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Styx Institute - Conference Room
SFX |
*swoosh* *footsteps* |
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Ah, I see the acting director and his aide have finally decided to grace us with their presence. Would you be here to offer some words of gratitude to the subjects who completed your entire slate of tests? |
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Hey, Radish Sprout. What's up with all this canned food and powdered junk? They make the cheap steaks at the school cafeteria look like five-star restaurant fare. |
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Agreed. Nutritionally speaking it's fine, but I can't eat foods with such unconsidered flavor and texture. Oh, but if this is traditional Island of Woe cuisine, then I do apologize for my discourtesy. |
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IDIA! I demand you supply me with tea this instant! Rule 339 states... "The post-meal beverage is to be lemon tea with two sugar cubes." I know we're not on campus, but as Heartslabyul housewarden, it falls to me to uphold the rules wherever I can. |
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Idia. I know better than to ask for unfettered internet access, but at least let me read the morning and evening papers. Preferably one that focuses on world and economic news. I need to stay on top of my investments. |
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Yap, yap, yap... What is this, a zoo? You guys are forgetting the chain of command here. I really wish I didn't have to keep spelling it out, but… I'M THE BOSS! |
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In that case, I have some choice words for "the boss." Isn't it YOUR JOB to make sure we're treated adequately after you dragged us here by force? If I might quote Styx's core mission... You ensure our "magical lives are safe to explore." And we're all contributing our data to your efforts for free. I think we're entitled to a reward. |
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Do you all realize you overblotted and caused serious problems for everyone around you? |
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Certainly. But I never caused any trouble for YOU. |
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Some people just like playing the victim and lording it over the offender, even when it didn't impact 'em at all. |
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Uh, excuse me... You overblotting has majorly impacted me. Again—I didn't ask to do this. Now I'm way behind on my favorite character's event, and all my consecutive login bonuses are shot… I've got a bone to pick with ALL you epic troublemakers. Why did both my parents have to step out now, of all times? |
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Maybe they thought the subjects would be more at ease, since you all know each other. |
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Anyone with two brain cells could figure out that it's infinitely harder BECAUSE we know each other. Classic Mom and Dad, always prioritizing efficiency over people's feelings. Their travel logs show they're headed to the Land of Dawning to investigate things further. Probably to question the headmage. Y'know, since he's the one in charge of the school with all the troublemakers. If they needed my help, they could've at least given me THAT job instead. |
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But this is the first time you've had friends over, right? I'm rather happy about that, myself. |
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Huh? Friends...? |
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Yeah. We haven't experienced this personally, but… I've seen lots of scenes in TV shows and anime where classmates or clubmates hang out at each other's houses. It's called "having friends over." Isn't it a perfectly common form of socializing for regular people? |
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Maybe for regular people. But for us? It's just fiction. Besides, this wasn't "having friends over." It was forcibly dragging acquaintances into a lab and making them test subjects. |
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But you still brought people you know into your residence. |
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It's not the same. Those two things are as different as Elysium and the Underworld. You need to update your logic systems. And who would call this bunch of troublemakers friends, anyway? You gotta be kidding me. |
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Excuse me, what are you two whispering about? Are you even listening to us? Now that we're finished with the tests, I'd like to get in my daily workout or some yoga. |
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I could use a bit of exercise myself. |
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Give me meat. Any kind. |
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I must have tea! |
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Bring me a business paper! |
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AAAUGH! SHUT! UP! You're all going home tomorrow. Would it kill you to exercise a LITTLE PATIENCE?! |
SFX |
*alarms blaring* |
PA System |
Testing of Subjects ROS-859A and SUS-3320B will commence at 1300. Currently thawing Phantom subjects' cages. The facility will go into full lockdown for the duration of the test to ensure the safety of all personnel. All personnel, please return to your stations immediately. |
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...Oh, I guess there's an A-class Phantom test today. That's gonna take a while. Well, guys, you're not leaving this room for the next two or three hours. You're gonna have to entertain yourselves. |
| WHAT?! |
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| Chapter 42 | Book 6 • Chapter 43 | Chapter 44 |
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