56 – Extra: Introduction to S2 Session
You will experience a different world. Remember that everything, from culture and customs to architectural styles and the rules of the world, will be different. Only humans remain unchanged.
Survival is guaranteed. Even in the face of death, it is not the end; you will return to the original world unscathed.
Your goal is singular. It is to secure the radiant irregular polyhedron hidden somewhere in the world. It is a mystical artifact known to summon malevolent beings and, on the other hand, provide infinite wisdom. A slight sacrifice follows its activation, however.
There is ample opportunity and time. Also, it is perfectly acceptable to forget the goal and accumulate good experiences, considering it a proper way to enjoy the different world. It is not obligatory to achieve it. Do not burden yourself.
Each playtime: 2 hours (6 days)
Additional goal: Secure the radiant irregular polyhedron
The following content is a preliminary investigation record from the collaborator.
May it be of help in understanding the world.
—–
Regarding the Stage ①:
I record the first entry. This place is an unfamiliar civilization. The shapes of the buildings are different, and there is a significant difference in magical energy concentration in the atmosphere. This place is practically in a state of magical energy depletion. When I arrived at the corresponding dimensional coordinates, I found myself in a shabby alley. Piles of strange material-filled bags were tied up.
I tore open a bag with a knife to inspect its contents. Something resembling the peel of an unfamiliar crop, a cylindrical object made of metal, tissues or newspapers, a dead cat’s corpse, fragments of a broken person’s bones. Nothing else noteworthy.
I moved cautiously, aware of the first encounter with other life forms. If the external substances are hostile, similar to a hostile civilization in the spirit world, I measure the danger level through combat. If it is below Risk Level 3 of the defense protocol, I proceed with exploration. In case of Level 3, temporary withdrawal; Level 2, complete withdrawal.
After about 5 minutes of walking, I left the alley. The buildings here are exceptionally tall. The road is very wide and well-maintained, covered with a black substance. I witnessed silent carriages occasionally. They seemed to be unmanned carriages used by wealthy merchants or wizards, and they were very popular here.
I confirmed another life form. It appears to be human. I cannot verify the anatomical structure similarity, but it possesses all the common features of humans. Two arms, two legs, gender differentiation, and five fingers. The ears are rounded.
Overall, a grayish hue dominates the city. People’s expressions are gloomy, and although their nutritional state seems good, there is no vitality in their eyes. I suspect the possibility of being dominated by a tyrant.
Fortunately, the clothing of humans here is similar to the imperial capital’s attire. Suits and silk hats. Dresses. Various garments made of fabric. Unless it is too extravagant or too minimal, it should blend in naturally. The academy uniform is the same.
Apart from the guards (referred to as police), most people are not carrying weapons. It is unclear whether it is due to good security or legal prohibition. Additional confirmation is needed. I will establish a temporary base and resume exploration.
The following illustrations depict the appearance of the unfamiliar civilization.
Regarding the Stage ②:
I record the second entry. I have established a temporary base. The location is Carter Street 201, East Market 2nd floor. Repeating: Carter Street 201, East Market 2nd floor. Items collected during exploration will be concealed here.
I conducted an investigation with a focus on the social atmosphere.
While the use of weapons is permitted, it is prohibited to openly display them. This is the same as our world. Instead of repeatedly mentioning the same point, I will only explain the elements that clearly differ.
Only a very small number of individuals can handle magic, and magic is heavily regulated by society. The terms “witch” and “demon” are often used interchangeably with “mage”. It is considered acceptable to equate them with our world’s dark wizards.
The majority of citizens are unarmed. However, those who maintain public order in the city and some citizens possess artifacts known as “guns”, which launch projectiles. Their power ranges from the “Stone Arrow” to the mighty “Earth Spear”.
There are many religions coexisting. The corruption of the followers is more severe compared to our world. Inquiries about church pastors (clergy) are openly circulating, and the public’s perception of religions is extremely divided. As our religions are considered heretical to them, it is recommended not to reveal them.
There are rumors of the existence of groups that worship false gods or serve demons. It is even said that they capture young children and sacrifice them, so their perception is extremely negative. In my opinion, these rumors are not true.
During the investigation, I discovered peculiar marks on the exterior walls of buildings. Further investigation revealed three more places with similar marks. I will update when more information becomes available regarding their meaning or function.
Regarding the stage ③:
The hamburgers are delicious. The french fries are also quite good. The seasoning is a bit strong, but if you are used to the taste of noble cuisine, it can be enjoyable. I have compiled a table of restaurants I personally enjoyed and will send it to you.
Regarding the stage ④:
I will leave a fourth record. I unintentionally got involved with a group called the Twilight Sect, which is considered a false organization. The incident began like this. I carefully searched the back alleys of the city to investigate the suspicious marks.
The brigands couldn’t get close to me. They only hid in the darkness of the alley and stared at me with foul-smelling eyes. It would have been simple to drive them away, but I didn’t want to provoke the local authorities and cause friction by using violence recklessly.
While I was finding two more marks, a group of eerie brigands approached. Disgusting rotten odor emanated from their mouths, and they seemed to lack intelligence. A man emerged from the center of their group.
The man was adorned with various symbols as necklaces. Skulls, crosses, pentagrams, and other unidentifiable religious symbols, as well as someone’s dirty finger. However, it was believed that this was not for the purpose of proving religious faith, but rather for mockery.
It is similar to the act of collecting the symbols of the Goddess Religion and a dog’s tongue. The man smiled eerily and spoke in a gentle voice.
Man: What brings you wandering around looking for graffiti?
Investigator: It’s for the purpose of beautifying the environment. Is there a problem?
Man: This place may be old, shabby, and inhabited by miserable people without light, but it is still private property. You have no right to deface graffiti.
Investigator: I understand enough. Please step aside and let me pass. I will leave.
Man: You should explain your reasons.
The man was smiling, but his eyes were filled with refined malice. After extracting information, he preemptively attacked, seemingly with the determination to feed the bricks to the dogs.
He carried out a throwing attack with bricks falling onto the ground.
1) The brick disappeared about 20cm in front of the man. It seems there is a magical barrier. From the absence of steam or debris, it is more likely teleportation than annihilation.
2) One of the thugs standing behind the man, as the brick vanished, flipped his eyes and collapsed, blood flowing from his nose. Presumed to be the cost of magic.
The number of thugs exceeded ten, and since it was uncertain how the man’s ‘barrier’ would work in close combat, they withdrew instead of continuing the confrontation.
The man countered with an unknown spell, not a projectile but something that accurately hit targets within sight. It was a formless fist. Though it hit and bounced off, it wasn’t highly threatening if the body was protected by magic.
After the confrontation, the Twilight of Silver was considered a hostile force, and an investigation was conducted.
Regarding the stage ⑤ (Twilight of Silver):
A pseudo-religious group gaining popularity recently. They regularly hold rallies in a building in the city center, promoting the goal of entering ‘the embrace of God for eternal happiness.’
Every week they conduct a ‘Calling Ceremony,’ praying for God to come quickly to this city, shouting sacred names to the sky. Despite residents complaining about the noise to the police, no action seems to have been taken.
I attended the Calling Ceremony for investigation purposes. It was confirmed that there is a collective hypnotic effect on the name of the deity they serve. If you maintain a strong mental barrier, it should be fine, but I do not recommend approaching in a mentally vulnerable state.
The following is a partial record of the behavior of those who participated in the Calling Ceremony.
“His name that reaches us is truly glorious and blessed. When you move your tongue to pronounce it, the palpitations, excitement, and the inability to fully express His evidence in words are heartbreaking.”
“The sparkling night sky is getting closer. I feel His approach. Even if the dull and inferior human senses cannot fully capture the blessed appearance, even if my head is crushed, He will clear the space for His arrival.”
Emotions that are prominently expressed include awe, overwhelming feelings, and fear.
During the investigation, I could identify that the man who had encountered the necklace before is the leader of the Twilight of Silver cult.
Most of the thugs in the alley seem to be affiliated with the Twilight of Silver. The active use of hypnotic magic is highly probable under their control, as the city’s people show little interest in the lower class.
The city’s markings are speculated to be their doing. The effects are still not fully understood.
Regarding the stage ⑥ (Combat Record):
Attempted infiltration of the Twilight of Silver cult building.
Confirmation of the presence of civilians in captivity. Rescue attempt initiated.
Detection. Conflict begins. Five cultists killed.
Information obtained from civilians. Confirmation of the existence of the cult building’s basement.
Attempted escape using a vehicle. Driving entrusted to the rescued civilian.
Seven additional cultists killed.
Engagement with the cult leader who was tracked──.
⋯⋯⋯⋯.
—–
Pingvale’s help in completing the session introduction, Pingvale read quietly. Pointing to the awkwardly cut last part with his finger, he asked.
“Why did you erase the latter part?”
“Because it’s too much of a spoiler. It wouldn’t be fun if everyone knows everything from the start.”
“Seems like you’re full of thoughts about creating trials. Certainly, there seems to be a lot to gain. Without worrying about losing your life…⋯⋯.”
Pingvale conveyed with his eyes. Still, is it right to push students into a place like this?
Of course, it’s fine. This is a TRPG, and I’m a kind GM who doesn’t like players suffering too much. In a thrilling horror experience with a giant octopus, it’s not important for the players to jump around in madness. The meaningful thing is overcoming such obstacles.
I’ll help from behind.
And, “hehehe, since you’ve already applied, you must go no matter what!” I didn’t have the intention to force them. I’ll show them the session introduction and ask them to think about it. Do you have the will to do this in this atmosphere? I’ll say.
If the response is lukewarm, I’ll come up with something new.
But aiming for the growth of the students, I thought it might not be effective as training through virtual experiences, so for now, I planned to keep the fact that this is fantasy magic hidden.
If the players seem to be struggling too much, then revealing that it was all fantasy magic wouldn’t be too late.
“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”
At some point, I might have to admit to Ping Ballez that this is a fantastic spell. If that happens, Ping Ballez will probably submit a report to the higher-ups. I can’t help but wonder if, when the Second Prince, who stubbornly clung to his delusions, wakes up from the illusion, he’ll be greeted with a dropkick out of the blue.
For now, let’s keep it a secret. It feels like hiding an exam paper with a score of 20 points…
I organized the introduction and invited three applicants into the office for a lecture. We need to discuss this.