[Video]

[jonathandammit]

[Well, this is certainly something he doesn't see every day. He didn't expect the portal to the demon world to bring him to a place that looks as civilized as this. Not that he was complaining. First order of business, though- he figured out how to use this eventually, with experience involving the Gauntlet. Besides the odd vision and subsequent deportment...]

Good day. [He's talking to humans, hopefully.] I have a favor to ask. If anyone sees or has heard any word from two persons named Flynn and Walter, could you tell me? Even better if you can inform me of their whereabouts.

I would greatly appreciate if someone could tell me what this place is about, as well, but I understand if that's too much trouble. [Pause.] Is this part of the demon world?

Comments

[terminally_clever]

...Beneath?

[That bears further explanation.]

[jonathandammit]

From what I understand... around 1500 years ago for the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado, and supposedly only 25 years for the natives of Tokyo, a ceiling appeared above the entire city. On this ceiling, the Eastern Kingdom of Mikado, my home, formed.

At least, the books I've read say so. Tokyo in my world is overrun by demons, which, according to them, appeared just before the ceiling did.

[terminally_clever]

Interesting. So the appearance of the demons was linked to the formation of the ceiling, then?

[jonathandammit]

Most likely. I didn't have much time to look into it myself, though, since I was in Tokyo for a specific purpose... and I was willed away right after accomplishing it.

[and also getting demon portal'd but]

[terminally_clever]

Well, your Tokyo is assuredly not the same one from my own world, at the very least. Demons have existed in the world I come from for quite some time, though they haven't been public knowledge until very recently.

[jonathandammit]

I see... out of curiosity, how is your world like?

[terminally_clever]

It's a meritocracy. A world where only one's performance as an individual will prove their worth as a member of society. Those with the most power and influence rise to the top.

[...sigh]

I do miss it.

[jonathandammit]

[Meritocracy... sounds good, better than the black-white categorization of Luxurors and Casualries. But does everyone start off on equal footing? A bit too similar to what a certain someone is saying, too.] Is your world a peaceful one? And does everyone start off equal?

[He shouldn't be so interested in this, anyway.] Is this place different from that system?

[terminally_clever]

I wouldn't exactly call it peaceful. In a society like that, there is necessarily constant competition and jockeying for power and position. The strong thrive, obviously, but once that strength wears out, others will rise up to take their place. It's all rather cutthroat, but from a certain perspective, it's very fair. For example, wealth and breeding don't mean a thing if you don't possess the ability to back it up.

This place is different. It's much closer to a standard democracy, with public safety and the general welfare provided for by the government.

[jonathandammit]

...I'd think I prefer this place, then. A system like that does sound fair ability-wise, but what about those who don't have ability that's recognized? Or simply don't have it?

[terminally_clever]

In a world of individual merit, those without ability are not needed.

[That's probably the most succinct way of putting it.]

[jonathandammit]

[Well, she certainly succeeds in making Jonathan angry pretty quickly. He's trying not to show it, though, and returns to reply a while later.]

How can you say that? Humans can't be evaluated like objects! What about the disabled? Or those who excel in kindness above ability?

[terminally_clever]

Unproductive individuals lead to an unproductive society. Fostering a spirit of competition is what will drive humanity's development forward. If we focus all our efforts on lifting up those who can't do it themselves, we consume resources that could be spent elsewhere.

[jonathandammit]

I hardly believe productivity is worth more than the well-being of others.

A society like such may be more advanced, but in no ways better if it doesn't even take care of its own citizens.

[terminally_clever]

Unfortunately, I don't have much of a basis for comparison. I was brought here shortly after that society was realized.

[jonathandammit]

Is a comparison even necessary?

[Okay, maybe he might've gotten a bit stern at that. Um.] ...Sorry. What you said... reminded me of something.

[terminally_clever]

In a discussion concerning which of two systems is superior? Of course.

[Fumi shakes her head.]

There's no need for an apology. I'm well aware that I'm in the minority of people who prefer such a setup.

[Her frown is quickly replaced with a small smirk, however.]

But you'll be happy to know I'm also a pragmatist at heart, and also well aware that failure to adapt to changing circumstances can quickly lead to one's downfall. In this place, your bonds with others quite literally translate into power. All of which is to say, I've learned to play nice with others.

[jonathandammit]

[That's a bit chilling. Is there more people like her, then? The moment the situation changes, she'll have no problem in abandoning the people who've she's only been with in order to help herself?

Not to mention he doesn't understand the whole Social Links thing yet.] That's...

I wish I could say that was comforting to hear. [Sigh.] Please do me a favor and don't falsify any 'bond' with me, or my friends if they arrive.

[terminally_clever]

[Oddly, she looks almost offended at that.]

There's no sense in falsifying something like that. The bonds I've made here are real - that much has been made painfully clear to me, I assure you.

[jonathandammit]

[There's an urge for him to just say Really? and be done with it, though.]

Well... that's good to hear. I hope for whoever considers you their friend that you're not lying.

[terminally_clever]

Believe me, they all know how I feel.

[urgh she's still embarrassed about that]

[jonathandammit]

[GOOD BE EMBARRASSED- what she said before is still lingering in his head, though.]

The way you say it makes it sound like a negative thing.

[terminally_clever]

I'm more used to having business associates than friends.

[jonathandammit]

...What did you do before you arrived here?

[terminally_clever]

Government research.