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No. Nothing personal. It's simply my job.
[To try not to involve civilians, if he doesn't have to. To keep his shit in his own territory. To take care of family matters within the family.]
Don't think I will let this go, though. Even if there are outside causes, taking the consequences of your actions is still your responsibility. I will be seeing you.
[To try not to involve civilians, if he doesn't have to. To keep his shit in his own territory. To take care of family matters within the family.]
Don't think I will let this go, though. Even if there are outside causes, taking the consequences of your actions is still your responsibility. I will be seeing you.
[One line catches Matoba's interest in particular in that first answer ... He will be a "team player", so long as this seems fruitful.]
Mithrun-san,
I will answer your questions in order. I have one of my own in the end.
As for 1-a. I have a number of hints as to the identity of this user, although nothing concrete. The information I was able to glean from them is limited, but I will convey to my best ability.
Firstly, "dv" confirmed to me that they are not on the payroll of CC Corp, however avoided confirming whether they were directly associated with the company. I have a few theories as to how to interpret this:
a) They are a former, perhaps disgruntled employee
b) They are a non-employee with access to CC Corp data (such as a contractor, investor, etc.)
c) They are an individual related to an employee, or a non-employee, with access to that individual's credentials
d) They are a part of CC Corp's systems [Mithrun is free to interpret this bullet as he likes.]
As for my pick, I have an additional reason to suspect theory (d).
[Matoba attaches a cropped image of his message and the reply directly to it, showing only the first line of dv's response: / THE CALL CAME FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE // YOU SURE ARE NOSY! and removing the second part which contained his real name.]
[Moving on;]
Secondly, they seem to have a notable dislike for the head admin. Initially, I thought that perhaps the title had been granted by the admin team as a result of our little experiment, and so I responded with a message intended for Hien-san. [He gets a -san today, this is a business email,] They reacted quite negatively to the implication that they were Hien, but on the other hand, seemed quite enthused that my little testing venture with the equip glitch had been intended as a mess for him to clean up after. I thought that was quite funny. I don't really need to wonder what he might have done to "dv" to earn their ire, considering how he is. It could really be any number of things, couldn't it?
[Haha. That wacky Hien-kun! Hey, don't circle back to this in about, checks watch, an in-game week.]
Thirdly, when I began to further question their identity and intentions, they seemed open to the idea of sharing more with me, however it seems that they have now decided to keep a watch on my in-game communications and activities, I suppose in order to "gain trust". You see this is one reason that I have decided to communicate with you by external means. I must be careful about what I discuss while in Fragment.
That about covers what I was able to get out of them at the time. There's no way to contact them again, so all I can do is wait for "dv" to reappear.
If all of this suffices for you, I would like to know which incidents you believe are connected to "dv", besides the emails, and the motivations behind them.
My additional question:
In your first answer, can you be more specific as to what sort of information Hien seemed to "believe"? Information pertaining to how the game interfaces with us, or is this referring to information he seems to have about particular players? [One of these was far more dangerous than the other.]
A pleasure as always.
--0koto
Mithrun-san,
I will answer your questions in order. I have one of my own in the end.
As for 1-a. I have a number of hints as to the identity of this user, although nothing concrete. The information I was able to glean from them is limited, but I will convey to my best ability.
Firstly, "dv" confirmed to me that they are not on the payroll of CC Corp, however avoided confirming whether they were directly associated with the company. I have a few theories as to how to interpret this:
a) They are a former, perhaps disgruntled employee
b) They are a non-employee with access to CC Corp data (such as a contractor, investor, etc.)
c) They are an individual related to an employee, or a non-employee, with access to that individual's credentials
d) They are a part of CC Corp's systems [Mithrun is free to interpret this bullet as he likes.]
As for my pick, I have an additional reason to suspect theory (d).
[Matoba attaches a cropped image of his message and the reply directly to it, showing only the first line of dv's response: / THE CALL CAME FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE // YOU SURE ARE NOSY! and removing the second part which contained his real name.]
[Moving on;]
Secondly, they seem to have a notable dislike for the head admin. Initially, I thought that perhaps the title had been granted by the admin team as a result of our little experiment, and so I responded with a message intended for Hien-san. [He gets a -san today, this is a business email,] They reacted quite negatively to the implication that they were Hien, but on the other hand, seemed quite enthused that my little testing venture with the equip glitch had been intended as a mess for him to clean up after. I thought that was quite funny. I don't really need to wonder what he might have done to "dv" to earn their ire, considering how he is. It could really be any number of things, couldn't it?
[Haha. That wacky Hien-kun! Hey, don't circle back to this in about, checks watch, an in-game week.]
Thirdly, when I began to further question their identity and intentions, they seemed open to the idea of sharing more with me, however it seems that they have now decided to keep a watch on my in-game communications and activities, I suppose in order to "gain trust". You see this is one reason that I have decided to communicate with you by external means. I must be careful about what I discuss while in Fragment.
That about covers what I was able to get out of them at the time. There's no way to contact them again, so all I can do is wait for "dv" to reappear.
If all of this suffices for you, I would like to know which incidents you believe are connected to "dv", besides the emails, and the motivations behind them.
My additional question:
In your first answer, can you be more specific as to what sort of information Hien seemed to "believe"? Information pertaining to how the game interfaces with us, or is this referring to information he seems to have about particular players? [One of these was far more dangerous than the other.]
A pleasure as always.
--0koto
Edited (cobbles together my html with chewing gum and a prayer) 2023-08-24 00:48 (UTC)
I see.
I've written up a synthesis of my thoughts and findings, and I can send it to you.
But because you quite like clear terms of service:
What is the benefit I gain by sending you what I know?
Are we agreeing to a continued information exchange?
I look forward to your reply.
( Or so they say in the professional world. )
I've written up a synthesis of my thoughts and findings, and I can send it to you.
But because you quite like clear terms of service:
What is the benefit I gain by sending you what I know?
Are we agreeing to a continued information exchange?
I look forward to your reply.
( Or so they say in the professional world. )
[This time, he drops the formality.]
I'm glad that you remember my preferences.
If "dv" decides to place trust in me, it would be best if I can seed that information to another trustworthy individual in a location where they will not be able to track it, in case of any complications. Ensuring that there is evidence to be exposed in the event of Fragment being compromised, for example.
Are you disinterested in what else they might know or their intentions? About us individually, or our use of the software?
Of course, I cannot promise, nor do I expect, a total open exchange of information. But where it benefits us both, I don't expect you to be someone that squanders an opportunity.
Call that my "agreement", if you like.
I'm glad that you remember my preferences.
If "dv" decides to place trust in me, it would be best if I can seed that information to another trustworthy individual in a location where they will not be able to track it, in case of any complications. Ensuring that there is evidence to be exposed in the event of Fragment being compromised, for example.
Are you disinterested in what else they might know or their intentions? About us individually, or our use of the software?
Of course, I cannot promise, nor do I expect, a total open exchange of information. But where it benefits us both, I don't expect you to be someone that squanders an opportunity.
Call that my "agreement", if you like.
( He considers this, for a time. )
Fine. I accept these terms.
I've attached my synthesis below. While the text appears long, I personally consider it a bare amount of information - scattered facts and speculation. It wouldn't make for much of a thesis, never mind a real report.
However, an agreement - if we use this term - to exchange information of any measure is useless if we don't start out with a similar basis of knowledge. I've included what may as well be useful to know, and excised the rest.
Tell me your thoughts, if you have anything else to add to what I've collected.
Fine. I accept these terms.
I've attached my synthesis below. While the text appears long, I personally consider it a bare amount of information - scattered facts and speculation. It wouldn't make for much of a thesis, never mind a real report.
However, an agreement - if we use this term - to exchange information of any measure is useless if we don't start out with a similar basis of knowledge. I've included what may as well be useful to know, and excised the rest.
Tell me your thoughts, if you have anything else to add to what I've collected.
While I haven't written off the possibility of @ dv being a disgruntled or malicious individual, d) is also my speculation, simply because it is possible.
Portions of the following synthesis presume the administrators are speaking truthfully. Because its foundation is based on presumption, and not verified fact, any portion of this text can be challenged or proven untrue at any time. Humans, at the very least, can lie.
Have you spoken to Zelkova much? It seems he's unable to lie to users. He's implied this to an extent on the forums, but in our conversations, and after a conversation with Hien, I've come to consider that he may be an AI program, or something similar. Zelkova exists as such within Fragment and is growing more dimensional in his character with time, per his own admittance. I wouldn't be surprised if he were one of many similar programs.
This @ dv could be an incomplete or corrupted program, or simply a rogue one. Additionally, @ dv may not be the only internal operator in Fragment. For example, the anonymous user who commented under Akatsuki's post some weeks back had similarly glitched text.
Additionally, in one conversation, Hien mentioned that the individual responsible for the issue with the revealing visions in the hall of mirrors (the building itself is meant to exist, per Hien), and the individual who issued pointed level cap gear (which is not meant to exist, like titles), are the same. Hien was able to identify this issue by sight, when gazing at the mirrors in the game; I was with him at the time. This could be @ dv. It could be another internal actor. Regardless, this user is able to pull information from our minds (your legal name, for example) and create visual representations of them (level cap gear, mirror memories).
Continuing the previous paragraph: Zelkova claimed that affects that alter players' mental states (falling in love, gaining aggression, altering beliefs, etc) are not intended functions of the game. Zelkova attempted to investigate these effects, but could not verify the effects to redress them, because they only trigger on, it seems, living players (by my own testing, they do not appear to activate on NPCs; or, by his own admittance, Zelkova). That effects are not meant to affect non-users appears to be intended behavior, as a glitch that proved otherwise was quickly patched out of the game. Administrators, consequently, are not immune by default to this injected code. Anything that affects players can affect Hien, for example. @ dv's nature as program or person could be verified if an affect triggers on them. However - returning to the point - because it appears that Zelkova cannot lie to users, these effects must have been injected by malicious actors - @ dv or otherwise - perhaps in the same way the abnormal heat has been injected into the game. Thus, @ dv or otherwise may be able to "read" (as a program) some level of information stored directly in our minds, as well as "write" into it.
On one further point, the special areas and their linked narratives (the poems, songs, etc) are intended elements of the game; at least, according to Hien, if he is an honest narrator. What is not intended is the experiences of the users therein: falling unconscious (Ganymede) or experiencing migraines (Hector), etc. The Areas themselves may be intended, but faulty code may have been injected or inadvertently triggered. It's also possible that unconsciousness, migraines, etc were not the intended effects - they were unintentional consequences of some type of code being executed.
Continuing, elements in special Areas certain users described as being there upon first visit (ie, the Goddess statue and rubble in the church) no longer exist - either despawned once the instance was exited, or removed by administrators. Additionally, that keywords were forwarded to players by an anonymous user may be unintended.
Onto your question: Hien may have access to our information in the way Zelkova does, but he doesn't seem to know it by default - at least, this is my impression. However, he's relatively frank about the fact that he considers certain issues encountered by users while interacting with the game completely false. He claims he "personally verified" that Hana was lying about being able to log out, and he was taciturn about the church, but seemed to take on a similar stance that those incidents are not caused by the game. (He was very particular when speaking on the church - he asked for particular specificity when I asked him questions on it.)
Whether he genuinely believes these things or if he's obligated by corporate PR to say these things is arguable. It's also possible that users like Ganymede, Hector, Hana, etc, are, indeed, lying.
The most interesting outcome is if neither party is lying: these incidents are truly occurring, and it slips beneath Hien's gaze - a gaze that can identify the fingerprints of a malicious actor just by gazing at the mirrors. The less interesting but more likely outcome is that Hien has been dishonest about what he knows.
However, his and Zelkova's understanding of the issues going on within Fragment is also limited. Additionally, per Zelkova, they are left out of discussions at a higher level. Zelkova is limited to in-game functionalities - not having reach or communication beyond the game - and Hien necessarily must occupy that niche in his place. They're above us in hierarchy, but only by so much.
Does this satisfy your interest?
Post script—
I estimate have a neutral or neutral-negative relationship with Hien. If @ dv is hostile to Hien, then there's a chance it may not look fondly upon me for maintaining this status. I would recommend you keep from Hien's good graces in public, then, if you're looking for further communication, as @ dv isn't like to come to me. Do what you want in private.
By the way, if you go to Hien to tease him with anything particularly sensitive I've mentioned here - allowing it to be too apparent I spoke to you about these things - and make it so that he is unwilling to speak to me in the future, I won't be collaborative in the future. I dislike being inconvenienced.
( I will kill you, in short. )
Portions of the following synthesis presume the administrators are speaking truthfully. Because its foundation is based on presumption, and not verified fact, any portion of this text can be challenged or proven untrue at any time. Humans, at the very least, can lie.
Have you spoken to Zelkova much? It seems he's unable to lie to users. He's implied this to an extent on the forums, but in our conversations, and after a conversation with Hien, I've come to consider that he may be an AI program, or something similar. Zelkova exists as such within Fragment and is growing more dimensional in his character with time, per his own admittance. I wouldn't be surprised if he were one of many similar programs.
This @ dv could be an incomplete or corrupted program, or simply a rogue one. Additionally, @ dv may not be the only internal operator in Fragment. For example, the anonymous user who commented under Akatsuki's post some weeks back had similarly glitched text.
Additionally, in one conversation, Hien mentioned that the individual responsible for the issue with the revealing visions in the hall of mirrors (the building itself is meant to exist, per Hien), and the individual who issued pointed level cap gear (which is not meant to exist, like titles), are the same. Hien was able to identify this issue by sight, when gazing at the mirrors in the game; I was with him at the time. This could be @ dv. It could be another internal actor. Regardless, this user is able to pull information from our minds (your legal name, for example) and create visual representations of them (level cap gear, mirror memories).
Continuing the previous paragraph: Zelkova claimed that affects that alter players' mental states (falling in love, gaining aggression, altering beliefs, etc) are not intended functions of the game. Zelkova attempted to investigate these effects, but could not verify the effects to redress them, because they only trigger on, it seems, living players (by my own testing, they do not appear to activate on NPCs; or, by his own admittance, Zelkova). That effects are not meant to affect non-users appears to be intended behavior, as a glitch that proved otherwise was quickly patched out of the game. Administrators, consequently, are not immune by default to this injected code. Anything that affects players can affect Hien, for example. @ dv's nature as program or person could be verified if an affect triggers on them. However - returning to the point - because it appears that Zelkova cannot lie to users, these effects must have been injected by malicious actors - @ dv or otherwise - perhaps in the same way the abnormal heat has been injected into the game. Thus, @ dv or otherwise may be able to "read" (as a program) some level of information stored directly in our minds, as well as "write" into it.
On one further point, the special areas and their linked narratives (the poems, songs, etc) are intended elements of the game; at least, according to Hien, if he is an honest narrator. What is not intended is the experiences of the users therein: falling unconscious (Ganymede) or experiencing migraines (Hector), etc. The Areas themselves may be intended, but faulty code may have been injected or inadvertently triggered. It's also possible that unconsciousness, migraines, etc were not the intended effects - they were unintentional consequences of some type of code being executed.
Continuing, elements in special Areas certain users described as being there upon first visit (ie, the Goddess statue and rubble in the church) no longer exist - either despawned once the instance was exited, or removed by administrators. Additionally, that keywords were forwarded to players by an anonymous user may be unintended.
Onto your question: Hien may have access to our information in the way Zelkova does, but he doesn't seem to know it by default - at least, this is my impression. However, he's relatively frank about the fact that he considers certain issues encountered by users while interacting with the game completely false. He claims he "personally verified" that Hana was lying about being able to log out, and he was taciturn about the church, but seemed to take on a similar stance that those incidents are not caused by the game. (He was very particular when speaking on the church - he asked for particular specificity when I asked him questions on it.)
Whether he genuinely believes these things or if he's obligated by corporate PR to say these things is arguable. It's also possible that users like Ganymede, Hector, Hana, etc, are, indeed, lying.
The most interesting outcome is if neither party is lying: these incidents are truly occurring, and it slips beneath Hien's gaze - a gaze that can identify the fingerprints of a malicious actor just by gazing at the mirrors. The less interesting but more likely outcome is that Hien has been dishonest about what he knows.
However, his and Zelkova's understanding of the issues going on within Fragment is also limited. Additionally, per Zelkova, they are left out of discussions at a higher level. Zelkova is limited to in-game functionalities - not having reach or communication beyond the game - and Hien necessarily must occupy that niche in his place. They're above us in hierarchy, but only by so much.
Does this satisfy your interest?
Post script—
I estimate have a neutral or neutral-negative relationship with Hien. If @ dv is hostile to Hien, then there's a chance it may not look fondly upon me for maintaining this status. I would recommend you keep from Hien's good graces in public, then, if you're looking for further communication, as @ dv isn't like to come to me. Do what you want in private.
By the way, if you go to Hien to tease him with anything particularly sensitive I've mentioned here - allowing it to be too apparent I spoke to you about these things - and make it so that he is unwilling to speak to me in the future, I won't be collaborative in the future. I dislike being inconvenienced.
( I will kill you, in short. )
In order.
Yes, I also noticed Zelkova's admission, during that kerfuffle. That is something that I have been wondering for some time; however, I did question Hien-san a little bit about that recently. He has claimed to me that there are other human administrators in the game of which he is the leader- Zelkova aside- but when I asked when we might see them, he demurred to give any other specifics. I do question whether that was a truthful reply, given we have seen no other CC Corp presence publicly within the game.
That said, it is clear that Zelkova differs from the other NPC's in the game in terms of intelligence and ability. It bears questioning, I think, why only some AI present in the game seem capable of that level of depth. A limitation on programming/processing power? Or might it be a mitigation of some risk that was found in earlier testing?
I'm sure there was a lot of experimentation done with these AI programs before we have gotten to the point we are at now. As you say, perhaps what we are brushing up against are remnants of that.
The hall of mirrors is an interesting one. I haven't participated in that part of the carnival simply due to a lack of interest, but it presents an even more significant danger than even "dv" being capable of scraping basic information to present to us directly, if it can be presented without any direct interaction and to other players as well.
My. Does that mean you saw something from Hien-san? I don't suppose you'll tell me what you saw? Haha. [unless........?]
[This next part: give him a week or two and Matoba will be able to comment on it more directly. But, for now:]
I have suspected this since you first told me about the "love" effect. There doesn't seem to be a particular way to guard ourselves against these effects either, other than to simply not partake of various aspects of the game.
By the way, on that note- be wary of the drinks in the guild halls.
Re: Physical effects.
It's good to know at least that some of these mysteries are intended parts of the game, hm? Even if I'm no help when it comes to German. By the way, do you have any thoughts on the bits of plot we've been shown so far? It's quite the mystery, isn't it? Some sort of ancient evil being released over time. I wonder when we will see the first boss appear.
I haven't yet suffered any physical effects offline as a result of an area exploration, but it's concerning that they seem to be testing these new special area releases on us that consistently have some ill side effects. Ought to be wary of testing these going forward, hm? I wonder who is really doing the testing here.
But in any case, don't forget. This game is all in our imagination.
That's the magic of immersive reality, don't you think?
By the way, regarding Hien-san.
It's to my interests to learn just what exactly someone like him is really doing here, playing babysitter to a bunch of 堅気. Surely you have noticed as well? A man like that isn't something like a mere software engineer.
But I was able to get something like a hint.
Well, I have no intentions of being cozy with that man, given what I've come to suspect of him. So you don't really have to worry about anything like that. In fact, I'm willing to tell you certain things about him, if you are willing to share the same with me.
I don't have any intentions of damaging my good relationship with you, Mithrun-san. I'd appreciate a little respect in return, you know?
[That said: threaten him again, and see what happens.]
[(Don't worry, a few days after these messages are sent, things will be a liiiiiittle different. But Matoba is nothing if not a professional; business comes before pleasure.)]
Yes, I also noticed Zelkova's admission, during that kerfuffle. That is something that I have been wondering for some time; however, I did question Hien-san a little bit about that recently. He has claimed to me that there are other human administrators in the game of which he is the leader- Zelkova aside- but when I asked when we might see them, he demurred to give any other specifics. I do question whether that was a truthful reply, given we have seen no other CC Corp presence publicly within the game.
That said, it is clear that Zelkova differs from the other NPC's in the game in terms of intelligence and ability. It bears questioning, I think, why only some AI present in the game seem capable of that level of depth. A limitation on programming/processing power? Or might it be a mitigation of some risk that was found in earlier testing?
I'm sure there was a lot of experimentation done with these AI programs before we have gotten to the point we are at now. As you say, perhaps what we are brushing up against are remnants of that.
The hall of mirrors is an interesting one. I haven't participated in that part of the carnival simply due to a lack of interest, but it presents an even more significant danger than even "dv" being capable of scraping basic information to present to us directly, if it can be presented without any direct interaction and to other players as well.
My. Does that mean you saw something from Hien-san? I don't suppose you'll tell me what you saw? Haha. [unless........?]
[This next part: give him a week or two and Matoba will be able to comment on it more directly. But, for now:]
I have suspected this since you first told me about the "love" effect. There doesn't seem to be a particular way to guard ourselves against these effects either, other than to simply not partake of various aspects of the game.
By the way, on that note- be wary of the drinks in the guild halls.
Re: Physical effects.
It's good to know at least that some of these mysteries are intended parts of the game, hm? Even if I'm no help when it comes to German. By the way, do you have any thoughts on the bits of plot we've been shown so far? It's quite the mystery, isn't it? Some sort of ancient evil being released over time. I wonder when we will see the first boss appear.
I haven't yet suffered any physical effects offline as a result of an area exploration, but it's concerning that they seem to be testing these new special area releases on us that consistently have some ill side effects. Ought to be wary of testing these going forward, hm? I wonder who is really doing the testing here.
But in any case, don't forget. This game is all in our imagination.
That's the magic of immersive reality, don't you think?
By the way, regarding Hien-san.
It's to my interests to learn just what exactly someone like him is really doing here, playing babysitter to a bunch of 堅気. Surely you have noticed as well? A man like that isn't something like a mere software engineer.
But I was able to get something like a hint.
Well, I have no intentions of being cozy with that man, given what I've come to suspect of him. So you don't really have to worry about anything like that. In fact, I'm willing to tell you certain things about him, if you are willing to share the same with me.
I don't have any intentions of damaging my good relationship with you, Mithrun-san. I'd appreciate a little respect in return, you know?
[That said: threaten him again, and see what happens.]
[(Don't worry, a few days after these messages are sent, things will be a liiiiiittle different. But Matoba is nothing if not a professional; business comes before pleasure.)]
Edited (I knew half this tag was going to break closes eyes) 2023-08-26 22:21 (UTC)
sneaky
could have just asked normally
could have just asked normally
Edited 2023-08-28 16:37 (UTC)
Good evening, Mithrun-san.
I have some data for you. Please anonymize it if you intend to record or spread it anywhere; I don't have anything to gain at the moment from being associated with its discovery.
I've just logged off from what I believe is a new Special Area. It is a castle-like structure located beneath the depths of Indieglut Lugh.
The keywords are: "Θ Hidden Forbidden Hades". Judging by this, and the area info, it appears to be Fragment's IC "underworld". We didn't discover any additional lore by exploring it, however. There were no monsters, treasure, or NPCs present within this area, either.
Notable abnormal area effects: Extreme winds which seemed to carry voices from our memories. The game is playing with access to our brains, again.
I attempted to invoke "dv" to see if it was watching us, but got no response before logging off.
Side effects: severe migraine that has persisted since logging off. [Yeah he's just typing through it, dw]
Do with all this what you will.
--0koto
I have some data for you. Please anonymize it if you intend to record or spread it anywhere; I don't have anything to gain at the moment from being associated with its discovery.
I've just logged off from what I believe is a new Special Area. It is a castle-like structure located beneath the depths of Indieglut Lugh.
The keywords are: "Θ Hidden Forbidden Hades". Judging by this, and the area info, it appears to be Fragment's IC "underworld". We didn't discover any additional lore by exploring it, however. There were no monsters, treasure, or NPCs present within this area, either.
Notable abnormal area effects: Extreme winds which seemed to carry voices from our memories. The game is playing with access to our brains, again.
I attempted to invoke "dv" to see if it was watching us, but got no response before logging off.
Side effects: severe migraine that has persisted since logging off. [Yeah he's just typing through it, dw]
Do with all this what you will.
--0koto
Edited 2023-09-03 23:36 (UTC)
[ hani decides to continue their forum conversation privately instead. ]
Hello, Makoto-kun.
Why do you think that? What have you done that’s so hefty?
Hello, Makoto-kun.
Why do you think that? What have you done that’s so hefty?
My, my. Aren't we feeling nosy today.
[He doesn't dislike tabibito-san, though. So maybe he'll play along a little.]
Nothing I need forgiveness or absolution for, if you are concerned for the state of my soul. There simply are deeds I've committed, necessary, but undoubtedly unclean in the eyes of the gods.
[He doesn't dislike tabibito-san, though. So maybe he'll play along a little.]
Nothing I need forgiveness or absolution for, if you are concerned for the state of my soul. There simply are deeds I've committed, necessary, but undoubtedly unclean in the eyes of the gods.
I doubt the gods sit there and tally every negative and positive action you take. I also doubt they have it in them to interfere.
If they did, so many things would be different about the world.
For what it’s worth, I enjoy your words. Surely, that counts for something if we are counting sins.
If they did, so many things would be different about the world.
For what it’s worth, I enjoy your words. Surely, that counts for something if we are counting sins.
No... That's King Enma's job, hm?
[Matoba's not exactly a religious man, so getting into the weeds of Shinto vs the various Buddhist intersections of death myth aren't exactly his forté here (in AU), but...]
[He's pretty sure "murder" is considered an unclean act by any theology.]
Don't think I need to be "cheered up", if you are reading into it as gloom. I simply think it's best to be honest with yourself about who you are and what you do.
[Matoba's not exactly a religious man, so getting into the weeds of Shinto vs the various Buddhist intersections of death myth aren't exactly his forté here (in AU), but...]
[He's pretty sure "murder" is considered an unclean act by any theology.]
Don't think I need to be "cheered up", if you are reading into it as gloom. I simply think it's best to be honest with yourself about who you are and what you do.
Ah, no real occasion! I simply enjoy cooking and I have no one to cook for in the real world.
So why not live out my dinner party dreams with the guild?
[ Wow, Fandaniel, don't admit that, that makes you sound like a loser??? ]
So why not live out my dinner party dreams with the guild?
[ Wow, Fandaniel, don't admit that, that makes you sound like a loser??? ]
[ Look, they can be two losers making one whole person: one who's good at home stuff and the other who is... uh... who is Matoba. Y... yeah. ]
[Matoba only reads this message when he's been spit back out of Hien's BDSM dungeon and logged off for a while to, you know, Take Care of Shit. So when he finally logs back in again the next evening......]
[Oh, so it saw all that, huh?]
I beg your pardon?
[Oh, so it saw all that, huh?]
I beg your pardon?
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