[Mettaton's able to follow along competently, at least indicating that he was paying attention and not losing himself in his reflecting somewhere. He gets to work.]

If I'd been here long, I'm sure you would have known about it! I have an undeniable presence. And besides... I heard something about the previous world, Akvos. I don't suppose you think this body of mine would have survived a bunch of water, do you? This is my first... experience. Mission. Is it standard for Astoria to send you off without forewarning?