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sinfucks2025-05-01 11:52 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-05-01 11:52 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE #10
TEST DRIVE #10
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. (KYOTO BASE)
It happens in the blink of an eye, a dash of time – you're taken from where you were. What you were doing... it isn't important anymore, and slowly, you give up the desire of your normal life. When you awaken, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.
"Yeah, this one will do. Let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough, as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along with many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
When the pool mostly drains of its liquid, each new Outsider will find themselves in what appears to be a large pool of some sort; they are underground. The base in Kyoto isn’t fully equipped with individual pods, and so the newly arrived will find themselves in a tangle of limbs, or depending on when they wake, utterly alone in this vast space. While normally they arrive in their undergarments, there is a chance that they could arrive totally nude due to lack of resources in Kyoto. Those who are not nude, however, may find themselves in whatever undergarments LILITH could provide for them at the time. Maybe it's something basic and simple like whitey tighties, or something saucy like a lingerie set; maybe matching Hello Kitty bra and panties. When they fully regain their bearings, they will be ushered into the medical bay space right across from the stasis pool, in which several grey LILITH-issued yukata will be prepared for them.
If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged in their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right, that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the stasis pool, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2279 and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
The mess hall at this base is on the surface level, not underground, and while it's larger, it does have a lot of empty space that still needs to be filled. The kitchen can be seen and one or two robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are deep-fried sand crocodiles, skewers made from various healthy and protein-packed bugs from the desert, and a stew that seems to have chunks and tendons of a mystery kaiju. Additionally, as only so much robotic staff could be brought over at a time and most are being used to rebuild parts of this base and the one in Tokyo, Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own meals. The recipes will all be made available on their oculars, but considering these meats come from various sources, they’re not all guaranteed to be tasty.
With SYNTHIA repaired now, she is happy to chime in.
"Yeah, this one will do. Let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough, as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along with many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
When the pool mostly drains of its liquid, each new Outsider will find themselves in what appears to be a large pool of some sort; they are underground. The base in Kyoto isn’t fully equipped with individual pods, and so the newly arrived will find themselves in a tangle of limbs, or depending on when they wake, utterly alone in this vast space. While normally they arrive in their undergarments, there is a chance that they could arrive totally nude due to lack of resources in Kyoto. Those who are not nude, however, may find themselves in whatever undergarments LILITH could provide for them at the time. Maybe it's something basic and simple like whitey tighties, or something saucy like a lingerie set; maybe matching Hello Kitty bra and panties. When they fully regain their bearings, they will be ushered into the medical bay space right across from the stasis pool, in which several grey LILITH-issued yukata will be prepared for them.
If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged in their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right, that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the stasis pool, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
Blood Type:
Syndata File:
What is a memory you cherish, and why?
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2279 and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
The mess hall at this base is on the surface level, not underground, and while it's larger, it does have a lot of empty space that still needs to be filled. The kitchen can be seen and one or two robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are deep-fried sand crocodiles, skewers made from various healthy and protein-packed bugs from the desert, and a stew that seems to have chunks and tendons of a mystery kaiju. Additionally, as only so much robotic staff could be brought over at a time and most are being used to rebuild parts of this base and the one in Tokyo, Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own meals. The recipes will all be made available on their oculars, but considering these meats come from various sources, they’re not all guaranteed to be tasty.
With SYNTHIA repaired now, she is happy to chime in.
Hello, my children. I have missed you all terribly. :) Have you been drinking your water?
▶ 002. HOTEL REVIEWS
Months prior, the main Neo Tokyo base was attacked by a kaiju named Imugi and left the base in shambles. Since then, the base has been under construction and the LILTH rebuilding crew is still working to finish repairs. Despite the attack, much of the city remained undamaged as the base took the brunt of it. Progress is being made, but there is no definite date on when repairs will be completed.
New and veteran Outsiders are free to return to the Neo Tokyo base as any remnants of rift energy have been cleared. They will find the base in various states of repair: the overall framework is completed and some areas may be up and running again, but there is still plenty of work to be done. The construction staff apologizes for the delays. They expected to be finished by the time everyone returned, but you know how these things go, right? Shipments get delayed, bad weather happens, there's a shortage of supplies, and before you know it, you're weeks behind.
Outsiders are welcome to try and settle back in base if they so please, but they may find many comforts lacking. Running water and electricity aren't reliable and much of the base is drafty, dusty, and noisy from construction. These are not adequate accommodations, so LILITH takes steps to secure temporary housing. Unfortunately, given the large number of Outsiders, LILITH is unable to procure a single place large enough to take them all in. Instead, Outsiders will find themselves with vouchers for various hotels across Neo Tokyo.
These hotels range from luxurious 5-star hotels with scenic views of the cityscape, to capsule hotels with shared baths. Most will find themselves in business hotels. The rooms are simple and cramped, but it should be fine for one person. Others may find themselves in more… creative establishments. These rooms are often spacious with plenty of room for two people to share comfortably, and the rooms often have specific themes and come with special entertainment packages — in other words: Love hotels. They're love hotels with all sorts of themes and characters. LILITH isn't very considerate when they book things like this.
For those who aren't satisfied with their free hotels or the main base, they can also go back to Kyoto's base through warp portals. However, LILITH personnel will remind them that continuous warping will result in travel sickness like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and problems with spacial and temporal awareness. For those who want to pick up work in Tokyo, help repair the base, or carry out some simple missions, this might not be the best option unless Outsiders have another way of travel (say, a Gundam for example. You know who you are.)
New and veteran Outsiders are free to return to the Neo Tokyo base as any remnants of rift energy have been cleared. They will find the base in various states of repair: the overall framework is completed and some areas may be up and running again, but there is still plenty of work to be done. The construction staff apologizes for the delays. They expected to be finished by the time everyone returned, but you know how these things go, right? Shipments get delayed, bad weather happens, there's a shortage of supplies, and before you know it, you're weeks behind.
Outsiders are welcome to try and settle back in base if they so please, but they may find many comforts lacking. Running water and electricity aren't reliable and much of the base is drafty, dusty, and noisy from construction. These are not adequate accommodations, so LILITH takes steps to secure temporary housing. Unfortunately, given the large number of Outsiders, LILITH is unable to procure a single place large enough to take them all in. Instead, Outsiders will find themselves with vouchers for various hotels across Neo Tokyo.
These hotels range from luxurious 5-star hotels with scenic views of the cityscape, to capsule hotels with shared baths. Most will find themselves in business hotels. The rooms are simple and cramped, but it should be fine for one person. Others may find themselves in more… creative establishments. These rooms are often spacious with plenty of room for two people to share comfortably, and the rooms often have specific themes and come with special entertainment packages — in other words: Love hotels. They're love hotels with all sorts of themes and characters. LILITH isn't very considerate when they book things like this.
For those who aren't satisfied with their free hotels or the main base, they can also go back to Kyoto's base through warp portals. However, LILITH personnel will remind them that continuous warping will result in travel sickness like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and problems with spacial and temporal awareness. For those who want to pick up work in Tokyo, help repair the base, or carry out some simple missions, this might not be the best option unless Outsiders have another way of travel (say, a Gundam for example. You know who you are.)
▶ 003. MAID FOR TROUBLE .
Over the course of the year, the present Outsiders' services have been noticed, especially with the terror of the Imugi finally taken care of. South Korea is particularly enthused over its defeat, and much trust has been regained from this. There has even been discussions of reopening its borders and permitting Outsiders to freely enter through the dataportal. Other countries have also looked upon this and the Outsiders' track record of harrowing missions with kaiju that genuinely seem more and more evolved, whether it be the one fought in Transylvania, or the recent one in Egypt. Outsiders will find that LILITH as an entity seems even more well-respected on the streets, and word of mouth has caused various trends to become increasingly popular as a result of each Outsiders' contributions. Perhaps these are the saviors of this Earth, and some Outsiders may be viewed as angels sent by the gods, or maybe just a celebrity.
While the Outsiders were gone, some of the local businesses close to the base have changed. Maybe their favorite curry restaurant has moved to another location to avoid the high risk of attacks, or maybe it's just hard to pay the rent in such an expensive area. A small cafe popular with LILITH workers is struggling to make ends meet and has reached out for help. Since the Outsiders are like local celebrities, if they could come help out for a promotional event, they could make enough money to support themselves for a while. Should the Outsiders agree to help them, they might find that they've signed up for more than just serving drinks for a day, something a little more glamorous, but still... maid for them.
The cafe is pulling out all of the stops. They'll give the Outsiders cat ears, maid outfits, butler uniforms, and all sorts of costumes for them to wear while serving customers. They'll also experiment with other themes like asking the Outsiders to act like different tropes. Are you a tsundere? Or a kuudere? Please, try! They're depending on you! Let these small businesses thrive by being the best maid or butler host you can be! As thanks for their support, the cafe will gift the Outsiders with a free dress upgrade for their most popular costume. May is the season for maids so everyone will receive a free maid or butler uniform.
Meanwhile, the city itself will be full of several people still excited by the last spurts of spring. Maybe it’s due to the bouts of odd weather caused by the prior kaiju attacks, but a lot of seasonal flowers and such that exist around the cities are still in full bloom alongside some early sprouts. However, no one can deny they’ve gotten a lot of artificial help. There are many opportunities for everyone to take a breather beneath the flowers and indulge in all the festivities that Neo Tokyo has to offer. All the major parks in the city have their own food stalls beneath canopies of wisteria, and even some early hydrangeas.
Maybe this is a show of the soon-to-be rainy season. Don’t forget your umbrellas!
While the Outsiders were gone, some of the local businesses close to the base have changed. Maybe their favorite curry restaurant has moved to another location to avoid the high risk of attacks, or maybe it's just hard to pay the rent in such an expensive area. A small cafe popular with LILITH workers is struggling to make ends meet and has reached out for help. Since the Outsiders are like local celebrities, if they could come help out for a promotional event, they could make enough money to support themselves for a while. Should the Outsiders agree to help them, they might find that they've signed up for more than just serving drinks for a day, something a little more glamorous, but still... maid for them.
The cafe is pulling out all of the stops. They'll give the Outsiders cat ears, maid outfits, butler uniforms, and all sorts of costumes for them to wear while serving customers. They'll also experiment with other themes like asking the Outsiders to act like different tropes. Are you a tsundere? Or a kuudere? Please, try! They're depending on you! Let these small businesses thrive by being the best maid or butler host you can be! As thanks for their support, the cafe will gift the Outsiders with a free dress upgrade for their most popular costume. May is the season for maids so everyone will receive a free maid or butler uniform.
Meanwhile, the city itself will be full of several people still excited by the last spurts of spring. Maybe it’s due to the bouts of odd weather caused by the prior kaiju attacks, but a lot of seasonal flowers and such that exist around the cities are still in full bloom alongside some early sprouts. However, no one can deny they’ve gotten a lot of artificial help. There are many opportunities for everyone to take a breather beneath the flowers and indulge in all the festivities that Neo Tokyo has to offer. All the major parks in the city have their own food stalls beneath canopies of wisteria, and even some early hydrangeas.
Maybe this is a show of the soon-to-be rainy season. Don’t forget your umbrellas!
▶ 004. RIFT EXPLORATION - OCEAN
During their venture in Egypt, the researchers have worked tirelessly in order to solve some of the mysteries pertaining to rifts and their correlation to the rift at the base of Mt. Fuji (see also: EVENT: KAIJU FIGHT #6.) From their studies, they were able to better pinpoint where potential rifts could be opening up. This is a huge discovery, if accurate, and so they would love to put it to the test. The sensitivity of these new sensors are strong enough to detect rifts that could appear deep within the oceans, rifts that are thought to open and close at times without anyone knowing due to their depth. As a result, they are prompting Outsiders to help assist in this process by checking out the newest area with a concentration of similar rift-like energy.
They need help in two areas: Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji.
For those interested in helping in Tokyo Bay, they will each be provided an Ocean Gem in order for them to better assess the situation at sea. Similar to the first experience, people will find that it transforms their bodies to be better suited at sea, which would help in navigating the environment as well as any instances of combat. For Outsiders who get a better grip on how to use the gem, the deeper they dive, they will find more mutated fish and other creatures. While the bay has always been polluted by humanity and from the remnants of kaijus themselves, they will see that a lot of these strange transformations mirror those of creatures on land who have extended rift exposure. All ocean life will be transformed, or even merged into others.
Some of the warped creatures found will be:
- Octopus, in which their tentacles act as stingers. If stung, it gives a numbing effect and may cause hallucinations.
- Angler fish that have merged with whales. These creatures will be extremely large and are marked as being particularly dangerous. Considering their razor sharp teeth, it’s advised to avoid them, if just to save time away from their actual objective.
For the Outsiders who do spend hours at sea, they will be able to make out a few important points from this: they will see flickers of what appears to be a rift forming, and will be able to report back these findings. Beyond these flickers of the rift, for those who aren’t deterred by fear or paranoia, they might see a glimpse into the rifts that appear to be of sky, or even trees. Some may also find strange wildlife that don’t look like they belong in the ocean, but due to the rift's effects, they almost seem like indefinable lumps. These can be submitted back for research, as well as any other relevant specimens found at sea.
They need help in two areas: Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji.
For those interested in helping in Tokyo Bay, they will each be provided an Ocean Gem in order for them to better assess the situation at sea. Similar to the first experience, people will find that it transforms their bodies to be better suited at sea, which would help in navigating the environment as well as any instances of combat. For Outsiders who get a better grip on how to use the gem, the deeper they dive, they will find more mutated fish and other creatures. While the bay has always been polluted by humanity and from the remnants of kaijus themselves, they will see that a lot of these strange transformations mirror those of creatures on land who have extended rift exposure. All ocean life will be transformed, or even merged into others.
Some of the warped creatures found will be:
- Octopus, in which their tentacles act as stingers. If stung, it gives a numbing effect and may cause hallucinations.
- Angler fish that have merged with whales. These creatures will be extremely large and are marked as being particularly dangerous. Considering their razor sharp teeth, it’s advised to avoid them, if just to save time away from their actual objective.
For the Outsiders who do spend hours at sea, they will be able to make out a few important points from this: they will see flickers of what appears to be a rift forming, and will be able to report back these findings. Beyond these flickers of the rift, for those who aren’t deterred by fear or paranoia, they might see a glimpse into the rifts that appear to be of sky, or even trees. Some may also find strange wildlife that don’t look like they belong in the ocean, but due to the rift's effects, they almost seem like indefinable lumps. These can be submitted back for research, as well as any other relevant specimens found at sea.
▶ 005. RIFT EXPLORATION - NEO TOKYO.
Back at Mt. Fuji, they need help from Outsiders in furthering their research on the effects of rifts, and also on its potential cures. Currently, they do know the following facts:
- Rift poisoning can happen from just extended exposure to being around a rift. The body reacts to the rift's energy on all levels.
- There are several known symptoms of being rift poisoned including: nausea, vertigo, loss of control/increased impulsivity, aggression, and even lapses in memory.
- Extended rift exposure, depending entirely on proximity and energy levels of rift, or even some correlations to the kaiju that come from them, may cause transformations in one's genetic makeup.
While the latter is obviously far too risky to pursue any real research at present, they are asking for those who have helped to research these rifts to come and stop by, especially if they have exhibited any of the symptoms of rift poisoning. If so, they will be asked to fill out a survey to discuss their findings.
SURVEY QUESTION:
Outsiders will be encouraged to share their responses, and some may even be uploaded to a shared portfolio. They didn’t say it would be anonymous, did they? Oops. Hopefully you didn't say something that you didn't want someone else to see. Additionally, the questions could also differ from Outsider to Outsider, and could even be extremely pointed and specific.
For those who actually are willing to try the clinical trial medicines, they will find themselves under several potential side effects that are still being ironed out, including increased and uncontrollable hunger, being overly friendly to combat the desire for aggression, and even relaxing the muscles to a point where their bodies can suddenly give out. Researchers will advise people to help Outsiders who may look like they need that extra hand!
Those who assist in this research will be asked to camp near Mt. Fuji for the duration of these trials. They will be provided camper vans and any other equipment needed for their comfort.
- Rift poisoning can happen from just extended exposure to being around a rift. The body reacts to the rift's energy on all levels.
- There are several known symptoms of being rift poisoned including: nausea, vertigo, loss of control/increased impulsivity, aggression, and even lapses in memory.
- Extended rift exposure, depending entirely on proximity and energy levels of rift, or even some correlations to the kaiju that come from them, may cause transformations in one's genetic makeup.
While the latter is obviously far too risky to pursue any real research at present, they are asking for those who have helped to research these rifts to come and stop by, especially if they have exhibited any of the symptoms of rift poisoning. If so, they will be asked to fill out a survey to discuss their findings.
SURVEY QUESTION:
How likely would you say it is that you would attack a teammate? (1 very likely, I’ve done this before to 10, I would never and have never).
How is your impulse control?
Have you ever gambled? How likely is it that you would?
Have you ever had a taste for blood?
Have you ever forgotten something important?
AI-generated questions created by SYNTHIA.
Outsiders will be encouraged to share their responses, and some may even be uploaded to a shared portfolio. They didn’t say it would be anonymous, did they? Oops. Hopefully you didn't say something that you didn't want someone else to see. Additionally, the questions could also differ from Outsider to Outsider, and could even be extremely pointed and specific.
For those who actually are willing to try the clinical trial medicines, they will find themselves under several potential side effects that are still being ironed out, including increased and uncontrollable hunger, being overly friendly to combat the desire for aggression, and even relaxing the muscles to a point where their bodies can suddenly give out. Researchers will advise people to help Outsiders who may look like they need that extra hand!
Those who assist in this research will be asked to camp near Mt. Fuji for the duration of these trials. They will be provided camper vans and any other equipment needed for their comfort.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our 10th TDM! All TDM threads are game canon and characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As the TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. Please use this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER.
There are currently 12 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for APPLICATIONS when they open.
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a Syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards May AC.
There are currently 12 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for APPLICATIONS when they open.
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a Syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards May AC.
TDM #10 BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL PROMPT (KYOTO): Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete. They arrive in the Kyoto base in a communal stasis pool which is underground. The Neo Tokyo base can be visited, but it is still under construction from being damaged by a kaiju attack back in February.
2. HOTEL REVIEWS Outsiders are free to travel to Neo Tokyo and can return to the main base. There is no definite date on when repairs will be completed, but Outsiders can stay there if they so choose. Due to the poor accommodations, LILITH provides Outsiders with vouchers for temporary housing until the Tokyo base is completed. Outsiders are able to stay in various hotels that range from 5-star ones to love hotels. Those who want to remain in the Kyoto base may need to deal with side effects from constant warping for travel. Outsiders with other means of travel, such as Gundams, can avoid these effects.
3. MAID FOR TROUBLE: With the Imugi's defeat, relations with South Korea have improved and discussions are underway regarding the reopening of its borders. The Outsiders' recent exploits have gained global recognition, resulting in a more favorable reputation for both the Outsiders and LILITH. The attack on the base has impacted multiple small businesses around it, and business owners are requesting the Outsiders' help to raise more money through promotional events. Outsiders will be encouraged to dress up as a maid or butler to serve customers.
4. RIFT EXPLORATION - OCEAN: Researchers have made a breakthrough in pinpointing where potential rifts may occur. Outsiders are tasked with exploring parts of Tokyo Bay with a concentration of rift-like energy and are given an ocean gem to help navigate the waters. Outsiders will find various mutated ocean life as well as flickers of a rift, in which they can glimpse a scenery (such as the sky or trees) or wildlife that don't belong in the ocean. Outsiders are encouraged to bring back any findings or specimens for further research.
5. RIFT EXPLORATION - NEO TOKYO: Researchers on Mt. Fuji are looking into studying rift effects and developing potential cures. Outsiders who have helped to research rifts and experienced rift poisoning will be given a survey to fill out and are encouraged to share their responses. Those who are willing to give the trial medicines a try may suffer from some side effects, such as increased hunger or being overly friendly, and will be asked to camp near Mt. Fuji for the duration of the trials.
.
no subject
On it!
[ Moments later, the door to Ratio's apartment serving as a temporary workshop blasts off its hinges with a kick that could shatter someone's spine, old wood splintering as it hits the wall and the metal doorjamb crumpling. A blur of steel and white follows shortly thereafter, ready to strike an enemy with terrible might while the advantage of surprise is on his side—
But Muramasa stops short before he even makes it halfway across the room to Ratio. He skids to a halt among the splinters of the door falling on the floor, recognizing the shape of the person in front of him, even if the air of magical power around him is alien. It's almost like the trick with his blade that Ratio had done in Egypt, but... on a completely different scale, tempered and changed by something different. He could have sworn that felt like a summoning ritual, or something like it. ]
—Ratio? The hell are you doing here?
[ Said like he didn't just knock down half a wall to try and pick a fight. He can hear Rin's footsteps as she hammers down the stairs behind him, and slowly, he lowers his blade. ]
no subject
...I could ask the same to you.
[ The sound of footsteps makes it evident that Muramasa isn't alone. Rin, most likely, given that the pair always seem to be hanging around each other. ]
no subject
What the hell do you think you're doing? No Bounded Field, no Circle?! Are you crazy?! I thought some crazy powerful mage was trying to do something stupid like attack Neo Tokyo, what if Muramasa hadn't realized it was you, huh!?
[ She storms into the room, pushing past Muramasa, pointing a finger at Ratio. ]
It's completely idiotic to burst that much mana without any kind of protection! You'd be lucky if you got hurt and lived to tell about it! What are you trying to do!?
no subject
Mostly. ]
...Tohsaka. [ He's not a master swordsman, but he's still good enough that he know how to stop an attack before it makes contact with an opponent, thanks. Is she listening to him? No, still going. ] Tohsaka.
[ Come on, let him get a word in edgewise, or he'll have to deploy a special attack. He glances from Rin to Ratio, and then back to Rin (still ramping up in her fear-fueled lecture), and settles for something that will really pull the rug out from under her: her name. ]
Rin, [ Coupled with a tone he almost never uses, too (insistent and a little exasperated), he tries to get her attention once more. Part of this is his fault, probably, for barging to get that first attack in without checking the situation, and he figures he should head this off before things get even more exciting. Perspective is important. ] You're the only real mage in the room here.
[ Hadn't Ratio's input on their tests of his Magic Resistance skill said as much? ]
no subject
To my knowledge, I was not using that much Imaginary energy. If it appeared otherwise, I can only assume it is an unintended interaction that I did not account for.
[ Or maybe it's just because Rin and Muramasa were so close that it seemed so intense. Hm...
What should now be evident to the other two as he shifts into a thinking pose is the red mark on his ungloved left hand. The symbol may be unfamiliar, but what it represents wouldn't be. ]
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She blinks once at Muramasa's assertion, again at Ratio's, and she finally takes a moment to add it up:
1. A large burst of what Rin had assumed was mana had come from this room.
2. She had assumed it was mana because it felt weirdly similar to her own but with a strange sense of alien layered over it.
3. Ratio has command seals.
—hold the fuck up ]
You were trying to summon a servant, weren't you.
[ She holds up her own hand, her own Command Seals bright scarlet. ] You're a Master, same as me.
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(He left the rebar upstairs, didn't he...) ]
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Ratio's eyes flicker over to Muramasa to assess the Servant's reaction to that revelation, and then back to Rin, assessing if they mean to become hostile. ]
That would be correct. I am attempting to call my Servant to my location. Is that a problem?
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And who's your servant?
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How many obvious candidates have gone missing in action and require an elaborate ritual to locate?
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... Wait, Ereshkigal? Really?
[ The "INT is my dump stat" guy has logged in, thank you Ratio for spelling it out for him. ]
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I see. So you're trying to bring her back. And you already used a Command Seal to do it?
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[ The reason why he has no obvious preparation done is because he isn't entirely sure what he needs to prepare yet. ]
Since you're far more familiar with the system these Command Seals operate on, perhaps you could enlighten me as to what consequences I should be concerned about, given that Ereshkigal has fallen into a Rift and presumably, into another dimension or space rife with that malevolent energy.
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If Ratio's contract is still active, then Ereshkigal is alive, in some form. And since Ereshkigal's vessel is Rin, and Rin is his Master now, it would behoove him to at least be concerned with her safety for whatever ends up happening too.
He responds slowly, thoughtfully, trying to pick through the logic of a contract and what he felt when the goddess disappeared during the kaiju attack. He'd thought it was an immediate death blow, the way she'd been there one moment in his senses, and then gone in another, but that shouldn't be easy to do. Kabus' primary weapon was fear, not beam attacks. ]
You haven't been able to talk to her, but your contract is still intact? [ HMMM... that's odd in and of itself. ] Eh... Assuming her being a Divine Spirit doesn't make things work differently, it should work...
[ He glances at Rin once more. ] I mean, our contract feels normal to you, right?
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So, [ she continues, turning to Ratio. ] unfortunately I'm not familiar with parallel worlds or timelines. Being pulled here is beyond any kind of Magecraft I've learned or heard about. That said, all servants are summoned from a place called the Throne of Heroes. Typically, only the World can summon them but Mages have derived a ritual that allows us to bring them here by containing them in different Classes. I imagine what brought us here is similar to that.
Trying to summon Ereshkigal without a proper catalyst will just end in you getting someone else at best and failure at worst, provided we can even summon her back from where she's been sent to. And doing it without proper preparation and protection is dangerous, especially if you accidentally summon a Berserker. Your mana is also different enough from what the ritual typically uses that there likely be other side effects as well.
We can't really know until we try.
[ She folds her arms, deep in thought. ] And all of this is assuming we're lucky enough for her to be in a place we can even summon her from.
[ She looks up. ] But your Command Spells aren't needed. You should save those and not waste them on silly things.
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How unfortunate. ]
I don't believe trying to save Ereshkigal from injury or mutation through Rift energy corruption is silly, nor is there any definitive proof that command seals cannot bring back a contracted Servant that has been sent to another dimension, correct? After all, you've just stated you have no familiarity with parallel worlds and timelines. There is no proof she has been sent to a location that would require a summoning matrix that can pull a Servant from the Throne of Heroes.
Given that I am currently contracted to Ereshkigal, would I not suffice as an anchor to call her back here?
[ Ratio is quite picky about arguments, and Rin hasn't provided a good one, even if he understands very little about how magecraft and summoning rituals work. ]
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[ Her response is just as clipped and she puts her hands in her hips, raising an eyebrow. ]
A catalyst must be something associated with that Servant. And it's a moot point if you're not actively trying to summon her, anyway. If you're just trying to call her to you, then you can use your Command Spell— but if she's in the rift it still won't work. I don't know anything about parallel dimensions [ me when i lie ] but I do know if a bounded field or reality marble is strong enough, not even a Command Spell can break through it. If the rift is like everyone says, it's probably more like one of those than an actual parallel dimension.
It's not silly to want to bring her back. It is silly to waste a nuclear weapon to destroy an ant colony.
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While he still thinks it's worth exploring the use of the command seal, it may have to be done when Rin and Muramasa aren't close by to feel the energy involved in such an action. ]
I see. Then what actions do you propose we take to locate her?
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This is a bigass anthill, though, so why not use it? [ He ignores Rin's sharp glare, finally stepping in to properly join the conversation. The tip of the sword sinks into the floorboards as he leans on it, as he eyes the two of them thoughtfully. ]
The best solution's the simplest one. It's not like that new clear blast is actually gonna do any damage without the Servant it's commanding, anyway. There will still be one left over— [ To Ratio: ] —which you don't need to hoard to keep her from killing you. [ Now, he swaps to Rin. ] And none of the usual reasons for conserving them apply without one of your Wars to save it for.
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We're not doing it here. The forge is safer.
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Muramasa's words confirm to Ratio that Rin is operating under logic that would be reasonable in a different set of circumstances. In that case, he will take her advice with a grain of salt. ]
How, exactly, would that be a safer location?
[ He doesn't necessarily doubt them. He just lacks information and is trying to fill in the gaps. ]
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... It probably would be, sure.
[ He certainly doesn't mind it being used for such a purpose... but. Uh... how does he explain the function to someone who doesn't know the meaning and purpose of a mage's workshop in his bones? ]
There's a proper barrier there, for one thing. Keeps power from leakin' out, and stops most manner of intruders, mortal and spectral alike. Or at least, it'll gimme enough warning to stop those darkening the doorstep before they disrupt any delicate work you set up inside.
[ To say nothing of the ambient mana collection and restorative effects the place has. If Ereshkigal is wounded or suffering ill effects from her time in the rift, there's worse places to stabilize her than a smith/mage's forge/workshop. ]
I got a skill that makes it so any place I settle down to work ends up being... advantageous, for my allies and me.
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So you are capable of establishing a personal territory of sorts. Given the nature of Servants, I imagine it must have restorative effects as well. If we are to continue our efforts to retrieve Ereshkigal, then the forge sounds like an ideal base for such activities.
If the task you came here for is a short one, finish it immediately so we can move locations.
[ Ratio is surprisingly agreeable when a solution or a better suggestion has been presented. ]
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[ Ok, brb, he's gonna run upstars and get his pile of rebar real fast and then uh. jump off the balcony again to skip having to take the stairs.
An awkward walk back to the nearest operating train station, and then the dataportal back to Kyoto, Muramasa and Rin silently arguing with each other the entire time. Without the telltale lights in their eyes from the use of the optics, it's probably clear to Ratio that they're using the connection that the contract provides, and whatever the argument is about, the mulish set to both of their mouths says exactly how they both stand on the matter. ]
[ The forge sits in a far corner of the Kyoto base, distanced from the other buildings. Fresh wooden posts hold up a recently repaired roof, fresh paper screens shield the two adjoining rooms off the work area from view, and a small woodshed with a mountain of uncut charcoal sits protected from the elements a short distance away from the main building. From a distance, the details seem fuzzy, the image distorted by the barrier's transparent hemisphere of power extending out in all directions from the structure.
Up close, the barrier becomes even harder to see, until it ripples gently like a stone disturbing the glassy surface of a still lake when Muramasa steps through, not looking back to see if anyone else follows. Inside is quiet, something dimming the sounds of activity in the main parts of the base, and a cool spring breeze, damp with the smell of new growth, cuts through the air. The ambient power is hard to detect but welcoming—a steady undercurrent of mana that fills the air and makes each breath feel richer. The power wraps around Rin and Ratio like a well-worn coat as they cross over the threshold themselves, easing the ache of their short trip.
Behind them, the barrier flows back into shape and invisibly begins to separate the space inside from the outside once more. Welcome to the forge, Doctor.
Muramasa hefts the bundle of rebar up higher on his shoulder as he finally turns to the two Masters, and reaches out to take the small toolbox back from Rin. ]
Here you go. [ Um... ] I'll tell Okkotsu to stay home or take the afternoon off or something, so you'll have the place to yourselves. If you wanna draw a circle, Tohsaka, you'll have to use a blade, but anything else, you can go nuts. Just don't break anything.
[ Because like... there's no way his knowledge is actually going to be useful here, right? This is nerd time. ]
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