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[ Soon after LILITH hands the decision to Outsiders, Ratio makes a post on the ocular network. ]

I hope you have all had ample time to rest from the aftermath of the kaiju's attack. However, it is time to turn our attention to the future. We have been given an opportunity to decide our next step.

1: Stay in Seoul and assist the city.
2: Chase after the escaped Imugi.

I imagine opinions may be divided on this front, so I would like to open the forum for discussion. Please state your choice and provide thorough reasoning for your decision. You will not convince anyone with a half-baked argument. You may respond to any comment as you please, but remember to stay civil and do not resort to derogatory or inflammatory comments. Should you break this rule, I will revoke your comment permissions.

Keep in mind that your choice will have a grave effect on the people of this planet. It is not one to be made lightly, so do not treat it with levity.

You may use the form below to keep your comment clear and easy to read.

[ ooc: This is meant to be a mingle text log! Feel free to comment on each other's posts, yadda yadda go wild! Also the form is only a recommendation, feel free to disregard Ratio's instructions and annoy him. ]

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I believe there exists extremes.

Then do you not believe anyone deserves abandonment?

Not at all. It was simply an observation.

I do not. No matter how horrible one is, in my realm I treat all as equals.

I struggle to apply this same impartiality here in this world. However, this is what I genuinely believe.

Your realm?

That seems like a recipe for you to end up disappointed if I am being frank. Have you not experienced betrayal? Or have you simply not gotten enough of it?

The underworld - Kûr - where the souls of the dead dwell.

Souls are powerless in my realm and are dependent on me to maintain their existence, betrayal isn't a risk I run.

Life inflicts pain ceaselessly on humans, be they good or evil. Chance often decides what one's fate will be. But in death, I ensure all are treated the same and given peace equally.

[ the underworld...

...

little does callisto know that zagreus, his "retainer" was also considered the prince of the underworld. hence, he doesn't know it these words were meant to be taken at face value. he seems to take a long time to respond before he eventually opts on sending the following. ]

By the underworld... is this perhaps some sort of metaphor? I am afraid I am not quite following, as much as I appreciate your respect for human life. [ couldn't relate. ]

No. I am Ereshkigal, Goddess of Death and Queen of Kûr. The Underworld is the realm over which I reign.

It is the place where humans soul go and rest after the death of their physical form.

I understand this may be difficult to understand. modern humans have concepts of "heaven" and "hell" which I find quite distasteful. I would never allow for the afterlife to be split in two such opposites.

[ he...

isn't sure he believes this right out of the floodgates. instead, he seems to consider it the ramblings of someone who may have lost their grip on reality. but, he does give it the appropriate consideration. ]

Yes, goddess of death. Quite fascinating. [ ... ]

I had no clue I was in the genuine presence of Queen Ereshkigal. What an honor it is. Considering your words, is it safe to say you know your decision? Surely being a royal of a land called the "Underworld," you would have the correct answers for us?

[ Is-Is he doubting her...? But the way he talks... S-She supposes she should try and speak with the gravitas that being a goddess of death demands from her. ]

We need to stay to defend the people, of course.

There is no meaning in death, lest life is treated as precious and important. Thus we should not abandon them to their fate and do our utmost to protect them.

I had no idea that someone with the title of "queen" could be such an altruistic soul. Color me impressed.

But, do you not believe death is also as much as one's fate as living? Do you not believe they may be capable of fending for themselves to a certain extent? Clearly they've kept this land standing somehow.

Queens and Kings should care for the people. If they do not, they are unfit of the crown that sits on their heads. The same is true of Gods.

Regardless, you are correct. Death is unavoidable, it is the fate of all who lives. What exists shall inevitably be no more. It used to be a source of much pain, to see how mortals revile and fear death. However... Perhaps, their persistence against death is what makes life so beautiful.

Perhaps, that is all but the case. Do you not think for a second, however, that their empire could prosper, even if at the sacrifice of many?

You speak in such poetics that I could have mistaken you as a writer. I never thought anyone could discuss death is such a poignant manner. Then, does the decision truly matter?

An empire that embraces death as a path to prosperity is doomed to fall, for it devalues life and by so doing weakens the very foundation of its existence.

There is a balance to be maintained, between acceptance of death as an inevitability and love of life as something that ought to be protected. Chasing the kaiju and abandoning the locals betrays a lack of care for lives that can yet be saved.

You say so, but many empires and kingdoms appear to do just fine in spite of their dark histories. Though, at the opposite end, I suppose even I have entertained the idea of destroying them completely.

Then does that not the beg question if you are able to convince others of the same? Quite frankly, despite this discussion, I doubt many are likely to change their minds.

You are unfortunately correct in this assertion.

You are a high-ranking person in an empire from your world, am I correct?

[ That'd explain why he's using them so much as an example. Possibly even a ruler. ]

If this is the attitude you take to ruling, your empire will fall - but not before you do. You approached me with kindness, and so I would give this advice.

Do not ignore the heart of the people you rule over.

Power, material wealth, even your status: none shall follow as you fade into the immaterial. The day death claims you, an hell of your own making awaits should such things be all you had. The souls sleeping in the beyond are not tortured by devils and demons, but by their own unlived lives.

I beg of you to reconsider the path you walk. As Goddess of Death, it is my dearest wish to see the souls of the dead at peace. And you are no exception.

[ "then is it not fine if it falls" is the first thought in his mind.

why not forsake the empire and world who had abandoned him first, or so he might have argued, but he also doesn't quite know if that's truly his goal. his bitter thoughts, his resentment— despite these emotions consuming him, is it not true that he had been fulfilling his duties flawlessly? it's a complex mix of emotions when he hears ereshkigal's advice. ]

You need not concern yourself over the state of my own affairs. [ the rest of her words sound more like lines he would have heard out of a play, or an old prophecy. fortunately, he believes in neither. ]

That may be the case. To begin with, I think you misunderstand me, my lady. I do not desire to be emperor for wealth, or power. Instead, you have only solidified my own resolve. [ to kill the nobles, maybe, but it's a brief thought he brushes it off. ]

Regardless, does that mean your own decision is set?

I would be a goddess reigning over wisdom rather than death, were I capable of understanding one's character after a mere few exchanges.

It is as I said. You showed me kindness, and so I gave you advice. Do what you will with my words. Contemplate them, deny them or discard them. And perhaps on another day, you may explain to me the depths of your resolve.

[ She'll have plenty other advice to give him once she realizes he's the man who drowned and burned her sims! ]

It is. I suppose now only time can render its verdict.

Now wouldn't that be convenient? Being a god over wisdom and knowing the answer to every single inquiry, and knowing the true nature of everyone's heart. Fortunately, I find doubting most works just as well.

One day... If you would still like to hear them, I am not opposed.

[ who knows, if it is just their passing fancy, however.

but, with their decision made. ] May you get the result you desire, Miss Goddess.

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