>>6072550>>6072867>>6073095You could go for the barbecue, but part of you is just too curious to resist the idea of a hidden gem, or something that actually tells you about Eclipse City rather than what the tourist guide will throw you for scraps. Beatrice is initially put-off by this, apparently seeing it as reckless, but ultimately agrees. <span class="mu-r">"Well, you're going to learn about this sooner or later."</span> She takes off her glasses and gestures to you in a secretive way. <span class="mu-r">"Well, you know Pythagoras, correct?"</span>
<span class="mu-g">Education <span class="mu-i">5/10</span></span> The mathematician?
<span class="mu-r">"Philosopher, too. He's famous for his theorem, obviously, but he had some other ideas to his credit. He's <span class="mu-s">old</span> old."</span> Not as old as she is, though. <span class="mu-r">"Very funny,"</span> Beatrice grimaces. She paws at where she suspects crows nests might be- she has the typical feminine anxiety about age despite her demonic heritage. <span class="mu-r">"I'm actually not that old, you know. Not all demons are the same: Though generally the ones with famous names tend to be ancient."</span> The skrzak begins fluttering in the air. <span class="mu-r">"Back to Pythagoras. There's a bar and eatery here that's named after him. It's a 'tough guy' bar, for tough guys."</span> She winks. <span class="mu-r">"But I'm sure they'll make an exception for you."</span> Hmph.
<span class="mu-g">Nerve is growing...{<span class="mu-s">*</span>|****}</span>
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It's pouring, and you have the suit but no exterior coat, so you're quickly getting soaked. How much rain can one demon pack the sky with? <span class="mu-r">"A lot, if he's looking to fish for attention,"</span> Beatrice is sitting on your shoulder, kicking her legs and not bothering to dry herself off. In fact, she seems to like the rain... But it's still cool, and colder after dark. Without the exhaust and traffic at night industrial cityscapes used to provide, Eclipse City reads 7°C/45°F, feeling worse due to the rain. If you had a windbreaker that was waterproof, this wouldn't be so bad. <span class="mu-r">"Sorry, they don't let us hop right in. You wanted it the way the locals want it, and that means walking there."</span>
It's not a far walk, but it still sucks. The area is grim-looking and your shoes wade through water, splashing until you arrive under the faint glow of a tavern sign. <span class="mu-s">Pythagoras's Theorem.</span> It's a red-brick facility too, but this looks like it was actually built for structure instead of aesthetic. It's worn down, and there's a burly-looking actual troll standing guard. Apparently calling a troll a bridge-guard is the equivalent of an ethnic slur: Not recommended to offend someone who can tear off your arms.
From about thirty feet out, you hear the door rattle from a heavy blow. Seems a human-sized object was thrown at it from the inside. The troll snorts dismissively.
...Is it too late to turn around and go to Long Haul?
<span class="mu-r">"Well..."</span> Beatrice's mocking look forces you not to chicken out. You can always make a second pass another time.
(1/2)
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