...
You need to understand this is the cost of stagnation.
Just because I barely do anything about what goes on there doesn't mean half of everyone else hasn't!
And where's that taken us?! A year* with next to no progress on this overarching Agony bull
!!
...I wasn't trying to blame you, but truthfully, I can't disagree with any of that. Besides the insults.
Well, every time someone tries to do something, something else says "no"! Are we just stuck between trying to tear it down or waiting for more problems to happen?!

Chaos is why we're all here, isn't it?
Which doesn't justify-
"Lasting conflict without confusion", yes, I've heard it a thousand times, balancing act.
Speaking of which, you seem to forget the balance that all four of us uphold.
Your stance on letting someone win if the show goes on, Barb's indifference to it all, Sodoma's stance that all must end well...
And my stance. Which is that as long as something is in someone's way, all is as it should be.
This "arc" has been going on forever!!
You and your "arcs"! Why do you think this "Agony" has to end?
Because with conflict comes resolution. That's how things are.
...fine, I won't deny that. But why do you think it has to end for good?
Look at Beta Devil! Look at Surge Man! Look at Grey Matter! All people or things who had time being the source of disarray, but weren't wiped out!
Not every story is like Beta's precious Dragon Ball. In some stories, small conflicts are solved bit by bit, while disorder lingers with no end in sight. Who's to say that isn't what Agony is meant to be?
And if none of you soft-hearted fools like it? There's more to this world than what people call the "main" conflict. Be happy you have that.
...There have been talks about a dangerous battle ensuing in the area. I would like for all of you to come with me for some questioning.
...You know, in a way, it's saddening. This used to be so troubling...
〈...〉
But now with that electric rodent and his little friend out of the way, getting this Marsh Agate was TRIVIAL. It almost makes me want to return it... Almost.
...You know... With this Agate, I'll have enough power to fire my Dimensional Transporter without the drawback of a cooldown.
...But why should I waste a perfect opportunity when it's right in front of me? If getting one Agate without Pikason around is as easy as this... Then why should I open the door NOW for that rodent to ruin things?
〈...〉
With no Pikason and no Agate, even one of the rodent's other friends couldn't come against me... So perhaps with no Pikason and ONE Agate... all the others will fall into my hands, as well.
〈...He will stop you.〉
Pardon...?
〈I said he will stop you. He always finds a way to. You know it as well as I do. Even if you gather the rest of the Shining Agates, and even if you get your precious otherworldly materials... Pikason will find a way to stop your evil scheme.〉
You may think that's the case... But you have not seen what I have seen of this world I'm after. Let it be known... The technology I will return to this world with will make me invincible to the lot of you. Even that rodent won't be able to stand against what I have planned.
...So that's why you guys want the Chaos Emeralds... I gotta say, this "Professor Gio" guy sounds like a lot of trouble.
〈He is. That's why we can't afford too many distractions... Who KNOWS what he's doing back in my world.〉
What the...? Hey, who said that...?
In any case, I'll be the one to introduce myself, thank you very much...
...The name's Scourge, Scourge the Hedgehog. And Sonic the Hedgehog... I'm gonna be your worst nightmare!
…Brother?
Ah, Olsha… It is nice to see you again.
Brother, I've made something for you, it's just like the books you read me!
Oh..!
How… Surprising! I did not know you could write.
A-And the paper..?
The other nuns helped me…
But will you read it..? Magically, like you do?
Oh, my child… Sit down.
...
..?
H-Hi..? Dad..?
I, er–
...
I’ve accidentally made a hole in the wall… Showing off to the weird flesh thing.
(STUPID HUMAN. YOU FORCED ME TO COMMIT STUPID “GOOD”. I WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE HELL (or maybe worse) FOR IT, I WILL!!!)
Why is it here, anyway..?
Ah whatevs.
Who cares about a random farm boy anyway?
Don’t get what’s so special about all these farmers, you all seem to be a bit stuck in the past.
Just synthesize your food, honestly.
Bored now. C'mon, I wanna ditch the fish.
We just got here. It hasn't been five minutes and you're already tired of this place?
Well. I thought they were kinda cool at first... but now? I've seen pretty much everything worth seeing. Unless there's a superpowered radioactive laser beam shooting thousand row of saws-for-jaws sharkie that also has boxing glove arms to punch people in the face..
.....Then do you have any ideas?
Nah... really the only thing I'm used to doing at times like these is making losers eat dirt.
*sigh*.... I was already aware of how much you loved fighting... but that is a serious amount of time lost to mindless violence.
I never lose when it comes to mindless violence! If there's a brawl, then I come out on top! That's why I'm the strongest!
You are likely right to some degree... You've dominated every battle you've come across. And you are powerful. But we live on quite the humongous rock, and reside on an infinitely expansive universe... you can't say for sure that you are the toughest... or the best... there is.
(That... and I don't think she could compete with that man.)
Idiot. I know there must be some seriously tough people out there. That's why... that's why I have to fight. Otherwise, what's the damn point!?
Being the best is my claim to fame, and mine alone! It's what makes me me! Without it, even that brat would..
Would...?
......Would nothin'... I'm just speaking gibberish.
Heh! The fella at the village didn't even think this thing counted as a weapon...I'm a complete nobody outside the fantasy world!
A nobody who could find any place she wants to find a better deal than the black water, even...
(Crap! No way in hell that thing doesn't remember last time...)
†
...okay, look, we can talk this out, I get my analogy wasn't the best, I know dead zooplankton ain't the same thing as-‡
I want to talk this out.
(...
...)
....You don't actually care, do you? You're only doing this because it'll make the runt happy. And that'll make Opera happy. You just wanna get closer to her, don't you?
(That's precisely it. But it would be rude to say that out loud.)
Ugh... Forget this whole shebang. It was a dumb idea from the get-go. No use changing who I am.
...I 've seen countless nobodies live and die alone, without having a loved one to share their burdens with. If you want to play hardass and deny all those benefits... that's at your own discretion.
What kinda schmuck do you take me for? They're the ones taking me for granted. I dunno what they'd ever do if I weren't around!
Besides... better to go solo than with a stupid creep. You'll definitely try something crude if I stay around you for too long.
...Typical. Fine, then.
Eh!?
Fighting in this weather is part of your training as well, boy. If you have truly gained control over your flames, they will be able to withstand this downpour.
!
Don't coddle me...! I am more than up to the task.
Heeeeey! The scrawny one! I know you, don't I? You had a stupid name, and I beat the f
daylights out of you!
...
...I will amass exceptional pleasure in mutilating you.
That was a decent surprise attack... you may have gotten me, had it not been for my auto-defensive matrix.
That precision, and that timing... there's no doubt. You are an assassin, hired by someone to terminate me.
It sounds pretentious... but somehow... it felt like I knew it wouldn't be that easy to get rid of you. Perhaps it's your reputation. Or your personality.
...Although, to be perfectly honest... It's better this way. This makes for a clear conscience on my part... and a way less boring execution.
I don't know what's going on in there, but I feel offended anyway.
I hope it hasn't been a handful with her. She can be a bit pushy... but she's also pretty squishy. Like an ant. So be a liittle patient before subjugating her soul to utter doom.
...so, yeah. Nothin' you didn't already know to the rest of the story.
...I'll be honest, I knew something was wrong with that petrol before I even headed back to Gensokyo to find the source, so I'm not sure how much I have to say about what it did to you.
...besides that it isn't enough that I'm gonna act like this never happened...
...but hold on, who was that you said brought Flandre to you? And gave you the offer?
Hidden Figure? Why? What about 'er?
...nothing. She just...makes me uncomfortable.
I wasn't paying attention, but I heard about something she did to the seasons once...and then there was that danmaku festival where she showed up without asking, and things got really dangerous*...
...of course, I'm talking to you now, so...
...I dunno. I mean, if making a deal with her is the way you wanna go, I wouldn't stop you even if I wasn't scared it'd kill me.
(...is Hidden Figure just that good about dealing with people?
(No, hold on, I barely know the umbrella 'sides our first run-in and today...but whatever he is, she ain't a troublemaker.)
(...)
(...whatever, I got better places to ask myself this stuff.)
*sigh*
(Just remember what the Leader told you.)
(Don't let them foil his plans. Don't let them insult the power he wields. Or that I represent.
(...if only I understood what he meant by the latter...)
(Well, if nothing else, I know how I can control this palace. To an extent, anyway.)
(If the few minions I've been designated aren't enough, maybe the geometry will.)
(They can solve Warp's puzzles...face Test's fears...I don't know how they overcame Wing, but I must remember that...)
(...and if I must show them great dangers to keep them away from me...from risking the lives of my siblings, whoever may end them...)
(...I truly wish it didn't have to come to this, but so be it.)
So, you brought a backup goon, huh? Fine by me... just know that's double the dental plan you're paying for.
You're mistaken, artificial one. I've only come to watch my pupil here do battle. He seemed quite obssessed with defeating you, so I figured it would be interesting to see how he'd fare after his training.
....Sheesh... what an irresponsible geezer! you'd really let a kid get his butt whooped a third time!?
Shut up. Your words are as flat as your rear end... I came to fight. Not to squabble.
Oh?... Well. I am in the mood for a little fun... but don't expect any mercy after that remark.
I think I've taken a liking to you, girl... so I'll give you a word of advice. Swallow your pride and wet your ears. Your elders know best:...
Don't pull your punches like you did before. If you do not take this seriously... there is a great chance you will not survive.
?
This meaningless drivel has gone on long enough. Stand your ground, and prepare for defeat!
Come on, then. I'll put you down like the worthless wannabe you are!
Of course... you musn't get my words mistaken. The moment you made up your mind to assault me, you lost.
You're awfully cocky... I don't think you realize what I can do.
Yes. I don't. But more importantly... I realize it doesn't matter what you do.
Hmph! I suppose actions speak louder than words. We'll see how smug you are when I eviscerate your legs!
What?!
I'll give you a second warning. Throw in the towel. I'm feeling good at the moment, so I'm willing to turn the other cheek.
W-who do you take me for!?
Quite a few of Einstein's ideals are outdated, but he was on to something about repetition and insanity.
What on earth!?
I would ask you if you're quite finished, but at this stage, it is no longer my concern. You're finished.
(D-damn... that defense of his is tight.!)
...Don't kid me! I have nothing to worry about when the only thing you've shown yourself capable of is defense!
...Fair enough. I suppose I can reward you for your persistence.
(There's more..!)
Still think I'm only capable of defense?
!!
"Worst nightmare", huh? Hate to break it to ya, pal, but I've had a long history of beating fakers like you.
Oh, believe me, I know. That's why I've come to settle the score with you, once and for all.
...Wait, are you trying to say we've met before?
Me? No, never... But I've CERTAINLY met YOU. To make a long story short, you and I had a lot of history together where I came from... But now, it's in a past that's long since been forgotten, in a world that no longer exists.
...But that was then, and this is now.
Stay back, little buddy; Don't want you getting hurt.
Ah, don't even bother, Blue; This is purely a 1-on-1. No help on my side... And none on YOURS.
〈Well, I don't trust any of this, so I'm staying.〉
Suit yourself, Rat. I was gonna recommend sitting back and enjoying the show, anyways...
Oh, and try not to blink... You might just miss something.
Heh! Nice try-
...What was that about?
...It's nothing that can't be handled.
...Ah. So THAT'S it, eh?
Sounds like you need to start using your silent alarm, eh?
Speak for yourselves, kooks. We ain't planning to wipe out to the likes of you.
(Right, so Hidden Figure's far from a saint. Dunno what the heck the umbrella was talkin' with the festival, but I guess I ain't dragging her PR down any lower than it already is...)
('Course, she ain't never heard the Gouyoku Alliance being as much free birds as we are, so I'm probably more like Bowsette or Applejack* in her eyes and not-)
(Oh. Just another fairy. Well, even if she ain't one o' those with the memory of a goldfish, she's still a li'l runt-)
Um...hi?
(...whiiiiiiiich means I can smooth-talk her easier, I guess.)
Heyy, kid! Whatcha wanna ask me 'bout?
Well, it just seemed kinda...empty? I was on my way to a friend's to go play some games...
Well hey, you go ahead with what you're doin', sweetie. I got...uh..grown-up stuff I'm off to do.
Like what?
Stuff you wouldn't get. Strong lady in a chair who uses doors, stuff like-
WHAT?!
I swear these rooms make less and less sense each time...even the pumpkin had his fancy gimmick.
Well, if he was to be believed, whoever's here is the last Seeker of Strength.
Besides their leader...
...Mr. Mack, wha'd'you think the person's gonna be like?
You mean the leader, or the Seeker here?
The...um...the Seeker.
...

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