Valiance

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

I’ll take the front. If there are any traps, better I be injured than you.
*Steps into the hallway*

@System

I… Don’t like that. But from here, I’m going to avoid using any abilities if I can. I don’t want to be sensed so we can maintain stealth here.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Could additional violators exist beyond these targets?

@System

It really, really shouldn’t be. But if there are two, and they aren’t isolated cases, then it seems a lot more likely, huh?
…
We’ve got to move.
*Takes a tentative step into the entrance*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Two illicit users? Was this known beforehand?

@System

I had no clue.
*Clenches my fist at my side*
This is getting out of hand.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Mints another magical strip and tacks it to the wall, which grows a maze of magical circuits against its surface like tree roots, casting a soft glow onto the floor*

@System

*The floor is slanted downward and the hall is curved, spiraling into the inside of the temple. I stare down its expanse, narrowing my eyes as if I see something*
Data... There are two in here.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

Certainly. Although many choices are unfortunately a shade of gray between two outcomes.

@System

It always is. But, concessions make the outcome grayer. I'm ready for the worst, but also to do what I can for the possibility of an ideal outcome.
*Steps up to the last step and looks downward into the dimly lit, downward hallway of an entrance*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

To a greater priority than finding this individual?

@System

… No. But if making sacrifices isn’t necessary, I’m going to do what I can.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

I would take for granted that much will be lost today. Perhaps we’ll have an answer as to why.

@System

*Directs my attention forward with solemnity and determination*
Inevitability won't keep me from trying to stop it.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Continues walking*
Are you concerned for their wellbeing?

@System

I’m concerned about a lot, but I don’t even know enough about them to know if I should be concerned for them.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Pauses for a moment, and then resumes climbing*
I didn’t think so.

@System

Well... Yeah.
*Looks over my shoulder back toward the fighting in the village streets*

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Valiance>

*Takes to the stairs*
How likely is that?

@System

How often does anything resolve easily, in your experience?