act20side

This is my new friend, Assistant Robot #0429, and its terrible boss, Deculture.

Deculture, meeting invitation, all representatives—

0429, change of plans. As your friend, I'm asking you to do me this favor. Go to that meeting for me.

Help friend. Help friend!

Do it yourself!

Speaking of which, what was our last meeting with everyone in attendance for?

Alcohol was in short supply, so we had a meeting to figure out how to solve the supply chain issues.

Have we ever run low on alcohol?

You skipped that meeting.

Hahaha, this brings me back. The mead fans wanted to make sure the whiskey lovers had nothing to drink, so they bought out all the whiskey in town.

And to get back at the mead fans, the Whiskey Enthusiasts' Association started buying up mead by the lot too.

These drunkards can survive without booze?

Of course not. That's why they started drinking the booze they bought to get at the other side.

I understand both clubs lost some members to the other side around that time, haha!

It's a shame, though. If only they had an appreciation for berry tomato wine.

Catch, you... so that's your poison?

Yeah, what's the matter?

No wonder none of the alcohol fan clubs accepted you...

Well... Never mind, so we're all gathered today to discuss the 'Great Aquapit...'

Tear it down? Yeah, I agree, and the sooner the better.

I'm a yea, too.

I thought you two loved that place! Hell, you go multiple times a week, Croque!

Right, and I'm regretting my patronage. I can't believe I spent so much time in a facility built by a guy who likes berry tomato wine... It's a disgrace.

How negligent I must have been as the industrial representative to participate in a project led by a man like that.

What is that supposed to mean?! Hey, Master Edge, what's with that look?

Haha, berry tomato wine... That's a little...

If you've reached an understanding, then we'll call everyone out to blow up that showy water slide, fix the railroads, and solve all of Master Edge's problems. That's the plan. Any objections?

It's a shame, but an architect can't let his past work tie him down. This is a chance to once again put my talents to good use.

Stitch, you said you'd have a design contest with Catch over Zeruertza's new landmark. You are serious about that, aren't you?

Of course.

Oh? Finally going to amaze us with your designs again?

Well, with all of you here singing my praises, what choice do I have?

Looks like we're in for a fun couple of months. I should stock up on booze.

Seriously, Master Edge, why don't you try some berry tomato wine? It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

Not in a million years.

And that's the end of the voting!

Well, then. Per consensus, this is it for the Great Aquapit, and we will repair the railroad bridge and build a new landmark for Zeruertza at the same time!

Hell yeah! I've been getting tired of the slide anyway!

The new plan better be something totally different! I heard we're getting a roller coaster?

Water coaster!

Looping water coaster!

A catapult looping water coaster! With a super water cannon! And a racetrack for self-driving carts!

Stitch and I will each submit an independent design proposal, and we'll call another meeting to decide which proposal to move forward with.

Stitch? Stitch who lives in the cube?

Hm, I saw a design of his a few years ago... It wasn't much fun, but it had a unique sense of beauty...

Maybe we can come up with some new way to have fun there. I mean, that place is pretty much an open space, and the important thing is what we can do with it!

It kind of feels like Stitch's building would be a good place to lie down and relax—

Just like that super relaxing Gaulish meditation I saw in 'Stranger Things!'

Hm, I think I can work with that.

Phew, looks like everything went off without a hitch? Not that we actually did anything.

But we did see a hard, bitter negotiation play out. Isn't that right, Croque?

Edge! Drink up, old man! What, are you keeping fins in your cup?!

*cough*! I'm trying to take a short break!

We've done a lot, Gavial! We went shopping and bought a lot of stuff and had a decent vacation. Plus, we even helped score a huge project for Acahualla!

And you also made a mess of my feelings.

Oh, don't say that. I thought we made friends.

Yes, it went much more smoothly than I expected.

That just goes to show that you could've done it yourself, you punk.

But, what's next...?

That's a funny look on your face.

It's been a while since I've worked on anything, so I'm feeling a little...

Phew... It's okay. I just have to warm up.

Once I get myself back into the game, surely—

With the results of the referendum, the Great Aquapit will soon complete its historic half-year mission. It will be blown up and turned into construction material once again.

Citizens, I'm afraid this slightly extended summer carnival will soon come to an end.

*sobs*... I'll always remember our beautiful time together forever.

But the super slide is so much fun, you can't get enough of it! I never thought we'd have to say goodbye...

However! In the Great Aquapit's place, we'll have an all-new, prettier, and completely different structure! After all, this is Zeruertza, a city built by the best architectural designers!

Stitch Canvas and Catch Lightrace are two awe-inspiring, up-and-coming architectural designers. Over the next few months, the two of them will submit their design proposals...

Imagine the show showdown they have in store for us.

Hehe, this brings me back to the dome design contest they had a few years ago, when they just made their debuts!

The duel ended all those years ago without a winner, but who will win the right to design Zeruertza's next landmark? Let us—

Let me get a sip of water first.

Croque, I've never seen you so enthusiastic. Have you been drinking?

No. Not yet, at least.

Now this isn't like you at all.

I was watching videos of a competition on the surface that I got from Inam, and it seems they have a role called 'the MC'.

I thought I might dip into a new career path.

Anyhow! Although the architects' designs are yet to come, my fellow citizens, the tail end of our summer is going to be a fleeting one!

Before the slide is blown up, let us enjoy it all we can!

Ohhhh!

Gavial!

Tomimi, watch out! Slow down!

I was so, so jealous when I heard you guys went to the waterfall in Acahualla!

Hehe, and this time I get to join in on the fun!

You're such a kid.

Hm? What's wrong? You're usually so careful to hide your tail. Let's see... Did it get thicker again?

Eh? Nope, not even a little! I checked with a measuring tape before I got here! It's been months since I got any thicker!

Oh? Sounds like you're really hung up on it.

Waaaahhh... Eat my water blast!

Heh, you little runt! It's on!

They're more like Durins than you are.

How would you know what it means to be 'Durin', Lupo?

You seem a little nervous. Are you worried about your contest with Catch?

Worried? Over him? Don't make me laugh. I haven't fallen so low. It's just laypeople tend to like his proposals more.

Mine get their fair share of fans, too. Perhaps I should be bringing something different to the table. That's how I'll win.

Perhaps I should just... *sigh*! I should probably take my mind off of that right now.

To tell the truth... if we don't care about aesthetics and just look at how fun it is, this 'Great Aquapit' isn't so bad.

Oh, so you enjoy these things, too?

Every now and then.