COIN RUSH SHOWDOWN

A manufacturers' expo?

What the heck is that?

Oui, oui! C'est un manufacturers' expo for the Big Three that keep the Ark running.

We'll be showing products equipped with the latest technologie from the Big Three, and letting the citizens have the full expérience firsthand, bien sûr!

This will be a bonne opportunité to share la vision of le company!

Well, this is rather sudden.

Right? So you want us to show everyone that the Big Three are best friends now?

Did you forget we're competitors?

I don't have time to prepare for something like that. I'm better off spending my time refining my tactics.

Again with that tactical nonsense. How are you even supposed to refine something like that in the first place?

What would you people at Missiles know anyway? You're always holed up in your offices, hammering away at your keyboards.

Hey! I told you to stop calling us "Missiles!"

D'accord. Let me give you les détails.

Un petit moment ago, a higher-up from the Central Government paid me a visit.

They proposé holding la Big Three manufacturers' expo at Coin Rush.

The purpose est très simple.

That is, to showcase la technologie and la vision of the Big Three to the citizens of the Ark.

And, to rassurer them that the Ark is still safe.

Plus, I want the Big Three to présenter together to le public how the Ark's technologie is advancing every day.

Hmm...

That's unnecessary. If that's what's needed, Missilis would be better off holding our own expo.

Mon Dieu. You're not seeing la bigger picture.

Excuse me?

It's all about comparison.

Displaying the Big Three's latest technologies and visions side by side will naturally invite comparison.

"Huh... Missiles isn't as impressive as Tetra. What? Missiles can't even hold a candle to Elysion."

"Missiles is the lamest out of the Big Three."

That's exactly what will happen.

Hey! You sure are quick to place Missilis dead last, huh?

Well? Am I wrong?

Ugh! You're seriously getting on my nerves.

In other words, this will be the stage where we prove to the citizens of the Ark which manufacturer stands above the rest.

Oui! Exactement!

... But that's not all, is it?

...

Being all quiet doesn't suit you.

I knew it! This is gonna determine which company the Central Government officially recognizes as the best, isn't it?

I thought that's what this was all about. Are we right, Mustang? I guess you didn't become CEO on account of your personality, after all.

Haha. I guess there's no fooling you two.

C'est vrai. The ultimate objective of the manufacturers' expo is to déterminer the best of the Big Three.

The winner will receive the Central Government's officiel backing.

...

...

The Big Three already have une très, très grande influence on their own,

but with the Central Government as your wings... Oh là là, c'est unimaginable.

You could become the talk of the Ark, littéralement.

You would ascend to the very pinnacle of the Ark, accomplishing what even your prédécesseurs never could.

...

...

I see no reason not to participate.

Duh.

Then how will the rankings be determined?

Isn't it obvious? It'll probably be based on something like visitor numbers and rating.

That way, they'll be able to evaluate our marketing capabilities too, right?

Non.

Then what?

Such an ordinary méthode could never déterminer the best of the Big Three!

Rassemblez les chéries equipped with each company's latest technologie!

We're going to have une compétition!

The company of the Nikke who emerges as the winner finale...

shall be crowned la best company of this expo!

...

... What the hell are you talking about?

Each company will select Nikkes equipped with the company's latest technologies and enter them into a tournament-style game.

The company represented by the final winner will be declared the winner of the manufacturers' expo.

Did I understand that correctly?

Oui!!

...

... What kind of competition will it be?

Bien sûr, it will be a très, très eeeentertaining compétition!

One that's perfect for its venue, Coin Rush!

...

You... you just decided this all on your own, didn't you?

Non! A high-ranking official from the Central Government proposé it personally!

They're someone who understands entertainment, so our discussion went très bien!

Vraiment! Entertainment has une positive influence on everyone!

...

It's been a long time since I've felt this fired up...!

Very well! I'll show you!

The true tactics of entertainment!

Magnifique! Bring it on!

Let's commencer le Coin Rush Showdown!

...

For crying out loud!

You like them that much?

Hey, Instructor.

Hello.

Did you sleep well, Blossom?

...

*Hic*

Guilty.

Okay...

Nope, it isn't.

Wow, you still recognize me even in this outfit?

Color me impressed, Instructor. Ten points for you!

Counselor.

Don't stare at me like that...

It's embarrassing...

It's a beautiful, sunny day.

Shall we go outside and photosynthesize together? I know a good spot.

Humans and Nikkes cannot photosynthesize.

Those who strive to become a flower will one day bloom, Aster.

Sounds like... *hic* you've got flowers for brains.

Oh, what kind words. Thank you.

...

You... *hic* took the words right out of my mouth.

Ugh... Why must I be subjected to this...?

...!

Wow, Instructor. Aren't you being a little too casual about this?

Or is handling four girls at once something you do all the time?

You remind me of a white snakeroot.

Oh, I see.

Okay, go ahead.

We'll be waiting here.

Counselor, I'm hungry...

Can I turn on the TV?

This room feels a little barren. Would you mind if I added some flowers?

Do you have any more liquor in your fridge?

Oh, right.

We want you to enter a competition with us.

In other words, this is a corporate showdown to decide the best of the Big Three, disguised as an entertainment event.

Nikkes participating in the competition are free to equip themselves with any gear that showcases their company's latest technology.

For Missilis, it's these bunny girl outfits.

Apparently, all participating Nikkes must wear outfits that embody the spirit of entertainment. That was a mandatory rule.

Though I'm not exactly sure what's so entertaining about these outfits...

Heh. You expected more elite Nikkes to compete?

Good question. Why did they put together a ragtag team of two criminals, a gardener, and a researcher?

Allow me to explain.

Syuen was determined to win this competition and spared no effort in preparing for it.

Her plan A was to have Matis, Missilis's strongest squad, participate.

However, they were unable to, as they had to continue their surface defense operations.

Plan B was to have Electric Shock and Mighty Tools compete.

This plan also fell through, as both squads are holding key positions within the Ark.

Her plan B-2 was...

... to have the School Circle and Dazzling Pearl squads of the M.M.R. Vocational School participate.

However, this plan was quickly abandoned because it would be inappropriate for student Nikkes to wear outfits that embody the entertainment spirit.

All other Nikkes are currently deployed on different dispatch missions and cannot operate as a team.

In the end, Syuen was forced to resort to plan C,

and Real Kindness Squad was chosen to compete.

Woohoo!

...

We've been rehabilitated, after all.

Besides, it's only right for us to help our CEO in a pinch.

Liar.

Aww, come on. Have a little more faith in your squadmate.

Ten demerit points to Guilty for not trusting her squadmate!

...

We couldn't get ahold of her. I'm guessing she's avoiding us on purpose.

Or maybe she's just preoccupied with something else at the moment...

...

She volunteered.

I was hoping to establish a business relationship with Carnation.

She means Mustang.

Coin Rush is always brimming with people, making it one of the busiest establishments in the Ark.

If I could arrange a deal to supply them with my flowers on a regular basis...

the garden's standing would rise, and Lobelia wouldn't be able to push us around.

My goal is to promote the beauty of my flowers through this competition and win Carnation over.

I must prepare for the future if I'm to survive Lobelia's whims, after all.

...

*Sigh*

Although I primarily work as a researcher at M.M.R.,

I'm also in charge of the rehabilitation program at the Rehabilitation Center.

It was a direct order from Syuen. I had no choice but to comply.

Since Sin and Guilty are part of this newly formed Plan C squad,

I was assigned as both their supervisor and the one in charge.

I've been warned that I'll be held responsible if either of them gets themselves into trouble.

Hey, we've been rehabilitated! Of course we're not going to cause any trouble.

Yeah. We don't do stuff like that anymore...

*Sigh*

I was forced into this position, and now I'm expected to take responsibility if anything goes wrong.

Don't you think that's going a little too far? Huh, Commander?

I can't... *hic* I can't exactly quit my job, you know...

Besides, just look at what I'm being forced to wear...

The only way I can stay sane is by drinking.

Anyway, that's how things are now.

Hehe, who knows?

... Ah.

Sin, I have to step out for a bit...

Oh, are they here already? Will you be able to handle this on your own?

Yeah... Don't worry...

We're hoping you'll become our commander.

You'll come up with a strategy, devise a scheme, and lead us to victory.

With you on our side, I think our little motley Plan C squad might have a chance to win.

I would greatly appreciate your help as well.

Hmm? I already told you.

I just want to help our CEO. She believed in our potential and waited for us to be rehabilitated rather than discarding us.

Since we've been successfully rehabilitated, it's only fair that we do this for her, don't you think?

Ah, looks like it's begun.

I figured a lot of Nikkes would come looking for you too, but there seem to be a lot more than I expected.

At this rate, Guilty might not be able to stop them all on her own.

Poor Guilty... She worked up the courage to volunteer as a meat shield just so she could compete alongside you, but you're refusing to budge.

...

You don't trust me, do you, Instructor?

Guilty's really fighting hard out there. I guess she really wants to compete by your side.

You believed in us and helped us through our rehabilitation, Instructor. We just want to prove to you that your faith in us wasn't misplaced, that's all.

Come on, that was obviously just an excuse. This is the real reason.

Hahah, sounds like things are getting pretty intense out there.

Just how serious is Guilty about this?

If you would just go out there and tell her you're joining the Plan C squad, you could put Guilty out of her misery. What do you say?

Then she'd have no reason to put herself on the line like that.

Oooh...

...

S-sorry, Counselor.

Sin said you wouldn't join us unless we did this...

Ta-da! Instructor has decided to join Plan C!

You said so yourself, so no going back on your word, okay?

If you do, I'll dock you a whole two hundred points!

Though I'm sure you already know the importance of keeping your word.

Let's head to Coin Rush together for now.

Round one is supposed to begin soon.

A total of ninety-nine bunny girls have gathered.

Thirty-three from each manufacturer were sent to participate.

Of course, most of them are mass-produced Nikkes, since they can't afford to spare that many elite Nikkes.

These ninety-nine bunny girls will be participating in the competition.

They're set up in a small corner of Coin Rush.

When you have a chance, feel free to take a look at all the new technologies.

Of course, that will have to wait until after the competition.

Hmm, not sure.

How would I know? They haven't told us anything.

All right, now. Just come over and stand here.

I see. It seems we must stand in our assigned squares.

Yeah. That's all I've been told.

There are... so many people...

Let's see... Our numbers are 96, 97, 98, 99.

Aww... Why are our numbers all the way at the end?

Syuen signed us up too late. Now we can barely see the front.

I mean, maid uniforms have plenty of entertainment value too.

Testing, testing. Hello everyone!

I'm the head of security and your host for Coin Rush Showdown.

Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety and a fair competition.

Before we begin the first round, please welcome Ms. Ingrid, CEO of Elysion.

Greetings, soldiers.

I am Ingrid, CEO of Elysion, and the leader in tactical innovation.

Welcome to the competition commemorating the first manufacturers' expo!

And now, let the first round of Coin Rush Showdown begin!

Introducing... "Tactical Maneuver!"

The rules are simple!

Don't get caught moving!

The key to tactics is stealth!

Under no circumstances should you get caught! That is all!

All right, everyone!

Round one of Coin Rush Showdown!

Tactical Maneuver!

Begins!

Green tactics, red tactics.

Uts rud lite, grun lite.

...

She said, "It's Red Light, Green Light."

I think she's trying to be careful, since we could get caught just for moving our mouths.

I'm safe because I have my converter, though.

Green tactics...

Counselor... Stop sneaking glances at their butts and run...

Red...

... tactics!

Tactical extermination.

Behold! Elysion's ultra-precision missiles, currently under development!

Of course, we've dialed it back down to suppression rounds for this demonstration. But combat-ready missiles could take out even a Master-class Rapture!

Elysion is the only manufacturer capable of producing such high-precision weapons!

Amazing! I expect nothing less from Elysion, the forefront of tactical innovation!

These missiles are a work of art! Not only is their homing capability incredible, but their precision is truly impressive!

Green tactics, red...

Ugh... The floor is spinning. Elysion never disappoints. Their technology is truly remarkable.

... tactics!

Instructor. Over there. Look at the goal marker without turning your head.

The letters are gradually fading. That must be the countdown.

Three more turns and the letters will probably disappear. If we don't cross the goal line by then...

You said "We'll be eliminated," right? You're probably right.

We have to go faster somehow.

We started from the very back, so unless we pick up the pace, we'll never make it to the front.

Besides, it seems like the bunny girls in front of us are playing it as safe as possible.

What else can we do? We just have to try our best.

Green tactics, red tactics.

Hmm...

Shhh!

Green tactics, red tactics.

Green tactics...

Hehe. Now there are no obstacles in our way.

All we have to do is run as fast as we can.

All right. Get ready.

Green tactics...

Be tactical.

Ooh.

O-okay.

As you wish, Blossom.

Ugh... my stomach...

Red tactics.

Round over!

In the first round of Coin Rush Showdown, Tactical Maneuver...

Only fifty-two participants remain!

So, it's your classic battle royale.

That's a lot of eliminations.

Almost half of them are gone... Hehe, this is fun.

What do you mean? To win, of course.

Hmph... Fine. Got it.

... Ugh, maybe I'm still drunk. Why am I seeing things...?

Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. This is simply a safety measure to isolate the eliminated participants.

Given the large number of participants in this competition, there is no telling when or where an unexpected intrusion may occur. These measures have been put in place for that very reason, so we seek your understanding.

All measures are taken to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience,

and qualified experts are on site to ensure that safety remains our top priority.

All rounds used are non-lethal suppression rounds, and incapacitated Nikkes will be transported to a secure recovery room.

We would never allow anything unpleasant to happen in a place dedicated to entertainment!

Hmm... These suppression rounds are impressive. Looks like they've been optimized to knock out the target without causing pain.

Yo, Partner.

Gimme a sec. Let me finish getting this one.

I'm doing volunteer work.

Mustang offered to overlook all the trouble I've caused so far at Coin Rush, in exchange for me working security for this event.

He made that offer to me himself, so I had no other choice.

So here I am, shooting to my heart's content.

Hmm... So the security team is also in charge of running the event...

Seems that way. I don't really know the details, though.

They wouldn't let me bring it in. Isn't that ridiculous? Denying entry to a bike in this day and age?

Anyway, I'm done here.

I gotta run and prep for the next round.

Good luck, Partner.

Uh-huh. See ya, then.

...

Wanna kiss?

... What did you just say?!

My, my. Looks like you've got quite the overprotective squadmate. See ya 'round.

We will take a short break before moving onto the next round!

Here's a little tip: every challenge was personally designed by the CEO of each manufacturer.

Please bear in mind that the challenges will proceed in the order of Elysion, Tetra, and Missilis.

Each manufacturer will host two rounds, for a total of six rounds.

If you're familiar with each manufacturer's specialties, you can probably make an educated guess about what kind of challenges to expect!

That's all for my special tip!

All participants are welcome to relax at the lodgings provided by the organizers.

Oh, it's Sin.

Oh my, Oleander's ploy is being featured.

Hmm...

Ugh... They're staring too much.

Counselor, can I get rid of them...?

I'm afraid...

we've been labeled the villains.

Oh... Oh dear...

Haha, well... I'm used to these kinds of looks. It's fine.

We are most absolutely not.

Don't you think that edit is a bit malicious, though? Why do they just keep focusing on meee?

Ohhh, I'm so embarrassed. I'm gonna go take a break.

Wait. Going off on your own isn't a good idea.

Then you can all be my bodyguards!

Come on, let's go get some rest!

Aww, come on! The accommodations are lame!

This certainly has the look of a place where one could get drunk and crash, sprawled out wherever they please.

I'll do just that.

*Sigh*

I'm perfectly all right, Blossom.

Because the alcohol warmed up Aster, she feels like a cozy fireplace.

Like most flowers, I dislike the cold.

Are you going to take a nap?

Yes. I make sure to rest whenever I have the opportunity. It helps restore my vitality.

Hmm...

I can't believe they can actually sleep through this tension. Must be nice.

Haha, I guess you're right. I brought this upon myself, didn't I?

Yeah, it is.

Guilty was right. Hanging out with everyone is actually pretty fun.

Yup. Look how many people are working toward the same goal as me!

So yeah, this is what hanging out together means.

I just made things a little more fun

Why though?

...

It can't be helped.

Instructor.

My words...

... exist solely to manipulate others.

I don't know how else to use them.

All my life, I've never been able to get anything through my own efforts. It's always been that way.

So what else could I do?

What could someone like me do when words are all I have?

Take a guess, Instructor. A hundred points if you get it right.

Ding! Time's up.

The correct answer is... make someone else get what I want!

That's how I've always gotten what I want, by being a chatterbox.

I've always gotten what I want by using my words to manipulate others.

Now, bonus question!

With no other talents besides a gift for the gab,

what should I do to get what I want from now on?

Even I don't know the answer to this question either, so a whopping five hundred points if you can figure it out!

Ding! I may not know the answer either, but I know my name isn't it!

Since you didn't get a single question right, you get five points deducted.

... Dummy.

... Huh?

You're a dummy, Sin.

...

Who are you calling a dummy? I'm gonna tickle you!

S-stop... Don't touch my armpits...

You're the one holding your arm up and asking for it! Tickle tickle tickle!

Ngh... Ahh...! S-stop...!

What, you can't hold it in anymore? Huh?

Nngh, stop...! I'm starting to feel weird...!

Oh? Weird how?

I-I don't... know... Ngh...!

Mic test.

Mr. Mustang! Give us a rundown of the rules!

Round deux, c'est Entertainment Coin Catch!

Collect les coins dispersed around the accommodations, and keep them safe.

Any chérie left sans coin when the limited time is up... is eliminated!

Will there be enough coins pour everyone?

Don't hésitez to make judgments and act on them!

The second round of Coin Rush Showdown!

Entertainment Coin Catch!

Begins!

We need to grab the coins, Anchor!

Okay.

We have to take down Guilty first! She's likely the strongest one here when she's unarmed!

Leave it to me! Witness the might of a Tactical Maid! Tactical tactics!

Tactical tactics!

T-tactics!

Come on, Soda!

C-coming!

Bring it on, you heinous criminals!

Pardon us, Master!

E-excuse us!

Hey, Pal! Move out of the way before you get hurt!

...

Guilty.

Yeah?

Send them all flying.

Okay.

Bunny suit... Engage mode, activate...

Whew...

Huh? Are you talking to us?

Why...?

Hmm, so this is how it feels...

I'm... getting the hang of it.

How is it? Is it useful?

Yeah... definitely...

Great. Now show them what you can do.

Okay...

Hyaaaaaah!

D-don't we look a little too much like a choo-choo train?

We're a tactical train.

Then I'll swing once toward the front and once toward the ceiling.

Haha! Knock 'em down!

Argh! I'm dying!

That shockwave...!

C-could the both of you please get off of me?!

Next, above...

Goodness gracious...!

Ugh...! I can't breathe...!

W-we've been turned into a bunny girl burger!

... We won.

I'm glad that those six were the ones who charged in first.

They seemed like the strongest contenders to win this competition.

Even with all six of them charging at her at once, they couldn't even get close to Guilty. The other participants probably wouldn't dare try, right?

Ugh... My head...

Allow me to explain.

This is the latest model in Missilis's line of wearable tech. For now, we're calling it "Bunny Suit."

Guilty and Sin have both been issued one, and the suits are specifically designed for combat.

For Guilty, it even doubles as her restraints, but she can activate Engage Mode whenever she wants.

It allows her to generate shockwaves in the direction of her punches.

The suit has no inherent offensive capabilities, so it basically just turns Guilty into a high-powered fan.

The idea is to use the shockwaves to disrupt the opponent's balance, then finish them off with Guilty's crushing strength.

That's a secret. Maybe I'll show you later.

That's the end of my explanation. I'm going back to sleep.

*Snore*

Well then, all I have to do is keep one of these coins on me.

As long as we keep holding them off like this, I'll be the sole survivor.

That means Missilis will win.

We can't win so soon...

Hey, you there! Bunny girls! Let's team up!

Sure! We'll join forces and take them down!

That's not going to be easy... They're really good at fighting...

I guess I'll join you this time, then—

Attention! This is an announcement from the organizers!

The second round of Coin Rush Showdown, Entertainment Coin Catch,

will be declared invalid due to foul play by Missilis!

... Huh?

... Invalid? Foul play?

Violence of any kind is strictly prohibited during Coin Rush Showdown!

While physical contact during the competition is unavoidable, deliberate acts of violence will not be tolerated!

Does Missilis Industry truly intend to resort to such means to achieve victory?

If so, you are sorely mistaken! The organizers' stance is clear!

We will not tolerate any behavior that ruins the entertainment everyone came here to enjoy for the sake of corporate gain!

This is a competition meant for everyone to enjoy! This is not a brawl!

We apologize for not making this rule clear beforehand!

We assumed everyone would share the same spirit and enjoy the competition!

In light of these circumstances, this round will be nullified, and all current participants will advance to the third round!

In addition, rounds will no longer be initiated without prior notice!

We believed that elements of surprise were the very essence of entertainment,

but we've come to realize that some participants, blinded by their desire to win, might take things too far!

No additional rounds will be held for the rest of the day! Round three will commence tomorrow after lunch!

Therefore, all participants, please rest easy and take your break!

That is all!

Oh là là, la compétition has become très intense, more than I anticipated!

I thought it was un bon concept, but...

This all happened because Missilis became blinded by their desire to win.

What are you on about? Did you seriously think we're here to play nice and have a good time instead of fighting to win?

There's still a line you don't cross.

Ingrid, arrête.

Sûrement, you've noticed it too, non?

... Yes, but I just couldn't resist teasing Missiles.

Unfortunately, it's not yet time. For now, we should wait and see how this plays out.

D'accord.

Hey! What are you two whispering about?

I'm warning you. If you two are plotting to screw over Missilis, you'd better be ready for the consequences.

Because I'll stop at nothing to get what I want. Got it?

C'est horrible! My body is trembling in shock.

Also, what's the deal with that head of security? Why's he acting so cocky?

What's wrong with bending the rules or getting a little physical in a competition? Why's he making such a fuss? Who does he think he is?

Ahh, I get it now. The organizers, Elysion, and Tetra... you're all in cahoots, aren't you?

Oh, this personne est un higher-up from le Central Government.

... What?

He est très sincère about entertainment. In fact, he's l'organiser of Coin Rush Showdown.

He's even overseeing la compétition.

I was impressed his dévotion to entertainment, that's why I let him rent Coin Rush pour la compétition.

Wait... I thought he was the head of security?

There's a time limit on this arrangement. Once la compétition ends, he must retourner to his original post.

Seriously... Why is he so obsessed with entertainment?

Haha! C'est what entertainment is all about!

For crying out loud, stop yelling all of a sudden!

I'm starting to get hungry. Shall we get something to eat?

As a matter of fact, I've already prepared le dîner. It will arrive très soon.

I see. I appreciate it.

...

Bien sûr, your portion is included, Syuen. Calme, calme.

Ha! Do I look like I have time to sit around and have a nice little meal with the both of you?

Oui.

It would be rude to turn down a personal dinner invitation from the CEO of Tetra.

There will be a lot of délicieux cakes, too.

...

Fine. I guess I could eat with you this time.

Good grief. It's not easy appeasing a child.

Y-you little...!

Ahhh...

This soup is perfect for a hangover. Now I can drink some more.

Hmm... I wonder if I can get some of this to go.

Indeed. That way I can remain intoxicated.

And I can make sure I'm not drunk at the same time.

Only those who observe me can determine my state.

Wouldn't you say that this is the very pinnacle of quantum mechanics?

That aside, we're getting quite a few intense looks.

I can barely eat in peace.

Oh, Chef? Seconds for all of these dishes, please.

It's not often I get to enjoy such rich cuisine, after all.

Not to mention, participants get to enjoy all the amenities free of charge. There's no reason not to make the most of it.

Counselor.

Ahh...

Why don't you remove your restraints while you eat?

I can't... Once I remove it, there's a cooldown...

So I need to wait before I can remove it again...

*Hic* Huh? The cooldown's been over for a while.

...

Counselor. I want some grilled veggies, too.

Ahh...

... What an obvious ploy.

Haha, Guilty's such a spoiled baby!

... But I have to say,

People are giving us some really serious looks.

Haha, that's so mean.

To be fair, having a villain works in their favor.

It gets the viewers that much more invested.

Counselor. Ahh...

Well, we'll just have to go along with it.

Since we're already in this deep, should we just become archvillains?

Counselor. Ahh...

Hehe, having fun?

Jeez, it's so cramped over here. Scoot over so I can sit.

Oh? Looks like the party's already started here! I guess this is my cue to bring out my prized rum...

Enough drinking already. You've been at it since before you even got here.

Oh, our food's ready. We'll go grab it. Mind saving our seats?

I'll come with you and help.

...

What the...?

You're not done eating yet, are you?

Let's eat together.

I've been meaning to say this, but I want to try on that mask too.

Are you sure? If you hear me speak without it, you'll want to give me everything you have.

Whoa, like a hypnosis app or something?

A-a hypnosis app? That's actually a thing?

... How do you know about such things?

I-I don't know a thing about it. This is the first time I've heard of it.

...

Haha, it's nothing like that. Apparently there's just something about my voice that messes with people's brain waves.

That's why talking without this converter is practically a crime.

That's pretty cool. Can you emit ultrasonic waves like dolphins?

Haha! I'm not some kind of monster.

Was your voice always like that?

...

I-I think you're prying a little too much... though I'm actually curious too.

That's what's so scary about innocent curiosity.

Yeah, it's been like this since I was manufactured.

Needless to say, it's gotten me into plenty of trouble.

Must be nice. I'm jealous.

... Why?

I think it's awesome.

...

You think so? Thanks.

I think it'd be even cooler if your mask was designed as a starfish.

... Starfish? Like, an actual starfish?

Yeah. Give me a second, I'll design it for you.

Huh? Right now?

Yeah.

Um... Sure.

Okay, but why can't I give flowers milk?

I'm actually more curious why you want to give milk to flowers in the first place.

Because milk is more nutritious than water, obviously.

So wouldn't the flowers grow stronger and faster if you gave them milk instead of water?

...

That... kind of makes sense.

Of course, we can't just give milk directly to flowers, but it might be worth extracting specific nutrients from it.

Milkweed, would you mind sharing some of your milk with me?

... What?

Hmm? You don't carry some on you?

O-Oh... Ohhhhh. That's what you meant, haha...

Sure, I have some. I always have milk on me. Milk coffee is the only true coffee, after all.

Speaking of which, wanna try some of this coffee? It's our cafe's new milk coffee.

Would this be Milk Coffee No. 13, then? How is it different from Milk Coffee No. 12?

Well, the coffee-to-milk ratio is... Wait, how'd you know?

I go to Cafe Sweety every now and then, since your coffee has quite the kick.

What? Really? You should've said something! I would've given you a lot of freebies.

Whenever I visited, you weren't there.

... That's because the vending machine basically runs the place, so yeah.

Anyway, drink up.

Thank you very much.

Ooh, looks like they've started drinking. We can't lose to them!

That's right. I won't lose.

Cheers!

Cheeeers!

Whew, this hits the spot!

Nothing helps with work stress quite like a drink.

Yeah! I know exactly what you mean!

My boss is the worst...

Uh-huh! I get it, I get it!

And my work is endless...

That's right! It never ends! Why do we have to clean the deck so darn often?!

... Let's drink.

Yes, let's drink!

Ahh...

Soda, give her something citrusy this time.

Okay.

Whoa... the greasiness just disappeared.

Hehe. Refreshing, isn't it? It cleanses your palate and it'll get your appetite going too.

Then you get another taste of that umami flavor. Now, say ahh.

Ahh...

Hehe. How does it taste?

This is the best... It's so delicious.

Even the same dish can have its flavors elevated depending on the order in which it's enjoyed.

Now then, shall we refresh our palate with a little dessert? Say ahh.

Ahh...

Wow! This is amazing... I'm in heaven.

Dessert is a magical food that brings happiness, after all.

Hey Pal, what's with her arms?

Did she commit a crime or something?

Since Guilty's ridiculously strong, she ends up causing trouble without meaning to.

So she always has to wear restraints as a safety precaution.

Oooh...

So you're saying her strength is being sealed because it's too powerful?

Ahh...

Hehe. I'm delighted to see you enjoying your meal.

Let me get you something to drink.

...

I don't believe you.

She's strong. She sent us flying earlier.

I doubt that! I bet that's just the equipment doing all the work!

...

Hey, wanna go a round?

...

No.

Why not? You scared?

I don't like bullying people who are weaker than me...

Wh-what did you just say?

Get up! Get up and fight me!

S-stop eating! And stop feeding her! Get up!

Counselor... I'm getting bullied...

I'm getting bullied by someone who's weaker than me...

I-I'm not weak! I'm strong!

P-Pal! Say something!

W-what...?!

...!

H-hey, I've managed to beat you a few times recently...!

...

...

You're... you're talking about sparring right?

...

Sit down.

Sit.

You guys were talking about sparring... right?

You look suspiciously good-looking. State your affiliation.

One of us, huh.

But I'm not convinced. What's the password?

What's the sugar-to-coffee ratio?

Perfect.

Yup. I do. Plus, I'm really bored.

With the competition on hold, there's nothing for me to do. So here I am, roaming around and messing with people.

There are bunny girls everywhere. Bet you're enjoying yourself, huh, Partner?

Seems like your team isn't exactly well-liked, either.

...

Guess what? Tetra isn't actually the one hosting this event.

Yeah. Apparently some higher-up in the Central Government planned and executed the whole thing himself. That head of security? That's him.

Something like that. They've dressed it up as a manufacturers' expo, but the head of security is the one calling the shots.

He even replaced all the usual Coin Rush security staff.

Apparently, the new guys have been training under the head of security for quite some time, just for this event.

The original security guards were all given time off,

so it's been lonely without all the familiar faces.

...

The suppression rounds in this gun...

They're not Central Government issue.

A round that knocks someone out that clean? Never heard anything like it.

I guess I can't say much if they're just another product they're showing off at the expo,

but shooting every eliminated participant individually feels a little excessive.

Yeah. Something's fishy.

Not to mention, Mustang specifically put me on the security team. Doesn't it feel like he planted me here as a spy?

They look like they're trying a little too hard, don't they?

Almost as if they're putting up with this on purpose, because they have an ulterior motive.

Just to be clear, I'm not suspicious of them... yet.

I mean, they seem to be getting along.

Even the maid army and the bunny girl army are going out of their way to socialize with Guilty and Sin.

Maybe they're trying to gauge if the two of them are truly the villains they're made out to be.

Or maybe they genuinely just want to be friends.

That's for you to decide.

Well, you know why I fell for you, Partner?

It's because you trust Nikkes unconditionally, almost to a fault.

Oh, and one more thing.

There's a reason I think something fishy is going on.

The organizers are blatantly trying to paint Plan C as the bad guys.

I'm talking about the maliciously edited highlight reel and the way they publicly called them out on the broadcast.

Are you that distracted by all the bunny girls' butts that you can't see the bigger picture? I'm disappointed.

Do you really think Sin was the only one who pulled a stunt like that in the first round, Tactical Maneuver?

There were plenty of others who did way worse things than that.

Like tripping people up, giving them a sneaky shove,

or using the person ahead of them as a human shield.

A lot of them used the crowd as cover to pull dirty tricks.

Since I'm both security and part of the organizing team,

I can see the whole picture from a distance.

Same goes for the second round, Entertainment Coin Catch.

The moment they heard they had to collect coins, more than just a few people started attacking their competitors.

And I mean actual violence, not just the shockwaves Guilty created.

If it was obvious even to me, there's no way the other staff missed it...

much less the head of security.

Without a doubt.

If all they wanted was a villain, they would have gone after the people who did worse things.

Instead, they went out of their way to single out Plan C for their antics. Of course, I'm not condoning their actions, so don't get me wrong.

They framed Plan C's relatively harmless stunts as some heinous crime.

Exactly. The question is whether they're deliberately targeting Plan C...

Who knows?

Either way, there's too little information to tell right now.

I'll see if I can sweet-talk the security guards into telling me more.

Of course not. I'm going to treat them to a nice cup of sugar coffee.

Give this whole thing some thought, Partner.

If my hunch is right, they'll keep trying to paint Plan C or Missilis as the villains in the upcoming rounds.

Well, if I'm wrong, then I guess they're genuinely just trying to put on a fair and honest event...

but my instincts as a Scavenger are telling me otherwise.

All right. You take care, then.

Ladies and gentlemen! As promised, it's time to kick off round three of Coin Rush Showdown!

Miss Syuen, please tell us about the rules!

This round is called High-Tech Wrestling!

The rules are simple. Everyone steps into the ring and tries to push their opponent off.

Anything goes. Well... except violence, I guess. Eh, whatever.

The round lasts three minutes, and any scrap metal that falls off the stage is eliminated. Simple, right?

Oh my! This seems a little too violent for an entertainment show!

Wh-what did you just say?!

All you have to do is use brute force to push your opponents off the stage. I'm not sure which part of this is supposed to be entertaining! Haha!

Besides, this appears to give Guilty of Plan C an overwhelming advantage. What do you have to say about that?

If you think it's unfair, then get some better wearable tech yourselves!

Unbelievable! Miss Syuen is openly showing favoritism toward a team under Missilis!

That won't do! Coin Rush Showdown must be fair and entertaining!

In light of that, the organizers will be introducing an additional rule!

What? I didn't hear anything about this.

Of course not! I just made this rule up!

This is a measure to ensure a fair and entertaining match. We kindly ask for your cooperation!

Now then, the brand-new rule is...

Let's go with this! You must push your opponent out using only a specific body part!

What the heck is that supposed to mean?! You can't just change things out of nowhere!

Now, please direct your attention to the screen!

As you can see, the roulette contains a list of body parts. Arms, legs, head, chest, even your toes! There's plenty to choose from!

Miss Syuen, please press the button to spin the roulette!

You'll have to compete using only the body part chosen by the roulette!

...

Are you ready? Here we go!

Go ahead and press the button!

Miss Syuen! Why are you hesitating? All you need to do is press the button!

The CEO of Missilis is surprisingly indecisive! Should we be worried about the company? Haha!

She's pressed it! After an eternity of waiting, the moment has finally arrived!

Now then, where will the roulette land?!

Huh?

Huhhhhh?

Butt! The roulette landed on butt!

Wh-what the...!

No way! The butt?! Out of all the body parts it could've picked, it had to be the butt?!

Wow! This is so embarrassing, I can barely bring myself to watch! So this is what Missilis's vision is as a manufacturer!

Wait, does that make them the high-tech butt manufacturer?

Well, once the roulette has been spun, there's no going back!

All participants, please make your way to the ring!

Let the High-Tech Butt Wrestling begin!

I still can't believe the roulette landed on the butt of all the body parts on there...

I guess the Nikkes of Plan C are very confident in theirs!

Haha, you feel that way too? What a coincidence. I was just thinking the same thing.

It was like that... from the beginning...

It seems they've decided to make a public mockery of us.

First a villain, and now a laughingstock...

They must really be determined to make a spectacle of us and Missilis.

...

Instructor.

What do you want us to do?

Do you want us to endure this strange tension and compete fair and square?

Yeah, I guess that's the right thing to do.

We're just Plan C, pushed to the bottom of the list, with two criminals thrown into the mix.

After how much we cheated so far, the right thing to do would be to put up with this and compete fair and square.

That way, we can show everyone that we're remorseful too.

We should show them that we've learned from our mistakes, or we'll keep getting treated like this in future rounds.

That's what we should do, right?

Tell us your strategy, Instructor.

After all, you're Plan C's commander.

...

Haha, are you sure about this?

Here you go. It's rich, fertile soil.

... This is more embarrassing than I thought.

No way! They're just casually pulling dirty tricks like that!

Missilis! Do you have a course called "Underhanded Tactics 101" in your corporate training program?!

... The more I think about it, the more embarrassing it gets.

Wanna take a shot?

At a time like this?

Alcohol makes the embarrassment go away. That's why I keep drinking.

Alcohol?! Did they just spray alcohol?! And that participant is actually drunk in the middle of all this!

Did you know? Apparently Missilis has alcohol stocked in their break room!

I guess you can say they're never in their right mind! That must be why Missilis's stocks are so... Oh, just kidding! Haha!

Flora... I have a favor to ask.

I'll pass.

Why not? All you have to do is stick out your butt just once.

That's exactly the part I don't like.

Please, just this once?

*Sigh*

... How am I supposed to stick my butt out to someone who's looking at me so desperately?

I really don't know how to feel about this.

It's time to unleash the Triangle Attack on Guilty!

A Triangle Attack? What is that?

What else? All three of us are gonna stick out our butts at the same time!

P-please don't use the name Triangle for something like that!

Brace yourself, Guilty.

...!

Ugh...!

We're doing great! Now we just have to move her toward the edge! Push!

... Ugh. I can't do it. I'd rather die.

You can do this, Privaty. Channel your inner tactical instincts.

Can you even call this tactical instincts...?

Ugh... If this keeps up, I'm in trouble...!

Everyone! We must take down Sin right here!

Yeah! Let's get her all at once!

Sorry for ganging up on you, but winning's more important!

... Oh?

... Bunny suit. Engage mode, activate.

Oh?

Huh?

What the...!

Phew...

Th-thank goodness. I honestly did not want to get eliminated like that.

But what just happened? Where did Sin...

Haha, is everyone all right? You didn't hurt yourselves, right?

... So that bunny suit has a built-in acceleration function.

Yeah. I was planning to save it for as long as I could, but I ended up using it anyway.

Your trump card's been revealed.

Yeah. What a shame.

Wow, Guilty... I knew you were strong, but this is something else!

We could've pushed her off if we just had a little more time. What a shame.

I can't believe I did all that and I still couldn't push her off...

That was a fine match! But next time, we'll win for sure. Just you wait!

Okay... so could you three move your butts away from me...?

It's really stuffy in here...

Good work, Flora.

You too, Aster.

Even though you never once moved your butt.

...

Oh, are you having another drink? It must be a victory toast.

No, it's just another drink to drown my sorrows.

...

With that, round three of Coin Rush Showdown comes to a close!

That was truly impressive! In more ways than one!

Everyone, please give Miss Syuen a big round of applause for this unforgettable experience!

Grrrrr...!

Haha.

Hehe...

Hehe.

Ugh... I feel nauseous...

...

Hmm...

Something about this just doesn't add up, no matter how much I think about it.

I thought I'd have seen some sign by now, but there's nothing.

...

Why haven't I seen any of the eliminated participants?