[CONTINUE + 4] INTRO

[foundationmods]

[After so long a trip, you're all finally here. Taken through a hidden passage inside of the very mountain itself, you find yourself standing in front of a field of flowers, growing well due to the open roof above it. If you look up, you can just make out the shimmering colors off of the barrier - looking almost like the shine off of a soap bubble.

Try not to trample on the flowers as you approach the open, purple gate. And remember to wear your masks, now that you're here!

...Still, the sight of the yellow flowers waving in the wind....such a cheery sight fills you with determination for what's to come.

Welcome to the Underground.

...Again. The loop happened again, and you're here. Everything is the same.

Someone who was dead is alive again.

The trial...it was...you remember only up until Gilgamesh was FOUGHT against, and then...nothing.

You feel you shouldn't try to remember anything beyond that.

Not only that, But more monster names have faded from your memory.

...When will this end?]

Comments

[le_mat]

I keep getting lucky- my fuck ups keep getting undone or fixed. If it was just me getting hurt that'd be one thing, but... my luck can't hold out forever.

I...

[He turns to everyone and bows]

I'm sorry, for ACTing on my own. I'll accept any punishment you think I should get for it.

[sageking]

[ ... ]

Any punishment? Remember who we have in our group...perhaps you should rectify that allowance a bit.

[ He figured he should at least warn him of that. ]

[le_mat]

No, I mean it. If someone wanted to kill me outright I guess it'd be fair. Though I'm more scared of Shou making me wear the dress all week than that.

[sageking]

Ha! Very well then.

I'll leave you to the judgment of the mongrels. When I need to punish someone I will do it when I see fit. At this time, perhaps witnessing their reactions will be entertaining all on its own.

[ Though there were certainly things worse than death. This group wouldn't try to kill Ren at least. ]

[le_mat]

Ah, you're the kind of guy that likes to watch, I get it.

[He can't manage his normal joking tone, but he's trying]

[sageking]

[ He'll chuckle...the attempt's probably appreciated. Or, well, it amused him. Or both. ]

That's right, I am. What an astute observation.

[le_mat]

That's the benefit of being King- you get to delegate even stuff like this. I'm kinda jealous.

[sageking]

With the great power of a King, comes responsibility, so on and so forth. Though it is not unusual for those who lack such a position to be envious of it.

[le_mat]

... responsibility. The first time someone dies on their orders, they'd probably rethink wanting it.

[He knows he did, and he only ever led a few people]

[sageking]

Many people die on the orders of a King. It's more or less the circumstances that can make all the difference; but to those who are not worthy of such a responsibility...even witnessing one life that was lost due to that factor can be enough of a deterrent.

[ He knew this himself; obviously since he's a King. Been there, done that type of deal. ]

In the end, however, if they're truly worthy of a position like that, they'd know that was not the reason to abandon it.

[dereban]

[He's... getting a light karate chop to the head.]

Honestly, the vagueness of the buttons is what makes certain words so dangerous. But please don't do that again. If you can understand that much and learn from your mistakes...

That's the only apology I need.

[This is very much an 'actions speak louder than words' deal.]

[le_mat]

... I'll try.

[He smiles softly]

No promises.

[dereban]

[points at eyes points at him]

I'll keep my eyes on you as best as I can. And the rest of the group.

[soupervillain]

Well, if you really wanna punish yourself... I could break out the butter soup again?

[le_mat]

A-ah... well, if that's what you decide... I'll do it?

[soupervillain]

Depends, are you the kind of weirdo who'd enjoy it?

[ Not naming names, Saphir. ]

[le_mat]

Well, I've never had better soup so I can't say... but it just sounds awful. Like, texturally.

[soupervillain]

Oh, it is, trust me. I'm the soup guy, and even I think it's disgusting.

[le_mat]

My chef's heart is dying right now.

[soupervillain]

So what I'm getting from this is, it would totally be a fitting punishment! I'll go ahead and whip you up a batch when we get to the inn!

[le_mat]

... I've made some mistakes in my life.

[But he will accept this]

[soupervillain]

[ He gently pats Ren on the shoulder. ]

Haven't we all, my friend. Haven't we all.