Quoted By:
<span class="mu-i">"No need to scare him off, my comrade."</span> The masked figure lightly chastises their 'friend'.
Their voice is artificially deepened and muffled, like what you'd hear in a documentary when they're keeping an interviewee anonymous. There's no way it's their actual voice. You don't know if it's a man, a woman, or an anomaly underneath that mask.
Anything identifiable about the masked figure is covered. A thick robe (or coat?) with long sleeves covers most of their torso, with a stitched-on hood helping to cover their head. A pair of dim red lenses stare at you instead of eyes. Their hands are hidden underneath thick, padded gloves, and a sturdy pair of steel-toe boots covers their legs.
You'll probably end up calling them a 'he', just out of convenience, but you couldn't really tell. At the very least, you know they're a cautious type, like you are.
<span class="mu-i">"Is it safe to assume you wish to become acquainted with us?"</span> The masked figure cordially asks. <span class="mu-i">"Please do tell me if you are only here to ogle. We do stand out compared to the rest of the crowd."</span>
"I, uh, am. Yes. Sorry. Still new here."
<span class="mu-i">"That is understandable. To truly get used to this den, this maze, it takes a lot of time. I understand, and I empathize with you. I was like that too when I first came here."</span>
<span class="mu-s">"Nngh. Still don't trust him."</span> The SHADOWMAN voices his displeasure at your presence. <span class="mu-s">"Prefer to eat with only you."</span>
"Sorry if I'm intruding."
<span class="mu-i">"Please, do not worry about that, sir. You are welcome to stay here. May I ask for some patience out of you, SHADOWMAN?"</span>
<span class="mu-s">"Ngh. Don't say I didn't warn you."</span> The SHADOWMAN scoots over so you can sit next to him. So that IS his name. Another 'MAN' to memorize.
You sit down, briefly glancing to see what they're eating. The SHADOWMAN is gorging himself on piles and piles of random food stuffs. The MASKED FIGURE, given the gas mask they're wearing, isn't eating at all.
<span class="mu-i">"I do apologize. I believe you deserve a proper introduction from me. For the sake of convenience, you may refer to me as Nine."</span> Nine bows their head towards you.
"I'm Vincent. It's nice to meet you two." You're still not sure if it's a great idea talking to these two, but at least the chance of them being ARC shills is next to zero. "Why...Nine, if you don't mind me asking?"
<span class="mu-i">"I like the ring of it. There's no real 'meaning' to it, if that's what you meant to ask, apart from hiding my true name from unsavory characters."</span>
<span class="mu-s">"Names. Mean something."</span> SHADOWMAN mutters in between bites of food. <span class="mu-s">"Can't trust names. With strangers."</span>
<span class="mu-i">"My umbrageous friend is correct. I would implore you to use a codename, but alas, alack, it is too late for you."</span>
"I see no reason why I'd hide my name. I'm nobody in particular." A dry laugh exits your throat. "Maybe you guys are important to someone but not me."
<span class="mu-s">"Hhh. We'll see."</span>
<span class="mu-i">"Oh, I do apologize, I have spent far too long rambling your ear off."</span>
