"Yes. But it has to — have a mind, or something like that. I think the reason why VR's monsters weren't a valid target is because they were being directly puppeted by the dungeon." Oops that gave out more information than he intended to. Oh well.

Okay seriously do not ask him to demonstrate his power.  She nods, slightly pink-cheeked.  "Makes sense.  Such a shame they chose - this.  Or did whatever they do instead of choosing."

"Who? Sorry, I'm confused."

"Oh.  The dungeons.  I figure they have to be a little - intelligent.  You hear stories about dungeons that trick people, or do something smart, or hold tricks in reserve.  No way they're not some kind of intelligent, even if it's not human intelligence.  You know?"

"Ah. Yes, I agree. I've wondered whether it'd be possible to...talk to them. Communicate somehow. Maybe they can but don't know how. Or don't want to. I don't know how one would go about doing that, though. Maybe an esper with telepathic powers...but I worry this would be bad for the esper..."

"Yeah.  It'd be great if they could just stop killing us.  Or whatever happens when you're in a dungeon and the portal closes."  She's wondered that on sleepless nights.  Someday, she won't have to wonder anymore.

"Yeah..."

Oh no, awkward sad note.

"What backlash accommodations do you have?"

"Not much, really.  I get annoyed easily, as long as I keep the annoyance away from my partner, I'm fine."  I can usually point it at being annoyed that my mouth isn't occupied, but if he's not doing fluid guiding...  "I put on some music I don't like, that sort of thing."

"I see. For me...I've never gotten enough backlash to leave me bedridden. But if I was, which is probably going to happen at least once in the future, then, having food, water, and maybe a bedpan available is good. I don't have any niche or specific needs."

"Makes sense.  Is it a muscle thing, or..?"

"It's more of a mental thing, I think." Should he explain more of his backlash? Hm...

She nods, humming sympathetically.  "Gotcha.  Psych backlashes are the worst.  Well.  Usually."

"I don't know. Psych backlashes have the advantage that they usually don't have lasting effects, unless you end up doing something. Personally, I don't mind my backlash that much." He shrugs slightly.