#mononobe kyouma

[sketcharou]

[ Housamotober ] - Day 25 - Teacher

[mail-forwarding]

(Mystic Valentine — Monologue from Ded to Tomte)

I'm sorry I gave you my Sacred Artifact without considering your feelings. That was my failure as Santa. I understand why you ran. Regardless of what anyone else may think—including you—I think you handled yourself with grace, class, and heart. You went to great lengths to say me... to save us. So all I can say, as punishment for your actions... is thank you. You've presented us with a new Santa path, different from the one we've followed all this time. I'm so proud to call you my student.

There's so much more I want to say about the relationship between Ded and Tomte, and on Tomte's growth as a person as he takes back his memories (and in doing do, his agency), but I'll save that for another part, because I really want to focus on this interaction here.

This isn't simply an expression of gratitude or apology. This is Ded taking responsibility for his actions. He thought he was doing the right thing by Tomte by sacrificing himself; he thought he was making the choice to save Tomte's future, without ever thinking of what that future would look like for Tomte. I can't help but wonder if, this entire time he'd looked after amnesiac Santa Tomte, he was aware of the possibility this might happen. When the Santa Scoundrels began popping up, I can't help but wonder if, by going down this route, he was thinking of this as a means of getting close to his friend, and if he thought this was a way of atoning for the pain he'd inadvertently inflicted on child Tomte.

(But of course, none of that was inherently his fault. It's not wrong for him to simply exist; this is something Tomte had to grapple for himself, but more tellingly, something Tomte had to grapple for Ded's existence too.)

There's just something exonerative about this, not just because Ded is realising and recognising where and how he did Tomte wrong. He's also coming to terms with how he'd shortchanged his own life too; how his prioritising of Tomte, though understandable and laudable, closed him off from other possibilities. He didn't ask for help and he didn't seem to have consulted anyone else on what he could have done instead; that failure to share his burden meant that, however unwittingly, it fell fully to Tomte to bear.

And while child Tomte's pain was not his fault, adult Tomte's definitely is. By withholding information till the very last second, by forcing this choice onto Tomte, and then by making that choice for him, he took away Tomte's agency. However well-intentioned he'd been, he took agency away from someone who'd previously already lost their agency to Eden. He didn't mean to, but he actively made that pain worse.

It's important that he acknowledges that. No matter how good a person is, it doesn't preclude them from hurting others. Ded had Tomte's best interests at heart, but he still deeply hurt Tomte through his actions.

What makes this scene more powerful is the hope and reconciliation. Because Ded does learn from his missteps: despite all the urgency, the desperation, he does get to chance to hear what Tomte actually wants. He gets the chance to make actual amends and receive his actual absolution, and this is only possible because he and Tomte are finally on the same page and seeing each other eye-to-eye — he is finally seeing Tomte as a fully realised individual, rather than only as his beloved pupil that he needs to protect.

As noted before, Mystic Christmas is a parallel to the Main Quest. We are given of glimpse of what could be, if MC could overcome their obstacles and save the person they want to save the most. That ending is possible, but only if sensei is willing to be saved. Only if sensei is willing to see MC for who they are, rather than what he wants for them or what he thinks they could be. Only if sensei is willing to set aside his pride and ask for help, to let go of the past (of all those versions of MC that never got to live), to place yet another load on the shoulders of an overburdened child.

And I get why he might look at the cost of putting aside his convictions and feel that it's too high to bear. But sensei, don't you see? Sharing a burden lightens it. You've pigeon-holed yourself into a dead end, much as Ded did. You've lost sight of hope and of possibilities. You've lost sight of what makes life worth living, because you don't think of yourself as living, nor as deserving of life.

But despite everything, just like Mystic Christmas, Housamo is a tale of hope and redemption. That's why I think in the endgame, MC will revisit this conversation with Mononobe; and this time, Mononobe will actually mean his gratitude and his apology, and MC will take his hands and forgive him, and show him the way forward.

Finally read Mystic Christmas and.... wow, that sure is a lot of narrative foils going on... Tomte for MC, Ded for Mononobe, the unfair naughty/nice dichotomy for the Game/loops, the imposition of Eden's belief system for the superimpositions of the Exiles......

Heck, you can even make the argument that Tomte's struggle to repress his naughty side parallels the fact that MC is never given the opportunity to actually voice their grievances. They always have to be nice and forgiving, and if not entirely understanding, then at least sympathetic, and definitely compassionate. They always have to rush to help, because if they're not good, if they're not needed, then why would anyone want them around? What meaning would there be to their existence(s)?

(And the whole, "I hate the symbol, but I want the man behind it back. My life went to hell because of what he represents, but I want him back. He gave me an impossible choice, then made the choice for me, without saying anything, before I could even make it, because he knew that either choice would hurt me, but the choosing most of all. Still, I want him back.")

[many-loops-later]

Chapter 0?: Beginning of a unhappy tale

Darkness was all that met me but it wasn't just empty the chilling cold as I felt the presence of another in this place but couldn't find them. before I felt myself be lifted into the air by my leg. "My my, you're helpless without my help....I'll help you but this will not be for free...Hm we may meet other times but for now, it's time to wake up!" as the sudden sharp pain of being stabbed shoots through my body

"Ah!" Snapping awake with a yelp, I don't remember what that dream was about but I just shook it off and flopped back down the mattress, 'What was that even about' I thought to myself sighing, my eyes drifting over a bit around the room before realization struck as I quickly looked back to the clock on my nightstand and seeing the time "7:50!!" quickly shooting up from bed and promptly running around my room to get ready for school. "God damn it I'm late!!" I lock my apartment door before bolting, my destination being Shinjuku Academy. I somehow made it to Shinjuku Academy, seeing a rather meek girl and another guy waiting for me, "Mononobe-san! Hurry up!!, you slowpoke!!!" the girl screamed at the top of her lungs. I huff a bit as I finally made it just in time before the gate closed for the day "I...Made...it" I say between catching my breath. some of my hair sticking to my forehead with the sweat I worked up, "Man you really had us worried, I thought an Oni got you or something..." the other guy, Isamu, said casually. "Yeah yeah you know how dangerous it is nowadays, my father says the transients are dangerous!" the girl, Ai said parroting whatever her father had said this time. "I get it but you guys are being just a bit harsh you know," I say in a somewhat serious tone "They're not that bad, just a bit stressed, I mean we would be the same if we got suddenly pulled out of our homes you know?" as we slowly walk to class together, My name is Mononobe Kyouma, I'm just a normal third year of Shinjuku academy, the start of the year in April and also the year when transients and those born in Tokyo will now start school alongside us.

This was also the beginning of when my life was uprooted beyond what I could really handle. To be continued ->

[dorokora]

Chapter 14 Episode 3 Part 1:

We begin with the story about a certain someone. Once upon a time, in a certain world. There’s a omniscient king who served an omniscient and omnipotent "God". The ring was given to him by the archangel Michael, who serves the same "God", to make a pact with his familiar. The name of the omniscient king is Solomon. It is said that he listened to the voice of "God" and lived his life accordingly. As a representative of "God", the king built the Millennium City and accomplished its rule. However, it is said that the King did just that. It is said that he did no good to individual people, and overlooked individual evil. From the throne, He was just watching the interwoven work of people, as if he were watching history. Why did the king, who was supposed to "know everything", think and do what he did? I'm sure those who aren't omniscience didn't understand. We cut to Duo and Bertro. Duo said t the "faith" of King Solomon of was left behind in various forms across many different worlds. For example, in the other world Garo Denma, a treasured sword that King Solomon once had was handed down to Arsalan. It is said that the origin of the style of the summoning crest that seals away demons is connected to King Solomon's ring. Alternatively, it is said that once upon a time in the far eastern world, the descendants of that King Solomon drifted ashore. It is said that he met a clan called "Mononobe" and passed down the blood and summoning crests in a corner of the family line to the current era. Solomon, and Kyouma Mononobe, are the fathers of the clone geniuses in the genetic sense. Solomon is a watcher who has been watching the "game" from outside Tokyo and is a Exception. Exceptions are those who are not allowed to exist in Tokyo. Therefore, Solomon, who cannot enter this world, has been monitoring through a terminal called Kyouma Mononobe. But now, with the alliance of the Entertainers and the Rulemakers, the situation has completely changed, and the omniscient King has now descended. Duo doesn’t know what Curren is thinking. What is the Entertainers ultimate goal? Bertro suggest they see things they can’t see from a different perspective, only Duo can do it since he’s the closest. Duo understands and uses his sacred artifact.

We cut back to Barguest, who’s still on the run while holding MC’s dismembered arm and sword. While Barguest tries to figure out what to do next. Tianzun pops out of nowhere. He’s here to invite Barguest and the other Wanderers to a “party”. He also address Lil’Sal as well. Lil’Sal is surprised that he can see him. Tianzun said the only thing he’s good at is connecting with everyone. He disappear to invite another person/guild to the “party”. Lil’Sal goes with Barguest as if getting pulled by MC’s arm. Barguest notice the Beasttamers are listed on the invitation that Tianzun gave him. Barguest calls the other Wanderers to change rendezvous point.

We cut to the Beasttamers who are being detained by the Rule Makers angels. They are planning on moving the Beast Tamers to a different base. Outside of that place, we see Hastur and Pazuzu. Hastur ask why can’t they just go over there and help the others, but Pazuzu said their Guildmaster is heading over there right now. We cut back to see Yuma attacking the angels. After that, Yuma noticed Leib’s fur hair and puts it in his mouth. He then leaves the place to go track Leib’s scent. Back to Hastur and Pazuzu, Pazuzu says the guild master is on the move again while looking at the location information displayed in the "app". Hastur ask him how does he know that. Pazuzu said it’s because he put a wiretap and transmission gadget in Yuma’s collar. Hastur said that a invasion of privacy! But Pazuzu said Yuma ask for this of his own free will. Yuma wants to be controlled by someone and that this might be useful in the future. Nevertheless, Hastur still wants to go and save Yuma (he loves humans). Pazuzu said it’s best not to rush without a plan first. The only beast tamers members not captured are Hastur, Pazuzu, and Yuma. But just those three won’t be enough against the Rule Maker and Entertainers alliance. But even that alliance has some cracks in it. It seems it’s only the Rule Makers soldiers that have been attacked by Yuma. Hastur sense someone is nearby. It’s Tianzun, he’s here to invite them to the guild alliance.

[den-ai-d]

Round two for my HOUSAMO IN ALL SAINTS STREET STYLE BONANZA (name pending)!

Mononobe & Boogeyman, for some of that sensei action!

ngl Mononobe's hair situation took me like, a day and a half to figure out how to do 😣

[summoner-chan]

Do you think mononobe will be coming back? TwT i always start crying when i see him again and again

For the love of god, I DESPERATELY WANT HIM BACK 😭😭

LifeWonders gave us a good father daddy figure and decided that it's guillotine time

THE GUY BARELY HAVE ANY SCREENTIME IN GAME NOW HE'S STUCK ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK (I mean he's already in pieces-)

Also, can I join in your crying session as well?-

Anyways, I'm guessing that he WOULD come back but not as Mr.Mononobe but as King Solomon and probably some gut wrenching drive for MC later in the story (the one kind of story trope that I somewhat like and hate because I can relate of losing someone close and it's definitely not something you'd want to endure 💀 but ANYWAYS)

It's funny how I have some artwork that was related to Mr.Mononobe so I'll post them along (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤

!!Under the cut is without text version!!

[nemo-legrande]

Just an idea. AU.

---

days of beautiful nights

Hiroyuki Sugimura's uncle and legal guardian, Kyouma Mononobe, arranges so he can live with him. As a result, Hiroyuki transfers to the high school his uncle works in.

The high school is peculiar because the students there seems to have various otherworldly powers. On top of that, Hiroyuki is surprised to see his childhood friend of whom he lost contact, Gunzo Tamamura, studying there and even become a good rugby player.

Apart from Gunzo, Hiroyuki also makes a new friend in Wakan Tanka, the resident American football club captain and his senior who is tasked to take care of him.

Thus begin Hiroyuki's journey of fitting in to one of the most peculiar high schools he has ever known, learning about himself, and rediscovering his lost home - in Mononobe, Gunzo, and Wakan Tanka.

[summonerscenarios]

How would the students or teachers react to MC casually calling Mr. Mononobe their dad. And of course how would Mononobe himself react to accidentally adopting MC. I mean he is their legal guardian isn't he so it's kinda on point.

Ah yes, the ultimate dad is getting some spotlight tonight lmao. Honestly I love how everyone is split between either wanting to marry him or wanting him to adopt them it’s great dfghgf

-----

The first time that you called Mr.Mononobe dad, it had been a complete accident, a slip of the tongue that you caught way too late. It had just kind of come out after he’d helped you with something - you were still trying to ease into a routine with classes and everything going on outside of the school, and, with him being your legal guardian, you’d assumed that he’d know some great advice to help make things just a little bit easier. And he had; always willing to help a student, you especially, he’d helped you figure out a problem that had been bugging you for a while, showing you how to handle it as well as what to do when it comes up again. You were so happy to finally have it over and done with that you were more than eager to thank the teacher for his help, but when you’d whipped around to face him and express your gratitude what came out instead was “Thanks for the help, dad!”

The second those words leave your mouth you’re ready for the earth to open up and swallow you whole - it’ll be a welcome alternative to the crippling embarrassment that punches you square in the gut. You’re mortified, made even worse by the genuine surprise that you see on Mr. Mononobe’s face as your words; you want to kick yourself for the sheer dumbassery you’ve just pulled - you just called him dad. Your teacher! How are you going to live this down?! The surprise on Mononobe’s face however shifts into a softer look, and he chuckles before you can try to talk your way out of it. He doesn’t make a comment about you calling you dad, instead ruffling your hair and telling you that he was glad he was able to help, and it’s left at that, which honestly you couldn’t be more relieved about.

The second time it happens is also an accident - and this time it’s in front of people to boot which is arguably even worse. You’d missed some study sheet handouts for the latest homework, so you’d dropped by with Shiro to come pick them up (you probably would’ve gone home without them, but Shiro, ever the stickler to getting things in on time, had twisted your arm into coming by anyways). It was a quick exchange, just dropping in and taking the papers from Mononobe’s hands and giving him your gratitude as you slip back through the door. But then you put your foot in it, chirping out a “See you tomorrow, dad!” right as the door closes. 

The moment it clicks shut, you’re speed walking down the hallway, hand clamped firmly across your mouth to muffle the scream of pure embarrassment that comes bubbling up from your throat as you feel your face burning red. Shiro’s right beside you, and the look on his face would have been priceless if it wasn’t for the fact he was looking right at you while he was making it. He asks what the hell was that?! Which only serves to further your embarrassment because you’ve got no good explanation other than begging your friend to please drop it.

You aren’t sure when you start calling him dad on purpose, because the first few times you’re so hesitant about it not being okay when the words actually came out. However, with some time you start calling him dad more often, eventually getting to the point where you don’t even think twice about saying it anymore, whether it’s in greeting or just in everyday interactions. Not to mention Mononobe’s already taken a parental figure in your life. Being your legal guardian and essentially watching you grow and learn since you first woke up in Tokyo, it was only natural that he’d take you under his wing and unintentionally end up technically adopting you at some point. So hearing you start calling him dad does honestly make him rather happy - he’s got that proud father twinkle in his eye whenever you come to him excitedly telling him about things that have been happening in your life (outside of the app of course, you don’t want to give the poor man a heart attack re-telling those stories.)

The Summoners have varying reactions to hearing you call Mr. Mononobe ‘dad’. Shiro, having heard it before, isn’t as surprised as before, but he is shocked to find that Mononobe goes along with it so easily. Kengo just about chokes the first time he hears it, and yells it loud enough that you have to dive across your desk and slap a hand over his mouth just to get him to can it long enough to actually talk to him; it takes him a while but he don’t thinks he can ever get used to hearing you seriously calling his teach dad (it’s like having the teacher’s kid in your class - you can never quite make the connection even if you know they’re parent and child, y’know?). Ryota actually thinks that it’s really sweet - he pretty much saw Mr. Mononobe as your adopted dad anyways given the lack of biological family members you actually have; in fact, he sees a lot of the students and teachers as one big family, so he doesn’t even bat an eye when you start calling Mononobe dad around him. Moritaka has a similar reaction to Ryota - the bond shared between classmates and faculty is closer than one might think, and he can see why you would see Mononobe as your parental figure; he’s sure that you’re not the only one who sees him as a dad, given how many people look up to the man as both a mentor and a person.

The Teacher’s reactions are frankly hilarious. Ziz thinks the fact that you see Mononobe as your father figure to be a pretty heartwarming thing, as the bond you two share is clear to just about everyone around you, so seeing Mononobe more actively treating you like a child than a student is honestly such a sweet sight. Jinn and Triton lock onto that fact right away, and cause such a baffled uproar when you first call Mononobe dad in front of them. You can absolutely bet that the two of them are going to fight over the title of uncle in your life, trying to one-up one another in who’s the better uncle. (You called Jinn the fun uncle once and he genuinely teared up because he was so happy).

[vegetarian-macan]

Do you ever think king solomon and mononobe is dark skin instead of brown or tan skin ?

Not quite sure what you were asking, but I did make some Mononobe and King Solomon edits just in case. Mononobe and King Solomon with both darker skin and a black sprite edit for the former. (King Solomon will be hidden under the cut because of spoilers for 11 </3)

[totallycorrecthousamoquotes]

kengo: Hey I just want you to know I copied your gender/sexuality. shiro: What the- Teacher! Teacher!!! He cheated off of me! mononobe: You wouldn’t download a gender, Kengo.

[werehoggin]

Spoiler warning don’t read if you haven’t gotten to the recent story!

🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑

What is going to happen to dad? Something big is going to go down.

But don’t take papa!

[shinjukuspiritcommittee]

Teacher's Tick (Poll 3 Winner) (SFW)

Teacher's Tick

~Tick Tick Tick. Nothing but the sounds of pens scratching against paper after paper filled the near empty classroom as Mononobe worked. Each failed mark an extra sound to accompany the otherwise empty room. How long had it been since class been dismissed? The homeroom teacher had been staring at these papers for an almost unbearable amount of time. Tick Tick Tick. The silence was really starting to wane on his nerves. What were you up to right now...? Wait, why was his mind fixated on you all of a sudden? Tick Tick Tick. Were you safe right now? Or were you out there getting caught up in trouble all over again? Something kept gnawing at the back of Mononobe's mind as he stopped concentrating on the papers and set the pen down carefully. He took a deep breath and realized that on the exhale it was shaky. What were these nerves building up anyway?

~Tick Tick Tick. And why was that damn clock so loud!? Peeved Mononobe stared up at the clock and realized he had overworked himself again as he had been doing nothing but grade papers for the past 2 hours! Wiping his eyes and running his fingers through his hair he let out another sigh as he stared out at the setting sun. There wasn't much daylight left and after a quick glance at his phone Mononobe realizes that you haven't sent him a single message telling him you were back. He noticed his heart rate was picking up with this ever growing fear that you were out there without anyone to keep you safe...! He tried to shake himself of this fear and stepped towards the window. Tick Tick Tick.

~That dreaded clock sound he couldn't truly escape from. Finally clicking that it served as a constant reminder that everything he dreaded was drawing ever closer. He can only stave the inevitable for so long and pretty soon this classroom would be full with the exact same faces and he'd have to grade the same papers all over again. He'd have to relive an entire experience having you get to know him all over again... he's so on edge because he wants to believe you can somehow break out of your own cycle before it eats away at you the way it continues to eat away at him. Though...

~Just from the corner of the window he catches a glimpse of you, smiling and happy. It looked like you were just laughing with all your friends from your class. Looking at all of you smile and laugh like normal students relieved him just a little. There was at least knowing that you can keep smiling genuinely even though he's lost that at some point. Though it was a moment of peace the clock constantly served it's purpose to taunt Kyouma that it wouldn't last. Rather than call you or go down to talk to you, Mononobe just watched you from the window as you all walked back to the dorms without really knowing he was looking down at you with an array of emotions overtaking him.

Tick Tick Tick...

[dreamsapphire28]

This is based on @yasuyorimarriedsamo reincarnation au I really liked it back then but you know inspiration is a fickle thing and it has struck now months later.

So in this au the Mc is the reincarnation of one of the exiles, in this version I'll be using my favorite exile Eurynome and my Mc1 Akemi.

The birth of a world, the touch of his beloved, ruling over his creation, a fight over who was the one to give origin to their world with the one he loved the most then making up accepting that the birth of their world was only possible due to their joined effort and love for each other, being betrayed by his loving sister, sinking alone into Oceanus and later being kept company by the sweet child who was also casted away only to leave that child behind when he passed from the world.

A name, his former, Eurynome.

Those memories and many others from the creator of Olympus were in his mind when Akemi was summoned to Tokyo that fateful night, they felt both vivid and distant like he was there living them but at the same time as if he lived them through someone else, Akemi could not remember his own life before coming to Tokyo all he had were the memories of Eurynome, Akemi was sure that at some point in the past he had been her, still he also was certain that he is his own person with his own life, he is more than just the continuation of someone else's existence, Akemi reassured himself.

Being able to recall Eurynome's life so vividly and having no knowledge of his own sometimes made it difficult for Akemi to try and differentiate himself from her, specially when he was overcome with emotions he couldn't fully understand, the ocean would be a great example of this just the sight of it filled him with such a bittersweet feeling, he knew it was because of that child, Hephaestus, that he had.... that Eurynome had taken care of the one she had to leave behind, but Akemi was a different person, so why did he feel that way? the memories he had of that time were both beautiful and sorrowful they could bring a tear to the eye of an outside observer, to Akemi however they felt close, personal, to the point where he wonders what became of Hephaestus even thinking about what things in Tokyo he could enjoy. Akemi had already accepted that he had once been Eurynome, but the he that existed right now is a different person, Akemi hopes beyond hope.

Being such a sensible subject to him Akemi never revealed the fact that he could remember his past life to none of his new friends in Tokyo, he did a pretty good job at hiding it too, most of the time, there where moments where people would think that Akemi seemed wise beyond his years or were surprised of his deep understanding of the concept of a world system as if he had been closely involved with one. Then of course there was his guardian Kyouma Mononobe, Akemi could not for the life of him tell if his teacher was aware of Akemi having these memories or if he just happened to say things that reassured him when he wrestled with the thought of just being an extension of someone else's life.

In the beginning Akemi wanted to hate Eurynome but hating her felt like hating himself, the interactions and connections Akemi had made during his time in Tokyo how he helped others in turn helped him with his insecurity about his own identity, now he didn't hate her, Akemi still knew that a lot of his feelings towards various things were influenced by Eurynome's memories but he could live with that, he had made peace with it and now in some way felt proud that he was carrying her legacy he could do that while still being someone else other than her.

Until the battle at Aoyama cemetery when a certain golden dragon had made a brief appearance in that place. Akemi knew who the dragon was the second he laid eyes on him the dragon had changed, yes, but Akemi could never mistake him. Not once before had Akemi felt so conflicted about if he truly was just an extension of Eurynome, he was overwhelmed with so many feelings that he could not begin to comprehend, joy, love, relief, longing, sorrow, regret, grief, just looking at Ophion stirred so many things from the depths of his soul that it rendered Akemi completely paralyzed, Ophion had to leave before his friends could shake Akemi out of his stupor. Luckily Ophion hadn't stayed for too long, but the impression he left on Akemi was not small, ever since encountering him Akemi could not get Ophion out of his mind not even during his infiltration of the Tokyo casino or while running around Shinjuku avoiding the ongoing debacle caused by the Roppongi Tycoons. Akemi knew for a fact that he was more than likely to meet someone from Euryonome's past sooner or later, even so he did not expect to be so shaken by it.

Now Akemi found himself before the one responsible for the current chaos in Shinjuku no other than Ophion, just looking at him Akemi could fell himself freezing up again overwhelmed with emotions. Then Ophion started boasting about how he, the sole creator of Olympus, could not be defeated, Akemi could not catch everything that Ophion said but it was enough to make all his conflicting emotions converge on a single point, fury would not be the proper word it was something a bit more petty, Akemi felt that it was more of an attack to his pride rather than an outright insult, "You deceitful lizard, saying you created the world on your own, as if" Akemi spat fixing Ophion with a sharp glare, Ophion was taken aback such a petulant child to speak like that to him the great Ophion, Akemi continued talking before Ophion could give him a piece of his mind "I thought you had learned your lesson back then, seems I was wrong, maybe I ought to knock off your other tusk to drive in the point" Akemi hissed angrily, Ophion eyes widened as he slowly reached for the place where his missing tusk once was, 'how did this child knew of that?' Ophion thought in surprise.

The battle raged on Ophion had sent his underlings deal with his opponents to little avail, he certainly did not expect having to deal with both Hakumen and Lucifuge, those two would have already dispatched each other if it wasn't for that damn insolent brat, the only person Ophion had not accounted for in his plan was making it all go awry. Believing that unless he disposed of these pest at this very moment his plan would become completely unsalvageable and seeing that regular minions were completely ineffective against the current foes Ophion made a brash decision, he used his sacred artifact to summon a younger version of himself ordering him to dispose of the rabble interfering with his scheme. The younger Ophion's oppressing aura made everyone stare at him cautiously, that was everyone except for Akemi who gave the same sharp glare he gave the older Ophion to the younger one, as if doing so was something that Akemi had done before many times. When young Ophion's gaze found Akemi the younger dragon's face was overcome with surprise "You..." young Ophion muttered quietly as he started walking towards Akemi who didn't so much as flinch when the dragon's intense gaze pinned on him. The younger dragon stopped right in front of Akemi and suddenly it was his turn to be surprised, young Ophion embraced him tightly yet lovingly "So this is where you've been" Ophion whispered, Akemi was speechless for a second, he felt tears prickling the corners of his eyes as his sword slipped from his grasp, Akemi hugged Ophion "Yeah, sorry you had to come all the way here for me" Akemi apologized.

Akemi and young Ophion's embrace was interrupted by the older Ophion "My younger inexperienced self the one you're embracing it's your enemy deal with him at once!" old Ophion snapped furiously. With the older Ophion's attention diverted Toji seized the opportunity to attack the older dragon, to the bewilderment of everyone present the clash of the two rules resulted in the creation of an exception with his rule now overflowing old Ophion entered a rampage bursting through the ceiling of the tower. "How could this happen? my rule and Ophion's don't oppose one another this outcome should not be" Toji muttered in equal parts astonishment and shame "Well yes and no, your attack didn't make a contradiction it's more like a paradox, the sole fact that Ophion could call upon his past self further proves that he didn't create that sacred artifact and by extension Olympus" Akemi explained a twinge of smugness in his tone at that last part as he walked up to Toji "Quite the sharp one are you not and here I thought I'd have to explain that to you" Alice mused "Say you seem to be quite familiar with Ophion's sacred artifact aren't you my dear knight?" She inquired looking intently at Akemi, who averted his gaze "What do you mean by paradox?" Toji asked confused "Under normal circumstances your attack wouldn't have caused an exception but Ophion summoned a younger version of himself, taking that version of himself from the time he existed in the past, your attack meant to destroy the egg made it so that the younger one should cease to exist but the older one still exist in Tokyo even though technically his past self had been exterminated and so the snake endlessly bites it's own tail" Akemi explained "Still the app treats this situation no different than the previous instances where exceptions appeared so we should be able to deal with this one the same way, but first we must deal with Ophion" Alice added.

With the help from both the summoners and Tycoons, Akemi and young Ophion defeated the enraged older Ophion who now layed on the balcony of the tower that served as the Tycoons headquarters, Akemi was kneeling beside him holding his hand as the dragon slowly dissipated into light "So it truly is you my beloved spouse" old Ophion said his tone uncharacteristically soft and peaceful "Not precisely, I bear her soul, I can remember her live, at some point I was her, but not now the person before you is someone else, I'm sorry to get your hopes up Ophion" Akemi apologized while smiling softly at Ophion "That may be but I can still see her same brilliance withing you and now I hold for you the same feelings" Ophion affirmed using his other hand to caress Akemi's face, he closed his eyes leaning into the touch with a relieved expression on his face then the sensation of Ophion's hand on his face faced as Ophion disappeared into the rainbow of transient light, the wind carrying the voice of the old dragon as he made a vow to his beloved. Akemi stood up to face the younger Ophion who was also fading out of the current time "I owe you an apology as well, you heard what I said before I am not Eurynome at least not in the way you thought I was" Akemi confessed avoiding eye contact with the young dragon, Ophion embraced Akemi once again "I am not one to fuss over such minimal details, to me you are and will always be my beloved spouse, no matter who you were or who you become it will not change anything for me" Ophion assured Akemi felt relief once again wash over him as he embraced the golden dragon "Such a cruel world to make us part just when we were reunited" Ophion sighed melancholically "Don't feel pity for me this is nothing that I don't deserve" Akemi interjected "Whatever could you mean?" Ophion questioned "Isn't it obvious? when Eurynome, no not only her I'm just as guilty, when I was exiled from Olympus I leaved you alone, now the world is taking you away from me because I abandoned you" Akemi stated "Such thoughts are not deserving of you my dear" Ophion said, while softly running his fingers through Akemi's hair who looked up at him small traces of tears on his face "For no matter if the world itself wants to do us apart I will cross whatever distance and surmount every obstacle to find you again, this parting is only temporary I will find my way back to you" Ophion declared boldly before disappearing into the rainbow of transient light promising to once again see his spouse. Toji arrived to find Akemi with his back to him looking at the sky "Akemi?" Toji called out softly, Akemi turned around his eyes watery tears threatening to spill at any moment "Is everything alright, do you need a moment?" Toji felt incredibly awkward having no experience in how to comfort someone, Akemi wiped his eyes with his sleeve putting on a smile that could only be described as brave, it was clear that he was hurting but that would have to wait until they could avert the current crisis "It's okay Toji, there's still things we need to resolve, I'll have some time to think about this later" Akemi responded trying to hide his sadness making his way to the exception territory.

[dorokora]

Chapter 14 Episode 8 Part 2:

We start with a flashback to when Kirito and Mononobe first met. Mononobe tells Kirito It's dangerous to be alone in a place like this. Kirito narrates that his first encounter with that old man was the worst. He got tangled up with a nosy teacher somewhere. Kirito tells Mononobe to take his adulthood elsewhere. Further in the flashback, they bump into each other again. Kirito thinks to himself that he just don't want to be in this world. So, he don't care about anything. He wants to do something for himself, that kind of energy. There is nothing. He don't want anyone to understand that, and he don't think anyone will. More flashback, Mononobe bumps into Kirito again. Kirito noticed Mononobe’s shoes is dirty as if he’s been in a basement all this time. Kirito ask him what is he staying here for. Why is he calling him in the first place. Mononobe tells him that if Kirito make that kind of face, as a teacher he can't leave hin alone. Kirito tells him “what do you know just by looking at someone's face? Don't say anything disgusting, old man.” By that time, Kirito had already heard about how the world works. In the midst of that, he also learned what kind of silly and meaningless things they were repeating all the time. Unlike transients, the locals can't even get out of here no matter what they do, even if they die. Even if he took his life, it wouldn't bring any meaning to this world. For those who have been watching this world for a long time, the usual repeating scene that they have seen many times. Even if he commit an "unforgivable sin", he’s just one of many others. There is nothing he can do in this world. There is nothing that only he can do. It was that there was not even a single “reason for me being me” in this world. Further flashback, Kirito tells Mononobe that he doesn’t want to be here and be elsewhere. Mononobe stares at Kirito’s face seriously. Kirito tells him “Don’t be silly. Why are you making a face like you understand? Why do you always care about me? There's no reason why you should care.” Mononobe tells Kirito that's no good, Unless there is a plot that everyone can agree on, no one can "do it". Later Flashback, we see Mononobe outside of the police station. Kirito shows up to tell him that he did everything. He already knows very well how the world works. Yes, in this narrow world, there is nothing he can do on his own. But it can also be said in reverse. There are "crimes that only nobody can do". Originally, he wanted to disappear. But now is the time. if this "perfect crime" goes well, he might be really alone. Mononobe turns out to be really Christine in disguise. She tells Kirito that the Entertainers will create the perfect stage for him.

We cut to the present to see the True King Solomon standing before MC. He introduce himself to MC. He tells MC he knows everything that his terminal, Kyouma Mononobe, has seen in every loop in the past. He lacks the Mononobe MC knows. Therefore, if he were to be properly described it, he would be "an omniscient being in the past." so far him and MC never exchanged words like this. If you don't have the qualifications to be a player of the game, you won't be able to meet such rare conditions as this time. This is because there is no meaning or motivation for the World Reps to do so. Solomon will answer, as far as his "Omniscience" extends. MC stares at Solomon. Solomon said it's understandable. Solomom has no connection with MC. But Solomon does know the many people (the past loop MCs) who resemble MC. Solomon will answer any question as atonement for the sins committed by Mononobe, the part he cut off. Solomon will reveal the truth behind the original incident. At that time. Kirito appears between Solomon and MC. Kirito tells MC to don’t chase after them. Kirito gtabs Solomon's hand, and falls further to the bottom of the black hole. MC tries to chase after them but the Missing Mobs are blocking the way. Just then a flashing lights appear and the Missings are distracted. It was Amduscias, who is glad he was able to make it in time. Back to Duo, who explains that the Entertainers were trying to recreate the urban legend of Jack the Ripper. The unsolved incident that once happened in Shinjuku. The first person to discover the scene and the prime suspect was Kirito. What was left at the scene was "one arm" of the victim. Later, as a result of forensics, it was speculated that it belonged to MC. However, the important fact is that at the time of the incident, "the victim had not lost an arm." Of course, they don't remember losing it in the past. Then, where did that one arm come from? Yes, if it's not the present, and it's not the past, then there's only one answer. And this time, the performance in Yurakucho happened to imitate it. But the culprit of this incident is It is clear that it is Kirito. It's as if you want to convince the world that the last incident was the same. The Entertainers did a perfect job. If it weren't for the "whistleblower," the case would still be in the fog. The Entertainers lost its management privileges. That's because they used it for something other than the "original purpose". What did they still want to achieve? For whom did the Entertainers do all of this for?

Back to Amduscias and the others. Amduscias introduces himself. MC says they know from the broadcast they saw. Yuma goes into fanboy mode and tell Amduscias he’s been a fan of his for a long time. Amduscias thanks both MC and Yuma. They turn their gaze towards the Exception in the distance. We can see that Barong is still in there. More Missing mobs show up as the three fight their way through. We cut back to Duo who said, that that Kirito literally played the unidentified, missing "Jack the Ripper". He tried to hide the real culprit behind the fog. And he tried to disappear from this world. as someone once said. "No one is innocent in Tokyo". Solomon's terminal committed a rule violation that should not have been violated in this "game". It was probably a direct interference with the Trophy. We cut to Kirito and Solomon. MC managed to catch up to Kirito. Kirito throws his knives at MC but MC block then with their hollow blade. Kirito tells MC don’t take this from him. Kirito, who had tried so hard not to show any emotion until now, showed this expression for the first time. Even if it is negative, it is filled with a strong absolute value. Kirito yells at MC to don’t take his tile of "I'm nothing" from him. Don't steal the one and only "I am who I am" he has to define himself!! MC vs Kirito. Final battle start!

After the battle, we get Amduscias narration. He’ll keep on being an idol. Because all of us walk in search of "something that doesn't exist anywhere". If someone somewhere "you" who is watching it. That's right, anyone could have started, but I want to say a special "thank you" to you who watched it. Amduscias uses his sacred artifact. It is a sacred artifact that reflects "fiction". Make something that doesn't exist yet resound to someone who isn't here, shining light. Mononobe from within Solomon talks to Kirito. He tells that’s enough, he can’t bear Kirito to lie for his sake. Kirito tries to deny it, saying it wasn’t for Mononobe. Mononobe thanks Kirito for looking at me. He was able show him something that no one else can see. Kirito breakdown in tears. Solomon was about to tell MC what he (Mononobe) did but a flash of light cut him off.

[dorokora]

Chapter 14 Episode 5 Part 1:

We start with some monologue from Solomon. If someone gains "something" in this world that is not infinite, others lose "something". I know that it is only plus or minus zero. That's what it means to know everything. So, do nothing, just watch. That is the destiny given to those who are "whole". We cut to the Entertainers bowing to Solomon’s presence. Everyone else are forced to ground by the pressure coming from Solomon. Motosumi ask where the hell could Tianzun be and how can he move in all this pressure. MC’s arm (and Lil’Sal) that Barguest was holding starts flying upward towards Solomon. Tianzun grabs Lil’Sal and tells him to wait a minute and talk to him. Tianzun ask Sal if that’s really his father. Lil’Sal said that “Yes. It's my father who gave birth to me. That face, that voice, that atmosphere, he's definitely the father I know...!”. Tianzun decides to give Lil’Sal some advice, “There is nothing in this world that is perfect. Even if there is, there is no future there. See with your own eyes not only what is there, but what is not there.” After that Tianzun disappears again. King Solomon calls out to Lil’Sal by calling him by his full name, Ars Almadel Salomonis. Lil’Sal ask if that’s really father. Mononobe (?) from inside of Solomon starts speaking, saying yes that’s it is his him and he’s glad Lil’Sal is safe. Kyouma Mononobe, the "memory" of my descendants who once crossed over to the land of the Far East, and my terminal. All the "memories" that I saw in Tokyo exist within me. My name is Solomon the Omniscient. Exception has seen everything in Tokyo.

We cut to Oscar and MC. Oscar ask MC how does it feel to be an actor who can't stand on the stage, or just a spectator. Oscar is a playwright. Not to be confused with other writers. He takes great pride in being that. Acting not only with words but also with the vessel of the body, It's his job to tell the story, not just write it. That's why he has come to convey "Thank you for your hard work" to the actors who have no more work. Oscar ask MC if they’re enjoying themselves. Quantum ask him “Why are you talking like a villain in a Japanese language textbook?”. Oscar is confused by her. Quantum introduce herself as a utopian transient that was born in a place similar to the one they’re in now. Oscar he doesn’t know about the world of Utopia, he apologizes for his lack of study. After all, he only know "things on stage" and yes he admits to being the villain or at least a villain for MC. A villain is a flower for those who live on stage. Without it, the world of theater wouldn't run. It's annoying, but it's annoying just to be told. Oscar tells MC they would definitely have been beaten if you stayed that way. He was traded off by that Game Masters assassin. The Game Masters are not interested in making the "game" exciting as a game, just continuing it is the Game Master’s job. To never grow old, just to continue the never-ending loop. Among them, there is a professional who kills dragon (Beowulf). His "role" is to fight against the Dragons. To kill someone else and die himself. If MC had met him, they would have died long ago, and Tokyo would have been covered by the "great flood of time", and it would have triggered the next loop. Oscar said whether he’s a villain or not depends on "what perspective you look at it from”. MC ask if hid them here just for that and tell them his plan. Oscar said he’s shameless like that. It is also his job to convince former actors who are unsatisfied with being cast. He came to ask MC a favor as the theater manager. He wants them to enjoy the theater quietly behind the scenes. Saying that he then points his scared artifact at MC. Since MC has one arm and no sword, he’s going to “tease” them for a bit. MC has no choice but to run away with Quantum. Battle start!

We cut to Loki, Nobumichi, and Ahura. They make their introductions. Loki ask Ahura how does it feel to stand in the same stage of the criminal he once tried. This is his current prison, it’s fate that he and Ahura meet like this. We cut back to Mononobe (?) saying he’s happy Salomonis did a good job while he was away while still showing that perfect smile. Lil’Sal looks at him with suspicion. Lil’Sal ask him if he’s really Mononobe then he should remember when and how he left them. Back to Ahura and Loki, Ahura said Loki’s word are still painful to hear as usual. They’re both in the same position now. After he once managed to get his hands on the trophy in that loop. Everyone has killed MC in previous loops, if you call that a crime then everyone in Tokyo is a criminal. Ahura said if no other witnesses saw that moment, he certainly still remembers it. That’s why he’s come to stand with the Entertainers. Loki said as expected of the Ally of Justice or would it better to call him the Ally of the Entertainers now. But Ahura just smiles it off.

Back to MC and Oscar. Oscar tells MC “Do you understand now, You have been taken away from the power that was given to you. You're a nobody now. There is no sword to wield, no role to act. So stop trying to stand up and this will be easier”. Just then Tianzun shows up. Quantum recognize him. Tianzun tells Quantum it’s been a while. MC ask her if they know each other. Quntum said Tianzun is the acquaintance from before, a transient like her that doesn’t know if they’re in Tokyo or not. Tianzun addresses MC, telling them that there are performances where even "nobodies" can jump in and participate. Those are called “parades.”

[dorokora]

Chapter 14 Episode 7 Part 2:

We start with Oscar’s backstory. Oscar was a person who made a name for himself in the theater world at a young age. Possessing splendid writing and rhetoric, and family lineage, he creates meaning in fiction. The stories he spun had an irresistible charm that made those who read them believe. Oskar's writings had many followers. Those who believe that the "fiction" he writes is the truth of this world. Many people dance to his writing and the pleasure it brings. Everyone imagined that he would hide his true face with a mask and live in "fiction". And behind him is the Entertainers, as the guild master who organizes the members. The stick-shaped "Sacred Artifact" that he carries is something that draws letters in the void and makes everyone believe that it is the truth. It is also the baton of the "privilege" that the Entertainers is given to attach and detach the roles. He always has a fearless smile on his face and continues to act stylish in front of his guild members. We flashback to when he and Loki first met. Loki is criminal who was left behind in many other prisons and was sent to Entertainers guild in the end. Loki starts going off on Oscar about how he always hides his true self behind fancy clothes and etc because Oscar can’t stand his bare self and why he wears a mask. It may have been the first time Oscar had met someone who should not have been so public. Loki was the first person he admit to that he couldn't show his true self. After that, Oscar frequently visits Loki in the dungeon. Then he started showing off his own work and the guild's plans, and demanding Loki’s reaction. Oscar began to seek bare words from Loki, without pretension. He knows Loki is addicted to bad guys. Alone in the Yurakucho Opera House, Oscar takes off his mask and mutters. I guess it's a kind of "imprinting" that makes you believe that the person you meet for the first time is an irreplaceable guardian. The irreplaceable person who gave him something he didn't see before. Or maybe, if he follow his style, maybe he’s an addict who can't forget what he learned for the first time. Oscar needed him anyway. As a base for his “self-certification”.

We next cut to Duo who begins to clarify the relationship between MC and Mononobe while performing a simulation using the his sacred artifact. Kyouma Mononobe, a teacher at Shinjuku Academy. The observer and guardian of the "Trophy" in Tokyo. But the problem here isn't how the "trophy" perceives Mononobe, it's the other way around. In other words, what did Mononobe, Solomon's terminal, think of the trophy? The trophy dies no matter how many times you replay this Tokyo loop. If you were "observing without doing anything", what was Mononobe’s feelings? If you were on the sidelines knowing everything about what was going on in the past.

We cut to Loki who tells Oscar those who claim that "They see things from the other side" are drowning in a childish sense of omnipotence, and are thus caught off guard. Even though there's no difference if you're just looking at them from one side. Oscar ask Loki what did he do. Loki tells Oscar that he certainly has a knack for persuading others to believe that "fiction" is true. However, who insists that the truth is "fiction", is in the realm of fraudsters? At least. If this were a trial, it would be inevitable to lose. Oscar ask why does he mean and then has a realization. Loki has handed over all the "bare secrets" Oscar gave him to Ahura. A secret hidden by the entertainers. A secret that was hidden even from the rulemakers. Even the words Oscar desperately hid that he couldn't expose to anyone. Oscar ask why him. Loki tells him that he’s the one who put his heart into someone like him.

We cut to the other dimension with Maria. As we get narration about the original Maria. "Maria". A woman who devoted herself to charity and destroyed herself. To her who had no name, I gave myself a name, A woman who gave her identity and died. "Maria", who once gave her a name, gently embraces her just like that day. The smell, the expression, the touch, everything is just like that memory. Nyarl shows up again to gloat. Nyarl knows pain alone cannot break Maria's heart. And he knows that joy alone won't break her either. So Nyarlathotep came to do both. Back to Loki, he tells Oscar that he wants to see everyone's ruin. Including Oscar’s destruction. He wanted to strip away the empty lies. This is Loki’s way of showing love. Oscar then slumps over in disbelief. Loki then introduce himself to MC. He tells MC he knows there profile better than they do. Omniscient Solomon's alter ego, Mononobe. And they also followed the familiars and came all the way here. He tells MC Mononobe knew everything. But kept silent about MC, what do they think of that fact? “Is he toying with me?” Have they ever thought about that? What does MC know about "Kyoma Mononobe"? Is it really worth believing? Loki just pours out words with his tongue as if pouring poison. Battle start!

We next cut back to Maria. She’s still fine despite how much Nyarl tries to break her. Maria, who had seen all of Jacob's past loop memories," laughs at Nyarlathotep. She was a helpless child that day. A lonely child who doesn't know how to cry. The original Maria was the first person to reach out to her. After that, she met many people, and parted ways. Back then, she couldn't stand on her own, but now she can walk with the support of many people. The one who gave her the first time was that person, the one who became her cane when she couldn't stand. She will never forget that moment when someone who was a stranger supported her as a cane. At that time, she was her everything. With that alone, she can walk ahead of this “road”. If you only see what is there, you will lose sight of what is not there, but if you only see what might not have existed, you lose sight of what might have existed. If what that person said was a lie, she will continue to lie from now on. So that one day she can become someone else’s cane...she will lie until the very end. She carried the weight of "everything" on her back on behalf of her or you or someone else. Maria tells Nyarl she was really happy to meet him and thanks him. Our friends are waiting outside. I'll walk...how about you too? Nyarl is pissed.

Back to the fight, The Sacred Artifact of Oscar's cane, it was the commanding baton of the management guild's management privileges. During the battle, it fell from the guildmaster's hand and rolled to the floor with a hard, cold sound. The boundaries between front stage and backstage collapsed. And then, chaos descends upon of Yurakucho.