It's hard to say without knowing exactly how your shikigami are defined but ... he's my spiritual companion. Nothing to do with my magic, and not an entity used for combat. [ He forces himself to keep his voice calm and level, like he always does. And for the most part, he manages to mask the gravity of what he's talking about. Like he really is talking about 'just' a companion. ] Apparently, it would have posed a special risk if I were to be possessed with my companion intact. And so, to minimize that risk, he was bound.
[ A pause, and he sighs before getting back to his feet. ]
I know you only asked about my magic, [ and it obviously isn't a pleasant subject to discuss ] but ... it felt like relevant information. In case you were considering other ways this place might have affected you.
[ Because Megumi is right -- Vangeance isn't the type to frivolously dispense information about himself. But he's willing to relent to a certain degree if it might be useful for others. ]
[ silence. it hangs, and the shape of it isn't as awkward as it is careful; considering, weighing each piece of Vangeance's personal puzzle and picking out the significance of them. putting corners in place, building the outer perimeters of a larger picture.
a non-combatant spirit locked in someone else's body. truth be told, it doesn't sound pleasant: it doesn't seem like anything good would come out of housing another entity in your subconscious, and it seems like it would've been something artificially-induced. people aren't innately born with two distinct personalities, after all.
(or maybe he's projecting. Megumi quashes that personal association before it can take shape). ]
—This island had some sort of reason to believe that the spirit inside of you could break the balance in this place?
[ thinking out loud; Vangeance literally just said that his companion isn't a fighter, but it seems strange that Admin would cripple a harmless entity.
a deep breath, and Megumi tips his chin back up from where he'd been loosely hanging his head in thought. at the end of the day, what they don't know, they don't know— Vangeance has likely thought about this more deeply than he has (it's his business, after all), and if he hasn't come to a conclusion, then Megumi won't, either. at least, not immediately.
so: ] ...Anyway. You're okay? [ being without that spiritual companion doesn't like. hurt him, right? ]
Not mine specifically. It seems anything with its own consciousness poses a risk and must have restrictions placed on it. Or at least, that is the Administrator's logic.
[ He smooths out the folds of his robe as he speaks. With his head ducked like that, it lets him take a moment to exhale slowly, fighting the painful pang in his chest and forcing himself calm. Because Megumi is someone he'd really rather hide the full truth from.
So when he's faced by that question, Vangeance just regards Megumi quietly for a moment, seeming to think the matter over, before smiling gently. Perfectly composed and warm and polished, like the Grand Magic Knight he is. ]
It's unpleasant but acceptable. And it hasn't caused my companion any harm, either. So you've no need to worry.
[ He really does a good job of sounding serene, because this sort of deception is second nature for him.
Though he does pause afterward, as if recalling something. Moving onto the next subject swiftly and (maybe a little too) smoothly: ]
Ah, but. Perhaps I should tell you this, in case it might be necessary in the future. [ He tugs aside the drape of his cloak, turning a little to touch at the pouch at the back of his belt containing his grimoire. ] If I'm ever possessed, it would help to take this away from me. I'm unable to cast complex spells without it. I imagine I'll be much easier to incapacitate that way.
[ there's no reason for Megumi to doubt Vangeance's poise, the way he warms and settles into his smile with all the practice of someone who's made it a habit to project a certain version of himself at all times. "you've no need to worry", he says, and the words are convincing. powerful, in its confidence. as if there's really nothing to consider beyond what Vangeance promises.
after all, the masked man makes a concession. he admits that it's unpleasant, and Megumi is inclined to believe that, at least. even if it's not the entire truth. even if strong people prop themselves up in these halves and build their foundations on top of them.
Megumi doesn't believe the smile, but he accepts it. ]
If it starts feeling strange [ he suggests, before Vangeance moves along: ], you should probably talk to Natori-san.
[ because Natori is a better candidate; would probably relate to Vangeance's issues better. with that out of the way, he's free to focus on the subject of other what-ifs.
he huffs between his teeth. slightly dry. ] Taking your book is going to be harder than breaking my arm, probably.
[ He only smiles vaguely in response to Megumi's advice, giving a small nod.
Because the truth of the matter is that, in this specific case, the Administrator's decision might have been correct. It might be more merciful to keep his 'companion' sealed. No matter how it affects him, and even if it 'feels strange.'
Vangeance glosses over the matter because it's easier that way, instead addressing the dry retort. ]
Perhaps. [ A matter-of-fact response. He's humble, but not so humble as to downplay his own strength. It's true that few in the Kingdom would have been able to best him in combat. ] But I think you ... or some of the others here may be capable of it.
[ He looks Megumi over, assessing his physique and the subtle strength in his stance and posture. Then he gives Nue a small nod and a kind smile, just in case it's capable of feeling warmth and affection, like Megumi's dog had been. ]
In my homeland, those who rely on physical abilities are often looked down upon, seen as having lesser magical abilities. I never truly agreed with that way of thinking ... and I'm sure you and your companion could further prove me right. [ Close combat and speed will be key, in other words. He's reluctant to say it out loud, but he's sure Megumi can read between the lines. ] I don't plan on making myself vulnerable to the possession. But if worst comes to worst, I trust you'll know how to take me down. Through your own strength, or through another's.
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no subject
It's hard to say without knowing exactly how your shikigami are defined but ... he's my spiritual companion. Nothing to do with my magic, and not an entity used for combat. [ He forces himself to keep his voice calm and level, like he always does. And for the most part, he manages to mask the gravity of what he's talking about. Like he really is talking about 'just' a companion. ] Apparently, it would have posed a special risk if I were to be possessed with my companion intact. And so, to minimize that risk, he was bound.
[ A pause, and he sighs before getting back to his feet. ]
I know you only asked about my magic, [ and it obviously isn't a pleasant subject to discuss ] but ... it felt like relevant information. In case you were considering other ways this place might have affected you.
[ Because Megumi is right -- Vangeance isn't the type to frivolously dispense information about himself. But he's willing to relent to a certain degree if it might be useful for others. ]
no subject
a non-combatant spirit locked in someone else's body. truth be told, it doesn't sound pleasant: it doesn't seem like anything good would come out of housing another entity in your subconscious, and it seems like it would've been something artificially-induced. people aren't innately born with two distinct personalities, after all.
(or maybe he's projecting. Megumi quashes that personal association before it can take shape). ]
—This island had some sort of reason to believe that the spirit inside of you could break the balance in this place?
[ thinking out loud; Vangeance literally just said that his companion isn't a fighter, but it seems strange that Admin would cripple a harmless entity.
a deep breath, and Megumi tips his chin back up from where he'd been loosely hanging his head in thought. at the end of the day, what they don't know, they don't know— Vangeance has likely thought about this more deeply than he has (it's his business, after all), and if he hasn't come to a conclusion, then Megumi won't, either. at least, not immediately.
so: ] ...Anyway. You're okay? [ being without that spiritual companion doesn't like. hurt him, right? ]
no subject
[ He smooths out the folds of his robe as he speaks. With his head ducked like that, it lets him take a moment to exhale slowly, fighting the painful pang in his chest and forcing himself calm. Because Megumi is someone he'd really rather hide the full truth from.
So when he's faced by that question, Vangeance just regards Megumi quietly for a moment, seeming to think the matter over, before smiling gently. Perfectly composed and warm and polished, like the Grand Magic Knight he is. ]
It's unpleasant but acceptable. And it hasn't caused my companion any harm, either. So you've no need to worry.
[ He really does a good job of sounding serene, because this sort of deception is second nature for him.
Though he does pause afterward, as if recalling something. Moving onto the next subject swiftly and (maybe a little too) smoothly: ]
Ah, but. Perhaps I should tell you this, in case it might be necessary in the future. [ He tugs aside the drape of his cloak, turning a little to touch at the pouch at the back of his belt containing his grimoire. ] If I'm ever possessed, it would help to take this away from me. I'm unable to cast complex spells without it. I imagine I'll be much easier to incapacitate that way.
no subject
after all, the masked man makes a concession. he admits that it's unpleasant, and Megumi is inclined to believe that, at least. even if it's not the entire truth. even if strong people prop themselves up in these halves and build their foundations on top of them.
Megumi doesn't believe the smile, but he accepts it. ]
If it starts feeling strange [ he suggests, before Vangeance moves along: ], you should probably talk to Natori-san.
[ because Natori is a better candidate; would probably relate to Vangeance's issues better. with that out of the way, he's free to focus on the subject of other what-ifs.
he huffs between his teeth. slightly dry. ] Taking your book is going to be harder than breaking my arm, probably.
no subject
Because the truth of the matter is that, in this specific case, the Administrator's decision might have been correct. It might be more merciful to keep his 'companion' sealed. No matter how it affects him, and even if it 'feels strange.'
Vangeance glosses over the matter because it's easier that way, instead addressing the dry retort. ]
Perhaps. [ A matter-of-fact response. He's humble, but not so humble as to downplay his own strength. It's true that few in the Kingdom would have been able to best him in combat. ] But I think you ... or some of the others here may be capable of it.
[ He looks Megumi over, assessing his physique and the subtle strength in his stance and posture. Then he gives Nue a small nod and a kind smile, just in case it's capable of feeling warmth and affection, like Megumi's dog had been. ]
In my homeland, those who rely on physical abilities are often looked down upon, seen as having lesser magical abilities. I never truly agreed with that way of thinking ... and I'm sure you and your companion could further prove me right. [ Close combat and speed will be key, in other words. He's reluctant to say it out loud, but he's sure Megumi can read between the lines. ] I don't plan on making myself vulnerable to the possession. But if worst comes to worst, I trust you'll know how to take me down. Through your own strength, or through another's.