#sword answer

But this entity is different. It is not the Scientist. It is... the Will. And... well, it approaches.

Woaaahhh, you're still kickin'? Go you. How'd you end up in this DUMP anyway?

@researcherwdg (answer this whenever, i don't really mind)

HERO_SWORD is caught soundly off guard, not just by its incidental wandering into this place, but also by the Will that greets it. There is a sense of vague deja-vu to these circumstances that whispers at HERO_SWORD's memories, like an imperfect rhyme.

HERO_SWORD is granted a small mental reassurance when it is able to bring forth a pen and piece of paper from its inventory. Wasting little time, it pens an inquiry of introduction to this uniquely unfamiliar entity.

WHO ARE YOU? YOU KNOW ME?

"Heyyyy. Been asleep for a bit. How's everything holding up, pixels?"

A sense of dread overcomes you.

As the THORNRING shudders within HERO_SWORD's inventory, it returns to the space between worlds with a sudden feeling of trepidation.

HELLO FRIEND EVERYTHING IS WELL WHAT IS IT YOU SEEK FROM ME? I TRUST YOUR SLEEP WAS PLEASANT

Comfortably tucked away from some of Castle Town's more bustling avenues, HERO_SWORD pens an answer to the passing voice.

IT IS LIKE A THROBBING FEELING INSIDE MY CHEST. LAST TIME WAS LIKE BEING SHOVED BY AN INVISIBLE FORCE. BUT THIS TIME NO PUSHING AND I HAVE... HOPE.

Blood drips over the page as it writes, drawing HERO_SWORD's attention back to the ring digging into its pixelated hand.

THIS IS VERY NEW THE BLEEDING BUT, IT WAS A GIFT SO I TRUST IT THERE MUST BE A REASON, GIFTS ARE GOOD.

however, he does wish you well.

HERO_SWORD stares haunted at its weapon, its namesake.

Is this all it is? A sharp and painful thing in a place it doesn't belong?

No. It has a friend in this place, maybe two. For however long it needs to stay here until things are how they should be, it is not alone.

It holds the ThornRing in its hand. Sharp. Painful.

Whatever it takes.

...