𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝙸𝙽 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 ➥ The Logician ( INTP )
Sherlock Holmes is someone with introverted, intuitive, thinking, and prospecting personality traits. He is a flexible thinker, enjoying an unconventional approach to many aspects of life. He often seek out unlikely paths, mixing willingness to experiment with personal creativity. Holmes prides himself, on his unique perspectives and vigorous intellect. Sherlock can’t help but puzzle over the mysteries of the universe , which may explain how he became a private detective and consultant. His type of demeanour is fairly rare, but with his creativity and inventiveness, Sherlock isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd. From the outside, Sherlock Holmes may seem to live in a never-ending daydream.
Strengths:
߷ Analytical – Holmes analyses everything that he comes across, from research data to the behaviour of the surrounding people. This gives him a knack for spotting unexpected patterns and connections that other people might overlook.
߷ Open-Minded – Sherlock is driven by curiosity and an intense desire to learn everything that he can. He tends to be receptive to new ideas and ways of doing things as long as those ideas are supported by sound reasoning.
߷ Curious – Holmes is always casting about for new pursuits, hobbies, and areas of research. One week, he might be obsessed in a case with a serial killer, and the next, he might lose themselves the case of a missing aristocrat. When inspiration strikes, Sherlock goes all in on his newfound interest, learning everything that he can.
߷ Objective – Holmes cares about the truth. Rather than taking comfort in ideology or received ideas, he wants to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface of things. As a result, he can be relied upon to combat bias and misinformation, even when it isn’t easy to do so, and he expects other people to be honest with them in return.
Weaknesses:
߷ Disconnected – Sherlock can get lost in his own train of thought, even when he's with other people. When these Sherlock finally resurface with something to say, he may find that the conversation has moved on without him. This can cause Holmes to feel disconnected from other people, especially in large social gatherings.
߷ Impatient – Holmes takes pride in his knowledge and in sharing his ideas. When it comes to explaining his rationale, however, he isn’t always patient. If his conversation partner doesn’t follow along or seem sufficiently interested, Holmes may give up with a dismissive “never mind.”
߷ Perfectionists – Holmes want to get things done, but his quest for perfection can get in the way. At times, Sherlock may get so lost in analysing various options that he never reached a decision.
Conclusion :
What you have read so far is just an introduction to the many complexities of the Logician personality type. Along the way, you may have muttered to yourself, “Wow, this is so accurate, it’s a little creepy,” or “Finally, someone understands me!” You may have even asked, “How do they know more about me than the people I’m closest to do?”
If you feel understood right now, it’s because you are. Years of research have given us deep insights into the unique strengths and challenges of Logicians like you. And that includes the darker aspects of your personality type: the mystery of why other people just don’t seem to get you, the constant frustration at a world that seems tedious and superficial, and the nagging fear that all of your grand ideas might never amount to anything.
18+ This interactive story includes graphic violence, sexual content, alcohol and drug use, profanity, grief, car accident(s), stalking, and heavy descriptions of blood.
River Point, Oregon, is anything but normal. Missing people is just another conversation over coffee, and car crashes are just something you don't pay attention to. You've lived your whole life like that, not paying attention to the news, the helicopters just becoming background noise to everyday life. However, everything changed for you and for your family when your older sibling died in one of those accidents.
You all try to move on, your parents stopped fighting, they actually stopped talking to each other in general. You're left to take care of your little sister, but that isn't before you go to college. A couple of months after you graduated you're called back to River Point to take care of your younger sister. The same hospital that took care of you when you were younger, called you, telling you that you're your younger sister emergency contact. Not your parents. You.
Now it's time to go back home, back to that town, back to that hospital, back to those people.
As mentioned before, your older sibling died in a car 'accident' when you were younger, and yes, you were in the car with them. You've never stopped blaming yourself. I think it's time to forgive yourself, no?
Choose who you are: gender, pronouns, what you look like, how you dress, what you like or don't like, and your personality.
Romanticize your life: Out of three RO's in the beginning, choose your relationship type: friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, soulmates, childhood friends-to-lovers, and many more to come. Or you can choose to be happily single as well ;)
Pick your therapy animal given to you: Choose a lovable golden retriever, a calming calico cat, or a gentle rabbit! (many more animals to come)
Your therapy journey: Choose to heal, fight back, or to never forget.
What's your majorrrr?: Are you a certified psychologist, or a sweet kindergarten teacher? Pick whichever major suits you! You have a wide range of careers to choose from, I promise it's not just those two!
Pick your humble abode: Do you live a cramped but cozy apartment? Maybe you live in a spacious townhouse. Or, do you live in that same old house you grew up in, with your older siblings untouched room that gathers dust behind the locked door. Wait—why is it locked?
Figure out what really happened to your sibling: Was it really just a freak accident? Or was it something else entirely.
PI 'Kris' Matthews (M/F/NB) — Kris has been there since the beginning. You've had your fair share of ups and downs with them, except for when your sibling died, and everything went into a downward spiral. You moved away for college and stopped speaking to them altogether, but now you're back, and that one sunshine of a friend has gone somewhere else. Maybe you can bring that person back.
Prof. Dae 'D' Baeck (M) — Ever since high school there's always been a sort of...tension...between the two of you. There wasn't any bad blood but, you knew how to push each others buttons. You seem to think it's because he was trying to distract you from the pain of what you experienced when you were young, he vehemently denies it. He was the only person who constantly made you feel human; Except for when you went away for college and they ghosted you, not the other way around. They ghosted you. Now it's time to feel all that pent up anger again.
Dr. Malik 'Mal' Balliol / Amal 'Mal' Balliol (M/F) — Your college roommate, probably the only person who was able to get you out of your dorm room. They always know how to cheer you up, and never let you shell yourself in. Anytime you tried to shut yourself in, or ghost them, they refused to let you shut them out. Your leaning stick, your comfort. But...they dropped out a month before you both were supposed to graduate, what happened? You don't know. Now it's time to find out what really happened.
DISCLAIMER: There are only three (3) RO's so I can make it easier on myself, after I finish the main chapters you, yes YOU get to decide who becomes a new RO from the supporting characters!
Liam Matthews 𖦏 he/him — Kris's older brother by 4 years, he would always tease you when you were younger. He's the complete opposite of Kris. While Kris was sunny and then turned cold, Liam was always stone-cold. He was the kind of cool guy who drove the one motorcycle in town, had the cool tattoos and piercings, and was always working out whenever you stopped over to see Kris for homework. Owns Matthews Mechanics, the local mechanic shop passed down from his father, Sean Matthews.
Dr. Moni Balliol 𖦏 she/her — An Anesthesiologist and...Mal's...MOM!? That's right, Dr. Balliol works in River Point...and works at River Point Medical? Wait. Isn't that the same hospital you were at, and...isn't that the same hospital your sister is currently at? Woahoho! Isn't this a small world. And, wait a minute, is that Mal working the front desk? Huh..?
??? 𖦏 ???/??? — Someone's been watching you since you got back from college, even though you can't see them, you know they're there. Your sister said that since she was in the hospital, someone has been watching her, and that they... they feel familiar, somehow. And now they're following you too. Where do you recognize this person? And why do they keep following you and your sister?
Becca 'Bec' Winters 𖦏 she/her — Your younger sister, the reason you're back in River Point. You are now her sole caretaker after your parents split town, no message, no note, no goodbye. It's now your turn to become the older sibling you needed. (STATUS: ALIVE)
Eden Winters 𖦏 (gender selectable) — Your older sibling who passed in the car wreck, the only person you could rely on, but now they're gone and it's all your fault, that's what you think anyway. They loom in your heart, your head, and your bones, sometimes you think you can still hear them. (STATUS: ???)
LATEST UPDATE 𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄀𝄁𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄃 Reworking prologue — June 1st, 2026
A3! Translation: Chikage SSR Card “Margrethe in the Sun” [ Touching My Blue Hour ]
The blue hour and the belt of Venus bleed into each other, existing simultaneously and separately, together they melt beautifully.
This has to be one of the more beautifully poetic Chikage backstage stories I think 🥹 and definitely one of my favorites
Part 1
Chikage
I’m home.
Masumi
… *Sigh* Yeah, welcome back.
Chikage
… ?
________________________________
Chikage
Hey, I’m back.
Itaru
Senpai, good job at work. Especially this late into the night.
Chikage
What’s up with Masumi? He was going around looking like the world was about to end.
Itaru
Perceptive as always. That’s cuz director had to go on a trip overseas, which is like a rare limited time event.
Chikage
So that’s why.
I’m going on a business trip the day after tomorrow too, now that I think about it.
Itaru
Wow, talk about a coincidence. Is it gonna be a morning flight? I got a meeting near there, want a ride?
Chikage
Thanks for the offer, but it’s fine. It’s a late-night return flight. I’ll just take a cab.
Itaru
Gotcha.
Izumi
Here we go… Hah. This suitcase is so hard to wheel. Guess cheap stuff are cheap for a reason.
Ah. Chikage-san, you’re back.
Chikage
Yup, I am. That luggage’s pretty huge. You’re going abroad, I hear?
Izumi
Pretty much. I’m getting all ready for it now. It was so sudden so now I’m scrambling all over the place.
You’re really something, Chikage-san. Even when you go on unprompted business trips, you’re always so smart with it. Like you just get it done without a hitch, don’t you?
Chikage
Well, you get used to it. How long’s the trip gonna last?
Izumi
It’s gonna be a 3-day trip at the start of the week.
Chikage
Then you’ll be back the same day as me.
Itaru
Director, do you need someone to come pick you up?
Izumi
No, I’m all good. My ETA back is around early evening, so I’ll book an airport limousine bus.
Chikage
You sure are being smart with it.
Izumi
Is that your shot at a compliment?
Chikage
Sure is. Securing a way to-and-fro is important when you’re traveling far.
Izumi
Oh, right. Chikage-san, what do you do to pass time on the plane? I’ve been wondering ‘cause it’s been a while since my last long-haul flight.
Chikage
Not much, really. It’s either I work, or… maybe read a book, I suppose.
Izumi
A book… that sounds great, actually! Maybe I’ll buy something tomorrow.
Itaru
If you’re heading there anyway, why not party up with senpai? You two probably got totally different tastes, could be an interesting book trip.
Izumi
You’re right… If it’s okay, I’d love to go with you, Chikage-san.
Chikage
Of course. It has to be after work but let’s meet up and go there together.
________________________________
Chikage
So, do you have anything particular in mind, director?
Izumi
Hmm… not really. I thought maybe I’d go look for a romance novel.
Chikage
Why a romance novel?
Izumi
Just feels like something that’s easy to get into. How about you, Chikage-san?
Chikage
Hmm… I’d say mystery?
Izumi
You phrase it like a question.
Chikage
I mean… anything works, really… as long as it’s not a romance novel.
Izumi
You say anything works and yet there’s an exception.
Chikage
Not that I can’t read them. But it’s just in our nature to avoid things we’re not good at. You’d wanna avoid investment books or business articles too, right?
Izumi
It’s not that I can’t read them either, but… fair point?
Chikage
Exactly.
PART 2
Bookshop owner
If you’re having a hard time picking, why not give this a shot?
Izumi
Um, is this… for gifts?
Bookshop owner
It’s a blind book. The cover’s all hidden under the wrapping paper, so you won’t know the title or synopsis.
You buy and it’s a surprise waiting for you.
Chikage
Hm… you see these overseas often. I didn’t know we had these in Japan too.
But, these blind books don’t even have a single hint or recommendation notes.
Izumi
Hints?
Chikage
As an example, some at least have author names written on them with “For fans of this author.” Or there’d be keywords, or the kinds of mood the content has.
Izumi
Ohh! But yeah, now that you mention it, there’s none of those on these…
Bookshop owner
The only hints you’ll get from my blind books are the book thickness and color of the wrapping paper. I thought that people are more likely to stumble into the kind of books they normally wouldn’t pick this way.
Chikage
Talk about a gamble. What’s your move?
Izumi
It sounds fun…! I’ll choose from these, I think.
Bookshop owner
Take your time.
Izumi
Oh, since we’re here already, why don’t we pick a book for each other?
Chikage
Now I didn’t say all that about this selection, but… well, it’s not like I had anything in mind anyway, so sure.
Let me take full responsibility on my choice for yours.
________________________________
Chikage
—Director, have you made up your mind?
Izumi
Mhm. How about you, Chikage-san?
Chikage
I have.
Izumi
Okay, let’s do a reveal on a count of three. Ready… go!
Chikage
Blue gradient wrapping… What made you pick this out?
Izumi
It had that mystery novel kinda feel, y’know? And Chikage-san, you picked out a pink and purple gradient for mine.
Chikage
Felt like a romance novel vibe. Can’t guarantee what’s inside is gonna match, who knows.
Izumi
Hehe, true. Alright, I’ll go on and pay for this. Thanks for choosing mine!
Chikage
Same here.
Izumi
Ah, oh yeah!
Chikage
There’s more?
Izumi
When we finish these, if we like them, wanna swap? I’m curious about what’s in the one I picked out for you, too.
Chikage
… Sure thing. As long as it isn’t a romance novel, that is.
Izumi
Aww.
________________________________
Chikage
(All right, let’s see what’s in here…)
(The title is “The Blue Hour Whispers Your Name”)
(Blue hour… the time after sunset and just before sunrise, when the sky is dyed a deep blue…)
… I see.
(So it’s an anthology series themed around that blue hour.)
(I’ve read some of these before, but it’d be interesting to go back to them with this in mind.)
… Though there are a few autobiographical I-novels mixed in here, they aren’t my kind of thing, but it’s better than a romance novel.
*Director, on a different plane.*
Izumi
Oh, wow…! I knew it, Chikage-san!
(A romance fiction anthology, perfect for this stylish and pretty wrapping. But… I wonder what this title means.)
(Right, I’m on Airplane mode. I’ll look it up later, let’s dive into this for now)
PART 3
Chikage
(——I sent my luggage ahead to the dorm, so I’ll just take a cab back.)
(As for tuning in after the trip… It’s already late, I’ll just send a LIME text to Spring Troupe and——)
Izumi
—Ah! Chikage-saaan!
Chikage
… Director? I thought you were back on the evening flight?
Izumi
I was, but my flight got delayed. I arrived just a while ago.
Chikage
It must’ve been rough for you. Welcome home.
Izumi
Ahaha. But I figured since it was gonna be late, you’d probably arrive around the same time. I thought we might as well go back together.
Chikage
I could get behind that. Should we head to the taxi bay, then?
Izumi
Wow… the queue is so long, even this late at night…
Chikage
Looks like other flights were delayed too like yours. Maybe we should’ve summoned Chigasaki regardless of the hour.
Izumi
Should we just join the queue?
Chikage
Hmm…
If we wait a bit, we can take the first train ride of the day. That might actually be faster. Let’s grab some coffee somewhere until then.
Izumi
Sounds like a plan.
Chikage
Hand it over.
Izumi
Huh?
Chikage
Your luggage.
Izumi
It’s all good, you have your own bags too… wait, actually, where is your luggage?
Chikage
Had it delivered. Easier that way.
Izumi
Figures, this is your thing.
Chikage
Now you know, so hand it over already. With how you’re wrestling with that suitcase, the first train would’ve gone and went before we even make it to the cafe.
Izumi
I’m not that bad! Ah— Chikage-san, wait up!
________________________________
Izumi
It’s just the two of us in here.
Chikage
Probably because everyone else is waiting for a taxi.
Izumi
Could be, if you hadn’t told me about the first train, I probably would’ve queued too… Speaking of which, did you get to finish the book?
Chikage
Around 80%, but work kept me busier than I thought it would, I couldn’t exactly finish it entirely. Did you?
Izumi
Yup! I was completely hooked, read the whole thing.
Chikage
So it must’ve been a romance novel.
Izumi
All thanks to you. You sure know your stuff, Chikage-san!
Chikage
Just a lucky guess.
Izumi
Hnn…
Chikage
You can go to sleep if you want, it’s okay.
[ Option 1: I couldn’t ]
Izumi
I really couldn’t do that. I’m the one that invited you to come back with me.
Chikage
… If you’d rather not have me see you asleep, we can get separate cars.
Izumi
Not that I mind, but… I feel like that would make it harder to sleep.
[ Option 2: Aren’t you tired? ]
Izumi
Aren’t you tired, Chikage-san?
Chikage
Not particularly. I’m used to coming back on late-night flights from overseas trips.
Izumi
Is that how it is?
Chikage
Exactly how it is. If I hadn’t run into you, I’d probably be working inside a taxi on the way home.
Chikage
I can just read the rest of the book while you rest.
Izumi
Okay… I’ll take you up on that.
Chikage
Director? I thought you were gonna sleep.
Izumi
I am. But I feel like I’d bother you if I sat next to you, so I’ll be over here.
Chikage
Facing each other feels more distracting, but do as you wish.
Izumi
(…Hm? I can hear someone’s voice)
Chikage
………
Izumi
(It’s Chikage-san, but… maybe it’s because he’s speaking in a foreign language, but his voice sounds different from the usual Chikage-san—)
Chikage
Rise and shine. Are you awake?
Izumi
(There he is… the Chikage-san I know.)
(The one from just a moment ago—that must’ve been him in the middle of work he has to keep quiet about.)
Did I sleep for a while?
Chikage
Not too long, but we’re almost at our stop, so it’s best to wake up now.
Izumi
Did you finish the book?
Chikage
Yeah, it’s decent, I suppose. A bunch of dark and moody themes, I don’t think you’d like them, director.
Izumi
Is that so… what’s the title, by the way?
Chikage
Here.
Izumi
“The Blue Hour Whispers Your Name.” Blue Hour?
Chikage
It’s exactly just like now. Night turning into day, day turning to night. That time in-between when light and dark blur together.
Izumi
… It’s kind of like you, Chikage-san.
Chikage
Me?
Izumi
Ah, well… you have a different face when you’re outside MANKAI Company, right? To me, you’re still you no matter what. But… sometimes I wonder which Chikage-san I’m facing.
Chikage
………
Izumi
(Like just earlier, when he was on the phone in a language I don’t recognize…)
Chikage
… I get it. You’re right, that does sound like me.
So, you wanna read it? My book.
Izumi
Mm… only if you read mine in return.
Chikage
“The Gaze of the Venus Belt.”
… Blue hour and Venus belt.* Talk about a match by chance.
Izumi
Do you know what the Venus belt is, Chikage-san?
I wanted to look up the title, but I was so sucked in while reading it that I completely forgot.
I thought I’d figure it out by the time I finished, but the story never described it anywhere.
Chikage
Hm… This kind of thing is more fun when you figure it out yourself.
Izumi
Aww… Okay, I’ll look into it.
Chikage
… Here, it’s dark and can be hard to understand—my Blue Hour.
Izumi
… Then here’s mine, the Venus belt that heals with its warmth and loving affection.
Chikage
Very well said. For someone who doesn’t even know what a Venus belt is.
Izumi
Oh, come on… it’s a romance novel, but please make sure to read it properly! Let’s make a pinky promise.
Chikage
Alright, alright.
Izumi
It’s a promise, okay!
Chikage
More importantly, it’s time to get off now.
Izumi
… Huh? Oh! We’re already at the station! Come on, hurry, Chikage-san!
*Director scurries ahead.*
Chikage
… If I’m the Blue hour, then that might just make you my Venus belt.
Story Clear!
———T/Ns:———
The Belt of Venus is the anti-twilight arch or the soft pink-purple blurry band that appears in the sky opposite the sun during blue hour, which is just above the shadow of the earth. Blue hour and the Venus belt are a joint phenomena that always appear together at dawn and dusk, one dark (Blue Hour) and one glowing warmly above it (Venus Belt.)
this was crazyyy i cant believe they wrote this omgggg 😭😭
I worked a bit on this script I wrote a while ago. I'm actually feeling a bit lazy to do anything better, but I've loved the dynamic between these two over the last few days. I hope you like it!
Hello, my name sooad Muhammad, I am a 61-year-old mother and former school teacher from Gaza💔
After the army entered the city, we went out to Rafah under the attack of planes and missiles.And the bullets that spare no one, we lived in torn tents that did not protect from the heat, the cold, or the rain. All the words in the world cannot describe what we have lived through. All I want is for you to look at me and my family with a merciful heart and help me.
Before October 7th, I lived a humble life, dedicated to teaching and raising my children. But everything changed. Since that day, my family and I have been living in unimaginable conditions—without electricity, without clean water, without safety.
Our home was destroyed, and we now sleep in a torn tent, exposed to the freezing cold. My children cry from hunger and fear. The markets are empty or unaffordable. Bread is now a luxury—I knead pasta just to make something to fill their stomachs
Please open your heart and stand with us in this time of despair.
We are not asking for much—just a chance to survive. A blanket for the cold. A piece of bread. A roof that does not leak. A moment of peace for my children
I am humbly asking for your help. Your donation, no matter how small, can give us warmth, food, and hope. It can help us survive these dark days and rebuild a life with dignity.
Your support means the world to me and my family.
Please donate 🙏
All the destruction that you see, we live every day a hundred times, and we live hunger, death, and a life that has no taste of life
The Luxfield Institute builds bodies that obey, and hearts that can be sold.
You are the latest Pleasure Prototype developed by The Luxfield Institute. The perfect Alpha companion, you were created to satisfy the desires of Luxfield's exclusive clientele. Your training begins under Dr. Lynx Oleana, the lead researcher in intimacy engineering. They’re meant to teach you how to please, how to be wanted. How to make someone fall in love.
But desire has rules.
What happens when Dr. Oleana begins to fall for you - and realizes the true cost of what you were made for?
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Features
✧Character customization: choose your name and pronouns
✧Gender selectable RO: man, woman, or nonbinary
✧Shape your personality through dynamic choices
✧Navigate your relationship with your handler, Dr. Lynx Oleana
✧Uncover the truth about Luxfield’s experiments and yourself.
✧Omegaverse Elements
✧ A Body Made for You is already fully written, and will span approximately 20 chapters. The remaining parts just need to be coded.
──────── ⌬ ────────
You were made for one purpose:
To be the perfect pleasure companion
Trigger warnings for explicit sexual content, sexual situations, language, morally gray situations, omegaverse elements, and violence. A Body Made for you also features sexual situations and touching where consent is gray since MC has been genetically engineered and trained/programmed to respond in certain ways.
This game is rated 18+.
New Project: Primal
Welcome to the jungle, quite literally! Primal is my newest project, a sci-fi survival erotica romance. While I am definitely still working on SilverBound, I will also be working on this story as well, which will lean more towards explicit/sexual content and exploring the complexities of navigating a relationship where communication is more honest through touch than words. While the demo itself is brief for now, it gives players an idea of what Primal will focus on in future chapters. This first bit is simply an introduction to the story, but later chapters will include choices that will have branching narratives that lead to different outcomes depending on player choices.
Check out the Demo here!
Primal
A Sci-fi Survival Erotica Romance
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The Crash
In the year 2083, Apollo-9, a research vessel set to explore the fringes of the galaxy, fell from the sky and crash landed onto an uncharted planet. You are the sole survivor of this crash. Thrust into an unknown world with barely any resources and surrounded by predators you know nothing of, your chances of survival are slim. At least they are until he finds you.
Xi'tal.
He's the only thing standing between you and a planet that wants you dead. Your bond isn't just destined. It's instinctive. Dangerous. Primal.
But will that be enough?
Trigger warnings for explicit sexual content, sexual situations, language, and violence. Primal also features sexual situations and touching where consent is not explicitly given beforehand due to language barriers, but never non-consent.
This is a short demo to gauge interest. This game is rated 18+
Check out the Demo here!
Hi everyone,
This is my intro post for my new post-apocalyptic dystopian survival romance, SilverBound. If you enjoy your romance with sci-fi, angst, and a dash of survival suspense, then check out my new interactive fiction novel here!
SilverBound
A Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Survival Romance
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Dome-IV
You were born inside Dome-IV, one of the last remaining strongholds to survive the radioactive fallout that wiped out nearly all life on earth. You scrape by a meager existence, clinging to the threads of what's left of civilization. Food, water, the right to lay with another and reproduce- everything is regulated by The Stratum.
As a soldier, your life is simple. You keep the perimeter just outside the dome safe from renegade factions, rogue bandits, and, above all, The Marked Ones- beings that were once human, now changed by the radioactive waste. But when The Stratum sends you on a mission to the edge of the earth, right on the fringes of The Wasteland, to make contact with a unit of scavengers they haven't heard from for weeks, what you find there changes everything. What starts as a mystery becomes a fight for survival- and, more importantly, love.
SilverBound is a post-apocalyptic dystopian survival romance where every choice the player makes brings them closer to the truth- or death. Play with 5 character stats: hunger, thirst, stamina, body temperature, and radioactivity, each of which must be managed as the player navigates the desolate, unforgiving desert wastelands. Uncover the secrets of Dome-IV in a branching narrative where every choice matters.
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Romance Options
Hayden
The only person in Dome-IV that ever truly held your heart, you thought he was dead. His whole until was decimated in a scavenging trip gone wrong- or at least that's what they told you. But the things we lose to The Wastelands don't always stay buried. Sometimes, instead, they come back changed...He used to say he would die for you. But is he still the same boy that promised you the world?
Prophet
Fifth Templar to The Oracle, Prophet has been tasked with overseeing your mission to The Outpost. The moment you lay eyes on him, you know you're going to hate him. And you do. He's confident, commanding, insufferably self assured, and doesn't shy away from a challenge every time you push back against his orders. In fact, he almost seems to enjoy it. When you two are forced to rely on one another to survive, the flames between you only grow. Still, he’s a Templar. Loyal to the Oracle. Loyal to the Stratum. Can you really trust him?
Zander
Zander is the son of your late Father's best friend. He's never been particularly friendly with you. In fact, he almost seems to avoid you. His coldness towards you stands in sharp contrast to the easy charm he shows everyone else. It’s hard not to take it personally. But his actions are more honest than his words. With enough discernment, you may be able to uncover the truth behind the up-and-coming Scavenger Commander's actions… and why he’s always keeping you at arm’s length.
Jax
Jax has been your best friend for the last ten years. He's always been there for you. He held you together when your father died, and later, when you lost Hayden to The Wastelands. You're used to his casual flirtations by now. And when The Templars made him a breeder, it seemed like a natural fit. But everyone has secrets in Dome-IV. And behind Jax's silver tongue and roguish charm, his weighted gaze hides a truth that's been eating him up inside ever since The Templars assigned him to a role that made the only thing he's ever wanted off limits: you.
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Customize your Character
Choose your character's name, pronouns, hair color, eye color, skin color, and height. The choices you make throughout the game will determine what type of survivor you are and shape your character's personality. Choose to play while pursuing love, or forego romance and focus on carving out your place in Dome-IV and uncovering the secrets hidden in The Wastelands.
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Who will you become in your fight for survival among the desert wastes? And what price will you be willing to pay for the cost of love?
Date Everything is the most Izumi Tachibana coded experience of all time. Like I’m sorry but I cannot imagine that happening to anyone EXCEPT her. Like yes, she would open a random package and then start dating her house. Pre-Mankai Izumi didn’t have shit to do
In honor of Alchemised coming out next month, and DHR Month about to start, here is one of our favorite and simultaneously most heart wrenching scenes from Manacled 🖤
It's here! (Do you like the new cover??) After nine months, the chapter has finally come. This one took me a long time. I outlined and re-outlined and outline some more. There's something Sisyphean about writing an IF and there were long stretches where it felt like the end was never coming.
This was definitely a set-up chapter aka it sets up a lot for chapter 5 and beyond when it comes to the routes and upcoming dramaaaa so I'm excited to see everyone's theories and thoughts on all of the breadcrumbs I drop in this one. I'm really thankful that I worked on Chapter 5 alongside of Chapter 4 because that means Chapter 5 won't take so long to come out! I'm excited for that yippeee!
One thing to note: I usually leave the lyric options to the end but I couldn't come up with them this chapter. At all. Like for over a month I just couldn't. I am cashing in my "this is a wip" card and forcing a type-in. (It'll be fixed in chapter 5).
A change to note: Attached/Detached are no longer change options but they are now variables and in the stat page. As well as being negative/positive. It didn't make much sense to have the second one because jaded/ambitious does that job and I wanted the attached/detached markers to fluctuate for future story reasons.
There are new stats:
Castmate/Competitor ✮
Approachable/Aloof ✮
Leader/Member ✮
Camaraderie ✮
Born Star ✮
I wanted to focus on the celebrity/famous/botb/band part of it because those stats feel meaningful and important compared to generic personality stats. Some have been taken out but not completely. They are still being measured in the background for flavor text. Stats like Loved and Born Star don't change as often as they are dependent on the changes of invisible stats. They will make more sense in the future chapters !
PLAY HERE
If there are any errors (especially with the jumping to chapter page because its my first time doing that and there are a lot of choices) please let me know!
(NSFW) What are the ROs' top/bottom/vers and dom/sub/switch preferences, and kinks if any? Also, are there any FWB/fling options?
⚠️ EXTREMELY LENGTHY NSFW CONTENT INCOMING ⚠️
- - -
OPERATIVE D-6
Top/Bottom/Switch: Bottom-leaning switch
Dom/Sub: Submissive with deep trust; obedient, but only to the MC.
Kinks: Praise Kink, Breath Play (Choking), Spanking (Light-Moderate)
D-6 is deeply conditioned to submit under strict environments, so any dom/sub dynamic must be carefully earned with them.
Once that trust is built, they melt into the MC’s hands—responding best to careful control, patient dominance, and firm yet mindful touches that speak clearer than words.
- - -
DETECTIVE JUNO REYES
Top/Bottom/Switch: Top-leaning switch
Dom/Sub: Dominant in physical settings, but emotionally respectful to what the MC needs.
Kinks: Semi-Public Sex (Car, Alleyway), Control Play (Handcuffs, Restraints), Verbal Dominance, Eye Contact, Rough Grip Juxtaposed with Gentleness
Juno is in control until you let them unravel. They like being in charge, but not to overpower—they use it to give you space to let go.
With someone they trust, they’re intense, rough, and deeply focused. Eye contact is everything with Juno.
- - -
NICO/NIA RUSSO
Top/Bottom/Switch: Switch with a bratty bottom streak
Dom/Sub: Submissive, but will fight you the whole way there.
Kinks: Degradation (Light), Spanking (Moderate-Moderately Hard), Face-Sitting, Rough Oral, Marking (Hickeys, Bite Marks)
Russo's sex life is an extension of their mouth. If you dom them, expect resistance, sarcasm, and then sudden breathless surrender.
But if you give them control, they’ll surprise you—because they do know what they’re doing, and they definitely want to leave scratches.
- - -
KIERAN/KIERA MYLES
Top/Bottom/Switch: Top-leaning switch
Dom/Sub: Dominant by default, but will submit only under exact emotional circumstances—and only with the MC.
Kinks: Control Kink, Clothed Sex, Knife Play (Consensual), Breath Play (Choking), Power Exchange, Command Kink, Orgasm Control
Myles is all elegance and edge—intentional and precise.
In bed, they like to orchestrate tension like a symphony: slow, building and punishing in the best way.
They don’t just want your body—they want your control, your reactions, your unravelling. But if you take that control? Expect fireworks and consequences.
- - -
ALEX/ALEXI MONROE
Top/Bottom/Switch: Bottom-leaning switch
Dom/Sub: Gentle submissive, but can be soft dom if you prefer.
Kinks: Praise kink, Overstimulation, Temperature Play (Ice Cubes, Warm Breath), Eye Contact, Soft Bondage (Silks, Scarves)
Monroe is all about vulnerability.
They want to be seen, held, and loved through every touch.
They’ll let you take the lead, but if you give them the reins? That switch flips immediately. Expect slow, careful intimacy with moments of overwhelming emotional intensity.
- - -
ROWAN/RHEA CARTER
Top/Bottom/Switch: Switch
Dom/Sub: Dominant with strong ideals; will let you dom them if they trust you not to exploit it.
Kinks: Power Play, Orgasm Denial (Giving or Receiving), Dirty Talk
Carter is fire and tension.
They use dominance as a form of control over chaos, but they crave someone who can break through that armour.
They’re always passionate—never mechanical. Sex is just that extension of their revolutionary spirit.
- - -
BLOOD AND IRON — FWB AND FLING SYSTEM
UNLOCKING THE FWB/FLING DYNAMIC:
Throughout your interactions with certain characters (Non-RO and RO), you'll occasionally encounter options explicitly marked or subtly indicated as "Casual intimacy," "No strings attached," or "Friends with Benefits." Selecting these will activate an internal “FWB” flag or “Fling” flag.
ROs OPEN TO FWB:
NICO/NIA RUSSO
- Very comfortable with casual intimacy, playful physical encounters, and clearly defined boundaries.
Russo's route distinctly includes two separate flags:
FWB Flag (casual-only intimacy)
Crush Flag (romantic feelings), allowing for distinct paths at the beginning or evolution from casual to romantic if desired.
- - -
KIERAN/KIERA MYLES
- Comfortable but complex.
Open to casual intimacy, but be aware it might carry undertones of emotional or power-based nuance. They can manage FWB dynamics well, though they might subtly test boundaries with your MC.
- - -
ALEX/ALEXI MONROE
⚠️ OPEN BUT WITH NUANCE OR CONDITIONS ⚠️
- Cautiously comfortable.
May engage in casual intimacy if trust is built with them and the MC, but risks developing deeper feelings. Clear communication and careful boundaries needed in this route.
- - -
DYNAMIC INTERACTIONS:
Once flagged as FWB/Fling, interactions shift subtly to reflect your casual yet intimate dynamic with the person/people you choose:
Distinct Dialogue: This involves playful teasing, casual innuendos and that laid back flirtation without any serious emotional expectations.
Physical Interactions: Very frequent, many comfortably intimate interactions—casual touches, physical proximity and playful banter with sensual undertones.
Clear Boundaries: This is when characters verbally and non-verbally establish clear comfort zones in between themselves, no expectations beyond agreed intimacy—and reflecting that mutual respect and understanding.
- - -
NARRATIVE FLEXIBILITY AND BOUNDARIES:
Your FWB/Fling arrangements do not restrict or negatively impact your MC’s ability to pursue deeper romantic relationships later in the story.
Non-exclusive: FWB/Fling options are explicitly open arrangements. You are free to pursue additional casual flings or committed romance paths separately.
Toggle Options: At key narrative checkpoints, you have the option to reassess or end your FWB/Fling dynamic amicably or evolve it into a deeper relationship (if available).
Transparent Communication: Scenes allow clear communication about desires, consent, and potential jealousy or emotional complications—handled maturely within the narrative.
- - -
INTIMACY AND EXPLICIT SCENES:
FWB/Fling scenes emphasize casual intimacy, mutual comfort, and exploratory sensuality, rather than deeply emotional or heavily romantic connections.
- Comfort sex or reassurance intimacy following challenging events.
Comfort & Safety: Scenes emphasize mutual consent, clear boundaries, comfort levels, and enthusiastic enjoyment from both parties.
Optional Explicit Detail: Players choose explicitness levels, from fade-to-black to full immersive descriptions (fully explicit).
- - -
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS AND CONSEQUENCES:
FWB/Fling arrangements in Blood and Iron aren't without subtle emotional complexity:
Emotional Ambiguity: Characters (RO’s) may develop unexpected attachments or feelings to the MC, prompting nuanced dialogue scenes.
Jealousy & Reactions: Characters with active FWB/Fling flags might have unique reactions to you pursuing other characters (mainly RO’s). These are realistic yet handled maturely in this story.
Resolution Options: Provide mature conversations addressing boundaries, reassurance, or renegotiation of your FWB/Fling arrangement to handle emotional conflicts healthily.
- - -
ENDING A FWB ARRANGEMENT:
You can gracefully conclude your casual arrangement at multiple narrative checkpoints:
Direct Conversations: Honest dialogue about ending things amicably, often with a warm but clear understanding.
Natural Fading: A subtle decline in intimate options, reflecting mutual recognition that the casual arrangement has run its course.
Transitioning Relationships: If mutual feelings deepen, the option to shift into an official romance (if you have the FWB flag), which should be clearly communicated and consent based.
- - -
SPECIAL CASES:
NICO/NIA RUSSO specifically:
Two separate flags exist—"FWB" and "Crush":
FWB flag is activated via casual intimacy choices or chosen as an ongoing thing between you two at the start.
Crush flag is activated through choosing at least three clear romance-focused dialogue/interactions in Chapter 1 .
Clearly delineated paths exist for casual only intimacy (FWB), romantic involvement, or evolving your relationship into something deeper later on in the story.
- - -
GAMEPLAY AND STAT INFLUENCE:
FWB/Fling choices subtly influence flavor, character reactions, and specific scene availability.
Trust & Respect: Properly handled casual dynamics increase trust, respect, and comfort for parties involved.
Reputation Impact: A small influence on your character’s social reputation or persona—characters may react or acknowledge your relationships differently.
Flexible Playstyle: Supports varied player MC personalities, allowing aromantic, emotionally distant, or practically minded MCs to comfortably engage in intimacy without deeper emotional entanglement.
- - -
HOW FLING RELATIONSHIPS CAN WORK:
Flings can typically exist in one of two formats:
1. One-Time Encounter (Optional):
A spontaneous, singular interaction clearly marked as a brief hookup.
Example: “This is a one time fling—just for tonight, no expectations tomorrow."
Once concluded, these specific scenarios don’t appear again.
OR
2. Temporary Ongoing Fling (More Common):
Can span multiple chapters, repeated interactions, or intermittent encounters.
Offers Flexibility In:
- Continuing the fling across several scenes.
- Pausing or putting distance between encounters naturally.
- Clearly ending the fling when desired through direct choices.
- - -
FINAL NOTES:
Right now, I've already established one potential fling character—Ray, the delivery driver at Russo's Pizzeria—in Chapter 1 of Blood and Iron, setting the tone early on for players who are interested in casual intimacy and no-strings-attached dynamics.
Moving forward, numerous additional fling potential characters will be organically introduced throughout later chapters, each offering distinct personalities, scenarios, and interactions to ensure that in the story you have a varied and immersive experience tailored specifically for those who prefer temporary or purely physical relationships within the game's extensive narrative.
Being born into a noble family is a blessing to most. For you, it became a sentence.
When false accusations threaten to destroy your family, you're forced into a dangerous decision: enter the royal palace as a concubine to prove your family's loyalty and protect their name. But life behind palace walls is nothing like the noble life you knew. It’s a world ruled by secrets, schemes, and power plays—where trust is rare, and betrayal is everywhere.
As the child of a respected civil official, your fate was supposed to be different. Now, you're caught in the middle of court politics, royal jealousy, and the lingering scandal left behind by your mother. The only way to survive is to play the game and win.
Will you rise through the ranks and gain the Emperor’s favour? Or will you lose yourself in the cruelty of palace life?
Your choices will decide your future, your family's honour, and the legacy you leave behind.
Key Features:
Play as male or female, and shape how the world sees you—from your looks to your personality.
Make choices that matter—every decision affects your future and your family’s fate.
Explore life in the royal palace, filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected allies.
Build or break relationships with other concubines, servants, nobles, and even the Emperor.
Choose who you trust—and who you love—romance the Emperor, a fellow concubine, a sharp maidservant, or a rising military officer.
Balance duty and desire—stay loyal to your family, or chase your own path to power.
Uncover the truth behind your family's downfall and your mother's scandal.
izumi catches chikage off-guard by her honest (drunken) nonsense.
It was a rare occurrence for Chikage to join Izumi for drinks, but it was happening. As such, he was also becoming privy to her drinking habits: picking a fight with everyone within a mile radius.
There was a part of him that found it amusing, if not for the fact he was now in charge of hauling her away from the bar, because she was beginning to talk in loud volumes, and disturbing the other customers. Before she could argue the rest of her points about The Grapevine to a group of office workers, and why it happened to be the greatest stage play ever but the director was a “lousy, son of a bitch” for changing the male lead actor, he bribed her away with the promise of curry to erase the alcohol in her system.
Now, she was giggling, half-singing, half-humming a ridiculous song about spices, in alphabetical order, he might add, and generally being excited at the prospect of eating curry again past midnight. He was walking a few steps back, when Izumi finally stopped her song and started skipping instead.
Chikage couldn't find it in himself to get drunk, however, opting for one drink, as if instinctively he had to look out for the director. Still, he couldn’t quite hide the amusement on his face from her antics. Part of him wanted to pull his phone out, take a snapshot of the moment, but hesitated.
As if she suddenly sensed his untoward thoughts about her, Izumi paused in her tracks and stared at him in concentration.
Chikage tilted his head, regarding her carefully, and watched her brows pinch together in seriousness. The backdrop of the city lights surrounded her in a halo of reds, yellows, and greens. Cars passed by, along with the late-night wanderers, but Izumi was in her own little world, arms crossed, and contemplated something in her mind.
Chikage simply waited, a small wind brushing a lock of his hair away, and his face half-hidden in the shadow of the buildings.
“Yes?,” He prompted, hoping to bring her out of her stupor.
Without warning, Izumi closed the distance and reached for him.
"Don't leave," Izumi pouted, grabbing the lapels of his jacket. "You can't leave Mankai."
Was she still worried he was going to disappear one day and never come back?
Why, all of a sudden?
Chikage’s lips curled softly, decidedly curious about her reasoning. “And why not?”
Izumi's brow furrowed again. "Your…family. Here. You can't leave them."
She dipped her head, before looking up at him again and poked him in the chest empathetically. "You can't leave me."
Izumi held his gaze in earnestness, a flicker of worry crossing her face, even while something else lurked behind her eyes.
Chikage blinked slowly. Something tugged in his chest but he ignored it, figuring it wasn't worth the inspection right now.
Izumi only continued. “...Who’s gonna side with me when it's time to make curry? Everyone always makes fun of my curry obsession!"
The moment was gone, and Chikage could only blink, dumbfounded by her sudden declaration.
“Except Masumi-kun, who else would be on my side?,” Izumi shook him, the traces of seriousness gone from her voice replaced by drunken nonsensical arguments that only made sense to her.
For a minute, Chikage could only stare at her in disappointment. Then, he closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed deeply.
The director was losing it.
He started to reach for her arm, to remove the fists gripping his jacket so tightly, but Izumi batted it away. Half a second later, she was barfing on the sidewalk, and he rubbed comforting circles on her back. Before she could fall flat on her face, Chikage scooped her up into his arms.
"My head hurts," Izumi half-murmured, half-groaned, into his shoulders.
He rolled his eyes, a slight annoyance blossoming in chest that he couldn't suppress. Chikage needed to get her home, immediately.
itaru takes out his frustration through another means.
Itaru was so thoroughly distracted, tense and alert for hidden enemies, that he didn't realize he was already standing in front of his mission location, until his phone started vibrating.
Pulling it out of his side-pocket, he saw the two rapidly blinking red figures standing in front of the marked x on the screen. Besides alerting Itaru for his missions and enemies, the smartphone also showcased a miniature map of the 24th floor, with countless corridors and hotspots clustered with monsters that he was desperately trying to avoid.
Shoving his phone aside, Itaru scanned the hallway he left behind, before analyzing the area in front of him.
A glass wall blocked his entrance, but Itaru could see the room inside was empty, with lone cubicles, scattered supplies and overhead lights that flickered on and off. To his left was a glass door with an electronic code lock, which probably required the password he acquired earlier.
Beside him, Izumi moved closer, pressing herself against the glass. For a minute, he watched her tiny form, hovering in space with the wings on her back flickering from blue to red to green, a sign she was feeling agitated by something, and scanning the area for traces of mana.
Gosh. Even in her miniature faerie form, she was adorable.
Before he could stop himself, Itaru patted her tiny head with one finger, a gesture meant to wave her concerns away, and because he couldn't help himself.
As Izumi reached for a lock of his hair to tug painfully in retaliation, Itaru simply moved away and punched in the code for the glass room before them. Standing back, he braced himself as the doors slid open with a hiss.
When he took a step inside, he was immediately ambushed by several black shadowy wraiths, remnants of an old demonic power, swaying in the wind and determined to destroy him. He deftly avoided them, sliding to the left and slicing them down with the katana on his back one by one. Like an indescribable tingle, he could feel his experience rise at the same time he cut down their health points.
By the time he reached Chikage's desk, however, Itaru was breathing heavily, and leaning against the desk for support.
When he turned, he felt another sensation pass through him, a lightness that made it easier to breathe again, and his muscles relaxing.
Izumi's healing magic.
Itaru felt his mana power and health points recover fully to 100%.
"Thanks," Itaru shot her a grin.
Izumi tilted her head to the side. "No problem."
It wasn't hard to distinguish Senpai's desk, neat, unobtrusive, and free of personal belongings, minus the obviously misplaced spice rack in the center and a laptop, which was locked with a password.
Itaru flipped the laptop open, typed in the special words they learned from the Spice Quest an hour earlier, and watched as the second drawer on his left automatically slid open.
Quickly, Itaru fished for the item inside, which was a shining, silver coin. Words flashed before him, bright bold letters that he let wash over his consciousness.
[You have earned Chikage's coin. This will allow you to summon him in battle now.]
The coin flickered out of existence, and he let himself sigh in relief.
On their way to the first floor, Itaru reviewed the objects they've collected for the past hours, sliding his smartphone open to the [summons] category, while Izumi peered over his shoulder.
Itaru was frowning at Masumi's earphones, mildly annoyed with his stats, including his strengths and weaknesses in battle. As much Itaru loathed to admit it, the boy dealt extra damage with his sharp tongue and quick reflexes. Masumi's versatility with various weapons made him a useful summon, if only the boy wasn't distracted by the tiny faerie every three seconds, and actually followed Itaru's orders for once, instead of cutting him down (accidentally) every three seconds.
Itaru swiped to the next photo, and Citron Jr's empty, but endearing eyes stared back at him. This particular stuffed item took longer to acquire, since it involved a lot of trekking in areas outside the office building, but he needed Citron, who immensely doubled Izumi's offensive magic. The downside was that they still lacked the complementary weapon for him, unlockable only through a secret quest, which they have yet to find.
Then, there was Senpai, whose stats were overpowered even as a summon character, and whose particular item took hours to acquire because of various boss-level monsters on the way to the 24th floor, and a handful of secret Spice Quests that only crazy spice lovers could recognize. But Itaru needed him in particular if he planned to win the final mission.
Mildly satisfied with his inspection, Itaru swiped over to his profile, scanning his stats, and making sure they were at their maximum limit, as well as seeing if his weapons were all updated at a level he preferred.
Itaru suddenly felt Izumi bouncing on his shoulders, trying to get his attention. Her hand was pointing at something on screen. "You could do some more antidote potions and buffers. And the Bane of Demons could use more improvement."
Itaru contemplated that for a moment, before he shook his head.
"It's fine."
Izumi stomped her tiny foot in protest, wings fluttering in a red color. "But-"
"It's fine," Itaru reassured her again. "I'm not going to use Bane of Demons anyway. It's too heavy for me in battle. I plan to switch it out with Saint's Protection at the Final End."
He also did not want to admit that he would rather not trek back to a specific location in the office, and hunt down extra materials for a weapon he didn't favor- materials also likely guarded by an annoying monster boss.
Itaru didn't want to admit he was feeling too lazy to get them, actually.
Izumi still didn't look appeased for some reason.
Aiming to distract her, he leaned in closer. "Are you worried about me, director?"
She glared at him. "I don't want you to die!"
He couldn't help but tease her now. "But you promised to protect me, didn't you?"
Before Izumi could retort, the elevator doors dinged open, signaling their arrival at the first floor.
Tsuzuru greeted them with a disgruntled look behind the reception desk, his impeccable striped suit and glasses different from his usual getup. Beside him, Sakuya waved happily, hair slicked back and also wearing a formal business suit. The two reminded him of college interns that were hired by his company sometimes.
With a sigh, Tsuzuru pulled out his notebook, which acted as a save-point. "What did you do?"
"Finally got senpai's coin," Itaru smirked. "Thanks for the hint."
Tsuzuru sighed, writing down Itaru's accounts of the various marshmallow bosses near the 24th floor elevators, the hidden password, and other latest bouts of defeat against the enemies since they last met. Out of the corner of his eye, Itaru saw Izumi float to Sakuya's side. The tell tale ding inside his head signaled an additional item in his inventory, followed by several more dings, as Izumi proceeded to haggle with Sakuya for items.
Itaru's lips quirked. She was buying materials for him again, despite his insistence that they would be fine for the last battle, and that he could handle it.
Izumi was still studiously ignoring him, however, happily chatting with Sakuya now, as Tsuzuru prodded him to continue to recall his epic battles.
By the time they were finished with their last-minute business, Tsuzuru finally handed him the code to the basement for the final mission.
Once they stepped off the elevator that led to the basement, Itaru found himself standing inside a battle arena. Instead of an empty, dim parking lot, they were surrounded by empty metal seats that circled the entire perimeter from top to bottom, with a huge spotlight in the middle of the dirt floor. Itaru's shoes clanged as he crossed the metal bridge, stopping just near the edge of the circular arena, and he felt Izumi tense in anticipation for an immediate threat.
A second later, an old man stepped out of the darkness, the spotlight highlighting his shiny bald head. He was dressed similarly in formal business attire, the navy suit failing to hide his bulging middle, and his left arm replaced by a mechanized laser beam gun. There were also several weapons floating behind him, from pickaxes to heavy clubs.
"Must we do this, Chigasaki-san?" The voice echoed across the floor.
"I'm afraid I have to insist," Itaru replied curtly, shifting his stance to an offensive one, and summoning his preferred weapon.
The old man sighed. "Very well."
Itaru heard the first notes of a choir nearby, jarring and angry. Sounds of a hiss followed, the metal bridge behind them moving away to block their exits. Then, the old man finally summoned several wraiths, their forms swaying eerily as they blocked Itaru's path.
Itaru breathed in slowly as Izumi showered them in a protection buffer, a red shell closing around them both, followed by numbers flashing in his head as his stats started rising. Another large health bar appeared on the left side of his periphery, indicating the enemies' strength.
Itaru didn't think; he simply charged.
"Stop giving me overtime work!" Itaru bellowed, and aimed for the weakest points.
Itaru didn't know how long the fight had been going on - minutes, hours, or days - but he was breathing heavily around the boss' second form, feeling the last vestiges of his health points struggling to rise, as well as losing his concentration.
Somewhere in the middle of the battle, he vaguely remembered Chikage dealing massive damage, completely destroying the mechanized arm, but they were still struggling, especially when Itaru realized his health was depleting at a faster rate compared to his boss, and they hadn't even unleashed their third form yet.
Izumi provided MP and healing as much as she could, aiming her offensive magic to the enemy as well as providing protection for the remaining party members, but she was depleting her power too fast, and since her health was tied to his, she was also, essentially, losing strength like him.
Out of the corner of her eye, he saw her faerie lights blinking in and out, and Masumi catching her tiny form just in time before she fell to the ground.
Goddammit. This was so fucking annoying.
With a grunt, Itaru brought himself forward and sliced the nearest enemy in front of him.
"Get fucked, assholes!" Itaru threw a potion at the enemy lines that cut their damage in half, and charged into the fray.
By the time they reached the boss' third form, however, which resembled a demonic robot with metal wings, his party was partially obliterated, and the last of their healing potions was dwindling to an alarming level. Masumi was out of commission since the last battle, and because Itaru refused to waste any more of their revival magic on him. Chikage's health bar was also struggling to heal faster than usual, even with the additional healing potions and speeded recovery time magic on his person.
Before he could move again, there was a sudden inexplicable, blinding, white light that promptly brought Itaru down to his knees, and paralyzed him to the ground.
Unable to stop the pain coursing through him, he hissed in pain and clutched his chest.
What the actual fuck.
Somewhere in the distance, Itaru thought he heard Izumi screaming his name, but he couldn't answer her for some reason, and he briefly wondered if he could just re-download this sequence again.
"Itaru! Itaru! Itaruu!"
"Itaru?"
Someone shook him again. "Itaru-san?"
He gasped awake.
Itaru found himself staring at the black television, leaning back helplessly on the couch, and still wearing his office attire. He felt something wet across his cheek; he wiped it away, before realizing it was drool, and made a face. Something shifted beside him, and he turned to see the director staring at him worriedly.
"Good evening," she started carefully. "You okay?"
It took Itaru one more second to piece that he fell asleep in the living room before he could make it back to his suite, and Izumi was watching him throughout the entire time.
"I didn't want to wake you, but you started getting restless and I was worried," she filled in the silence.
Confused, he scratched his cheek. "I see."
He was still feeling groggy, but he was conscious enough to remember fighting a flying mechanized version of one of his supervisors from work, demanding some form of compensation, and he didn't feel like explaining it somehow. So, Itaru mustered some semblance of a reassuring smile at the director and reached for his suitcase on the coffee table.
Wearily and slowly, he stood up. "I think I'll head up. I've troubled you enough, haven't I?"
Before he could make for the doors, he felt something tug at the cuff of his suit jacket.
"Wait!"
Izumi stood before him, a line of worry appearing on her face again.
"Itaru-san, I know it's impossible to ask, but please go to sleep tonight." Izumi gestured at his face. "You look so exhausted. Please."
Just like that, Itaru's shoulders suddenly dropped, feeling the weight of workload and projects catch up to him at once. He wanted to sink back to the couch again, and never move. He felt tired, in ways words couldn't explain, but Izumi asking him to take a break for once made him reconsider.
Maybe he could afford a few drops in his rank tonight… It won't hurt him, will it?
Izumi was still regarding him carefully, waiting for his response. Unable to help himself, Itaru also reached for her, and patted the top of her head to regain some of his needed HP and MP refill.
Izumi, the healing fairy.
"Okay," His lips curved gently in a soft smile. "You go to bed too. It's getting late."
"Promise me! I don't want you to fall asleep during warm-ups tomorrow," Izumi called out to him again, when he turned away to leave the living room.
Itaru waved a hand, and drawled sleepily, "Yes, yes. Goodnight, fairy."
