Bloody_Death
The Ultimate Cookie Muncher
Blind Wanderer
Jingyi.
♡coded by uxie♡
-
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Multiple Settings Infinite Verse Arc One - The Town of the Blissful Doomed
- Thread starter SilverBlack
- Start date
Nellancholy
Two Thousand Club
The arrival at Kyle's residence gave Hystaria the feeling of a weight being lifted off her back, like the arrival of a traveling party reaching safe haven after a hard day's march. Though one would be quite hard-pressed to feel perfectly safe in the middle of a town full of people who were about to sacrifice them, even if they were surrounded by increasingly tall fences. Hystaria would love to learn more about the circumstances that led Kyle, an orphan, to live (almost) alone in a fenced compound after the passing of his parents, but then something more familiar presented itself, resembling several members of the Clawfolk that Hystaria had met on her trips into Penumbra's forests.
"Ser Bubblibuppi." Hystaria gave the creature a sideways nod. "Your craftsmanship is estimable. I, Hystaria Oogumo Euleria Vectis Montin Silber Grandine Elvetie Nephthys Solis, offer you my thanks. And Kyle, you have done more than enough for us. But I will ask that you hold just a little water for me. While the rest of this band avails themselves of your hospitality..." Not finishing her thought, Hystaria slipped out of the house.
The fences that Kyle had painstakingly erected would give any mundane bull or goat pause, but they were no hindrance to Ser Bubblibuppi. And neither were they to Hystaria. She jogged forward slightly on her spindly legs, then leapt. Her six limbs effortlessly gripped the wooden surface and skittered upwards, reaching the top of the first fence. Easily, she hopped towards the next, and the one after, until she was perched on the outer rim, with a vantage point over the town of the blissful doomed, as one might call it.
She took a moment to breathe in, taking in the air that was subtly tainted with smoke as torches, sconces, and bonfires lit in the town below, casting many corners and alleys in light that would make it increasingly harder to slip through unseen.
She touched her lip with a fingertip, closing her eyes and muttering a quiet prayer to Ilias.
If her light touched her faithful follower, even in this world...
Hystaria's next exhalation sprung to life, glowing gold as it consolidated into a tiny orb with wings reminiscent of a firefly's. That was as much as she would probably get without further concentration, but it'd do. With a wave of Hystaria's finger, the spirit swished forward, darting across the night sky as it reconnoitred the surroundings, in particular trying to discern the plans of the inhabitants of the town, and more importantly the members of the church. Were they carrying out an organized hunt, busting down doors and hauling out whoever was within? Were they milling about, panicking? That would influence their next plan. Two structures in particular stood out: A large building to the northeast, fortified by its solid construction but not especially secure in terms of alertness, with a gate that was easy to open but by which entry would be conspicuous. A library, or functional building of some other sort.
The other to the west: a house of noticeably larger scale than the ones surrounding it, and more broadly most other buildings in the city. Likely the residence of a mayor or governor or whoever called the shots around here. She didn't notice any religious symbols on it, not like the ones in the church at least. That highlighted the fact that it was a private residence. Now, if Hystaria had the orders of Ilias by her side, she would definitely head straight there to sort out the matter of how the sacrifice of Folk could possibly be allowed within their walls. As it were, however, she would feel inclined to give both these buildings a wide berth and look for an exit elsewhere. While it was unlikely that the escapees would approach the two big buildings (and the townsfolk surely knew that), it was statistically likely that the townsfolk would end up concentrated on those locations during their hunt anyway, given their physical prominence.
With that, Hystaria hopped back across the fences, heading back into the house.
"Kyle, if you please, a few questions." Both pairs of her arms crossed. "Do you recall if there is anyone who ever escaped the sacrifice before this? How effective would you say the efforts of the churchfolk were in retrieving them? If we are caught again, are they willing to...sacrifice us on the spot? And...who lives in the house to the west? Are they here in town tonight?"
She raised her head slightly, addressing the group as a whole. "I propose splitting into smaller groups that we may avoid notice, or even blending into the crowd as disposition permits as we search for a way out. That will fulfill our goal to 'escape the town', likely. If however, any of you choose to 'save the town', despite my better judgement...I will follow. I believe whoever leads this town will have many answers for us to this end."
SilverBlack
"Ser Bubblibuppi." Hystaria gave the creature a sideways nod. "Your craftsmanship is estimable. I, Hystaria Oogumo Euleria Vectis Montin Silber Grandine Elvetie Nephthys Solis, offer you my thanks. And Kyle, you have done more than enough for us. But I will ask that you hold just a little water for me. While the rest of this band avails themselves of your hospitality..." Not finishing her thought, Hystaria slipped out of the house.
The fences that Kyle had painstakingly erected would give any mundane bull or goat pause, but they were no hindrance to Ser Bubblibuppi. And neither were they to Hystaria. She jogged forward slightly on her spindly legs, then leapt. Her six limbs effortlessly gripped the wooden surface and skittered upwards, reaching the top of the first fence. Easily, she hopped towards the next, and the one after, until she was perched on the outer rim, with a vantage point over the town of the blissful doomed, as one might call it.
She took a moment to breathe in, taking in the air that was subtly tainted with smoke as torches, sconces, and bonfires lit in the town below, casting many corners and alleys in light that would make it increasingly harder to slip through unseen.
She touched her lip with a fingertip, closing her eyes and muttering a quiet prayer to Ilias.
If her light touched her faithful follower, even in this world...
Hystaria's next exhalation sprung to life, glowing gold as it consolidated into a tiny orb with wings reminiscent of a firefly's. That was as much as she would probably get without further concentration, but it'd do. With a wave of Hystaria's finger, the spirit swished forward, darting across the night sky as it reconnoitred the surroundings, in particular trying to discern the plans of the inhabitants of the town, and more importantly the members of the church. Were they carrying out an organized hunt, busting down doors and hauling out whoever was within? Were they milling about, panicking? That would influence their next plan. Two structures in particular stood out: A large building to the northeast, fortified by its solid construction but not especially secure in terms of alertness, with a gate that was easy to open but by which entry would be conspicuous. A library, or functional building of some other sort.
The other to the west: a house of noticeably larger scale than the ones surrounding it, and more broadly most other buildings in the city. Likely the residence of a mayor or governor or whoever called the shots around here. She didn't notice any religious symbols on it, not like the ones in the church at least. That highlighted the fact that it was a private residence. Now, if Hystaria had the orders of Ilias by her side, she would definitely head straight there to sort out the matter of how the sacrifice of Folk could possibly be allowed within their walls. As it were, however, she would feel inclined to give both these buildings a wide berth and look for an exit elsewhere. While it was unlikely that the escapees would approach the two big buildings (and the townsfolk surely knew that), it was statistically likely that the townsfolk would end up concentrated on those locations during their hunt anyway, given their physical prominence.
With that, Hystaria hopped back across the fences, heading back into the house.
"Kyle, if you please, a few questions." Both pairs of her arms crossed. "Do you recall if there is anyone who ever escaped the sacrifice before this? How effective would you say the efforts of the churchfolk were in retrieving them? If we are caught again, are they willing to...sacrifice us on the spot? And...who lives in the house to the west? Are they here in town tonight?"
She raised her head slightly, addressing the group as a whole. "I propose splitting into smaller groups that we may avoid notice, or even blending into the crowd as disposition permits as we search for a way out. That will fulfill our goal to 'escape the town', likely. If however, any of you choose to 'save the town', despite my better judgement...I will follow. I believe whoever leads this town will have many answers for us to this end."
SilverBlack
Nano
procrastination symphony
.
luciferin
𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛
It’s with a sense of finality that Morgan emerges from the tunnel, returning to daylight to be greeted by the sight of towering fences and expanses of verdant blooms in place of the urban sprawl he’d spent his entire life accompanying.
“Your home is beautiful,”
he murmurs, fighting and losing to the urge to trail his fingers through the flowers growing along the edge of the path. Seeing so many blooming in front of such a large, isolated house really makes him muse, tone just as wonderous as before. “Though, does it not trigger anyone’s allergies?”
Of course, the blessing the townspeople receive in return may be more than enough to soothe such a slight issue, but even so, a few sneezes seem like a small price to pay for a lawn like this. Stepping through the door and following behind their guide to arrive in a crowded living room, Morgan glances around at the scattered array waiting on the floor, sitting on the couch, and standing around the room, before he settles into an empty place, slotting into one of the chairs by the dining table. Beginning the process of unwinding in the soothing domesticity of Kyle and Bubblibuppi’s home, he pauses upon hearing Kyu’s boast and Angela’s accompanying offer, briefly struck by the urge to pitch into dinnertime preparations until realization strikes. Given the size of the room they’re in, the kitchen seems like it’d be crowded at best and a disaster at worst if they tried to fit three people.
Thus, with his plans foiled, Morgan’s gaze shifts, landing on the jug of water in Kyu’s hand instead.
“If we need more drinking water, I could fetch some from the kitchen?”
he offers. Then, he pauses, brows briefly scrunching in mild uncertainty. “Or from wherever you get your water from,”
he amends. “I don’t mind a quick trip outside if that’s where your tap is.”
Still, talk of strategy is more important than the origin of their drinking water, so Morgan pauses in his assessment and turns his thoughts to tomorrow, only to pause at Angela’s last question. After one moment spent waiting with bated breath turned into another, he wearily concludes,
“I think we’re fine.”
In an attempt to protect Angela from any later penalties, he tries to mask the peculiarity within their conversation by providing a more reasonable interpretation of her words than the idea of some cosmic game show. “After all, Kyle’s on our side. I doubt he’s one of our enemies who we wouldn’t want knowing about our mission.”
“Besides, I believe one of his friends has a hiding spot that may help with laying low,”
Morgan continues, attempting to nudge the conversation back to where it began. He shifts in his seat to glance back at Kyle, both an assessment of how well his words have done at convincing the other and a check that his memory is correct. “So, if we do need to investigate, we’ll be able to find a little time to do so while they search the houses.”
His eyes flicker towards the space where his inventory once appeared, and Morgan adds wryly,
“I’m not half bad with books if we want to investigate where the sacrificing tradition starts from. Of course, I’m not sure how accurate their written history will be but… all religions have some sort of book of theology, no?”
SilverBlack
Poopshroom
There is something about the way these outsiders filled up his little cozy house that warmed the male’s heart. It’s been years since he’d had anyone else in the house other than himself, much less spent it with people other than his family. Kyle has isolated himself for years - and perhaps because the rest of the townspeople have the faintest sentiment that he is not exactly the “same,” they chose to peacefully distance themselves from him. That may have indeed worked in Kyle’s favor, for someone who doesn't like conflict.
Well, if only the townspeople knew that this lad would eventually do something as crazy as tonight as helping to break the ritual. Maybe then they would have chosen to confront him directly much early on.
Mister Bubblipuppi stood on its two furry short legs proudly on the couch, haughtily acknowledging each gratitude that came its way from these outsiders. Ha, humans could go nowhere without him, thought the little creature. When one of the guests took its little paws into her hands - its big round eyes stared curiously back at the girl. What is this hand-shaking motion? Why do humans do this? Does it work like a head-pet? Does that mean he’ll be rewarded for what he did today? Wait shouldn’t he anyway, digging that stuff was hard work.Wait, does that mean there’ll be fancy treats for him later? And with those thoughts, he squeaked excitedly at Kyle, quickly making his way onto the dining table himself.
Unfortunately, the male was distracted at the moment as the fair madam with the power of fire and wind–or, as he’d later learned to be Kyu–took the jug of water from his hands. The way she softly voiced her offer to help, trailed by the word “dear” at the end echoed in his ears. Dear? Dear! She called him dear. What is this heat that’s rising onto his cheeks? He would not deny that the way she had flamboyantly thrown off the guards earlier with her powers had captivated him. And now…She’s offering to cook in his kitchen!
Mister Bubblipuppi looked on with disgust. His human had spent too long in solitude that he’s trapped so easily by a puny woman. She is pretty, maybe has some fancy skills, but can she dig?
Anyways.
“The k-k-kitchen’s sure would like to work with you!” Kyle stuttered his response towards the girl, then realized how silly his sentence must have sounded. Regaining his composure with a clearing of his throat, he awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Ah, if you’re willing to help, that’d be great! If you open the cabinet door, you’d see all kinds of tea – including a wide range of herbal teas in there. Please feel free to choose whichever you like for everyone.” He then turned to Angela, who also offered to help. With a wide grin, he nodded, accepting their offer to assist and happily inviting the two girls to do whatever they want with his kitchen. “The fridge doesn’t have much, just some chicken and eggs, and some carrots and veggies. There’s also potatoes in the corner, if any would like. Either way, I think we have enough for everyone.” He said as he eyed through the crowd to confirm his thoughts.
The kitchen is right across from the dining table, such that if the door remains open, conversations that continue to flow at ease between them without any blockage. Kyle himself went in to help the girls occasionally, and brought out several cups of tea, handing them out for those who previously asked for them.
“The drinking water’s from the kitchen, yes, feel free to fetch more anytime,” turning his attention to Morgan, he answered cheerfully. “That’s a good question you have about allergies. I did pay special attention to what I grow indoors…These are all herbal plants that have fewer records of causing allergic reactions to others. Although, just because it’s fewer doesn’t mean it’s none. Let me know if it’s making you guys uncomfortable,” he chuckled with slight embarrassment.
“Ahaha, no need to call me a savior. But the home…Thank you,” he answered the compliments that both Morgan and the blind gentleman, Jingyi, had given when entering the house. His features softened at the mention of his parents. “They all loved herbs, and love studying the medical properties behind all these. So that’s what I’m trying to carry on as well…”
There was a moment of silence that followed, then Kyle’s expression hardened.
“Though, now my reasons for studying herbal medicine have grown a lot beyond that.”
Before he could continue, however, Hystaria returned. He’d wondered where she had gone off to just now, so quickly and without much of any further words. For a moment he was worried, then realized that this group of unique outsiders were much more…different than he thought. Her questions further redirected his focus quickly, as Kyle’s brows furrowed at her words. “Escaped?” He repeated, his tone solemn as he tried to think. “From the two rituals that had happened in the past…No, I do not know if any escaped. Even the last one…” His frown deepened into a scowl at the painful memories that suddenly washed back at him, the sight of those seven outsiders tied and slain in front of his eyes, their blood pouring onto the ground.
He pulled out a chair and sat down himself, crossing his arms together. “From what I heard, it’s very hard to escape the ritual. This is what I’d gathered from the town, but rumor has it that the moment outsiders entered Persico, they weakened immediately. ‘There’s a sweet scent in the air,’ they’d say, with a smile, as if taking a liking to it. We, as villagers, never really know what scent they’re describing. But apparently, the longer in town they stay, the longer they’d feel as if both their physical strength and mentality fades away. Then before they know it, they’re already being locked away at the church, ready to be sacrificed.” A mocking laugh escaped from him. “It’s almost as if..The second they settle into this town, fate would forcefully push them onto such cruel fates.”
He then looked up toward the crowd, humming curiously. “But I guess the rumor’s wrong? You guys don’t seem to be the least affected.”
At that moment, the blue pop-up screen would once again appear in front of the outsiders:
“However, just because I say no one has escaped in my knowledge, doesn’t mean nobody has escaped, though! Maybe there might just be one, who knows? I apologize for not being able to answer the rest of your questions.” Without knowledge of the screens, Kyle proceeded on, deciding to end this topic on an optimistic note. “Ah, but if you’re asking about the house located farther west, that’s the Town Chief’s house! He’s a cool old man. Doesn’t talk a lot - but really nice, to all the townspeople at least. He’s probably over at the church tonight, you know, figuring out what’s going on with all the commotions…we caused.”
As the group of outsiders quickly engaged in their conversations about the System’s assigned missions, it would appear as if certain words were automatically filtered out of the male’s head. As if the words “mission” or “non-participant” had never appeared—Kyle only blinked, his comprehension of their discussion turned into a rather simple one.
“Wait…I’d definitely understand you guys’ desires to escape the town…But to save the town as well?” The male’s eyes widened in surprise, cutting into their conversations as if he’d never expected such kindness and sense of justice to come from them. “My goodness…Has Goddess Carita finally answered my prayers?” There were a couple moments where the lad looked lost in thoughts, as if in disbelief, and trying to sort things out in his head.
“Ah, but that’d be so dangerous - since you guys are outsiders yourselves…But again, you guys don’t seem to be affected by the scents…and are awfully stronger than…ahem..me…But…a miracle, perhaps…? People who’d come forth, saying they would ‘save the town’...” He muttered, looking down at himself. “It’s the first time…First time I’d heard such words.”
Emotions seemed to overwhelm him all at once, and by the time he looked up, hints of tears had already clouded his eyes. “I know this is selfish for me to ask of you, but if you guys can do anything…during your escape…to also find a way to save this town, so that people would also realize this ritual’s not needed, then it’d be greatly appreciated! Please!” His voice trembled slightly with both excitement and desperation, and he jumped up from his seat, looking directly at Morgan. “You said a book of theology, right? I have one. Give me a moment.”
With those words, he’d quickly retrieve a book from his room, and placed it at the center of the table. The book wasn’t too thick - the lack of any dust and the old pages hinted that the male read it quite frequently. On the cover of the dark blue book is a fairly simple title—Theology: The Persico Faith.
“Students are given this book in school to read once they’re old enough to attend. Because of that, the way it's written is pretty easy to follow too. The school—it’s right there on the northeast side from my house. Remember when I said I have a friend who has a hiding place to provide for ya guys down the road, like you mentioned?” Looking toward Morgan, he acknowledged his previous words. “She’s a student there too. I’d bring you guys there tomorrow to find her. She calls herself…” he paused momentarily, then a chuckle left his lips, recalling certain fond memories. “Maybe it’s better if she introduces herself to you guys. But purple hair. Has an eyepatch. Pretty distinct.”
“Anyways…” Resuming to a serious tone, he looked up from the book and settled his gaze at the outsiders around the dining table. “If you guys don’t mind, allow me to give you a brief story about this town.”
“Town of Persico…We believe in only one Goddess. Goddess Carita - she who brought forth both fortune and doom. Hundreds of years ago, it was Her who blessed the starving and the diseased with this beautiful town, where no illness or hunger would ever fall upon this eternally prosperous land. The townspeople thus responded with utmost gratitude, swore to worship the Goddess forever. The Church was built, with a statue of the Goddess. It is said that for Goddess Carita to live on and provide them with her strength, she would need the powers of people’s faith and loyalty. However…” A moment of silence, as Kyle looked for the correct words. “When a group of outsiders discovered this town, they were fed with greed and jealousy…Though the townspeople welcomed them warmly, they returned their hospitality by breaking the statue, attempting to discover what sorcery hides inside that could grant the Town with such prosperity.”
Kyle let out a sigh. “According to what the book said…and what we’d learned growing up. This angered Goddess Carita, throwing her in sadness and despair. It weakened her drastically too. So…The ritual began. It is said that by sacrificing seven outsiders to the Goddess, she’d be able to feed on their strength and continue to bless this town. Without the ritual, the town would soon be shrouded in a terrible, terrible sickness…Where no one could live.”
“I, however, have my doubts about this,” after giving an overview of the town’s religious belief, the male shook his head. “I was equally furious at the Outsiders who once came and disrespected our Goddess, but Goddess Carita…We were taught that no evil exists within her heart, and she is a representation of Kindness, and Kindness alone. She is a Goddess who forgives all sins. It seems contradictory for her to take on human sacrifices…” He looked towards the dozens of herbs in the room. “I, instead, believe that the Town of Persico is too dangerously fixated on a religious belief that could be wrong. If a terrible sickness befalls this town, it should be medicine that would cure it, not a blind faith in God.” He said those words firmly.
“For that reason, I’ve been studying herbal medicine for years…But strangely enough, there’s so little to learn about this supposed ‘sickness’. In my lifetime, I have experienced no cases about it, I’ve read no cases about it. It’s very strange.”
With a final sigh, Kyle leaned back into his seat. As if noticing how his topics could easily change the originally light-hearted atmosphere of the house, he awkwardly rubbed his nose. Embarrassment suddenly started sinking into him too, with how much he’d talked…He sure loved to talk.
“B-but anyways…If you guys would like to help me save the town, maybe we can learn about the sickness together.” He suggested, but then realized how silly his suggestion may be. “Though I’m not sure how, since you guys should be focusing on escaping. I doubt the town can even tolerate the slight glimpse of your presence anyway. We do, however, have a library at the east side of Persico, and they contain hundreds of books. Though I did not make any significant discovery there, maybe it’ll be different for you guys!”
“I’m sorry for bringing the whole mood down…” He added at the end, cautiously.
At that moment, another System announcement appeared again as a pop-up blue screen.
Well, if only the townspeople knew that this lad would eventually do something as crazy as tonight as helping to break the ritual. Maybe then they would have chosen to confront him directly much early on.
Mister Bubblipuppi stood on its two furry short legs proudly on the couch, haughtily acknowledging each gratitude that came its way from these outsiders. Ha, humans could go nowhere without him, thought the little creature. When one of the guests took its little paws into her hands - its big round eyes stared curiously back at the girl. What is this hand-shaking motion? Why do humans do this? Does it work like a head-pet? Does that mean he’ll be rewarded for what he did today? Wait shouldn’t he anyway, digging that stuff was hard work.Wait, does that mean there’ll be fancy treats for him later? And with those thoughts, he squeaked excitedly at Kyle, quickly making his way onto the dining table himself.
Unfortunately, the male was distracted at the moment as the fair madam with the power of fire and wind–or, as he’d later learned to be Kyu–took the jug of water from his hands. The way she softly voiced her offer to help, trailed by the word “dear” at the end echoed in his ears. Dear? Dear! She called him dear. What is this heat that’s rising onto his cheeks? He would not deny that the way she had flamboyantly thrown off the guards earlier with her powers had captivated him. And now…She’s offering to cook in his kitchen!
Mister Bubblipuppi looked on with disgust. His human had spent too long in solitude that he’s trapped so easily by a puny woman. She is pretty, maybe has some fancy skills, but can she dig?
Anyways.
“The k-k-kitchen’s sure would like to work with you!” Kyle stuttered his response towards the girl, then realized how silly his sentence must have sounded. Regaining his composure with a clearing of his throat, he awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Ah, if you’re willing to help, that’d be great! If you open the cabinet door, you’d see all kinds of tea – including a wide range of herbal teas in there. Please feel free to choose whichever you like for everyone.” He then turned to Angela, who also offered to help. With a wide grin, he nodded, accepting their offer to assist and happily inviting the two girls to do whatever they want with his kitchen. “The fridge doesn’t have much, just some chicken and eggs, and some carrots and veggies. There’s also potatoes in the corner, if any would like. Either way, I think we have enough for everyone.” He said as he eyed through the crowd to confirm his thoughts.
The kitchen is right across from the dining table, such that if the door remains open, conversations that continue to flow at ease between them without any blockage. Kyle himself went in to help the girls occasionally, and brought out several cups of tea, handing them out for those who previously asked for them.
“The drinking water’s from the kitchen, yes, feel free to fetch more anytime,” turning his attention to Morgan, he answered cheerfully. “That’s a good question you have about allergies. I did pay special attention to what I grow indoors…These are all herbal plants that have fewer records of causing allergic reactions to others. Although, just because it’s fewer doesn’t mean it’s none. Let me know if it’s making you guys uncomfortable,” he chuckled with slight embarrassment.
“Ahaha, no need to call me a savior. But the home…Thank you,” he answered the compliments that both Morgan and the blind gentleman, Jingyi, had given when entering the house. His features softened at the mention of his parents. “They all loved herbs, and love studying the medical properties behind all these. So that’s what I’m trying to carry on as well…”
There was a moment of silence that followed, then Kyle’s expression hardened.
“Though, now my reasons for studying herbal medicine have grown a lot beyond that.”
Before he could continue, however, Hystaria returned. He’d wondered where she had gone off to just now, so quickly and without much of any further words. For a moment he was worried, then realized that this group of unique outsiders were much more…different than he thought. Her questions further redirected his focus quickly, as Kyle’s brows furrowed at her words. “Escaped?” He repeated, his tone solemn as he tried to think. “From the two rituals that had happened in the past…No, I do not know if any escaped. Even the last one…” His frown deepened into a scowl at the painful memories that suddenly washed back at him, the sight of those seven outsiders tied and slain in front of his eyes, their blood pouring onto the ground.
He pulled out a chair and sat down himself, crossing his arms together. “From what I heard, it’s very hard to escape the ritual. This is what I’d gathered from the town, but rumor has it that the moment outsiders entered Persico, they weakened immediately. ‘There’s a sweet scent in the air,’ they’d say, with a smile, as if taking a liking to it. We, as villagers, never really know what scent they’re describing. But apparently, the longer in town they stay, the longer they’d feel as if both their physical strength and mentality fades away. Then before they know it, they’re already being locked away at the church, ready to be sacrificed.” A mocking laugh escaped from him. “It’s almost as if..The second they settle into this town, fate would forcefully push them onto such cruel fates.”
He then looked up toward the crowd, humming curiously. “But I guess the rumor’s wrong? You guys don’t seem to be the least affected.”
At that moment, the blue pop-up screen would once again appear in front of the outsiders:
System Announcement:
Congratulations, the Persico Scent Effect has already been automatically nullified for you.
Congratulations, the Persico Scent Effect has already been automatically nullified for you.
As the group of outsiders quickly engaged in their conversations about the System’s assigned missions, it would appear as if certain words were automatically filtered out of the male’s head. As if the words “mission” or “non-participant” had never appeared—Kyle only blinked, his comprehension of their discussion turned into a rather simple one.
“Wait…I’d definitely understand you guys’ desires to escape the town…But to save the town as well?” The male’s eyes widened in surprise, cutting into their conversations as if he’d never expected such kindness and sense of justice to come from them. “My goodness…Has Goddess Carita finally answered my prayers?” There were a couple moments where the lad looked lost in thoughts, as if in disbelief, and trying to sort things out in his head.
“Ah, but that’d be so dangerous - since you guys are outsiders yourselves…But again, you guys don’t seem to be affected by the scents…and are awfully stronger than…ahem..me…But…a miracle, perhaps…? People who’d come forth, saying they would ‘save the town’...” He muttered, looking down at himself. “It’s the first time…First time I’d heard such words.”
Emotions seemed to overwhelm him all at once, and by the time he looked up, hints of tears had already clouded his eyes. “I know this is selfish for me to ask of you, but if you guys can do anything…during your escape…to also find a way to save this town, so that people would also realize this ritual’s not needed, then it’d be greatly appreciated! Please!” His voice trembled slightly with both excitement and desperation, and he jumped up from his seat, looking directly at Morgan. “You said a book of theology, right? I have one. Give me a moment.”
With those words, he’d quickly retrieve a book from his room, and placed it at the center of the table. The book wasn’t too thick - the lack of any dust and the old pages hinted that the male read it quite frequently. On the cover of the dark blue book is a fairly simple title—Theology: The Persico Faith.
“Students are given this book in school to read once they’re old enough to attend. Because of that, the way it's written is pretty easy to follow too. The school—it’s right there on the northeast side from my house. Remember when I said I have a friend who has a hiding place to provide for ya guys down the road, like you mentioned?” Looking toward Morgan, he acknowledged his previous words. “She’s a student there too. I’d bring you guys there tomorrow to find her. She calls herself…” he paused momentarily, then a chuckle left his lips, recalling certain fond memories. “Maybe it’s better if she introduces herself to you guys. But purple hair. Has an eyepatch. Pretty distinct.”
“Anyways…” Resuming to a serious tone, he looked up from the book and settled his gaze at the outsiders around the dining table. “If you guys don’t mind, allow me to give you a brief story about this town.”
“Town of Persico…We believe in only one Goddess. Goddess Carita - she who brought forth both fortune and doom. Hundreds of years ago, it was Her who blessed the starving and the diseased with this beautiful town, where no illness or hunger would ever fall upon this eternally prosperous land. The townspeople thus responded with utmost gratitude, swore to worship the Goddess forever. The Church was built, with a statue of the Goddess. It is said that for Goddess Carita to live on and provide them with her strength, she would need the powers of people’s faith and loyalty. However…” A moment of silence, as Kyle looked for the correct words. “When a group of outsiders discovered this town, they were fed with greed and jealousy…Though the townspeople welcomed them warmly, they returned their hospitality by breaking the statue, attempting to discover what sorcery hides inside that could grant the Town with such prosperity.”
Kyle let out a sigh. “According to what the book said…and what we’d learned growing up. This angered Goddess Carita, throwing her in sadness and despair. It weakened her drastically too. So…The ritual began. It is said that by sacrificing seven outsiders to the Goddess, she’d be able to feed on their strength and continue to bless this town. Without the ritual, the town would soon be shrouded in a terrible, terrible sickness…Where no one could live.”
“I, however, have my doubts about this,” after giving an overview of the town’s religious belief, the male shook his head. “I was equally furious at the Outsiders who once came and disrespected our Goddess, but Goddess Carita…We were taught that no evil exists within her heart, and she is a representation of Kindness, and Kindness alone. She is a Goddess who forgives all sins. It seems contradictory for her to take on human sacrifices…” He looked towards the dozens of herbs in the room. “I, instead, believe that the Town of Persico is too dangerously fixated on a religious belief that could be wrong. If a terrible sickness befalls this town, it should be medicine that would cure it, not a blind faith in God.” He said those words firmly.
“For that reason, I’ve been studying herbal medicine for years…But strangely enough, there’s so little to learn about this supposed ‘sickness’. In my lifetime, I have experienced no cases about it, I’ve read no cases about it. It’s very strange.”
With a final sigh, Kyle leaned back into his seat. As if noticing how his topics could easily change the originally light-hearted atmosphere of the house, he awkwardly rubbed his nose. Embarrassment suddenly started sinking into him too, with how much he’d talked…He sure loved to talk.
“B-but anyways…If you guys would like to help me save the town, maybe we can learn about the sickness together.” He suggested, but then realized how silly his suggestion may be. “Though I’m not sure how, since you guys should be focusing on escaping. I doubt the town can even tolerate the slight glimpse of your presence anyway. We do, however, have a library at the east side of Persico, and they contain hundreds of books. Though I did not make any significant discovery there, maybe it’ll be different for you guys!”
“I’m sorry for bringing the whole mood down…” He added at the end, cautiously.
At that moment, another System announcement appeared again as a pop-up blue screen.
Obtained #1: Persico Theology Textbook
Theology: The Persico Faith - Theology textbook provided for students of Persico school, though everyone in town probably has a copy of it. The book contains the original words that Kyle has provided a summary of, but the book is there for anyone's review.
---
System has also graciously decided to automatically give access to an easier view of the town, in the form of Kyle's talented drawing. Please note that the town has since expanded in size since he first drew, so it is not the most precise---
Obtained #2: Persico Town Drawing
*Note: The purple house is your approximate current location.
Everyone have access to these two items.
We wish you a fun game. Thank you.
Theology: The Persico Faith - Theology textbook provided for students of Persico school, though everyone in town probably has a copy of it. The book contains the original words that Kyle has provided a summary of, but the book is there for anyone's review.
---
System has also graciously decided to automatically give access to an easier view of the town, in the form of Kyle's talented drawing. Please note that the town has since expanded in size since he first drew, so it is not the most precise---
Obtained #2: Persico Town Drawing
*Note: The purple house is your approximate current location.
Everyone have access to these two items.
We wish you a fun game. Thank you.
luciferin
𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛
Perhaps Morgan’s getting old because when he hears the tell-tale stutter of their host, the corners of his eyes soften with mirth, and he’s forced to duck his head to hide the faint smile stretched across his lips. Despite having never found his match—because, truly, what a disaster that would be—he still finds the sight of seeing someone halfway between his generation and the next fall in love heartwarming. Especially in a time like this, a moment of peace snatched from whatever puzzle the system has thrown their way in the form of Persico. Ah, young love; he’d used to dream of something similarly explosive back when he’d been in his final years of college as if he was going to stumble into a scientific breakthrough hand-in-hand, arm-in-arm with someone who bickered with him every step of the way.
Thinking back on it now, he acknowledges that the whole thing would have been painful. Only youth could convince someone that arguing with a coworker was romantic.
Youth.
Morgan pauses, eyes widening faintly in realization as he excuses himself from the room and into the kitchen. There, he finds an empty jug with careful hands—wouldn’t want Kyle to have to replace anything, after all—and begins the process of filling it, strained amusement finally fading as he meets his eyes in the reflection of the gurgling water.
“Surely Kyu’s much older than him, given her mastery in magic?”
Morgan wonders, keeping the words soft. Likely older than him, even. Fantasy books like Tolkien’s had always emphasized just how old some races could be, and those with magic had always ranked among those with the most longevity. Of course, it’s just a one-sided crush, destined to remain so with the presence of the system, but the idea leaves him staring wearily at the container as the water inside begins to creep upward.Luckily, he’s saved from his considerations by the sound of conversation spilling out of the open door and into the kitchen. Morgan’s brows furrow at the mention of a scent, eyes shifting towards the screen as it flashes in front of his eyes. Temporarily setting magic aside—the others can cover that front—he’d point towards it being from some form of drugs or sedatives. Though, he’s never heard of any of the former smelling sweet; quite the opposite, really, from his experience. It seems like it leans more toward magic, then, especially with the townspeople being immune to it. After all, it’d be quite inconvenient if their protection blocked out the possibility of anesthetics, and the townspeople didn’t seem to have any complaints about their blessings.
Leaving a little space between the water and the rim to avoid any spills, Morgan lifts the jug and makes his way back inside, setting it on the dining table a little way from Mister Bubblipuppi.
“Hopefully this doesn’t bother you,”
he says, tapping lightly on the container before turning back to analyzing their new bout of information. After all, blessing or curse, Morgan’s been given quite a talent in medicine, even if it’s more on the chemical side than herbal.For now, though.
“Not at all, you’ve been very helpful,”
Morgan says, voice turned gentle to diffuse Kyle’s cautious apology. “And I would like to help with the sickness. I know a bit about medicine, actually, though I believe you’d be the expert between us given the experiments you’ve already run.”
He tips his head, thinking.
“Since we’re on the topic, though, would you happen to know where the statue was located? If it’s the reason the ritual began, perhaps it could be a clue to solving our mission?”
Morgan suggests, remembering his hasty attempts at conversation with Angela at the thought. Luckily, none of the consequences he’d thought to be at stake came true. It’d be inconvenient, to say the least, if the system had banned her from speaking—or even all of them, considering they’d probably all hinted at it one way or another during the course of their planning. 
OldTurtle
Shells Are Nice
Worthlessplebian
Worthless pleb
As he sat, exhaustion crept up on him like overgrown vines. He was tired, muscles familiarly wound tight, soon loosened. It had taken long seconds for the sniper's mind to recognise the serenity of the situation. Beyond the long periods of abject tedium, the moments dominated by blaring gunfire, screams of terror, and the ear-aching explosions of improvised devices were surging torrents of a black ocean. Brutal skirmishes, hours at length, felt like an age, an age where each breath choked by the fervour of combat. Garrett blinked. His lungs relaxed and he found himself breathing again — slow, short, shallow breaths. His fingers curled, knuckles white, clutching a grip long removed from his hands. His eyes went up, glancing at the woman, the warmth of a sunrise crystallised, radiating from the sincerity in her soft smile.
Garrett gave silent thanks, hand outstretching to take the cup. The glass' chill quelled the fiery tremor in his hands. He stood carefully, pacing about the room, acknowledging his allies' observations. Taking small sips as he went. His head shifted, dim jade eyes on Kyle. The presence of the head townsman in the opposite dwelling could prove inconvenient, even regarding the young man's assessment. However, the sniper noticed the youth's ignorance of the mysterious architects of this accursed entertainment, deaf to their words and blind to their static displays. Perhaps, it had been for the better, he should not be further embroiled in their assignment.
He suspects it would not be bloodless for long.
Yifeng soon unveiled his discovery, a shroud of light-bending weave. Garrett's eyes widened slightly, leaning over the cloak. His hand went out, caressing down the length of the cloak — he felt the smooth, silk surface flow beneath his fingers. "Nice." He muttered, it reminded him of the rumours spread about their bases amongst the soldiers, of covert experiments involving the usage of optical distortion material. This, however, is unparalleled.
The conversation continued, Garrett remarked the purpose smouldering within them. He nodded his approval at their convictions. "That's the mission." He said, voice stolid, hardened with determination. It was a simple decision to make. "But survival's your responsibility." Garrett cautioned, then went on, arms crossed against his chest. "I agree with Master Yifeng. Myself, or Hysteria if she can avoid direct observation, should investigate. Refining our knowledge of the territory should be the immediate priority. The better our understanding, the better our chances." He gestured to Morgan with his eyes. "The statue could have something, though I'd focus on the library as Kyle mentioned. City hall, or whatever passes for it, may also have pertinent information. However, it will be guarded, perhaps more so than the library."
Garrett gave silent thanks, hand outstretching to take the cup. The glass' chill quelled the fiery tremor in his hands. He stood carefully, pacing about the room, acknowledging his allies' observations. Taking small sips as he went. His head shifted, dim jade eyes on Kyle. The presence of the head townsman in the opposite dwelling could prove inconvenient, even regarding the young man's assessment. However, the sniper noticed the youth's ignorance of the mysterious architects of this accursed entertainment, deaf to their words and blind to their static displays. Perhaps, it had been for the better, he should not be further embroiled in their assignment.
He suspects it would not be bloodless for long.
Yifeng soon unveiled his discovery, a shroud of light-bending weave. Garrett's eyes widened slightly, leaning over the cloak. His hand went out, caressing down the length of the cloak — he felt the smooth, silk surface flow beneath his fingers. "Nice." He muttered, it reminded him of the rumours spread about their bases amongst the soldiers, of covert experiments involving the usage of optical distortion material. This, however, is unparalleled.
The conversation continued, Garrett remarked the purpose smouldering within them. He nodded his approval at their convictions. "That's the mission." He said, voice stolid, hardened with determination. It was a simple decision to make. "But survival's your responsibility." Garrett cautioned, then went on, arms crossed against his chest. "I agree with Master Yifeng. Myself, or Hysteria if she can avoid direct observation, should investigate. Refining our knowledge of the territory should be the immediate priority. The better our understanding, the better our chances." He gestured to Morgan with his eyes. "The statue could have something, though I'd focus on the library as Kyle mentioned. City hall, or whatever passes for it, may also have pertinent information. However, it will be guarded, perhaps more so than the library."
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