50th sigh

[slave_of_suzumiya]

[A) Action:

The past few days, Kyon has been notably sulkier than usual and even less sociable. He doesn't even seem to pretend to work while at the office. You may encounter him at any regular location, but don't expect friendly chit chat.

B) Action, School:

Tonight, Kyon has broken into school grounds in the middle of the night in order to do something remarkably out of character for him. Using groundskeeping equipment, he has drawn a strange symbol into the ground.

C) Phone, Locked to Yuki Nagato]

... Nagato, it's me. Haruhi... she's gone.

Comments

B) Action, School:

[enpatsushakugannouchite]

Well that's a weird thing you've made there.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

...!!

Oh, Shana... Yo. I wasn't expecting to see anyone out here.

[tenderoblivion]

I am aware.

[Yuki's toneless voice responds from the other end. Perhaps it is relieving in its absence of urgency. Or perhaps that's only infuriating.]

[slave_of_suzumiya]

(... Right, I should've figured she'd know as much.)

I... I don't know what to do without her...

[tenderoblivion]

Continue forward.

[This is terrible advice, but Yuki has never exactly marketed herself as a psychologist.]

She is no longer in danger of being injured by the town. The extent of the damage, whatever its nature, has been done.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

I guess so...?

(That... isn't the most helpful advice, Nagato.)

[tenderoblivion]

To be certain of her safety, we must exit this town safely ourselves.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

Of course, but that's easier said than done, y'know. I mean, not even your powers have any real influence on that here.

[tenderoblivion]

That is likely because my 'powers' are not real.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

"Not real"? Could you try clarifying that a little?

[tenderoblivion]

With the knowledge that this town is simulated, it follows that the reproduction of what you refer to as 'bogus magic' is simulated as well.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

I suppose that's a reasonable conclusion...

[tenderoblivion]

[Yuki makes a single sound of assent on her end.]

[slave_of_suzumiya]

I mean, who knows when we'll be able to get out of here?

[tenderoblivion]

The outcome will be known soon.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

"Soon", huh?

[tenderoblivion]

The town cannot maintain itself much longer. It is evident.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

You mean with the phasing objects and stuff?

[tenderoblivion]

Alongside the events of the carnival and the altered resurrection process. Yes.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

I suppose that's a logical conclusion from the evidence presented, but it's not like the evidence is absolutely decisive.

[tenderoblivion]

The data structures are weakening. That has been ascertained. There remains the possibility that it is deliberate, though a reasoning for such an action is currently unknown.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

So, either things are falling apart... or they're screwing with us again. Good to know.

[tenderoblivion]

Haruhi Suzumiya will be safe if she has been returned home. If she has not, her rescue must be our priority.

[slave_of_suzumiya]

How can we be certain of where she is?

[tenderoblivion]

We cannot until further deterioration has taken place.