This is the script for Eltnum's Arcade Mode stories.
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH[]
Prologue[]
Eltnum: I don't recognize this place… Where am I? To be called into a new title like this… It sucks to be so popular.
Damn the creators… They just had to go and introduce a guest character because the original In-births weren't enough. As if I'm not busy as it is. I have to hand it to those fools for making a smart choice, but their weakness was what started all this.
I mean, I've been the reigning champion of Melty -REDACTED- for the past ten years. Sure, it may be an old title, but I can't just let these rookies steal my thunder.
Nevertheless, I have no choice but to acknowledge the technical superiority of modern games. The screens are wider than before… And my God, all these pixels… My shoes look really great, though.
If you happen to have Melty -REDACTED- on hand, might I suggest you play it alongside this game to see how far technology has progressed? If you don't, it sure would be nice if you could pick up a copy. I know I would appreciate it.
*Ahem* Now that I've sufficiently plugged the game… Normally, guest characters shouldn't even hope for a story. However, these rookies need to be taught to respect their industry elders.
They must be shown just how difficult it is for a game to survive in the arcades! They must feel in their bones how much their predecessors went through for them! Let's see if these newcomers are worthy of being on the grand stage!
…
Well… That they'd need to use this fourth wall-breaking gimmick tells me it's tough as it is.
Stage 3[]
Eltnum: You must be Hilda… The evilest of all evil in this story, and the mastermind behind all these events.
Hilda: My, what a cute little girl… I like you. Although I don't particularly fancy the intelligence. That smug, "I know everything" look on your face really ruins you as a character.
Eltnum: Exactly. I do know everything. I suggest you not think of me as another rookie, Paradox. You'll get hurt.
Hilda: Just who are you? You're so calm and at ease. Totally not cute. Judging by your appearance, I refuse to believe you're an In-birth.
Eltnum: A bizarre channel interpreter… The result of a butterfly effect… A quantum uncertainty made flesh… That is what I am. People will always cling to the slimmest of hopes in order to survive.
Hilda: Interpreting…? Butterfly effect? I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. It's like you came from an entirely different universe. If that's the case, I applaud your determination.
But despite your efforts to get here, I'm afraid I'm going to have to put an end to you right here and now.
This power! This strength! The suffering of those who possess it… I'm sure it is beyond your comprehension. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Eltnum: Actually… I was once the focal point of a story, and though the environment was different, I did make it to the final boss… So Hilda, I know EXACTLY what you're going through!
Which is why I intend to cut those chains that bind you, and free you from your cursed fate.
Wait until you grind through three sequels… Once you've reduced to nothing more than a comic relief character living in a box in a dark alley, only then will you know my pain!
Stage 6[]
Eltnum: What a cute little girl you are. By chance, have you seen another little girl here? She looks a lot like you, and she's partial to the color white. You might have seen here throwing around some ice and snow…
Vatista: White…? I do not know of such a girl… Probably.
Eltnum: Hahaha. I was kidding. Seriously, it was just a joke. But she was one that most would could classify as a "mecha." So I'm sure you've tag-teamed with her. You have, haven't you?
Vatista: An accurate response to your query cannot be found… But to one who wields neither EXS nor is a False Birth, I ask this. What exactly are you? I'm uncertain whether to eliminate you or not.
Eltnum: *Sigh*. Ugh. I thought something would strike a chord in you. It's like I pitched you two hanging curveballs, and you whiffed on both. Pathetic. Young people these days have absolutely no communication skills. That's deplorable.
Going by your gothic lolita sensibilities and your penchant for silence, I figured you didn't need any life lessons to make it through this world. But in the end it seems you're just another clueless rookie.
Vatista: I predicted that there would be trouble. I will excuse myself now. You are neither a Void nor an In-birth, so I have no reason to fight you. However, if your presence becomes hostile…
Eltnum: Hostile, huh… Heh, heh. Right. Yes, I’m sure there's always hostility between a rookie and an old vet. That's something in which I'm well-versed…
The threatening tone of your, "However," gives us reason enough to fight. Now it's time I teach you a lesson about how harsh life can be. As long as you are in this world, you will have to be ready to take on any challenge at any time.
Stage 9[]
Eltnum: You must be Linne… I know I've seen those graceful movements somewhere before… Of course! She said she was able to see "lines" when she moved. I take it you do as well?
Linne: Huh…? Sorry, but I don't believe in that kind of stuff.
Eltnum: I sense there's a slight disconnect in our conversation… Maybe we should move onto another topic. I foresee serious legal repercussions if we stay on this one, even for me.
Linne: For a first encounter, your choice of conversation is quite bizarre. Who are you?
Eltnum: Interested in my origin story, are you? Not sure I'm allowed to say anything. If people find out I've been moonlighting, the royalty issues would be inconceivable chaos… I mean, bang, zoom! Straight to the moon for me. (※This scenario has received the TYPE-MOON Seal of Approval!)
Linne: That wouldn't be good. Neither Hyde nor I have any money. Particularly myself. I don't even have a place to live…
Eltnum: Linne! I have this sudden, overwhelming feeling of empathy for your character. For the record, not having a fixed address can be a huge advantage in more ways than one.
Linne: Whether real or not, it's somewhat inconvenient to not have your name. You can use a pseudonym if you like. Just give me a name.
Eltnum: Oh, that's right. Well then, please call me Eltnum. No need for surprise or applause, just a simple "Eltnum" will do.
Linne: Eltnum…? That's fine. *Sigh*… And there's no need for you or anyone to put on this ridiculous comedy act.
Eltnum: Comedy act… I like that. It's the perfect, litigiously ambiguous way to describe my role here. Unreported income… Awesome!
Now, Linne… Personally, I think you're more than worthy of the title "Second Generation Wanderer." However, for contractual reasons I, the "First Generation Wanderer," will need to test your claim to the title!
Linne: …A test to earn a title I don't want or need…
Final Stage[]
Eltnum: You must be the master of this realm… Nice to meet you. In this meeting of heroes old and new, I think it's only fitting that we shake hands as I pass the torch. Don't you agree?
Hyde: Wh-What are you talking about, all of a sudden… Me, a hero? I don't understand.
Eltnum: Heh. Your behavior is strange enough, yet lacks individuality. No different from the average high-school kid. Why are protagonists so wishy-washy nowadays?
Hyde: Instead of spouting meaningless bullshit, why don't you just tell me who you are?
Eltnum: …Who I am?
Hyde: Yeah… It's only good manners to intro--
Eltnum: How dare you ask me who I am?! I'm ten… No, a HUNDRED times more famous than you are! I've won countless tournaments AND have an infinite combo. I've been in the game, LITERALLY, for a decade now! And you ask me who I am?! Ignorant rookies… I weep for the future…
Perhaps it is up to me, your benevolent mentor, to be the mature one at this juncture. My name is… Eltnum. Yes, in the Hollow Night, you may call me Miss Eltnum. Copyright issues, political issues, and emotional issues aside… I am actually an alchemist. (※This scenario has been pre-screened and approved for usage, legally, politically, and emotionally.)
Hyde: You really dominate a conversation… I mean, er… Miss Eltnum. Don't get me wrong, a lot of strange people show up in this place, but you're one of a kind. It's like you're from another universe.
Eltnum: O-ho! So you DO sense something different about me. Maybe you're not as dumb as you look. I suppose having totally misguided confidence is good enough for "protagonist" status.
However, all of you newbies owe a lot to us… I thought this was an opportunity to do a new title… But it seems only I was able to make the transition to hi-res! This laziness… This foul and utter indifference to my plight shall not be forgiven!
I understand now. Just because you made a game that did JUST OKAY in the arcades, doesn't mean you can just let your head get all swollen. I mean, develop something completely new, for crying out loud.
How foolish… Although, I should consider this a chance to educate and cultivate my juniors. I will show you the weight ten years of experience carries. Then you can return home in regret. To your family. You do have a family, don't you?
…Although, I might suggest you don't smash your controller in frustration.
Epilogue[]
Eltnum: *Sigh* To think they'd call me in for this, knowing full well how busy I am! Not only that, they've forced me to deal with all these rookies! What a pain. Compared to the enemies and challenges I've faced before, this was like taking candy from babies!
I suppose they're trying their best, given their first time up on the main stage, but no matter how much French Bread tries, this game will never match the awesomeness of the next Melty -REDACTED-! But this experience has been invaluable.
That being said, I suspect many moons will pass before the next Melty -REDACTED- sees the light of day. So I guess this world is as good a place as any to kill time.
But damn that Kinoko… How much longer will it be until you start on the next title? He works hard enough, but he's buried under a mountain of paperwork. I think it's time I harden my heart, and hide all of his game consoles.
Now that I think about it, it's been ten years since I was the guiding force behind the story. And just as I was finally settling in, I get kicked into another world. Karma really is something…
But it's not so bad. I mean, I was born from a stack of proposals dumped on someone's desk. It was easy enough to hop the fence into this place. Maybe I've been too focused the past ten years… I think it's time to see the world! Now, where should I go next?
All of you In-births… I hope when the time is right, I'll be able to see you again. And I pray that you'll fare well upon this brutally violent battlefield.
Eltnum: Now that I'm free of Kinoko's shackles, I have nothing to fear…
(Ending theme: Heart beat breaker)
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II SYS:CELES[]
Prologue[]
Eltnum-san: Ugh… To be perfectly honest, I'm a little ticked off right now. This isn't where I'm supposed to be at all!
This stage isn't nearly LUMINOUS enough for me! I know there's a place for me out there somewhere! It's supposed to be built and done with, right?
So why? Why am I stuck here again? How long do I have to stay here? Don't tell me I've been banished! Did I get demoted? Is this some sort of punishment?!
I guess French Bread are who they are… If I'm going to pop up in UNI again, I may as well make a cross-promotional splash!
They've missed a perfectly good opportunity to change things up a bit. They could've given me pigtails! Just play it off like it's normal and say it's an "homage" to something if you get called out! Simple! (※Subject to removal under editorial supervision.)
They don't even have the stones to commit to a little parody anymore. What a shame. I guess Narita's not that young anymore. Older and, unfortunately, wiser. Too wise to cross a potentially perilous bridge.
…Which is all the more reason for me not to stick around here. It's time for me to take off--no, it's time for me to go home. If nobody's going to summon me, I'll just have to summon myself.
At least this Hollow Night thing is finally reaching its climax. That works out pretty well for me. I should at least give them a parting gift before I head back to my nice, luminous home.
Let's see how far you've all come in the past ten years. I have faith that you're finally capable of putting up a moderately decent fight.
Stage 3[]
Eltnum-san: You must be a student… There's something weirdly nostalgic about that outfit of yours. It makes me smile, but I'm not sure why… Don't worry, though. I'm not a suspicious person or anything.
I can't recall the details, but I feel like I'm connected to people like you somehow. Of course, I don't mean me, right here, right now. More like in some way, somewhere far away from here.
Nanase: Huh…? What're you talking about, lady? I mean, I guess you're right. There are plenty of girls just like me out there… Uh… Why are you crying? I didn't dig up any sad memories, did I?
Eltnum-san: No, you don't have to worry about me. It's not a memory of my own. I'm sure it's just a hardware malfunction.
Nanase: Huh. Okay, if you say so… So, what now? The rules here say that when you run into someone, you have to fight 'em! But I can let it slide if you're, like, depressed…
Eltnum-san: Like I said, you don't have to worry about me. These tears are just washing away some dirt that got in my eyes. I'm definitely not too depressed to beat you.
Nanase: Like I said, okay, if you say so… Just don't come crying to me again later! By the way, what's your name, lady? You can call me Nanase!
Eltnum-san: Let's see… Since I took the stage before you did, you may call me Miss Eltnum. There's an easier name I suppose you could call me, but it's not really the time or place for it.
Nanase: So you were here first, huh? That makes you my upperclassman! …Wait, does that still work if you don't go to my school? Eh, whatever. What were you saying about a "stage"?
Eltnum-senpai: Explaining it will only make it more confusing. That's the secret to sticking around in this industry! An illusory flash. A fleeting dream. A momentary encounter. All we need to know are each other's names.
Nanase: Oh, is that how it works? Great! But-but-but! I don't want to be so easily forgotten, y'know! I'm gonna leave you with a nice, big scar to remember me by!
Stage 6[]
Kaguya: My, oh my. Such murderous intent in the air… It's giving me chills! I've hardly ever met anybody with as much bloodthirsty energy, even on the battlefield! Who are you? Are you famous? Can I have your autograph?
Eltnum-senpai: Ah… A gunslinger? Packing two pistols, at that. Didn't anybody ever tell you good girls don't play with guns? …Yes, I'm picking up on the irony. Just go with it.
Kaguya: Of course I understand. You can't take this sort of thing too seriously. But now I wonder how many other tricks you've got up your sleeves… Oooooh, Kaguya's getting scared!
Eltnum-senpai: Quit hamming it up. You may look like the rookiest rookie out of all these rookies, but I know you've got plenty of experience. I was going to give you a few gentle pointers on how to use your guns, but now…
Now I know you don't need my lecture at all. Very well. Instead of giving you tips on how to use your guns… I'll teach you firsthand how not to use it. In a duel.
Kaguya: Live ammunition's not very useful in close-quarters combat anyway… Let me guess, your gun's had some other unique modifications made to it? I'll be sure to take careful notes!
You're clearly more skilled than I am. I may not have the slightest chance of winning… but a little momentum goes a long way in a duel! In fact, that's pretty much the reason I've survived this long.
Eltnum-senpai: …I see. So you put all your confidence in the ability to build… "momentum." But fighting like that will only get you killed sooner or later.
This is a good chance for you to learn your lesson: that momentum alone isn't enough to make up for the differences in our power. If you manage to survive, you'll walk away a little bit stronger.
Kaguya: Thank you so much for the kind gesture! Teach away, ma'am! I'm ready to learn!
Final Stage[]
Hyde: Ugh, it's you again… What was your name? El-somethin'… El Dorado?
Eltnum-senpai: Do I look like some kind of golden oldie to you? Close, but no cigar.
Hyde: Well, whatever your name is, at least I get to pay you back for what you did to me last time. So are we gonna fight, or what?
Eltnum-senpai: Yes. But before we do, why don't we shake hands? It seems like the sporting thing to do.
Hyde: Huh? Sporting? Where's that coming from all of a sudden? You've gotta be hiding something with that fake-ass smile of yours.
Eltnum-senpai: Hee hee hee, who, me? Of course not! I'm genuinely hoping for a decent rematch! …Sneak attack! (STAB)
Hyde: Grrgh… D-Dammit, I knew it…
(Hyde collapses)
Eltnum-senpai: Phew… I suppose the young man's got a point. Getting defeated by the same opponent twice in a row doesn't make for the most compelling story. Audiences love it when you change it up…
Still, changing it up too much is no good, either. What if the story ends with me, an outsider popping in out of nowhere, defeating the root of all evil? That's just asking for backlash.
(Speaking of the Devil, the game's final boss appears)
???: …Let them hate, then. I actually like that idea. So you're the one bound by laws beyond this world's? You're every bit as intriguing as I'd imagined.
Eltnum-senpai: And you must be the rookie of all rookies. Just who I'm here to see--and give a good talking-to. Thanks for taking ten whole years to show up. I knew you'd be hiding here, so I had my last opponent forfeit.
Now, ideally, your silhouette would've slid into the frame, beaten down that young man, and challenged me instead, as a twist. That would have been a more elegant approach. Much, much better optics.
???: You don't say…? I'm sorry I couldn't live up to your expectations. I should have done more research. Forgive me, I've really just awakened. Next time, I'll be more prepared.
Eltnum-senpai: Next time? There won't be a next time. For either of us. Now, let's hurry and begin while the kid's still asleep.
???: That, I can agree with. I can only be so patient--especially with such enticing prey in front of me…
Epilogue[]
Eltnum-san: I beat him with no trouble, but there wasn't a cutscene or anything… No surprise there. Nobody really wants the guest character to come along and save the day. I should just leave before I save anything else.
The Night will end soon… A luminous sunrise will shine on us…
(The background turns to white)
The purifying light signals the end of this story…
…Uh, isn't this a little TOO bright? Wait. Is this one of THOSE scenes? You know, where someone gets all engulfed in light? And then they wake up back where they started and realize it was all a dream?
Seriously? I won't accept such cliche, cookie-cutter crap, do you hear? If I'm going to disappear into the light, I should melt away, sparkling out from the center of my body! It should look modern and cool!
Huh? You can't do that? I'm glad I'm not the one who needs the director to sign off on this. Tell you what, let's keep this low-risk. Sometimes you can have a PC without tossing it in a freezer and overclocking it.
Well, people of this land, it looks like this is our last farewell. We've been through a lot together--and to be honest, I had fun. Maybe, if it's meant to be, we'll see each other again…
Worry not! My existence may disappear from this world, but my thoughts shall remain! We shall surely meet again if we follow our fates…
Whether we'll meet in this realm, or in some other luminous place… I do not know. At least it'll take a long time to calculate… For now, I'll place my faith in my creator… though he'll take a long time, too.
Eltnum-san: I've encountered so many things… And so many people… who probably thought I'd never show up. And yet here we are. Let's believe! Let's give our faith--and our fates--a chance…
(Ending theme: Peace of Mind)
[]
| Arcade Mode | |
|---|---|
| Chronicle Mode | |