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For the Impuritas Civitatis reception, see The 8 o'Clock Circus (Ensemble). |
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| “ | This world surely is big enough to fit in all kinds of weird freaks… I can understand wanting to have a refuge from reality somewhat. | ” |
–Roland, The 8 o’Clock Circus Episode I Pre-Battle | ||
The 8 o’Clock Circus (8시의 서커스, 8siui seokeoseu) is a case of the Distortion, appearing as a circus show managed by the ringleader Oswald. Appearing as a band of performers of all shapes and sizes, Oswald and his troupe seek to spread joy throughout the City, where unfettered celebration has long since disappeared in the grind of everyday life.[1]
The 8 o’Clock Circus' reception comes after 
Wedge Office, taking up the first slot of the center-right column of 
Urban Nightmare.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Emma | An optimistic, low-ranking employee of J Corp. who is out on a walk with his friend Noah after the latter made a mistake during work. |
| Noah | A pessimistic, low-ranking employee of J Corp. who is out on a walk after making a mistake during work. |
| Oswald | A mysterious man who claims to be the ringmaster of a circus show aiming to bring smiles back to the Cityfolk, who is delighted at the chance to meet new friends. |
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Emma & Noah | Given new purpose by Oswald, Emma and Noah have joined the Circus. They are now physically codependent; Noah has Emma's eyes and Emma has Noah's legs. They both appear happy and seek to bring happiness to others. In combat, Emma attacks the Librarians with his hands, which are a lion paw and a collection of sharp knives. Meanwhile, Noah throws playing cards and juggling balls at the Librarians. |
| Lion | Mr. Lion appears to be stitched together out of multiple materials. According to Oswald, the Lion is the strongest circus pal who may seem cold and sharp at first, but on the inside, is actually soft and warm like a fur coat. In combat, the Lion slashes at the Librarians with its claws. |
| Elephant | Mr. Elephant appears to be stitched together out of multiple materials. It has 3 eyes and its trunk is a human arm. According to Oswald, the Elephant makes the loudest noise in the Circus and loves to sing all the time. In combat, the Elephant attacks the Librarians with its trunk. |
| Monkey | The Monkey has two heads, rides a unicycle, and is spinning a plate on a long stick in its hand. In combat, the Monkey stabs at the Librarians with its sticks. |
The episode starts with a TV screen as Oswald concludes a showing of his circus for the day. He offers an open opportunity for his viewers to join the circus on their stage and sends the audience off with a goodbye.
The scene changes to a mountain trail with Noah and Emma, who are taking a walk after a stressful workday, but they have gotten lost. Emma believes they will find the way back if they keep walking, and isn't too upset because of the nice scenery. The two banter, but Noah eventually states that they will not return in time before their break ends if they do not find the way back. Emma jokes that they would get fired at worst, but Noah doesn't find it funny. While Emma would be fine, Noah's entire life revolves around keeping his job. He starts to spiral into negativity, believing that their chief is preparing to fire him anyway. Emma tries to reassure Noah by saying that he can always rely on him, but Noah rebukes him and states that while he's touched by Emma's compassion, he's not interested in being a "doll for the rich to play with," and has already given up on his dreams.
Emma abruptly stops short in front of Noah, pointing out something that looks like a tent. Noah is nervous about checking it out, but Emma is thinks whoever lives there might give them directions. As they get closer, Emma comments on its shabby but fascinating condition, and Noah vaguely recognizes the scenery as something he had read about before in a book.
Oswald appears before them, asking if the two happen to be new guests. Emma apologizes for their intrusion, but Oswald assures Emma that there's nothing to be sorry for, and introduces them to The 8 o’Clock Circus, "giving smiles to the smelly City dwellers." Oswald doesn't provide his name, insisting such "archaic" forms of introduction. Instead, he suggests that they sniff each others' wrists instead. Noah, feeling creeped out, tries to persuade Emma to leave. Emma, however, is interested in the circus, and points out the inside of the tent. Upon further inspection, Noah too is surprised that a real circus still exists in the City. Oswald excitedly offers a special tour to them, mentioning that he has been feeling "stale" lately. As it is too dark to find their way back, the pair take Oswald up on his offer.
Inside the circus tent, Oswald begins to introduce Emma and Noah to the members of the circus. He starts with Mr. Lion, and moves on to the other members, including Mrs. Ant, Ms. Mermaid, Ms. Hexagonal Cone Hat, Mr. Knife, and many others who don't appear in the reception. Noah starts feeling more and more disturbed, irritating Oswald enough that he snaps at Noah before apologizing for losing his cool.
Emma speaks up, expressing his fondness for the circus to an incredulous Noah. Their discussion on whether to stay and watch the show is cut off by Oswald asking if they'd like to become performers. They reject Oswald's offer, and the saddened clown begins to tell them about his past. Before he became a Distortion, Oswald had issues with people not understanding his words and actions and leaving him. The only friends he had left were imaginary, and he desired above all else to play with them. Eventually, a "Ms. Sun" whispered to him that she would make his dream come true, and she granted his wish to live a life with his circus, bringing him happiness.
Noah's skepticism is swayed by Oswald's assurances. Noah realizes that his job under J Corp. has brought him nothing of value and no way to pursue his dream of "seeing the City from a higher place." Emma tries to stir him from his rut, but he lashes out and accuses Emma of mocking him, citing his friend's tendency to throw money at every problem in an attempt to solve them for him. He questions why Emma even followed him into the Wing when he had other prospects. Before Emma can reply, Noah asks Oswald if he can join the circus. Oswald agrees, promising that they'll be friends again once they've become part of the troupe.
Noah regains consciousness after a long time. As he gets up, he ignores Oswald's remarks and complains about there being "too many worlds" that are making his head spin. He seems confused and groggy, but Oswald tells him not to worry. Oswald says he gave Noah, who wanted to witness the world from a higher place, the gift of "eyes that can glance at everything." He tells him to consider it a welcoming gift from the circus. As Noah comes to his senses, he realizes he doesn't know where Emma is. Noah desperately calls out for Emma, who responds calmly, reassuring Noah that even though he can't see him, he's been next to him the whole time. It's revealed that Emma's eyes have been transplanted into Noah's cheeks, and Noah's legs have been removed and used to extend Emma's. Emma walks for Noah and Noah sees for Emma. Emma is relieved that he can finally help Noah, who had been rejecting his offers. Neither of them is upset at losing a part of themselves because now they can help each other as equals, restoring their friendship. The two seem genuinely happy about the change.
Oswald is delighted that Emma and Noah like their gifts, but then he asks them for a favor. He explains that intruders invaded the tent before they arrived, causing the Circus to lose two members. Emma sympathizes for Oswald's loss and asks who the culprits were. Oswald reveals that they went to a place called the Library. Oswald wants to know why his performance failed to sway the hearts of their attackers. He's sure that if he can read their books, he can hold a circus so entertaining that it will excite even people like them. Noah is hesitant, but agrees for the sake of holding a grander performance. Oswald expresses his gratitude towards them, and promises to hold them a party once they get back. The two friends, accompanied by a few of the circus animals, go to the Library.
Oswald stays behind in the circus tent and begins talking to himself, planning a to-do list. He is interrupted when Philip suddenly appears inside the tent. Oswald asks the confused Philip if he's a new clown, or if he's simply here to watch their show. Oswald introduces the 8 o’Clock Circus to Philip, at which point the scene ends.
Back inside the Library, Roland is surprised to see Philip and annoyed that the Invitation ended before showing them the following scenes. Angela tells him to ignore Philip since he is not their current guest. Hearing that, Roland changes topics and muses about Emma and Noah's situation. Angela doesn't understand the relationship between them, so Roland clarifies. He tells Angela that hard work alone is not enough to bring success; affluence and luck are also important factors. Angela accepts, but still doesn't understand why Noah would be angry about receiving Emma's aid. Roland can't say for certain, but he tells Angela that it can be highly upsetting to have to rely on a friend's money, both as a reminder of their economic disparity and the moral qualms of getting someone else involved in personal affairs. Angela assumes the friend had good intentions, but Roland tells her that only the recipient's attitude matters in that situation. He expresses understanding for Emma and Noah's desires, but is disgusted by the thought of their distorted appearances and is told off by Angela.
Emma reaches the Library, Noah guiding him the whole way. They are awed that the supposedly monster-filled Library is big, spacious, and quiet, so much so that despite his new height, Emma's head doesn't reach the ceiling. Angela arrives to greet the duo, who promise her an invitation to their performance if they can get the books that they need. Emma and Noah promise to bring happiness to Angela as well, aided by the contents of the books they will obtain. Angela hesitates for a moment before expressing appreciation for their sentiment and letting them into the Library.
Roland comments on Emma's height before turning his attention to Oswald. He asks Angela whether Oswald might be connected to Argalia and his "musicians." Angela cannot decide just yet because Oswald's intentions were different from Argalia's, but she finds him similar in being to many of the Blue Reverberation's accomplices. Roland agrees that "neither of them look normal."
Circuses have been absent from the City for a long time, only preserved by books and stories. Oswald, the ringmaster of the 8 o’Clock Circus, was a person ostracized by life in the City, who sought a place to find and spread happiness. It was only after the Distortion phenomenon began that his wish was answered. After Distorting, Oswald became able to perceive others' internal wishes and manipulate and modify others around him, "entertaining" them by showing them what they wanted to see, truthful or not. With this, he could attract people to join his troupe full-time, modifying their physical appearances based on their wishes, and also win over visitors to be drawn into the circus' displays of unfettered hedonism. They even had their own television show, airing each evening at 8:00. With much more showmanship and performance than any other shows on air, the circus attracted its own share of dedicated viewers.[1]
The 8 o’Clock Circus was originally based in the Backstreets of District 12. After victimizing many people and causing widespread unrest, Wedge Office was hired to eliminate the circus. They killed two members of the Circus, Ms. Hippo and Mr. Ball, but were forced to retreat because one of their Fixers, Pameli, was gravely wounded after her body was crushed by the Lion. Oswald and his remaining crew fled to an unspecified location in District 10. Moses and her subordinates were also present, but they were held up fighting outside the circus tent and did not even see Oswald escape.[2]
Ultimately, the 8 o’Clock Circus joins the ranks of 
The Reverberation Ensemble after Oswald is recruited by Pluto.
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There are three Battle Symbols related to this guest group; see their reception page for more info.
| Battle Symbol | Name | Slot |
|---|---|---|
|
Lifelong Companion | Eye |
| Effect | ||
| 10% chance to boost damage by +1 while Noah's Page is attributed to this character's Key Page | ||
| Condition | ||
| Defeat Emma and Noah while they're together 1 times.
| ||
|
Circus Trouper | Headwear 1 |
| Effect | ||
| 5% chance to boost Blunt attack damage by +1 | ||
| Condition | ||
| Defeat Noah 1 times with Emma's Key Page equipped.
| ||
|
Keen Eyes | Headwear 1 |
| Effect | ||
| 5% chance to boost Ranged attack damage by +1 | ||
| Condition | ||
| Defeat Noah after Emma has been defeated 1 times. | ||
Emma
Noah
Emma & Noah
Dialogue background - Inside the Circus Tent (Mr. Elephant and Mr. Lion)
Dialogue background - Inside the Circus Tent (Mr. Knife and Ms. Mermaid, unlit)
Dialogue background - Inside the Circus Tent (Mr. Knife and Ms. Mermaid)
Combat background 1
Combat background 2
Stage floor 1
Stage floor 2
Wedge Office was at the circus, Moses' Office was also there. Oscar met and introduced himself to Moses, Ezra, and Vespa Crabro.| Characters | Oswald - Emma - Noah |
| Key Pages | Noah’s Page - Emma’s Page |
| Combat Pages | Circus Knives - Juggling - Wild Card - Sharp Nails |
