>>1118885
Well, that was terrifying on an immediate AND existential level.
Thankyou for your contribution to science.
Have you reconsidered the mints?

>>1118892
All good requisitions.
Dont forget the thicker goggles we can fracture and refract the image through. Actually, a thought...
Maybe a place like the agency would be into esotaria sufficiently to understand a request for fractal goggles. Except properly attuned or reinforced to purpose rather than those fun ones ravers and shroom heads use.

>>1118893
I... I really wanna know how fera
Reacts to a card selfinsertion but...
Until theres a safer spot, keep yourself in the control group fera.
Seeing what the other card does to our fabulous dead volunteer would be interesting...
Are the cards physical manifestation of souls, codified to be understood by fera or are they fragmentsnof the same. Traits that can be tweaked and altered like... spirit lego.
Ismitmpossiblento insert two cards or would one sort of... nudge the other out the other side.
Oh, hey.
What would happen if you,put one in an animal?
Wait, no, stop.
Im Getting lost in the weeds again.
We can play with dead bodies later fera.
Promise you.

>>1118892
I think Gladii meant that the feeling they have is dulled (by the removal of the card? I forget how we got that but infer we pulled it from Gladii), not that the feeling expressed by the body is a dulled representation of the one Gladii feels.

Hm. Perhaps the image 'expands'? A superposition of all possible configurations of the basilisk, simultaneously imposed on whatever data incurs it all at once. Anything that can't process data, like matter, absorbs the excess photons simultaneously, but anything that creates data from data is overwhelmed with the impulse of parallel processing - and nothing in this universe is prepared to perform infinite parallel processes.

Gladii, in contrast, is every possible incarnation of Gladii, which... mitigates it? I dunno.

Requisition a machine that destroys data in every universe.

>>1118892
Get infrared goggles, a where's waldo book (to purge Gladii's visual memory), a paint scraper, and some plaster to cover up the paint if we can't get it all off.

I think we're overthinking this a bit. This problem can be handled with several gallon buckets of black paint, a paint roller with a long handle (plus paint tray), and a pair of those horizontal glasses that show you a 90 degree view.

As long as you don't look up you're safe. So keeping your view of the floor, paint over the entire wall. Starting with the bottom half and work your way up.

You will also need about a dozen digital cameras for testing.

How long ago was the camera installed? Halo guy might come back to check on his work.

I think we could probably use the broken mirror to get a look at the basilisk, safely. As an extra precaution we could view the mirror through the live feed on a camera.
But I don't expect there to be anything special in the next room, let alone evidence painted on the walls. We're already down an agent, we should do the coverup and get out.

Our orders are to eliminate the anomaly, by means. Is the anomaly the paint job in the next room, halo guy, or the deadly nature of the image?

>>1118885

Gladii isn't a musician and he is. Was. So it probably was him. Possibly along with whatever... stresses you pulled out of Gladii? Nevertheless it is well known that the dead would like to stay dead, and you should only disturb them if you have a very good reason to do so.

I'd suggest you appreciate the silence, but well, Gladii's breathing... maybe you should destroy that painting right now, so the mission is complete and the Agency can uh... make Gladii stop being. Injured.

>>1118924
If we paint over it, then it'll still be there, behind the paint...

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:40 No. 1120666 ID: 004009
File 176994601624.png - (817.71KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_A.png )

> Painful endings, deep wounds, betrayal, bitterness, loss. Considering what the corpse said, I'm guessing that Gladii feels bitter that they are not allowed to die, or are not allowed to stay "gone" since they keep being sent out on missions. They wish for silence but are denied it. It might be that there are no tarot cards close enough to what they feel, though, and that's not them on the card. "dulled" would mean... the feeling is more intense than the card signifies? Like a deep desire for death but being unable to die?

Well that all seems to track. Gladii being bitter about some kind of deep betrayal or loss would explain a lot. But why would they be bitter about being immortal? That seems like a pretty sweet deal!

Who is that on the card anyway?

> I think Gladii meant that the feeling they have is dulled (by the removal of the card? I forget how we got that but infer we pulled it from Gladii), not that the feeling expressed by the body is a dulled representation of the one Gladii feels.

That was also how I understood it. Removing the card hasn't removed the feeling entirely. And yes, this card popped out of Gladii when they looked at the Basilisk. So why does it seem to depict someone else?

> Gladii isn't a musician and he is. Was. So it probably was him. Possibly along with whatever... stresses you pulled out of Gladii? Nevertheless it is well known that the dead would like to stay dead, and you should only disturb them if you have a very good reason to do so.

Well, Gladii did say they found the sentiment relatable.

It occurs to me that I can just ask about stuff now that Gladii is a bit more lucid again.

Fera: "Part of the Peanut Gallery suggests that the dead would rather stay dead. But I think the death wish is actually yours."
Gladii: "Very astute."
Fera: "But why? Why would you want to die?"
Gladii: "The dead do not necessarily want to stay dead. They don't want much of anything, really, being dead. hhHhhhh... Enviable, no?"
Fera: "... Is it?"
Gladii: "Give it time. You'll see. It's pointless to try and explain."
Fera: "Mmmngh. All right. What about the person on the card? Who is that?"
Gladii: "Me. In a hkhh... In a way."
Fera: "Doesn't really look like you."
Though honestly... not entirely different either. Suit and hair colour don't fit, but the build seems the same.
Gladii: "Perhaps there used to be more to me than you know."
Fera: "Thanks. Very cryptic."
Gladii: "I try. hHHhhh..."

> Also I guess you can try the other card on the sheriff's body. ...you could even try using cards on yourself, but you might not want to use the 10 that way, it's dangerous.

> I'd suggest you appreciate the silence, but well, Gladii's breathing... maybe you should destroy that painting right now, so the mission is complete and the Agency can uh... make Gladii stop being. Injured.

If you don't feel strongly about it, I'd rather not futz with the dead again. Maybe some other time?

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:40 No. 1120667 ID: 004009
File 176994602817.png - (964.05KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_B.png )

> ...huh, intrusive thought to take a listen to her earpiece, but that would be very rude. I'm thinking her own Peanut Gallery must be pretty negative...

Fera: "... Say, Gladii. Could I listen to your Peanut Gallery?"
Gladii: "Hghhhh... I don't think so. Why?"
Fera: "I'm curious."
Gladii: "Well if it'll curb your curiosity and contribute to... mnggh hhHh.. you moving on with the mission, by all means."
Fera: "Really? You're sure?"
Gladii: "hhHhhh... It's not going to work, Fera. Other agents have tried it before."

They hold the earpiece out to me.

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:40 No. 1120668 ID: 004009
File 176994604055.png - (949.48KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_C.png )

I settle in against the wall next to Agent Gladii and pick up their earpiece. I hold it to my ear and...

> Eripe nos ab existentia!

> The Newbie sure is inquisitive.
> Stop sitting around! Do something!
> Apathia letum est!
> Murderer!
> Eripe nos ab existentia!
> This is Balor's doing. It has to be Balor, right? It's got his fingerprints all over it!
> Apathia letum est!
> Hello? Why am I still here?
> It fits. The Media are involved. It's a picture.
> What's the point? We're speaking to the void.
> Eripe nos ab existentia!
> For heaven's sake! Fera is the one person that has no reason to hate us and you're already fucking it up with fer.
> I don't understand. It was supposed to be over.
> You couldn't even get that part right. Absolutely comprehensive failure.
> Apathia letum est!
> No way out. No way out.

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:40 No. 1120669 ID: 004009
File 176994605639.png - (950.30KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_D.png )

I... I can hear them...

> Eripe nos ab existentia!
> When are you gonna stop rolling over and seize it all by the throat?!
> Wait what?
> One hand in the hair of the world. The other holding the blade. Cutting. Its. Throat!
> Yes, good. More murder. Awesome.
> No wait shut up! The little weirdo can hear us!
> Eripe nos ab existentia!
> Rude!
> Impossible.

Hello?

> !!!
> How?!
> Quickly now! Say something useful!
> Beware the Media of the Collective! The Eye!
> I said useful!
> Eripe nos ab existentia! A mundo!
> Do not trust the Agency.
> Easy now.
> Gladii rarely lies. But their greatest talent is being wrong.
> Eheu.
> Tell Cal we're sorry. Gladii never will.
> We're not sorry!
> Gladii is a lost cause!
> Why do you seem so familiar? Who are you?
> Please. Be kind to Gladii.
> They do not deserve it!
> Murderer!
> Even so.
> They ruined everything!

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:41 No. 1120670 ID: 004009
File 176994606996.png - (974.15KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_E.png )

Gladii is looking at me. I think they're... realizing what's happening.

> Okay Fuck! Gladii is a load-bearing pillar of the universe The Sole Survivor There is no end for us the Sword is Gladii is the Sword and it cuts the future
> Tell them I'm sorry.
> Tell them to stop moping!

They're reaching over.

> Aaah uuhh Gemini half Sinisterum Dexterum the one on the card Gladii Virgae Pentacula Calices Fera
> The Two of Swords
> Tell them I'm sorry.

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:41 No. 1120671 ID: 004009
File 176994608633.png - (0.96MB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_F.png )

And they rip the earpiece away from me.

Gladii: "All right, that's- hkghk... enough of that."
Fera: "I think they wanted to tell me something important!"
Gladii: "Forget it. I don't know how you did that, but hhHhh... that's the last of it."
Fera: "They wanted me to tell y-"
Gladii: " Ghkrkh! Keep it to yourself! If I wanted to hear what they have to say, I would."
Fera: "But-"
Gladii: "Do your damn job, F- hhhkgh- Fera!"

That was intense!

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:41 No. 1120672 ID: 004009
File 176994610031.png - (746.65KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_G.png )

> Well, it also forms a supernatural compulsion for survivors of the attack to reform the basilisk in their minds. So it's supernatural. But just going "it's magic" is kindof boring, so... uh, what if the basilisk is "big"? Like, if you look at it, your brain tries to comprehend it, but it's too BIG so the sensory overload causes you to recoil from it violently. Cameras just burn up from too much "input", like if you tried to shine a laser through the lens and take a picture of that?

What a strange idea of a picture that is too big for your brain but still somehow fits on a wall in a pretty small room.

> Hm. Perhaps the image 'expands'? A superposition of all possible configurations of the basilisk, simultaneously imposed on whatever data incurs it all at once. Anything that can't process data, like matter, absorbs the excess photons simultaneously, but anything that creates data from data is overwhelmed with the impulse of parallel processing - and nothing in this universe is prepared to perform infinite parallel processes.
> Gladii, in contrast, is every possible incarnation of Gladii, which... mitigates it? I dunno.

I guess that would make it big in a way that it still fits on the wall. But also I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say at all. Wish we could just ask the artist, right?

> How long ago was the camera installed? Halo guy might come back to check on his work.

Uuuhm... let's see maybe the camera can help... I fiddle with the buttons and I find something called meta-data aaaaand... The difference between the first picture and the final picture is is about 4 days and six hours.

> Breaking the mirror further to get a really fucked up reflection does sound like a neat idea for getting the gist of what the basilisk looks like.

> I think we could probably use the broken mirror to get a look at the basilisk, safely. As an extra precaution we could view the mirror through the live feed on a camera.
> But I don't expect there to be anything special in the next room, let alone evidence painted on the walls. We're already down an agent, we should do the coverup and get out.

While I am a bit curious, I also lean heavily towards never actually looking at this thing.

> Our orders are to eliminate the anomaly, by means. Is the anomaly the paint job in the next room, halo guy, or the deadly nature of the image?.

That's a good question. Let's see what Gladii thinks.

Fera: "Gladii-"
Gladii: "No."
Fera: "I swear this is mission critical."
Gladii: "Ugh hhghhh... Fine."
Fera: "What exactly is the anomaly? Is it the picture? Its deadly nature? Or is it the painter?"
Gladii: "What makes you think there's a p- hhghkkgh... a painter?"
Fera: "Oh the uh... The camera. They installed it before they went to work. And it caught them."
Gladii: "... hhHhhh... I see."
Fera: "So?"
Gladii: "So hHhh... it's not him. The painter I mean. The Agency term for that sort of thing is usually 'Person of Interest' or somesuch. hhHhhkkh... Between the other two... Does it matter? Destroy the picture and its deadly nature will be destroyed with it."
Fera: "You're sure??"
Gladii: "Educated... ghhhkkhhh guess."

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:41 No. 1120673 ID: 004009
File 176994611791.png - (907.50KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_H.png )

> I think we're overthinking this a bit. This problem can be handled with several gallon buckets of black paint, a paint roller with a long handle (plus paint tray), and a pair of those horizontal glasses that show you a 90 degree view.
> As long as you don't look up you're safe. So keeping your view of the floor, paint over the entire wall. Starting with the bottom half and work your way up.

Hey that's actually a really smart way of going about it! Let's try that!

> If we paint over it, then it'll still be there, behind the paint...

Hmm that is a good point.

> As for the requisitions form:
> Requisitioning Agent: Fera
> Type: Equipment
> Request:
> Something to help Gladii recover from cognitohazard exposure
> Enough paint thinner to clean a 6 foot by 6 foot area
> A 6-inch wide paintbrush
> Some cheap cameras

> I'll amend that, instead of "enough paint thinner", specify a gallon bucket of it. Maybe two.

You know what? I'm sure I can also apply paint thinner with a paint roller, so this is perhaps a good combination. And if the paint thinner doesn't work I can maybe wash it off and paint over the thing afterwards, right?

> You will also need about a dozen digital cameras for testing.

> All good requisitions.
> Dont forget the thicker goggles we can fracture and refract the image through. Actually, a thought...
> Maybe a place like the agency would be into esotaria sufficiently to understand a request for fractal goggles. Except properly attuned or reinforced to purpose rather than those fun ones ravers and shroom heads use.

> Requisition a machine that destroys data in every universe.

> Get infrared goggles, a where's waldo book (to purge Gladii's visual memory), a paint scraper, and some plaster to cover up the paint if we can't get it all off.

Okay, okay, I think I got everything. I hope this isn't too much at once...

Now... a slot... hmm... I look about the basement, but nothing jumps out at me. But surely the gas station has somewhere I can 'mail' this.

Fera: "I'll go send the requisition form. Will be back asap."
Gladii: "Gghhkk Good."

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:42 No. 1120674 ID: 004009
File 176994613058.png - (251.80KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_I.png )

The gas station doesn't seem to have a mail slot. Well. On a whim I try sliding the folded document under the door. And when I open the door... it's gone.

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:42 No. 1120675 ID: 004009
File 176994614043.png - (268.38KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_J.png )

I guess that worked! I wonder how long it's gonna take for the uh the stuff to- Oh.

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:42 No. 1120676 ID: 004009
File 176994614736.png - (789.27KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_K.png )

There are two documents here. The first is... Ah the requisition form again. Hmm. Seems we didn't get everything and-
What the- A gun? How's that supposed to help Gladii?

I check the other document.
...
What does that even mean?

... Okay I guess it's time to see if I can move all this stuff to the bunker.

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:42 No. 1120677 ID: 004009
File 176994615994.png - (668.51KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_L.png )

Gladii: "HhhHHhhhkkh gkhrghh??"
Fera: "Here. This should keep you occupied."

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:42 No. 1120678 ID: 004009
File 176994616981.png - (452.42KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_M.png )

While Gladii gets started on their picture puzzles, I try one of the cameras.

ka-chk

Works just fine. I point it around the corner at the basilisk and snap a picture.

ka-chrrzzzt

Smoke billows up from the camera. Yup. It kills cameras. Bizarre.

Silicon 2026/02/01(Sun)11:42 No. 1120679 ID: 004009
File 176994617825.png - (673.94KB , 1500x1000 , C01_14_N.png )

I take the paint roller and the 90-degree goggles and paint thinner to the next room and apply a generous coating of the stuff to the basilisk.
Oh this is so handy, being able to see the floor and the bucket as I work.

Wow I'm feeling a bit woozy after doing that.

A-anyway, what do we do while the paint thinner gets to work on the basilisk?

Question
Your
Sexuality!

Start counting to one thousand.

I hadn't thought about it before, but you should probably get out of there. The paint thinner fumes are either going to make you loopy, or pass out completely. You should also extract Gladii--it's not clear whether passing out would cure basilisk exposure, but it would be disadvantageous to lose an agent. (In case Mr. Painter guy shows up.)

Also, I would advise against using the Gladii-full-healer, since 'recovery' might mean they are rendered non-existent until the next mission, and you don't know how to end the mission and return to non-existence yourself.

Finally, it appears someone has tampered with the requisition form. I don't speak German, but I can guess a "splittergranate" is not something you want to use in an enclosed space.

>>1120670
Ohhh wow that's a lot.
The TWO of swords. There's two of Gladii. Or, used to be? Left hand and right hand. What we saw on the card was their other "hand". Also that one voice in the Gallery listed out all the suits, with "Fera" as the last one... which is interesting since that voice was also using latin and Fera in Latin is Beast. So I think we can conclusively state that's what your name means. That word... can be interpreted in many ways. Why is its symbol a spiral though? Or maybe that's just your curly hair.
"Eripe nos ab existentia! A mundo!" translates to "Rescue us from existence! The world!". It seems even Gladii's Peanut Gallery wishes for death. Also apparently they had some sort of plan and Gladii screwed it up which resulted in their current state. Gladii tried to kill the universe, but the act somehow got them tied into the very nature of the universe itself...

...your hair color changed while you had the earpiece in. It was a lighter shade of pink, close to Gladii's skin color. ...I just realized, Gladii has a skin color, but everyone else we've seen appears to have white skin! Does that mean anything...?

>>1120676
Someone tried to sabotage your requisitions by putting what seems like a bomb on the list... that means there's a double agent in the Agency? Good thing whoever's in charge of authorization has some sense. Ask Gladii what the item was, since we can't know for sure.
>gun to heal Gladii
Uh, but Gladii can't die? What good is that? ...unless, shooting Gladii right now would change them into their other "hand"? Ask them what would happen if you used the gun on them.

>>1120679
Be wary of the fumes. Close everything up and exit the room so you're nearer the ladder and thus the supply of air.

aw damn, we should have asked for a mask, probably a big fan too. Get out of the room before you pass out, fall down, and get an eyeful of bask.

Don't pester Gladii anymore, but just rest in the hall. If she wants to talk be ready to listen.

Huh.
Her peanut gallery are far less horny than yours fera.
I dont know what this means about you or her or your respective subconciouses but, bears thinking about.
>>1120679
Aw, dammit.
No raver goggles.
I guess the agency is having a secret party without you.

Hmn. That other paper and the gun.
I... i think it might be the agency solution to her injuries.
The document see...
Are they implying gladi cant die?
Or that she dies but it doesnt take?
And they use it as a reset button on her?
Thats what it seems like and i dont like at all.
Lets find reasons not to shoot our buddy, huh?
Oh hey, you missed a bit. Use more paint thinner. View the chemical inhalation as a perk ofmthe job.

>>1120676
Gladii's character sheet lists their physical stats as "construct" stats.
And they implied that the Ten of Swords card is really them, even though it looks totally different...
Does it mean that they look different whenever they manifest? Will you look different the next time you manifest?
I like your current look, but I'm sure the new you will be just as pretty!

But then, they have a "true" height and weight listed where all their other stats are "n/a". So Gladii has a real body that's smaller and much lighter than their human body, but has no skin, hair, eyes, or blood. Could it be that they really are a sword?

Oh, but don't ask this out loud. Gladii doesn't like us prying into their secrets and they're already having a bad time.

>>1120843
>Her peanut gallery are far less horny than yours fera.
Do you think that's part of why Gladii has such an unhappy outlook on life? Their operating buddies are always giving them grief, but we like to show our agents a good time.

Hey Fera, after this assignment is done, what would you like to do for fun? Have some nice food? Go for a joyride? Maybe figure out some things about your body?

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:25 No. 1123308 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323555110.png - (642.15KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_A.png )

> Aw, dammit.
> No raver goggles.
> I guess the agency is having a secret party without you.

So rude.

> Oh hey, you missed a bit. Use more paint thinner. View the chemical inhalation as a perk ofmthe job.

Really wondering if part of you is actually trying to kill me or if it's just jokes. I'm gonna go with the latter. And hope.

> Be wary of the fumes. Close everything up and exit the room so you're nearer the ladder and thus the supply of air.

> aw damn, we should have asked for a mask, probably a big fan too. Get out of the room before you pass out, fall down, and get an eyeful of bask.

Okay. I put the lid back on the bucket with the paint thinner and leave the room. I take a few deep breaths by the ladder. Hopefully that'll help.
Agent Gladii has opened the book and is apparently working on a puzzle.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123309 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323556075.png - (642.68KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_B.png )

> I hadn't thought about it before, but you should probably get out of there. The paint thinner fumes are either going to make you loopy, or pass out completely. You should also extract Gladii--it's not clear whether passing out would cure basilisk exposure, but it would be disadvantageous to lose an agent. (In case Mr. Painter guy shows up.)

Fera: "The air's getting pretty bad in here. Let's get you up the ladder, Agent Gladii."

Agent Gladii doesn't look up.

Gladii: "Please hhgkk leave me be, Agent Fera. We're so close to done here. hhHhhh"
Fera: "What if you pass out?"
Gladii: "Then I hhhgh pass out. Who cares?"

I sigh.
There's no way I can do this without their cooperation.

Okay what now?

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123310 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323556996.png - (794.89KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_C.png )

> Start counting to one thousand.

To... measure the time it takes for the paint to dissolve? Is that what this is about? I'll consider it for later.

> Huh.
> Her peanut gallery are far less horny than yours fera.
> I dont know what this means about you or her or your respective subconciouses but, bears thinking about.

You all don't strike me as all that horny. I mean there was that one bit in front of the gas station, I guess.
I don't have much in the way of comparison. But I suppose you're right that out of everybody whose Peanut Gallery I've been privy to, I'm the horny one.

> Question
> Your
> Sexuality!

What's there to question? Do I even have one? I haven't actually met a lot of people to be potentially attracted to. But I guess I can think about it for a bit? Let's see.
Gladii's attractive, I guess. Looked very cool until I wrapped them up in gauze, nice voice. Kinda grating personality though.
David is... cute? Likeable. Strikes me as kind. Could be something there.

And that's everybody I've met. I've seen other people of course but I'd rather not evaluate the dead guys. Yuck!

That goth... woman... is also cute? I guess? She seems to be a complete disaster, which is... endearing?
And the mysterious painter, well... I haven't really seen much of them. They're compelling. But not in a sexy way, I don't think. Also there's that whole murder thing.

Is that everybody?
Oh wait.
Me.
Yeah I saw myself in the bathroom mirror earlier and let's not kid ourselves. I'm a smokeshow. And also adorable.

Conclusion: ... I have no idea.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123311 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323557911.png - (331.63KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_D.png )

> Ohhh wow that's a lot.
> The TWO of swords. There's two of Gladii. Or, used to be? Left hand and right hand. What we saw on the card was their other "hand".

Oh interesting. They did say "Maybe there used to be more of me" or something like that. Maybe they lost their other hand? Not sure what exactly that means, but I think we're on to something.
Not sure it matters, but I do wonder which hand was lost...

> Also that one voice in the Gallery listed out all the suits, with "Fera" as the last one... which is interesting since that voice was also using latin and Fera in Latin is Beast. So I think we can conclusively state that's what your name means. That word... can be interpreted in many ways. Why is its symbol a spiral though? Or maybe that's just your curly hair.

One of you suggested it might be a crystal ball earlier? I have no clue.
But okay, we know Gladii is swords. They also said earlier that Calices means cups. Pentacula is clearly pentacles. So by process of elimination Virgae must be wands.
It seems I'm the odd one out.

> "Eripe nos ab existentia! A mundo!" translates to "Rescue us from existence! The world!". It seems even Gladii's Peanut Gallery wishes for death. Also apparently they had some sort of plan and Gladii screwed it up which resulted in their current state. Gladii tried to kill the universe, but the act somehow got them tied into the very nature of the universe itself...

I... Okay I mean I definitely see the conclusion that Gladii has problems with the world, but... They tried to kill the universe? Is such a thing even possible?
That comment about uh... cutting the throat of the world was pretty graphic, I agree. I wonder, though. I don't do everything you guys tell me. Maybe that's just something they want to do?
In either case that's... That's worrisome.

> ...your hair color changed while you had the earpiece in. It was a lighter shade of pink, close to Gladii's skin color.

Hmm the colour thing again. I need to pay more attention to that. Really wonder what that could mean.

> ...I just realized, Gladii has a skin color, but everyone else we've seen appears to have white skin! Does that mean anything...?

Well I have a skin colour. It's just... Pretty light?

OOC: *Sweats in Quest Author who mostly interacts with white people IRL*
OOC: Please don't read too much into this. I accidentally frontloaded this cast with white people. My bad.

> Gladii's character sheet lists their physical stats as "construct" stats.

> But then, they have a "true" height and weight listed where all their other stats are "n/a". So Gladii has a real body that's smaller and much lighter than their human body, but has no skin, hair, eyes, or blood. Could it be that they really are a sword?

I was wondering about that... Yeah I think you got it. That height and weight seem like they might be right for the sword. That's so strange!

And now that I'm looking at it again, it lists Gladii's complexion as light brown instead of pink. Weird. And who knows what's up with the eye colour part?

> And they implied that the Ten of Swords card is really them, even though it looks totally different...
> Does it mean that they look different whenever they manifest? Will you look different the next time you manifest?
> I like your current look, but I'm sure the new you will be just as pretty!

I suppose that would be a possible alternative explanation. We'll see when it happens, I guess. If it happens.

> Don't pester Gladii anymore, but just rest in the hall. If she wants to talk be ready to listen.

> Oh, but don't ask this out loud. Gladii doesn't like us prying into their secrets and they're already having a bad time.

Awww but I have so many questions!
Fine. I'll give them a break. I guess I shouldn't push it.
Only important questions from now on.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123312 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323559269.png - (767.39KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_E.png )

> Also, I would advise against using the Gladii-full-healer, since 'recovery' might mean they are rendered non-existent until the next mission, and you don't know how to end the mission and return to non-existence yourself.

Yeah even if that worked, I'm not gonna do that! That's messed up! I'm not gonna shoot Gladii! That the Agency suggests this as a solution makes very uncomfortable. What kind of operation is this??

> Hmn. That other paper and the gun.
> I... i think it might be the agency solution to her injuries.
> The document see...
> Are they implying gladi cant die?
> Or that she dies but it doesnt take?
> And they use it as a reset button on her?
> Thats what it seems like and i dont like at all.
> Lets find reasons not to shoot our buddy, huh?

> gun to heal Gladii
> Uh, but Gladii can't die? What good is that? ...unless, shooting Gladii right now would change them into their other "hand"? Ask them what would happen if you used the gun on them.

This strikes me as important enough to maybe pester Gladii just a little. Surely this isn't a secret or anything.

Fera: "I requisitioned something to help you and the Agency sent us a gun."
Gladii: "Eeehhhhggkkhh Of course."
Fera: "I'm not gonna shoot you. But... If I did, what would happen?"
Gladii: "This body would die. The Agency would nngghh... reset me. That's how it operates."
Fera: "Huh... And if I died?"
Gladii: "The same, but- hhghh... Do not get careless. Sometimes the reset fffhgh- fails."
Fera: "Retrieval failure."

They look up from the book, eye narrowed.

Gladii: "Indeed. How did you know?"

Uuuuhhh, if I tell them about the document they'll probably be upset.

Fera: "Lucky guess?"
Gladii: "Mhmm..."

I don't think they bought that. They return their attention to the book anyway.

Gladii: "In any case, as I said: It hhHhhhh never sticks for me. You be careful, though."
Fera: "I will."
Gladii: "Good."

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123313 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323560247.png - (740.24KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_F.png )

> Finally, it appears someone has tampered with the requisition form. I don't speak German, but I can guess a "splittergranate" is not something you want to use in an enclosed space.

> Someone tried to sabotage your requisitions by putting what seems like a bomb on the list... that means there's a double agent in the Agency? Good thing whoever's in charge of authorization has some sense. Ask Gladii what the item was, since we can't know for sure.

Wait huh? Hang on.
I look at the requisition form again.
Holy shit, you're right! Okay, that's definitely important!

Fera: "Gladii, look at this!"

They seem annoyed but they look at the form wordlessly. Perhaps they recognise the alarm in my voice.
I point at the extra line.

Gladii: "..."
Fera: "I didn't write that! I don't even know any German! What does it mean?"
Gladii: "One fragmentation grenade, pin pulled."

Oh that's bad.

Fera: "I did not write that."
Gladii: "I believe you, but... Who did?"
Fera: "I don't know. I didn't leave it out of my sight for even a moment between filling it in and sliding it under the gas station door!"
Gladii: "hhHhhh... That's not possible."
Fera: "There wasn't anybody inside the gas station either. I mean aside from David, who was asleep."
Gladii: "I have no explanation. hhgghkk That is very troubling."

I'll say!

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:26 No. 1123314 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323561037.png - (695.17KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_G.png )

After a few moments of silence, Gladii returns their attention to the book.
I sit. And I wait for Gladii to speak, in case they have anything to say.

I start counting to one thousand.

Gladii turns a handful of pages in the meantime, but doesn't say anything.
By the time I reach one thousand, I definitely feel less dizzy, so that's good.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:27 No. 1123315 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323562080.png - (650.43KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_H.png )

I get up and head back to the other room with the angle goggles. Time to take another picture.

ka-chrrzzzt

Back to work I guess.
I give the wall another treatment of paint thinner with the roller and I find that the roller comes away distinctly orange. I keep going.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:28 No. 1123317 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323569665.gif - (1.93MB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_I.gif )

When I start getting vertigo again, I set down the roller, close the paint thinner bucket and leave the room. And I take another picture.

ka-chrrk

Huh. Another?

ka-chrrk

The camera isn't dead! Does that mean we're done?
What's the best way to make sure?

Well, I can try the trick from before. I hide the camera's screen with the note and switch the camera to photo viewing mode. Then I slowly slide the note off the screen.

At no point do I feel anything bad except a slight nervousness. And finally. The full image is revealed.

That doesn't really look like anything to me.

Silicon 2026/03/11(Wed)13:34 No. 1123320 ID: 6d3a6d
File 177323608102.png - (708.28KB , 1500x1000 , C01_15_J.png )

Fera: "I think that did it. I have successfully taken a photo of the basilisk and the image didn't hurt me."

Gladii closes the book and sets it aside. The grip the sword's sheath tightly.

Gladii: "Good. Hhhggk.. Ack. I believe direct visual confirmation will complete the mission. I will..."

They attempt to rise to their feet, leaning heavily on the sword, but they don't get far.

Gladii: "Rrggh hhHhh... Damn it! Help me up, will you? I will have another look around the corner and bring this to an end."

Gladii raises their right arm towards me.

They really want to do this themself, huh? Get up and go look even though they can barely stand at all. Should I really be enabling this?

Gladii has agency, and also can’t die. If she really wants to check herself, she can. I feel like it wouldn’t be right to not object though! Mention her condition, make sure she’s SURE she wants to chance looking at it again. Possibly offer to look yourself instead? But if she says yes, so be it. We’ve probably rendered it harmless anyways, but it *is* good to have a person check, so if she insists, at least it’ll be productive.

Ok so. You slotted the requisition form into the gas station called the German word for gas station and the form was edited to include (in german) a object that would've killed you if it was sent to you.

Keep in mind that both the environment and the people in the environment give no indication that you are currently IN germany...

I think that gas station might be anomalous.

>>1123328
This... is a fair point. Last time i checked Germany doesn't have a desert.

>>1123320
Okay, we can confirm that you enjoy the way you look. Congrats! And also that our connection to the Agency is being sabotaged somehow. That gives us even more of a reason not to put your nice body at risk, which means act with extreme caution.

Fera, you're the lead agent on this case, and as the lead agent, I advise that you overrule your partner's self-destructive habits. Gladii will continue to rest. You will apply an extra round of paint thinner for good measure, and when that's done with, observe the anomaly yourself to confirm its neutralization.

Also, since our own Agency is behaving strangely, we should mention to Gladii that we got their "Agent Dossier" when we used the requisition form, even though we didn't ask for it. They won't be happy about it, but they have a right to know.

While we're waiting out the paint thinner one more time... like I said earlier, can you think of anything you'd like to do for fun after the mission?

>>1123320
Before we end the mission... ask to look at the sword unsheathed. Just curious.
But yeah you two can go look at the disabled anomaly together.

>>1123313
Different ink colours so no one hijacked your unconscious and autowrote it onto the list.
I dont know if thats a thing, but im a voice in your head so it might be.
Anyway.
The other note was also in german. The one with the symbols.

>>1123320
Shes your friend.
Tell her its dumb, but still help her to do it.
I mean, youve got to help her out of gere anyway so youre picking her up...
Need to Show you value her choices as much as her safety if youre gonna get along.
Besides, tell me you dont think she'll just try to do it anyway even without your help. You know she will

>>1123338
>The other note was also in german. The one with the symbols.
Your right! I completely missed that and just assumed the words shown to us in our interface were words Fera was seeing and understanding.
But if that's not the case then does that mean you couldn't read that note Fera and only saw the symbols? You didn't really mention anything about the note besides the symbols afterall.

Either way. I think the gas station may have SOME connection to this group.

...ah, it's probably that speech is automatically translated for the Agents, but writing is not. We're in Germany.

That suggests that somehow, someone from here intercepted the note and wrote the grenade request on it before it arrived at the Agency. Which, yeah, should be impossible... I wonder if there's a rival Agency? Or a rival group with similar capabilities at least. Gladii's peanut gallery implied as much.

Its hard to know how to help Gladii with they're going through. So best to show respect. Help her up, if she wants to do this then so be it.

Hopefully your next case will be a little less stop and go. You succeeded in this one, so they'll surely send you on another, for better or worse.