//TESTDRIVE.EXE

[reparator]

"I'm the reason half of you are drunk at the moment." (CEO-SAN, NO...) "I'm the reason half of you are drunk at the moment." (CEO-SAN, NO...)

//TESTDRIVE.EXE The lights flicker overhead, music blaring from the speakers as you step inside, every sound drowned out except for that hypnotic tune. The walls are painted in an array of hypnotic colors, saturated to the point where your attention doesn't know where to land, and all kinds of screens hang from each corner, showing flashing images of ads, gadget after gadget appearing in a second to show you the best of what Ceres has to offer. Dancing bodies flank each side of the large ballroom, bodies with eyes that look hollow and their faces too symmetrical. They'll occasionally glance at you and smile, maybe even engage and offer to take you to one of the private rooms in the back. However, their words are interrupted when the lights suddenly turn brighter and focus on the center where a raised platform sits. A man appears in the center, one hand raised to silence the music while the other holds a microphone. "It's been some time, hasn't it? As you may or may not know, I am the CEO and founder of CERES, Julius Vincere, and you can say, I'm the reason half of you are drunk at the moment." He chuckles lightly before continuing, "For a second there, I was worried we wouldn't make it, but I placed my confidence in all of you. I knew you'd surpass my expectations when I first brought you here, and you were able to utilize our tools to perfection. As you may have suspected by the gallons of champagne being passed around at my behest-" He pauses to reach out for a glass, snatching it from one of the wait staff passing by before raising it to the crowd. "We've finally obtained our first victory here on Cerealia. The colony is ours completely and will be fully functional from this day forward. Please enjoy all the luxurious amenities we have put together, and join me in journeying towards a new and better future. Together, we will expand our territory here and reach even further horizons. And by all means, don't be shy with the staff. They're also here for your entertainment." He gestures around the room, smiling before taking a sip of his champagne. Applause echoes from the crowd while Julius steps off the stage, handing the mic to one of the staff before pausing for pictures and interviews from reporters. You stand in the crowd as the lights dim once more, lost in a sea of people and wondering where to go next.

//SCENARIOS.EXE PHASE I [ 1801 ] The screens lining the walls inside even extend into the bathrooms and the back rooms, playing commercial after commercial, all CERES themed, as you mingle with the other guests, but occasionally, the image transforms into a flash of something else. It appears for a split-second. There's the face of a woman, lips parted in a soundless cry. She looks to be in pain, fingers pressed to the screen. It's so quick that most don't register it, barely even notice it's there unless they focus. The party continues without incident, otherwise. Because it's a pretty damn good party, isn't it? There's plenty of food, strong drinks - hey, no one under seventeen is allowed to drink - and many decorative people. Just ignore that feeling of being watched! You're just so good looking, after all. PHASE II [ ???? ] A room sits in the back with several helmets characters can wear to upload themselves into ViViD, a state of the art virtual reality game, and enter one of the game stages to participate in a team mission. They can sample a few minutes of gameplay as they enter a short battle with one of the NPC creatures. They'll quickly become familiar with the state-of-the-art technology as all pain and wounds experienced inside will feel real and will appear on each character's body. But what an awesome game it is. With amazing digital quality surround, it's a world like none other... but be careful not to fall too fast! (Those monsters even smell real, don't they?) Feel free to talk to Vidia, the game host, if you need help getting things going! PHASE III [ 2134 ] The evening is wearing on, the dance floor is becoming more crowded. The music seems oppressive by now. People are feeling charged with adrenaline, or feeling the intensity rise in the mood. Maybe a new partner is the right choice to go with- or maybe you can talk to a wallflower. But one thing is for certain... The loud vibrations disguise the fact that something is moving over the vents. You can hear it in the background, the rustling sound that agitates your ears. But hey, maybe it's nothing, right? After all, it's just a party... Maybe you'll want to go into the back rooms for a bit to... explore your new friends? The rooms (and your companions) are quite pretty and cozy, and can be adjusted with holograms to create a room for your desired mood. After all, it's a little too noisy when you're not alone, but the sudden silence might get oppressive too... [ Feel free to get intimate or just get out of the party and sleep off the drinks, but remember, anything above PG stuff must go into your own journals and under NO circumstances will unwanted propositioning be allowed or any non-consensual activity lest you want to be locked in a cold box on top of a huge ice cube for the rest of the night. Naked. Please use your own discretion, the minimum age for intimacy is 15-16. ] PHASE IV [ 0243 ] In the quieter corners of the party, it becomes more ever-present until something falls on your eye. It's red. Warm... As you gaze up, you see a dead body faced down, the half-sliced face lying against the ventilation screen. The body's eyes remain open, staring down at you. Screams and sounds of shock sound, and the party halts. As the security filters in to investigate the body, the rustling only grows louder. It's then that they suspect something is in the vents. It's crawling avidly across the ceiling, and lights fall one by one, exploding against the ground. There's barely a moment to register the chaos before the last knight of CERES appears. You can choose to run. You can choose to engage. The knight won't let you leave its sight alive. But you know you have to do something. Be it protecting the innocents there, or fighting off the creature that seems to only be there to harm you and your friends, old and new. And you do want to protect this place, because it's just been won... don't you? BONUS [ whyo'clock ] There's a ball pit hidden in one of the auxiliary rooms. All invited parties are given a maximum of one hour to have fun time in the ball pit. They must not exceed their one hour or they will be forcibly removed by the security droids. Please keep all food and alcohol out of the ball pit. Do not have any genital parties in the ball pit. The ball pit is sacred to CERES. [ The party will be long, so take your time enjoying each scenario... and dreading it. At the end of it all, things will be calmed down and you're free to enjoy the night as you please. Remember to keep things PG (the FAQ below elaborates!), and absolutely no forcing any R-rated things with anyone below 15-16 (so be sure to ask their age, right?) or the droids will have a little fun chasing you around! Do enjoy the pretty views of the gorgeous digital city though. Which seems strangely quiet, but at this late hour, why not, right? ]

//RUN.EXE Welcome to CEREALIA's first test drive! Please forgive our appearance as we are going through the final stages game completion. While most pages are under development and/or hidden from the public eye, please don't feel discouraged, since knowing everything doesn't always make the experience. Your characters will know as little as you. For your convenience, we have compiled a mini-FAQ - please read it thoroughly before playing. Thank you! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW DID MY CHARACTER GET HERE? You may have been just been doing their day-to-day activities - be it swimming or fighting demons - but the next moment, a crack and blinding light - now you're here, in your best attire, celebrating. The memories of your at-home activities fade away like a fleeting dream, and it's replaced with the feeling of happiness. ( You haven't forgotten your past, just that anything you were doing seems far too distant to be important. ) Must be something in the air. You can't remember clearly fighting for CERES, and whatever this Julius Vincere is telling you might be complete bullshit for all you know, but something influences you to play along anyway - if you think about it long enough, perhaps you had fought for CERES after all...? WHO/WHAT IS CERES? WHAT IS CEREALIA? You mean... you don't remember? After all the help you gave it? WHAT FORMAT CAN WE USE FOR THIS TESTDRIVE? Action (brackets/prose), video/voice, and texting are all available via your CEREVICE at this moment. Most functions are currently undergoing a system update, but as long as it is still connected to the Auralia Network, it will be available for communicative uses. WHAT IS ViVID? An amazing VR game! The demo version of ViViD will be here to play, aren't you excited? It's played with headsets that immediately allow you to experience full-body simulation, without having to move out of your seat! You can enjoy the demo world, design your own, play alone, play with a team, but remember, the boss must be beaten! Please check the phase ii thread for details and interactions! SO... PHASE III? Sexy things can happen, you're getting hot and heavy on the dance floor, and there are rooms in the back that can be decorated to your mood, after all. REMEMBER, the age of consent is 15-16, please use your own discretion and don't upset people. For the test drive, any situation that goes above PG (beyond kissing/grinding/light making out... We're lenient) must go into threads in your own journals. Any creeper behavior or unwanted advances will get an IC boot into the Frozen Locker with "Let it Go" on repeat. POWER LIMITATIONS? Actually, no, the characters don't have any of their abilities locked or otherwise suppressed. More info will be i the official FAQ, but so long as you don't destroy the entire game ( and we trust you can use your powers responsibly— as does CERES! ), limitations are nonexistent. OKAY, WHAT ABOUT PREVIOUS GAME MEMORIES? It's completely acceptable to bring a character that has been in a previous game to Cerealia! THE NAME LOOKS FAMILIAR. . . Yes, a loosely related setting concept with a place called CEREALIA was pitched for an ExitVoid phase before the moderators decided to close the game for good. A few of us got together with the original pitchers of the idea since we thought it really awesome and with a lot of potential and decided to try our own thing with it! ARE THE GAMES RELATED? Nope. Not at all, it's been rehashed from the ground up and built to stand on its own as an original place and game. We'll keep coming back to this, so don't worry.

Comments

Julius Vincere | Your Neighborhood CEO and the head of CERES | Phase I

[messor]

[ The night is young, and faces are scattered throughout the crowd, those he'd hand-selected -some his men recommended. He can't help but match them to the intriguing profiles he read through, their histories playing out like a narrative as he shakes hands, spreads smiles, and lets his touch linger. There isn't one he doesn't find suitable to make his vision for CERES come true, and he's eager to get to know these men and women on a personal level after all the trouble it took to bring them this far.

There's a certain swell of excitement being caught in the middle of all these bodies, but even so, something continues to flicker in the corner of his eye. It's faint, too brief to catch. Yet, he sees it, a remnant of his nightmares, perhaps... Who can say?

If he's bothered, he disguises it with a drink because he doesn't like to dwell. His mind is always moving forward, obsessed with progress. Obsessed with the next level of evolution. The future will begin at this crossroad, finally witnessing the stage he'll command, but there's another hint of something.

A soft-whispered voice near his ear, too faint again for him to solidify in his thoughts. Maybe it's his imagination by this point, nothing to fixate over because there are those who need to be greeted. His hand is out, waiting to shake the hand of the one he owes their current success to. ]

Allow me to extend my gratitude to you. You were really impressive out there. I could say you took my breath away.

[ He smiles, still waiting for the offered hand to be taken. ]

What was your name again?

[corvis]

[ He's still going to be waiting for his hand to be taken as Gil stares at it and slowly glances between the man's face and hand. ]

...I'm pretty sure I never gave you a name in the first place.

[ color him crazy, but he's suspicious of everyone and everything. He's looking for some people—two people, actually, and this is how it goes until he finds them. everyone's the enemy, nothing is anything but dangerous, and he's definitely not going to get friendly with the host of this party who is complimenting for things he doesn't even remember doing. for all he knows, 'impressive' could be this guy's way of saying 'pathetic' or something along that train of thought. ]

[messor]

[ Such an angry one. He should have expected some would be annoyed with the task set upon them, but it's still a little disappointing. He would have liked for the new inhabitants to take some pride in the world they'll construct together. Is it so impossible to accept this as a second home? Maybe a little more exposure to this land and its many facets will give him a different perspective.

If anything, they might be able to meet one another half way soon enough. ]

My mistake. Perhaps, you can give it to me now. I invited here to thank you personally, and it just feels a bit cold if I don't know who the man I'm speaking to.

[ He grabs another bottle of champagne as the wait staff passes by, and he holds it out to the young man, currently glaring at him. He can't say he's surprised, but he also isn't intimidated. Behinds those eyes must lie an interesting tale. ]

Perhaps, a drink might help if you're feeling nervous. I assure you I'm not here to put you on the spot.

[cushionabuse]

[He doesn't acknowledge that the hand is there. Not out of snubbing - the address at all reeled him out of left-field, and, well, he can't see it.

Instead he grins - brightly as he can - and brings his hand behind his back - missing as little of a beat as possible...]

I tend to go by Snake. You flatter me, Mr. Vincere!

[Their... host, is he?

He's been in scenarios somewhat like this before. If nothing else, he knows - or thinks he knows - the feeling of "how did I get here". He could be in trouble, or this could be strictly be He'll just... see how subtly he can play a few cards.]

I hadn't any idea I'd made such an impression, assuming you don't have me confused with another man.

[messor]

[ He takes no offense to being denied a hand. It might not be customary in all worlds, after all. Instead, he smooths out his tie and inclines his head in interest. This man certainly does have an intriguing appearance, and one that is more memorable than he thinks. It would take but a moment to look him up, but he refrains. Now isn't the time, and there are things he can learn through organic interactions that would be more beneficial than what he can read on a screen. ]

I only give you the praise you rightfully deserve. Please accept it and enjoy yourself. Have you spoken with any of the young faces looking at your way? It seems my attention isn't the only that has been stolen.

[ He gestures to the young bodies, moving gently to the music, gazes following the two of them. A bold one gestures with her finger, and he wonders if this man will fall prey to the temptation or if he even cares. It's interesting to see how people interact and behave when placed in a compromising position.

The choices they make always captivate Julius in many ways. ]

They're all personal guests I invited to meet those who've completed the recent mission here. Consider it part of your reward.

[mermaiding]

[She's long kicked off her heels (she hated shoes, what had possessed her to think putting them on was a good idea to begin with? Why couldn't she seem to care?) and abandoned them to some corner, but she sort of misses the confidence the height would have brought her.

Really Oona would have been content to stay away from everyone else, but this Julius human had apparently sought her out. She had half a mind to deliberately snub him, to sneer and turn her nose up, but there was a hazy feeling of content she couldn't fight past.

So she takes his hand warily, not even sure what the gesture is supposed to be.] Thank... you? [Impressive where? She wants to ask, but he's already moving on.]

Too long to pronounce by your kind. Just say Oona. Easier. [Oona nods to him] Julius, yes? You say strange things.

[messor]

Oona. What a beautiful sound your voice makes drawing out those vowels. I like the exotic quality to it.

[ It helps that she has such a fair face and bright, lively eyes. He could find himself easily enchanted by them, but that's not his purpose here this evening. He certainly wouldn't wish to put her on her guard before him. He's hoping in time they'll come to trust one another deeply.

The hand in his is gently turned up so he can kiss the back of it while bowing dramatically. It gets quite a bit of attention, but he doesn't mind. He can tell she's displeased about present circumstances, and he's aiming to put her at ease. ]

You are not the first if you have the words 'mad man' lingering on your tongue. I've been called many things, but I personally consider myself a visionary.

[ Most visionaries are thought to possess some form of insanity, but he relishes the eccentricities of his mind. They give him enough confidence to build and create and not to be lead away by casual fear. ]

[mermaiding]

[Oona blinks in surprise, watching him with a baffled expression. What was he-- Oh. His mouth touches her hand and she feels her face instantly heat up in a mix of embarrassment and surprise. The fact that other people have turned their eyes on them means little to her.

She chalks it up to more human customs she can't quite understand. In her mermaid form, her fangs were too large and sharp to even dream of getting close to another merperson's mouth, but the act of kissing was an oft-observed one between humans.]

Why all this? [She gestures with her free hand. The party, whatever he was giving his speech about, she means it all.] And why am I here? [She speaks the last question slower, more deliberately, so that she can get all the words out and form a proper sentence. Unlike her usual approach to language-- too many words for her taste,she can get by saying what she needs with much fewer-- this is important and Oona doesn't care for a misunderstanding]

[messor]

[ That those are her first questions isn't much of a surprise. He was anticipating that that's what everyone wants to ask and what they'd approach him with. It would be unwise of them to ignore the obvious. They're not home, but they clearly don't belong here, either. They bear every single desire to return, but if it were that simple, they would be home already. ]

The party is simply a reward. My reward for your assistance and those of the rest of your allies here. I thought it would be a nice gesture to give you a taste of this world you and I built together.

[ It's still beginning, on the verge of emergence as it grows with each new pulse of life from those who arrive. It will be something beautiful and awe-inspiring one day, a veritable empire that would attract visitors from all kinds of lands. ]

And you're here because I invited you, or do you always come to parties uninvited?

[pure_confidence]

[ Peggy held her ground for a moment, taking in the measure of the man she had pledged her gun to for the duration of her stay in the colony and after a moment, she took his hand, her grandmother's upbringing reminding her that making a man wait was impolite. ]

Peggy Carter, Mr. Vincere. And I simply did what had to be done. Surely you expected no less of the men and women you hire, I would hope.

[ although what was it? She couldn't quite remember. Was it the champagne? But she had only had one glass... ]

[messor]

Of course not. I knew if set to the task, you and your comrades would rise to the occasion. What we faced was bigger than anything I'd ever encountered in my travels... a force unimaginable. Think of what would have become of everything if it had left this planet or had found some way to visit other worlds.

[ One by one, they'd be devoured completely, and there would be nothing to stop it. It's not a fate he's ready for and not one he'd subject all these people to. He fears for them and what could commence if they don't exercise control over those who would seek to stall or stop their progress.

This woman in particular holds a strength that this handshake alone can't convey. It's trapped behind her eyes at the moment, a silent power that could govern even him, and he can't say it isn't alluring as they dance around one another. She must have questions, but what can he answer at this given moment? He has questions himself. ]

But there is no need to worry now. The threat has been taken care of, so you can say it's a good time to relax.

[pure_confidence]

That's a thought I'd much rather not dwell on if I can.

[ Although she had and did quite frequently, worrying for the friends and family she had left back home, assuming they even lived at all still. She's read Mr. Einstein's work after all. But she took in a breath and kept her smile in place as she let go of her employer's hand and stepped back a step. This was business after all. ]

However, doing so would of course serve no purpose. If you have plans to continue researching the threat, I would be happy to offer my services. One can never be too prepared, in case the enemy chooses to rise again someday.

[ But let's hope she does a better job this time of it then she did in canon. Peggy's only saving grace is that she's too far gone now to know how insidious Hydra truly was in SHIELD. ]

[messor]

How helpful of you. I won't turn down such generosity, especially when we can use all the extra hands we can get. As useful as our own staff is here, a good lot of them are inorganic as you can see.

[ He gestures to the small droids absently cleaning up the mess on the floor before sliding his hand to some of the servers, letting her guess which ones aren't real and which ones are. It would be too easy for him to merely point it all out to her, especially when it's an indication of their technology to show her how well they can mock reality.

But nothing can ever overpower the minds of humans, the set of synapses that respond to outside stimuli in a myriad of unpredictable ways. There is beauty to the lack of rationale behind the human mind, though he's studied it well in all its incarnations. ]

May I ask what your specialties are? We would like to utilize you to the best of your abilities rather than have you do something you are terribly suited for.

[insitor]

[ Really boss? Really? His ears and tail would be all a'twitchin' if they weren't so nicely concealed. He knows when to enjoy the perks of having them seen. For now, though, he watches him as he interacts, waiting until he has a breather (and an empty glass) before he easily, and swiftly, replaces it with a full one. ]

Not like you to be careless, Boss. If you're gonna go losing your breath over some no-name sad sacks, there's gonna be others ready to take it for themselves.

[ A gesture to the holo-screens, where the face of the "woman" flickered. ]

Y'know that's just being a show-off, don't you?

[ Really, the victory, he can take, but the parading it around... well. Okay. He can take that too.

But seriously... he shouldn't have let those dumb programmer kids play around unsupervised. Now people are asking questions and seeing things! ]

[messor]

[ A single hand reaches out before dropping gently on Lucius' head to pet him. His palm moves along his hair in a placating manner, ruffling it in affection as he smiles at that cantankerous face Lucius always makes when he's annoyed. It's more adorable than he'll admit at the moment even if it's always amusing to rile him up, coupled with Lucius' little fangs that want to be drawn in the direction of the crowd, but Julius is unfazed by it. What doesn't annoy this young man lately? ]

Please calm down. There's no need to be jealous. Your service to me is always equally commendable.

[ His hand slides down from Lucius' hair to his face, cupping around the length of his cheek as his thumb stretches out to push up against his bottom lip. He pushes it in between his lips just to feel the tips of Lucius' fangs prick his finger lightly while Julius holds his own smile in place. ]

It would be impolite not to greet them and welcome them properly. You could do with a bit of a smile yourself. I wouldn't want you to sour the atmosphere.

[ His hands shift positions, both index fingers suddenly poking the patches of skin on the corner of Lucius' mouth before forcing them upwards and making him smile. ]

Now, isn't that much better? It isn't that difficult, is it? Show the world your smile, and the world will smile back.

[insitor]

[ This isn't fair at all. Damn it, he can't give in, not this easily, not-

Oh, purr boss. He both loves and hates him so much in that moment, but being the normally good-humored mercenary that he is, it's really all it takes for him to pay attention to that smooth drawl of his voice that he enjoys a little too much when it's not behaving as nicely as it is now. Then again, who else but him is so in tune with each inflection that he doesn't need to outright say much at all to get hi message across? It's something a poor, certain someone learned the hard way.

Then again, not everyone can be him.

He should be a little more grumpier. But his words only make a little chuckle escape him. ]

Whaddya mean I could do with a smile, I've been smiling since this whole thing start- ackkk!

[ The fingers aren't entirely unexpected but the gesture is surprising when it's right in the middle of his absolutely valid commentary here- and for a moment, he shoots Julius a nasty look before bringing his front teeth down on one finger immediately, a warning that the next time he does that, it might be a fang.

In places he can't hide under his collar. There's a playful glint in his eye as he tips his head back and stares up cockily at him. ]

Still doesn't change the fact that your programmer messed up. People are asking about a woman in the ads they can't see again. Ain't that a hoot, boss?

[ Come on, tell him to go mess them up, he knows he loves it when it's an official order! And those nerd princesses deserve it, too. ]

[envisaged]

[ She stares at the man for only a second longer than she should, attempting to process when and where she met him exactly. Other than the first encounter, albeit it being superficial, moments earlier.

She remembers she didn't like whatever device he was holding to amplify his voice, it irked her a little too much for her sensitive hearing. ]

Thank you. [ Some part of her thinks it's only natural, to help guide humans is a duty for an Intoner like herself. Even if she has no real recollection of this battle, none that directly comes to mind. Regardless, she takes his hand with her gloved one, looking up at him as she speaks. ] I am One.

Julius Vincere, there is information I seek. [ One that, at the moment, she can't necessarily find. So she decides to take the opportunity to ask him while the chance presents itself. ] If you would not mind...

[messor]

[ One among the many curious. He's not surprised that would be her first concern. In fact, he's more surprised not everyone has approached him directly, demanding knowledge of all, though he's but a man unfortunately. What he knows may not be what they wish to hear, and what he doesn't know is something they'll have to discover together. ]

I'm willing to oblige you. It's only fair after all you've done. I want to make certain our motives run down the same path.

[ And should they split up somewhere down the line... that would be unfortunate. More for her than himself, but he thinks they can mutually agree that it's not the time for either of them to die. In that regard, they must be on the same page. ]

Please go ahead. You have my ears, Miss One.

[ He grants her his full attention, waiting to hear the first question that would be on her tongue. ]

[envisaged]

I agree. [ That's one of the things most important to her, other than having her questions answered. She's sure if she's allied herself with CERES, there's good reason. She wouldn't fight for a cause if she didn't believe herself to be right, after all. But she imagines that's the case for everything, why else would you fight if you didn't think yourself right, after all?

She draws her hand back to her side, adjusting the glove. ]

This city, Cerealia, is something I'm not heavily familiar with. I know my lands very well, yet I have trouble recollecting anything about this colony you speak of. Julius, you mentioned earlier having brought us here. For what purpose did you need to recruit so many people, and why did you select us?

[qabil]

[Naoya studies the other man carefully, before he gives a polite smile and hold out his hand to take Julius's. There are a number of uncertain factors he need to clarify for himself. Being nice to his apparent...boss might yield some benefits, and information, for himself.

He'll play along.]

I only did what I have to, Mr Vincere. [Even if he have no such recollection of this battle they're celebrating. Which, by itself, is extremely alarming for Naoya.] My name is Naoya.

[messor]

It is pleasure to meet you, Naoya. Not everyone has been quite as congenial, but I understand their misgivings. Things have been a little shaky to say the least ...in building this land. In keeping the colony safe.

[ He's been on a quest to stabilize it as much as possible, and he's confident that they can complete their dominion over the new territory. It would be safer this way.

He takes a long sip from his glass as he studies this man, wondering if he's really accepted the circumstances so quickly. ]

Have you been enjoying your evening thus far? I haven't seen you speak with my special guests. Don't tell me they intimidate you.

[ His eyes glance over at the dancers as they wave to them, and he eagerly waves back. ]

They're good friends of mine, and they seem to have a taste for exotic young men.

[qabil]

[He casually glances over at the dancers as well, making no move to wave back like Julius did.]

I'm enjoying myself, but I admit this can be a bit much for me. [He can handle parties, it just depends on his general mood and other certain factors. He shakes his head, mainly at the topic about the female dancers.]

And no, your friends didn't. I simply haven't decide if I should approach them or not.

[At least not yet, for the small chance they may yield some information. If they're good friends of Julius Vincere, would they know anything? On the other hand, they're just as likely to be remain unaware or ignorant of sensitive information. If he had known earlier, he would talked to them earlier.]

For all I know, they might be too busy for a chat.

[virginous]

[ Despite having no recollection of this battle Julius speaks of, Four doesn't bother to dwell into questioning that bothersome itch in the back of her head. Even if her mind desperately desires confirmation and answers, Four's own selfishness overwhelms her. Besides, why rush the man who was praising her with a barrage of questions? ]

Thank you so much! [ She's unable to contain the childish tone in her voice, the corners of her mouth immediately tugging into a smile as she took his hand in hers before she shakes it. ] I'm sure it was a lot of work for all of us, but we made it.

[ As an Intoner it's her responsibility to fight for the greater good, and it seems like she's done just that with how this man is speaking. Which is probably why she gives herself a mental pat in the back. ]

Four, sir, my name is Four. It's a pleasure... and I'm glad to be able to celebrate such a victory.

[messor]

Such a beautiful face I've met with. I wonder if you have any relation to One. The names do seem to match up a bit.

[ Of course, it could be pure coincidence. Who knows how many worlds follow that kind of naming policy, but it is interesting. The fact that numerals sit on her forehead is also a bit of a coincidence, and he smiles as he studies the rest of her form. There is an assurance there that's intriguing but also something distant and impenetrable. He wonders what kind of questions she'd ask or if she'd ask any at all. She must have plenty by now, which seems to be common among those brought here.

He's all too willing to assist in what manner he can, but much like those brought here, he doesn't have all the answers himself. There is much he wishes to learn, and continued exploration would reveal it all in time. ]

Regardless, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope you're having a good time being met with our colony's fine luxuries. Have you had much chance to see it all, yet?

[virginous]

[ She looks a tad surprise by his comment, feeling her cheeks turn a light shade of pink in response before she can find the words to response. ]

Beautiful? I'm, uh... thank you. [ It's so odd for her to hear that sort of compliment from someone, especially when she was so used to someone saying something like that to her sisters rather than her. ] Have you met One nee-sama? She's my elder sister!

[ There's only one One that comes to mind, after all. ]

The pleasure is all mine, really. [ She can feel herself calm down after his comment, taking back her hand with a short laugh. ] Mm! It's been so long since I've been to a party... but I've never been to one like this. It's quite fascinating.

[ Even if she wishes that it wasn't so crowded. ]

All of it? Is there more?