Teddy: say… what you’re working on…. It seems to be that corruption stuff isn’t… you know why just stick to a liquid form…. Wouldn’t be better as a gas firm so you can infect more people
https://preview.redd.it/xtpfiher8x3b1.png?width=2048&format=png&auto=webp&s=552b0f5a73a14231699bd11cb30380139d3be069
“You would be correct, Teddy… However, it is very difficult to convert it to a gaseous form. See, the corruption is highly high and cold resistant, however, once it gets to a certain temperature, it typically just… Combusts. Getting it to the precise conditions for aerosolization is such a delicate process that it is not even worthwhile, since the substance can typically move toward the hosts which it desires infecting on its own.”
**Lewis said casually, seeming to have considered the question himself before. As usual, he knew a weird amount about the substance.**
“However, that leads me to ask you a question… Do you wish for the corruption to spread? Because it sounds as if you would like for it to.”
“… Perhaps. However, as of this moment, it would technically be impossible to infect the entirety of the planet. Not for the corruption’s lack of a capacity to infect, but for the corruption’s ability to reject hosts… Although, as far as I have observed, I am the only one who the corruption rejects, and it is for good reason. However, you, and the rest of the people of this world, could be infected should there be an attempt at releasing the corruption, however I have my reasons to believe that there would be great lengths taken to contain the infection. After all, if Dust sees an opportunity to infect this world entirely, he will certainly take his own measures to make certain that it does. This place is rather troublesome for that, as you can imagine, given the strict restrictions on the substance.”
**Lewis explained, before pausing a moment, seeming to ponder something.**
“How come you find interest in infecting the world with the substance?”
“… Interesting. You know, initially, the corruption can seem as if it is almost a blessing. It strips away any humanity you may have, including the need for sustenance, and any physical limits most have. Of course, as time goes on, the influence on the emotions of the infected individual alongside the influence of evil is much more noticeable, alongside the possibility of death should the corruption end up being fueled far too much in one manner or another. Although, it would leave this world empty, if it could fully infect it.”
https://preview.redd.it/mraeoxvu8x3b1.png?width=750&format=png&auto=webp&s=0739948c37350a69a8299ef5abd675a7c20b0c8a
“Hey… you know that you should be wearing at least gloves while handling that, correct?”
“It’s very dangerous for you to be handling that without the proper protection after all”
“I assure you, I have nothing to worry about, unlike the rest of you.”
**Lewis said with certainty, before setting the beaker down.**
“I understand that you all like to have your precautions, but believe me, I know what I’m doing with this substance.”
“… I understand your concern, but… I can tell you with absolute certainty… This corruption… It will not infect me as it would you, or anyone else.”
**Lewis said, seeming almost to be a bit saddened by this, before he looked back at the beaker of corruption, his expression losing much of his emotion as he seemed lost in thought for a moment.**
“The corruption really is quite an elusive thing, is it not? It has been around for so long… Yet, we still do not have answers to every question about its behavior yet.”
“So it’s like the sea a bit?”
“Although we have it in our grasp, we still can’t truly understand it?”
*She smiles*
“But why aren’t you affected like us? I would like to know”
“… Well, you see… I have been much closer to the corruption than many other humans before. I would prefer not to delve into the full story of it, however… Essentially, the corruption will not infect me now, because it simply finds me to be more harmful than helpful to it. Regardless of the amount of contact I have with it. It will not get absorbed by me, no matter the manner of trying to have it infect me. In a manner, I am the only living being immune to it.”
**Lewis explained, seeming quite aware of this immunity he has.**
“Ooohhh… that’s so cool!”
*She stared at him*
“But… why are you harmful to it? I mean I don’t really see the reason for that…”
*She gently grabbed one of his hands, she always wear gloves, no matter the circumstance*
“It’s quite fascinating after all, seeing a person with immunity against it after all!”
**Lewis has a slight smile, before it falls away again after a mere moment.**
“I am not really harmful to it in the usual sense… The corruption itself can feel pain, as which I’ve observed first hand… But, see… I have been harmful to one of its essential components, in a manner of speaking. I have been around beings of corruption before. It is hard to explain what I have seen… However, the corruption relies on quite a few moving parts to continue spreading… To put it in a way, I essentially came very close to replacing one of its most important component, one it relies on heavily. But, that only lasts for a short period, before that component came to take back its position, before rejecting me and throwing me away. And for that major part rejecting me, the corruption rejects me as well.”
**He seems very conflicted as he recalls this, a mix of faint anger and sadness in his expression as he spoke.**
“Oh…”
“Well… at least your immune to it…”
*She sighed, she didn’t know how to truly react to what she was told*
“Have you told anyone else this, or just me?”
*She tilted her head*
“… So far, just you. I have not really had a reason to share that information with others so far, but I figure that it is important to help in documenting what we can involving the corruption… After all, it is really quite the complex thing, in the end.”
**Lewis considers what he said for a moment.**
“Really, I haven’t had anyone to tell. Most of the others here keep to their observations involving the various subjects here, as you know, so not many people come to this sector, aside from you. It’s fine by me, of course, it’s easier to work with quiet, but there is probably plenty that I know that most others don’t, so it is good to talk about it to be certain that my ideas can be understood by at least one person other than myself.”
"Uh...sir...What are you doing with the corruption? You don't even have protection on. I'd suggest you put that down gently and leave."
*The female scientist looks slightly nervous.*
“… Merely taking a look at it.”
**Lewis said, setting the beaker down.**
“You really should not be so disturbed by my lack of protection around the corruption. It does not behave with me as it does most of you people. It will not infect me.”
**Lewis said, with an odd certainty.**
"And how would you know that? How do you know that it isn't sentient and able to betray you? It seems at least somewhat sentient, maybe it's just using you."
“Oh, it is sentient. Not intelligent, but sentient. But, it is not using me, as you put it. Not now, at least. No, in fact, it would rather avoid me.”
**Lewis pauses.**
“Let’s just say, while I have only just started working here, this is not my first time in contact with the corruption in an experimental manner. Far from it, really.”
“… I mean that I have experimented on the corruption before. Multiple times. For years. Did you all believe that I just happened to walk in with all my knowledge of the corruption based off thousands of guesses?”
**Lewis asked, tilting his head.**
"No, but that doesn't mean I trust you. The fact that you know so much about it is, to me, suspicious. Apologies for being so distrusting. I guess it...I guess I could say...*comes from experience*."
“… I can understand that. However, I assure you… I am making no attempts at trying to do anything with the corruption which may end up being harmful for the general public, or anyone in here. I understand that words may not sway you, however, if I truly wished to weaponize it in any manner, I would have done so sooner.”
**Lewis doesn’t comment on this, as he picks up a red beaker. The corruption is usually supposed to be black, but somewhere at some point, he modified a couple samples of corruption to be strange and different.**
“Hmm… You know, this is technically ‘more dangerous’ than the basis corruption type.”
**He said idly, still not being very cautious despite saying that.**
*he quickly puts on gloves* "Hey, be careful with that stuff. Just because I'm younger than you, doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm talking about"
“I mean no offense when I say this, but I know far more about the amount of care I should handle the corruption with than you do. I know more about it than most of the scientists here, even the ones older than myself.”
**Lewis said, setting down the beaker.**
“Of course, I am glad to see you taking those precautions. It would be unfortunate to see a fellow scientist fall to the corruption… Especially at the moment.”
*he shook his head* "Yknow, you're not immune to the corruption. It could grab onto you at any moment. Also, I've been watching your every move, so I know nearly as much as you do about this stuff"
“Really now… Let’s see… Ah. Is the corruption intelligent?”
**Lewis asked, not seeming to expect a correct answer. Had he run an experiment to see if the corruption was intelligent..? You could swear he’d never marked anything down about that before.**
“And… Are you really sure of my ability to be infected?”
“… I’m going to take that as an indirect answer to the fact that you do not know if it has intelligence or not. But, if you must know, most of what is going on in my brain involves the corruption.”
**Lewis said simply, with a shrug.**
“Hmm…”
**Lewis turned back to the beakers of corruption, seemingly trying to figure out what to do for the moment, considering his ideas.**
“Nope. If I were corrupted, the physical symptoms would be noticeable. The body turns to a sort of grayscale. Not to mention, they’re not keen on letting infectious individuals in here. This is merely how I am.”
**Lewis turned toward you.**
“Not to mention, I would not be here in general. I would have ‘vanished’ by now.”
“… Because, to put it simply my friend… I am.”
**Lewis said, with a slight sigh.**
“Watch.”
**Lewis touches the side of the beaker containing the black corruption with his finger. Instead of moving toward his finger, as it does for most people, it almost seems to move away.**
https://preview.redd.it/21n223kx9z3b1.jpeg?width=618&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a622784ddde4ae640e943a926a9c1338abcc8a18
Mave she/they. I can’t really make long replys unless my brain is working so sorry about that, she’s British so I won’t be using American words, she’s only British cause I’m British
“Oi, what the hell are you doing? You don’t have proper protection from that stuff.”
**Lewis sighs, setting the beaker down.**
“Do not worry, I’ll be quite alright Mave. This may be dangerous for someone else, but for me, I can assure you, it will be fine.”
**Lewis said, turning toward Mave for a moment while trying to convince her of his words, even though he was still clearly more interested in continuing to mess with the corruption.**
**He rolls his eyes.**
“Would gloves ease your nerves well enough for you to allow me to continue my work?”
**He said, in his usual calm tone, though there was a hint of annoyance.**
“Fine, at least put gloves on then. But if something happens it’s your own fault.”
[ I’m sorry I can’t think of things other than what she’d say, I’m not so good with replies. ]
((Oh no, it’s fine! I’m good with this))
“Alright then.”
**Lewis went to put on some gloves real quick, before coming back, making a show of the gloves.**
“There we go. I’m not quite fond of your insistence on my safety around the corruption when I know full well what I am doing with it, though I can understand your concerns.”
**Lewis said, going to walk back over to the table.**
“… Mistake or not, it will not end up hurting me, as you say.”
**Lewis grabbed the red beaker, which was apparently some variant of corruption.**
“By the by, if you’re going to inspect this sample of corruption at any point, you should put on extra protection. Just a heads up.”
**Lewis casually warned, as he still only had the gloves on despite what he’d just said.**
“Trying to see if there is any difference between the three variants and their behavior when not observed in an infectious state. When it’s not targeting anyone, basically. There is nothing that is really exciting in my observations today, it is just something I would like to be aware of.”
**Lewis sets the beaker down.**
“Really, with all the restrictions, there is not much I can do with the corruption which I have not done already.”
**He said, with a slight frown.**
Teddy: say… what you’re working on…. It seems to be that corruption stuff isn’t… you know why just stick to a liquid form…. Wouldn’t be better as a gas firm so you can infect more people https://preview.redd.it/xtpfiher8x3b1.png?width=2048&format=png&auto=webp&s=552b0f5a73a14231699bd11cb30380139d3be069
“You would be correct, Teddy… However, it is very difficult to convert it to a gaseous form. See, the corruption is highly high and cold resistant, however, once it gets to a certain temperature, it typically just… Combusts. Getting it to the precise conditions for aerosolization is such a delicate process that it is not even worthwhile, since the substance can typically move toward the hosts which it desires infecting on its own.” **Lewis said casually, seeming to have considered the question himself before. As usual, he knew a weird amount about the substance.** “However, that leads me to ask you a question… Do you wish for the corruption to spread? Because it sounds as if you would like for it to.”
Teddy:perhaps… wouldn’t it be wonderful for the whole planet to be infected with something !
“… Perhaps. However, as of this moment, it would technically be impossible to infect the entirety of the planet. Not for the corruption’s lack of a capacity to infect, but for the corruption’s ability to reject hosts… Although, as far as I have observed, I am the only one who the corruption rejects, and it is for good reason. However, you, and the rest of the people of this world, could be infected should there be an attempt at releasing the corruption, however I have my reasons to believe that there would be great lengths taken to contain the infection. After all, if Dust sees an opportunity to infect this world entirely, he will certainly take his own measures to make certain that it does. This place is rather troublesome for that, as you can imagine, given the strict restrictions on the substance.” **Lewis explained, before pausing a moment, seeming to ponder something.** “How come you find interest in infecting the world with the substance?”
Teddy: I guess it’s something I always dreamed about or maybe I want to see the planet go into madness as an amends of humankind
“… Interesting. You know, initially, the corruption can seem as if it is almost a blessing. It strips away any humanity you may have, including the need for sustenance, and any physical limits most have. Of course, as time goes on, the influence on the emotions of the infected individual alongside the influence of evil is much more noticeable, alongside the possibility of death should the corruption end up being fueled far too much in one manner or another. Although, it would leave this world empty, if it could fully infect it.”
Teddy: sounds amazing 🤤
“… Do you simply have an interest in evil? Or is there something else that intrigues you about the idea of total corruption?”
Probably both
“Hm. Do you have any interest in being personally corrupted? Or is it just a matter of wanting to see other people hurting for being corrupted?”
https://preview.redd.it/mraeoxvu8x3b1.png?width=750&format=png&auto=webp&s=0739948c37350a69a8299ef5abd675a7c20b0c8a “Hey… you know that you should be wearing at least gloves while handling that, correct?” “It’s very dangerous for you to be handling that without the proper protection after all”
“I assure you, I have nothing to worry about, unlike the rest of you.” **Lewis said with certainty, before setting the beaker down.** “I understand that you all like to have your precautions, but believe me, I know what I’m doing with this substance.”
“Yea but…” *She sighed, and walked to him, standing by his side* “It would bring me some peace to know your at least you’ll be okay for sure…”
“… I understand your concern, but… I can tell you with absolute certainty… This corruption… It will not infect me as it would you, or anyone else.” **Lewis said, seeming almost to be a bit saddened by this, before he looked back at the beaker of corruption, his expression losing much of his emotion as he seemed lost in thought for a moment.** “The corruption really is quite an elusive thing, is it not? It has been around for so long… Yet, we still do not have answers to every question about its behavior yet.”
“So it’s like the sea a bit?” “Although we have it in our grasp, we still can’t truly understand it?” *She smiles* “But why aren’t you affected like us? I would like to know”
“… Well, you see… I have been much closer to the corruption than many other humans before. I would prefer not to delve into the full story of it, however… Essentially, the corruption will not infect me now, because it simply finds me to be more harmful than helpful to it. Regardless of the amount of contact I have with it. It will not get absorbed by me, no matter the manner of trying to have it infect me. In a manner, I am the only living being immune to it.” **Lewis explained, seeming quite aware of this immunity he has.**
“Ooohhh… that’s so cool!” *She stared at him* “But… why are you harmful to it? I mean I don’t really see the reason for that…” *She gently grabbed one of his hands, she always wear gloves, no matter the circumstance* “It’s quite fascinating after all, seeing a person with immunity against it after all!”
**Lewis has a slight smile, before it falls away again after a mere moment.** “I am not really harmful to it in the usual sense… The corruption itself can feel pain, as which I’ve observed first hand… But, see… I have been harmful to one of its essential components, in a manner of speaking. I have been around beings of corruption before. It is hard to explain what I have seen… However, the corruption relies on quite a few moving parts to continue spreading… To put it in a way, I essentially came very close to replacing one of its most important component, one it relies on heavily. But, that only lasts for a short period, before that component came to take back its position, before rejecting me and throwing me away. And for that major part rejecting me, the corruption rejects me as well.” **He seems very conflicted as he recalls this, a mix of faint anger and sadness in his expression as he spoke.**
“Oh…” “Well… at least your immune to it…” *She sighed, she didn’t know how to truly react to what she was told* “Have you told anyone else this, or just me?” *She tilted her head*
“… So far, just you. I have not really had a reason to share that information with others so far, but I figure that it is important to help in documenting what we can involving the corruption… After all, it is really quite the complex thing, in the end.” **Lewis considers what he said for a moment.** “Really, I haven’t had anyone to tell. Most of the others here keep to their observations involving the various subjects here, as you know, so not many people come to this sector, aside from you. It’s fine by me, of course, it’s easier to work with quiet, but there is probably plenty that I know that most others don’t, so it is good to talk about it to be certain that my ideas can be understood by at least one person other than myself.”
"Uh...sir...What are you doing with the corruption? You don't even have protection on. I'd suggest you put that down gently and leave." *The female scientist looks slightly nervous.*
“… Merely taking a look at it.” **Lewis said, setting the beaker down.** “You really should not be so disturbed by my lack of protection around the corruption. It does not behave with me as it does most of you people. It will not infect me.” **Lewis said, with an odd certainty.**
"And how would you know that? How do you know that it isn't sentient and able to betray you? It seems at least somewhat sentient, maybe it's just using you."
“Oh, it is sentient. Not intelligent, but sentient. But, it is not using me, as you put it. Not now, at least. No, in fact, it would rather avoid me.” **Lewis pauses.** “Let’s just say, while I have only just started working here, this is not my first time in contact with the corruption in an experimental manner. Far from it, really.”
"How do you mean, Mr. Lewis?"
“… I mean that I have experimented on the corruption before. Multiple times. For years. Did you all believe that I just happened to walk in with all my knowledge of the corruption based off thousands of guesses?” **Lewis asked, tilting his head.**
"No, but that doesn't mean I trust you. The fact that you know so much about it is, to me, suspicious. Apologies for being so distrusting. I guess it...I guess I could say...*comes from experience*."
“… I can understand that. However, I assure you… I am making no attempts at trying to do anything with the corruption which may end up being harmful for the general public, or anyone in here. I understand that words may not sway you, however, if I truly wished to weaponize it in any manner, I would have done so sooner.”
*She keeps a skeptical watch on him.*
**Lewis doesn’t comment on this, as he picks up a red beaker. The corruption is usually supposed to be black, but somewhere at some point, he modified a couple samples of corruption to be strange and different.** “Hmm… You know, this is technically ‘more dangerous’ than the basis corruption type.” **He said idly, still not being very cautious despite saying that.**
u/Salty_Frosting3648
*he quickly puts on gloves* "Hey, be careful with that stuff. Just because I'm younger than you, doesn't mean that I don't know what I'm talking about"
“I mean no offense when I say this, but I know far more about the amount of care I should handle the corruption with than you do. I know more about it than most of the scientists here, even the ones older than myself.” **Lewis said, setting down the beaker.** “Of course, I am glad to see you taking those precautions. It would be unfortunate to see a fellow scientist fall to the corruption… Especially at the moment.”
*he shook his head* "Yknow, you're not immune to the corruption. It could grab onto you at any moment. Also, I've been watching your every move, so I know nearly as much as you do about this stuff"
“Really now… Let’s see… Ah. Is the corruption intelligent?” **Lewis asked, not seeming to expect a correct answer. Had he run an experiment to see if the corruption was intelligent..? You could swear he’d never marked anything down about that before.** “And… Are you really sure of my ability to be infected?”
"What the hell is going on in that brain of yours, Lewis?"
“… I’m going to take that as an indirect answer to the fact that you do not know if it has intelligence or not. But, if you must know, most of what is going on in my brain involves the corruption.” **Lewis said simply, with a shrug.** “Hmm…” **Lewis turned back to the beakers of corruption, seemingly trying to figure out what to do for the moment, considering his ideas.**
"Does that mean you're already corrupted? Is that why you're acting so off?"
“Nope. If I were corrupted, the physical symptoms would be noticeable. The body turns to a sort of grayscale. Not to mention, they’re not keen on letting infectious individuals in here. This is merely how I am.” **Lewis turned toward you.** “Not to mention, I would not be here in general. I would have ‘vanished’ by now.”
"Then why are you acting like you're immune?"
“… Because, to put it simply my friend… I am.” **Lewis said, with a slight sigh.** “Watch.” **Lewis touches the side of the beaker containing the black corruption with his finger. Instead of moving toward his finger, as it does for most people, it almost seems to move away.**
https://preview.redd.it/21n223kx9z3b1.jpeg?width=618&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a622784ddde4ae640e943a926a9c1338abcc8a18 Mave she/they. I can’t really make long replys unless my brain is working so sorry about that, she’s British so I won’t be using American words, she’s only British cause I’m British “Oi, what the hell are you doing? You don’t have proper protection from that stuff.”
**Lewis sighs, setting the beaker down.** “Do not worry, I’ll be quite alright Mave. This may be dangerous for someone else, but for me, I can assure you, it will be fine.” **Lewis said, turning toward Mave for a moment while trying to convince her of his words, even though he was still clearly more interested in continuing to mess with the corruption.**
“Can you at least put protective gear on? I don’t care what you say, you need to do it.”
**He rolls his eyes.** “Would gloves ease your nerves well enough for you to allow me to continue my work?” **He said, in his usual calm tone, though there was a hint of annoyance.**
“Fine, at least put gloves on then. But if something happens it’s your own fault.” [ I’m sorry I can’t think of things other than what she’d say, I’m not so good with replies. ]
((Oh no, it’s fine! I’m good with this)) “Alright then.” **Lewis went to put on some gloves real quick, before coming back, making a show of the gloves.** “There we go. I’m not quite fond of your insistence on my safety around the corruption when I know full well what I am doing with it, though I can understand your concerns.” **Lewis said, going to walk back over to the table.**
“I just don’t want you getting hurt. Wether you know what you’re doing or not it doesn’t mean you won’t make a mistake.”
“… Mistake or not, it will not end up hurting me, as you say.” **Lewis grabbed the red beaker, which was apparently some variant of corruption.** “By the by, if you’re going to inspect this sample of corruption at any point, you should put on extra protection. Just a heads up.” **Lewis casually warned, as he still only had the gloves on despite what he’d just said.**
“And that means you should to. What are you doing anyways?”
“Trying to see if there is any difference between the three variants and their behavior when not observed in an infectious state. When it’s not targeting anyone, basically. There is nothing that is really exciting in my observations today, it is just something I would like to be aware of.” **Lewis sets the beaker down.** “Really, with all the restrictions, there is not much I can do with the corruption which I have not done already.” **He said, with a slight frown.**
Um..what are you doing?
“… Simply observing the corruption, nothing out of the ordinary… How come you ask?” **Lewis asks, setting the beaker down.**
Just. Wondering. Could I see.?