<Nocturnal Harmonia>

[Apollymi]

It would seem a few crazies would be added to the male Player's list, while Miko would be set up to receive at least one of her own and perhaps... a few odd choices from Makima herself. No mater, there was something else to attend to, the pair wanted an A-rank Gate confirmed by Yugi himself who also apparently would apply bonus points if what was inside could fly. "Okay, it might take a bit longer for something that flies. Still I suppose they appear frequently enough," Makima claimed wondering what kind of flying thing would appear by the time she was ready to hand off such a mission to the Players.

There was a relatively short trip between them and a place they could begin entering the forest they were seeking. Still, it would have been much easier to do if the lockdown had remained. Yugi explained this and Makima nodded, "I suppose it would be quite terrible to have a random giant spider scaring the people. Still, with the Dungeon breaks all cleared even I can't hold a lockdown forever~" Makima claimed. Beyond that point apparently house hunting didn't count as work to the pair, as such a thing was basically a place for the teen boy to have sex. To Makima's surprise, Miko was pointing at the lad and nodding along with him, "That♪!~ Also I'd like I place I can scream and not break half the glass in the neighborhood," Miko said looking pouty. She'd really enjoy having sex in her childhood home, but even before the shift, it was far too obvious what she was up to, thin walls and not enough distance to cover the sounds. Beyond that there was apparently camraiderie to be found in Player Housing, as Yugi put it. "Oh? Is that how it works. Well, then I suppose this is part of your vacation then. I won't keep you from it. I would still like a tour if you end up finishing up the setup~" Makima uttered. While she was speaking the pair were getting dressed and Miko was once again in her phone. Smirking as she got the notification of another cleared quest objective and the visual signs that Amamiya Ren had liked what he'd seen. Damn, bitch boy... no one told you to go spilling my snacks all over the place (˶˃⤙˂˶) You're gonna have to make it up to me ( ｡ •̀ ᴖ •́ ｡)💢 Miko's first text had barely been sent when she was seeing a reply. Given the amount of time between that image going up, and those words popping up... she had to assume he'd taken quite a while to decide what to say. A smirk came to her face which was a little bit malicious. I wouldn't mind letting you choose something like that (,,>﹏<,,) But I'll have to trust you won't choose anything too embarrassing (๑ > ᴗ < ๑)

[Bloodedge]

A flying creature of some sort would serve the Players well. At the very least, it would be a much better alternative to a giant spider crawling around in the middle of Tokyo, even at night. Yugi also gave consideration to using the centipedes, but it would be another issue entirely if they dug giant tunnels underneath the city. "Yeah, definitely flying things. All we've got now is big and obvious, or big and foundation-destroying," he stated. It seemed both Players were ready to part ways with Makima on that note, but... there was one more thing to address. "And yes, that's exactly what she's doing. It's good practice; you should get into it too. It might count as one of the things we need for daily quests."

Yugi let that statement hang in the air, knowing Miko could either confirm or deny. Whatever the case, she'd definitely be finding a boost in two Intimacy ratings: 10% for Miyuki and 8% for Ren. The only message she'd receive back at the time, however, was from Miyuki. I don't know what you'd consider too embarrassing after that bikini. Maybe we try a few things here and there to see where the line is? You wear nice underwear. That message came from Miyuki much quicker than the previous. Either he was confident now, or he was rushing before entering the same room as Kaguya. Either way, the message to Ren had been read... but there was no typing presently. "Are we good to go, or...?" Yugi asked.

[Apollymi]

A flying creature for the pair to turn into one of their Shadows. Their current creatures were either obvious or foundation destroying. Makima chuckled, "Well, if you had to chose, go obvious... we're already an island nation, no need to start us sinking~" Makima noted. Beyond that point there was something to be said about the fact that Miko was posing for lewds in the middle of their conversation. According to Yugi, Miko was sending lewds and it was apparently good practice and something perhaps Makima should get into, in case it became one of those things could count towards their daily quests. "Oh, are you taking those for Bondmates then?" Makima asked as a point of curiosity. Before an answer would come... Miko would be seeing those increases in Intimacy as well as a new notification which would be read to her, but would catch her attention visually for a moment.

[BOND ROUTE MILESTONE REACHED]

Bond Route: Shirogane Miyuki

Intimacy has reached 25%.

Route Activated: Pride & Prestige

Current Progress: 30%

Reward Unlocked:
- Skill: Guardian’s Resolve (briefly increases defense and generates a small protective barrier around a nearby ally)
- Passive: Steadfast Presence (when near Miyuki, Miko gains +10% damage reduction against physical attacks)

Accept Invitation?
[ACCEPT] / [DENY]

"Pride & Prestige, ka?" Miko saw a title pop for Miyuki's route, so he had a special conditional proper unlock. She'd accept it but continue to not share such information with him. Interesting. Still she'd be answering Makima properly. "Yeah, I did. I was checking on things, and it can increase Intimacy and depending on what it is it could count as a commemorative photo. Might be context dependent, I got one and it counted... though that one was a tribute I think is the right word," Miko confirmed. Still, there was much for the pair to do, and Miko was now... reading, a text. It came back much quicker than she expected and as she read her thought processes played across her face. 'Is that comfort? Or is he rushing? Could be either considering a conditional unlock...' Miko thought absently. Makima watched both teens and smiled at them. They had such interesting priorities, she couldn't fault them knowing sex wasn't exactly everything though it was a lot of things. "You're both good to go. Be careful. I don't know if you'll slip in before the security is tightened up or not... I'll text you if anything changes. And I'll also be texting you little one, for mani-pedies one of these days. Maybe when that one goes to find his other contact~" Makima stated. She didn't assume the girl would spend literally all day with her therapist or anything. She waved them off while leaning back into her bath, she'd enjoy it a bit longer. All the while Miko was constructing a text message, for Miyuki. I guess that's fair (⸝⸝> ω <⸝⸝) I won't know until I find it, but we can start with some underwear. I'll send you the next pair of cute one's I slip into (ㅅ´ ˘ `) Have a good night, Shirogane-san♪~

[Bloodedge]

Makima had one more question, specifically involving the commemorative images Yugi spoke of. She wanted to know if Miko was sending those images to Bondmates. That answer was Miko's to give, but Yugi would continue with a related clause. "One of the daily quest requirements is acquiring a commemorative memory for the System's image gallery. That usually comes up in critical, sexy event moments... but I guess images that are sent also count. Memorabilia and all that shit," he asserted. "So if you want to make dailies easier, one of those a day would help. It also looks like..." Yugi paused there, having a look at his current daily quest progress. He had everything done after an event with Tae, but some things were at double capacity ─ everything but the event and memory, in fact. "We're able to get a bonus reward for doubling-up. I just need one more route event and one thing for the gallery."

Regardless, the Players were cleared to leave. There was one addressed oddity about Miko's route for Miyuki, but Yugi didn't concern himself with that. "Cuck route gets to be special? That's weird," was all he said. With that, he was content to vacate the suite and make way for Aokigahara Forest. Along the way, Miko would finally be getting the last response from Ren: a second image with an even bigger load covering his System phone. That was his reaction to her latest text. Also along the way, Yugi sent a text to one Hayasaka Ai: Put on something with pockets.

[Apollymi]

If nothing else, Makima always got her questions answered by this pair. She found it interesting that they had no problems clarifying things, and also didn't truly find her scary. According to Yugi, pictures for the gallery were part of their daily quests, and she could send him one. They also had the ability to double up on those, "I suppose I'll send you something... I can't have you not getting prizes I can help with~" Makima decided. She'd pose for that after they left. "Ugh, I am annoyed. Brainface could have finished this earlier. I've done a bunch of route events that aren't being counted so I'd need both to double up. And a go at one of my other Bondmates, I suppose I'll be abusing Ren sometime soon unless I get a random pop," Miko murmured with pouty indignation. "Have a good night~" Makima chanted as she sent the pair off.

Beyond that the only important point was the idea of 'Cuck Route' getting special treatment. Miko thought about it, "To be honest, I figured it was just a little thing or maybe he wasn't a real target... he didn't even have a title for his route. It's weird, or maybe its an NTR thing, like he had to settle into it consciously?" Miko claimed seeming not to care one way or another. Ah but what she did have was a second picture of an image of hers, covered in spunk because Ren couldn't keep it in his body. That's it (ｰ̀⤙ｰ́ ) You're coming tomorrow to feed me and pay for all my wasted snacks you fucking pig, keep your hands off my meat or I won't show you all the nasty shit I was up to while you were sleeping! (╬▔皿▔)╯ While Miko texted a different target, Ai was receiving a text which she found to be most odd. She rolled over on her bed in the onsen and grabbed the jacket she'd been wearing before she stripped to comfort and she put it on. Weirdest request ever sent. And I've seen a few odd ones before~

[Bloodedge]

While the Players were en route to the forest that would ideally become their base of operations, both were sending texts to some Bondmates and discussing the oddities of Miyuki's route. Yugi had little to say about that, but he thought it was easy enough to figure out regardless. "Wannabe do-gooder, trying not to get too invested in degen behavior. It's too late to hold back when you get something tangible," he said briefly before sending out his own text to Ai. While he was awaiting response, Miko was getting another. Tomorrow? Where? What nasty shit?

In the meantime, Yugi was entering the System Shop. Ai responded to his message soon enough, prompting Yugi to check her Inventory again. Once he confirmed she had an available space to drop something, he sent the next message. It read: But you still did it. Here. And with that, he deposited a large sack of gold into each of her available pockets. Another message would follow, containing a link to the System Shop and a quick note as the forest came into view for the Players. Can't send you bigger stuff like this. Enjoy.

[Apollymi]

The Players moved towards the forest while having text conversations and a casual discussion. They looked like any other pair moving around, just a tiny girl and a guy walking side by side. Granted, walking might have been a bit of a loose term as they seemed to be moving pretty fast. They spoke about the oddities and Miko agreed, "You definitely can't hold back in the thick of it. Still, he takes the bait so... I'll be pushing that button. It's probably a bad end♪~" Miko decided. Her path in otome games was usually as the heroine, but some heroines had a few villainess tendencies. Speaking of those, an actual text came up this one from Ren questioning her activities which made her chuckle. Or maybe super late, it mostly depends on when house hunting is finished and if you're still up (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧ Might be able to use your room in our place if we get it. If not we're at onsen and I should have some time for you (๑>ᴗ<๑) I've found some awesome stuff! Like real furries and monster dicks big enough to almost break my neck✪ω✪

While they approached the forest, it would seem that there was quite a bit. Ai would be receiving a text which made her look around her room. Freaky~ At the same time, she soon found her pockets had become quite heavy. Well, that was odd, when she reached in she found bags of gold coins and then a return message about sending her things. She wasn't dumb, she figured this was secret currency. She had enough time alone with the phone to look for a way to spend the funds. Upon finding the shop, she'd buy herself something small initially, just a Boba Tea which would appear in her hand. Wow, you guys are getting to have way too much fun. Still, thanks~ And sometime before she kept looking around but she'd send him a cheeky picture of herself, with that tea. She was sitting around in her underwear letting him see her in her comfort enjoying what he'd given her. Such a thing would also come with a seven percent intimacy increase.

[Bloodedge]

In the interim between messages, Yugi found himself staring down signs urging passersby to consider their families, seek help and so-on. "Seek help, huh? That's a good idea," he said with a bit of morbid cheekiness, casually stepping deeper into the forest. There was a plan for this excursion, and he'd put it into effect after passing a few... hanging bodies. "How about some help guys?" he asked sarcastically to bring forth Igris and the Infantry. "Grunts, spread out and triangulate. We need the deepest part of the forest with the least chance of discovery," he ordered. "Igris, you're with us because reasons."

As the Shadows spread, one more message came Miko's way. I'm usually awake. Text anyway. I can't miss that story! Ren sent that message without so much as a second thought. It seemed Yugi was also witnessing something that happened without any additional thought ─ namely an image of Ai with bubble tea she definitely didn't get from onsen. Thousands of gold and options... and you get boba? Based. Just don't waste all the gold. Make a shopping list. As he sent that, he noticed a decent little climb in Intimacy for Ai. Now at 35%, she was no longer the lowest of his group. Interestingly enough though, they had the least contact and even number of words shared thus far.

[Apollymi]

Miko and Yugi began making their way into the forest. They oddly didn't encounter anyone trying to stop them. That might have made Miko think about it, but she would eventually realize that she looked older at a glance than she physically was. Soon enough, Yugi was dodging hanging bodies and Miko was doing the same, dipping low to go beneath shoes and swaying to avoid legs. "Tehehe♪~" Miko chirped out a laugh only to actually think about what seeking help would mean. "Hm, that was dark, don't mind it though♪~" she mused. What was more, Yugi was soon enough abusing their powers as the Monarch of Shadows. He had the shadows moving around already looking for the deepest part of the forest and even keeping Igris close.

Beyond this point, Miko was told to text regardless of the time. He was apparently quite excited about the story she had to tell. Miko was happy to shoot a text winding up, Hai hai, it'll be a great story time, ja♪ ( ¬ᴗ¬) Beyond that one point it seemed that Ai had sent a nice photo to Yugi. Of course this was done simply out of amusement and because she'd bought something fun. Ai saw that return text and smiled laying back in bed, Yeah, nothing to worry about. I like snacks and all but I'm on the job so I won't do too much spending right now~ Still knowing that she was being looked after instead of doing most of the looking after felt interesting. Ai would sit with that... While one thought over that, Miko watched the shadows and listened to the stillness of the forest. She felt pretty good here, and the sounds weren't super obtrusive.

[Bloodedge]

Miko laughed at that morbid joke just to point out how dark it was afterwards. Yugi had to stop and think. It hadn't even crossed his mind before; the joke simply made itself. "Huh. Yeah, that was a little rude," he observed, just slightly surprised by himself in the aftermath. Well, there was nothing to be done about it now... and the oddest part was that he didn't really regret making such a distasteful joke.

The grunts of the Shadow Army were on the move, scattering to the far ends of the forest while Yugi looked to Igris for confirmation of their work. From body language alone, he could tell there was a relationship between Shadow Soldiers that he would have assigned anyway... but he didn't have to. "Commander through and through, huh? Looks like Igris already works as the knight among soldiers," he babbled. Igris had been looking out, not to be wary of a threat, but instead to keep track of the soldiers. He'd be the one stepping out just ahead of the Players to confirm the central location they desired by lodging that massive sword of his in the ground. "So this is the spot. Good work," Yugi said, prompting the knight to kneel as if honored to serve. Yugi paused for a moment to send yet another text Ai's way. Take a break. Kaichou is in the building and knows Kozuki is one of us. You can relax. Go clothes shopping or something. They're disturbingly cheap for some unbelievable quality. Once that was sent, Yugi pocketed his phone and turned to Miko. "We should pick out a house, but... trees. Queen of Shadows, your orders!" he said in an unnecessarily theatrical way, full-body salute and all.

[Apollymi]

Miko did laugh at a morbid joke and did point out that it was much darker than things they normally said. Somehow that wasn't a criticism but more or less an observation. It would seem, Yugi hadn't even thought about it before he uttered it. A moment of introspection lead to him noting it's rudeness. "Maybe just a little but... we've been a bit weird since our ascension♪~" Miko noted. No matter what powers associated with 'death' might have made them a bit less... warm overall. "Actually, my Veil has a divergence after the job change... it behaves differently too..." Miko asserted knowing that she'd not really had too much time to think about it, given they were so busy during that entire ordeal.

As they discussed and walked thorough the forest, soldiers found the perfect kind of spot. Yugi noted Igris's behavior and Miko nodded. "Definitely Commander, it seems like the others probably look to him for behavior cues as well," Miko noted as they moved about. And while the soldiers fanned out in the area. Yugi sent a text to Ai which had her looking at her phone in stunned awe for a second. What?! Why would Kaicho even be here, she could afford so much better! Ai seemed legitimately surprised and sent that message accidentally after typing it. Her follow up was much calmer but still rattled. I mean, I guess i can relax a bit though if she's here. Nothing bad happens around her and if she's looking after Kaya-tan I suppose this can count as a vacation for me too... what do you think of this?~ she asked at the end. While he waited on a reply he'd turned pomp and circumstance towards Miko who'd was currently standing with pure audacity hands on her hips and her nose up in the air. The Queen of Shadows was asked for her orders and she raised her hands as if surveying the area. "Cut down all trees within this area. From here... to here," she said using Ruler's Hand to bend the ones in the area she wanted as if marking the four corners of the lad scape. "Always need a clean slate to work with," Miko mentioned. As Shadow Soliders began moving using weapons to chop trees she looked at Igris. "Iggy, you could speed this up right?" she said looking to their Knight Commande and knowing he had a big sword and way more skill. "Show them how it's done~" she gave the order knowing that all the trees could be removed in a much more swift manner.

A few moments later Ai would be sending a picture of herself, with a new piece of cloth over her shoulders. A shimmering blue cloth with pink flowers decorating it, but she was posing with peace signs and that Boba Tea balanced between her breasts.

[Bloodedge]

"Yeah, definitely kinda weird since then. I blame Brainface. Fuckin' bum," Yugi complained without really having much reason to do so. More important than that however, was Miko mentioning a difference in her Lumen Veil Skill. They were so very occupied during the Job-Change Quest, there was little time to keep track of everything. "What does it do? I think I was busy fighting for my fucking life... unless that was when you had your skirt tucked into your panties. Then I was still busy, but... y'know."

When the time came to deal with the forest, Yugi busied himself with another message from Ai. By the time he read the initial reaction to Makima's presence at that onsen, another came in with the implication of an incoming picture. He'd wait until the photo appeared before responding to that, taking the time between to watch Miko command their army. Every Soldier was on alert. Once a radius was established, the Infantry began swinging their weapons at trees ─ some chopping them down while others handled the timber directly. She went straight to Igris as well, requesting the former Blood-Red Commander to speed the process along. Without hesitation, Igris stood and retrieved his sword. One swing was enough to topple every tree in a fifteen-meter radius, and another series of swift movements chopped those same trees into lumber that fell into a neat pile. "Wow," Yugi uttered just before the image from Ai arrived. "Wow~" he said once more. That reply would be sent very quick. She was there because we were. And I think your whole areolas are showing through that top. Wanna get out for a bit?

[Apollymi]

"It's absolutely his fault, fucking bitch," Miko agreed. There was an obvious issue with the way they'd become. Something about them seemed different on a deeper level. They were still fun-loving horny teens but they'd become something a bit darker, colder, calculating. As they considered the darkness of their lives as the Monarchs of Shadow, Miko mentioned that change her her skill, "It became, Veil of Hollow Radiance. It still does pulse healing and regeneration of health mana and stamina but it seems to have shifted into something more reactive than preventative. It will also suppress status ailments but not get rid of them. Basically, it enables berserker behavior without the warm fuzzies. But it can cause problems when used on people not actively draining something... It said something about an evolution in response to my desire, probably because I was freaking out about that near death experience," Miko gave the best generalization about the skill she could. She still smirked in response to the commentary about her bottom, she'd casually flip up her skirt and flash him her rear, currently in a pair of lilac colored thongs.

Beyond that point, Yugi texted Ai, and Miko got to see the reactivity of the Shadow Army to her commands. The soldiers were capable enough but she knew it would be quite a while of working on the clearance with just them acting. A few words to Igris and he was moving as well. Clearing much of the area. Chopping wood into timber and leaving much of the other Infantry nothing to do but haul away the piles. Miko looked up at the former Blood-Red Commander with sparkles in her eyes. "OOah♪~ You wield any other swords with that kind of precision, Iggy?♪~" the girl flirted with a beast of a man she knew couldn't flirt back, but she couldn't help it. It felt natural. After sending a picture, Ai waited and the response she got made her laugh. I know... I thought you'd like it~ Anyway, if the Kaicho is here I could step out for a bit. I'll ping you... she offered as she slipped into some new clothes. She kept on that odd shirt, but added a skirt and proper over shirt to it from the shop. She'd also go with a fresh pair of sneakers and some thigh high white lace stockings to match a pair of panties as well. She'd be dressed and slipping out of her room, with her keycard tucked into her phone's case, after buying one with a similar functionality but different design from Miko. At the same time, Miko was pulling out the Spider Queen. "Pull up the stumps and toss them into a pile we need some flat ground to work with. Use your babies if you need help... don't leave the area," she stated. And watched as a small brood of spiders began pulling up stumps and using threads to pull them out of the way, as the Spider Queen collected them along with the timber.

[Bloodedge]

Miko explained the new state of her most-used Skill, and it was quite a doozy. Such an upgrade path could only be conditional or requiring some very specific additions, and it seemed the former was indeed the case. "Sounds like the right kind of progress into Necromage territory. You could probably do some crazy shit with it later, like... I dunno, sustaining Ghouls or some shit. Future Shadows on standby or something. I dunno, random thoughts," he rambled, thinking there were a lot more possibilities than even he could consider. "Careful though. You could end up with something you don't want to..." Only one word shy of a complete clause, Yugi fell silent. Why? Well, he was busy tilting his head and staring down Miko's ass during that little show of hers. "Yeah, purples are the way to go for you."

Miko's backside wasn't Yugi's only distraction. He was also still periodically checking that image of Ai, while Miko decided to flirt with Igris. On that topic, there was a nod of acknowledgement from the Shadow. Whether it was one of agreement or one of simply acknowledgement was mostly a mystery... but it was there nonetheless. Either way, the lesser Shadow Soldiers were gathering wood for a series of piles. Igris himself would be moving out to slice down even more trees to fully clear the designated area. When Miko called upon the Spider Queen to handle the stumps, Yugi looked away from a final text that needed no real response. "We're having company. Take a look," he warned, showing that recent image as the centipede trio was brought out as well. "Oi, you three! When the stumps are clear, it's on you to smooth the land."

[Apollymi]

Apparently, Miko's newest skill upgrade was worthy of a bit of praise and thought by Yugi. As always she'd listen to his pontifications as she always would, given her understanding of how good his opinions could be. "Yeah, I thought of stuff like that. It'd probably be good for keeping people near death if we wanted to raise them and needed to wait. It would also help if someone was by themselves in an overwhelming situation since powerups are proportional to damage taken," Miko asserted. Still, she knew of the concerns. She'd thought of them herself after seeing the divergence path. She mildly worried. Still, a bit of a distraction was something she could give and something she also needed. She showed off a pair of panties recently acquired and got a fun reaction she smirked looking back over her shoulder at him. "I'll be careful Daddy. I've already thought about some potential bad ways it could go... I've always really liked purple, I'm starting to like to more now♪~" Miko chirped as she flipped that skirt down once again having it catch over the roundest part of her ass, leaving it in viewing area.

Still progress was being made. After Igris cleared out that one section, Miko had a flirty compliment to offer and received a head nod. Was that acknowledgement or admission? "Until I know for sure, it's both♪~" Miko decided after thinking it over. She watched as he continued to clear out the area, and watched the other shadows follow in his wake to move wood stacks and now spiders removing stumps but that wasn't all. They were soon to be having company and following areas being cleared centipedes were soon burrowing and flattening the ground again. It was a harmonious use of skills for non-combat purposes. "Oh♪!~ I love company♪~" Miko chirped. Soon enough she was looking at a picture Ai had snapped of herself and grinning from ear to ear. "Goddamn♪~ I have great taste in friends♪~" Miko congratulated herself and was pleased to see Yugi getting to know her friends better. Speaking of that particular friend, she'd slipped out of her own room and exited the resort. Once she was outside, she gave a quick glance around the area... running immediately up the side of a building and getting a good start. She began the act of parkour. Jumping rooftops, launching herself up and around. And occasionally checking her phone for readouts. When she got back home, she'd be making some adjustments seeing if she could patch her phone into the visor she used, but for now... she'd use advanced movement and her own superhuman speed to head towards the Aokigahara Forest where the teens currently were. It'd take her a bit to reach it...