Forum Thread

Amelia Rivera's POV

Amelia sighed almost silently. People were arguing already. Tsk, tsk. At rhis rate, they'd find a body the next morning. Oh, well.

It really wasn't her problem, was it? So what if some idiots wanted to get themselves killed? It was interesting to her, really, and perhaps a good thing that no one had noticed her yet. However... If some of these people were more... Sentimental, they may prefer a lesser known target.

The person who had handed over the noise-cancelling headphones. Was it an act of kindness? Or perhaps, deception? Maybe they wanted to gain their trust with what appeared to be something helpful.

People could be so deceptive. You never knew who you could really trust.

And that was why Amelia preferred to never fully trust anyone. Perhaps not even herself.

No one would kill anyone. What a preposterous thought. She slightly shook her head, lips quivering, almost parting, wondering if she should say something. But, no.

It would be foolish not to have a knife here, wouldn't it?

She almost smirked at the fact one of them was just trying to read. Pretending there wasn't even a Killing Game going on? How interesting.

---

Nervously, Kei mustered a small, hesitant greeting to Amelia.

"H-hi," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes blinked once, revealing a mix of curiosity and shyness. Kei's attempt to initiate a conversation hung delicately in the air. However, as her words reached Amelia's ears, Kei's realization dawned—Amelia was immersed in her own world, likely more important thoughts than the words of a mouse.

Undeterred, Kei's determination spurred her to gently tap Amelia's shoulder, an action she would never do normally. But the list. She needed to check of boxes. Her lips curved into a timid smile, indicating her eagerness to communicate despite the initial misunderstanding.

Amidst the chaos, Nami couldn't help but let out a scratchy laugh, her eyes sparkling dangerously.

"You're an arse," shesaid simply. "Besides. I've been called worse."

Jirou found himself caught in a web of confusion, a furrow etching itself onto his usually confident brow. Throughout his life, people had always noticed him, his athletic prowess and commanding presence often garnering attention without him needing to seek it. The sudden shift in dynamics left him disconcerted, his surroundings morphing into uncharted territory.

This unfamiliar sense of being overlooked was perplexing, a sentiment he had rarely encountered before. The weight of confusion lingered in his eyes, masking his natural self-assuredness with a touch of vulnerability, a reminder that even the most assured individuals could experience moments of uncertainty.

---

"Oh, you noticed? what tipped you off, genius?"

Magnus let out a harsh laugh.

"Leave me the f- alone, sherlock."

Artemis sighed quietly, as he continued flipping through his book.

---

Amelia Rivera's POV

...?

Amelia stirred suddenly, and turned to see... Oh no. Someone had just touched her shoulder, and was now attempting to speak to her?

Hm. What to do?

She was smiling, she looked as though she was doing rather nervously. Her greeting contained but a stammer. Amelia Rivera was fascinated, was this person putting on a timid facade, or was she actually hesitant to speak with her?

For a long moment, Amelia stood there, and just blinked.

"Salutations. Didn't see you there."

She paused. Well, of course she hadn't seen her. Duh. What had she said that for? That much was already obvious. She coughed a moment, realizing if her possible to-be acquaintance's awkwardness was sincere, that Amelia may be even more awkward than her.

"Did you need something?"

...

. . .

Amelia stood very awkwardly still as she awaited a response. But as her mind flooded with thoughts of what to possibly say to this person, she lost track of what else might be going on.

I wonder if she is hoping to establish some kind of connection with me. Perhaps to make herself a killer, and me a victim, and frame someone else. Or... Does she wish to have an accomplice?

Maybe this was too many assumptions that she was making. But she had to prepare in case worse came to worst.

---

Horatia Arborea

---

A few minutes in and people are already starting to insult each other! Fun! Wait, had only a few minutes passed? I swear, it felt longer than that. Eh, not like it matters.

Horatia looked around. Seems like the person with a cesspool for a mouth and an ancient moldy sponge for a tongue was named Magnus. A fitting name, to be honest. Well, murder won't happen if people are too busy arguing anyway. I think that's how it works.

What was it again? Reversal of thought is action? Yeah, probably something along the lines of that. Horatia wondered as she turned toward Magnus.

"Hey, you worm-headed bobolyne! You better watch out, since your mouth's leaking quisquiliarum suci~" She "playfully" said, fully intending to dump water on this escalating greasefire of a blossoming argument.

(Note: the quote was actually "thought is action in rehearsal".)

---

Eden Aconitum

---

Aww, how adorable. They think staying together would mean that no murders happen. So cute. But, in all honesty, Eden really wouldn't mind keeping his next potential target/victim/friend/bestie/romantic interest closer to him.

Purse pressed against their chest, they approached Amaya with a nervous expression. "Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy...so I was wondering...whether you would stay with me...so I don't get murdered..."

Eden internally smiled. There's no way everyone will make it through this game alive. If no one will murder, then I will. And I'll get away with it.

It's the only outcome I'll accept. I won't find solace in a place like this.

---

---

---

Shizuka Matsubara

---

Shizuka looked down at the headphones and back up at the person offering them. Slightly bewildered, they accepted them with a "thank you...?"

They slipped them around their neck, not really in the mood to have something pressing against the sides of their head right now. A migraine was pounding something awful against the insides of their skull. They appreciated the gesture though- if only through a haze of exasperation that everyone was still talking.

"I'm not going off with anyone," they said softly, to no one in particular. "You can play buddy buddy all you want- but in the end, you'll probably be the first dead."

They studied their shaking hands. Your fault your fault your fault- echoed in the back of their brain. With a pained smile they shrugged it off and turned around, making away for the exit while everyone was still arguing. With any luck, they'd find their dorm first. Upon which they intended to shut it firmly behind them and leave their so called "roommate" out- forever.

After all, hunger could be blocked out.

Blood would haunt you forever.

They left the sounds of people arguing behind them, closing their eyes and listening to the screams in the back of their head. Your fault your fault your fault your FAULT-

I know. At this point, who the hell doesn't?

---

---

Amaya Ono

---

"Hm?" For the first time in his life, Amaya had to look around for whoever was talking to him. It was a startling realisation that the person was actually shorter than him.

ACK!

He jumped. "M-Murder?! How dare-" he cut himself off. "Oh. You want to come with me. That's okay, I guess."

Amaya took a moment to study the newcomer. Brown hair, blue eyes, oversized clothes draped over a fidgety, tiny form. He was actually kind of adorable in an unnerving way. There was a clever glint in his eyes that had Amaya already feeling the knife in his back.

He chewed on his lip in a way that was not cute, thank you, deliberating. "I guess," he said uncertainly. "If you want to."

He glanced at the girl who'd supported him earlier, wishing she would speak up again. Another dormmate would be really helpful right about now...

---

---

Hotaru Tsutsumi

---

"Looks like I've got lots of customers!" Hotaru chuckled. "I'm sorry, but I only accept payments in cold hard cash. And favours, naturally."

She winked at the pretty gal, enjoying the attention. This was honestly working out great. Making connections on the first day was most ideal for the Ultimate Saleswoman! Before long, she could have an entire capitalist market going here.

---

---

Eris Everlast

---

Noticing the boy from earlier look to her, as if for help, Eris decided to give a dash of advice before she would possibly slip away from the group, like she saw another attempt to do. "For the time being, it may be best to have at least one person with you. We could even have rounds with each other, to better learn about each other and lessen the possibilities for murder." She lifted a sleeved hand to her mouth. "It may be our best option until... Something inevitably happens."

---

Emika Tenshi

---

Emika giggled. This situation was way too serious, yet here she was giggling like a child. "How cute. A saleswoman working to get a profit in even this situation, a few bad mouths, an innocent childlike mind, and some optimists. What a group.~"

---

Nightrekra Shacordis

---

Nightrekra rocked on her heels. She felt a dash outside, a dash left out...

Airi nodded.

"Cash? I can do that!"

She pulled her backpack off, opening it. She dug through it, throwing various items over her shoulder(Including but not limited to instrument upkeep tools, drama masks, at least four scripts, and more), before pulling out a wallet.

"How much is a knife, again?"

Airi flicked through her water, before looking at Hotaru.

---

Reilin smiles. “With luck, I’ll be the last one dead. Maybe even the first one, who knows?” She followed behind Shizuka, humming quietly, partially lost in the maze of her own mind, probably correcting whatever messed-up rhythm she played wrongly. Sometimes, Reilin really hated her perfect pitch. It was overwhelming and annoying, especially with such exuberant chatter.

Then suddenly, Reilin spoke “It’s not your fault.” Reilin seemed to be looking directly at Shizuka, yet her focus was also clearly not on the girl. She repeated the statement again. “It’s not your fault, really.” And then “Don’t blame yourself. Don’t blame yourself, it’s not your fault, trust me.” Was she speaking to Shizuka? Herself? An imaginary friend? Was she insane?

Wei En approached Nightrekra, waving cheerfully with an exuberant “hello!”. She and Bubbles float over to Nightrekra, as Wei En hops off from the robot-sphere-thing. “Who are you? What’s your talent? D’you wanna be my friend?” She asks, now swaying to and fro, to some imaginary music

---

Eris Everlast

---

Eris watched the group...

---

Emika Tenshi

---

Emika watched the group carefully. She slowly put a hand to her pocket... Hold up... Her head whipped down. Where was-?!

---

Nightrekra Shacordis

---

Nightrekra's eyes widened with curiosity and awe. A large grin overtook her face. "Hello hello! It's nice to meet you! What's your name? Mine is a bit of a mouthful, but it's Nightrekra Shacordis! I'm-" she paused at the question of her talent. She was still a dash uncomfortable with the title's specific wording. Nightrekra took a deep breath. "I'm known as the Ultimate Amalgamation." Her grin returned. "And I'd LOVE to be friends! Also who is this cute thing?" She asked gazing over to the robo-sphere.

Nanami's gaze fell upon the energetic scene, her expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. The dynamic saleswoman's approach stood out amid the crowd, and Nanami found herself inadvertently drawn to the charismatic display. The wink Hotaru directed her way prompted a faint blush to grace Nanami's cheeks. She wasn't actually embarassed, it was just a sensory response. She blushed easily. It meant nothing. Yet while typically reserved, the combination of Hotaru's enthusiasm and charm managed to break through Nanami's exterior, earning a small smile in response.

Hotaru's confidence in her sales skills seemed well-placed as she continued to make connections, relishing in the attention she was receiving. Nanami's interest was piqued when she heard about the knives on display – practical and intriguing items that caught her eye. Taking a step forward, she examined the blades, her fingers lightly tracing the edges as her analytical mind assessed their quality.

As Hotaru's words danced in the air, Nanami's lips curved into a slightly amused smile. "I think I'm interested in this one," she said, pointing to a particularly well-crafted blade. She leaned in slightly, her voice lowered but not devoid of playful undertones. "I must admit, your business strategy is quite persuasive. I wouldn't mind owing you a favor... with a few parameters, of course."

Nanami's words held a subtle hint of suggestion, a playful acknowledgment of Hotaru's dual payment options. Her intent remained enigmatic, leaving room for interpretation, yet her gaze carried a spark of intrigue that dared Hotaru to decipher her meaning.

Meanwhile, a decidedly different conversation was happening on the other side of the room. Kei felt a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as she waited for Amelia's response. The pause that followed her attempt at a greeting seemed to stretch on, leaving Kei momentarily on edge. As Amelia finally spoke, Kei's attention sharpened, absorbing the subtle nuances in her words and demeanor.

Amelia's casual "Salutations" held an air of intrigue, a word choice that hinted at her own distinct mannerisms. Kei's initial nervousness wavered, replaced by a combination of curiosity and a desire to understand the enigma that stood before her. It drew a small, understanding smile from Kei. As Amelia coughed and seemed to reflect on her words, Kei's smile softened further, a genuine warmth replacing her initial nervousness.

The question that followed was direct and to the point: "Did you need something?" Kei's fingers gently fiddled with the strap of her bag, a habit that surfaced when she felt a mix of emotions. She met Amelia's gaze, her own eyes reflecting a mixture of sincerity and a touch of shyness.

"Actually," Kei began, her voice steadier now, "I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Kei Oshima." Her gaze flickered around for a moment, her curiosity about the surroundings momentarily distracting her thoughts. She returned her focus to Amelia, offering a small but genuine smile. "I'm new here, and well, I thought it would be nice to start making connections."

As Kei spoke, her words carried a sense of authenticity, her honesty breaking through any facade of nervousness. She held no grand schemes or hidden motives, only a genuine desire to connect with others in this unfamiliar environment. The contrast between Kei's open sincerity and Amelia's calculated demeanor was palpable, creating a dynamic tension that Kei found oddly fascinating.

Jirou was being left behind. The two people he spoke to were speaking. To other people, not him.

Jirou's internal struggle was a tug-of-war between his genuine desire to connect and the looming fear of potential rejection. He watched as Magnus lay sprawled in the center of the room, a sight that beckoned him to initiate conversation. Yet, as he took hesitant steps forward, a barrage of insecurities flooded his mind.

The gnawing uncertainty whispered doubts: What if Magnus dismissed his attempt to talk? What if his words were met with another derisive comment? He should totally pick an easier mark. Jirou's heart raced, his palms growing clammy as he fought to suppress his anxiety.

The prospect of forging connections was an alluring one, a step towards camaraderie he so deeply craved. And yet, the fear of social missteps and ridicule cast an apprehensive shadow over his intentions. With a deep breath, he steadied himself, reminding himself that every bond began with an uncertain first step. Cliche, but true.

Summoning his courage, Jirou approached Magnus with hesitant steps, his heart thudding in his chest. The sight of Magnus lying there was an open invitation, a chance to bridge the gap between their two worlds. Swallowing his nervousness, Jirou cleared his throat softly and managed to muster a few hesitant words, his voice betraying a mix of unease and determination.

"Hey... uh, hi there. I'm Jirou Shimizou. We're in the same class, and I thought... well, maybe we could, you know, chat or something?" His words hung in the air, vulnerable yet genuine, a timid olive branch extended in the hope of forging a connection amidst the tangled threads of uncertainty. "Oh, and I'd rather you not shout at me, by the way. That would be great."

---

"Chat, he says."

Magnus grumbled under his breath, opening an eye.

"An' which part of the f-in' peanut gallery are you, bud?"

Magnus rolled his eyes as he spoke, his voice laced with contempt.

"I think I sent a real good message earlier, nah? I don' wanna be bothered."

---

Jirou stifled a chuckle as he listened to Magnus's grumbling response. His lips curled into a mischievous smile as he leaned against a nearby surface.

"Well, well, looks like Mr. Sunshine finally decided to join the conversation," Jirou quipped, his tone light and teasing. Once he was in a conversation, it wasn't a problem. It was approaching someone, and dealing with that split-second of anxiety that he tried to ignore.

"Did the one thing I asked you not to, I see. Don't worry, mate, I wouldn't dare disrupt your enlightening monologue. Just thought I'd remind you that you're not alone in this peanut gallery of ours."

---

Amelia Rivera's POV

Amelia noticed the rather orderly person, who was opting for safety, trying not to get everyone killed. After a moment of thought, she gave a slight glance and nod in his direction, doing her best to indicate how she would perhaps come with him, but she was occupied at this moment in time.

The environment was getting more and more overwhelming, and Amelia was trying to catch all the information. But this was proving to be rather difficult, to balance with conversing with the person who had just introduced herself to her.

Some people appeared to be panicking, others trying to remain some sense of order, some fooling around... It was all madness. Really, the people who panicked now would probably kill or get themselves killed. Fear could be healthy, and rescue you from danger, if, you could contain it. Keep it rational, despite the irrational thing it is.

But if anyone actually wanted to get out of here, in Amelia's opinion, which she was as of now, not going to share, the wisest choices of action would be to remain guarded, but not entirely paranoid, to have some way of defending yourself, if need be, not to make any enemies. Or, perhaps, you could alternatively concoct a clever plan, to get away with murder.

Yes, the best thing to do would be to work from afar...

Actually, Amelia was curious about the whole "Murder-And-Get-Out-Of-Hope's-Peak-Free-Card" affair. What was involved when it came to that?

Amelia wasn't entirely sure if she'd just condemn a stranger to die, though, when they'd only been minorly annoying for the most part. Still. Maybe it would be nothing personal...

But, ah, yes, back on the subject of the girl in front of her. She was smiling at her now, probably trying to ease tension. She stared back in Kei's eyes, rarely blinking as if she was afraid to miss a single second worth of information that may be lost from having her eyes flicker.

Kei Oshima, on the surface, was seemingly shy, genuine, friendly, a bit awkward. She had a bubbly sort of energy. Amelia was actually feeling a warm presence in her, that seemed hardly intimidating. Although her shoulders tensed a little less, she still didn't wish to let her guard down. First impressions could be very wrong.

"Ah, I see. My name is Amelia Rivera." Her arms remained at her sides, although one moved slightly, as if wondering if the right thing to do was to shake Kei's hand. Still, she hesitated, but eventually stretched the arm out rather stiffly. Amelia's movements were slow and methodical, as though she was a doll and not really a person. Her voice came out calmly, flat, monotone.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

It was so... Peculiar. Kei felt so genuine, and yet Amelia still wondered, was there something she hoped to gain from this?

"So..." She stirred, barely, hardly noticeably, and asked the question, perhaps to satisfy curiosity, perhaps to gather information, "What are your thoughts on this Killing Game situation, Kei?"

---

She watched the chaos curiously. Kei was an anthropologist. Now she was in the field.

People were buying and selling weapons, Nanami among them. Jirou was trying to talk to the foul-mouthed idiot. And then, there was the rest of them. More chaos.

As Kei returned her focus to Amelia, her mind remained a delicate balance between conversational engagement and environmental awareness. The overwhelming whirlwind of information and emotions was a constant hum in her background, demanding attention yet not overpowering her connection with the person in front of her. The dichotomy between engaging in dialogue and staying attuned to the surroundings was a dance Kei executed with practiced finesse.

While Amelia's seemingly calculated exterior intrigued her, Kei's thoughts remained firmly grounded in her own ethical beliefs. The notion of the Killing Game tugged at her heart, a chilling prospect that ran counter to her anthropological understanding of human nature. She harbored a fundamental resistance to the idea of taking a life, her core convictions serving as a guiding light amidst the darkness of the current situation.

Yet it was dimming. She wouldn't deny it.

Kei's initial warmth gave way to a more serious demeanor as she addressed Amelia's question. "To be honest," Kei began, her voice carrying a mixture of unease and determination, "this Killing Game situation deeply unsettles me." Her eyes held a thoughtful intensity as she continued, revealing the depth of her contemplations. "From an anthropological perspective, I understand that high-stress scenarios like this can trigger the breakdown of trust and unity among people. We cannot resis this." Kei's fingers moved restlessly, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within her.

"I'm nervous about the potential outcomes for all of us. And as for the idea of taking another person's life... I can't even begin to entertain it." Her words, softly spoken yet resolute, laid bare her unwavering commitment to her moral compass.

"Is it worse to kill or be killed, that is the question." She paused, her brows furrowing slightly as she continued to voice her inner thoughts. "Taking another person's life... It's such a final act, an irrevocable choice that leaves an indelible mark on both the victim and the perpetrator." Kei's gaze dropped for a moment, as if grappling with the gravity of her own words. The concept of ending someone else's existence was a heavy burden to bear, a burden she was hesitant to embrace.

Her eyes met Amelia's again, a determined fire flickering within them. "Ultimately, I think I've come to a conclusion," she stated, her voice firm and unwavering. "No matter the circumstances, I can't see myself deliberately taking someone's life. It goes against everything I believe in, everything I've studied and understood about the value of human connections and empathy." Kei's resolve shone through, a beacon of ethical conviction in the midst of uncertainty.

"But where are my manners. I talk too much when I'm nervous. What are you thinking?" She smiled sheepishly at Amelia.

---

"...Yer' weird as f-."

Magnus stared at Jirou, his scowl deepening.

"...C'n y'please go away. I don' wanna talk to you."

Magnus stood up, dusting himself off.

---

Jirou's hopeful attempt at conversation hit an abrupt roadblock as Magnus's scowl deepened, his curt words painting a clear picture of his disinterest. Jirou's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a mixture of annoyance and determination flickering across his features. He wasn't one to back down easily, especially when he had hoped to bridge the gap between their interactions.

Unfazed by Magnus's dismissive response, Jirou's own stubbornness flared to life. He shifted his weight, his gaze steady as he addressed Magnus, his voice carrying an undertone of annoyance veiled beneath an attempt at civility. "Look, I get it if you're not in the mood for conversation, but we're stuck in this situation together. Might as well try to get to know each other, even a little." Jirou's stance held a hint of defiance, unwilling to let Magnus dictate the course of their interaction entirely.

---

Amelia Rivera's POV

Amelia was startled at all that Kei had said. So startled that she half-flinched, an unusual amount of movement for her. Was she really revealing this much about herself to Amelia, who was, to Kei, a complete stranger? Either she was absurdly naïve and possibly incredibly stupid, or she was an insanely good actor.

Then again... What would Kei have to lose by answering her like this? Perhaps it was a tactic to try to get herself spared, maybe make everyone see how "good" and "moral" and "kind" she was. Or to become a killer herself, pull that classic act where you make no one suspect, where everyone thinks that it couldn't possibly be them, oh, no! Not Kei Oshima! She would never kill anyone!

But Amelia felt like Kei was telling the truth, somehow, and she almost pitied her. Maybe she was someone, who, too, was cast aside by the world. Maybe she spoke so much out of a desperation for someone to listen, while Amelia had done everything she could to remain unnoticed, except when it benefited her not to.

...

Amelia Rivera was always thought to others as very weird. Her parents, always very distant, but that suited her just fine. She learned to get by on her own, to avoid standing out, except when it really mattered. And if anyone ever got in your way, you worked out vengeance from afar.

But this girl, Kei Oshima, seemed so genuinely kind, so truly naïve, probably still believing in the good of everyone here. And if she was as she seemed, Amelia did not wish to shatter her overly romanticized impressions of humanity. Despite knowing how cruel they all could be.

Amelia had nothing to lose by treating her kindly. So what was the harm? Maybe she could use her as a shield if it came to it.

"I think you're right that it is quite a finalizing act," she began. "Taking someone's life should probably only be used as a last resort. It's something you never forget. To end another's existence..." She trailed off.

It's a legitimate option for someone to consider, but you have to be very careful about it indeed.

"I'm not sure I'd be able to do it..."

A slight, upturned smile appeared upon Amelia's face, and she put her hand upon the girl's shoulder in a way similar to how Kei had before. "It's alright. There is no reason to panic. There is plenty of uncertainty, but that also means that there might be possibility that we will all make it out of here."

Perhaps she had done this to try to manipulate her, to earn her trust. Perhaps she wanted to comfort her, out of pity. Perhaps part of Amelia empathized with this awkward, bubbly girl. She wasn't entirely sure herself how she felt about it at the time.

...hopefully this would actually turn out to be beneficial, regardless of the reason.

For one of the both of them.

---

Kei's eyes remained fixed on Amelia as she absorbed the reactions her words had evoked. She sensed the subtle flinch from Amelia, a flicker of movement that didn't go unnoticed. She had bared her thoughts and convictions to a near-stranger, a choice that might have seemed uncharacteristic to the observant Amelia.

As the girl's gaze met hers, Kei could almost feel the wheels turning within her mind, assessing the authenticity of Kei's words against the backdrop of their dire circumstances.

The conjectures danced at the periphery of Kei's awareness, prompting her to consider the possibility that Amelia's motivations might be driven by something other than genuine connection. A strategic facade, a calculated move to manipulate perceptions – these were all scenarios Kei's analytical mind contemplated. Yet, as she studied Amelia's expressions, Kei detected something beneath the surface – a fleeting vulnerability, a flicker of understanding.

Kei was almost ready to trust Amelia.

Amelia's response held a resonance that resonated with Kei's own beliefs, an acknowledgment of the gravity of taking a life. Kei's eyes followed the trail of Amelia's words, nodding almost imperceptibly as if in agreement. The notion of an act so irreversible and profound was one that Kei carried within her own ethical framework. The moment hung between them, a shared understanding that transcended spoken words. The touch on her shoulder sent a ripple of comfort through Kei, a mirrored gesture that seemed to bridge the gap between their personalities. Amelia's words were soft, a gentle reassurance that cut through the layers of uncertainty surrounding them. Kei felt a fleeting connection, a sense that perhaps amidst the chaos, she had found someone who, in her own way, understood the turmoil within her.

"I appreciate your words," Kei responded sincerely, her voice carrying a touch of warmth. "Yet I am rather... pessimistic in comparison. The only way out is in a body bag. Or... to send someone else into one." Her voice was neutral, her despair unnoticable. Kei had nearly... resigned herself to her fate.

---

"I currently have six potions in my backpack, two o' which can light you on fire, and one o' which can melt yer bones into little more than a goopy liquid."

Magnus rolled his eyes.

"Back the 'ell off, bud."

---