01 | Video

[butterflyguardian]

*There is a man in a butterfly mask staring into the camera and smiling. It feels like he could stare into your soul, but while it's slightly unnerving, it's also comforting. He seems friendly enough, anyway.*

I can assure any others that are here that the destruction of an entire universe through artificial means before its time is close to impossible. Do not fear. We will find a way to return all of us home.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Philemon, a spirit who dwells between the conscious and subconscious mind. It is a pleasure to meet all of you.

Comments

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[butterflyguardian]

...Ah. I see now. *why Eikichi and the others are so avoidant of him...*

It is not a bet in the human sense. There is no real "wager", no reward. ...We, ourselves, question the nature of our existence, just as humanity does. Are humans like Nyarlathotep? Intrinsically dark-natured, with only the framework of society keeping them from destroying one another? Or are they capable of much more? That is what we wish to know. And in doing so, we might find the answers as well.

[theresnosuchthing]

That place... Is it nice, there? Σ(￣。￣ノ)ノ

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[imperialsun]

So you seek to find the answers to your own identity as well...

From what I was told, however, Nyarlathotep 'cheated' in a sense, did he not? The results would be flawed.

[butterflyguardian]

It can be peaceful. At least, at the seat of my own power.

[fallen_stage]

Abridge it then: I have nothing but time.

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[butterflyguardian]

Despite the initial rules, Nyarlathotep has bent them to his advantage, yes.

[butterflyguardian]

There was at one time no distinction between right and wrong, light or darkness. In the vast void of nothingness, something...awakened into thought. The first consciousness. All was well for a time. ...until it asked itself the first great question. "Why am I here? Why do I exist? Perhaps I am not meant to exist at all."

This conundrum of existence and nonexistence caused it to fracture itself into two. And thus the spark of creation reverberated well into the physical plane.

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[butterflyguardian]

Ah, you are Tatsuya Suou's brother, are you not? We finally meet face to face. Your brother possesses a strong spirit.

As for the tower, it does seem to reside within a different universe entirely.

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[butterflyguardian]

Miyabi Hanakouji...we finally meet. *he fingers the collar around his neck.* I am not sure what I am doing here, but I suspect this has something to do with it.

[butterflyguardian]

It does lack humor. But don't give up hope--I am sure you will all find a way out, somehow.

[fallen_stage]

Quite the origin story. You are one of those two?

[butterflyguardian]

I am. I sense that the other is also here. His name is Nyarlathotep.

Video

[butterflyguardian]

Hello, Minami. ...I have to admit, it is strange to be introducing myself to so many at once. Normally, only small groups of humans find themselves in my realm for one reason or another. Not all of them have the potential to remember the visit.

[fallen_stage]

So, both halves of the first consciousness of a universe... Strange for two halves a soul to be so independent, and I assume neither of you have been cycling lives?

YOU SAW NOTHING

[butterflyguardian]

We changed when humanity evolved, but no. We are as eternal as the universe itself.

*...no comment on the two halves of a soul bit.*

Considering the topic of conversation, that was pretty hilarious.

[fallen_stage]

Eternal souls as well, never cycled through? Your universe must function very differently... But that does answer the question of how you know its functions so intimately.

[butterflyguardian]

I'm glad. Might I ask how you know this yourself...?

[fallen_stage]

Oh, I only knew the function of my own planet, which cycled its souls between death and birth. The memories would be stripped in the process, nurturing the planet. I can only assume the universe would function in a similar way.

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[temptestament]

*Man in a butterfly mask? Have a man in a beaked mask.*

You're...connected to people's unconscious minds?

[video]

[kamikozy]

'Finally'. So you're not the one I know, then.

[She's not honestly sure if that's a good thing or not.]

So the collar has something to do with everyone being here?

[dragonspooker]

...they can pull someone like that here...

Hoo boy.

At least you're benevolent.

_{I hope.}

Assuming video unless otherwise noted.

[fracta_anima]

So you're a kind of spirit or something like that?

[video]

[fractus_animus]

... I don't believe them anyway, but... when you say Philemon, what exactly are you involved in?

You wouldn't happen to know anything about Personas, would you?

[ He's honestly curious. They're tied to the same thing, after all. ]

works for me!

[butterflyguardian]

Yes, I am.

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[butterflyguardian]

The one you know...?

*he's genuinely confused here, even if it doesn't show.* I am not sure what the collars mean, if anything. But it would make sense. I did not have one before, and I am unable to remove it.