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senku
19 / male / ? / 10♣ (10 of clubs)

My name's Senku Ishigami. For the real purposes of this profile, all I have to offer is unimpressive sex with a virgin. A science nerd virgin, too, so I'm going to care more about my research and experiments than your feelings.

What I'm really looking for is research partners. I don't have even a millimeter's chance of making it through all those books in the library on my own.

And before I get kicked off of Mating Season, I'm looking to do hands-on sex research, too.

Hit me up if you're interested.

✔✘

March version

Edited 2024-03-07 04:57 (UTC)

senku
CHECK OUT MY FULL PROFILE

( 19 / M / knowledge / 10♣ )
Let's share information. Who wants to check out the university labs with me? I've been here a few months now, if you need someone to show you the ropes. Not those kind of ropes.

[The assigned wingman lets the beginning of Senku's subpar blurb stand, but where Senku added I'm not out looking for sex all the time, but I'm not opposed if it happens between us. they replace it with some extra embellishment.]

Unless you're interested in those kind of ropes. I'll try anything once, in the name of science. I'm not big on romance and fluffy feelings, so call on me for all your one night stand and friends with benefits needs. If you're also the inquisitive type, get with me just to find out if the carpet matches the drapes. Drop that smiley face in my DMs and let's see if we have the right kind of chemistry.

RATE MY ASS!

ON A SCALE OF 1 - 10, RATE MY ASS

RESORT CALCULATED STATS!

THE TRUTH ABOUT ME

SOCIABLE
★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

HONEST
★★★★★★★★☆☆

HORNY
★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

ONE-TRACK MIND
★★★★★★★★★★

CARING (IN HIS OWN WAY)
★★★★★★★★☆☆

Send me a message!
OR...
Schedule a date!
SEND ME A SMILING EMOJI. DON'T WORRY - ALL DATES ARE MANDATORY IF REQUESTED! YAY!

Edited 2024-07-06 07:15 (UTC)

ALL ABOUT MY SWEET SELF!

Original image has been filtered and enhanced by Bulbul BFF AI

CLICK HERE TO MEET YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND

▶ MY NAME AND WHAT IT MEANS...
▷ Senku Ishigami. Senku is written with the kanji for thousand and sky.

▶ MY BIRTHDAY AND HOW OLD I AM...
▷ January 4, 2004. How old I am gets complicated.

▶ MY BEST QUALITY IS...
▷ Once I set my mind on something, I accomplish it.

▶ I NEED TO WORK ON...
▷ I've been told I'm too blunt.

▶ A FAVORITE PASTIME OF MINE IS...
▷ Science.

▶ A SKILL MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW I POSSESS IS...
▷ I can make my own wine. It tasted awful, but I made it.

▶ I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO...
▷ Go to space.

ALL ABOUT MY SPECIAL THOUGHTS!

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW CHARMING I AM

▶ THE BEST CONDIMENT IS...
▷ Mayo.

▶ THE WORST FOOD IS...
▷ Most things I try to make by hand.

▶ IF I WAS DOMINATING THE WORLD, MY METHOD WOULD BE...
▷ Win everyone over with scientific discoveries and advancements.

▶ AFTER DOMINATING THE WORLD, MY FIRST DECREE WOULD BE...
▷ I would tell the world the next advancement we're working towards.

▶ IF I WAS STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND, THREE ITEMS I WOULD BRING ARE...
▷ If I can plan for getting stuck on the desert island why can't I avoid getting stuck there in the first place?

▶ IF I WAS LOCKED IN PRISON, I WOULD ESCAPE BY...
▷ What materials do I have? What skills do the people around me possess? These aren't very good what-if scenarios.

ALL ABOUT MY SPICY OPINIONS!

CLICK HERE FOR THE TEA, BESTIE

▶ CHOOSING BETWEEN CHEST, ASS, AND THIGHS, I PICK...
▷ Thighs strong enough to choke him.

▶ THE BEST SEX ACT IS...
▷ He'd probably say something he can do while he continues to monitor an experiment.

▶ A SEX ACT I WANT TO TRY IS...
▷ He watched a guy get his ass eaten out and was fascinated.

▶ THE MOST INTIMATE ACT ONE CAN DO FOR ME IS...
▷ Try to tame that crazy hair.

▶ SOMEONE IN THE RESORT I WANT TO FUCK, BUT HAVEN'T YET, IS...
▷ Anyone. This guy doesn't have any standards.

▶ MY EROGENOUS ZONES ARE...
▷ The scars.

▶ MY WORST HABIT THAT I WONT CHANGE WOULD BE...
▷ Being a know-it-all.

▶ A GENERAL CONTROVERSIAL OPINION I HAVE IS...
▷ Probably that hardworking datasets don't know how to write a good what-if scenario.

All questions in this section were auto-filled by Bulbul BFF AI. If the user is so dissatisfied with the provided questions, there's no need to force him to answer them. (Can an AI be petty?)

AFTER DARK PROFILE

PERSONAL

NAME: Senku Ishigami
AGE: For the sake of looking at me and deciding if you'd be okay banging me or if I'm young enough to be your kid so no thanks - I'm 20. How many years I've existed? 3738
GENDER: Male
CARD: 10♣
SEEKING: Interesting people

[Unfortunately, Senku wasted too much time trying to be clever with his age answer. His profile is passed on to the good folks at Mating Season at this point.]

HEIGHT: 171.4 cm/5'7"
WEIGHT: 61 kg/134 lbs
PENIS/BREASTS: Pretty average
ASS: There is a sad lack of ass here.
THIGHS: Sorry, our sources say the women in his world were given the entire thigh allotment.
HAIR: You have to see it to believe it.

EROGENOUS ZONES: Wrists and inner arms, back of neck, thighs
OLFACTORY: Clean, but sometimes too clean, like he's been around a lot of chemicals.
POSITION: Can't decide - will you be the one to make up his mind?

GREEN FLAGS

RED FLAGS

TURN ONS

OUR COMPATIBILITY DO THIS KINK

MATCH WITH ME

SENKU BISHIE-GAMI


Height: 171 cm/5'7"
Weight: 61 kg/134 lbs.
Age: 20
Eye color: red
Hair color: leek
TYPECAST & SUITABLE ROLES

• Mad scientist
• The guy you try to bribe to do your science homework
• Astronaut on a voyage to Uranus

KINKS & FETISHES

• Exploration
• Sex toys - the weirder the better
• Reading erotic literature

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Excellent memory
• Good with his hands
• Capable of extreme focus

Edited 2025-05-16 08:35 (UTC)

I'm fairly certain you didn't fill out that post on the network yourself, unless you're in the habit of sounding extremely unflattering, but I gotta ask anyway: sex research? Really?

I wrote every word of it.

Really. My plans are to test the conditions of Game 52. "What counts as a sexual encounter?" to start.

I also thought about experimenting with sex toys, but the local businesses seem to have that covered.

[ Good thing this is text since Childe bursts into laughter at that first sentence. ]

You wrote it? You know the point is to build yourself up, right?

[ SENKU PLS ]

Huh. That sounds kinda like a challenge. I hadn't really thought about it that far. I just figured I'll win the game and that'll be that. Could be fun to test the limits, though!

As for the toys thing, nothing like first-hand experience. Isn't that how experiments work? Trying it on someone? Or yourself, I guess, though that probably doesn't satisfy game conditions unless someone's watching.

I'm sure I'll have sex eventually. I don't need to get there with false advertising.

There's one right there. You say probably, but we don't know for sure. Is it enough if I give you a toy and send you off to use it? What if I'm in the same room but not involved at all? What if I'm watching but not touching myself?

There's a such thing as being TOO honest is all I'm saying. I don't like lying either, but there's sort of an art to games like that one.

Anyway, you're onto something. Personally I think having sex with other people is more fun, but I'm willing to play along to see where the boundaries are. I got a game to win, after all, so any way I can do it, I will.

Are you on board for testing this sex toy idea? If you tell me your name and where you're staying, I'll get something delivered the next time I go by Love Dove. We can see if the act of gifting it to you is enough to say I was involved.

Haha, sure. I'm in. I'm the Jack of Spades, [room number].

You want a picture or something to make sure I keep my end of the deal, or do you trust me? ;)

[ ooc: Do we have ooc info on whether this actually counts? I'm guessing the answer is no lol ]

I'll trust you, but take a picture anyway. Don't send it to me right away, though. It can be another variable.

[ooc: I also feel safe assuming no on this one, but I'm going to send my "so...I promise I'm not trying to break the game, but-" PM to the mods tonight to get some definite answers.]

Edited 2024-01-16 20:31 (UTC)

Will do, then. Try to have a little creativity with what you pick, ok? ;)

[ ooc: LEGIT let me know what they say! I love Senku so I'm very interested to hear about his experiments lol ]

[Although he said he would make his purchase the next time he happened to be near Love Dove, Senku is too excited to get this experiment going and heads to the store as soon as they're done texting.

The note about having a little creativity almost gets Childe a toy in the shape of a silicone cheese grater, but Senku curbs that impulse and turns to designs that look like they have a better chance of getting someone off. (He does note a possible avenue for future testing - would they earn credit in Game 52 if one person failed to achieve orgasm due to their partner's seduction attempts being found unarousing or even off-putting?)

His final choice is a masturbator because it's a toy that's definitely designed for solo use. It also has some interesting features. And yes, he picks it because he thinks the mouth looks ridiculous.

Just in case it will help, he adds a note to emphasize he's buying it with a particular person in mind and encouraging them to use it.]

I bought this especially for you. I can't wait to hear from you after you've enjoyed it.

--Senku

[With that taken care of, he delivers it to Childe's suite himself, knocking on the door but leaving without waiting for an answer.]

[ Well, that was fast! Childe isn't really expecting anything this soon, and he's not sure he's expecting much. Senku did say he was a virgin, after all. That doesn't mean he doesn't know anything about toys, though, so who knows what he'll come up with.

He goes to answer the door a little after the knock, but Senku is gone by then. Huh, weird. But…oh, the box. He opens it and actually laughs. It's not a bad pick, but it's so weird looking. Oh well.

He has some other things to take care of and gets that out of the way before arranging himself on the chaise lounge with the toy.

He takes a picture after he gets going, though his face isn't in it. It's just that kind of dick pic selfie! Though obviously his dick isn't exactly visible.

When he's done with the toy, he sends the picture and the following message: ]

Did you know this thing makes SOUNDS? Actually, the sounds are kind of a turn-off, but it feels amazing. Thx Senku. Let me know if this qualifies under house rules ;)

[There's the message he's been waiting for. Confirmation of the gifted sex toy's use and a picture.

Between de-petrifying various people and the general styles of their more primitive clothing ~~and Old Man Kaseki's clothing explosions~~ Senku saw his fair share of bare torsos in the Stone World. Still, he finds his eyes lingering on the proof. There's the sense of seeing something private, maybe even a slight thrill at it being directed at him, even if it was sent for utilitarian purposes.

But that's not important right now. He checks his Game 52 progress for a new Jack of Spades entry - nothing.]

No luck. Do you have a Ten of Clubs?

[Just in case the game made a distinction between the two of them and their relative levels of participation.]

I wondered about the noises it would make. Did it slurp and moan at you? Sounds like a bad sci-fi sex robot.

Nope. Looks like this experiment was a bust. Well, for you, anyway.

Oh, wonder no more. I got you.

[ He switches his message to audio long enough to play some of the sounds. Senku's pretty much right on the money. The sounds are mixed with Childe's laughter.

Might as well stay audio, since it's on now. ]

I couldn't take that seriously at all! I turned that feature off. Otherwise, good choice of toy. So. What's your next experiment, Mr. Scientist?

[Senku joins in the laughter.]

That's so bad. I need to remember this toy for testing out whether it counts when the mood is completely ruined.

What's next... The completely hands-off approach didn't count, so I need to increase my participation.

[The next step would most logically be one person uses the toy while the other person is in the same room but ignoring them. On the other hand, they're already here on the equivalent of a phone line. Well, ultimately Childe is the one who should decide what he's up for.]

I could come by and have you use it again while I sit and read a book and generally try to ignore that someone is getting off in the same room as me. Or we could try the phone sex option.

[ Childe is still clearly amused. Who wouldn't be, though? ]

Oh, you think an encounter that goes wrong might not count? Hm. Well…I prefer when things go right, but you tell me what the results are. Just for fun.

[ He considers for a minute. ]

You mean where we talk to each other but don't see anything? Hm...

[ They don't have phones where he comes from, so that kind of thing isn't an option. He actually hadn't even thought of it much until right now. Someone's voice in your ear while you mess around might be kind of hot. He's such a tactile person, though. ]

That depends on how good an imagination you have, I guess. You think you'd be totally unaffected either way? Easier to keep your distance without a visual. But I don't think you could actually ignore me in the same room.

[ Sure, asexuality is a thing and he can recognise that, but he's also a show off and likes attention. Who couldn't ignore who in that situation? ]

[Once he manages to ruin the mood ten billion percent and gets his answer, Senku will have no qualms about kissing and telling in the name of spreading knowledge.]

Heh heh heh, that sounds like a challenge. I'll have you know I have scary good focus.

[Of course, in the past he was rejecting sex as an abstract concept and not seeking it out when he had more important things to do. Even he has some slight doubts about being able to completely shut out another man masturbating a couple of meters away. That doesn't mean he won't try.]

Ultimately, I want the answer to two different questions. Do both people involved in the sexual encounter have to be in the same location? If they are in the same location, do they both have to be involved?

If I ignore you while we're on the phone together, there will be two variables - distance and lack of participation. So I'll need to be involved in that situation. I'm thinking provide you some direction at the very least.

Given that, which would you prefer?

[ He laughs. ]

Unfortunately for you, I love challenges. I won't give up on distracting you.

That said, guess I'd prefer the same room option. See how your scary good focus bears up to my determination.

[ Childe isn't overly full of himself about his sexual prowess or anything like that, but someone saying they could ignore him getting off right there? Of course he wants to prove that wrong. ]

You're on.

[Having a challenge gets his blood pumping, but not in the way the resort wants to reward.]

Send me a message when you're ready for another round with The Mouth.

[ He laughs. ]

Oh, no. I'll pick the toy this time. Wouldn't wanna get bored with just one thing, after all.

[ He has other ideas, something that might be more distracting for Senku trying to ignore him. ]

[ ooc: lmk if you want to do this or wait a bit or whatever! ]

Good idea. If you're bored, I'll be bored. It'll be that much easier to ignore you.

[ooc: Yeah, let's do this, if you're up for it! We could just continue here, or I could start a February catch-all.]

[ Childe texts Senku sometime later in February ~~because it took me 100 years~~ and just asks: ]

You busy? If not, I don't have anything going on. We could try that experiment of yours.

I can always make time for an experiment.

I assume you remember where my room is, right? Come see me.

Let me grab a couple things and I'll be on my way.

[The things Senku gathers aren't objects that are typically brought to a sexy meet-up. Instead, he piles together a few library books and a notebook he uses on the rare occasions he finds a potentially useful bit of information about the resort in the books. Should he pick up a pair of earplugs on the way? He decides against it because the idea is "ignoring" not "cocooned away from the sex." He might as well hide in the closet if he's going to do that.

It doesn't take him too long to make his way back to Childe's room and knock on the door.]

[ Childe is ready when Senku comes to his suite. The suite is ridiculously over the top, with a minibar and plush couches. There's a little swimming pool out on a balcony, and two bedrooms down the hall, as well as an oversized bathroom — jacuzzi tub and heated floor, all of that.

Childe himself is wearing what he generally does, just dark trousers and a red shirt. He has his shirt all the way open, showing both his sign mark in blue on the right side of his torso, and several scars. Some are worse than others, but it's probably obvious that he's been in plenty of fights. His

He knows what Senku looks like from the network post, but he looks for a long moment anyway, wondering a little at the marks on his face. Scars, maybe? But from what? ]

You're shorter than I thought you'd be. But please, come in! You want a drink or anything?

[ He slides out of the doorway, leaving Senku room to come into the room. ]

Out of curiosity, have you eaten at many of the restaurants?

I haven't bothered. I filled up on the free snacks when they pushed us to go to the meet-and-greets. Otherwise, I grab convenience store food most of the time.

Why? Ready to cash in on that IOU for a meal and some juicy details?

I see. I was hoping you'd have some suggestions.
I've only enjoyed meals from the Red Cardinal but wanted to try something new.

I am.

We could try somewhere from that list The Bliss-Soaked Emissary of this Night's Pleasure Eternal posted recently.

Unless you were hoping for some aphrodisiacs. I couldn't tell you if I usually put out on the first date. I've never had one.

We could try one of those places but I must admit there's something fun about potentially drugged food.

I've never been on a date either.

You're probably better off not thinking of this as a date. I doubt I'll remember to hold the door for you or anything gentlemanly.

I'm ten billion percent sure I'd get the drugged food. But I'm not against taking a chance on it.

[For science.]

Is that something men are supposed to do?

[ Dating isn't a thing in her time. Marriages are usually arranged by fathers or, if one is lucky, a man takes an interest and outright proposes. ]

I would be disappointed if it's only in your food.

[ Yes, she is strange enough to want to be drugged or poisoned. ]

In any case, shall we give the Gilded Cage a try?

I saw it in a movie once. I don't know how common it is with regular people. It was the first polite date thing I could think of.

The Gilded Cage works. If you're that set on getting drugged, I promise to share if I start feeling funny and you don't.

I see.

Excellent. I'll meet you there around seven.

[ That gives them a few hours to do whatever before meeting up. Maomao, is going to try to mix up new aphro antidote to try out. ]

[Senku prepares by...doing absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. Finishes looking through a book he had opened shortly before receiving Maomao's message. Makes a few notes for future reference. Brainstorms a list of chemicals that could potentially counter an aphrodisiac. Everyday stuff.

Actually, for something a little more unusual, add: remembers their conversations have all been text or audio (on her part) and looks up her Mating Season profile so he knows who to look for. And that takes him to a few minutes before 7:00, when he'll be waiting at the entrance to The Gilded Cage.]

[ She's there at roughly the same time, maybe slightly later as she can be easily distracted.

She hasn't bothered to dress any differently than normal. Her clothing is plain, somewhat baggy with a long skirt that nearly reaches the floor, and overall very comfortable but probably not easily accessible for certain situations.

She gives a little bow as a greeting before shooting him a little grin. ]

Are you ready to try the food?

[He's not much for ceremony, but he gives her a small nod in return, and then can't help but laugh at her question.]

You really are hoping for some aphrodisiac, aren't you? I can't lie, I'm curious, too.

[Although he's questioned whether an outside force influenced some of his choices, Senku is certain he's never been outright drugged. The thought of seeing how much he could resist is tempting. Sometimes a scientist has to become his own test subject.

But first, they need a table to be their lab. He walks in and waits for a member of the staff to notice them.]

I just want to see if I can detect it or not. The stuff I've played with has been relatively odorless and tasteless.

[ Given their somewhat lower rank it takes a moment before they're noticed and guided to a seat. They're given menus and left while the server goes to do whatever while they try to decide what they want to order. ]

Ah... A shame trying a little of everything isn't an option. [ She doesn't have near enough chips for that. ]

The stuff you've played with.

[It isn't a question, but the question behind it is heavily implied.

Looking over the menu, he sees he doesn't have a food budget truly made for a restaurant with diamond chandeliers and gilded cages either.]

What's our plan of attack? As many cheap things as we can afford to increase our chances? Go all out on two of their most decadent dishes because it's more likely the food is for a romantic night out and they'll want to help things along?

[ Subjects like this is one of the few times she's actually animated and doesn't sound or look like she's bored. ]

Do you remember that person called 'J'? Apparently, they were behind giving out gifts when we arrived and they gave me some mysterious white powders and needles. After some experimentation I found out the powders were mostly aphrodisiacs and that they could be created from some of the flowers found in the gardens.

And since then I've been trying to come up with a counteractive.

[ And thus she's played with them. ]

Hmm... [ He has good ideas on both accounts, but it's difficult to choose. ] Why not both? I'll order something expensive and you get a lot of little things? We can share from there.

[It's been a fun detail to throw into conversations, but now he's jealous all he got was a book.]

I remember the message J sent everyone, but I didn't realize they gave out the gifts.

Home-grown aphrodisiacs, huh? If something is important enough, manufacturing your own is the best way to get exactly what you want.

[He wants to hear more about her tests, but puts off digging into that until they've sorted out what they're ordering.]

That works for me. [He looks more closely at the menu with that restriction in mind.] Do you think only the food could be drugged, or should we try one of their fancy cocktails, too?

[Alcohol was one of the purported anti-aphrodisiac substances he thought of, but he's not interested in drinking enough of it to have that effect.]

It seems quite a few people received gifts, though many also received letters or nothing at all.

[ Or so they had claimed. ]

I would imagine the drinks could also be drugged. If they can put it anything, they will.

[ In her experience, aphrodisiacs were often mixed with alcohol. After all, alcohol lowers one's inhibitions, what better compliment to the drug than that? Though, too much could work as a counteractive if only because one might be too drunk to act upon their sexual desires. ]

I'll add one of those to increase our chances.

[As soon as the server returns, Senku orders one of the restaurant's specialty cocktails along with four plates that sound like fancier versions of the small snacks that used to be served with alcohol in Japan. Well, "used to be" from his perspective, which leads back to their initial reason for going out.

When they're alone again, he gets right to it.]

What do you want to know first about what happened to my version of Earth?

Let's both get a drink.

[ She likes alcohol and wants to try a few of the drinks.

She orders a drink for herself, something that isn't supposed to be sweet but claims to be spicy, how interesting! Along with that, she goes for one of the larger and more expensive dishes, something that looks like it has enough for the two of them to share. ]

I suppose start with how it began?

It began with sparrows.

[Kind of anti-climactic as a starter.]

Sparrow statues were showing up all over. But the thing was, once you looked more closely at how frequently it was happening and how spread out they were, there wasn't even a millimeter's chance it was a prank or an art installation or anything else having to do with statues. They had to be real sparrows turned to stone somehow.

Why sparrows?

[ She supposes they are small common birds, but why them and not insects or some other breed of bird? ]

I'm sure it was a test of the technology on a species smaller than humans, but I don't know the answer to why sparrows specifically. I still haven't been face to face with whoever was behind it to ask.

[And he would really love to ask. He can understand why an invertebrate might be too far away from human physiology to be a good test, but why not a small mammal or even a more directly related primate?

While he continues his story, their drinks arrive, but he ignores his.]

When the test on sparrows was successful, they turned to us. I still remember the green light spreading to cover everything.

That makes sense. [ However, the choice of a bird over any number of other animals is curious. Maybe it's because they're a rather common bird?

Maomao takes a sip of her drink if only to give it a taste. It certainly lives up to the claim though she does note some sweetness to it. Could it be the aphrodisiac or just a bit of sweetness to counter the spice? Only time will tell. ]

I see. So how were you released from your stone prison?

The key was nitric acid. At some point statue me got washed into a cave full of guano. I know I said I have terrible luck, but getting washed into that cave was definitely a stroke of luck.

Heh, or maybe my bad luck is the reason it took 3700 years to get to that point.

But when I tried to revive someone else, I found it wasn't quite as simple as pouring nitric acid him to bring him back.

[He's an animated storyteller, pinching his nose closed and making a face when he mentions guano, mimicking pouring nitric acid on Taiju.]

That's when I realized. I kept myself conscious the whole time, counting the seconds. I burned so many calories thinking, it wore away the stone from the inside to keep my brain fueled. That gave the nitric acid a fighting chance to break through the rest.

[Now Senku finally takes a large drink from his cocktail. His mouth is getting dry from all that talking.

Fruity. Is the warmth sliding down his throat all alcohol or partly aphrodisiac? He's on alert now for any changes.]

I think you were lucky not to lose a limb to hitting a rock or something of that manner. [ Though from the way he talks, the stone wasn't solid, but rather a cocoon that enveloped the victim. ]

You were conscious for nearly four thousand years? [ She's not sure which is more difficult to believe, that he was conscious for that long while turned to stone or that somehow the stone kept him nourished. Her brow furrows as she turns that information over in her head.

The nitric acid makes sense for releasing one from a stone cocoon. ]

If the acid wasn't enough to release others, what else did you do?

You're not wrong. By the time I woke up there were more than a few people who needed to be put together like a jigsaw puzzle. [He points to the lines on his forehead.] Even those of us that were revived had scars from spots that were slightly eroded.

Heh, I know it sounds like a ridiculous claim, but I was. Every 800,000 seconds, my consciousness threatened to fade, but I fought it off. I was determined to stay alert because I was sure letting myself go to sleep was certain death.

[His mouth feels dry again. Is it from talking, so soon? Or something in the drink? If it's something in the drink, it's an ingenious setup because the only thing to do is take another sip.]

The solution was nital - nitric acid and ethanol. It needed a crazy precise mix, but it could revive anyone.

[ Her drink is all but forgotten about while he tells his story. With this new information, she's even more confused. She thought this was just a cacoon of stone but now he makes it sound like they were solid stone. ]

I need some clarification here, everyone turned to stone, were they solid stone all the way through or something akin to a cocoon?

When I woke up, it was like busting through a shell. Heh heh, if I was more for metaphors, I'd call it some kind of rebirth.

But looking at other people, they were stone, through and through. The depetrification process just seems to work from the inside out.

[He feels that urge to quench his thirst again, but holds back.]

You should try this one before I drink it all. It hasn't made me ragingly horny yet, but I can feel something going on.

I see. So you were in something of a cocoon but others were solid stone. [ That makes more sense to her. ] However, if the depetrification works from the inside out, how is that the concoction worked?

[ When he offers the drink she takes it, sniffing it first before taking a sip. It's too sweet for her but there is something else there. Something that instantly leaves her mouth drier than before. She makes a soft 'huh' and passes the drink back before taking a drink of her own. It's far from quenching but it doesn't leave the same dryness behind. ]

Would you like a sip of mine?

It seems to be a chain reaction on a molecular level. It must work its way down to the deepest layer of stone and then push the transformation outward until the final layer of stone cracks away to reveal the flesh.

Of course, even with what I've witnessed and figured out on my own, I still have so many questions about the process. When we find the person who made the petrification device, I'll finally get answers to all the whys and hows.

[It probably sounds like wishful thinking, adding the impossibility of not even being in that world anymore with the original difficulties of finding the creator of the device while also hoping they will be forthcoming with any details he might want.]

This is more your field. If there is something in my drink, is it better for me to stick with that one drug or take a chance on piling them up?

I see. [ She has a hard time imagining how that would work, but it makes sense somehow. ]

In all likelihood, they use the game aphrodisiacs in everything they put them in. While there are a few different types with varying strengths, I don't see why they'd use something different in every drink.

Now the food, on the other hand, might have something different in it if they spike it.

Then I'll try some of yours, too.

[In continuing to go all in on the "will we get drugged?" mystery game.]

Did drinking mine make you want to instantly drink more? I'm not feeling any other effects yet, but that has to be intentional.

And I saw you sniff it. Did anything smell off? The problem for me in figuring out if anything tastes or smells strange is not knowing what the base ingredients taste or smell like in the first place.

[ She watches him drink, waiting for any kind of reaction from the spicy drink. Even if her drink isn't drugged, the spice mixed with alcohol alone should be enough to get one's blood pumping. ]

It did dry out my mouth a little, I can't say if that's due to the alcohol choice or some sort of other drug. [ Because alcohol is a drug, after all. ]

Not that I could detect, but I've found the aphrodisiacs I've been playing with can be difficult to detect. They seem to be odorless, or nearly so, and the sweet flavor is so subtle it can be easily covered up.

[Her drink has a definite kick, and he makes a face after he swallows.]

It's clearing out my sinuses, I'll say that much. Give me a minute and I'll tell you if that vasodilation spreads anywhere else.

Heh, I guess it's reassuring that they know their stuff. No bargain basement aphrodisiacs from this establishment.

[The server walks up with Senku's appetizers on a platter right as he says that, but talk of aphrodisiacs doesn't even merit a reaction. It would take something like actual nudity to make him falter even a bit in efficiently placing the small plates in front of them.]

[ Maomao lets out a soft sound of amusement. ]

It is good for that, I would like to know the recipe so I can make it for myself. [ She's made a similar drink in the past. She gave it to Jinshi to help roughen his voice for a disguise. Although, that drink had been much spicier.

She's not surprised by the lack of reaction from the server. She's certain they're used to such talk and likely more. ]

Those look good.

[Senku spears something that looks like an elevated pig in a blanket.]

If the sausage one is the one that's full of sex drugs, I'm going to be disappointed in them for being so obvious.

Don't wait for me. Take what you want.

[He takes a bite of his (given the comparison he just made - ouch) and the waiting game continues.]

[ Maomao hums at that. It wouldn't surprise her if they went that route. ]

Thank you. [ She takes one of the sausage rolls as well and bites into it without a second thought. She thoughtfully hums as she chews. The dough is rather bland but the saltiness of the sausage certainly makes up for it. ] Not bad. [ She decides. ]

Agreed. At least if they don't drug us, we're getting a decent meal out of it.

[One of his other choices was a plate of potato croquettes, and they've arrived as perfect spheres. As he pops one in his mouth, he thinks it's another shape that's a little too obvious.]

So I think I covered the most important parts of turning to stone and depetrifying. Do you want to hear about the actual device that caused it?

Nothing from your drink just yet? [ She knows it can take up to thirty minutes for the aphrodisiacs to take effect for some people. In her experience, even a sip should be enough to feel a little something once it hits.

Speaking of, she takes a drink before taking up one of the croquettes. Yet more food she's only come to know since arriving here as potato isn't a common ingredient back home. ]

They certainly made some choices with the food shapes. [ It's almost laughable. ]

What, you're saying this doesn't put you in the mood?

[He spears one of the wrapped sausages with a fork, but instead of eating it, places it between two croquettes to close the circle on the sexual imagery.

Starting to eat had distracted him from the dryness in his mouth, but when he focuses on it, he can feel it again. Underneath that, though, is there an added warmth? A bit of a tingle under his skin? Or is it all power of suggestion and he's feeling nothing more than the basic effects of drinking alcohol?]

I might feel the start of something. Is it better to try an antidote now or wait for the full effects to kick in?

Certainly not.

[ The immaturity is slightly amusing, at best he gets a smile out of her. ]

It would be better to wait until you're sure. And I should warn you, [ because she can't remember if she did before, ] there is the possibility of it not work. In fact, it might make things worse.

[ And, oh look, her food has arrived. It's a large pasta dish with calamari in a creamy sauce, topped off with a few slices of truffle. At least two of the foods would be considered a natural aphrodisiac by some, but the question is do they add anything more? ]

So tell me about the device. [ She says as she works at dishing out a sizable portion for him. ]

If you knew it was going to work, there'd be no point in testing it.

[And where's the fun in that?]

It took a few years, but we eventually found an example of the device that petrified humanity when we weren't even looking for it.

[How convenient that he has pasta now to serve as a visual aid. Senku pulls a noodle free and twists it with his hands into a reasonable approximation of the petrification device.]

I don't know if you have the same myths where you're from, but we called it the Medusa.

[If he's already been playing with his food, it's too late for manners. He sucks the remaining bit of sauce off his fingers.]

Good sauce.

[ She's glad he gets it, though she didn't expect anything less from another science-minded individual. ]

A warning is only fair. [ She hadn't expected her first test to go the way it had. She hadn't expected it to work, true, but to boost the aphrodisiac's effects to such a point hadn't been expected. ]

Strange. [ A remark at the devices shape. ]

I'm not familiar with such a mythical creature, no. I don't think we have any such stories where I'm from.

[ Her father had told her some stories that he heard or read while he was in the West, but never anything like that. ]

I can't replicate it with a strand of pasta, but the outside of it was smooth, even thought you could see a crazy amount of circuitry just under the surface.

[Its job done, the Linguidusa is unceremoniously picked up and dangled into his mouth to be eaten.]

In the stories, old lady Medusa had snakes for hair and turned men to stone when they looked at her. [So the grounds for comparison are obvious.]

That was the one thing this device had going for it; it took more than just staring at it to turn you to stone.

I see.

[ Prior to her arrival here she would have needed an explanation of what exactly circuitry is, but she's since learned a bit more about those kinds of things. ]

That sounds useful. Do you think her snakes were poisonous? [ Of course, her thoughts go there. ]

How did it do it?

We hadn't figured out the exact hows yet, but we've seen it in action and found out how to make it work. When it was activated, it gave off a petri-beam in a widening sphere with the medusa at the center.

[He demonstrates a widening circle with his hands. He's more occupied with talking than eating more food at the moment.]

And to activate it, you had to say a distance in meters and a time. In English. The distance became the radius, and the time was how long you had before it went off. So you could set enough time to high-tail it out of there if you needed to.

I see.

[ The mention of another language causes her to pause. While she found it odd before that everyone could understand one another, it really seemed to sink in at that moment. How does that all work? ]

What language is English? As in the origin. [ She only knows Linese, a smattering of the neighboring dialects, and a little of a language from the West. She wouldn't be able to say which one unless she saw it written or heard someone speak it, however. ]

English is considered a Germanic language. Indo-European if you're going even broader. In my time, well in my pre-Petrification time, it was used as a common language in science publications and discussion.

[Senku also has a moment of thinking how odd it is that they're discussing speaking words in a different language while possibly not even speaking the same language.]

Right now, I feel like I'm speaking Japanese. What about you?

I see.

[ As places go by different names in her world she can't even begin to place where the places he mentions might be on a map. ]

Linese. However, I've been informed by a few people that where I came from would be considered China in their world.

[ The conversation is a nice distraction but she can't help but notice something of a familiar heat slowly building in her. ]

If Lin is the same as China, Japan is to your north or northeast, depending on where you live. Any archipelagos up there in your world?

[The thought of constructing a map briefly crosses his mind, but he just takes another bite of food instead of using it to depict mainland China.]

Li is the name of the country I'm from. [ She corrects. ]

I don't know. Maps aren't something that are readily available to everyone. [ And it's not like she bothered to look at them while she might have had access while in the Palace. ]

All I know is to the west the land turns arid and the summers are long and dry, and, to the north, it's mountainous and colder.

[After the March update where, "I'm no longer a complete virgin like I was the first time I filled this out,"]

congrats on the sex my dude

And the only thing I had to bribe them with was knowledge.

did the other person get to finish?

I haven't done anything where I stick it in yet, so they were spared the premature ejaculation.

wait did you even finish?
someone's gotta finish for it to count right??

Someone does have to finish for it to count. I've found that to be true so far in my tests.

I said I wasn't a complete virgin. I didn't say I had a particular type of sex. There was phone sex. Some voyeurism things. Did you ever get caught by the elevator paintings? The other guy did this pretend dominance thing to get us out of it, but I ended up with a very real dick in my mouth.

so you were real serious about testing those limits huh

so like
are you out here like some monastery monk trying to get the cards without ever blowing your load?

It hasn't worked out that neatly for me.

As much as I've tried to be unaffected to truly test the limits of the system, I'm ten billion percent more susceptible than I ever imagined.

I did prove only one person has to get off during phone sex. We got our cards when she finished, and I didn't take my turn until after.

well yeah even if you're like a hundred zillion years old physiology's still physiology

kind reassuring i guess

What can I say? I'm a well-preserved hundred zillion year old.

It's not as reassuring for me because it sometimes feels like I've lost my focus.

hmmm does focus and sex have to be exclusive?
like j said the wish to get out was legit so sex is just another way of moving forward
now if you're so obsessed you're jerking it all the time instead of working that's another story~

Oh good, if that's the only metric, I'm fine. My levels of jerking it are perfectly normal. Slightly substandard, even.

yeah then you're fine chief
stop and smell the roses
jerk off
whatever helps you unwind and get back to work

Do you recommend leaving the library first or should I do it under the table for greater efficiency?

if you think you can get away with it more power to you dude

As much as I want to test the rules for accidental discovery, it wouldn't feel right.

but if i had told you to just do it would ya?

It wasn't a serious question, so no.

I'd need a better reason than "because you said so."

oh so it was a joke?
whew! good thing you're in science and not comedy

You really know how to kill a guy's self-esteem.

i can pronounce it dead too if you like
all official like

What do they do for dead people where you're from? Headstones? Shrines? I want my self-esteem to be properly remembered.

best i can do is burn some incense!

Good enough.

Rest In Peace, Senku's social currency.

How much credit should the flyer get regarding your new status?

None whatsoever. All credit has to go to my captivating Mating Season profile. And pictures on the wall.

Assuming you're talking about when I said I was no longer a complete virgin.

That's exactly what I am referring to. Then on the other front, was it of any help? Come to think of it, what inspired that idea?

It brought one person my way out of curiosity, so it wasn't a complete loss.

It was our common friend Baizhu, actually. He suggested I might want to take advantage of the bulletin boards for the low-tech people among us.

That's true, although it may have been stranger had no one contacted you. There are all types of people here, after all. So maybe Dr. Baizhu's suggestion was on point. It's typical in Liyue to use bulletin boards, however, the sort of messages found on them aren't always requests.

There's so much going on all the time, I chalked it up to a lot of people not taking the time to look at a flyer. I'd still use it again, the next time I need to advertise. It never hurts to cover all your bases.

So what does get posted on your bulletin boards? News? Wanted posters?

Consider making your next announcement on the bulletin board larger than your previous one. A size that would make it impossible to miss. Or I suppose you could go another route. You could cater to the resort's guests. Not that I recommend that option.

Let me think, in Liyue Harbor, there are various announcements. Actually, I believe I once read a post made by Doctor Baizhu relating to Qiqi, asking residents not to be alarmed by her presence. But there are announcements, like when Ms. Yun will be performing. Other than that it's mostly ads from various shops or civil affairs or warnings from the Millelith.

Why stop there? Maybe I should make my next ad a life-size cardboard cutout of me.

Ms. Yun makes sense in context, and the Millelith is a little more ambiguous but sounds like a police or military force if they're giving warnings. But I'm going to have to ask for an explanation on Qiqi.

Something like that? It wouldn't concern you that someone may steal it for inappropriate purposes. Some long-time guests are questionable at best, but you probably noticed since we arrived here.

It wasn't all entirely vague. Very well, let me provide context to everything. Ms. Yun Jin is the director of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe. Not only does she perform but she is also a talented playwright in her own right. As for the Millelith, you're spot on. They serve as guards throughout Liyue patrolling the lands under the Liyue Qixing. I've heard they've done all types of work: from reconnaissance to undercover missions and naturally, apprehending criminals. Now regarding Qiqi, I suppose due to her appearance, letting people know would help avoid alarm if they see her wandering at night.

I'm talking about cardboard not a blow-up doll. If someone can figure out a way to get off with a piece of cardboard, they've earned it.

So that cleared up everything but what I specifically asked. What would that appearance be?

Even if that piece of cardboard were to bear your likeness. Many would mistake that for confidence, but I suppose there are worse things here. Now about those dolls, perhaps rather than a life-size cardboard cutout...

Qiqi's appearance? When I was a child she was just a little smaller in height. Now, after some years, everything around her has changed and she remains the same. Wouldn't it alarm you to see a child wandering around at night?

You don't really think it's a good idea. You just want to see if I'll put a wig that looks like my hair on a sex doll.

Baizhu has a kid?

[That's what's alarming. It would be especially cruel of their local friendly sex resort overlords, to separate a parent and child.]

That won't be enough! To achieve your likeness you'll have to create a new face for the doll and dress it according to your style. Although, I suppose for its purpose that last part isn't entirely necessary.

And that reminds me, I haven't spoken with Dr. Baizhu in some time. Have you seen him of late Mr.Ishigami?

[ That is one big misunderstanding that Xingqiu decides not to clear up. Well, Baizhu himself can set the record straight. Besides, it is much more amusing this way. ]

If we're leaving it naked, it'll need to be anatomically correct. I think I saw kits for that in Love Dove.

No, now that you mention it, it's been a while since I've run into him or texted him. Should I be worried about that?

[But apparently now he needs to make sure he talks to him sometime soon so he can clear up the issue of the mystery child.]

I agree with you regarding that aspect, although your boldness shouldn't surprise me. In any case, do you require assistance in remodeling a doll?

Don't they say no news is good news? However, I might pay him a visit soon.

I probably would need some assistance, but if you just want to visit my upper level suite, you don't need an excuse like making a Senku sex doll. I don't care if people use my bathroom.

Maybe he's just been off doing medical things.

[Potentially ominous.]

But it wouldn't hurt to check up on him.

In that case let me be honest. If I were seeking the comfort of privacy that comes with the luxuries you were afforded, I would have opened up with that. My offer was made more out of curiosity. I wanted to know just how far you wanted to take this.

Although now that you mentioned it. I'll be coming over, of course, to use the bathroom in your suite. Thank you for the invitation.

And you may be right about Dr. Baizhu. Doing medical things in medical ways.

[ He definitely really should look into whatever the doctor is up to. ]

Good to know.

I'm in [insert room #]. I've already come back from the library with my latest stack of books, so stop by whenever you want.

Don't bring a sex doll.

If you're mentioning books along with this invitation, then I will assume that you plan to read them out loud. Can't wait, I'll see you soon then.

Are you sure about the doll?

Ten billion percent sure.

It would be a fun project, but I'll respect your wishes.

( ooc: I think that's a good end. we can start something fresh if you would like. also if it is okay - and I forgot to mention - but I dropped our other thread cause old cause... :'D I am just slowww )

(ooc: Yeah, let's throw them together again when we have a chance! And sure, that's fine. We got through the important part of dirty books falling on them. I'm trying to remember off the top of my head, the thing he was going to show him was a book that talked about past resort guests or something like that to reveal the place had been around for a while?)

( ooc: he was going to show him a room only he has access to. inside there are: several tomes, dusty with age, and including several old maps of the resort. these maps are rather strange, showing that the layout of the resort has changed drastically over the years.

the tomes are likewise interesting because they are not regular tomes. they are journals of the thoughts of former guests of the resort. these journals do not provide any real information but do suggest that the existence of the resort goes far, far back.

from what i gleaned is that the journals tend to be fairly normal until people either stop writing cause they're busy. or they write about being busy like the resort wants them to be. some are kinda unhinged. )

Oh ~~~Senku-kun~~~! ✨✨✨

I have some news I want to discuss. Unfortunately it's not exactly good news. You might already be aware, but if not, I thought you should be first to know. And even if you are aware, I wanted to discuss it anyway.

Is over text OK? Or would you prefer to meet in-person?

Over text is fine. It's not like I'll need you to offer me a shoulder to cry on, no matter how bad the news is.

Alright, here goes!

[And now for the moment of truth!

... honestly, the reason he asked about meeting in-person is because he wasn't sure the House wants this info getting out. But given that their verbal conversations are probably also being spied on, does it make a difference? At least this isn't a public network post.]

Rinne-senpai said people have turned to stone here before. He claimed that's what the House does to you if you refuse to go to bed with anyone. I'm not sure how the process works, but I assume it's similar to things like those animal ears, or that flower-coughing disease that went around. In other words, it's something that just happens.

He said it was another guest who told him about it, but he refused to name names. I guess he wanted to protect their privacy.

That's news to me.

[The things he's learned and/or theorized about the House's methods for encouraging their sex lives have been mental in nature.

Stone. There's a moment when not again flashes through his mind. It would be the height of self-centeredness to think that the effect is in any way targeted at him, but how many of the resort's current residents have personal experience with being turned to stone?

On the other hand, probably no one else has personal experience with being turned to stone. He's uniquely qualified to accept it as an outcome.

Hiyori won't get any of the inner turmoil, though. It's nothing personal. Senku just isn't really one for unburdening his soul. He prefers to side-step emotions whenever possible in favor of facts. What he's going to add instead is:]

They want us rock hard one way or another, huh?

Can't say I'm itching to experience it again, but at least it's something I know can be overcome.

[Hiyori can imagine the inner turmoil even if he doesn't see it. He doesn't know whether the stone business has any connection to Senku's life, but the House does seem to know an awful lot about them all. Who's to say they weren't inspired by what happened in his world?

Though he wrinkles his nose when he sees that initial comment.]

You must get your jokes from the same book as Rinne-senpai, since that's just what he said!

[He doesn't like crude humor!! But he'll forgive it given the seriousness of what they're talking about.]

"Overcome" by sleeping for thousands of years, you mean? I'm not sure the House is kind enough to put any of us into that kind of sleep. I'm worried they might just chuck us in a ditch somewhere. Or let our statues decorate the place.

[He's seen those. The ones that look eerily lifelike. And now he'll never be able to look at them the same again, though he's not sure whether he's right in that suspicion or not.]

Though Rinne-senpai implied that turning to stone doesn't necessarily kill you, so maybe you are right.

Anyway, I wanted to warn you first. Though now I think it might be best to put up a big PSA warning everyone.

Great minds think alike.

[It's typed with a bit of a smirk on his end, but he quickly turns more serious.]

That's not what I mean. A person here and there turning to stone is ten billion percent different from everyone being turned to stone. If there's someone around to revive you, sleeping for thousands of years doesn't have to be your fate.

[If there was a way to find someone immediately after they're turned, he could test if the Revival Fluid that worked on his form of petrification also works here. If it didn't work, start experimenting from there. Even - and it's hard for him to admit this given how strongly he resisted believing in magic - get some magic users involved.

Talking about it at large would be the best way to have that chance, but there is one concern.]

Is that the kind of secret they want revealed?

[It might be okay because the House would understand how motivational avoiding that fate could be, but if they truly wanted to be forthcoming with the information, why wasn't it common knowledge?]

If you do decide to make a PSA, I can offer suggestions for what to do if you get turned to stone.

[Again, uniquely qualified.]

That's true, I suppose. I'm not really sure what happens to people after they *do* turn to stone. But as long as you can find their statue somewhere, maybe there's some hope.

I just hope the cure isn't something nasty, knowing this place.

[Translation: he doesn't want to fuck any statues. Nor does he want to think about anyone else doing so!!]

Does that mean you went around reviving people who'd turned to stone back at home, though? I knew you were involved in rebuilding society, but I just assumed all the stone people woke up on their own or in sleep pods.

[As for the PSA question...

His shoulders sag. Ugh. He may have a point about him getting punished if he tries. Though the only "punishments" he's received so far were rather weaksauce.]

Not if they want us to think they're so kind and loving and generous, just like all the longer-term guests do. Though I think the ship's already sailed on that for most of us.

We know they're always spying, so I'm not sure how much difference it makes. But if you think it's safer to spread the word in-person, I guess I can try that first.

Only a handful of people ever woke up on their own. I kept my mind active the entire time, counting the seconds, and the energy burned by thinking wore through the stone over the years. Nitric acid finished the job.

[It does sort of discount his claims about his bad luck that his stone body drifted to the right location to be freed.

Maybe the fact that a cave full of guano was involved counts as the bad luck.]

After what you said about it being something nasty, if my original formula doesn't work, I'll try one with calcium, chloride, citrate, fructose, glucose, lactic acid, magnesium, potassium, protein, sodium, urea, and zinc.

[Hiyori probably doesn't want to know what that's the chemical composition of.]

I don't have a good answer for that. You need to decide how daring you're willing to be. I wouldn't put it in the having a death wish category, but I don't think you can guarantee no consequences, either.

[Yeah, that first bit earns an expression of pure disbelief. Not that Senku can see it.]

That sounds like something out of a manga.

[He doesn't even read manga, but he knows enough to know that.]

You're stronger than I am. I'd probably die of loneliness and boredom before the first year was up. Though I guess it might be different if I knew Jun-kun or Nagisa-kun was still out there somewhere.

Good luck getting your hands on all that stuff!

[Yeah, he has no idea. He's glad someone around here knows what they're doing, though. Even as he wonders whether Senku's science prowess is any match for the resort's magic.]

I don't think there's any way to guarantee no consequences. Rinne-senpai's been cooperatively playing that game the way they want us to, and they still made him disappear for a month. Sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures!

But telling people separately should still help spread the word. So, I guess I'll start with that first.

There's also another thing I'd been thinking I should make a PSA about at some point. Have you heard the term "suit effects"?

Believe me, if I hadn't lived through it myself, I wouldn't believe it.

Surviving in a primitive world is a lot of work. I was too busy to be bored. Besides, I woke my friend Taiju up six months later.

[He would say he woke him up because he needed his muscle, but Senku had resorted to talking to passing monkeys by that point.]

One more thing about people turning to stone here - from what you've learned, do you really think the statues around the place could be petrified guests?

[Because if the statues are already people, he doesn't have to wait for someone who's heard the message to point out a friend who was recently turned to stone.]

I have. I've talked to a couple people about suit effects in the past month.

Before you get your hopes up, we only talked about how we need to figure out more about them.

I meant that I would've died from boredom while I was still stone. Though inhabiting a wasteland doesn't sound like much fun, either. If there were people I knew who still needed waking up, though, I'd definitely busy myself with trying to do that. By throwing them a concert, for example!

[Of course that's what he'd try first. Perhaps he could also try talking incessantly until they woke up. Sometimes it pays to be annoying!

But enough silliness. That next question is sobering.]

I've been wondering that nonstop, to be honest. But not everyone who disappeared here came back like Rinne-senpai. Some of them had their names taken off the registry and were never heard from again. I don't want to assume the worst, and I almost don't want to investigate because it's such a horrible thought, but I do think someone needs to get to the bottom of this. If it's possible to turn people back from stone, then perhaps those who disappeared aren't a lost cause after all.

I don't know anyone who has disappeared permanently, though. So even if their statue retained a lot of their features, I still wouldn't recognize them.

[This will change in a month or so. But at the time this conversation is taking place, he doesn't know any dropped characters.]

So no findings worth mentioning? I wonder if that's another one of those things the House wants to keep under wraps. If so, they're pretty bad at preventing information leaks. Alright, time to start polling people on that!

[It might be safer to discuss that, and cause less panic, than broadcasting the whole stone thing in public.]

[Throwing a concert is not the scientifically approved way to turn people from stone back to flesh and blood.]

An investigation like this isn't for the squeamish.

There are people I talked to once and never ran into again. Maybe they're just not going to the same places I am but maybe something happened to them. I'll have to start looking more closely at the statues for their faces.

Or I could dump revival fluid on a random statue and see what happens.

[Inexact methods to fit a mysterious process.]

Not yet. If I was the easily embarrassed sort, I'd be mortified to tell you I don't have even a millimeter of data.

[Why hasn't he made more progress? Is that in and of itself something they're doing to his mind, distracting him?

~~No, it's player error.~~]

People don't take too well to finding out they're being manipulated. I think that would negate any benefit to the House of being open about it for motivational purposes.

If you remember their names or their network IDs, you could try checking the registry. I guess there's still no telling what happened even if they were removed, though.

Rinne-senpai also said the resort's been running for a while. Or at least that's what J told him. So if those statues *are* guests, they could be guests who were petrified decades ago.

[Which is a really depressing thought: being stuck like that for years. Most people couldn't power through it like Senku, surely.]

Do you have all the ingredients for "revival fluid" here?

I don't think you have much to be embarrassed for. At least you've been looking into some stuff. That's more than you can say for some people here. Though I guess if you bought the whole wish-granting thing and you're fine with sleeping with whoever, then ignoring the mystery behind this place and focusing on "Game 52" might seem the most logical. I'm sure that's what they're counting on us to think.

And if that's the case, they shouldn't be so blatant about their manipulation! We were all kidnapped, for starters. Then some of us were made Rank 2s or Rank 3s and got stuck with those awful basement rooms. But they made sure to tell us, "If you want to rank up, you have to sleep around! Same if you want to go home!" So anyone who knows about the rank system, or anything else about how things work around here, should already see their true colors for what they are.

That's right. I once saw some old books, journals really, in the library. I only skimmed through them, but I got the sense that they were from guests from a long time ago. There were some maps, too, showing the resort has been around long enough to do some big remodels.

[All the more reason to figure this out so they can save people who might have been turned to stone decades ago.]

The alcohol in the mixture will be easy to get, but the nitric acid is going to take some work.

[Unless, say, a university with labs were to conveniently open up.]

But if I can make it with what I managed to find in nature and build myself, I'm ten billion percent sure I can make it here.

[He feels some of the hopefulness drain out of him on reading the last part of Hiyori's message.]

They're toying with us on every level, aren't they? If they were really all about spreading the love - or even spreading the debauchery - they could find people who would willingly sign up to escape their responsibilities and live it up here.

The library has stuff like that, huh? I tried to learn about magic through the library once, but it's so huge and there's so much trash to wade through that I basically gave up and started asking people in-person. Guess I'll go back sometime! Did you get anything noteworthy from the journals, though?

The House seems like they can procure just about anything, so I wouldn't count it out. But if you do have to make it yourself, then good luck.

[Thanks, Clubs!

And no thanks to the House. It's always depressing to he reminded of how dismal their circumstances are.]

Yep. We're more like test subjects than guests. It's like they're trying to breed lab rats in captivity, or something like that.

[...]

But enough of that analogy.

I really am sorry to bring the bad news to you. It's not my fault this place is like that, of course. But my job back home is to spread cheer, so it's rather unfortunate I have to keep doing the opposite here. That's one more thing I'd like to complain about!

No, it was a lot of day-to-day stuff. The only really notable thing was realizing the Golden Peacock really has been around for a long time. You'd have to ask Xingqiu if you want to see the journals yourself. He was the one who took me there. He had some kind of special pass to see them. I don't know if it's still good.

Otherwise, as someone who's spent a lot of time in the library, I can tell you without a doubt the porn far outweighs the useful information.

[But searching through it was and is something that makes him feel like he's trying to do more than just accept his fate here.]

Don't worry. I can take it all in stride. Tell me the bad news so you can save the cheerfulness for people who need it.

That's what Rinne-senpai told me. It's hard to imagine since the resort has all this cutting-edge stuff now, but in the past it must have looked different.

Is that a privilege that comes with his rank? In any case, I don't think I've met anyone with that name yet, but I'll keep it in mind.

And that's good to know. You're what we'd call the resilient type! We could use more people like that around. I like to spread my radiance to absolutely everyone, though, so I'll be sure to shine a little on you as well! ✨😊✨

I can't imagine the resort without the technology. I don't see how anything would have worked.

I'm not sure. His rank is the lowest of the low, so it's not from that.

I should probably warn you it can be hard to get a straight answer out of him. You can trust him. He won't lie to you. But he's an expert at carefully omitting details.

Only a little. I've already reverted back to my pasty never-leaves-the-lab complexion.

Why, that's simple. It must have run on ~🪄✨🔥✨🫧✨~MAGIC~🪄✨🔥✨🫧✨~!

Though I already know how you feel about that idea. And it's not a satisfactory explanation to me, either, really.

Someone who "omits details on purpose" doesn't sound very trustworthy, you know! But if his rank is that low, maybe he can be plied with free food and such.

And if he can't be, oh well. That just means I helped someone who's down on their luck and failed to benefit in return. But that's something I like to do anyway, so either way, I win!

You don't want a tan, huh? I know it's impossible to get any real sunlight around here. But that just makes me the closest thing, so don't be afraid to bask sometimes!

As painful as it is to say this as a man of science, I'm not as anti-magic now as I started out. I watched a bare twig regrow branches and leaves right in front of my eyes. Believe me, I'd love to find the scientific principles behind what people are calling magic, but there's not much arguing with that.

You're a real glass is half full kind of guy, aren't you? If Xingqiu gives you too much trouble, you can judge my taste in people to hang around.

[He has accepted some shady sorts into his circle in the past.]

I don't think I've ever basked in my life.

Yep, there are people here who can do plant magic! Or flower magic. There's this one person who makes flowers with healing properties, using drops of his own blood, apparently. I haven't met him in-person before, but his username is "Wildflower."

[They actually have met at the Roost once, but at the time this inbox thread is taking place, he hasn't realized that was the same person yet.]

I'd say I'm more of a realist. For example, I know the House wants us to kick back and have fun, but the situation we're in is quite terrible, so I'm afraid I can't just sit in salon chairs and shop all day. Which is a shame because I'd really like to!

But I try not to let all that unpleasant stuff affect my positive attitude, *or* my dazzling smile. So, whenever you want to bask in that radiance, feel free! Perhaps a day of basking would do you some good!

The one who asked about flowers on the questionnaire. We ended up talking about tea. A lot less interesting than blood magic.

[And blood magic sounds more interesting than flower magic.]

I'll think about it. If I ever do decide to bask, you'll be the first person I call.

Flowers and tea, huh. Sounds like he has some interests in common with me! But I take it you're not as big a fan? Then again, I'd rather drink tea than just talk about it. Especially over these watches. My hands are going to cramp from typing on this small screen at some point!

And great! 😊✨

Tea's fine, but give me a good energy drink any day for caffeine. I'm going to guess that's not your style at all.

Next time you want to talk, I'll choose the in-person option and save your joints.

Like the ones you find in vending machines? Nope, not my style at all! Though I've seen Jun-kun drinking them once or twice. Fortunately, there are energy-boosting teas, too.

And sounds like a plan It's easier to bask in-person than over messages anyway. Though I guess there's always the video or audio option. But at that point, you might as well just meet up. Preferably over tea!

Or other drinks. Whatever our hearts desire~

Basking and hearts in the same day? I might need a violently fluorescent drink to get through that.

[And when they meet up (sort of) in person, their hearts are going to desire some very strange things...]

And that just sounds like it would make a person violently ill! But whatever, suit yourself!

[At least now he knows what to give Senku as an apology gift. Energy drinks!]

Senku-kun, Senku-kun! ✨😊✨ I have a question for you! And for once it has absolutely nothing to do with statues, science, or theories about the resort!

[He attaches a photo. The photo shows a certain orange-haired boy striking an adorable (?) cheeky pose.]

I wanted to ask about Leo-kun! Do you think he's cute?

[How novel! And how completely outside of his wheelhouse.]

He's fine. Why?

Leo-kun's been a bit lonely since Rinne-senpai disappeared, so I'm trying to help him get out more and make some new friends. Which means arranging dates or meetings or whatever you'd like to call it! Interested?

[Rinne was also the one making sure Leo didn't turn to stone due to lack of sex, so...]

We haven't run into each other a lot, but I know Leo. He's one of the first people I ever talked to after I arrived. He loaned me some bubble bath when I was having trouble with my reflection in the tub.

[No "keep Leo from turning to stone" activities, though.]

You should probably ask him if he wants to put up with me before you send him on a not quite blind date.

So you do know him!

[That should make this easier! ... hopefully.]

I'm not quite sure what you mean by that. That just makes it sound like you're a bother, and I've met much more bothersome people than you here! But Leo-kun's the type who loves everyone, so even if you were a pain, he'd probably still be happy to meet.

Is there anything in particular I should warn him about, though?

He does seem like the kind of guy who's happy no matter what.

I just know I'm ten billion percent not a good pick in the romantic department, if that's what you're setting this up as.

Not exactly! I was serious about him loving everyone, so I don't think he's looking to go steady. If he was, it'd probably be with that person back home he talks about the most.

But a date doesn't have to mean going steady. It can be more casual! "No strings attached" - that sort of thing! 😊

[Ideally, he would like for them to fuck, though. Since Leo's suit will need taking care of going forward. But that's beyond his control, and he can't just say it! He can only attempt to pull the strings!!]

[Going steady. Does anyone even say that anymore?

Where's a curse to spice up Hiyori's speech when you need it?]

I can do no strings attached.

I'm kind of surprised you'd want to encourage that over seeking true love.

[Been there, done that, not doing that again!! (Until the next time he inevitably breaks some rule or pisses off the House and gets cursed a third time.)]

I'm not naive. "True love" has a hard time flourishing in this environment. If they hadn't brought Jun-kun along, I wouldn't have sought out anything like that here.

[He'd be trying to keep things shallow with everyone, probably. He can be cuddly and kind, but he has a surprising cold side to him.

Though it's probably not all that surprising to Senku, who's seen that side of him before. (Exacerbated by his suit, but still.)]

But perhaps if you get along, you could also be friends! I'm sure we could all use more of those around here.

You do have that cutthroat side to you.

[No-strings-attached Hiyori would lay (pun not intended) the entire eligible population to waste. While refusing to talk dirty.]

How many idols can you be friends with before you become the manager of a band?

[Although that stings a little when there's one less idol around.]

[That's what his doppelganger was aiming to do during the Spades game. Pump and dump everyone, then leave! But alas, he dissolved into flecks of light.]

I don't know what you're talking about!

[(He knows exactly what he's talking about.)]

You don't need to manage me, anyway. Me and Jun-kun already have a producer back home! But if you want to manage Leo-kun, be my guest! He does sometimes forget to eat and such. Maybe you can snack together during your date~💕

I'll feed him, if he's that hard up. Do I need to worry about the "and such" part?

No, I guess not. I don't want you thinking he forgets to bathe or anything like that. He doesn't smell, and his skin looks good!

I got my fancy bathroom back. If he does, I'll just send him in there.

He's a Rank 10, too, you know. But great!

Would you prefer to meet up somewhere? Or would you rather talk to him over this watch thing first? If it's the latter, his username is @ Knights! Simple and easy to remember, no?

[He knows there's no chance in hell Leo will make the first move and contact Senku first. He'll be lucky if Leo even remembers the whole matchmaking conversation. He's a space cadet!!]

I don't mind messaging him. But what do you think would work better for getting him out of his room?

[Does Hiyori need to personally walk him to a date location, or is he fine on his own? The and such is lingering with Senku.]

[He... may in fact need to do that. Sob. But as for getting Leo out of his room...]

Maybe you could sing outside his door? He likes hearing people's voices! And he once said music is his "first language."

I'm not a singer.

Then I guess you could try humming! I don't think he's picky.

I'll see what I can come up with.

Great! Good luck with that!

["Go get 'em, tiger."]

And merry almost Christmas! 🥳🎄🧣☃️❄️ I don't know what Christmas celebrations were like back in your world, given the whole rock situation, but hopefully we can both have some fun here!

Sure, Merry Christmas.

The holiday ten billion percent didn't survive over those 3700 years modern humans were petrified, but I did make a Christmas tree.

Before you start feeling too warm and fuzzy about me, the important thing was creating the light bulbs.

Still sounds heartwarming to me! Illuminations are *super* important for Christmas. And if you can get a lightbulb to work, perhaps one day you can get a star to light up! Or some other tree topper!

Creating the perfect Christmas date scenario wasn't my top priority.

Yes, given the circumstance, I suspect not! But hopefully you brightened up everyone's holiday, anyway.

[On the day of the 25th, Senku will receive a delivery!

The first item in the package is a Flashing LED Christmas Tree Kit! Or rather, a "Flashing LED Non-Specific Holiday Tree Kit." One circuit board, six 470 ohm resistors, six 47 ohm resistors, six 10 uF capacitors, six NPN transistors, six LEDs (2 red, 2 green, and 2 blue), one switch, and one AA battery holder all included. (Batteries sadly not included.) Assembly instructions are included, but he doubts Senku will need them.

I asked a staff member what the best gift for a science nerd would be, and he handed me this!

So that's his first gift. But because Hiyori possesses a noble and generous heart, he also threw in a free bar of soap! "Citrus Sunshine" scent. For the next time you need to wash your mouth out! he writes on the note. Ha, ha.

Merry Christmas!

The note is signed with Hiyori's signature!]

[Give Senku a science project and he won't be able to resist digging right in. (Ask the house about the dildo kit it gave him for his birthday.)

When his Christmas tree is assembled, he takes a 3-second video of it flashing away and sends it to Hiyori. Just to be extra, he's powered it with potato batteries.

Spanks, I mean, thanks for the project.

That seemed only fair for the soap comment.

Senku didn't buy anyone Christmas gifts. He doesn't have anything to drop off in return.

But someday!! Hiyori will receive a surprisingly thoughtful gift when he least expects it.]

hey space cadet
got a science adjacent question for you

I'm listening.

let's say
theoretically
i need to cook something big with an electrical current

what options do we have available here?

That ten billion percent depends on what the something big is.

Meat or vegetable?

meat

[ Huh............ then again, there's that weird vine thing that happened. ]

ish.
mostly meat. probably.

Then just know you're about to incinerate your green peppers when you cook them with the meat.

But we'll work with meat as a baseline.

Here's the standard way to cook a hot dog with electricity.

[He sketches out a set-up with electric current traveling through forks and sends her a picture.]

People do it just to say they did or when they're really desperate rather than it being the best way to cook them, but it works.

[Yet somehow despite knowing this, he's focused on the how and not the why of her asking about cooking with electricity. Scientists will scientist.]

How many hot dogs worth of meat are you trying to fry?

oh, just one. but it's
super big
like person size

[ Yeah, because that's not suspicious at all. Good grief. ]

tried lightning last time but the sear was pretty uneven

Are there still creatures that big running around in The Vale?

[He didn't get a great look at the dragon he and his friend ran from back then, for obvious reasons, but he could see a hunk off one of the legs being the size of a person.]

That never had even a millimeter's chance of working. If you can casually call down lightning, you should know the current is erratic as hell.

Next question. Is your meat an even thickness, like a big hunk of manga meat? Or does it vary?

beats me. found mine in the cloud garden.

it varies. minimal fat content, mostly muscle with a fair amount of bone. think, like, a super beefy chicken foot or something.

With that composition, you could almost get away with the hot dog method.

But you'd be safer if you spread out the current.

This was my idea for even thickness.

[He's continued sketching as he thinks this through, and sends her a drawing of a piece of meat stuck between piercing metal plates.]

If you could conform the metal to the shape of the meat, you'll get the best current distribution.

[Exhibit C: a beefy chicken foot surrounded by a spiky metal sock, a bit like an iron maiden.]

hmm. expand the surface area, huh...

[ SHE'S GETTING IDEAS. Whether or not they'll actually work worth a hoot is another matter, but that's future Mayou's problem. ]

10/10 diagrams btw professor big brain.

alright, i think i get it. let's throw in an additional hurdle: it needs to be done with lightning, so the current is going to be erratic.

You need to use lightning. Overkill much?

[But if they were face-to-face, she would see this statement comes with a laugh and a slightly manic grin rather than anything like judgment or disgust.]

A surge protector would combat sudden bursts of electricity, but it ten billion percent defeats the purpose of wanting to make use of it.

I'd try a modified lightning rod.

Most people are aware of a lightning rod as a piece of metal that draws in lightning strikes, but they don't always think about what happens next. When the rod is on top of a building, wires lead the electricity safely down to the ground instead of through the structure.

You could use surface area to your benefit again and make the lightning pass from a rod into a maze of wires so it doesn't turn a single toe into charcoal and leave everything else still clucking.

in my defense, lightning is cool as hell.

a full size lightning rod might be a pain to find in the casino, wouldn't it?

[ Mayou straight up refuses to commandeer a stripper pole for this hypothetical hot dog roasting scenario, ok. Who the heck knows where those have been. ]

still, that's a starting point........ i have a few ideas. we'll see what works out.

Is your beefy chicken foot the size of a barn? Scale it down. I've seen metal rods in Love Dove that could work if you don't think too much about what they're really meant for.

Once you've had a chance to test it, I want to hear all about it.

[Or so he thinks.]

Even the parts that don't work.

[ CASUALLY GLOSSING OVER THE CHICKEN FOOT SPECIFICS........ nbd nothing to see here ]

i keep notes, so you can get a pic of those if you want?
but yeah, sure, that's not a problem. appreciate the help.

I'll take it.

Thanks for giving me a science puzzle to think about.

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text; un:tartaglia

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cw: links NSFW

nsfw (picture link is sfw); I didn't write out the whole scene since this one won't count

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we have to get someone to have a clothing explosion like kaseki just ONCE in this place

yes! no better way to get down to business

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Text; @Maomao

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