Toggle Background Color
Chapter 83: 7/19: Help, I’m Being Victimized By The Internet
This update contains content from Part 70 of the original LP.
Anon: yo, where the police?
Early Morning
Music: Beneath the Mask (Instrumental Version)
(Serious Man) You don’t watch the news much, do you? They’re an international network of hacktivists. They target corporations doing shady business and cause chaos. The subway company’s server thing? That was Medjed, trying to find out who caused the train accident.
So, they’re good guys?
Some liken them to digital Robin Hoods… But they snoop through emails and destroy data. They’re no better than criminals.
…I’m not reallly seeing the problem?
Anon: I agree, it’s false justice
Anon: ugh. again?
Anon: I bet they’re crying LOL
Anon: What side is Akechi-kun on?
Akechi is taking the Enlightened Centrist position of “they’re both bad, actually.”
Anon: hey thieves, can u see this?
Anon: yo, where the police?
Anon: Fight for justice!
They dare call themselves heroes after those attacks? Pfft.
They’re fighting Medjed next!? The Phantom Thieves are amazing!
I don’t wanna hear about justice from some shady hackers.
I don’t care what happens, as long as it’s interesting!
Early Morning → Lunchtime
How’d you do?
(Male Student) Damn… I’m dead…
I wish I could get in the top ten… People look at smart students differently.
I wonder what score I got…
Whoa! Everyone’s gonna have their eyes on you now!
Maaku gains Charm +3.
Music: Wicked Plan
Hey, it’s not my fault my scores suck, right?
Sorry, Ryuji. I can no longer associate with dum-dums like yourself.
Hey!
What was that? I don’t speak idiot.
Anyways, there’s somethin’ more important here! Mishima…
You want to ask me something about the internet, right?
Howdja know?
Well, first, I was the one who warned you guys about this Medjed thing. Also, “internet” is like, the one thing I’m good at.
Okay, then tell us some more about Medjed.
I see you’re not even bothering with plausible deniability anymore… but all right.
They started out as hackers of justice, but mow they only look out for their own self-interests. …That’s all I know. They were the group I texted Hamiru about yesterday.
I see…
Nobody’s sure who actually belongs to Medjed.
Translation: we’re boned.
Well, it looks like things’ll be exciting this summer. It’ll be the Phantom Thieves’ world debut, no?
Dude…
Don’t worry, I’ll be rooting for the Phantom Thieves. I’ll get the forum mobilized as well.
The phrase “get the forum mobilized” seems vaguely ominous. I hope you’re not planning to incite a riot or anything.
*wink*
Now if we’re done talking here, I really must be going. I’ll see you guys later.
My sister doesn’t specialize in cybercrime, so unfortunately not.
I tried looking into them too, but I didn’t come up with anything. There are really just no leads.
Hm, our opponent is truly elusive.
Medjed, hm? It seems like we won’t be able to deal with them by ourselves…
Lunchtime → Afternoon
Music: So Boring
We’ll be holding an emergency assembly on Monday the 25th. Please come to school that day.
What!? This blows!
It’s summer *vacation*! You don’t own us then!
Actually, we do. You should have read the enrollment papers a little more closely. You’re also all liable to be conscripted into the JSDF in times of national crisis. I’m always surprised that people don’t notice that bit…
Why are we even having an assembly in the first place?
Oh, you know… Telling you to stay safe and all that crap with all the weird shit going on like psychotic breakdowns and crime rings… Also, Principal Kobayakawa wants to deliver a three-hour sermon on the virtues of snitching.
Why couldn’t we just have the assembly on a school day? We already took our finals.
To assert dominance over your pitiful lives. Now sit down and shut up.
I’m not sure. No matter how hard I look online, all I find are just unreliable rumors.
They have carried out corporate terrorism, but this is turning out to be a much greater ordeal.
>“Corporate terrorism” is not a real thing, Yusuke. We need to get this boy workerpilled!
The point is, this is turning into much more of an issue than even Kaneshiro.
Did we bite off more than we can chew?
>Okay, first off, *they* called *us* out, not the other way around. Second, we’ve been looking for information for one day so far, let’s relax.
But we don’t even know how many people comprise Medjed. And even if we got a lead somehow, how would we capitalize on it?
Welp, we’re boned… It’s even affected my exams…
The exams ended before this started, idiot.
“Welp, we’re boned…”
Mwhehehe… Clues on Medjed, huh?
Afternoon → After School
Music: Tokyo Daylight
Akechi-kun was saying those hackers showed up again because of the Phantom Thieves.
(Calm Student) Hackers and Phantom Thieves sound like something out of a manga though. It’s funny if you think about it. I wonder who’d win in a fight. A lot of people online are getting excited over all this.
“My supernatural vigilante group could beat up your anonymous hacker collective!”
If there’s anything you’d like to know, ask away. Consider it the newspaper club’s special service.
Right now, everyone’s talking about the Phantom Thieves and, of course, Yoshizawa-san’s poor performance. Her failure at the competition has people divided into different camps. Her fans believe that she’ll make a comeback, but the critics are skeptical of her talent…
Ah, it’d be a major scoop if I knew. Secret identities are definitely front page material. The mass media knows it’d be major news too. Shujin Academy will likely draw attention again.
There’s been all this excitement over the Phantom Thieves. You hear a lot about them too, right? Now that they’ve crushed the mafia, everyone is waiting for their next move.
*cough* I’ve always loved you! *cough*
I’ve… got my newspaper club activities. There’s plenty to do with all these incidents going on. I’m hoping I can attract new members if I write up some really good articles.
Yeah, I bet you are.
(Motivated First-Year) Huh, but she got so much special treatment. Come on, she should do better, she’s an honor student after all.
I bet she got carried away with everyone swooning over her. Serves her right.
Don’t be mean to Kasumi!
(Intense Soccer Player) Hmm, that is a shame. I’m sure she’s hurt by this. I wish there was something I could do, but…
But we’ve been losing our games all year. What can we really say…?
Don’t be creepy to Kasumi!
I hear the crying voice of an honor student girl who couldn’t get the desired results…!
Hmph, of course not, you’re an amateur. You need a lot of experience, like me, to hear the voice. Hold on, poor girl! I’ll send you energy that will make you feel better…!
Hmph, of course you can’t hear it. I can receive wavelengths that ordinary people can’t. Hold on, poor girl! I’ll send you energy that will make you feel better…!
Don’t… do whatever this is vis-à-vis Kasumi!
They’re just good with computers, right? And they think they’re hot stuff? That’s so lame!
(Kind Faculty Member) No no, they’re practically professionals when it comes to computers! They’re a very well-known hacker group. It would probably take them less than three seconds to steal our smartphone data…
Seriously!? They’re crazy strong. I don’t think I’d wanna take them on… But isn’t it kinda cheap to attack with a computer? If they got something to say, they should say it in person!
(Female Student in a Jersey) Did you find anything interesting? The only thing anyone is talking about are the Phantom Thieves and those hackers.
Yeah, I was watching that. But only the parts that showed Akechi-kun. Oh yeah, there was a really good one! Let me send it to you. Actually, wanna just watch it now? It’s a real gem…
No thanks. I’m not that interested in him. Besides, practice is about to start.
(Gentle Male Student) That goes for both of them. The real problem is that they’re going up against hackers. They’d be able to fight back if they had their own techie…
*wink wink, nudge nudge*
…I feel bad. They’re being targeted by weirdos.
(Refined Male Student) The more famous they get, the more people will try to drag them down. I just hope they keep calm and devise a smart strategy.
(Young-Looking Woman) I heard that they can get through any kind of internet security. That’s actually pretty impressive. Maybe I’ll join them and have them get me Akechi-kun’s number…
Oh, you…
Now that we’ve completed our DVD, we’re going to head over to the rental place to exchange it for a new one. Man, remember rental places? Remember DVDs?
We need Guts, so we rent The Running Dead.
We also buy the new books from the bookstore, though they only have ones that unlock new hangout spots.
(DJ) Do you think the Phantom Thieves are a danger to society? Send us your opinions by email or fax.
Fax???
What’s this rubbish about Phantom Thieves? They’re not real. There’s no way people like that are real.
We’re here for a fortune reading.
Okay. Please take a seat.
Only one option at present.
Reading your luck improvement fortune will cost you 5000 yen.
Still pretty damn expensive, but we can afford it.
All right, please think of some area in which you’d like to increase your luck.
Guts. We still don’t have Rank 4 (though we’re getting close) and I’d like to unlock Iwai’s Confidant soon.
It seems you will greatly beenfit from taking actions that will increase your Guts.
That’s all for today’s improvement reading. I hope you’re happy with your fortune. I look forward to your next visit.
We have a few options for who to hang out with today, between Ryuji, Ann, Takemi, and Makoto, but… we’re not currently prioritizing any of them. Makoto Rank 4 would be nice, but we can’t get her to Rank 6 without maxed Charm, so I’m keeping her at arm’s length for a bit. Takemi Rank 7 would also be nice, but still not a top priority. No, what I really want, what I really really want, is Iwai. So, we’re going to capitalize on that Guts boost we just received and voyage to the burger planet.
Music: Big Bang Burger March
You’d like to take on the Big Bang Burger Challenge?
I think you can probably do it as you are now.
As you are a Second Mate, the difficulty of the mission will be increased. Now then, go take a seat! Good luck!
Music: High Pressure
Don’t get too hasty… Just work at your own pace and you’ll do it!
Y-You… You’ve done it again!
Since you managed to crush the Gravity Burger… I present to you the 1st Mate Badge!
And to the burger baron who defeated this challenge, we present to you… Our world-famous Big Bang Burger, on the house! We hope you enjoy the taste of victory.
Do I really look like I’m in any shape to eat these any time soon?
Of course not! We’re using you to dump all the really gross burgers no one wants to eat!
Enjoy your new rank as First Mate. However, one mission still remains… I look forward to your next attempt at our challenge!
You defeated the Gravity Burger this time… You’re incredible.
Maaku gains a boosted Guts +2.
Maaku gains Proficiency +2, Knowledge +2, and Charm +2.
Proficiency Rank 4, nice. We can power ahead through Yusuke’s Confidant now. Or at least, when we want to.
Come on, we should head home. I’m full just from watching you…
After School → Evening
Music: Beneath the Mask
I researched many details about Medjed. The first thing I learned is that Medjed is a god appearing in the Egyptian Book of the Dead.
Um, thanks Yusuke, but I’m not sure this is what we need.
The second thing I learned is that its name means “the smiter,” but it is unclear if that is its true name, and its true form is mysterious and cannot be ascertained.
Please stop, dude.
Ancient Egyptian art depicts gods drawn in a side profile, but for some reason Medjed is drawn facing forwards.
>He’s still going, huh?
In conclusion, Medjed is a land of contrasts. Thank you.
Thank you Yusuke, that was very helpful.
I can do more research, if it helps.
That won’t be necessary.
So, we still don’t have any tangible clues…
Goodness Food’s stock suddenly plunged, and general unease has spread throughout the market. Since the arson at its affiliate Haneruya, Goodness Food has been desperate to restore its image. With the vice president—who was called in as a trump card—now dead, the company is panicking. Goodness Food’s rivals in the restaurant industry, however, are taking advantage of its slump.
It’s one bad thing after another with this company. Hmm, I wonder if they’re cursed or something.
Oh, someone’s cursing them, definitely.
Crossword time.
Not too bad, that one.
(Reserved College Student) Did they just declare war? I wonder if the Phantom Thieves stand a chance against Medjed…
The Phantom Thieves got this! They got this shit, m’dude! Onward toward victory!
Uh… Yeah, sure. Anyways, we got finals, so we gotta get home.
Reserved College Student is once again not appearing.
Now that you’ve seen all these random “Chatter” popup texts (and this isn’t even every single one, I skipped quite a few), hopefully you’ll understand why I don’t usually bother capturing too many of them, and especially why I don’t usually bother cropping them.
(Young Man in Suit) We’re a big firm here, guys! Do you realize how much we could lose from a cyberattack? They’re not even trying to keep up with the times… How doe people like that get promoted?
Hm…? There was a woman last time too… Wait… is that…? A-Anyway, please be careful… Well then, what would you like to do today…?
Bring it on! We’re not done with these tests yet!
I’m actually doing a reading for a client right now, so please stay and watch…
Fortune Rank 3: Part 70
Music: What’s Going On?
This is your first time coming to my stand, yes?
(Timid Man) Yes… A colleague of mine recommended you. Can you help fix my problem?
Of course! Fate is… absolute…
(looking to Maaku) That’s your cue, pal!
So… I’m engaged to be married to a friend I’ve had since preschool…
That’s wonderful! Congratulations!
Er… It would be, but the issue is… The president of one of our major business partners has actually offered his daughter’s hand to me… Do you think it would be bad if I denied his offer?
Let’s ask the cards for advice… Hmm… Oh, buddy, you’re fucked if you don’t accept. I’m talking total financial ruin.
Oh no! Is that really the only option?
You’re in luck. For a nominal fee, my assistant here will try his luck at reversing your fortune!
I’m not seeing any of this cash, am I?
Silence! What are you going to say to reverse his fortune?
Hmm… How’s your childhood friend rate? Total smokeshow, right?
*blushing* I don’t really see how that’s…
I’ll take that as a yes. Got it! I’ve settled this! Dump her, get with the arranged marriage.
What!?
While you’re at it, your friend sounds hot. Introduce me.
Huh!? Wait… are you saying that thieves will steal her away due to my indecision?
No, not really. I just want—
I’m a fool for ever having wavered! I will marry my friend! Thank you for the advice!
No problem. Wait, if you were already engaged, why were you being set up with some random daughter of a business partner? That seems weird even by the logic of arranged marria—oh, he’s gone.
He ran off so fast he forgot to pay, too. That’s coming out of your salary, grunt.
Dammit!
Anyway, I just confirmed it, his fate really has changed. He’s going to be quite successful now. You’re a real miracle worker, huh? Three times is too many to deny. You’ve proven that fate can actually be changed. Thank you for showing me the truth. In return, I’ll provide a special fortune service for you.
I can sense Chihaya’s intense motivation…
Money Reading, hell yeah.
You know, I never thought it was possible to change destiny… Are you perhaps… a psychic?
That’s a weird question coming from a person who claims to be a genuine fortuneteller. Sorry, clairvoyance is not one of my many incredible talents. I just do things arbitrarily most of the time and it generally works out.
...Actually, no. Such powerful people do not exist in this world. You may oversee changes in fate, but purposefully altering one’s destiny is… impossible. That is why I’ll forever be a monster...
I feel like I wandered into something personal… I’m gonna go.
Yes, good. See you later.
Music: Aria of the Soul
To think you would relax under such circumstances. Either you’re quite bold… or quite foolish.
One with an “unseen” form, hm? It seems you’ve been targeted by troublesome company.
Yeah, about that… Can I get, like, a hint? Everyone’s freaking out and it’s getting exhausting.
Not how it works, bro. Can’t go putting my thumb on the scale like that *cough* except for Akechi *cough* Don’t worry, though. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Or some random new deus ex machina character will appear and resolve things for you! Either/or.
I sure hope you’re right…