[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]

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.

[jonathandammit]

Really? I didn't think you would work at a Monastery.

[jonathan no]

[terminally_clever]

...A what.

[jonathandammit]

...

I assume your definition of 'government research' is different?

[terminally_clever]

Very, from the sounds of it.

[jonathandammit]

...Nevermind. Pardon me for assuming.

Though, what does that entail in your world?

[terminally_clever]

In my case, it involves computers.

[jonathandammit]

Computers?

[You know! Those mystic relics! The thing you're kinda using right now!] Did you help make new devices?

[terminally_clever]

That was more of a side project of mine, but yes, I did eventually succeed in that as well.

[jonathandammit]

Really? What did you manage to make?

[terminally_clever]

A device capable of simultaneously monitoring and reporting all of a subject's vital signs in real time. With some assistance from one of my... friends here in the city, it has recently been miniaturized and can now be worn on the wrist.

[jonathandammit]

That sounds impressive. How did you manage that? I'm not very knowledgeable with mechanics, myself...

[terminally_clever]

Plenty of blood, sweat, and elbow grease, as they say.