Complete Private Pormont Excuse me! Anybody home!?

[Chako]

Chako smile got even wider when she heard Lucia talk about how she actually saw lady Syndra smile once, "Those moments must have been really precious to you, huh? I'm kinda jealous...

"Though well, while I certainly would love to meet lady Uene one of these days, I hope I don't have to get into big trouble to get the chance! Even if it makes sense that the gods wouldn't appear willy-nilly in front of us." Gods must be busy with their own things, after all. Descending into mortal world would only happen in special rare occasions.

That said, Chako was still very happy to hear of what occasions led to lady Syndra actually descend to the mortal realm, "But to think lady Syndra actually came to help you directly..." Chako was really smiling from ear to ear at this point, "They really do listen, don't them? The gods above us are watching and answering our prayers. It's so wonderful!" It made Chako think back on her time on Earth... Maybe if she had been born on Arcia, her dad might have survived... Maybe she might have been able to live with functional legs for her whole life without needing to travel to a different world to have them.

There was no use wondering about it though. The reality was what it was, and Chako was just happy that Arcia existed and allowed her to live the way she wished to, differently from Earth.

"Who wouldn't want to be spoiled by the gods though? Especially the saintess! If there is someone who deserves to be spoiled by lady Syndra, that someone is you!" Chako replied honestly. She was still scared of the undead alright, but she could understand why Lucia had all those undead near her when considering she was lady Syndra's very own saintess, and the very first Starcalled Necromancer too! She was blessed by lady Syndra herself, who wouldn't want to use their gift in this kind of situation!?

Then, as Chako started talking about herself, she felt like Lucia's expression was getting a bit... Weird? It wasn't a pitying gaze for sure, Chako was very used to those and she would have noticed... It was something else. An expression that really didn't seem to fit the conversation... But Chako couldn't figure out what it was, so she decided to leave it be. If Lucia wanted to talk about it, she would bring it up herself.

Instead, Chako replied to her statement, "Yeah, it's been a lot of fun!" Then, her expression turned a bit somber, "Way too much fun, to be honest... It's getting hard to get back to Earth these days. Makes me wish I could just drag my mom here, then I would have no qualms about never going back to Earth." It wasn't happening though. She knew that much.

Then, she realized it, "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Please don't mind it." Chako didn't really need to burden Lucia with that. She didn't need the pitying gaze of people who would feel sorry for her for having so little care for her own life back on Earth.

She hoped Lucia would just leave it be and move on with the conversation, "Yeah... I guess the excitement is natural right now." Chako smiled a bit, "Judging others though...? Well, I guess I can see plenty of things other than disabilities one might want to run away from in Earth." Lacks of future prospects, constant dependency, living without clear goals, days that blur together indistinctly from one another... Yeah, there was plenty to run away from, "Still, it's just a bit surprising that people are willing to put their lives at risk for that, I guess? Like..." Chako gave out a wry smile, "Well, the burden of knowing that I might make mom attend my own funeral is a heavy one. I wouldn't be able to do it if I wasn't desperate... And even then, I'm not desperate enough to try bringing my mom to a place that puts her life at risk, yanno?"

Idiot, you brought it up again, Chako chastised herself, "N-never mind this one either..."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Fortunately the topic seemed to hover more towards the divine then unique or special traits. It made it all the easier to restrain those harsher darker thoughts in favor of the warm welcoming smile she'd kept. A plastic smile was still a smile after all.

As for whether or not Gods listened in though Lucia was never really certain. Those types Syndra did help her weren't usually surprises, instead they always came with some kind of price and it was always when she tried to reach out with as much insistence as she could. While she had some working theories that they aren't as omnipresent as one might suspect divine beings of being she didn't have any kind of evidence.

"I'm sure there's some kind of rule. In the same way we can't just go up there and have dinner with them, I'm sure bridging the gap for them is equally difficult. You see such things even in the mythos of reality at least. Norse Mythology had the Bifrost and Yggdrasil seperating Midgard and Asgard. Greek Mythology had mount Olympus separating our world as we knew it from the gods. Perhaps there's some similar mechanic here at play... But we just haven't found it yet."

Lucia offered a bit of direction for someone who had interest in gods and goddesses. Though Lucia herself didn't know how to bridge that gap from the human side, there was clearly a path if divine beings could come through to this side. That and Lucia had already seen portions of that side via gondola rides so it wouldn't surprise her if there was an actual physical place one could journey to see that place first hand.

Being treated as special though was unique, the more Chako validated that title as Saintess Lucia grew a bit bashful. For her who was synonymous with 'mundane' being acknowledged as special enough to be spoiled was luxurious. Indeed, she was glad she restrained herself, there was no need to be envious of someone else when there was still hope. And it was that Hope that kept her persisting regardless of the murky feelings she forced down.

Despite what Chako might have expected though there was no pity. If anything, Lucia understood that feeling better then anyone. For Lucia there was nothing in reality that really drew her to stay, she was an independent adult. While not dead, her parents had long left her to her own devices only reaching out occasionally for a birthday or Christmas here or there. For Lucia who saw the real world as a grey and rotten prison, she could understand that desire to abandon it.

But even if she could understand.
It didn't mean she would ever risk it.

"I wouldn't be so quick to abandon that side though dear. As much as it might be unpleasant we don't exactly know how this transition works, the mechanics of it or who orchestrated it." Lucia tried to explain her fears patiently. "We don't know for certain who created this game and why. We don't know if the game is a bridge for us to arrive here or if the entirety of this world is contained within it. We don't know who orchestrated it's creation and development or what their purpose is." She posed 3 difficult unknowns off of the top of her head for Chako to ponder. Each one having both optimistic and sinister interpretations.

If Chako had trouble with the sub-text of her questions, Lucia would elaborate while patting her.

"For example. What if we were unknowingly destroyers through some unseen machinations and our mere presence was actually harmful to this world without us knowing and the mastermind is only waiting for the damage to grow until it's irreparable? What if the Gods are busy trying to hold this world together and prevent it from collapsing and they need us to help hold it together?"

"What if it was a bridge built and the person who built the bridge is using this game as a test and once it is stable an army from our world will pour in? What if it isn't a bridge and this is a micro verse that exists within data that is at risk of being annihilated from the outside by something as simple as a house fire?"

It was terrifying doomer think for sure, but Lucia posed these questions because they were things that they as players in this game and pieces on a board couldn't really understand or know. They could only wait and see if they could glean something as time passed.

"Options are power dear... And until we know the answer to these questions, we don't truly know just how vulnerable and how at risk this place truly is at any given point. Compared to the Goddesses we look up to and the creator of this game we're so pitifully unaware of the dangers and risks this place faces... I think that's why some of the dedicated ones try to keep one foot on Earth just in case this world ever needs help from that side."

"As for risking our lives here, I think the same applies. We can never know on which side a threat or danger might appear, and it could just as easily appear on this side. People take risks because they believe the return might make the difference if a crisis does occur."

Lucia tried her best to clarify, keeping her doomer talk calm and even. She didn't want to sound like some doomsday cultist, but there was a reason that even now Lucia still kept striving to be better and get stronger and bring more undead into the fold. Some day they might be needed and she wanted to be good enough to make a difference if a distress call did go out.

 

[Chako]

"Mmmmm... Yeah, I can imagine that gods too have restrictions. There must be a reason why all that stuff happened to lady Rhiannon, after all." Which Chako didn't quite understand... Like, sure, it was a very creepy legend, but what was wrong with a goddess trying to feed her children in the way she did? Chako didn't feel like her punishment was right.

Lucia's next words instantly made Chako frown though. Her annoyance openly displayed for anyone to see, I thought she got it... But now she is talking about reality, as if Arcia wasn't real... Chako was disappointed... She really thought she had found someone who shared her feelings on this. To think someone who worships lady Syndra can still think of this world as a game... It was frustrating.

Chako stayed silent though, she waited until Lucia finished saying what she had to say... It just annoyed her more though. Mechanics? Why bring up the game talk? Arcia is real... And who orchestrated it? Why was she trying to make this so confusing? The gods brought us here to help the Landers, the denizens of this world, fight against some terrifying threats that were beyond what they could handle. That's all there is to it. Chako really got more and more frustrated with each passing second of this conversation. She realized that there was still a big gap between her understanding of this world and Lucia's.

And then... All the visible annoyance evaporated in an instant as Chako's body started relaxing when faced with Lucia's head pats... Before she noticed it, Chako was already rubbing her head against Lucia's hand and purring.

... Which made her a blush a lot once she realized what she was doing, but it didn't exactly make her stop either.

Averting her gaze, because Chako, with her beet red face, couldn't really face Lucia right now, Chako meekly replied once she finished listening, "I just... Don't think there is a mastermind. Or a different reality... Arcia is real. Lady Uene is real, lady Syndra is real. We just came here because the gods wanted our help in this world..." She purred again. It was a bit hard to make a proper line of thought right now, "So like... Well, just gotta make use of our blessing and enjoy the new life we were given?" Chako felt like it was a bit strange to try having a discussion while she knew that her face was in a state of absolute bliss right now, much to her dismay.

Stupid conditioned response. Stupid cat instincts. She thought to herself... Even if she knew how much this conditioned response helped her.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

"It has to be something, something more then just their normal duties I'd think. We can only guess and grasp at straws trying to figure out what has them so occupied though." Lucia could only reluctantly admit. No matter how much thinking she did, there was no way to really confirm or deny something you couldn't understand or see. As much as she hated the 'play it by ear' method, there wasn't much else that could be done as far as researching that went.

The girl though seemed to go through varying thoughts as Lucia explained her take and fears for the world. Unable to really discern anything though she kept patting Chako's head hearing her reluctance to accept her concern and her own thoughts on the gods.

"If that's true dear, who do you suppose made the 'game' on our side on earth? If it was the gods from this world, then why hasn't any of them said as such? If we were brought here to help, then what were we brought to help with and why weren't we given that mission yet? It's nice to think that all we have to do is enjoy this place and life but do we really have the time and peace to relax like that?"

Lucia posed these questions, questions that unfortunately didn't really have convenient answers and instead only really sparked more questions or concerns. It was a bad habit of Lucia's to try and guide and lead people into understanding rather then just straight up explaining her fears or worries.

"I don't think we were ever explicitly told what we were brought here for and by who. Who jumpstarted this process or whether our coming here is positive or negative for the local reality. Why did they choose a game and these game-like elements to help us adapt? It's all well and good if the reasons are peaceful and kind hearted dear but don't you think we should prepare ourselves if that's not the case?"

 

[Chako]

The headpats were absolutely deadly to Chako's ability of thinking things through. The more Lucia did that, the more Chako started snuggling up to her, with the purrs getting louder and more frequent.

"Mmmmm... No game... Just a trick on our senses... Easier to accept fun playtime... Than divine duty to save world..." Chako muttered with what attention she could put in the conversation they were having, "No need to be explicit... People are nice. Will help others in need if they can. Especially when..." She purred loudly and seemed to have lost her train of thought for a few seconds, until eventually she continued, "When there is no cost... Or risk."

Risk only came on the third death, after all, until then, why not help others? That was Chako's train of thought... Sure, she was aware that ill-intentioned people existed, but she felt comfortable in believing most people had a good heart and would help others out whenever they could.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia chuckled back, understandingly, there was no reason to really question faith she supposed but to trust in it with absolution was another story. For Lucia who took unknowns with a grain of salt, largely because it was terrifying being caught with your pants down if something does end up coming of that unknown possibility.

"That's sort of what I mean though dear. It was made for a purpose of allowing us to adapt right? It's hard to say who created it though isn't it? Considering not all Gods are collaborating here, which would have made it if it was them?" Lucia posed.

Of course it was good to believe everyone will chip in and help, but people could be selfish, and not everyone agreed on the direction of the world. For that reason, Lucia wasn't keen on waiting to be saved or banking on the collaborative efforts of 'everyone'.

"Poor thing. Not everyone is so eager, it's best to try and rely on yourself first and foremost right? Best to have faith but don't let it cripple your critical thinking. We're better use to the gods when we're trying our best. Those who just believe or follow too blindly are more liable to end up following false gods or apparitions because of a misunderstanding." Lucia tried to caution, worried that at some point Chako might be diceaved by some entity with divine magic trying to manipulate her under the guise of Uene. She gave Chako a few more pats before finally relaxing thinking that the poor girl was getting a little too comfortable in her lap.

 

[Chako]

"Mmmmmmm..." Chako purred as she tried to think on the question, "Lady Uene's husband, probably." It felt like the logical assumption, "Or lady Syndra." Since she did seem to be the goddess who directly watched over the Starcalled.

"I like relying on myself..." Chako purred again, "Can only do that here... Legs only function here... Only independent here..." Chako muttered.

And then... Clarity slowly returned to Chako's mind. As her head was finally released, Chako could finally remember what it was like to be troubled about something.

And she went beet red as soon as she finished that line of thought... She figured she should say something about it, "Say... Can you avoid patting my head without permission, please...? It feels... Too comfortable. Way too relaxing..." Especially if it was done over long periods of time... She didn't want anyone other than her mom doing that to her for long.

She then tried remembering what was it that Lucia said and what she had replied... As well as what she hadn't replied to, "I think... I'm not gullible enough to fall for someone who pretends to be lady Uene... At least not unless the person is really good at pretending, I guess?" Chako's mental image of the gods was that they were grandiose beings that gave off some sort of feeling beyond mortal comprehension... If someone tried to trick her without that kind of aura, she wouldn't believe them, probably.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

"And the others just let it happen? No messages or wars or follow up? And how do they reach into our world to make the game? They're not silent gods after all, if they were already in our world would they not have heard you from that side before even coming to this side?" Lucia tried to offer, still trying to punch holes in the logic the best she could in hopes that Chako would consider preparing for uncertainty alongside whatever happy adventures she had hopes for.

In Lucia's eyes at least, one could never be overprepared when it comes to trying to protect the things that are important to you. Having even one person taking this uncertainty seriously would be another card for the Gods in the future.

Being told about her headpat weakness though Lucia could only chuckle. Sweet, warm and melodious, Lucia didn't hesitate to grin as she lowered her hand to tap a finger against Chako's forehead teasingly. "Found your weakness~" It was a playful taunt, it was cute but Lucia wondered if it might have been a result of her masteries or some other peculiar side effect of her choices or if it was something that happened in real life.

An interesting thing to test if they got close enough...

Though with her talking about not falling for someone who pretends, Lucia stayed a little concerned. "As long as you keep a clear mind about things. There are many who try to take advantage of people with faith and try to misguide them. But... I am glad to find more believers and people working towards supporting them. I'm definitely proud of you for that. Maybe one day we might be able to have something of a pantheon wide citadel in the works, that might be a fun project." Lucia mused on something they could try to do to better support divine people or believers in general. Creating a player made cathedral might be a nice possibility.

 

[Chako]

Being able to think things clearly now, Chako could answer Lucia's theory, "I don't think the other gods would go against it if it was a decision made by lady Uene's husband." Truth be told, Chako felt that it was a bit annoying to refer to lord Ys like that, but well... Apparently his name was not meant to be uttered openly, so she was doing what she was told to do on that, "I guess more internal issues could have happened if it was something pushed by lady Syndra though... But at the same time, it's not like we know how the gods handle things among themselves? Maybe they had their own struggles, maybe the Day of Disappearance happened because of that? I don't really know." And she honestly didn't really care to know about the specifics of it.

"As for them reaching Earth and hearing our prayers there... I guess there are limits to what gods can do when dealing with beings from different dimensions? Maybe they actually had to work something out with Earth's deaf god to bring us here, even?" Chako tried theorizing.

That said... "But uhn..." Chako fidgeted a bit, "To be honest... I don't really care much about the specifics behind it? I can see that Arcia is real with my own eyes, and nothing will convince me otherwise." She took a deep breath, "I don't care if it sounds like a conspiracy theory or whatever... That's just the truth to me." Chako meekly stated. She wasn't very good at this kind of conversation. She hoped she wasn't creating an uncomfortable situation by speaking her thoughts out loud like that.

Then, after the forehead poke, Chako averted her gaze, "It's not exactly a weakness..." It was a bit more uncomfortable to talk about this topic than it was to talk about her disability... She didn't want to get too much into the details, but she figured she needed to explain herself a bit in this situation, "It's more like... Something I needed to function properly when I was younger... Though the effects seem to be amplified in Arcia... Maybe it's a Felis instinct thing." It wasn't explaining much, but Chako didn't feel like elaborating, so that would have to do.

What Lucia said next made Chako smile a bit, "I do try to keep a clear mind when dealing with my own faith... I don't really like thinking much before taking action, but for this kind of thing it's important." Then she smiled a bit when Lucia said she was proud of her... It's not like Chako had done anything worth receiving praise over though, but still... She was happy to hear it anyways.

That said, that next statement was... "Uhn... Would that even be possible? Wouldn't be like... Really expensive!?

"Don't the current churches and temples work well enough...?" She felt like lady Uene's main church already looked amazing enough as is, and going there was incredibly informative as well... Not to mention that even talking to the people in Honeyhome was enough to let her learn quite a bit, so... Chako didn't feel like giant cathedral would be really needed... Though she also felt like it would be amazing if one existed.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia nodded along but hearing her outlook about seeing the game world as real didn't bother Lucia. There was no mocking or teasing in her gaze only a light pat on the back as Lucia clarified. "I agree. It's definitely real. Whether it's a different dimension, cyberspace, whatever doesn't really matter to me either if I'm being honest." Lucia clarified, whether that was a step beyond or a step before Chako's own world view was another story. Whether this world was a game or not didn't matter as long as Lucia could keep living in it and enjoying it for what it was.

"But, I want to protect this world dear. That's where the issue is I suppose, if it's cyberspace then it's vulnerable in our reality, if it's a different dimension then there's a chance we could be cut off or forced back whether it's by our own earth's god or something else entirely. This is why I say it's better to prepare and be cautious. There may be a time even someone like you or me might be the difference between this place being saved or ending up as ruins." Lucia tried to caution. While she couldn't make any assumptions of what Chako could even do, she hoped the girl would be ready and willing to at least try if there ever came a time disaster struck.

Seeing her not want to talk about the headpats though, Lucia didn't push it.

Instead she focused on the girl's thoughts about a cathedral and the like. "Expensive, probably, but as a group project it might not be as bad. And while the current ones work well enough sure, don't you think one made by players for players might work better in it's own way? A way for us to reach more people like us, a place to bring them in and get them acquainted easier because we know what it's like coming here after enduring earth? Who knows, if it's successful you might even be able to bring some of it back with you to introduce Uene to the world you were born in. Maybe if more players believed and brought her back to earth a little part of her might join in." She tempted and teased.

 

[Chako]

To Chako it mattered a lot. Thinking it was a cyberspace or whatever was out of the question to her... But at the same time, she understood that her views on this would not match with Lucia's, so she decided to drop the subject.

As for her next statement, Chako could only sigh at that one, "Lucia... What would I even be able to do if Earth's god decided to forcefully bring us back, or if Arcia's gods pushed us away? How could I possibly do anything about it if a second Day of Disappearance happened? Nobody was able to do anything about it for four whole years... Until one day people could suddenly, and out of nowhere, come back to Arcia, and nobody knows how that became possible.

"I understand what you're saying, but... I don't think there is anything we can actually do about those things; we are not gods; we are just people... And if we want to stay in Arcia, then giving up on Earth would be our only option to guarantee that." Chako couldn't really get Lucia's mindset for this. Perhaps it was because she was the saintess of lady Syndra, so she felt like she had access to a higher power that most people didn't have.

But me...? I'm just a human on Earth, and just a Felis here... I can't handle stuff that is related to the direct decisions of the gods.

And then, Lucia kept talking. Chako decided to listen to the end and give it some thought before answering... Once she finished thinking, she replied, "No... I don't think I would have any interest in making a church aimed towards other Starcalled." She put emphasis on the word... She couldn't force Lucia to stop using 'players', but that didn't mean she couldn't try to highlight that this was important to her, "Why try to convert the faithless who think of everything that happens here as just a fun time in a dangerous, illegal, death game? What would be the point in that? I would much rather go to lady Uene's main church and pray there instead." It just didn't feel very logical to Chako to even attempt to do that... Most Starcalled most likely weren't interested in even considering Arcia a real world... What would be the point in trying to convert those people? It would be a wasted effort.

"As for lady Uene coming to Earth... I just don't think that's plausible. Never mind the fact that getting Starcalled believers would be basically impossible... How would convert anyone in Earth when the other established religions already exist? It's not like lady Uene would just descend and show everyone a miracle or anything like it..." Chako looked a bit down after saying this much, "I guess it would be nice to have gods that actually listen to us back on Earth though... I just don't see it happening."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia smiled faintly, at least it felt like some of the things she was trying to explain hit home after a while. Though Chako seemed firm in her belief on the different dimensions theory, for Lucia, as long as it kept existing it didn't matter to her which it was. The problem was keeping it around, staying and finding a bridge of their own.

"Maybe for now dear, but failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. Perhaps it's naive of me, but if I can work hard here by studying magic, building a citadel, finding other believers and it only helps increase our odds of staying here by 1% should something happen, then I feel like it's worth it don't you?"

Lucia couldn't help but ask bitterly. In this world where she could feel special, where she was happy, where her retirement plan to use Death Afflictions to retire here when she was too old for reality. Eldritch entities and evil foreign gods were terrors that Lucia couldn't hope to counter but it was worth trying to work towards things that increased their odds she thought.

At least, there was no shame in trying to be ambitious she thought. Though Chako didn't seem to share that sense of pressure despite her intense connection. Lucia could only attribute it to the difference in the nature of their blessings.

"As for other people, I suppose if you aren't keen on it I shouldn't push the issue. Perhaps it's because I'm not the type who shines brightly but I've always felt that the more voices that gather the richer the harmony."

The bitterness grew.

Lucia could be logical and skeptical of how they got to this world and where it was. But when it came to other people, and possibly making positive change for the future or for the protection of the place that made her special Lucia was a woman of faith. She wanted to believe that if all else failed, people could make a difference if there were enough of them.

The problem was how many would take a disaster seriously like Chako said.

"That's a shame, I like to think that even if we can't reach everyone, we might be able to reach a few. And on the other side dear, there are surely others who would see this world as a blessing and a second chance too. Everyone deserves to have a chance at this kind of like I think at least."

 

[Chako]

Chako thought about the question for a few seconds before responding, "No... I don't think it's worth it at all." She just didn't get what Lucia was talking about. How would it be possible for them to do anything about those things? "I would rather just live my own life in what way I want than worry about this kind of thing."

Lucia's next statement put a wry smile on Chako's face, "What can I say...? I'm a lone bard; I don't perform in orchestras." Not because she was against it though, but more because she never found the opportunity to join one... Well, this wasn't relevant to a metaphor regardless, so Chako didn't see a point in elaborating on that.

"There are plenty of people on Earth that would see Arcia as a blessing for sure... Anyone like me would easily see it like that... At least until they realize that this world has its fair share of dangers too, that is, then they might agree with the authorities in keeping it illegal to come to Arcia." Chako's tone was not happy as she said that... It was just a factual statement, but it was also something that deeply saddened her, because... "If I really thought it was possible to convince other people of how wonderful Arcia is, or about how nice it is to live in a world where the gods can actually listen to us, I would have already told my mom about it." Chako sighed.

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Lucia sighed, it was tough for her to understand, perhaps it was the same for Chako herself on the other side. "That's a shame." It was all she could say. So close to a kindred spirit, but seemed to be a slight miss right at the end. Someone who would have been a big help with her own future projects and dreams. She wasn't exactly sure what Chako's goals were if it wasn't trying to spread or propagate faith.

When she mentioned being a bard and not part of an orchestra, Lucia could only tease in answer. "Maybe it's because I'm a bad singer then. Unfortunate, but don't let it stop you from finding others dear. We're all better together." Lucia tried to offer. Though Chako didn't seem like the type to be lonely, just in case, Lucia wanted to make sure Chako wasn't afraid of keeping an open mind about joining others. Even if a crisis wasn't occurring now there would be with certainty at some point. There was always a crisis at some point.

When she mentioned the dangers though, Lucia could only laugh. Sure, Lucia wasn't ready to die and be trapped in the game just yet, she still had a life to live out on the other side but this was why Lucia was so determined to try and develop something capable of clashing with those dangers. "It's a new frontier dear. Think of American history, once upon a time no where was really safe, it took time to expand into the western frontier and build cities and walls. The few places we have for 'Starcalled' already aren't much different from those few frontier settlements. We haven't even made it to the point of any type of expansion, we're barely even in the exploration phase, not even the 'wild west' era of preparation or safety." Lucia explained considering even the wild west was far from safe.

Though feeling like maybe her explanations might not be helping Lucia hesitated on going further. With a weary expression she tried to be more succinct. "What I mean to say I suppose, is that as nice as things are, we were born too early to see an Arcia that's safe and peaceful. The most we might be able to achieve in our life time is maybe a city if you did want to ever show your mom. That's why I think it's important for us to try and lay the groundwork while we can. I'd like for things to be peaceful before I take a chance at living another life." Lucia offered dryly. The most she could do was try to explain that even if it was dangerous, there could be places of safety carved out after a while. How trustworthy it was was another story though given Lucia's own skepticism about the world and it's nature. At the very least she hoped and wished more people would take the development of the world more seriously though, the few people helping the more generations it'll take.

 

[Chako]

Chako sighed as she heard Lucia's words. It wasn't the first time she heard something like that, "I'm not really against relying on others... I mean, I kinda need to rely on others a lot on Earth anyways.

"I just find my independence very important too... Especially here in Arcia where it's actually possible for me to be independent. So I try to do as many things by myself as I can." Was this relevant to the subject at hand? Chako wasn't sure. But it was the same response she gave to Ruby and Bluebird when they talked about it... And Chako's stance on it hasn't really changed since.

That said, Chako appreciated the fact that Lucia seemed to catch on to her dislike of the 'player' term, and used 'Starcalled' instead. That brought a bit of a smile to her face.

However, as for the overall argument, "I mean... A whole Starcalled country already exists... I don't think that much more can be done to make Arcia safer.

"... And I'm not sure if the Earth comparison makes sense when like... Earth doesn't have goblins or mad Magia robots that can brainwash Magia Starcalled into causing chaos and destruction." Chako felt like she should specify that Magia were robots, since Lucia seemed to be out of the loop of what happened recently in Arcia. What's up with her not even knowing about the 'Starcalled' term.

Then, Chako gave out a wry smile, "Thank you for trying to bring up some hopes of me being able to eventually bring mom here, but... I think I know her well-enough to know that it's impossible. The moment I send her a QR Code to come to Arcia would be the moment she'd permanently confiscate my VR Headset... She wouldn't even give it a try, not when she knows it could kill me." Again, just another factual statement... Chako would love to bring her mom here, but she knew it was not happening. A full-time life where she could live from music while also having functional legs simply wasn't happening.

Lucia saying she'd like to live another life did surprise Chako though... Well, she smiled a bit when realizing that she wasn't the only one who'd like to live here permanently though, "I guess I would like things to be as peaceful as possible here in Arcia... I just don't think we can do much to make it more peaceful than it currently is."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Chako's response made Lucia... Confused? Lucia wasn't quite sure what to consider it, it seemed like they both talked about something different. For a moment Lucia tried to glean the angle Chako was approaching the topic from but could only assume the girl had confused cooperation and support for reliance and dependence.

"I don't think a person loses their independence when they cooperate with others. I also don't think they're relying on someone if they receive support. A part of being humans is that when we work together we're greater then the sum of our singular efforts." Lucia started, but switched gears as she considered lectures haven't been doing too well so far. Trying to get to the point she smiled as she explained. "If you're happier being alone that's okay, but should you ever wish for something greater then a simple life dear, don't try to ham fist it alone."

Though when it came to the earth scenario not applying. Lucia could only shake her head. An arms race was still an arms race at the end of the day. Just because the type of arms changed didn't mean progress wasn't being made.

"Of course it does, it's not so much 'Earth' but our nature as intelligent beings that make it so. On earth it began with rocks, then spears, then swords, then bows, then shields, then guns, then bombs. Here, things are just more advanced, with magic, with eldritch beings, with Divine beings but it's our nature as intelligent and flawed creatures to scrape and struggle to carve out safety even despite of all of these things. We might have a city yes dear, but we've not yet acquired the mitigating and destructive power to ensure it's safety even if we claim it as our own. That's why, I think, people try so hard to become a little better every day to make it so for our loved ones and our futures."

Though hearing about the protective nature of her mother, Lucia understood to a better extent. This was why it was tough being young she thought, one could rarely have any true sense of agency under another's roof.

"I suppose that's true. Unless things were to change drastically here there's always a risk of disaster. As safe as we try to make it until we reach that expansion phase I suppose there's nothing to be done about it."

There were many things Lucia could suggest but none of them were kind or good. There was nothing to be done from lying or trying to obfuscate the risks. At the same time it would definitely create some sort of rift to try and force it. Though that being said it was clear to Lucia that Chako's worries in life were very different from her own. It was certainly a tough catch 22.

Though when she mentioned wanting to make things peaceful, Lucia could only chuckle and nod along. It would be difficult but Lucia would have the time even if no one else would.

"Of course, we just don't have enough time sadly. It was part of the reason I was so eager for this role, for Syndra's support, for the legacy that is necromancy. By the time I'm old and gray, I'll have laid the foundation to stay on this side-- I'll have all the time in the world to keep working. So hopefully by the time you have grandchildren, or maybe even great great grandchildren... if they need a place like this, maybe by then I'll have something worked out."

She laughed bitterly about her outrageous plan knowing it was going to take an insurmountable amount of work to accomplish. What she referred to as her 'retirement plan' was her logging in as an elderly woman at the end of her rope to die enough for a UI lock where she could then transition into undeath for more time. With an undead physique she would have all of the time in the world, and with Syndra watching over her she had faith she'd find a way to make it happen.

 

[Chako]

Chako noticed that Lucia was a bit lost at her reply, Yeah, I totally mixed things up, didn't I? She really had lost track of where the conversation was going at some point, "Ah, yeah, I like being together with others too, like... I have my friends here, and they're all very important to me... Like Ruby, who taught me how to dance, or Doggo who takes me out of my comfort zone to adventure, or Bluebird who always has some very insightful things to tell me..." Then Chako fidgeted a bit, "Or my girlfriend who brought me to Arcia in the first place...

"I don't mind being with others... I just like also being able to be independent... Uhn... And well, I guess a simple life is really all I could ever wish and dream of... Sorry if that disappoints you?" Lucia really seemed to have much bigger dreams and ambitions than she did... Which well, was fine, but Chako couldn't ever imagine herself working towards some bigger goal other than her own happiness, and the happiness of those she loved.

Then, Lucia elaborated on her thoughts about safety and... "Honestly... Imagining that is kinda terrifying. Like... If people had enough power to easily fend off threats from eldritch beings." Whatever those were, Chako didn't know, but they sounded scary, "Then like... Well, it just sounds scary to imagine people having this kind of power in their hands. Stuff like atomic bombs shouldn't exist in any world, and I hope those never come to Arcia.

"Like... Well, I guess something with too much firepower can no longer be considered a tool for self-defense, no matter what was its intent when it was created." Chako tried to elaborate on it... Just imagining Astorea threatening Falderen with the power to instantly destroy a city and making it impossible to live there for hundreds of years was enough to send shivers down her spine... She really didn't want to see this kind of thing ever happen.

Chako just smiled at Lucia's next statement... Like, yeah, it wasn't like Chako wanted to live in a big safe city anyways... She wanted to be able to travel and see new places. She wanted to perform in different towns to different audiences... In a world with monsters roaming the roads, this kind of life would always face its own share of dangers... Even if the big roads were mostly safe, there was always a chance things could go wrong.

Then, Chako blinked a few times as she heard Lucia talk about laying the foundation to stay on this side with the help of lady Syndra... "You mean... Making yourself undead?"

... Chako started giggling after saying this much, "And I thought I was the crazy one for seriously considering jumping off a cliff once or thrice, but you have me completely beaten, Lucia!" It was a relief... Ever since those thoughts started plaguing Chako's mind, she had been horrified at herself, and also horribly tempted to make those desires come true.

And she hated herself for it. For actually seeking death on Earth to live in Arcia, abandoning her mom for the sake of living in this world that can make her dreams come true... And well, finding someone with a much crazier plan than hers was definitely a big relief for Chako; it helped her accept her own thoughts more easily, even if she still had no plans of actually going through with the cliff jumping plan, "Goodness... I never expected to hear something like that from anyone." Chako only stopped giggling after saying that.

"That said, children, huh?" It's not like Chako hadn't ever thought about the matter, but... "Well, I don't think I could ever be financially stable enough on Earth to adopt children when considering my future prospects... And it would be irresponsible to adopt in Arcia when I wouldn't be living here full-time."

Chako sighed loudly, "Maybe one day that might happen..." If she actually got married and Evelyn made enough money for the both of them, "I think I would like having children." She hadn't thought that much about it, but... Well, it certainly felt like something that could be nice, "And showing them to Arcia, despite the risks associated with it... Although I dunno if I could actually do that, to be honest... I mean, I would love to, but..." Chako gave off a wry smile, "Just imagining it is enough to remind me of why I can't tell mom about Arcia. The idea of sending someone you love to a place where they can die is too terrifying, no matter how safe other people try to make it."

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

Finally Liucia was a bit relieved. For a moment she really feared that Chako was just going at the game all alone with just Uene in her corner. Dear god that would have been a tragic end, as much as Lucia had faith in the gods of this world, being an aesthetic priestess or monk seemed like such a burdensome life when it didn't have to be.

"That's a relief. It's good that you've got people to share your dreams and adventures with. No big story ever tells the lone tale of a single individual. Even if your only goal is to simply live and enjoy life. It's not terribly disappointing though dear, I just suppose it's a bit of a shame, finally finding someone who has faith like me but being able to share big dreams and ambitions is all. As long as you're happy I suppose that's the best I can ask for."

She tried to reinforce the best she could. Relieved that Chako's quest for independence and self-reliance wasn't pushing others away. Though it was a shame that a true believer like Chako didn't seem to jump at the chance to join her own quest for spreading faith Lucia was at least glad the girl wasn't some cloistered songstress.

Though when she mentioned atom bombs Lucia tried her best not to smirk. Such a thing unfortunately was very much part of her own goal, though not a bomb precisely but an equally devastating thing that could function as a nuclear deterrent.

"It's unfortunate dear but Peace is decided by the one wielding the biggest stick so to speak. This is how nuclear deterrents work, you can't start a war if every one that would be fighting it knows they die the moment it starts, you can't stop peace if you know the moment you disrupt it, everything you know and love might disappear if you go too far. It's the guillotine that hangs over the heads of would be criminals and monsters... It sounds cruel perhaps, but without it bad people and monsters are the only ones who would step out of line since the good people would be good with or without the knife hanging over head."

Lucia tried her best to explain the delicate and in her own mind necessary uses of such a tool. The main point being possessing it was a more critical end goal then actually using it. Ideally such a weapon or magic would always remain idle never needing to be used because knowing it exists would be enough to keep the peace after a demonstration or two. It wasn't self-defense, in Lucia's mind it was better, it dissuaded conflict before it could even come to a point of requiring self-defense.

Though when Chako giggled at her own ambitious retirement Lucia nodded along accepting it. Even if it was laughter of ridicule, it wasn't, but even if it had been Lucia would only smile still. Lucia was a woman of ambition, who's only dream was being special, what could be more special then that?

"Of course dear, but not immediately." Lucia chuckled with Chako, laughing together. "Assuming all goes according to plan, I'll be an old hag nearing the end of my rope. By then, me and the people I care about would have had a full life together on Earth to enjoy and make peace with. I'll say my good byes to Earth, leave behind a legacy to help people transition and spread belief in Arcia... a book or a video perhaps... Then I'll become an undead here and continue my work. Shaping this world, helping it grow, watching over people like you who need this world forever from the inside."

Lucia explained her ideal with a quiet dignity and a sense of purpose. Perhaps generations later she would become a little secret legend in reality among players, an undead NPC guide that helps people get started in Arcia. An undead NPC who can ensure that the terminally ill or the infirm have a chance at a full normal life in Arcia.

It was insane perhaps, but Lucia had long abandoned 'sanity' in hopes of becoming 'special'.

Though when Chako mentioned children and the world's risks and dangers Lucia nodded along. At least, it was for those things that Lucia worked so hard. One day at least one city she would want anyone to be able to live freely without worry, or at least just as much worry as reality.

"Perhaps one day. Who knows dear, the Arcia could be a completely different place by the time you're having to make decisions like whether or not to show your kids this place." Lucia offered. There was no need to rush it, she merely brought it up to explain the importance of development after all. There was all the time in the world to consider those things when it was more immediate.

Alternatively though, seeing Chako have a good laugh and now considering things like family and her future, Lucia cracked a grin. "But, it looks like you're feeling better. Not as jumpy and flustered at least mm?" Lucia posed. It took a bit of heated debate and discussions about family and abandoning Earth to get here but Chako at least now wasn't shaking or flustered by where she was... in Lucia's tent, surrounded by undead with a Wraith spectating from the sidelines as the quiet steward he was meant to be.

 

[Chako]

Chako smiled as Lucia elaborated on her thoughts, "Well, I don't think it's bad to have big dreams and ambitions too, just... Well, this kind of thing really isn't for me.

"Good luck in your endeavors though!" Did Chako thing Lucia dreamt a bit too big? Yeah, sure, but who was she to try telling people not to dream? When she herself dreamed of having functional legs her whole life, and now here she was.

Then, Lucia actually responded to the comment on excessive firepower in the exact opposite way that Chako had expected... She did not know how to reply. It felt so absurd to her...

Chako just sighed, "I guess two people can still believe in the gods of Arcia and have completely opposite viewpoints in life, huh?" And made this comment. She was in too much of a loss to say anything else. She just couldn't believe what she had just heard... That absurd disrespect to the sanctity of life.

She couldn't help wondering if Lucia could only think like that because she was lady Syndra's saintess and because of her mastery over the undeath... Perhaps it messed up with her understanding of how horrible it is to end a life... Or worse, millions of lives.

Still, she left the topic at that. Chako really had no desire to argue on this matter... She felt like she'd just hurt herself if she engaged in this conversation.

Instead, she focused on the thing of Lucia's undeadification plans, "A never-ending unlife of work towards lady Syndra, huh?" She pondered about it for a while, then concluded, "You really do have incredibly lofty goals, Lucia!"

Chako also thought of replying to the idea of her 'needing' Arcia... It felt like a bit too much of a strong word to her, as it's not like Chako needed Arcia; it's just that she wanted to live here. She wanted to be able to spend the rest of her days in this wonderful world where she can live her dreams.

... But Chako still had her mom, she still met miss Yuhan and miss Mira in her trip to the US, she still had Evelyn... She could live. Even without Arcia, she would live on. It would be a much sadder life than what she had right now, but she would live.

But in the end, she decided to not comment on it. Even if she did not need Arcia, her love for the world was true, her faith in lady Uene was true, and she would definitely always appreciate having someone who is willing to help her when she is in trouble... Even if Chako wanted to try being independent while she was here.

As in... The distinction between needing Arcia and loving Arcia felt too small to matter. It was essentially irrelevant, so Chako decided to not comment on any of that. Leaving her thoughts to herself.

"Well... A completely different Arcia might no longer be the Arcia I fell in love with though." Chako said with a wry smile, "Perhaps it changing upside down would be enough to make my faith on lady Uene falter." Very unlikely to happen, but Chako knew that she could lose hope... It certainly had happened before, "So... Well, I guess the future is the future, and there is a limit to how much I can plan for that, especially in my current state." Maybe in a future where she wasn't completely dependent on her mom, she could revisit these thoughts... That day certainly wasn't today though.

Then, Lucia pointed out Chako's current state, "O-oh, yeah! I'm definitely better now... I mean, being surrounded by undead was very terrifying, and your aide also happened to use some very triggering words, so... Well, I didn't take that well.

"Talking it out" And being swarmed with head pats, "helped me calm down though."

Chako smiled warmly, "So, thank you for all your help, and sorry for any trouble!"

@Lucia Mierz

 

[Lucia Mierz]

There was nothing wrong with being happy with a simple life. Lucia could respect it certainly. It also probably didn't hurt that Chako was likely still young, still figuring things out and learning about life. There was no need to rush into big plans if you weren't ready.

Though the talk about them having different opinions had already been clear for Lucia at least. She chuckled and didn't let the girl's horror disappoint her as she spoke. "Of course dear, Perspective is very important, but there's no reason people can't come to an accord despite their differences." Lucia tried to offer as a consolation.

Of course Lucia didn't discredit the value of lives. The value in a nuclear option was in holding your finger over the button, not in actually pressing it. The point was the deterrent factor as opposed to the mass destruction side.

Lucia wasn't sure if explaining that to Chako would really help or make sense, the girl didn't seem to be one for grand schemes or overarching plots with cogs and working pieces. Rather then trying to explain the war games aspect of it, she was content to let the topic fall by the wayside like Chako.

Her lofty goals did luckily not seem to be off putting at least. It was a relief she didn't meet someone who would rant and rave about the risks or dangers, Lucia had already tried to mitigate them as much as she could by ensuring she did it as late into her life as she could handle it. As for the people in real life she cares about, one was already all set to join her when the time came and the other would be able to visit her in the game. As far as Lucia saw there was no downside outside of the strangeness.

"Well, I have to work hard if I want to be special after all. It's hard to stand out if you don't put in at least that much effort." Lucia spoke honestly but perhaps cryptically. Some might say Lucia already stood out, playing TS like it was an RTS and not an RPG, being a necromancer, meeting Goddesses, being buddies with a King. To Lucia this wasn't enough though. Any main character could easily achieve what she has with a casual decision.

It wasn't enough.

She had to stand out more in order to rise above the toxic reality she'd been forced to endure but hearing her mention a different Arcia not being what she fell in love with did surprise her. "Is that so?..." Lucia bit her tongue on the rest of the sentence asking if Chako's faith only went that far. It was... a cruel thing to ask someone so young Lucia thought.

To lose faith because of changes in the world or circumstances. It struck Lucia as people who would immediately stop believing if they fell on hard times or bad luck, screaming into the skies asking why god did this to them before claiming they wouldn't believe any more.

Her look was deep, gazing at Chako like she was looking for someone walking a tightrope. At any moment she might lose her way and fall as she worked her way to the other side.

"A part of faith dear is belief. That things will turn out, that those higher beings have our best interests at heart and that whatever design we might happen to be a part of will come to fruition with us on the other side being better off for it. To lose faith because things change... it's such a sad thought dear."

Lucia tried to explain, but didn't want to dwell on it. It was Chako's faith that risked testing not her own. While she could try to advise and be supportive, at the end of the day all she could do was safely see the girl off in hopes that she stayed firm.

"It's alright though, as long as you're feeling better after that kind of shock. Though don't put too much stock in my words dear, at the end of the day I'm just one person mm? Even if we disagree, these opinions and words are still valuable reference points. It's best to take things with a grain of salt and be open minded should anything inspire you otherwise."

Lucia tried to offer before patting the girl's head once more in sumation.

"I'll walk you out, it might be less scary among skeletons again if you have me with you at least."