Character Quest:Licho:VN:1

[Translation by Kukuru]

Character Quest: Licho "Formation! Tokusatsu Club!?"

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He always wanted authority to depend on. He always wanted someone's unwavering approval.

However, He has been clinging onto someone who doesn't even acknowledge him as he happily complained.

That day, He found out under the moon that's the reliable person he's been chasing since he came to Tokyo.

The animal trail that stretches before him does not guarantee his sanity and prosperity.

His legs standing on that road were timid and unreliable, trembling and trembling in fear......

Unexpectedly, it was some time after the night of the Halloween party, even when the souls of the dead were invited.

[Taitou Ward]

Taitou Ward of Tokyo. Umamichi Academy sits in these parts.

Top-quality fighting, and having a huge lead over your competitors. Self-centeredness throughout the heaven and earth.

It's known as a delinquents' school, and its name is one that the students of Tokyo hesitate to even say.

However, word of the Halloween chaos from the other day has gone around recently, slightly changing the impression.

The Halloween party made a grand performance for the festival that other day.

It was rumored that a student made an effort to improve the school's image as an executive committee.

Even if it's not an act of selfless devotion... It is actions based more on selfish emotions.

And there's another reason for their fame. It was because he defied that group of banchos.

Disregarding reality, the false image has become inflated. Indeed, Licho is the name of that great tiger...

The setting sun dyes the school rooftops madder red. In the middle, Licho is surrounded by students giving off an intimidating aura.

W-W-W-Wait a minute you guys! Just chill and calm down for the time being!!

First, let's talk this out~! Calm your mind so it's clear and serene like a stainless mirror!

AAAAAAAAAAAH! Wait, wait dammit!! I don't remember seeing it! Is this a bolt out of the blue!?

Ohhh... Could it be you realize my ability and came to sit down quietly for meeting so you can be my underlings? Is that right?

Hmmhmm~ I'm in a fix. You see, I'm super busy working as the school's committee member...

AIYAYAYAYAYA! It was a lie, I'm sorry! I'm just messin'!! Don't pressure me with such serious looks! I'm begging you--

PLEASE MAKE US YOUR UNDERLINGS!!

...... Huh?

[Time passes...]

A few days later on a weekend... At the Nakamise, Asakusa of the Taito Ward--

... Hey, it's been a while, good pal! I've been looking forward in high hopes of seeing you again!

3 options
Why the consultation all the sudden?	A refreshing breeze from a late friend.	Isn't that Licho's voice?
Hohoh, straight to the point I see! I expected no less from a reliable guy like you!	Ulp! Y-You're well-educated all the sudden! I-I commend you for your studies today! You... You gave me a little shock there... A refreshing autumn breeze from a friend in a long time... What a grandiose remark to make, [Player]...	Indeed, it is I, Licho of Umamichi Academy! ... Wait, you brushed me off again! Seriously!? Sigh... It was a nice little euphony and you just had to retort with that... You're making fun of me because of that...

Anyways, how about I treat you to some delicious food from Asakusa as thanks? Just a minor complaint... Wait hold up, just listen to what I have to say!

Ahem... So... about 2 to 3 days ago...

[Flashback time]

... Wait, what? You want to form a "tokusatsu club"?

Licho's remark made the eyes of the students surrounding him shine all at once.

Yeah, that's right! We want to incorporate a "tokusatsu club" here at Umamichi Academy!

To be honest, we were watching the "play" that Licho-senpai took part at the last Halloween school festival!

That direction, that story... Ever since we watched it, we've been addicted to various hero tokusatsu!

We also want to perform an awesome tokusatsu play like the one we saw the other day, Big Bro Licho!

So yeah~ I hope our activities in the club will be recognized by our influential Big Brother Licho!

PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!!

[Flashback end...]

...... So yeah, I was pressured by their demand. Quite the inconvenience huh? Huhu~

Surely I'm a key figure that supports Umamichi. Welp, nothing I can do about listening to requests from the students huh?

3 options (Same Response)
It doesn't seem like you're in trouble?	Things are on the right track, isn't it?	That sure is a red flag right there...

... Although I can't make decisions on my own accord, dealing with them is like talking to a brick wall.

I don't know where the other committee members are at, and the teacher is adamant about "attend class first before doing any club activities."

I don't got anyone else to resort to. It seriously feels like I'm being betrayed by everybody. *Sigh*

3 options
Why a tokusatsu club and not a drama one?	Even people at the committee are slacking off?!	I need to be diligent about attending class...
I asked them also, "a drama club isn't good enough for you?" Then... They replied back with "We don't like the idea of a drama club that seems well-behaved." That kind of thing is what you expect of Umamichi Academy. Besides, the drama club has been disbanded since long ago.	Do you understand what I've been going through? I want to change the aura of this delinquent school one way or another. You see, the only reason why I assumed the position was because there was no other person willing to do it. N-Now that I'm the student council, I believe I can make Umamichi a pretty darn good school!!	I'm at a loss for words, honestly. It might be different if you were serious about it on a daily basis. Well, there's a lot of guys like that too at Umamichi, though a lot of them aren't bad by nature, I think...

As Licho grumbles, he checks his surroundings for acquaintances.

Oh well. I know you're from another school, [Player], but talking this over with you is unavoidable.

There's no other person I can consult for help! I had no other options!

3 options
Why are you taking this out on me...	Nothing you can do about it, huh...	Should've talked this over with Sanat-senpai.
		Are you crazy!? Especially after saying such blunt things!?

... Oh, sorry, it's just... I might not be able to smile if I were to show you signs of worry, so...

... IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! I just thought I can't blame my conscience if I were to drag you into this!

Either way, that bothersome bunch dragged me into their annoyance! So how about I do the same!?

3 options
You couldn't bear it from the bottom of your heart...	It's fine. I'll give you some advice.	They took the initiative!?
	Seriously!? ... Hah. Honestly, I'm a pathetically good-natured person, [Player]... It's not about the part about depending on someone, but rather helping as a friend. I guess great wisdom is foolish... No, I just don't know anymore...*	Bahahaha! It's too late to even notice it now! Rivals will be brought together by chance if it's being in the same boat!

Note: A truly intelligent person look stupid on the surface. People with great wisdom are not understood because they are beyond ordinary people, and their speech and behavior are regarded as dull.

... Weird. I just got that familiar feeling of being watched. ... It must be my imagination.

Anyways, it's quite the story I got put into this mess that I had to turn to you for assistance!

Despite throwing abusive words, Licho is feeling strangely proud.

... *Pant* There he is...! Student Council Licho-san...!!

Suddenly, several student figures surrounded you and Licho.

Yooo, Licho-san!! Umamichi Academy, finally approved, tokusatsu cluuuub!!

3 options (Same Response)
Y-You guys were the ones talking to Licho...!?	This is a bigger group than I anticipated...!	Today's a holiday!?

Woooow! You're one of the lead actors of the play that time...!! Awww yeah~ It feels awesome to actually meet you in person!!

W-We were watching the Halloween play and that climax was... SOOOOOO deeply moving~...!!

Licho-san... We want to give others a strong impression too! Just like the play you put together...!!

Okay okay, I get it! I understand your enthusiasm! Yeesh, don't surround me all over!!

The students of Umamichi, all at the same time, began to beg you for handshakes and autographs.

3 options
Such amazing determination...!	That play was a stopgap... *Mumble*...	Their club activities got approved...?
Yeah, we're totally serious!! I-It's a great pleasure to meet you...!! I-I know you guys are this determined, but...!! A-AAAAAAAH! W-What should I do now!?	W-What's that supposed to meeeaaaann!? What about the bird?! UFO!? KRIS ENMA!? ... Oi, [Player]...! That stopgap was supposed to be a secret...! The results were a success, despite it being smoke and mirrors...! I don't want to trouble the other coworkers later!	I told you it's not a matter I can settle on my own! Yeesh... Were you even paying attention to a word I said, [Player]? Damn. I spout nonsensical remarks and you deceive me with such a nice smile! It feels nice to be spoken highly of... Huh? Retribution for bad deeds is expressed accurately?

Please, pleeeeease...!! There's no one else to turn to other than Licho-san.

Licho-san, the best poet, the best theatre dramatist, and Umamichi Academy's exemplary honor student...!!

The students surrounding you and Licho all lowered their heads at the same time with perfectly coordinated timing.

Even when you guys are suddenly saying stuff like that...

(T-These guys I swear... They just talked a lot of crap without any heart in it...)

(W-Well, they're definitely right about me being the best poet, best theatre dramatist, and Umamichi Academy's exemplary honor student.)

(Heh... These talentless chaps can't help but depend on me...)

3 options (Same Response)
... Um, Licho-san?	Hello? Hellooooo?	He's completely pleased with himself... Wow.

It seems your voice isn't getting through to him, and Licho's face has gone sloppy.

Please bless us with your prestige, Licho-san! Your talents is what improved Umamichi's image!!

Whispers* I would like the tokusatsu club to be recognized by Licho-san's wisdom and authority. And I would like a little assistance with the motion camera work with the club budget-

Mumbles* And we also would like you to write a wonderful script for us, Licho-san, with your brilliant talent.

Whispers* And the talented Licho-san will stand on top of our tokusatsu club as the director-

(AUTHORITY, TALENT, TOP!?)

(W-W-W-Why?! Everyone didn't even observe my tenacity up until now!!)

(E-Even so... Huhu. Without even knowing it, everyone is finally acknowledging me...)

(Yeah... If I give in to their request, I can use that as a stepping stone to gain even more fame!!)

Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Licho-san! Heave-ho!!

The students lifted up Licho and praised and flattered him...

3 options (Same Response)
Welp... It pains me to say, but...	Yep. He's lost his own way.	Licho! Snap out of it, dude! !

... Hah, [Player]...!? I-I-I was looking icky, wasn't I!?

By your words and facial expression, Licho raised his head and shook it several times.

(S-Shit... Don't stare at me with a face like that, [Player]...)

(Looking like rootless person is such a hopelessly bad habit! I seem to have no authority or "bond" that absolutely can't be relied on!!)

(... But when this guy looks at me, it feels like my weak point was forcibly pricked...)

..................

...... L-Listen up, you guys! Don't rely on other people!

I may have talent for poetry, but I ain't got authority! Sheesh, I should've mentioned that from the start!!

Licho yells and shakes off the students' arms. The atmosphere in the vicinity was pungently shaken by his voice.

First of all, the school festival executive committee was forced into it because there was no one else to do it.

That's right. Real authority was being forced onto me.

But, I absolutely did not want to "fail"! Even if it's a task forced onto me, no matter what!!

I'm not thinking about taking it easy traveling the road I desperately opened up!

Uuu... Licho-san... P-Please don't tell us off like that...

The students backed off by Licho's yelling. In that situation, Licho loosened his tone and began speaking again.

Err...... M-My bad. I didn't mean to freak you guys out that bad...

... *Ahem* Calm down... No, I'm the one that needs to calm down, not you guys.

...... That's why I understand your desperation. No matter which hand I use, I will achieve my goal.

But... While I'm doing that, sometimes I unknowingly drive myself to a wall and feel hopeless.

That's who I actually used to be... Yeah.

So... To make sure that doesn't happen, how about we search the "other path" that can't be seen at the moment?

3 options
You found an unexpected hidden path, right?	Are you repeating someone's words?	"It's hard to see what is under your nose" right?
H-Hidden path... There's a little more to that, you know!! Honestly... It seems Licho, brimming with intelligence, needs to give you strict lecture afterwards, Bud!	D-D-D-Don't poke fun at me, [Player]! Sure I thought like Sanat-senpai, but...! Err... It might be my imagination, but I sense a warm stare from somewhere...!! A-A-A-ANYWAYS! I'll grant you wisdom! As they say in Tokyo, "slow and steady wins the race"!	It's difficult... yet it's not. I'm still in the middle of studying Tokyo's proverbs... So, are you gonna study to compare favorably with my wisdom? Surely I'm fine with that.

(I-Is this even okay? Aye... Leading the next generation is full of hardships... Ack!?)

Hah... It's that same gaze I recognize before again! Where? Where from!?

L-Licho-san... We're very sorry. We...

Licho is relieved to see the students' faces calmed down. However, more problems immediately followed.

I-I-I-It's crazy how the underclassmen members doing "secret photography" is having a crazy moment with the passersby...

Everyone:( face) S-SECREEEET PHOTOGRAAAAPHY!?

[Transitioning...]

Waaaaah...!! I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!!

On a street corner with little people, students of Umamichi are frightened and huddled close to each other.

???:( face) ...... Grrrrrr...... AWOOOOOOOOO...!!

Garmr, won't, won't, ever forgive you!! Recording without permission! Garmr and others, took it, that "secret video"!!

Sneaky video, not allowed!! Movie theatre, also said, not allowed!!

Camera, break...!! Garmr, very, very, ANGRY!!

G-Garmr, why did you start running all the sudden...!? Did you get excited just from watching the movie...!?

AWOOOOO! Krampus, these people, bad!! Take sneaky video, with camera! Bad people!!

I-I wasn't doing anything bad, honest...! I'll delete the video right now...!!

Bwaaaaaah! That's dangerous, you know!! You're getting involved in awful things here!

... Huh. If I look closely, that must be Krampus right there! Is the guy he's with scolding him with an incredibly menacing look!?

3 options
... G-Garmr?!	... K-Krampus-senpai!?	Wow! That's an unexpected combination!
... Gah!? M-Master!? Master, why!? B-But, Garmr, very, very, angry now...!! That's why, I greet these people, with punishment!! T-This guy's face is still wide, [Player]! Other than that... H-He called you... Master!?	[Player]!? And Licho too...!? Why is a spirit doing secret photography!? W-W-W-What is even happening!? This entire situation is hard for me to swallow... Hey, that's my line! This entire thing is damn confusing!	M-Master!? Garmr, hang out with Krampus, but then got recorded! H-Huh, what? What's this about being recorded...? And what's [Player] and Licho doing here?! T-That's enough for me to hear! Don't drag your acquaintances, [Player]...

The students cling onto you and your colleagues, who are shaken by exchanging glances.

L-Licho-senpaaaai!! It's all a misunderstanding! We weren't doing any sneak photograaaphy!!

W-We were just practicing photography with our own cameras... I-It just happened so suddenly...

Light_Jiangshi:( face) I-I didn't think "Kris Enma" walks around town like normal...!!

... M-MEEE!?

K-Kris Enma... I-It's really him!! C-C-C-C-Can I have your autograph!!

That's not the freaking issue at hand!! You played around with the camera!?

I-I-I-I'm so sorry...!! I wasn't doing anything bad...!!

But, but... I wanted to show off Kris Enma to my other friends...!!

Grrrrrrrrr! It was sneaky video, after all!! "Take video without permission," not allowed! Berserkers said so!!

Garmr is guard dog, give order, I protect...! Bite all bad people, who secretly record...!!

H-Hey, Garmr... The kid said it wasn't ill intent. It'd be nice if the video was deleted already...

Awooooo! Krampus, Black Santa, allow it!? He is naughty kid! Punish, naughty kid!

Hey, y-you'll get me in trouble if you say that...! Sure, naughty kids should be punished, but I'll regret this...

3 options
It's true they're taking videos without you noticing...	Can't we work this out first??	Garmr, look! Pets!
Grr... Grrrrr!! Awoooooooo!! Your words aren't getting through to him. Garmr is already bearing his fangs at the students in fury.		Whine*... Master, why protect bad guy? Garmr, won't be deceieved! Garmr, is guard dog!! Garmr, punish bad people! Give Garmr, good petting, after!!

S-Save uuuuuss...!! From what he's doing...!!

Wa... Wait! Please wait! I apologize for my colleagues' wrongdoing!!

While trembling in fear, Licho's juniors stood up for their colleagues by bravely volunteering themselves.

However... It does not thwart Garmr's charge.

Ahhh! He's not gonna stop even for a moment at this rate! [Player]! Lend me a hand here!

3 options (Same Response)
Naturally! By your request, Licho!	Geez, we got no choice!	I absolutely don't want to harm Garmr, but...

You and Licho intruded into the violent situation, however...

L-Licho-san, t-this is the tokusatsu club's problem. Please don't interfere!

We've always depended on you, Licho-san... That's why we need to do this...!

... What's with you guys?! I'm calling a spade a spade with y'all!!

Depending on someone is different than leaning against them, right, [Player]? My good friend?

3 options
How convenient.	And who was it that clinged onto me?	... Well, I can't leave this be.
		D-Don't tease me, [Player]. *Ahem* *Cough Cough*

You guys have done what you could up until now! I knew you couldn't resist, but...

You can do as much as you can on your paths, but... If all else fails, then assist me and roar loudly!!

A-Alrighty... Let's do this!

Licho roars and runs alongside you, dragging his shaky legs to gloss over his trembling body.

(... Ah, I get it. Senat-senpai must've felt this way during that time.)

(The time will come when I, who has been chasing after you, will say something important to someone...)

(No... I'm just about a heartless guy. And yet, Senpai has watched over a lost cause like me for a long time...)

(... And now, it's my turn!)

Awoooooooo! Even Master, shouldn't bear bad guys! Krampus, also punish! Black Santa!!

Yeooow, that's my bad spot, Garmr! [Player], Licho, I'm sorry...!!

[Battle Start]

---

Naughty kid, PUNIIIIIIIISH!! Awoooooooooo!!

Garmr aims his sharp fangs at the student, until...

Gyaaaaaah!! M-Master...!?

Your sword "Sacred Artifact" halts Garmr's fangs.

3 options (Same Response)
Licho, NOW! !	Licho, please!	Garmr, stay still!

Recite the curse, resound, mysterious power of words! Hear the curse of the cursed dialect!

"Passing Enthusiastic Endorsement"... All I can do is roar! "Soon the punishment will conclude"! Gyaaaaaaaaaa!!

Licho's scroll "Sacred Artifact" emits a light and broadens, instantly spreading before Garmr's eyes.

...... Garmr, taken care of, sneaky video-taping spirit! Maaaaaster~! Praise, praise Garmrrrrr~!

Whew... Solved by a hair's breadth. Garmr is so relentless when his watchdog mode goes off...

... Nah, don't worry about it. I did what I had to do, I guess.

Heh... Yeah, I got ya. Those words resonated with me nicely as well...

First things first, you mind explaining in detail on what's going on? How and why did this happen...?

[A moment later...]

...... Ah, gotcha. You guys were watching that play...

Yes... Everyone's a fan of you, "Kris Enma." So, I was going to show everyone you unexpectedly passing by...

Garmr here found out about that and went guard dog mode on you.

Secret video, recording without permission, very bad!! If do something I don't want, Garmr get angry!!

Yeah... That makes sense. We'll make sure to delete the video...

W-Well... Looks like we already got to know each other. You can come and chat with me any time...

... Even though it was just one recording... I-It's still embarrassing...

2 options (Same Response)
Still an unusual combination by the way.	Were you two going somewhere?

Ah right. Garmr here seems to be interested in tokusatsu works. So we just went on over to the usual movie theatre together.

It was just a revival support screening of "Masked Fighter Kebab - Real Summer Movie Version."

Since it's a support screening, I figured it wouldn't be a problem if Garmr gets excited, so we went back together to watch it.

Awooooo! Doner Kebab, turn around, slash!! Whirlwind Slash, cooooool!!

Kebab! I-I bought the complete set! The enemy leader's child's acting was super adorable...!!

Hoh, you got good taste! Kebab is the debut actor for leader Dundorma-

3 options
I'm glad they were able to make up.	We succeeded, somehow.	Huh... Missionary work...
... Yeah. I'm really glad... Licho sighs in relief. Then he straigthens his posture as he becomes aware of you staring.		You know what they say, "birds of a feather flock together." Well, I suppose it's fine to go straight to the things you like. Licho has a relieved look on his face as he holds his head. Then he straigthens his posture as he becomes aware of you staring.

Alright then. To straighten up our problems...

Licho mumbles and turns back to the students...

Listen carefully, you guys. If you want the "tokusatsu club" to be recognized, then there's something to discuss first.

In the case of club activities, it's necessary to go through the proper channels with a teacher advisor.

It doesn't matter if the committee only tells you that. That was a mistake when you begged from the start.

... Yeah, but... we couldn't butter up any of the teachers...

Then... I can't conveniently listen to a group that skips out on everyday classes.

Besides, even if you go and film somewhere, you need to get proper permission and be wary of not projecting ordinary people.

It's not just you guys! All the students at Umamichi don't have enough of that sort of consideration!

That's why it's an inconvenience to other people, just like right now!

It all starts with studying. Do that, and you'll be deemed a "tokusatsu club"!

The students felt despondent to Licho's remarks. Seeing that, Licho apologetically opens his mouth...

... Well, you can leave it to me, such a procedure is my expertise! After all, I was in the town hall back in my homeland!

That being said, there's something everyone can't do. I'll help, but you must persevere in doing it yourself, alright?

In the mean time, I'm sure you can pass off your enthusiasm to the teachers... Yeah, I believe you can.

I-In any case, whether it's putting together a script or building the stage setting, study study study!!

You're absolutely able to pull it off if you desperately cling onto me! Study hard, so you can say "I won't fail anymore!"

Then the teacher advisor will definitely understand! You can do it, "tokusatsu fan club"!

2 options (Same Response)
Tokusatsu... fan club?	That's not a club activity?

.......... To... "Tokusatsu fan club"...?

"Fan club"... is a predecessor to club activities. It's a private organization without a teacher advisor.

Yup. You don't need the school's permission to start one. As a "fan club," you can express your love for tokusatsu to everyone.

If those achievements are acknowledged, the teacher advisor will apoint it as an "association of like-minded people." Only after earning more achievements will the budget for "club activities" be increased!

It's a long road ahead, but... with your passion, you can accomplish that! "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," yes?

I have earnest faith in you all from the start... even if nobody acknowledges you!

Y... Yes, we'll do our best...! We'll attend the lectures for sure... We want them to know that we're being serious!!

Students of the "tokusatsu fan club" respond with a serious expression at Licho.

Looking at Licho's expression from the side, somehow, he has the look of achieving something great.

[Transitioning...]

Krampus and Garmr finish their friendly chat with everyone at the tokusatsu fanclub. You and Licho are on your way home.

Both of you walk to the railway station in Nakimase-dori, where the brightly lit kaminarimon shines in the night sky.

...... Eventually, seeing that there was few pedestrian traffic, Licho takes the opportunity and gently speaks.

... H-Hey, [Player]. I uh... am truly thankful for today...

I... just want to say you're a really great friend. You being there... was really reassuring, Bud.

3 options
No problem.	Why the sudden change?	You'll let get me something nice to eat right?
		Y-You remembered well... O-O-Of course, I'm a man who keeps his promises!!

To tell you the truth... When they were throwing me into the air... I never felt so alive.

Aye... I honestly thought my depression in my homeland got cleared up, my efforts paid off and my prayers were being answered.

Licho stops to gaze up at the moon in the night sky.

... But that's not the case. I thought I was the same as I used to be. I... I tried treading the path someone else already took...

... I know how that feels. If that keeps happening, you'll soon be unable to be proud of yourself.

I won't able to recognize my own talents myself. That's how... the "tiger" inside my came out.

If it's a true failure, then that's how it is... That's how I feel now.

3 options
I think that's fine.	It was a good experience for each of us.	Well said, my friend!
... Yeah. When you say that... I think to myself, "I might be okay with that." B-B-B-B-Besides, I had the right idea from the start, right? It's just...I wanted you to...give me a little push...sorta thing?		C-Cut it out with the teasing, geez...! I was about to show you something real good... Well, I had the right idea right from the start, yes? I just...I wanted you to... give me a little push is all...

While saying abusive words, Licho gets embarrassed and turns back to you.

... But, I'm really grateful, [Player]. A short while ago... I was already forgetting my own path again.

I was worried about someone's viewpoint, and one day I would abandon everything and hide.

... But if I stand right by your side... I think now... I want to stay persistent as much as I can.

... N-N-N-Nothing! You heard nothing! Forget everything I said just now!!

ANYWAYS... I really trust you. Y-Y-Y-You can depend on me too!

I'm no longer just a loud tiger... I appreciate everything you've done for me, [Player]!

3 options
I should be the one to say that, dude!	Can we get some good food already?	(Quietly cross shoulders with Licho)
O-Oh, heheh... It's a little embarrassing to improve on something...! Alright. Time to get some delicious food! Don't beg for too much or my wallet will cry!	Bah! You care about food more than friendship! Get a grip, seriously!! Alright alright, let's go get some tasty grub! Don't beg for too much or my wallet will cry!	D-D-Doing such bold things out here in public...! Honestly... ... Heheheh. I'll be asking for more... best friend.

The two students side by side disappear into the town of Asakusa. The moonlight above them peacefully illuminates their path...

Character Quest: Licho... END