It's a funny thing, isn't it? He's heard all kinds of chatter about the Rifter who went to the dungeon since he's been out, but very few people seem to realize the individual in question might very well be the Rifter they're sitting right next to as they gossip. There's a kind of cool security in that sort of anonymity; it means he really only has to be on the lookout about being on his best behavior in front of a few select persons. That chap who's the head of Research, for example.

This one, he thinks, doesn't really qualify.

Which is good, because he doesn't have this pocketful of raw eggs for nothing. He'd hate for them to go to waste.

--But more on that later. Right this second, the boy raises his hand in a mirroring wave. His is rather more enthusiastic. He smiles and it is the fundamental opposite of benign, but who's counting?

"Oh, just grand. I seem to have gotten lost on my way deeper into the dungeons, but wouldn't you know it? I don't really mind."