The Oni tackles MuvLuv - a let's play of sorts (Update #45 on 25/08)

The dress still looked nice, at least.

Update #25, where the abuse of power continues

Spoiler

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http://i.imgur.com/JNeu40k.png

Seriously, every second update could have that title.

... Wait a second.

The timeskip image is different. Does that mean anything? Nah, I'm sure it doesn't.

http://i.imgur.com/JleHCPa.png

This dream - we had it before. This time I'm taking some screencaps.

http://i.imgur.com/ku7a2ek.png

Little Takeru is much better at dealing with people than the present day one.

Though calling Sumika an idiot is a long-standing tradition, I see.

http://i.imgur.com/XuX0rgd.png

And the dream ends as Meiya wakes Takeru up. At least this time she's not in his bed. Thank you for small blessings.

http://i.imgur.com/uf6TOnu.png

Maid #1 continues being useless and destructive. Trying to pretend she's Tsukuyomi makes things worse, not better.

Wait, what's that noise? And where is Sumika?

http://i.imgur.com/uWBRKhH.png

Yes, I am sure it is.

http://i.imgur.com/sBFcy4r.png

Ah, there she is. There's no need to even guess who's to blame. It should be obvious by now.

http://i.imgur.com/c0UbIws.png
http://i.imgur.com/w7d5ayY.png
http://i.imgur.com/iMyvdZ3.png

Stop being such a rules lawyer, Meiya.

Well then, what news will the school day bring?

http://i.imgur.com/XgSdOEW.png

Ack.

http://i.imgur.com/TmYTRdg.png

Agh, agh, agh.

http://i.imgur.com/eM9BimC.png

Alas Mikoto, we knew ye well. Step into the light, bro 4 lyfe.

http://i.imgur.com/uFnXkCt.png

Whaaaaat.

Talk about a sudden reversal. Yuuko's trolling will never stop, will it?

http://i.imgur.com/xjAC4Mr.png
http://i.imgur.com/7JhAwCm.png

Sadogashima is a small Japanese island.

This isn't a Gundam reference or anything similar. There is no signiifcance to this whatsoever.

So, since the losers were apparently the winners, who is the real loser?

http://i.imgur.com/7yGnJTa.png

Was there even any doubt?

http://i.imgur.com/EdRYDG5.png
http://i.imgur.com/mst7tSm.png

The class likes its schadenfreude.

http://i.imgur.com/8LO78iZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZopTnJR.png

Thanks for having faith in Takeru, everyone!

http://i.imgur.com/LRxmUmn.png

What! That's barely a passing grade... but for Sumika, still a surprisingly good result.

http://i.imgur.com/31G4P5Z.png

Indeed. Let's not waste any time and proceed to the execution site already.

Farewell, everyone.

http://i.imgur.com/ypEMUuQ.png

Or not.

Sumika and Meiya are disappointed that Takeru has to go and cannot eat their lunches. A food-waving contest begins.

http://i.imgur.com/wrwUV72.png
http://i.imgur.com/3l2XgMB.png
http://i.imgur.com/BsqSPlE.png

http://i.imgur.com/WDjU5ur.png

Agreed with Chizuru. Cut it out already.

http://i.imgur.com/pKUcPSg.png
http://i.imgur.com/QSZxaus.png

Guah!

http://i.imgur.com/bSj4vbh.png
http://i.imgur.com/wZC4Q3B.png

Yuuko's power abuse and trolling intensifies.

http://i.imgur.com/yB6xdmQ.png

Well, considering what we've been through in the LP so far...

http://i.imgur.com/qsLmp2d.png

Aha, so it's all another plan of Yuuko to entertain herself at the expense of others...

HOT SPRING VACATION!?

http://i.imgur.com/QccaZ8b.png
http://i.imgur.com/RYoIIia.png
http://i.imgur.com/7oUigN0.png

Umm. Let's say I believe this is Yuuko trolling for now, and not call the police yet.

http://i.imgur.com/swT9lCL.png
http://i.imgur.com/ra3ejTX.png

Phew, it really was trolling. Also she's being mildly tsundere about it.

http://i.imgur.com/DbLLfuT.png
http://i.imgur.com/nijgyFJ.png

Marimo should know better than to pick fights she can't win.

http://i.imgur.com/xfk90rR.png

And so Takeru faces his hardest and most ridiculous quest yet: gather people to go to the hot springs with, or fail exams forever.

Let's contact the usual suspects.

http://i.imgur.com/ihtR9eK.png
http://i.imgur.com/A9yewpW.png
http://i.imgur.com/cj4wTPV.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZOQLrD7.png
http://i.imgur.com/UzNzu4E.png

A predictable reaction.

http://i.imgur.com/ZuXUJal.png

Fortunately the cast is always up for further hijinks. That's why we're in MuvLuv!

http://i.imgur.com/xFi7p5H.png

I know what you mean. I really do.

But trust me class rep, this time it's totally harmless shenanigans and nothing more... I hope.

http://i.imgur.com/K3B45Xi.png

The usual derps are always eager to volunteer.

http://i.imgur.com/91Ghyv1.png

Mikoto continues existence on Planet Mikoto.

http://i.imgur.com/2b1gR7K.png
http://i.imgur.com/VD866FN.png
http://i.imgur.com/masr41U.png

Do not bully the thick-eyebrowed, Meiya.

Well then, it's set! The adventure begins as soon as it's convenient for the plot.

In the meantime...

http://i.imgur.com/ntdbOP9.png

Takeru's birthday comes soon.

http://i.imgur.com/beTqAcg.png
http://i.imgur.com/165hoj3.png

Please don't act as the birthday skeleton, oh sharp haired one.

http://i.imgur.com/3MkfHbH.png

Suddenly, a realization strikes!

http://i.imgur.com/Mffonxn.png

Is that the reason why Meiya invaded Takeru's house and is trying to aim for him so aggressively?

Come on. Surely there's more than just that.

http://i.imgur.com/TncxuC9.png

Ah, Tanabata. Japan's most important holiday, totally unknown to the outside world.

http://i.imgur.com/m8DnN6f.png

Don't worry Takeru, Sumika provides you with the greatest present of them all - disregard for physical possessions.

http://i.imgur.com/JPvYVm8.png
http://i.imgur.com/aQxm4ro.png

Suddenly, it's story time.

http://i.imgur.com/LKRLjA4.png
http://i.imgur.com/7QmRTWW.png

Or rather, two stories told at the same time. Anyway!

http://i.imgur.com/eOEHjr9.png

http://i.imgur.com/R1HMXKi.png

Meiya goes on total defense at the idea. How suspicious... but not surprising. Since it's Meiya.

http://i.imgur.com/30i3msN.png

Speaking of mysterious, the Pee Park draws Meiya's attention again.

http://i.imgur.com/7I6AGjc.png
http://i.imgur.com/5Paite2.png
http://i.imgur.com/kjkQdFo.png

That's nice of you.

http://i.imgur.com/a0ty4S6.png

That's also nice... what!

http://i.imgur.com/4cDm1Sv.png
http://i.imgur.com/YdbwT9O.png

Ah, that was only a joke. Right. Ha ha.

... This is so awkward.

http://i.imgur.com/MVPvhxZ.png

Yeah. Even for her.

http://i.imgur.com/nCOYNLH.png
http://i.imgur.com/nA0GZNo.png

And so Takeru and Sumika decide to do something about it.

Good night.

My thoughts so far:
That was really long for a setup day. Probably my longest update yet! I blame Yuuko and her extremely screen cap-able dialogue.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tensai_oni

I blame Yuuko

---

Me too. Just, in general. Her cheshire grin knows no bounds.

Just now noticed Buddy's couple of small reverse mantis claw hair protrusions. Black is the only person whose hair is euclidian it seems.

Update #26, where Takeru remembers things

Spoiler

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http://i.imgur.com/6OGYFRd.png

Huh. The timeskip image is back to normal.

http://i.imgur.com/QUfzsXH.png

And we have the dream again.

Little Sumika seems lacking in the common sense department.

http://i.imgur.com/yN2olak.png

Suddenly, her guardians (parents?) appear.

http://i.imgur.com/4VIMdWi.png

Takeru tries to be nice - then Sumika doesn't want to go. She says they'll never see each other again. Everyone gets upset.

This never happened before.

http://i.imgur.com/9n41Xz7.png
http://i.imgur.com/BYA4YJ6.png

Oh. Hello Meiya.

http://i.imgur.com/K5q9auf.png

The house is so peaceful today. Even if it is just the silence before the storm.

While walking to the school, Takeru mentions his and Meiya's birthdays. Remember? It's tomorrow!

http://i.imgur.com/YVEvKA7.png

Another mystery added to the Meiya-shaped pile.

http://i.imgur.com/UFqBn1A.png
http://i.imgur.com/T22PFTE.png

Anyway! Let's change the topic. Yes.

http://i.imgur.com/Gw3QAuT.png
http://i.imgur.com/SP4WOvf.png
http://i.imgur.com/6JtbUZ6.png

Meiya gets interested.

http://i.imgur.com/HLOWSTs.png

Really, "I have personal investment in this" levels of interested.

This is where I start to suspect something. I'm not going to say what it is yet, of course. What, and spoil the surprise?

Anyway, off to school we go!

http://i.imgur.com/uvDQD1Z.png

And there's Sumika, acting much calmer and less ear-grating than usual. A welcome if surprising change.

http://i.imgur.com/8rIHQYG.png
http://i.imgur.com/WuVduCs.png

Well, that didn't last long.

http://i.imgur.com/kBLlfOk.png

Did Yuuko spray something into the class as an experiment, or what?

http://i.imgur.com/qnhfvuE.png
http://i.imgur.com/82KwR8L.png

What's going on.

http://i.imgur.com/EV2ilxf.png
http://i.imgur.com/U4MVlzd.png

Takeru is left alone, so his mind immediately drifts to video games.

http://i.imgur.com/uYdjvUz.png

Dammit Takeru. You remembered just two small timeskips ago! Even you are not that scatterbrained.

http://i.imgur.com/FS9bChh.png

Aha. That's better.

http://i.imgur.com/SQQxZ0g.png

Talk about a reliable and responsible friend.

http://i.imgur.com/nxIgnrU.png

Best friend ever!

http://i.imgur.com/57A95ZZ.png
http://i.imgur.com/PkM01g7.png

You really have a one track mind Takeru.

http://i.imgur.com/0pxKCVg.png

But even our protagonist can recognize a bad choice when he's about to make one. Sometimes.

http://i.imgur.com/2hsjZCy.png
http://i.imgur.com/AGGb8BD.png

While desperately shopping around, a discovery is made:

http://i.imgur.com/PfiO4l4.png
http://i.imgur.com/pjWefg5.png

I hope it's not another abduction.

http://i.imgur.com/Bas6Zrf.png

That doesn't do this theory any favors, you know.

http://i.imgur.com/y1gbr6j.png
http://i.imgur.com/ks5mfJw.png

So everyone's busy and they left Takeru all alone. Again.

http://i.imgur.com/BFsigA9.png

What a sobering lesson in life.

Good night.

My thoughts so far:
MuvLuv is trying to communicate things to us now rather than just vaguely allude to them, I see. Also I have a feeling tomorrow will be a really big update.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tensai_oni

This is where I start to suspect something. I'm not going to say what it is yet, of course. What, and spoil the surprise?

---

I'm guessing

Spoiler

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Meiya is Takeru's original childhood friend, but she had to abandon her associations with commoners to be properly brought up as a Mitsurugi heir. I don't remember what was established about Takeru's background well enough to be confident, though.

That actually does sound like a decent guess.

Muv-Luv has now taken up the mightiest of weapons for use against the players (spoilered for size):

Spoiler

Show

http://i.imgur.com/C86hy7u.jpg

But with the exams done we get back to hijinks. Anyone care to lay odds on Ping Pong and Peeping for the Hot Springs?

Ishikar, I don't think your link is working.

Anyway...

Update #27, where IT'S A BIRTHDAY (and the music for this update is this)

Spoiler

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http://i.imgur.com/U0uGHR5.png
http://i.imgur.com/SHjruLI.png

It's quiet.

http://i.imgur.com/4TgAQSW.png
http://i.imgur.com/1haBeMY.png

Too quiet.

http://i.imgur.com/Vm3aXwV.png

Takeru hits the streets to quickly procure a cheapo cake.

Then he examines his cheapo gift for Meiya.

http://i.imgur.com/KiDns3W.png
http://i.imgur.com/482rY3c.png

He starts to get second thoughts about a birthday stone-themed book. What do you give someone who has everything? Not a generic 5$ gift, that for sure.

Then, something ruins the contemplative atmosphere.

http://i.imgur.com/ZjiwaOM.png
http://i.imgur.com/qmUSN7K.png

The "capture Takeru" mission swiftly commences. Of course.

http://i.imgur.com/R72zXMe.png

Off to Hawaii we go!

Or do we?

http://i.imgur.com/bsUjhtK.png
http://i.imgur.com/aFndrHe.png

Ha ha, just kidding. The party begins!

http://i.imgur.com/oW7G1pW.png

Gee, you shouldn't have.

http://i.imgur.com/oY1VPeH.png
http://i.imgur.com/aO4bdWG.png

Count on Meiya to do everything in her usual over the top way, with power abuse sprinkled on the (over the) top.

Then, a second cake is revealed.

http://i.imgur.com/XgTrRtx.png
http://i.imgur.com/HnF7R4D.png

Just as titanic as the first one (they reused the image, duh), but it's for Meiya.

http://i.imgur.com/O45HH9a.png

Meiya weakly protests as she's being burried under a pile of presents (not pictured).

As for Takeru...

http://i.imgur.com/pdjjHaL.png
http://i.imgur.com/ByJdDE9.png

You really are a good person, aren't you Sumika?

What other presents will the birthday boy receive?

http://i.imgur.com/cJn45cd.png
http://i.imgur.com/UwtOCjM.png

Huh. That's interesting.

http://i.imgur.com/pLPtO1M.png
http://i.imgur.com/fX9K0oT.png

Ha ha ha next present and let's forget about this one please.

A bit later, a tired Takeru retires to his room.

http://i.imgur.com/xfSO33c.png

Meiya follows predictably.

http://i.imgur.com/9u16iVR.png

Consider Sumika and Tama on a sugar rush. I wonder what pandemonium is occuring in the mansion at the moment?

http://i.imgur.com/hHIF6Er.png
http://i.imgur.com/FZXKkTB.png

What kind of a present could this be?

... I hope it's not an engagement ring or something silly like that.

http://i.imgur.com/RQmtygV.png
http://i.imgur.com/viThY3z.png

Close, but no cigar.

http://i.imgur.com/ipVyChx.png

It seems Takeru belongs to Mitsurugi group's secret inner circle now.

And just like that, Meiya departs. But...

http://i.imgur.com/ARGXQjH.png
http://i.imgur.com/NBfh6fS.png

Here goes nothing.

http://i.imgur.com/GeuXhmy.png
http://i.imgur.com/FQKiLAi.png

Please try not to hate Takeru too much, despite him being poor in money, taste and common sense alike.

http://i.imgur.com/Ruw9K5B.png

Just kidding. Of course Meiya doesn't hate it.

http://i.imgur.com/dbIEglv.png
http://i.imgur.com/BIIDBQN.png

H... hnnnng.

http://i.imgur.com/sIKVK9g.png
http://i.imgur.com/DzkXWdi.png

Takeru is still defensive, but it seems that for Meiya it really is the thought that matters.

http://i.imgur.com/Kv2oKaW.png

Keep finding pleasure in small things in life, you crazy heiress.

http://i.imgur.com/aaudMbv.png

Meiya goes out, Sumika goes in.

http://i.imgur.com/g7OEt8p.png

And the reason she's here is...

http://i.imgur.com/La87itv.png
http://i.imgur.com/GkPeU2d.png

A fan of real life let's plays, I see!

http://i.imgur.com/xJn9uC3.png
http://i.imgur.com/SZJHtBM.png

So it was a coordinated present? That's more thoughtful than anything birthday-related Takeru came up with, ever.

Also, I have totally no idea what these titles are referencing, sorry.

http://i.imgur.com/15tZuOl.png

http://i.imgur.com/038qRPy.png

Oho, time for a guessing game, is it?

http://i.imgur.com/ViQkv16.png
http://i.imgur.com/u2hhcBq.png
http://i.imgur.com/K9ZDkio.png

Flawless victory.

The game boy child guy title is LPed deep into the night.

http://i.imgur.com/dlK1Z8m.png

http://i.imgur.com/GRjjRtC.png
http://i.imgur.com/IGMrFvg.png

Tis the day that even the Takeru is playing nice.

http://i.imgur.com/3V0IqkM.png

The ghost of Takeru past is still here to tease and troll, though.

http://i.imgur.com/eGQJJ5Q.png
http://i.imgur.com/B4wAaRo.png

Yeah, I remember that. The flashback almost gave me a heart attack, this kind of things you don't forget so easily.

http://i.imgur.com/m2e4zAl.png

Reality and dreams don't always go side by side it seems.

http://i.imgur.com/tD0IzxC.png

Still, in time even the weirdest presents become cherished memories.

Yes, even the "diamond" rock.

http://i.imgur.com/BpsMlfG.png

And so Sumika drags Takeru back to the party - which continues offscreen so I'll assume it was full of underage drinking and other criminal activity.

Because otherwise I'll get diabetes.

Good night.

My thoughts so far:
That was a really cute and happy day, and it made me feel good for the characters. It shows how far we've come - if I didn't get to know and like them I wouldn't care even remotely close as much as I did.

Update #28, where springs are hot (and the theme song for the update is this)

Spoiler

Show

http://i.imgur.com/6ZNco9H.png

We had a few days' worth of a timeskip. I guess the cast needed a bit to recuperate after the party.

http://i.imgur.com/4pycdJO.png

Ahem, Meiya? What are you doing?

http://i.imgur.com/oVhYmrs.png
http://i.imgur.com/nuNvIKe.png
http://i.imgur.com/Z9lEiz4.png

So, Meiya tries to do something herself for a change.

Please let there be less explosions this time.

http://i.imgur.com/NxdFQ8W.png
http://i.imgur.com/X1HTJAt.png

Yes you are. And it's kinda adorable.

http://i.imgur.com/yfshteE.png

This is it! No more school - Takeru considers himself a free man (the fool). He finds a willing audience for his speech of freedom.

http://i.imgur.com/omF524m.png

Less willing, too. Yuuko has no time for your delusions.

http://i.imgur.com/PIAtkSF.png
http://i.imgur.com/sbBtQmd.png
http://i.imgur.com/zpi6J9l.png

Come on Yuuko. Not everyone is willing to bend and outright abuse the rules as much as you do... right?

http://i.imgur.com/Lij725X.png

Oh boy. Time to once again - be afraid.

http://i.imgur.com/pdsvk18.png

Very afraid.

http://i.imgur.com/HzlP05U.png

The cast is packing up into the bus. With varying degrees of enthusiasm.

http://i.imgur.com/IhwHOXf.png

Mikoto, still living in your own private world? You are? Just checking.

http://i.imgur.com/p8Wzwaw.png

http://i.imgur.com/N2TtEps.png

It seems Meiya decided to pack less than a whole mansion just this one time.

http://i.imgur.com/N7PRGhX.png

Nevermind!

http://i.imgur.com/dkzdkHc.png
http://i.imgur.com/UQH4Egj.png

Yeah. Pretty much.

http://i.imgur.com/6r285sM.png

When Yuuko acts like that, you know something's up. I mean, of course something is up. It's Yuuko.

http://i.imgur.com/Wko7CgY.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZuuwtPW.png
http://i.imgur.com/0gLY1Or.png

Huh, that wasn't too bad.

http://i.imgur.com/5sR8DQp.png

Of course the bus is run by the crazy (and awesome) driver and the crazy ninja maid. If the "Mitsurugi" sign on the sign was not clue enough.

Well, time for Takeru to enjoy the long trip, sitting next to his childhood friend since forever.

http://i.imgur.com/Yrtp5xU.png

And by that I mean fall asleep. Good night!

http://i.imgur.com/uQMXEiZ.png

On location, Takeru and Mikoto share a room for obvious reasons. Bro seems led by the nose...

Then another discovery is made.

http://i.imgur.com/e2MLK8u.png
http://i.imgur.com/RORwil6.png
http://i.imgur.com/Awtj9Ta.png

Yes, Sumika. Don't let Takeru be a judgemental prick.

http://i.imgur.com/CLZLT9c.png
http://i.imgur.com/ClHUxnE.png

Ah, stereotypical Japanese hot springs entertainment - table tennis. And... bowling, apparently?

http://i.imgur.com/DqljPob.png

How bad can you be, Mikoto?

http://i.imgur.com/LivYDHa.png
http://i.imgur.com/3umBxdh.png

I don't think you're talking about bowling anymore.

At the amusement center...

http://i.imgur.com/ge62GUc.png

You're in luck, Takeru! You get to indulge in your favorite hobby once again.

http://i.imgur.com/TZpNRwK.png

Meiya is already hooked, too.

http://i.imgur.com/15lJ1Gf.png
http://i.imgur.com/UTpOafF.png

For the sake of fair play, Sumika decides to take one for the team and stay behind. That, or she just wants more Let's Play.

http://i.imgur.com/ZGLOqZG.png

Chizuru wants to back down, but the chance to defeat her ultimate nemesis is too tempting! So of course...

http://i.imgur.com/9pndq41.png

The two end up in one team.

http://i.imgur.com/Q6kp7wB.png
http://i.imgur.com/7dJJRi1.png

Hey, that's a pretty good matchup actually, I wonder how will-

http://i.imgur.com/SiQ5BDB.png

Of course.

http://i.imgur.com/yRedvuz.png

Pink cat strong.

http://i.imgur.com/lvj0Q8n.png

Let it be known that video games bring people together - even sworn enemies.

Then, something appears.

http://i.imgur.com/86u00Tq.png

Yuuko knows what she's here for.

http://i.imgur.com/18sdvTd.png
http://i.imgur.com/5jZrn0u.png

Worry? What do you imply, Marimo-chan?

http://i.imgur.com/nGL5zAc.png

Ah yes, the sacred anime cliche of peeking.

Also the two of you are the same age, you know.

At the men's part of the springs...

http://i.imgur.com/FOTUc96.png

Mikoto has cold feet. Not literally. Hot springs, remember? Anyway if he stays away, why not go to him yourself Takeru?

http://i.imgur.com/k5QUgsh.png

Only a glimpse is caught before hot steam covers everything again.

http://i.imgur.com/WTv8BEO.png

Truly they are best friends for lyfe.

http://i.imgur.com/CyTncBE.png

Yes, Takeru. That's totally what it is about.

http://i.imgur.com/H7vUioz.png

Your power of observation is without equal.

After the bath, our band of misfits witnesses a wonderful sight:

http://i.imgur.com/maThcSQ.png

What is it? A mouth-watering (and offscreen, so take my word for it) meal. Whom have we to thank for this feast?

http://i.imgur.com/aa0TAyd.png

The local 1% of course. No I don't mean Meiya. She's the 1% of the 1%.

http://i.imgur.com/eJZ1sGY.png
http://i.imgur.com/VYpwc2n.png

Suddenly!

http://i.imgur.com/6Sk42qX.png
http://i.imgur.com/r2P1FIW.png

The usual troublemakers barge in.

http://i.imgur.com/T3hQaZ5.png
http://i.imgur.com/k4aVxqW.png

Truly the stance of a mature adult.

http://i.imgur.com/tSPGODd.png
http://i.imgur.com/V3uOxpF.png

That's all you have to know about Yuuko, in just one image. Okay, two if you count Tama.

And then...

It begins.

The tragedy strikes.

http://i.imgur.com/c5khCh9.png

But we have no choice other than to live with the consequences.

Remember how last update I joked about everyone getting drunk and causing chaos?

http://i.imgur.com/Yqqkm9i.png

It just happened, for real this time.

http://i.imgur.com/hOIoadE.png

Yuuko of course adds to the fire to make sure the situation is interesting enough for her.

But don't worry, Takeru has the perfect solution for this disobedient crowd.

http://i.imgur.com/ehAgW7m.png

VIOLENCE

http://i.imgur.com/nNt90to.png
http://i.imgur.com/iUtfX06.png

VIOLENCE is not working too well...

http://i.imgur.com/HUyeX0i.png

Guys, I think Mikoto might be dead.

But don't sweat the details, Marimo promptly ropes Takeru into serving drinks for her. What a responsible teacher.

http://i.imgur.com/73oFHPi.png

Takeru is too slow, so time for plan B: Marimo serves herself.

This proves to be a mistake.

http://i.imgur.com/GzsDAtU.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZHzPW1H.png

We're going chibi mode, that's how you can tell the situation is serious.

http://i.imgur.com/fMH5dze.png

The horrifying origins and dark backstory of Marimo-chan.

http://i.imgur.com/F9Q3B7B.png
http://i.imgur.com/UhU3nYc.png

But how to take the booze away from her?

http://i.imgur.com/LgpqHPL.png

Gentle verbal persuasion failed.

Time for force!

http://i.imgur.com/JxYKl8m.png

That didn't go exactly as planned.

http://i.imgur.com/KnopI4t.png

On the other hand, it's nice to see that someone tries to remain responsible in here. Even if that someone is Yuuko. And that's terrifying.

http://i.imgur.com/Hvr1a8v.png

Oh dear.

http://i.imgur.com/Bu9RXoP.png
http://i.imgur.com/EdXt9u7.png

One bastion of sanity (for a certain definition of sanity) yet remains. We're counting on you, Tsukuyomi!

http://i.imgur.com/9Nt6btJ.png

Drunk Meiya does the most foolish thing imaginable - she tries to fight back.

http://i.imgur.com/qaA1ciF.png
http://i.imgur.com/i3GXF0b.png

Wrong move.

http://i.imgur.com/hkVdZHC.png
http://i.imgur.com/uUBKRMU.png
http://i.imgur.com/K1eyOSa.png
http://i.imgur.com/p28rrsi.png

Remind me never to piss Tsukuyomi off.

http://i.imgur.com/XoYEwyb.png

As a side effect, everyone returned to normal!

http://i.imgur.com/eLDWfaO.png

Just kidding. Takeru still has the whole circus to deal with.

http://i.imgur.com/P1N1JE0.png
http://i.imgur.com/MCO5Zko.png

Good news, Mikoto's not dead. Bad news, no one competent and sober is left in the room.

http://i.imgur.com/K3q5ovq.png
http://i.imgur.com/9TFG7U4.png
http://i.imgur.com/yVCiG9v.png

Just do whatever you want, you band of drunks.

Good night.

My thoughts so far:
Ha ha ha what. Hijinks are entering overcharge mode.

Underage drinking? How scandalous. I'm sure that's the most inappropriate thing that will happen in this LP.

Also, I'm worried about Mikoto. And Kei. Losing your sight from alcohol is not a good sign.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tensai_oni

Also the two of you are the same age, you know.

---

That's Yuuko's body's apparent age. Who knows how many lifetimes of shenanigans her symbiont has witnessed?

Also: I feel let down by the implication in this update.

Implication? I have no idea what you are talking about. Surely it's nothig related to Mikoto.

Update #29, where chips are on the table

Spoiler

Show

http://i.imgur.com/rlvFJDz.png

The next morning is predictable.

http://i.imgur.com/52LnJtw.png
http://i.imgur.com/TS3xcOw.png

Unconscious bodies everywhere. Well, Takeru can be responsible so it's time to take care of the hangover zombies.

http://i.imgur.com/DBHc4Gc.png

Good, it's like you have experience doing this.

Sumika's turn.

http://i.imgur.com/soA7m4w.png
http://i.imgur.com/JRayQTg.png

Ah, zombie! Or... you know, Sumika being clingy as usual. Because she's Sumika, unconsciousness won't stop her.

http://i.imgur.com/gwpxIGG.png

Takeru decides to be contemplative. And to adjust Sumika's radio reception.

http://i.imgur.com/kBJbZmx.png
http://i.imgur.com/Z2DiJfj.png

Much, much later - the zombie horde finally shuffles out to the corridor.

http://i.imgur.com/2niPX5k.png
http://i.imgur.com/8qvISIN.png

Of course, they remember nothing.

What happened last evening shall forever remain a mystery for everyone but a handful of people. And, you know. Everyone who read this VN, or the LP thereof.

http://i.imgur.com/Q2dbJBU.png
http://i.imgur.com/156YaZA.png

Even unconscious, Sumika was a handful.

Well, the horde is slowly dissipating as everyone decides to make use of what little time remains.

http://i.imgur.com/HgEoT4C.png
http://i.imgur.com/oPJpCth.png

Okay, that's cute.

http://i.imgur.com/jHXm0j2.png

Look who we find in the gaming room.

http://i.imgur.com/0alRCBA.png
http://i.imgur.com/afcLiXg.png
http://i.imgur.com/D389juP.png

Sumika and Takeru are easy to amaze by ordinary trappings of a hot springs inn.

But yeah, good question. Why was Meiya looking around?

http://i.imgur.com/8EBqheV.png
http://i.imgur.com/HCoNLRh.png

Not sure about Meiya, but surprises happened for Takeru already.

A lot.

http://i.imgur.com/SfyuY6W.png

Another one hit with temporary amnesia, I see. Not that it stops Meiya and Sumika from badgering Takeru for more info.

http://i.imgur.com/XaE10R2.png
http://i.imgur.com/AtFKw26.png
http://i.imgur.com/n8RKvG5.png

It's a challenge! Who shall win and receive enlightenment regarding the evening's secrets?

Here's a song. Usually used for Valgernon matches, but it plays for air hockey just as well.

http://i.imgur.com/HXFpixR.png
http://i.imgur.com/UUSNFOI.png
http://i.imgur.com/nI2b9Dc.png
http://i.imgur.com/qTtsbQn.png

Looks like Sumika's actually good at something, for a change.

http://i.imgur.com/Fo0ukOr.png

Shame the match lasts forever.

http://i.imgur.com/TxMhcX3.png
http://i.imgur.com/D7jkWMn.png

They are really getting into it though.

http://i.imgur.com/6AcUfLY.png
http://i.imgur.com/FS69hji.png
http://i.imgur.com/HegS0LG.png

And the puck flies... in a predictable direction.

http://i.imgur.com/NUOxbpT.png
http://i.imgur.com/vFxqB3C.png

Crash!

http://i.imgur.com/Fva4o9u.png

Why hello Mikoto. Why are you spinning so much?

http://i.imgur.com/dRRepJ7.png
http://i.imgur.com/m6zLbbJ.png

You're the one who brought this up, Takeru!

http://i.imgur.com/kv3lOuj.png

Well, time for another hot springs bath, in manly company.

http://i.imgur.com/OO40k1r.png
http://i.imgur.com/XV9RxLt.png
http://i.imgur.com/tJXvZHz.png

Yes. That is exactly what is going on.

http://i.imgur.com/JeTjvK9.png
http://i.imgur.com/BvBnUvt.png

Your life is crazy enough for one person, Mikoto. Don't try to rope in others.

http://i.imgur.com/bGpX39m.png
http://i.imgur.com/Tf3Xifg.png

Suddenly some people can be heard from the women's bath. No points for guessing who they are.

http://i.imgur.com/4jYR1eZ.png

Instead of peeking, let's "accidentally" overhear what Sumika and Meiya are up to.

http://i.imgur.com/jHLLRqV.png
http://i.imgur.com/D4Yzua5.png

That's a very good question that Meiya never answered honestly. Come on, the route is almost ending, maybe it's time to do something about it?

http://i.imgur.com/DvKVs9K.png
http://i.imgur.com/zuBI7mt.png
http://i.imgur.com/INXXUCk.png

Ohh? This is getting serious.

http://i.imgur.com/zo8OaMF.png
http://i.imgur.com/sMIrl1M.png

Takeru is kinda thick at times. This is one of those many, many times.

http://i.imgur.com/nMiEKoV.png
http://i.imgur.com/kaUGuET.png
http://i.imgur.com/emPMxDv.png

Aand... there we go. What was obvious for at least 20 updates (it's a VN after all) is stated officially now.

http://i.imgur.com/qzU0qXV.png
http://i.imgur.com/piEsC7P.png
http://i.imgur.com/pRP3lMY.png
http://i.imgur.com/SWcvm0g.png

Now that you mention it, you really were a stuck up snob at first, Meiya.

http://i.imgur.com/nbbyF1B.png
http://i.imgur.com/n20VrLP.png
http://i.imgur.com/fGCGqWy.png

You can still be friends, Takeru or not!

In fact, it wouldn't be too bad if... hey, I think my nose is bleeding.

http://i.imgur.com/gJ9h4KL.png
http://i.imgur.com/oNZ8R3W.png

And so everything is clear now.

Except that we still don't know how Meiya and Takeru know each other, and why Meiya came to his house only recently.

http://i.imgur.com/XLxX2kH.png

Even Takeru himself acknowledges that.

http://i.imgur.com/cTtcC3g.png

Suddenly.

http://i.imgur.com/FXQXY7B.png

Yuuko is in the men's bath.

http://i.imgur.com/aKVCO4F.png

Yuuko is in the men's bath.

http://i.imgur.com/F9C7h2J.png
http://i.imgur.com/E2uXPqe.png

From all the perverts and derps around, she's the one doing the peeking... no, this is a step further than that.

In other words, typical Yuuko behaviour.

http://i.imgur.com/7UWr0IH.png

I have no idea who might you be talking about, sorry.

http://i.imgur.com/uGtrNOK.png

Time to dispense more advice, I see. In fact, wasn't Yuuko a kind of mentor figure for the whole VN, making sure the plot goes along and relationship between Takeru and [Pick girl of the route you choose here] develops swimmingly?

It's as if she had personal interest in it or something.

http://i.imgur.com/91OKSA2.png

What are you implying?

Good night.

My thoughts so far:
A pretty standard VN development that we all saw coming a mile away, but it had to happen eventually. Of course, MuvLuv doesn't pretend to be anything but standard (for now), instead making you like it through writing and characters.

You know, more than Yuuko being in the men's bath I find it remarkable that her hair got a lot darker and stopped looking like an alien parasite all of a sudden.

Whatever she's using for her hair is not waterproof, I guess.

That or the alien parasite doesn't take kindly to moisture.

More craziness and references, so many more that I get now than before (including the Kimi ga Nozoku Eien reference).

Yay for coming in to clutch time with the route and the Meiya/Sumika rivalry/friendship remains strong even through zaniness and injuring Takeru with crazy puck ricochets.

The KimiNozo reference must have escaped me. Probably not the first time I miss a reference or something important in this LP.

Update #30, where things get real

Spoiler

Show

http://i.imgur.com/iMxA0ba.png

Another day, another dream.

http://i.imgur.com/QwTeRcz.png

We had this before.

http://i.imgur.com/Sl1KWO7.png

This, we did not.

http://i.imgur.com/NpCWled.png

Yes, this is what being an adult is like. Don't lose that innocence.

http://i.imgur.com/RBi1YYC.png
http://i.imgur.com/rm1UNOP.png

Hmm.

http://i.imgur.com/i8JPBNs.png

Hmmmm.

http://i.imgur.com/r7VJBpC.png
http://i.imgur.com/7d2P4Ef.png

Takeru.

How thick can you be?

http://i.imgur.com/KZjmvTr.png

Mikoto lives his life on his own terms as usual.

http://i.imgur.com/tXV3Iam.png
http://i.imgur.com/iMJT3PQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/yvttNA6.png

That life of his finds us interesting places to play around in though.

http://i.imgur.com/8eTIdQ2.png

As usual, no one's in hurry to gather for the cave visit.

In the meantime, let's maintain a stone cold facade, so Meiya doesn'ts supect we learnt anything.

http://i.imgur.com/XiQ10Tn.png

Facade failed.

http://i.imgur.com/rQu2uIt.png

Manju are a type of Japanese candy.

http://i.imgur.com/HZ2ktTN.png
http://i.imgur.com/jyuGk2q.png
http://i.imgur.com/NBAWasD.png

Meiya is so easily tricked, it's kinda adorable.

Suddenly! VIOLENCE!

http://i.imgur.com/jQQqioa.png
http://i.imgur.com/tSL13He.png

The stooges' message is clear: enough with the lies. Time for the truth and nothing more.

http://i.imgur.com/TbjrkuG.png
http://i.imgur.com/xP5iNAG.png
http://i.imgur.com/HuJNkIa.png

Look at those faces. Meiya is so heartbroken. She will never trust Takeru again.

http://i.imgur.com/BKL73ez.png
http://i.imgur.com/WIRJJYJ.png

I can't take this. This is too much.

http://i.imgur.com/XDfEOVs.png

Back from me having a heart attack, and Meiya is in full tsundere mode. Not that I can blame her... also other people have gone mysteriously, so Takeru suggests going to the caves just the two of them.

http://i.imgur.com/9bJojYj.png

A mysterious sentiment. But eventually...

http://i.imgur.com/0LtSeTp.png

Here's the cave. Indeed it is quite beautiful. And Takeru is quite ignorant.

http://i.imgur.com/BOEzIV8.png
http://i.imgur.com/qiut0AZ.png

Meiya knows her stuff.

http://i.imgur.com/1u4wQS2.png
http://i.imgur.com/HCFSt80.png

An underground lake allures in the distance. Feel free to be poetic about it, but don't get drawn too close in.

http://i.imgur.com/P3Ki5aN.png

Speaking of thought to be extinct mysterious creatures - what will Takeru and the gang do after graduating?

http://i.imgur.com/HRHOkwE.png

Or a better question yet, how did Meiya manage to graduate university already?

http://i.imgur.com/YRXMAZP.png

Ha ha, I too find that hard to believe.

http://i.imgur.com/HP1KyC3.png

Suddenly!

Come on Takeru. Do you really need it spelt out that badly?

http://i.imgur.com/HtuUH9K.png

Apparently not.

http://i.imgur.com/XWpGyQh.png
http://i.imgur.com/mDIn8sd.png

Well. This is kinda awkward.

http://i.imgur.com/G53efIb.png
http://i.imgur.com/E0g98p9.png
http://i.imgur.com/2KPVY8X.png

So Takeru decides to be direct.

http://i.imgur.com/023efrB.png
http://i.imgur.com/0hGixDd.png

Meiya is afraid of becoming the Mitsurugi group leader.

A seemingly inevitable fate, but despite being afraid she accepts it. Or does she really?

http://i.imgur.com/uASlG2p.png
http://i.imgur.com/v8IUnMQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZLh7SeH.png
http://i.imgur.com/hn5Dji8.png

The situation gets serious.

http://i.imgur.com/dxhfaUi.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZXtq7te.png
http://i.imgur.com/mH5oNw0.png

Really serious. Everyone's angry and sad now.

Then!

http://i.imgur.com/TsyxM2y.png

A distracted Meiya falls into the lake. I told you to look out for that!

http://i.imgur.com/XHIrVFI.png

A prompt rescue only makes her madder.

http://i.imgur.com/ZyjdaHR.png

She wants to be left behind, for a mysterious reason.

http://i.imgur.com/lL2dCsS.png
http://i.imgur.com/GCorN3h.png

The reason is that showing how injured you are is shameful. Or, more likely, showing how injured you are in front of Takeru after you just had a fight with him.

http://i.imgur.com/S3JEHIj.png
http://i.imgur.com/OtWLyA5.png
http://i.imgur.com/Cc9EvmS.png

Still, she gives in eventually, all tsundere-like.

http://i.imgur.com/QL5rxfV.png

http://i.imgur.com/2PwXOH0.png
http://i.imgur.com/XGpxYG3.png

This is quite an emotional moment, actually.

http://i.imgur.com/OdCEuMJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/tDWhWHk.png

And, ruined. Good job Takeru.

http://i.imgur.com/L62nx6z.png

No excuses.

http://i.imgur.com/Ysw9KHZ.png

Eventually they arrive back at the hot springs.

http://i.imgur.com/VDGXG5X.png
http://i.imgur.com/3h1dhS4.png
http://i.imgur.com/NVQQ16T.png
http://i.imgur.com/GipvH4n.png
http://i.imgur.com/MQoGpGH.png

Pretty good exchange, that one.

http://i.imgur.com/36LVIQp.png
http://i.imgur.com/eQb72wH.png

Looks like Takeru's a little closer to understanding the responsibilities that Meiya will face in the future.

Still, surely there are futures worse than becoming head of a giant zaibatsu, right? Don't worry Meiya, no matter what happens you are still yourself.

A bit later...

http://i.imgur.com/V4C4nLR.png

A swift evacuation from Yuuko's clutches! Not the first one, but exceptionally... this one was successful.

Booze made her slow and weak.

http://i.imgur.com/GCOpRPd.png

Free from the threat of having to entertain/be entertained by the physics teacher, everyone goes their own ways.

http://i.imgur.com/ds7GUij.png

Except Sumika.

http://i.imgur.com/5kdprP4.png

Mikoto gives the two plenty of living room. I won't pretend to be as thick as Takeru and act I don't know what is this about.

http://i.imgur.com/jh64QXF.png
http://i.imgur.com/5aPuZEi.png

Bath for two. Of course.

She's really into it, too.

http://i.imgur.com/iXaCICp.png

An obstacle suddenly appears in the form of a pink cat!

Meiya takes care of it.

http://i.imgur.com/tegy6QN.png

You'd do that, knowing what Sumika is up to?

You really are a good person.

http://i.imgur.com/H0cYeLU.png

Takeru of course remains 100% oblivious.

http://i.imgur.com/cWWqpC6.png
http://i.imgur.com/qMFmuX9.png

But not for long.

http://i.imgur.com/Gb4R3ut.png

Surely Takeru won't open his eyes now only to see Sumika in the bath with him.

http://i.imgur.com/dZLUWrb.png

I lied.

http://i.imgur.com/izHa5az.png

This is where I mention that in Japan, families take baths together all the time and there is no subtext to it. Surely this is the case here as well. Look, they talk about old times as usual.

http://i.imgur.com/pMVGYy5.png
http://i.imgur.com/ule72rd.png

There's also a tiny room next to Takeru's, that they used to play in a lot when they were little. I have no idea if this will become plot relevant or not.

I'm honest, I really have no idea.

http://i.imgur.com/06IwR1F.png
http://i.imgur.com/n2WcC0H.png

Once again, the situation is getting kinda emotional.

http://i.imgur.com/DgyWx5c.png

Once again, mood ruined.

Also Takeru, if you protest at this topic, don't do it while staring at Sumika's boobs. Okay?

http://i.imgur.com/nbD2rcl.png
http://i.imgur.com/eDtD6R5.png

Nipple outlines visible through clothing to censor? It has been how long since the last time?

http://i.imgur.com/TiCwkKI.png
http://i.imgur.com/2VjBVcy.png

Ah.

So it's not just Meiya who decided not to sabotage the other person. Their feelings are mutual here.

http://i.imgur.com/TWBAGKL.png
http://i.imgur.com/rZlSuN0.png

The situation was getting a bit awkward again... but Sumika dispels it through her own Sumika-ness.

http://i.imgur.com/ZJdsM13.png
http://i.imgur.com/aUwDesy.png

Which is to say, being an accident-prone airhead.

Speaking of accidents...

http://i.imgur.com/dSA8T6a.png

Who did not see a wardrobe malfunction coming?

... Well, except for people who suspected Sumika would just not care about wearing a towel in the bath at all.

http://i.imgur.com/TALkDdb.png
http://i.imgur.com/eLDZgla.png

Uh oh. Not more VIOLENCE please...

http://i.imgur.com/uha577s.png

Oh dear.

http://i.imgur.com/wbOOoey.png
http://i.imgur.com/ODmREyr.png

Sumika's intents leave little room for intepretation, especially after she mentions the bath's locked so no one can interrupt them.

http://i.imgur.com/P0kgq6K.png
http://i.imgur.com/M7MhDBA.png

But Takeru gets cold feet.

Not literally. Once again, hot spring bath.

http://i.imgur.com/yOnXROu.png
http://i.imgur.com/DJyBGjh.png
http://i.imgur.com/2RE6CS0.png

So Sumika quickly leaves, pretending nothing has happened.

http://i.imgur.com/UoY0XaR.png

Ha ha, a bit TMI there Takeru.

http://i.imgur.com/MH0M3ZS.png
http://i.imgur.com/78akmns.png

I know what you mean though. That was sudden and desperate. Not very Sumika-like.

Except that Sumika often acts suddenly and desperately... agh, you know what I mean!

I guess Takeru is not the only idiot around.

Good night.

My thoughts so far:
Oh boy. Something tells me future updates will remind us this is a 18+ visual novel. A lot. Also this day had funny moments, feels, serious moments, and very awkward eroticism. It feels like the whole of MuvLuv Extra, all condensed into one update.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tensai_oni

Takeru.

How thick can you be?

---

The answer is: none. None more thick.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tensai_oni

Spoiler

Show

http://i.imgur.com/P0kgq6K.png

---

"Obviously"? Takeru, I'm not sure your judgement here is reliable enough to throw that word around.

I'd forgotten how many of the events really overlap outside of the Heroine specific endings and who goes on the date. I think it changes up a bit more with the secondary heroines but still really enjoying this.

As for the KimiNozo reference it's the quote from the Neurosurgeon. The doctor in KimiNozo is Yuuko's older sister (Yuuko's the youngest of 3 and they're all a bit crazy).

Well, I'm sure a certain part of Takeru was very thick near the end of this update.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ishikar

The doctor in KimiNozo is Yuuko's older sister (she's the youngest of 3 and they're all a bit crazy).

---

That'd send a shiver down my spine if I didn't know that already.

Update #31, where it's time for Takeru to make a decision

Spoiler

Show

Of course, Takeru's hand is kinda forced because I already took every step I could to be on Sumika route. In fact, I don't think we even get any further choices to make as a player. Oh well.

http://i.imgur.com/YPzmTkB.png

Another day, and we say good-bye to the hot springs. Time to return home to the daily existence of drudge and shenanigan.

The way back is quiet.

http://i.imgur.com/a6uQR1d.png

Because everyone is sleeping, and it's cute.

The song for today is this. I know this theme well, or at least a few first seconds of it - because it plays in the main menu. But you can also hear it when Takeru and Sumika have their evening window talks, and in few other places. Such as now.

http://i.imgur.com/x4Sss5W.png

Not everyone is asleep. Get ready for trolling.

http://i.imgur.com/qF2Lv9d.png
http://i.imgur.com/01aCfiI.png

Yeah, we're not even on Marimo route! It's about something else. Something, well....

http://i.imgur.com/gkmVw1Z.png
http://i.imgur.com/EVqh3Yl.png
http://i.imgur.com/AbO1RCK.png

Takeru thinks it's wrong to think about Sumika that way. The 18+, NSFW way.

http://i.imgur.com/L1z66Tq.png

But, he does it anyway. And they are both entering the world of adulthood, so...

http://i.imgur.com/27oSZya.png

It's very confusing for him.

http://i.imgur.com/J3tGv3J.png

Yuuko reminds everyone that she's still herself, and won't let the conversation get too serious.

http://i.imgur.com/GWhWBFk.png

Her ramblings start to meander off somewhere.

But Marimo-chan won't have it.

http://i.imgur.com/A0YOijf.png
http://i.imgur.com/zPToM8Y.png

It's time for her to say something for once.

http://i.imgur.com/ZHRJg2v.png

That's a pretty realistic view on the situation.

http://i.imgur.com/bqnxvHD.png

Understatement.

http://i.imgur.com/8TqmhJl.png

Suspension of disbelief - broken. From all the weird things that have and will happen in MuvLuv, Takeru being a love interest magnet is the weirdest. He really must have mysterious protagonist power.

Anyway, Marimo's point is:

http://i.imgur.com/nrcLxoL.png
http://i.imgur.com/tNssqaC.png
http://i.imgur.com/AdXOo6q.png

If Takeru can't turn his swag off, he'd better learn how to say no to people. He can't just string along half a dozen of love interests forever.

http://i.imgur.com/mrlxEBh.png
http://i.imgur.com/8ORdXUz.png
http://i.imgur.com/fE04n7f.png

Ah.

So that's what Yuuko meant by time being a cruel kindness.

http://i.imgur.com/tazYlne.png

Live, enjoy the moment, but grow. Look towards the future rather than being stuck in the past.

Thank you, Marimo. You really are a good teacher!

http://i.imgur.com/MdNd9Xh.png
http://i.imgur.com/nR2jLOR.png

A really dignified one, too.

As the journey ends, Takeru starts to think.

http://i.imgur.com/fHi7IYB.png

All the times he had with Sumika - and Meiya. Times of fun, sadness, seriousness and happiness. We've all been there - that's why this LP is here for!

http://i.imgur.com/QFcbo5g.png
http://i.imgur.com/z1pY66U.png

But in the end, it's time to make a decision.

Just... not today. Soon.

Then, one more thing happens.

http://i.imgur.com/FEqy2TD.png

Another accidental eavesdropping on a conversation.

http://i.imgur.com/SuDhb47.png
http://i.imgur.com/OItVdr4.png

A really, REALLY important sounding conversation.

Takeru decides to handle it with his usual grace.

http://i.imgur.com/d5h4Ynt.png

/facepalm

http://i.imgur.com/o0l5cg0.png
http://i.imgur.com/igzo0XP.png

Obviously, we learnt nothing. It just made Meiya upset.

http://i.imgur.com/pCUlsmV.png

But not too upset to pay Takeru a late night visit.

http://i.imgur.com/y68YGrg.png

Considering all the flashbacks, if I were to take a shot in the dark...

http://i.imgur.com/zhBASwF.png
http://i.imgur.com/05IRRtn.png

Takeru, you idiot.

http://i.imgur.com/rFviEmo.png

Half-asleep or not. You really blew it.

Good night.

My thoughts so far:
Good, contemplative day. Gives you a feeling that the VN really is ending. Also, I realize that Marimo has been criminally underutilized for the whole story, because she barely has focus - but when she does, she's great.

Update #32, where the situation reaches a boiling point

Spoiler

Show

http://i.imgur.com/CrZmt93.png

Hello, one more day. A reminder here: last night, Takeru did something that was possibly a really big screwup. Will there be any consequences today?

Spoilers: There will probably be consequences. But first, a dream.

http://i.imgur.com/drE7zSd.png

A very familiar dream.

Except that...

http://i.imgur.com/32MjnIT.png
http://i.imgur.com/siXmu3C.png

Finally, the truth is uncovered.

http://i.imgur.com/Xa9bx1M.png
http://i.imgur.com/0Kw8nfx.png

As we suspected already for a while now, on that fateful day, 15 years ago - Meiya and Takeru met in a sandbox for the first time.

http://i.imgur.com/xQtX5q1.png

That explains Meiya's cooking abilities.

http://i.imgur.com/IGOPNvN.png

And the innocent marriage promise.

And last but not the least...

http://i.imgur.com/e9ahPTj.png
http://i.imgur.com/LHNI5Hb.png
http://i.imgur.com/7lGZK0Q.png

The diabetes-inducing adorableness.

http://i.imgur.com/sOc9DFE.png
http://i.imgur.com/fc3OoTa.png

Takeru finally remembers it all.

Now to tell Meiya. She has to know, immediately!

http://i.imgur.com/ZQreyhJ.png

Meiya... is not around.

http://i.imgur.com/BqoUgji.png
http://i.imgur.com/PDajzk0.png
http://i.imgur.com/8SVlsKt.png

Meiya's mansion... is also not around.

http://i.imgur.com/oAtoZn6.png
http://i.imgur.com/dClUUSU.png

This is bad. This is really bad.

Suddenly!

http://i.imgur.com/fO8neVJ.png

Hello, Sumika.

http://i.imgur.com/7FB8M01.png
http://i.imgur.com/JkF1Vuv.png
http://i.imgur.com/ORdyE96.png

...

http://i.imgur.com/V6pod8z.png
http://i.imgur.com/OMQuKon.png
http://i.imgur.com/M1USYne.png

I have a very bad feeling about this.

But let's hear it. Fire away, Sumika.

http://i.imgur.com/RQe4wPF.png

Acting on superstitions like that... it's hard to believe, ecxept it actually happens in real life.

http://i.imgur.com/0m56uRZ.png

This was supposed to be a happy, silly visual novel.

http://i.imgur.com/8Bq3YX2.png
http://i.imgur.com/a4C2wig.png
http://i.imgur.com/4CerOR2.png
http://i.imgur.com/ycPaUFM.png

Then why is it tearing my heart apart like this?

http://i.imgur.com/wCqFzD3.png

...

Huh?

http://i.imgur.com/tzWfwEw.png
http://i.imgur.com/77ybzgh.png
http://i.imgur.com/VWYn1Un.png
http://i.imgur.com/tAzvsfJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/oG4hvLp.png

Not sure if you can see it clearly but - Sumika is crying.

http://i.imgur.com/rThimb2.png
http://i.imgur.com/cTgR6is.png
http://i.imgur.com/nvlv0Zt.png
http://i.imgur.com/acQFz3c.png

Sumika takes Takeru's bath time refusal poorly. So she wants to sacrifice herself and make Takeru choose Meiya. Meiya, who went home because of a misunderstanding and Takeru being a colossal thick-head.

This is wrong. This is all wrong!

http://i.imgur.com/5zlodNo.png
http://i.imgur.com/6n4ha9g.png
http://i.imgur.com/9miBap2.png
http://i.imgur.com/fJ3yibz.png
http://i.imgur.com/qUB8zfp.png

Sumika?

http://i.imgur.com/X7wGwza.png
http://i.imgur.com/njPldBK.png
http://i.imgur.com/7fm7Mu6.png
http://i.imgur.com/qOto948.png

http://i.imgur.com/TqkEg2c.png
http://i.imgur.com/n0mQ7G4.png
http://i.imgur.com/cpOMvGV.png
http://i.imgur.com/YzCglzg.png

I don't really have anything to say other than:

This is heart breaking.

MuvLuv, your plot is (deliberately) stereotypical and predictable. You shouldn't have the ability to give me feels.

But you're doing it anyway somehow.

http://i.imgur.com/x3sy0x5.png

Sumika loses it. This is no longer just very uncomfortable. I have a feeling she's going to try to do something really bad.

http://i.imgur.com/dKIpCls.png
http://i.imgur.com/uqmjAIp.png
http://i.imgur.com/vBgxJ4Y.png

Sumika runs away.

http://i.imgur.com/uetcWH3.png

Takeru gives chase.

http://i.imgur.com/zu4iyVv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Tk4GBoj.jpg

But she's nowhere to be found.

http://i.imgur.com/GzPvvwt.png

Not even on the hill overlooking the town, that the cast spent so much time on.

Someone else is there, though.

http://i.imgur.com/JuH1mb9.png
http://i.imgur.com/1woqHOe.png

It was... not just a misunderstanding?

http://i.imgur.com/tQtyoug.png
http://i.imgur.com/hlQOPIH.png
http://i.imgur.com/wfpSLtY.png
http://i.imgur.com/J6XGFKa.png

So this is what happened.

Meiya hoped for an escape from a loveless arranged marriage, but she'd only go through with it if it turns out - that after all this time, Takeru still loves her.

His actions made it obvious that he does not. So she has no further business here anymore.

http://i.imgur.com/KJxtpeu.png
http://i.imgur.com/ZEkhHHA.png

After all, even if it was adorable, they knew each other for only one day. Still, Takeru blew his chance - with Meiya AND with Sumika.

http://i.imgur.com/oy1Z6Yd.png
http://i.imgur.com/vcuPtW4.png
http://i.imgur.com/Y4a8Ot0.png

Or did he?

http://i.imgur.com/fMEbkeG.png
http://i.imgur.com/fMXwVS6.png
http://i.imgur.com/QRaArE6.png
http://i.imgur.com/mx6dYd2.png

There is still a chance. No bridges were burned yet, but it's time to take Marimo's advice to heart.

In other words - just pick a girl you want to be with already. The decision will be hurtful for some, but stringing everyone is even more hurtful for everyone.

http://i.imgur.com/vmya72n.png

Look who was there, hiding all along.

http://i.imgur.com/kpf7eTG.png
http://i.imgur.com/ROg6Eeb.png
http://i.imgur.com/A8CF9Gj.png
http://i.imgur.com/IVkwRSs.png

I suppose a threesome is out of the question?

Sorry. Ruining my own mood here.

http://i.imgur.com/LD10FWN.png
http://i.imgur.com/ogFzeLr.png
http://i.imgur.com/lfDBS6M.png
http://i.imgur.com/3f1GjDJ.png
http://i.imgur.com/OjI04Bq.png

Sumika seems calmer now. It may be that hiding around in cold weather without any cover caused her to literally cool down...

Or maybe she realizes the same thing as Meiya did. She wants Takeru's feelings to be genuine. If he's going to pick someone out of pity, then that's no good at all.

http://i.imgur.com/dv9IYRL.png
http://i.imgur.com/hs9Um0v.png

It becomes quiet. Really, really quiet. Even the dramatic music has been replaced by silence.

Then, after a heavy minute... Sumika talks.

http://i.imgur.com/c6UgxEq.png
http://i.imgur.com/pmQs0LV.png
http://i.imgur.com/I0WL5Q8.png

Christmas and presents, that's Sumika for you.

http://i.imgur.com/StEjo8W.png
http://i.imgur.com/KQLlCFH.png

And that's Takeru. Always bickering, always forgetting the important details.

http://i.imgur.com/b7vamTV.png
http://i.imgur.com/9ngPejG.png
http://i.imgur.com/Lrz8kzX.png

...

...

Here we go.

http://i.imgur.com/1vi9jdV.png
http://i.imgur.com/kDF4pbh.png

http://i.imgur.com/YHbFQ26.png
http://i.imgur.com/HXTDedR.png
http://i.imgur.com/l930QCi.png

And so, it's official.

Well, not that I announced that I'm going to do Sumika's route first. But what matters is not the declaration - but how we got there.

http://i.imgur.com/M5XYMjN.png
http://i.imgur.com/oYvv7Et.png
http://i.imgur.com/s1XEG0M.png
http://i.imgur.com/m5AsdIG.png

In this ending, Takeru and Sumika never see Meiya again.

Their life returns to normal, just as it was before she appeared.

http://i.imgur.com/PkJupNd.png

It seems the nearby houses were instantly rebuilt.

http://i.imgur.com/xSo5vkF.png

It's not your home, Sumika. It's Takeru's.

http://i.imgur.com/FmboSyR.png
http://i.imgur.com/sXsyBgM.png

The only thing that remains of Meiya's presence is Takeru and Sumika realizing feelings for each other.

http://i.imgur.com/MDnicNR.png

Also, the precious memories.

Good-bye.

http://i.imgur.com/yHcDeGF.png

What are you talking about, Sumika?

http://i.imgur.com/AIxruRj.png

Hey, now!

http://i.imgur.com/fuAb893.png

Back to old bickering already, I see?

http://i.imgur.com/pYjWCLi.png

Which is cut short by... it's going to happen, isn't it?

http://i.imgur.com/MX0CXVq.png

Yeah. It's time.

What happens next is an erotic act between two consenting adults.

In missionary position.

Of course I am not going to show it to you.

Images Scenes I can't show you counter: 2

The images were pretty tame and tasteful though. The description of the act, on the other hand... was just a mix of silly and awkward. Typical VN fare in other words.

At least Takeru watched that one Monty Python episode it seems, and knows that things like "foreplay" or "talking to your partner" exist rather than immediately crashing his manparts into Sumika's ladyparts.

A fair while later:

http://i.imgur.com/aGvQY1O.png

That's right, Christmas really is tomorrow. Let's discuss what the two are going to do.

http://i.imgur.com/bUyqmWr.png
http://i.imgur.com/eBaYpTy.png
http://i.imgur.com/bl2q1fw.png

Ha ha, it's like they never changed at all.

Except for, you know, everything that happened.

http://i.imgur.com/3ldo8MH.png

Good night... Sumika.

My thoughts so far:
Ahh, that was huge. Giant day, full of drama, cliches that still work somehow*, just everything. It's no big spoiler that the route is almost at its end. Only one more day remains - and it's been a ride.
I feel really bad for Meiya, though...

* - combination of good writing, characters you grew to like because of the aforementioned writing, and good use of music, most likely

That was...remarkably bad, to be honest. It was oddly rushed and choppy and other than Tsukuyomi everyone came out looking kinda awful. Meiya made sure to prevent both herself and Takeru from getting any closure and made the whole thing maximum awkward in the beginning, Takeru kept completely ignoring Sumika's feelings and any concern for why Meiya did what she did to focus on his own confusion at the cost of all else and Sumika was kind of an inconsistent, incoherent idiot in order to force the drama. Jumping straight from "poor Meiya" to declarations of love and sudden banging after talking to Tsukuyomi also made the latter two seem like kinda self-centered *******s. Not that I think Takeru and Meiya will turn out to be any less callous towards Sumika at that point of the other main route, but still.

Does the Red noneuclidian symbiote do anything worthy of mention during the "event"? I'd fully expect it to trace enthusiastic symbols with its strangely expressive tendril as humans go about their business.

Also, now I'm pretty sure the Purple symbiote is actually just the "ribbon" bit and its apparently purple main body is simply some form of weaponized growth.

As for romance stuff; meh. It's all stupid cliches anyway.

Sumika's ahoge wasn't too expressive during the scene. Sex is inherently funny so I think age missed a comedic opportunity there. For shame.

Also, harsh audience in general, I see. But truth to be told, I was disappointed by how sudden it all happened. It felt like everything excluding today's update was the buildup, and today was the release - but because it all happened in one day, it didn't deliver, was too rushed and didn't feel satisfying.

I hope the Meiya ending will be better.

So are you going to replay it with Meiya next time instead? Or is it a different game same characters thing?


Anyways, I am glad they called out Takeru's deliberate obviousness as a bad thing though they weren't as explicit about it as I would have liked. Too many animes follow that route.

Yes, I am going to run Meiya route next. There will be a lot of retreading of the same ground so I expect it will take a lot less time than Sumika.

And then...

Well I don't want to spoil anything but it's not over yet.

My opinion is much less harsh than Terra's, but that was still awfully perfunctory. At this point, I'm on Team Meiya just out of the hope that the ending to that route is less narratively unsatisfying.

I don't think Takeru was being a jerk here, though, and Sumika wasn't even being that much of an idiot, just having a freakout.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tensai_oni

Well I don't want to spoil anything but it's not over yet.

---

Of course not. There are still the Kei and Marimo routes, after all.

Finally,

Update #33, where it all ends

Spoiler

Show

No more new day announcements, there's only...

http://i.imgur.com/oa0qcZ5.png

A Christmas date.

http://i.imgur.com/J4wosQl.png

A date with Sumika.

http://i.imgur.com/h1rRA8x.png

And by date I mean bickering, just like old times.

http://i.imgur.com/LdgS7UQ.png
http://i.imgur.com/KCmjCvL.png

Takeru remains a brat as usual.

But then, the manga festival does sound interesting...

http://i.imgur.com/KkqzOuN.png
http://i.imgur.com/P7OiQLq.png

Of course there's snow on Christmas!

Also since Santa won't come (he only visits polite and obedient children, which includes roughly no one in this VN)...

http://i.imgur.com/QyKtBEe.png

We'll have to do without him.

http://i.imgur.com/fGKISdu.png
http://i.imgur.com/kRfzbgx.png
http://i.imgur.com/H18fb32.png
http://i.imgur.com/fCxklBP.png

Time for a song.

http://i.imgur.com/MnixsXI.png

And so ends the story of Takeru, Sumika, and their relationship.

Time for an ending montage!

http://i.imgur.com/LZceToi.png
http://i.imgur.com/Ddsqvns.png
http://i.imgur.com/u002U8n.png
http://i.imgur.com/XPdXZ6F.png
http://i.imgur.com/REtjiXI.png

Will it really be a happily ever after story? Or, considering it's Sumika and Takeru, perhaps brattily ever after?

It's not for us to know. Cue the ending credits.

http://i.imgur.com/9xvvmBX.png

There is a song here, with lyrics and all. If anyone could find it on youtube, that'd be cool.

That's it for MuvLuv! See you later, good-bye.

...


I'm not fooling anyone.

Of course we're doing Meiya's route next. I won't say good-night, but instead:
See you tomorrow!

Today's update was short, but here's something extra.

End-of-route thoughts #1

Spoiler

Show

Okay, so - I wrote this in an unrelated post already, but the ending itself felt too rushed. Everything before Dec 23rd was the buildup, and then we had the escalation and the resolution - all in one day. It really needed more time and didn't feel satisfying.

That being said? The rest of the route was pretty great. The plot is cliche as cliches go, but that is deliberate. The characters and the writing make up for it. That's where MuvLuv Extra's greatest strength lies.

Would I read this visual novel if I didn't know about THE TWIIIST that made it so infamous? Almost definitely not.
But now that I actually did, was it worth it?

Definitely yes.

To sum it up in one sentence, it's been a ride.

Now, on specific characters:

Takeru is quite a brat. He's immature, opinionated and often violent. And you know what? That's good. I'm taking it over standard VN self-insert protagonists, who are often as bland and generic as physically possible.
That being said, even if he does have his kinder moments when it matters (and just as often, when it matters he is thick and clueless), I honestly don't see what makes him so charming for his love interests. Must be protagonist power, I guess.

Sumika is rather cute, but also rather annoying. In other words she is a natural fit for Takeru. I understand what she was going through when comparing herself to Meiya, and being a violent brat keeps her from being generic childhood friend character #9001.

Meiya is pretty great. I didn't know what to think of her at start, but she proved to be an interesting character and her inability to deal with normal life was quite adorable. I have high expectations of her route.

Tama has some really funny (and adorable) scenes, and a great ability to deliver killer one liners every once in a while. She's the team pet, there to be amusing and cute.
No, we are not doing her route. Don't even think about it.

Chizuru is difficult to deal with. She's often the buzzkill of the scene and takes some things way too seriously. Also I have a feeling a lot of her character is still left unexplored, that we barely scratched the surface of what her deal is. I didn't really dislike her, but I liked her least from all the major characters.

Kei is similar to Chizuru in that we probably need to go through her route to fully understand the character, but at least she wasn't as annoying. In fact she was pretty fun, between the deadpan and the trolling.

Mikoto is great and funny. Despite living in his own private world and going on crazy and hilarious adventures, he is actually one of the more supportive of Takeru's friends. Bros 4 lyfe indeed.
... Mikoto really needed a route.

Marimo is criminally underutilized. She barely appears for most of the route, and when she does, she often has only generic class-related things to say. But when the VN lets her be an actual character - she's an awesome one.

Yuuko is what we call "a best". Grandmaster troll, ruthless manipulator, responsible for most of the plot because she was bored and wanted entertainment or to one-up Marimo... I could go on with the praise. She's great.

Tsukuyomi is equally responsible for causing mischief and being a pillar of stability in MuvLuv's crazy, crazy world. Very much of a supporting character but she plays that role well.
I'm just glad that her thing with Mikoto was dropped almost as quickly as it was established. That was wrong and creepy.

Kamiyo, Tomoe and Ebisu, or the three idiots for short, are pure comedic relief. Their antics could get grating when overused, but more often than not they were just that, funny.

Kashiwagi and Akane are barely in the VN, and it's a shame because the former in particular seems pretty cool. Perhaps on another route?

Takahashi is one smooth bastard. He barely does anything except drive people around and be awesome but... look at him. Just look at him.