MAke Drama: MAD story · Event story, PLEASE SAVE ME!
PLEASE SAVE ME!
This is the event story for PLEASE SAVE ME!
13 scenes, 1,187 lines
1. An Unwelcome Guest at Happy Time
67 linesA quiet, peaceful afternoon. The first in ages.
[The perfect choice for anyone who's been going nonstop.] Ad
[Refresh your weary body and mind with 100% natural herbal ingredients.]
[Take a moment just for you. Chilling Tea Water.]
"Going nonstop," huh...
*Sigh*... What a life...
How long has it been since I arrived in this strange world?
Everything I've been through so far feels completely surreal...
Not that I've hated every second of it…
Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!
*Sigh*... What's the point of any of it?
The thoughts drift past, just like the video playing in front of me...
Just as I suddenly ended up here from the world I once lived in...
I might wake up one day to find myself dropped into yet another world.
So much for the meaning of life. All is vanity.
Right. For now, I'll just soothe my weary body and mind...
... Ah! That's right!!
...Is she gone?
Good grief. What a pushy salesperson. Just when it was getting good, too...
Gaaah!!!!
...Huh? You're... that melodramatic pharmacist from Saverim?!
...Huh? You're completely fine...?
Ack! W-Wait, time out!!
Stop right there!! Don't come any closer. Turn around for a moment!
Stooop!! I told you to stop!!!
C-Could it be you've already fallen under the Curse of Ruin?!
Worry not, my minion! I shall save you!
Wait till I put some pants on, you idiot!!
(A moment later)
...A-Ahem. So that's what was going on...
Then why didn't you just tell me to wait?
No matter how much I knocked, there was no answer, so I assumed you had collapsed!
Hey, that still doesn't justify smashing my window to get inside!
Besides, I clearly told you to stop! You're the one who kept coming closer!
N-Ngh...
T-Then you should have at least said you were inside!
And what on earth were you doing with your clothes off in the first place?!
T-That's...
Well... you know.
I was... thinking about... world peace!
Yeah... Exactly what you're thinking.
Ngh...! I knew it...
Yes... That's right.
I see! Your memories from a thousand years ago have finally returned!!
Yeah, you're righ— Huh? Memories from a thousand years ago?
Yes! A thousand years ago, when the Primordial Apocalypse began!
We sealed away the apocalypse together and saved the world!
...Oh. More of her made-up backstory.
Pretty sure I'd remember doing something like that...
A glorious day indeed! Kukuku! Is this fate's doing too...?
Hey, are you listening to me?
Ku, ku, ku. Then allow me to introduce myself once more...
Yes—I am the hero who sealed the Primordial Apocalypse, Rana Apocry—
Ack!
Ngh...! Why is the floor so slippery?!
My minion! You should really keep your floor clean!
Seriously though, what did you actually come here for?
...What?
2. Lethargy Syndrome
106 lines(A few days ago...)
Kukuku... Kukuku!
Huh?
Oh, Rana! Ehehe, good morning!
You're finally out of your room! Did you finish what you were working on?!
Kukuku, yes. I've just finished it...
With this, the world is safe from calamity once more! Ku, ku, ku...
Calamari? What's that? Is it yummy?!
Kukuku...
That is forbidden knowledge granted only to those bound by a lonely fate…
Ordinary humans like you needn't concern yourselves with it. Ku, ku, ku...
Oh, got it! Doesn't sound very tasty anyway!
Oh, by the way, Rana! You should still come out and say hi once in a while, even when you're making medicine!
We hadn't seen you in days! We thought something had happened to you. Sophia was really worried, too!
Kukuku. Rest assured!
My contract binds me to this place.
I shall remain here, so worry not. Kukuku...
Aww, there you go again with words only you understand!
Nobody knows what you're talking about!
...
Ehehe! So that's why you know so much about poison, Rana!
So what you've been working so hard on these past few days was—
What?! I'm not a dummy! Takes one to know one!
No, you're the dummy!
Oh, Sophia! Good morning! Ehehe!
Oh my, so you stayed in your room all this time to make medicine!
You haven't been staying up all night again, have you?
Hmph... Not you too...
I am no longer the same person you rescued in that alleyway!
I can take care of myself perfectly well!
Yes, yes, I know you can take care of yourself, Rana. But still!
Don't spend all your time making medicine. Come out and eat with us sometimes.
Hmph... A-Alright...
Speaking of which, Rana, you ate the meals I left by your door, but...
Then why did you leave the bell peppers every time?
What?! It wasn't me! I hate bell peppers, but I still eat them!
You traitor! We agreed we weren't eating the bell peppers!
Hehehe, I see how it is.
I know making medicine is tiring, but please eat your bell peppers next time, too.
Hmph... F-Fine...
Now then, shall we open up the clinic for today?
Come to think of it, we've been getting more and more patients lately.
I'm a bit worried. I wonder if there's a bug going around...
Kukuku. Fear not, Sophia.
Hunting curses is as easy as eating pudding for one such as myself.
I shall make up for my absence by dealing with every last case! Ku, ku, ku...
Hehehe, is that so? Then I'm counting on you, Rana!
(The next day)
Whoa! There are so many people already!
Are you okay, Rana? Aren't you overdoing it on your very first day?
Kukuku... This familiar chill... It has been far too long.
Rest assured, Eileen. Who do you think I am?
I am the one destined to walk alone, Rana Apocrypha Lil—
Excuse me... Could I have some medicine, please...?
...Ahem. R-Right.
(Two days later)
Wh-Why are there so many people...?
Nnngh... C-Coming through...!
...Huh? Rana, you don't look so good. Are you okay?
You look like you ate something really gross... Did you have bell peppers for breakfast?
Kukuku... Bell peppers?
Eileen, you think bell peppers taste bad? I find them far more delicious than pudding.
Oh, come on! How could bell peppers taste better than pudding?!
It's true... You only say that because you've had such an easy life.
Kukuku... After all I've been through, even bell peppers taste as sweet as pudding...
S-Sophia, come quick! Something's wrong with Rana!
(A few days later)
Aaargh! I cannot take another second of this!
Why do patients keep flooding in?!
At this rate, we shall all perish!!!
Yay! Rana's back to normal!
Oh my! It looks like you've finally perked up, Rana!
Ngh...! A-Are you two really okay with this?!
If we keep working without a moment's rest, we'll be the ones collapsing first!!
Well, what are we supposed to do? The patients keep coming...
*Sigh*... From what I hear, the other clinics are in the same boat.
The number of patients keeps rising every day, so everyone's swamped...
...K-Kukuku. You finally understand how dire the situation is.
But fear not! I have a brilliant idea!
Wow, really?! I knew you could do it, Rana!
Kukuku, yes... Th-Then I must prepare at once.
I must prepare for the contract... Ahem. Not because I don't want to work, of course...
...Huh? Prepare for a contract?
Huh? Then what about the afternoon appointments—
Oh my!
Ah, Rana! I told you not to jump out the window!!!
Whew, there's really no stopping her.
Sophia, should I go get Rana?
3. What Is the Curse of Ruin?
87 linesThat is what transpired...
...Hmm, okay. I think I've got the picture.
Kukuku... That's my minion! You already understand my—
So basically, you ran away because you didn't feel like working, right?
Huh?
...W-What are you talking about?! As if I would run away!
But even you must think it's strange that we're getting this many patients!
...Hmm, I haven't lived here all that long myself, but...
People in this neighborhood beat each other up over the stupidest things every day.
So isn't having a ton of patients completely normal?
E-Even so, we don't normally get this many!
Besides, Humanitas has tens of thousands of clinics! Why are they all so crowded?!
Wait, there are that many clinics in this neighborhood?
I thought yours was the only one since I ended up there after getting hit by a car...
As you said, there are countless patients every day! Of course we need that many clinics!
But lately, there have been far, far too many!
Just today, there were THIS many! THIIIIS many!!
And I hear the other clinics are just as bad!
...Right, okay, I get that there are a lot of patients.
So why come to me? It's not like I know anything about medicine.
Ahem...
My minion, you work as a Fixer in this timeline, do you not?
Lend me your strength and wisdom!
Together, we shall discover why the Curse of Ruin has spread so far! Kukuku...!
Well, if you're hiring me, I guess I can take the job.
...But what's all this about an apocalypse and a curse?
Do you have any idea what's causing it?
...! Ku, ku, ku! Ah, so that is what you wish to know...!
It seems your memories have not yet fully returned.
Very well! I shall explain it all to you, step by step—
Ah, no need for all that. Just keep it short.
B-But you won't understand if I leave things out...
Then make sure I do.
Besides, I think I already get the gist of it.
Nnngh... A-Alright...
Well... A thousand years ago, the Primordial Apocalypse began.
And you... Kukuku. You joined forces with me to seal it away.
Ah, right, you came up with that story earlier.
Hmph! I didn't make it up! It really happened!
Okay, but what does that have to do with all these patients?
...Ku , ku , ku. Allow me to continue...
A thousand years ago, we sealed away the apocalypse and saved the world, but...
One thing happened that neither you nor I could have foreseen.
Something unexpected...
Is that where this "curse" stuff comes in?
Kukuku... That's my minion.
Indeed. Once it was sealed, a new threat emerged: the Curse of Ruin...
It is not as powerful as the Primordial Apocalypse, but it slowly eats away at our minds and bodies...
People came to know the Curse of Ruin by another name: "disease"...
Right. And?
...Huh? "And"...?
What does this "Curse of Ruin" have to do with there being so many patients?
Then why are you and I both perfectly fine?
...K-Kukuku... Proof that we are the chosen ones...
If I, your master, am unharmed, then surely my minion is safe as well!
...Alright, moving on. There's another thing I don't get.
You said this curse showed up a thousand years ago. Why is it suddenly a problem now?
Uh, well... Y-You see...
The Curse of Ruin... no matter how many times you cleanse it, it keeps coming back...
...So what exactly do you expect me to do about that?
Like I said, I'm not exactly trained to treat people.
If it keeps coming back no matter how many times you get rid of it, it doesn't sound like there's much I can do to help.
A-Ahem... Well, about that...
...K-Kukuku. That's my minion. A-An excellent question...
But th-the time has not yet come...
First... Yes! Why don't we pick up where we left off?
...Where we left off?
Ku , ku , ku ... You still haven't recovered all your memories, after all.
Allow me to tell you of your past. We can enjoy some pudding as we talk. Kukuku...
(Where did the pudding come from...?)
How long are you going to keep up this roleplaying routine...?
Huh...? Roleplaying? What do you mean?
...Never mind.
By the way, do you really have time to hang around like this? I thought you had a ton of patients.
...Come to think of it, should you even be here right now? Aren't you supposed to be super busy?
...K-Kukuku .
One must have priorities...
For I have a solemn duty to observe the tangled threads of fate—
Huh?
...I see. So that's how it is.
Kukuku, indeed! I am the hunter of the Curse of Ruin, Rana Apo—
Ah, yeah, whatever.
Sophia told me to bring you back. She said you've rested more than enough.
4. What Are You Doing During the Apocalypse?
82 linesAfter Sophia called, I brought Rana back to Saverim...
[In other news...] Announcer
[Recently, an increasing number of citizens in Humanitas have been suffering from lethargy.] Announcer
[While the exact cause remains unknown, experts say it is highly contagious—] Announcer
Waaaah... This is so exhausting!
It's been nothing but work! I can't even remember my last walk...
What are you talking about, you stupid dog?! How am I supposed to carry you?!
Nnngh! I-I can't even budge you! What do you eat to get so big and heavy?!
Ehehe... You're so squishy and cozy!
...*Sniff, sniff*. Hmm?
This sweet smell... Is that strawberry pudding...?
...Ahem.
R-Rana... Did you eat pudding without telling me...?
I-I didn't eat any!
H-Hey! That was my portion, so of course I ate it!
What about you?! You ate that melon custard pudding all by yourself last time! I wanted to try it, too!
W-Well, you ate that chestnut tiramisu pudding last month—
...*Sigh*. Do those two ever get tired...?
Oh, there you all are!
You've all worked so hard today. I brought us something to eat, so let's take a break together.
Yaaay! You're the best, Sophia!
Hey! Wait! Don't pick before me!
Thank you so much for your help today, <:player>!
Things have been so chaotic lately... I'm so glad you were here to help, <:player>!
Whew, it's not like I came here planning to volunteer, but...
Anyway, how many patients did we see today? This place was packed.
Hmm, well... We had about 300 people today. Usually, it's just over 100 at most...
We started getting a lot more patients about a week ago, and it's only gotten worse...
[—Meanwhile, health authorities are facing heavy criticism for failing to respond quickly to this epidemic in its early stages.] Announcer
[Fortunately, several pharmaceutical companies are developing treatments. One to watch is Black Medicine Co.'s—] Announcer
Are all the extra patients coming in with that?
Lethargy Syndrome? The one where people lose almost all motivation?
Yes... It leaves people with only their most basic needs and urges. Even everyday life becomes a struggle.
In severe cases, patients may even stop eating or sleeping, so we have to be especially careful.
...Wait, you haven't been handling all of this with just the three of you this whole time, have you?
Your workload's tripled. Can't anyone send you some extra help?
Haha... Unfortunately, the other clinics are in the same boat...
For now, we have no choice but to manage with the staff we already have.
Exactly! The situation is dire!
At this rate, we'll collapse too... Then who will treat the patients?!
We can't just keep treating patients as they come in! We have to find the cause!
Whoa. Since when are you the voice of reason?
Hmph! Such disrespect, my minion! I've always been clever!
Sounds to me like you just don't want to work...
Still, you've got a point. After today, I get it.
If the number of patients doesn't go down and no help is coming, you'll reach your limit soon.
...Yes, but as things stand, we have no other choice.
We can't just turn patients away because we're exhausted.
But we have no way of finding out what's causing Lethargy Syndrome...
Well, figuring out the cause is why I came here.
Your pharmacist hired me to look into it.
Oooh! You're going to help us, <:player>?!
That was my original plan, but I'll need to change things up a bit.
I have to head over to Vermont soon anyway.
Don't put it like that... You only asked me about this today.
I already had plans. I can't just cancel them. But don't worry, I'm not abandoning you.
Which means...
You'll all collapse before I get to the bottom of this.
So first, let's deal with the immediate problem of patients pouring in nonstop.
Ehehe! I knew we could count on you, <:player>!
Actually, you're the key to this plan.
I'm counting on you. I can trust you with this, right?
What...?!
...Kukuku! Mwahahaha! So you need my help... Ku , ku , ku !!
Very well! It has been some time since we last joined forces. Fate must have brought us together once more...
Speak, my minion! What would you have me do?!
I mean, what else would I ask a pharmacist to do?
Huh?
Make some medicine.
…
5. Leave Medicine to the Pharmacist
117 lines<:player>, what exactly do you mean by "make medicine"...?
First, I need to check something...
Your medicine can cure Lethargy Syndrome, right? You're sure about that?
Then the plan is simple.
Rana, make as much medicine as you can to buy us some time.
Huh?
Meanwhile, I'll make a quick trip to Vermont. Once I'm back, I'll get to the bottom of this.
How about that? Easy, right?
Mmm... Making a whole bunch of medicine...
Something occurred to me while I was working today.
Can't you just make a huge stash of medicine ahead of time?
Then whether 300 or 3,000 patients turn up, you just give them the medicine, right?
...Ahaha. Well, yes, in theory...
So I don't see why having so many patients is a problem.
It's not like making medicine takes an eternity or anything—
Huh? Uh... Sure, go ahead?
...?
Very, very, VERY special.
It's in a league of its own, far beyond anything those amateurs could make. Ku , ku , ku ...
Um... I-Is that so?
Kukuku... I'm sure you're wondering what makes it so different.
I make each dose specifically for the person who will take it.
...Then doesn't it take way too long to make just one dose?
...Kukuku. It cannot be helped.
But that is what makes my medicine so effective!
Kukuku... Supreme alchemy, capable of bending fate itself—
Okay, can we focus on the problem here?
Huh?
With this many people needing medicine, you have to compromise.
You made medicine for all those cats when they went berserk, didn't you?
Th-That was different! I was trying to prove that medicine could surpass magic!
But this is nothing like that...! You're simply telling me to mass-produce it!!
Oho... I see, so that's how it is...
Just checking... You can make a general-purpose medicine, right?
O-Of course! There's no medicine I can't make!
Great. Then let's make a big batch in advance.
That way, even when patients flood in, all you have to do is hand out the meds. Much easier.
W-Wait, my minion!
Artificial scents and simple antidotes are one thing! But you can't give everyone the same medicine just because they have the same illness!
Everyone's body is different! Their habits are different! You can't just lump them all together and call that medicine!
Look, under the current circumstances—
Medicine isn't just about fixing the immediate problem!
Making medicine without considering who's taking it is reckless! One mistake could ruin someone's life forever!
I'd rather collapse than cut corners just because we have too many patients!
...*Sigh*. You pick the strangest things to be stubborn about.
I'm not asking you to give up your way of doing things.
...Huh?
This would just be temporary. Something to get us through the worst of it.
We start with a mild medicine to ease everyone's symptoms and keep the workload manageable...
And then later on, you can make proper, individualized medicine for them. Right?
Th-That's right, Rana! We sometimes do that when treating patients, don't we?
We see how someone responds to a prescription, then adjust the ingredients and dosage for the next one.
Mmm...
<:player> and Sophia are right, Rana!
It's like eating your bell peppers before your treats! That's way better than saving the peppers for last!
...Not quite the same thing, but sure.
...Huh? Right now?
Wait right there!
...*Sigh*. She really is a handful.
Wow, <:player>! I can't believe you got Rana to change her mind!
Thank you so much, <:player>.
Thanks to you, we can sort this out without hurting Rana's feelings.
...You've been going along with her for days just to spare her feelings?
Hehe. We have to think about everyone here at Saverim.
Besides, didn't you respect Rana's wishes as well, <:player>?
Well, that's just because it was the simplest way...
Anyway, at least we'll be able to prepare some medicine now.
Just checking... Her medicine really does work, right?
Of course— Ah.
...Huh?
...Haha. Let's just wait and see!
Somehow, I'm already starting to feel uneasy...
Oh, already? You're sure about this?
...K-Kukuku. O-Of course!
Though it has been a while since I made medicine this way...
Still, there shouldn't be any serious side effects or lasting harm! Ahem!
...Well, as long as it works as a stopgap measure, that's fine.
So, where is the medicine?
Kukuku. Right here.
Gaaah!! Wh-What is this?! Get it away from me right now!!!
...A-Alright. Hmph...
*Gasp, gasp*...! Wh-What just happened...?
Wh-Wait... You two... aren't bothered by that at all...?
Ahahaha... W-Well, you see...
Ah! It's probably because you aren't used to Rana's medicine, <:player>!
What you just saw is what Rana normally makes!
Th-That stuff is supposed to be medicine...?
Hmph! How dare you call my special elixir "that stuff"?!
Ehehehe. It does look pretty weird, though, doesn't it?
It even ended up on that famous urban legend website! What was it called again...?
I think it was called The Ruin-Bringing Poison or something?
I told you it's not poison, you idiot!!
Waah! I told you I'm not an idiot!
J-Just make it look less horrifying before you bring it back...
...Huh? What do you mean, my minion?
I mean its appearance... Do something about how it looks!
Just look at it! It looks like poison!
Don't "huh" me! Go fix it!
...A-Alright... *Sniff*...
6. Humanitas Pandemic
69 linesA few days after we made the medicine at Saverim...
(...Whew. Somehow, I managed to wrap things up here.)
(...They should be doing fine, right?)
(Well, they haven't contacted me, so I guess everything's fine.)
Oh.
...Kukuku. My minion, have you been well?
Yeah, yeah. I was actually just about to reach out to you.
How are things on your end? Everything okay?
A-Ahem... Y-Yes. Everything's fine!
Rana, what do you mean, everything's fine?! Just tell him the truth—
B-Be quiet! I can tell him myself!
*Sigh*... What's wrong now? We already fixed the stuff that looked like poison.
... It wasn't actually poison, was it?
Hmph! Stop calling it poison!
There was nothing wrong with my medicine!!
...Th-There was just one tiny, insignificant complication.
...Right. What tiny, insignificant complication?
Ahem... Well, I'll explain when you get back.
It concerns the curse, so we must discuss it in the utmost secrecy. Kukuku...
Oh, come on. Just tell me what—
I'll be waiting! Bye!!
...*Sigh*.
(...Well, I'm sure it'll be fine.)
(Doesn't sound like it's actually a huge deal, anyway.)
Phew...
(...Everything looks normal, at least.)
(Guess I'll look around and talk to some people.)
Excuse me, I have a question—
Huh? Who're you supposed to be?
...?
Well? You stopped me. Aren't you going to say something?
Well... I was wondering if anything unusual's been happening around Humanitas lately...
Unusual? Pfft. Nothing ever changes.
It's still a rotten dump run for the rich assholes.
Uh... R-Right...?
But, uh... I heard that lethargy thing or whatever was going around recently.
Ah, that. Yeah, I know all about it. I had it too.
That whole lethargy thing was just the big corporations teaming up to rip us off, wasn't it?
Oh... I-It was? News to me.
Right, how would normal people know? Those bastards control all the info.
Of course they don't know. Only a chosen few, like me, have had their eyes opened by the Organization.
Wow... L-Lucky you. Chosen by the Organization...
Hehehe. Well, I got lucky.
Anyway... seems like you're pretty interested in our Organization too, huh?
What do you say? Want to help us bring down the fat cats and turn this rotten world upside down?
A-Ah, no... Thanks for the offer, but I have other things to do...
...Tch, really? Shame. But hey, come back if you change your mind.
I reckon you'd actually be pretty good at this.
R-Right... Good luck to you guys too.
Heh, yeah. Stay alive, and I'll see you around.
Hah. I really need to quit this damn maid job. *Sigh*...
...
That woman from earlier came back today...
Ugh... That smelly woman? I can't stand her...
...
Yes, I'm here. But that offer you made... You meant it, right?
If I become a Bunny Girl, I get top-tier pay, comprehensive insurance, medical support, and—
K-Kukuku... M-My minion. Welcome b—
What on earth did you do?!
What did you do to make all the maids act like that?!
There. I've stopped. Now tell me the truth.
Uuugh... W-Wait... I'm still dizzy...
Ah, <:player>! Ehehe, it's been a while!!
Hehe, did you finish everything you had to do?
More or less. But I didn't expect another crisis to pop up as soon as I got back...
What on earth happened while I was away?
Ahaha, well, about that...
7. Drives Gone Wild
135 linesNow, everyone, let's relax with a cup of tea.
Uuugh... All I can see is spinning pudding...
You vicious, brutal minion... You weren't like this a thousand years ago...
I have no memory of that.
Ehehe, but I'm so glad you came, <:player>!
Even going for walks has been a nightmare lately! But now you'll get everyone back to normal, right?!
I don't have superpowers. I can't just snap my fingers and fix everything...
Hehe, but at least you didn't say you wouldn't help.
...Anyway, let's get back to what you were saying.
So the medicine we made last time took care of the lethargy...
But it worked a little too well, right?
Yes. Rana's medicine is what's called an antagonist. Put simply, it blocks whatever's causing the lethargy.
At first, there were no unusual symptoms. The trouble started later.
Patients who'd barely had the energy to move... suddenly had far too much.
About that "energy"...
The maids I saw seemed a bit different.
They weren't exactly energetic... More like cynical, I guess?
Ah, you're right. We've seen patients like that as well.
I said "energetic" to keep it simple. But to be more precise...
They've lost some of their inhibitions—the things that keep us from saying or doing whatever we like.
Inhibitions?
Think of the things you'd normally stop yourself from saying or doing out of politeness...
Or thoughts and feelings you'd usually keep to yourself.
The medicine seems to have affected their ability to hold those things back.
So now they're acting on every urge, with no filter...
...Wait, so those maids were actually thinking that stuff deep down?
Kukuku... A flawless explanation, Sophia.
Why is the culprit acting so proud, anyway?
...Ku, ku, ku. Because I foresaw all of this.
...What?
Kukuku... My minion, behold.
Isn't this... the medicine you made from that weird blob? What was it called again...?
Hmph! Stop calling it a weird blob!
... The first medicine I made for this crisis! I give you Detox Pudding...!
You wanted it to look different, so I made it look like pudding. Everyone loves pudding!
...I don't know if everyone loves it, but what about it?
Ahem. As you know, I designed Detox Pudding to work for everyone.
Normally, medicine should be tailored to the individual taking it...
But as you said, sometimes circumstances force us to do things differently.
Kukuku... Which is why I prepared this!
...? What? They look exactly the same.
Kukuku... Look closer.
...They still look identical. What's different?
...?
Super Detox Pudding is an improved version of the elixir I made the other day!
My latest masterpiece! It completely eliminates Detox Pudding's side effects!
And it looks like pudding, which everyone loves! Ku, ku, ku !
What do you think, my minion? My Super Detox Pud—
But they look exactly the same! How is anyone supposed to tell them apart?
Am I the only one? Can you guys tell them apart?
Haha...
Ehehe, nope! They both look less appetizing than a bowl of boiled weeds!
See, Rana? I told you <:player> wouldn't be able to tell either!
Nnngh...! I-I told you, there's a reason for that!
Changing how it looks again would stop it from working! We'd be back to square one!
...Right, well, at least you actually made an upgraded version.
Then why's everyone still acting like that? Haven't they taken it yet?
Well, we've made plenty of the improved Super Detox Pudding.
The problem is that the people who need to take it haven't come back...
They probably think they don't need any medicine.
...True. The maids I ran into didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with them either.
So unlike with the lethargy, the patients aren't seeking us out.
Kukuku... That is why I have devised a brilliant plan...
We'll go around the city together and hand out Super Detox Pudding ourselves!
I was never one to sit around and wait!
Well... That's pretty much the only option anyway.
I'm worried about leaving Saverim unattended... But I suppose we don't have a choice.
Yaaay! We all get to go for a walk together!
At last, another curse hunt! And with my minion at my side...
What a delightful day this will be. Ku, ku, ku ...!
Since that's settled, let's get moving.
So where are we going? Somewhere we're likely to find a lot of patients?
Hehe... Where would people go if they gave in to their every desire?
There's really only one place, right?
Woooow! It's so flashy, and there are so many people!!
...No way.
I'm afraid so, <:player>.
Most patients who ate the Detox Pudding came here hoping to strike it rich.
...Ha.
Kukuku. Now do you see how remarkable my elixir is?
Even I am beginning to fear my own genius... Ku, ku, ku ...!
My minion, do you now see my greatness—
Seriously, what on earth did you do?!
Sure, everyone dreams of hitting the jackpot and changing their life!
But enough to fill an entire casino? What kind of poison did you make?!
It's n-not poison! I didn't know it would turn out like this either!!
I'm sorry, so stop shaking meee!!
...*Sigh*. Fine. What's done is done.
At least with this many people gathered, handing out the medicine will be easier.
Ahaha...
Are you okay, Rana?
U-Uuugh... My head's spinning...
...Still, there are way too many people here.
They all came to a casino to get rich? Is everyone in this city an idiot...?
That's what I'm saying! Everyone needs to wake up!
Casinos lure you in, then use the odds to drain your wallet!
...Who are you?
I work here!
I'm telling the guests about the casino's tricks and sending them home.
But nobody will listen! Ugh...
Well, it's a little hard to take that seriously coming from you...
Ugh, maybe they'll believe me if I take off this bunny girl suit...
Oh... Yeah, I think they'd definitely believe you—
<:player>?
...I'm kidding. Just kidding.
Anyway, we should probably feed her that Super Detox Pudding thing too, right?
Hmm... Her impulses seem to be taking her in an unusual direction, but...
Ahem. There's no doubt. Nothing escapes my notice.
Alright, let's give her one. Doesn't look like she'd refuse.
Besides, she's an employee, so if we talk her into it, we might be able to get her to hand them out as free samples.
You aren't here to gamble too, are you...?
You seem like nice people, so listen. The more you play, the more likely you are to—
Nothing like that. We just came to help good people like you.
...Huh?
Exactly. Honest work is the way to go. Here.
Uh, what's this...?
You're working hard, so have some of this.
You really care about your customers. I'm sure it'll pay off.
Wow... Hehe. I didn't expect anyone to say that...
Hehe, and you brought me a treat, too! Is this grape pudding?
Thanks! Yum.
...Gah?!
...Huh?
Oh! A-Are you alright?!
*Cough, cough*...! Ugh! Gah...! M-My stomach...
W-Why...? I... trusted... you...
...???
E-Eeeeeek!!!
Call security!!!
??????
8. Casino Terrorist
81 lines*Huff* *pant*... W-We finally lost them...
...But I don't think it's safe here either.
I heard people pointing us out while we were running...
I know. I believe you.
It's all a misunderstanding— Huh?
I know you wouldn't do it on purpose. You don't have to explain.
You complain about having too many patients, but you genuinely care about every one of them.
You'd never hurt anyone on purpose.
M-My minion...!
But what can we do? What's done is done.
...Huh?
I mean, the rest of us still have to save our own skins, right?
Take responsibility and turn yourself in. We'll just say you threatened us into helping you.
Whaaaaaat ?!?!?!
Just hold out for a bit. I have a feeling the Four Gentlemen might have a way to prove your innocence.
Aaargh! You're abandoning me and running away, you jerk!
No way, you dummy! If I'm going down, you're coming with me!!
Gack! Let go, let go of me! I don't know anything!!
Ehehe! I don't know what's going on, but I'm coming too!
Hehe... Alright, everyone. Enough fooling around. Come over here.
Let's figure out how we're going to get through this together.
—And so, your proposal is rejected: three votes against, one in favor.
Tch.
Ku, ku, ku... My minion, behold the power of my charisma.
Whew... Alright, enough playing around.
Let's go over what happened back there. What does everyone remember?
To me, it looked like that Bunny Girl collapsed the moment she ate the pudding.
I only saw the Bunny Girl lying on the floor!
I think... What happened next is the important part.
What happened next...
You mean how she vanished right after that SOS signal popped up?
I remember seeing that now and then, but what about it?
A distress signal... I can see why you'd think that.
Actually, that was an emergency warp device from SOS Corp.
... SOS Corp? That's a company name?
Yes, its official name is Shitara Comprehensive Safety Insurance. People usually shorten it to SOS.
It's a major insurance company that works with private clinics like Saverim to provide medical coverage.
That emergency warp device we saw at the casino is one of their main services.
They work with private clinics... Oh! So that Bunny Girl...
Hehe, that's right. She was likely warped to a nearby clinic, so you don't need to worry too much.
...But she still set off that emergency warp device with her medicine, right?
I-I have something to say about that!
My minion, do you know what triggers an SOS emergency warp device?
No. But doesn't it just activate if someone passes out?
It activates when the energy in your body drops below a certain level!
Passing out is merely a symptom of depleted energy!
And that gives me an idea of what might have happened!
Right, so your pudding was poison after all.
It was not! Hear me out!!
I suspect the problem was taking both Detox Pudding and Super Detox Pudding together!
One pudding suppresses lethargy, the other suppresses desire... They have opposite effects!
When the two puddings mixed in her body, they must have caused an unexpected reaction!
...So you're saying her energy was drained because of that adverse reaction?
Kukuku. Indeed!
And I believe that once her energy returns naturally, she'll be cured!
She'll be back to normal! No lethargy, no runaway urges! Ku, ku, ku!
...Well, I get the gist of it. But what are we supposed to do about it now?
Huh?
[In other news...]
[The terrorists who attacked the Casino this afternoon are reportedly still on the run—]
We're already being treated like crazy terrorists.
Plus, we don't know when that Bunny Girl will wake up, or if she'll even take our side when she does.
...So, you've made up your mind.
It was a tough decision for me, too. But I'll never forget your sacrifice—
Aaargh! Absolutely not! I'm never letting go of your pants!!
...Persistent little pest. So what are you going to do then?
Kukuku... If that is how it must be...
I have no choice but to take responsibility and make an Ultra Detox Pudding with zero side effects...
...You're driving me crazy. Fine. Let's say you actually manage to make it...
You'll still need time, right? You've got a lot of people to make it for.
Open up!! We know you're in there!!!
...
...Let's get out of here first.
9. Store Raid Incident
95 linesHaaah, haaah! I-I'm gonna die...
Ugh... I'm so tired... I don't wanna walk anymore today...
Kukuku. Did you think saving the world would be easy?
A lonely destiny carries a heavy burden...
But fear not! You have me, Rana Apocry—
Grrr! This is all your fault, Rana!
I carried this little brat on my back because she kept whining about being tired, and now...
Yaaay! You're the best, Rana!!
When did you find time to pack that...? Wait, you've brought more than just pudding!
Is this... medicine? Why did you bring so much?
...Kukuku. A grand adventure requires proper preparation.
My special elixirs can do things beyond your wildest imagination!
Well, I guess you need ingredients to make that Ultra Detox Pudding or whatever it was.
Huh?
...Please tell me you didn't pack dessert and forget the medicine ingredients.
O-Of course I brought them! However...
The problem is, we have nowhere to make so much medicine.
I planned to use my lab at Saverim, but...
It's probably crawling with casino goons now... *Sigh*. Any other ideas?
I've been thinking about where else we could make the medicine...
What if we sneak into a different clinic and make it there?
They should have most of the equipment we'd need.
...I can't believe you're suggesting that. Are you really Sophia?
Oh my, this is an emergency! We have no other choice!
We can apologize properly for borrowing their equipment once this is all over...
I-I really thought this through, you know!
Kukuku. Sophia has a point, but...
The medicine has to be made into pudding to work properly.
Which means we also need a kitchen big enough to make all that pudding.
So we need equipment for the medicine and a kitchen for the pudding...
...Why not buy the equipment we need, then find a big kitchen?
Ku , ku , ku ... That's my minion. I was thinking the very same thing!
Then all that's left is deciding where we should go...
We'll need a very, very big oven and fridge, at the very least.
Baking the pudding and chilling it both take time.
Ah! Then how about we go to Butter Bloom!?
I took a peek at their kitchen before, and it was huuuuuge!!
Butter Bloom?
Yep! Their bread is amazing! They're especially famous for their country loaf.
Oh, that place sounds familiar...
Hmm... Luckily, it isn't far from here.
There's a shop on the way, so we can drop by and buy whatever we need there.
Let's get what we need from the shop, then head to Butter Bloom. Everyone good with that?
Kukuku... My minion, I shall count on your support once more.
Yeah, well, you're running on your own from now on. I'm exhausted too.
And why do you keep lugging that IV stand around? Do you know how hard it is to run with that thing?
...Kukuku. Ah, you mean my Destiny Staff of Solitary Fate?
...What? Destiny... what?
The Destiny Staff of Solitary Fate. It is not an IV stand. Do not confuse the two. Kukuku.
...Right, whatever it is, just hold on tight and run.
Hey! W-Wait for me!
So this was the shop you meant...
They sell all sorts of things here, so we stop by quite often.
By the way...
What is going on over there...? Belita and... Flurries?
I don't think I've ever seen Flurries causing trouble so openly in the city like that...
Whatever's happening, it doesn't look good...
Beats me. Let's just grab our stuff and go. The checkout's automatic anyway—
Hey! You're one of our regulars! Help me out here!
P-Puru?! (I-Is that the casino terrorist?)
Don't be scared-plu! We've got them outnumbered-plu!
That's right-plu! Keep the pressure on and we'll win-plu!
...
Let's just leave them alone and go. I can already tell this is going to be a pain—
Leave me here, and you're never buying anything from me again!
...*Sigh*.
Alright, what's going on this time?
I don't know either! I was just working like usual when suddenly the Flurries...!
We've taken over this place-plu! Get lost-plu!
That's right-plu! We Flurries don't negotiate with terrorists-plu!
What the... Who are you calling a terrorist, you little brats?! I'll pluck you bald!
That's rich coming from the one who attacked the casino and ran away-plu!
Purupuru! Pfft! (Better run if you don't want to get caught! Pfft! )
...Did that birdbrain just laugh at me?
Ahem... Where did they get my Detox Pudding?
...Huh? How do you know that?
Hmm? Just look at them! Surely you can see it too, minion!
...What exactly do you expect from me?!
More importantly, you brought some pudding medicine with you, right?
That Super Detox Pudding or whatever that knocks people out when they eat it.
Huh? Well, yes, but... You wouldn't...
P-Pururu! (Looks like he's scared!)
Of course he's scared of us-plu!
Now that we've chased off the intruder, we can—
Plu? Something just went into my... P-gack?!
Pheck! Puk! Puruk...!
P-Puru?! Purupupu?! (C-Comrades?! Are you alright?!)
Now I'll show you what real terrorism looks like.
My Super Detox Pudding is not a terrorist weapon!
Ooh, <:player>! I wanna throw one too!
Ahahaha...
10. Leave Pudding to the Baker
98 linesFlurry A
Puru! Purupuru! (Please, let us off just this once! We won't do it again!)
Shut it. I don't negotiate with terrorists either.
Wow... Hey, isn't this a little... much?
You asked for my help, didn't you? Don't try to back out now.
Ehehe... Well, that's true! Thanks for helping out!
By the way... Was that news report true? Did you really attack the casino?
Hah. I gave one person the wrong pudding. How much further are they going to blow this out of proportion...?
In a world where people get shot at, launched into the sky, and slammed into the ground every single day, why make such a fuss over one person passing out for a second?
...You're right. Now that I think about it, it is strange...
You've been caught up in all sorts of incidents, <:player>, but none of them made the news like this...
We'll worry about that once we're not fugitives anymore.
By the way, why did those Flurries suddenly attack this place?
Well, let's see... They kept shouting something about returning their treasure...
I'm just a part-timer! Why are they coming after me for something I know nothing about?
Trea sure?
You know, that stuff! You buy it every time we restock!
Feathers, eggs, and weird odds and ends? Looks like they came after those.
What?! Those little brats have lost it! How dare they touch that stuff!
I'm buying all of it, now and every time you restock! Keep it safe, no matter what. Got it?
I-Is that really something to get so worked up about...?
Yes! It's important! Protect it with your life if you have to!
That's asking way too much!
<:player>! We're back!!
Kukuku. You have a fine selection here. I'm impressed.
A- Anyway, if Butter Bloom is closed, we must search elsewhere...
...Wait! Should you really be hanging around here?!
Aren't you wanted fugitives?! You're acting so normal, I almost forgot!
Yeah, that's why we're doing all this—to clear our names.
First the lethargy, then everyone going off the rails, and now we're wanted... I can't catch a break.
...Huh? I know about the lethargy, but what do you mean, everyone's going off the rails?
It's the illness going around town right now.
Apparently, they can't control their urges and just do whatever pops into their heads. Something like that.
Oh, that's been going around? I had no idea!
But... Does that even count as an illness? How many people here have any self-control to begin with?
...Huh? I can't argue with that.
Then... Do we even need to go to all this trouble making medicine... at all?
H-Haha... Belita does have a point, but...
The medicine has still disrupted the signals in their bodies. We need to treat that.
Who knows what could happen if we leave it untreated?
...Right, I was just saying.
Anyway, now that we bought everything, can we head over to Butter Bloom?
Butter Bloom? You mean the bakery Lydia runs?
Why? No one's there right now.
Nobody's there? Why?
I heard there's been some kind of cooking contest going on at the theme park for a few days now!
She said she was entering that contest, so she's closed for a while!
Wait, since when is there a cooking contest—
Th-The theme park?!
Whoa, you scared me. What's wrong? What about the theme park?
...A-Ahem. It's nothing.
What? No, we don't need to do that. We can just sneak in—
Oh! What a coincidence! A cooking contest at the theme park!
They must have a huge kitchen there! Yes, of course they do!
...
...B- Besides, the theme park will be full of people!
It'll be easy to hand out the elixir as soon as we make it! Isn't that right, Eileen?!
Huh? Me? What is it?
I'll give you my pudding. Just back me up!
Whoa! I think Rana's totally right!!
...*Sigh*. Fine. Let's go.
Hey—
What are you waiting for?! Hurry up and follow me!
*Sigh*...
Hehe, please come again!
Host
The wait is over! Welcome to Culinary Class Wars! The ultimate cooking showdown, where taste is all that matters!
Today's theme is baking! Which contestants will face off today?
Introducing our contestant in the blue corner! The pride of traditional baking, Chainsaw Bread!
I'll eradicate them... every single bread thief in this world... until not one remains!!
And in the white corner! A new-generation baker with a wild streak, Donut Sniper!
P- Please try Donut House's Stargazer Donut... I hope you like it!
Now, today's battle is no ordinary cooking contest!
Two bakers, with their pride on the line. Who will take the crown?!
Now then... Let the cooking... BEGIN!
Kukuku... Behold, my minion.
A bloody contest for those blinded by desire: Bumper Trucks...!
...A-Ahem. Perhaps we could try it together later?
Everyone, you haven't forgotten what we came here to do, right?
First, let's figure out how to borrow their kitchen—
...Oh? Aren't those...
Hehe, cheese balls are so yummy...!
Sis, sis! Look! It's a chocolate-filled fried streusel bun! Awesome!
What's this one called...? A condensed-milk pretzel roll? It's so soft and delicious!
*Sigh*... It looks like the Fit Angels had Detox Pudding too.
They normally won't touch anything without extra protein. For them to suddenly gorge on bread like this...
Huh? <:player>, are you feeling unwell? Why are you holding your head...
...Yeah, my head's pounding. What did I just see?
Am I having some kind of weird dream...?
11. Blue vs. White Culinary War
102 lines—We're halfway through the showdown! Both sides are still churning out bread nonstop!
But neither baker could have seen this coming...
More bread! Hurry! I want more of the good stuff!
Yeah! Why are these portions so tiny?! They barely make a dent!
It tastes good, but... If you're this stingy at a contest, I bet you skimp on ingredients at your shop too—
Hey, you punks!! The three of you have eaten fifty servings already, and you dare call that stingy?!
I-I can't do any more... My shoulders hurt so much... A-And my back feels like it's going to snap...
And the scores so far... Both sides have a perfect 300 out of 300! It's a tie!
Who could have guessed this would turn into a battle of endurance rather than taste?!
...Honestly, the fact that they're judging is a joke all by itself.
They live on protein and spend all day at the gym. What do they know about judging food?
Huh? <:player>, haven't you heard of Culinary Class Wars?
It's a suuuuper famous cooking contest, and anyone can participate!
Yeah, but I didn't think that included the judges.
Anyway... I think it's about time.
Hey, you're the host! Are you really going to let this happen?!
They're only giving us both perfect scores so we'll keep making more bread! It's obvious!
Th-That's right...! Please tell them to judge fairly...!
That's not true! They're both really good!
Are you saying we're lying right now?!
How dare you! Are you calling us liars?!
B-But then why didn't you eat the Stargazer Donut I made—
Oh, come on! I told you I dropped it by mistake!
B-But... You dropped the eel jelly donut too...
We already said we were sorry, so why do you keep badgering us?!
Hey! If you don't want to bake, get off the stage! You're disqualified!
...*Sigh*. I've had enough.
I won't stand for bread thieves, no matter how creative they get.
I'll eradicate you all.
My Stargazer Donut... My eel jelly donut... Y-You'll pay for what you did to them...
I-I won't forgive you...!
Huh?! I, I didn't do anything wrong!
Are you trying to scare our sister right now?! Are you people crazy?!
Think you're tough? Come and get some!
Oh! Both contestants have finally snapped!
Forget the cooking contest! This is an all-out battle of wills!
...*Sigh*. I knew this would happen.
With those three eating like that... Two bakers were never going to keep up.
Then let's put our plan into action!
Be especially careful, Eileen. The Fit Angels are really out of control!
Yes, ma'am!
Kukuku... At last, my moment has come. My minion, are you ready?
Now is the time to hunt the Curse of Ruin!
...Right. Time to put an end to this madness.
Hey, Laila! You too, bakery girl! Come here a second!
Oh?! Wh-Why are you here...? Aren't you on the run after attacking the casino...?
Another bread thief?! Ah, seriously! I'm right in the middle of something!!
Oh, just get over here! We're trying to help you!
Don't run away! Stand and fight!
Where are you going?! Where do you think you're going?!
Excuse me! P-Please, calm down!
So, how exactly are you going to help?!
P-Please don't tell Casey or Marcia I'm here—
...What are you talking about? What do we need?
In short, the Fit Angels are suffering from... something like lingering effects of the lethargy.
We came here to treat them.
Huh...? S-So you didn't lose a fortune at the casino and launch a biochemical attack out of spite—
Gah, seriously! I told you that's not true!!
There was a bit of trouble at the casino, yes... But we never meant to hurt anyone!
We only want to treat them...! So please, trust us and give us a hand just this once!
U-Um... Well...
...*Sigh*. Alright. We'll help.
H-Huh?!
Well... Everyone knows how kind Sophia is. I never believed she'd do something like that.
She's helped me out a lot before... and I'm close with Eileen, too.
So we'll trust the people who've helped us before and return the favor.
Come on, we're a team, aren't we? We've pulled off jobs together before.
We even worked together and conquered Panoticon.
I-I only fired one shot because you asked me to...! H-How are you making it sound so heroic...?
Anyway, thanks for agreeing to help. I'll explain the plan right away.
Like we said, the Fit Angels are dealing with some aftereffects.
So here's the plan... We make the medicine here and get them to take it.
Medicine?
Right. It's basically pudding, so we need a kitchen.
And we need a lot of it. They're not the only ones dealing with these aftereffects.
Kukuku. I've already prepared the mixture.
Pour it into the molds, bake it, then let it cool in the fridge.
Um... Th-Then... it'll take about 3 minutes...
What?
...Three minutes? Not an hour or two? I thought baking and chilling pudding took ages!
Well, for a normal oven or fridge, yeah.
But this is a cooking competition. Of course they've got equipment that heats and cools things fast.
For pudding? Like she said, we'll be done in no time.
Then... That makes things a lot easier, doesn't it?
...Right? I thought we'd have to keep running around and stall for hours. This is a relief.
... Ku , ku , ku. Ah, so you've figured it out.
Now do you understand, my minion? Why I brought us here instead of Butter Bloom?
I foresaw all of this and led you here—
I don't know what you're talking about. We've got that equipment at Butter Bloom too.
...Ahem.
Stop talking and go check on things with them.
We're making medicine, not just pudding. You're the only one who'll know if something's wrong.
I'm okay, <:player>! I'm letting them hit me where it hurts less!
...Get moving! You're making me feel guilty leaving her out there!
Kukuku. Just hold on a little longer!
...W-Why does it feel like I'm the only one getting picked on...?
12. Ultra Detox Pudding
86 linesE-Everyone, stop fighting! Let's just eat some tasty bread!
Just a second, sis! I've had enough of this!
Let go! Let go of me! Let go!! I said let go!!!
J-Just wait a moment! I'll give you yummy pudding!!
Y- Yum m y...? U-Uh... Yum... Yum... Ughhh....
Hey! You three on pudding duty! It's been, like, half an hour! Is it ready yet?!
At this rate, Eileen's gonna get eaten instead of the bread!!
Waaah?! I don't taste good! Don't eat me!
30 minutes, my foot! It hasn't even been 30 seconds!
I-I've chilled the first three...! We just need to get them over there!
Ku, ku, ku! Leave that to me!
The final, perfected remedy to hunt the Curse of Ruin! Behold...
Ultra Detox Pudding—!!
The supreme elixir, banishing every side effect of Detox Pudding and Super Detox Pudding!
And it looks like pudding, which everyone loves—
Stop blabbering and bring it over already!!!
Phew, it still looks exactly the same.
Alright then... Open wide!
Ooh, pudding! Is it grape-flavored?
Sis?! This is not the time!
Let go! Seriously, let go! I said let go!!
Nom! *Munch, munch*!
...*Gulp*! Hehe, it tastes kind of... funny... Huh...?
...Huh?
...Huh? I suddenly feel... better?
Are you okay, Si— I mean, Captain...? Huh?
...W-Wait. What were we... doing here...?
Did I just... No... All that bread...
One, two... fourteen... thirty-one... seventy—
Aaaaaargh! My lean-bulking diet!
I-It wasn't a dream?! We really ate all that bread?!
S-Start stretching right now!! We have to burn off all these calories!!!
Ugh...! I can feel my arteries clogging! Gah...!!
N-Next! The full circuit, from jump lunges to burpees! We need to burn those calories, now!
One! Two!!
Three!!! Four!!!!
Burpees! Burpees!! Burpeeeeees—!!!
...That personality switch was so fast, you'd think someone used a hypnosis app.
E-Everyone! Doing intense exercise right after eating is bad for you!
Let go! Ngh... I don't deserve a break!
U-Um, why are the Fit Angels acting like that...?
Well... That's just how they are.
Anyway, is all the pudding ready?
We used up all the ingredients we had, and they're cooling down right now.
You said everyone needed this pudding, right? I set it out so people can help themselves.
...Oh, right. We still need to hand it all out.
We have to, but... I'm so drained, I can't be bothered to do a thing...
...Seriously, what did you even do?
You have no idea... I've been through hell...
...H-He's not usually like this...
...Oh! That's it!
Hey, gym rats!
*Huff*... *Huff*... Wh-What do you want?
Wanna do some intense cardio? You could save the world while you're at it.
*Huff*... *Huff*... You stopped us from eating more bread. We owe you that much.
What's the workout? It had better burn off every calorie we ate today...
There's a mountain of puddings piled up back there.
Take it all, run three or four laps around the city, and pop a pudding into every mouth you see.
...! A marathon?!
You've got the whole city to feed. It'll be a marathon that never ends! Feel free to throw in some other exercises, too.
You heard that, everyone! Grab the pudding! We're sprinting all over Humanitas!
Fall behind, and you'll regret it!
Woooh!! It's a marathooon—!!!
Protect the gains—!!!!
...Th-They're gone.
Phew... Yeah. There they go.
Rana, right? That weird purple pudding of yours... pretty impressive.
Kukuku. Naturally. Who do you think I am?
...? We've literally never spoken before today...
...Ahem. Then remember this! I am the hunter of the Curse of Ruin, Ra—
Ehehe! That was fun! We all got to play together!
Nnngh! You idiot! Stop interrupting me!
Haha... I'm just glad it looks like things will work out. Especially with the Angels helping us.
Ugh. I couldn't do another thing. I'm done.
What a brutal day... Why did it have to be this exhausting?
Kukuku. Well done, my minion.
It's been so long since you last hunted the Curse of Ruin... No wonder you're tired.
Shall we celebrate our victory with a pudding party tonight—
Say 'pudding' one more time, and you're on delivery duty too.
Anyway... I'm exhausted. Let's figure it out on the way back.
At this rate, I'm going to come down with lethargy myself!
Hehe, sure!
13. Vanity of Vanities! All is Vanity!
62 lines(Meanwhile, somewhere in Humanitas...)
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Ngh! What was so perfect about that plan?! You told me to trust you!
... This feels familiar... *Yaaawn*...
...It's me. Where are you right now?
―――――#!$#―――――
Right, you must have heard the news by now.
What do you intend to do now? Your plan appears to have failed.
Lethargy spreads through the city for some mysterious reason, and our company unveils a new drug to end the pandemic...
And yet... I never dreamed we'd have a competitor.
You never mentioned any competition in your plan.
―――$%――――^&%^―
―――――#!$#―――@*
Hah. An "unexpected variable," you say...
Do you honestly think you can just walk away from this?
If I go down, you're going down with me.
――!$^@―――!@!#―――
...I disagree. At least I put the media to work.
You're in no position to criticize how I've handled the aftermath.
\#*$―――――@#@―――
――――――――^&^
...What? Listen to me!
What...?!
You erased every trace? That's impossible—
...Huh?! Th-This...!
...Black Medicine's managing director? Are you in there?
I'm Shizuku, Strategic Operations Director at Midwen Corporation.
I came across some very specific information about your fraud and breach of trust. Interested?
Ha, hahaha...
Hmm... Where... am I...?
How long has it been since I arrived in this weird world?
Everything I've been through so far feels completely surreal...
...Then again, there's no way that was actually real.
I woke up one day and found myself in another world...
I guess that makes just about anything possible.
But...
Ugh, did I eat some expired pudding or something...?
Talk about a ridiculous dream—
Aaaaaagh!!!
There's a perfectly good door! Why do you keep smashing my window, you idiot?!
...Hmm. I must've slept right through it.
Still, who smashes into someone's house through the window?!
Kukuku... We are bound by fate, you and I. Our destinies are already set in stone.
Those destined to walk alone are drawn to one another. Kukuku...
We saved the world together again, a thousand years later! Kukuku. We truly are bound by fate.
Yeah, yeah. I get it, so go finish whatever work you have left.
You were handing out Super Mega Ultimate Pudding or whatever until a few days ago. Didn't you say you still had work to do?
It's not Super Mega Ultimate Pudding! It's Ultra Detox Pudding!
Oh, and I'm billing Sophia for the window replacement, got it?
W-Wait! Anything but that! She'll confiscate my pudding again!
... ... Oh! That's not the important part!
What, there's something more important to you than pudding?
Denied.
Maybe a little chaos isn't so bad once in a while.