Quoted By:
Flipping the RADIO to another channel, you take a long, steadying breath.
“Don’t worry, Stanley–Kiki and Professor Venaas went to the UNIVERSITY, correct?” Sybil helpfully inquires, “They should be much safer there.”
That’s what you’re WORRIED about, you groan! Keek’s not gonna talk, so you KNOW who you’re going to have to speak to! And you just KNOW she’s gonna do that annoying ‘nyehehe~’ laugh of hers!
“I understand your apprehension,” Sybil huffs, crossing her arms, “but the information they’ve discovered could be useful in the coming battle.”
When she notices your sour expression isn’t going to change, your BFF changes tac. “If you get it out of the way NOW you won’t have to do it later.”
DAMN she’s SMART! Art doesn’t deserve her, nope. No way! Pressing the ‘CALL’ button, you send a curt ‘STATUS REPORT!’ into the speaker!
“Nyehehe~w-with pl-pleasure!” Denise replies, sounding a little more cheerful and less miserable than usual. What’s her problem!?
“O-oh! N-no problem, Stan! J-just en-enjoying th-the scenery!” The scientist giggles. “D-did yo-you know the University h-has a Myc-Mycology department now? F-fascinating stuff!”
You can talk about MUSHROOMS later, okay? Right now you want some of that intel! Awaiting a response, you notice Lil’ Stanley, Ly, and Syb all staring at you in confusion. What? Every Quest Protagonist worth their salt knows their FUNGI! They’re a keystone organism in nearly every ecosystem! Not to mention their mycelium networks suggest a-
“In a-any case,” Denise interrupts, “K-Kiki and I r-ran into s-someone wh-who says they kn-know-”
“Stanley PARBLE! I see you haven’t been neglecting your studies!” Comes a jovial, academic voice! WHO SENT YOU!?
“Why, Professor Hugh Darby, of course! Researcher of Cryptozoological Studies?”
Uhh…
“We discussed the MERMAID’S TEAR? The seismic activity we tracked the other day suggests you located it.”
Errr…
“You erm, you saved me and a few others from MUTANT SEA CREATURES in the ARENA?”
Ohhhh, THAT guy! He’s the Asian, right?
“Erm, no… But no matter–you’ve been busy. So,” he continues, not missing a beat, “Your colleagues Kiki and Denise tell me you’re interested in ATLANTIS! Fascinating, really!”
Y-yea, you mutter, glancing at the Atlantean Monolith and Virtual Intelligence humming to itself on its surface, it uh… it sure is!
CONTD.
