Crystal gave an overdramatic sigh. "I guess you're right. Maybe having all this power blows up the ego too much or maybe people grow bored with how nothing ever happens around town." Maybe he was projecting a little. "Actually I'm kind of disappointed they didn't agree to the duel - play stupid games, win stupid prizes and all."
Corn's impressions about the big dogs of San Francisco made Crystal chuckle, despite the less than peachy experiences with them. "I guess so. They certainly acted like they were the hot shit, but what else is new. You know, at first I actually envied them a bit. They seemed to have their shit together. But yeah, found not compatible - although they used less nice words." And those had still been the nicer part.
"Come to think of it, there aren't any Cabals around here, right? The coming and going must play a part in that, but I wonder if someone could actually get something done when it comes to structure around here."
Just as expected: gossip always calmed him down and to extend the olive branch even further Crystal reached for the lukewarm tea and took a sip. Ugh, tea. "What's your take on that? Any non-academical ambitions in that head of yours?"
Corn's background information concerning Vulture left the Mastigos not particularly interested. "I guess. I barely met everyone else around, so I won't strain myself trying to make that happen. But I'm always open to new experiences."