Introduction - 100F
Prologue
Remilia
Ladies and gentlemen! Apologies for the wait! Welcome to the unveiling of the new Scarlet Devil Tower!
Remilia
The tower may be new, but the feature that marks it out remains unchanged―it still reaches the sky!
Remilia
However, even I don't know where the summit is headed or where it will lead you to!
Reimu
Hey, what's that supposed to mean?! It sounds awfully irresponsible if you ask me!
Marisa
Yeah! I came here 'cause I heard I could get rich quick, but getting lost wasn't part of the deal!
Remilia
Oh, quiet down! There's no cause for concern. Or, at least, there shouldn't be! Isn't that right, Sakuya?
Sakuya
It is just as you say, milady. The person in charge of reconstruction shall explain forthwith.
Remilia
Oh, yes, indeed. That's your cue, Miss Person-in-Charge!
Reimu
What's this? You commissioned a subcontractor to do the work and don't even know what they've done?
Marisa
*sigh* This feels like a joke. And just look how many people have come.
It seems like the Remilia of this world has recovered.
She looks so full of energy!
Reimu
Yeah. And thanks to that, there's also a new Scarlet Devil Tower. What a pain.
Marisa
Well, that's 'cause there're no buildings this tall in any of the other worlds. I bet she just wanted to show off.
Reimu
Just showing off a tall building won't make her a single coin, though.
Marisa
I guess she could slap ads on it someplace up high. They'd be visible from everywhere.
???
Found you! The Reimu and Marisa from the same parallel world as me!
Sanae
It was so hard to pick you out of the crowd, but luckily you were in your designated places!
Marisa
Oh, were you invited too?
Sanae
I was! Phew, I'm so glad they were thoughtful enough to seat people from the same worlds together!
So people from other parallel worlds are here as well?
Sanae
It seems so. Though it's hard to tell because it's so packed...
Sanae
Still, I think I saw Reimu and Marisa's doubles. I came this close to calling out to them, too!
Reimu
Well, we'd better not stray too far from our seats. It'd be a pain if one of us accidentally lost a grip on who they are.
Marisa
I guess one-on-one it wouldn't be so bad, but even I'd be confused if I ran into several of me. Hahaha.
Sanae
Is that so? There have been a few incidents where we had to face our other selves before, though.
Reimu
Hm, I think this is a bit different. These aren't illusions or dwellers of the Dream World.
Marisa
It's a rather new experience, eh?
???
It is indeed. I met with another me a short while ago.
Sakuya
I believe... this isn't something you ever get used to.
Reimu
Ugh, this really is a pain. In any case, what you're saying is that you're the Sakuya of our world, right?
Marisa
I can't tell the difference at all.
Sakuya
I'd be surprised if you could. I strongly suggest that we don't wander around too much.
Reimu
That aside, is it OK for you to leave your mistress's side?
Sakuya
Oh, Lady Remilia was invited as well. But she didn't like the idea of coming all this way only to see herself.
Sakuya
So I was tasked with coming in her stead and as an envoy.
Marisa
Busy as always.
???
Mark my words, this mission is going to be a disaster.
???
Yeah, they always make me do all the work at times like this.
Youmu & Reisen
*sigh*
Marisa
What's wrong? The two of you are in a terrible mood!
Reimu
And thus, we end up with the same gang as always. How amusing.
Youmu
It must be nice to be so carefree, Reimu. I just find this all so very exhausting.
Reisen
But I bet Yukari made you come. That's not so different from me being sent by my master.
Reimu
Now that you mention it... that youkai! I can't believe I didn't notice!
Reimu
And now that I have, it feels kind of depressing.
Marisa
Oh, cheer up! I bet something interesting will happen!
Reimu
You think?
???
Testing. One, two. Can you hear me?
Yukari
I'm Yukari Yakumo, the one in charge of remodeling the tower. Thank you for coming today.
It's Miss Yukari!
Reimu
Huh? The youkai's here!
Marisa
Come on, I'm sure you saw it coming.
Yukari
I will now give you a brief explanation. First, regarding how high this new Scarlet Devil Tower goes―
Yukari
Contrary to what Remilia told you earlier, I am unable to answer that question.
Yukari
Oh, silence, please. There is a reason why I can't tell you where the tower leads.
Yukari
It's because the tower is still growing.
Yukari
It's growing toward the parallel world that is the root of the Lost Word Incident.
Yukari
This is why I invited you all from your various parallel worlds.
Yukari
I modified the tower so that it reads everyone's experiences of resolving various Lost Word Incidents in different worlds―
Yukari
―and corrects its angle to further extend toward the world that is the root of it all.
Yukari
You don't have to say anything. The tower acquires information via battles of bullets fought within it.
Yukari
Fitting, no? Since the incidents are solved through such battles as well.
Yukari
In other words, I will have you all climb higher by displaying your incident resolving experience in battles of bullets.
The world at the heart of the Lost Word Incident?!
Reimu
I'm genuinely surprised. So that's what the Yukari of this world has been scheming.
Marisa
Still, I don't know why we have to climb it. Can't we just step inside and have some random battles?
Reimu
And if we keep solving the incidents in other worlds, we'll eventually reach the one at its heart anyway.
Yukari
The first to reach the root of the incident will be crowned "The Interworld Incident Resolver."
Yukari
Acclaimed across all the parallel worlds, they will be highly sought after and swimming in rewards.
Yukari
Of course, you're free to take any magic items you find inside. Furthermore, the higher up you go, the fewer rivals you'll face.
Yukari
And that's pretty much all I can tell you.
Reimu & Marisa
Now we're talking!
10F - Battle of Bullets Duels
What an amazing view!
And this new tower really does let the light in.
Reimu
Yeah. There's quite a lot of windows and exits.
Youmu
But those incident resolvers from other parallel worlds are pretty strong, aren't they?
Reisen
I was thinking the exact same thing. They must've gained just as much experience as we have.
Reisen
So it only makes sense that they are as strong as us.
Sakuya
Worrying won't get us anywhere. We should keep climbing while taking breaks from time to time.
Sanae
Isn't this the perfect place for a break?! Let's rest a bit before pressing on!
Yukari
Oh? Are you sure you should be idling your time away in a place like this?
Marisa
This is a strategic rest for the battles to come. Can we help you with something?
Yukari
I just wanted to pass on some information you might find useful.
Reimu
I've got a bad feeling about this.
Yukari
There's nothing to fear. It will be beneficial for you and me both.
Yukari
It is about the rules for battles of bullets.
Youmu
This sounds like it will be an exhausting conversation.
Yukari
Don't worry. It won't take long.
Yukari
I believe you've visited several parallel worlds by now. Have you ever found the battles of bullets suspicious in any way?
Reimu
Can't say that I have. It was the same everywhere.
Reisen
I didn't feel any difference, either. Wait... is that it?
Youmu
Huh? Was something weird somewhere? As far as I know, the rules were always the same wherever I went.
Marisa
Hm... Maybe the fact that they're the same everywhere is precisely what's odd about it.
Sakuya
Indeed. I can't think of a single parallel world that I visited which was different...
Sanae
Even if everything else changed, the rules of battle didn't. ...This might be a clue to the Lost Word Incident!
Yukari
I knew you would catch on quickly. It may simply be a characteristic of parallel worlds.
Yukari
But as a consequence, worlds sharing the same battle rules are, without a doubt, aware of each other's existence.
Reimu
Huh? I don't get it. Are you saying that the rules are a kind of bridge between the different parallel worlds?
Reimu
Why the rules? That makes no sense.
Yukari
Indeed. I was just about to suggest that we put our heads together to figure this out.
Reimu
Do we have to? It sounds like a lot of work.
Yukari
I thought you'd say that. As such, I want to split the discussion into parts so that no part will be too long.
Reimu
Ugh.
Sakuya
So how many parts will it take?
Yukari
Hmmm. There is a lot of depth to battles of bullets, so I imagine it will take quite a few.
Yukari
But this tower should be high enough for us to get around to everything we need to discuss.
Yukari
In any case, let's leave things here for now.
Yukari
Thank you for the tea.
Sakuya
Clever. I'm guessing you'll be wanting tea for the discussions to come too.
20F - Duels Regulated by Boundaries
I love this view.
It's probably about time we take a break.
Reimu
The other groups are going at it hard, too. They're probably thinking the same thing as us. This won't be easy.
Sanae
Hey! I've got an idea!
Marisa
Oho, you do, do you? I'm not sure I like the sound of that.
Sanae
Come on, it's nothing weird! Look, we can all fly, right?!
Sanae
Oh, and I can carry PLAYER! So don't worry!
That's, um... reassuring?
Sanae
So, why don't we fly outside the tower?
Sanae
The rest areas seem to be placed at regular intervals. If we fly between them, we can reach the top in no time!
Youmu
I see! I didn't consider that. But now that you mention it, it does sound pretty smart.
Reisen
Um... But that―
Sakuya
*sigh* If that were possible, all the rest areas would be packed full by now.
Sanae
Well, we won't know unless we try! I'll check it out, so just wait here for me.
Reisen
Hey! Watch out!
Reisen
Sorry, Sanae! I saw this super hard-looking barrier, but you flew off before I could tell you!
Sanae
...
Marisa
What's wrong, Sanae? Did you hit your head too hard?
Sanae
I am an adult. This is nothing. I won't cry.
Sakuya
Well done. I think that is very mature of you.
Sanae
Still...
Sanae
I hit my head, and it HUUUUUUUUURT!
Sanae
I thought my eyes would pop out of their sockets!
Reisen
Here, let me take a look... Ouch. You've got a lump.
Reisen
But how did you end up with only this tiny bump after such a crash? Is your head made of stone or something?
Sanae
No, this is the power of miracles!
Sakuya
At any rate, it's good that you aren't seriously hurt. Here. I brewed some tea. Let us take a small break.
Youmu
Right, we were about to rest. I totally forgot.
Yukari
How can you all forget about such delicious tea? Drink up before it gets cold.
Ah, Miss Yukari!
Yukari
Would you like to join me, PLAYER? The tea tastes even better while enjoying the view.
Reimu
Look at you. You've only just shown up, and you're acting all sophisticated already.
Marisa
That's how it usually goes, though.
Sanae
Whew! It feels like the tea is going straight into my lump!
Reisen
You never change, Sanae. At this rate, that bump will heal in no time.
Yukari
You tried to go outside as a shortcut, didn't you? And then bumped into the barrier between the floors.
Yukari
I was the one who created it.
Reimu
Why would you create such a troublesome thing?
Yukari
If everyone could just fly outside, there would be no battles of bullets, which goes against my goal that I told you about.
Marisa
True that. You did say you wanted us to fight inside the tower so that it will grow.
Marisa
So I guess you force this method on everyone by putting barriers around each level.
Yukari
Precisely. The barriers mark the borders and, in a sense, are embodiments of the rules.
Yukari
You could say that the rules are now visible and compulsory. And rules can be either followed or violated.
Yukari
Barriers always have an inside and an outside. The line between marks the border upon which the barrier is formed.
So this time, you're going to tell us about barriers?
Yukari
Yes. But they are so common, so explaining can be paradoxically difficult.
Marisa
Are they? I haven't seen that many of them.
Reimu
What are you saying? Most of my Spell Cards and skills make use of barriers.
Marisa
Oh, now that you mention it, you're right.
Youmu
There's Reimu's Great Hakurei Barrier. But the Netherworld also has a door-like barrier―The Barrier of Life and Death.
Sakuya
Door-like... Come to think of it, I believe ordinary vampires are unable to enter the dwellings of others uninvited.
Sakuya
Of course, such barriers don't work on Lady Remilia and Lady Flan. But in a sense, doors and windows are barriers, too.
Reisen
Some waves are blocked by doors and walls, too. I agree that many things can be called barriers, broadly speaking.
Sanae
Mountains and forests may also be barriers since people won't go to such dangerous and frightening places.
Yukari
My, you've all spared me the effort of explaining. That's exactly right. In a sense, they can all be called barriers.
Yukari
However, if we take it one step further, there are also barriers much closer to you. The best example being...
Yukari
...the clothes you wear.
Marisa
Clothes? Do you mean that the clothes of a shrine maiden are sacred or something?
Yukari
No. I'm speaking more generally. Clothing is a primal barrier hiding your nudity. If we assume that a naked body is holy...
Yukari
...then your clothing cordons off sacred ground. If the naked body is impure, then the clothes instead become a seal.
Yukari
In both cases, they're a barrier. And since they are so close to your body, they're also a boundary between you and others.
Yukari
What is inside your clothes is your own body. And how you recognize another person greatly depends on their attire.
Reisen
You may know what someone else is like from how they dress. Conversely, your own clothes can influence your mood.
Yukari
Yes, clothing defines the inner nature of the wearer and clearly shows that to others.
Sanae
So you can't go outside without putting clothes on because if you do, you won't have any barrier around you?
Yukari
Well, aside from the basic benefits of protection and warmth, clothing has long been held to safeguard the soul.
Yukari
In fact, your clothes play an important part in battles of bullets, too.
Yukari
I'm sure you have not given this much thought, but it should not be possible for you all to fly with such speed and ease.
Yukari
Especially Marisa. Your hat and tools should blow off, and your clothes should catch the wind, making it harder to fly.
Marisa
Huh? So why am I able to fly like I do?
Yukari
The idea of flying fast creates a certain type of barrier. It's like a coating made of magic or spiritual energy.
Yukari
While these barriers differ depending on the conjurer, most have an aerodynamic or wind-deflecting shape.
Yukari
Such coating-like barriers aren't widely recognized since they are an intrinsic part of learning to fly.
Reimu
I can't understand a single word you're saying!
Reisen
Haha. Reimu, this must be extra difficult for you to understand. Basically, she's talking about air resistance.
Yukari
But these barriers offer more than wind protection. Battles of bullets were originally duels between humans and youkai.
Yukari
For the sake of equality during the battle, bullets that are too strong are suppressed―
Yukari
―while weak bullets have their power boosted. Furthermore, the barrier protects its conjurer from death.
Yukari
Ordinarily, no human could survive a direct hit from an oni's attack. But it merely counts as a misstep in battles of bullets.
Yukari
And as a penalty for that mistake, your stamina is reduced by a certain amount. You will not be seriously injured.
Yukari
The regulation over mistakes is managed individually for each fighter participating in a given battle of bullets.
Yukari
Specifically, every fighter is required to use a coating barrier, which allows the Mistake Management to take effect.
Reimu
Huh? I don't die from getting hit 'cause I'm good at dodging.
Marisa
And I'm super sturdy.
Sanae
I thought it was the power of miracles that helped me escape death!
Youmu
I was convinced that it was all because I'm a half-phantom!
Yukari
Never mind. Even if you are not aware of it, this mitigation is placed upon you when you agree to the battle rules.
Yukari
Be it the other side of the moon or the deepest level of the Underworld, the moment you give your consent...
Yukari
...you are bound to fight with "Spell Cards and Mistake Management." This is the rule.
Yukari
If a fatal blow as specified by the rules is dealt during the battle, one layer of your coating is removed.
Yukari
When all the layers are gone, you become defenseless. Basically, unless you're lucky, you have to give up.
Reisen
So a simple yet powerful coercive force is spread across a wide area. It's like a kind of curse.
Yukari
My, how wonderful. Your metaphor is right on point.
Sakuya
I see. So all of this is strictly managed under the rules you established, just like Spell Cards.
Yukari
Correct. So, shall I tell you about Spell Cards next time? Until then―
Yukari
Be careful not to lose all your barrier layers in battle. Use them wisely and enjoy your battles of bullets!
Reimu
Noted. Thanks for the lecture...
Marisa
I guess this is where I'm supposed to say, "To be continued," right?
30F - Duels Regulated by Names
The sky's so blue!
Look at those clouds!
Yukari
Splendid. Now then, let me tell you about Spell Cards.
Reimu & Marisa
Now that was out of the blue!
Yukari
Well, if I just let you be, you'd bump into things and hurt yourselves.
Reimu & Marisa
T-True...
Sanae
I wonder who could be such a klutz.
Sakuya
Oh, do you now, Miss Clumsy?
Sanae
Hehehe!
Youmu
But going back to the Spell Cards, they're like second nature to us, so I'm not sure what else you can tell us about them.
Reisen
You pledge a Spell Card before the battle. Then, you have to announce when you use it, and the spell must be unchanged.
Reisen
Isn't that all?
Yukari
You're not wrong. That's the general outline of the Spell Card Rules.
Yukari
However, while it may appear that simple, there are far more profound aspects that you are unaware of.
Reimu
Stop putting on airs and just spit it out already.
Marisa
Oh, simmer down. It's just starting to get interesting.
Yukari
First, while it's not a well-known fact, it is possible to have a battle of bullets without obeying the Spell Card Rules.
Reimu & Marisa
WHAAAAT?!
Reimu
...Ahem. That was needlessly dramatic.
Marisa
Yeah, you're right.
Yukari
For example, duels with Impossible Spell Cards or cheat items, or where attacks are normal shots instead of spells.
Yukari
Using them does not break any of the rules for battles of bullets.
Yukari
But Impossible Spell Cards are more powerful than normal ones. Even more so if they are unpledged and undeclared.
Reimu
Well, Impossible Spell Cards are called impossible 'cause there is no way to navigate through them without getting hit.
Marisa
If they aren't pledged or announced before use, you could get shot all of a sudden at close proximity.
Sanae
But if that's the case, why don't we all just fight with Impossible Spell Cards?
Sanae
We fight to win. If we attack our opponent in a way that allows them to dodge, it's contradictory to our goal, right?
Yukari
True, if you only cared for base violence, it would be logical to fight with undeclared, nameless Spell Cards.
Yukari
But at the same time, it's the ugliest kind of Spell Card. And the battle of bullets is a battle of beauty.
Yukari
For this reason, if you look at bullets only in terms of power, the strongest ones would paradoxically be the weakest...
Yukari
...unless I allow, under specified conditions, a battle to be fought using Impossible Spell Cards and cheats.
Youmu
...
Youmu
Ooooh. So that's how it is!
Sakuya
I've always prepared Spell Cards that are avoidable yet induce my opponent to make mistakes out of habit.
Sakuya
I didn't realize that this is actually the best way to create the strongest ones.
Yukari
First, you create a Spell Card based on the prior pledge. Next, you name it.
Yukari
When you do so, the name of your Spell Card becomes the key for conjuring it.
Yukari
To use it in a battle, a fighter has to declare the Spell Cards they plan to use in advance.
Yukari
This is a simple contract that prevents you from changing your Spell Cards or adding new ones during the battle.
Yukari
And when you actually use them, you need to proclaim their name. That said, you don't have to say it out loud.
Yukari
You can always just show your card to your foe, but saying its name means you don't need to have the card with you.
Reisen
Saying it out loud is the easiest way, so I just shout it out most of the time.
Sanae
I also like to call it out! It's cool 'cause it feels like I'm using some sort of ultimate attack!
Reimu
I still don't quite get it... And on what basis do you judge whether the Spell Card is beautiful or not?
I wanted to ask about that too!
It must be harder to judge beauty than power.
Yukari
Oh, I judge it based on my own tastes, of course!
Reimu
Yeah, of course you do. It was stupid of me to ask. In short, you're as sly as ever.
Yukari
Oh, thank you. I do appreciate the compliment.
Marisa
In a sense, it's very youkai-like. "Beautiful" can also be described as "bewitching," which is what youkai do.
Yukari
No matter how ugly the bullets were initially, once enveloped with life, they become beautiful phenomena.
Yukari
Don't you think this is similar to how Gensokyo itself is surrounded by a barrier?
So barriers and Spell Cards are used in all worlds.
Which means the rules are incredibly powerful.
Reimu
Also, since Spell Cards are used everywhere, THAT incident must have occurred in every world.
Yukari
Aw, look at you, Reimu. You've grown up to be pretty sharp after all.
Reimu
I've always been sharp!
Yukari
By "that incident," you mean the vampire one, right? That incident led to the creation of the Spell Card Rules.
Yukari
Or at least it did in my world and yours. That incident is the main reason we have those rules.
Yukari
However, that doesn't necessarily mean that the same thing happened in the other worlds.
Yukari
It is possible that identical rules were born due to some other factor.
Marisa
Now things are getting complicated. So the worlds share the result, but not necessarily the cause?
Sanae
OK, that's it. My brain is officially at max capacity.
Yukari
We can't reach any conclusions based on incomplete information, so we'd better stop theorizing for now.
Yukari
The stars of bullet battles are glamorously named Spell Cards. And these cards can only be used once each, so be careful!
Reisen
...
Reisen
And enjoy your battles of bullets! (Why do I have to say it this time?)
Youmu
To be continued!
40F - Spirit Points
(We're pretty high up now...)
(The ground's a blur. I can barely see anything.)
Yukari
What's wrong? It looks like everyone else is having fun over there.
Oh, Miss Yukari.
...
Yukari
...
Yukari
Heehee. I know. They're a lively bunch with energy to spare. I guess you need some time to yourself once in a while.
No, I didn't mean to imply―
Yukari
I know. I was just kidding.
Yukari
...Yes, there aren't many people in this strange land that you can share your troubles with.
Yukari
Would you like to share anything with me? I don't mind.
It's nothing, really...
I was just wondering... who I am.
Yukari
...
Yukari
It's no wonder that's bothering you. You've come to Gensokyo all alone without even your memory to accompany you.
Yukari
And you continue to search for your way home. Unlike everyone else, you don't have a place to call your own here.
Yukari
Eventually, you'll have to go back. The day when you must part ways with everyone is bound to come eventually.
Yukari
In other words, at the end of your journey is a farewell.
...That makes it sound a bit sad.
Yukari
I know. But you're not the only one in such a situation.
Really?
Yukari
No one stays in the same place forever.
Yukari
Of course, a human's life inevitably comes to an end. But youkai do not live forever either.
Yukari
Even the immortal people of Hourai may feel the urge to move to another place.
Yukari
Though different in form, bizarre cases of daydreaming dwellers in Gensokyo are essentially the same.
Yukari
The duration and circumstances may differ, but each individual lives their life aware of their eventual end.
Yukari
That's why there's a meaning to the period of your life when you're a "girl."
So what's the meaning that I hold?
Yukari
I know this will sound cliched, but you have to discover it yourself.
Yukari
But I understand why you feel as you do.
Yukari
Your ability to temporarily summon a copy of someone you know is specific to you. It makes you unique.
Yukari
Of course, the strength and type of someone's power doesn't define their existence.
Yukari
Those overly proud of their strength are doomed to fall, much as those boastful of their wits will encounter someone wiser.
Yukari
You won't find your own identity in such traits. No matter what kind of special power you possess. Got it?
Now that you mention it, my power is rather strange.
Yukari
I'd call it "interesting." You're able to replicate someone else's very existence.
Yukari
However, there's no reason to think that your technique is inconsiderate or irresponsible. Don't disparage yourself.
Yukari
This may sound extreme, but the type of one's power or technique is nothing more than an excerpt of the past.
Yukari
In your case, you recreate the past in a manner that is more comprehensive, broader in scope, and sudden.
Yukari
No matter how peculiar your power is, it's neither one of a kind nor solitary.
Yukari
Although it far from determines your identity, it's still a normal power, so feel free to exercise it.
My power's unique while still being normal!
I feel a little better now.
Yukari
You are just like the youkai of Gensokyo. There are many of them in this land...
Yukari
...but most are considered separate species. They are unique yet ordinary. It's the same with you.
I wonder if this journal has something to do with it.
Yukari
It's true that your power has only been exhibited via your journal until now.
Yukari
And that you're the only one who can use it.
Yukari
You have an ability to temporarily summon a copy of someone you know and an ability to detect the Lost Word.
Yukari
Or perhaps... the two constitute a single skill?
Yukari
Are you the key to the journal? Or is it the other way around?
Yukari
I intend to continue keeping track of your encounters with the Lost Word.
Yukari
This is the meaning you hold, for me at least.
Thank you. I really appreciate it!
Yukari
I should be thanking you. This is very important for my dear Gensokyo.
Yukari
So take good care of yourself, PLAYER. It would seem that your body not only enables you to function...
Yukari
...but it is also essential for you to be able to exercise your ability.
My body?!
Yukari
Obviously, you couldn't use your ability without a body. But it's more than that.
Yukari
What I'm talking about is an odd substance I call "Spirit Points." They are consumed each time you use your power.
Yukari
In other words, I presume that once you run out of Spirit Points, you can't use your ability anymore.
Yukari
I know that you can replenish the Spirit Points in your body by making contact with a source of faith.
Yukari
Every morning you wake up recharged in Hakurei Shrine because that place supports your ability.
So I'm something like... a rechargeable battery?
But I was fine when we explored the tower before.
Yukari
Most people see the Scarlet Devil Tower as a non-religious place, perhaps even a nest for those who deny the divine.
Yukari
However, places of worship such as shrines and temples are not the only sources of faith.
Yukari
Shinto and Buddhist altars count as well. I think even a single jizou statue on the roadside would suffice.
Yukari
In short, what matters is that a place is regularly charged with faith. Its form and religion are secondary.
Yukari
The Scarlet Devil Mansion is home to a group, a family loyal to a devil called Remilia. And devils are highly spiritual beings.
Yukari
As such, though somewhat weak, that family's faith lingers in the place where they live.
Yukari
As for the Scarlet Devil Tower, they all awaited their mistress' return. Such dedication is typical of faith in western lands.
Yukari
The current Scarlet Devil Tower is a pinnacle of devotion and practice imbued with hope from other parallel worlds.
Yukari
Thus, this place satisfies the requirements of housing faith.
Yukari
So, keep this in mind the next time you explore a new place.
But what should I pay attention to?
Yukari
Well, I don't know why Spirit Points gather in your body.
Yukari
But there is a chance that you may be obstructed from using them.
Yukari
For example, someone could separate you from a source of faith or take away your journal.
Yukari
The mastermind behind the Lost Word Incident may target such a vulnerability.
Yukari
It's better to be safe than sorry.
OK! I'll be careful!
Yukari
Oh, look at the time. It's been nice conversing with you, but you should get back to your companions.
Yukari
It looks like someone is about to nudge everyone onward.
Yukari
Come now, off you go.
See you later!
Yukari
May Reimu and the others protect you. And may you protect them.
Yukari
The most important thing for you to do now is to keep moving forward.
50F - Yin and Yang
Yukari
Have you ever heard about the philosophy of yin and yang?!
Reimu
No, I haven't!
Yukari
I've told you about it many times before, though.
Marisa
What in the world's going on?
They started the moment we arrived on this floor!
So this time, we don't even get to take a breather.
Marisa
Nah ah. I'm gonna steer clear this time.
Reisen
Yeah, looks like a hassle. I'd rather stay out of it too.
Sanae
I don't know what's going on, but it may be better to let sleeping dogs lie.
Sakuya
It is best not to interfere and just wait it out.
Youmu
Hm, you may be right.
Reimu
Hey, you could lend me a hand, you know?!
Yukari
I'm talking to all of you.
(It doesn't look like escape is an option.)
Yukari
The concept of yin and yang is quite easy: the world is made up of yin and yang. That's it. Simple, right?
Marisa
Yeah, that is simple.
Reimu
There's no way her lecture is going to end this quickly.
Yukari
Contrary to popular belief, the philosophy is not about yin being evil and yang being good, or vice versa.
Reimu
See? Told you so.
Yukari
Rather, all things exist only when these conflicting forces are present. The harmony between them is the core of creation.
Marisa
I get some of the logic, but it's so abstract that I can't wrap my head around it all.
Yukari
In that case, let me use you as an example to make it easier.
Marisa
What?! Me?!
Yukari
Codependency lies at the heart of yin and yang. Everything is born of this relationship.
Yukari
You, Marisa, tend to get motivated when Reimu is by your side. And you, in turn, inspire her.
Marisa
Oh! True! There are always exciting things happening around Reimu!
Reimu
I don't feel particularly inspired, though.
Yukari
There's nothing I can do if you don't want to admit it.
Yukari
But when you go off to resolve an incident, you feel extra incentive when Marisa is with you, correct?
Reimu
Do I? I've never thought about it like that...
Yukari
Forget it then. Yin and yang are intertwined, which means that the balance between them must be maintained.
Yukari
If one gets weaker, so does the other. Likewise, when one gets stronger, the other one does as well.
Yukari
In addition, they act in opposition to each other. It's as if they are on a scale―when one goes up, the other goes down.
Yukari
And they circulate. When yin exceeds its limit, it overflows and changes into yang. And vice versa.
Sakuya
Is that so? Now this piques my interest. I feel like I've experienced a similar sort of phenomenon somewhere...
Reisen
Could this be related to the parallel presences or whatever? Like, the Scarlet Marisa?!
Sakuya
That's it! That's what I was thinking of!
Sanae
But what does this all mean?! I feel like it's something super important!
Yukari
Delving into this too much may not be wise since it's just a theory. All I can offer now is some speculation.
Yukari
Differences between each of us and our parallel presences may relate to the concepts of yin and yang I just explained.
Yukari
But it is probably associated with other factors as well.
Youmu
Hm, I see.
Reimu
But can yin and yang be controlled so easily? What does this all say about the perp behind the Lost Word Incident?
Marisa
No, it's just as Yukari said. Yin and yang are tied to the nature of all things.
Marisa
Which means you can influence them quite a lot. Granted, I'm not sure if it's possible to alter the nature they're bound to...
Marisa
...but if you knew how, you might be able to use them as a lever to manipulate things more than normally possible.
Yukari
An astute conjecture, Marisa. That's very close to my own hypothesis.
Reimu
Oh? You've got good intuition for this kind of stuff, Marisa. I'm impressed.
Marisa
Hehe, it's not intuition. Regular use of magic has made me accustomed to all kinds of speculation.
Marisa
But I'm not like Alice, OK?! My focus is solely on battles. So I think mostly for the sake of increasing my firepower!
Reimu
Everything comes in handy when you use it right. It's good to know that even you have your uses.
Marisa
Hey, watch it.
Yukari
Now, now. Let's get back on track here.
Yukari
It's possible that yin and yang are tied to this incident. They seem to be one aspect of it, at least.
Yukari
And now that you are aware of this, you should know one more thing about yin and yang.
Yukari
Namely, how they mix: yin inside yin, yang inside yin, yin inside yang, and yang inside yang.
Yukari
They have a sort of layered structure. One aspect includes the other and may also include denser aspects of the same type.
Yukari
You may find a drop of good within evil, while another thing may be so wicked there's nary a trace of anything else.
Yukari
At a glance, something may appear completely black, but if you look closer, you may see hints of gray or other colors.
Yukari
Everything has stages and layers. And how you see and interpret something changes depending on your perspective.
Yukari
At first glance, your bullets will seem like either yin or yang as well. But try giving them a closer look.
Yukari
You'll see that in yin bullets, there's also yang, and in yang bullets, there's yin. Though there are exceptions.
Reimu
I've never thought of that.
Marisa
I see. My bullets are kind of like that.
Sakuya
This is actually pretty useful. I shall take it into account the next time I prepare a strategy for a battle.
Reisen
It's also important for knowing your own weaknesses.
Youmu
Personally, I'm more curious about those exceptions.
Sanae
It can also be applied to things other than battles, right?
Yukari
There's always yang in yin. And there's always yin in yang. PLAYER, remember it well.
There's always hope in despair...
And in hope, there's always despair?
Yukari
Yes, that may be true. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Yukari
Under no circumstances should you forget it.
60F - The Journal
Rinnosuke
Hey, how's it going?
Reimu & Marisa
Why is Mister Rinnosuke here?! What's Kourin doing here?!
Reimu
I never thought I would see you so far from Kourindou... You don't really seem like the type who gets out much.
Rinnosuke
How can you say that? I regularly go to Muenzuka, and I even visit your shrine sometimes, don't I?
Marisa
How'd you manage to escape that cluttered shop of yours? There's barely even a place to stand in there!
Rinnosuke
I know you're joking, but that's the very definition of the pot calling the kettle black!
Rinnosuke
I don't mind the odd excursion if there's a chance of acquiring something rare.
Sakuya
Oh, the person from Kourindou is here. Hello. Thank you for the other day.
Rinnosuke
Ah, yes, the maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Hello.
Youmu
The owner of Kourindou! Hello! Fancy seeing you here.
Rinnosuke
You're the girl from the Netherworld. Hello to you too.
Reisen
You're the one from that dubious secondhand shop in the forest...
Sanae
The man from the fancy shop?!
Rinnosuke
I haven't ever paid much attention to the presentation and reputation of my store, but maybe I should start...
The owner of the secondhand shop, Mister Rinnosuke!
Rinnosuke
Yes! That's right! Hello, PLAYER.
Reimu
Aren't you glad at least someone remembered your name, Mister Rinnosuke?
Marisa
But you sure climbed the tower pretty quickly just to pick up some items.
Sanae
You must have rushed since you overtook us and were waiting for us here.
Rinnosuke
No, I climbed up at an average pace. You all have just been taking too many detours.
Reimu, Marisa & Sanae
What?!
Rinnosuke
*sigh* So you were completely oblivious then...
Sakuya
We have taken a few long breaks, so I knew we weren't going to set any records, but I didn't realize we were that slow.
Reisen
I'm not surprised. I sensed countless presences overtake us.
Youmu
I also kind of had that impression.
Sakuya, Youmu & Reisen
*sigh*
Rinnosuke
Well, hurrying is not always the best option. Haste makes waste, as they say.
Rinnosuke
In fact, I think it's a good thing that you all took this climb at your own pace.
???
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles"...
Yukari
...Information is the key to victory. Do you not agree, proprietor of Kourindou?
Rinnosuke
Yukari. I see that you still keep showing up when least expected.
Yukari
Never mind that. What business do you have in this playground I prepared for the girls? It better be important...
Rinnosuke
Whoa, please don't threaten me so casually like that. Don't worry. I'm not going to interfere with any battles of bullets.
Yukari
Oh? So WHY are you here then?
Rinnosuke
Don't think that I just came here on a whim. I have my reasons.
Rinnosuke
My ability to read the memories of tools is quite something if I do say so myself.
Rinnosuke
I came to the realization that if there is some information that only I can gather, I might be able to sell it as a commodity.
Yukari
But if you are the only one privy to that information, you are the only one who would know what it's worth.
Rinnosuke
Not exactly. I can just share a portion of the information for free. Then... I can disclose the rest for a fee.
Yukari, Reimu & Marisa
Ooh. Clever!
Reimu
...But I doubt that'll sell.
Marisa
Yeah, Kourin isn't great at talking up a sale, even with his usual items.
Rinnosuke
Really? I heard that information brokering was big money in the outside world...
Reimu & Marisa
This is Gensokyo. We do things our own way.
Yukari
Don't worry. I'm sure I would be a regular customer.
Rinnosuke
Hm, to tell the truth, I'm not all that interested in selling. I think I'd rather have the information just to collect it.
Rinnosuke
In fact, fundamentally, all collections may just be a consolidation of knowledge that has been gathered together.
Rinnosuke
This is the case for tools, be they artifacts, the latest models from the outside world, or even imports from the moon.
Rinnosuke
Each item has its own color, a sound when tapped, a texture, a weight... and stories regarding its history and origin...
Rinnosuke
Each of these and more can be learned and experienced... This is information. We all live by taking in information!
Yukari
(So that is why you keep on hoarding things and hardly let anything go.)
Disinterested People
(He just keeps going on and on...!)
Wait, does this mean that my journal could be...
...a rare piece of information for you, Mister Rinnosuke?
Rinnosuke
...
Rinnosuke
I have been curious about it for a while now. Do you mind if I touch it?
Ah, please wait a moment...
...I have to be touching it at the same time... There.
Rinnosuke
It doesn't open unless the owner is touching it... I'm curious how such a lock could work, but let's save that for later...
Rinnosuke
Whoa. This is...
Rinnosuke
...intriguing. However, it seems that there is a lot of information. I'll have to examine it for quite a while!
You're welcome to, but we have to get moving soon...
Rinnosuke
In that case―
Rinnosuke
―I'll travel with you to the next open floor!
Marisa
(Nice work, PLAYER!)
Reimu
(Mister Rinnosuke finally stopped talking! For the moment, at least.)
70F - The Journal - Part 2
Rinnosuke
―Wow, this is interesting.
Reimu & Marisa
Oh, that's right, Mister Rinnosuke's here. Oh, that's right, Kourin's here.
Did you pick up anything from my journal?
Rinnosuke
Yes, I did, though I wasn't able to read everything in such a short time.
Rinnosuke
I'm sure I'll be able to pick up everything there is to learn in the not too distant future if I can take a few more looks at it.
Marisa
Oh?! Nice one, Kourin! I was honestly pretty worried that you'd fail!
Rinnosuke
Didn't you just say that you forgot I was here?
Reimu
No, you actually did really good. I would have asked for your help sooner if I knew this was going to work so well.
Sanae
So what did you learn?! I really want to know!
Youmu
Me too! What did you find, owner of Kourindou?!
Reisen
My master and the princess were also interested in PLAYER's journal, so please tell me too!
Sakuya
Oh, yes, Lady Remilia was very curious about that journal. And I'd also like to know more about it.
Rinnosuke
Hm, so you all want to know, do you? Yeah, I can understand why...
Rinnosuke
I'll cut straight to the chase. I was able to read the memories this journal holds as a tool...
Reimu, Marisa & Sanae
Go on!
Sakuya, Youmu & Reisen
Go on!
Rinnosuke
...but I was unable to decipher them.
Reimu, Marisa & Sanae
...?
Sakuya, Youmu & Reisen
...?
...?
Reimu
Everyone, disperse! Step back from Mister Rinnosuke!
Reimu
We're crowding around him, hanging on his every word like he's got some kind of superpower or something!
Marisa
Yeah! We wasted so much time on that drivel! We should've just had a cup of tea or something!
Youmu
I don't really understand, but this means he failed, right?!
Sanae
I don't understand either, but it certainly seems like he failed!
Sakuya & Reisen
(I was actually looking forward to hearing about the journal...)
Marisa
Argh! This bodes ill for our journey ahead! Reimu, have you got any salt?!
Reimu
I do! Here you go!
Marisa
Take this, Kourin!
Rinnosuke
Hey! Stop that! Throwing salt's no laughing matter!
Rinnosuke
Everyone, this is a misunderstanding. Let me explain.
Marisa
No way!
Rinnosuke
Cut it out! Ack!
Rinnosuke
There's so much salt on me―it's like I've been snowed upon... I wouldn't be here anymore if I was a vengeful spirit or a slug.
Marisa
Sorry! I went a little overboard! But that was pretty fun!
It was like you were having a snowball fight!
Rinnosuke
Just please hear me out, OK? It's not like I failed to read the memories of the tool.
Reimu
Then what did you fail at then?
Rinnosuke
No, I didn't fail. Everything went as expected. I read some of the memories that the journal holds. It's just...
Rinnosuke
...to put it bluntly, those memories were written in a form that I am unfamiliar with.
Youmu
A form... Like in a language from a far-off country?
Sakuya
The form might be something that cannot be described with words, like a picture or a photo of an unfamiliar landscape.
Rinnosuke
I think it's similar to both of those things. I read the memories as an image, but I couldn't comprehend the meaning.
Rinnosuke
That's why I said that I was able to read it but unable to decipher it. So I still don't know the journal's name or utility.
Sanae
Isn't that just... a long-winded way of saying that you failed?
Reisen
What? Do we have to start throwing salt again?
Rinnosuke
No no no no! That's not it! This is normal! It happens all the time!
Reimu
What do you mean?
Marisa
Be brief, all right?
Rinnosuke
For example, take tools that are distant culturally... In other words, an ancient tool or one from a far-off land.
Rinnosuke
The memories of these kinds of tools are extremely hard to decipher―just like a foreign language or a picture.
Rinnosuke
They're a type of code.
Rinnosuke
...Thus, they can also be deciphered like a code. You look for a pattern, compare it with other data, and then repeat.
So I take it that's what you'll be doing from now on?
Rinnosuke
Yes, that's right.
Rinnosuke
The process doesn't usually take that long for a slightly dated tool or a tool from the outside...
Rinnosuke
But your journal may have come from a culture far, far away from Gensokyo... That would explain why it's so difficult.
Sakuya, Youmu & Reisen
What?!
Reimu
Does that mean... PLAYER came from a country really far away?!
Marisa
No. There's no way, right?! I can't explain it, but PLAYER is...!
Sanae
Yes, she doesn't feel like a foreigner. She looks and speaks in a way pretty similar to us and the humans of the village.
Sakuya
It's clear that PLAYER is not from a place so far away as Lady Remilia and the young mistress, or even Meiling.
I never feel out of place in the village.
Youmu
Miss PLAYER is without a doubt, a living human being. So she isn't connected to the Netherworld or Hell.
Reisen
PLAYER isn't a Lunarian either. If she was, there would've been some sort of action taken against her.
Rinnosuke
We don't have enough information to draw any conclusions about that. I only learned about PLAYER's journal.
Hmm... I wonder where I got it?
Rinnosuke
If I keep inspecting it like I've just done, and I manage to decipher the memories, I'm sure we'll eventually find out.
Rinnosuke
So there's no need to worry.
Thank you! I really appreciate your help!
Marisa
You don't need to thank him. This is just Kourin's hobby. He's doing it 'cause he enjoys it.
Rinnosuke
Yes, Marisa has the right of it. I'd never let it go if I missed this opportunity to study something so intriguing.
Yukari
Oh, it looks like you've all finished your conversation. That's good.
Yukari
I also wish to make a request of you, owner of Kourindou. Once you have deciphered the journal's memories...
Yukari
I will buy that information from you. I have just thought up a fantastic plan.
Reimu & Marisa
I've got a bad feeling about this!
80F - Ascent of the Ice Fairy & Tengu
Cirno & Aya
We've finally caught up!
Reimu & Marisa
It's going to get noisy again, isn't it?!
Aya
Wow, you've still got a ways to go, Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa! I caught up without even really having to hurry!
Aya
But now I can get some good material for my special on the Scarlet Devil Tower. Please let me interview you all, OK?!
Sanae
Did you climb up the tower all this way by yourself, Miss Aya?!
Aya
Yes, of course. I'm the fastest in all Gensokyo, after all!
Reimu
What are you talking about? I'm the fastest.
Marisa
No way. It's gotta be me.
Youmu
I'm not sure what kind of speed we're talking about, but I think I'm the fastest if we're talking just general speed.
Sakuya
You know speed is distance over time, right? So It must be me.
Aya
Huh?
Reimu & Marisa
Huh?
Sakuya & Youmu
Huh?
Reisen & Sanae
(Honestly, I couldn't care less.)
Cirno
Fastest... Isn't that just a part of being the STRONGEST? Then of course it's me. No two ways about it!
Reisen
This is a thousand times better than having some pointless debate. It's decided! Cirno's the strongest and the fastest!
Cirno
Hehe!
Sanae
Did you also fight your way up from the bottom, Miss Cirno? Along with Miss Aya?
Cirno
Hm? Of course I did. Is there any other way to climb this tower thing?
Sanae
Wow! That's incredible... We struggled every step of the way here even with Miss PLAYER's ability!
Aya
I wasn't going at full speed, but I was still shocked that Cirno was able to keep up until the end!
Cirno really is formidable, isn't she?!
Reimu
There sure is an awful lot of mysteries surrounding fairies... They're such strange beings.
Marisa
Cirno's particularly tenacious, though! That's a big difference from Kourin, who had to sneak all the way up here.
Cirno
Thanks for the compliments, but I'm not sure it's enough. You can praise me some more if you want?
Sanae
Way to go, Miss Cirno! You're the best!
Sakuya
Leaving that aside, why did you both climb the tower? You weren't ordered here like I was by my mistress, were you?
Aya
Wh-What?! O-Ordered?! No, no, I'm just here to get a story for my Bunbunmaru Newspaper!
Aya
I can't miss this perfect chance to get a scoop, right?! Aha, ahaha, ayayaya!
Sakuya
Hm? Yes, I figured that was your reason―it's the same as always. I was more curious about the fairy of the lake.
Cirno
Me? I'm a fairy, so there's no way I'd bother serving under someone! It sounds like such a pain!
Sakuya
(What does that say about our fairy maids, then?!)
Cirno
We don't meddle in others' business or hold grudges! That's the stuff you strange humans and youkai do.
Youmu
Hm? Now I'm even more confused why you would climb the tower.
Reisen
The only other reason I can think of is... for your friends, maybe? You have a lot of fairy friends, don't you?
Cirno
You mean Dai and the others? Yeah, they're my friends! If I find something cool, I'll bring it back for them as a gift!
Sanae
I get it! So you're burning with a determination to climb the tower for your friends! You're on fire, even though you're cold!
Aya
No, no, Miss Sanae, you've got to be more perceptive than that! You underestimate Miss Cirno, the Queen of Fairies!
Sanae
What?! Miss Aya, does that mean... you already know?!
Aya
Why, of course! Who do you think I am? I interviewed her on the way here!
Aya
Go on, Miss Cirno, tell them! Please tell everyone why you came to the Scarlet Devil Tower!
Cirno
...Because it's the highest place there is!
Reimu & Marisa
(Such a...!)
Sakuya & Youmu
(simple...!)
Reisen & Sanae
(reason!)
Aya
(Yes! These are just the expressions I was hoping for!)
Aya
This will make a great photo!
Cirno
The highest place in this world means it's the place where you can see everything.
Cirno
You'd be able to look down on gods and even celestials. You'd be above the gods―a queen of the entire world!
Cirno
That queen would be the STRONGEST! And since that's me, I'm the only one worthy of sitting atop this tower!
Reimu
Yeah, sure, whatever you say. Let's get back to climbing. This was all just a waste of time again.
Aya
(I once heard a famous mountaineer was asked why he wanted to climb a mountain.)
Aya
(His answer: "Because it's there"!)
Aya
(Were Miss Cirno's words spoken with the same conviction? Ayayaya, I need to investigate more.)
Aya
Oh, I almost forgot! The Miss Yukari from our world sent you all a package!
Reimu
Huh? A package from Yukari? That doesn't sound good!
Aya
There's no need to worry. She sent this because the exploration would take more than just a day... Look inside!
Marisa
Wow! These are..?!
Reisen & Sanae
It's full of fresh clothes!
Sakuya
There's one maid uniform, a second, and even two more!
Youmu
One green vest and another green vest! They also have the faint scent of insect repellent!
Reimu
I got some too! ...Yukari must have packed them for me. There's also a letter from Kasen and some mandarins.
Oh, there are also some fresh clothes for me!
Kosuzu selected them...?! Thanks, Kosuzu!
Marisa
These are like care packages sent from home! Not that I've ever gotten one... Hm? There's a small plushie in mine.
Sanae
Lady Kanako, Lady Suwako, I'm doing good! There hasn't been a single day when I haven't been happy!
Reisen
Thank goodness, I was just thinking that I'd need to change clothes soon. It's also a relief that I'm restocked on medicine.
Reisen
Oh, these clothes...!
Reisen
Aya! I'm going to go change, so just keep on talking without me!
Aya
Ayayaya... someone's excited. By the way, everyone...
Aya
Don't you think you own too many of the same clothes?
Reimu & Marisa
I don't want to hear that from you!
Reimu
Besides, they may all look the same to YOU, but they're all slightly different!
Marisa
Yeah! My tastes have never changed, so they are similar, I don't deny that, but each set of clothes IS different!
Aya
Really? Would you mind if I wrote an article on this?
Reimu & Marisa
Don't you dare!
Reisen
I'm back! What do you think?
Reimu & Marisa
Wow, that's pretty cute... Wait, you changed fast!
Cirno
D-Don't tell me you're actually the fastest in Gensokyo!
Reisen
Please stop! It's embarrassing!
Aya
Yes, well, we'll be traveling with you from now on, OK?
Cirno
You've got nothin' to fear with me here!
This trip's going to be even more fun now!
Sakuya
Now I can brew ice tea whenever I want. You truly are a great help.
Cirno
...What?
90F - Any News is Good News
Kosuzu
Dear, PLAYER. I'm writing this letter to you from the village.
Kosuzu
I heard that you had gone somewhere far away with Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa.
Kosuzu
...Miss Yukari was the one who told me!
Kosuzu
She said you'd gone far away but will be back soon, even though it will feel like a long time for you... or something?
Kosuzu
I don't really understand what Miss Yukari meant, but it sounds like the opposite of the Urashima Taro story!
Kosuzu
Well, this isn't the first time that Miss Reimu and the others have flown off somewhere, yelling, "It's an incident!"
Kosuzu
So these irregular occurrences are kind of normal. I suppose it's similar to a festival.
???
Incidents are like festivals, you say? That's a good comparison, and I don't think you're wrong.
Akyuu
...Not that I know all that much about incidents.
Kosuzu
If it's the same as a festival, I would've liked to go along with them!
Akyuu
You're only thinking of festivals as things where you enjoy the performances and have fun at all the stalls.
Akyuu
Setting up a festival and cleaning afterward takes work. And people even die in the celebrations at some festivals.
Kosuzu
You're talking about festivals in the outside world, right? Do you really think PLAYER's life is in danger?
Akyuu
Hmm, no, I don't think it's that bad. But you wouldn't like to work until you're covered in sweat, day after day, would you?
Kosuzu
No, I wouldn't!
Akyuu
Good, then settle with sending PLAYER some fresh clothes. I'm sure some of yours would be a perfect fit.
Kosuzu
That's a great idea!
Kosuzu
...But I don't have that many to spare. Don't you have at least one set you could lend her too, Akyuu?
Akyuu
Hmm, the fabric of the Hieda family's clothes is of such high quality that she might feel uncomfortable wearing them...
Kosuzu
Are you just trying to brag?!
Kosuzu
..."I have good news, PLAYER. It seems Akyuu will be lending you lots and lots of clothes."
Akyuu
OK, stop that! I have some spare yukata. I'll go get them now!
Akyuu
*sigh* You look like a newspaper reporter when you walk around while writing a letter like that.
Kosuzu
..."They were made for the Hieda family, so they'll be the highest quality yukata you can get in the village."
Kogasa
Boo!
Kosuzu
Hello! Your timing couldn't be better, Miss Kogasa, Miss Sekibanki!
Kogasa
Be surprised! Come on, why aren't you surprised?!
Kosuzu
...?
Sekibanki
Hello, Kosuzu. Please call me Oseki or Miss Seki in public, OK?
Kosuzu
Oh, whoops, I forgot! Sorry, Miss Oseki!
Kogasa
You can call me Ogasa or Kogakoga if you want?
Kosuzu
Do you not have any babysitting work today, Miss Kogasa?
Kogasa
Y-You didn't even bat an eye?!
Kosuzu
Don't tell me you were fired for failing to do your job? Don't worry. Suzunaan should be able to hire one more part-timer...
Kogasa
Your kindness pierces me like needles! Even though I'm also a blacksmith! And besides, I wasn't fired―I just have a day off!
Kogasa
Also, I haven't been failing at my job! Though the children do always laugh when I try to surprise them!
Sekibanki
Hey, Kosuzu. Speaking of getting fired, it was probably me who got the ax, not Kogasa. Get it? *giggle*
Kosuzu
Oh, you're right! *giggle*
Kogasa
HEY! Stop ignoring me!
Sekibanki
...Here's one of my spare capes. I'm sure PLAYER will like it.
Sekibanki
Capes can warm you up in the cold and can also protect you from the sun when it's really bright out. They're really useful.
Kogasa
And I've brought... a sturdy bamboo and oiled paper umbrella! You can never have enough umbrellas!
Kogasa
And I'll also send a selection of hair clips I made. I'm sure she'll appreciate them.
Kosuzu
Thank you! I'll make sure everything gets to PLAYER!
Kosuzu
..."Your friends in the village are all helping to put together this package for you, PLAYER."
Seiran
Oh! It's the rental book shop girl! Thanks for always buying your dango from us!
Ringo
Hey, Kosuzu! How are you going? Is business good?
Kosuzu
Oh, hello! I'm not actually working today―I'm preparing a package for PLAYER.
Seiran & Ringo
That sounds fun!
Seiran
Yeah, of course, you can't send dango! They'll go bad, won't they?! I kind of expected this!
Ringo
I wasn't so foolish. Look, I flattened my dango out and baked them.
Kosuzu
Wow! They're rice crackers?! These will keep for a while, so you can definitely send them!
Seiran
What?! It's not fair that only Ringo's gifts are sent! Let me eat some! *crunch* *munch* *munch* They're actually good!
Ringo
I was very particular with the sauce, you see. I used the yamanba's special tamari soy sauce.
Seiran
You've gotten even better?! I can't get left behind!
Seiran
I actually brought something else other than dango...!
Kosuzu
That's... Let me try one, OK? *crunch*
Ringo
*munch* *munch* Wow, these deep-fried rice crackers are great! They've got a fun texture, and they're so easy to eat!
Kosuzu
These would be great as a snack when you're tired! You can't stop eating them, even if you wanted to.
Seiran
Thank goodness! Send them for me, OK?!
Joon
I think I'll send a change of shoes... Though they're apparently cheap knockoffs.
Shion
I'll give her some dried sweet potato. It's precious food, but I can spare a little.
Joon
I wonder what PLAYER will look like with all this on her... No, maybe she'll actually look pretty cool.
Shion
It looks like you've managed to collect a fair bit of food. My tummy won't stop rumbling if I stay any longer, so... see you.
Kosuzu
..."Everyone really cares for you, PLAYER. They're all wishing you the best."
Akyuu
Kosuzu... Here's the yukata. There's also "this," but please don't write about it in the letter...
Kosuzu
...?
Aya
Ayayaya? Hello, Miss Kosuzu and Miss Akyuu. What is that package...? Oh I see, it's for Miss PLAYER, isn't it?
Kosuzu
Hello, Miss Aya! Yes, that was a good guess. You're absolutely right!
Aya
I was just thinking about going to see Miss PLAYER for an interview.
Aya
I'll carry that package for you! Consider it a thank you for stocking my newspaper at your shop.
Akyuu
That's great, Kosuzu! All right, I'll put "this" in there, OK!?
...?
Reimu
What is it, PLAYER?
Chris Q.'s new book is in here along with Kosuzu's letter.
Reimu
...Hmm, maybe it's one of her favorites? All of Agatha Chris Q.'s novels are amazing, after all.
Reimu
She probably thought you might like to read it during breaks.
Yeah, I guess I'll have a read then...
...Oh? This is really good!
100th Floor Celebration
Reimu & Marisa
This is the one-hundredth floor! CONGRATULATIONS!
Sakuya & Sanae
YAY!
Youmu & Reisen
We did it!
Cirno & Aya
What's there to celebrate?!
Reimu
What? Umm, you know, the thing!
Marisa
Yeah, yeah, what she said!
Reimu
...No, I guess there really isn't anything to celebrate, is there?
Marisa
Yep, not a thing. But that's kind of a letdown down, isn't it?
How about we look back on the journey so far?
Sanae
What a great idea! But I only know parts of what happened.
Reisen
Hmmm, I think it's a good idea too, but I'm in the same boat as Sanae.
Youmu
Wait, what are we looking back on?
Sakuya
The only one who knows everything that has happened so far is...
Aya
...Miss PLAYER, right? But by no means has this journey been short. It would be a lot of work to review.
Everyone
Hmmmm!
Cirno
...Why are you guys thinking so hard about this?
Cirno
Can't you just read that journal thing?
Oh, right. Of course!
Reimu
Why didn't I think of that?!
Marisa
Nice one, Cirno!
Everyone but Cirno
(Wow...!)
Reimu
All right then, let's open up PLAYER's journal and give commentary together!
Marisa
All of a sudden, a giant meteor came hurtling towards the Human Village!
Marisa
Its name... was Seal Crystal!
Marisa
But it was blown to bits thanks to Marisa Kirisame's Master Spark, and the village was saved.
Marisa
Thank you, Marisa! Keep it up, Marisa!
Marisa
Thus, the fragments of the Seal Crystal fell across Gensokyo, and our story begins.
Marisa
...That's how it went down, right?
Reimu
No, that's not what happened at all! You better take this more seriously!
Marisa
Tsk. You really try to act like the big sister, when PLAYER's around, don't you?
Reimu
Of course. The Hakurei shrine maiden is the last bastion of hope for all humans.
Marisa
I think you mean the Kirisame Magic Shop. I'm much more approachable for anyone who actually needs help.
Sakuya
Settle down, you two. Let's continue with the recap.
Sakuya
When Yukari Yakumo unsealed a Seal Crystal, someone popped out and awoke in the forest...
Sakuya
...Yes, it was the Seal Crystal Girl, PLAYER.
Reimu
Don't give her weird nicknames!
Sakuya
My apologies. You're right. She deserves a cuter name, like Seal Crystal Princess.
Reimu
That's not what I meant! Besides, you weren't even there, so how do you know what happened?!
Sakuya
Oh, but I was there. I saw everything because I just happened to be fishing at the swamp deep in the forest.
Reimu
Fishing?! Wait, don't tell me you went fishing in your maid uniform?! And why in a swamp of all places?!
Sakuya
That's correct. While wearing my maid uniform, I went fishing in the forest's swamp in search of the legendary giant eel.
Reimu
I know you're lying but picturing you in those clothes with a fish basket and rod in hand kinda makes me wanna believe it.
Aya
This sounds like a scoop! Could you tell me in more detail!
Reimu
We've gone way off track!
Youmu
After that, Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa took Miss PLAYER to Hakurei Shrine.
Youmu
I believe you tried to return Miss PLAYER to the outside world, but it didn't work.
Youmu
Thinking about it now... Isn't this really bad?
Youmu
The Hakurei shrine maiden is the one who is meant to sort out these kinds of problems.
Youmu
Oh, no, sorry. I'm not trying to blame you, Miss Reimu. I'm just speaking the truth...
Youmu
If Miss Reimu had just done her job properly, Miss PLAYER could already be back in her own world...
Youmu
...peacefully lying about on her own bed, in her own house, eating dried sweet potato or something.
Reimu
SORRY! You're absolutely right!
Youmu
I'm only joking! I understand that Miss PLAYER is different from the usual outsiders!
Reimu
I can't tell if you're good at jokes or not...
Sanae
Next, we went to that Gensokyo island. Or I guess it would be more accurate to say we found ourselves there.
Sanae
The Seal Crystal sucked us up and took us there. Miss Yukari called it a parallel world, but who knows if that's true?
Sanae
I just know I got really excited about wearing a school uniform and visiting that school-like shrine!
Sanae
Can you believe that I haven't been to school ever since I came to Gensokyo?!
Sanae
Lady Kanako and Lady Suwako said they don't mind if I'm mischievous, but they want me to be a good and honest girl!
Sanae
But at this rate, I'll get left behind by all the kids in the outside world. No, even by the children at the Human Village school!
Sanae
They'll say, "Wow, look at Sanae, she doesn't rely on common sense or studying"!
Sanae
That's why I regularly visit Suzunaan―to see if they have any new textbooks in stock from my school in the outside world!
Reimu
That sounds kind of rough...
Reimu
...but it's got nothing to do with what we're talking about!
Reisen
Then you went to another world where the Scarlet Devil Mansion turned into a tower for some reason, right?
Reisen
I heard it second-hand, so I'm not sure about the details. But it's not surprising considering it's the Scarlet Devil Mansion...
Reisen
It probably exploded or something, right? Then no one knew how to fix it, and everything just went downhill from there.
Reisen
...
Reisen
No, I'm joking. It's a joke. There's no way that's true! It's not like this is some sort of fantasy novel!
Reisen
Ahaha!
Reisen
...Please say something.
Reimu
That's pretty much exactly what happened.
Sakuya
Honestly, as a dweller of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, I could definitely see it playing out like that.
Reimu
Oh, no, don't you comment on this. That'll just make it more confusing!
Marisa
...Yeah, so to sum it up―a lot's happened. Remember when the black water came flowing out of the Underworld?
Sanae
We went to the moon, fought that scary sagacious spirit and the weird Hell goddess, and there were those Ability Cards.
Reisen
The urban legends and Perfect Possession were also popular for a time. I'm still a little traumatized by them.
Youmu
Oh, yes, didn't animal spirits also appear in Gensokyo? That did happen, right?!
Aya
There was also that time when Miss Cirno got a tan! I got such a great photo then.
Cirno
Oh, that. There were lots of doors, and I fought someone sitting in a chair... no, was she sitting? I know she was strong!
Sakuya
Heehee, at that time, there was a completely different event going on at the Scarlet Devil Mansion...
Reimu
You know that all of that happened before PLAYER came here, right? You're going back too far.
Marisa
Oh, yeah, you're right. I sometimes get everything mixed up!
Reimu
To give a correct recap, we went to various parallel worlds... or alternate universes, as some people call them.
Reimu
Then after we finished exploring them, we took up Yukari's suggestion and started holding regular events.
Sanae
Yes, she said the events were like cheap, mass-produced versions of festivals.
Sanae
And making Gensokyo festive in short bursts gives the gods, youkai, and strong humans chances to hone their bullet skills.
Sanae
...Or something along those lines.
Yukari
Precisely.
Youmu
You scared me half to death!
Cirno
You always just show up out of nowhere!
Aya
Ayayaya, no matter how many times this happens, I'll never get used to it.
Yukari
Short rotations between festivals and everyday life will give an element of festivity to not only Gensokyo, but the whole world.
Yukari
This propagated to parallel worlds and gave rise to the Scarlet Devil Tower, which will allow us to have a decisive battle.
Yukari
I'm sure our efforts will also affect other parallel worlds in some way―Maybe not all, but certainly a few.
Yukari
This is all according to the great youkai, Yukari Yakumo's plan. It is completely foolproof.
Reimu
Ack, you're acting even more suspicious than usual! I bet you telling us this is also a part of your "plan," am I right?
Yukari
Maybe... Maybe not.
Reimu
We had to wear all those different clothes one after the other. I'm not saying it wasn't fun, but it was also a lot of work.
Reimu
You better not tell me that was all for nothing.
Yukari
Teehee. How could you doubt me, Reimu? With this cunning plan that you couldn't even dream of...
Yukari
...I'll send a challenge directly in the face of whoever is behind this Lost Word Incident.
Marisa
Wow, that's pretty cool, even if it is just bravado. If the mood takes me, I might even join in.
Reisen
I'm not going to back out after coming this far. Master, the princess, Tewi, and me most of all, want this incident resolved!
Aya
I'm always there when a scoop is afoot. I'll be with you to the end... So I can get an interview, of course!
Cirno
I don't really get what's going on. But there's one thing I can say for sure... the STRONGEST never gives up!
Youmu
I couldn't hope for a better opportunity to test my skills. It's time to show the results of my training!
Sanae
This is my chance to become a first-rate incident resolver! I'll make you proud, Lady Kanako, Lady Suwako!
Sakuya
All of the credit will go to the Scarlet Syndicate. I'm willing to do whatever it takes for the glory of my mistress.
Yukari
It looks like none of you lack motivation. The festivals will continue for a while longer.
Yukari
Which means... there will also be plenty more opportunities for you to wear cute costumes.
Yukari
Do you understand, Reimu?
Reimu
...?!
(I think we just have to accept it!)
Reimu
FINE! I'll play my part! That's what you want, right?!
Yukari
Wonderful. I'll make sure to inform that eccentric shop owner, OK?
Reimu
Argh!
