[Video]

[dyingsun]

[The first thing someone might notice about this new face on the network is that he's very thin and weak-looking. Almost lifeless.]

This isn't the afterlife, is it?

[Perhaps literally. He hesitates, thinking of saying more before deciding to end the message there.]

Comments

[perfectlybeloved]

That would be remarkably unfortunate! It's a very unpleasant place.

[dyingsun]

Is it? The afterlife is not always said to be pleasant either.

[perfectlybeloved]

True, that is certainly true. The particular horror of this place is being the playthings of the Rulers.

[dyingsun]

How cruel are our rulers?

[perfectlybeloved]

We're the pawns in their story. To be toyed with, as things.

[dyingsun]

Can we fight against it?

[perfectlybeloved]

Any actions an individual takes is a consequence for all of the prisoners.

[dyingsun]

So, don't try it if you won't win.

[perfectlybeloved]

It's a clever tactic. Anyone who challenges them isn't punished by being singled out. This way, it sets us against one another, because everyone is victimized by poor actions. They don't have to do anything, because those who were punished unfairly will lash out against the one who acted.

[dyingsun]

Annoying. Then we'd better be more careful than that.

[perfectlybeloved]

Precisely. I hope people will think of more clever solutions. If you can come up with something, you'll be quite useful indeed.

[dyingsun]

I'll give it my best shot.

[perfectlybeloved]

Good. Do let me know, I'm eager to work on piecing together some sort of plan of action.

I'm Seimei, by the way.

[dyingsun]

Akinari Kamiki. It's nice to meet you.

[perfectlybeloved]

Good to meet you, Akinari.

[No formalities, not from Seimei.]

I hope we will be very interesting friends.

[dyingsun]

I haven't heard that one before.

[perfectlybeloved]

Well, it's never easy to say what sort of friend is a "good" friend, right?

[dyingsun]

I've had one I would be confident about.

[perfectlybeloved]

Ah, yes. I have, as well... but an interesting friendship is still what I always hope for first.

[dyingsun]

Then I guess I should be interesting.