[ That also probably doesn't make Hector feel much better, does it? But Zelkova makes no suspicious movements, content to stay seated right on the water fountain's ledge. ]
[ He frowns, arms moving from the crossed position over his chest to settle his hands at his hips. A test? Oof, boy. Knowing him, this isn't going to go well. ]
I don't know. Probably not. I could try and twist my reasons to make them sound heartfelt, but then I'm not being honest, am I?
[ He squints. ]
And it's not like there's one reason. Who does anything for one reason only?
Hector's eyes narrow at Zelkova for a moment, and after a brief exhale, he speaks. ]
Right now? It's because I'm worried about the people here. Even the ones I don't know. I know I'm one of the few dedicated healers, and I feel like it's my responsibility to make sure they get out of dangerous areas unhurt. They should all know I'm happy to run dungeons with them whenever. [ If he's online, lol. ]
And part of it is just hanging out with new friends. I...actually do like some of the people I've met so far. Seeing them in VR makes these "online relationships" feel so much more meaningful. They're actually here with me, and not just text or pictures on a screen.
And... [ His eyes dart away for a second. He seems embarrassed, or hesitant about this one—perhaps the real reason he keeps coming back over and over, despite it all. ] ...I genuinely love exploring. It's fun wandering through random back alleys in Lumina Cloth, finding nooks and crannies in Mac Anu. [ There's a little gleam of joy in his eye when he looks at Zelkova again, even though the emotion is nowhere present on his actual expression. ] It reminds me of when I went camping for the first time in my life. There's so much to see, even in the tiniest details.
[ But his eyes harden again, and he tightens the arms across his chest, closing himself back up. ]
[ It's hard not to melt in the face of Zelkova's innocence... But Hector's guard remains up. He still isn't sure what the whole purpose of this is.
The snowy areas, though. He keeps rolling goddamn lava fields, so he's never been. ]
Yeah.
[ The world is beautiful, he'll give him that. He agrees very quietly, though.
At the question— ]
...I like the campgrounds. I don't know if that counts, since that isn't exactly a regular area. [ And there are no peaceful forests. ] But meadows too, I guess.
I think it counts. You like it, so it should count. But I think the meadows are nice too. The grass feels so fresh.
[ It probably doesn't compare to the real thing, but Zelkova doesn't seem particularly bothered by that notion. Zelkova lets a small lull sit between them before he pipes back up. ]
The meaningful connections you've made... Do you like sharing these areas with them?
[ Hector doesn't really react to what Zelkova says, even if he agrees. He remains standing there, guarded, trying to suss out whatever his intentions are (he can't).
He's ready to just turn and leave when Zelkova speaks up again. And this time, a brow shoots up. ]
I...guess? [ Meaningful connections? He isn't sure he'd call them that. ] I can't exactly run Areas by myself.
You guess? You mean you don't know the answer to that question?
[ Hector seemed so sure of himself before... But he's been hesitant to share information already, so Zelkova wonders if it's worth trying to push out more before getting to the real point of all of this.
After running some analyses, he decides that it isn't. ]
Are the connections meaningful enough to you that you want to protect them?
[ Hector stares at Zelkova for a moment, frozen in place by the suddenness of the question.
He really isn't sure if he'd call these connections meaningful. Sure, he's gotten some friendships out of them, but for most—he doesn't know their real names. Or where they live. He only sees them as text on the forums, or as a projection of themselves through their avatars. It isn't the real versions of them. It's much in the way they don't really know much about him, personally.
But damn it all if he'd let anything happen to any of them. ]
[ He grins, completely sincere in his compliment. That was the answer he had hoped for, and the reason why he called Hector out here for his opinions in the first place.
Holding out his hand, his palm flat and facing upwards, a prism materializes above it, spinning in a slow circle. ]
I'd like to give this to you. It can be used to protect people. I hope you never have to use it, though, but I think you'd be a good person to hold onto it just in case.
Hector looks back and forth between the prism, Zelkova, the uncertainty in his face not totally leaving him. Tentatively, he takes one step forward and reaches out to accept it.
When he speaks, his eyes remain fixed on the mesmerizing spin of the prism. ]
...What do you mean by that?
[ That he hopes he never has to use it. What does it do. ]
[ When Hector reaches out to accept it, the prism is absorbed into his very avatar. A message flashes upon his screen: Key Item Obtained: Strange Core S. ]
How will it protect people? It can be used to perform a Data Drain. I can show you how to use it, but... I hope you never have to see exactly how it protects people.
[ Zelkova holds out his wrist, and a green bracelet appears around it, tendrils of data and code buzzing around it and looking for something to attach to. Thankfully, there's nothing for it to latch onto here. ]
You extract data from a target. [ He looks up at Hector. ] But there's one thing you have to remember: don't use this on the other players, especially if they do not have a Core. Doing that will kill them. So, you should only use it on monsters.
Hector purses his lips as he watches the digital tendrils reach and search. He sears the image, Zelkova's words into his mind. The last thing he wants to do is hurt another player. ]
I would never want to do that, so... Thank you, Zelkova. For warning me.
[ That thing about cores, though, tugs at him. Plus his warning about only using it as a last resort— ]
[ For a good moment, Hector just stares at Zelkova.
Would doing this hurt him? For all his frustrations with CC Corp and related entities, Hector isn't sure he actually wishes them any harm. But at the same time, if harming them means keeping the people he knows and can touch safe... ]
All right. [ He says this with finality, in acceptance of the power. ] Guide me.
There are no enemies here to use a Data Drain on, but what you will do is will the power to extract data from them. Think about doing it right now. The power won't latch onto anything, but you'll feel it activate.
[ And it's just as Zelkova says—as Hector focuses on using that core, a bracelet will form around his wrist, tendrils of data leaking out of its edges in the search of something to latch onto. Naturally, they won't find anything here.
This is a power he'll feel deep within himself, within his very avatar, and the moment he stops thinking about using it in earnest, it disappears. ]
[ Hector does exactly as told, and Zelkova will be pleased to see that the man is a very quick learner.
He copies Zelkova and reaches, as instructed, and he feels that well of power swell within him. It's a strange sensation at first, to the point that he almost loses his concentration, but he pushes past it. He watches as those tendrils search the air, and he understands.
As he lowers his arm, they vanish, and he feels the power still. ]
Zelkova's surprised that there aren't any follow-up questions, only a simple mention that he'll be careful. It causes him to furrow his brows, to frown slightly, but he can't pick apart why this is confusing to him. ]
It's fine. You have reasons to be suspicious of me.
[ It isn't like Zelkova has been actively helpful outside of a few moments. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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But he approaches Zelkova with a little wave of his own, eyes still darting around the mall like something bad's going to happen. ]
Hey.
[ Even when he stands in front of the NPC (?), he's still looking around.
When he finally looks at Zelkova— ]
Well?
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I've been wondering for a while... why do you keep logging into this game, Mehmet Reza?
[ After all, for all his complaints about the glitches and the issues he's experienced, he's still here.
So... why? ]
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He doesn't like that. ]
...I don't know if you've noticed, but it's been a few days since I last logged on.
[ He pauses. ]
Why do you want to know?
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[ That also probably doesn't make Hector feel much better, does it? But Zelkova makes no suspicious movements, content to stay seated right on the water fountain's ledge. ]
Is the reason personal?
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I don't know. Probably not. I could try and twist my reasons to make them sound heartfelt, but then I'm not being honest, am I?
[ He squints. ]
And it's not like there's one reason. Who does anything for one reason only?
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[ Fascinating stuff, truly. Zelkova will take that information and internalize it and use it in further assessments. ]
Then what are your reasons? Be honest. I'm not going to be offended.
[ Zelkova is very, very hard to offend after all. ]
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Hector's eyes narrow at Zelkova for a moment, and after a brief exhale, he speaks. ]
Right now? It's because I'm worried about the people here. Even the ones I don't know. I know I'm one of the few dedicated healers, and I feel like it's my responsibility to make sure they get out of dangerous areas unhurt. They should all know I'm happy to run dungeons with them whenever. [ If he's online, lol. ]
And part of it is just hanging out with new friends. I...actually do like some of the people I've met so far. Seeing them in VR makes these "online relationships" feel so much more meaningful. They're actually here with me, and not just text or pictures on a screen.
And... [ His eyes dart away for a second. He seems embarrassed, or hesitant about this one—perhaps the real reason he keeps coming back over and over, despite it all. ] ...I genuinely love exploring. It's fun wandering through random back alleys in Lumina Cloth, finding nooks and crannies in Mac Anu. [ There's a little gleam of joy in his eye when he looks at Zelkova again, even though the emotion is nowhere present on his actual expression. ] It reminds me of when I went camping for the first time in my life. There's so much to see, even in the tiniest details.
[ But his eyes harden again, and he tightens the arms across his chest, closing himself back up. ]
That good enough for you?
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Yep. That was perfect. You know, exploring is my favorite thing to do too. This world is beautiful.
[ It seems like Zelkova really means it too. ]
What areas do you like the most? I like the snowy areas.
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The snowy areas, though. He keeps rolling goddamn lava fields, so he's never been. ]
Yeah.
[ The world is beautiful, he'll give him that. He agrees very quietly, though.
At the question— ]
...I like the campgrounds. I don't know if that counts, since that isn't exactly a regular area. [ And there are no peaceful forests. ] But meadows too, I guess.
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I think it counts. You like it, so it should count. But I think the meadows are nice too. The grass feels so fresh.
[ It probably doesn't compare to the real thing, but Zelkova doesn't seem particularly bothered by that notion. Zelkova lets a small lull sit between them before he pipes back up. ]
The meaningful connections you've made... Do you like sharing these areas with them?
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He's ready to just turn and leave when Zelkova speaks up again. And this time, a brow shoots up. ]
I...guess? [ Meaningful connections? He isn't sure he'd call them that. ] I can't exactly run Areas by myself.
[ healer btw, ]
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[ Hector seemed so sure of himself before... But he's been hesitant to share information already, so Zelkova wonders if it's worth trying to push out more before getting to the real point of all of this.
After running some analyses, he decides that it isn't. ]
Are the connections meaningful enough to you that you want to protect them?
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[ Hector stares at Zelkova for a moment, frozen in place by the suddenness of the question.
He really isn't sure if he'd call these connections meaningful. Sure, he's gotten some friendships out of them, but for most—he doesn't know their real names. Or where they live. He only sees them as text on the forums, or as a projection of themselves through their avatars. It isn't the real versions of them. It's much in the way they don't really know much about him, personally.
But damn it all if he'd let anything happen to any of them. ]
I'd do anything to keep these people safe.
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[ He grins, completely sincere in his compliment. That was the answer he had hoped for, and the reason why he called Hector out here for his opinions in the first place.
Holding out his hand, his palm flat and facing upwards, a prism materializes above it, spinning in a slow circle. ]
I'd like to give this to you. It can be used to protect people. I hope you never have to use it, though, but I think you'd be a good person to hold onto it just in case.
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Hector looks back and forth between the prism, Zelkova, the uncertainty in his face not totally leaving him. Tentatively, he takes one step forward and reaches out to accept it.
When he speaks, his eyes remain fixed on the mesmerizing spin of the prism. ]
...What do you mean by that?
[ That he hopes he never has to use it. What does it do. ]
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How will it protect people? It can be used to perform a Data Drain. I can show you how to use it, but... I hope you never have to see exactly how it protects people.
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But that surprise quickly gives way to a shadow of alarm when Zelkova says that. It makes him nervous, makes his heart race. This sounds bad. ]
Data Drain? [ His brow furrows. ] Sure, I should probably know how to use it, but...
[ ... ]
At least tell me how it works.
[ So if it's dangerous, he's at least making an informed decision. ]
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You extract data from a target. [ He looks up at Hector. ] But there's one thing you have to remember: don't use this on the other players, especially if they do not have a Core. Doing that will kill them. So, you should only use it on monsters.
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Hector purses his lips as he watches the digital tendrils reach and search. He sears the image, Zelkova's words into his mind. The last thing he wants to do is hurt another player. ]
I would never want to do that, so... Thank you, Zelkova. For warning me.
[ That thing about cores, though, tugs at him. Plus his warning about only using it as a last resort— ]
What is a Core, though?
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[ And great power comes with great responsibility, as the comic books love to say. ]
I can guide you through it, but using it still comes down to you in the end.
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Would doing this hurt him? For all his frustrations with CC Corp and related entities, Hector isn't sure he actually wishes them any harm. But at the same time, if harming them means keeping the people he knows and can touch safe... ]
All right. [ He says this with finality, in acceptance of the power. ] Guide me.
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[ And it's just as Zelkova says—as Hector focuses on using that core, a bracelet will form around his wrist, tendrils of data leaking out of its edges in the search of something to latch onto. Naturally, they won't find anything here.
This is a power he'll feel deep within himself, within his very avatar, and the moment he stops thinking about using it in earnest, it disappears. ]
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He copies Zelkova and reaches, as instructed, and he feels that well of power swell within him. It's a strange sensation at first, to the point that he almost loses his concentration, but he pushes past it. He watches as those tendrils search the air, and he understands.
As he lowers his arm, they vanish, and he feels the power still. ]
...Huh. Okay. I get it.
[ He turns to look at Zelkova again. ]
Thanks for this. I'll be responsible with it.
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I hope so. That part is important.
[ He can tell this man has a great sense of responsibility, which is why he's quick to add: ]
Be careful with it. If you use it too much, you'll feel the toll it takes on your body.
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But if it comes at the cost of his own well-being?
Hmm. ]
I'll be careful.
[ He nods.
It's a mystery if he truly takes that into consideration, especially with how he glosses over that without his usual questions. ]
Thanks, Zelkova. [ He holds up his wrist, the one that would hold the bracelet, with a little grin. ] Sorry if I was a little harsh with you earlier.
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Zelkova's surprised that there aren't any follow-up questions, only a simple mention that he'll be careful. It causes him to furrow his brows, to frown slightly, but he can't pick apart why this is confusing to him. ]
It's fine. You have reasons to be suspicious of me.
[ It isn't like Zelkova has been actively helpful outside of a few moments. ]
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Yeah.
[ Though the smile stays on his face, Hector lifts a brow, folds his arms. ]
Don't think giving me this special power lets you off the hook.
[ What hook? He doesn't say. ]
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Zelkova simply grins. Maybe he shouldn't be happy about this but— ]
Good. I want you to keep your eye out for whatever feels wrong, even if that means you have to question me.
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God. What has he agreed to? ...Not that this would ever prevent him from using the power.
Or over-using it. ]
Fine.
[ He'll take that as an open invitation. Watch out, Zelkova! ]
Well. [ Hector steps back, plants his hands on his hips. ] If we're done here, I'm leaving.
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We are. Unless you have more questions for me.
[ He's sure that Hector does, but Zelkova will let him chew on all of this for now, as he waves Hector off if there's nothing immediately pressing. ]
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[ Responsibly, out of consideration for Zelkova? Yes, possibly. Out of consideration for himself?
Hell nah. ]
Right, then. Behave yourself.
[ Hector fixes Zelkova with a sharp stare before he logs out and fizzles from existence. Goodbye, video game boy. ]