No party like an pope party??

[archboxer]

[That... that was a thing for everyone. There should be no celebration for Lif but, well, even if Rhea has a very cynical view of such things it's probably for the best that everyone stays together. Her first stop is the cafeteria, after all nothing better to keep people in one spot than free food. There she bumps into Mira, leaving the snacks to her Rhea ends up writing notes to everyone to come to the cafeteria in a few hours.

Some she hands personally and if she can't find someone she slid it under their door. Rin's she slides into her room regardless.

Fortunately, you won't hear a sermon.]

Comments

[archboxer]

There is safety in numbers.

[emberserker]

You don't suppose someone will act right after one trial to cause another one?

[archboxer]

There is always a chance but fear rarely listens to reason. It is more comforting after such an ordeal.

[emberserker]

Perhaps. At the very least, it's a good time to analyze what we just saw and apply it to escape.

[archboxer]

How he transported Lif, you mean?

[emberserker]

I suspect it's the same principle that transported us here. He must have tested it out stealing paintings, not to mention our belongings and whatever else comes out of the prize machine, before moving to people.

[archboxer]

It is possible but the technological and magical power needed for that would be incredible.

[emberserker]

That's true of everything he's done so far. Just what is he?

[archboxer]

I believe he has many allies, sponsors or patrons if you will. It would also make the previous motive more easier to believe. Even the most just and pious soul has an enemy or two.

[emberserker]

That's true. So you think his supporters are the ones who got all those secrets and the source of his power?

[archboxer]

I have my suspicions, yes. The one I am thinking of from Fodlan is the heir to an empire... with the allies she has, I have little doubt she could have helped the Professor in some way.

[emberserker]

If he got help from our enemies, then why take us from those times specifically, and promise bringing the winner back without lost time? It makes no sense!

[how do those things connect...]

[archboxer]

The answer could be simply that he plans on having no winner... Though, you are correct it does seem strange. Seteth and I seem to be from different times.

[And different continuities as well, but that's their secret.]

[emberserker]

Perhaps he did that to prove he could send us back to that moment. He does look quite the show-off.

[archboxer]

That particular line is incredibly blasphemous on his part but he already has proved himself to be a sinner.

[emberserker]

Blasphemous how? Does the goddess you serve have domain over time?

[archboxer]

Yes. She controls the flow of the river of time and fate, so to speak. That we all are from different branches of that river is unsurprising but only she should be able to, ah, go back upstream as the metaphor goes.

[emberserker]

I see. No one in my world has such power, either. I don't even believe it was possible before Magiaconatus.

[archboxer]

Magiaconatus? Is that some focal point?

[emberserker]

It's a seal. My world has lost almost all of its magic. One thousand years back, magic was rife throughout the world, but countries were putting it to use in war. To stop the ruination and prevent any more, seven powerful mages created a seal imbued with their will, which blocked off all but the faintest trickle of magic. Only old, established mage families can even use it anymore, and only channeling it with magic stones.

Of course, there is a failsafe, a competition every generation called GRANBELM. To put it simply, if a winner is found worthy, that person will become the one and only Princeps Mage, able to use magic at their will and restore it to the world. Naturally, I intend to win and prove to Magiaconatus that I should be the one.

[archboxer]

[She thinks on this, closing her eyes. This sounds familiar and dangerous.]

I see. I understand the need but I do wonder... why not eliminate it entirely? Structure is important yet so is stability.

[emberserker]

Perhaps they couldn't, with the power they had split among them. The Princeps Mage surely could once someone finally wins, but why? If magic comes back to the world, then won't mages reach their full potential? More than just card tricks and boiling bath water. Shaping reality back to what it should be.

[archboxer]

Power is a very dangerous thing. If such an unbalancing force exists then only suffering will come from it. [The irony isn't lost on Rhea at all.] Only the divine should have complete control.

[emberserker]

[Anna sighs and concentrates on her food. You're not getting anything else out of her, but she does seem to have a lot to think about now.]