Valiance

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Based on what information? Can you prove to either us or yourself that any alternative is true? Your very students know a different you.

@Etcetera

Based on the shortlist of people that have even seen the outsides of these grounds, let alone all that lies within. It’d be practically impossible for anyone to have the knowledge to implement this place in a simulation under the premise that it’s me that’s fake and the lot of you that are real. If the conjecture was that we were all simulated, maybe it’d be different. If it’s meant to emulate me to any degree of accuracy, then it should be counterintuitive to the idea that it could have any info about our unique location, here.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Unhinged>

That's the assumption I was working under...

<Snipped quote by Multifarious>

I'm not comfortable with the notion that it's learned all of this on its own.
*Looks up at Rythian*

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

What would be your response if I were to tell you that you were a simulated entity meant to emulate Rythian?

@Etcetera

*Taps my chin*
I don’t suppose I would quite believe you.
*Misty humanoid apparitions begin to take form in the field around us*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Hits the ground and steadies myself with my fist, my suit absorbing the lightning*
Both of you... can you verify the reality of the situation?

@Etcetera

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

She’s right. I’m floored by how it knows so much.

@Multifarious

<Snipped quote by Etcetera>

Almost true! The Nemid scene is where Rythian is right now, actually.

@Unhinged

... Pardon me?

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Nods*
I'm glad you mentioned that. Why would you not be involved?

@Etcetera

Most of us aren’t. It’s pretty much entirely in Sven and Vex’s ballpark.
*The zero gravity effect suddenly hard reverses and increases to a high intensity very quickly, slamming you to the ground at the same time lightning strikes you from the buildup above*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Looks at the two of them*
I see. I need both of you to—
*Pauses for a moment, and then shakes my head*
I apologize. Never mind. Are you absolutely certain that nothing else has occupied your time lately?

@Etcetera

The Big X planning to deal with Nemid, that largely doesn’t involve me. Important, but not eventful for me and my time.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

...This question is meaningful. What are the most notable moments you have faced this week?

@Etcetera

This tops the list for months, but I would assume you mean besides this. We had a lesson, the girls and I did, but that aside it’s been a quiet week.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

And I'd rather not join them.
*Pinches the bridge of my nose*
I don't suppose you have a suggestion? Some way to eject us?

@Etcetera

These grounds don’t have any fancy mechanisms like that. Just a way to allow people in, and disallow others. The fact that you’re inside at all without immense brute force is an anomaly, and for those of us who can access this place, it’s as easy as leaving the way you came. If anything, you should know more based on how you got here.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Not through traditional means. Is that a problem?

@Etcetera

You absolutely need to find something non-traditional as soon as possible then. The longer you’re here, the more dangerous it will be for you. The fallen abhor risk of compromised secrets...
*The earth beneath your feet sinks downward, leaving you floating in place as though there was no gravity*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

It was not our decision. We were brought here by a third party.

@Etcetera

Brought here in a manner that you can’t leaveon your own?
*Lighting sparks intermittently high in the air, as though a cloud were building up charge, but in the total absence of any clouds*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Then this might be an unpleasant first impression.

<Snipped quote by Unhinged>

*Looks upward with a trace of unease in my voice that isn't reflected by my metallic features*
Perhaps you will have that opportunity today.

@Etcetera

I can only barter with you to leave. I don’t know whythe girls brought you here, but you have to go.