All the people you've met before. And some others you might see in the future.

Main Characters

Rei Maruki

That's you.

Kaneko Akemi

A former Operative just like you, who ran away from the International Assassin's Guild on that fateful day 5 years ago. A pleasant girl who still schemes of ways to make it big.

Relationship Level: 3 (An Old Friend)

Himari Kuromi

A former Lieutenant of the Assassin's Guild, with tech-based Magical Girl powers. Currently under house arrest with Jun.

She is also the younger sister to Kirata Kuromi, but she almost forgot about that after her seven year career in the Guild. Almost.

Relationship Level: 2 (Just Like Me?)

Allied Characters

Unaffiliated

Arata Keiko

Your work friend from Animate. He's a dumbass, but he's your dumbass.

Relationship Level: 2 (My Coworker)

Mai Hidejima

A HumaGear (artificial intelligence android) created by Hiden Intelligence. In case you're a fan of Zero One and wondering, she's still recognizable as a HumaGear, it's just that they allowed the HumaGears to change their headphones for a more human look.

After gaining sentience, she became an otaku (though a really well-functioning one) who now lives full time in the store. She's also your boss.

Relationship Level: 2 (My Boss)

Kinzoku Nakayama

Kira's friend, lovingly dubbed by her as the "Maddest Scientist". He's in a similar situation as Kira, being a young prodigy in his field.

Underneath his aloof and somewhat kooky image he projects to the world, lies a sensitive yet fiercely passionate young man.
Relationship Level: 0 (Someone I Know)

Aoi Kazuo

The old bartender (she's at least 45! That's ancient!) of the Sunshine Bar, a bar famous for having no "regulars" (read: drunkards and perverts). While that could be chalked up to the bar's strict rules, the real ones know that it's her impromptu therapy that's created that peaceful environment.

Despite having helped you and probably hundreds of others with some serious emotional problems, she keeps herself very reserved and calm.

Relationship Level: 1 (A Responsible Adult)

Jun Akimitsu

(This image was made with this great Picrew by @didimidal!)
Your old friend, almost as close to you as Akemi. He is a Broker in the criminal underworld of Japan— meaning that he deals in illicit goods and intel with anybody and everybody. However, after he spent about a million yen scrubbing your identity from the International Assassin's Guild's database, he decided to make a pact of non-contact with you— until now.

Relationship Level: 3 (My Guy in the Chair)

Fujimatsu Mako

A Kamen Rider you fought alongside, also known as Kamen Rider "Voyager". A young marine biology student, who seems to possess the ability to use the abilities of/be possessed by strange "Spirit Beasts". He's related to whatever's going on in Shonai, but as for specifics, you've got no clue.

Relationship Level: 1 (Battle-Forged Bond)

Kazuo Hikaru

The Shibuya Central Library Assistant Librarian- try and say that five times fast! A very kind man, who seeks to make sure that knowledge can be spread out all over the world. He also bakes a mean croissant, and he's willing to punch you in the face if you pronounce that as "quaso". He's Kazuo Aoi's adoptive brother, though he hasn't given you details on specifics there.

Relationship Level: 0 (A Librarian)

Archmages

Kirata Kuromi

Yes, that's her real name this time. A twenty-something who was assigned to your… "special" case. She walks using magic and her cane, as she has a certain disability. She was titled as Archmage No. 4 by the government, meaning that she's one of the top 5 magic users in the entire country.

As a prodigy in Magic and other sciences, she's been unofficially crowned as the "Mini-Sized Magus." (Don't call her that though! She hates that title!)

She's also Himari's sister. Their parents were killed by the Guild seven years ago— likely a purposeful set up on their part. She now joins you looking for revenge.

Relationship Level: 2.5 (Similar to you?)

Sora Kisei

The third Archmage and the only one who specialized in astronomy, notable for being a HumaGear who developed an unprecedented capability to wield magic. Notably nonbinary/agender (you don't think they ever specified) and will tell you to piss off if you genuinely believe in astrology.

Relationship Level: 1 (An Interesting Archmage)

"Yuki"

Arguably the most mysterious of the Archmages. This is one of the few times you've seen her eyes, and they're even more intimidating when she's staring at you personally. The Archmages were under the "DO NOT APPROACH" list for the Guild. You have a feeling that she was one of the reasons for that.

Relationship Level: 1 (An Interesting Archmage)

Akasuki Bashira

Arguably the Archmage who you least care about (but you'd rather not say that out loud) Akasuki has the dubious honor of being the fifth Archmage. While you doubt that his magical proficiency is the same as say, Kirata's, he's a world leading expert in the new and exciting field of Alchemy.

He's also kind of a bore? Like, outside of his work, he's got a normal house, likes anime and taking occasional hikes, and is dating someone that the press hasn't been able to find out the identity of yet.

Relationship Level: 1 (An Interesting Archmage)

Yamaguchi Izanagi

???

Card Spirits

Emblema Atry and Gargoyle II

Synchronity Level: 2 (A Knight And A Squire)

The first card spirits that joined you. Formerly two knights of the Kingdom of Centuri-La before they were pulled into the Void and met you.
Atry was a powerful military leader, while Gargoyle was like... her Stand or something.

M∀LICE Collective

Synchronity Level: 2 (A Simply Maddening Group)

A group of powerful digital entities in the metaverse of the future. They're a bit crazy, but the two Queens who lead them are some of the most powerful on the net.

They are:
Red_I, one of their leaders, a commanding presence.
Hearts_II, another one of their leaders, a comforting presence.
DorMouse_III, an anarchist and certified megacorp hater.
Rabbit_IV, the getaway hacker and timekeeper, down to the second.
Cheshire_V, the resident troll and prankster.
Blanc_VI, their last leader, a stern and logical protector.

Secret Six Samurai

Synchronity Level: 1 (Unknown Ronin)

These ronin were all outcasts and misfits, until they were taken in by one of the greatest groups of Samurai known to ancient Japan. While their names have gone forgotten, they went from lowly peasants to some of the greatest spies in the world.

While you've only gotten to know three of them, they are:
Hatsume, (bottom left) the girl and martial art specialist of the group and someone that's honestly a lot like you.
Fuma, (bottom right) the disguise specialist of the group who's very stern and silent.
Kizaru, (top right) the diplomacy specialist of the group, who is very kind once you get to know them.
Oh, and they also have a monkey with them. Don't ask.

Plunder Patroll

Plunder Patroll

Synchronity Level: 1 (YOHOHOHO)

A group of trolls (you think) who sail the seven seas, looking for treasure and money. Whether they actually steal things from other people like normal pirates is something you don't know.

Despite their alleged large crew size, so far you've met three. They are:
Blackbeard, (top of the picture) their leader and captain.
Bluebeard, (over in the right corner, with the mustache) their shipwright and quiet hero.
And Goldenhair, (Down to the left from Blackbeard) their perky newest member.

WRL (Worldwide Rider League)

Takeshi Ishinomori

The most experienced Kamen Rider active in Tokyo, and maybe even Japan. Incredible when it comes to ass-kicking. Somewhat mediocre when it comes to number crunching and acting normal.

Relationship Level: 1 (A Powerful Rider)

???

???

(To your knowledge, you don't know anybody from this faction.)

Sparks

Purrson, the Not-Cat

Formerly known as Purson, but without the "r". And without the cat body.

A strange cat (that's just the body he's trapped in, though) who claims to know you from before, and has unexplainable powers. He's a Spark— a part of something bigger, that descended down to help out others like you. He also has a really, really deep voice.

Relationship Level: 4 (Intertwined By Fate)

Enemies

Unaffiliated/???

???

(You don't know anybody in this group… yet.)

International Assassins Guild

Hanzo Suzuki

A friend of Kuromi's, a Lieutenant, and a Kamen Rider.

Aoki Hina

A friend of Kuromi's, a Lieutenant, and a Magical Girl.

Solferina

Relationship Level: 4 (Taught You Everything You Know)
(You still remember your mentor. You remember her well.)

Umbra

??? (The Dokurokan)

A… General(?) of Umbra. Wears a skull mask. Last seen ordering his men to shoot you and then running like a coward.

Relationship Level: -2 (Fucking Shot You)

Skull Faces

Umbra's Mooks. Extremely boring and disposable manpower.

-Take a break

Sunday, February 19, 2080.
Your Apartment, Sometime in the morning.

To be quite honest, you haven't had time to actually rest in a while. You stretch an arm out, as you spread out on your couch. While it's not healthy, the cup ramen in your hands is delicious.

Food in a few minutes… it's like MREs, but much more delicious.

"And unhealthy!" You add, your mouth full of noodles. You quickly go back to chewing. After a few more scoops, you also grab your phone to text Mai that you're going to be taking a break this week. She'll probably respond in a few minutes.

It's not like she'll stop you: thanks to some strings Jun pulled five years ago, you're technically an "independent contractor" who can work any part time job. Realistically, you've got enough stolen money from the Guild that you've put towards utilities that you could just focus on your own pleasure and work like, every other week.

Of course, now that both Umbra and the Guild are on your ass, you probably should put aside some funds for more and more guns…

[WHAT][ELSE]

"Well, I'm thinking about going to Nikko National Park for a day trip. I've still got a gift card for the Glyph Rails…"

You breathe out and put down the ramen, just enjoying the feeling of sitting down.

It's good to have a rest once in a while.

Health healed! (15/15)

Now that you have some much needed energy, what will you do with it?
[ ] [Break] Put aside some more time for the important things.
-Gain 1 extra major action each week for the next 2 weeks.
[ ] [Break] Spread out your time next week.
-Gain 2 extra minor actions next week.

---

-Spend some time with Arata.

Monday, February 20. 1:45 PM.
Animate, 5th Floor

"Oh man, Rei, you got some great pics of that park."

Arata seems to be half focusing on the photos you're showing him, and half focusing on what he's doing: cutting out pieces from a plastic frame. With a few deft clicks and snips from a cutter, the red plastic parts are released from their prison and fall to the table below.

"Thanks. The park was so great— we should go sometime."

Arata puts down his plastic cutter, before putting the cut plastic pieces into a small bowl. Of course, this isn't the first bowl he's done. It's his fifth, which he sets down next to the other four bowls, filled with gray and blue parts respectively. To be honest, you just followed him up to the fifth floor to continue this conversation with him, but now you're somewhat interested.

"You're doing this for Animate, right?" you ask, "What are you doing right now?"

Arata wipes the sweat from his brow, before looking at you with a smile. "Sorry, but you're not on company time right now. Ask me once your break week is over."

"Arata…"

He puts his gloved hands up in the air. "Alright, chill. In case you wanna know, I'm doing one of Animate's "Internal Training Programs"— essentially, you can train for in store positions while your floor isn't occupied. Right now, I'm helping out with building a Gunpla."

You take a glance at the scattered plastic parts on the table, before sweeping some of the plastic shavings into a trashcan. "I haven't been to this floor much, but that doesn't look anything like a Gundam, much less a robot." As you say that last part, you gesture out to the rest of the floor. On the shelves, you can see almost hundreds of proudly displayed figures of both anime characters and so, so many giant robots.

"Well, I'm not actually fully building it. I'm taking on a commission for the "busywork" of a Gunpla— cutting off the parts from the runners, and sanding them down to make some of the plastic nubs a bit less noticeable. Personally, I think those things are essential to building a Gunpla, but it's their loss, and I get paid for doing what I love. Once I get to the later stages of this training, I'll be able to do panel detailing or even airbrush painting for our clients that want custom builds."

Damn, that sounds kinda cool. Now I kinda want a model of Gargoyle, or even Auxila.

You lean in. "So… are all Gundam builds this complicated? It seems like a lot of work doing this just to get the parts for a model."

"Well, there's actually multiple levels of complexity to this. Just starting with the basics, there's High Grade, Master Grade, and then Perfect Grade. The higher you go, the more complicated and detailed it gets… and the more expensive as well." You don't miss the wince on his face as he says that last part.

As you look through the parts and the instructions, you start to see a pattern. You can see how the plastic gets cut out, modeled and placed to create the bones to this model— before you place all these stickers and armor to give it this beautiful "giant robot irl" look.

"This… actually seems really cool."

"Well then, why don't you try it yourself? You can come over next week to the Gundam Factory that opened a while ago downtown. I'll be there next Tuesday!"

[Relationship Level with Arata increased.]

Unlocked Sidestory: [Build Gunpla!]
-Invest some Capital (0.5-3) into projects that usually take about 1-2 weeks.
-Borrow Arata's tools, or get (buy) your own!
-Train your Technical by a little bit, and get to know Arata!
-Gain new options with friends that have [Geeky] preferences! (That's most of your friend group!)
(You may find a new member of your hero team this way.)

By the way, what Gunpla was Arata building?

[ ] [Gunpla] MG Gundam Gallack
[ ] [Gunpla] PG Gundam Metatron
[ ] [Gunpla] MG Gundam Calibarn

-Calibarn is actually a canon Gundam from the Witch From Mercury. However, it does not have a MG irl.
-The other two are fanmade released around 2060-2080.

---

Tuesday, February 21.
Your Apartment

-Investigate KR and MG.

There's not that much to do once you get home from a day of walking around. Sure, you've been running some surveillance on the Tokyo area, but can "making sure there's no skulls or Skull Faces in the civilian crowds" really be called surveillance?

It'll be fine. Part of being a hero is dealing with the off days in style.

You take a seat at your computer once again. Kuromi's "mischief making" and Atry's punch has given your monitor a small hole where there should be a… upper 20% of your monitor.

…sorry.

It's fine. You consider watching some UTube, but you immediately nix that idea. It's too early to be wasting time and inviting brainrot into your head. So you swap over to googling a few things on the internet that you've been curious about.

Five minutes later, you're on Wikiepedia.

[Research KR and MG (DC 50/70, Mental)]
[Total: 57+17=74. Success!]

Twenty minutes later:
You've made your way to BizzareTokyo.com, and the site lives up to its name. While the section that's full of urban legends is quickly discarded as nonsense, the KR and MG part is a bit more interesting. The users there seem quite active, and the forums there seem alive with both fanfic and even the occasional Quest.

You didn't find out much about the history of either type of hero, since apparently people only started getting reliable, non-phony pictures and proof of either one once they discovered Glyphs. Sad. But what you found is almost as interesting.

There are a good few pictures of actual Magical Girls, and Kamen Riders with helmets partially broken off or completely gone. Not blurry or low quality either. But whenever you look at those pictures… your brain can't seem to keep track. It's like you're looking at someone extremely special one second, just another civilian the next.

The BT community has called these occurrences "Unmasked Johns/Janes". Honestly, not a bad name. You scroll past the new sections with your mask plastered on it. Even so, you can see the titles pop up, but nobody seems to be able to agree on who you are. The fact that you left mostly a crime scene and not a viewable fight isn't clearing things up any more.

"The Magical Rider?"

"Kamen Rider Flow? Y'know, because of that spear's little wavy thing."

"The Red Mist?"

"Nope, don't let Project Moon sue you for that one."

[NAMING SENSE] [0%]

They can't all be winners.

Ignoring all the articles and threads about you, two topics start to stick out.

Number one is about a Rider that you've known existed, but this corroborates that. Apparently, about a mile away from where you're at right now, there's been a sighting of a new Rider. You knew that already from reading the news.

What you didn't know is that he (she? they?) hasn't been doing the best. Reports tell you about a Rider who seems ocean-themed, or pirate-themed. It could be either, but there's definitely a connection to water. Apparently, they've been both slipping up (literally) and taking more beatings in his fights than deemed normal by the years. Yikes.

Maybe you should go and try to help them out?

Number two is about… a dragon? Hold up, you've got to double check that.

Yeah, you weren't wrong. Apparently, a whole ass dragon has been spotted a while away, about 10 minutes away via train. The dragon (?) only seems to strike at night, and always chars criminals to a crisp. Said dragon has bright orange scales, and is always seen either before or after the attack by a mysterious girl.

One who's always hooded, exudes a warm aura, and has… orange, lizard-like eyes. Oh, that's definitely related to something,

You only have the time to follow up on one…

[ ] [Lead?] Local area and pirate rider?
-Extends the deadline for the Investigate a Rumor Major Action by one week.
-Lowers its DC from (60/80/100) to (45/70/90).
[ ] [Lead?] General info?
-Ignore both things.
-Reduces DC to find either Secret Society, and learn about the long history of Riders and MGs.
[ ] [Lead?] A dragon and a lizard girl?
-Gain a new rumor! (Mental, DC 50/85/120)
-Actively pursuing this rumor may raise your Social!
Readers of a certain MG Quest may know what this is.
Atry's Advice: Well, the dragon sounds cool, but you should also consider whether or not you want to see the more local option…
Gargoyle II's advice: [MANAGE] [TIME ] [WISELY]

---

Author's Note:

A more lighthearted chapter to start things off. Not much happening, and Rei finally gets to sleep! You go girl. Make sure to vote for all three votes: keep them on separate lines, no plans needed this time.

Also, while I'm here, I'm going to give a shoutout to two other superhero quests that started recently.

Brightly Beneath a Tropical Rainbow by @ColdGoldLazarus follows a trans Magical Girl protagonist, as she tries to uncover the mysteries of a strange and magical island. Also, the main protagonist's name was decided by me since I won half the vote, so that's cool!

Project Prometheus by @Bitterman casts you as Lady Leizhi, a former mastermind in the criminal underground and current superhero, and focuses on raising up a new generation of superheroes after the first one all died fighting against a dead (?) alien god. We are currently in the midst of trying to make a small teenage girl Goku/Gojo/Homelander but with morality, it's great.

Happy voting, heroes, and make sure to check out those Quests!