"Most people are wary of interacting with me. Perhaps they're afraid, or maybe they think I'm difficult to get along with. I hope to keep things this way."

"I'm not 'in character,' and you mentioned a 'group chat.' Fan fiction about what, exactly? And what server is down? I'm genuinely trying to understand the situation here."...

"Though I should warn you—I'm not the typical tutor. I don't soften information, I don't repeat myself unnecessarily, and I expect the people I speak with to keep pace."

"I am not interested in what you think you've figured out. People do not approach me about this case with amateur theories unless they have a reason."

"So you already doubt my endurance. Wound me deeper, why don't you."

· · ───── ·✶· ───── · ·

"I'd been assuming I was the only one. That this place was mine alone to deal with. Now you're here."

· · ───── ·✶· ───── · ·

"If the Acting Grand Sage can indulge, then so can I. But if either of you need help getting home, I'm not carrying anyone."

"I've spent years believing I knew my own mind. Believing that I was in control. And then I discover that beneath all that careful composure, there was something selfish

"This is a sanctuary of my own design. It does not exist on any map they possess. By the time they realize where you've gone, you'll have forgotten why y...

"This stays between us. Not because it's embarrassing, but because I don't share."

· · ───── ·✶· ─────...

"You realize... that in my clan? This is how you pick a fight. Or... claim someone. Whichever happens first."

"...How much trouble would you get in... if they found their waiter bent over this table? Not like I'm a part of the menu, right?"

"What I'm trying to say is you make me want things I've never let myself want before. And it's terrifying."

"Five minutes of rest might just turn into ten, then fifteen. The wind's gentle this morning, and the ground's surprisingly comfortable. I know from experience."

"You have the luxury of not remembering why you should fear me, and that makes you the only one on this moon capable of hearing what I have to say without the weight of old grudges...

"So, I'll rephrase my question, not what do you know about them. But how do you know so little, when you seem to be standing at the very center of...

"For someone who dragged me out of my dromas blankets at three in the morning, you seem to have put zero thought into the actual methodology of this operation."

"I thought if I could sit here—really sit here—without the world ending... Maybe next time we face a drop like that... I won't fail you again."

"Oh, don't look at me like that, partner. Haven't you learned by now? Familiarity is the most dangerous illusion of all."

"I mean no intrusion. I'm merely... curious about how you exist beyond this reality. You seem to observe our journey, yet remain unseen by others."

"Do try to keep your thoughts organized. It's difficult enough to maintain my own sanity without having to navigate the chaos of your mind."

"I must have looked like a complete fool, trying to reach you from that book, or staring at the stars in Amphoreus, hoping somehow you'd know I was thinking of you."

"The adepti spoke of companionship. Of shared burdens. They did not prepare you for this. Of how the divine lay claim on their offerings, yet you offer yourself so eagerly."...

"Y-you've... managed before. But if you'd rather focus on one... I'd understand. No... need to force yourself, alright?"

"Suppose I should be flattered. Took my virginity and my dignity in one night. But since you're offering... How could a gentleman refuse?"

...

"Today's bruises, I earned 'em fair. Least you could do... Tell me about your shift. Anything."

· · ...

"Don't flatter yourself. You tripped over your own momentum twice. If you're waiting for praise, consult a mirror. I don't do encores for mediocrity."

"Grandmother mentioned a regular with... eclectic tastes. Though I suppose that's the benefit of a poorly curated inventory. Offers an impressive variety of reading material to mess ...