exsilium | 01 [video]

[This is his first time addressing people in this fashion. While he’s used to presenting in front of groups at small info swaps in Sybak, this is a whole new experience. While there’s a smile on his face, he’s a little nervous. ]

This isn’t what I had in mind when I first set out to do field research. It’s quite interesting, in any case.

[A pause. He’s had time to settle in, albeit a short amount of time, and has a general idea of what’s been going on. Hearing about the recent bombs was especially unsettling, which is why he’s outside the living quarters just looking at his surroundings. He’s eager to help out in this new place, even if he's not sure where to start. The people here had been through a lot already. It was apparent even from a casual glance at the last posts.]

For the time being, I’d like to offer my services to help reconstruction efforts in any way I can. I’ve only just arrived, but I hope I can be of some use.

[His expertise is research over anything else so while he looks useless, he can at least put a band-aid on someone. Or give them a hug. Or hold a nail while someone whacks it with a hammer. Before he ends the chat, he appears to remember something and quickly asks: ]

Are the words Tethe’Alla or Sylvarant familiar to anyone here? If it’s not any trouble, I’d like to talk to you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

An old roommate of mine mentioned those places too. If that's where you're from, I think you'll have a lot of company here.

And there's still plenty of rebuilding to be done; where you can help really just depends on your skills. Have you ever done anything like this before?

Yes, that seems to be the case.

[He's happy people from his world are here to talk to, even if it's not the best place for them all to end up.]

No, nothing on this scale. I'd still like to help somehow.

[Aster reflects. They deviated quite a few times on their journey to the demon realm to help people. Mostly basic 'find my cat' fetch quests type deals.]

Being willing to put the work in is what matters. Even just having another person to clean up some of the debris would be a big help.

[Even though is primary goal is to find this Emil kid, he won't turn away an opportunity to help the people of this city. They're all here together after all.]

Right. At the very least, it should prevent some unnecessary injuries.

And make things easier on the locals. I don't think any of us are experts on repairs like this, really, but we'd be happy to share what we do and help you get started.

[A short pause.]

You're a scientist?

Thank you. I'll offer my services anywhere they're willing to teach.

[Even if they didn't, Aster would still do it. Just poorly.]

A researcher. My partner and I worked for an academy in my world.

I know it won't be the same as continuing your research back home, but a background like that could be really useful here too. The Initiative labs are always looking for more help, and my brother runs a side project focused on defense.

Thank you. I'll look into that and see where I can be of most help.

Is your brother a researcher as well?

Something like that. We're alchemists.

If you don't mind me asking, what are alchemists? I have never heard that term before.

[MORE NEW THINGS. Aster is pleased.]

Not at all? [Huh. Well, in some ways that's an improvement over someone from a world full of misconceptions.]

Basically, alchemy is the science of understanding matter and reshaping it with natural energy.

[Now that sounds right up his ally.]

Does it require magic or is it accomplished through other means?

People here have told me it looks like magic, but it's really just a matter of understanding. It's sort of like how a person unfamiliar with electricity might feel the first time they see a light bulb turned on--once you know the principles behind it, it isn't magical at all.

[There's a slight hesitation before he continues. Asking things like this still feels weird, but it's the only way he's going to learn.]

But since you mentioned it... Is magic something common in your world?

I would love to hear more about it or perhaps see a demonstration sometime, if it wouldn't be any trouble.

[Aster wants to see it with his own eyes. The worlds all gathered here have such different abilities. He's curious about every last one of them, especially if it can reshape matter.]

Hm. It's not uncommon, but it's a trait used by specific races, mainly elves and half elves. Humans are unable to invoke those abilities.

I'd be happy to. It's the sort of thing that probably makes more sense in person anyway.

Even if it can't be used by humans, I wouldn't mind hearing more about the magic from your world too.

[Aster sounds very excited at the prospect of seeing it firsthand.]

Thank you. I appreciate it. There are a few things I have to do first, but I would love to see it sometime soon.

[Like finding his lookalike, who's rolling around here somewhere.]

If you have the time, I could explain the basic concept of it now.

Only if you're sure it wouldn't be any trouble. I know being new here means you've got plenty to catch up on already.

[Aster ALWAYS has time to talk science Alphonse.]

No, none at all. The people have been very helpful in answering most of my questions so far.

[Well, when you put it like that!]

In that case, I'd love to hear anything you can tell me about it.

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