[video]

[commediadellanime]

Goooood evening, everyone!

[It’s like, 3pm, that’s not that late at all. But Childe doesn’t care about that! What he cares about is getting information.

The camera has been propped up a stand, so you can see Childe from the waist up - a red-haired man (boy?) who can’t be more than 20, with a red mask tucked into his hair and blue eyes that are crinkled into a smile.]

I’ve got a couple questions, but I’ll try not to take up too much of your time.

[Hopefully less time than it took him to really figure out this piece of tech. Could you imagine what it would be like if they had this sort of thing in Teyvat?]

First off, probably one that’s been asked a lot - just how serious is everyone about this whole… Cuddling up to people to rejuvenate the world or whatever? Like, that’s not literal, right?

[Please tell him it’s not literal. He’s not the cuddly type. Still, time to move on to the more important question. He perks up, grin getting even brighter.]

Second question! I’m sure I’m not the only fighter here, and hopefully I’m not the only one who doesn’t want to get rusty… So, is there anyone who’d want to spar with me?

[He claps his hands together.]

And that’s it! Oh, right - you can call me Childe. And anyone interested, just let me know whenever you want. Or attack me out of the blue! That's fine, too.

Comments

[callmegladio]

Apparently it's very literal. Holding hands works. Positive touch, I'm told. [Fun. Problem is finding people who are actually willing to touch without freaking the hell out.]

I've a question on that too, now I think about it. Wonder how this place handles fighting, if it's for recreation.

[He grins.]

Names Gladio. What's your specialty?

[commediadellanime]

Well, that's awfully vague. Good to know they mean it, I guess.

[Even if "positive" touch could mean just about anything...

He hopes there's some other way to get money, but he supposes that if he has to he could... Make arrangements.]

Lately I've been trying to up my archery skills, but I've been trained in most things. Swords, polearms, daggers - I'd say daggers are probably my best, followed by short swords.

[callmegladio]

You expected specifics.
I'm new here too. So still learning my way around.

[A nod, considering those options.]

Good range. I prefer greatswords myself.

[video]

[daikonrose]

I'd say it's most likely completely literal, and moderate to extremely serious.

[ The girl on screen is frowning mildly to herself, but she gives a decisive nod. There, the level of seriousness has been Evaluated, just for you. ]

Ah, you don't actually have to do it though. Saving the world is totally opt-in.

[commediadellanime]

[Oh, he wasn't expecting an answer like that. He lets out a bark of laughter in surprise - he appreciates this Evaluation quite a bit.]

Not sure how I feel about saving the world being optional, but glad to know nobody's going to force me to cuddle up to strangers.

You'd think they'd want us to get on with it, though, wouldn't you?

[He's not going to assume there will never be any sort of godly repercussions for not playing along...]

[daikonrose]

[ Huh, was that funny? What a carefree guy. ]

Right? They do let us get in pinches to kinda force the issue sometimes, but overall it's kinda shocking how much slacking off you can get away with. Even if all you do every day is sit alone in your house and eat their synthetic food, they won't kick you out or cut you off. It doesn't make sense!

video

[iustaegis]

[ What an energetic fellow! And with such a charming smile. She's happy to answer and to help. ] Hello, Childe. My name is Pyra.

[ With the introduction out of the way, she continues with a friendly, easy smile. ]

I can understand how it's difficult to believe that this is the way the world works, but...[ A breath. ] yes. You are helping-- saving this world-- with such a simple thing like holding a hand. [ She's in a bit of awe of it herself, even a year later. What sort of creator deities had made a world like this, for such a simple thing to bring life and miracles back to the planet? ] The priests say it helps the gods here themselves, but many of us have seen the changes our presence has brought to this world over the past year.

[commediadellanime]

Nice meeting you, Pyra.

[He's being so friendly!

Well, for now.

He purses his lips and raises an eyebrow. Actually seeing the changes brought to this world? That... He definitely wants to know more about. He wants to get as much information as possible, but having actually proof that them being brought here is doing something... Well, it's perfect, isn't it?]

What kind of changes would that be? Not that I don't believe you! I just want to know what kind of things this hand holding is capable of.

[iustaegis]

[ She replies pleasantly, her tone patient and warm. His is a question she had when she first arrived, too, and that had been over a year ago. ]

I know it might be difficult to believe, but the world beyond the barrier you see... it's barren. A wasteland, and is so thick that one can hardly see the sun. [ Needless to say, what celestial bodies the barrier projects over them during day or night is all an illusion, their protection. ] The air is toxic to all. [ Even those who are not human. It's a great equalizer, in some respects. She says this not to try to worry him, but to give context. ] The priests tell us that the gods lost their powers when the population chose immortal, robotic bodies over theirs of flesh and blood. Over time, they were reduced to this last haven. It was decaying. [ Maybe there are other cities out there-- she sure hopes so-- but this is what they've been told thus far. ] When off-worlders first arrived, it was apparently in a far worse state that it is now. I arrived a year ago, and even then it was bad.

[ After a pause, she offers a meager, hopeful smile. ] The most apparent restoration to me was... the superbloom in spring. [ The occasional gifts from home were one thing, but this was merely more evidence. ] Look around you... There had not been any vegetation until springtime. The city's barrier, which is also powered by a divine energy, extended substantially as well.

....Also, touch is the easiest way to earn dora. [ She smiles at that, a bit sheepish. ] Although I'm not sure if that's associated with the gods themselves.

Text

[dontcallmebro]

You don't have to hug anyone. Holding hands works just as well.

I know it's as weird as hell but you do actually get used to it for a while. [SOMEHOW. A part of him can't believe he has but WELP HERE WE ARE.]

And if you need more sparring partners, I might be able to help out. What are your skills and experience?

[commediadellanime]

[Oh god he doesn't know how texting works. Give him a minute.]

im not really sure theres much difference between the way you touch to me, just needing to touch is weird

but ill take your word for it

the more partners the better!! im best with my vision and using swords and daggers, but im trying to get better with bows. ive got quite a few years of experience already.

[carbungle]

Yeah sure, I'll fight.

[He needs to get back into the groove of things, this is totally the way, right]

[commediadellanime]

Perfect! What's your specialty? I'm good at a little bit of everything.

[He's great at fighting.]

[the4united]

I've been looking for some good sparring partners since I got here. I'm always happy to have more!

What do you spar with?

[commediadellanime]

Perfect! Y'know, I'm glad there's so many people willing to spar.

I've been practicing with bows, lately, but my comfort zone would probably be daggers and polearms. Can use just about anything, though!

[He has... A lot of confidence.]

(Video)

[monklookslikealady]

First off, in a way: yes. You don't have to be 'cuddling', just positive contact. So, holding hands, a pat on the back, a kiss... if you have someone here you would share that with. [He shrugs, he's not the best to speak on the subject, really. He makes do with very little funding.]

Second, I'm normally a healer, but I fight with an axe. I wouldn't mind sparring a bit from here to there.

[commediadellanime]

I can't say that I do - but I've only been here a couple days, so who knows! Maybe I'm actually very kissable.

[He would kiss someone if he had to... It's all just business and to get ahead, so it's fine, right?]

Excellent! I'll keep you in mind, then. Always good to have someone who can heal around, and I don't fight people with axes very often. It'll be good practice!

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Goodness, the network hasn't been this busy for quite a while. ]

... Greetings. I have little doubt that most of your questions may have been addressed by now. However, if there is anything further you would seek clarification on, perhaps I can assist.

[commediadellanime]

[It's just a bunch of busy bees.]

I think the only thing I want to know for now is... What is there to even do here?

[He would gladly spend his entire days fighting, but what if he needs to recover?]

Video

[kingscholar]

The touching is real, sadly. You can only get money that way too.

[This poor rich boy suddenly needing money? Who knew this could happen.]

Also I'd train with you, I'm Leona by the way, and I can't wait to beat your ass.

[commediadellanime]

Damn. I was hoping there'd be more conventional ways of making money.

[He laughs, delighted.]

You're pretty confident! I look forward to fighting you, Leona.

video

[sweetlies]

Pleased to meet you, Childe. My name is Ciel.

First answer: very serious. It's the most reliable method of earning dora, blessings from the gods, and actually restoring this world to whatever its previous state was.

We've had at least one instance of the city expanding since the gods summoned us and we've been restoring what was revealed.

So it's very literal.

Second answer: Not me but I know several people who I'm sure would be willing to spar with you. I'm not the combative type.

[commediadellanime]

Everyone keeps saying that, so I guess it must be true... Do people often go out of their way to earn dora, or are they content to sit around all alone?

[He doesn't care much about restoring the world to it's former glory. That's none of his business.]

What type of person are you, then?

audio

[astralera]

Hello, Childe. I'm Era.

I'm assuming your questions have all been answered by now, but if it hasn't been mentioned yet: all positive forms of touch is of equal monetary worth.

A quick way to make money is to sit next to someone with your legs or elbows touching, or even sitting back-to-back while you occupy yourself with other things.

What is your fighting style?

audio;

[commediadellanime]

[Oh, no video. That's fine.]

So anything goes? Good to know. I'm not exactly the touchy-feely type.

[Sitting next to someone is easy enough - it's nowhere near as vulnerable as most other ways you can touch, and it keeps his hands free.]

I've trained in a few types of fighting - Snezhnayan fighting is all about being adaptable, so it's hard to pin it down. And we don't really name our styles like some other countries do.

[...Which isn't, technically, a lie.]