imeeji_frontstage | don't fall in the snake pit pls and thank

[Sir...

SIR!?

Excuse you!

Who allowed you to be that tall?]

[Hythlodaeus only returns the confused look with one of his own, tilting his head.]

Er... Have I got something on my face?

[Why is he staring at him like that.]

[Ignoring the question like the jerk he is]

How much of the information provided on the phone have you read?

[Hythlo shrugs.]

Most of it, but I can't say I really understand all of it yet, and I thought it would be stupid to sit in the room until I figured it out instead of meeting everyone.

Shall I give you the summation and you can ask questions as necessary?

[Oh wow, Intensity is so helpful! Hythlo beams and gives him a short polite bow.]

I would be very grateful!

Welcome to Hell. Quite literally. If you have no memories, they've taken you from your home and have brought you here to compete as an idol on this production. If you do have your memories, just smile and nod and reveal yourself as an audition later with an evil laugh for all I care.

This production is a competition between two Princes of Hell: Asmodeus - the Prince of Vengeance. And Pythia - the Prince of Lies. Once you say their names, they can listen in on what you're saying. So you'll never hear me say them again. And I'll reveal nothing sensitive in this introduction. I suggest you take similar precautions.

In this production, you are performing for an audience which includes all circles of Hell, its denizens and their captured worlds. Your paycheck comes in the currency known as Points. You earn points by hosting Lives - which are small unit-themed broadcasts meant to entertain the audience. Or playing games - which the producers will provide you instructions for via your phone. Some of them are harmless. Some of them attempt to facilitate interpersonal drama through things like kissing and altered moods. And some require us to murder and torture each other.

As a side-note, dying doesn't mean much here are you can be brought back to life. But it still hurts like a sonuvabitch.

[To Hythlo's credit, he doesn't instantly break into disbelief at all that, although he frowns all through the explanation. It does sound extremely unreal, but at the same time... so is waking up without any memories of yourself or your past in an unfamiliar place, isn't it? Besides, Intensity doesn't look like someone who would pull such an elaborate lie for the purpose of... what, a prank?

Hythlo half-crosses his arms, putting a hand to his chin thoughtfully.]

That is rather a lot... Thank you for sharing. I don't know if I understand or accept all of it yet, of course. That would probably be unreasonable of me. I do have questions, however... I'll start slow. You said that saying their names means they can listen in on our conversations. Do you mean they can hear our current conversation, or every single one from here on out?

It is bounded by some timeframe because they have to actively choose to listen in. But hearing their name is like a ping. It alerts them to us talking about them to the best of my understanding.

Whether they can listen in at will in yet to be determined.

But any further questions about the Princes can wait until an undefined later time.

[He nods. That makes sense... Something to be careful about, then.]

I see... What exactly is the purpose of our "paycheck"? As I understood it, most necessities are provided to us for free.

Points are used to buy back memories as well as quality of life items such as dorm upgrades, vehicles, fancy meals, etc.

As well as each unit has six abilities they can purchase that fits the unit theme. Ours is technology. I would recommend getting technokinesis or a personal assistant first. And if you're going to get a personal assistant, make it as functional as possible that also fits in with your aesthetic. No need to limit yourself. For example, mine is a dragon that can fly and carry me. Two other members of our unit have chosen combat capable felines.

One more thing regarding the unit. You will have clothing that is futuristic. Make sure to always wear at least some of it. And make sure you come back to the dorm once every three days.

Otherwise, you will start to turn grey, lose your memories, and potentially fade out of existence if this is not remedied.

[That's... even more to take in.]

Ah, yes. Duality has offered to use his own points to buy me an assistant, although I've yet to pick a name, so the offer is still simply in the air. The condition of wearing appropriate clothing and staying at the dorm often enough doesn't seem unreasonable, either... But the ability to buy back our memories is a strange one, I feel. Or is it simply a way for them to incentivise us, as well as provide that interpersonal drama you've mentioned?

You certainly won't get them back in order.

And I've seen them used to send more than one idol into an emotional crisis.

So buyer beware when you do decide to purchase them.

That is disconcerting... Though I can't deny feeling tempted. Thank you for the advice, Intensity!

[Oh, that reminds him.]

Oh. I asked Duality, but he had no real preference... Do you have any suggestions on what name I should pick?

Future is Now really doesn't have much of a naming scheme. For a while we were going with names like Duality, Infinity and the like but that's been ages.

Shall I just rattle some off and see what catches your interest?

I would appreciate it. Otherwise, I do rather like 'Accomplice' that I was assigned. Somewhat as though I have someone waiting for me, hmm? Apart from the police, that is.

Accomplice. If that's what you want.

But hmmm.

If you want to return to an old naming scheme - Levity. Amenity. Alacrity.

[And assuming he's chosen his position color by this time]

Or something to do with the color you chose - mint, sea, shell. We had a Bell on the unit before.

[Look, creativity is not really his strong point.]

[He lights up at one of those.]

Oh, I rather like 'Levity'! I think I shall adopt that one. Thank you, Intensity. Both for helping me choose and for the advice. Anything else I should know?

Experience is the best teacher, isn't it?

[But also there is a ding on his phone as Intensity send him 1000 points]

Do with that what you will.

[Levity looks down at his phone in surprise, but then breaks into another smile.]

Ah, thank you. There are rather many things in the shop, aren't there? But I think I shall simply hold on to them until I truly know what to purchase.

Every member of Future is Now can purchase a personal assistant of your choosing. Think carefully about what you want. And also consider what kind of offensive, defensive and utility capabilities you want on it.

don't fall in the snake pit pls and thank

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fhdhfjs im so sorry for late... work hell o(---(

No worries!