Voice; un: darkSlayer

[kowase]

WHO: Vergil Vittore and You
WHERE: Libra App
WHEN: BACKDATED to 4/3, before the metaverse stuff starts.
WHAT: Vergil giving a polite ask to bring him things but also stop bothering him
WARNINGS: none, will update if needed.

[ A voice yet unfamiliar to those on the Libra App will cut in at some point in the late evening, the sound of a throat being cleared, making sure his voice would be properly audible when he gets his message out on this... Libra App. Thing. ]

I hope your evening finds you well. For those who do not recognise me, by either the picture that this strange app has seen fit to take of me, or my voice, my name is Vergil Vittore. Mr. Vittore, for those who aren't well aquainted with me, please.

I am the owner and runner of Auguries of Innocence down within Shopping Street. Many of you may recognise the shop, newly opened about two, perhaps three weeks ago as a place to buy and sell magical or non-magical artifacts of interest--usually my interest, at this point, but I digress.

I am aware of the plight that has happened to the city in recent with this App--it is part of the reason I have sought not to use it thus far, and half because I've been too busy for something like social interaction over social media while I established my shop in this city.

But, to the point.

1. Stop coming into my shop and asking to borrow, buy, or rent my rare weaponry or defensive items for your own needs. As the sign says, these items are antiques or for display only, and I'm very exasperated at this point at many beings' attempts to come and try to curry something rare off me with the argument of 'but I need it.' You do not. It is mine.

2. No, I will not be joining anyone in your odd foray into the unknown dangers of whatever it is that plights this city. Yes, it does concern me and yes, I am aware that it affects me too. However, I am a collector, not a fighter. So I'm not willing to risk my very mortal life for some act of heroism just because I have an arsenal of interesting weaponry at my disposal.

And 3. , I suppose, I will take this time to mention that yes, if you have any items of interest, you may indeed bring them to my shop and I will appraise them either for your own interest or, perhaps if I'm interested in buying them. I likewise buy old books and paintings, so I'm in the market for those as well--once again, so long as it interests me.

That is all.

Goodluck with your forays, and stop bothering me. And have a good evening.

Comments

[lapislazily]

[Your favorite academic's extended resume has a few surprises on it for sure.]

I'll give you a list later.

[His visits are frequent enough!

There is definite reluctance in that admission, but Zhongli blithely carries on. He knows how Vergil is, and the difficult parts of his personality have never really grated on him. It takes a lot more than that to grind down a stone.]

I hadn't even offered yet you guessed what I was about to say. [He sounds a touch amused.] I haven't taught the spear in an age, so I may be a little... rusty. As long as that is all right with you, then I have no objections to taking you on as my student.

[And here's where it gets weird because he adds:]

I'll draw up a proper contract and bring it to your shop. We can each set our terms and expectations.

[He's always so particular about this sort of thing, even if it doesn't require payment. Managing expectations. Favors for favors, done fairly and in turn.]

[kowase]

[ he'll prepare himself for it, somehow. his life is getting strange. ]

It was an easy enough guess, given the people on this app seem insistent that I learn some sort of self defence.
I did not know you owned a martial skill like that, but somehow, the spear suits you, I think. An elegant weapon that takes a degree of style and flourish.

[ if zhongli was to use a weapon, somehow, something barbaric like a sword or knife simply didn't suit him, he decides. ]

If your skill with a spear is half that of your knowledge on 13th century relics, then I doubt any rust you feel on your bones will make a difference.
I will be a model student, I assure you.


[ its fine, he knows zhongli by now. the contract idea barely bothers him, even if it does make a small laugh escape him. ]

Very well. We shall set a date to discuss terms soon, then?
Perhaps after this apparent fiasco looming subsides?

...If it ever does truly subside.

[lapislazily]

[That's how things go around here.]

... Is that what you believe? [a thoughtful noise] I suppose it does. [Vergil is right, of course.] I prefer the spear for its ability to keep one's enemies at a distance. It has all the reach of the quarterstaff, with the deadly precision of an arrow if necessary. When used well you leave very few openings for your opponent, unlike the sword.

[He has used a sword, and a bow, and all other manner of weapons... but he really does prefer the spear. As for the story of how and when he learned those things, he might not be as forthcoming, unfortunately.]

You've been attentive and focused for all of our time together so far. I am sure you'll make a fine student. Most of mine are barely twenty years old and only attend my class out of obligation, so a change of pace will be refreshing.

[Rare compliments!!!]

Will two weeks from now suffice? This isn't the kind of trouble that will come looking for you—a true rarity in these times.

[Boy is he about to get a rude wakeup call in that department, but that's for future Zhongli to deal with.]

[kowase]

I do. I do not usually say something unless I have conviction behind it, and lo, it seems I was not far off my mark.

[ he delights somewhat off of Zhongli's description of the spear, the effectiveness of it against most other weapons--just gonna be sorry to disappoint the man eventually when Vergil realises his weapon of choice is as something like a Katana. ]

Foolishness, that. When an instructor gives their all to make sure youth go into adulthood with better skills than what they came in with, you would think they would have half the mind to listen.

[ but see, thats why his own career as a teacher failed. he didn't have the patience to teach bratty kids who would rather wile away their learning hours than actually paying attention. it was tiresome. ]

Two weeks is adequate. That gives time for this situation to blow over, and me time to find a practice spear so I am not walking into your lessons bare-handed.

[ future zhongli is going to have more than one migrane to deal with. ]

[lapislazily]

[He won't be too disappointed, but he might be deeply concerned with how troubled Vergil's history was in that other life... Assuming Zhongli ever finds out about it, naturally. Consider yourself adopted, boy.]

One would think, but that's just how things are in this day and age. [He remembers when education was more of a privilege. He had taught then, too.] If at least one of my students goes on to pursue history as an interest then it will have been worth the trouble.

[He already has a couple promising ones. The fact they're also on the app has not escaped him. Alas, not everyone has the patience of an ancient mountain.]

I'll need time to secure a proper weapon for training as well. [He would absolutely fuck Vergil up if he hit him with one of his usual stone spears. Let's not.]

[kowase]

[ something they'll talk about over a glass of wine in the coming weeks, likely, once he has time to slow down and figure out these images in his head that have no context. god knows he will need the drink due to most of it. ]

You have more patience than I ever had for teaching. But I suppose if that is your view on it, I see no reason to belittle the idea. The world needs teachers, as it will always have an abundance of students.

Shall I procure two? Given you are being generous enough to offer your time and efforts, it is the very least I could do.

Though I am sure we will talk about reimbursements when you bring your contract. [ please, he doesn't have his crazy regen yet, a spear through his ribs isnt something he can shrug off yet ]

[lapislazily]

[They really do sound like old men over here.]

Well said. I was not always so patient; it was something I chose to learn as I grew older. Of course, some people never do. Teaching is not for everyone.

Ah... If you could do that, then it would make things much easier for me. [He's forever losing his wallet when he goes into Undertown, it's such a bad habit.] I'm sorry for the trouble. I'll make sure all of that, including reimbursement, is noted in the contract as well.

[After a moment, he adds:]

If I could impose on you with regards to one more matter...

Your lessons have not yet begun. Plans have a tendency to change, however. Should you feel the inclination to involve yourself in affairs of the Spirit Realm, or should those affairs force your hand, do not hesitate to call upon me.

It is something I have experience with, but I was bound to silence by an outstanding contract. Please forgive this... small deception.

[kowase]

[ maybe zhongli is older than vergil but
vergil is just an old soul in a much younger body. kindred. ]

If I am already in the market for one practice spear, it is not any trouble to double the purchase. [ it probably wasn't that expensive

and vergil was a rich asshole, besides.

but.

ah.

then zhongli chooses to reveal something.... very interesting to Vergil. And you can almost *hear* the uptick in his breath as the new information is processed and... contained. How interesting. ]

I have heard of these Spirit Realms.
After all, why I chose to move to Kaisou was in order to gain power.
I have not yet had the time or... done the proper research into visiting those places yet. As I am overly cautious about such things.

However, I will overlook you omitting such things about yourself due to your generosity, here.
I am very much interested, and would like to learn about them.

If I am to require aid once I decide to, ah

Poke around, so to speak.

I assure you, you will be among the first I call on.

[lapislazily]

[Part of him is relieved that Vergil understands, but he also realizes that he must have questions... so many questions. And many of them Zhongli will not be able to answer.]

There is every indication that a place like this will help you to achieve that goal, though at a cost.

[But why pursue power? Is it for the sake of having it? Vergil is interesting, too.]

There are a few old stories I could share, if you have the time for tea later.

[Something inside of Zhongli eases as Vergil pledges to call him.]

... Thank you.

[Maybe, this time—]

[kowase]

[ he's gonna have a lot of questions and while he won't have a problem with Zhongli being cagey or ommitting and avoiding some answers, that doesn't mean he's gonna shy away from asking.

knowledge can only be gathered if you keep asking questions and all that.
He can't say he'll be surpirsed to find that Zhongli is involved with the supernatural, but damn why he didn't ask this man sooner when he found out about it himself. ]

I will likely have some time, yes. The greatest thing about running your own store is having your own hours.

[ he'll definitely want to talk about this... memory regain thing, anyway. his drive for power was... odd, because it didn't feel like something he cared about before. but now it was... just. something he thought about constantly. ]

Until then, Mr. Zhongli?

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli probably just kept saying some old shit about Chinese legends to deflect. That's how he rolls.]

That is true. Mine, at least, revolve around the university. They're predictable in that regard. We'll make the time.

[He has so much to do in the next two weeks. He can only hope no one dies.]

Until then, Mr. Vittore.