[Video]

[ura_no_ura]

[ A lazy gray eye comes into view, and then the video shakes -- a jarring motion that certainly isn't kind on the viewers as it's turned upside down, then rightside up again. Something silver and bright flashes in the screen, and then a blur of dark blue follows. The video pauses and it becomes clear a moment later that it's directed upwards at the

Comments

text;

[illusionomicon]

Another newcomer? It seems the floodgates really have opened.

[ Text ]

[ura_no_ura]

"Another" newcomer? I take it this is a common occurrence.

text;

[illusionomicon]

Indeed it is. There's a reasonably sized group of people who were drawn here as surprisingly as you were.

This city is called Siren's Port.

[ Text ]

[ura_no_ura]

Siren's Port, huh.

I'm guessing a side effect of being drawn here is this new language acquisition, too. Do you know why or how we were drawn here?

text;

[illusionomicon]

Locals inform us that a malfunctioning device known as the Core has brought us here. As to why, they give no reason beyond it being an accident, and the Core is kept out of the public eye. [So you can decide whether or not to believe all that yourself.]

[ Text ]

[ura_no_ura]

Is there any reason to believe "the Core" is not synonymous with a person?

text;

[illusionomicon]

So far, most of the information garnered has been by word of mouth. [IE - there is little reason to believe anything.]

[ Text ]

[ura_no_ura]

I see. So there has not yet been an investigation to confirm any of this.

Are you aware of a way out of this place? It appears to be an island. How far is the closest mainland?

text;

[illusionomicon]

You will find that the journey to Siren's Port only runs one way.

Explore to the edge of the island, if you will. You will see what I mean.

[Text]

[ura_no_ura]

Thanks for the information. Do you have a name?

text;

[illusionomicon]

I'm Minas. And yourself?

[Text ]

[ura_no_ura]

Henohenomoheji.

Though I suppose that is a bit of a mouthful. Heno will do.

text;

[illusionomicon]

Pleased to meet you, Heno.

You may also wish to know about the companies that rule this place. Rival corporations, known as AGI and SERO. Both of them have fairly disreputable elements, of course.

[Text]

[ura_no_ura]

Likewise.

Companies rule this place? That is interesting to know. How does their rule affect this city?

text;

[illusionomicon]

In a manner of speaking, at least - they certainly do as they please. SERO is militaristic and claims to possess the Core, while also apparently engaging in some medical experimentation on the populace. AGI is on the more hedonistic side of things and dominates the city in terms of the entertainment sectors and sexual slavery and trade. Nominally, there is a governor and a neutral government in place; it remains to be seen how much practical power they hold.

[ Text ]

[ura_no_ura]

I see. This is very useful information. Are you aware if the companies also monitor the conversations on this network?