INTRO ♚ FEBRUARY

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO CAISSA

We’ve all had those dreams: you wake up on a table, to blurry, ominous images and the certainty that you are absolutely buck-naked in a room full of strangers. This is not quite it.

Instead, you come awake to the sun on your face. The soft burble of water nearby. The hustle and bustle of a busy street and the faint, fortifying smell of bread. You open your eyes and there’s no one there at your bedside, but there is what appears to be the end of the world happening just beyond your window.

There’s a crack in the world across the sky, the “sun” is the totally unnatural light spilling from that crack straight into your eyes, and someone’s left a neatly pressed and folded uniform at the foot of the bed that isn’t yours. Somewhere in the room, there’s a strange clatter like beads, the click of claws on the floor.

Something’s in here with you.

Also, you are naked.

ONE ♟ Settling In

Welcome to Blanc! You wake up on one of the beds inside the Hall of Glory. You might still be feeling a little light-headed, but sudden dimensional travel will do that to a body. You could have sworn visions of a fantastic world flashed before your eyes not long ago: monsters, magic, and a mission to save the world. You can't quite recall much beyond the basics, but could this be it?

Save your questions for later! The room nannies are quick to urge Heroes into their uniforms (with their beaks if necessary) and to point them to the pick-up locations for their Blanc-issued Weapons and Carriers. Hopefully, nobody but the pigeon’s watching you change. On the other hand, maybe you're the type to turn every roommate into a new friend before you even step foot outside the room.

As you make your way down the halls, you might notice strangely familiar faces around you. But don’t linger too long to chat—the people in charge of the armory and the menagerie have gone through many Heroes before you, and still have many more to go after you. NPCs need meal breaks, too! If you don’t make a decision in time, the random Weapons and/or Carriers they pick for you can be just a little odd.

And if you’re hungry? No matter how rich you were in your homeworld, you’re penniless now until you earn some colle. Thankfully, the Hall of Glory provides free meals to Heroes and those associated with them! Sunday’s breakfast and lunch are bananalicious and seafood pasta. A friendly visiting scholar may have a word of advice for you: “Beware the dining hall on Mondays.”

But you’ll barely have time for lunch before guards come and round you up. “For the parade,” is the only reason they’ll give you.

TWO ♟ Welcome Celebrations

Trumpets sound, cymbals clang and the crowd roars as the parade gets underway! What’s all the fuss about? Well, you Heroes were sent by the gods to save Blanc, right? Of course they’d celebrate! Smiling and waving at the citizens of Caissa from your uniquely crafted float might be a chore, but hey, they love you. Are you really going to let them down, or lose the spotlight to the fellow Heroes sharing your float?

The reception after the Prime Minister’s speech is like some kind of idol session, with Caissa citizens coming up to shake hands and welcome the Heroes warmly. Some are even asking for autographs!

There’s a lot of things to do in festive and lively Caissa, even late into the night under a light fall of snow. Sparrow Town is all lit up, ready for another festival next week.

While some shops are closed for the holiday, others have buffet tables or are giving out free samples to the Heroes. The food stalls here are way better than the bizarre cafeteria menu at the Hall of Glory! Why waste the opportunity to finally gorge on real food? The shop owners have done their best to impress, showing off their local cuisines proudly along the city streets: from the local hamburger joint to the exotic L'adderan curries, you'll find a little of everything to whet your palate. Your growling stomach will likely thank you for the food. … Oh, wait. That wasn’t you? You think the fish sandwich on your plate just sang? Nonsense. That just means you had a marvelous piece of fish bread. Please remember to visit them again sometime when you have the colle, okay?

Various stalls with games and activities have also been set up. Maybe you can impress the crowd by nailing an apple with an arrow or by sacrificing your friend(s) at the water tanks! An unusual Go-style stall offers something like fish scooping, but be careful: touching the fish with your bare hands will leave you feeling funny… Wow, you’ve never seen that color before! But whatever it takes to impress the children, right?

Said children might try and get you to dance in the falling snow. Better not mess up, though, because everyone in Caissa seems to be watching.

THREE ♟ The Day After

Hopefully, you didn’t sleep too late after yesterday’s celebrations! Or maybe you slept badly, since it felt like something was watching you…

The free breakfast that awaits you at the dining hall is… something special. Please enjoy it to your heart’s content! Remember: no food fights, and leave no leftovers! Nothing will save you from the chef’s disapproving mustache swirl if you do!

If you want to make money (to get away from Monday’s Horrors), there are now jobs up for taking at the Hall of Glory and the Poisoned Pawn! If there’s nothing to your taste, check back again every so often. Something new might pop up!

Heroes not in the mood to be errand-runners (it’s understandable, you’re Heroes after all!) can hang out in the parlor, read in the library, or express yourself in one of the Hall’s many studios or other rooms.

If lying back and taking it slow isn’t your thing, you could train or spar! Being summoned to a new world takes a toll on the body, and some Heroes have lost abilities familiar to them. Besides, it’ll take a while to get used to your weapons. Some of them might even be disobedient, backfiring at worst and unresponsive at best. Try not to hit your fellow Heroes (including yourself), or you’ll either have to find enough Heroes to cast weak healing spells or carry the wounded to the infirmary. While the snow has been cleared overnight, it’s still very cold!

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's grand opening log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Comments

[babbylon]

[Now that Setsuna has addressed it directly, Gilgamesh appears amenable. He assents with a sort of half-shrug.]

As you wish.

[Swing to the left, swivel to the right. Gilgamesh may have a softer spot for children, but he doesn't let them get off easy. He takes out the little boy targeting him with a shot at his shoulder and dives away from the resulting counterattack. Clever things have built themselves a fortress in the time it took to talk and exchange... something.

Setsuna may note that his companion seems to be treating this more as an exercise in marksmanship than in play. He was an Archer, after all, and he did not require a gun or a bow to snipe. It only takes a few minutes to pick off the rest, leaving just the fort to take care of. He motions Setsuna closer; again, the gestures are strangely reminiscent of that a fellow soldier rather than a run-of-the-mill stranger.]

They're hiding in there. Your turn.

[Show 'em what you're made of, Setsuna. They're just kids, right? This would be easy.]

[quaria]

[ If it really was mana exchange... So this must be what it can do. Although not perfect, it is of no doubt helping Setsuna move better. He is able to dodge with a more fluid motion this time, and also able to pay more attention as well. Perhaps the synchronization aided his body to better accommodate the foreign mana around them.

It's embarrassing to admit, but he realizes that he's beginning to pick up more ideas on how to better adjust to this world... Thanks to that mysterious guy. An annoying guy who is apparently trying to show him something more than just the concept of mana exchange. Watching those experienced movements, he can already tell... No, he was already able to tell from his first throw. This person also lives in the battlefield. ]

Are you challenging me?

[ Now he knows why he can't help but be so guarded. This blonde stranger has a similar, passionate aura like that one BUSHIDO that he's encountered far too many times. He's almost expecting this guy to call him out for a fight.

Rather than wait for the answer, he dashes forward to leap over the children's small fort. Treating it like an obstacle course, he hauls himself in the air and shortly takes out at least two happy-looking kids with gently thrown snowballs before spinning back on the ground. The acrobatic stunt made them cheer, too. ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh, once again, lets his expression do the talking for him—bright, full of mischief, and reflecting a resounding but of course.

Gilgamesh lets Setsuna charge on ahead and have his fun with the giggling children, who seem no worse for the wear despite having their hideout discovered and enjoy every bit of snow lobbed their way; meanwhile he's "ambushed" by a few more camping out beside a hollowed tree. By the time he makes it to the stormed fortress, there's little ones hanging off his arms and one stashed on his back.

Had these been adults, Gilgamesh would've cut them down mercilessly, broken bones and bloody noses and much worse besides. But in the spirit of things he allows them to cling and climb over him and assesses Setsuna's work with clear approval.]

I see you've performed acceptably. [Addressing the children:] Be good and thank the heroes for their time.

["Thank you, heroes!" they chime in together. Some run off; others huddle closer, holding out hands. Gilgamesh gives Setsuna a nudge.]

You were curious about before, right? Try it with them and see.

[Gilgamesh doesn't actually know if it will work with the common citizenry, but now's as good a time as any to try.]

[quaria]

[ This guy... Setsuna allows the kids to use him for target practice for the remaining time, so he just kind of stands there and lets them have fun. Once the young man and the rest of the children are done, he observes them reapproach wordlessly.

He continues to be so, although he can't help but think how cute the children are... They're certainly doing wonders for his mood. With the next set of words directed at him though, he feels himself faintly surprised by the suggestion. ... Hold the hands of these children?

There's a hesitation on his part. He didn't have any right. ... He stares, those eyes of his saying, "you must be kidding." No, he really didn't have any right to hold them... He clenches his hands as he looks away for a second. Though being put on spot like this, he couldn't refuse. The children will be heartbroken.

He's going to do it only to help them smile. So he kneels down to their level, holding his own hands out to them. They didn't hesitate at all... Soon, all of those small hands pile together and squeeze his. He doesn't return their hold, but at least he's letting them touch him. ... It's warm. He closes his eyes faintly at this sensation, certainly feeling it. It seems the kids are enjoying his mana, too. ]

this got unexpectedly cute what the hell

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh stands back and observes.

Not just Setsuna interacting with the children, but Setsuna in general. Softspoken. Quiet. Yet he senses steel in him, from what he'd said earlier, from how he stared at him when he dared to brush fingers. He senses purpose and he senses uncertainty in the same breath, a flash of anxiety before he holds their hands. Why? Of course they don't know each other, of course he has no reason to care, but...

Well, even if it's slight, even if he may be mistaken, he's still a reminder of home. And Gilgamesh will take what he can get in this world so far away from his own.]

Yes, yes. Run along, now, we've got pressing hero business to attend.

[The children wave their goodbyes, all smiles and glowing faces, and disappear in the distance. Gilgamesh, for his part, seems a little subdued compared to before. It's hard to look docile with red eyes and a naturally smug demeanor, but at any rate he no longer appears ready to spring unwanted contact on the other man.

It takes a bit of concentration, but Gilgamesh decides to the tests the waters and addresses Setsuna with a general Arabic dialect.]

Do you understand?

[It's two questions, really: asking after a shared homeland, and regarding the mana transfer that just took place.]

/gasp. Did I accidentally find Gil's soft spot!!

[quaria]

[ After the children let go, Setsuna slowly stands back up. The cold winds lightly brush past them, and he keeps his eyes distant. He watches as the children run... further and further away. They're really in a different world; it truly feels like so whenever he witnesses such scenes. There are things that haven't changed... There are those that remain. This world knows war, yet there are those who are living unaware. He wonders how long until this peace is gone.

Once the children are out of sight, he turns to the face the blonde young man again. His expression is still the same... Icy. He noticed the other keeps staring at him for a while, but doesn't ask yet. He wanted to see if the man will affirm his intentions further. And thankfully, he does. The familiar dialect surprises him right away, enough to cause his eyes to hesitate for a split second. ... Is this person from his country? ]

... I do. [ On both accounts. He answers appropriately, confirming that he indeed does. ] However, I still do not understand the specifics.

[ Why does it have to be hand holding... How does it work, really? ]

maybe...

[babbylon]

[It is cold. Gilgamesh feels it as he hasn't for many, many years, the chill prickling at his skin. Thoughts of war and peace do not even cross his mind. For a Servant, they were inherent things, realities of their existence. Even if he was all but human now he can only ever look on such a scene with impassiveness. He will fight he if must fight, do what he must do. That is the way his life will be lived, here, there, or anywhere else.

Gilgamesh does not waver beneath the quiet strength of Setsuna's stare. He cheers a little and can't quite hide it in time to hear I do and at once classifies Setsuna as a subject rather than just a stranger. It doesn't serve to soften him, not exactly, but it does mean some of the ego's been shaved off in favor of a warmer familiarity.]

I honor my word. I will explain.

[...but it won't be that easy, of course. His lips split into a teasing grin.]

Come to tea with me. Let us get out of this cold first.

[Yes, Setsuna, you're being asked out on a date. This is your life.]

/gently pokes the dere... ;u;

[quaria]

[ Hmm. A young man from his country, much more someone who only knows how to fight. Why... Why is it, humans continue to rage war like this. Will their kind never stop existing? He doesn't want that... His eyes sharpen to be reminded that children, to this day, continue to be converted into beings like them. Thinking about that makes Setsuna's gaze grow dull. Though, he gets rid of that feeling after a mere, calm blink.

He returns to staring at the young man, just in time to witness the curl against his lips and that annoying-looking grin. He doesn't really know how to feel about this. Meeting someone so similar to him... But he wonders just how far that goes. He doesn't trust him yet, but he'll come along for the sake of hearing what he seeks. He faintly nods... ]

... Then, I thank you.

[ There, the awaited words of gratitude. He might as well get that out of the way. ]

[babbylon]

[Because it is human nature, Gilgamesh would tell him; because human beings were made to fight. There's only so much Gilgamesh can discern from an empty stare, however, so he can tell he'll have to work a bit harder to crack into him at a deeper level. Fine by him; he lived for that sort of challenge.

Gilgamesh has had time to wander the city and familiarize himself at this point, so he starts off towards one of many tea shops he'd visited earlier. His hands find a cozy place in his pockets and he sets an easy pace so Setsuna does not feel strained to keep up.

After all, this was a time for pleasure. With the children out of the way, they were as good as off the clock.]

I am called Gilgamesh. I speak your tongue because I once ruled over Mesopotamia, which I believe is presently known as "Iraq".

[Gilgamesh glances over curiously. Like this, they really don't seem much older than each other.]

From which region do you hail? There have been many divisions since my day, I know. Even for me, it can be difficult to keep up.

[quaria]

[ The festival continues on at the background, there's so many cheerful voices that it almost does a good job at drowning out his current mood. The children earlier did already help him feel better... He quietly lets his eyes wander a little, watching the Caissans revel among the presence of Heroes. Everything about this just doesn't feel real. He's so unused to this kind of attention that it's uncomfortable. It's nothing he can't endure, though.

He tries to stay close to the mysterious man as they walk on, not wanting to accidentally get separated due to the lively crowd. Without his senses anymore, it's easy to get lost especially in such a setting. While they walk, he purposely stays away from anyone that can possibly bump or crash onto him. There's really so much energy flowing around them. He avoids those asking for autographs as well.

Once they're through the rougher parts of the crowd, he lets out a small breath out of relief. But that seems short-lived, especially after hearing this person's name... ]

E... Excuse me?

[ Gilgamesh? "I once ruled?" No way, right...? Setsuna couldn't answer right away, not while he's looking at him with such wide eyes. He realizes what he's doing shortly, so he blinks out of consciousness and looks away quickly. Wait, he can't... Just assume something like that. He has no wait for a confirmation. But how ironic is that... Meeting another of royal blood from his home. ]

Sorry. [ About just now. ] I am... from Krugis.

[babbylon]

[If not for that terse reaction earlier, Gilgamesh may very well have taken up Setsuna's hand again and pulled him along personally. He was very easy to look at, his voice pleasantly soft. In another place and another time Gilgamesh would've invited him back to his palace for a steamier evening, but here...

Here he can only laugh a little at how overwhelmed he's become, how he stares at him with eyes filled with wonder. And Gilgamesh of course puffs himself up with pride, hearing the question that Setsuna doesn't dare to ask and answering it anyway.]

Indeed! I am the same great hero-king from the ancient texts. Isn't it marvelous luck that you've met me today?

[He lets loose with a boisterous laugh and waves at some of the doe-eyed women fainting off to the side. Well, this part he could definitely get used to.]

In any event, please, name yourself. I am eager to know more of a countryman, rare as they've proven to be.

[quaria]

[ It's for the best that Gilgamesh refrained himself. It may be predictable at this point, but Setsuna would've gone back to being hostile if the suggestion was raised. And getting suplexed in the middle of an adoring crowd wouldn't be good for anyone's ego. c': Especially in front of all those ladies.

Hearing the King laugh makes him more self-conscious, especially after he just gaped at him by complete accident. He chooses to keep looking elsewhere, to avoid getting caught off-guard by his words again. ]

I cannot believe...

[ To be fair, it's hard to believe. How can he be talking to a person who existed centuries ago? To be walking right beside such a legendary person... It's not something he can just easily accept. Although he's not denying the possibility, since this entire world in itself is absurd and illogical.

Once asked for his name, he very briefly looks down. ]

... Setsuna F. Seiei.

[babbylon]

[And so the chase after the great tsundere of yore begins in earnest...

Gilgamesh takes no offense to Setsuna's incredulity. Though his nobility was apparent at first glance, in his humble opinion, he recognized that it took time for some humans to accept the strange and the mystical around them. And Servants were certainly very strange and very mystical, even stripped of their powers.

Instead, he just waves the matter off.]

Do not concern yourself. All will become known in time.

[As for the name, Gilgamesh puzzles over its origins, over its meaning, a moment from eternity. How wonderfully poetic.]

Such a name holds much promise, Setsuna. I could only hope you live up to it.

[quaria]

[ That continued confidence is almost impressive. Setsuna can only give Gilgamesh the same set of sharp eyes however. Indeed, time will tell. He would much rather discover it himself... He'll be watching this King... In his heart, he hopes that they would see eye-to-eye one day. Although distrusting right now, it didn't mean that he's necessarily closing everything off. He wants to see peace. He wants to know peace. Talking to different kinds of people will help him find that path. He's always been searching for answers.

He doesn't react much when that kind of expectation is pointed out at him. Maybe a mere movement of those long lashes of his, but not much else. Just like how Gilgamesh will prove himself in time, Setsuna will do the same. He doesn't need to say anything to affirm or otherwise. He's always been doing what he can... That won't change anytime soon. All he needs to do is never lose sight of himself... ]

Are you... trying to be my King?

[ Said in the most indifferent tone. Perhaps because they're from the same nation, much more that this person is royalty, Gilgamesh probably feels inclined to watch over him. Forget it, he wants to say. But doesn't yet. He wants to hear the King's reasons first. ]

[babbylon]

[Setsuna may find Gilgamesh's views on peace rather interesting. And inevitably he will discover that this was more than a man and even more than a King that walked beside him. What Gilgamesh represented, the purpose he served, was much greater than that of a mere ruler. He was a force of nature onto himself and not even this world could take that away from him. Not in spirit. Not at his core, which remained unwavering in the face of strife.

Again, the more he watches Setsuna, the more he's intrigued. The amount of restraint he possessed over himself, over his expressions, over his reactions, was also impressive. In some cases Gilgamesh understands that this was a matter of trauma, but in others, it was the sign of a dedicated soldier, indeed.

All will become known in time, he claims, and for now there's nothing to do but wait for the truth to unfold. ...and maybe prod it along a bit faster, too.]

Are you asking to be my subject?

[Setsuna's question had many answers. Gilgamesh goes with one that's teasing rather than outright boastful. In truth, Gilgamesh was already King of everything he saw.]

[quaria]

[ There is only more silence at that return question. It feels typical... There are many Kings who achieve their followers if they choose to become. Somehow, such a typical concept doesn't seem to align with this person's unreadable aura at all. There has to be so much more. What is it? How does it go... Setsuna feels a lingering regret on the fact he didn't read enough about ancient history, but it couldn't have been helped. He didn't have such a luxury.

Not that it matters much. He'd much rather get to know a person by watching them. Now, he has a chance at a first-hand experience on conversing with an ancient King. Assuming he isn't a mad man simply addressing himself as so, but he trusts that isn't the case! He does wonder how this person handled his subjects in the past, but he wouldn't be one to merely find out. ... No, he will never be one anymore. He's completely finished with those trying to rule over him... No matter if they were Kings or Gods, he will continue to deny them. The answer remains the same even if it's thrown back at him. ]

... I will continue to live my own way. With my own will.

[ If their paths cross, so be it. But he wouldn't chase him or anyone should their paths differ. Simple as that. ]

[babbylon]

[It is perhaps the most pleasing answer Setsuna could have given. His subjects were not weak people, easily pushed about by phrases like "because I said so" or "because this is the way things are". Even if he reigned over them absolute, even if he owned their possessions and their property, they were hard-working and independent, entirely capable of living as they were. Proud of their strength and proud of their sense of purpose, as Setsuna sounds now.

In recognition of this, Gilgamesh dips his head. It is brief, easily excused as incidental, but a show of respect all the same.]

Then I suppose that answers that.

[Gilgamesh could press further on the matter, but he won't. Pausing before one shop in particular, he pushes the door open and waits for Setsuna. After you, his body language seems to be saying. The unmistakable scent of tea wafts from inside, and the soft chatter of conversation can be heard. This was their stop, apparently.]

[quaria]

[ ... Really? Knowing that answer satisfies the King, Setsuna's respect for him may have increased just now. Respecting the will of others, he believes, is one important competent of peace after all. But it's still too early to be able to tell. He can only hope that this blooming respect will continue to flourish. As much as possible... he'd rather not end up crossing swords one day.

The small gesture surprises Setsuna, too. Who knew such an egoistical-looking person is familiar with humility? He's quiet as he watches the head dip, but at least he didn't avert his eyes again. It's enough as acknowledgement.

Once they've made it to the tea shop, Setsuna turns to momentarily pick up his weapon. It's folded like a stroller bag at the moment, so he's aiding the wheels to climb the small steps to the shop interior. When finished, he sets it aside for now and watches the King. He'll let him decide where to sit... Those expecting eyes indicate that he doesn't mind where they go. ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh would crush the will of anyone, if it became necessary. Those same people he ruled, he delivered judgment upon without hesitation. Murderers were put to the sword. Thieves lost their hands. So it might be said that Setsuna was the exception and not the rule, and that he too would be subject to Gilgamesh's crueler whims if he aggravated him in any way.

Setsuna would come to learn, if nothing else, that the whims of this King were volatile—and that any apparent charisma he displayed often masked a much darker nature, evident only in those demonic red eyes. Such was the nature of the great Gilgamesh. Such was the nature of one so arrogant they acted however they pleased without fear of consequence. In reality, the sort of person Setsuna would loathe if he knew the deeper truth.

Gilgamesh glances around the shop and, in all things, makes a quick and decisive choice.]

The corner will do.

[Isolated, quiet, perfect for more intimate discussion. Gilgamesh looks to the counter, then back to Setsuna, expectant.]

I will order for you. What kind would you like?

[quaria]

[ History has always been cruel. It's rather sad that humans never learn from it... Setsuna has always wondered of that. Why do people keep repeating simple mistakes? He wanted to understand why people hurt others. Perhaps he would hear answers that will not satisfy him, but that's part of the long quest of understanding. One day... No matter how long it takes, he'll keep reaching for it.

Anyway...! Setsuna was actually going to pass ordering anything. He didn't have any colle with him... He only came along to seek his inquiry. But he realized, right, none of them has any money. This slow idiot. That means Gilgamesh is in the same position!! It's likely because of today's festival that most is provided free for the Heroes today. They didn't have anything to hold back on as a warm welcome by the locals. ... As he thought of that, a mug of a hot drink does sound nice on such a cold winter day. ]

... Hot milk is enough.

[ Once everything is settled, an appreciative nod is given. Then he turns, wheeling his weapon along to head to the corner table. ]

[babbylon]

[That's a bit childish, isn't it? But Gilgamesh, for once, keeps his judgments to himself; he was quickly finding that a subdued demeanor seemed to wrest more of a reaction from him. And, honestly, he's a bit winded from running around in the cold snow, so maybe he could stand to take a page out of Setsuna's book and chill out.

Not that it would last long, given his inexorable level of energy, but long enough for some more dialogue with the young man. He nods and trots to the counter, chatting briefly with the workers before putting in the order: hot milk and cinnamon tea. Not a single cent to his name, no, but Gilgamesh came prepared to sweet talk if necessary.

...thankfully, he makes no such fool of himself. A few minutes later, he joins Setsuna in the corner and slides him his mug of milk.]

I must admit that alcohol suits me best, as far as drinks go. Still, I find tea pleasing when with proper company.

[On second thought, maybe he'd be better off with a beer. Ah, well. Gilgamesh sips at his tea with a sigh.]

How familiar are you with the concept of mana? The story you seek begins there.

[quaria]

[ "I find tea pleasing when with proper company" ... Setsuna wonders if that was a compliment. He's indifferent either way, but he does wonder what he did to cause that. He certainly didn't expect it; to think that he caused an actual King to hold back on both a vice and a luxury. It's more likely to be a whim, he knows but. He has gloomy memories over alcohol due to people from home, so the presence of alcohol wouldn't bring a decent reaction out of him. He'd much rather not get involved with it.

After the hot milk arrives, Setsuna reaches out to hold the mug with two hands. He likes the warm sensation enveloping his palms, it's pleasant considering the weather. He wants that sensation to last a while... So he doesn't reduce an amount from the mug just yet. He's not looking at the King beside him now, but he's undoubtedly continuing to listen to him speak. He stares at the tiny ripples of milk as he does so. ]

Beyond the general term, I do not know much... It is not something commonly said in my world.

[babbylon]

[It's an explanation he's given many times before and will undoubtedly have to give many times more. In a way, he envies humans that have had nothing to do with magic; even being someone comprised of it, at least once upon a time, he finds it needlessly complex and magi themselves thoroughly loathsome creatures. Simply put, life was simpler without it. He just never had a choice but to embrace it, with his nature as a Heroic Spirit.

Gilgamesh thinks a moment on where to begin. Well, where else but with the basics, right?]

Mana powers everything. It exists in trace amounts in all living beings, in the air, the land, and even the sea. It keeps the world turning and can often act in mysterious ways. Even if you were unaware of it in your world, it likely played a role all the same, right under your nose.

[Another thoughtful taste of his tea before he continues, eyes sharpening the slightest degree.]

Here, it appears to function as a similar power source. If you were ignorant to it before, you cannot afford to be now. Mana now exists in you too.

[quaria]

[ It feels surreal to hear terms like these... Setsuna is someone who is well-adjusted with logic and science, thus hearing such fantastical terms are causing him to unconsciously frown. However, he doesn't say anything against it because he knows that this is the current reality. Although he can't grasp the concept right away, the proof is before his very eyes. And he felt it, too.

Mana is everywhere... including within him now as well. So what does this mean for him now? Certainly, the urgency to look up about these topics has risen. After his conversation here, he'll be sure to make time later on to further educate himself. It's not going to be overnight learning for sure, but it's all the more reason to be serious about it. He has to keep living on. In order to achieve this, he must do everything he can for that to be possible. ]

Can mana recover on its own? If this is the case, I will appreciate instructions regarding this matter.

[ There has to be ways to achieve that. If mana is within objects that can't move at all, wouldn't that mean it's possible to recover one's mana by themselves? Setsuna recalls how mana exchange worked earlier... But he didn't want to rely on someone else just to survive. If possible, he'd like to find a way to attain it alone. ]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh reaches over to give the backs of Setsuna's fingers a gentle tap. It's a very brief brush, nothing too jarring, but it proves his point all the same: even the mild contact causes a tangible spark, a taste of what he'd felt out in the snow.]

Bodily contact appears to be the key. I tested the theory with you, and then again with the children.

[So there's his explanation for that. Not quite a belated apology, as sorry wasn't in Gilgamesh's vocabulary, but now Setsuna knows it wasn't intended to ruffle him. Not that time, anyway. His expression turns thoughtful as he appears to think aloud.]

There must be other ways to recover it. But I believe this world intends for us to cooperate, so it would only make sense that this is the expectation.

[That along with those terrible living arrangements... Gilgamesh sours to recall his earlier interactions in the day.]