Misery: Nope, it’s pretty much empty in this area.
Mallory: Haaa... Why couldn’t we have been put on the same team as Idia-sama... I was hoping we could have at least tried to safeguard him through the dangerous areas...
Misery: I mean, I’m sure he’s found a quite spot like this somewhere around the arena. We’re a good bit into the tournament so we should be safe for the most part too.
Mallory: See, that’s what worries me though! With the colosseum so close, you’d think there would at least be a few farmers trying to sneak their way in through the back...
Misery: I’m just glad we don’t have to deal with hoards of them like we saw earlier with Jack-san.
Mallory: I guess you’re right... I can’t shake the feeling that things have been going too smoothly for us, though...
Misery: Oh, now that you mention it, for a while now, I’ve had the strangest feeling that I’m being wat-
Mallory: OH GREAT SEVEN! MISERY! C’MON SPEAK TO ME!
Misery: Ah, I’ve been tagged. Looks like this is it for me. Save yourself Mallory.
Mallory: Ugh! Where did that shot even come from?
---
Perun: Whew! Nice shot from me! Now that I’ve finally gotten used to this thing, I’m starting to really wrack up some patches.
Donar: A shame Torben couldn’t join us. At the very least, Maury has one of us to guard him.
Perun: Yeah it’s kind of a buzz-kill we couldn’t be on the same team. Oh, she’s getting away. Why didn’t you take your shot Donar? Wasn’t that part of the plan?
Donar: Your favorite part might be the kill, but for me, the chase is what’s most enjoyable. I’ll meet you back here in 15, Perun.
Perun: Ah... There he goes again. I guess Maury always said Donar liked to play with his food...
~Play with Your Food (Part 2)~
Mallory: MIMI WHY'D YOU LEAVE MEEEEEE! ACK-!
Donar: Oh, that was quite the dodge, Mallory-senpai. Maybe I should have told Perun to wait a bit longer.
Mallory: Donar, is that you? EEK! STOP! GREAT SEVEN! Please s-stop shooting at me! We can talk this out c-can’t we?
Donar: Trying to negotiate with the enemy, hmm? Alright, I’ll take a page out of Ashengrotto-senpai’s book. Please present your proposal.
Mallory: GAH! Could you refrain from sh-shooting at me for a b-bit at least?
Donar: Tick tock, Mallory-senpai. We’re both on a time limit here.
Mallory: UGH! FINE! I’ll tell you the p-patrol routes of some other patrol groups on my t-team in this area! Just p-please leave me alone!
Donar: Hmmm... That would be quite a tempting offer... If I didn’t already know that information.
Mallory: WHAT? AUGH!
Donar: Perun and I have been surveying this area for a while now. We know all the patrol route of the groups in this area. To be honest, we were hoping to find Maury and take him out of the running early. He dislikes sweating unnecessarily.
Mallroy: Maury! I know where h-he is! I can tell you where to f-find him!
Donar: Well! Why didn’t you say so earlier? Go on then.
Mallory: He’s on the oth-ther side of the colosseum, a-a little south west of the entrance!
Donar: I see. I would have expected him to choose a place with the least action, but perhaps I underestimated Torben’s drive to hunt. Very well, I’ll leave you alone for the time being while Perun and I take out the rest of the monster team in this area. If I see you again, though, know you will not be afforded the same luxury a second time.
Mallory: ...
Mallory: *gasp* I’M SAVED.
---
Perun: There you are! Did you get her?
Donar: No, she’s a slippery one.
Perun: Ah, that’s a shame. Well, I went down to check on Misery-senpai and she’s fine for the most part. I offered to escort her back to the starting point, but she refused and she’s kinda just... laying there now.
Donar: Ah... I see...
Perun: ...
Misery: ...
Donar: Ahem... I’ve managed to figure out where Maury and Torben are, so let’s clear out this area before we go find them. You take west, I’ll take east and meet you at the edge of the arena in 30.
Misery: “The presenter who was chosen by the Magical Birthday Dice will bless you with good fortune.”
Misery: Good fortune....
Misery: Anyways, the presenter should be here soon.
???: Hello Misery-san! I hope I didn’t make you wait too long~
Maury: I, Maury Del Rey, shall be your presenter for today! I look forward to it!
Misery: Maury-senpai. No, you didn’t make me wait. You’re right on time.
Misery: I look forward to working with you.
Maury: Well without further ado, happy birthday Misery-san! Here’s your present!
Misery: Ah, thank you.
Misery: …
Misery: This is… a game cartridge. It’s definitely an older game from the looks of the packaging. The cover says, “Gloom”.
Misery:......Gloom?!
Maury: Yes Gloom!
Maury: The main character believes he’s left with no choice but to rot after being banished for assaulting his commanding officer, but then one day hears a distorted plea for aid over the radio!
Maury: “The demons are rising from the gates! Requesting military support immediately!”
Maury: And so the lone soldier returns armed with nothing but a singular pistol and his space suit only to be greeted by the growls of horrifying creatures.
Maury: In this classic horror sci-fi first person shooter the player must navigate through labyrinths while acquiring new weapons to strengthen their arsenal and surviving waves of attacks from hordes of unique enemies. Those who are keen on thoroughly searching their surroundings may even be rewarded for their endeavors with power-ups!
Maury: Thus is the thrilling setting of Gloom!
Misery: …
Maury: Oh my, is everything alright? Are you not fond of horror genre games?
Misery: No, it’s not that. I don’t mind horror at all.
Misery: Gloom was so popular back then that now it’s virtually impossible to find a copy of it. Most stores are always out of stock.
Maury: Ah~ So you’re wondering as to how I obtained such an unbelievably rare item?
Maury: Not to worry! I have many connections so acquiring the game was a simple matter~
Misery: I see…
Misery: Thank you, Maury-senpai. I’ll make sure to play when I have time in between school work.
“Happy Birthday” (Part 2)
Maury: Now, shall we start the interview? The first question is…
Maury: “If you could bring one person with you on a deserted island, who would you choose?”
Maury: However, you cannot pick anyone from your dorm.
Misery: … Rook-senpai.
Maury: Wow! Such a fast response! May I ask you to elaborate on why you’d choose Rook-san?
Misery: He was just the first one to come to mind when I thought about needing to survive in a foreign place.
Misery: I’m not very knowledgeable in the area, so it would be reassuring to have someone around who is.
Maury: Ah yes of course what excellent reasoning!
Maury: Indeed he would know all of the ins and outs of how to obtain everything one would need to brave any harsh situation.
Maury: His vigilant eyes and keen sense of smell allow him to track down food and water while remaining wary of any danger.
Misery: Yeah…
Maury: Not only that, but his unique sense for beauty could make any perilous journey feel like an adventure!
Maury: I could see him writing a whole book of poetry by simply gazing at the sky.
Misery: Mm, I didn’t think about that.
Misery: Yeah, I wouldn’t be bored if I brought him with me either.
“Happy Birthday” (Part 3)
Maury: Here’s the next question for you.
Maury: “If you were to join any dorm other than Ignihyde, which dorm would you choose?”
Misery: Another dorm….
Misery: …
Misery: I don’t know.
Maury: Yes it would be difficult to think of residing in a different dorm since the Dark Mirror chooses the one that suits each student best.
Maury: But go on and try to think of anything that might interest you in another dorm, even if it’s something small like thinking that the dorm uniform design is nice.
Maury: Personally, I think you would look fantastic in the Octavinelle dorm uniform~
Misery: Hm, then…
Misery: Maybe Heartslabyul.
Maury: Ah, yes Hearstlabyul has a wonderful uniform too! An elegant design with distinct patterns and accessories to add a touch of whimsicality.
Misery: Oh, their uniform is nice too. But I just thought about the tea parties.
Maury: They do throw excellent tea parties! Everyone gets to enjoy quality time together over delicious tea and food. Such a lovely experience!
Maury: Are you perhaps fond of sweets as well?
Misery: Mhm. Not to the point of having a sweet tooth, but I do like them.
Maury: In that case it would be an added bonus to be able to have Trey-san’s delectable baked treats so often.
Misery: Yeah. I only got to try them a couple times, but they were always really good.
—
Maury: And with that the interview now comes to a close! Now comes the most exciting part!
Misery: Right, the “gift of good fortune”.
Misery: I’m ready when you are, Maury-senpai.
Maury: I admire your lack of hesitation! Let’s make some fond memories.
Maury: MISERY-SAN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
(Many thanks to the amazing @azulsartdump for letting me use her twst oc Maury and encouraging me to try writing!)
Here’s the ref sheet for Misery!
Written info under the cut~
Name: Misery Strife
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Birthday: August 30
Star Sign: Virgo
Height: 157 cm
Eye Color: Pale Yellow
Hair Color: Maroon with dark brown undertone
Homeland: Isle of Lamentation
Family: Mallory (twin sister), Mother, Father
Dorm: Ignihyde
School Year: Second
Class: 2-D, Student no.22
Occupation: Student
Club: Board Game Club
Best Subject: Practical Magic
Dominant Hand: Right Hand
Favorite Food: Marshmallows
Least Favorite Food: Dried fish
Dislikes: Talking About Herself
Hobby: Rhythm Games
Talents: Lip-Reading
Unique Magic: “Mortal Shackles” - Misery can tamper with one of her target’s five senses, either making them more sensitive or considerably dulling them. Only one sense can be affected at a time.
