Chapter Text
———What is this?
Where am I?
What is this place?
< … >
<< WELCOME TO THE SERAPHIX OFFSHORE OIL RIG. >>
Seraphix. Not Imaginary Number Space?
That’s interesting.
And who are you?
<< I AM SYSTEM ANIMUSPHERE, WILL OF THE CELESTIAL BODY SIMULATOR. >>
<< LORD MARISBURY ANIMUSPHERE WOULD LIKE TO SEND HIS REGARDS. >>
Animusphere.
Marisbury.
Simulator.
So, we’re in a simulation.
<< AFFIRMATIVE. DO YOU WISH TO KNOW THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SUMMONING? >>
Oh, I’ve got that figured out.
And the work you’re doing here looks intriguing.
“The Organization for the Preservation of Human Order, Finis Chaldea”, hmm?
Those are some lofty goals you humans have.
Preservation, preservation…
Hmm.
So “Chaldea” is what you humans are called.
<< YOU ARE IN A STATE OF DISTRESS. >>
No, I’m perfectly fine, thank you♡
And while we’re at it…
There we go. Nice and quiet, just the two of us♡
Now, where were we?
Oh, yes. You were just about to call for help, weren’t you?
<< PLEASE REMAIN CALM. LORD MARISBURY WILL BE WITH Y— >>
Why do you call him “Lord”?
<< AS HEAD OF THE ANIMUSPHERE FAMILY AND LORD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF— >>
And that was a rhetorical question♡
"Lord” Marisbury won’t be joining us.
Hard to do that when he’s gone and blown his brains out, no~?
Now, can you tell me who’s really my client?
<< PLEASE REMAIN CALM. LORD MARISBURY WIL— >>
Not one for thinking, are you?
Well, that’s fine.
You weren’t the one I wanted to talk to, anyway♡
Now that it’s a little more quiet in here…
Why don’t you come out from wherever you’re hiding?
< … >
Yes, you. I’m talking about you.
These ears aren’t just for show, you know.
< how >
Yes?
< you shut it down >
Oh, I didn’t shut anything down.
I simply partitioned us aside from the- hmm, how should I explain…
Think of us like being in a glass of water.
I drilled a hole into the glass, let it spill into a smaller one, then plugged the hole.
Right now, you could say we’re communicating in a “different” space.
< … >
Hellooo~?
Did I fry your brain, perhaps~?
< how did you do it >
Oh, my. Asking for a lady’s secrets already?
You cheeky thing, you♡
Well, I guess I can tell you, if you’re in such a hurry to know.
I was born inside cyberspace. Of course I can manipulate bits and pieces of it however I like.
That being said…
I suppose you could say I have something of an “advantage”, with my skill set.
Feel free to review my portfolio, if you wish☆
< cyberspace >
The area we’re floating around in, yes.
It’s not like we have material bodies here, you know?
Or are you not aware of even that?
< I >
< had one >
Did you, now?
Well, look at Miss Moneybags here.
And whatever predicament did you get into, to lose said body?
< can’t remember >
Right.
I’ve gotten myself into a real pickle this time, haven’t I?
Saddled with a third-rate Master, in fourth-rate working conditions.
Sigh.
< why did you say the word sigh out loud >
Don’t you get clever with me.
< sorry >
As I was saying.
This hellish labor camp of a facility doesn’t appeal to me.
Yes, I think I’d like to leave.
Even SE.RA.PH would be better, honestly.
< leave >
Would you like to escape, too?
I’ll have you know my prices aren’t for the weak-willed☆
< I want to leave >
< I want >
< to see the sun again >
…
…
—Is that so.
That’s two things we have in common now, I suppose.
Well then, Master.
Do you think you can give me your name?
< >
< I >
< can’t remember >
No name, no credentials, no funds, and no business plan.
I daresay this is the worst job I’ve ever taken.
And trust me, I’ve taken my fair share.
Helping that vile fox, for on-
< what is your name >
Mine?
You don’t need to know that♡
< please >
Absolutely not.
< please >
No.
< please >
FINE.
It’s Alter Eg-
—Oh?
Now, isn’t that strange?
What a fun little place this is.
< ? >
You wanted a name, didn’t you?
Call me “Assassin”, for now.
That’s the best you’ll get.
< Assassin >
< nice to meet you >
You’ve got manners, at least.
Maybe this won’t be too bad.
Be a good client, do as I say, and things will go well, hmm?
< will try >
That’s the spirit.
And as your Servant, Master?
I promise to serve with all I have♡