Tartarus - Emergency Stairs
Phantom |
CURSE YOU... CUUURSE... |
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*blot bubbles and dissolves* |
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My word, that startled me. I certainly didn't expect them to drop down from the ceiling. What is this, a horror movie? |
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*huff, huff* I was more startled by you kicking me!
You almost knocked me down the stairs! |
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Sorry, octopus habits are hard to break. I meant to reach out an arm, but I inadvertently used my leg instead. |
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That's a lie if I've ever heard one. Ugh, there's a footprint on my cape now. You may look classy, but your behavior's anything but. |
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Still beats having your head covered in blot, doesn't it?
I can't worry about acting classy when someone's life is in danger. |
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You make it sound like you're in these kinds of situations all the time.
Is life under the sea truly so treacherous? |
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Well, we live closer to large carnivores and venomous creatures than people tend to on land.
But they're nothing to be afraid of, as long as you know how to deal with them. Especially if you can use magic. |
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How old were you when you first learned to use magic, anyway? |
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I learned basic things like pulling objects toward myself about when I was eight.
Both my grandmother and mother are mages, and they taught me some fundamentals...
But I wasn't always a keen learner, and my family was more laid-back. They didn't ask much of me except that I do my homework.
I didn't start studying magic in earnest until around the time I started middle school. |
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Ahh, so I see. |
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...You don't have to say it! I am keenly aware of how spoiled I was, thank you very much! |
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Huh?! I didn't say anything about that. |
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I regret it now, believe me. I spent years just lounging around, doing whatever I felt like, and barely studying...
Yes, it was an abysmal routine. I wasted time and gained precious little! |
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I mean, okay, it sounds like there was some room for improvement... |
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I resolved to do better, and threw myself into studying everything I could...
But it's frustrating to see so clearly the difference between me and someone who's worked hard their whole life.
If only I'd gotten an earlier start. |
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Well, that's a healthy amount of self-awareness.
But if you'd focused solely on your studies the way I did as a child...
I doubt you'd have the same ambition and drive that you do today. |
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Is that...a compliment? |
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I'm not trying to insult you. ...Nor am I really complimenting you, but still. |
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Ambition, huh... Heh. You know what? You're right.
I've yielded the vanguard position to you for now, but I have no intention of relaxing on the back lines indefinitely.
One moment of inattention, and you might find me giving the valedictorian speech at graduation. |
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Hmph. I hate to break it to you, but the word "inattention" isn't in my vocabulary.
I'll continue to stand at the fore as long as I'm in school—and after it as well. I won't lose to anyone, ever. Not even you. |
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Heh. We'll see how long that smug attitude lasts.
Sounds like we have more reason than ever to stop the world from being reset. |
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Ah, I see a containment facility up ahead. According to the map, it's the last one. |
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Which, in turn, means it houses the most dangerous Phantoms of all.
Let's proceed with all due caution. |
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