Video | 006; Filtering out Ryuunoske

[gordianknots]

[Thankfully, this public service announcement isn't as fraught and panicky as the last one. There's no preface needed, just a moment for Waver to remember to put a filter on the message so that Ryuunoske cannot access it, and he addresses the screen.]

I'm issuing this as a bit of information for those new and reminder for those old that I am still attempting to collect and create a history of this place. There's been significant work done, so if anyone is interested in accessing it - or in reviewing mine and my assistant's notes for accuracy - it is open.

In addition, and more pertinently, I would like to add another facet to this archive: recording everyone's personal histories. Given the plans in mind for all of us, I figure that having written biographies to combat memory loss is a boon, and I can ensure limited access to those files. This can be achieved by either you speaking to me of past experiences and me writing them down, or walking over a draft to my current residence.

Finally, and this I realize is a loaded subject: in relation to creating a history of this place. We were recently shown the deaths of the previous inhabitants. I should like to know how yours died, in as much detail as possible, if you feel comfortable giving the information.

My door is metaphorically open whenever needed at house number nine in the navy district, from 11 until sunset. No need to contact me in advance.

[and with that, he's out]

Comments

[answerer_sword]

[Her eyes are focused on the blob of mercury. It seemed so pathetic carrying that plate of burned food that she almost wants to reassure it that its cooking is perfectly fine. However, she is snapped back to reality as she hears her superior's request.]

Yes, sir. Please read as much as you like.

[gordianknots]

--Ah, don't worry about my mystic code, it's still learning the new cooking set up.

[He skims through the stack of papers, hming every so often. A part of Waver is compelled to reach for a pen and start writing commentary, but he chides himself that this is not to be graded or even edited, no matter how strong the urge to do so is.]

This is very through, thank you. How have you been adjusting to having no command of magecraft?

[answerer_sword]

It is...strange. A little awkward at times.

[Things that had seemed so easy before now seemed needlessly complicated.]

However, I am still capable of taking odd jobs at the market and obtaining food. And there is no shortage of firewood in the surrounding areas. I have talked to a few people over the communicators and gotten a better idea of how the island works. I believe the most important thing I learned was that the World, though a ruler herself, might be on the side of the inhabitants.

[gordianknots]

[he puts the stack back on the table, focusing on Bazett instead.]

Who have you spoken to, and what clarifications have you received.

Your last observation is and isn't correct, in my experience, but elaborate on how you came across that information. The statement is as important as the source thereof.

[answerer_sword]

Forgive me, sir, but I have not been able to acquire many names.

[That had been a big oversight on her part. Even now she feels herself going red with embarrassment.]

So far, I have spoken to an amnesiac girl taking the place of Lethe, a man running an establishment called the "Shining Dojo," a...strange giant of a man who would not stop making references to mythology, a white haired woman who seems to frequent the bar, and a boy who is taking the place of Dracula. It was the white haired woman who told me about both the World and the conditions of this island. According to her, the rulers have once "turned everyone into dolls and then set everything on fire" as an attempt to force submission upon the inhabitants. She claims that the World is trying to avoid being "snuffed out" by the other rulers and that she recently contacted the inhabitants but her plan "turned to a bust" after the other rulers found out.

[She takes a deep breath, having finished the majority of her report.]

[gordianknots]

That's normal, and I can probably pull them up later by shifting through the network logs.

[And with that revealed, Waver reaches for a notebook lying underneath his coffee table and begins to scribble down the very last part of Bazett's statement, making notations to cross reference it with his own notes upon her departure]

The woman who gave you information likely has been here a long time then, as that event you described is at the very start of the present logs I've been able to access. Now, as for her statement concerning the so-called Power that goes by the name of the World, I am not sure that the phrase snuffed out is appropriate, but recent events before your arrival have spoken of there being a power struggle. Having spoken to this Power once, I cannot tell her motivations, or if her desire to help is genuine or a rouse.

[answerer_sword]

You can do that?

[That seems like a very useful tool.]

I understand. So I will have to be wary of any of the World's offers. However, from what that woman says, it seems the World is the only Ruler who makes such offers. Or have there been previous incidents with the other rulers, sir?

[She will have to find a way to contact that woman again, so she can ask her more about the previous events.]

[gordianknots]

A student here showed me how. Er - you're not one of the mages who makes technology explode just by looking at it, are you?

They aren't so much offers as direct or indirect assistance, from what I've found. The mercury making tea is only here because recent events permitted the World to give some things that were taken from us upon arrival. From where I sit, she's on her own team and a tenuous ally at best.

[answerer_sword]

I believe I have not reached that extent yet.

[Now, make them explode at a touch...]

And as you have said, she only assisted the inhabitants under dire circumstances, correct?

[gordianknots]

Good, that's better than Rin. It's a fairly useful feature for information gathering.

[he nods]

In so many words. When I asked after the matter, I was informed it was due her own power being restricted, although the cause is unknown.

[answerer_sword]

I will try to learn that skill then.

Did she imply there was anyway to undo the restrictions? Or ask anyone to help her undo them?

[gordianknots]

I can show you, if you'd like.

There lies the problem. There's a memory loss involved and with limited time to act, there's no implication on how these restrictions can be lifted, if at all. I've been putting off pursuing more information because I haven't felt comfortable proceeding with action here. I have zero command of my craft and a poor picture of the true strength the Powers that Be truly have. I do not know my enemy well enough to continue, even if some resources - and friends - have arrived unexpectedly.

[answerer_sword]

I would be very grateful for that, sir.

Friends, sir? Do we have more allies?

[gordianknots]

Well, Rider.

[answerer_sword]

I see. However, I assume all his Servant abilities are gone now that he has arrived here? Still, he should be a loyal ally and an extra pair of hands if anything needs to get done, correct?

[gordianknots]

If you're going to fight, you might as well invite a conqueror, hm?

[answerer_sword]

What is the role that this world assigned him? Could that be used to our advantage as well?

[She really has to curse herself for getting such a weak role.]

[gordianknots]

Zeus, which if you buy the story Olmpyia spun way back when means he's worse than Oedipus right now.

[answerer_sword]

At least he sounds...powerful.

[For some reason, she feels scared of the thought of someone being allowed to take over as Zeus.]

[gordianknots]

You don't need any sort of magecraft or a servant to fight. Just allies, good strategy and excellent leadership.

[answerer_sword]

We meet all three requirements, then.

[She just wonders about Ryuunosuke's side.]

[gordianknots]

I could do with a little more strategy. As I said, I don't feel comfortable in what information I have in making a move. I'd love to use the World as a resource for moving against the other Powers that Be, but that's presently impossible.

Plus the whole Ryuunosuke thing, but that's neither here nor there.

[answerer_sword]

I have not witnessed this Ryuunosuke making any videos or moving around in any manner in this place. Do you have any idea as to his whereabouts, sir?

[In a way, Ryuunosuke lying low is a good thing. But at the same time, she cannot help but worry about what he might be planning.]

[gordianknots]

The intelligence network I have trained on him has yielded no new movements. I'm not sure how to feel about that matter.

[answerer_sword]

[She nods.]

Then...he is another thing we need to bide our time with?

[It means she will have to be on high alert at all times. Even more so than she had already been.]