An Optimal Solution

**An Optimal Solution** is the fourth story episode of Niku Yoko Stand Up.

## In-Game Summary

After encountering a particularly fast demon, Lilly changes her dress to up her speed. This introduces everyone to different dress qualities. Akisa then enlightens everyone with the knowledge that by combining different dresses with different qualities, you can strategize better in battle.

## Plot

Inside a flux bubble, Lilly is wearing a new dress to battle. She explains she was inspired by the quick change performance to investigate the settings of the Dynamisphere, and was able to change the magical girl dress. The other girls are surprised, and Lilly goes on to say that the new dress is a lot easier to move in. Iroha, Cocoa and Seira immediately figure how to do it too, to Kaori's chagrin.

As Kaori frantically tries to puzzle out the Dynamisphere app, the rest of the girls marvel at their new dresses. Omnis realizes that with different dresses giving different powers, they can adapt their fighting style better to demons. His thoughts are interrupted by Akisa. She chastises him for thinking it might be easy, since Lilly's transformation has only improved her power as a single fighter. Different dresses may have different powers, but changing aimlessly won't help at all.

Akisa goes on to lecture Omnis on strategy, pointing out the possibilities of strengthening allies and weakening enemies. Kaori seeks reassurance that she'll be able to transform into new dresses too, but Iroha accidentally implies she is incapable while trying to cheer her on.

Overwhelmed, Kaori and Omnis commiserate and sadly encourage each other to keep trying.

## Transcript

*(In a flux bubble)*

Omnis
That was amazing, Lilly! How did you change into that dress?
Lilly
You saw how Iko changed, right? So I figured I'd fiddle around with my phone, and turns out I was able to change into a new dress!
Cocoa
What! Lilly Bean, you're really something!
Lilly
And you know, this dress is so much lighter and easier to move in. I'm shocked.
Iroha
I wanna try too!
Cocoa
Me too, me too!
Seira
Umm, so sort of like this?
*(Iroha, Cocoa and Seira transform into new dresses)*

Omnis
Wow! Great job, everyone!
Kaori
Hey, w-wait a minute!
Iroha
You're right! This dress is way different from what I used to wear!
Omnis
What exactly do you mean by that? Better mobility then?
Iroha
Umm, it's like I feel way stronger! Kinda like, "Wham! Bam! Boom!" Like that.
Cocoa
Hahaha! I don't think he's gonna make any sense out of that!
Seira
But it is pretty difficult to explain in a few words. It almost feels like a brand new power.
Kaori
Ughhhhh! So unfair! Show me how to do it, too!
Omnis
(I see, so they can change out their dresses. And with them, new powers. Does that mean we can change up how we take on the demons...)
Akisa
Don't tell me you think it's gonna be a cake walk now?
Omnis
Akisa! So you were still here! You sure have been disappearing a lot lately, haven't you!?
Akisa
That's just because you lack military prowess. You don't even know what I'm doing.
Akisa
Even all this talk about outfits now. I had thought it was getting good, but I just can't take all seriously.
Omnis
Huh? But wasn't Lilly able to fight better with the new dress she found?
Akisa
Just her power as a single fighter improved. I wouldn't call that optimal.
Akisa
I bet you already know, but each dress has its own power. For example, some strengthen your team, while others weaken enemies.
Akisa
And they can easily sway the tide of battle. But going about it aimlessly won't be effective at all. Do you get what I'm saying?
Omnis
Uh, sure... You mean, just focusing on one person, right?
Akisa
Exactly. Focusing on strengthening one person might make you powerful, but the same goes for weakening enemies.
Lilly
I get it! Sorta like a video game then? Cast a butt ton of support magic and then BOOM!
Kaori
So do you think I could do it too?
Iroha
Of course I do! This is definitely going to be your big break, Kaorin!
Kaori
Umm, Iroha. I know it's better said by someone else, but that basically means I'm no good, right?
Iroha
You'll do just fine! You just gotta try your best!
Kaori
I wanted you to tell me I was wrong!
Akisa
Anyway. Strategy is going to get even more important now. You can't just rely on the dresses' abilities, alright?
Omnis
Oh, right! Gotta stick to a daily practice routine to get better!
Akisa
And always keep a close eye on the fight. Otherwise, we'll never know when enemy reinforcements might show up.
Omnis
Oh, yeah. What was it you said earlier...
Kaori
You better keep trying your best too, Om-om...
Omnis
Heh, the feeling's mutual...