reminded | No. 001 - Simple Addition [Written]

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No. 001 - Simple Addition [Written]

[It's about time to give this device a go. In neat, legible writing is simply the following:]

5 + 5 + 5 = 550

It appears I have my arithmetic out of sorts. However, it would be a shame to scrap the equation entirely. Can you help me correct it by adding a single straight line?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It runs on Western school hours I believe, but it does exist. Are you a teacher yours, Mister Layton?

Yes, in fact. I'm a professor of archaeology. Not the most glamorous subject to most students, I suspect.

On the contrary, Professor. Archaeology is fascinating. What is your specialty?

You're too kind. Ancient civilizations are my forte. I find the secrets lost in time to be the most captivating of all.

Is there any particular region that you study? Or civilization?

I am more than a little interested in archaeology.

[Mostly because she's a living relic herself]

I admit this is a pleasant surprise. Is there something in particular that draws you to the field?

Much of my work is broadly based in Europe, but I believe my best contributions have been made toward the Azran civilization. They were a highly advanced people shrouded in mystery.

I enjoy learning about the past of human civilizations, particularly how they interacted with the divine. I suppose you could say that I have a personal interest in that, and the study of human folklore.

I am unfamiliar with the Azran, however. Where were they from?

[Human folklore, hm?]

Interaction with the divine, you say? I can't say I've delved deeply in that direction, but it sounds like a fascinating study. Are there specific ones that strikes your fancy?

It's hard to say for certain, but legacies of their civilization have been discovered in many far reaches of England, hidden beneath the earth while awaiting discovery. Their expanse of their influence was truly impressive.

[Professor, if only you could hear her laughing!]

There are. The Kami of Japan are of a particular interest to me, though how humanity views gods from anywhere is a wonderfully intriguing subject for me.

They sound quite fascinating. What sorts of artifacts and stories have you found pertaining to them?

I can see the attraction. Mythology as a whole is quite intriguing.

Well... There is one legend that has resurfaced in recent history: the fate of the kingdom of Ambrosia and its beloved queen. It is said that she fell terribly ill, and so her people searched far and wide for a cure that she may live. Finally, they discovered the Elixir of Eternal Life -- just as the queen passed away. In terrible mourning, the people decided to drink the elixir themselves and live forever, waiting in obscurity for the rebirth of their lost queen.

That sounds fascinating. Do you know if there is any truth to this legend?

I certainly like to think so. I do not know the fate of the people, but the Ambrosian kingdom itself rose from the sea a short number of years ago. I like to believe it happened with good reason, but I won't bore you with my speculations.

A kingdom rose from the sea? How? And where there people there still?

The kingdom emerged when three songs were united and performed: A Song of the Sea, Stars, and Sun, whose melodies were hidden in plain sight in the Ambrosian seal. They must have believed that these songs would herald the return of their queen.

But the kingdom emerged devoid of people. I do not know if they chose to follow their queen into the afterlife when their elixir did not truly work, or if they merely migrated and live to this day. Perhaps submerging the kingdom was their way preserving it for her return.

Interesting. This seems like something I've heard of before, a combination of stories, really. It's quite intriguing.

I take it you've mapped out the kingdom personally?

Is that so? You must share those stories with me. [It's always fun to compare traits across cultures both modern and ancient.]

I did take part in the initial survey, which was quite the opportunity. I wish I could have stayed and been more involved with the dig, but my responsibilities called for me elsewhere.

Absolutely. I would recommend visiting the library sometime soon. Perhaps we could discuss it over tea.

Oh really? May I ask what your duties are, Professor? If it tore you away from such an opportunity, they must be important indeed.

That sounds like a splendid idea. I couldn't ask for a better setting.

Oh, just my obligations to my students and colleagues. Not very glamorous, I suppose, but no less important. As much as I enjoy being on the scene, such things require a dedication of time I couldn't then afford.

[In fact, he probably already cancels lectures in pursuit of his own interests a little too often...]

Excellent, we can do that in a few days when you've had time to settle.

So you teach archaeology at a university?

Agreed. I look forward to it.

That I do. I believe it's been ten years now since I first received the post, which I must say is a bit startling for me to dwell on. But please, I'm not accustomed to going on about myself for so long. What of yourself? What did you do before being brought here?

Myself? Well, what I do is quite a bit different, and perhaps might sound unbelievable to a man such as yourself. But, I am not a human being, or even a mortal. In my native tongue, I am a Myojin, though that would translate in English to a god.

Before I was brought here, my responsibility was to ensure that rain, wind, and storms occurred in my homeland of Kyushu. Though, there have been points in my life where I have acted as a priest, long long ago.

[Layton's reply comes a bit slowly as he processes this information. She certainly seems sure of herself, and stranger things have already happened today... but his instinct is to stay reserved.]

I suppose that would explain your interest in human dealings with divinity. I expect this means you held a certain sway over the weather in your homeland? Does that still hold true here?

I do, and yes it does. Though, like everyone here my powers are weakened by the Malnosso's interference.

Most interesting. I'll have to hope that I can see you in action someday.

[He wants to ask for an outright demonstration, but that would border rudeness a bit too closely for his tastes.]

I could show you today, if you like. I'd just need you to set this to a video, instead. With Luceti being what it is, I must be able to see where I am working my magic.

[Not rude at all]

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[written] Hopefully it doesn't freak him out!

[written] he would need to believe it first...!

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