conversations: human
conversations:  Chapter 0: The Fool's Journey
  
  After running away from the carnage outside, Soga finds himself in a large room, resembling a concert hall. At first sight it looks empty, but on a closer inspection he notices a strange man walking towards him.
  
   : Are you lost little boy? This is a no place for a child. On the other hand this is no place for anyone. With that chaos outside. Wait, that COMP in your hand, did it belong to a read-haired man?
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  The little kid looks at the device on the cloak's sleeve. The former owner had it someplace on his forearm or elbow, but to the boy, it sat roughly at the wrist (more or less, as is the case with any part of a garment so loose that it can shift around on you).
  
  Then, back at the man. Red hair? Maybe. He wasn't too sure, but it didn't sound wrong either.
  
  Numbly, he nodded, as he slowly, hesitantly (or, more accurately, as if purposelessly) walked in the man's general direction.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : So, the bitch finally made her move. She will pay for that. I assume you haven't tried using it yet?
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  The kid shakes his head left and right, repeatedly. He didn't mess with anything, honest!
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : That's good, but I'm afraid that is no longer an option. We must activate our COMPs.
  
  "Welcome to the Amala Infinity. Please enter your name so that we can create your account."
  After you enter your name the screen fades to black. When the light returns you greeted by a woman dressed in simple brown clothing. Before addressing you she gives you warm smile.
  "Greetings, little one. My name is Tico, I am here to guide you. Are you ready to begin?"
  
   : Figures you would get his Tico. This is so weird, but I guess I'll have to let you take the lead. I'm Roland, by the way.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "I'm, uh, I'm Soga"   murmurs the kid, as he nods to 'Tico'.   "What do you mean, the lead?"  
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : We don't have much time for explanation, everything will be clear soon, anyway. You must initialize Demon Summoning Program, we need allies if we are going to deal with the chaos outside.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Demon... Summoning?"  
  
  A voice at the back of his mind screamed that he really didn't want to summon any demon, but his body was in no state to heed that, or disagree. So instead he stared at the screen, unsure of what to do. Or, at Tico, really, since she occupied the screen, right?
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : You had the pleasure of meeting those things outside. Demons are tearing apart everything we created, and the only way to stop them is to summon our own demons to fight them. there is no other way. And there is no time to waste. Don't fall apart now kid, we don't have that luxury.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "All... allright, tell me how"  , says the little figure, hesitantly.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Will to live confirmed. Initiating Demon Summoning Program. Do you want an explanation?"
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Yes!"  comes Soga's answer, with as much force of will as he can muster.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  "By forging contract you gain the ability to summon that demon to assist you. In order to forge a contract you need to defeat the demon in battle. Your COMP allows you to use wide variety of special techniques, and although most of them are locked at the moment they should be more then enough to defeat this group of demons. Did you get that honey?"
   : Just beat them up, and they'll start to listen. It's that simple.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Beat... them? How? Will you help me?"   His former composure already all but vanished.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : Of course. Don't worry, we can do this, we just need to work together.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Then... then...  let's go" , rallies Soga once more.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : Well, that was an interesting experience. You all right kid? This couldn't have been easy for you.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Y...yea. Thanks for protecting me back there. S-so now those demons serve us?"  
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : You could try with a little more spine, but that's good enough under the circumstances. Yes, we can now summon them to protect ourselves when we get outside.
  
   Roland's determination has been enchanted. His ability to use demons of Jaki race has improved. 
  
  "An explanation of Demon Summoning Program is available, if you request one."
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Please tell me" , says the kid to Tico.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Your COMP has a number of commands that are designed for easier use of your demons. The most important command is Summon, used to bring demons to your world. Exchange command allows you to trade demons with your companions. Do remember that this command has limitation, and most people will not available to trade, only those whose COMPs are attuned to yours. Arrange command allows you to rearrange your demons. Although each COMP can store up to ten demons, the maximum number of demons you can summon at a time is four. Other commands will become available soon. Please, remain patient."
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Thank you, I will" , answers the youngling. he then turns to his elder companion.  "Now, what do we do?" 
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : My wife works not too far from here. We will need her assistance.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  Soga nods.  "Lead me to her, then!" 
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  Your travel through the streets is relatively uninterrupted, as if the chaos has somehow subsided. You quickly make your way to the local school. As you enter the nurses office, you are greeted by Roland's wife, who gives Soga a rather warm smile before turning towards Roland.
   : I assume you being here is not a very good sign. It's Greg, isn't it.
   : The bitch got him. We need to do something.
   : Roland, mind your language, there is a child here. The siblings are already on alert, they should already be gathering information. But what are we going to do with this kid?
   : There is not much we can do. He got Greg's COMP, and his Tico. We can't do anything without him.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  Soga does his best to greet the lady in a kind manner. It's odd what priorities a numbed brain has.
  
    "I.. can help... I think. What should we do?"  
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : First thing we need to do is gather some allies. We can't face that bitch, I mean that woman on our own. Do you have any suggestions, darling?
   : Haru and Joe are already doing their part. We should meet up with them first. But there is one decision we need to make before we leave. A kid got hurt today. I treated his wounds, and he is mostly recovered, but I don't know what to do with him. If we take him with us he might get hurt. But if we leave him here he might get hurt. What do you think?
   : I think we should leave that decision to our leader.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  Soga froze. What was this? As a more sober narrator than him might point out, he was pretty shaken up, and just 8 years old. He was in no state to make such calls, all traumatized and alone...
  
  Alone?
  
  He figured, the reason the kid would be in danger here was being alone.
  
     "We could... find Haru and Joe without you, miss! you'd look after the kid until we came back!"   
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : That is not an option. I already lost Greg, I'm not gonna let my husband go without me. Besides, you will need me.
   : Sorry kid, but when she decides something I know better then to say no. She always gets her way.
   : That's my Roland. Didn't I train him well?
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Then, we... we shouldn't leave him alone here. It'd be scary."  
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  : Excellent. I will meet you at the front gate in ten minutes, I just need to pick up some supplies and get the boy. And don't worry, he already has his own COMP, so that won't be a problem.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Goo-good to know" , Soga nods cautiously. As she leaves, he turns to Roland, looking expectantly.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  As you make your way towards the gate Roland takes you the long way around in order to pick up some mysterious stuff, making you a little late. As you arrive Argila greets you and introduces the boy as Hidehiko Uesugi. Before you have a chance to say anything Roland whispers to you:
   : Watch out kid, you are a leader, and what you do will affect how people act towards you. Choose your moves carefully.
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  The kid nods, albeit stressed, in acknowledgement.
conversations: Xhosant:
conversations: human
conversations:  As you follow Roland's directions through the half-destroyed streets you soon find yourself in the middle of a battlefield.
   : So, the bitch decided to strike on multiple fronts?
   : Maybe the old fossil is not the only one we need to worry about. Either way, we need to help Haru and Joe.
   : I hope you're ready for this kid.
  "Before you engage your enemy your COMP has a new option called Demon Cracking. Do you require an explanation?"
conversations: Philemonite:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Please do"
conversations: Xhosant: