Page 2045

((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 2 of 2))
"The book also mentioned instances of 'multi-emergence' and 'counter-emergence.' Battles between emergence-prone servants have historically been known for that type of thing, along with all the collateral damage caused."

'Hmm, it doesn't sound like you only "skimmed" this book,' said Chergoa.

Ibai smiled as he took another bite. "I skim very thoroughly."

'That doesn't--y'know what? Alright. Anything else?'

He thought about it as he chewed. "Mm, don't think so. It had a lot of dates and stuff in it. The author was a very detail-obsessed, I think. Which is cool 'n all, but I got kinda bored. The Hypothetical Evolution of Friendship by Kareem Rambata was able to hold my attention a bit better."

'Oh? And why is that?'

"Because it was full of all sorts of crazy ideas!" A bit of food flew out of Ibai's mouth, but he paid it no mind. "Like, what if it was possible for normal people to sync their souls in the same way that servants and reapers can?"

Chergoa looked unimpressed. 'Is that what the title was referring to by "Friendship?"'

"I think so, yeah. The writer theorized that a strong enough bond of friendship could make up for the lack of a reaper's presence in the relationship."

'Uh-huh...'

"Wouldn't that be neat?"

'Sure. If it wasn't complete horseshit. Such an idea is demonstrably untrue. Thousands of years of servant-reaper history prove it. Honestly, that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.'

Ibai's mouth flattened. "Well, if you're gonna be like that, then maybe I won't tell you about the other theories that the book talked about."

'Doesn't sound like I'd be missing out on much,' said Chergoa.

"That's very rude, you know."

'Look, not every book is gonna be a winner, okay? In fact, statistically speaking, most are gonna be stinkers. I know you're a curious guy by nature, and that's good--great, even. But you should really try not to get distracted by crackpot ideas that make no sense.'

"Hmph." He went back to his tendies for comfort.

'Don't get me wrong. They're fun to delve into every now and again for a laugh, but c'mon.'