The Late-Night News

Next up, an update on the mysterious case of people suddenly falling unconscious.

For the past few days, reports of these incidents have been coming in from all across the Ark.

The number of victims continues to rise.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness without any warning signs,

and many of them have yet to wake from their comas.

Doctors have found no signs of physical trauma, poisoning, or any other obvious abnormalities.

It appears as though only their consciousness was suddenly cut off, almost as if someone flipped a switch.

The Central Government has stated that it is devoting all available resources to uncovering the cause of these incidents,

but so far, no significant progress has been made.

Hey, Rapi. Pass me that soda, will ya?

Sure.

Meanwhile, reports continue to come in from across the Ark of mysterious noises, unexplained voices,

and sightings of the Black Monster.

Authorities are also investigating whether these incidents are connected to the case.

... Looks like my hand slipped.

...

...

Next, let's hear what people on the street have to say.

My friend suddenly... just spaced out.

It was like he was on some sort of drug...

No... It was more like something had possessed him.

Yeah... Like something had taken hold of him.

I think it was... a shadow.

It was right in front of me, but all I could make out was this blurry, pitch-black outline.

I don't really remember what it looked like... I was too shaken up.

*Gasp!*

...

...

...

You scared?

No.

You're scared, aren't you?

I said no.

You too, Commander?

Jeez, everyone's been freaking out over that lately.

People just suddenly keel over, and everyone starts panicking.

Did you see it yourself?

Yeah, I was in the Ark the day before yesterday.

Luckily, there was a hospital nearby, so I took them there.

You should be careful too, Commander. It could be something contagious.

A mysterious infectious disease in an enclosed space?

That sounds like the opening of a disaster movie.

Give it about 28 days, and won't all those people get back up and start attacking everyone?

That doesn't scare me.

Because you can just take them all out?

Yeah. If bullets work on it, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Come on, Rapi, you're so cold.

The whole point of that genre is that the person who was laughing and joking with you just moments ago suddenly turns,

and you hesitate because you can't bring yourself to pull the trigger.

Hmm...

What would you do if the Commander got turned?

Well...

Commander, that's not funny...

...!

...

... I don't think I can do it.

See?

Even if he becomes one of the undead, Master's still Master.

Deep down, he's still the same person!

C'mon, guys. Enough with the gloomy talk.

Let's just enjoy our time off.

Yeah, that's a good idea.

Once again, we're bringing you an update on the ongoing string of unexplained loss-of-consciousness cases.

The incidents...

Excuse me.

??

Is there some reason I shouldn't use the door?

Quency is away at the moment,

so I was unable to use the secret passages.

It seems I can't fool you after all.

The truth is, everyone's already prepared.

What else?

A phantom thief mission, naturally.

Indeed.

Even on days when the Thieves of Justice are inactive,

there are still reports of phantom thief sightings.

At first, I dismissed it as mere coincidence, but...

That's because it's a screenshot of a video.

There's no way to know. However...

What matters is that there have been numerous sightings.

Exactly. So...

I must determine

whether this person is truly worthy of being a phantom thief.

...

No phantom thieves detected!

Don't worry, they'll appear soon enough.

If the rumored phantom thief is genuine, there are only so many routes they can take.

You got that right.

The Ark may be big, but there are only so many routes you can take across the rooftops.

We're right in the middle of them, so chances are—

Huh?

... They're here.

... Huh?

What the...?

Don't be alarmed.

We're the Thieves of Ju—

Don't move! This is the A.C.P.U.!

You're under arrest!

??

You mean we're not arresting them?

It's only been a day, and they're already onto us?!

Are the cops here really that good?!

I agree, but this isn't the time for that.

If we get caught, it'll be a pain. Let's run.

All right, let's go!

C'mon, let's go after them!

Stop right there!

Like we're gonna stop just because you said so!

Where to next, Mona?

Sorry! Give me a sec!

This doesn't seem like a Palace, so I need to check things out first!

Those guys are good.

This isn't their first rodeo.

They certainly move like phantom thieves.

Still, they don't seem to know their way around.

... We're gonna get caught.

Why don't you transform, Mona?

For some reason, there aren't many cars around here.

We'd just stand out even more.

Looks like we don't have a choice...

I guess so... I didn't want to have to use it this way either...!

Don't hurt them.

Got it.

Persona!

A giant...?!

Y-yes! Actually... I'd say it looks more like a phantom thief!

H-huh...?

What's that...? Everyone, watch out!

Ack!

...!

Hey! What was that for?!

I just saved you! You were in danger!

Danger? I was totally fine!

What?! I could've sworn there was a giant missile coming right at you!

What's with you?

Did you suddenly lose it or something?

...

Quite right...

But what's with that giant? It disappeared with the phantom thieves.

I only caught a glimpse of it, but that giant looked like a phantom thief too.

It's reasonable to assume they're connected.

Hmm...

Don't you think those phantom thieves were kind of an odd pair?

One of them was really tiny.

I saw it with my own eyes! It was a cat!

That's right! He had ears and a tail!

His fur was really soft too! Not as fluffy as Poli's, though!

What kind of cat talks and runs around on two feet?

That just makes it even more suspicious.

Yeah.

There were several occurrences not long ago.

I've marked the locations here.

Yes, we immediately dispatched nearby personnel,

but they found no trace of it.

Incidentally, there was a slight discrepancy in the timing of the D-Waves.

This one appeared a week ago, while the rest all appeared two days ago.

Next, take a look at this.

These are the locations where monster sightings have been reported.

We believe the two incidents are connected.

We still don't know for sure.

We've only received eyewitness reports, but there's no photographic or video evidence.

For now, it's still just a ghost story.

It could be a real monster, or it could be some kind of mass hallucination brought on by the D-Waves.

Keep every possibility on the table as you investigate.

We still have a lot to learn about D-Waves.

Hmm... So you were assigned a mission of your own as well, Monsieur?

Roger that! Let's start asking around!

Excuse me! Have you seen anyone suspicious...

No, anything suspicious?

What the heck? You're the suspicious one!

I am?!

Instructor.

Hey, isn't that a familiar face?

What's wrong...? Oh...

Excuse me! Have you seen anyone suspicious...?

Huh? Zoo Keeper?

...

What brings you here, Zoo Keeper?

It's been a while since I've seen you in the Ark this late.

A mission?

...

Oh, really? How's it going?

...

Of course, can't you tell it's a bear?

Roar?

???

Of course, anyone can tell just from looking at him.

I found this little guy yesterday.

I don't know how he got in here, but he was wandering around with his guardian.

They didn't have anywhere to stay, so I took him in and have been looking after him.

Hehe, never thought I'd see a bear in the Ark.

Going for a walk, of course.

Look! This bear has a zipper!

!!

Don't unzip that!

!!

...

...

...

...

This is beary bad...

Th-that bear can talk!

That bear just talked!

Did that bear just talk?!

Wow! A talking bear!

That's incredible! Are you really a bear?

...!

You think there's someone inside? Like a mascot costume or something?

...!

My friend... I believe you're right.

D-don't touch me! Yuki-chan! Help!

Huh?!

Don't move!

You know, he looks like he wouldn't be able to get back up if he fell over.

!!

Ah...!

T-Teddie! Are you okay?

Y-Yuki-chan!

I apologize for the trouble!

I apologize for the trouble!

Hi, Yukiko.

Any luck finding a place?

Well...

Guess that didn't work out, huh?

I told you you could stay at the shelter.

Um, you could say that...

Oh, you must be the Commander Leona-san mentioned.

I'm Yukiko Amagi. I've been in Leona-san's care.

I apologize for causing such a commotion. We'll leave right—

...

I trust him, so you can too.

I-I guess...

Then I'll leave you two to it.

Oh, um...!

Thank you so much. If it hadn't been for you, Leona-san, I don't know what I would've done.

Don't mention it. I'll be at the shelter.

If anything comes up, let me know.

Summoned?

Oh, right!

No, not exactly...

It's just... when I came to, I was already here, on the streets in the Ark...

Wow! The buildings here are un-bear-lievably tall!

You think so? There are even taller buildings over there!

Really? That must be kinda un-bear-able...

Y-yes... you can call him Teddie.

I'm beary much a bear!

That's right! You're a bear, Teddie!

You mean I can go back?

No worries, you've been a huge help! I look forward to hearing the full explanation. Thank you.

So, what do you intend to do now?

Wait!

We'd like to help too.

You're doing this to send us back, aren't you?

If that's the case... please let us help.

Thank you.

...

O-okay!

I look forward to working with you too!

Let's work together and crack this case!

Yes! What matters most is giving it your all!

Leave it to me! I'm gonna fix this whole mess!

Woohoo!

...

Yeah... I'm sorry.

It should be around here.

Yeah, I didn't want to keep imposing on Leona-san,

so I left Teddie with her for a little while and went looking around...

What's that?

A churros stand!

Their churros are delicious, and they're really famous!

Ooh! I wanna try some!

Can you eat churros?

Of course! I could eat a hundred!

I think... it'll be okay.

As long as we don't seem too out of place...

Besides, nobody really questioned us back in our world, either.

Y-yeah...

Anyway, I didn't have any money, so I looked for a job that came with room and board, but that didn't work out either.

Still, I'm glad I got to meet you, Commander. At least now I know what's going on.

Oh right, would it be okay if I contacted Leona-san? I'd like to let her know I've found a place to stay...

Okay, hehe.

So we're investigating the area?

... Look over there, Monsieur.

Her arms and legs are mechanical!

Quite so. If a Nikke were in that state, a Mind Switch would be inevitable.

Maybe she's one of the older Nikke models or something?

I've heard they used to look like that.

A Mind Switch?

Hmm... Have you heard about us Nikkes?

Oh yes, Leona-san told me... she wasn't human.

... It's hard to believe, though.

You can get summoned to another world, so what could possibly surprise you anymore?

Anyway, the point is, we were human once.

So even as Nikkes, we still have to look human.

Otherwise... well, to put it simply, we'd end up with something like cognitive dissonance, and it'd really mess with our heads.

We can't exactly have guns for arms, tank treads for legs, or missiles firing out of our chests, you know.

I-I'm not really sure what it means, but I get it... I think.

Hmm... I'm gonna go talk to her.

Hey, I've seen you staring up at the sky for a while.

Are you all by yourself?

Oh, I'm Quency, by the way.

Quen...?

Yeah, got a sec to chat?

There's something I wanna ask you—

I'm looking for my comrades.

... You are not among them.

...

Hehe, guess I failed.

Um... The way you put that was a little...

I'll go try!

Excuse me! May I see your ID, please?

She's a cop?!

She's wearing a police uniform, you know.

She is a phantom thief as well.

Th-that's a police uniform? But she's also a phantom thief...?

State your name and affiliation!

I am Aigis, the seventh-generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon of SEES.

Uh, um...

...

... I'll go.

Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you.

If you don't mind, would you care to join me somewhere quiet for a cup of tea?

Excuse me... Why are you all flirting with her like that?

It's almost like you're... hitting on her.

Hitting on her?

Yeah, it's like a summer tournament to see who can win over that pretty girl first!

Hahaha, you think so?

Haha... So... how about this weather? Rather lovely, don't you think?

The weather in this area appears to be artificial.

... Indeed, that is so.

Erm...

Do you like phantom thieves?

...?

My apologies, I failed.

That's okay! I couldn't even talk to her!

Well, looks like it's your turn to step in, Instructor!

That's right! The Commander is great at this sort of thing!

Really?! Then I have something to look forward to, Commander!

Indeed. He has quite a way with women.

...

But hey, it's true...

...

...

He's usually better than that.

...!

...!

Even so, it's pretty rare for someone to be won over by just a greeting.

Rare doesn't mean impossible! You're amazing, Commander!

What on earth...?!

She's coming this way!

Wait, she's after Teddie?! D-don't tell me she thinks he's some kind of suspicious person?!

What?! Me?! Wait, I won the tournament?!

Haha. Maybe it's because you didn't get any points deducted for just standing there?

This is certainly not how I expected things to unfold.

*Sniff, sniff* What's this I smell?

Could you be...?

Wh-what?!

Can you...

A Persona-user?

Use a Persona?

Approximately seventy-five hours have elapsed since the reboot.

This place...

The buildings here are very similar to those in the place I came from,

but I have determined that this is a different world.

Then you must also be a Persona-user, since you recognized me.

You got that right!

Well...

Come! Konohana Sakuya!

...

...

I've never seen anything like it!

This is a Persona.

To put it simply... It's like another version of me born from my mind.

My Persona lets me create fire or protect myself while I fight. What a Persona can do varies from person to person.

Palladion!

Monsieur, it would seem the situation is more complicated than we thought.

And these Personas...

They remind me of the giant we encountered last night while pursuing the phantom thieves.

Wow! It's so beautiful!

Hehe, thank you.

And Aigis's Persona looks so cool! Personas are amazing!

Thank you.

You've got a beary good eye, Mira-chan! Personas are incredible!

Yes, that appears to be the case.

There are differences in how our Personas manifest and are summoned, but all three of us have awakened our Personas and can use their power.

About us being summoned here...

Has anything like this happened before?

D-Waves?

That must be what brought us here.

Looks like we'll have to fight...

If that's what it takes for us to return home, I'd like to help as well.

I'll lend a paw, too!

S-soldier?! I guess you do look the part...

I am a weapon created to suppress Shadows, beings that are hostile to humans.

In other words, combat is my specialty. I'd very much like to help you.

A Nikke...

... Do you all have a mission too?

You bet!

Protect humanity and reclaim the surface.

...

Then I believe we're alike.

I'm fine too.

I wouldn't say I'm used to it... but I've fought alongside my friends until now.

I don't think I'll hold you back.

Okay. Thank you, Commander!

I'm beary good at running away!

Understood. I'll leave command to you, Commander.

Either way?

Either they were summoned like us, or...

They're behind this whole incident.

All right, what do we need to do?

Just leave that to us.

Only a phantom thief can take on another phantom thief.

Heh... Hehe...

It's all... it's all his fault...

Yeah... If that damn Commander hadn't shown up at Coin Rush...!

It was the same thing at the Maid Cafe.

Yeah... I could've gotten back on my feet...

If it weren't for him...!

Hehe... Ahahaha!

...?!

Ugh... Agh...!

Gah...!

Wh-what is this?!

M-my body...! There's something inside...!

Gaaaaaah!

I'm sorry I couldn't get you masks.

H-huh?

I noticed you'd been looking at mine for a while.

Oh, I'm sorry...! It wasn't on purpose.

I just... thought it looked kind of cool.

Is that so?

Then if today's mission is a success,

I'll accept you as a temporary member of the Thieves of Justice.

Me too, me too! I want a cool mask too!

Certainly.

Does that include me?

Of course!

Why? You don't like it?

What do the Thieves of Justice do?

Naturally, we carry out phantom thief missions in the name of justice.

After all, that's who we are.

Phantom thieves who fight for justice...? Well, I guess there are people like Robin Hood. Okay, I get it.

Just as Quency said yesterday,

the routes across the rooftops are limited.

And... phantom thieves and criminals always return to the scene of the crime

without fail.

That's right! There was a scene like that in a movie Chie and I watched together. You know, like the bathhouse scene in 31 Jump Street!

What kinda movies have you been watching?

I heard about that from Yosuke! It's one of those "everyone knows" things, right? Now I'm beary curious!

Hehe. If you'd like, I can tell you more about the phantom thieves.

C'mon, tell me!

You guys again?!

... They're here.

An ambush? You guys really want to catch us, huh?

But we haven't done anything that'd get us arrested. It's not like we've done anything wrong...

There is something I'd like to ask you.

Where have you come from?

...

We don't have to answer that, or—

He's right! They're under no obligation to answer us! They have the right to remain silent!

...

... I didn't use my ability this time.

Mona, maybe we should try talking to them. They don't look like enemies.

We might be able to get some information from them.

Hmm... Fine.

But if I think we're in danger, I'm finding us an escape route.

All right, I agree.

Really? Thank you!

All right, it looks like we both need information.

Let's head somewhere else first. There's a cafe that's been helping us out, so...

Sakuya!

Kintoki-Douji!

F-fire pillars and chunks of ice appeared!

And they were launched at the Shadow!

...?

I recall explaining Personas to you just a little while ago. Why does this surprise you?

I... I never imagined it would look like this.

It's like magic!

...!

Personas?! Those guys are Persona-users too?!

Commander? I thought you said we were going somewhere else. Why has everyone gone quiet?

They were just about to tell you about the cafe that's been helping them out.

I'm sorry, Master. We're about to close... Oh?

Do you know Miss Queen, Master?

... You two know each other?

Yes, Miss Queen.

This is my master.

Mas...ter...?

...

Are you, like, a regular at the Maid Cafe or something?

Maid Cafe...? Never heard of that bear-fore.

But it looks like such a fun place! I'm getting all warm and fuzzy!

Allow me to explain.

Not long ago, the two of them came by while I was closing the cafe for the day.

They seemed to be going through something, so I invited them to stay in the guest rooms attached to the cafe for the time being.

I still haven't heard the full story, though.

I thought they'd tell me when the time was right, and...

I understand what it's like to have something you'd rather not talk about.

I didn't realize.

Thank you again for taking us in, even though we couldn't tell you much.

Heh heh, you're very welcome.

I'll be on my way, then. Please, do carry on.

All right, I'll explain everything later.

Wow... She seems so warm and kind...

Well then...

Allow me to introduce myself.

Nice to meet you. You can call me Queen.

It's a codename. We've gotta protect our identities.

I'm Mona.

I know we got off on the wrong foot, but you don't seem like a bad person.

I'm Phantom.

These are my fellow phantom thieves, Quency and Miranda.

Hmm, it seems they're in a similar predicament to yours.

I'm Yukiko Amagi. Please call me Yukiko.

I've been deli-bear-ating, and I'd love it if you called me Teddie!

You may call me Aigis.

Phantom, Quency, Miranda, Yukiko, Teddie, and Aigis. It's nice to meet you all.

Glad to meet you.

You said you had something to ask me?

...

Yes, though I still can't quite believe it.

You're telling me.

A talking cat? Un-bear-lievable!

I'm not a cat!

Look who's talking! You're pretty weird-looking yourself, yet you're acting like it's completely normal...

Haha... I'm sure you're surprised. He does look like a cat, after all.

Even back in our world, beings like Mona are pretty rare.

... Okay, I get it.

So basically, if we defeat that Gatekeeper thing, we can go back to our world.

Then there's only one thing we need to do: take it down and go home.

Right, so you don't know where it's hiding.

Well, we've gotta secure our route before we can reach the Treasure ourselves.

Yeah, you're right.

Is there anything we can do to help pinpoint its location? We'd like to work together so we can get back to our own world.

We were summoned three days ago.

I don't remember exactly what we were doing before that,

but when I came to, Mona and I were in an alley between some buildings.

Then... we were attacked by what almost seemed to be Shadows. They looked just like the thing that attacked us earlier.

They weren't particularly strong, but there were more of them than I expected.

I could take them down with my Persona, but they were a little different from the Shadows I know.

They were like Shadows, but not quite... I still don't know exactly what they are.

Anyway, when we ran into you yesterday and today, we were out taking care of them.

We figured there was a chance others like us had been summoned too, so we were investigating while we were at it.

Yeah, it was definitely three days ago.

... It was taken eight days ago.

Phantom Thief...?

You're saying there are more Phantom Thieves here besides us?

So the video was already circulating before we were summoned.

Can you show it to me?

Here.

It's definitely a shadowy figure... but their build doesn't match ours. It's got to be someone else.

Right, so there's a third person involved.

Right, so there's a third person involved.

Yeah.

There were several occurrences not long ago.

I've marked the locations here.

Yes, we immediately dispatched nearby personnel,

but they found no trace of it.

Incidentally, there was a slight discrepancy in the timing of the D-Waves.

This one appeared a week ago, while the rest all appeared two days ago.

The first person was summoned a week ago... No wait, you said you only heard about it yesterday, so I guess that would make it eight days ago...

So the Phantom Thief in this video is the person who got summoned?

Hmm... I'm not sure. If it isn't you guys, then we're basically back to square one with the investigation...

However...

According to what Leona-san told me...

These incidents started about a week ago. Don't you think that's around the same time that person was summoned?

Hmm... It also appears to be connected to the location where the monster was sighted.

You mean those things that look like Shadows?

Yes. From what I observed of the enemy Mona-san's group was fighting, it appears to differ from the Shadows I'm familiar with.

Its form and overall presence are similar, but there's something different about it.

Yeah, I thought the same thing.

They smelled different too!

Commander,

have you ever seen anything like a Shadow in this world? I mean... something like that monster from before?

In that case...

This is the first time they've appeared in this world.

If they started appearing around the same time as us Persona-users,

they might be connected to us somehow. We may be able to defeat them with our Personas.

I've been wondering...

What are these Shadows like in your world? I understand they're your enemies, but what exactly are they?

Hmm... This might be a little complicated...

Shadows are actually a lot like the Persona I use. They're another version of yourself, in a way.

Teddie and I both had parts of ourselves we'd been unconsciously suppressing that turned into Shadows...

But instead of rejecting them, we accepted them, and they became Personas. They're a little different from the Shadow-like things in this world, though.

...?

Looks like the Shadows we know are a little different from the ones Yukiko and the others know.

Yeah. In our case, Shadows are the rulers of Palaces. They're beings born from the distorted desires of powerful individuals.

They're not exactly another version of a person, but there are some similarities.

... My case is rather different. The Shadows we fight appear during the Dark Hour,

a space-time separate from the one we normally inhabit.

They are extremely dangerous beings that devour the human mind. They do appear to share some similarities with the Shadow-like beings in this world.

Well... it's bugging me, but I don't think we need to worry about that right now. The real problem is those Shadow-like things in this world.

Maybe the D-Waves changed them?

Then why don't we call them D-Shadows to differentiate them?

Good point. If they're different from the Shadows we know, we should probably call them something else.

But if they're still Shadows, only Personas can defeat them. We may have to be on the front lines...

That sounds good.

Can we pause for a second?

Before we go looking for the Gatekeeper, it feels like there are too many issues tangled together.

Let me sort out exactly what's happening first.

First, the five of us were summoned here to the Ark three days ago. Five days before that, someone else was summoned.

That brings the total number of people summoned to the Ark to six. Since that person isn't any of us... they're most likely the remaining phantom thief.

Then there's the mass loss of consciousness, and the D-Shadows, which are different from the Shadows we know.

Altogether, that's four incidents that have occurred since the D-Waves began,

with the D-Shadows being the most recent...

Ooh! That's beary easy to understand!

That's right! You're very smart!

Naturally, Queen's the strategist of the Phantom Thieves.

Strategist...? I ought to consider recruiting one for the Thieves of Justice as well.

From my perspective, the third and fourth incidents,

the loss of consciousness cases and the D-Shadows, are highly likely to be connected.

The Shadows I've fought attacked people, and those they attacked became completely listless...

The loss of consciousness cases are very similar. That leads me to believe the people who lost consciousness may have been attacked by D-Shadows.

I can't stop thinking about the first person who was summoned here. They could be one of us...

But I also wonder if they might be connected to the D-Shadows, or even be another phantom thief.

It might be worth looking for them while we take down the D-Shadows.

I trust you, Commander.

If we're both trying to take down the Gatekeeper, there's no reason we can't work together.

Hehehe! You've got a deal!

Likewise. We still have a lot to learn about this world.

So, where should we start?

Like I said, we're not familiar with this world, so we'd like you to take the lead.

There's nobody here!

Figures. It's been five whole days.

Teddie, think you can find them?

Sorry, Yuki-chan. This is too much for a little bear like me.

Everything here smells completely unfamiliar.

Urgh, this is beary hard...

No, it's just a back alley covered in spiderwebs.

I don't see any D-Shadows.

Aaaah! I-it's a monster!

I heard a scream!

It's that-a-way!

S-stay back!

Eek!!!

It's working! Your attacks are getting through!

Woohoo!

The D-Shadow appears to be taking damage from the Nikkes' attacks.

In that case... I'll join in!

Are you okay?

Ah, ahh...

Talk about timing... It popped out the moment you said that.

Commander...

Just to confirm,

it's not legal to fire guns in the middle of the city here, right?

...

The A.C.P.U. is here!

I'll leave it to you.

Instructor! Over here!

Did everything work out?

Commander, are you someone really important? You got everything sorted out so quickly...

Hehe... I knew it! You call yourself a Commander, but you're really the one calling all the shots!

You go around ordering everyone, "Wait on me, bear-lease!"

Haha, "Bear-lease"!

T-Teddie! I can't... Ahahaha...!

The Commander... Ahahaha...!

This is bad! Yukiko won't stop laughing!

Hehe, hehehe... Sorry, go on... Right, the Commander's the one calling the shots... Hehe...

Well... for someone with that much power, he sure spends a lot of time getting his hands dirty.

Somehow, I feel like trouble would still find him even if he put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on his door.

While you were away, we engaged in further battles with D-Shadows.

No.

However... there is one matter of concern.

...

There were twelve more battles.

Fortunately, there was no need for that.

They dealt with them all using their Personas.

Yes! It was like magic!

It's fine, they weren't that strong.

If we weren't, you wouldn't have made a deal with us.

Next time there's a battle, just watch us shine!

For now, it would be best to return to the cafe.

That's true. We should figure out what we're going to do next...

And I'm getting pretty hungry too...

Oh, Master...!

Are you all right?

I heard there'd been an accidental discharge in town today...

I'm relieved to hear that...

In that case... would you mind coming over here for a moment?

The rest of you as well.

Is something the matter?

Hehe. It's nothing, really. I've prepared a little gift for you.

Wait, isn't this the building where you're letting us stay?

Hehe, yes. And...

I've prepared a few more rooms so everyone may stay here.

As no outsiders are permitted inside this building,

I hope you and the other ladies will make yourselves at home, Commander.

Ooh, like a hideout?

Yes, precisely.

I imagine you'll need somewhere to hold your tactical meetings.

Think nothing of it.

If there's anything else I can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask.

It needn't even be related to everyday matters. I'd be just as happy to assist with intelligence work or infiltration.

You've really thought of everything... Ade, you might actually have what it takes to be a phantom thief.

Heh, it wouldn't be half bad to go soaring across the rooftops with us!

A-a phantom thief...?

An agent?

I-it's nothing at all, Mister Mona...!

Instructor, check this out.

Breaking news.

We've obtained the first footage of the monster, and we're bringing it to you exclusively.

As you can see, the monster appears as a shapeless black mass, almost like a shadow—

... My apologies, we've just received another breaking update.

Reports of monster sightings are pouring in from across the Ark,

and we're also hearing that an increasing number of unconscious citizens are being found throughout the Ark.

There wasn't anything in our deal about D-Shadows or people losing consciousness, but...

Right, we can't just sit back and watch. We'll help you with this too.

Yeah, we can't just sit back and do nothing either!

I think Leona-san was worried about this too... Teddie, are you with us?

Of course! They gave us a place to stay and kept our bellies full. It's time we repaid the favor!

I am a weapon created to eliminate Shadows. Even if I am in another world, and even if these are merely beings similar to Shadows, that does not change my purpose.

I will help resolve this incident.

We're back...

We're back!

Good work, everyone.

Tidying up took a little longer than expected today.

I've prepared some light refreshments for you, so please help yourself.

Thanks, as always. I'm so glad I get to enjoy your delicious cooking.

Heh heh, you're very welcome.

How are... things coming along?

Right?

Those... D-Shadows? You can take down as many as you want, but they just keep coming.

And it feels like the damage keeps getting worse...

Their numbers are steadily increasing. We cannot hope to deal with them alone.

The fact that we cannot freely use our firearms in the heart of the Ark puts us at a grave disadvantage.

...

Even so, we're not going to give up.

That said, it doesn't seem like anything useful turned up in the security footage...

Yep, we went through everything and still came up empty.

If they had a distinctive look like Teddie or Mona, that'd be one thing.

But if they're just an ordinary person, there's no way to tell them apart.

Still, the only lead we have right now is the first person who was summoned.

Commander, didn't you say you had a plan?

Protocol Squad?

You can even do that? You really do know a lot of people...

So you're checking everyone...

It's a simple but reliable method.

... Huh?

...?!

Looks like you sensed it too...

Hmm...? I think I picked up on something!

I just got a bad feeling. Anyone besides me and Teddie pick up on it?

Lemme see the map.

Here.

Let's see... If we're here...

Then it should be... around here...

Somewhere on the outskirts of the Ark.

I think it's coming from that way. What's around here?

Isn't that the place with the tall partition?

I saw it once before.

What's all this...?

Spiderwebs...? They seem a bit...

Those aren't ordinary spiderwebs. They're huge, and the strands are thick enough to see.

*Sniff, sniff*

I'm getting that same feeling I told you about. It's coming from here!

Ack!

Hmm...

Th-that startled me...

I'm sorry, I'm still not used to the sound of gunfire... But since we're fighting together, I'll do my best to get used to it.

Um, Commander... would it be all right if I borrowed a gun next time too?

Actually, I normally carry a gun with me.

It's a model gun, which means I can't use it as a weapon in this world, so I've just been keeping it stored away.

In our battles, model guns work just like real guns.

Right, so we try to handle them as if they're real guns.

That's true, but if I could use a gun, it'd be easier to coordinate with the Nikkes.

Yeah, I feel the same way.

If only I could've fought alongside them without hesitating...

What's the big deal?

They might not technically be soldiers, but from what I've seen lately, they all know their way around a fight.

And if they don't, I'll teach 'em.

Do it right?

So it's training, then? Thanks, Commander. I'll do my best!

All right, then I'll give it everything I've got. Just make sure you teach me the differences between a model gun and the real thing.

I'll do my beary best too!

You're being such a big meanie, Commander! But I know you'd never threaten anyone like that!

I believe learning the Nikkes' combat techniques would be highly effective. If you would introduce me to them, I would like to undergo the training as well.

Well, when in Rome, right? I'm looking forward to the training, but I'm counting on you too, Quency!

Hmm... I don't really need any training, though...

Well, of course... you're an excellent shot...

Well, this is a pleasant atmosphere.

Long time no see.

Haha. Judging by your reaction, I take it you recognize me,

even in this form.

You could say that.

Someone... or rather, something...

gave me another chance.

Remarkable, isn't it? This...

is my new power!

Johanna!

Oho, what's this...?

For now, I'll fight the way I always have. Commander, your orders?

Hahaha! Hiding behind your girls, are we?

It seems I overestimated you!

Here we go!

A villain...?

A villain, you say...?

He suddenly stopped!

What do you suggest we do, Monsieur?

Understood.

Got it.

... Very well, I'll play the part of the villain.

Hahaha, you could say that for now.

If we fought right now, the odds wouldn't be in my favor.

Your Nikkes are one thing, but those individuals with their unusual powers are simply too unpredictable.

As you know, I tend to be rather cautious.

I'll give you two weeks.

That's how long it'll take for my webs to spread across the entire Ark.

Haha, life has a way of turning things around, doesn't it?

I once resented you, but now I'm quite grateful.

It's thanks to you that I gained this power.

Consider this my way of repaying the favor.

Well then, I'll see you again in two weeks.

Until then, I hope you enjoy your time with my shadows...

in my Ark.

What the heck was that?! That big grin of his really creeped me out!

Yeah, he had some weird powers, but he didn't seem like a Persona-user.

Yeah... If anything...

he seemed more like a Shadow.

Do you think he was the first person summoned?

I don't know what happened between you and him...

But it seems he's the one behind all this.

Understood.