Picora's Story

Alright everyone! Enjoy the food! I prepared all this food especially for today!

I can already feel myself getting healthier! My blood is quickly circulating!

Let's do some squats after we eat!

Of all places to be dragged out... Not to mention on a day off no less...

By the way, wasn't "that one" supposed to join us today?

You're right! Pretty sure she'll come back with another load.

Hey, everyone! It's been a while since I came back to the boonies... I mean, the Witch Kingdom!

Speaking of the leopard-print wearing witch...

You guys... are the same as you ever were. Heh!

I was expecting that, so I've prepared something special just for you!

Even so, it's probably something like the lightweight laptops the elves used.

For it to pique my interest, it would have to be something that scans my brain and automatically writes research papers!

No, no! Erase whatever you've seen before from your minds!

I mean it this time! Once you take a look, you'll know I've brought only the coolest and trendiest goods that you just won't be able to resist buying!

Let's see it, then! Show us how amazing your goods are!

Let's do it!

Wait a sec... What were you guys eating?

I keep smelling something delicious...

It's pine needle porridge! I ground it myself and stirred it 180 times! Wanna try some?

Pine needle porridge...?! Gimme some!

Nom nom! Yum! One more bowl, please!

Hey... Why are you eating mine too...?

Hehe. Lately, I've been reluctantly eating so many sweets that my hands are starting to shake.

Ohohoho...

It feels like I've got some heartburn... but it must be my imagination!

Anyway! My stomach is now full! I'll show you what I really have!

This time... I'll finally open the witches' eyes to a whole new world!

Hehe... I bet they'll all be jealous and wish they were me!

Ta-da! I call this... The "Voila! Essentials to Modernize the Boonies Edition!"

What... are these?

These bean sprouts have music coming out of them!

Its classic yet unique design evokes musical notes dancing on sheet music... So, whaddya think? Gorgeous, isn't it?

So then, what is this?

This is a robot that automatically styles your hair. The fun part is that it randomly chooses the style.

That's so boring. Let's eat some more pine needle porridge and get back to our earlier conversation.

Yeah. So, what workout routine are you gonna start tomorrow?

Wait!!! What about this? This changes the color of your eyes when you wear them! They're called color contacts!

I can't vouch for the hygiene since it's rolled around on the ground a few times... But isn't that what fashion is all about: Not being able to see?!

Even someone who knows nothing about fashion should know this much, right?

Eewww! What are these creepy eyeballs?!

Get it away from me! Eek!

There's even a manual for how to use these bean sprouts. Let's see...

What? It says if you wear it and listen to music while working... your productivity increases?! No way!

What did you call the machine again? Styl- something? I should at least pretend to look. Oof!

You... You guys!!! Do you know how hard it was for me to collect these things?!!

Argh... I won't let this slide!!!

They tore up my precious goods, threw them to the ground, and destroyed them...

They were just too much!!

Huh? I'm not depressed. The fact that they wrecked my goods... Well, it's a little annoying, but I can always fix them!

I was just... ruminating.

I was wondering how I could help these country bumpkins break free from their boring, outdated styles.

One day, my li'l bumpkin friends will see the light...

And that it was I, Picora, trendsetter, who started the trends in Elias! A misunderstood genius born in the wrong era...!

The best... witch...

Hehe, I'll be the kind of student a teacher could be proud of. Just you wait and see!

Now, what kind of items should I show so that everyone will start talking because they are so nice?!?

Hi! I'm surprised to see you here!

Did you come looking for me?! Wow! I'm so touched!

A present?! Yayy! What is it? I can't wait to see it!

Huh? There are no give-backs! I'm not bad! I want you to keep them!

Besides, I have plenty of stickers at home!

Uhh... Yes, I am.

Oh... The restaurant in front?

It's just... Well...

N-No, it's not that! I wouldn't want to give up the chance... to share a meal with you!

Alright then! Let's go eat!

Umm... I...

I like things made from sweet potatoes or potatoes! I also enjoy food sprinkled with cilantro or insect powder.

And... Lately, I've been eating a lot of strawberry cake... and dalgona...

Please, order for us. I'll go along with whatever you choose!

Soy-sauce braised potatoes?! Woww! That sounds amazing...

No, no, wait... Today, I'm really craving strawberry cake.

Not a chance! It's a strawberry cake kind of day!

Strawberry... cake? Oh yes... That sounds great!

Yayy... Strawberry cake... I can't wait...

What are you saying?! They say this place is famous for its strawberry cake. Eat some with me!

Do you like it?

Hey! Picora! You!

Eeek! Your Highness...! How long have you been there...?!

Take a bite and judge for yourself. That's all I'm saying! I want you to live your life with some principles!

Have you already forgotten my million-gold lesson?

You never even taught me anything...

What?!

Eeek!

Hmph! Go and enjoy your meal together without me!

Oh yeah! Master! Since this was a chance encounter, I'll leave you to the bill!

Yeah... I can't let something like strawberry cake stand in my way!

Let's eat! Let's eat all of it!

I didn't get anything from the cilantro powder today!

*Chomp, chomp! Smack, Gulp!*

*Cough! Cough!* Wa- Water, please!

*Gulp, gulp...*

Phew, I feel I'm back from the dead! Thank you!

To become the perfect influencer on this surface, I have to suck it up, at least this much!

Her Majesty... I mean, it seems Queen Erpin's advice has some truth to it.

With that in mind, maybe we should... have another slice...?

Huh? Oh, yes! I got this! Hehe!

Master! Over here!

It's okay! I was so busy looking around, I didn't even notice how much time passed!

Shopping always makes me feel so alive... It's such a thrill!

We don't have any time to waste! We gotta go through the whole place at least five times today!

First, let's go back and look at the makeup shops!

Welcome!! Ah, hello again...! You're back!

Hello! I came to look at that basic skincare set again!

Ahhh... You did say you'd be back for it! Here, this is for you!

I did! You know your stuff!

I have combination skin, so I need products that not only control oil, but also deeply hydrate!

Using skincare that suits your skin type is just the fundamentals!

You need a solid skincare routine as your base for makeup to smoothly go on!

It's easy to overlook, but that part is super important!

You definitely have dry skin! From now on, when you buy toner or lotion, make sure it's for dry skin!

Oh! So, you do have dry skin! I had a feeling!

Do you want me to recommend some good products that I'm familiar with?

When did you go buy skincare without me knowing?!

What brand is it? I'm so curious!

Okay! Sounds good! Hehe!

Hmm... I'm gonna go look around a little more and come back!

Shh! Our next stop is the corner where there's street fashion! Let's go!

You're not tired already, are you? We've still got three more rounds to go!

Huh? Of course not!

Let's go! Okay? C'monnn!

Picora. And, the Master... Fancy meeting you here, of all places.

Ack! M-Ms. Fricle... How have you been? I hope well.

Of course I've been well. Things are much better now that an impatient, eccentric student has left.

And you... Looks like you still haven't parted ways with those ridiculous stickers. Tch.

I'm here because I need to buy something.

I sometimes like to come here myself. Why? Is that a problem?

Ms. Fricle. I... I've advanced a lot since then!

Advanced? I'm sure your Adorn has gotten somewhat better!

Well, y-yes, but...

Ackkk! My eyes! Someone poked me in the eye!

I can't see anything!

Did something happen??

A blackout underground... is just like when the lights go out in Elias at night!!

I wonder if there is a good way to resolve this!

Ah! That's right!! That might work!

I'll take care of this! Everyone, stay calm!

Picora! Don't try to step in! Just stay there!

Just stay where you are! Our eyes will soon adjust to the darkness! Picora!

Ms. Fricle! And Master!

I still have 1,024 glow-in-the-dark stickers left!

Wow...!! There's light! I'm starting to see things little by little!

It's like the stars from the Milky Way spreading out on the ground...! How beautiful!

*Huff, huff...* How'd I do? Pretty good, right?

Indeed. Your situational awareness, crisis management, and quick thinking... I have no choice but to give you credit this time.

...Well done, Picora.

Ms. Fricle... and Master! Thank you so much for saying that!!! Hehe!

Testing, testing... To our customers in Monatium! We apologize for the recent power outage that occurred across that area.

On a separate note, to the one lacking self-restraint, even for 10 minutes, running all over the street, and covering them with these bizarre stickers: We ask that you please remove them. IMMEDIATELY Thank you.

"Bizarre stickers?!!" These are my masterpieces! You can't see these anywhere and are fit for royalty, adding a luxe ambiance to the area!

Wha-What?! I never said I'd help!

A cleanup mission with both my teachers?! That's amazing!

Let go! I said, let go of me!

It's sooo... SOOO beautifulll!!!

Ahh... I want to show them off. I want to flaunt my gorgeous pieces, crafted with the utmost care, to the whole world!

How can I show them off in such a way that'll have others talking about them?

Oh, that's right! That thing Master told me about last time! That could work!

Apparently, in the Master's home planet, they have something called... a fashion show!

If I do that... I can proudly display my beautiful, dazzling collection for all to see!

For me to hold a fashion show... What do I need?

First off: Me! The world's greatest stylist! As well as clothes and handmade accessories, all crafted, one stitch at a time, by a master!

Hmm... And...

I'll need models to walk down a long runway, making my styles shine!

That's right! I need models!

Maybe I'll try to cast some models by going around the streets here!

Just as I thought. There are a lot of fashionistas in the city. Not as stylish as me, but still!

Who should I talk to first?

Ack! It's Ms. Erpin! Gotta avoid eye contact!

Act natural... Turning around... Pretend you didn't see her...

Hey! It's you!

Ahhh... Dammit, she saw me.

Oh, h-hello... We meet again, Ms. Erpin!

Ahem! Yes, yes, we do.

By the way, what are you doing here? You look like you're on the lookout for someone.

Don't tell me... Did you miss me so much that you came back to see me?

Ahaha... Well, that's not really it.

I was looking for models to be in my fashion show.

Oh? Models? What's that?

It's a thing.

Regardless, I don't think she'll really get it, so I'll just save myself the trouble.

Sooo... Just from your reaction, I think I know what you mean.

I bet it's something you have to eat. I'll do it! Let me do it!

What?! It's not food! I can't agree with this, Your Majesty!

The fact that you're leaving me out of it only proves my point that it has something to do with eating! I want to do it! Meeeee!

This won't do. I have to get away.

Ms. Erpin! Over there! Head Priestess Ner has a club as big as her arm and...!

What?! Where?!

Now's my chance! Run!

She won't follow me all the way here, right? Phew.

Alright, time to start looking for models again!

Excuse me!

Y-Yes? And you are?

You have such a great look about you. Do you mind if I talk to you for a bit?

A great look about me? May I ask why?

Huh? When someone says you have a great look about you, why would your reply be THAT??

I'm not some shady sprite, I just have something I wanna ask you...

What did Rufo say... for cases like these... What was I supposed to do again...?

Oh, I remember!

Somebody, help me!!! I'm being kidnapped!!! Run, everybody!!!

N-No... Hold on! Who are you calling a kidnapper?!

The heck?... She is such a weird sprite... *whisper, whisper*...

Don't make eye contact... *whisper, whisper*...

I'm what now?! Hmph!

Jeez... Let's go to a different area. It's impossible to find any models here.

Oh, look at that elf sitting there with a guitar. She's got a cool vibe.

Having a city local who makes an impact as a model is more than enough! Let's go scout her!

Excuse me... Hi!

Huh? And you are?

I'm looking for models to appear in my fashion show! I noticed your amazing style!

Am I... being street-casted??! I've only heard about this!

Ahhh... It seems my intense music has captivated you.

Unfortunately for you... I'm a free spirit who doesn't work with an agency.

In that case, why not stay and listen to one more song that embodies the spirit of rock, and my soul?!

I'm gonna kick the vibe up a notch! Let's get the music started!

What's with this elf? She's not even giving me a chance to talk!

Ack! My ears! I wanna go home!!!

Ahh... I'm so exhausted. Who knew it'd be so hard to find a single model?

At this rate... I'm going to have to hold a fashion show without any models!

But...

Now that I think about it, I don't really need models, do I?

I can do it myself! After all, there's only one who can perfectly pull off my style: Me!

Why didn't I think about this before? Hehe!

Alright! One day, I'm gonna hold a fashion show in Elias!

Designers, models, stylists, directors! I'll be the one in charge of everything for this fashion show!

Although... It might not be for a while...

By the way! I suddenly thought of something.

Why do you always wear the same clothes?

Whaaat??? You have 100 of the same outfit?

But why??

Hmm...

...Whaaat?!

So, every evening, things like what to wear tomorrow, how to style your hair, etc...

You don't spend any time thinking about stuff like that, right?

Come again?

Sigh, that's it. I have no choice but to take matters into my own hands!

Master! I'll give you a complete makeover from head to toe!

No need to be shy. Everyone has the desire to try out a drastic style change.

Even if only 0.001% of the original is left, I'd still be me! That's what styling is all about!

I, Picora, will be responsible for the grand overhaul of your style!

Alright, before we get into the actual styling...

We need to take some time to seriously think about which style will suit you best.

Hmm...

Umm... Ummmmm...

Hmmm... Hrrrrmmm...

Humm... Hrrrrmmmmmm...

Master! Have you not heard of the artist's dilemma?!

No way! I know some amazing inspiration is just about to happen!

Oh! I just had a good idea! I'll go talk to some of my stylish friends, and brainstorm fashion ideas with them.

The best and most unique ideas often come from a word someone randomly says!

That's right! You also agree that Chloe has taste?

Let's head to Chloe's Tailor Shop! C'mon!

There are so many cool and on-trend outfits! Just as I would expect from Chloe!

Hehe. I did put some thought into it. What's the concept today for your stickers? Elegance?

See? I knew you'd get it!!

Oh, that's right! The Master came along, too!

Oh? Master! How long have you been standing there?

So, the thing is, what style do you think would suit the Master?

Oh? You're talking about the Master?

Well... for them... I bet an animal costume would complement them best!

An animal costume? Hmm...

Yeah. A huge... furry... animal costume!

If you want one, I can make it for you!

Hrrmmm... An animal costume...

Alright! I want to gather as many ideas as possible, so I'm gonna head off to meet my next friend.

Mayo, the owner of the stolen goods shop! C'mon, let's go!

Wow!! What's this?!

Got that from an anonymous human. Please don't touch.

You really don't plan on selling your collection, do you?

Never. Not even in my dreams.

Ahh, if I could have even just one of those in my room, I'd love that!

Oh! Master! I'm so sorry. There were just so many fascinating relics... Hehe!

The finest of them all... this living collectible... Hehe...

Eeek! Got it!

Mayo! What comes to mind when you look at the Master?

Huehue... Obviously...

??? Want to wear something new?

Uh-huh! Not just clothes, but a complete style overhaul from head to toe! With my styling skills, it'll be a piece of cake!

No can do. Would lower the collectible's value. Can't allow that.

Huh? Rather than that, the Master's value will skyrocket after my style makeover!

If the contents are same, just different wrapping, what is point?

Even for those with the same contents, depending on packaging, the prices can vary drastically!

Drawing lines on a pumpkin, not make it watermelon.

Maybe! But if you paint it green and carefully draw black stripes, it could look like a watermelon!

May look like a pumpkin, but both know Master not an actual pumpkin.

I mean... That might be true, but...

Anyway, not happening. Absolutely not!

Ugh... Okay, fine. I'll take your opinion under consideration, Mayo.

Master! Let's head back now!

Alright... Stick it like this! And with that, the styling's complete!

Ahaha...

Yes! You are already super trendy; I don't need to style you that much!

A total transformation from head to toe: Done! Ahaha!

You're... my friend...?

Really? Even after hearing what I have to say... you won't run away??

Well, the truth is...

Most of them... Whenever they hear my honest judgment on their fashion, they either cry, get angry, or run off.

They even turn it against me, saying I don't have any fashion sense.

But that's why... I was scared to be honest with you.

I was worried... maybe you wouldn't understand either... And that you'd run away...

Yes!! That's right! I just want all my friends around me to look stylish!

Well...

You're so tall and lanky that it's nearly impossible to find a style that works for you.

Even after meaningful brainstorming sessions with friends, I still could not come up with a good idea... This is a first for me.

It's certainly not because of my lack of skill, so the problem must be... Ahem!

The problem is you!!!

Phew! I feel so much better!

Hehe! I should be the one thanking YOU! I'm so happy to have another friend who gets me!

One day, I'll be a fabulous stylist capable of tackling even big challenges like yours!

I hope you can be patient until then! Okay?