week 4, tuesday

[18x0]

[Akane has been spending some time in the lobby, lying on the couch to keep her sprained ankle elevated and waiting for a moment when none of the other guests happen to be around. Once the moment arrives, she gets up and approaches Craftly at the front desk.]

Do you have a moment? I'd like to ask you about a few things.

Comments

[18x0]

Just how much can we ask for? It's obvious that the ones running the game are capable of a great deal, but surely even they have limitations.

[abhoth]

Hah! Does a god have a limitation, Akane? The answer is no, they do not. Everything you desire, be it the one you love or the salvation of your world, is at your fingertips. All you must do is pay the price.

[18x0]

The salvation of my world... I see.

[That is a very tempting prize.]

So I could even ask for, say, the revival of someone who has died?

[abhoth]

That's correct, miss. Whatever you ask for, my employers can grant it. Their powers are beyond human comprehension.

[18x0]

And that includes people who have been killed here in Yuggoth?

[abhoth]

No. Only those from your world. The departed of this realm will remain where they are until the end of this game. Then, they will be as lively as they used to be.

[18x0]

[wAIT WHAT]

They will? Really?

[abhoth]

Of course. It would be quite dangerous if the flow of time were altered because one of our departed residents were erased from the history of their world, don't you think?

[18x0]

Well, yes, but...

[She covers her mouth, suddenly speechless. This is so far beyond what she'd expected.]

This changes everything.

[abhoth]

Does it truly, Akane?

[18x0]

Of course it does! If everyone gets to go back afterwards... I have nothing to lose.

[abhoth]

[He smiles at that, crooked.]

Then I take it you've decided to partake.

[18x0]

[She pauses, the sudden burst of energy fading a little, and sighs.]

I have the chance to save six billion people, Craftly. Regardless of the price, I can't refuse to take it.

[abhoth]

Ah, now that's the spirit.

[Just. Finishes his own drink.]

Unfortunately, we're far too overbooked for this week. Perhaps the next week, Akane, should your desire to save six billion lives be as strong as it is today... You will pay my employer's price.

[18x0]

Perhaps.

[She offers him a tight, joyless smile and stands up.]

Thank you answering my questions. Let's talk again some other time.

[abhoth]

Of course. I will be waiting until then.