Part 173
Part 173: 12/8: A River In A Dry Land
Boss: Beast of Human Sacrifice
Music: Rivers in the Desert (Instrumental Version) (Maybe listen to this, but also know that the in-game version doesn’t have the slow part and loops after about 3:40 instead of at the end)
Some notes before we begin: This boss is rather difficult, but I’m pretty good at this game by now and this was also my fourth take. Therefore, I unequipped all my SP Adhesive 3s to even the odds a bit. We’ll go more in to the reasoning behind those takes as we go.
Also, I have made two critical errors when preparing for this fight! The first is that I forgot to buy more Takemedic-All-Zs to supplement my healing, so we’re stuck with the nine we have left over from the Palace. The other, probably worse error is that I accidentally fused away all my Personas that know any form of healing whatsoever. Oops! Better rely on Makoto, who only knows single-target healing!
I will crush any who stand in my way!
Only myself and the ones who revere me are needed.
So, the Beast of Human Sacrifice. First thing to know about this guy is…
He’s a fucking cheater who can reflect Physical.
Ryuji realizes his usefulness here is thus negligible and helpfully switches himself out for Ann. We won’t get a ton out of her damage skills due to all the outgoing damage here, but another friendly face with Diarahan is nice.
He can also reflect Gun! How bullshit! We won’t switch out Haru for Morgana, though. Psiodyne is still plenty useful, and we can get some serious mileage out of Tetrakarn.
This is the Beast’s basic attack. It hits like a truck, and a buffed attack might do double that!
Suffice it to say, keeping Marakukaja/Masukukaja up at all times can be a rather wise strategy, and not just for the buffs themselves. It can force Shido to spend a turn on Dekaja to dispel them. This is also why Tetrakarn is so good; he’ll have to use Tetra Break to get rid of it. Unfortunately, none of those really get us closer to our goal of “getting out of this as fast as possible.”
He also gets two turns, which he uses here on Tarukaja.
However, we witness this good omen every time we heal Haru to full. Nice, we got this.
Sometimes, he’ll debuff the party’s Agility. I don’t think this affects their hit rate, because I’ve never actually seen anyone miss this boss before, but it does affect their dodge rate. Which is important, because…
He uses a super attack the next turn.
Okay, this part is actually really fucked up and is responsible for the only death I’ve ever suffered to any part of this boss, totally unavoidably.
See, he can inflict party-wide Rage, the status effect that makes you… attack mindlessly… and reduces your defense. Also, Maaku automatically attacks before anyone else gets a turn during boss fights. See the problem here?
Whoopsidoodle! (So yeah, he attacked himself and died, RIP)
Thankfully, Makoto still knows Energy Shower and Haru Amrita Shower, so we have multiple options for dealing with this.
He can, infuriatingly, use Makarakarn to put up a Magic wall and make himself immune to everything until you manually break the shield.
The Beast charges up…
…Yeah, we might wanna guard for this one.
Ouch.
It’s about here that I come to the conclusion that Ann’s single-target healing ain’t cutting it, so we switch her out for Morgana.
Finally, we deplete about a third of the Beast’s HP.
I hope you understand what it means to turn your back on me!
I don’t wanna understand!
…Then you shall perish! You shall regret these foolish actions against me… in the afterlife!
I will destroy you!
And now, the Wings of Human Sacrifice.
This time, the boss resists all Magic types and is instead vulnerable to Physical and Gun.
So let’s switch Ryuji back in.
The boss will now spend its turns casting single-target -dyne magic spells in order. That order would be: Agidyne, Bufudyne, Ziodyne, Garudyne, Psiodyne, Freidyne, Kougaon, Eigaon. He will then repeat. Any extra turns he gets will be used to cast the next in the sequence, probably on whoever is weak to it. I also believe he has increased chance of inflicting Burn/Freeze/Shock, because of course he does.
I believe I mentioned fucking forever ago that the only way to get appreciable damage out of a gun is to literally unload the entire clip. Well, that’s still true. But it’s a lot of fucking damage.
What happens when the Wings get to the end of the sequence? Well…
Another super attack. Of course. As you can see, this one can inflict Dizzy. I’m still not sure if you can actually miss this boss, so it might just be to set up Technical attacks.
I’m also realizing that Haru’s grenade launcher, even with only one shot, is a fucking beast. Imagine what damage we’d be doing with Matarukaja (In fact, one of the reasons I had to rerecord this fight is because on one of my takes I skipped through this phase too quickly due to Matarukaja’d gun volleys).
Why won’t you stop resisting…!? The nation I strive for… is the ultimate realization of the public’s happiness!
Uhhhhhh
And now, the Tomb of Human Sacrifice. This phase is honestly dirt-simple. It has no resistances whatsoever, only gets one turn, and while it still hits hard you can breeze through it comparatively.
Honestly, it might do the most pure damage in this form. Still, nothing worth crying home about.
Be careful!
This is a standard charge-up maneuver, the enemy even gives you two turns to prepare.
And the Beast, the Wings, and the Tomb are all down for the count. Eat that, society.
Music: Desire
Once you’re losin’, you’re puttin’ all the blame on the masses, huh!?
(to Joker) So, you’re the one unifying them…
A touching reunion, isn’t it?
The next time you crush a foe, I suggest you do it in a more certain manner.
Uhh, we’re really just gonna tell him who I am? I mean, okay. I guess.
Not that there’ll be a next time for you!
Hm?
…You’re more than just a member of the Phantom Thieves, aren’t you?
You took him to court and yet you don’t remember…? You truly don’t care about the fate of others.
Haha… What an interesting turn of fate.
What!?
Small sacrifices are inescapable for those wishing to be powerful, competent leaders. How would you ever reach your destination if you stopped to count every ant you crushed on the road?
Are you saying that the people you killed deserved to die!?
Not quite, Haru. He’s just saying he doesn’t give a shit that they’re dead. A subtle, but crucial difference.
He’s totally insane…
I wouldn’t expect the ignorant masses of this country to understand.
Music: Rivers in the Desert (Holy fucking shit, listen to this)
Boss: Masayoshi Samael Shido (I’d also recommend you watch this, as good as the song is it’s even better in context)
I will crush any who stand in my way!
What is this power!? Careful! Those muscles aren’t just for show!
Hmm, I seem to have gotten the music wrong. Try this.
(I swear that’s the only MGR joke I’m going to make, and you’re welcome)
Anyway, Masayoshi “Samael” Shido. The actual demon of the sin of pride is Lucifer, but let’s not waste Lucifer on Shido of all people. Samael is an archangel in Talmudic lore. This Wikipedia page I’m reading says he’s regarded as both good and evil, which, lol. He’s the angel of death in Judaism, and is given the title of “Satan.” What does this have to do with Shido?
Pretty much nothing, except for his ability to fuck you up.
Oh, also, his main attack Tyrant’s Fist can inflict Fear! We’re gonna want to bring more than a few Relax Gels, even with Makoto and Haru here. Like the Tomb, he only gets one turn though.
He can use Heat Riser to increase all three of his parameters, which we’re going to want to Dekaja away pretty much immediately.
He’s got Megidola for that Almighty damage.
He can use Evil Touch to directly inflict Fear.
Like most bosses, he can Dekaja away your buffs.
His big new attack is just Deathbound. Big whoop. Anyway, we reduce the rest of his health pretty easily from there.
How are these lowlife brats beating me…?
Now’s our chance! Let’s take his Treasure!
The power held by the most elite is what rules over our society… It’s vexing that I have to use this on some foolish brats…
Did you hear that, Shido!?
Oh boy
That FACE
Now we’re fighting True Masayoshi Samael Shido. Quite the mouthful.
This one also has… quite a bit more health than his last form!
He can still use Tyrant’s Fist, naturally.
But also he gets two turns now! He’ll cycle through the Ma-variants of the -dyne skills he used as the Wings of Human Sacrifice, in the same order. It’s pretty rough.
He can also increase his crit rate with Rebellion!
We are, once again, going to be switching Ryuji in and out to take advantage of Morgana’s multi-target healing.
Ha, his name’s so long the text can’t fit in the damn box.
This misses, but it’s still bullshit. Bosses shouldn’t be able to instantly kill you unless you really fucked up.
You will regret your actions. …You’ve angered me for the last time.
What’s this?
Oh, nothing important. He just gave himself two more turns.
He really wants this next attack to hit. And you know what? I can’t blame him.
Yikes.
At this point, he’ll switch to using the strongest single-target magic attacks in the game: Inferno (Severe Fire), Diamond Dust (Severe Ice), Thunder Reign (Severe Electricity), and Panta Rhei (Severe Wind). These can, of course, inflict ailments, so watch out.
…I will destroy you with my own two hands.
This time, he buffs his Attack. He still debuffs the party’s Agility, though.
Fuckin ouch.
Now that True Samael is critical, he assumes this pose, which is very silly and really just reminds me of that scene from Community where Abed pretends to be a vampire.
So, uh… funny story about what happens here. I switched to Byakko to take advantage of its Dekunda to get rid of the Agility debuff on the party, since I needed Makoto’s turn to heal Haru. Byakko, as it turns out, knows Counterstrike, an old skill Yusuke had that gives a 15% chance of reflecting Physical attacks. This was also my fourth take of this fight, and as mentioned previously, the prior attempt had ended when an enraged Maaku attacked the Beast of Human Sacrifice and killed himself due to the repel effect.
So all things considered, it was pretty goddamn hilarious when this happened.
Oh god, don’t get back up
Oh, well that ends that. Take that, Keith Silverstein (for the purposes of this joke it may behoove you to know that Shido is voiced by Keith Silverstein) (also I like Keith Silverstein as a VA a lot, don’t hate me Keith)!
Yes…
Will I really be able to kill the Phantom Thieves if I take that!?
According to Wakaba Isshiki’s research… Temporarily collapsing a Palace will take down anyone inside it as well. The abrupt nature of the collapse means they will be unable to escape without extreme luck.
We’ll talk later! Come on, let’s grab the Treasure and run!
Something might’ve happened to Shido in the real world!
Let’s go!
It’s too far! We won’t reach it in time…!
Ryuji!
Hang on!
We gotta go back!
He was our fastest runner too…!
It’s a legislator’s pin.
I mean, ain’t I alive?
We were worried about you!
Medicine…?
Should we get him to a hospital…?
We should probably wait and see a little longer…
Everything will be ruined!
Announce that he’s not feeling well!
I was taken to that asshole Shido’s place, but they suddenly told me I could go home. That’s thanks to his change of heart, right?
Looks like it’s going well.
We’ve done all we can.
We started off with a huge announcement this time, after all! I can’t wait for the results.
But all that popularity doesn’t matter anymore.
Right. Things like approval ratings aren’t important now.
Yeah!
All that’s left is to wait calmly for the results.
All right… We should act as normal as we can while we’re waiting too.
Right!? Anyway, have you heard of Shiro Asakura? It seems like he’s behind these crimes. Well, I’ll be counting on you for the rest!
The look on your face seems to be that of a man who has accomplished a great deed.
To think you would use the trap set against you to entrap them… I’ve never seen a dramatic resurgence such as that. Truly marvelous—those are the only words I can think of to describe you.
Or… could it be that it’s not a dream at all? My memories aren’t any closer to coming back to me… But might there be something I’m supposed to remember…? ……
From one handsome detective with red sunglasses, to a legendary gumshoe who took down a bear! She’s not a police officer yet, but there’s this one tough girl in police academy who knows kung fu.
And then, there’s that calling card… Shido-san denied any of it was true though.
I wonder if Shido-san is OK… I’m worried, with the elections so close.
Then why don’t you study. Don’t blame me if you cry at the exams.
I’d say Shido’s odds of winning are 80-90%. There’s no way he’d lie.
Just by looking at his eyes, you can tell that he’s trustworthy. Who can we believe in, if not him?
So much happened this year! Our question is “What single word describes this year for you?” Predictably, many are saying the word “thief.” Yes, the Phantom Thieves were a big deal.
Did anything actually good happen this year? Just thinking about the future depresses me.
Woof! Woof!
Um, I heard from my teacher that dogs can’t live as long as people. I might have to say bye-bye to you soon…
As you can see, though small in numbers, there are supporters for the Phantom Thieves. Should the opinions of those people be ignored?
Do you know what you’re being called online?
I can only request this of you, my right-hand man, for you are the one who saved me!
G-Great Sun God…! I will follow you!
Don’t you think Masayoshi Shido and Akechi-kun look alike somehow?
…How? I don’t see it. You were such a huge Akechi fan, too. Did you already forget what his face looked like?
So that Shido person was the bad guy? The Phantom Thieves were right all along?
Well, it may not be that simple. On the internet, people are speculating it’s a hoax by Shido’s political rivals.
I bet it’s a trick meant to discredit Shido-san somehow! That’s what the talk shows are saying—that it’s just slander due to the elections.
It’s not too late for you. You should settle things once and for all. I decided to start facing my own crimes from now on. I was saved, thanks to the Phantom Thieves. That’s why I got so excited when I heard that they’re alive. That really made me happy. You’re still young. Make sure to live life to the fullest, so you don’t have regrets like I do.
Well, they picked a fight with Shido, right? Think it’ll affect the election?
Didn’t seem like it phased him. I mean, he denied it, so…
I see… So you’re my opposing candidate… No, you’re working to overthrow the regime!
What!? What are you talking about, Senpai!?
Yep. You get it! Any new prime minister will work to “purify” Shinjuku of guys like me. No way am I down for that. Anyway, you wanna become a Phantom Thief with this radio wave jacking kit?
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Shido’s pretty much gone into hiding. They all say he’s fallen ill or something.
It’s all very shady, including how the leader of the special investigation team died.
Bwehehe, only weak-minded people change their opinions based on what others think! Once we set our minds to it, we never stray from our path! That is the way of the otaku!
That’s the total opposite of what you said before. But you know, I admire your shamelessness.
Japan’s finally on a roll. I LOLed at this huge news right near the end of the year.
So… Are you Team Shido or Team Phantom Thieves?
Stop, stop it! No, my money! No… it’s gone negative! Stop iiiiiiit…!
A Sincere Omelette, correct!? As you wish Master.
There’s overwhelming support for Masayoshi Shido’s party…
Right? Ya can’t trusht that Shido guy! I would never drinksh wi’ the guy! He’d not pour me any sake, jus’ to dishrepeck me… burp
When I asked my parents, they just said they didn’t care who…
Our parents only care about our entrance exams. They won’t listen to anything we tell them.
You mean people like Masayoshi Shido? I hear whoever’s left from the Phantom Thieves is spreading lies. I haven’t looked into it, myself.
Well, forget about it and just knock one back with me! All I care about is livin’ it up, dude!
It’s a strategic move so that we don’t miss the boat. We want to be connected to the new government.
Actually, I thought it was kind of funny. In the end, it’s not really my problem. I care more about preparing for the year-end party than any scandals linked to Mr. Shido.
Is this some kind of trick? The police said he was dead. I guess this is just par for the course—there’s always a scandal when it comes to politicians.
Well, I don’t agree with the Akechi hatewagon!
Same thing happened with the Phantom Thieves. Just goes to show that no one thinks for themselves. We’re the only ones who’ve stayed true. We’ll be devoted until death do us part!
Don’t worry though. Your secret is safe with me. Not just as the admin of the Phan-Site, but as your friend…
Huh? Yeah… Why the sudden change?
Bein’ here’s made it clear—Tokyo ain’t for me. Now’s as good a time as any, what with the election.
I’m here with you, kid! Think back to your last fight!
It’s just too much for Bryson to handle! He’s collapsed!
Well, no, not really. They did manage to stop all the attacks on my blog though. The internet is so distracted by their comeback, no one has been attacking me for praising myself. Ah, their return to heroic form was truly smashing. It’s inspired me to be more courageous too. I shall watch what becomes of them while preparing to take dramatic action of my own in my career.
I’ll let you go if you can satisfy me, blorp! You’ll have three chances, blorp!
Wait, there’s something rising up out of the ground… is that a gate? We can’t pass through…
Give me a number to open the gate, snap! I’ll give you three chances, snap!
If you don’t give me a number I like, I’m gonna blast you all the way back to the beginning!
Not that I asked for your opinion on the election. Well, no matter what the cause was, this election is heading in the right direction.
I’m so surprised they’re still updating that. Which side is winning, anyway?
Not many people voted “Yes.” And there’s not much going on in the comments.
So the deceitful thief who ravaged the world has shamelessly entered this infernal domain… I shall show you the true tortures of hell… At least, I would… but it’d be boring to treat the famous Goemon the same as any old person. Instead, we shall use the two dice in my hand for a little game. I call it… odds or evens!
The support for Shido is as strong as ever… I’m astounded he was able to deceive this many people. Madarame was a shrewd con artist, but Shido is on an entirely different level. But, this charade will all come to a halt soon. Once he unveils the truth, the good people of Tokyo will rally together against this tyrant. Until then… I must be patient.
Behind the scenes though, you guys must be making lots of money. Tell me how you do it.
I don’t think you’re cut out for it.
Oh, you’re getting the wrong idea. I’m just allowing them to promote themselves. They don’t understand that you have to pay a price to survive in this cutthroat industry. By the way, you guys seem like you’re pretty popular. Why don’t I be your producer? If I manage you, you could become household names in show business.
All you gotta do is listen to what I say!
I will become your new mask and take control of your destiny…
The might of my hammer shall find a new home within your mask.
I ask for the support of you, my constituents!
This can’t be true! Shido-san!
Hell yeaaaaah!
Come now, don’t be that way.
I was able to settle a debt in regard to my father as well.
We all worked so hard for this…
…It’ll be difficult to prosecute him immediately. But I’ll do this thoroughly until the causality between his other crimes can be proven. I believe Wakaba-san’s research results will save Japan.
Well, overall, Shido’s new party won by a landslide… However, there are some who support my arguments. The world isn’t all bad. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you. The true battle is about to begin. Let’s both work hard.
If a case is assembled against him… everything about us will be exposed too… What are we supposed to do…?
Prosecutor Niijima is serious about taking Shido-san to court, right!?
Yes, I’m aware… But even if we prevent her from doing so, what about the public? Shido-san’s conduct was shameful…
The year’s already ending, huh? So much has happened that it’s like “where did all the time go?” Oh, but it’s not over for you yet. You still have finals for three days, from tomorrow to the 22nd.
Yeah, yeah. It’s still night, OK? You’re in a better mood than usual, aren’t you?
I wanted to thank you again for all your support. With the next generation, I will change this county into one that overflows with justice!
This is a bench press. It will increase your strength, of course. It’ll also make you mentally stronger since you need to keep a consistent rhythm and form.
I had high hopes for him… It’s unacceptable for Japan to be without a prime minister. I hope he steps back up to lead this country…
Yes. Honestly, there’s no one more qualified than Shido…
How can people still believe in him…?
……
I don’t even know anymore… Apparently, the Phantom Thieves were also just an internet rumor.
Oh, well. All of that stuff pretty much has nothing to do with us.
You went back to your parents’ place, right? Well, let’s make this next year a good one. I feel this weird vibe in the air. I wonder if it’s because of all the election chaos. The information the mass media is showing is pretty complicated, and it’s getting me frustrated.
It’s like none of it ever happened. Pretty insane, if you ask me.
I pretty much failed all my finals. I’m so screwed…
You just need to adopt a new mindset. Get a fresh start in the spirit of the new year. Still, the year could have ended better. I mean, we still haven’t decided on a prime minister.
Well, there’s been a big change in government. We can make that same kind of change next year!
No, I voted for someone named Yoshida. He’s not the kind of politician who stands out though.
So he’s plan and simple like you? That’s hilarious!
Remember I still have this guitar/Don’t forget, I still have this song/ Hm, something’s not right… The whole city seems like it’s in a daze… The big bad got his just desserts, and that totally rocks, but… Where’s all the excitement?
The politician who’s supposed to lead our country has fallen ill…
It’s the same sort of tragedy that happens in every era. Heroes fall before reaching their goals.
Hey… You can cry if you want. You don’t have to hold it in.
But the Phantom Thieves never even existed? So, what we saw was… what? An illusion?
meow?
Damn… I’m dead…
Don’t open the cells, OK? I have no intention of leaving this place…!
Removing your restraints is not allowed. Outsiders… must be eliminated!
no, you’re not doing this
I finally get to live without having to think for myself now.
I mistakenly thought myself to be talented… but now I think I’m a fool for wanting too much.
I’m done actin’ like a big shot. Who cares if I’m stupid? It’s not like you get punished for bein’ dumb. Nobody needs to strive to be more than they really are.
Hmph, I won’t deny that you’ll need it to continue onward. But mark my words, you’ll never get your hands on it. After all, you’ll have to go through me to do so!
I’ll hunt you down and skin you if you dare cheat on me. I’m your mask now… You better be ready.
Your soul shall act as a tool to transform my dauntless might into an unstoppable mask.
The Prison of Regression is representative of the collective desires of humanity. They wish to be chained down, surrender their cognition, and neglect the world around them… These feebleminded commonfolk will make your “social reform” all for naught. The shared heart of the masses has fallen into an excess of indolence and transformed into a prison.
My shine is proof that they desire my existence. As long as humanity yearns for me, I shall never perish…
Tch, the hell is this…? What’s going on!? Kaoru… Kaoru!
Is this scenery… for real…?
Oh no… Something wrong’s happened to the world…!
What’s going on here!?
Everyone else isn’t seeing this…?
What should you do…? Our desire is for you to complete your true rehabilitation…
I was torn apart by a malevolent will, and took the form of those twins. I sought help before my body was split in two.
No… It may be more accurate to say that I am a god who responds to desire and holds dominion over man.
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Those who wish to disturb society shall be slain on the very spot they stand.
Return from whence you came. Proceeding further shall only serve to shorten your lives. I advise you not as a guardian, but out of the mercy of my heart.
Dare you destroy the very ruler you wished for? Humans are truly arrogant…
Heehee! I think I’ll be your mask… You’ll play with me, won’t you?
As the bearer of my mask, your prayers grant me strength. Come, let us fight together.
I shall become a mask and provide support for your health, both mentally and physically.
I shall lend thee the power of three divinities. I am another angry mask of thee…
I, the executor of justice, am now within your mask.
