[There is another trap. Thankfully, this new trap doesn't involve any sharp objects. It's just a classic trap door. One that's too big for someone to easily try tapping the other side of the hole with a sword again, but it could be jumped over with a running start.
Miyako sighs.]
So they planned to drop anyone who tried to step over the first trap. This is quite annoying. We have no way to test the safety of what lies beyond the trapdoor.
[There is a brief moment of silent contemplation before she gives a grim smile.]
We can either spend time looking for something heavy and large enough to throw across the gap, or I could jump across it and hope that they had not installed another trap beyond the pit. [She glances at him.] Do you have any ideas?
[It's reckless, to jump over it and hope that there isn't a trap there, but on the other hand, they don't have the time to look for something to throw--especially considering the only thing around them that can even seem to be picked up is paper.
Paper's not going to cut it.
So after a moment, he shakes his head; her willingness to be bait isn't unappreciated, but it's largely unnecessary.]
I'll handle it. If there is another trap like the first you triggered, having a weapon will assist me in remaining unharmed.
[If it's another pit trap, he's screwed, but he'll wager on those odds, especially because it is just ViViD; penalty games suck, but it's not like they'll legitimately die here, even if things do get that bad. As far as he knows.
So after a moment, he backs up a few paces in order to take that jump; he possesses enough athletic ability to be able to land lightly and neatly and...
Nothing happens.
How anti-climactic. He snorts softly under his breath.]
It seems they do wish us to proceed after all. [Just under incredibly irritating circumstances.]
[Miyako'd be lying if she said she wasn't grateful for him taking the lead on this one, but she also can't help but to feel a tinge of annoyance. She's gotten a lot better about people disobeying her and risking their lives, but Sousei's the one with a weapon. Even with her own innate powers, having any sort of weapon or tool makes traversing the maze a lot easier.
She tamps down on that annoyance, though, and just sighs instead, shaking her head slightly at his words.]
That was quite reckless of you, but thank you for taking the lead. If they were too shortsighted to put another trap in after, then that is a boon for us we shall happily accept.
[She takes several steps back, mindful of the scalpels, and then leaps gracefully over the pitfall. Thank god for his labcoat.]
[He quirks an eyebrow vaguely at the scolding (is that a scolding? When was the last time he was scolded, even if mildly?) before he simply shakes his head. He'll let it go. It was reckless, after all, though he certainly knew what he was doing.]
Yes, let's continue. I'm tired of wasting time here.
[This is the most tedious level, and he wants to get out of here. He can only imagine that it's much worse for her, having none of her belongings on her.
A beat.]
I suppose at this point it would make sense to exchange names. [what are manners can you eat them.] My name is Abe no Sousei.
[She is scolding him. She can't let disobedience go without some kind of punishment.
But that name... Is that his actual name, or a title or pseudonym?]
I am Miyako Hotsuin. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier; that was unacceptable on my part. I am aware this is not the time, but I am intrigued by your family name. If it is all right with you, I would like to speak with you on that subject once we have left this maze.
[This is not the place to be having an in-depth conversation. Especially since that patient seems to have gotten closer...]
[He doesn't even sound surprised, which may give a hint towards it being his real name; he's used to people freezing when they hear it, or prying into things more, or trying to figure out if he's really related to that family (which, seeing as the answer is yes, he can't really blame them).
More importantly, as she noted herself: getting out of the maze. Thankfully, as he inspects the hallway, he nods to himself.]
I believe we're close enough now to be able to get the attention of that patient.
[And then make use of her plan, and have the patient trip all of those traps.]
[Miyako's taken notice of how calm and casual he's taking her request, which tells her that he's used to being asked about it, or that he's been expecting it. Either way, it's intriguing and more than worth looking into...later.
For now, she eyes the patient warily. It's close enough to attract the attention of, and while she's hoping the traps will take it out, they need to be prepared if the traps aren't enough.]
Yes. I shall see if I can attract its attention. I ask that you be prepared for battle against it, should the traps not stop it or not activate.
[It's almost laughable to assume he's not prepared for battle at practically all times, but he'll give her that she doesn't know him at all or has never seen him fight. Either way, his response is a simple nod, even as he rests his hand lightly on the hilt of his sword, entirely untense.]
I am prepared, yes. Enact your plan, and I shall make sure it does not cause any harm to us.
[He's either supremely confident or very unprepared. For her own sake, she'll hope it's the former.
She continues on the path, still careful for traps, but her movements are confident and unafraid. The point was to get seen; there was no reason to avoid detection.
Thankfully, it doesn't take long for the patient to notice her. It lets out an unearthly sound from its mouth, tentacles waving in the air from the force of its bellow. Miyako's already moved back by then, which is a good thing because the patient is moving very quickly for them. True to her expectations, it does set off a number of traps, but none of them are doing anything to slow it down as it draws near. It simply disregards any projectiles and jumps over the trapdoors.]
Sousei has the time to consider that the AI is a fucking cheater before he immediately is reacting. Honestly, he's so confident that he doesn't even bother to draw his sword; he uses the weapon, sheath and all, to immediately strike at the deranged patient.
Thankfully, despite his samurai-like appearance and general demeanor, Sousei is also a cheater--at least, in the midst of combat. His strike is aimed for the pressure point at the bse of the creature's jaw and neck, and with complete and utter precision, he strikes it.
Naturally, even a virtual monster crumples when it is suddenly lacking in the ability to move, hitting the ground with a rather pitiful twitch, and Sousei replaces his weapon with a sigh, inspecting their path. Well...at least the trapdoors are visible now.]
[She's impressed. No other way to describe it; his efficiency and skill in movement are plain to see, and combined with his previous behavior... She knows a master when she sees one.]
That was well done—your skill with your sword is genuine. I am most fortunate to have you accompany me.
[She gives him a pleased smile before turning to the path ahead, her expression turning serious once more. The trap doors and traps have been activated, but it'll be slow going for her. Bare feet don't do well with sharp implements, after all.]
The plan worked as I had hoped, but I am afraid it will take some time for me to proceed safely. The worst of what we have seen is over with; if you wish to go forth without me, I shall not be offended.
[It's funny--usually he's in her position. It's equally odd to be praised like that as though he's a soldier under her command, or something similarly; for a moment, he's not sure how to take it.
Ultimately, he less than gracefully takes it by not responding to it at all, ah...... what a rude loser (but really, it's just that he doesn't know how; it's a very strange experience for him).
Besides, the path is now open before them.]
I am not in the habit of abandoning tasks midway through. [He had said he'd protect her if she wanted him to.] Take what time you need, and we shall continue. This cannot take too much longer, if they truly wish for us to reach some sort of end.
[CERES wouldn't make it too nonsensical otherwise. Someone's gotta make it to the end, after all.
He will go first, however, just to be sure some strange traps weren't triggered by the patient...though it seems they were lucky and it got all of them. Good. He's Over It.]
[She's not even bothered by him not responding to her complement; he didn't seem like a person who cared for praise. She can relate. The most important thing was to see a thing done and stick to it until the end.
Which means that she shouldn't be as pleased as she is to hear that he'll stay, but she's had a very long day, and she just wants to get out.]
It seems that I continue to be in your debt. But, yes, let us go on. Hopefully this will be the final stretch.
[She follows him at her own pace, more concerned about stepping on needles and scalpels than any new traps. She's still distrustful of everything, but Sousei has at least proven himself dependable.
Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be much more of the maze. At the end of the path, there stands a single door. It's white, plain, and unassuming. That, of course, means she's skeptical of it.]
[Thank goodness for that. It's only sensible to be skeptical of it, of course; he can see it in her expression and her pause, and it causes Sousei's lips to quirk ever-so-slightly in amusement. Yeah, he knows. ViViD is ridiculous.
It doesn't stop him from striding forward to shove the door open, because a) he's an overconfident asshole, and b) he doubts there are more traps after everything, because that's not how ViViD levels tend to work.
The door opens, and the room inside seems pretty unassuming, aside from the scrap of paper on the desk; he arches an eyebrow vaguely, and sighs.]
So this is "the Truth" to CERES. I do not know why I am so surprised.
[She strides into the room after Sousei opens it, eyes on the scrap of paper.]
May I ask what you were expecting? A single piece of information may not be grand, but it may prove crucial.
[With that said, she picks it up the torn scrap and reads it aloud.]
It says, "to see CERES stock fall, and investors grow wary due to a few fools and their weaknesses." There is a signature there as well, from one Bellona Recreare. Does this mean anything to you?
[He doesn't know what he was expecting, honestly--this is about par for the course for them. At her question, though, he just crosses his arms simply.]
Bellona Recreare is CERES' current CEO, after the sudden murder of the previous CEO, Julius Vincere.
[As to the message...]
It appears to be a piece of a larger message, then.
Interesting. I see I shall have to educate myself on the history of CERES once we exit this place.
[She hands the scrap over to him to allow him to take a look at it as well.]
I can look around and see if we are able to find any other scraps, but I doubt we'll see results. The placement seems too premeditated to suggest any other clues.
I would suspect so, yes. [A quick sweep of his eyes around the room, and he shakes his head. He sees nothing and doubts they'll find anything....]
Regardless, it would appear we're able to leave now.
[He can access the ViViD menu again, and there's the log-out option, easy as can be. He hates this place. So needlessly complicated.
Either way, he's not going to wait for input before logging them out of the level; he knows that she's going to need a few moments to adjust to Cerealia proper. Especially when they end up smack dab in the middle of the Pleasure District. Thanks, Cerealia.]
[Thankfully for her, Miyako has her clothes and equipment with her when they logged out, or else the entire situation would have been even more awkward.
Not that it wasn't awkward enough. Miyako had never been anywhere remotely similar to the Pleasure District before, and while she knew that people partook in recreational sex and other such pleasures, it was a distant, abstract sort of acknowledgement. Being in the center of a place that specialized in it, well... She's doing a deer in headlights impression, let's put it that way.
The whip she's casually holding in one hand probably doesn't help much.]
......Ah. [Miyako's plan to preserving dignity: DON'T SAY ANYTHING.]
[Thank goodness for small favors. Sousei doesn't want to be escorting a half-clothed woman around the Pleasure District, that would just be weird and difficult to explain. Instead of bringing attention to her awkwardness (or his own, though it's better hidden), he just nods once.]
This way. This road will take us to the Residential District.
[Which is less ridiculously awkward than the Pleasure District.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Miyako sighs.]
So they planned to drop anyone who tried to step over the first trap. This is quite annoying. We have no way to test the safety of what lies beyond the trapdoor.
[There is a brief moment of silent contemplation before she gives a grim smile.]
We can either spend time looking for something heavy and large enough to throw across the gap, or I could jump across it and hope that they had not installed another trap beyond the pit. [She glances at him.] Do you have any ideas?
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Paper's not going to cut it.
So after a moment, he shakes his head; her willingness to be bait isn't unappreciated, but it's largely unnecessary.]
I'll handle it. If there is another trap like the first you triggered, having a weapon will assist me in remaining unharmed.
[If it's another pit trap, he's screwed, but he'll wager on those odds, especially because it is just ViViD; penalty games suck, but it's not like they'll legitimately die here, even if things do get that bad. As far as he knows.
So after a moment, he backs up a few paces in order to take that jump; he possesses enough athletic ability to be able to land lightly and neatly and...
Nothing happens.
How anti-climactic. He snorts softly under his breath.]
It seems they do wish us to proceed after all. [Just under incredibly irritating circumstances.]
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She tamps down on that annoyance, though, and just sighs instead, shaking her head slightly at his words.]
That was quite reckless of you, but thank you for taking the lead. If they were too shortsighted to put another trap in after, then that is a boon for us we shall happily accept.
[She takes several steps back, mindful of the scalpels, and then leaps gracefully over the pitfall.
Thank god for his labcoat.]Shall we move on?
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Yes, let's continue. I'm tired of wasting time here.
[This is the most tedious level, and he wants to get out of here. He can only imagine that it's much worse for her, having none of her belongings on her.
A beat.]
I suppose at this point it would make sense to exchange names. [what are manners can you eat them.] My name is Abe no Sousei.
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But that name... Is that his actual name, or a title or pseudonym?]
I am Miyako Hotsuin. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier; that was unacceptable on my part. I am aware this is not the time, but I am intrigued by your family name. If it is all right with you, I would like to speak with you on that subject once we have left this maze.
[This is not the place to be having an in-depth conversation. Especially since that patient seems to have gotten closer...]
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[He doesn't even sound surprised, which may give a hint towards it being his real name; he's used to people freezing when they hear it, or prying into things more, or trying to figure out if he's really related to that family (which, seeing as the answer is yes, he can't really blame them).
More importantly, as she noted herself: getting out of the maze. Thankfully, as he inspects the hallway, he nods to himself.]
I believe we're close enough now to be able to get the attention of that patient.
[And then make use of her plan, and have the patient trip all of those traps.]
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For now, she eyes the patient warily. It's close enough to attract the attention of, and while she's hoping the traps will take it out, they need to be prepared if the traps aren't enough.]
Yes. I shall see if I can attract its attention. I ask that you be prepared for battle against it, should the traps not stop it or not activate.
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I am prepared, yes. Enact your plan, and I shall make sure it does not cause any harm to us.
[He's confident enough in his skills at least.]
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She continues on the path, still careful for traps, but her movements are confident and unafraid. The point was to get seen; there was no reason to avoid detection.
Thankfully, it doesn't take long for the patient to notice her. It lets out an unearthly sound from its mouth, tentacles waving in the air from the force of its bellow. Miyako's already moved back by then, which is a good thing because the patient is moving very quickly for them. True to her expectations, it does set off a number of traps, but none of them are doing anything to slow it down as it draws near. It simply disregards any projectiles and jumps over the trapdoors.]
I am counting on you, Mr. Sousei!
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Sousei has the time to consider that the AI is a fucking cheater before he immediately is reacting. Honestly, he's so confident that he doesn't even bother to draw his sword; he uses the weapon, sheath and all, to immediately strike at the deranged patient.
Thankfully, despite his samurai-like appearance and general demeanor, Sousei is also a cheater--at least, in the midst of combat. His strike is aimed for the pressure point at the bse of the creature's jaw and neck, and with complete and utter precision, he strikes it.
Naturally, even a virtual monster crumples when it is suddenly lacking in the ability to move, hitting the ground with a rather pitiful twitch, and Sousei replaces his weapon with a sigh, inspecting their path. Well...at least the trapdoors are visible now.]
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That was well done—your skill with your sword is genuine. I am most fortunate to have you accompany me.
[She gives him a pleased smile before turning to the path ahead, her expression turning serious once more. The trap doors and traps have been activated, but it'll be slow going for her. Bare feet don't do well with sharp implements, after all.]
The plan worked as I had hoped, but I am afraid it will take some time for me to proceed safely. The worst of what we have seen is over with; if you wish to go forth without me, I shall not be offended.
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Ultimately, he less than gracefully takes it by not responding to it at all, ah...... what a rude loser (but really, it's just that he doesn't know how; it's a very strange experience for him).
Besides, the path is now open before them.]
I am not in the habit of abandoning tasks midway through. [He had said he'd protect her if she wanted him to.] Take what time you need, and we shall continue. This cannot take too much longer, if they truly wish for us to reach some sort of end.
[CERES wouldn't make it too nonsensical otherwise. Someone's gotta make it to the end, after all.
He will go first, however, just to be sure some strange traps weren't triggered by the patient...though it seems they were lucky and it got all of them. Good. He's Over It.]
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Which means that she shouldn't be as pleased as she is to hear that he'll stay, but she's had a very long day, and she just wants to get out.]
It seems that I continue to be in your debt. But, yes, let us go on. Hopefully this will be the final stretch.
[She follows him at her own pace, more concerned about stepping on needles and scalpels than any new traps. She's still distrustful of everything, but Sousei has at least proven himself dependable.
Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be much more of the maze. At the end of the path, there stands a single door. It's white, plain, and unassuming. That, of course, means she's skeptical of it.]
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It doesn't stop him from striding forward to shove the door open, because a) he's an overconfident asshole, and b) he doubts there are more traps after everything, because that's not how ViViD levels tend to work.
The door opens, and the room inside seems pretty unassuming, aside from the scrap of paper on the desk; he arches an eyebrow vaguely, and sighs.]
So this is "the Truth" to CERES. I do not know why I am so surprised.
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May I ask what you were expecting? A single piece of information may not be grand, but it may prove crucial.
[With that said, she picks it up the torn scrap and reads it aloud.]
It says, "to see CERES stock fall, and investors grow wary due to a few fools and their weaknesses." There is a signature there as well, from one Bellona Recreare. Does this mean anything to you?
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Bellona Recreare is CERES' current CEO, after the sudden murder of the previous CEO, Julius Vincere.
[As to the message...]
It appears to be a piece of a larger message, then.
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[She hands the scrap over to him to allow him to take a look at it as well.]
I can look around and see if we are able to find any other scraps, but I doubt we'll see results. The placement seems too premeditated to suggest any other clues.
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Regardless, it would appear we're able to leave now.
[He can access the ViViD menu again, and there's the log-out option, easy as can be. He hates this place. So needlessly complicated.
Either way, he's not going to wait for input before logging them out of the level; he knows that she's going to need a few moments to adjust to Cerealia proper. Especially when they end up smack dab in the middle of the Pleasure District. Thanks, Cerealia.]
Ah... how troublesome.
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Not that it wasn't awkward enough. Miyako had never been anywhere remotely similar to the Pleasure District before, and while she knew that people partook in recreational sex and other such pleasures, it was a distant, abstract sort of acknowledgement. Being in the center of a place that specialized in it, well... She's doing a deer in headlights impression, let's put it that way.
The whip she's casually holding in one hand probably doesn't help much.]
......Ah. [Miyako's plan to preserving dignity: DON'T SAY ANYTHING.]
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This way. This road will take us to the Residential District.
[Which is less ridiculously awkward than the Pleasure District.]