Character Quest:Ifrit:VN:1
[Translation by Roureem]
Zealous Majin's Desire
That was undoubtedly the "one who spread flames" in the world.
No matter what time it is it lived in its own surging passionate ways.
It took no notice of anything else, even when hurt or tricked.
It was hot, bright, and suffered no impurities in a way that was just like fire itself.
Flames however are a thing that spreads in a blink of an eye.
If it touches something else, they must burn at the same heat it does.
And...if all such things were to burn and reach the same heights as fire, little else awaits them but to burn away to ashes.
As such, fire cannot be dragged down with you.
It burns alone, reaching above in perpetuity...
Garothman
This is a world differing from that of Tokyo, Garothman.
It is the home world of the Transient Ifrit.
In this world, there are high ranking beings known as Spirits.
These beings were ranked higher than humans.
One day, a human king came visiting from another world.
The king pressed his hexagram ring against the Spirits and chanted a mysterious spell...
The ring of brass and iron was the mark of many demons granted to the wise king of Eden by the Archangel Michael.
By pressing the iron portion against someone, it is said that person is judged a demon and can be made to obey it.
And so many Spirits bent their knees and bowed to the human king.
The pure Spirit of Flame Ifrit, who stood high above even many other Spirits, was no exception.
But still Ifrit bellowed. "Why must I obey a human who wasn't born from flames?" he asked.
In that world, fire was valued above water, wind, the earth, and everything else.
Fire, which brings forth bright light, was believed to be the thing that existed closest to God, and yet...
|
Ifrit:(silhouette face) |
"At least give me someone as passionate as myself."
When Ifrit said that, the king spoke to him.
"I know someone just as passionate as yourself, one who lives like a boiling hot flame," he said.
And then the king began to speak of the brother of the angel who granted him his ring, Shaitan, Archangel of Fire.
And finally, he told him one other thing.
"So long as my seal is carved onto you, you may see him someday in the enclosed paradise."
And so, the king placed his seal of fire on Ifrit.
Should he not have a human master and obey their wishes, his power would be locked away.
If their wish weren't pressed to his chest and didn't undo the lock, his wild inner flames will not be unleashed externally...
???
Even when day turns into night, the oppressive heat continued.
Even natives would have turned in their sleep countless times, perspiring buckets of sweat.
But to Ifrit that climate was comforting, and perhaps due to that, he had sweet dreams.
???
 You! Come here and put your hand out! |
Ifrit forcibly pressed in his heart as he took your hand.
He felt the jewel pushed into his left breast burning hot.
 It's simple! We're doing a temp contract!! |
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We do that, and we can break out of here! |
Ifrit often saw the incident at the Tokyo Casino in his dreams.
Every time he did, he felt his contract bond with you.
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Put your hand...on the left side of my chest! |
Dormitory
 ...bwah!? |
Ifrit woke up in the Roppongi Academy dorms, then noticed it was almost dawn when he looked outside. He must've been dreaming.
Ifrit remembers the day he made a temporary contract with you as if it were just yesterday.
The hand that touched him was hot.
It was so hot that he thought he was touching flames like his own.
Since then, you and Ifrit have joined together to cut through various dangers and surpass them.
Every time he touched his chest, he could feel the 16 beat rhythm.
He remembers the warmth of your hand from those days...
 ...uh? |
Ifrit raised his voice in disbelief. The power of the seal on his left breast felt weaker than usual.
|
Wait...is it because of the temp contract? |
Shinjuku Academy
This is Shinjuku Academy, in Shinjuku Ward.
This takes place one day, just before morning home room class begins.
You've come to class early and are watching the other students arrive through the window.
There is a sudden bag inspection at the gates today, and the guidance counselors are checking for unneeded things.
At that time, Mr. Mononobe is standing at the gates together with the assistant teachers just like always until now.
 I'll be excusing myself here, Triton-sensei, Jinn-sensei. |
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Jinn and Triton:( face) |
 Wow, with all the things Mononobe has been leaving me to do I can feel his trust in me. |
 The hell are you talking about? |
 Excuse YOU? |
 Ugh, I can't believe there's bag inspection today. |
 Hmm. What if I distract the teachers and you sneak in then? |
 Ryouta, you... |
 Huh, really? In that case... |
 Oh, morning Yakushimaru! |
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Ehehe, come on Sensei. |
 Hahahah, yeah that's true. |
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Still it should be fine for students like you to be serious with the occasional bag check, right? |
 Wait, you have...snacks and chocolate... |
 Ah, I was planning to have those at lunch today, so would you mind treating them like part of my boxed lunch? |
 Besides, this isn't enough if I'm having a party. |
 O-oh okay. I'm surprised at how serious you got. |
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Yay, love you Sensei...! |
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Peek. |
 Alright, now's my chance with Ryouta distracting them. |
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Stop right there Takabushi! |
 Ack, I was caught! |
Classroom
 What ARE Kengo and Ryouta doing...? |
 Takabushi is lacking in training. |
 ...that's very persuasive coming from you since you always carry swords, Toji. |
 Huh? What's that? |
Shinjuku Academy
|
Ifrit:(silhouette face) |
 Wah, someone is running this way from behind and yelling! |
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A-are they going to attack the school like that!? |
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Okay, I'm going after Takabushi! |
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Agh, Jinn-sensei just ran off on me...that moron! |
Triton spreads his arms out as if to protect Ryouta and stands in front of the approaching shadow.
 Stop you! You don't even go to this school! |
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Whoa! |
Ifrit pulls out his student ID and throws it at Triton as he runs by.
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I'll come back for my ID lateeer! |
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Hmm...I see, this is a real ID card. |
Triton accepts the permission form thrown at him, and in the time it takes for him to turn back with a name tag, Ifrit is already gone in a cloud of dust.
Hallway
|
MOOOOOVE! |
Jinn was surprised by the loud yell echoing in the building and looked behind him without thinking about it.
 What? Someone else besides Takabushi is running around in the sch-- |
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Hm? Wait, that's...Ifrit!? |
Ifrit runs past a bewildered Jinn without taking note of him and tramples down the hallway at a speed that nearly eclipses Kengo.
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Hey wait...you're Ifrit! |
 Oh hey look it's you Kengo! |
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You know where they are? |
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Wait, you came here without knowing that? |
 Okay, I'll take you to them. |
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Hah! You catch on quick for a human! |
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Kengo and Ifrit:(angry face) |
Classroom
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busy day this morning. | I can hear the screaming from here. | |||||||
 What are you so casual for, [Player]? |
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The gradually approaching voices...one of them is... ahh, it's far too familiar...! |
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Kengo and Ifrit:(angry face) |
The next instant, Kengo and Ifrit burst into the classroom.
 Hell yeah, I wiiiin! |
How the hell are your legs so fast!? |
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Well you're pretty good for a human too you know? |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ah, you guys are in the springtime of youth... | That sorta seems like fun. | ...why were you two racing? | ||||||
 Hmm...I see. So this is what youth is? |
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This specific part does look refreshing, but my head hurts to think about what comes next. |
 I bet you brought something unrelated to school, didn't you? |
 Ugh, are we doing bag inspections here too!? |
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Later Ifrit, nice seeing you. |
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You wait right there Kengo! |
 ...today's homeroom class in Class 2-b is on hold. |
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Eh, Urabe-senpai? T-thank you very much. |
 No. Mononobe-sensei asked me to, that's all. |
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Again? Sensei's been away from school a lot lately. |
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...who knows? It's true that he's been delegating more of his work at school to other teachers, though... |
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Mono...nobe? Who's that? |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yep. Why do you ask? | It's an uncommon name for sure. | You're interested in a human!? | ||||||
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I shouldn't have heard that name before, but my chest is aching... |
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Hey, is "Mononobe" some sort of special word? |
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...Mononobe is a very old Japanese word, and in this world it refers to a clan that handled "other things or people." |
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These "other things or people" are given value by others, and for one example...maybe ironworking. |
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Iron...? |
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Yes. There's a story of where the Mononobe clan claimed iron, or in other words fighting power. |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wow, that's cool! | History is interesting. | You sure know a lot about Mononobe-sensei, Senpai. | ||||||
 ...no, I'm not that well informed. It's just common knowledge. |
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Well, I delivered the message, so I'll take my leave. |
 Thank you very much Senpai... |
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Huh? Hey that idiot Kengo is gone...where'd he go!? |
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...oh I know what he's thinking. With homeroom canceled, he must be napping behind the school building...I'm going to go get him! |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| So why are you here Ifrit? | Don't you need to go to school? | |||||||
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Oh shit, right! I didn't come to talk about that stuff... [Player]! |
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Do you remember what I told you before over there at the Tokyo Casino? |
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I dunno why, but my power's been weakening! |
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Put your hand on my left breast right now and renew the temp contract! |
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Do it do it do it DO IT! |
 Wait, you're being too forceful there! |
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Say what!? |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calm down a sec, Ifrit. | I'm okay. Thanks as always, Toji. | |||||||
At those words, Ifrit has a sudden look of regret on his face and hangs his head.
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Well, I guess so...my bad for pushing you so hard. |
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I'm the type to move as soon as I think of something. |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Well if you chest hurts I could gently rub it for you? | Renewing the contract's fine, but I see it's not a full contract. | |||||||
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||||||||
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It's true doing a full contract makes sense. But I don't feel like doing it! |
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Hm...is that consideration for [Player]? |
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That's not all to it! |
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I'll never accept that! |
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As a fire majin, I can't accept that I'm below a human! |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ifrit...? | ... | |||||||
At the moment you were about to ask your question, Jinn-sensei pops into the classroom out of breath.
 Huff, huff...I finally found you, Ifrit. |
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This is the name tag Triton-sensei made for you. Put it on for now...and next time go through reception, ya hear? |
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Hey hey, well if it isn't Old Man Jinn! |
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Wow it's been forever. How ya doing!? |
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I've met this great teacher senpai... |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eh? You two know each other? | Old Man Jinn!? | |||||||
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Well, he and I were born in the same place or originating from the same race. That sorta thing! |
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So, why the hell did you come all this way and make a racket in the classroom? |
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Jinn-sensei, this Ifrit Transient or whomever seems resistant to contracting with a human... |
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I see, is that what this is about? |
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As Spirits from Garothman, we were originally born as beings higher in rank than humans. |
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But the summoning contract overrides that. |
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Of course it is, a contract totally absolute! |
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If someone gets a hold of my lamp, then I have to serve their wishes. |
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Yeah, I've been tricked like that too. |
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The most important thing to me is passion! |
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When I met [Player], they had as much passion as I do, more than anyone else. But... |
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That's why I want to be equals with you! You understand, right [Player]!? |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeah, I know that feeling Ifrit! | You're embarrassing me. Can you quiet down a little? | What a really passionate line...such is youth. | ||||||
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| |||||||
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But I do know we can't stay equals. |
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I mean, I've heard that a summoning contract takes a heavy toll on you, doesn't it? |
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So when I say I want to contract, it's just for my benefit. |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A contract doesn't really affect me much. | It's enough for me that we're together. | |||||||
 I think being fine after contracting with many Transients applies only to you, [Player]... |
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Normally it's the same as taking on a debt. |
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...debt!? |
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Dammit...right, there's something I have to deal with before I can talk about contracts and stuff! |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ifrit what's going on? | ...? | |||||||
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N-nothing! |
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...what's his deal? |
Dorm Room
Since then it's been several days, and Ifrit is maintaining a communication silence.
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I wonder what's up with Ifrit? | Did something happen? | (I'll go see him myself.) | ||||||
Restaurant
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Welcome! |
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...urk, it's you [Player]!? |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| So I heard you were working here. | It is awkward to have friends go to your workplace. | Nobuharu told me about this place. | ||||||
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Why did you come here if you know that? |
Ifrit looked over restlessly, and a self-important looking Transient walked out from the back.
 Ifrit! You wouldn't be gossiping on the clock now are you? |
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I'm sorry, I was, Manager! |
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...so what would you like DEAR CUSTOMER? |
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Yes, work hard like that. |
After confirming that Ifrit was taking his job seriously, the manager returned to the back.
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So why are you here anyway? You didn't really come to talk about not work stuff, did you? |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I just came to see how you were doing. | I'd like to order an Ifrit to go. | |||||||
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| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Let's leave the jokes at that. | You gotta smile if you want me to buy, please. | |||||||
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...what's that look for? No way...you serious!? |
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Grgrgh, I dunno if it's because it's you or because you're a customer, but dammit I can't say no! |
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FINE! If we're going there then let's do this thing! |
|
grins |
Ifrit raised the corners of his mouth to show a first-rate smile while embarrassed.
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oh, cute. | I'm glad I came to see you. | |||||||
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...shaddup. |
You bought some fries to apologize for teasing Ifrit, then waited in the store for his shift to finish.
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By the way | Why are you working so hard on these part time jobs? | I've been worried since you never showed up. | ||||||
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Well I've been thinking that I need to settle my debts before I can contract with you as partners! |
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But somehow my debts are getting bigger while I'm working! |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Well...that seems ominous. | Ifrit let me see your payslip. | And your work schedule if you have that. | ||||||
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Sure, here it is [Player]! |
Ifrit slapped down a brown envelope for his day's wages onto the table.
When you looked inside, what you find is a piece of paper instead of any coins.
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welp... | You got suckered into a job from hell again. | |||||||
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W-what? I was tricked again!? |
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SHIIIIIT!! |
Ifrit's roar of rage reverberated inside the restaurant.
The manager ran out from further in upon hearing it.
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Now now, tricked is such an ugly word. |
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Bitch, I've been following your directions and now you blame me for it!? |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| By the way | What's this quota you're talking about anyway? | |||||||
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I have to sell 2000 burgers a day. |
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I did my best to work hard here since we had a deal, but today I quit! |
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Well if you're talking about quitting...there's still something you need to do. Look at your paycheck. |
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Bwuh!? There's so many deductions here that now I owe even MORE money!? |
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I have to prioritize you as the shift leader. |
The manager's words seemed to be a signal of sorts as the two of you became surrounded by Transients in a flash.
In the beginning there was light, and the fire that symbolizes it.
Then came water, the earth, animals, plants, and minerals.
Ifrit's home world of Garothman is known as the prototype for many other worlds.
But that does not mean that it was the first to be created among the many worlds.
The first thing created in Garothman was its System.
It is a self-preservation system to organize more than two beings at once.
In Garothman, it is believed that between the light that will continue the world and the darkness that will destroy the world, the light will always win.
The purest form of the original System is that the side that continues the world will win with the faith of the majority.
Ifrit was born as a pure being closest to the light within that pure System.
He was born in the world of Garothman to be seen as a brilliant figure like flames.
Because of that, Ifrit doesn't understand things that aren't pure and simple.
He can't make distinctions between things that don't shine brighter than he does.
At the very least, if someone isn't a person who is as close to the light as he is, Ifrit won't recognize them.
It is a clear weakness, and it is a distinct weak point for invasions from other Systems.
It was that day when the king of another world who subjugated him under the hexagram star that he realized this.
Ifrit continued to silently pray, knees to the ground yet still looking up and forward in passionate simplicity.
The king from Eden saw this and told Ifrit something in the end.
In Eden, there was once Shaitan, the Archangel of Fire who was created to be the closest to the light.
He seemed to be like a mirror reflection of Ifrit as he was regarded in Garothman.
However, that angel's own actions led them to fall to the deep depths further below the depths of the earth.
Was that the expected punishment for betraying the world that brought rise to them?
Or, was that a pure and violent fulfillment of a Role that others would find hard to understand?
In the language of Garothman, they would be called...Iblis, the Thought Cutter.
 Raaahhhh! Burn! Fire wall! |
Ifrit waved his arms, and the flames spread towards the manager like a barricade.
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Hmph! Embers that weak don't even compare to the frying oil for the fries! |
The manager created a gust by swinging a frying pan, which blew away the wall of fire.
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Oh shit he just beat my flames down like they were nothing! |
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Now! Cease your resistance! |
The mobsters aimed at a disturbed Ifrit and fired simulataneously at the manager's signal.
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I won't let you! | (Defend Ifrit against the bullets) | |||||||
You cut down all of the bullets that threatened to hit Ifrit.
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Tch! Your friend may be good, but for someone calling himself a majin you aren't anything special. |
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Go after the part timer majin. That should expose their friend's weak point. |
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Dammit! Why!? |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wanna renew our temp contract? | How about a permanent contract? | |||||||
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...no, wait on the contract! |
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As a majin I keep my oaths! |
A bead of sweat rolled down Ifrit's face in a hurry.
If the temporary contract were to fall apart, what was he going to do?
Would he lose his anchoring for his existence and disappear from Tokyo...?
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ifrit! | ...Ifrit, listen to me. | |||||||
|
[Player]...!? |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Let's contract. | Please, contract with me! | Shut up and accept this contract! | ||||||
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...[Player]. |
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If the temp contract expires, it's only a problem for me! |
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| There's plenty in it for me. | I reject your opinion! | |||||||
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...[Player]... |
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...heh. You're lying right? |
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You'd go that far to contract with an easy dupe that wouldn't help you? ...what are you, a dumbass? |
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For someone as passionate as you to lie so badly for someone like me...damn all this!! |
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But it's weird... |
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Your lies shine brighter than anything... |
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Man. You sure got balls to try to trick a fire majin!! |
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Okay, I'm ready! |
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I don't know what you two are whispering about, but I can't let you have your way! |
Bullets rained at you two once again.
Ifrit used his back to cover for you and to buy time to complete the contract.
| 2 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Touch Ifrit's left breast) | (Gingerly touch Ifrit's left breast) | |||||||
| ||||||||
You shouted for release, just like you did back at the casino.
When you do, flames burst out from Ifrit's body and start shining like the sun.
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Heeeeell yeah! My blood ain't boiled like this in forever! |
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Roar, o flames!! |
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Lemegeton Clavicula: Burning in High Restrained Spirits! |
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Gwaaaah!? |
The manager and the others were blasted by fires that outpowered the flames from before the contracting and surrendered. Then...
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So why the hell are you running this kinda business? |
With the App Battle over and things reverted to before, Ifrit saw fear in the manager and the others.
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Well...I'm being chased to repay my gambling debts, so I needed to get all the money this month. |
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Really? You guys are in debt too? |
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I've been cheated out of my heart too, so I figured I should check for sure. |
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...um, is that it? |
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You pay me my dues, and there's no need to get the cops. |
Once Ifrit got his proper payment, he left without another word.
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is that really okay? | I thought you'd be madder. | You really are...you. | ||||||
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Whatever. Once it's over, I couldn't care less. |
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Getting everything off your chest is also a kind of freedom. |
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And...in the end, I don't know how much of what they told me were lies. |
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Maybe all of it was lies. |
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All I can do then...is believe them. |
| 3 options | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Smile at Ifrit) | (Hold Ifrit's hand) | (Hug Ifrit) | ||||||
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| |||||||
|
How about we hang out somewhere, [Player]? I can go with you anywhere besides the ocean. |
| 3 options | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I'll go anywhere with you. | It doesn't matter where we go if I'm with you! | Can I order you as Summoner? | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||
Ifrit's profile turned bright red in the light of sunset.
The fluttering wind cooled off your bodies as you walked off together...