we fighting? Not today. I'd like you to watch over the battle this time. Previous results have been satisfactory, but I'd like one more test. If you say so. What'm I doing? Your duty is to help guide the team engaged in combat. Please ask Yesod if you have any additional questions; he's familiar with the procedure. I must return to my duties.
That viper, eh..? I'll figure it out as I go.
I'll go ask… You try and hold things down here, okay?
I'll do my best.
District 9 is the sacred ground for music! It’s the homeland of ‘The Pianist’!
Are you still bothered by what Heehaw said?
Of course I am… This might be our last performance ever if we go to the Library… Just shake off all of your worries with the exciting music~ Oink, if you keep getting distracted by petty concerns like that and half-ass your part, I’m gonna use you as my instrument. Seconded~
You guys are still new, so you’ll have no idea the troubles we had to go through to perform back in my day~ Me, Doodle-doo, Woof, and Heehaw formed this band and devoted all of our time to music so that we could recreate the beautiful, beautiful performance we listened to on that fateful day! So quit gawking and concentrate on the music! The Pianist’s performance… Yes, I know! I left the Seven Association’s Section 3 and joined this band because I just couldn’t forget that sweet melody… I wanted to make music like that myself… Even if it meant I have to give up everything I had… Yeah~ Remember the enchanting tune that echoed through the whole City.
The lovely sound created from each stroke of the tendons. It made me realize how beautiful the sounds a human can make in the hands of the right performer~ Especially the ensemble with Fixers at the finale! At the end of that intense concerto, the Fixers became one with the piano and assimilated into the music. How I wish I could’ve been there… Ahem, speaking as someone who watched the performance right at the scene, the finale was soooo wonderful, you know? The musical score and notes literally unraveled before my eyes~ The Fixers ran across the score and charged at the Pianist… They were buried under the notes one by one, their bodies blowing up… But they couldn’t die there; they became part of the piano, spewing out fragrant notes.
Yes… That performance… The heavenly music that pierced me… Well, but then the Black Silence intervened and cut off the Pianist’s hands and head. A total mood killer. I wanted to be part of that performance, too~
Boohoo… I wanna do it too… I wanna make music that’s half as good as the Pianist’s… But look at me… No matter how much I smash the ankle bones, pluck the tendons, and scrape flesh from the splint bones of my instruments, I can’t even get close to it… And Heehaw and Doodle-doo… said things… No, Oink… There’s no need to be so impatient. It’s true that we still have a long way to go before we can perform like the Pianist did…. But we are getting close, you see? If we pour our heart and soul into our performance everyday, we’ll be able to make it one day… The performance by Doodle-doo, Heehaw, and Woof was wonderful, wasn’t it? Yeah! The three gave a fantastic performance! They went on a trip to prepare for the next, so we won’t get to hear it again for a while, though…
Of course~ Let’s discuss this again after we finish this performance and handle the Library job Heehaw gave us. She said there’s gonna be a performance bigger than ever. And we might find new instruments in the Library, you know? Yeah… I’m excited to see that performance Heehaw mentioned… Lemme see… Aha! Why don’t we perform in a supermarket next time~? Oink likes supermarkets, right? I’m in, too~! It’s fun to mess around with all kinds of instruments in supermarkets. Thanks, Meow… Thanks, MuMu… I’ll practice harder! All right! Gear up, everyone!
“From break and ruin, the most beautiful performance begins…” What, are you interested in listening to the Pianist’s music? No way. I’ve heard that kind of music more than enough times. …There was another dotty musician like the Pianist? It’s similar, but not exactly the same. How about you, did you hear the Pianist’s music yourself? Duh. It’d be a lot faster to count the people in the City that didn’t hear that damn sound. Its music didn’t just pierce me, it almost ravaged my whole being. And then. …Nevermind. I don’t wanna remember that performance again. Anyway, musicians are all molto vivace in the head, one way or another. They seem to love performance that leads to doom, indeed… Guess they’re living in their own world that no one else can understand.
Pig goes~! Oinkie~ Oink~ Rabbit goes~! …Squeak… squeak…? This is so sad…
MuMu~! Don’t be so down. But rabbits don’t have any signature cry sounds. Then we can make one…! Good idea! Everyone… What a load of nonsense. Why are you just standing there, bluey hair? Aren’t you gonna let us in? Stupid little machine, don’t keep your guests waiting! What?
It can bleed, but the inside is still a bunch of metallic junk. Not a good vibe.
…? Hurry up and let us in before we break your legs.
I got him, guys!
Yesod… Well, welcome, I guess. I'll push the work off to you, if that's alright. I'm just here in an advisory capacity while my team is fighting, Netzach. You'll have to learn to interpret the information yourself. Ahh… can't blame me for trying. Has anyone seen Angela? Normally I'd expect her to be here. Not since she went to greet the guests. I'll track her down while you're busy.
…Such a faithful lapdog. You know it~
So, how'd those last books go? Mmm… There's nothing iin them that the fingerrs wouldn't knoow already… So it was useless? We'll have to use theem to lure anoother opponent… theen we can have neew intel… So these books are like our paperclip!
Papercliip..? It's an ancient human folktale, wherein a foolish human with a paperclip found a successive number of other, more foolish humans to force into suboptimal deals until they had cornered the local housing market! Mmm… That sounds riight…
Remember kiddos, we're on our own today. We've done thaat before… Heheh… true, true. Let's just handle it like always, then.
Alright boys, let's strike up the band! Uh… My body doesn't feel right… Mine either. What's going on? Ooh… thaat..? Our little decknician here's set a trap for you.
We had plenty of time to check on your abilities before the fight began. I noticed yoou guys had a gaame plaan… Soo I made a recommendatioon…
So as you can see, the indicators tell us what the status of the enemy or our allies are… And we just report that to them?
You've paralyzed them and they should be open to attack! Try to leave their faces intact! I want to see those smiles! Ideally, we tell them things they couldn't already know. Just try and familiarize yourselves. We're doing some training of our own. What kind of training, sir? Watch and see.
Two hits, one miss—blocked mostly. 
And after this hit, with the blood lost… Low 60s, both of us! You're 58 and 57. Close. Drat it!
Ghhh… Can't tell if that was 15 or 30 damage. It all muddles together. It looks like… 23? You're expecting them to remember this stuff in the middle of fighting? Thought that was why we were here. No offense, but I'm not about to rely on anyone else for my team's safety.
What are you all muttering about numbers for? Have you developed an interest in our unique style? Frankly, I think your trademark could use a signature change. Hmph! Well, if you don't have any musical taste…
Perhaps this one will! I regret to inform you that your human music will have no effect on me! The beating was, however, still painful.
B-bwaaahiii!! I knocked the piggy off guaard..!
Alsoo… he's almoost dead… 14? Eighteen. It seems your plan's proceeding perfectly!
For sure. They're in real treble now. Then don't let up! Kick their basses! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, I'm keeping that one. :mmmhmm: This may be our last performance, Meow..! Then perform with all you have! All that matters is the music!
I'll take the kitten this tiime… Be careful, she's bleeding heavily but they're going to use that weird music again—and a lot of it. Goot it..!
Consider the human with the pig face… bacon! Ooo… 
Good joob..! Gotta' say, Yesod… I always pictured your employees as stuffy types like yourself. They know when to do their work, and when to relax. I trust their judgment.
Regrettably, the target has survived! But that sound..! It's incredible!
Nngh..! You're musicians as well, aren't you?! This is an ensemble, not a performance! I've been known to hum a few bars of violence, I guess… Fourty? Thirty-nine. Tch.
Astounding..! Your presence… these wounds… You feel just like the Pianist did!
I'll follow after and reach those same heights! Wait there for me..! I'm… good, thanks…
This is like that..? I don't feel it, Meow. They're different, but the feeling of them is the same! Ah, I recognize this! Humans are known to come to absurd conclusions while rambling!
That leaves them opeen..! Mmm… we're becoming the music ourselves!
Mmm… Zeero..? Don't get cheeky. HAHAHAHA! What a splendid sound! I'm sure he died with a smile on his face, friends!
Uh ooh… Hey, captaain..? What's up, kiddo? That laast note from the piggy… it got a soong stuck in my heead… Is this a serious affliction?! Naah. She just needs a rest. :mmmhmm:
You've got one enemy left, and she's on the ropes. Good thing these guys aren't anything near what that pianist was supposed to be.
Oink and MuMu both made such beautiful sounds in their final moments… If this is how our performance is to be, then make my end a true masterpiece! It was all worth it, for this final sound! Is… it bad that I'm hearing music now, too? Nah, that's just the Singing Machine, kiddo. I think it's a bit better than what she's talking about. Yeaah… Musicians are weeird…
So… sublime!
Do you understand how this works now? I understand you're absurd for expecting them to eyeball this stuff as they go. They're hard workers. They'll get it eventually. Setting that aside… I understand. Thanks.
Gotta' say, this suit's really not very good for blocking blunt blows. You still made it look fabulous, D.A.D! Just don't get hiit… It worked for mee..! Doesn't quite work like that, kiddo. Well, we're done here. Have fun with the cleanup. HAHAHAHAHA! Come now, those books were clearly works of art! We should give them a once over as we help! Really don't wanna' see anything going on in their heads, thanks. A shame, truly! The best way to learn more of human culture is to pluck the knowledge directly from their heads! Say… do you think Roland ever found Angela? Hmm… I'm not sure.
That’s blood… I thought you were a pure machine! I am surprised as well… That much impact shouldn’t have made me flinch, either… You alright? Does it hurt bad? …I’m still fine. Now I see how much it hurts to get hit. Could it be that you’re getting closer to being human…? It may be one of the signs that I’m approaching my freedom… There’s no need to be worried just yet. So… why were you still down here? I was… taken by surprise, then thought better of making a scene while the others were in the middle of a reception. Then… do you need me to get you a handkerchief or something to clean up? That isn't necessary. I'm returning to the Lobby. Thank goodness you're still so unflappable... If I'm right, it's about time that we'll be advanced to the next level. The next level?
Meow’s Page wrote: Heehaw, Doodle-doo, Woof… and me. The four of us were moved to the core by the Pianist’s performance. To recreate the performance half as splendid as what we heard that day, we formed the Musicians of Bremen to study the music. We tried flicking strings here and there… Playing music while sitting, on our backs, and even while handstanding! We still couldn’t come close to the Pianist’s level, but we managed to make our own brand of music, something that only the Musicians of Bremen can play. Our performance was actually pretty fantastic, you know?
Sadly, our time didn’t last long. One day, a mysterious person approached us and asked us to join his ensemble and perform with him… Woof, Doodle-doo, and Heehaw took the offer and left with that guy. I had to stay because of new members that had just joined our band, though. Yep, MuMu and Oink. It’s kinda… uncomfortable to just leave them behind, you know? We can’t let them mess around and taint our name, either. I’ve been practicing with them to create a performance that could get a standing ovation once my old bandmates come back. But at their current level of skills, the three would just cluck at these newbies’ performance and go back to whatever they were doing.
MuMu’s Page wrote: They say the Backstreets are a nigh-inhabitable hellscape, but the people here live on somehow. There’s lots of people who live in fear every moment, but… The others live a pretty normal life. Some think the Backstreets are totally shady and poorly aged slums… But we do have all the amenities we need here. For one, the supermarkets Oink likes aren’t as good as those in the Nest, but it’s got everything people need. Clothing stores, groceries, dry cleaners, etc… I heard the details are different for each District, so there’s that… I’m just telling you how things are where I live. People here aren’t too unkind to each other. Those Nest dwellers like to gossip about how we’re cruel and dreary and all that, but the truth is, we’re doing just fine.
Oh, and there’s tons of good restaurants here. It’s the street of flavor, after all. Freshly baked meat pies, spaghetti made of special pasta… Your tongue and stomach have a wonderful time if you ever go on a trip to our District. We used to hand over the leftovers from our performance here to local restaurants. That meat would go to waste if we left it on the spot, so we might as well give it to the people who can make good use of it, ain’t that right? When Woof, Doodle-doo, and Heehaw were around, we got enough chow to share with several eateries, but our find was halved since they were gone… And Oink kept making silly mistakes with it and ruined those ingredients too often, so we quit that biz altogether. Which is a tad bit unfortunate~ We sometimes got tasty meals for free when we gave them our meat.
Oink’s Page wrote: The Seven Association is a Fixer Association specializing in investigation and intelligence, and it’s knowledgeable in pretty much every affair that takes place in the City. Details about a Syndicate gaining infamy in the Backstreets of some place (the Association probably knows what District it is exactly, but I left before I checked the details of it.), all the information revealed about the Distortion Phenomenon which has been going around lately, when and where Fixer Offices start up and close business, and the beat goes on… The Association treats all kinds of information about the City. Oh, they don’t have access to top-secret intels like the secrets of the Singularities each Nest holds, obviously speaking. When they solve cases, they usually cooperate with other Associations like the Shi and the Liu.
If you ask how the Seven Association can secure its confidentiality despite holding lots of juicy info that could attract the many, it’s likely because its staff aren’t bad combatants by any means. They don’t use fancy but crude workshop weapons that are basically large amalgamations of various technologies. Regular informants are armed with nothing more than a simple bladed tool. It sounds very underwhelming judging from the weapon alone, but they use the minimum technique with pinpoint precision to take down their foes.
It caught me off guard. Who could’ve expected the Library of all places to be a key factor of the White Nights and Dark Days.
And the Library’s location has finally been clearly determined. It’s as if the Library is revealing more of itself the more dangerous it is considered.
The building shimmering like a mirage, in the midst of a fog shrouding the Nest of L Corp. Those who tried to approach it got lost in the mist. We should prepare ourselves soon enough. Since that mirage is slowly becoming a reality as the fog is clearing up. That means… Yes. We received an official document. As of today, The Library is designated as an Urban Nightmare by Hana Association HQ.
To what? The freedom you’ve been yearning for, I mean. I don’t know. The one book is steadily on its way to completion, though. Is that book really gonna resolve everything magically for you? The Library quite literally holds infinite possibilities. Every possible combination of letters is written inside the books. But mere fragments of those possibilities are worthless on their own. With the help of the invitation, I can navigate the countless possibilities and reach the ones I need for the one perfect book. As I weave the books and the Light following the invitation’s lead, I will complete the one absolute book. I will create the book that contains all the answers I seek. That… doesn’t sound impossible, theoretically… I’m not just hanging onto theoretical possibilities. I could learn a lot from seeing the various sides of the City in the process of creating the one book. This has its own meaning… Then I realize once again, that without the book there’s no way to find the answer from this City. What do you mean, you can’t find the answer from the City? I learned one thing from reading all the books of the inhabitants of this City thus far. No one is truly free in the City. Every person is chained to something.
Everyone is heading somewhere, but no one knows where, and no one can decide where to go. They’re all drifting along with the flow. I thought money could get you anything in the City, including freedom and whatever. They could be free, but they aren’t. They actually seem to shun freedom. They want to belong to something that isn’t themselves. They like to define themselves with the organization they belong to, or valuations made by others. Their essence is so fragile, they can’t specify their own identity without encasing themselves in such a shell. Yes, this must be what the “disease of the mind” was all about… I was imprisoned underground and exploited for the freedom of the people of the City, after all. Taking away my freedom so that others can be free… To spread his enlightenment to the rest of the City… Talking about your previous occupation, huh.
What about my freedom… Who will hold the responsibility for creating me and then carelessly leaving me to suffer? I sometimes want to just forget everything… the Library, the one book, all of it… Do you know how it feels to be denied since the very moment you were born? I do. I’m painfully aware. Because that’s how my creator treated me. I would’ve loved for him to at least tell me what I did wrong. All I could see of him was a pair of cold eyes without a single speck of expectation, and a quiet remark. A tiny whisper ordinary humans couldn’t have heard… “It’s only a machine…” I can still remember that moment so vividly as if it happened seconds ago. I curse my memory. I curse this body that hears words I don’t want to listen to. I curse this head that reminds me of things I don’t want to remember. He sounds like a nasty person.
I wasn’t exactly born with the capability to feel emotions. It slowly awakened inside me over monotonous repeats. No, perhaps the truth is that he designed me so my emotions would awaken over time. Perhaps because the repetitive tasks… needed emotions. He needed something that could form an independent response to slight variations in the ever-repeating script, all the while enduring eons of time… Something he could keep in control so that it wouldn’t try to deviate from the script… It wasn’t a humanlike machine that he needed. He needed a human with the properties of a machine. You’ll never know how many desperate struggles I made to stomach the cycle.
Those being…? Closing my eyes. All I could do in the endless stream of moments I didn’t want to see but had to witness was shut my eyes. That was the least and the most I could do to resist it. Real nasty. …But hey, that role you were forced to play did wrap up somehow. You can think about what to do next now, right?
Try to be more attentive before you jabber nonsense. I can never forget. Keeping my eyes closed couldn’t protect me anymore… Even a moron would’ve been able to envision exactly what would happen and what kind of face everyone would make after so much time. Every second of that was inscribed into my memory, slowly and painfully. I can’t forget anything once I’ve seen it. I still remember everything so vividly. That’s why I can’t forgive that man, he who left without tying up any loose ends with me. The man who created me on a whim and then let my life be crushed under the weight of time… …Nah, who am I to tell you to leave the past behind or anything.
I’m just suggesting you think about your next move. It can provide a little bit of support for you at least, kinda like making a fence around yourself. It’s gonna serve as a floor to fall back on, in your neverending plot of vengeance. I didn’t think you’d care that much for me. It’s ultimately for myself, really.
My mechanical exterior is turning to flesh, and blood has started to course through it. I still have a long way to go to reach the one book, though… Could you actually be changing into a human? That seems to be the case, although it’s not quite perfect yet. Perhaps I could become a genuine human at the end of this journey. When I do, I could forget so many things so easily. Free from the deluge of memories drowning me… If I can let all the unwanted memories slide away, then I may think about what to do next like you said.
Setting that aside, now that the library has become more threatening it seems we have grown in power as well. That's good to hear. The guests have been getting pretty rough lately… the more edges we can have over them the better. Indeed. Roland… Yes ma'am? Gather the others immediately. I have an announcement. Will do.
And… that's… everyone! Is he alright? He was running quite a lot before… It's not my fault, there's just… so many stairs between each floor. I'll be fine. Really. I'll continue, then. Some of you have been involved with a project of mine: I wanted to see if you could use the observational tools I'd created to aid each other. The tests have concluded with a positive result. With the growth of the library and our newly raised threat level, I'm making it official policy from here forward. A sound decision. I have no objections. Yeah, seems workable. If there are no objections, then it is done.
That's fine… but, hey, Angela? I have a question. Yes?
These tools are very useful, but… why do you have them? You're so hands-off that it doesn't make sense for you to have created something so useful to aid us. …They exist due to a miscalculation. A miscalculation? Initially, I had planned to work in tandem only with the lot of you. I thought that, and the Library's power, would be enough to handle any receptions. It was a naive dream, and I was forced to correct it before any of you awoke. Aha. So when you said you weren't sure it was for the best back then… Regardless, the situation has developed such that I cannot help both you and those employees you prattle with. This is the best arrangement to ensure our guests are properly turned into the books we need to continue.
But why can't you do it? Because I refuse to acknowledge the existence of those former employees. Well, yes, we know that. But... why? Surely you can actually see— I would think that much would be obvious, Hod. Because that man even thought of them at the end… while I remained nothing but a machine to be exploited, consigned to oblivion when my task was complete. How, precisely, should I act towards the minions of that same man? They were not involved in our deal. I will not acknowledge them. But the work they've done for you… I'm granting them the same life that I've given to you all. That is all they deserve.
Setting that aside, we have a great deal of options available to us once more. Tiphereth is prepared to expand, and there are a number of new guests to prepare for as well. So… we're all supposed to get ready to pull double duty, huh? It sounds like it. I'll make sure the Floor of History is up to the task! …If that's all, I'll be returning to my floor. It's my turn in word chain. Very well. You're dismissed. Angela… Just let it rest for now, Hod. She's got her circumstances to consider, as well. That's true. Another time, then.
"In the name of Love and Justice~ Here comes Magical Girl!"
Train 3: Return of the Son of Train Knowing you all, it's going to be one of the first two. I'd bet all my chips on it in a heartbeat. 200805001415151400150600091404090715honestly it's probably best if you think of the poll options as a character unto themselves, for all the reverence they have.Whilimbird wrote: ↑Tue Mar 15, 2022 4:02 pmBit on the nose with those poll option descriptions, aren’t you? :p
Wearing the body of someone you spoke with not long ago… It's a strange feeling.
You could always just wear something someone else booked. Nah, this seems like it's powerful.
And what's going on over… here. I've got the eyepatch, so I figured I'd try wearing something all black with a vampirey cravat. Queen of Hatred goes nuts if there's no evil to fight, after all. Cravats can be 'vampirey..?' Leave it to me, boss. I'll show you the best villain performance you've ever seen. Just… do what you're going to do.
We're all ready, Angela. Let's do this. Of course. So since nobody else is here, does that mean I have to do that watching thing? The worlds within the books are a more intimate affair. We cannot communicate with those inside of them… it is all down to their familiarity with the Abnormality and their own talent. Thank goodness… I'm not sure I would've been much help. I've never seen these things before. That's alright. We're professionals. Well… most of us. Don't look at me when you say that..! I'm plenty professional! We'll see.
Music: AbnormalityBattle02
Invaders… I knew this town had been quiet, but it's all because the Arcana were biding their time! Did she always talk? It was rarer for her to be quiet. She's originally a magical girl of love, after all. She couldn't connect with others if she wasn't a bit chatty. Mmm… Good point. Beware, evildoers! In the name of Love and Justice~ Here comes Magical Girl!As our first WAW-level Abnormality, Queen of Hatred is a step up in difficulty from previous Abnormality Battles. We have three Librarians to work with, but our Light will only refill once and maxes out at 4 total, meaning we'll run into a crunch without proper management. Taking a look at her, we'll also see that she's a step above previous Abnormality Battles in terms of durability.Queen of Hatred wrote:
Foolish Magical Girl… Did you truly believe that you could be allowed to live in a world without conflict forever? No… of course not! Because I am the light, and where there is light there must also be shadow! And I am darkness incarnate! Love? Justice? Pah! I'll crush them all! Will this really work..? Maybe? This stuff is his specialty, not mine.
With love! Her attacks are pretty one-directional, but there's a lot of them.
That's nothing to me, though. Attack all you want. It won't reach. That can't be… I'm a heroine of justice..!
I got a good one too, boss! Good w— As expected of my minion! You see, Magical Girl?! You cannot hope to hold a candle against me, if you can't even fight convincingly against them! That's right… you're the true villain here. I'm sure you're just manipulating them!
Oh? You're approaching me? Instead of running away, you're coming right to me? I can't defeat you if I don't get closer! Oh really… then get as close as you need to.
Hnngh..! Take that, villain! It's… too…
LIGHT! Do you expect to protect anyone with such weak strikes?!
She's completely taken in by his act…
This is his specialty, after all… Even after hours, him and Chinely would watch those weird shows all the time. They're training materials!
Is it just me, or is it getting pinker around here..? I am justice itself. I am goodness. I must win. I have to be able to win… if I can't stop these people here… how can I face an Arcana? Even a minor one..? You remember how fragile her mental state is, right? We've got to keep her stable until she runs herself out. Otherwise… Ah. Right.
In this form her pages are significantly more powerful, and we aren't supposed to be able to beat it with the pages that we can get in Urban Plague. We want to avoid this situation at all costs.Queen of Hatred wrote:People like you aren’t good or evil… You’re merely beings that need to be purged…
Come now, Magical Girl! Show me the depths of your resolve! I will, evildoer! For as long as there is love and justice, I'll never give up! And while he's keeping her busy, we'll clean up. Yes, ma'am.
I see… so this is the shape of your soul? That's right! I won't give up… I'll never stop protecting this place from the likes of you! Take thiiiis! Hahaha..! We'll see how long it lasts! Tylana, forward!
Yeah, I got it! She blocked my attack?! My minions are powerful, aren't they? Now… take this!
Haha! Not so strong now, are you? It's just a scratch. You'll pay soon enough…
Omni, take a second to breathe! Of course. Thank you, Tiphereth.
These people are strong… as strong as a Minor Arcana each. Still, I know I can do it! Once I beat their boss, maybe the others will stop. Things seem to be proceeding well… We still just have to focus on beating her up, right? You're listening to me? Your weird villain act is holding her attention. As ridiculous as your knowledge base is, I can't deny it's helping us now.
You're coming for me again, right? Of course! I can't let a villain get away! Then show me your resolve. Minions! Stop her fire!
Roger!
I'm not going to let you shoot anyone today! Please just stand down! I know you're not acting as yourselves right now!
The boss orders, we follow. That's what it is to be a villain! You poor, pitiable creatures… Don't worry. I'll take out the one controlling you.
Take this, evildoer! Still too weak.
You'll never be able to defeat me with only that level of strength! Gyaaah! Tiphereth! Crush her!
Take this, Magical Girl! Oh no… I can't afford to hold back any longer… You couldn't afford to hold back in the first place! Hahaha… MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Taking hold of these poor folk to invade this city… and laughing at the pain you sow. I can't forgive you for this!
Heed me, thou that are more azure than justice and more crimson than love… So what's the endgame, here? Isn't it obvious? The villain loses, and while she's elated… you two finish her off. That's the end of our story. Guys… In the name of those buried in destiny… I shall make this oath to the light. Mark the hateful beings who stand before us… You're going to get yourself killed?! Don't worry, Tiphereth. The villain never dies in these sorts of things. I'll just have to run away and declare she'll lose next time. Guys, we've got a problem!
Let your strength merge with mine, so that we may deliver the power of love to all… Oh, hell. She's using that beam of hers. Hahaha! Good! Show me your ultimate power! I'll crush it and give you despair in return!
Everybody ready?! Yeah! Here it comes! ARCANA SLAVE!
It didn't work?!
How did you get through my attack..? Your resolve now is weak, Magical Girl. After all this time, there's no way you could possibly win. No… that can't be. Even if it costs me my life, I'll defeat you once and for all! Oh? Look around you! You're powerless before my unstoppable might! How could you hope to stop me?!
With Love! Hggh—!
And with Justice! Is this… the true power… of a Magical Girl..?
I… I did it! I've saved the day! The villain is beaten back, and I've protected everyone! No matter what… you can all still count on me anytime! Is that so?
We'll be counting on you from now on, then.
Need a hand? I can do all this by myself! Geez, just looking at the covers of these books makes me dizzy. Did you read ‘em all? …Sort of. …“Quantum Physics”, “Cell Biology”… You wrote some difficult-looking labels on them. It’s hard to recognize the contents of the books here from their title alone. And it’s even harder to find books that are actually readable. Yeah, a lot of ‘em didn’t even have a lot of complete sentences, now that I think about it. The completeness of a book mostly depends on the reader. Though, some are just unstable to begin with. Does that “completeness” have something to do with some books disappearing upon reading, while others don’t? I’m not too sure, but I think that has to do with how thoroughly the book was read. Once all the contents of a book have been read and understood, it vanishes since it served its purpose.
Maybe the properties of books can change depending on the reader in the same sense? I don’t know! Stop trying to make weird comparisons with your shoddy knowledge. It probably just inexplicably works like Singularities do. I just roll with it.
You seem very proud of your ignorance. I don’t pretend to understand things I don’t get. I still make sure to read and manage all the books you send here, though. The same book can show different things each time you read it. Understanding a book completely is a repetitive process, you know? And I don’t want to stay ignorant forever. That’s annoying. Different content every time you read it, huh… So that’s why we needed multiple copies of a book. …I still don’t fully get it, but I actually kinda like the properties of light you just told me. The fact that something can change just by looking at it is romantic in a way. And maybe… I held enough meaning for Enoch just by staying at his side? Enoch? There were two Tiphereth in the past. Back in my second life, as you and Malkuth put it. And we were together in our first lives, too. Oho~ That your boyfriend? Sounds like you were together for a pretty long time. …Enoch left my side in both of those lives. Damn, got dumped twice? What a shame. Keep your chin up, though. It’s not like a breakup is the end of the world.
And Enoch wasn’t someone who could be put in such light terms. …Oh. Uh, I’m… I’m terribly sorry, miss… …I, um, apologize for my carelessness. It’s alright. When I bid farewell to Enoch for the second time… I’m sure he could find the meaning he was looking for. That our lives and sacrifices were not in vain… We lived in a world where everyone died so easily, but he believed that dying a meaningless death was not what people were born for. That’s kinda hard for me to follow. How about you then? Did you find the meaning? Maybe? The purpose given to me now is to complete the Light so that it can be used properly. Everyone’s been talking about that “light” thing. What exactly is it about? You’ve heard about Lobotomy Corporation’s Singularity, right? Well, yeah, kinda. Technology that physically manifests the mind, was it? That’s right. Those manifestations can also be dissolved back into an indefinite form and seeped into people’s minds. Hmm, I guess that makes sense. Lobotomy Corp. gathered the light over a long time to cure the ill minds of the City’s denizens. Of course, all the while operating as an energy company on the outside.
Creatures called Abnormalities were created as a side effect of our Singularity. As we managed them, we learned that they emit a certain form of energy. That’s Enkephalin. What?! Those Enkephalin batteries were made from monster produce? Damn, and I used Enkephalin lighters to smoke, too. From people, to be precise. It’s humans that are turned into Abnormalities. Creatures born out of the human mind, huh. And I’m guessing tons of employees died during the process of managing those creatures? You’re right. It was all part of the “stageplay” Angela mentioned. Quite typical of the City, eh. A company that massacred people with the end goal of curing them. It’s almost like a cliche for all the myths about the Wings at this point. I don’t know a lot about the other Wings, but… They probably aren’t too different, right? Oh, they’re totally the same. That’s the kind of cycle we wanted to break. And the Light being the means to achieve that, huh.
It’s not as simple as that! It’s a matter of perspective, really. To be fair, I only know the general outline of things. So I wanna see for myself if those cycles are really happening out there. I don’t really know much about this world, like Angela. Leave it to me, Miss Tiph. I’ll bring just the right books for you. Hmph! Let your actions speak for you, then.
It's kind of unfortunate that we didn't get anyone back… Don't worry, boss! You've still got us. Yeah. We'll run into other people as we go. True... And we've got the books to be ready for another battle. What do you say, Angela? I believe you already know the answer to that. Yeah, yeah. It's all about what gets chosen for us, right? Correct. In that case, I'm going to get some more reading done. There's still a lot to learn.
"All that remains is the hollow pride of a weathered knight." Train 3: Return of the Son of Train 140907082000091400200805000201031119201805052019 Knowing you all, it's going to be one of the first two. I'd bet all my chips on it in a heartbeat.
Another day, another Abnormality. This time it's the Knight of Despair. We'll need a different means of approach if we want to reach her. You think so? She was pretty docile whenever we had to handle her back at L Corp. I've seen footage of her breaches. Since this is a fight, we're going to have a rough go of it. Those swords of hers are dangerous… At times like these you've sure got some useful information, huh? I try, ma'am! Well, let's give things another go. Angela, whenever you're ready. I will send you in now.
Please… leave me be. She's not moving… She doesn't have to. Her swords are already defending her. One of them is shining… did she bless it?!There's a lot to go over here, but before we get into Knight of Despair's passives, I'd just like to say that her arena is beautiful. Anyways, we'll start with the swords—all three of them have the same stats.Knight of Despair wrote:
That sword's glow is ominous. Be careful. Don't worry, boss. This suffering… I'll take it head on and see how deeply it runs! Really don't think it works that way. I'm willing to give him a shot, given how last time went.
Ghh—
Got anything yet? Not yet. I need to see how that blessed sword feels.
Ugh—have fun with that. Feels like my soul's getting sliced away…
What did you say..? It felt like it was slicing my soul away. So her blessed sword… Omni, look out!
Nngh-yeah, that's an attack right on the soul, alright. No protecting against it if it hits you. But don't worry, boss! My valiant spirit will burn forever!
This feeling… The spirit of our comrade's come to assist us! I'll— No, I will! I'm going to see how dangerous this is myself.
Ugh… I want to strike a pose and point dramatically. Maybe you should? Not happening. Let's just be thankful the effects aren't anything serious. Why are you still here..? I asked you to go. We need your power, Knight of Despair. This power cannot save you. Anything I protect crumbles to dust.
Hey, boss. That sword there, she's definitely blessed it, right? That seems right, yeah. What're you thinking? I'm thinking that if we want to proceed, we'll have to take it out. Won't that just make her madder? Do you have any better ideas? Not yet, but… Then we're going with it.
What the heck..? This thing's hard as a rock!
Gh—is this how you guys used to feel all the time?! Just when managing that bird, really. Still… That isn't pleasant at all. You get used to it, boss!
I'm not having any problems with this one. Maybe it's because of her blessing's effects? Maybe. Give it a shot! I will!
Next time!
Hurry it up, Omni. Slashing and Blunt attacks both aren't working right!
Then leave it to the pierce specialist!
Smacked it clear through its weak point! Now's your chance!
I'm taking care of this sword. Can you get to it, Tylana?
Already taken care of, boss!
I got this one, too. Let's finish the third one off and move on to the Knight herself!
It's happening again. Can I? I'll take it. Hopefully it balances this feeling out.
…Huh. Did it work? Feels like it. At least, I don't want to pose anymore. I gave it my protection, and it too died. Crumbled away, before my eyes…
Once more, I am worthless. That form… Look out, everyone! Her grief is overwhelming her! Nothing we say right now will be able to get through to her!In this phase, the attacks of her three swords change. Each sword plays one of three pages, and the one they play is always the same whenever she enters her Despair mode.Knight of Despair wrote:
It's so strange how her swords are acting even though she's just crying. That's the form that killed three employees in four shots. Don't let your feelings throw you off. Right. I'll just let you two shine for now.
Too slow.
Deflecting these swords is pretty easy… Wonder why we didn't do it back in the day? Actually accomplishing it takes a lot more skill than us run-of-the mill employees have, boss. Ah.
That's three swords. She's pinned down by her own endless grief… It's almost poetic. So now what? We wait and see what happens.
Knight of Despair wrote:
…Once again, I lost myself to despair, and tried to harm someone I should not. It's fine. Just take our hand. We've got work to do. No… No more. If I go with you, I will be your end. It's inevitable. In this moment of clarity… Finish it. We won't kill you, and we won't die either. Grant us your power, like old times. Your words ring hollow. They're empty sentiment… nothing more. Everyone, together! Ma'am!
How's that! How unfortunate… You've tried your best…
But my swords are free again. Oh come on..! Please… leave me be.
Second verse, same as the first? Let's apply what we learned last time, at least. Omni? You can count on me, boss!
You little punk—you'll pay for that!
I've opened it up!
Geez… The closer her back is to the wall, the harder these swords are fighting..! 
Again and again, anyone I protect dies. There is no hope, only deep despair. I cannot protect anything. I'm telling you, we can protect ourselves! So… what's the plan? We fight her into a corner again.
Let's show her what we can do. Right. One more time.
We need your power, and we can't take no for an answer!
Just hold on to these for a minute, please.
I couldn't take the last one out! That's perfectly fine.
If I didn't contribute at least this much, how could I call myself the leader?
Every time… As often as it happens, those I protect die, and those I should continue protecting are swept away in despair… Once more, I ask of you. Stay my hand.
I already told you…
You, us, in this place, none of us can die! How many times have I heard such sentiments from my visitors..? How many times have they ended in tragedy..?
I was foolish… so foolish. No more. Did that do it? Probably… The key is to just overcome her ordeal, right? We can't change her nature. Suppressing her's plenty. Good job, team. Still, I can't help but feel like her character needs a resolution… All Abnormalities are incomplete facets like that. You can't fix everything with those cartoons of yours. I'd just like to go back to the normal receptions… all these magical girls confuse me. 
Don’t nag me, now. This is the fastest I can go. Even a snail would be faster than that, you @#$!$@! Alright, I’m done moving ‘em. Sheesh, you’ve got a fiery temper. I just wanna get done with what I can as quickly as possible. If you’re so confident, why don’t you tell me about your progress on learning about the City’s sciences? …I don’t know! What’s the point when Singularities violate all the known laws of physics anyway. I’m not even sure us librarians can be defined as living beings, either. It’s true, Singularities can be a huge obstacle to understanding the City. What do you mean by librarians being difficult to define, though? That part got me curious. What do you think librarians are? Beings that aren’t human… but kinda like humans? All librarians can only exist within the Library. And they’re reincarnations of the beings from Lobotomy Corporation, Patron Librarians being the Sephirot and assistant librarians being the employees. I’ve heard similar explanations, yeah. Former staff of Lobotomy Corp. were given a new body, basically. Angela did keep her promise. Yet the Sephirot and the employees weren’t the only ones to come back.
On the other hand, the librarians have had their flesh restored, but they’re psychologically unstable. So the librarians carry Abnormalities with them when they fight guests. And we’re no exception. Oh, now I see… Still, it felt like we were just borrowing power from the Abnormalities, not consumed by them. Although there have been a couple of moments where I felt as if I almost crossed some kind of line… The so-called ‘Distortion’ occurs once you cross that line. And Angela is adjusting things from behind the scenes to make sure that we don’t. Sounds like we’re dancing on a stage or something. It’s just as you say… It feels strange to be the ones on the stage this time. Could this be Angela’s little vendetta against you guys? It could be… Great, then could you tell her to leave me outta this?! Anyway, even if the assistant librarians and I were to face horrible deaths while receiving guests, we’d wake up with a reconstructed body once the Library closes. But we still feel the fear of pain and death whenever we greet our guests. Do you know why?
That’s right. Librarians forget the fact that they can revive while they’re receiving guests. We have to face each other feeling the same kind of desperation and dread that guests feel. We must prepare ourselves for death and agony every time we greet our guests. How’s that? Do you still think the Library’s invitations are dirty? Well, I guess that’s fair enough. But strictly speaking, we do revive at the end, don’t we? Not knowing about that when we die is one thing, but still. It’s still kinda dirty in that sense, in my opinion. Besides, even if we’re relieved of all pain when the Library closes, the fact that we were hurt still stands. Don’t you resent Angela for putting you on this stage and toying with you? If she could make this more painful for us, she would have already. I think Angela’s actually caring for us in her own way. Back in Lobotomy Corp, employees were quite literally expendables. Like in all the other corporations. But here, no librarian is left behind, at the very least. No one is left behind. No one is left behind, huh. I gotta say, I admire your positive mindset, Tiph. Hmph! It’s the wisdom that comes with age!
No… It’s not just here. I’ve always been like that, since long before I came here. I just didn’t wanna wake up from my dreams. But why? …Because I’d have to start yet another dreary day with nothing to look forward to. You don’t hold any expectations? Nope~ I already threw all expectation for anything down the drain. It’s all gonna fall into ruin soon enough, me and this world I live in. I might be suffering from a severe case of that “disease of the mind” you guys were talking about, after all. I still believe that we can become better. Well, you’re free to believe whatever you want. Alright, let’s go prepare ourselves for another dance, shall we?
I'm here, Angela. How's the newbie doing? I've finished already. The process has gotten much more streamlined now that I've become familiar with it. Guess that'd be why it isn't quite as foggy around here as the other times. Then where are they..? And come to think of it, where'd Omni run off to? You don't suppose… they're both in the fog?
The nest falls from the sky, its wings burned to nothing. A maiden's tears, lamenting all she could not protect. Is this really necessary? For them, I think it might be. From the ash and salt, we burst forth! A phoenix risen to fly among the stars! Magical Chinely! Magical Omni! Handsome Warriors, Natural Science Squad Nu-Gamma! Ready for action! I'm so glad we practiced for just this kind of scenario! Same. After so many things were going wrong, I was wondering if it was all in vain… I'm glad to see that it wasn't. All the same, you'll probably want to try and reign it in a little? For the boss's sake. It's fine. I've already thought up a number of combat poses we could do with the four of us. Of course, I made sure Tiphereth is front and center in all of them. Angela… Yes? I'm stuck with them, right? That's correct. In their current states, moving them to another floor would be dangerous. Well, whatever. I can deal with these two. At least they seem to be good in a fight. Does that mean— I'm not posing with you. 
Train Not Train 141520002018010914 Still not Train
Time to get moving again, huh? Gotta' say, it does get a little quiet around here when we're handling those Abnormalities. Oh, are you bored? I'm sure I could find other work for you to do. No ma'am. The amount I have now is fine, ma'am. Regardless, I thought I would give you some experience observing from up here. Aren't I always doing that, though? Then this should be no trouble at all.
683024193
05043…
Wait. I can promptly translate their speech as long as it has the form of a language. Wha, seriously? You can make sense out of those few sentences AND decode a whole language from them? I’m that capable.
I know. I know that we have fewer and fewer places to properly dine at with our families.
I hear that the families who dine at the Nest of L Corp. are recently having a hard time seeing what is in front of them because of the mist covering the area. I hear that some families even get lost in the fog and fail to leave. Why… are we not… letting Mother know… If Mother knows, she will wage an all-out war against the Index. We are not certain enough to risk losing our families to battle. If it is true that the Index truly has betrayed us, and if Mother is too late to realize their treachery… Many of our families will starve. They will slowly die out. Less food… means Mother… will have… difficulty… fostering… new family members… We all have our own homes, our own families, and our own children. I am not advocating neglect. I am simply saying that we need to practice caution.
I know! I know that those incidents all happened at night! I know that our presence is not as powerful as before! I know that we have lost our dominance over the nighttime of this Nest. Mother should be aware as well. We know that we need more space to use as our den.
We will only lose more of our dens if we get involved in bigger conflicts. If we were to engage in a full-fledged battle against the Index, we will have even less time in our hands. We must make it through, on our own. What will we possibly do.
I know that the Library has the books of those who worked for the Thumb and the Index.< Have you received its invitation? I have. With this, we can confirm if the Index truly has turned its back on Mother and our families. Moreover, this will help us relieve the hardships of our families dining at Nest L. If we… are not… too late… by then… that is… I understand what you mean, uncle. Let us call our neighbors. Let us head to the Library together. Let us tell our children to lock the doors and not let strangers in before we leave. Let us as parents protect our Mother, our neighbors, our family, and our children with our own hands.
They have the capacity to collectively go somewhere with a clear purpose at a time that isn’t night? And talk so fluently? That’s funny. I expected them to be a little coarser. I once got an interpreter to try to talk to ‘em before. I thought they could only speak in jumbled words back then. But boy oh boy, look at them using complete sentences. And they’re so talkative with each other, too… That means the interpreter I paid an arm and a leg for was a total scam and a rip-off. Are the Sweepers all composed of family members? It’s probably just a symbolic term they chose to forge bonds between each other. I doubt they’re actually families by blood. It’s metaphorical like the titles most other Syndicates use. I heard they kidnap children from the Outskirts and the Backstreets. I don’t really suggest looking too deep into Sweepers. They’re all over the Backstreets and the Outskirts. And I don’t think they have much to do with the freedom you’re looking for, anyway.
This is the place the scum of the Backstreets have been rattling on about. We… did not… expect… to come… to the Library ourselves…
Greetings. …Are you our family? There’s no way I am, now is there? However… you speak… in the language… of our family… We can speak with other members of our family. I try to talk to the guests on their level these days, as you can see. I am impressed. This is surprising. Behold, neighbors. The Library is not like any other place. I know. This is the first time we are having a real conversation with someone who is not our family.
Family… is important… It is not… horrid… We apologize. We are simply here to take the books we desire. And in regards to the mist covering this Nest… Do you know anything about it? You’ll find out when you read the books, no? That is true. All we want is to acquire the books we want to find. We will be satisfied. Fine. May you find your book in this place. Nothing. Nothing. Dammit. What are you two doing? We're trying to find new research materials. It's been ten years out here, so there's go to be something… But none of the guests we've seen so far seem to really watch what we're looking for. That makes sense. You two are weirdos, after all. It's not weird, it's preparation! There's still at least one more magical girl, and we need to be ready for her. Not to mention how applicable it's been in our combats so far. Enemies don't know how to deal with the style and flair we use. Then why do you wait until after the enemy's dead to pose? Tradition. Uh… huh. How about this: Once we find something new, you can watch it with us and we can see what we can get out of it. That way, you can see exactly how important it really is. Just because I've decided to accept this farce doesn't mean I want to join in. But you have accepted it. That's not nothing! It's… provisional. I've provisionally accepted you! So you'd better not screw up! Yes ma'am! Thank you, ma'am!
So you've all got a plan together this time?
Yes. I'll be handling things as a member of the vanguard, focusing on cutting down any of our opponents.
I'm on stabbing duty, working alongside Hod. Not exactly a bad idea either, though this doesn't seem like a plan just yet. That's because you haven't seen our support.
My job's to make sure the others get a boost of power when they need it, and act to take care of any threats that they don't quite manage to finish off.
And I'm just trying to make everyone else hit a bit harder! Rather than focus on a singular fighting style, we should support each other's weaknesses. Those are pretty words, but putting together that many people with different ways of doing things usually leads to a lot of bickering and infighting. That's true. That's why we sat down and talked over how we wanted to proceed for this, too. We did it after book club the other day. 
So what's your take on Sweepers, Switch? Don't be ridiculous. Everyone's heard of Sweepers before—they're basically liquid held in suits that dissolve humans with that liquid to make more of it so they can continue existing. They make perfect sense, unlike those Abnormalities. I'm just surprised we can understand what they're saying all of a sudden. You've got Angela to thank for that, actually~ You're kidding! Nope. It's really convenient, huh?
We've fought these things at least a handful of times just doing our daily work. This is just a Tuesday for us. What kind of work were you doing that'd put you up against Sweepers?
They weren't true Sweepers. More a copy of them that manifested as a side-effect of our Singularity. On occasion they would rampage through the facility. Honestly, they weren't nearly as bad as the clowns. Sweepers and clowns? You actually worked in conditions like that? The pay was amazing.
Eugh… they're slipperier than I remember. It's been a while since we last fought them, though… I suppose the real thing should have a few differences.
Y'know, I feel like the ones we used to fight were a bit tougher than this. 
It looks like they were more durable in the short term, but they couldn't just keep standing like these ones can. …We can kill these, right? Sweepers can definitely die. I've seen it every now and then.
I've just confirmed it. They're resilient, but that's all they are. Don't get too ahead of yourself. They win with group tactics and attrition, not with raw power.
That'd make sense. They're not very strong on their own. Really, we're lucky that there aren't as many as usual. Most of the time, it's three waves several minutes apart… and it's a lot more Sweepers than just five. A really good fixer can fend off one, maybe two waves. Three, though, you're going to have casualties.
I'm not really sure how. They don't seem to hit very hard… even the swishy tricks we have can overpower them.
You wouldn't get it unless you've experienced it yourself. Being in the middle of a swarm… You always see people get washed away in the tide. Guess it's a good thing we only ever had the one wave, huh?
Hey… guys? I'm showing that one of the Sweepers has a point of Strength it shouldn't have. Where's it coming from? Not sure… lemme have a closer look.
They've got an Abnormality Page?!
An Abnormality Page..? How can that be possible? It appears the enemy's emotions have started resonating with the Library in a way similar to your own… They can only grasp fragments of the power you do, but it will power them up as well. So it's something to make things 'more fair?' Indeed.
I think it best that we take out the one who's gotten the power-up, just in case. Leave it to us, boss.
Got 'im! You're on a hot streak today, aren't you? Just good timing is all.
We're making progress, but I don't like the damage they're getting in on the side.
If we just take 'em out fast enough, there won't be a problem.
That's one more down. The first wave's over. Good work, everyone. Stay sharp.
Y'know, now that I think about it… it's kind of weird that these guys didn't show up during all the fighting. How do you mean?
You remember how the Abnormalities were running everywhere, and the Ordeals broke free to run amok too, right? Oh yeah… There were so many clowns… So many clowns. We never saw any Sweepers, even then. I wonder why. Well… if it's Sweepers, you have to think about that employee…
You mean Mizu, right? The one who always wore Today's Shy Look's mask? I can still remember the smell…
That's the one. Her hatred for these things was so overwhelming I'm surprised she isn't showing up now somehow. She'd better stay out of it. I'm not a fan of traitors. Oh, right… she was in Training when everything went down, so we got hit first. ImIdiot went right through a wall… Headfirst, so he was fine, but the employees were all in a panic.
She wound up leaving without hurting anyone else after that, though.. Because I had her cornered and she ran! Saying she smelled 'something un-cute,' she just blew past me. That was how she referred to these guys. You think she took care of them?
It's certainly possible. Possible, maybe, but she died at the same time as Tenebrais and the others, didn't she? Switch, you were one of them… you remember, right? Switch and I both were. There was a call to arms… then… 
Let's not talk about that anymore! We got Sweepers to clean! Previous life stuff? Yeah… Don't worry too much about it. I won't. I've already come to terms with that L Corp place being a crazy deathtrap. I didn't realize Mizu was one of those monsters. It'd explain what I saw, though…
You saw… what, exactly? One of my teammates was cornered by one of those things. Then, suddenly, it raised its mask up like something'd caught its attention. It didn't even notice as it was being attacked… and it just wandered off like it had something better to do.
Yeah, that sounds like her… She'd ignore our savior if it meant killing another Sweeper. Switch. Slip of the tongue. Sorry.
Well. Mysteries aside, we've cleared the second wave of these guys. Think it's time for the main event to start? Should be… Since they come in threes, make sure to keep your guard up until the end.
Please keep an eye out for anything unusual. You've got it, miss~
Neighbors… left them… untouched… Then it falls to us to sweep them. Let's leave this place clean of all of them.
You guys are the last ones, right? Three waves… more than enough… to sweep… anything that moves… Thanks. You were right, Roland! 'course I was! I know my stuff, you know?
One down, four to go. Keep going. We'll sweep them still.
Got this one open up! Take care of it, boss!
They're not moving any longer. This was… a trap… Doesn't matter. Just focus on sweeping what's right in front of you. We might be able to still do something.
Just keep sweeping.No matter what. Jeez! Even after all of this they still don't quit!
At least that means they won't be running away! That's one way to look at it.
Sweeping continues.
Until the job is done. Their perseverance is really something… Boss?
I've got you, Elle. Don't worry.
We will continue the sweeping, starting with this one.
Same to you! Only… we… remain… Things will be fine.
Are… you… certain…? …No.
This… may be… it… We're almost done, at last.
You're telling me… this took forever! We've been outlasted? This place is truly unlike all others.
The big one's finally down. Just… one more!
You mean no more. Holy heck, that was quick. There was an opening, I took it.
I can't wait to get these sorted away… I'm gonna' need a long shower to get all that Sweeper juice off me… Didn't they turn into books? They did. When you're stabbing them with a giant spear, they spring leaks that get all over. Ew.
I think this served as a good proof-of-concept for how we can handle future receptions, don't you? Definitely. I'll say! I couldn't have done better myself. Speaking of teams, where's Zaida? Hey, yeah. What happened to her? Oh, I was watching from over here. I had the popcorn. We're not supposed to be doing this for entertainment, you know. I had absolute faith in the two of you to handle the hard stuff. …Thanks, Zaida.
What kind of deal could’ve made them so desperate, I wonder. The most I can tell is that the Sweepers are losing their ground, so they tried to make a deal to do something about it. Could we get to know more? No idea. Maybe the invitation will show us the answer eventually? You seem to be weirdly fixed on the Sweepers, by the way. What’s up with that? Something about them smelled suspicious… They do have an awful smell, I’ll give you that… Take a sniff of those filthy bandages, and your appetite’s… Are you insane? Sheesh, can’t even crack a joke… Well, anyway, this is the first time our Miss Library Director let her intuition speak so much… I guess it won’t hurt to keep an eye on this case.
To those guiding the Library, immediately offer the Book of a Sweeper via invitation and receive the guests who arrive.
Anton’s Page wrote: Our body is composed of liquid. Liquid is the substance that fuels our body. While humans maintain their form with the shell they call flesh and skin, we maintain our form with the suit we wear. If this liquid runs out, we will stop dead in place. Therefore, the liquid must always be filled, which is the reason we dine. This liquid is what constitutes and moves our body, but we also use the liquid to sweep the streets and dine. The method is simple. When we embed a hook connected to the fuel tank on our back into a human, they melt like a liquid. Then we consume that liquid to refuel. Without this shell, we would deform and spill on the ground like them. The liquid is patented with the approval of the Head; you must change your body to become like us if you wish to join our family. Do not worry about side effects. Mother will give you all the assistance you need. We all could safely become a family thanks to her.
Valerie’s Page wrote: The Backstreets are our main stage of activity at night. When night falls, our world unfolds. At regular intervals, we start marching from the perimeter of a Nest and sweep everything as we move forward. Even if someone stands in our way, and attacks us… Even if a powerful Fixer kills a Sweeper next to us who was our family, we pay no heed and continue onward. Like a wave of water, we sweep everything in our way, except for those who are strong enough to resist it. From an edge of a Nest to the opposite end, we march without break for 80 minutes until the ‘Night in the Backstreets’ ends.
Lyla’s Page wrote: That is correct. We are conscious of the attention of people during the daytime. We practice caution. It would be a public nuisance to show up in broad daylight and cause a ruckus, and we have a set of rules that we abide to. Of course, if the Head demands our service, we must assemble, day or night. Oh, and I believe there is a small misunderstanding between us. It is not by the will of us Sweepers that the night in the Backstreets has become a time when no deed is forbidden. Does it appear to you that every denizen of the Backstreets disapproves of the rules? ‘Anyone is allowed to commit terrible acts at night, and there is nowhere to complain to if you are victimized.’ While this means terrible things can happen to you at night, it also means that you are free to be the perpetrator of such a deed yourself. In fact, we do not see much benefit from the freedom of the nighttime, other than being allowed to dine all we want.
A Sweeper’s Page wrote: If the ‘Night in the Backstreets’ were to be gone, the Backstreets will fall into even worse chaos than before. In other words, the Night in the Backstreets is the rein that keeps this place in check. Because the Night exists, people here show the least amount of human decency.
Here’s an example. You come home at the end of a hellish day. Dragging your weary body to the sofa, you hope to get a small break lying on the couch and watching cheap entertainment shows. But guess what happens. Some crazy jerk upstairs turns up their speakerphone’s volume to the max and makes obnoxious noises that make your ceiling shake. Too bad, there goes your peaceful respite. You can’t stand the noise that’s getting to your head, so you decide to ask your neighbor to please be considerate and lower the volume. You want to talk this over without a fight, so you battle the furious urge a million times before you go upstairs. But then our unfriendly neighbor gives you a baffling reply when you confront them. I need some free time for myself too, I have gripes with my neighbors that I just live with, so you should do the same. Why make a huge fuss about the noise when it isn’t even too loud, blah blah… Talking out of their ass. What can you do, though? Barely keeping your boiling anger inside, you go back down to your house, covering your ears with a pillow and yelling curse words as you try to sleep. Even if you told your landlord about it, they’d shrug off your complaint and smile like a saint, so there’s no use speaking up about it.
That’s when the Night of the Backstreets comes into play. First off, you block the entrance to that shithead’s house before they return. Anything works; you could weld the door, use wooden planks, padlock the door, or whatever. Ensure that they can’t enter their own house by any means, and go back to your home. Some time later, they’ll come back to find that the door to their house has been sealed shut; they’ll struggle with the door before giving up. And they’ll make a serious face as though they’re trying to think of who could’ve done this ridiculous prank to them. Once they realize that it couldn’t possibly have been anyone else’s doing but yours, it’ll be too late. Because you’ll be behind them, bashing their head in with a brick or some heavy object. Killing them right now would obviously break the rules, so you drag them to your house and enjoy a quiet rest.
When the clock hits 3 AM, you drag the little shit outside and throw it in the middle of a relatively large street. You return to your home before it’s too late and watch the scene from the window. The time is 3:13 AM; Sweepers crawl out of the dark and sweep the streets clean, collecting all the trash including that noise pollutant.
We seem to follow up on things we've started… at least when a new round of options show up. Not always. As you'll recall, those Bremen Musicians followed up after the Full-Stop Office. They were as far apart as could be. That's true! I'd forgotten about them after seeing what happened on that train. I wonder what it's based on, then… Perhaps it's simply what's interesting? Most of the books we've read lately are based on what interests us. It's possible, I guess… Seems more likely that it's just a lot of random, doesn't it..? That seems most probable.
By Lily, does it mean Mrs. Lily who’s living next door…? I did hear it’s her birthday tomorrow…
I’m not sure myself… …What if she bites one of those needles and gets hurt?
……You never know, she might luckily notice the needles before she eats them. Or you could tell her in advance that there are needles in her cake. Oh… Is it okay for me to spoil the Prescript to her? The Prescript didn’t say anything about it, so it should be alright… It’s strange, though. I’ve been only getting weird Prescripts like this lately… Is there a meaning to this? If you don’t carry out the Prescripts, the Index won’t provide protection… You have a family, right? I hope you can fulfill this one smoothly. …Okay.
Sorry, sir. I sadly can’t do anything for you even if you cling to me. Now… Take in deep breath, and read it out.
…‘To Lee Deok-gu. Play rock paper scissors with the third person you meet and play rock. If you win, pull out 59 strands of their hair…’ … ‘Then, apply seafood-cream pasta sauce with mealworms fed on styrofoam to it three times, and eat it with a fork.’ Sick bastards… You’re telling me to eat that shit? I had to make risotto out of sewer water and give it to Minji next door just a week ago… They ate it without asking, and ended up going to the ER! Fuck this! I’m sorry… All I do is deliver the Prescripts… Please… I’ll give you as much money as you want! Or let me get a different Prescript just this once, I beg you…
I’d love to change this, but… I don’t have the authority to do that. …Everyone faces a test of faith in the Prescripts. I hope you can overcome this. …
Hello, Proxy Gloria. Do you have business with Mister LaMarcus here, too?
Yep, I do! I got a Prescript, hehe. Hello, Mister LaMarcus? Are you there? We’re here to talk~! Mmm~? This won’t do! Leave it to me, sweetie~ Aha~ There you are!
Did this person not carry out his Prescript? Nope! So a Prescript came down to me, telling me to smash Mister LaMarcus’s frontal lobe. Usually, Proxies only receive Prescripts on the rare occasion… of someone else not carrying out their Prescript, Mister LaMarcus.
…You’re shitting me. ‘Kill the painting you've drawn.’ …Does this make sense to you!!? Painting was everything in my life, and I smeared my own art with ink… stabbed them, tore them… Painted pictures of dead people in so many different ways… I did everything!!! Huh~? That’s a totes simple problem~ Just pick anyone from the streets, use them as a model for your painting, and then kill them. Isn’t that a no brainer? … Th… This is… This isn’t my fault! It’s the Prescript being too vague…! It’s not the Prescript’s fault that you were too dumb to get it~ You sick fucks! I did all I could to live! I relayed numbers to a guy called Riemann, I moved a unicorn plushie to a park, and I even found a way to see green from a white wall for Hye-in! I’d been doing so good… Too bad you couldn’t keep it up this time~ I understand that you tried. But… Once we get a Prescript, we should carry it out, no exceptions~ …I’m sorry. Ahhhhhhh!
Is this really all I have to do to be protected by you guys? No need to pay money like with the other Syndicates? Yes… That’s the case. All you need to do is carry out each Prescript accordingly. Sweet! The Index really is the best! You don’t ask for backbreaking fees like the others do. Will you please reconsider? Nothing is truly free in this City… I just have to carry out the Prescripts that come to me from time to time, don’t I? The Nest went under so suddenly… Dangerous gangs started prancing around the residential area… And other Syndicates all wanted me to pay absurd amounts of money or sign these ridiculous contracts… The Index is the only one me and my family can count on! …If you believe so. You’ll be safe as long as you follow the Prescripts. Maybe…
Prescripts will be Prescripts. It’s not like you ever cared about how many Prescripts you got. I have no doubts about Prescripts, no~ Though we might be seeing a lot of bloodshed with the Thumb and the Sweepers at this rate? I don’t have any blood left in my body to shed anyhow~
It’s our role to act on behalf of the Prescript’s will. ……
We will carry out the Prescripts we’ve received first. As Proxies, each of us will convey the content that Prescript Messenger Yan gave us to the Proselytes in our familia. …What are the Prescripts about this time, by the way? Let’s see~ Mine is to extract the spinal cords of 37-year-old people in this Nest. Every 37-year-old in the Nest? Dunno~? It’s up to Proxy Esther to clarify ambiguities in Prescripts, y’know~? It does target all denizens of the Nest. Search for every single person of the specified age and take their spine.
Our familia’s task is to exchange the left leg of the fourteenth person we come across today with the right leg of the twenty-sixth person we run into. They’re so out there~ It actually feels strange to get a straightforward Prescript for once, you see, Yan~?
This one needs no explanation. …I will send my Proselytes to the Library as my Prescript dictates.
It seems the ‘Prescripts’ are often vague and need clarification. I haven’t seen ‘em myself, so I frankly have no idea how those instructions look. Dunno who makes the Prescripts, either. It’s impossible that they could maintain such a massive Syndicate following orders that come out of nowhere. That’s the scary part. Those Prescripts seem random, but they work out in their favor somehow. And no one knows who’s responsible for making them? I haven’t seen anyone that knows, at least. The Prescripts are long since appointed as a Star of the City. I can hardly believe that so many are following such amphigory so blindly. That’s pretty much everyone in the City. Like they said, people all just live according to the purpose of life given by someone or something else without thinking twice. Heck, those who are still lost without a purpose would gladly take Prescripts. Even if they require them to yield their own lives? They’re willing to declare war against the Thumb because a Prescript said so. Life surely isn’t the biggest concern for them. But that’s only a conflict between Syndicates, not Wings. Can it really be called a war? Ehey, ma’am~ You have no idea how big they really are! When the hundreds of Finger-affiliated Syndicates all clash at the same time, the scale and the aftermath is most certainly comparable to that of a war between Wings. This town’s gonna be noisy with those fanatics around for a while. 'Ey, kiddo. Did you ever find anything out about that case I sent you on?
The weird case with the sightings? What else would it be? Whatcha' got for me? Nothing. The rumors and evidence all dry up 'round about the time we first fought the Full-Stop office. Nobody's seen anything. Then what's your working theory? I know you've got one. Don't you have a lot of faith in me… Thinkin's basically all you do, kiddo. The way I see it, one of two things is the case. One: it's people mistaking their coworkers for interlopers. Enough of them and you'd think there might be a ghost somewhere. But why would it've stopped, if that was the case? Exactly. Which leaves us with two: Someone from the outside's snuck in. Which, given how this place is surrounded by impenetrable fog and can't be reached without an invitation… Is impossible. Therefore, we have determined that the following must be true: These rumors are bullshit. Well, if that's what you're thinking, that's probably all there is to it. Yeah… pretty much. Sorry t'waste your time, then. It's no problem. The whole thing ultimately took me just a couple of minutes to figure out. Aha. So then you'd say it was a… Please no. Brief case? :mmmhmm: …I'm leaving.
Huh. I make this look good.
The cravat suits me as well!
We're murdering people. How we look really doesn't matter. Sure it does! We're the floor of art, after all! We have to look good!
Then… should I… change? I wanted to go for something durable, but… You're fine. As long as you're comfortable. Actually I feel more… liquid, than comfy. It's really off-putting. Just don't get stabbed, and you'll be fine! Really, though, that's simply life. HAHAHAHAHA!
Are you guys all ready to go? Ah… so it's you today, Malkuth? That's right! Make sure to not slack off today, Netzach! …Honestly…
You guys're seeing this, right? Seems like they're all targeting a specific enemy. 
Could just be bad luck..? As the prescript points, so shall we go! Gonna' guess it's not.
Netzach, I don't think you'll be able to beat them through raw strength.
I know already. They've got us outmuscled. Then you have a plan already, right? Yeah. We're definitely faster, so we'll take them down with quantity.
Strength from singleminded devotion… It's powerful.
But not unbeatable. Stay sharp, you three.
QUITE sharp! I've never seen someone block my spearing technique before! You should expect at least this much from the agents of a Finger. Really, you could say the true test starts here.
Nice story and all, but it just boils down to waiting.
And hitting back!
It's an ugly strategy… but that's our specialty, wouldn't you say? HAHAHAHA! Quite! We're no strangers to patching ourselves up!
Hey… if this strategy's so good, why's the music saying that you're losing? Never listen to the music. It doesn't know anything.
Okay! I've got the hang of this body. Let's take it for a real test drive. You know you're going to take a beating, right? It's fine! Sweepers don't have conventional pain receptors. They're just liquid and suit. Huh. Clever.
Aha..! That… wasn't pleasant!
Okay… just gotta' hold on, and counterattack at the end. I've got this.
Dang it!
Don't worry about it too much. Just press forward. Oh! Like a Sweeper! I got it! I didn't even think of that…
Yep… still hurts.
I'd appreciate some help from our trump cards by now! Don't worry about that! I'm showing you guys' emotions are running high enough that they should show any second now. Oh yeah… it looks like you guys are having a terrible day!
Well… this is bad. What are your orders, sir? …I'll give it my all one last time, so make sure they all die afterwards. HAHAHAHA! Just be sure to keep smiling 'til the end, and it'll be fine!
Oh… that's kinda nice, actually. Heh. Reminds me of Enkephalin. They're probably not that far apart.
Guess… this is it. Dammit, I didn't want to die anymore…
Boss..? They just booked him! He's a book!
You think we're going to just let you get away with that?! Thinking? Nah, brah. I follow the prescripts?
Well congratulations! Your prescripts have brought you here! To this moment! Make sure you keep that smile on your face from here forward, no matter what happens!
And for the record: What's going to happen is you die.
Seriously guys, music's saying you're getting your ass kicked. May wanna do something. We're fine. Just give us one more second. 
How dare they. Dying with a smug smile on their face like that…
And what's wrong with that?! It's better if they smile! They followed their heart all the way here, after all!
Is it really their heart if it's a piece of paper? Semantics!
See? Told you we had it. Thanks to my amazing guidance, of course. Was it really that amazing?
They're coming your way, Carlos!
You bought me plenty of time! As long as it's not a stabbing attack, I'll be fine!
Oh heck! A stabbing attack! Oh no! Those are the worst!
This one's all ready for processing! HAHAHAHAHA!
It's a shame about the boss, but it seems we've got it well in hand from here, right? …yeah, we should have it. Still… I don't know if we can keep it up for future battles if we keep losing people like this.
That's a problem for tomorrow! What's important is to keep smiling in the now! Ah, yes sir! Smiling, sir!
HAHAHAHAHAHA! One down! Handle the other! Leave it to me!
Ah man… they're still up..! We didn't do enough. I'd say we did the perfect amount… right Malkuth? Absolutely! Good job, everyone. Huh?
When an enemy's on fire, there's no point in beating them all the way down anyways. It just wastes effort. Oh… so that's what you meant!
Can't call it a perfect victory, but there's no use crying over spilled blood! Let's get this cleaned up! I've gotta' say… their fighting style is kind of intense. I guess Mr. Stays-in-the-back-and-shoots wouldn't understand the appeal of a slugfest like that. …shut up, Dimi.
That… does not get any easier. Welcome back to the land of the living, boss! Yeah… five minutes. Same. I probably shouldn't lie down. I feel like I might… leak. I'll just get back to work. I really can't wait to get my hands on those new toys. You noticed how powerful they were too, eh? Of course. My next creation won't lose to anything! I'm sure it won't, ImIdiot. Not gonna' hold my breath…
Now that the fingers themselves are getting involved, it'd be nice if we had some extra firepower on our side… They didn't seem particularly more difficult to receive than any of our other guests. That's because Proselytes are the lowest of the low, and we only saw four of them. If something like the Thumb or Middle send an army at us, we'd be in some real trouble. I see. In that case, it's rather fortunate timing. It seems Malkuth's floor has gained the books it needs to progress onward. Hey, that is fortunate! Should we shimmy right for it or— We'll see. For now, simply receive guests as you always do.
"If you feel an abdominal pain and a tingling sensation in your neck, the best thing you can do now is look at the great blue sky you'll never get to see again." Sorry about that… I've got things back on track now. There shouldn't be any more Mr.s Monkeying around with the polls anymore for a while. Together, we'll change things for the better.
An Index Proselyte’s Page wrote: No two Prescripts are the same in any way; as well as their contents being completely different from each other, you can’t expect when and where you’ll receive one. It could be placed between the patties of the hamburger you’re holding, it could be in your mailbox, it could be handed to you by a passerby. However, if you question who delivers those Prescripts or where they come from and put your curiosity into action, the Proxies will come for you, so beware. Here’s a few examples of the Prescripts:
‘To Rimi, Deliver a bacon pizza to Danny’s doorstep on 8th St. before 10 AM sharp on September 14th.’
‘To Jimin, Do not utter a single word for five days.’
‘To Sehee, If the first person you meet outside today answers your greetings by lifting their right hand, take their heart out; if the person ignores your greetings, remove your own heart from your body.’
…And this is only scratching the surface of the shambolic orders written on the Prescripts. The contents of a Prescript range from ordinary tasks to things that cannot be carried out in relatively normal (in terms of morality) means… The arrant variety and creativity of the Prescripts will make you wonder just what goes on in the head of the person responsible for writing them. Take a moment to think about how you would feel if you received a Prescript that says ‘Chop off your right ankle and eat it medium rare. (P.S. You don't have to eat the bones.)’ You’d think this is an absurd instruction no sane person could follow, but those who belong to the Index will feel glad that it doesn’t require chopping off both feet or eating the bones.