scientificflair | 005. Audio.

[Those just turning their Gears on to check the Network this morning will be greeted by strains of music over Descole's feed - something melancholy, being played on violin; the song is something he'd heard many times before over the course of his...stay in Misthallery, and he understands that it's likely in horrible taste for him to be playing it at all, but it's a rather pretty song regardless.

After a while, the melody pauses, though there are a few notes being played lightly in the background, long and drawn-out; the sound appears to have shifted some, as though the violin has been adjusted away from the Gear.]

In a setup to a puzzle that's been around for a while, you meet three men in a wood, at a fork in the road. A sign above them states that one man is God; he knows all, and always tells the truth.

One is the Devil; he likewise knows all, but always lies.

The third man is ambiguous; he knows nothing, but will answer as though he knows everything. His answers are completely useless, and could be either right or wrong.

The sign states that you are to ask the men one question each - three questions total - that can be answered with "yes" or "no," with the intention of determining which person is whom. Were this a proper puzzle, I'd be asking you what question you would ask to which man.

[His hand shifts a bit on the violin, idly trilling the notes a bit while he thinks.]

However, when faced with the possibility that one of the men before you always lies...how are you to know that the Devil didn't post the sign in the first place?

[And with that, the melody seems to pick up again; the feed keeps going for about another minute or so before cutting off.]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Well. Um. That was certainly enthusiastic.]

And you were capable of feeling that sort of thing before? All of the mechanical processes in my world are controlled by the user; the idea of artificial intelligence that's capable of thinking for itself, much less feeling anything, is completely beyond me.

Ah, yes, I can see where it would be. A bit of a stretch, that is. Yes, it's something we're programmed to feel. Testing is... well, it's like an itch. Only actually having an itch is a different feeling, really, but that's the only way I know how to describe it. Ah, that's not the point. Right. Well, it's this need to test. Oh it's very enjoyable when it's done right! But when it's not done right it's... ah, hmm. I'm not quite sure how to describe it. It's unsatisfying? Something along those lines.

But when the tests are performed correctly...! Ah, it's a glorious feeling! A simulated one, but I really can't tell the difference between genuine and simulated, so I suppose that doesn't matter all that much.

... All actions can rouse suspicion.

[His voice indicates that he thought that was really rather obvious.]

This very riddle could be seen as suspicious, if looked at in certain ways.

Technically, there was nothing keeping it from being a lateral thinking puzzle in the first place. There's more than one way to solve it as it is.

It is my experience that those in the business of lying will tell you the truth at first, so that you'll easier believe the lie when it is told.

[No sense in doing anything halfway, right?]

They have no reason to doubt otherwise. And if you're at a fork in the wood, then I think you'd want to get out as soon as possible, so I bet it doesn't really cross your mind.

[oh hello did you call for someone to ruin this post

well too bad because Xanxus is messing this shit up]

What the fuck kind of bullshit is this?

I didn't know they made violins here.

[ This is much more relevant to his interests than your word puzzle. ]

...that's a very difficult puzzle.

[But she's getting that eerie feeling that it's not so much as puzzle as it is some dark statement on matters she doesn't quite understand. But on the off chance that it is a puzzle, she's going to think about it.]

...and you don't believe that to be unfounded?

[...no really, what are you]

At any rate, I would like to hear these "certain ways", if you're feeling like sharing.

[...oh lawd, um]

...and if you don't mind my asking, since there are no humans, that implies that you're an animal yourself - are these other animals...as you are, in terms of speech and intelligence, or...?

[...okay, you can practically hear the amusement in his voice when he responds to that. Not cruel, just entertained.]

A valid point, actually - should you be seeking assistance, it makes sense that you would assume that someone offering anything of the sort would be taken at face value.

Though that brings up the question of what makes all common sense go out the window as soon as certain situations arise. It can really only be chalked up to "human nature", I suppose.

Of course there is.

[You've managed to amuse him greatly with this, by the way.]

So are you always this literal-minded, or is this just a special occasion?

[It's obvious when he clicks on the feed; the melody is simplified, but that soft, slow violin music hasn't stopped.

He takes a while to respond, however; it's an incredibly valid point, and one he suspects is relevant to the situation he's musing about in the first place.]

That's true enough, I admit - although if you're not in a position to know otherwise and the individual doesn't particularly care whether you find them trustworthy to begin with, that hardly matters to some of them.

[.........]

But then, we rarely interact with figures such as this hypothetical Devil in everyday dealings, do we?

[That violin music is still going when the feed clicks on, soft and slow and simplified; Descole's tone is amused.]

An invitation to use your head instead of immediately falling back on the first thing that comes to mind.

Congratulations in being unsuccessful at it.

[He doesn't blame you! It's incredibly obvious when the feed clicks on again; he's still playing a bit, the sound soft and slow, a simplified version of what he was playing earlier.]

I was likewise surprised, my friend; it's amazing what you can find here, however.

[Or, you know, what you can ask people within your criminal organization to steal for you amid all the chaos of a bunch of Trubbish going insane.]

[The feed clicks on after a moment, quiet sounds of that soft, slow melody still being played coming through the Gear; it's simplified, but still recognizable.]

Take your time, should you like to work it out.

I'd imagine we do more often than we know. But we continue on our own path, without bothering to stop and speak with the three men. In that case, does their existence even matter?

Like I'm going to waste my time on a stupid fucking puzzle like that one.

[It's ambiguous enough as it is; is it really necessary to make it even more complicated? Fuck that noise.

Although, he's kind of curious now...]

You're from Layton's world, aren't you.

[He laughs a bit at that, softly, though the sound is odd. Cold.]

So you know Layton, do you.

I can't say that I'm surprised he's making a name for himself here as well.

Only if they don't address you first - although that gets into the territory of misleading you for misleading's sake.

Oh, no. They can't talk like we do. Only a few like myself can understand them.

...interesting.

[And judging from his tone, it genuinely is.]

At any rate, I suppose that's an incredibly helpful talent here, isn't it.

Mmm! The animals here are different, but I can still understand them, and they're all wonderful. I want to be friends with all the Pokemon!

[Figures. The people from Layton's world are the only ones who make such a big fucking deal about puzzles. It's sad that he can distinguish them so easily like that.]

I met him about a year ago and he's hardly left me the fuck alone since.

[Of course, what he's failing to mention here is that he actually kind of likes Layton's company.]

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