DAY 2 - Morning

[islandiastaff]

RISE AND SHINE, CHALLENGERS! Everyone, out of the lounge before it explodes!

[Once again, as soon as everyone's safely out of the lounge, it explodes spectacularly. Notably, there's one fewer of you than there were last night.]

We've got a long, exciting day ahead of us, so let's get the announcements out of the way! First of all, due to a complicated legal dispute, we had no choice but to send Manami Nagano back to her homeworld! Sorry, ma'am, but business is business! She was the Double Agent, so no more worrying about that!

But that's not all! The spies are also hard at work, and their second target was...

[M.C points dramatically, and Shiki Ryougi is sent hurtling into the stratosphere and towards the Loser's Lounge.]

So long, Shiki the Villager! Better luck next time, if we run for a second season!

Comments

THE CHALLENGE

[islandiastaff]

Now, let's talk about today's challenge!

[M.C walks as he talks, heading way from the ruins of Lounge Two.]

Today's hike is gonna put yesterday's trek to shame! Following the river to Lounge Three will take you across bug-filled marshes and up rocky cliffs that will test your skills to the limit... however, we're going to offer you a special alternative option!

[As he finishes that sentence, the group reaches the top of a hill, seeing a river running ahead of them - and in it, a luxury river ferry!]

For those who aren't feeling up to the walk, I offer you an alternative route: The Franklin-Winsor Memorial River Cruise! However, don't think you can get on so easily - there is a price of admission!

[Down by the riverside, there's what appears to be a barbecue grill. M.C throws the cover open, revealing a row of skewers. On each skewer are what appears to be three big, juicy beetles.]

In the jungle, you have to eat what you can to survive. If you can make it through one bug skewer, you can advance to the next lounge in comfort and easy! If you make make it through THREE of them, you'll also be awarded an extra gold coin!

Which'll it be, contestants? The choice is yours!

[[The important thing is making a decision. It's... It's okay to not thread out the grisly consequences of it.]]

THE CRUISE

[islandiastaff]

[Welcome to the Franklin-Winsor Memorial Cruise! For the low low price of a single bug skewer, you've made it to a day of luxurious relaxation.

The ship rolls gently down the river. It's fully catered, with a snack buffet and open bar. Above deck, relax and watch the scenery pass by. Below deck are everything you need to get some poker going, and a couple pool tables (pool on a moving ship is an especially complicated challenge). Have fun, and be sure to get that weird taste out of your mouth!]

THE HARD WAY

[islandiastaff]

[Congratulations! You didn't compromise your palette forevermore. However, now you've got a long walk ahead of you.

Yesterday was easy mode! Dense, complicated tangles of roots! Muddy swamps full of mosquitoes! Rock climbing! Have fun with that!

Food watch: The best shot you've got at spending the day satiated is some wild Asian Persimmons.]

[wildrhythm]

I'm walking. No question. End of story. I will climb any number of rocks to not have to eat that.

[candyrocks]

Okay! Detective O'Pickles will eat everyone's bug skewers for them so we can all ride in the boat.

[islandiastaff]

Not so fast, kid! You want on the boat, you eat your own bugs.

I... guess he can eat for you, though, since technically I said you were on a team.

[candyrocks]

Hmm, okay! We'll take three, please!

[scarfphiliac]

[It's not the bug-eating that worries him, but...]

A cruise?? Why not a wagon or a car instead?!

[poetryandclarinet]

[Quietly just, staring at Greg with envy.]

[candyrocks]

I got us another coin!

You should eat one so you can come on the boat with us!

[poetryandclarinet]

There- there's no way I can eat one of those, Greg.

[candyrocks]

Sure you can, you can do anything if you set your mind to it. Besides, it's only one!

I'm gonna eat one so Detective O'Pickles doesn't get a tummy ache.

[poetryandclarinet]

[That's easy for you to say, you're a little kid! You probably eat bugs all the time.

But, he sighs and looks to the ferry wistfully.]

...well, I guess it couldn't hurt to try.

[candyrocks]

[For real, though, the frog loophole went to the one person who wouldn't mind anyway.]

Yeah! Do it! Eat a bug, Wirt!

[poetryandclarinet]

[That lucky son of a--

Anyway, Wirt hesitantly and almost unwillingly makes way to the barbeque, and picks up a skewer. He looks over to Greg for a moment before bringing the skewer close to his mouth, and he closes his eyes, preparing for the awful taste.

Though, as soon as the bug barely touches his mouth, he immediately puts it back on the grill and takes about ten steps away.]

N-nevermind! Nevermind I changed my mind, I- I'll just take the hike there.

[fullonbraced]

[STARES AT THE BUG SKEWERS.....

PICKS ONE UP.........

SWEATS LOUDLY.....]

[candyrocks]

[Taking a bite from his bug skewer while holding another out to the frog.]

They're just bugs! They aren't anything gross, like broccoli.

[poetryandclarinet]

Broccoli isn't... [No, that's another argument for another day.]

I-it's fine, I'll just walk. It can't be that bad, right?

Re: THE CHALLENGE

[zerotodoro]

Who is Franklin-Winsor...? I suppose that is not important.

[Dororo sits lotus style, arms over his chest, weighing his options]

I care little for bugs, but being able to is an important skill for anyone who might find themselves truly stranded.

[The alien claps his hands together, tilting his head]

Thank you for the meal!

[He picks up a skewer and starts to eat - without taking that mask off]

[punchestumors]

Wait, you don't like bugs either? I thought you were a frog?

[punchestumors]

Do it! Do it! Do it!

[exfired]

[...well, he's been to worlds where people eat bugs before. it can't be that bad.

it's just.

why they gotta be so huge. still, he takes one skewer (because one is enough). once THAT is over, he has this to say in complete deadpan:]

...Yucky.

[YOU ARE A GROWN MAN, AXEL]

[scarfphiliac]

You're really gonna try it?!

[teethteethteeth]

[As she starts in on the first skewer, she speaks up about something that's been bothering her.]

Why did you bring kids into this?

[islandiastaff]

Because kids are some of the most clever and ruthless people in the metaverse!

Also because the selection was totally random.