Voice

[gundhamster]

[As the recording starts, there's the faint sound of movement in the background as Gundham is exploring a bit of forest.]

So, as it seems our 'hosts' - if we can truly call them that - are intent on keeping us here, it would behoove us to acquaint ourselves with the surroundings. I will say that as far as prisons go, this is not the worst. However, I do have a question. Are any that can access this familiar with the local wildlife? I've been attempting to observe but having just arrived, I'm sure my scent is unfamiliar enough to have them on edge.

However... there is wildlife here. That in itself is... unexpected.

Comments

[gundhamster]

[Gundham isn't quite sure what to make of these replies. Part of him wants to think he's being mocked but there's a weirdly... sincere tone to the voice. For now, he's not going to take offense until given proper provocation. That's what Hajime would've wanted him to do at least.]

Please, just Gundham is fine. Titles are frivolities that only serve to intimidate those unworthy of their station.

[There's a beat as he bends down and rustles with something.] You say magic is not an unknown quantity where you're from? [May as well humor him right?]

[gundhamster]

[Gundham goes about his business with some rustling noises in the background before responding.]

Just as all leaders thought they too could stand without the aid of the Netherworld, so many have crumbled into the annals of history. So to will this place be if it does not realize the precarious nature upon which it is built.

[gundhamster]

You said... "we" prey animals. ...Correct?

[gundhamster]

And under what authority do you enforce these rules you claim I have violated?

[gundhamster]

[The image that conjures in Gundham's head is... well, nightmarish. Of course he probably didn't need to add razor sharp horns, and two extra sets of eyes to the tentacle fingers.]

W-what... what... WHAT MANNER OF FIEND IS THIS!?

[gundhamster]

That is precisely my goal. What better way to acquaint myself with the local fauna than to find their dens? Better I than some hapless buffoon.

[Gundham's tone is less condescending than his words would imply at the very least. This is the sound of someone who's done this many times before.]

[gundhamster]

While I appreciate the offer - [Gundham decides to be polite than to express his lingering skepticism.] - I would all the same decline.

My entire life has been spent learning the ways and methods of the demon beasts such that direct communication is not required. We have other ways of building understanding.

Re: voice;

[gundhamster]

I admit the circumstances in my own... incarceration to be unique, and I do apologize if I have offered some slight. It was not my intention.

[There's a chuckle.]

Yes, the prehistoric predators that the demons themselves fear. Truly a force to be reckoned with, however given the nature of our surroundings I do not believe you have anything to fear from such creatures.

[mithrarin]

Tyranny responds only to might.

[gundhamster]

And you didn't answer my question.

[mithrarin]

You're... capable of understanding inference, right? That has to be a thing they have where you come from.

[This isn't sarcasm, Dust is honestly confused that his meaning didn't come through. He thought he'd been very clear!]

[gundhamster]

I am well aware of what you meant. However, to infer that you are the agent of some higher being, cause, or other such nonsense, you reveal yourself for what you truly are: a simple bully.

[mithrarin]

[Oh, okay.]

If it aids your understanding anyway, this is literally what I was created to do. But even if it doesn't, the funny thing is, I care much more about the opinions of those I'm helping than those I'm opposing.

[gundhamster]

And just who exactly are you aiding in this instant? Can you put faces to them? Names? Or is this some vague concept I have insulted?

[mithrarin]

Can't have an empire without subjects, can you? Plenty of people around here for you to slap with that title, whether they want it or not.

[gundhamster]

Have I?

[The response was simple but carried with it a tone of the most utter contempt.]

[mithrarin]

What does what you've done at this moment have to do with anything? Is this entire conversation just going to be technicalities?!

[gundhamster]

So where you are from, the law means punishment of those who have done no wrong but have the capacity for it? You claim you act for a higher good, a better calling, yet you resort to tactics that tyrants have throughout history.

You are simply forcing your point of view on others simply because you have a blade.

[mithrarin]

Uh... ...You... are aware I haven't done anything to you yet, right?

[disasdeer]

You can talk to them, then? I thought you needed to be equipped with a certain type of magic for that.

[gundhamster]

You hunted me down on social media to threaten me, for something I may potentially do rather than anything I have done.

[gundhamster]

No, I cannot talk to them as I can you, however that is not an issue. I have spent my life studying and learning about various animals, far more than I have spent learning of humans if I'm honest. I have no need for such pedestrian communication as talking.

We understand each other perfectly fine without it.

[mithrarin]

Wait. I thought these were called "smart phones".

[Dust is not familiar with certain terms, as might be expected.]

[gundhamster]

[An audible sigh of exasperation.]

They are. The program you are using to communicate with me right now, however, is an instance of social media.

[He can almost hear Hiyoko calling Dust a boomer...]

[disasdeer]

So what do you do with them if you don't talk? Grunt and make noises? Animals still talk in their own way here, by my understanding. There's nothing pedestrian about being civilized.