[Audio] The pursuit of solid information, UN: IdoruMagiGirl

[lonenowa]

[A woman with pale-tan skin sits in front of a studio microphone, suitable for concise and clear podcasting. She had lengthy midnight blue hair styled in such an eyecatching fashion as tufts of hair is tied into two long ponytails and hang from her hair from the side. They're long enough to stretch down to her hips. Her features were creamy and smooth, and she has a sloping curve to the anatomy of her nose—average ears, thick eyelashes, and a hanging tufts that shyly draw near her temple. One single tuft of hair reaches down near her nose just enough to look appealing. This girl was Noire, a goddess from Gamindustri.

The descriptor prior describes a cute girl, but Noire is troubled, and it shows in her expression! Her lips bundled into a near pout while angling to frown. She clenches a fist to her torso, using the gesture to steel herself mentally.]

" Here goes nothing. I don't want to give away my name to just anyone online, so t-this will have to do. No matter how embarrassing it might be. "

[She sits upon a modest swivel chair facing a rather pristine laptop, purchased from one of the markets in Lunatia. The girl clears her throats with a healthy swallow of saliva. It was enough to heft the midsection of her neck's girth, even. A soft, yet calloused finger reaches for a switch settled upon the microphone-- only for her to pause briefly.]

" Alright, Noire. You'll be fine. Just go for the money! No one will know it's you if you play your cards right. "

[With a little push, the switch tucks into its designated pocket with a bright green light signifying that the microphone is on.]


" Hi!~ Magical Idol Norina is making her debut! ", [Her voice suddenly picks up with a sing-song pitch.]

" So, um, I'm like new to Lunatia? I'm still trying to catch up on all the bits and pieces of how things work here! From Chroma to the currency to moonlacing and all of that goody-wuddy stuff! "

[Noire begins sweating a bit. Her heart goes on a rapid staccato, but she's trying her best to save face.]

" Norina's tried oh-so-hard to learn more, but today probably isn't the best day for that! It is April Fools after all, and there's just no way I can take everything said at word of mouth! For example, one person told me that one of the favored ways of recovering Chroma is to engage in varied forms of intimacy? How embarrassing, right?~ As if something like that could help one regain the energy you call Chroma!~ Hahaha!~ "

[Noire giggles in a distinctly childlike manner, even beginning to posture into it with a dimple-tightened smile. For someone who seemed to protest so hard, she sure looks happy about it.]

" I would love-doki-love-love you very much if any of you could give her more information on how Chroma works! And I promise that I'll do whatever it takes to repay you! Teehee!~ "

[Noire finds that her body feels weightless right now. Like butterflies swelling inside of her belly, mostly. Her shoulders stiffen and arc upright, tightening in place as she seems to hyperventilate softly.

These questions direct towards you, player. Try not to bash her too hard.]

Comments

Audio; un: revolving

[m19_lover]

Sorry to burst your bubble there, but what you heard wasn't an April Fools prank. You don't need to be super intimate with someone to get Chroma, but you do need to interact with people by holding hands, hugging... Things with physical contact, you know?

[Jigen isn't one to beat around the bush so he's just going to be blunt about it. Sorry if you were expecting someone to let you down gently Norina...]

Re: Audio; un: revolving

[lonenowa]

[Pause. Her countenance full of indecision.]

I-Is that so? And-- how can I take your word for that, hu~uh? If you think Norina is gullible, y-you'd better think twice!

[Her voice noticeably cracks between her response. She dryly laughs afterward, before promptly coughing. Palms seize her face until they touch her cheeks, drumming into the pliant flesh briefly with a subtle slap. She's back in the zone now.]

Oooh! But I'm also not calling you a liar if you're thinking that! I'm just super-duper bowled over! And assuming that this is the case, I'm peachy sure that there's more to it than that!

[An index finger gently kisses her lips. Her eyes roll left and right in a nervous saunter.]

To give an example, is mutual affection acquired for it to have a lasting impression? Or can you grab any old strangers' hands? Norina doesn't want to mack on some dubious stranger, all willy-nilly! That's ultra-creepy, y' know!

[An impromptu "teehee" ensues to feign cuteness. Noire is trying way too hard to hide how nervous she was.]

[m19_lover]

[It's pretty clear this girl is super on edge about the whole thing, and Jigen can't really blame her or even tease her about it. He also wasn't exactly super enthusiastic about the prospect of being close to people when he first arrived.

But he figures that the sooner she comes to terms with it, the easier her time in this place will be.]

I'm glad you don't think I'm a liar. I don't like being accused of things without proof. [There's a very slight threatening tone to his voice, as he smiles to himself. OK, maybe just a little teasing.]

But I can tell you this: folks here don't really like it when you do things without people's consent. And as far as I know being forceful doesn't provide any Chroma to anyone. [He at least understood that much about Chroma.]

So, don't worry. Folks will mostly not be pushy. And if anyone starts making creepy advances towards you I'm sure the guys who keep the peace here would love to throw their ass in jail.

no bulli

[lonenowa]

[Noire chuffs louder than she meant to at his little retort. She's a little bundle a pride, that's for sure.]

Tch.

[And with an intensely apparent force she transition into a bout of nervous laughter.]

A-Ah, that's quite a breath of fresh air! This cute little idol was beginning to get oh-so worried! Especially since, like, this place seems to be filled with people with a bunch of ulterior motives!

You're such a gentleman! Truly the chaddliest of chads, teehee! [She attempts to flirt. Poorly, at that.]

Oh, before I forget mr.revolving, Norina has another teeny tiny question about how the law goes about enforcing itself here! Are they similar to most street enforcers with the whole idea of apprehending crooks and reading Miranda rights?

[m19_lover]

Most folks around here are OK, but I would avoid the third level if I were you. The lower you go the seedier the people get. [And he would know since he lives on Level 3.

Honestly the flirting flies right ver his head. He has no idea what a chad is supposed to be. He actually feels that she's lowkey making fun of him, but he supposes he deserves it for teasing her, so doesn't make a big deal out of it.]

While I'm trying to keep myself out of trouble as much as possible, I've seen some folks get cuffed and taken by the Moon Knights around here and they are pretty similar to regular cops. They just wear fancier clothes I suppose.

Anything else I can help you with Ms. Norina? [Jigen can't help but chuckle a little to himself. This girl is pretty amusing.]

[lonenowa]

Oh, yeah, trust me, I know.

[Oh boy and does she. The way the land itself seemed to sap away her stamina just by walking was something fierce. Noire exhales briefly.]

Let's just say I won't be going there alone again.

[The mere thought triggers a face full of disgust with creases tightening around her eyelids. But she eventually evens herself out to respond.]

Moving along, I'm guessing they're something like medieval knights with a penchant for badge flexing. That's really cliche. [Pause.]

Oh!~ Since you asked, Norina's been interested in finding work relating to clothing! Knitting all sorts of wear for people to buy or request at their leisure, you know, that sort of deal!~

I'm super duper amazing at detailing clothing! After all, I am an idol!~ [a sing-song hum follows, as she lays this artificial cuteness on thick.]

I sure took forever to reply to this I'm sorry!

[m19_lover]

I guess you could brand them as the medieval kind. [Jigen tries his best not to... stare too much at them, honestly. He doesn't like looking at law enforcers in general.]

Work, hm? [Jigen pauses to ponder for a moment.] I can't really tell you where you can find a place to put your skills to use. I haven't been job hunting myself if I'm to be honest. [He probably should, even if the chroma you get from working isn't that great.]

I'm sure if you ask around you gonna lend something nice. You seem to be pretty good at talking to people. [There was something oddly charming about this girl, even if she acted a little weird.]

Audio | un:havefaith

[peacewithouttyranny]

[He had to debate with himself if he should answer this clearly confused newcomer or just not because of the voice. He doesn't what's up with that, but it sounds like someone is trying too hard.

Ultimately, he decided the former.]

... What you heard wasn't a joke. You have to be in physical contact with others to regain your Chroma, no matter what. It doesn't have to intimate, however... Hand holdings, hugs, you can lean back-to-back with someone and it'll still work.

DEJA-VU I'VE BEEN TO THIS PLACE BEFORE--

[lonenowa]

[The pitch in this person's voice.. It sounded awfully mechanical.

A sense of nostalgia fills her gut. Albeit unwelcome.]

Huh. That actually explains quite a bit.

[OH FUCK SHE BROKE CHARACTER-- fumbling her words briefly she finally regains momentum.]

I-I mean, uh! Wowie! That's certainly amazing havefaith! I guess this world really does thrive on the whole, 'love thy neighbor' saying, hu~uh?

[peacewithouttyranny]

Soundwave.

[He knows he has his prismagram username as havefaith, but it's kinda weird to hear that without automatically correcting her. Also, his hunch was right, she is playing a character... for whatever reason.]

You can drop the act. But yes, it does thrive on that. The locals here even encourage us to hold hands or be intimate with one another. [At least before the anti-moonblessed thing happening right now.] Not that they needed to do that, the moon cycles do influence us to be intimate.

Although it goes without saying, consent is highly important in this sort of situation. Forcing others won't net you any Chroma.

[lonenowa]

Hey, don't talk to me like that! I can do as I please. There's no way I'll just comply with some stranger.

[With a proud sense of conviction, Noire immediately snaps. But she does feel a hint of remorse for it, though.]

Although you did tell me your name, which sounds more like an alias or a music genre full of sub-bass, I'll take your word for it.

[She begins heaving her nostrils defiantly before she continues.]

To be honest, I did notice that. But on today of all days, I just found it a little challenging to comply with the things people told me. But I think I'm beginning to believe it. A similar situation did happen to me while questing in the outskirts of outer Lunatia. [Which she increasingly seems against discussing considering how she met a fucking Unicorn, of all things.] But enough about that.

Alias or otherwise, you seem very comfortable with revealing your identity. Don't you think that's a bit reckless?

[peacewithouttyranny]

Fine then.

[If she goes back to that voice, he'll just lower his volume, thanks. Hearing the rest of what she said though, well it's a bit concerning that she'd gone out of outer Lunatia. The atmosphere is dangerous for everyone... Hopefully, she doesn't try again without having someone with her or at least warned of the dangers outside the city.

He can sympathize her finding it a challenge to simply comply with all these, Soundwave himself was touch aversed for a good while. After all, not everyone can be comfortable with moonlacing immediately. Hell, it took him months before he freely let others touch him.]

It's not an alias. [He wants to make that clear first of all. 'Soundwave' is his real name.] I do not think so it's reckless... I do not see any reason why I shouldn't reveal my identity.

[It's not the first time he put his name out on the network. Though it is a rarity for him to post anything anyway.]

forgive noire's wailing.

[lonenowa]

Don't worry about it. I'm probably just pushing my discretion on you thoughtlessly, so I'll drop it. [Especially since you're bad at being covert in the first place, Noire.]

But I am surprised. You seem very genuine; I haven't spoken to many on voice chat yet, so it's not much of a consolation, but I appreciate that.

[And yes, her rambunctious siren-levels of bark simmers to room temperature. She's more comfortable to socialize with now, despite being inept at it and all.]

I'd instead not give out my real name, so we'll just go with, "Norina" for now. It's nice to meet you.

[audio] sn: healerprincess

[im_gonna_heal_u]

[ This poor person, they are clearly in the wrong. Konoka's not even a Cordis, but sometimes old habits of mischief die hard. It might let her get some normalcy.

So rather than just back everyone up, Konoka goes a little further. ]

What that someone told you wasn't a prank. But they didn't tell you the whole story, either.

Did you know that when certain moons come out, you'll turn into a magical girl of some kind?

DON'T DO THIS TO HER

[lonenowa]

WAIT, SERIOUSLY?

[Suddenly she pivots in place just enough to cram her shin against the leg of her desk-- THUMP!]

G-GAH DAMNIT.

[Noire wails in agony before flocking both hands at the appointed shin, massaging delicately. A feminine wail lingers for a brief moment.

Suddenly she straightens that back with a powerful flinch.]

U-Uh, sorry! Ignore that! Noirina k-kinda made a booboo, but that doesn't matter!

[Smooth.

She's teary-eyed too, actually.]

This world feels like some sort of super-duper amazing manga! Haha..!

[She responds with a fractured tone.]

[im_gonna_heal_u]

I know, right?!

[ Konoka's resisting the urge to giggle, but she's feeling excited by this girl on the line too. ]

Depending on the moon, you could get cat ears, or even bat ears, or wings! Or even the scales of a dragon! You can cast magic you couldn't before, too! Gotta learn and experiment with it though.

[ The best part is that Konoka isn't even lying... just leaving out parts of the story. ]

[lonenowa]

The-- Moon? What do you mean? I know this place has three different moons, but how does that correlate to that mysterious ailment?

[Her temperament shifts as her attention directs towards her words. A cold sweat runs down her face while the sense of longing fills her body. Noire could be gullible sometimes, and Konoka had her in the palm of her hand.]

And magic, huh. It almost feels like I'm playing Four Goddesses Online again. Talk about meta.

[Her joints contract and loosen as she relaxes, mulling over the prospect of it all before--]

Eep--!

[Noire halts, taken aback by her terrible ability to remain inconspicuous and clears her throat PROMPTLY, realizing that she was giving away information, even if vaguely. A dull left n' right as she shakes her head, revitalizing that flimsy mask of hers.]

I mean, uh, oooh! This place reminds Norina of a video game she played back in her world! Goodness keepers, to think that a homely little cutie idol like me could end up in a place like this! How amazing!

[im_gonna_heal_u]

You've heard about the three moons, right?

Sanguis, Cordis, and Iris.

Your body is attuned to one of them, and it's the basis of your transformation! It happens 8 days out of the month!

By the way, why are you trying so hard to sound like an idol?

[lonenowa]

[Her response was immediate. As immediate as the sound of items tumbling deskside behind the microphone.]

Because I'm just a normal human idol girl, okay?! Anything beyond that is none of your business, alright?!

[Fairly rattled as depicted by brief midsentence pauses and shaky breathing.]

L-Let's just finish our discussion, okay? Shouldn't you just play the role "good samaritan" and NOT try to cross-examine me?

[Her tone originally high-pitched and whiny suddenly shifts to match her annoyance. Noire begins to respond with a surprising streak of sincerity.]

Besides, it's not like we're ever going to meet behind the screen or anything, so it shouldn't matter either way. You shouldn't treat this conversation like some comedy routine, y' know.

[Says you, Noire. Despite her fuss, she seems to have slowly dropped the awful idol pretense.]

Anyway, I have an idea. It's something commonly mentioned on news networks when they're announcing the weather and the like. Also, I have noticed some weird issues with my body since I've arrived here in Lunatia. It took me a few days to adjust appropriately.

[ audio; un: miniskirtsforever

[queenofminiskirts]

[...wow. Okay. She knows a lot of girls who had moe tendency but what is with this over -the-top moe idol way of speaking?

Not that she's going to judge but...no, actually, she's very much judging. But gently.

Still, she doesn't sound it, at least. Please she has better manners than that!]

That person was telling you the truth. We're all stuck in this weird isekai filler that was probably written by someone with a very specific sort of audience in mind.

[And then she takes on a teasing tone.]

And you should be careful about about promising something like that. It could get a cute girl like you into trouble~.

Poor Noire, forever bullied

[lonenowa]

[Eyelids sink until she's slit-eyed. That username was just too dubious for her taste. From her perspective, they were either some weirdo with I'm eccentric fetish or a troll.]

Ah, okay! But I'm not very inclined to believe you in particular! Teehee! I might be an idol, but with a name like that, do you expect me to trust you? Nice try, bucko!

[And suddenly Noire were maximum Chuuni. Her tone was mellifluous and mischievous. It looks like the shoe was on the other foot this time--]

I think I'll start worrying about you, ms. "Miniskirts forever"! Your name sounds predatory enough as it is! Teehee!~

poor girl. rip

[queenofminiskirts]

[Oh, is this the game they're playing?

She sighs and then all she says is:] Two out of ten.

oof

[lonenowa]

[This sassy bitch.

If she listened hard enough, she could hear a grunt of hesitation and vindication. But as always, she tries to act as she weren't in dire need of a burn heal and attempts to play it off smoothly.

Try being the keyword.]

O-Oh!~ Whatever! Not that I'd expect some no-name someone to have a decent sense of humor.~ That being said, this place does feel very suffer-centric.

That being said even if these people are being level with me I doubt that it's the only way to obtain chroma, r-right?~

[She stammers in between her sentence with bogus laughter.]

THIS SASSY BITCH. aklfjasklfj I died laughing when I read that. XD

[queenofminiskirts]

[Ah, this is almost like teasing Mio when they first met. Except Mio had been a half-feral unsocialized tsundere instead of trying to pretend to be moe, but the feeling is sort of similar.]

Is that the best comeback you have? It'd be fine if you're going for some kind of gap-moe type thing, but for that you'd need more confidence! Or if you're dedicating yourself to go full moe then you should pout some more and tell me I'm mean or something. Your direction is a little muddled right now, Magical Idol Norina-chan.

[She says this like she's some kind of expert. But also...

...has someone been telling the poor girl she doesn't need to moonlace to get Chroma?]

Well...you can earn demichroma by doing jobs. But moonlacing is pretty easy. Just give your friends a hug or hold their hands. You could even cuddle for a bit on the couch as you watch tv.

[This is easy for her because she tends to be very tactile anyway.]

Calling it how I see it. I actually have a bit of experience with the ZKC series, y'know.

[lonenowa]

[Was she instructing her on how to be cute? Granted, Noire was kind of dense sometimes, and she was unable to see just how transparent she was right now-- but pride can be ugly, and when it took Noire by the reigns, you usually get things like this.]

Oh, shut up! You sound like one of those hypercritical fiction fans who ramble on about what is a staple and what isn't on some sort of streaming platform. Do you think I don't know how to be cute? [Her chuckle hesitates as she stumbles her voice into her following response.] Think again. Where I'm from my cuteness, as well as my willingness to take risks and look after others, has given me a stable position in the dimension I protect! As a diety! I can be super moe, and I don't need you to tell me how to do it! [Her voice was sure, confident, and entirely combative. Watch it, Kaoru.]

And despite how arrogant you're about how I carry myself as well as my eloquent ways, I do appreciate you and your chroma tutorial. You're a fantastic plot-advancing resource, you know. [As this goddess teeters across that 4th wall, Noire finally exhales.]

Though I'm not the keenest on physical affections of any sort, it seems that I may just have to engage in them. Begrudgingly. Thankfully it sounds like it has to be consensual. So I don't have to worry about any ecchi eroge protagonists trying to shake me down for a quick touch n' feel.

And don't make fun of my title! Norina is amazing, and you should respect her! [She's getting way too into this.]