animus_network | [Video] Crash Course in Tower Horror

[The video feed flicks on to a visibly unnerved Gilbert, eyes wide and breathing heavily.]

M-man, I just wanted to figure out how to work this network thing, and what's the first thing I see? There's this girl in front of the monitor and she looks really banged up... then suddenly BAM! Something pulls her back and she's hanging from the ceiling! And I mean hanging in the executed sense, not just dangling there! Then this other girl shows up and is talking all freaky about playing a game and- and-

WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST WATCH?! No, it was an execution. That's what I watched. [It's not like he hasn't seen those before, but this was just... something else. He'd never seen kids kill each other like that, even with all the killing he's seen over the centuries.]

God damn. This place is messed up. And there's no way out, is there? Or some of you would have taken it already, right? Dammit!

[He looks from side to side, as if someone might be watching.] Y'know what? I'm going to do something weird. If you think you're in danger, let me know and I'll protect you. I've got a sword, after all.

[Suddenly, shuffling footsteps can be heard from offscreen...] Wait... oh god, there's something here! Shit! [An Imp as described in the bestiary appears from the side just as Gilbert turns the feed off...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yeah it is, isn't it? I guess it's something that I'm not so surprised about anymore. I want to fight. I want to get out of here as fast as I can, since this place isn't as nice as it seemed to be saying in those letters.

[ She nodded her head. ]

You're welcome, and well it's not much, but I've been using a sword for a while. I'm not great, but if you ever want to spar or anything, I can offer.

Tell me about it. We've got monsters, people killing each other left and right... this isn't a safe haven at all. If there is a way out, I'm taking it.

Hmm... hey, maybe we could spar sometime! I don't think I ever got your name... I'm Gilbert. Names would help if we want to meet again, eh?

I would like for a way to get the hell out of here, so I can agree with you on that.

If you don't mind me being a little clumsy sometimes. I'm Ishtar, it's nice to meet you Gilbert. Sorry, I forgot to tell you my name, hehe. Yes it would very much.

Clumsy is fine! I trained my little brother to use swords way back when, so I've dealt with clumsy before.

Oh, then please take good care of me, since I'm not all the knowledgeable in this kinda stuff ehehe.

Yeah! Don't you worry! I don't know how good an instructor I'll be after all this time, but I'll be good! It'll get me back to thinking on my feet.

It's alright, I wouldn't mind, since you're helping me out and all.I'm sure you are tons times better than me.