tvk | 001 [Video]

[The video option on the phone seems to have been activated while someone was examining their phone, leading to a rather unsettling view that keeps moving without focusing on anything. A soft, somewhat sing-song female voice can be heard from off the screen.]

What a curious piece of machinery.

[The view finally settles on the woman's face as she finishes her examination. From what can be seen in the background, she appears to be sitting on a bench in the shopping district, and is far calmer than most new arrivals tend to be. Her clothes seem decidedly odd, though.]

Prospero, is it? Though I came here through a fire and not a tempest. A character who's place in the story had ended, a player who's role had come to an end, I had thought to be put aside to be used no longer. Yet here I find myself in another story. But then, a story's start is a happy accident, the end the fate for which it's meant. I wonder what sort of story this will become?

[She lifts the hand that's not holding the phone up to show it to the camera. The back is scratched up a bit, though not bleeding seriously.] I haven't experienced pain before now. It's sharp and jagged, just like the jewel that represents it. What must I do to make this feeling go away? I don't like it.

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Indeed I am! I'm surprised that someone knows me now.

I know all the legends and stories, even those that have passed into obscurity by this time.

All of them, really?

All of those that flowed through the tree who's wood I was made of, at least. I don't think the stories of lands very far away from Germany reached it.

I was going to say it seems like a lot to know.

It is, but the knowledge was part of what I was, and I retain it even in this human form.

There's a lot of things we've lost here.

Oh? What has changed for me is obvious, but what sort of things have others lost? And is there any sort of recompense given?

I've lost my weapons, and my nature as a spirit. But we've gained the ability of summoning, which I suppose makes up for it?

Ability of summoning? What exactly do you mean by that?

You'll like it. Legends and myths that respond to our call to fight for us.

That does sound fascinating. How are they summoned?

To gain the power of one, you must first fall into mortal danger, and your destined 'Persona' will appear. From then on, they come at will.

I see. Is encountering mortal danger so common here?

Quite frequent.

Are there particular times or places that are dangerous? I wander the city for a bit before discovering this odd machine for communicating with others, and it simply seemed largely deserted.

The hour after midnight is when monsters appear and attack. So that would be the dangerous time.

I'll be sure to stay indoors during that time until I feel I am ready to face the dangers, then.

[Although speaking of places to take shelter reminded Edel that she wouldn't be able to simply slip back into the workings of the story, here. She'd have to find a place to stay in the city itself.]

Ah, is there a place of lodging here that is understanding of the circumstances of those who find themselves here unexpectedly?

That would be the hotel, which provides free lodgings to newcomers. Very suspicious, very convenient.

That does seem suspiciously convenient, but it's useful knowledge all the same.

I don't always go out and fight.

Ah, I meant the hotel was suspiciously convenient, not you knowing of it. No warrior could fight endlessly without eventually wearing themselves out.

True. Some of the people here... I worry about their health...

There always seem to be those who take dedication too far.

Perhaps I need to return to my usual role of reminding other knights not to be foolish.