wiedzminka | ❧ IC INBOX: Abraxas

Obviously, magic.

[For all that the Free Cities has dabbled in the confluence of magic and technology, there are some things that can only be accomplished by the former. Having an innate ability to travel between worlds isn't even unheard of, at this point.]

And they either haven't thought to look here, or they can't get in. Perhaps the Singularity makes this world uniquely impenetrable, outside of the ritual.

Edited 2024-03-18 18:09 (UTC)

That had crossed my mind as well. I told you before about the monoliths in my world.

They had some similarities, but the Singularity is unique. I don't know that I believe Thorne that it's the source of all magic-- but it's certainly got a connection to worlds and magics beyond this place.

[ She fiddles with her cup again, then goes for a refill from the teapot. ]

But... If the Singularity is a door of sorts that's uniquely difficult to open, that doesn't make me any more inclined to think the city officials who keep trying to bring in more Summoned aren't consistently at risk of opening... too much. Not only letting in dangerous beings, but creating rifts between worlds.

Like those that let in the monsters. Except perhaps less temporary.

Yes, the fact that it can reach across the boundaries of different worlds is evidence enough of that.

[What to do about it is still the largest question. It could be that the continued use of the Summoning ritual is straining the Singularity beyond its own capabilities--that would account for its fluctuations, and the rifts that seemingly opened of its own accord.]

I think it's only a matter of time before we see a more significant breakdown.

I'm inclined to agree with you.

But do you really think there's anything you can do? It's not like there's clear access to the Singularity to conduct your studies, and even if there were, you wouldn't have the freedom to do whatever you liked -- not without eyes on you.

[ Ciri knows she's not saying anything Viktor's not already keenly aware of, but the situation feels so... hopeless. Even if she could do something, it would be more dangerous to everyone involved than actually useful. She doesn't know if she could open that door. She wouldn't try. Not unless she had to.

And it wouldn't actually give anyone control, except over her. ]

You've heard about the experiments Thorne did back when they held us prisoner. Trying to... replicate our connection on their own people.

Any of the territories' leaders would use us as fodder for their research, if the consequences were deemed worthwhile, or easy enough to sweep away. I worry about those whose connections with the Singularity would be exploited. About those whose interests are deemed too dangerous, or too useful to the wrong people.

Especially when I know the leading governments of Abraxas aren't the only forces in the many spheres who seek to open those doors for their own means.

I think that...lacking access to the Singularity and knowledge of the ritual, I will have to...create my own.

[The situation is discouraging, yes. The lack of progress makes it feel increasingly impossible. But Viktor has never let similar roadblocks stop him before. Yes, it's more difficult to do this without a framework, though maybe it's for the best that he can't draw on what the Free Cities has already accomplished. Maybe he'll fly under the radar better.

Because, of course, everything Ciri says is true. This is all dangerous, and could be used against them. He does not yet find that reason enough not to try, however. He'll be careful. He'll do it right.]

There is no innovation without risk. But your fears are mine as well. I'll do everything in my power to prevent this.

Viktor. [ Her voice takes on a sharper tone, more one of alarm than outright chastising. ]

That's precisely why I brought up the Wild Hunt chasing me, and what they can do. You risk drawing the attention of forces far beyond this sphere.

What would have me do?

[He sounds defeated. Viktor doesn't want to outright say that his own breaching of the fabric between worlds would be worth whatever damage it might cause, but he knows that it's dangerous. He knows that he might hurt people, to get what he wants.]

I can't stay here.

I-- [ She starts out strong, and quickly deflates, shoulders slumping. ]

I don't know.

Just... be aware. Be careful. I know that's not helpful. I don't know how to help.

But I think people should have a choice to be here. And I'm sorry you feel so trapped.

[It's not as though Viktor expects her to have an answer, or even an explanation of her own powers. But it's difficult not to feel defeated, nonetheless. The prospect of all this is still daunting, even for someone who has defied what the universe prescribed for him.]

This may all be moot. It feels...impossible. But I have to try.

❧ IC INBOX: Abraxas

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