Chernobog Character Quest Ch. 1: White Mountain is the Taste of Oath
Shinjuku Academy
Shinjuku Academy--A place where transients assemble and a temporary residence.
This is a place that guides those who are lost in the land named Tokyo.
Similar institutions are located throughout the land; support groups established by those from other worlds are also abundant.
However, this particular academy is slightly different from the others.
The time when "I" came this realization was......
Dormitory
It's a Sunday, and the atmosphere in the dorm is peaceful.
In this silence, [Player's] room is visited by the sound of gentle knocking.
Chernobog:( face)
The darkness is over; the morning once again arrives. Awake, the brave, [Player].
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3 options
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I'll get up if you give me a kiss.
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Morning, Chernobog.
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(Silently reach out an arm)
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Chernobog:( face)
Wha-what are you talking about this early in the morning! Hold yourself back on teasing me!
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Chernobog:( face)
Of course, if my Brave wishes so, there shall be a day that I greet you with this......
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Chernobog:( face)
Um! Uhmm, I said nothing. Ge-get up already!
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Chernobog:( face)
Ahh, you're up already. As you said, it is indeed a comforting morning.
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Chernobog:( face)
Your face being the first thing I see this morning......truly feels nice.
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Chernobog:( face)
Aye aye, you're so weak to the morning.
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Chernobog:( face)
Come, take this hand. Hohoho, the morning has come; time to get up.
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Chernobog:( face)
Well, I should beg your pardon. It's a holiday, but I asked you to help with my private affair.
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2 options (Same Response)
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It's only natural to help a friend out.
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More importantly, what is it exactly that I have to do?
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Chernobog:( face)
Uh......umm. To be honest, I'm helping out in the kitchen.
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Chernobog:( face)
However......your help will be needed.
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2 options (Same Response)
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Hit me with any physical task.
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Isn't Choji supposed to be in the kitchen?
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Chernobog:( face)
Um......no, work that requires your strength, I should say......there isn't much.
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Telling from Chernobog's shuffling, he's obviously hiding something.
While it's not to say that his intent is of malice, he is indeed omitting words that should be conveyed.
Chernobog:( face)
The e-exact condition shall be discussed later. It'd be best to meet up with Choji-dono first, yea.
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Chernobog:( face)
Come, let's go, [Player]. Let's head to the cafeteria first.
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Shinjuku Academy--Cafeteria
Choji:( face)
Morning, [Player]. Thanks for coming this early.
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3 options (Same Response)
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Chernobog seems
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to be hiding something
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Don't tell me that you are too?
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Choji:( face)
Who~knows~? There is nothing you can know from me.
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Choji:( face)
That aside, let's start with the business. Mr. Chernobog too, thanks for coming to help.
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Chernobog:( face)
First I am preparing breakfast with Choji-dono. The next will be your turn.
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Chernobog:( face)
Oh right, [Player]. Why don't you also take this rare opportunity to have some breakfast?
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2 options (Same Response)
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Good call.
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Should have brought Ryouta on the way too.
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Choji:( face)
Ryouta has gone to Daikanyama Academy very early. He really likes helping others.
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Chernobog:( face)
He is also often seen to volunteer at the catering club, though with very obvious intention......
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Choji:( face)
Oh, we should stop chatting; time to prepare breakfast.
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The two step in the kitchen and start working.
The man known as the Demon King of the barren mountain crouches his large body, filling the food trays.
Just by looking at his actions, one can tell that he's already familiar with the work.
Choji:( face)
Food's ready~~! Please form a straight line~~!
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Chernobog:( face)
Ham & egg sandwich is one serving per person, but salad and steamed rice is all-you-can-eat.
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The first social occasion that the Demon King, knowing little about the world, participates, is this place called school.
Chernobog is learning what society really is through his jobs at the school.
Chernobog:( face)
Oh, if this isn't [Player]. Help yourself all you want.
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Chernobog:( face)
It is said that "breakfast is the energy source of a day". One shall finely consume.
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3 options
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Seems that you have completely dived into the role of a caterer.
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Are you getting along with others?
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Are you enjoying the school life?
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Chernobog:( face)
Hohoho, is that so? I'd be happy even if that's the case.
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Chernobog:( face)
Now to think about it, I heard that people distributing food like this were referred to as "osandon (JP)".
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Chernobog:( face)
It would seem to be the case that I have become "the osandon Chernobog of the Shinjuku Academy" from "the Demon King of the barren mountain".
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Chernobog:( face)
I am indeed getting along with others quite well. Though I was being alerted against at first......
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Chernobog:( face)
However, the variety of students and faculty members here clouds the name of The Demon King, making myself amazed at how narrow my world used to be.
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Chernobog:( face)
Aye, of course. Everything is so fresh.
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Chernobog:( face)
The classes are also interesting. The more I know, the more I admire this borderless world.
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Chernobog:( face)
Everyday is so enjoyable that I'm even starting to be held back......
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Shirou:( face)
Good morning, Mr. Chernobog. Please take my order for breakfast.
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Chernobog:( face)
Ahh, Shirou-dono. Japanese style as usual?
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Shirou:( face)
Yes......uhm, isn't this [Player]? Morning.
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2 options
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Let's have breakfast together.
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It's rare that we meet on a holiday.
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Shirou:( face)
Sure thing. I must be lucky since this morning to have breakfast with you.
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Shirou:( face)
It is said that getting up early is worth three cents, but it's really more like thousands of gold for me, haha.
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Shirou:( face)
Not to mention weekdays, our schedules are basically staggered on holidays. It is truly a rare experience.
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Shirou:( face)
Usually I'd be with Kengo and Ryouta, pretty busy all around.
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Shirou:( face)
......By the way, it's fine that we can just eat while talking. May I ask you something?
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Shirou:( face)
Have you come across any Devils on your way here?
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2 options (Same Response)
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I did not notice any......
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Did they escape?
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Shirou:( face)
In fact, there seem to be "lost transients" of stray Devils in the school.
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Shirou:( face)
I'm a tad worried because "lost transients" are often viewed as dangerous......
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Shirou:( face)
Rumors have it that they were witnessed by some students. I was planning on searching for them on the way here.
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Shirou:( face)
So you haven't seen any either. Hopefully I can protect them as soon as possible.
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Shirou stands up after saying "thanks for the meal" as he finishes his food.
Shirou:( face)
Let me know if anything happens. I will continue to search for a while.
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The busy breakfast time is over, students in the cafeteria are leaving one after another.
Just about when the last person leaves, Chernobog comes near.
Chernobog:( face)
[Player], are you done eating? If so, please hand me your tableware.
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1 option
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I can clean up after myself.
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Chernobog:( face)
Uh......uhmm. I see, it's not something difficult......
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Chernobog:( face)
This is the first time I'm doing this kind of work......I'm a bit......embarrassed.
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The usual all-mighty posture of Chernobog is all gone; he seems to have something to say, face turning red.
Choji:( face)
Mr. Chernobog? It's about time to start, are you ready?
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Chernobog:( face)
Ah, yes! On my way!
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Chernobog:( face)
My apologies. Please wait here for a little while, just a little while.
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The two again step into the kitchen and start working on something.
It seems like they're neither doing the dishes nor cleaning. Perhaps they are preparing for some dishes?
Devil?:( face)
(squealing)! Yummy......smells yummy!
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2 options (Same Response)
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Is that the stray devil Shirou mentioned?
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I sense trouble coming!
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The shadow, as small as a ball, jumps into the kitchen.
Then, panicky screams can be heard from outside.
Choji:( face)
Whaaaaaaah!? Fau-faucet! The water is pouring!
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Chernobog:( face)
This is bad! The gas stove is on fire!? Ouch!
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Stray Devil:( face)
(squealing)! Yummy smell! Playing is fun! (Squealing)!
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2 options (Same Response)
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Although I'm not sure what's happening--
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I'm coming to help you guys out!
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[Fight]
Shinjuku Academy
Choji:( face)
Awww, this is severe......the clothes are all wet.
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Chernobog:( face)
Ye-yea......same here, the clothes are burnt......
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Shirou:( face)
Are-are you guys alright!? I got a report saying that devils are causing troubles here......
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2 options (Same Response)
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We're fine; it's over.
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We have just dealt with it.
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Shirou:( face)
Thank goodness. The kind of these kids can be quite troublesome with their naughty nature.
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Shirou:( face)
Once in a while, the stray Devils would be attracted by the scents of their own kind.
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Shirou:( face)
I was planning on letting my kids socialize with them once they're found......
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Stray Devil:( face)
(Squealing)......(Squealing)......(Squealing)......(Short Squeal).
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Shirou:( face)
Alright, alright, I know. You're just hungry.
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Shirou:( face)
Come along if you'd like. There are other kids that you can befriend with......yea, good.
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Shirou:( face)
But we'll make a promise first. You have to let me know if you are hungry again......nice.
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Shirou:( face)
While we're at it......these kids have been talking about having eaten something tasty.
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Shirou:( face)
Does that mean something is lost?
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Choji:( face)
Talking about loss......
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Choji:( face)
AAAh, the chestnut paste we've just made!
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Chernobog:( face)
Ugh, the sugar coating is soaked in water too......
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2 options (Same Response)
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Did you guys plan on using these ingredients...
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...To make some kind of pastry?
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Shirou:( face)
......Looks like only the materials were damaged, but the utensils were fine.
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Shirou:( face)
How about this, I do know a thing or two about making pastry.
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Shirou:( face)
Seems that some fine work is required. Please let me lend a hand, too.
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Choji:( face)
Good point, I do know how good the culinary skill of the class rep is.
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Choji:( face)
Right, why don't, [Player], you join as well?
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Chernobog:( face)
......makes sense. I also reckon that be good.
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Chernobog:( face)
[Player], would you join us for pastry making?
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2 options (Same Response)
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I'm glad to help.
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Let's make some delicious pastry.
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Choji:( face)
Aye, sorry to pull you guys back from your minds......
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Choji:( face)
It seems like we don't have enough ingredients for what we want to make.
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Shirou:( face)
Does it require some expensive ingredients? Or is there some other reason behind it?
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Choji:( face)
To be honest, the pastry we plan to make is only possible because of someone's help.
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Choji:( face)
The acquisition of materials is carried out all by that person--
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Shirou:( face)
Woaaaaah, he's appeared!?
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Zao:( face)
What's wrong, Shirou, for suddenly making that scream as though a hiker being buried by an avalanche?
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Shirou:( face)
No-nothing, pardon me. I just never thought of seeing senpai's figure here at school without that thing being mentioned.
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Zao:( face)
Even someone like me would be walking in school, you know? Anyways, Choji, is that thing finished?
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Choji:( face)
About that......we ran into some trouble......
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After hearing what happened, Zao makes a huge smile on his serious face.
Zao:( face)
Well, that's no big deal! Just take this.
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Zao reaches into his backpack, taking out a big bag.
In the bag are chestnut fruits too large to be covered by one palm.
Choji:( face)
Woah, amazing! Did you come here just for this!?
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Zao:( face)
Since you've help me a lot with mobile food to be consumed when hiking.
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Zao:( face)
This is also necessary for Chernobog's baking, right?
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Choji:( face)
This would really help, senpai. Sorry for troubling you everytime.
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Choji:( face)
The variety in Shinjuku Academy's cafeteria menu all comes from senpai's delivery.
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2 options (Same Response)
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The transportation of materials seems secure.
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It'd be great if this resumes even after senpai graduates.
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Zao:( face)
I'm happy too if things associated with mountain can be helpful. I should be the grateful one.
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Choji:( face)
How about this, senpai. Do you have time from now on?
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Zao:( face)
"Yes"--even though I would like to answer so, I have to pay a visit to Mr. Mononobe.
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Zao:( face)
Because of the extra lessons, I'm afraid I won't be able to make it back in three hours or so......
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Chernobog:( face)
The captain still hasn't changed much. However, it would be just right for this time.
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Chernobog:( face)
Please come back when the extra lessons are done. We shall have some comfort treats prepared.
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Zao:( face)
I see......I, Zao, will be cheerful if that's the case.
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Zao:( face)
I shall return myself once I conquer the difficult mountain called "extra lessons"!
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[Several hours later]
The cute-looking pastry has been completed in the kitchen filled with sweet scents.
Choji:( face)
Good, it's done!
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Shirou:( face)
It turned out well. We won't be ashamed anywhere we bring this.
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What the two persons are praising, is the small cake decorated with sugar-coated, amber-colored chestnuts.
From preparation to decoration, procedures were completed almost all by Chernobog himself.
Chernobog:( face)
At this rare occasion, how about we brew some team and have the cake altogether?
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Choji:( face)
Nice idea! Since we still have to prepare for food distribution--
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Shirou:( face)
--We will leave the water and tea wares to you guys.
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The two walk out of the kitchen, simultaneously leaving [Player] alone with Chernobog.
The pot is place on the gas stove, with the tea pot and cups taken out according to the number of participants.
While doing these things, Chernobog speaks up with some shyness.
Chernobog:( face)
Considering the ingredients were already prepared, I was planning on bringing this out earlier.
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Chernobog:( face)
However, never could've thought that things would go this way. Nonetheless, I'm also glad that you came to help.
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2 options
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We should make it again in the future.
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There's cream on your nose.
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Chernobog:( face)
Haha, that's right. It feels good to make something with you.
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Chernobog:( face)
Choji-dono has also asked me if I wanted to make something like shaved ice next time.
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Chernobog:( face)
One day, I shall have something that I'd like you to taste.
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Chernobog:( face)
Wha-what? Did it splash out when I did the mixing?
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Chernobog:( face)
Wo-ah. It's fine, let me do it mysel-......Uhg.
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Chernobog:( face)
It-it's fine, [Player]......your hands will get frostbite if you keep--
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Chernobog:( face)
Ah, that's right. My body is no longer covered by the dark icicles......phew.
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Chernobog:( face)
My heart almost stopped to think that my Brave is about to be frozen once more--Ahem.
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Chernobog:( face)
......How-however, I'm not a baby. Things like this, I-I can handle them, myself......
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Chernobog:( face)
Anyhow, the pastry is finally done finely.
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Chernobog:( face)
--White mountain (Mont Blanc). That is, as I heard, the name of this dessert.
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Chernobog:( face)
This world--Tokyo, is such a beautiful place.
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Chernobog:( face)
The colors I had never thought of when looking down from my castle high up there all exist here.
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Chernobog:( face)
This is "this world" that I could only know from my old friend, who was buried by my snow.
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Chernobog:( face)
[Player], I really love this school.
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Chernobog:( face)
This place has the wellness others do not--or I should call that "virtue".
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2 options (Same Response)
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What are you referring to?
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Though this place is very nice indeed......
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Chernobog:( face)
In this place, there are too many variations among the people; "different" goes without saying.
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Chernobog:( face)
Beyond my bald mountain that holds only "the one of mountain" and "intruders"--colors are limitless here.
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Chernobog:( face)
"As long as one does not cause harm to others, one gets to define oneself."--This is how this place can be described.
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Chernobog:( face)
I came to this realization when I started helping to distribute breakfast.
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Chernobog:( face)
In the tough "mountain", creatures compete--albeit cruel, one ought to become either a predator or prey.
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Chernobog:( face)
However, people line themselves up peacefully in this school for it.
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Chernobog:( face)
There is no difference by strength or size. Even I, the so-called Demon King, am but just one of them.
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2 options (Same Response)
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It is said that "no one will mess with one's own stomach".
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Sounds very much true.
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Chernobog:( face)
Without "good" or "evil"; no strong nor weak.
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Chernobog:( face)
In this world that "accepts everything as it truly is"--
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Chernobog:( face)
we study, live, eat, and laugh together.
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Chernobog:( face)
This is exactly what I have witnessed in you, the brand new Tokyo (world).
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2 options (Same Response)
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Good thing you like it.
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You mean the life here is easier comparing to the mountain?
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Chernobog:( face)
Just as it isn't all white, neither is it all black. Perhaps one would argue that living in the mountain is more simple.
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Chernobog:( face)
Just like what our captain said......hohoho.
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Chernobog:( face)
Yet, even the fact that I can be thinking about this is because I'm here, at this place,
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Chernobog:( face)
I only discovered this when I first got to behold my homeland from the skirts of the mountain.
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Chernobog:( face)
The one who released me (MC), regardless of what happened in the past, that place would always be my land.
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Chernobog:( face)
Most importantly, that's the land that loved me like a mother.
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Chernobog:( face)
I do not...... want to discard all the past simply due to comparison with the life here.
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Chernobog's face remains calm and loving as he speaks.
It is like the slightly melting snow-water--in the winter mountain frozen eternally.
Then, Chernobog displays the cake placed on the table, blushing.
Chernobog:( face)
I heard about Mont Blanc from captain Zao.
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Chernobog:( face)
Even though it's a foreign dessert, it still holds the name of the white mountain.
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Chernobog:( face)
I, once too, have lived in that bald mountain now far in distance. The days of being purely loved (by the mountain), yet so lonely.
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Chernobog:( face)
Nonetheless, this overwhelming joy I'm feeling deep down right now must have been a result of those experiences.
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Chernobog:( face)
Seems like the surprises and brilliance I might come across in the future will be shared with you guys. Then, the world seen through my eyes shall be filled with colors.
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Chernobog:( face)
Perhaps the day I start missing my life back in the bald mountain would soon arrive, too.
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Chernobog:( face)
I am thankful to all the friends who brought this Demon King out on that day, Captain Zao, and most significantly, my Brave, [Player], you.
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Chernobog:( face)
In memory of the miracle that occurred in the snow-white mountain that day, I will gift this pastry--the white of the beginning--to you.
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2 options (Same Response)
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That's why you chose Mont Blanc.
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I'm a bit embarrassed.
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Chernobog:( face)
It was you who brought me here, friend. You are--the symbol of this world.
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Chernobog:( face)
Thank you again, my Brave.
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3 options
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Me too, the gentle Demon King.
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Thank you, Chernobog.
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This is the best gift, my Demon King.
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Chernobog:( face)
......!
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Chernobog:( face)
......hoho, "my Demon King"......you said? Thank you, my Brave.
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Chernobog:( face)
This is the first time......I, Chernobog, know of such an intimate nickname for myself.
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Choji:( face)
Sorry for the wait~~. Because we don't get to do this often, we also brought something other than tea.
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Shirou:( face)
They're just some sandwiches made with available ingredients, but seems that we can have a luxurious tea party.
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Shirou:( face)
Alright, devils, behave yourselves, alright?
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Devils:( face)
(Squeal)! (Squealing)!
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Zao:( face)
Huff, huff--Di-did I make it?
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Zao:( face)
Please tell me that I did, you guys!
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Zao:( face)
It's just the ordinary by now, but Mr. Mononobe's lessons are always more shrilling than blizzards in the cold winter.
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Chernobog:( face)
Seems like everyone's here. Then, [Player], please have a seat.
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Chernobog:( face)
All my hard work was condensed in this pastry.
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Chernobog:( face)
Please help yourself. My......important friend.
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1 option
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Thank you, here I go!
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Afterwards, rumors have it that there's a delicious cake in the cafeteria menu of the Shinjuku Academy.
As a limited product, the Mont Blanc is extremely popular; it is well reputed amongst not only the students but also the instructors.
The new life of Chernobog with his friend continues peacefully.
Chernobog Character Quest Episode 1
-END-
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