GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Event stories
COIN RUSH SHOWDOWN II
14 scenes, 1,678 lines
1. Tactical Camouflage: A
82 linesWe make our way toward the next round.
I can still feel everyone's eyes on us, but it's reached a point where I don't even care anymore.
Just as I'm walking by a fire hydrant cabinet...
Partner.
...
Partner.
I must be pretty stressed lately. I could've sworn I just heard Sugar's voice coming from the fire hydrant cabinet...
Nothing beats a cup of sugar coffee when you're stressed.
... What are you doing in there?
Are you alright, Instructor? Are you so stressed that you're having a conversation with the fire hydrant?
*Sigh* I suppose I have no choice. I'll spare you a cup of my drink.
Would you care for some flower tea to ease your stress?
Sugar... is inside that fire hydrant cabinet...
Quiet, you guys. I'm trying to keep a low profile here.
Low profile? What for?
The organizers gave me a hard time for talking to you last time.
They told me to avoid doing that from now on, since it might look like I'm giving special treatment to a particular team.
I get it. Because it might look like we're in on it together?
Something like that.
Anyway, I'm here to tell you about something that's been bothering me.
I don't see the eliminated participants anywhere.
You haven't seen any of them around?
Nope. I've been wandering around Coin Rush whenever I get bored, but I haven't seen a single one.
And more than fifty participants have already been eliminated.
Coin Rush is a big place, but it's still strange that I haven't seen a single one of them.
Maybe they're just resting in the recovery room.
But for this long?
Those suppression rounds that you guys were using don't seem like the standard issue.
I thought those participants were dead at first.
Yeah... it really seemed that way...
Hmm... that's true. They aren't your typical suppression rounds.
I wanted to see if I could smuggle some out, because I figured I might have a use for them, but no luck.
They're handed out at the start of the round and have to be returned as soon as the round ends.
The organizers are keeping a real close eye on them. Each round even has its own serial number.
...
These appear to be suppression rounds manufactured directly by the Central Government. The Big Three aren't currently developing any of their own.
The current specifications are already more than sufficient for their intended purpose of subduing targets.
Now that I think about it, it does seem strange. I don't see why they have to go that far and make such a spectacle of it.
Perhaps it's to evoke the tension of a game of death. That would certainly be entertaining.
I'm no expert, but doesn't Mustang steer clear of dangerous forms of entertainment?
Come to think of it, it's weird that he let someone else host an event at Coin Rush in the first place...
If anything, he would have hosted it himself rather than leave it to someone else.
...
...
Hmm. Looks like there's something shady going on after all.
Are you going to look into it...?
... Sugar.
Yeah. I'll find out where the eliminated participants are and what they're doing.
I might be overthinking this, though. They could just be in a VIP room somewhere, having a good time.
We're counting on you, then. We can't exactly make a move right now.
You guys are attracting all sorts of attention, after all.
All right, then. I'll go investigate by myself.
Yeah. See you later.
We walk past the fire hydrant cabinet.
I wonder how she got in there in the first place, and how she's planning to get out.
...
Let's keep doing our best in the upcoming rounds. We're in the spotlight now, so any suspicious move will draw attention.
Let's wait and see what Sugar finds out.
Okay...
...
...
Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome back to the show!
Are you ready for round four of Coin Rush Showdown?
A roar of cheers sweeps through the crowd.
Ms. Ingrid, if you could please explain the rules!
Round four of Coin Rush Showdown is called Tactical Camouflage!
Simply put, it's a game of hide-and-seek!
You couldn't have put it more simply. That's right! It's hide-and-seek!
The participants may hide anywhere inside Coin Rush!
Who's going to be "it," you ask?
Us organizers, of course!
Guards, please stand facing each other and close your eyes!
The guards move in perfect unison, facing each other and squeezing their eyes shut.
There's ten of them? That's too many!
When I give the cue, you'll have ten minutes to hide anywhere in Coin Rush.
Once the ten minutes are up, the seekers will begin their search.
You'll survive the round as long as you don't get caught within those ten minutes.
But even if you're caught, you won't be eliminated unless you're hit by a suppression round, so keep that in mind!
Tactical Camouflage begins...
Now!
2. Tactical Camouflage: B
165 linesShh. They're walking past us.
Hey! Over here!
Shh! Shhhhh!
Haha, they're already gone.
As the guard's footsteps grow fainter,
I relax for a moment and catch my breath.
Oh, they're coming back.
Tsk.
I pose again.
... Sin and I are hiding behind a statue of Mustang.
The life-size statue is striking a rather dramatic pose,
and we're holding the same pose behind it.
Thankfully, Mustang's stature is big enough that if we stand perfectly still behind it, matching its pose...
Footsteps approach...
It's impossible to spot us from the front.
The guard walks by, and I can finally relax again.
Haha, this pose is so embarrassing and hard to hold.
The road to entertainment is not an easy one.
Look up there.
Sin points up at the ceiling
where Guilty hangs with her fingers dug into it.
... That's not something just anyone can do.
I look in the direction that Sin is pointing.
At first glance, it's an ordinary flower bed.
*Ripple*
... The flower bed seems to warp strangely. It was barely noticeable, but I definitely saw it.
The flower bed distorts again,
and the high heels of a bunny girl peeks out from its edge.
Wow, that's so unfair. Isn't this way too stacked in Elysion's favor?
I mean, the High-Tech Butt Wrestling was in our favor, too. That's just how it is.
Oh, they're coming again. Pose, pose.
I'm beat.
Why are you here, anyway? You're not even a participant.
... Wait, you're right.
Haha, this is fun.
We pose together, and the guard walks past the Mustang statue.
Eeentertainment!!
Suddenly, a loud voice rings out from the statue.
Uh oh...!
The guard turns around and approaches us.
Please, please just walk past us...
Eeentertainment!!
I hear them running. We have to run.
Sin! Run...!
Here!
At that moment, Sin tosses the coin she's holding.
The coin goes flying into the flower bed, hitting the camouflage fabric.
*Rustle*
With the sound of paper being folded, the fabric mimicking the flower bed crumples.
The two bunny girls from Elysion are revealed.
Visibly startled, the two stare at the security guard, who stares back at them.
Haha, now's our chance. Let's get out of here.
You really are evil, you know that?
Thanks for the compliment.
*Beep, beep, beep!*
As we sneak away, an alarm suddenly sounds.
Water begins to rain down from the ceiling.
The fire sprinklers? Why did they suddenly go off...?!
Hmm... I guess they're just blatantly targeting us now.
Everyone looks up at the activated sprinkler,
only to find Guilty hanging from the ceiling next to it.
Oh... I've been found...
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
A burst of gunfire echoes across the hall. Guilty drops from the ceiling onto the roof of the bar and makes a run for it.
They're openly giving away our position. What a petty move.
How infuriating.
Guilty and I should be fine.
Those guards are trained, but they're somewhere between amateurs and professionals in terms of skill.
We'll have no problem shaking them off.
Mana and Flora, on the other hand...
Mana laments her current predicament.
She hates herself for running around Coin Rush, desperately searching for somewhere to hide in a bunny girl outfit she was forced to wear.
She hates herself for squeezing herself into a hiding spot she finally managed to find.
She hates herself for feeling relieved when the guards walk past her.
And she hated herself for fleeing in fright not a moment later, when a spotlight suddenly shines down on her.
She looks for a hiding spot, hides, breathes a sigh of relief, gets caught by a spotlight, and runs away.
She looks for another hiding spot, hides, breathes a sigh of relief, gets caught by a spotlight, and runs away again, only to look for a hiding spot, hide, breathe a sigh of relief, get caught by a spotlight, and run away.
Repeating this process six times, Mana's self-loathing has reached critical levels.
In the end, Mana gives up.
The nervous guard can't believe his eyes for a moment.
Something lurks in the shadows by the wall. For a moment, he thinks it's a ghost.
There's something deeply unsettling about the sight of a human-shaped figure crouching motionlessly, staring at the dark wall.
He takes a closer look at the figure and recognizes her as Mana from Plan C.
The infamous Plan C. The nervous guard gulps before slowly approaching, his gun trained on her.
There's no way she hasn't sensed his presence or heard his footsteps.
Even so, Mana remains completely still.
The nervous guard feels sweat trickling down his face.
What's going on? What is she scheming? Is it really safe to keep approaching her like this? Should I just take the shot now?
But what if she's trying to draw my fire? What if this is a trap?
The nervous guard breathes shakily as he approaches Mana.
Suddenly, Mana gets up.
Hurk...!
Mana slowly turns around and glares at the nervous guard.
H-hands up...! I said hands up!
There's no need for him to warn her. The nervous guard is the seeker, and all he has to do is fire his suppression rounds at any participants he finds.
Despite that, the nervous guard instinctively shouts at Mana,
What are you plotting?! What the hell are you up to?!
Mana grabs the bottle strapped to her waist.
The nervous guard tenses up even more. He senses that she's about to pull out her trump card.
... Do you know what's in this bottle?
What is she up to? Why is she talking to me?
Oh... that must be it.
It's that classic trope where someone rattles off the details of their ultimate move before using it.
I call it "Mana Potion." I mixed this drink myself.
It's for the hardest of days, when I don't want to think about anything and everything...
I came up with this specifically so I can pass out immediately and sleep like the dead after drinking it.
That's exactly how I feel right now.
I'm having a really hard day, and I don't want to think about anything anymore.
*Gulp, gulp, gulp*
Mana chugs the entire bottle.
... Ugh.
She collapses to the floor like a robot that suddenly lost power.
She doesn't move an inch.
The nervous guard stares intently at Mana's lifeless form.
A short moment later, he places his hand on his earpiece.
...
M-Mana of Plan C has been caught.
Mana of Plan C...
is eliminated.
The dutiful guard hesitates.
He doesn't know how to react to the sight of Flora sitting in the middle of a field of flowers that has bloomed across the floor.
Peacefully surrounded by flowers, Flora gazes at the dutiful guard, unfazed.
... Flora of Plan C has been found.
Oh my, how did you find me?
Where better to hide a flower than in a flower bed? I'm impressed you managed to find a flower like me hidden among them.
Engaging and neutralizing.
Are you sure about that?
... What?
It'll be fine if your bullet hits its target, but if you miss...
These poor flowers will be wounded and they'll wither away.
I won't miss at this range.
Is that so? I plan on dodging as best I can.
Then these freshly bloomed little ones are sure to wither away.
...
If you come closer, you'll increase your chances of hitting me.
But these poor little ones, freshly bloomed, will be trampled under your combat boots.
Then they'll wither away.
The dutiful guard places his finger on the trigger.
She is clearly bluffing. He will take down Flora of Plan C at this very moment.
However, the dutiful guard suddenly recalls a distant memory.
A flower shop? You want to grow fresh flowers and sell them?
Oh... you got me. Yeah, I love flowers.
I guess... I've liked them ever since I was a child. They're pretty.
Yeah. When we get married, let's open a flower shop.
Though growing fresh flowers might be unrealistic, haha.
Yeah. It's a promise. Let's open a flower shop.
... I love you too.
Memories of a beautiful past stir something deep within the dutiful guard.
A young man with a love of flowers, and the woman he had promised a future with.
Although their relationship ended when he cheated on her, those memories remained a beautiful part of his past.
Ugh...
I... I can't shoot.
The dutiful guard lowers his gun.
*Beep!*
The whistle blows, signaling the end of the round.
The dutiful guard holds Flora's gaze.
... May I take a flower?
I'd like to spend some time reminiscing.
...
3. Sweet Words: A
110 linesI think we should make a complaint.
Oh? About what?
They're being way too obvious about targeting us. Just think about what happened during Tactical Camouflage.
Hmm... I guess you have a point. They just straight-up gave away our position.
Hanging from the ceiling... was really tough...
They're not playing fair. It goes against the spirit of entertainment.
What makes you say that?
Well, because they're sure to deny it.
"There were technical difficulties. It was a malfunction. It's just a coincidence."
There's no shortage of excuses they can make.
Right. And we'll be the unreasonable ones again.
...
... Guilty? What's wrong?
I... I don't like this.
Being falsely accused is always frustrating.
...
All the more reason we should complain. Or we could contact Mustang, too.
Come on, there's no need to make a big deal out of things.
Hmm... I guess there's no other choice. Just leave it to me.
??
Let's see...
Oh, before you do anything, there's something I'd like to say.
I'm withdrawing from the competition.
... Huh?
I'm thinking about planting some flowers.
... Huhh?
I'd like to plant flowers around Coin Rush and turn it into a field of flowers.
There are only two more rounds left.
If I don't hurry, I won't make it in time.
With that said, I shall now take my leave and go plant those flowers.
... Huuuhhh?
Flora gives a quick bow before running off.
I call after her, but she doesn't even glance back.
Haha, seriously? She just up and left?
Looks like it's just Sin and me now...
... Just like that, two members of Plan C are eliminated.
Uh... what just happened? We've suddenly lost half our squad.
Sin takes a look around.
Her gaze settles on a lone security guard standing in a corner.
The guard lets out a big yawn, blinking blearily as he halfheartedly scans the area.
Okay...
*Yawn*
Ugh... I'm so tired.
Hey there.
Huh...?
The drowsy guard reaches for his earpiece,
only for Sin to catch his hand.
But we are...
Well, it's not like we're murderers.
...
What do you want? Unauthorized contact with the organizers is not permitted.
Personal conversations are also prohibited. Please return to your post.
I'm not trying to make small talk. I just have a question as a participant in the event.
...
If that's the case, there's no issue.
What did you want to ask?
Ooh, you're so diligent. Fifty points for your diligence!
I just have one question.
Why are you guys targeting us?
...! Wait, Sin...!
What do you mean by targeting you? I'm not sure what you're talking about.
Except you do.
You guys are obviously targeting us. Why are you trying to paint us as the villains and humiliate us?
No. I'm not aware of anything like that.
We're not the real target, are we? Missilis is.
...!
Heh, gotcha.
Sin takes off her converter.
A cloyingly sweet scent fills the air, making everything feel hazy.
Just then, Guilty slips a pair of earbuds into my ears.
It's playing a neutralizing frequency... Just bear with the pain for a little while...
Sin! You can't just take your converter off like that...!
Look into my eyes, Mr. Guard.
...
What orders did you get from the higher-ups?
Ugh... argh...!
Hm? What was the order?
Th-the Plan C squad... Urgh...!
Hmm... looks like I've gotten rusty at reading people.
I thought you were just an unmotivated slacker who does things halfheartedly, but you've got more backbone than I expected.
Why don't I turn things up a notch?
... The sweet scent grows even stronger.
My eyes are getting heavy, and I can feel the strength draining from my body.
...
Ugh...! Argh...!
The Plan C squad... Urgh...!
Mm-hmm... What about Plan C?
*Gasp! Gasp!*
Sin!
!!
Put your converter back on! This is an order!
Put it back on! Right now!!
Sin puts her converter back on.
... The intoxicatingly sweet scent disappears in an instant.
4. Sweet Words: B
140 lines*Gasp! Gasp!*
I approach the security guard who is stumbling, while trying to regain his focus.
The guard stands limply, staring blankly into space.
Hey! Snap out of it!
I grab the guard by the shoulders and shake him.
A moment later, light returns to his eyes.
The guard stares at us wide-eyed.
Huh? What just...
... You blacked out for a second. Are you okay?
Oh... I see. Sorry about that. I haven't been sleeping well lately...
... Thank goodness. It looks like he has no memory of what just happened.
The security guard shifts his gaze to Sin.
...
So, what is it you wanted to ask?
Um...
By any chance...
Did the organizers order you to single us out?
...
No, I've never received any such orders.
I just find this whole thing strange. I admit we've done some things we shouldn't have, but this feels excessive.
Sure, I get why you'd make us look like the villains. It's more entertaining that way.
But what happened during that hide-and-seek...
It's called Tactical Camouflage.
... What happened during Tactical Camouflage was over the top. They even gave away our position outright.
...
You see these two girls? This is the first time they've ever taken part in such a big event.
They've both been really looking forward to this, so they're really upset that things turned out this way.
As their chaperone, it's saddening for me, too.
*Sob*
I'm so sad...
*Sniffle*
Why are you doing this to us? This isn't entertainment... this is just bullying.
...
... Please. We need to know why, at least, so we can take the appropriate action.
...
It's true that I received such orders.
...!
I was told to paint Plan C in a bad light, and to exaggerate your mistakes and malicious behavior.
Not just you, but every Missilis participant...
I've been ordered to blatantly discriminate against all of you.
... But why?
I don't know anything beyond that. I'm sorry.
Did the head of security give you those orders?
... Yes.
... Got it. Thanks for telling us, even though you could get in trouble for it. I promise we won't tell anyone.
... Thank you.
Now, please leave. We've been instructed not to have any contact with Plan C.
Yeah, thanks.
We turn around and start walking away.
Sin, who's been quiet until now, suddenly stops and looks back.
Hey, Mr. Guard.
What is it?
Why are you telling us all this?
...
I heard there was going to be a big event at Coin Rush, and that they were looking for volunteers.
I've really enjoyed every event held at Coin Rush so far.
I went through some basic training and joined the event staff with high hopes.
But...
This event goes against the spirit of entertainment.
This is just bullying. Nothing more, nothing less.
And I hate that so much.
That's why I decided to tell you everything.
... I see.
You're not allowed to take off your converter anymore.
Why not? I can finally take it off whenever I want.
How come you two can just remove your restraints now, anyway?
Syuen wanted us to win by any means necessary...
In other words, the CEO herself authorized it.
Syuen... She wanted to win that badly, huh.
In any case, don't take off your converter or restraints without permission. It's too dangerous.
Because it is.
Those who hear my words just experience some dizziness and nausea.
They won't leave any lasting side effects or anything.
All it does is make them want to "listen" to me better, that's all.
That's not the danger I'm talking about.
Then what?
If you keep relying on your ability, you'll only end up using your words as a weapon.
That's not what your words should be used for. If you keep wielding them as a weapon...
You'll end up becoming someone who never learns how to speak properly.
Haha. But Instructor, I'm speaking properly right now.
Aren't you trying to scare me a little too much by saying I won't be able to speak properly?
Your words have no sincerity behind them.
...
Your words have become nothing more than a tool to avoid situations, manipulate others, and get what you want.
You never say what you're thinking or what you really want.
Obviously, you see words as a weapon, not a means of communication.
...
Are you telling me I should be honest about what I want?
Instead of sweet talking my way out of things?
Yes.
...
Haha. Easier said than done, Instructor.
So what if I do "speak" to someone properly,
and they say no?
...
Like that security guard, for example. Say we told him we're upset by how we've been treated so we have to find out what's going on.
What if he'd refused to answer?
What if he'd told us to get lost?
Then all my heartfelt words would've just ended up in the trash.
That would simply leave me hurt, with nothing to show for it.
Why should I have to shoulder that risk?
Isn't it easier to just manipulate them with my words?
That way, I won't have to get hurt, and I'll always get what I want.
It's just as you say, Instructor. I see my words as a weapon.
Something I use to manipulate others for my own gain.
A weapon.
... In the end, no one will want to hear what you have to say.
...
In the end, you'll just be swinging your weapon at thin air.
You'll be all alone.
You're avoiding the subject again.
Hmph. Serious talks aren't really my thing.
...
Okay... We'll do as you say...
We won't take off our converter... or restraints... without your permission.
Huh? Guilty, are you being serious?
...
... Let's rest up until the next round. Wanna grab something to eat?
Shouldn't we look into that head of security guy?
We're under the spotlight in this competition right now. We should tread carefully.
Let's leave it to Sugar for now.
...
Sugar remains silent, staring straight ahead.
She can distinctly feel herself descending. She's definitely going down.
A moment later, the descent comes to a stop.
*Diiing*
The elevator doors open.
A large open space is revealed beyond the doors.
Sugar takes a brief moment to steady her breathing before stepping out of the elevator.
Behind her, three security guards lie unconscious on the elevator floor.
5. The Secret in the Basement: A
101 linesWhew, that was close.
Sugar catches the closing elevator doors.
She drags the unconscious guards out of the elevator and moves them to a dark corner,
before looking at the vast open space in front of her once more.
Judging by the circumstances, looks like this is where they're keeping the eliminated participants.
Let's see...
Sugar carefully scans her surroundings.
Numerous hallways branch off in every direction, lined with doors.
Guess I'll just try opening every door and see where they lead me.
Have you all finished what I asked you to do?
Oh, um... Miss Mana. I'm sorry, but I couldn't quite finish up.
Oh? Why is that?
I couldn't quite figure out what to do with this part...
*Sigh* Let me take a look.
...
Oh, this part. I see. I suppose this might have been a little difficult for someone new.
If you substitute this... and apply this formula...
Whoa...!
That's how you solve it. Do you understand now?
Y-yes! That was incredible, Miss Mana!
It's nothing. I've dealt with this problem too, so it's easier to solve.
Still... I stayed up all night and couldn't solve it, but you managed to solve it just like that!
You're... you're really amazing!
You flatter me.
...
You really are extraordinary, Miss Mana. You certainly have quite the presence at M.M.R., too.
... Is that so?
Of course! You're a role model for all the newbies! We all think you're so cool!
...
Most of all...
Seeing you so absorbed in your research while wearing a bunny girl outfit is just the coolest thing ever!
... Pardon me?
Your bunny girl outfit! It looks amazing!
Ah!
...
Hah... Haha...
That was the worst nightmare ever...
Me, in a bunny girl outfit?
I guess I've been pushing myself a bit too hard lately. I should go to a cocktail bar sometime to...
Mana's thoughts grind to a halt.
Her legs are feeling rather bare.
Shakily, she looks down.
She's in a bunny girl outfit.
Mana gets up. Her head is clear.
It's a system independently developed by Mana: Hundred-to-Zero.
Once her intoxication reaches 100%, a hangover remedy is injected into her body, quickly bringing it down to 0%.
It's the perfect cycle that allows Mana to drink constantly.
Mana tries to recall what happened.
However, she can't seem to remember anything after she blacked out.
... What I can guess is that I've been eliminated and moved to the recovery room.
Which means this is where the recovery room is.
Mana adjusts her glasses and looks around the dimly lit quarters.
... Am I still drunk? But the Hundred-to-Zero system should be foolproof.
The room is filled with bunny girls.
No matter where she looks, all she sees are sleeping bunny girls.
Mana examines the bunny girls again.
Everyone's unconscious.
... Even for cutting-edge suppression rounds, shouldn't the effects have worn off by now?
*Beep, beep*
A couple of short electronic beeps ring out. Mana turns toward where the sound is coming from.
She cautiously walks across the dark room toward the source.
*Beep, beep*
... A storage device?
Mana pulls out a cable from her bunny girl outfit and connects it to the storage device.
Mana's eyes pulsate with light.
This is...
*Bang!*
!!
The door flies open with a loud bang. Mana instinctively ducks down.
... What is this place? A bunny girl army training camp?
Sugar...?
Huh? What are you doing here...?
Oh, right. You got eliminated. Though you'd pretty much forfeited instead...
That must mean that this is the recovery room for the eliminated participants.
So, everyone's still recovering?
Does it seem that way to you?
Not really. If anything, this whole scene looks pretty dangerous.
Sugar once again looks around at the numerous bunny girls lying motionless on their beds.
Take a look at this.
Mana turns on the screen attached to the storage device.
... I know what this is. A computer, right? The newest model?
It's a storage device.
So what do you want me to look at? Your cool new bunny girl outfit?
Are you not going to look at this?
Sorry. Let me take a look.
Sugar stares intently at the screen.
Do you understand what this is?
I'm no expert, so I can't really tell...
But this looks like a list of weapons and equipment to me.
Correct.
It contains all the information on the Big Three's latest technologies,
not only those displayed at the manufacturers' expo, but also those equipped on the bunny girls.
Hmm...
They're extracting confidential technology...
from both the manufacturers' expo and the eliminated participants.
6. The Secret in the Basement: B
158 linesSugar and Mana hurry down the dark corridor.
They must've extracted confidential technology from me, too.
This bunny suit may not look like much, but everything from the material to the technology behind it is a collection of the latest confidential technology.
Which means that this whole competition is someone's ploy to steal confidential technology.
Yes. Without a doubt.
Not only are they after the technologies displayed at the manufacturers' expo, but also the latest tech given to the participants.
That must be why they deliberately used suppression rounds on the eliminated participants and moved them to the recovery room.
I see. That's why they didn't want Mustang running the event himself.
They're using Coin Rush Showdown to distract everyone while secretly stealing technology behind the scenes... That's a bold move.
The only person who could pull off something like this is the head of security, who's supposedly a high-ranking Central Government official.
...
But three questions still remain.
First of all, why are they after confidential technology?
Right. There's no one to sell that information to.
Indeed. The Ark is small. Even if they managed to obtain the Big Three's confidential technology, nobody would willingly buy it.
To start a new company? That makes even less sense.
They'll eventually find out that the technology was stolen, and when that happens, the Big Three won't let it slide.
If they truly wanted to start a new company, there'd be nothing to gain from making enemies of the Big Three.
Secondly...
Why did they go through the trouble of villainizing and humiliating Missilis and Plan C?
You're right. It would've been safer to just make sure the event ran smoothly.
But there was malice behind their actions.
Perhaps it was meant to get everyone more invested in the competition, including the CEOs,
Though the possibility is low.
Last but not least...
Where am I, and why are you here?
You're in the basement of Coin Rush. I took the elevator here.
A few of the security guards were lingering in a secluded area for a while before suddenly disappearing.
My instincts as a Scavenger told me something fishy was going on, so I staked out the area nearby.
Sure enough, my instincts were right. Some other guards kept hanging around nearby, clearly on high alert.
The ones who got on the elevator first and those who arrived later were all people I'd never seen during the competition.
They're probably elite guards or trusted aides. Something like that.
Anyway, when they waved their hands in front of a wall, it suddenly opened up and revealed an elevator.
That's when I rushed in and got on the elevator with them, and that's how I ended up here.
What happened to the guards who were in the elevator with you?
I gave them a taste of my Good Night Punch. They should be sleeping soundly right now.
... I see.
Either way, we need to let everyone know what we've found. Not just the Commander, but the CEOs as well.
Unsurprisingly, the signal is being jammed in here, so standard communications won't work. We'll have to relay the information in person.
All right. Let's hurry.
Mana and Sugar rush to the elevator.
Sugar mashes the buttons, but nothing happens.
... It seems to be passcode-operated.
I bet it's either 0000 or 1111.
There's no way they would've made it that easy to access. Please wait a moment.
Mana pulls out a cable from her bunny suit and connects it to the elevator's terminal.
Ooh, are you hacking into it?
Yes. This bunny suit is equipped with the latest technology, after all.
If you just give me a moment, I should be able to figure out the passcode...
Wait. The elevator's moving.
... What?
We have to hide. Over there.
Mana and Sugar step away from the elevator and hide in a corner.
A moment later, the elevator doors open, and a swarm of guards come pouring out.
Sugar's eyes settle on the guard carrying a bag in the middle of the group.
... It's the head of security.
... Is he the one holding the bag?
It's me.
Most of them have been secured... Yes, of course. It was easier than anticipated.
How should I send the information...? Oh, yes. I'll wait for your call.
Please don't forget your promise.
Understood. I'll report back to you once everything is complete.
... That sounded like he was selling stolen data, right?
Yep. Let's jump him. I want that bag.
What? Wait just a moment. What are you...!
Hey, you.
...!
The bag I've been using for years has gotten so worn out that I can't use it anymore.
So I was just in need of a new bag. Can I have that?
...
How'd you get down here?
I took the elevator. Anyway, will you give me that bag?
...
Get rid of her.
The guards surrounding the head of security all step forward.
*Bang!*
Without hesitation, Sugar fires her shotgun at one of them.
The bullet strikes the guard and sends him flying into the wall.
Have you gone insane?! You just shot a human!
Don't worry. They're just rubber rounds designed for use against people. They'll only need to spend a few days in the hospital.
Why do you even carry around something like that?
The guard sent flying by Sugar's shot gets back up.
He dusts himself off while locking eyes with Sugar.
A strange light glows underneath the guard's clothes.
... A Nikke?
There aren't any male Nikkes.
Hmm... the armor certainly performs well.
Good. Activate and engage at once.
The security guards lower their stance in unison.
The same strange light begins to emanate from beneath their clothes.
... What's going on? Are they all some kind of enhanced soldiers?
Please be careful.
A short while later...
*Huff... huff...*
... Something's strange. Humans don't have this kind of strength.
They must've been... working out. Whew.
Sugar speaks as if nothing is wrong, but she's actually taken aback.
The security guards are ridiculously strong.
They take the rubber rounds head-on, barely flinch when punched, and even catch her incoming kicks.
Despite taking out more than half of them, Sugar can't shake the strange feeling that something is wrong.
No matter how well-trained they are, they're still only human.
Physically, they should be no match for a Nikke.
However, it's clear that these guards' physical abilities
far exceed those of a normal human.
Could they be doped up on some kind of performance-enhancing drug?
That doesn't explain this. There's got to be something else.
You're not going to lose, are you?
Of course not. Looks like it'll take a bit of extra effort, though.
Tsk, if only I had Black Typhoon with me...
Does it really make a difference?
When Black Typhoon is beside me, it gives me strength. I guess you cheering me on will have to do.
What good would cheering you on do at a time like this?
Just come up with something nice, even if you don't mean it.
I can't do that.
Why not?
I've found it helps to just stick to the facts.
My hopes and wishes aren't what matters.
Sharing them with others only puts more pressure on them.
Hell yeah, I can do this!
A short while later...
*Huff... huff...!*
...
Sugar holds out her hand toward the head of security,
who looks around at the guards sprawled across the floor.
... Impressive. Any thoughts of working for me?
I already do. I'm a security guard.
Right now, I'm a security guard that needs a nice, sturdy bag.
...
The head of security hands the bag over to Sugar without another word.
... Good work out there.
Don't mention it. It was all thanks to you cheering me on.
...
Sugar and Mana head back toward the elevator.
Oh, hold up. I'll go back and ask him what the passcode is.
There's no need. I figured it out.
*Beep, beep, beep*
Mana presses several buttons on the elevator's terminal.
*Diiing*
The elevator doors open.
Impressive.
Wait, I haven't finished pressing all the buttons yet...
Mana stares as the elevator doors slide open.
Numerous guards appear, all staring at Sugar and Mana.
A strange light emanates from beneath their clothes.
7. Entertainment Circle
188 lines...!
Mana opens her eyes, barely holding on to consciousness.
Her eyes dart around as she quickly scans her surroundings.
She's in a monitoring room, surrounded by security guards.
She's tied up, and so is Sugar, who appears to be unconscious.
The head of security is staring at the large monitor in front of him.
He clears his throat,
before shouting into the microphone:
Ladies and gentlemen! We will shortly begin round five of Coin Rush Showdown!
All participants, please make your way to the central plaza!
Looks like it's about to start. Let's go.
...
Yeah, let's go...
We arrive at the central plaza,
where a newly set-up stage awaits us.
I notice several circular devices embedded in the stage.
Hmm... What are those for? Maybe it's something to do with stepping on the floor...
Yeah... They look suspicious...
They sure do!
...
The audience murmurs among themselves, but something feels different this time.
*Achoo! Achoo! Ah-choo!*
... I hear sneezing coming from all around us.
The reason for that is probably...
Pardon me. Would you be so kind as to step aside for a moment?
... all the flowers Flora is planting around Coin Rush.
Ever since she announced her forfeit, she's been planting flowers literally everywhere.
While they're pretty, they seem to be causing some people to sneeze uncontrollably.
The majority of the crowd is giving Flora the stink-eye.
When our eyes meet, Flora smiles and waves at me.
I wave back, causing the crowd to glare daggers at me, too.
Oh no! I can hear sneezing all the way up here in the announcer's booth.
Did Flora of Plan C forfeit just to keep terrorizing the audience even outside the competition? Haha!
Does Missilis's company policy not cover things like consideration and respect?
The crowd erupts in laughter, which blends with the sneezing, creating a peculiar sound.
They're looking back and forth between us and Flora, who is quietly planting more flowers.
*Sigh* Seriously...?
Sin...
Don't mind them. We've got to maintain our poise as supervillains.
Let us pay no heed to that certain someone who's causing a nuisance.
Mr. Mustang, if you could please explain the rules!
Oui! Allow me to explain the rules of round cinq: Entertainment Circle!
Do you see these circulaire platforms on the stage? At the sound of the buzzer, you must step onto one.
Each phase has its own conditions! And that is... a limit to the number of personnes on each platform!
Cinq seconds after the first buzzer, another buzzer will sound!
If you're not standing on a platform or the number of personnes in your platform est incorrect...
You are éliminé!
Entertainment Circle begins...
Now!
The participants rush onto the stage.
*Bzzz!*
Two!
The circular devices light up.
Everyone scrambles to pair up, each duo stepping onto one of the circular devices.
*Bzzz!*
Soon, the second buzzer sounds.
A few Nikkes who don't make it onto the circular device are eliminated.
The format is such that some participants are bound to be eliminated.
... You scared me. Don't sneak up on me like that.
Have you noticed that the rounds proposed by Carnation are structured in a way that makes elimination unavoidable?
...
Come to think of it...
In round one, Tactical Maneuver, everyone could have survived in theory...
But that wasn't the case in round two, Entertainment Coin Catch. There were fewer coins than the number of participants.
Then in round three, High-Tech Butt Wrestle, no one would've been eliminated if no one chose to fight.
And in round four, Tactical Camouflage, every participant theoretically had a chance to survive.
However, round five, Entertainment Circle, is inherently structured to result in eliminations.
Carnation's intentions are clear.
He wants to eliminate more participants.
Do you think it has something to do with the participants going missing after elimination?
Absolutely. Knowing Carnation, I wouldn't put it past him.
After all, I doubt he would've rented out Coin Rush without good reason.
*Bzzz!*
Three!
The circular devices light up, but their sizes have shrunk considerably. There's barely enough room for two people to stand.
There are fewer active circular devices, too.
Um...
A circular device lights up directly beneath Guilty's feet.
Guilty looks like she's about to move. The condition is three people. If she remains standing alone, she'll be eliminated.
Guilty! Don't move!
Hiyaaaah!
...!
With no circular devices left to stand on, Mast and Milk jump toward Guilty.
They each grab one of her arms and hang from it.
W-we made it! Don't let go of us, Guilty. Hold on tight!
Gaaah! Stop moving! Stay still!
Ugh... so heavy...!
Just hold on a little longer! *Huff... huff...*
I'm slipping...! Hang on!
S-stop breathing so heavily...!
If we stop breathing altogether, we'll die!
*Huff, huff* You can do it, Milk...!
I said... stop breathing...!
... Nice.
Wait, no. This isn't the time to just stand around and watch.
Guilty seems to be managing okay, but what about Sin?
...
Sin is...
trapped between four humongous units.
...
I-I apologize. Please hang in there for a little longer.
Oh gosh, you must be uncomfortable... I'm so sorry!
...
It's like I'm looking at a soft flume ride.
Uh... I'm fine, but I think I'm sliding down.
Oh no! Squeeze in closer, Soda!
O-okay!
*Squeeeeeze*
...Wow. This is fascinating, in more ways than one.
Guilty, Mast, and Milk are all tangled together.
Meanwhile, Sin, Ade, and Soda are all squished together.
... Now this is entertainment.
Get ahold of yourself, Blossom.
*Bzzz!*
Ahh...! What a shame! They should have made the intervals longer...!
Like I said, snap out of it.
As the round continues on,
the dwindling number of circular devices and the shrinking active area put mounting pressure on the participants.
The eliminations keep piling up with each phase.
Goodness gracious, what a close battle!
Let's keep goin...
Beer!
...
Beer, beeeeeer, beer, beer!
Er...
Uh... oh dear, a drunk has just barged into the announcer's booth!
P-please give us a moment!
Beer, beeeeeer, beer, beer!
I can't believe my eyes! The drunken intruder turns out to be Mana from Plan C!
Is she dealing with the pain of elimination by getting drunk and causing a scene?! Missilis is truly something else!
Beer, beeeeeer, beeeeeer, beer!
... Mana is with the head of security.
That means something must have gone wrong...
The broadcast cuts out, and a brief silence fills Coin Rush.
Sin, Guilty, and I exchange glances.
... Let's end this quickly.
Sin and Guilty read my lips and nod in understanding.
My apologies! Everything has been taken care of. Now, let's get right back into the action!
*Bzzz!*
Three!
Bunny suit... Engage mode, activate...
*Clink!*
Guilty unlocks her restraints.
Bunny suit. Engage mode, activate.
*Vrrrrrr*
The wheels on Sin's shoes begin to glow.
Guilty jumps up into the air.
As she lands, she slams both her fists down.
*Crash!*
One of the circular devices breaks under Guilty's attack.
What...?!
She grabs up a bunny girl standing near a circular device and hurls her.
The bunny girl flies straight toward the Tetra's bunny girl army, who are positioning themselves on another circular device.
... Oh?
Eek...!
Damn it...!
The flying bunny girl crashes into Ade, Soda, and Milk, sending all three tumbling across the floor.
Sin accelerates.
Tactical Tower! Complete!
Wow, I'm so high up.
D-don't move! You're making us wobble!
Hey there.
...!
Sin approaches Elysion's maid army, who has stacked themselves into a vertical tower on a small circular device.
As she brushes past them, she lightly taps the leg of Privaty, who is supporting the very bottom of the Tactical Tower.
The tower instantly topples over, leaving Mast, Anchor, and Privaty sprawled on the floor.
*Slam! Slam! Slam! Slam!*
Guilty smashes and breaks all the circular devices.
*Tap, tap, tap, tap*
Meanwhile, Sin forcibly knocks down the participants.
A moment later...
The only ones standing on an active circular device...
are Guilty, Sin, and a bunny girl whose name I don't know.
*Bzzz!*
...
That concludes this round!
Only three survivors remain!
Wait just a second...
All the survivors are from Missilis.
At this rate, Missilis will be our final winner.
Boooooo!
A chorus of boos fills Coin Rush.
Sin slowly walks up to the edge of the stage,
before crouching down and addressing the jeering spectators.
Why? Got a problem with that?
Boooooo!
8. The Scent of Flowers: A
46 linesUh... Due to this unexpected turn of events, we are currently discussing how to proceed.
Please bear with us for a moment before we move on to the final round.
An event meant for everyone to enjoy has been thrown into chaos by a certain company blinded by their desire to win.
We will make an announcement as soon as the situation is under control.
In the meantime, please enjoy all that Coin Rush, the Ark's premier entertainment venue, has to offer.
The guards rush off somewhere.
They're not even firing their suppression rounds at the eliminated participants. That's how unprecedented this must be for the organizers.
Sin and Guilty step off the stage.
As we walk away, we're met with a barrage of jeers and hostile glares.
... Okay. We managed to buy ourselves some time with this unexpected situation, though I feel kind of bad for everyone who got eliminated...
Aster must've been taken by the organizers.
I think we can assume she's being held captive, right?
But she didn't tell us where she is. All she did was look for more alcohol...
...
Even though Mana interrupted the broadcast, she didn't tell us her location.
All she did was mention beer. Her life would probably have been at risk if she had explicitly told us.
Which means all that talk about drinking must've been some kind of SOS signal...
Oh?
??
Beer!
E.
Beer, beeeeeer, beer, beer!
L.
Beer, beer, beer, beer!
Beer!
E.
Beer, beeeeeer, beer, beer!
L.
Beer, beeeeeer, beeeeeer, beer!
Wow...
... How'd you figure it out?
I once studied Morse code so I could communicate with flowers.
I'd hypothesized that the flowers were swaying in Morse.
But it turned out to be wrong.
... That's amazing.
But which elevator are we supposed to look for? There are way too many elevators in this building.
9. The Scent of Flowers: B
113 lines*Achoo! Achoo! Ah-choo!*
As I walk behind Flora, I hear sneezing from every direction.
Flora continues walking in silence.
She briefly comes to a stop and closes her eyes.
Flora starts walking again.
Soon, she comes to a halt in front of a dark wall tucked away in a secluded corner.
I believe it's here.
Flora, could you explain?
The fragrance of the flowers I planted here in Coin Rush tends to fade rather quickly.
And the scent comes from the pollen, which can easily be carried away by even the gentlest breeze.
Pollen can also be quite helpful in treating bronchitis, though it does have the downside of inducing sneezes.
I planted flowers throughout Coin Rush to trace the fragrance. Most of it remained within the facility.
The scent fading near openings that lead outside would be perfectly natural,
but its sudden disappearance at a solid wall like this is quite peculiar.
There must be another space beyond this wall,
and I believe it's quite likely to lead to the elevator Aster mentioned.
... How long have you been working on this?
Ever since Thistle told us that she hadn't seen any eliminated participants around.
I assumed she must have searched every visible area of Coin Rush, so I suspected there might be a hidden space somewhere.
So I diligently planted the flowers.
You could've told us earlier.
Plan C was already drawing attention, so I thought it would be best to act alone.
Besides, if I had to watch all of you plant the flowers, I fear I would've been unable to resist offering advice, which would've taken even longer.
...
Since you managed to delay the next round, I believe we should still have some time to spare.
We should observe from a distance and see whether anyone comes by.
After hiding in the darkness and staring at the wall for what seems like forever...
A few security guards cautiously approach the wall, glancing around.
They begin to fidget with something in front of the wall.
Ooh, looks like something's finally happening.
They seem to be calling the elevator.
Let's ambush them.
We're too far from them.
Sin.
Hmm?
As soon as the elevator doors open, run inside.
We'll follow after you somehow.
Do you trust me, Instructor?
What are you talking about?
You still don't know why I entered this competition. What if I'm one of them?
Are you?
Haha, what do you think?
You're avoiding the subject again.
...
I trust you. Now go.
*Vrrrrrr*
Don't push yourself too hard, Sin.
We'll see.
The wall in front of the guards splits open, revealing the elevator.
As soon as the guards get inside, Sin sprints forward.
*Slam!*
Sin charges into the elevator, body-checking the guards against the elevator wall.
As the doors slide close, Sin looks at me and gives me a little wave.
The elevator doors close, and the wall returns to normal.
We approach the wall and start trying to figure out how to operate the elevator.
What are you doing over there, Master?
I flinch and turn around,
only to find Elysion's maid army and Tetra's bunny girl army.
Oh... Um... W-we were just chilling.
Couldn't you have come up with something more convincing?
...
...
Hey, punk. You can't just go tossing people around like that! What if someone got hurt?
I was trying to win...
What? I mean, I get it, but you could've reigned it in a bit.
Y-yeah! That goes against the spirit of entertainment!
But winning is important...
I-I think it's more important to win fair and square.
Yeah... sorry...
... Huh?
Oh, um... Okay.
... Jeez, I don't even have the energy to argue.
... Did Sin run off somewhere?
Yeah... She went to take care of something.
... Please tell her that I'll never forget that humiliation.
Yeah. Tactical Tower was super awesome though.
Yes, it was truly an impressive fe... that's beside the point!
Tell her that we won't hold back next time. She better be prepared.
You could just tell her that yourself. Why ask them to relay the message?
Th-this is what you're supposed to do!
What's that supposed to mean?
In any case, it seems Missilis's victory has been secured. Congratulations, Master.
Yeah, thanks.
We'll be cheering you on in the final round.
The maid army and the bunny girl army begin to walk away.
Suddenly, Ade stops and leans in to whisper something to me.
... Master.
I've just received word that the anti-terrorism unit is currently en route to Coin Rush.
... What?
I don't know what's going on, but something serious must be happening here at Coin Rush.
You've gotten yourself caught up in this, haven't you?
I don't know if it's anything serious yet... but I think I've definitely gotten myself caught up in something troublesome.
Thanks, Ade.
My pleasure.
Ade disappears along with the rest of the girls.
We stand rooted to the spot as we look around.
... All right. Does anyone know how to crack codes?
Flora and Guilty shake their head.
... I guess we'll just have to try pressing everything we can.
We have to find a way in.
The elevator doors open.
Sin comes face-to-face with a horde of security guards.
Hmm... this could be a bit tricky.
10. Honest Words: A
125 linesSin weaves through the guards at high speed.
At first, she plans to take them all down.
But the moment she steps off the elevator and a guard grabs her by the shoulder, she knows.
They're strong. They're not just your average humans.
It's not like they're overwhelmingly strong. I'd win them in a fight.
But their strength is far beyond anything a human could muster.
Maybe it has something to do with the strange glow under their clothes...
What the... Are they all wearing some kind of enhancement suit?
Sin stays on the move, dodging the guards while gathering information.
There are roughly fifty security guards in this vast open space,
all of whom are emitting a strange glow from beneath their clothes.
Haha... Fifty enhanced humans? Cut me some slack!
*Vrrrrrr*
Sin feels the bunny suit starting to overheat. She knows she can't keep up this pace for much longer.
Frustration and anxiety weigh on her. She desperately wants to rescue Mana.
All she can do right now is...
... Oh?
Just then, Sin spots a heavily guarded hallway.
She focuses her attention on the room at the end of the hallway.
The security is far too tight for there to be nothing.
Keeping her body low, Sin races down the hallway.
As the door rapidly closes, she thrusts her leg forward with all her might.
Tsk... What a drunk.
*Snore*
... At least she only rambled about beer during the broadcast.
You there.
Yes, sir.
Cut her head off.
... Yes, sir.
She should have a lot of valuable information since she's from M.M.R.
They'll probably be happier if I threw her in as a bonus when we make the deal.
Indeed, sir.
How are the preparations for the final round coming along?
Everything is ready.
Good. Let's get this over with.
Those damn Missilis Nikkes... Who knew they'd pull something like that and ruin the whole thing?
Despite everything, the situation is back under control.
May I ask a question, sir?
What now?
Is there any need to continue the competition to the end?
We have secured all the necessary data. Wouldn't it be safer to leave now...?
We must announce a winner. That will be our chance.
Mustang would never make something like an awards ceremony feel cheap.
He'll make it as extravagant and over-the-top as possible. That's when we'll slip away.
That's why there must be a winner.
Understood, sir.
Well then, shall we get the final round starte...
*Crash!*
The door is ripped off its hinges with a thunderous crash, sending the guard flying with it.
Wh-what the...?!
Sin quickly scans the room.
It's a monitoring room that oversees all of Coin Rush.
Mana and Sugar are tied up.
A man who appears to be the leader stares in shock, with a bag lying beside him.
The bag!
You...! I thought you were passed out drunk!
Untie us!
You...! You weren't unconscious?!
Got it!
Sin snatches the bag in the blink of an eye.
Then, without hesitation, she uses her heels to try to cut through the wire binding Sugar and Mana, but to no avail.
What is this made out of?! It's not budging.
It's a wire used for restraining Raptures! You have to use more force!
No wonder I couldn't untie myself.
Don't blame me if you get hurt!
Sin jumps back. Using the head of security's body as a foothold, she launches herself into the air.
Ugh!
She somersaults through the air and drives her heel down, putting all her weight into it.
*Slash*
We're free!
Let's get out of here!
The three of them sprint out of the monitoring room,
only to be blocked by a wave of guards pouring into the hallway.
Hmm... Why are they taking things this far?
That bag contains confidential information from the Big Three. The manufacturers' expo was a cover for stealing their technology
...
Ah-ha. So that's why they shot the eliminated participants with suppression rounds... to steal all their information.
Wow, you figured that out from just that?
Criminals think differently from ordinary people.
Do you think we'll be able to get through them? Something's off about these guards. I think they've been enhanced or something.
Yeah. I may have used rubber rounds to shoot them, but they still got back up without a scratch.
Ugh... this is kind of a pain. Maybe we should just surrender.
They tried to crack my head open. I don't think surrendering is going to change that.
Sin lifts her hand toward her converter.
Just as she is about to take it off, she hesitates.
...
*Sigh* It's so hard to just have some fun.
I shouldn't have participated in the competition at all.
You should use your bunny suit and escape by yourself. I'll give you the passcode to call the elevator.
It overheated. It'll take some time for me to use it again.
Are you planning not to use your words?
Nope.
... All right, I understand.
We don't have a choice. We'll take them head-on.
*Booooom!*
Suddenly, a deafening boom rings out as dust erupts from the end of the hallway.
Through the cloud of dust, Guilty emerges.
... Huh?
I just smashed through the wall... and jumped down.
Haha, that's one way to do it!
Should I... get rid of these guys...?
Yeah.
Okay.
*Boom! Crash! Crack! Wham! Smash!*
With each punch from Guilty, a guard goes flying and slams into the wall.
After approximately fifty punches,
all that remains in the hallway is a group of unconscious guards and scattered debris.
... That was wicked. Any chance you wanna be a Scavenger?
Not really...
That's unfortunate.
... But how do we get back up there?
... What?
Ahaha. I'm sure we can use the elevator's wire to climb up.
Guilty, do you like sugar coffee?
Not really...
... I see. Then I guess you won't like milk coffee or cream coffee, either.
I like those...
!!
The four of them walk down the hallway, making small talk.
...
The head of security watches them walk away, trembling with rage.
11. Honest Words: B
141 lines... It's been two minutes since Guilty smashed a hole through the wall and jumped down.
Countless spectators and guards have already crowded around us.
Just as I'm trying to figure out how to explain this...
Counselor... help me up...
... I hear Guilty's voice coming from the hole in the wall.
Flora and I pull Guilty up, followed by Sin, Mana, and Sugar.
... Sugar? How'd you end up here?
The stakeout didn't go so well.
Huh, you've got quite an audience.
I'm gonna step out for a bit. I need to call in some backup, too.
Huh? Step out? And what do you mean backup?
I have a feeling we're in for one hell of a fight.
Sugar dashes away.
As I stare blankly at her retreating back, Sin suddenly thrusts a bag toward me.
What's with the bag?
Hmm... It's better if Mana explains.
... Mana quickly fills me in on everything.
... This is a lot more serious than I thought.
I'll contact Mustang right...
Attention, ladies and gentlemen!
... Huh?
That bag Plan C is carrying...
It contains a bomb!
They're planning to blow up Coin Rush!
That's what they've been planning from the very beginning. That's why they participated in Coin Rush Showdown in the first place!
They took part in this event with the intention of ruining the sacred art of entertainment!
Can something like this really be forgiven?
No!
Absolutely not!
As the organizers of this event,
we will punish those who dare defile the sanctity of entertainment.
Please forgive us for the disruption,
and evacuate immediately if you are within sight of Plan C!
I repeat, Plan C has committed serious criminal offenses!
We will be using force to subdue them! Everyone, please evacuate!
Screams erupt as the spectators around us scatter.
Some of them even break down in tears.
In an instant, all the spectators disappear from view.
...
Ugh... This is stressing me out. Sorry, but I need a drink.
I see how it is. They've gotten rid of all the witnesses, and now they're planning to finish us off before making their escape.
I... don't like this...
The sound of footsteps draws closer.
Guards surround us in the blink of an eye.
Elysion's maid army and Tetra's bunny girl army also appear.
Master...!
Um, just to be sure... it's not true, is it?
What are you talking about?! Why would Pal commit a terrorist attack?
... But it's true that the anti-terrorism unit is on its way here.
Are they coming to arrest Captain—I mean, Master?
Captain—I mean, Master Captain! What's going on?
About that...
Just then,
Guilty places her hand on my shoulder.
She looks into my eyes as she shakes her head.
Then, she looks over at Sin.
I turn to look at her, too.
... What?
...
You tell them, Sin.
... Why me?
Sin... you should tell them...
Why should I? It'd be easier if you told them, Instructor.
It's not like they'll believe me anyway.
They will... So... you should tell them...
Haha, what reason do they have to believe in anything I say? I could lie anytime.
Sin...
Be honest... and tell them the truth...
Don't beat around the bush... or change the subject...
Tell them what you want to say...
... What if they don't believe me?
You should still... tell them...
That's the only way... they'll know... what kind of person you are... and what you're thinking...
Just... tell it to them straight...
...
Words... aren't about manipulating others...
They're about teaching others... who you really are...
Tell them, Sin.
...
Sin turns her attention forward.
She looks at the maid army and the bunny girl army.
...
I'm frustrated.
I followed Guilty here because she told me that it'll be really fun to play with lots of people.
But I'm frustrated because we've been treated like villains and made fun of.
I don't like that I've been roped into this strange situation, when I just came here to have fun.
I'm annoyed that it falls on us to find a lead and solve everything.
And I'm sorry I had to be mean to you to achieve our objective.
Everything they're saying on broadcast is a lie.
We didn't do anything. We really didn't.
Trust us.
Please.
Master. We'll protect the spectators, just in case something happens.
Sounds good, thanks.
Tell us what happened in detail later, okay?
Take it easy, and don't get too carried away.
No way! Go wild!
Sin.
... Huh?
Let's play together again.
The maid army and the bunny girl army run off into the distance.
Now, all that remains around us are the security guards.
... Get them! Take them down!
Fifty thousand points to Sin for being honest.
... Haha, aren't you being too generous with your points?
The guards ready themselves for combat.
...
Guilty, Sin.
Take them all down.
As all the guards lie defeated,
Plan C and Sugar stand over them, each striking a cool pose.
Footsteps draw near.
... Before long, we're surrounded by armed soldiers.
Looks like the anti-terrorism unit has arrived.
Should I... destroy them too...?
No, you shouldn't.
Would you care to explain what's going on, Commander?
Sure.
Um... Where do I even begin?
Haha, having trouble getting the words out?
You should speak properly... Counselor...
Just then, the apparent captain of the anti-terrorism unit orders his men to stand by before raising a hand to his earpiece.
For a moment, everyone stops moving.
Then, the captain give a hand signal.
The anti-terrorism unit fans out with military precision.
... What's going on?
Oh, I'd like to ask everyone in the anti-terrorism unit not to step on the flowers. They've only just bloomed.
Mic check, un, deux, trois.
Commandant, can you hear me?
Thanks to your aide, everything has resolved.
We have also appréhender the mastermind.
Please come up to mon office, s'il vous plaît.
I have some information to communiquer with you.
12. The Final Round: A
141 linesI tell Plan C to take a break and head up to Mustang's office.
There, I find myself face-to-face with the three CEOs and the head of security.
Bienvenue.
Now... it seems you've already grasped la situation, Commandant.
I nod.
The head of security attempted to steal the Big Three's latest confidential technology by hosting the manufacturers' expo.
He organized Coin Rush Showdown as a competition between the Big Three, deliberately attracting Nikkes equipped with their latest technology.
The Nikkes eliminated from the competition were then shot with suppression rounds under the guise of entertainment and taken to a secret location.
Their technology was stolen as well.
... How are the Nikkes who got eliminated?
It'll take them a while to come around since the suppression rounds were unusually potent, but they're all safe.
No lasting effects were observed, either.
... That's a relief.
It seems the Nikkes are all you ever think about.
Isn't it just because he's obsessed with bunny girls?
...
Mustang gazes down at the head of security, who has been restrained.
I recently obtained des information that someone has been stealing the Big Three's important technologies.
But it was merely circonstanciels evidence, so I was not worried.
As it happened, you came to me to proposer le manufacturers' expo and Coin Rush Showdown to be held at Coin Rush.
The timing was idéal, so naturally, I décidé to rent Coin Rush to you.
Ultimately, I'm glad we managed to appréhender you, but I'm afraid I have let les chéries down.
I'll arrange a separate occasion to explain what happened and apologize to them.
... What? I'm the only one who got left out of the loop?
Well, the fewer people who knew, the better.
...
Haha. Looks like you aren't respected even among your fellow CEOs.
What did you just say?! Huh?!
Be quiet, both of you.
Ingrid turns toward the head of security and addresses him.
You will soon be transferred to a special detention facility, where you will be interrogated.
Before that, there are some things I want to ask you.
Who were you planning to sell the stolen technology to?
To a client.
What a fool. Were you planning to sell it to one of us?
None of us would be interested in buying technology that's been stolen.
Did you foolishly expect one of us to buy something that's nothing but a liability?
Or what? Were you gonna find some other client in the Ark to sell it to?
Ha! Who'd be dumb enough to cross the Big Three just to buy that information from you?
The Ark is really small, you know.
Yes, it is.
But the world is large.
...
...
...
How did you know about l'existence of the secret basement under Coin Rush?
Beaucoup de dirty business happened down there. It's been a long time since it was last utilisé.
Only a few personnes even know about its existence.
...
You're the one who called the anti-terrorism unit?
Oui.
Tetra's chéries have been équipé with location trackers that are impossible to be détecté by others.
C'est une précaution against accidents, but I noticed that the signal from the eliminated participants remained in one particular zone for quite some time.
That zone being the basement.
The moment we détecté power consumption in the basement, I contacté the anti-terrorism unit.
Though it took some time for us to réaliser,
par chance, le commandant and Plan C bought us some time.
You bunny-girl-obsessed jerk... You just had to barge in uninvited and ruin everything.
I-I wouldn't say I'm obsessed...
I discovered the basement purely by chance.
It was recorded in one of the Central Government's older databases.
So I decided to put it to good use.
I read about the things that happened in there. Should I use this chance to tell you everything?
... Non, merci.
Hmph.
... You could've lived a comfortable life even without resorting to this.
You're a high-ranking official of the Central Government. Why would you do such a thing?
...
The Ark will go down.
That's why.
... Who's behind this? Who were you going to sell the information to?
Do you really think I'll tell you?
Not really. Well, we have all the time in the world.
I'll take my time and wring the answer out of you.
...
... What were your elite guards wearing underneath their clothes?
I was told that your guards had superhuman strength.
The bunny girl suits that you love so much.
... Now you're pissing me off.
Ha! I bet they're just cheap replicas of Missilis's wearable tech.
You know what?
Every guard of yours who was wearing it has been crippled.
!
Every last one of them wound up unable to use some parts of their body. Permanently.
Their nerves are completely shot. Nothing can be done to treat them.
The imitation wearable tech is completely trashed, too. There's no way to extract any information from it.
... Is that so.
See? This is why you should use proper technology. This is what happens when you settle for cheap imitations.
...
... The head of security falls quiet.
For a long while, a heavy silence hangs over the room.
... Seems like you're not in the mood to talk anymore.
No matter. We will uncover the details as the investigation proceeds.
Wait, wait. I have one last thing I want to ask.
Why were you so hell-bent on targeting Missilis? You made us out to be the villain and turned us into a laughingstock.
Do you have some kind of grudge against me? Who even are you? Do I know you?
...!
You...! You don't even remember me...?!
...
... No?
... Damn it.
...
A few years ago, I had an opportunity to give you a presentation on my wearable tech.
Since I was just some nobody at a small tech company back then, I saw it as a golden opportunity.
I thought my worth had finally been recognized, and I spent sleepless nights preparing for the presentation.
I was confident, so I got my hopes up.
If things went well, I could become a researcher at Missilis or sell you my technology.
The presentation wasn't bad. In fact, it went pretty well.
But at the end of my presentation...
You said it was barely worth the dirt under Missilis's toenails!
"Give him some money and get him out of here."
...
You're unbelievable...
Sure, I get it. My technology may be terrible, and you might not like it.
But you didn't need to crush my pride like that.
...
I used that humiliation as fuel and clawed my way up, eventually securing a high-ranking position in the Central Government.
... All this time, I've been waiting to get my revenge.
So I carried out my plan during Coin Rush Showdown.
I wanted to humiliate you the way you humiliated me.
How foolish. Things could've gone much more smoothly for you if you hadn't done that.
... I admit that, yes.
I was consumed by my desire to avenge my past humiliation that I ended up ruining everything.
... I remember.
I remember you now.
Ha, am I supposed to thank you for finally remembering me?
Hey! After all that praise I gave you, this is how you repay me?!
... What?
Do you realize how much of a compliment "worth the dirt under Missilis's toenails" is?
"Give him some money and get him out of here" means I was going to sign a contract with you!
I personally offered you a contract, and you were the one who turned it down.
You ignored all my calls and disappeared! So what are you even going on about...?
... That was supposed to be a compliment?
Duh.
...
Syuen...
What?
You should learn how to speak to people properly.
Yes. Learn how to speak to people properly.
Oui, learn how to speak correctement to people.
What the hell are you even talking about?
13. The Final Round: B
106 linesI return to Coin Rush after watching the head of security get taken into custody.
There's no one here. I don't think I've ever seen Coin Rush this empty. It's usually bustling with people.
I walk slowly, taking in my surroundings.
When I arrive at the plaza, I'm greeted by familiar faces.
Is it over?
Yeah. Everything went well.
... I see.
Good work. Honestly, I have no idea what was going on.
Still, I'm glad I gained something out of this experience.
Gained what? All I've gained is a horrible hangover.
I've reached an agreement to supply Coin Rush with flowers on an ongoing basis. Quite the harvest, wouldn't you say?
*Sigh* I'm glad at least one of us walked out of this with something to gain.
Are we heading back, then?
Yeah. Coin Rush will be closed for a week. Seems like they have a lot to look into.
Not so fast.
You still have to play in the final round.
...
Come on! What final round? There aren't any spectators, equipment, or facilities.
Forget it. Let's just go.
Ahem.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting! We will now begin the final round of Coin Rush Showdown!
Haha, what are you doing?
The final round is called... um... High-Tech Run! The rules are simple!
All you need to do is run! First one across the finish line wins! Easy enough, right?
The race starts here... and ends there! Wow, it's so easy!
...
Finalists, please make your way to the starting line!
... Haha.
...
Guilty stretches her legs, getting ready to sprint.
Sin stands beside her.
Can we join, too?
... Well, this will probably be my last time wearing a bunny girl outfit, so I don't mind joining.
Why, of course! Since this is the final round, we should give as many people as possible a chance!
Flora and Mana take their places beside Guilty and Sin.
Before long, more people join.
We'd like to participate, too.
We just need to run, right? I'm confident in that!
Prepare yourselves, everyone! It's time to show them what a tactical sprint looks like!
Um... I've been meaning to ask, but why has Mast been so obsessed with the word "tactical"?
Apparently, she got dragged away and put through some intense training.
Since Black Typhoon and I are one and the same, I'll compete like this. That's okay, right?
Like we'd let you, punk!
You're not being honest again...
...
All participants! To the starting line please!
3, 2, 1!
Go!
The bunny girls and maids dash forward.
Aww, I can't believe I finished fourth.
Sin... you're so slow...
You're one to talk. You came in last.
But... my arms are tied together...
Haha. You looked so funny when you were running.
You were jiggling like crazy. Are your shoulders okay?
...
It sure was entertaining.
...
Instructor, when did you catch on?
When did you realize that we were just here to enjoy the competition?
Well... to be completely honest, I doubted you at first.
I thought you were plotting something again.
Haha, I figured as much.
But the more I watched you play, the more I realized how hard you were trying.
You started looking more and more upset once the competition began to fall apart.
You could see my expression, even though I was wearing my converter?
Just from your vibes.
I see. You're really something else, in more ways than one.
But what made you want to participate in the first place?
Yeah... it's really fun...
Quency seems to be preoccupied with something else lately, and Guilty's been smiling to herself ever since she got back from the beach.
Seeing that...
made me feel lonely, I guess.
I was also a little envious of them.
So... I guess I was hoping that maybe I could experience that, too.
So, how was it?
It was nice.
I liked those kind-hearted idiots who just laughed it off even when I played dirty against them.
Even though we were a ragtag squad, I liked that we were all working toward the same goal.
Though I got a little frustrated when things started to go off the rails...
But looking back on it now, I think even those moments were enjoyable.
...
I'm proud of you, too.
... Haha, I really can't get used to this vibe.
I guess we should be on our way, then.
Thanks for everything, Instructor.
See you... Counselor...
Get some rest. You deserve it.
Let's play together again.
COIN RUSH SHOWDOWN: The End
14. Smiling Lips
62 linesDubbed the Dual-Class Cafe,
it's the ultimate cafe run by those who have mastered the art of both the bunny girl and the maid.
Needless to say, the cafe is packed to the brim with customers.
Sure! I'll bring back extras just in case.
Oh, you can easily get it out with soda.
... Are you saying that I should ask Soda to help?
Oh! I meant baking soda, hehe.
Haha, I get it now.
I like seeing you like this.
As in, it's easy to manipulate others?
No, in a sense that I just feel at ease.
Good. Then that's all that matters.
Sin...
Let's go fishing together... sometime...
Let's bring Quency along... I'll teach you guys how to fish...
You know how to fish? Did you learn it when you were at the beach?
Yeah... a friend taught me...
Don't worry... All you need are your hands...
... Huh?
It's fun to catch fish... with your bare hands...
That's what being hands-on is all about... It's so addictive and fun...
Something doesn't seem quite right...
Whew, I ended up bringing too many napkins!
Could you give me a hand, Sin?
Right. Coming.
Sin runs toward the girls.
Though I can't see her expression beneath her mask,
I'm sure her lips are curled into a smile.
...
The head of security is restrained and being held at the Rehabilitation Center.
After a series of intense interrogations, he's been left physically and mentally worn to a frazzle.
He's had enough. The secret and everything... none of it matters to him anymore.
All he can think about is escaping this pain.
After days of not uttering a single word, the head of security finally speaks up.
... Hey.
Hey. Is anybody there?
I'll confess. I'll tell you everything...
So just let me out of here...
Silence hangs in the air.
A faint sound can be heard from somewhere in the distance.
A metal door creaks open.
The head of security smiles at the thought that he'll soon be free of his suffering.
Just then...
*Ripple*
The head of security stares in disbelief.
The air before him begins to ripple strangely.
A moment later, something materializes out of thin air.
The head of security stares down the dark barrel of the gun.
*Sigh*
You damned monster.
*Bang!*
A single gunshot echoes through the silent Rehabilitation Center.