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>>6370348
The hole trap looks too big for the students to jump over - but turns out the short dog-lady clears it easily, even though she's carrying Craig and a storage box.

"Gotta jump!"

That's all she said before she alights on the other side, apparently waiting for you. Your large goblin companion, to her credit, already assessed that the students won't be able to cross.

"Jump?! No time!!"

With astonishing haste, she picks up and sends all three Hexbourne students flying, placing them in a heap far from the hole. Just the two of you left, and the ball is almost upon you. Seems appropriate to ask.

"What about us?"

As soon as the words leave your mouth that the half-orc goblin sweeps you in her arms and leaps herself. The ball trap enters the hole trap... and gets stuck. As expected, your arrival was quite comfortable, on the account of her... padding.

"Uh... like this?"

Her solution you understand, but not why she is suddenly blushing.

"Ah, it works."

After an awkward moment in her arms, she lets you stand on the ground. Good, because it is time to check on Craig. Hmm. Seems fine, aside from the mana fatigue. Looks like this is a teaching moment. You lean towards him.

"So, what did you learn today?"

-----

You are Craig Snorlison, groggily sensing that you might be in trouble. How did Nemo get here?? You best choose your answer carefully...

> CHOOSE ONE
>□ "Abandoned towers don't have books"
>□ "I should've asked you instead of sneaking out"
>□ "Turns out mom was in Hexbourne"
>□ "The Dead Numbers used to lair here"
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6370351
>□ "Turns out mom was in Hexbourne"
You did learn that

>>6370353
+1
If we stop at Hexbourne on the way to the east anchor, we can totally score some old books of hers or maybe use her name and info to get new reading material from the faculty

>>6370351
>□ "Turns out mom was in Hexbourne"
We should also ask the students we saved to borrow a book so we have soemthing to read with Scholar.

Welcome back, QM!

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>>6370351
Try as you might, your dozey brain and the recent exceitement results in you not quite able to summari- oh wait!

"Um, I found out that my mom was in Hexbourne! Er, used to be a student there."

"Your mother?"

The way Nemo leaned forward, he seems interested.

"Yeah! Her name's Sanya Snorlison, and Gill here is her best friend!"

Nemo stood up straight, as if thinking.

"Is that why you snuck out of my supervision?"

Oof, straight to the point.

"Er... no, I was looking for a book - or something to read. Haven't found any, though."

As if on cue, one of the Hexbourne students, the goblin specifically, took out an item from his inventory.

"Oh! Then, wanna read my thesis on magical traps?"

"Really?!"

Another student, this time the human girl, hands you a recipe book instantly.

"No, no! That might be too hard for a kid to understand. Here, try 'Easy Magic Recipes' instead! It's quite beginner-friendly."

Then the last student, the Tmavy Les, also shows you a book she's clutching.

"Maybe you'd like this gothic novel instead, boy."

"Wha- that is definitely not kid friendly!"

"Says the bore with the cookbook..."

As they bicker among each other, you figured this might be your only chance to get reading material... that is, until you can get to Hexbourne. They probably has a magic tome library, right? Anyways, you gotta pick one to read.

> CHOOSE ONE

>□ Choose the thesis, you're interested in magic traps afterall
>□ Choose the cookbook, you're interested in the mixing of ingredients
>□ Choose the gothic novel, you're up for some advanced literature
>□ Choose none, you'll find a book by your own later

>>6372933
>>□ Choose the thesis, you're interested in magic traps afterall
Something hard and useful like this is perfect for our boy

>>6372933
>□ Choose the thesis, you're interested in magic traps afterall
Ideally we'd keep the other ones for tomorrow and the day after that, but I suppose that's too greedy.

>>6372966
isn't the deal like "one chapter per day"?
although getting all of the above will grant us some wiggle room, indeed

>>6372933
>□ Choose the thesis, you're interested in magic traps afterall
Craig's been feeling bad about not being useful on the team compared to everybody else, being a load to be carried instead of a competent ally that can help auntie Rosa and company. This book right here is just what he needs to start feeling better about himself in critical combat situations, like what could have happened up at the top of the abandoned tower just a bit ago. I would also have voted for the gothic novel otherwise. With the way that witch girl is blushing, I bet it's some serious early-mid 2000s fanfiction.net slop that is sure to mentally corrupt Craig just like we were...
Right? RIGHT?!

>>6372933
>□ Choose the thesis, you're interested in magic traps afterall
Very goblinish.

>>6372996
Boyfriend-material anon spotted?

>>6372996
It's ironic Craig feels less than useful because we lean on his powers all the time.

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>>6372933
Tentatively, you took the thesis in your hands - it is less than a book and more like a bundle of papers stuck together with thick office clips, scribbled all over. But something within your goblin psyche pulls you towards choosing it.

"Hmmm... traps, huh? Might be useful..."

The mage-goblin laughs fondly at your mumbling.

"Heh, you're a goblin kid after all! Lots of other goblins had such fixations when they were a kid themselves. Anyways, you can borrow it until you've read through it, I guess. If you like it, there's more papers and thesis in the Hexbourne archives!"

Nemo perks up at the mention of 'archives'.

"Does this archive you mentioned have the location of the Eastern reality anchor?"

Nemo asked the Tmavy Les girl, who is already putting her novel into her inventory.

"Eh, maybe? It's pretty big, it might just have that."

Nemo nods, then looks at you.

"Change of plans, Craig. We're off to Hexbourne."

Wait! So suddenly?

"But what about Rosa and Valencio?"

Nemo apparently already thought of that, as he shifted his attention to Liv.

"Miss bounty hunter, can you deliver a message for me? I can pay you."

-----

"...and that's why we need to head there, as soon as possible."

You are back as Rosa Montagni, who had just woken up from a hangover a while ago. This news is kinda hard to process, and the supposed urgency looms over you - this was three whole hours ago! Nevertheless, it is up to you to figure out your next step.

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ How are we gonna get to Hexbourne? And with whs
>□ Wait, is the bounty hunter messenger still here? Her description sound familiar.
>□ Hold up, what happened in the casino while I was drunk? Feels like a memory's surfacing...
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6374834
>□ How are we gonna get to Hexbourne? And with whs

>>6374834
>□ Wait, is the bounty hunter messenger still here? Her description sound familiar.
This Liv chick was one of our original party memebr options, right?

>□ Wait, is the bounty hunter messenger still here? Her description sound familiar.

>>6374834
Bleh, seems like I was half asleep, the first option is supposed to say '...and with what money?' since Nemo's away. Sorry for that.

>>6373133
Who, me? I seriously doubt that

>>6373139
That's just how being a kid is, I suppose. At least with this decision Craig has taken one step further towards power on his own

>>6374849
+1

File: Jail Quest 2_20260226005246.png (137.6 KB)

>>6374834
Concerned thoughts float around in your mind, such as 'how do we even get to Hexbourne' and 'how do we even pay for it, since Nemo's not here', but that description of the bounty hunter keep nudging your brain, like an itch. A short, stocky dog girl bounty hunter? Can it be?

"Hey, Valencio - did you get a good look at the messenger?"

He simply gestured to his side.

"Why, she's still here."

On cue, a diminutive yet energetic figure shot up from below your bed, almost catching you by surprise.

"Yo, Rosa!"

"Gongalla's pits, Liv! What are you doing over here?! I thought you usually hang around South??"

"Gongalla's pits back at you, Rosa! Look at you, hungover like a dog!"

Olivia 'Liv' Teegan's friendship with you went a long ways back, when you had a modest bounty on you and she managed to track you down to your hideout. Then her client tried to bump both of you off in order to annul the bounty, and you end up saving her ass in the process. This was some time ago, after Sierra... tried to scam the gods. You've been best buddies ever since.

"What happened? I thought you quit boozin' around for some time."

"Well..."

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ "It's for my current job, you see..."
>□ "Eh, it wasn't exactly a promise. Kinda like that time when..."
>□ "I got reminded of Sierra again..."
>□ Other (fill in)

>ALSO CHOOSE ONE

>□ Focus on finding a ride to Hexbourne first
>□ Focus on getting some money first
>□ Ask Liv about getting to Hexbourne
>□ Ask Liv if Craig is alright
>□ Ask Liv if Nemo is alright

>>6376212
>>□ "It's for my current job, you see..."
And
>□ Focus on finding a ride to Hexbourne first

>>6376212
>>□ "It's for my current job, you see..."
>□ Focus on finding a ride to Hexbourne first
>

>>6376214
+1

>>6376212
>□ "It's for my current job, you see..."
Denial ain't just a river on some unknown other plane of existence.
>□ Focus on getting some money first
The cops are gone, let's con.

Craig will be fine if he's with Nemo.and his spirit guides. Finding a ride is necessary, but we'll need to pay our way. It's cash, ass, or grass, and our grassy-green ass is too classy for that!

>>6376212
>□ "It's for my current job, you see..."

>□ Ask Liv if Craig is alright

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>>6376212
"It was for my current job, you see - I was trying to get some info from the casino..."

Technically true, but that doesn't stop Liv from putting on her skeptic face.

"Well, did you get - or even remember - said info?"

"Ehh... I'll remember them later. Anyways, on to more pressing matter - how did you get here?"

Hopefully Liv knows how to get to Hexbourne, preferably without needing any money at all. Or at least can be paid after we arrive there.

"By walking, of course! Keeps me fit!"

Of course... this is Liv, after all. She can be a bit oblivious in an annoying way. Good thing her cheeks are very pinchable.

"I was gonna ask if you know how to get to Hexbourne, you chubby fool."

"Oh yeeah, forgot that Freeport currently can't move at all... I know some guys, though."

Satisfied with her answer, you release her cheek as she continues listing off some names.

"There's Cap'n Waveheart, she used to be a pirate until I caught her. Heard she cleaned up her act once she's served her sentence, she's running a ferry operation that's based in the Viridian dock. She owes me a favor.

Then there's also Lugal-Lagash, a metal man who runs some kind of transport network in the East ceilings. Heard he takes payment in cash or info, also he's been helping out in the digsite. Maybe interested in those Archo- whatevers, that bone church splinter.

And last but not least, there's always Marthim. Demon guy, works as a Jabberwock Group rep. He also runs a teleportation service. Rumor has it he takes intangible payments if you don't have money.

These three are the most reliable ones I recall that's in Viridis, which one will you choose?"

Hmm, which one indeed. Then again, did you actually get any info from Don Bosco at the casino?

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ Pick Waveheart
>□ Pick Lugal-Lagash
>□ Pick Marthim

>ALSO CHOOSE ONE

>□ You got info about a cell of Singularity cultists in the East
>□ You got info about the approximate location of the Reality Anchor
>□ You got info about what Sierra might have meant by 'scamming the gods'
>□ Actually, the both of you were just commiserating and drowned yourselves in nostalgia
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6378332
>□ Pick Marthim
That one sounds like the most interesting
>□ You got info about what Sierra might have meant by 'scamming the gods'
Also wanna know what the hell this means

>>6378332
>□ Pick Lugal-Lagash
We have info he may want, and he may have info useful to us. Plus the ceiling is a cool setting element.

>□ You got info about what Sierra might have meant by 'scamming the gods'

>>6378390
+1
Perhaps with his interest in the dig site and the bone church, Valencio can win him over easily

Don't none of y'all wanna see the "intangible payments"?

>>6380321
I'm already paying those irl, I don't want them in my favored media too. Fuck that

>>6380352
Where the hell are you giving non-tangible payments?

>>6380352
>>6380354
Data, perhaps? One's mind and soul?

Apologies for the lateness, it was a busy and tiring weekend. Update pic's almost finished, so actual update hopefully soon.

>>6380752
See you soon, QM!

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>>6378332
You doubt a former pirate would appreciate working for just a favor - even less so when it's Liv's. I mean, she tosses out favors like they're candy. On the other hand, a demon dealing with 'intangible payments'? That's sketchier than your schemes. You don't want to end up paying more than you realize. Information, however? You have tons!

"Hmm... Lugal seems to be the most 'affordable' option of the three."

"Then to the digsite we'll go! C'mon, let's get going!"

Good ol' happy-go-lucky Liv, full of cheer and energy. Just being near her makes you feel energized. Which is why you lied to her about remembering anything from your alcohol-fueled talk with Don Bosco - where you learned some dark tidings about Sierra.

"You can hold your liquor, Rosa - hopefully you can do the same with secrets. Sierra and I, we also did bar crawls back in the day... it was on one of those that she told me about you. About her preparing contingencies, and how you are her latest one. Shows promise, she said... then she told me her plan she's been working on 'these past few years'. The details were mostly lost in alcohol's haze, though - the only thing I remember was her saying she needs or has something related to Durga."

As you walk across Viridis towards the digsite, Don Bosco's words echo in your mind. Contingency? For what? Is this 'scam the gods' thing some kind of mystic ritual? What exactly are you supposed to do? Questions without clear answers.

"Here we are, the digsite!"

Your contemplative stupor breaks as your destination sprawls before you. Pits like history's quarry-holes cluster together between tilted prefab towers. Gigantic bones slowly being excavated while smaller ones get their positions recorded, then excavated carefully and stored in crates. Goblin workers exchange working shifts while some members of the public are listening to a clown tour guide explaining the hows and whys. Diligent excavators on their elbows and knees, scraping off floor-soil layers carefully. Huh, the site's sponsored by the Archaeotheologists?

"So, where's Lugal? You see him yet?"

A machine man should be very conspicuous since they're a rarity on the East, yet Liv shrugs. Well, what do you do now?

> CHOOSE ONE
>□ Walk around and see if you can spot him
>□ Ask the tour guide, she might know something
>□ Ask the goblin workers, they might know things
>□ Talk to the excavators, they're here most of the time
>□ Check the crates if there's something you can pilf- err, recognize
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6380945
>□ Check the crates if there's something you can pilf- err, recognize
We should steal.

>>6380945
>□ Ask the goblin workers, they might know things
I'll put my kleptomania on hold to ask our people about our main mark here. If we get caught stealing, he won't want to help us.

>>6380956
+1

I'm glad to see this quest is still doing well.

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>>6380945
If there's one thing you know, is that goblins are practically ubiquitous in Gongalla. And they probably see a lot. So you saunter over to the goblin workers.

"'Scuse me, fellas - you guys know where I can find Lugal-Lagash?"

"Lug- who?"

"Machine man, knows about the ceiling?"

The goblins' faces light up with recognition.

"Ahh, that guy! Yeah, he's usually with the field rector."

The other goblin points toward the central pit, where two large bones are in the middle of being excavated.

"He's down in the second layer right now."

"Thanks, fellas, have a good day."

With that, you, Valencio, and Liv head on down the pit - which seems to have two steps to it. Right where the goblins mentioned, a huge Machine Man stood, staring at the bones as if appraising them.

"Lugal-Lagash?"

"Yes. What is your business?"

His electronic voice sounds deeply stoic, yet gentle. Which is interesting, coming from someone almost twice your height.

"We seek ceiling passage to Hexbourne..."

Still facing the bones, he glances at you and your companions.

"Very well. You understand that we only accept physical scrip, or info?"

"Yeah. We choose info."

He nods like a statue would.

"Acknowledged. Your fare would be historical info on the anchor entities."

Anchor entities? Does he mean the deities? Or does companions count, like Yukio? Or perhaps the anchors themselves?

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ Tell him about the South Anchor's deity, Sierra. Add Grandpa Gobson's stories about her too.

>□ Tell him about the North Anchor's deity, Skadi. You were there, after all. Also about Yukio.

>□ Tell him hearsay about the East Anchor's deity, Homusubi. You've heard rumors of him from your previous travels, and also from when you drank with Don Bosco.

>□ Tell him hearsay about the West Anchor's deity, Durga. You've only heard rumors of her from your previous travels.

>□ Tell him of more than one anchor's deities (which ones?)

>>6382882
>□ Tell him about the South Anchor's deity, Sierra. Add Grandpa Gobson's stories about her too.

>>6382882
>□ Tell him about the South Anchor's deity, Sierra. Add Grandpa Gobson's stories about her too.
Let the hungry lesbians live their humble woodsy life.

>>6382882
>□ Tell him about the North Anchor's deity, Skadi. You were there, after all. Also about Yukio.

We were there, we're actually a useful historical source.

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>>6382882
You consider giving him info on both deities you've met so far, but it seems like Skadi and Yukio would prefer it if there's less people snooping about their anchor - so you'd have to settle with Sierra.

"You're in luck! I've visited the South anchor before as part of my work, and grandpa Gobson - my grandfather - also personally knows the deity there."

Immediately, Lugal sits down so his eyes are level with yours, somewhat.

"Acknowledged. Ready to receive transmission."

And so you gave him your account of Sierra, that mannequin-turned-goddess of the South anchor. You've also thrown in some of grandpa Gobson's stories, especially the part where Sierra used to be just another mortal like him. If Lugal is bored or interested by your tale, he doesn't show it - such is the face of Machine Men.

As you wrap up one of grandpa Gobson's stories, Lugal nods and shifts his posture.

"Transmission received. This info is more than sufficient to cover your fare."

Huh? Then, did you just overpai-
Your semi-vocalized thought gets interrupted by Lugal-Lagash rising and simultaneously proffering a squarish token device.

"We have a coupon protocol for this situation."

He points to the circular indent to the side of the 'coupon'. A button?

"It is valid for one transport or rescue service from us, separate from our current arrangement. No expiry period."

You gently hold it in your hand, the cold metal token inscribed with one of the many Metal Men runes. As you're inspecting it, you hear a wind-whine that increases, coming from above.

"Optimal. The grav-gondola arrives."

And arrive it did, a blocky flying vehicle whose circular bits shimmer and distort the air around it. Lugal immediately stepped on it just as it makes contact with the digsite's layer. Soon, you, Liv, and Valencio boarded the spacious vessel, and watched as you soar towards the ceiling. Curiously, Lugal seems to be driving the thing without moving, with only a cable sticking into his upper spine. He seemed to have noticed you staring.

"Do you have queries for me? I have installed a small talk protocol, most of my clients react positively when I activate it."

Woah, alright then...

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ Just keep silent. He'll think you've disap- err, not much for small talk
>□ Ask him about why he's looking for deity infoes
>□ Ask him about the grav-gondola
>□ Ask him about his ceiling network, aren't the ceiling supposed to be dangerous?
>□ Ask him about why he's at the digsite
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6385023
>□ Ask him about why he's looking for deity infoes

>Dark Quest reference
Kek, I see you there IG.

>>6385023
>□ Ask him about his ceiling network, aren't the ceiling supposed to be dangerous?
Immediate applicability is most important here.

>>6385023
>>□ Ask him about why he's looking for deity infoes

>>6385023
>□ Ask him about why he's looking for deity infoes

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>>6385023
"So, why do you seek info about the deities?"

Small talk nonetheless, you are kinda curious about Lugal's choice of fare.

"We Mekanarod are made for war. But we could be more than that."

You vaguely remember the fact that the Eternal Empire once invaded the Central Node, the origin reality of the Machine Men - and that's how the Eternal Empire ended up with robots. Wonder if it's that war Lugal is talking about. Meanwhile, the grav-gondola rose higher, making the towers of Veridis look like toys.

"But then the West entity declared her wargames. Win and have a wish granted. Many Metal Men competed. But I am skeptical. I must know the nature of these entities. To free us all."

Ah, you kinda remember that. You were just a little kid when most of the West gets turned into a battle royale arena. So it was because of the whims of the West deity, huh? The grav-gondola stops just under a ceiling panel, so close that you can almost reach it - but then, a rumble heralds the panel being lifted off, showing the darkness of the ceiling beyond.

"Ah - so something like running a background check on the deities?"

"Precisely."

"Small snag in that plan... from what I've seen and heard, the deities are very different from one another."

Lugal lands the grav-gondola next to a facility - it was then that you realize it is Lugal's own transportation hub. Other Machine Men quickly file out and unloads the gondola as Lugal disconnects from it. He shows you that not far from the facility, there is a cylindrical vehicle on metal tracks. He leads you here.

"Mmm. Then more data is required."

"I'd say."

He opens the door to one of the tubular train-like vehicles, and gestures for your party to get in.

"Then do you have an input? We will reimburse you."

Er, way to blab there, Rosa. Then again, who can say no to more rewards?

>EVERYBODY ROLL 1D20

>AND CHOOSE ONE

>□ "Why not ask the returnee soldiers about the West deity?"
>□ "Why not see her with your own eyes?"
>□ "Why don't you let me gather the info for you?"
>□ "How can you be sure that the wish is real?"
>□ Other (fill in)

>ALSO CHOOSE THE REWARD

>□ Another 'coupon' for rescue or transport
>□ Info for info, the location of the East anchor
>□ Scrip, wonderful scrip!
>□ A drone bodyguard that fits into your inventory

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>6387890
>□ "Why don't you let me gather the info for you?"
We're going there anyway. Why not get a side hustle in?

>□ Another 'coupon' for rescue or transport
You neve rknow when you'l need an emeegency aerial exfiltration. Like the end of Lord of the Rings!

>>6387890
>>6387893
+1

>>6387890
>□ "Why not see her with your own eyes?"

□ A drone bodyguard that fits into your inventory

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>6387890
>□ "How can you be sure that the wish is real?"
>□ A drone bodyguard that fits into your inventory

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Let us consult the winds of fate...
>1: Extra coupon
>2: Drone buddyguard

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>>6387890
An idea blazes through your mind. Why not bean two birds with one stone?

"Hey, why not let me gather that info for you? I'll be heading to the West after all, soon as I'm done with my business in the East."

Lugal nods solemnly.

"Appreciated. We will pay you with another coupon."

Satisfied, you and your compatriots sit down on the seats inside the tube train thing as the big Machine Man clicks the door closed. Huh, seems like it's made from a transparent, metallic material. What is this you're riding?

"So... what are we riding, and how does it work?"

"A tube pod. And retrothrusters."

"What's a ret-"

Your question is interrupted by Lugal-Lagash slamming a button on the tube, which causes something to roar to life behind you. It was a blur, literally - one moment you were looking back at Lugal, the next moment the pod ejected itself from a retractable ceiling tile. Careening far above the the shallow sea of the East in a freefall trajectory, you weren't sure if you'd survive the impending crash.

Then another set of roars begins, this time to the front of the tube. Suddenly the tube was much more agreeable in its hurtling speed, and the three of you made a crash landing on Hexbourne's entrance.

"So THAT's a retrothruster."

You crack your back into place from the bad posture you were in, as Valencio seems to have a mild seasickness going on. Liv, however? Hale, hearty, and raring to go.

"Hey, we're here!"

There it is, the iconic symbol tower of Hexbourne, and all the facilities surrounding it. And you just realized that Nemo didn't give you a rendezvous point. Where should you look, then?

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ Go and find someone to talk to
>□ Head towards the entrance
>□ Ask Liv if Nemo said anything else to her
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6391082
>□ Head towards the entrance
lass go

>>6391082
>□ Head towards the entrance
The front door awaits

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>>6394150
Shaking off the last of your travel-induced aches, you figured that the front door is as good as any place to start looking. As you make your way there, it seems eerie that there's nobody taking a peep from the windows at your spectacular entrance - much less going out to inspect. Oh well. Start knocking, and see who answers.

"Yes, yes... who is it? Ah, guests!"

To your surprise, a familiar face opens the door. Isn't that Jacquard, the perverted fake priest that was after Craig and Millie at the orphanage?! Didn't he get captured by the Ossuary's authorities? Hmm, then again, he seems to not recognize you at all.

"Hey, you look quite familiar... have you ever been South?"

Might as well ask. He's gained one hell of an acting skill, though, as he parries your accusatory jab - metaphorically and physically.

"Why, I've never! I am always quite busy here, in Hexbourne - never have I went anywhere other than the East."

He then leans towards you, suspicion in his eyes.

"I doubt you're here just to meet me, the vice-headmaster of Hexbourne - especially considering your method of travel. What is your business here?"

Well now, this is awkward - he is definitely not Jacquard, despite the uncannily similar face. And you've just crashed on his lawn, more or less. Will he believe what you're about to say?

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ Tell him you're just a tourist, looking around
>□ Tell him you're visiting family, who is a student here
>□ Tell him that Hexbourne looks kind of empty
>□ Tell him that you're waiting for someone here
>□ Tell him that his lookalike was captured in the South
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6394151
>□ Tell him you're visiting family, who is a student here
Probably our best bet.

>>6394151
>□ Tell him you're visiting family, who is a student here

>>6394151
>□ Tell him you're visiting family, who is a student here

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>>6394151
The most believable lies are the ones with a grain of truth in them, in your experience - so you crafted one that fits.

"Well, I thought I'd visit my cousin while I'm in the area, see how their studies are going."

You figured Craig will be accepted easily anyways, and you've heard Hexbourne has room for boarding.

"Ah, a family visit, splendid! We haven't had much of them, so this is a rare occasion. Oh, by the way, to whom am I talking to?"

Hook, line, and sinker! Although, why is he asking for your name? Ah well, couldn't hurt, right?

"It's Rosa, Rosa Montagni."
"I see, excellent! Oh, and pardon me for not introducing myself - name's Leclerc de Renard. Now, let me check with the student records for a spell. It should be quick!"

And on cue, he whips out a large, thick ledger seemingly out of nowhere - his personal inventory, perhaps? But it's his words that gets you dripping with cold sweat.

"Nifty, isn't it? This enchanted student record book can trace and check which students are related to you. Well, related to the spell's target, more precisely. Please be patient, the spell takes a while to complete."

Oh no, you might be cooked this time. But you are not without your wiles, aren't you, Rosa?

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ Distract him with questions about the spell
>□ Distract him with questions about the pillar explosions
>□ Distract him with questions about missing kids all over Gongalla
>□ Have Valencio distract him
>□ Have Liv distract him
>□ Try to explain the truth
>□ Beat a hasty retreat
>□ Accept your fate
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6396007
>□ Distract him with questions about missing kids all over Gongalla
Yea whats up with that

>>6396055
+1
Apply the pressure!

>>6396007
>□ Distract him with questions about missing kids all over Gongalla

File: Jail Quest 2_20260416181503.png (129.9 KB)

>>6396007
Quickly, your mind searches for ways to distract Leclerc. Uhh... talk to him! About what, though? What about the kidnappings?

"Hey, has Hexbourne been affected by the kidnapping spree that's been happening lately?"

Leclerc turns towards you quizzically.

"Why do you ask?"

"It's kind of tangential to my job..."

That lie was smoother than butter.

"I see... well, our students all receive self-defense training when they first enter Hexbourne, and they've thwarted some kidnapping attempts due to that."

He then nods in a way people who suddenly remembers a key point nods.

"That being said, one of our field study group is running late..."

A loud DING emanates from the student records book and interrupts the vice-headmaster, and apparently your train of thought as well. Darn it, did you get too absorbed in listening to Leclerc?

"Ah, that means we've found your relative!"

"Wait, what?"

This came out of left field, because you cannot remember anyone in your family that managed to get enrolled in Hexbourne, of all places.

"Yes, a Hannah Gwynne. I'll summon her, she would be delighted to meet you."

A flick of his wrist, and something magical must've shot from his fingers - you can feel the faint wind, but see nothing there. A mail spell, perhaps?

Soon enough, you hear the pattering of shoes against parquet floor. The gangly teen that is Hannah enters the room sheepishly, an indicator of her nervousness.

"Oh! H-hi, cousin Rosa! It's n-nice to see you again!"

Yeeeah, you can't remember anyone who looks like her, much less a cousin. Have you forgotten her under duress? Or is this a scheme, a ploy, a trap? Whatever the case be, you gotta say something, before it gets awkward.

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ "So... how's your studies?"
>□ "I can hardly believe you've changed so much!"
>□ "Wait, which side of the family you were from, again?"
>□ Other (fill in)

>ALSO CHOOSE ONE

>□ You now remember her, you've met her at another relative's wedding
>□ You now remember her, she's actually Craig's half-sister
>□ You now remember her, she went adventuring some time after you
>□ You now remember her, she mentored under Sierra for a while, like you
>□ You really don't remember her at all

>>6399073
>□ Other (fill in)
Ask her something only someone from your family would know.
>□ You really don't remember her at all

>>6399073
>>6399080
+1 to this--seems like a decent idea!

>>6399080
+1

>>6399073
>□ "I can hardly believe you've changed so much!"
>□ You now remember her, you've met her at another relative's wedding

>>6399080
+1

File: Jail Quest 2_20260423041726.png (144.8 KB)

>>6399073
On one hand, this could be a trap, someone fooled the Hexbourne admins to get close to you. But on the other hand, you admit you haven't really kept track on your extended family due to your adventurings. So you figured out you'd lay a test, of sorts.

"Hmm, Hannah, huh? Haven't seen you since aunt Maude's wedding."

You can see the confusion on her face.

"Aunt Maude? She got married?? Isn't she a spinster?"

Hmm, true, aunt Maude still is a spinster last you've heard.

"Ah! Did I say Maude? I meant aunt Magda."

"They d-do look alike..."

Yep, this confirms it, she's actually family. Just one you didn't meet much, it seems. You then turn to Leclerc, who observes your conduct - no doubt to check for suspicious activity on your behalf.

"So yeah, can I borrow her to show me around?"

Leclerc marinates your words.

"I don't see why not. Hannah, consider this as an extra credit assignment - give them a good tour!"

"Really?! Thank you!"

Now that matter's settled, you, Hannah, Valencio and Liz walk out the door to sight-see. Well, in your case, to scrape information she might not be saying if Leclerc's around.

"Alright, Hannah, walk with us - I've got some questions for you..."

>CHOOSE TWO

>□ "Can you tell me about that Leclerc guy? Any scandalous gossips about him?"
>□ "We were actually waiting for Craig, and my current boss. Know any spells to know their current location?"
>□ "Can you tell me about Hexbourne? The history of the place, perhaps?"
>□ "How are your studies? Anything weird going on in the student body?"
>□ "Wait, which branch of the family were you from, again?"
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6402387
>□ "How are your studies? Anything weird going on in the student body?"
>□ "We were actually waiting for Craig, and my current boss. Know any spells to know their current location?"
She cute...

>□ "How are your studies? Anything weird going on in the student body?"
>□ "Wait, which branch of the family were you from, again?"

>>6402411
+1

>>6402387
>>6402402
+1 to this!

Rolled 1 (1d2)

The winds of fate is turning!
>1: Waiting for Craig
>2: Which branch

File: Jail Quest 2_20260430154128.png (140.5 KB)

>>6402387
"So, how's your studies going? Any weirdoes bothering you?"

Hannah smiles and does a double thumbs up.

"W-well, we're pretty much all weirdoes here, but I'm good... n-no problems."

Hannah seems okay, but if there is a problem it might be nothing so serious that she plays it cool with you. Well, fine - she does seem trustworthy enough for you to reveal your true reason of being here.

"Good to hear, good to hear. Say, I'm thinking of bringing Craig here to maybe enroll him here in the future - we're supposed to meet him here with my boss, by the way."

Her face lights up.

"Ooo, cousin Craigy? I haven't seen him in a couple years!"

"Yea... we had to take different routes because of reasons, and I'm wondering if he's safe or not. You got any spells to check up on him?"

Hannah picks up her pace, becoming more excited.

"Sure! Let's head to the scrying chambers, I happen to be good at the oracular arts!"

Valencio suddenly spoke up in a mixture of surprise and awe.

"There's more than one chamber, for scrying?!"

Soon, the four of you arrive at a kind of indoor plaza, where walls partition off small shallow circular pools at the edges. Liv remarked something about fancy scrying pools - you'll have to take her word for it, since the only scrying method you've seen was one that uses a crystal ball.

Hannah motions us to enter one such chamber, which is currently empty - and the pool starts filling up with clear water. Does it have a mechanism to do that, or is it magic? Anyways, she throws in some kind of powder, muttered something you can hardly hear, and starts waving her hands about, as if she's trying to find her way in the dark.

"Mmmmm... oh! I'm getting a visual! L-let me tune it further..."

True to Hannah's words, the once-clear water is slowly turning colorful, shapes can almost be seen among the surface - like oil floating on water.

"What do you see?"

Hannah seems to be engrossed in trying to find the right 'tune', but the image floating in the water becomes more and more clearer... it's Craig!

>CHOOSE ONE

>□ He's with Nemo, sitting on a ferry headed to Hexbourne
>□ He's with Nemo and another person you can't see clearly, but he's asleep
>□ He's with a bunch of Hexbourne students, but you don't see Nemo anywhere
>□ He's alone, seemingly confused and wet

>>6405895
>□ He's with Nemo and another person you can't see clearly, but he's asleep
Sounds like the most interesting one.

>>6405908
+1

>>6405908
+1

File: Jail Quest 2_20260506153558.png (135.3 KB)

>>6405895
The image ripples to clarity. Craig seems to be lying in Nemo's arms. There's also somebody else there, but you don't know who it is.

"Oh hey! It's Craigy! Looks like he's asleep."

Bless Hannah's heart, her positivity is a refreshing thing.
But... you feel there's something wrong with the scene in the pool. You've never seen Nemo looking this... angry? Defiant? A twinge of fear for Craig's well-being strikes your nerves, but you quickly cover it up.

"Yea, that looks like my boss, Nemo... but who's the other one? Can you focus on them?"

"Of course! Hold on a sec..."

Hannah does her magic hand thing again, and the view shifts and rotates, until the stranger is focused right in the middle of the pool.

What you saw chilled you to your bones.

"What the - it can't be! It can't possibly be!"

It took a moment to realize it's your own voice that's been shouting, alarming your compatriots. But how can you not? The soundless vision upon the ripples clearly show a woman in an unfamiliar uniform - but you remember that smile. That red, coy, confident smile.

Sierra, your former mentor - your supposed to be deceased former mentor - is standing over a defiant Nemo and an unconscious Craig. As you begin to descend into a mental breakdown, you did not hear Hannah telling you that there are also other Hexbourne students and a half-orc with them - and how the Hexbourne kids managed to cast a teleportation rune while Sierra spoke something you could not hear. You do not hear Hannah asking you if you're okay, or noticed the growing concern on her face.

You do, however, get a brief reprieve from your breakdown, by Leclerc hurriedly opening the door to your scrying chamber.

"Sorry to interrupt, dear guests, but the principal has urgently summoned you. This is unprecedented, he is supposed to be quite the recluse!"

Leclerc then saw the worries in your companions' faces, and the emotional mess that is you.

"Er - do you need a moment?"

>ROLL 1D20 FOR MENTAL STABILIZATION

> ALSO CHOOSE ONE

>□ No, go with him
>□ Yes, try to explain why you're rendered into such a mess
>□ Yes, try to plan to rescue Craig
>□ Yes, have your teammates help you get your shit together
>□ Other (fill in)

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>6408527
Keep it together...
>□ No, go with him
We don't know SHIT right now. We just need to keep stumbling forward and hope our accomplices catch us

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>6408527
>□ No, go with him
Fuck outta here with this mindwarping shite

>>6408527
>□ Yes, have your teammates help you get your shit together

File: Jail Quest 2_20260515003335.png (124.8 KB)

>>6408527
Leclerc's entrance rattled you out of your shocked fugue state, but you still feel the heaviness in your step and the wooziness in your head. What did you expect? You just got hit by an entire emotional train with that revelation. Hannah gives you a hand up, thankfully.

"N-no, I'll... I'll be fine. Lead the way."

You stumble forward in a raw state, trying and failing to keep it cool. Which is probably why Liv scolds you - she saw right through your act.

"You're definitely not fine, Rosa. Don't be so hard on yourself!"

"It's just... an old wound, y-yeah."

This time, it's Valencio that spoke to you.

"Old wounds can still hurt - especially those lodged deeply in the heart."

For once, you don't have a retort. He does speak truth, the kind that makes you self-reflect. As Leclerc stops in front of you, you realize you've been following him all this time, leading to this elevator door. The five of you file in, and ended up occupying most of the floor space.

"Apologies about the cramped lift - it is the only way to access his office..."

Must be one hell of a recluse, this principal of theirs. Still, you figured that intel gathering might keep your mind off Sierra.

"No, it's alright. Mind if I ask a few questions, while we're here?"

"Oh, I won't mind. Ask away, miss Rosa."

>CHOOSE TWO

>□ What kind of person is the principal?
>□ Why do we have to use the elevator to reach the principal?
>□ Are the scrying pools correct all the time?
>□ Any idea why he's urgently calling for us, specifically?
>□ Does he know of Sierra, your ex-mentor?
>□ Other (fill in)

>>6412539
>□ Any idea why he's urgently calling for us, specifically?
>□ What kind of person is the principal?

>>6412545
+1

File: Jail Quest 2_20260522013047.png (119.6 KB)

>>6412539
You try to talk like you normally do, but it ends up more subdued.

"So, any idea why he called us, specifically? Just what kind of person is this principal of yours like, anyways?"

If Renard picked up anything wrong with you, either he didn't notice, or chose not to show that he did. He looks more harried now, in contrast to his suspicion towards you when you first met him.

"I'm not entirely sure, but our local mana signature detector had picked up an abnormally particular reading just before the principal called for you. Whether or not the signal is connected to the summons remain to be seen. As for your second question..."

The elevator dings, interrupting Leclerc's answer. The door opens, and you all file outside, the vice-headmaster taking the lead. Then he waves upwards.

"...well, find out yourself."

As you follow to where his hand indicates, it became clear that the wooden paneling you thought to be a wall turned out to be the front side of an enormous desk - and seated behind it is a fire. Not just any fire, but one that burns black - and shaped like a man. You aren't quite sure if the man is engulfed in the fire, or if the fire only took the form of a gargantuan human from the neck down. Behind him are arrayed myriad screens that show various places in Gongalla, not just the East.

Either way, there is no mistake: the principal of Hexbourne is definitely the deity of the East Reality Anchor, Homusubi. Or Kagutsuchi, by the equally large nameplate on that desk.

What does a god need to summon you for?

>END OF THREAD

>THANK YOU FOR PLAYING
>WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JAIL QUEST SO FAR?

>REST ASSURED, JAIL QUEST WILL RETURN

>>6416272
Thanks for running! I still like it--didn't expect the school part to get so crazy and I like it. My only gripe is that the space between updates is increasing, but that's not that big of a deal. Looking forward to the next one!

>>6416272
What >>6416373 said. Update space interval sucks ass

Been here from the start but now i only lerk. Keep trucking if you want OP ill keep happily reading. Or quit honestly, I cant expect this much quality for such a small fanbase so i wont have any hard feelings

lurking too.
I have some Catching up though

>>6416373
>>6416457
Yeah, the clockwork spring's getting a bit loose, gonna go tighten it up for the next thread. Hopefully I can get a good 'update per 2-3 days' rhythm going on.

>>6416272
Usually I just lurk, but thanks for running QM!
These threads are always fun