As BarrelJet approaches the system's terminal, out of the darkness fades a familiar figure...
(Event Theme) ♫ Shanghai.EXE - Encounter ♫
What's this about? I wasn't off a beat, was I?
DarkElf, what's going on?! Where's Lulu?!
Oh, of course she's your first focus. It's not like I'm right here, waiting to be noticed, like I always have been.
You-what?! No, this came completely outta left field-
Did it?
Face the music, you two. I'm nothing but an afterthought to Lulu. She doesn't think she needs me.
So I don't need her. Maybe nobody needs her.
You can't be serious! You're putting your own Operator in danger for attention?! What good can even come of this for anyone?!
Nothing for her, of course. But for me, perhaps everything. I could be a traveling singer of death, or I could face my swan song here and now. Either way, I win.
She's not listening to anything...
Fine! We won't let you put what you want over everyone else's lives!
Battle Routine! Set!
Execute!

Reaching the east shockwaves, the source is again guarded, this time by a pair of Lynx!
Trying to snipe them with NutGuns when he can, BarrelJet Counter Hits their kicks with an ExplGun!
As the second set of shockwaves dissipates, the area slightly darkens...

---

You, uh...you sure we didn't need help from that elf lady? Like, all I remember about last time we were down here - besides, y'know, the freaks - is wherever we came in then wasn't near here.
I don't wanna remember last time...
...
...the UnderFields.

---

The DarkNavi tries to catch Minamitsu in an ElecFang, but she takes the time to weave between the bolt and counter with an AncChain...giving the DarkNavi the perfect opportunity to whip out an ElecDril!
...by Pisces'-
Minamitsu is shocked and skewered!!

---

NutGun(1 = 80): (Wood) A gun-based Battle Chip. The user fires a peanut projectile for moderate Wood-type damage.
ExplGun(1 = 120): (Heat) A gun-based Battle Chip, and BarrelJet.EXE's own. The user fires a gun that explodes in their face. Hits the panels above and below the user, and in a 2x3 formation in front of the user, with only the top and bottom panels on the furthest-reaching column not covered.

Lynx: (Null) A Virus with the appearance of a round cat with its tail wrapped around its neck. Leaps quickly across panels, periodically leaping in front of the opponent for a kick attack. Can give the DoubJump Chip.

(Network Transmission equivalent) DoubJump: (Null) A Battle Chip that, when activated lets the user warp 2 panels in any cardinal direction (as long as the endpoint isn't a Broken, Empty, or opponent panel), ignoring the effect of the panel between point A and point B. DoubJmp2 and DoubJmp3 allow this to be done twice and thrice, respectively.
AncChain(1 = 50): (Aqua) Minamitsu.EXE's own(?) Battle Chip. Fires an anchor up to 4 panels forward, and upon contact, yanks the opponent to the front of their field if possible.

---

*For context, when there's a Battle Chip name without an explanation, it's either from a mainline Battle Network game or Shanghai.EXE.
For additional reading, here's a list of Virus Ideas and Battle Chip Ideas.

As BarrelJet approaches the source of the shockwaves on the west, he's ambushed by a trio of SmalFoots!
Dodging their stomps and flying kicks, BarrelJet makes quick work of them with BarrlTos and BnanPeel Chips!

---

(Common Battle Theme 3 - Energetic Enemy) ♫ Shanghai.EXE - Tournament Battle ♫
The DarkNavi starts off trying a direct approach, stretching out his field with an AreaGrab then trying to stab his target with a series of KnghtLnc chips!
Minamitsu has none of it, though, shoving the DarkNavi back with a FloodStr!

---

BarrlTos: (Ground, Object) A Battle Chip where the user tosses a barrel straight forward, which normally shatters on contact, but is tipped upright when it hits a shield, turning it into an Object that blocks the path until its HP is depleted.
BnanPeel(1 = 100): (Wood, Object) A Battle Chip where the user places a banana peel randomly on the opposing field, which can stun an opponent once. The peel will be prematurely destroyed if the panel it's on is Broken or removed.

SmalFoot: (Ground) A small Virus with a single, large foot (as opposed to a Virus with a foot that is small). Attacks with flying kicks and aerial stomps. Can give the FootStmp Battle Chip.

FootStmp*(1 = 90): (Null) A Battle Chip where the user warps above the enemy and stomps on them to deal damage before returning to their previous location.
FloodStr(1 = 20): (Water, Wind) A Battle Chip where the user unleashes a 4-hit stream of water, stretching across the entire row and pushing anyone caught in it to the back of their field.

---

*Reference: Mega Man Network Transmission - Since the game is a platformer, I've invented an equivalent mainline Battle Network-style function.

(Area Theme) ♫ Mega Man Network Transmission - Blazing Internet (Remix) ♫
BarrelJet jacks into the security system, loud shockwaves emitting from two ends of the area...
There's our problem.
Don't worry, Lulu, we're gonna get you outta here...

---

SonicMan clears his throat.
Apologies, Plug.
SonicMan and VoltMan then both notice Soleil. Volt stays near his brothers and PlugMan, still the only 3 he trusts in the Undernet.

---

Now far from the awkward scene, the Aqua-type Navi's path is blocked by a tall Navi with a hunched posture and an eerie aura.
Hey, pegleg, we made a deal.
Only if yer meanin' of "makin' a deal" be "yellin' at me 'bout some WoodGspl nonsense".
What, you don't think it is?
Look, I know what to do when I don't need someone. This can end two ways.
Either I make you "walk the plank" or whatever into the Data Sea, or I shove that anchor through your skull.
The Aqua-type Navi drops the aforementioned anchor, letting it dangle to her arm from the chain alone.
Try me, ya dirty cabin boy.

As Peony yells out to the group, an awkward silence fills the area. 3 of the nearby PunkNavis turn to the DOSNavis and Plug, with 3 others turning to Peony.
: I dunno, are they?
The PunkNavis approach the groups they were eyeing, until...
Don't even think about it.
Everyone recoils and takes 10 damage from SonicMan's raised voice, the AquaNavi covering her ears and running ahead of them to the next area.

---

As Diddy sits in his novelty tire-shaped beanbag*, he takes a big breath of air...
...is...is something burning? And screeching? And-
Diddy leaps out of the cushion and looks out the window, seeing Lulu's house just a few doors down...in utter chaos!
(Event Theme - No No No Please No) ♫ Mega Man Battle Network 4 - Sudden Crisis ♫
*gasp* Sweet merciful...!
Diddy grabs his PET and climbs down from the window, rushing over to Lulu's!

---

Lulu! Oh, gotta do something!!
Gracious, where to even begin with this?!
Diddy looks around the house's outside, finding no safe entrance...though he does find a route to the house's security system!
Guess we're gonna have to start off big!
BarrelJet, jack in!!

---

*Because according to Shanghai.EXE, if it's in your house, looks weird, and is big enough to sit on, it's novelty furniture.

: Right, uh...SonicMan, you remember, right?
...
SonicMan points to the portal on the group's left.
A to B, C to A*.
: I keep forgetting what you mean by that, but it really wouldn't kill them to add a B to C...
As SonicMan traverses the area based on what he remembers, with DynaMan following in confusion, VoltMan slowly tries to follow behind, warding off a BibitiBat2 and a Mover with an emergency FirTrail!
Gh!
As he catches up with the others, he hears a loud cackle from across the area...
???.EXE: Hey, flyin' battery! For a Navi with no legs, yer landlubber side's sure showin!
...it's fine, Volt, just don't talk to strangers, don't look at them, don't show the chips...
VoltMan huddles closer to his brothers and friend as they travel along.
Only DynaMan notices Peony as she enters the area, giving a meek wave.

---

FirTrail: (Heat) A Battle Chip that summons three flames that connect to each other in a serpentine fashion, crawling along each edge of the opposing panel once before dissipating. Is dropped by the FireWorm Virus.

Mover: (Poison) A Virus shaped like a red ball with two yellow, beady eyes. Has a measly 40 HP, but warps around the field constantly, and can shoot a powerful 2x2 energy triangle that Paralyzes.
FireWorm: (Heat) A Virus made of 5 segments, overall shaped like a flying, spiked serpent. Likes to hide in the ground, then fly to the opposing field slowly, engulfed in flames. Drops the FirTrail chip.

---

*Quoted verbatim from a map of Shanghai.EXE's Undernet 1; the letter designations are in order from the bottom to top of the map.

SonicMan rushes to the front of the group as they approach the gate.
Careful.
: You really feel like you need to be up front when this happens, huh? Look, just because the field got filled up once doesn't mean-
Dyna.
: You got it, bro.

---

A red-haired girl - 14 years old, having lived in the city her whole life - is running laps along a huge running track. Watching her on the bleachers - only a year younger, but having moved in just a month ago - is a more...distinct-looking person, a stopwatch in his hand and his PET in his other.
...aaand that's 15 minutes!
Hah! 6 laps! Wanna try and beat that?!
Heh. Sounds inviting, but his legs would probably give out after two minutes!
Barrel...
Lulu grabs a towel hanging from the top bleacher and throws it over her shoulders.
Hey, where'd you fly in from again? Mushroom? Sarasa*?
Diddy hops off the bleacher, following Lulu.
Kongo Bongo, actually!
Island life, huh? Sounds interesting...
Lulu suddenly turns around and fakes a punch in Diddy's face!
...ever learn how to catch these hands there?!
Whoah!
Lulu turns back around to continue walking.
I mean, I am a pretty good catcher. My lucky ball† didn't appear from thin air like-
???: Hello?
Confused as to where the sound came from, Diddy tries looking around...and realizes the voice is coming from another PET, sitting on the bleachers.
Boy, she forgot again?
It's fine. She tends to remember before she's all the way home, but I appreciate the help.
Hey, Lulu!
Diddy rushes to catch up to Lulu, both PETs in hand.
Oh, whoops! Heh...
Lulu casually grabs her PET out from Diddy's hand.
Well, I'm gonna head home to clean up. Later, Dids!

---

*Keeping the location names intentionally vague in case we come to a different decision later involving the Mario locations (especially seeing how nobody I claimed in Chaos Zone proper is native to either location).
†Reference: Donkey Kong Country cartoon

Verne finally catches up to Eric, finding him watching a small bed of flowers near the town's Lord Usa statue.
Hold on! I still don't get that.
Hm?
Why'd you just...walk in and help? And then...say the thing?
...
(Event Theme - There Was a Time) ♫ Mega Man Battle Network 2 - Vicinity of Sorrow ♫
...I was pressured into joining a crime organization when I was...maybe 13 or 14.
I was bitter about a lot of things then, and it began with...
...my sister...
Eric pauses for a moment before clearing his throat.
...I guess back then I thought if I wasn't happy, I didn't want anyone else to be, either.
The organization didn't last long or travel far, but I was part of it until it disbanded for the last time. With who had came and left over time, and the jobs I was assigned, authorities had no shortage of questions.
GracefulDahlia was created for the organization, so he was put under parole. And I was needed often for questioning.
Wait, like this morning? But you look like, what, 23, twenty-
25.
Verne is left speechless.
...I'm sorry, I shouldn't be telling my life story to a child.
I guess all I wanted to say was...you have a lot of life ahead of you. I don't want to see someone waste it like I did.
In a silent moment of understanding, Verne walks off, waving to Eric as he heads to the metro.

VoltMan ends up responding to most of the small talk, with DynaMan getting a word or two every few minutes in as he casually SuprThrws some Champy that try to ambush them along the way. SonicMan, as usual, is silent.

---

Growing furious as he is desperate, Schmitt begins firing rapid 1x2 crescent shots while alternating between the top and bottom of the board, getting in a couple of good hits on GracefulDahlia!
Schmitt.EXE: You two are leaving over my dead body.
Gh...
GracefulDahlia restocks his Battle Chips...
You're more right than you think you are.
...and combines a DethScyt, GracSpin, and RosBloom to unleash a Program Advance!
CircReject
As Schmitt is pushed back by the shockwave, GracefulDahlia slices through him with a final DethScyt!!

---

Verne is still struggling to piece together what just happened.
What was...when did...
You're under parole, correct?
I promise I'll keep this incident between the two of us.
As Eric jacks out GracefulDahlia and walks off, Verne tries to follow him, his head full of questions.

---

CircReject300: (Wood, Wind) A Program Advance that allows the user to create a 5x3 shockwave around them, damaging and pushing away any opponent in range if possible.

: Undernet, huh? I mean, we haven't been down there that much, but I guess a visit wouldn't hurt.
Sounds good to me!
SonicMan gives a look of caution and suspicion, but ultimately acceptance.

---

As Schmitt speeds along the edges of his end of the field, GracefulDahia raises a RosBloom80, one of the two roses in front of him catching Schmitt from below!
Schmitt.EXE: You're kidding me, right? No way you thought you could save the day like that when you're no better with your types!
Schmitt steps back and slices the top-right rose with ease, but before he can launch another crescent slice, he's struck by a powerful DethScyt100!
Schmitt.EXE: Okay, ya got more bite than I thought, I'll give ya that. But I'm still gonna burn ya to a-
As he swings a 2x1 flaming crescent, Schmitt gets caught in a GracSpin60!

---

RosBloom80: (Wood, Object) Summons a thorny rose on the 4 panels diagonal to the user, which instantly damage any opponent to step on the panel. Dissipates after a set amount of time, or can individually be destroyed by Heat or Poison attacks.
DethScyt(1 = 100): (Wood, Sword) One of GracefulDahlia.EXE's own Battle Chips. Swings a scythe forward, creating a powerful slash stretching three panels in front of the user.
GracSpin(1 = 60): (Wood, Object/Sword) Summons a spinning scythe that takes up a 2x2 area and hits up to three times before disappearing.

: Just the wind, or whatever you'd say. We were actually visiting Kongo Bongo's Net for a bit, but once we were on the road again heading back to ol' ACDC was the number one thing on Volt's mind.
SciLab? Wow! You hear that, SonicMan?
...
: C'mon, SonicMan, you gotta at least have a word or two for Plug!
...good for you.
: ...okay, that's three words out of you. I think that's a record for anyone but us.

---

As Schmitt continues to cut ReverseMan down to size, Verne tries to forcefully log him out of the battle just as his health drops to 10!
Schmitt.EXE: What, you think you can run, kid? I don't care how fast you think you are, you're getting deleted toni-
Another loud shwing fills the air as a tall, slender, grey/cerise Navi wielding a large scythe appears!
ReverseMan, jack out now.
Wh-hold on, aren't you-
He's going to kill you if you don't leave immediately.
ReverseMan jacks out of the monitor, Verne still watching the events unfold...
Schmitt.EXE: Oh, so you think you can just block me in while the kid makes his getaway? I know him now, and I'll be ready to-
You won't be alive to continue your plans. I'll scatter your data to oblivion!

(Common Battle Theme 2 - Stressful Showdown) ♫ Mega Man Battle Network - Net Battle ♫ReverseMan desperately tries to avoid Schmitt's flaming crescents, pelting him with his buster every so often, but barely making a difference to the Solo Navi's health pool, much higher than the two mooks he faced on the way here...
Schmitt.EXE: You takin' this seriously or not, wimp? Ya wouldn't have jacked in here if ya didn't see a Battle Chip in yer life...
Schmitt warps in front of ReverseMan!
Schmitt.EXE: Ohh, I get it! You're one of those parole sissies who got stuck with the peashooter!
With a point-blank double slash of Heat-damage*, ReverseMan's health is already below half!
Gagh!
Schmitt.EXE: Well, hey, makes my job easier!

---

*Should probably point this out since it hasn't been clarified outside the Discord; general agreement has been that Cyberspace Fables follows the Shanghai.EXE element weakness cycle:
Heat beats Wood and Poison
Aqua beats Heat and Ground
Elec beats Aqua and Poison
Wood beats Elec and Ground
Ground beats Elec and Heat
Poison beats Wood and Aqua
Null doesn't beat anything, but nothing beats Null either

As PlugMan enters the area, a whirring noise can be heard...as a giant red generator-like Navi spins a wheel around their lower body, speeding along the insides of the invisible railing*!
*gasp*
VoltMan screeches to a halt just before he can smash PlugMan's face in.
Plug! Holy smokes, it's been forever! How've you been?
As VoltMan cheerfully reunites with his friend, two other Navis - one rather gangly, but sporting two huge arms, and the other wielding a pair of tuning fork-like arms and a pair of headphones - rush over to their brother.
: Volt, wait! Dude, we told you why to watch for-oh hey, PlugMan.
...*sigh*

---

As ReverseMan travels along, the only threats he finds himself facing are a single MadMallt and YellOpra, both of which he manages to blast through with just his buster.
See, ReverseMan? Nothing to worry about! Grabbing any of the goodies in here will be a piece of...
...cake?
ReverseMan slows to a stop as he notices a terminal displaying...strange messages, none of which he or Verne can make heads or tails of.
...the heck is...?
Suddenly, a loud shwing heralds a sleek figure with glowing, bladed arms!
(Event Theme - Presenting a Problem) ♫ Shanghai.EXE - Boss Encounter ♫
Schmitt.EXE: What d'you think you're doing here, ya little brat?!
What's it to ya?
Schmitt.EXE: Oh, no no no no. If I told ya, I'd be doing the agents one heck of a disservice. You having gotten a glimpse is bad enough.
Schmitt.EXE: Matter of fact, I ain't supposed to leave witnesses.
Schmitt's arms glow brighter, almost burning with sharp crimson flames!
Schmitt.EXE: I'll tear you to charred pieces!
Verne, you know the type matchup, don't you?
Uh...
Then you know how much of a (CYBERSQUAWK)ing problem this is!
Look, what am I supposed to do?! Battle Routine, Set...
Uh...Execute! I'm gonna die and it ain't even gonna look cool...

---

MadMallt: (Null) A Virus with the appearance of a hammer with an eye on each side. Attacks by slamming the panel in front of it to deal damage and crack/break the panel.
YellOpra: (Elec) A virus shaped like a tiny wizard. Specializes in long-range electric attacks.

---

*The reason Shanghai.EXE provides for why Navis don't just fall off the world when they reach the edge of a walkway; it would take something like a jump, and even then that's a bad idea because below is the Data Sea, a "torrent of countless data" pretty much guaranteed to rip a Navi to cybershreds if they drop into it.

Well, I suppose if we have little else to discuss...we'll be seeing each other later.
Remilia silently takes her leave.
...well, guess I'll see you later, Alice!
Rika walks home as well.

---

As Verne gets ready to head home for the day, he notices a strange glow down an alley...
...hello, what's this?
Peering down it, he notices a monitor of some sort, nothing but a blue screen displaying on it.
Well, that's new. Of course, if it's something new, that also means...
Verne, you can't be serious.
What, we've been dodging trouble for almost a year and now you're scared?
It's less "I'm scared" and more "my parole just started and that means I can't use Battle Chips!"
Ah, shush. Your buster's at Attack 3 and Rapid 4 by now, if that screen can't even display anything besides blue it shouldn't be a problem.
Verne sneaks in quietly and jacks ReverseMan into the monitor...

The awkward silence continues for a few more seconds until Rika finally speaks up.
Y'know, I bumped into someone funny-looking on the way here. I did!
What, another Mugen Town resident?
Didn't seem like it, no. She had on this big hat - kinda like Marisa's, but without the pointy thing - and she was wearing a blue dress. Dunno what her name was, though.
...well, there has been talk of a Ms. Kogasa. It's unclear if she's moved in or is simply visiting, though...

---

As Verne quietly waits for questioning, he hears talking from the hall leading to the elevator.
We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Lauriam. GracefulDahlia's parole sentence* will end at 12:00 PM.
Thank you, sir. Have a nice day.
Verne sits confused as he watches Mr. Lauriam - clearly in his mid-20s - walk out the center.
Parole sentence...? I thought they just locked you up once you were that old.
Maybe he just vandalized one of the alleyways. Sure looks like a guy who'd spray paint some dumb pink paint on it or-
Mr. Allen?
Oop, that's us.
Verne gets up and walks to the elevator, almost like he was called for a checkup at the doctor.

---

*Reference: Shanghai.EXE - In the game itself, a Navi's parole largely relates to the idea of a Navi created for criminal activity having the potential to be reformed. I'm expanding the concept a bit more to work/merge with another legal situation in the same game (namely with Tenshi and Iku.EXE).

Rika turns to the figure.
A fan? Hm...good question.
Maybe they have one at the shop a little north? Otherwise your best bet might be Central City, but you'll need to take the metro...actually, that's closer north than the shop, I guess.
Meanwhile, Remilia and Sakuya keep talking with the rest of the gang.
Ah, right. Clause.
I really don't see how anyone could put up with such a rich brat...
Everyone (presumably) falls silent for a second. Even Rika, only having just reentered the conversation, tugs her collar.

---

A young kid with spiked hair - definitely 9 - rushes down the street with little care who he bumps into, bickering with someone all the way...
Would you put your legs into it, Verne?!
What, you think I ain't putting my everything into it?! It's your fault this is the second time they caught us this month!
Well maybe if you kept your mouth shut we could at least cut this down to a bi-monthly visit!
Wait, shush, we're almost there. Put on the calm face.
Right, right right. We didn't argue about doing it again, no s-
Shush!
Verne finally begins to slow down as he approaches the town's Agent Center...

Done with her deal with King, Heavy Magician appears in front of Nohoho.
Nohoho! How'd the ashes suit ya?
They certainly suited ol' King just fine!
Say, hate to intrude on business choices, but why'd you have burnt herbs on you?
...I've been wonderin' that myself...
Nohoho looks in his bag, and glances over at the Sanctuary.

---

*I don't know how many Puyo Puyo or Madou Monogatari locations have proper names so I'm just defining this by what locations have been shown so far

Stepping back into some Pollen Mist out of distraction, SuperDragon is pelted by a couple dozen petal projectiles, but...
Rgh...should've used this from the beginning...!
With the help of the SuprThrw chip just uncovered from his folder, he combines it with two of his FastEgg for a Program Advance!
EggDoze
The giant egg lands is a direct hit!!
Gagh!

---

Okay, let's delete this stupid thing before it-
Delete?! No! Stop!!!
Yoshi does a double take, confused. With some quick pressure from him, SuperDragon yields as well.
She's not bad!
Not ba-what's with this child?! It's a freaky pale goblin fairy that-
(Event Theme) ♫ Shanghai.EXE - Sadness ♫
Scary dragon...scary dark lady...need to stay away...!
She just seemed lonely an' I wanted to say hi to her, an' I thought we could be friends...
Daiyousei's panic starts melting into confusion.
...friend? But...DuskWoman is big, and dark and...
I mean, looking at her, DuskWoman is kinda a tall weird shadow lady. Not a great first impression.
And I guess we didn't help that much...though we had to do something, I guess...
Though...I guess now that we've all managed to calm down, maybe we can solve this. Properly.
DuskWoman floats back to her feet, and calmly approaches Daiyousei.
I suppose my appearance certainly can intimidate on first sight. But I ask of you to trust that neither Ms. Mori† nor I meant any harm. Nor do we mean harm now.
We would simply like to request if we can become friends.
DuskWoman puts out her hand, Daiyousei's face brightening as the mist fades.
...friends...yeah, friends!
(Event Theme) ♫ Shanghai.EXE - Settlement ♫
Daiyousei takes DuskWoman's hands with both of her own, the two doing a little handshake of sorts.

---

What is it they say when things come out like this? "All's well that ends well?"
I'm not sure I would say that.
Rumia is now cheerfully jumping about, her PET in her hands, presumably enjoying the new company of Daiyousei.
*giggle*
...might not be too far off, though...

---

*huff* *huff* Hi, everyone, sorry I'm late...
It did feel like someone was missing...

---

SuprThrw(1 = 120): (Ground, Wind) A Battle Chip that lets the user pick up a target 1 panel in front of them and throw them to the other side of the field.
EggDozer320: (Wood) A Program Advance where SuperDragon drops a giant egg-shaped bomb near the opponent, dealing heavy damage in a 3x3 square.

---

*Decided to distinguish from "Enemy Deleted" to prevent the plot confusion it may cause sometimes in Battle Network and Shanghai.EXE.
†Yeah, gonna give out surnames when I can decide on them, seeing how pretty much everyone in Shanghai.EXE has one.