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

Voice

[phoenixwiz]

So just normal animals right now? That’s understandable since they are normally shy towards humans: maybe if you keep observing them and try befriending them, they will probably warm up to you in no time.

(says the guy who has a history with all sorts of fantastical and creepy creatures back home)

Either way, do you have plans to start a series of nature trail walks in the near future?

Re: Voice

[gundhamster]

To call them 'just' animals is doing them a disservice. Any creature from a simple hamster to the proud lion has the potential to rise above its birth and assume the title of Demon Beast.

[There's a moment as he considers. As far as suggestions go, that isn't the worst one he's heard.]

Hmm.. you may call this a... recruitment drive. Taken from my home, it is my obligation to re-forge the Tanaka Empire, wherever I find myself.

[phoenixwiz]

Okay, never heard of that title before, apologies for not knowing any better.

So you’re a heir to an empire of sorts back in your world? You must be very busy even while stranded in different worlds.

[gundhamster]

[That response startles Gundham probably more than finding himself in such a strange world. In all his years of grandstanding, nobody has ever immediately accepted his claims without criticism. He's not entirely sure how to respond at first.]

Hmph, the situation in my world is... complicated to put it mildly. [He trails off for a moment, only belatedly realizing he really has no idea what goes into running an actual empire...]

Regardless, my empire is one I must ever devote myself to lest it and the very fabric of reality crumble without it.

[phoenixwiz]

Erm, sorry about that. I thought that it was nice that you’re pretty devoted to make it flourish regardless. That is a lot of dedication and I appreciate it.

I’m Harry, nice to meet you, Mr. ... What is your name by the way?

[gundhamster]

[Ah, introductions. He can do that with his normal flair. Anything to get back into his comfort zone.]

Hmhmhm... so you wish to know my name. Fine then, open your ears and sear it into your pitiful mind, for I am GUNDHAM TANAKA! The Supreme Overlord of Ice!

[phoenixwiz]

(That is some good theatrical energy over there. Very flashy even. Harry has the patience to sit through egos of this size today.)

Well, it is really nice to meet you, Gundham, Mr. Supreme Overlord of Ice. I’m just a regular wizard (he isn’t interested in mentioning every title he has earned back home) where magic is an uncommon thing.

[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?]

[phoenixwiz]

Actually, it is more of a hidden from Muggles situation. It appears that magic manifest on people randomly regardless of blood lineage, although there was some controversy on blood purity for some time.

Okay, just Gundham it is.

[gundhamster]

And what exactly is a... muggle?

[phoenixwiz]

People who normally don’t have magic. My aunt and her family fall under that category.

[gundhamster]

I see. Such odd ways language evolves for mortals...

[phoenixwiz]

Yeah, it quite frankly is funny to see words evolve and change in meaning over time.

[gundhamster]

Of course, the usage of a word like that would also imply that there are those gifted with arcane talent...

[phoenixwiz]

That is true. My world has magic, no matter how hidden it can be.

[gundhamster]

[Gundham is still in the whole 'this might not be real' phase so he's just going to raise an eyebrow at that claim for the moment.]

I see. Just how hidden is this magic you claim to have knowledge of?

[phoenixwiz]

Most of the time and highly guarded, no matter what. The magical community of my world is that protective of our magic.

[gundhamster]

And what is the point of hiding such a thing away? Would it not be for the betterment of all if it were accessible to those without the talent to use it innately?

[phoenixwiz]

Sadly, that’s not how it works in my world. And there is another issue of blood purity, it is really complicated.

The ministry in charge of the magical affairs in my world was plagued with problems I just can’t discuss right now, but to make it short, corrupt government officials ruined it.

[gundhamster]

Blood purity...

[Gundham makes a disgusted sound and spits. Something he's very familiar with, considering his reaction.]

Those that trouble themselves with such things are simple weaklings, clinging to imagined purity so as to keep others from usurping the power they themselves stole.

I apologize for the state of your government...

[Given how skeptical of the whole thing surrounding Avalon he still is, he starts to wonder if somehow he's connected to the corrupt government.]

[phoenixwiz]

Thanks for the sympathy: there were talks about fixing the ministry from the inside and, yes, there were a group of people who blindly believe in the concept of blood purity.

In short, yes, that is really disgusting of them to think that way, Gundham.

[gundhamster]

Such short sighted fools are not worth attempting to persuade, and fixing such institutions from the inside is often a losing battle. Such institutions are designed to be resistant to such efforts.

Still... it sounds as if where you are from is in better shape than my own home... which raises several questions that I must contemplate.

[phoenixwiz]

So your home had more problems than mine? What happened over there? I am sorry that something terrible had affected your home in some form or the other.

[gundhamster]

What the world is currently recovering from would be best described as the biggest most tragic, most despair inducing event in human history. Entire nations have crumbled, and the world remains at chaos, though the violence seems to have started to subside at the very least.