∞ 43: Reunion [voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

This has been a rather boring passage of time. I can see why the others were eager to move on from this fort; there's not much here at all.

Noishe has been quiet since I began running a few experiments; he must not have--

[There some sounds of shifting in the sand, then boots on wood as Albert climbs a bit to higher ground.]

...Oh. Is that your group out there, Vyse? Welcome ba--

... ...

I think Noishe is running out to greet your group.

Comments

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Sent out? I came of my own will, the last time I checked.

And no, I didn't bring it with me, for obvious reasons, and yes, it's well hidden.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

And your actions out there proved detrimental to the party's health for a completely unrelated reason, anyway.

Then you had better hope that he hasn't seen fit to ransack places to look for it.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

...

Is there any particular reason why you see fit to scold me, Albert Silverberg?

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Your ... ruin mania not only placed you yourself in a dangerous situation, but also exposed your entire party to the desert elements longer than necessary. I imagine that you did not regain control of yourself by your own volition -- in which case you immediately become a burden.

Do you understand what I am saying, Professor Sage?

[Action] 1/3

[wise_maiden]

[Oh no he didn't.]

...

Excuse me? I am not a burden! ... and it isn't Ruin Mania.

[Action] 2/3

[wise_maiden]

It's only an appreciation for ANCIENT CULTURE!

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... So don't call it that!

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[I'm sorry, Raine, but that brief showing of Ruin Mode, in-person, was enough to derail Albert's thoughts.]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[She's just going to stand up and stalk over to the window in lieu of his brain being temporarily broken.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[It take a moment for him to recover.

...Okay, several moments.]

You intend to explain away an expedition and your wishes to "begin excavating" as as appreciation for ancient culture?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

!

[Turns away from the window for a moment]

Ruins are meant to be explored! They can offer so much insight onto ancient cultures... an in a place such as this, it is an opportunity that hadn't been available to us since being brought to this land -- naturally the only choice was to go on with the expedition for as long as possible!

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[...So much for scolding Raine. He's stunned once again. What happened to sanity, Professor?]

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[You opened this can of worms. Enjoy it while it lasts.]

Hmmm, and it was unfortunate that we had to cut things short for now -- for the return expedition, I expect that everyone will be better prepared! We'll leave no artifact behind!

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Slowly but surely...]

Return expedition? What makes you think there will be a return expedition?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... Of course there's going to be one!

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Have you even thought of the possibility that the Malnosso will bar us access to the ruins? To this very fort?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Until that becomes undeniably certain, they're still open for exploration!

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

The tunnel could very well seal itself up the moment we arrive in the village.

Furthermore, if by some great happenstance the tunnel remains open, a lot can happen in the week that it will take for anyone to return to the village and then head back out here.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

!

Albert!

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[Oh Runes. What now?]

Yes?

[Action] 1/2

[wise_maiden]

That is an excellent observation!

...However it is my opinion that should it remain open, the possibility of more study must not be ruled out entirely!

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

In fact, I absolutely forbid it!

[Action] 1/2

[chikaidestroyer]

[There is absolute silence in immediate response to Raine's words.]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[There are just. No words. Really. But somehow, Albert finds a few.]

Are you serious?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Do I sound like I'm joking?!