>>5306454A few uncomfortable seconds later, the sentries return to their stoic, yet still imposing selves.
“Ahhh… apologies, something about your innate <span class="mu-i">DULLNESS</span> tickled me…”
And you’re <span class="mu-i">SO</span> happy to hear that, you snarl, but <span class="mu-i">WHY</span>?! What’s so funny, huh?
“Well,” The witch wheezes, “At first glance I assumed you were just heavily contaminated by the naturally-occuring <span class="mu-b">RAW MAGIC</span> in the area. Upon further inspection of your scan, however, it would appear that the excess magical energy is seeping <span class="mu-i">out</span> of you.”
“Did you say ‘<span class="mu-i">excess</span>’?” Syb asks in a cautious tone.
“Yes, <span class="mu-s">NOVICE,</span> I did.” The witch sighs. “Eet’s a common condition among preemitives–they absorb <span class="mu-b">RAW MAGIC</span> like a very stupid sponge, then <span class="mu-i">refine</span> it within themselves, usually without even being conscious of the procedure.”
You blink as you touch your hand to your chest. So wait, you mutter, that means you’re-
“Yes,” The witch answers impatiently, “A <span class="mu-i">VERY</span> stupid magical sponge/refinery hybrid–one with a lot of leaks, side effects, and a guaranteed short lifespan. Congratulations.”
Err, hooray? Shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot, you almost wish that someone would give you a hug before your frenemy continues.
“Now now, stupid, don’t cry–freak mutants like yourself have <span class="mu-i">plenty</span> of uses in the modern world! Look for yourself!”
Pointing a stony finger at one of the <span class="mu-g">GENERATOR DOMES,</span> the golem gently taps the side of the glass like some scummy used car salesman. “You can’t see them now, of course, but each one of these generators houses at <span class="mu-i">least</span> one conduit such as yourself. Normally this installation wouldn’t require such preemitive methods to function, but these are desperate times…”
“What’s so funny about all that, then?” Talbot asks as he taps on the glass like a kid at an aquarium. “These guys are suffering, right?”
“Of course not! What do you take us for-barbarians!?” The witch asks, mortified! “We <span class="mu-i">always</span> remove their unnecessary systems first–digestion, nervous, cardiovascular… we provide all the neuron stimulation required <span class="mu-i">and</span> keep them alive with a rudimentary nutrient paste administered intravenously. I’d even say they’re much healthier than they were before–just look how long they’ve lasted!”
“So they really provide <span class="mu-i">that</span> much power, huh?” Art asks as he too ventures a closer look into the purple fog-filled dome.
“Of course they do, stupid. Why <span class="mu-i">else</span> would we go through the trouble of caring for them?” Punctuating her statement with an irritated sigh, the woman behind the golem looks your way once more. “So there you have it, Stanley: even that preemitive hunk of meat you call a body has its uses. Lucky you.”
Yea, you mutter, lucky you…
>CONTD. 