>>885169
How’s this for a distraction? You’re hungry after a long day of doing shit. Let’s eat.

Also, Vol is wearing a bow tie.

>>885174
I think he got it right here: >>884821 , because you can see him looking at it. He must’ve taken it while the shop keeper was distracted with selling food to Roland.

>>885169
Vol, I must say that bowtie looks great on you! I presume you bought it, and didn't just abscond with it while the owner wasn't looking, right?

You mentioned dad's ring this morning. Was it demonic too?

you might as well replace the bandages on your face with fresh ones.

But first, chow the fuck down. It's been a long day and you've earned it, champ.

1/2 Heretic 2018/05/19(Sat)21:25 No. 885202 ID: 8a947d
File 152679033030.png - (199.60KB , 1212x826 , Home 2.png )

You: Vol did you steal that ?

Vol: Steal wat ?

You: That bowtie, I didn't buy it for you.

Vol: Roland I'd neva steal nothin' for no reason. I payed for this myself, after all I helped ya get all dat scrap before so I felt like gettin' myself somethin' nice. It didn' cost much either, it was like 2 Cards.

You: ...It looks good on you.

Vol: Thank you.

You sit down on the sofa and open up your bags of jerky and chocolate. Not the best meal you've had but goddamn it might as well be a five-star meal with how hungry you are. You decide that music would be best with your food and turn on your handmade radio for something to listen from the Dawnsprings Radiostation, luckily they're playing something good tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n07TSnndg8I[/spoiler]

2/2 Heretic 2018/05/19(Sat)21:37 No. 885203 ID: 8a947d
File 152679102814.png - (150.84KB , 1212x826 , Journal.png )

Out of boredom you grab your dad's journal and look over it. You flip through its pages as if looking through it would reveal anything new. All that's written inside is basic stuff. Demons hate silver, How to make lesser binding scrolls, protection runes. It's not hard to imagine that your father wouldn't put much work into maintaining a record of his experiences, but you're kinda sad there wasn't much more to it.

You: Hey Vol? Do you think it'd be okay if I wrote in this?

Vol: Sure, your dad didn't use dat thing at all before. It's got plenty of room for whatever you want to use it for... What do ya wanna use it for?

Part of you remebers back to the few times your dad would talk about his job at all. Actually, he never talked about his jobs, he'd make songs out of them and sing them like ballads. Demon hunting always seemed so dangerous, but seeing your dad do it made you wonder about it. Seeing Vol and those Lacerflies had you wondering about how demons worked, there's no books on this stuff so you never knew for sure. It's a question you've always asked yourself...

Do you want to put your life in danger to learn more about demons?

mmmyesss

>>885203
Demons are very dangerous, which only makes it more important for others to know about them. A book could possibly save some people if they run into them.

Learning could also work well with hunting demons, and could earn us some money while making the wasteland more safe. The idea of those lacerflies getting out and attacking some travelers or even a town does not sit well with me.

Also, ask Vol how dad found out how to make binding scrolls and protection runes.

Hell, no need to commit right now. Just write about your experiences with them as they happen. Considering your luck, you'll run into more soon enough anyway.

>>885203
>Do you want to put your life in danger to learn more about demons?
.....eh, you might as well.

Vol can even help you by telling you about the demons he knows about.

You can also write about friendly demons like Vol and how they can appear. In fact, why don’t you start by writing down what Vol said about how he left the Aether to come here and how he met your dad by coming through his violin ( >>882720 )? That seems like a good start.

Oh, wait, this sounds like demon hunting and Vol said he wasn’t gonna let you do that. So if you want to put yourself in danger to learn more about demons, then you can’t become a demon hunter. Hmmm, how about you call yourself a Demon Researcher? Demonologist?

>>885213
This is also true.

I like the idea of performing scientific study on demons. Don't actively hunt them yourself. Try to find a veteran demon hunter and ask if they'd be willing to let a maniac in bandages follow him around.

>>885202
Must...resist...urge...to...pet...Vol...like...a...cat...!

Heretic 2018/05/20(Sun)02:55 No. 885256 ID: 8a947d
File 152681013141.png - (234.22KB , 1212x826 , Home 4.png )

The idea of researching and discovering demons seems incredibly important for the world you live in. From what you've seen there isn't a lot on the study of demons and it's quite possibly almost non-existent. You wouldn't focus solely on hunting them, that would go against what you want to do. You want to learn about them as much as you can, study them closely, not just kill them or get rid of them when necessary. With your curiosity about the creatures and how they're affecting the world so much it only makes sense that somebody should try to know more about them.

For all you know there are people like that out there, but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be more. Maybe by taking up this job, you're becoming one of hundreds of Demonologists. Hopefully, there are more out there to make this somewhat easier, but even if there aren't you'll still do it.

You: Hey Vol, How'd dad learn about the stuff in this journal ?

Vol: Well I told him 'bout da protection sigils, it's all I really know when it comes ta demon magic. He musta learned some otha stuff from otha demon hunters.

You: D'you think I could learn more from demons if I studied them closer ?

Vol: ...I guess but...Dat'd be pretty dangerous.

You: Well sure it would, but scavenging was pretty dangerous too. I ran into those demons anyway despite just being on a simple scavenging mission. Besides, The knowledge about demons is something that people should know and documenting them is important if we're going to keep living in a world that has them in it.

Vol: Then let someone else figure dat crap out it don't involve us! If you're worried about money we can still make da music thing work, I know you can play violin like crazy we'll be fine without dealin' wit more demons! Da only demon ya gotta worry 'bout is me!

Vol: Do you really wanna go out an' almost die just so ya know a little more ?

Suggestion 2018/05/20(Sun)03:12 No. 885263 ID: dbf422

If it's not me risking my life it's some kid, looking for enough junk to sell for a bit of food. Or some guy moving between towns. Basically, it's someone who isn't as capable of surviving as me. Maybe it's crazy but it's something I can do.

Plus it's interesting! Think about the difference between you and the flies. What's the common ground that makes you both demons, and what makes you different?

>Do you really wanna go out an' almost die just so ya know a little more ?
well it wouldn't be just for me. I mean remember when the fly bit me, thanks again for the heal by the way. I got the close in the first place because I didn't know what those things were or how dangerous they could be. I figure if I could learn a bit more then I wouldn't make those same mistakes as well as others who might just have the simple misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Besides, I'm not planning on only learning about the dangerous demons, I would also like to learn more about demons like you who are actually pretty chill people. That way you might not have to deal with people like that guard that thinks you're instantly going to be trouble just because of what you are.

Also we're still probably going to have to move around both for more scavenging jobs and possibly musical tours if you can help me be good enough and if today was any indication it seems that trouble is going to find me anyways no mater what I do so might as well try to make SOMETHING out of it, don't you think? Also on that note, what to help me improve my musical skills? figure we might as well do something that could be considered relaxing at least once today before we decide to call it a night. I feel we at least deserve that.

I don't wanna stay here forever, Vol. I want to go out and be something. The world is huge and dangerous though, and the relationship between demons and might be the key to navigating it safely.

Vol, what the hell i am supposed to do, live in a bubble?
I appreciate that my dad made the impossible to keep me safe, but i really doubt that he would wanted me to just stay here, doing mundane stuff with out looking for something greater than me.
Demons are't just things to be afraid of because you don't know what to do with them. I mean, you are a great example, you are a good friend, always helping me and keeping me safe, and i enjoy your company. But people don't know that, they don't know anything. They are afraid because they don't undesrstand, and it shouldn't be that way.
I want to lern more, the world is huge, and it's waiting to be explored.
It will be dangerous, i know, but i don't care. Sooner or latter, we all die, but is important do something significant before that happens, just like dad. Besides, todays little trip was the most fun a had in forever.

>Vol: Do you really wanna go out an' almost die just so ya know a little more ?
Well I'd prefer not almost dying, to be sure. Maybe there's a way to figure out some stuff without going into fights blind, first.

>>885256
If you learn, you can spread that knowledge to others. That could save lives, Vol.

We do what we must, because, we can
For the good of all of us
Except the ones who are dead

>>885324
Then you start playing the violin and keep singing like in a movie.

>>885334
Or like in a video game.

>>885347
Do they even have those in this universe?

>>885350
We looted an arcade machine, so yeah.

1/2 Heretic 2018/05/21(Mon)01:48 No. 885378 ID: 8a947d
File 152689253519.png - (205.86KB , 1212x826 , Home 5.png )

You: It's not just about knowing some more, remember how I almost got melted back in that bunker? I got lucky, but if I took a few more steps in there I'd be a fucking meat slushy fast. If anyone who doesn't know how a dangerous demon works comes face to face with one they'll most likely end up dead!

You: Besides, I can't help but be curious about them when there's almost no information on them whatsoever. I don't wanna stay here forever, Vol. I want to go out and be something. The relationship between demons and humans might be the key to navigating it safely, somebodies gotta figure it out.

Vol: I just...I just don't get why'd ya do dis for hypothetical people ya barely know! Dis is a concept I ain't neva heard 'a in da Aether! I neva knew anyone who'd want to do anythin' for anyone they didn' know, and here you are wantin' to go poke around big fuckin' monsters for da sake a' others!

Vol: Its bad enough humans die from just bein' alive too long! do ya really gotta go an' make it worse by actually putting your lives in real danger...

2/2 Heretic 2018/05/21(Mon)01:57 No. 885379 ID: 8a947d
File 152689306760.png - (200.62KB , 1212x826 , Home 6.png )

Vol sits down.

Vol: I...I'm not used ta people I'm close to dyin' so soon...everyone I knew kept in a Aether themselves safe an lived for so long. Even when humans do stay safe dere's so much more dat can kill ya...

Vol: I'm...just tryin' ta live with ya for as long as I can...I tried keeping cool when your dad died but it tore me up inside...I know I shouldn't have ta tell ya dat. I-I'm just...scared.

Sorry buddy. Shoulda known you were worried about us. But we gotta live for more than just staying alive, you know? Humans are like that, probably. Gotta find a purpose.

And we're gonna die some day, even if we drag it out. And you'll move on again, like you did from Dad to me. And these problems with demons will still exist. But if we study demons now, it'll be less dangerous for whoever comes after us. So if it helps, you can think of it like making life safer for your next partner.

But it's not like we're going to be reckless. We're not going to make you go through another death for quite a while. And we'll need your help, Vol, to stay as safe as possible. Will you stick with us?

"If I don't face death in some capacity, I'll forget it. If you want me to run from death to the end, I need to remember what it is. Besides, this farm is too run down to make a decent living anyway. If you can think of any high-paying job with low academic standards and no ties to the mafia, go ahead."

Thanks for caring. You look so adorable...

I know there is a risk of one or two of us dying when facing some danger, but we have to take those chances when seeking rewards. Even if we only seek the necessary to survive we can still be killed in the process, the world is a dangerous place after all.

Since you mention dad and my inevitable death, another thing we got to arrange is friends and family that can stay with you after I'm gone. That is, if you want to keep living with humans.

give Vol a bro hug

also ask him about some of his friends from the other side. If it will make him feel better maybe we can start by talking to some of the more passive demons that he personally trust just to calm his nerves. hell start with him, ask him what the Aether is like.

Dad sacrificed everything for me so I could have a chance to just grow up safely.

I'm not gonna throw that out... I couldn't do that to him.
Struggle to hold back tears
But I gotta move on.
Damn it, why'd he have to leave so soon...

...

Maybe diving into dangerous ruins and fighting wild daemons is the wrong way to go about starting this though.

You said you had friends in the aether?
Could I meet them?
Could I either go there or they come here?
The more I can learn without risking my life, the more likely I'll be to keep it when it's on the line.

I am going to make you my godfather when i have kids. How does that sound?
Can you imagine, me with kids? That would be a picture!
Also, the bow tie looks great on you.

Don't worry, Vol, we can do this, it's just going take some time. But we do have you. That is the best to start.

1/2 Heretic 2018/05/21(Mon)07:56 No. 885395 ID: 8a947d
File 152691459123.png - (142.48KB , 1212x826 , Home 7.png )

You: Vol, the last thing I want to do is throw caution to the wind and go off to do crazy shit. I'm going to be careful but I want to do more than just survive. Do you understand?

Vol: ...No, not at all...but I guess I can try to as best as I can.

You put your hand on Vol's shoulder and he turns to give you a full hug.

You: I'd never go off and kill myself after all of the work dad put into keeping me safe. Even though I'd hate to leave you alone, I know I'm going to die in the end no matter how safe I'm kept...Y'know what I can do? I'll make you the godfather of my kids in the future!

Vol: You havin' kids? That'd be somethin' to see.

You: ...You said you had friends in the Aether right? What were they like?

Vol: Buncha idiots, my buncha idiots, they was all Imps like me so nothing interesting I can tell ya 'bout 'em. A lot 'a da time we spent just screwin' around an' tryin' not ta die. It's real borin' without havin' anyone with ya, da only real excitement ya get is the near-death experiences with da more dangerous demons. As soon as I found a way out I jumped for it, but I didn' think about how I was leavin' my friends behind. As far as I know, there ain't no way back.

Vol ends up reminiscing about his time in the Aether, he doesn't know a lot about the demons he's seen since a lot of the time he just ran for his life. He talks about how he learned violin from your dad and some of the demon hunting they'd done a long time a go. Soon when he runs out of stuff to talk about he ends up dozing off, and you follow him...

2/2 Heretic 2018/05/21(Mon)08:13 No. 885398 ID: 8a947d
File 152691559892.png - (248.03KB , 1212x826 , End.png )

Today has been rough. The week following up to it was worse, how unsure you were if your dad would make it or not. Part of you feels better now that your father's passed, he was in a lot of pain before but that it's over you feel a sort of relief. Not that you're happy he's dead, just happy his pain is over.

You've got so much ahead of you, even more now that you've decided to try and study demons. Despite all of this you won't be alone, Vol will be there with you and you'll no doubt find more help along the way. As long as you work for it there's no doubt you'll make progress.

It isn't exactly a lullaby but you fall asleep to the energetic music from your radio...

Well, I stand up next to a mountain, and I chop it down with the edge of my hand. Well, I pick up all the peices and make an island

In a world of Dust, Desolation, and Demons. You might raise a little sand.

D3: Slight Return. End Prolouge

Nice!

This reboot is looking fine.
Can't wait for what's coming next.

so who want to try and find a way to pull of of Vol's friends to the house and start up an imp's adventuring guild? It sounds like it could be fun and I see no way it could ever go wrong. We can just have it that for rent they only have to help us fill out our book. Either by telling us tricks they know or by coming on adventures with us from time to time.

>>885449
Now THIS is a good idea.

>>885449

BECOME IMPLORD

>>885395
>As far as I know, there ain't no way back.
So once a demon leaves the Aether, they can’t go back to the Aether?

Damn, that sucks for the demons that end up somehow accidentally leaving the Aether or they’re somehow forcefully pulled out of the Aether against their will.

>>885449
>>885452
That’s not very helpful!

Roland is struggling to feed himself and Vol. He can’t afford to feed even more mouths!

>>885457
Oh I'm sure by the point we actually get to the point where we could pull this off we'll be a bit better off then we are now. Plus more hands means they could help us carry more stuff and like Vol said demons don't need to eat that often anyways

>>885462
The assumption that these imps would work for Roland is a stretch. Vol has an obligation to his dad, even if they're becoming friends. The imps might like Vol, but there's no way they'd just follow Roland's orders. He doesn't even have anything to offer them.

>>885489
Shelter for one. It's says something that as soon as the camouflage started to wear off, we ran into some smile worms. It's dangerous out there, and a safe house could mean quite a bit. Based on the size of our house, we aren't really lacking in space either. Some towns might also not be quite that nice to imps, which could make it difficult for them to get food, which could cause problems even if they eat little.

We might want to get a cage later too, so we can interact with the demons in a relatively safe setting. It should be simple enough after using a lesser binding parchment on them (we'll need to read up on making more, assuming they are one time use). We'll need to catch one that can't break through the bars though.

Which all goes back to getting enough money to buy the cage. We might not get enough for busking alone, so we may need to go on another scavenging run, or hope Ada pays well. Maybe buy a gun that's in better condition, or something with less expensive ammo.

In short, we have quite a bit on our plates if we want to prepare for the dangers of this new profession.

>>885489
Like I said absolutely nothing can go wrong.

>>885493
I mean, I guess a camouflaged house is something. But there's plenty of shelter out there, statistically speaking, even if it's not hidden. And who knows what the situation is like wherever they are? It's a long shot that Roland would have enough to offer to be able to order them around, even with the shelter.

Besides, it's crazy to even discuss this at Roland's current situation. He's so far away from being ready and able for that sort of thing it's unreasonable to make plans for it.

>>885495
I'm not planning on them taking down demons, I just think it could help to convince them to tell us what they know about other demons, maybe teach us some spells if they know any.

>>885496
Someone else suggested demon fighting, and I didn't check ids. It's still too early to worry about that stuff but at least it's reasonable.

>>885496
Yeah, shove them in a cage like an animal, that’ll convince them to help us. T_T

Come on people, it's too early to decide this kind of thing. It is certanly not a bad idea. But maybe we might not be ready for the task just yet. Besides, it still too early to know what the quest is going be like.
Besides, Vol is best Imp, we don't need more imps.

>>885505
Not an imp, I'm talking about the animalistic demons who might bite our hands off if we don't restrain it.