Music: GuestBattle01
Our loadout today is built mostly for longevity, as is usually the case with Netzach's floor. Mr.Blond is running a pierce-focused build to take advantage of tentacles as well.
The fight today is against two different groups of 5 Liu Fixers, all of whom have the same stats.
Each one has Speed as well as Fervor—this is our first major source of Fervor, a passive which is indispensable in longer combats. In addition, the Liu all have a number of very strong Combat Pages they can throw at us.
Their two most powerful pages are Emotional Turbulence and Sturdy Defense. Sturdy Defense is a powerful block option, with a decent Evade die going into a massive Block die that draws another page if it wins on a clash. Its final Pierce die is lackluster for this point, so it's not a threat unless we ram an attack into its big Block die.
Emotional Turbulence, meanwhile, starts off as a beefy offensive option and gets even better at Emotion Levels 2 and 4, gaining +1 power to all of their dice. Between them and the Counter Block die to catch incoming attacks, this page is trouble whenever we see it.
The other threats in this combat are the Liu's 2-costs. Inner Ardor is notable as it gives a positive emotion coin, but aside a chunky second die there's not much else to it. Fleet Edge is a pretty basic 2-cost as well, giving Haste and having a trio of okay dice. Lastly, there's Flow of the Sword: A decent 2-cost, it's much better as a 1 cost—which it becomes at Emotion Levels 3 or more.
Lastly, the Liu Fixers' decks have a pair of support pages. Rush Down increases damage by 1 for all of their offensive dice this turn, and it has a pair of its own to deal bonus damage. Frontal Assault, meanwhile, is a deceptively great Light regeneration page. The second die ensures an Emotion coin due to its 1-2 range, and the 0 cost means they'll always be able to play it.
Music: NetzachBattle01
The Liu, huh… 
Can't say I wanted to fight anyone like them.
Just give 'em a big smile and tear them to pieces!
It's only that easy for you.
Um… Netzach? The others and I have finished our threat analysis, and… 
I think we have good news! If we follow the correct strategy, you should be able to win easily. Easy, eh? Well, a win's a win. So what do we do?
For now, any move will do. The pivotal moment won't come for a little while yet.
Translation?
It doesn't matter what you do… Just do whatever!
…Heh. Alright, I can handle that.Our entire strategy today is just hitting P and then space a whole lot.
HAHAHAHA! These guests have added some spice to their attacks!
Burninating Butane, it's fire versus fire down there!
You don't have to eat everything head on, you know?! But they're so earnest about it! I can't help but appreciate it. Appreciate it when it's not our asses on the line!
Their strikes are heavy. It's to be expected.
I just hope this plan is a good one…
No matter how much I'd screw around, Hod would always come through. If they're saying it's a good plan, it's a good plan.
Alright. We should be at the pivotal moment. The Abnormalities should be offering assistance any second now.
It's here. Now what? 
Listen carefully: You need to select Laughing Powder.
Got it. Now what? Do whatever you like. 
…Pardon? According to our calculations, the enemy can't possibly deal enough damage to you guys to overcome the defenses you have set up before you're done killing all of them. Just keep attacking, you can't lose. I like this strategy.While the Liu Association is considered a major roadblock for new players, particularly those who have been relying on Yesod's strength, they actually have issues putting out enough damage to overcome a defensively-spec'd Art floor. At this point, we could literally P-space our way through the entire rest of the fight and win.
So we do that.
Music: NetzachBattle03
And that's the last of them! HAHAHAHAHA! Gee golly, Miss Hod, that took forever, even with our brilliant strategy! Well, Paul, the Liu are resilient and powerful. They're just not able to do anything against the incredible tanking ability of our resident safety expert! He's so cool! Thanks… I think.
At any rate, let's clean up. That was a giant pain in the ass… even if they couldn't do much, the hits still hurt in the moment, you know? It was an easy victory. As long as that's the case, there's nothing worth complaining about. Agreed. Safe and slow is the way to go.
Liu Association Section 2's Fixers are all a decent step up from anything before Star of the City, and their Power scaling and stronger base dice can make Liu a hard wall for a number of playstyles. However, they are simply not able to keep up with the sheer regenerative ability of Netzach's team. Even without our new pages from Star of the City, this fight would still have been about the same.
Music: Result
Looks like the plan worked without a hitch. I'm glad we eyeballed that beforehand. I'm just glad we were durable enough to coast by. Even if the Liu threw an entire army at us, we'd be fine with if you were the ones intercepting it. Yeah… but don't count on us. I'm tired. Sir? I'll be having a nap. You guys clean up around here… You got it! Sleep well, and wake!
VIDEO
Music: Lobby
What kind of association is it?
It’s a combat-oriented Association specializing in all-out war. Basically the polar opposite of the Shi we received the other day. While the Library’s reception structure acted as a strategic advantage against the Shi Association, it’s an ideal stage for the Liu. You mean each Association employs different strategies depending on its areas of expertise and atmosphere? Yep. Just take the two Associations we talked about for example, they’re complete opposites.
I could get a glimpse of that from the Association’s atmosphere. Hm, I wonder if the people who appeared to hold rather high positions will come to the Library in the future…
Beats me. If they do, though, it’ll be a huge pain in the ass for sure…
…I see. There’s not much I can do to help alleviate that, so good luck taking the trouble.
But… geez, it's a shame about Netzach. He does a good job when he works. He's always been this way. If I were to assign him tasks one after another, he'd always try less and less until something terrible would occur. It would be best not to put all of our faith in him. That's real unfortunate, ma'am.
I may not know if those higher-ups will come personally… but from what I know of the Liu, they won't stop until we're wiped out.Next time, on Library of Ruina: Checking in on Lowell and company.
Videos
Liu Association Section 2 2
New Key Pages
New Combat Pages
Even private Offices are reluctant to take the work, going so far as to cancel contracts one-sidedly. Not only would they shun requests about dealing with Distortions, they’d also avoid any task related to the Library as well…
…I guess it was to be expected. There’s a reason the Liu was put in charge.
Director. I heard that Section 1 has sent us a report about the Distortion.
Yeah. That’s why I called you here. You both know how we’re encouraged to take records of the Distortion in order to gather data, right?
Which we’re obliged to carry for our mission, so it doesn’t matter much to us.
…Was the team wiped out?
No… They just missed it.
But if Section 1, led by Director Xiao of all people too, couldn’t capture it… This can’t be an average Urban Nightmare. Has it been exalted recently?
It won’t be flying anymore with that messed up body… We’re almost there. This is the final push, so give it your all!
What?
Aw, you poor thing… Section 1 of the Liu is out for your blood, a little kid. Isn’t it sad that no one recognizes the pure and clean melody flowing within you…?
…The Blue Reverberation.
Hi there~ Been a while, huh?
I’m only here to take that pitiful friend rejected by everyone, that’s all. Injured, abandoned… And about to be struck down by the likes of you.
I doubt a Fixer at your standing would feel that anything is insufficient… Don’t think being a Color will save you. If you keep snooping around pulling nonsense like this, your elimination will be in order one day.
To feel that nothing is insufficient… Eliminated… Tell me, are you satisfied with your current life? Affluence on the surface isn’t all there is to it.
Yes. I’m looking for something, a something that has to fit in that void.
…Oh, is yours filled already? Filled by a person dear to you.
That’s a funny question…
He smells too sour right now, but… In our hands, he’ll be letting off a dirty stench in no time! This weird sourness is what you get if you don’t know how to wash a body right. I was juuuuust about to neaten him nicely, but Mr. Funnybones over there had to send him elsewhere!!
The three of us can go to a quiet place for some private talk… Pluto?
But of course.
So that’s why they hadn’t come back by this morning… I was wondering if anything happened to them.
Not at all. I trust in Xiao.
Understood.
No, wait… I never told anyone but Xiao about that…
No! I mean the preparation for your first wedding anniversary next month. I heard you’re gonna give her a Nest migration permit as a present.
…
I’m not in the mood for jokes. From what we’ve seen so far, the Blue Reverberation was gathering Distortions.
No, I’m not sure if they can be called as such. “Distortions” that are capable of thinking and acting rationally…
Well… That’s a good point.
Exhibit A: Me.
Urban Nightmares and beyond are no longer a matter of choice. Urban Nightmares and Stars of the City are designated as such because there’s an invisible sense of compulsion involved.
Invisible compulsion? That doesn’t change the fact that they’re able to make choices. If they have things they cherish so much, why should they risk their lives by going to a dangerous place? They have the liberty of choice.
…Angela, you were right when you said no one is truly free in this City. Choice and liberty… The things they cherish so much? People’s desires clash and intertwine with one another to create an intangible chain. That’s life in the City. 
…Sigh. So? Are you saying that I shouldn’t pursue my freedom because I must show consideration for them? Because I’m a machine? Because I’m unworthy?
…I see. So you were… coerced into making this choice.
Geez, I'm wiped… I know we fought the Red Mist and all that, but that's no reason to hypothesize about other alternates. Ain't a single one of us that could make enough difference to be worth it, anyways…
All ready. How about you guys?
No problems here.
It's been forever since we've seen any action… and now we're fighting those Liu bigwigs? Good thing we're always ready, right?
Right. My History team won't lose to anyone!
Oooohohohoho!
Doesn't seem like there's any other choice, does there? Alright, we'll give it a try.
Don't worry about it. I'll carry us all to victory.
Hey, Malkuth. I know you took a peek at the last fight with these guys, so the same idea applies.
Hey, Bishop! How's it going?
There are no mulligans, Dimi.
Looks like the bear had other ideas.
Controlling the entire fight, eh? That's our captain for you.
You say that, but there's something weird going on in the back.
Thank goodness. We don't need two people down for the count.
I guess I should have been praising him more often…
Well, you pulled it off… but you don't look so hot.
Don't be stupid! They're talking about the Library, not you! 
Alright, everyone. Almost there! Let's push forward and—
…Well, I suppose dwelling on a problem without a conclusion would be considered strangling yourself. I’ll admit, I got too emotional this time. I never meant to say you’re unworthy to gain freedom or anything, Angela.
Alright, we cool~ Let’s just let it slide. Fighting each other won’t do us any good.
"A month later, we came to this conclusion: There was no such “beast” in the forest."
This woman simply adds unnecessary complexity.
Cane Office is still waiting. At this point, they'll be a simple mop-up.
So those are the masks you have chosen for yourselves today?
The mask doesn't matter. What's underneath is ultimately the same. 
Aww… but the shiny gold bits make it easier to keep my thinking all straight and stuff… and this pose makes me look super intimidating!
Yeah. I'm like… "Don't mess with me, or you're going through a wall," or something? 
I see… Then, come.
A moment, if you would.
…Yes?
There is more meaning in their struggle should these three children handle the fight themselves. I would stay behind and observe alongside you.
No one has to worry. You’ll be safe as long as I’m here.
I’m not too used to this kind of occasion.
No, perhaps she already tried to uncover my secrets before I could realize it.
How clumsy of W Corp. to leak its Singularity so carelessly. That’s no good! No good at all!
Though everything went as the Blue Reverberation said in the end, I must admit.
Yes! Indeed! This is a perfect opportunity for us to learn the details of W Corp’s Singularity! All we have to do now is visit the Library with this Invitation and earn the books of W Corp’s cleanup crew!
…Prez… …The Library is a Star of the City now…
When we acquire the confidential information on W Corp’s Singularity, what are you going to do with it? I don’t believe you’ll just return it to W Corp.
We should sell it to the clients that need the technology, of course! A patent war is about to break out, too.
…This could be problematic…
It’s going to be a real hassle cooling him down for a while.
……
I can’t even get a chuckle out of it. It’s not funny in the slightest.
SHUT UP!!!!!!!!
I heard the Library is rather gentle, if that helps.
*nefarious-sounding shoving noises*
Explain.
Okay, I still didn't quite get it. Run me through the process one more time?
Alright... While we were delving into the literature here, we happened upon something strange. Alternate universes, red texts beyond our own red texts. We've opted to call them... mods.
Since it's a 3-on-3, what're you going to be doing, Robin?
I'll be watching you guys from above with Yesod's team. It's a shame… I thought my build would compliment what you guys were doing.
We have new tools. We should test them out to ensure we fully understand them.
I've tried several times. The button simply refuses to stay set.
There are those who place their faith in appearances. To them, branding can be every bit as important as life itself.
I've gotten the information you requested, Hokma.
Each one of their bodies is filled to the brim with top-of-the-line modifications. They're also armed with high-end weaponry. Expect unusual attack vectors.
Just play it careful out there, kiddos.
The highest threat's probably… either her, or the old man…
Oh my, did you see how her suitcase is filled with disjointed spikes? I'll definitely have to write this down.
Well… that was unpleasant, but we're ready to go.
This guy's got something like Martina's weapon. Be on the lookout for sneak attacks.
Hey, you thick-headed little beatnick… where do you think you're stabbing that thing?
I shall not. I don't believe Ayin would have run away from such things. Besides… I wish to test how strong their faith in the material proves to be.
Yeah, offense is fine and all, but knocking the enemy off balance is the best way to actually inflict that damage, and the reach advantages…
Reach advantages! You hearing this, Kitto?
My, you three are as lively as always~ 
Yes, yes. We'll have to let them test their theories, and the sooner the better~
I've never seen them before either. They must have been kept at a branch somewhere else… I wonder how they made it this far.
…When I was sleeping… Riding… a scary…
I guess we should see what that Abnormality does, then~
Someone made sure to stick me with a bunch of high-cost options. I can't do two of them at once.
The Syndicates in the Backstreets, the Associations of Fixers, and the Wings… They’re all established on the premise of human sacrifice.
Huh. If the Red Mist did that… Well, I guess she had good reasons.
That’s what you’re worried about? How are we even gonna explain this to the Association in our report…
We don’t have much choice. Just gotta describe what we saw there. There’s nothing we can do about him. Speaking of, I don’t think we’ve heard from Section 2 ever since they went on an expedition to the Library. Did something happen to them?
They’re probably just too busy with the work. Director Xiao must be worried quite a bit, still. Well, we have our own problems to worry about. We’ve got a few things left to wrap up, so let’s head back inside, shall we?
…Director?
…
…Ah, sorry. I was distracted with thoughts for a moment. Don’t mind me. You said you have a report to make. What is it?
A number of experts are going to extract samples from the Distortions we’ve captured after failing to secure the Crying Children, and send them to V Corp.
Understood, ma’am.
Listen carefully to what I have to say. Section 1’s next post will most likely be the Outskirts, where the strife between the Ring and the Pinky is still fierce. We should especially be cautious of the Pinky, so keep that in mind once you’re dispatched to that area.
Why are you telling us this all of a sudden, director…
You know that’s not what I mean!
You’re heading to the Library, aren’t you.
Alright, Xiao… Let me ask you this straight out. Let’s say that you managed to get Lowell’s book. Then what? Are you doing this with any plans for the next step in mind?
You’re awfully brazen, ma’am. Let’s just rule out the possibility of any one of us dying here.
You have my word.
In the end, it’s having a faint hope that just becomes pointless in the face of death. What can your trifling resolve change?
I haven't touched anything, ma'am.
…What the fuck did you just say, you one-horned reindeer?
…Oh, I’m sorry your weakass Rabbits were too feeble to get anything done.
What’s up, granny. Being serious all of a sudden.
The Fourth Pack will be dispatched to Nest L and the Library.
The hell? The Library I understand, but the whole Nest?
The Thumb is shaking after losing an Underboss, so driving them out shouldn’t be difficult at all…
It looks like the Index is being a pain in the ass instead. We won’t mobilize many troops; only a few will be going there as reinforcements.
I guess it’s obvious that we’d get in, since the Fourth Pack was organized exclusively for L Corp’s Nest… Well… It’s a miracle that we were kept alive for so long considering how awkward our situation’s been.
We worked our asses off to ensure safety… but our necks are back on the chopping block.
Why do we always have to eat shit. L Corp. probably just self-destructed. Why do we have to get ourselves involved in the thick of it?
It would not matter if L Corp. did collapse on its own, but if it turns out to be the work of an outside force, the responsibility would lie on R Corp. for failing to prevent the threat as contracted.
Passengers?
…
She probably used it recklessly after waiting several hours on the train, trying to escape. She’s definitely the kind of person to do it.
Yeah. No one would believe the story of the train stopping for that long.
Some will be interested in pursuing the truth behind the trains based on the contents of the books, too. It’d make more sense if first class passengers were gone as well.
That’s our job, so we have to secure them with our lives, silly or not.
The “time-saving” teleportation of W Corp!
If you rattle off another word about Singularities, I’ll put you in solitary confinement.
I’m curious. I wonder how the Library in its state will fare against R Corp.
This atmosphere makes me feel as though we’re in the Ruins.
You broke L Corp, didn’t cha?
Your resolve has been waning, of late. Have you awakened to fear in your transformation?
My duty is to do the work assigned to me. The floor of Philosophy stands ever-ready to consume any who would stand within it.
Is that what you see it as?
Do not worry about the cast-off scraps of an Association.
Their damage output is just that high. We'll have to step it up and go all out if we want to win…
Is that so? You seem quite at home on the battlefield.
Seems like you still got your head on straight.
'Course. Thanks for taking the roughest part for us.
Well howdy, Miss… You're no ordinary opponent, are you?
Something wrong?
Don't count your eggs before they're laid, rookie.
They really would've come in handy for dealing with some of the tougher Abnormalities we had…
These guys are big, but that's all they are. Their moves are slow.
You've really gotten used to that body, huh?
Good for you… but I'm taking the Abnormalities on today.
That depends entirely upon where one casts their eyes, dear.
Ah… you're a sharp one.
Silence, thrall of this cursed library!
…I'm not dead? You hesitated.
I'm not… done yet!
You could’ve fled alone if you were so afraid… Explain why you had to drag me along!
The fires of vengeance still burn.
GRRR… GRAAAGH!
It's behind us!
Do you mind moving? I'm here to see my dear friend.
We were… We were true friends. Right?
Speaking of things that happened… I missed a lot, didn't I? 