Chapter 186. Blaze (1)
Translator: Seven ED: Sasha
1.
-I was born in a dull countryside village.
Yumar, the hobgoblin with one arm, said.
-Even as I grew older, there was nothing to do in the countryside except play with the other kids my age. Sometimes we watched to see if tigers would come down from the mountain, or we'd collect tolls from merchants that passed through the area… Our village was as poor as the dried bark of a tree
Yumar scratched his forehead.
Wrinkles appeared in the flesh of his green forehead.
-Have you ever killed someone?
"I have."
-Right. You must have experienced a lot.
The one armed actor nodded.
He didn't even seem that surprised.
-Where was the first place you saw blood? Was it on a battlefield? Or….
"It was a hunting ground. I killed him with a surprise attack."
-Ah, that's not a very warrior-like achievement.
Yumar raised an eyebrow.
He just laughed after I admitted to murder in the middle of his story.
Anyone.
If they laughed while you were talking about the murder, they were probably laughing at themselves, who had brought it up in the first place, as well as your act of confession. While secretly hoping that you would join them in their ridicule.
"Yeah, that's right. I wasn't a warrior."
That was the most important part.
Without changing my expression, I asked.
"How about you, senior?"
-…….
The laughter disappeared from Yumar's lips.
-…how many years has it been? It's already been about 13 years. The village chief kept going back and forth between our village and another. At first, we thought he was going there to meet with friends, but he was doing it too often. Then, after 7 months, the village chief returned with a confident expression.
「I have created a business for our village. You idiots.」
The business that the village chief had been learning from the other village was drug production.
-At first, he started gathering the villagers. The first group consisted of six people. There were many idle youngsters like me in the village. Mm, it was called [Silvervine Flower]. If elves ate it, they would die instantly. But if you use it as a raw material, extract the juices, harden it into a pill….
"You weren't just a drug dealer, you were a higher up in the organization. Weren't you, Senior?"
-…….
The one armed Yumar shut his mouth.
-How did you know?
"We have only been talking for a while, but I could tell right away. Senior is smart. You have a great memory. You remembered that it was 13 years ago, and that the village chief snooped around the other village for 7 months, didn't you? You're good with numbers."
I poured some tea into Yumar's cup.
Thanks to Raviel's direct teaching, I was able to greatly improve my tea ceremony skills.
Though it was a shame that the theater company only had cheap tea leaves.
"You even know how to make the drugs. You remember the chief's every move, but it's not simply at the level of an agent in the organization. You were either the leader or vice-leader. I'm sure that you were a key figure in the organization."
-…you're really quick witted.
Yumar smiled bitterly as he picked up the teacup with his one hand.
After taking a sip, he couldn't help but look down at the teacup in surprise.
-Shibal. Why is this so freaking delicious?
"Thank you. So what were you in reality?"
-…well, you're right. I was the leader of the village organization. I just happened to have a talent for gathering the others and getting them to do what I said. I was also pretty lucky.
It wasn't just luck.
He was a genius.
Yumar's [business] grew rapidly.
-It was said I was born with good fortune.
He gathered the young people in the village to form a militia, and they devoured the neighboring villages to develop their organization. Yumar, the boss himself, thoroughly supervised the drug production in order to ensure quality.
Yumar's drugs were quickly recognized as a high quality commodity and spread along the waterways through the elven ports.
「The Juice of Heaven.」
「The Powder of Scholars.」
All of the products that Yumar made were a hit.
Despite not having much talent for aura, Yumar had 100 subordinates. His men called him [the warrior among warriors].
At the point when his 100 subordinates steadily increased to 500, Yumar had a feeling.
-I suddenly had a feeling that things would become troublesome if it continued like that.
It was an instinct.
-The Fire River Council is generous. It was fine as long as we didn't sell drugs to goblins. They didn't care about lowlifes who sold drugs to rich elves. However, if there were 100 or 500 people in the group, it was a different story.
Although Yumar's organization was good, it was too good.
-I had no proof, no suspicion, but I had a feeling. It was now! If we didn't stop now, we would all die together.
Yumar gathered his friends and said.
Let's close the business.
His childhood friends, who he used to collect tolls with in the village, had all become executives in the organization and their fangs grew
-When they were in front of me, those pigs nodded and agreed with me.
"So they turned on you?"
-Shit. That very night, a group rushed in and tied me up. They threatened me to give up the drug formula. They brought the knives that I bought for them and put them to my neck. Those fuckers.
Yumar eventually confessed under their pressure.
He even vowed that he would never take revenge or touch the business again.
Yumar's childhood friends accepted his oath.
-They took one of my arms.
And in return, they spared his life.
So the former boss of the organization became 'One Armed Yumar'.
-I didn't actually join the theater because I liked acting. I was just wandering the streets, then the theater owner said he felt sorry for me and invited me in. It's been ten years since then. It's all in the past. Well, I eventually came to enjoy acting.
"What about the organization?"
-…….
"It was destroyed."
Yumar quietly looked down at his teacup.
-Less than a year after I was kicked out, they were subjugated. The council sent 13 members in the top 100. All 500 members died.
"What about your childhood friends?"
-All gone. They were the executives.
Yumar's nose was twitching.
"Senior thinks it's your fault."
-…….
"You think it's your fault for raising the organization too well because you were too outstanding. If you had run the business moderately. Or even if it had failed, then maybe the people from your village would have survived. You're blaming yourself for not stopping the chief at that time."
-Shibal.
The hobgoblin wiped the remaining tea from his lips.
-It served them right. Those bastards.
Next.
The one-eared actor entered.
He was holding an old stuffed lion in his arms.
-I was the attendant of a prestigious family….
The one-eared actor's name was 'Sakum'.
-I saw the master of the house sleeping with a stranger. No, I didn't see it. I overheard it through a wall. I didn't intend to hear it. I didn't even go in. But he cut off my ear while saying it was bad to listen to others' moans….
Sakum, the one eared actor, muttered expressionlessly.
-Isn't that too much?
The one eyed Arika.
The gambler's son.
The one armed Yumar.
The former drug lord.
The one eared Sakum.
The former attendant of a noble family.
"Right."
I nodded in front of the actors.
"Let's dance, Seniors. We have a week."
The day of the play soon came.
And the seats were filled.
2.
-Are you sure this is the Dog Sound Theater?
-That's weird. I've been here before, and the name was….
The theater was packed with customers thirty minutes before the play was scheduled to begin.
Persons who came after seeing my street performances, and those who came after hearing the rumors. There were also some people who came in after seeing the crowd. Not only the VIP seats but also the standing seats were filled.
-Is there no watermelon beer? Or fried watermelon? Ugo, I don't believe it.
-Does this theater even want to make money….
-Seriously. There is an elf that works here, and he's amazing. He's able to make sounds in the air using only his aura. No, I'm serious! Why would I lie.….
-Ugo. If I find out who just touched my butt you won't see a blood painting, you'll see bloodshed.(TL: 'blood painting' is another name for 'fire painting')
-It's a play where they won't say any lines.
-That was probably just an exaggeration.
-Didn't they say that they'll give a refund?
-There are too many people!
Wiggle.
It was like a packed market.
Behind the stage, the seniors glanced at the crowd.
-Shibal.
The seniors were scared.
The one armed Yumar was particularly nervous.
-Look. Look! The person with the red tattoos sitting among the guests in the special seats. That's Morkan, ranked 21st in the Fire River Council. Shibal.
"Who's that?"
-He's a madman who is said to draw 1cm of tattoos every time he beheads an enemy in battle. Look at how that bastard's body is covered in tattoos!
Sakum spoke nervously.
-Actors from the [Flame] and [Fire Demon] came to watch.
-Ugek. Where?
-There… The two people wearing masks in the special seats. They covered their faces but I recognize them because I've seen them often. One of them is Sormakunda, the ace of [Flame, and the one sitting next to him is Jyamahan, the most popular actor [Fire Demon] these days….
-Why did they come to watch us!?
-They didn't come to watch us.
It was the one eyed Arika that spoke.
Arika kept looking at himself in the mirror to see if there was anything wrong with his makeup.
-They came to watch Ssonia.
There was nothing special about his makeup.
His body was bare. Other than a cloth that was wrapped around his waist, he only had a black tattoo drawn on his body. That was it.
-That's right. He's amazing. Is he really a rookie actor that was recruited only a week ago? This performance is his debut? Since his debut stage was sold out, that means he will have the greatest debut among actors from the elf race.
-I think it's a legendary achievement, even for our race….
"Let's start."
I opened my mouth.
The seniors, who were trying to ease their tension by chatting, closed their mouths.
"You have practiced to death for a week. Don't worry. It's fine if your body doesn't move as you intend or your limbs are stiff. Just relax."
-Wouldn't that ruin it…?
"I will control seniors' limbs with aura. Don't forcefully reject it."
-That shouldn't be possible. It's absurd… But we know it's possible. Shibal.
The four of us joined hands.
Then I lightly covered them with my aura.
"Relax."
My red aura flowed up the senior's arms.
They flinched and moved their shoulders slightly, but after a week of special training, they had grown used to my aura. Soon after, the seniors took a deep breath before accepting my aura. I relaxed the actors by massaging their muscles
-Ahem.
-Ugor….
The seniors' expressions relaxed.
The atmosphere was also less tense than before.
"There's no need to worry. As you know, no one expects much from our Fire Play. The expectations are low. We'll amaze the guests just like we practiced. Okay?"
The seniors nodded carefully.
Okay.
"It's time to start."
I rolled my feet.
Thud!
The aura guided by my footwork made the air vibrate.
-What's that?
-What's going on?
The audience on the other side of the stage were surprised. The hobgoblins all stopped talking at the sudden sound. Without caring, I tapped my feet.
Thud, thud, thud!
My footsteps didn't just keep the rhythm. I added a different note to each footstep.
-Aura?
When the audience began to recognize some of the patterns in the sound, they expressed their surprise in different ways. The most surprised were the VIPs sitting in the front row.
-What in the world? Is that sound really produced by aura and not his voice?
-Right. It's aura. I told you. It was the same even in the street performances….
It was that moment that the one eyed Arika ran out on stage.
The dark stage.
Like a runner, Arika ran with long strides. And naturally, the audience's attention focused on him.
Dong-
The reason their attention focused wasn't simply because of the appearance of the character.
Doong-
Whenever Arika's foot touched the ground, a new tune filled the air.
But before the audience could even break free of their shock, the one armed Yumar and the one eared Sakum, ran out one after the other.
It was the same for them as well.
Every time an actor took a step on the stage, a new tune filled the theater.
Three people, with three different melodies. In this way, the melodies overlapped and the music finally took shape.
-Oh my god.
The audience suddenly went silent.
There were a few customers who couldn't help but unintentionally mutter under their breath.
-There's no way that all of that….
-They're doing that with aura?
That was right.
Music, not dialogue.
It wasn't a play, but a dance.
Through aura, I had become a one-man orchestra.
Chapter 187. Blaze (2)
Translator: Seven ED: Sasha
3.
The sound of drums rang out in a dark space.
Dung-
No, it wasn't drums. Dung. Instead, it sounded like the sound of footsteps, but it also couldn't be the sound of footsteps since no one was moving their feet. The actors, who had already been spread out on the stage — one armed, one eyed, and one eared — turned their heads towards the direction of the sound at the same time.
Towards me.
I crawled onto the stage with flames dancing all over my body.
-Wagar….
Flame Emperor.
The actors' shoulders shook.
-Kar….
-Ke.
-Karkasa….
They were trembling in fear. The sound of their trembling was transmitted through the floor, and the actors began to whisper among themselves like snakes hiding in the shade.
-Swi.
-Rak.
-Gur.
It wasn't the language of the current era. It was from a long time ago, when they used to pick up acorns below ancient trees. The actors whispered liltingly, their words indistinguishable. Swi. Rak. Gur. Swi. Rak. Gur.
-…….
The audience was beginning to be unsettled by the whispering.
The language of their ancestors from ancient times was not something that these hobgoblins could understand.
But they didn't need to understand.
The audience held their breath. These green skinned beasts could feel gloominess and anxiety in the sounds that came from the actors' vocal cords.
-Swi.
-Rak.
-Gur.
The actors hovered around me in fear. Swi. With every step I took, my aura resonated to make music. Rak. When my steps slowed, the music also slowed. Gur. And when I grew closer to them the music gradually intensified.
-Wagar.
My flames spread across the dark flames.
[That's right.]
I crawled on all fours like a beautiful savage.
[I am the Flame Emperor.]
Grrr, low growls rose up from my throat.
The actors who were surrounding me stopped and trembled.
[I am this world's fire.]
Aura became my voice.
And beast-like growls continuously poured out of my mouth.
[I am a distinguished person.]
The stage began to shake, and the air around the audience shook with it.
My bloody aura.
A strange melody and rhythm filled the air. Swi-Rak-Gur. The strange music resounded. Swi-Rak-Gur. Like I was ridiculing the world and insulting everyone in it. Those sitting in the front row shrank back.
[Envy me. Be jealous of me. Worship me.]
The only sounds that came out of my mouth could at best be described as hisses. Because words were unnecessary. I did not speak with words, I spoke with aura.
[This world is just firewood to help me burn brighter.]
Swi.
[I crave your envy. I want you to recognize my brilliance. Fire cannot burn alone. Here you, trivial beings, will have the honor of being the firewood that burns endlessly around me.]
Rak.
[I laugh at my own success. But I laugh even louder at those who don't succeed. I scoff at your attention. But I scoff even more at those who don't pay attention.]
Gur.
[I'm a humble person.]
[I look at everything with indifferent eyes. I look at life with a calm expression. Even my own success is nothing before my eyes. But since I'm more successful than everyone else, I will constantly remind you of my success.]
[Indifferent eyes.]
[Calm expression.]
[And so, your success isn't success. And without success, your hard work and suffering are meaningless. From your greatest suffering to your paltriest success, everything becomes insignificant before me.]
I stepped forward.
My flames burned.
Surprised, the actors scattered. They ran away.
-Wagar!
A smile spread across my lips.
[You all act like people.]
[However, there is only one person in this world.]
[And that one person, is 'Me'.]
The fire grew more intense.
It swept off the stage and engulfed the audience as well.
-Hik
A whimper came from the audience.
Some of them instinctively used their aura to fend off my flames.
I laughed harder — the music intensified.
[Only I am a person.]
My flames wrapped around the audience's auras.
And gently brushed against their throats.
-……, urk…….
One of the audience members sitting in the front row twitched. It was the warrior who was said to be ranked 21st in the council. He sat with wide eyes, his forehead covered in cold sweat.
The theater had become hell.
[When I introduce my success, I say 'It was nothing'.]
[So who are you who can't achieve anything?]
[Something that isn't even 'nothing'.]
[Something worse than dust.]
The Flame Emperor's laugh.
The Flame Emperor's arm movements.
The Flame Emperor's smile as he looked around the stage.
The Actor whom my eyes met, Arika, flinched.
[I love animals who reveal their necks.]
He ran away.
With a scream, the one eyed Arika ran away.
[Those who innocently believed in someone. And showed that innocence.]
[Those that are soft enough to swallow in one bite!]
Flames sprouted in front of the escaping Arika.
He turned and ran in a different direction.
But he was once again blocked by a wall of flames.
I was driving my prey.
-Spare me!
Arika's mouth opened and closed.
It seemed like he wanted to speak, but all that came out was a squeak.
Just like I could make sound with aura, I could also block sound.
I snatched Arika's scream as it left his lips and crushed it.
[Why are you running away?]
-Spare me! Please….
[Don't run. I'm your father.]
Arika screamed until he lost his voice.
-Please! Spare me, don't kill me…. Please don't kill me…!
However, his voice never reached the audience.
From the audience's perspective, it seemed that Arika was opening and closing his mouth rapidly while struggling.
-…….
The audience watched the silent death throes with bated breaths.
[Child.]
I walked up to Arika.
[I won't hurt you.]
Arika was trapped in a curtain of flames.
By moving the walls closer, I restricted his range of movement.
Now, Arika could only sit like a child trapped in a small room.
-Don't kill me….
[It's fine.]
-Please….
The one eyed child shed tears.
-Help me, mom….
Then.
I opened my mouth and bit Arika's neck.
My teeth didn't sink into his skin.
Instead, my aura tore through his flesh.
-Aaaaaaahhh!!
Arika screamed.
He howled in pain.
I didn't block the sound anymore, so the scream he let out tore through the theater.
-Aahh! Aaaahh!!
The audience, who had only been watching the struggle in silence, shuddered at the sudden scream. It felt like a murder scene that could no longer be called 'acting' was appearing before their eyes.
-What…
-Th-, that….
Some of them gulped. Some wept. Some in the back row actually got so afraid that they ran out of the theater. However, the majority of the audience remained in their seats, staring at the stage that was engulfed in flames.
[I am the fire of this world.]
The hunt didn't end there.
In the middle of a hell.
I became a bloodthirsty beast that began to search for my next prey.
Seeing this, Yumar and Sakum screamed and ran away.
-Save me!
The music flowed.
-Chasing me! A monster is chasing me!
It wasn't my fault.
If someone had to be blamed, then it would be the world that allowed me to be born. It was the world that made me this way.
People only flowed according to the curves of the world.
I was bound to live as I was made, so how was it my fault?
[Let's dance!]
Swi, rak, gur.
[The whole world is my stage!]
Swi, rak, gur.
[Don't blame me. I'm just like you guys. I'm just a being born into this world like you are.]
[It's just that I'm stronger than you.]
[It is the law of nature for the weak to be eaten by the strong, so you shouldn't blame me, blame the world.]
Brilliant flames.
I ran wild.
Spitting fire as I pleased and biting as I pleased.
-Aaaaaak!
The one armed Yumar fell. Then the one eared Sakum.
It was fine. They were just animals.
For humans, animals were just meat, so this wasn't murder, it was a slaughter.
Dung!
The sound of the drums grew louder.
Dung!
The bloody flames engulfed the theater.
Even after the three actors fell, my rampage showed no signs of stopping. Swi! Rak! Gur! The audience trembled. They were terrified as they watched my aura dancing on the stage.
-Up……!
One of the younger audience members fainted. His head fell onto the shoulder of the person beside him with foam coming out of his mouth, but the person beside him was frozen stiff and couldn't even help him.
Dung!
Just as the music reached its peak…
The theater door was slammed open and a group of people stormed in.
-Stop everything! We are the Security Force under the Fire River Council! (TL: expected this…)
Experienced and well trained hobgoblins surrounded the audience.
-Everyone, stop! Stop everything!
-We were dispatched after receiving a report of mass murder and arson taking place here! If anyone ignores our orders and moves, they will be arrested without hesitation! And that is just the start.
The tension in the air was so thick that it could be cut with a knife.
It was only at that moment that the audience, who had been holding their breaths for a while, managed to exhale.
-Huff
-Huff… c-, cough…!
Audience members all over the theater collapsed in their seats.
They slid back as if the pressure on their chests had been relieved.
"Mm."
Immersion broken, I couldn't help but look at the security force with my eyebrows furrowed. I don't know how serious the report was, but the members of the security force were looking warily in all directions.
-Rescue first!
-Where's the arsonist!?
-There are people collapsed on the stage!
The hobgoblins rushed towards the actors. When they saw the three of them laying on the stage, they mistook them as 'dead'.
Of course, there were no deaths during the performance.
-No…. Wait a minute.
-W-, don't need help. We're fine!
One after the other, the actors got up and waved their hands.
-Where are your injuries? Are you hurt? Is your head okay?
-Uh, I don't have any! I'm perfectly fine!
-We were told that a mass murder was taking place here. Where is the culprit? Are you being held hostage?
-What…
Arika tilted his head with a puzzled expression.
-Mass murder? Hostages? Nothing like that happened.
The one armed Yumar shouted.
-We were acting! You crazy bastards!
The members of the security force froze.
-…acting?
-Right! It was a performance! We are a theater company! The Dog Sound Theater Company! This is a theater, we were in the middle of a play!
-…….
By the way, I had been apprehended by the officers who thought I was the culprit. I could have easily broken free of their grasp, but I was so dumbfounded that I just let them do what they wanted.
The leader of the group turned to me slowly.
-We were also told that there was a fire….
I nodded.
Fwoosh.
Aura rose up from my fingertip.
"It's my aura. I made it look like fire."
-……they said a beast was biting and killing people.
"I was playing the role of a dog bastard, and my seniors were playing the roles of prey. Naturally, I had to knock them down during the play."
In other words.
"It seems like someone reported it because we were so immersed in our act."
-…….
At this point, even the members of the security force knew something was wrong. Compared to their vigilant and stern expressions when they first entered, the members of the security force looked embarrassed.
An uproar also erupted in the audience.
-What's going on.
-Who reported it…?
Their reaction quickly intensified.
-What about the performance?
-It isn't going to end like this is it?
-What happened?!
-It's those damned security force bastards!
-They always show up to make trouble every day!
Mumble mumble.
The complaints began pouring in from all directions, and the expression of the leader of the security force rapidly deteriorated.
With a smile, I walked up to him.
"What should we do? I think that today's performance has been ruined."
-Uhh….
"I'm sorry, everyone! Due to an unfortunate incident, we will have to end today's performance here! According to the Security Force, our Dog Sound Theater Company was told to [Stop Everything]! Please leave in an orderly manner under the guidance of the security company. Oh, by the way…."
I smiled brightly at the leader.
"Will you be responsible for the performance refunds?"
-…….
The audience erupted once more.
That day, the theater industry in the city exploded.
Because of [a play that felt so real it got reported].
(TL: Those poor gobbies will get ptsd) (ED: I think there will now be plans for having trigger warnings for these plays going forward XD. )
Chapter 188. Blaze (3)
Translator: Seven ED: Sasha
4.
The goblin race had a 'word that encompassed all things'.
About a thousand years ago, this word, which described all their joy, anger and sorrow came to life. And it was the word these fairies of the soil uttered whenever they were happy or sad.
-Shibal!
And today was the day many people shouted it.
-It was amazing! We were doing so well! You motherfucking dog shit bastards!
The one eyed Arika swore as heavily as a sailor.
The other actors also complained.
-That's right. Even if you had to interrupt us, why did it have to be at the climax!?
-It's not enough to only give refunds to the customers. You should give us refunds too. You don't know how much effort we put in for today's performance. And now, thanks to you, all of our efforts went down the drain.
The seniors fumed.
They were angry that our performance had been interrupted, and that their [immersion] had been lost.
-No. We have no choice but to move when we receive such a report….
The leader of the security force was sweating profusely.
It was unfair from the perspectives of the security force members as well. Who could imagine something like that? Even if there were a lot of crazy reports in the world, they couldn't imagine that they'd receive a report because someone [had been mistaken about a play].
-I-, it wasn't just one or two people either. A total of five people reported the same thing at the same time.
It was also a report with high credibility.
-We received five reports of murder and arson at the same time, so how could we not send out a team….
-Ugo? Then are you trying to say it was our fault?
-Pe-, perhaps if you all had acted a bit less realistically….
-What kind of bullshit is that?
The security force leader couldn't help but make an embarrassed expression as he was criticized by people from a theater called Dog Sound.
"Umm. Everyone, I understand the situation of the security force."
We were currently in the security force's main office.
The charges had already been cleared, but the investigation still needed to be conducted in an official manner.
On one side of the building, there was a sign that said [Blocking beforehand is more beneficial than judging afterward]. Was this the security force's slogan?
"Nevertheless, we still need that refund. We have to be repaid for our effort. After all, it's not like we can do business by eating dirt. While it's true that the security force couldn't have known, the situation of our theater company is very bad right now. If this performance fails, we might have to close down."
-Ugo….
They had already finished interrogating me.
From [Can you really make your aura resemble flames?] and [Could you really engulf the entire theater in your aura?] to [Is it true that you can make music with your aura?].
Of course, it was all true.
I personally demonstrated my aura at the security force's main office.
The eyes of all the members stared at me with amazement as if they were thinking, 'Where the hell did this monster come from?'.
"However."
I smiled widely.
"As I said before, I understand the security force's situation. So if you accept our condition, we will accept only a small apology fee."
-Condition…?
"We will give you special seats for free. So please come to our next performance."
The actors all turned their heads to look at me.
-Junior! What kind of bullshit is that?! (TL: Dog sound)
-It's not enough that they ruined everything already, now you want to give them special seats for free?!
-I don't think that's a good idea either, Junior.
Aigo.
These seniors really didn't know how to do business.
I smiled slightly.
"Uhuh."
-…….
Tuk.
The complaining actors immediately went silent and looked at me with wary gazes. The last week. Through the special hell training, the seniors had learned the timing of when to speak and when to listen.
"Where was I? Ah. The invitation for the special seats."
The security force members all looked at me with strange expressions.
After all, four adult hobgoblins had just gone soft in front of a young elf they called junior. They didn't know how to describe it. Should they say he looked like a young mafia boss or gangster? In any case, it was not an ordinary sight.
"Our theater company would like to formally invite the security force. I know you are very busy, but we would appreciate it if at least four or five people took the time to come. Then we'd accept only a small apology fee."
-Why…
The leader was perplexed.
-No. I mean, if it's okay with you then we would be happy to. But why are you formally inviting us?
I lowered my eyebrows slightly.
To appear as pitiful as possible.
"That… it broke my heart to see you guys get cursed by the customers earlier."
-Ugo? Broke your heart?
"Yes. You guys were just doing your duty as the security force. But it seems you are always criticized by the citizens. That's why I wanted to do something for you… We're all learning, aren't we? I hope that watching the performance will bring you some comfort…."
The [Eyes of a puppy in the rain that tickles your heart…] that I learned from Raviel was a lethal move that was always well received. It was to the point that I'd received four pats on the head in the past.
This time was no different. The hobgoblins were visibly moved.
-Unbelievable.
-Is he really an elf? Are you sure he's not an angel?
-I can't believe we made this young man stop acting. Our wrongs are great!
You guys trusted people too easily.
I started to worry about these children.
They wouldn't be able to live in such a harsh world with such a personality.
-Zombie… you really….
'Huh? What is it?'
-……it's nothing. Right. There's nothing I could say to you.
Bae Hu-ryeong let out a deep sigh. What was wrong with him? Could ghost become senile too?
In any case, the members of the security force happily accepted the invitation. Even if a lot of them couldn't go because of their busy schedule, they said that they would definitely repay our sincerity.
On the way out of the office and back to the theater.
-I didn't know that junior felt that kind of admiration in his heart….
Yumar murmured.
We had been dragged out in the middle of the performance, so we were still wearing the clothes from the play. As we walked with cloth around our waists and black tattoos across our bodies, passersby on the street looked at us with curiosity.
-That's right. It was kind of surprising.
-Until now, I thought junior was a demon from the depths of Kekerkker's stomach.
-We were all upset because the play got interrupted… but it's embarrassing when we look at junior.
Tch.
I clicked my tongue.
"You guys really don't get it, do you? Seniors, we have received a huge reward."
– Ugor?
"It's just a bit of money. If we do a few more performances, we'll be able to get it back. We can even do another one tomorrow. However, what we just did was [make bait]."
The seniors tilted their heads to the side in unison.
-What's that, junior?
Well. These kids. They were cute.
Once again reaffirming that the goblin race was the cutest in the universe, I calmly explained.
"We have the skills. We also have plays to perform. Now, all our theater needs is publicity. And perhaps by tomorrow, everyone in the city will know what happened today."
「I heard that the security force rushed to the scene after hearing about a fire.」
「But then they found out it was just a play.」
「The aura was so vivid that the audience thought it was real fire and reported it.」
"That's the bait."
In other words, it would become a conversation topic.
"All goblins are potential customers. Everyone, regardless of age or gender watches Fire Plays. So don't you think they'd be interested after hearing about [aura that was so vivid it was mistaken for fire]?"
I also added more bait on top of that.
"What if the rumors spread that the theater company who suffered at the hands of the security force invited them to watch their play?"
-Ugor….
-Indeed.
The actors all had contemplative expressions.
-Are you saying that more people will come to watch?
"Definitely."
That wasn't all.
"Apart from that, I am an elf. Although you seniors might think it's fine, if we continue on the road to success, there will definitely be goblins who get jealous."
Fire Painting was a culture unique to the goblins.
But a strange elf rookie suddenly appeared and quickly gained popularity.
It would be difficult to get a positive response.
"That's why, even if I have to say things I don't mean, it is a good thing to get the security force on our side now. After all, we are also merchants of acting. And there is nothing wrong with merchants having a good relationship with the security force."
-…….
"Do you understand now? They will definitely take our side if they were to receive another report. Or at the very least they will ignore the reports that make no sense from now on."
-Amazing….
The seniors were stunned.
-Sometimes, the junior doesn't look like an elf. But when he starts using his brain like that, it shows that he is definitely an elf.
-Our junior is the most talented person with the heart of a goblin and the head of an elf.
-If only he had a bit more muscles, then he would be perfect….
I couldn't gain that much muscle even if I wanted to.
I just hoped that Raviel didn't one day awaken a desire for a muscle man.
'Gongja,' she'd whisper in my ear, 'it would be nice if you gained a little more weight.' Gently. 'Just a little more'. Whispering. 'I want to see your arms thicker than they are now.'
Mm.
I would give billions of dollars to the best trainer on the 1st floor of the tower without any hesitation. What? Internal muscles? Bullshit. Throw it away.
-Junior is smiling again…
-Sometimes, he would just suddenly smile without saying anything.
-I have no idea what he's thinking about… Honestly, it's kinda creepy….
-Scary… It gives me a terrible feeling….
So noisy.
What do you know about love?
Even if they knew love, they didn't know Raviel, so in reality these guys knew nothing about love. Children.
-There they are!
It was then.
-Ah!
-The actors have returned!
A large crowd had gathered in front of the theater. One of them pointed a finger when he spotted us. Then, the hobgoblins who had been crowding at the front rushed towards us.
Thud! Thud!
Dozens of huge hobgoblins surrounded us.
-Wh-, what's going on?
The seniors were frightened.
-What happened…….
-When is the next performance?!
A hobgoblin shouted.
-We bought the tickets with our own money! We are victims of having our viewing unfairly interrupted!
-That's right!
-We deserve to have priority seating for the next performance!
-Tickets! Give us tickets!
They were like an annoying group of seagulls.
The seniors were stunned.
-That, ugo, wait a minute…!
Someone squeezed themself out of the crowd. It was the theater owner. The wrinkles on his face seemed to have deepened, as if he'd suffered greatly at the hands of the customers before we returned.
-Huk. These guys, it would be better if they asked for a refund, huk. Even though I said I would give it to them….
-We don't need refunds!
The hobgoblins shouted as one.
-Right! We don't want refunds or anything like that!
-Just give us tickets for the next performance! I'm sure you must have others planned!
-I heard that the special seats are worth six times more than the others. Is it possible to increase the number? Naturally, we will pay for it.
-Tell us how many special seats are left!
The theater owner was sweating.
-Th-, they're being so persistent even after I told them we hadn't planned anything else yet. I really can't….
Currently, the real power of the theater company was in my hands.
Just by dealing with the customers without blindly promising when the next performance would be was already the best I could hope for from the theater owner.
"Everyone."
I smiled and bowed my head.
"Thank you for enjoying the Dog Sound Theater Company's performance so much. Did you find it interesting?"
-It was more than just interesting! Ugor!
-It's the first time I've seen aura used in such a way. However, it wasn't just the aura that was amazing….
-In any case, it was amazing! It was as intense as flames! It really was!
The crowd became excited.
I bowed my head to express my gratitude, but the seniors' reactions were different.
They were even more dramatic.
-Our acting….
-…….
That's right.
The one eyed Arika, one armed Yumar, and one eared Sakum had probably never received such good attention before.
Like children receiving Santa's gifts for the first time, they didn't know what to do.
"The next play is still being scheduled. Unfortunately, we don't have any plans to perform [The Rampant Fire Sword] agin."
-That's not possible!
-We'll riot against the security force!
"But hearing your compliments makes me want to pay you back even if we didn't plan to."
I gave the professional smile created by the Black Dragon Master.
"Therefore, next saturday, we will perform [The Rampant Fire Sword] once more!"
-Ohh!
"That's not all! The Dog Sound Theater Company always puts its customers first! This play won't be open to the general public, but only to those who visited today! It is a special performance just for you! A secret performance!"
The crowd, who had missed the climax of the play, were ecstatic.
"Thank you for your enthusiastic support! Now for those who want tattoos, please come one by one. We will paint them for you."
The goblins also had a culture of giving signatures.
However, instead of signing on paper, they drew patterns on their bare bodies.
The actors drew these patterns using soft mud.
That's why theaters with famous actors often had audience members who bore the same tattoo
"But!"
I let out a loud laugh.
"In order to receive a pattern from us, you must agree to one condition."
-What's that?
"Shout 'son of a bitch' before you get the pattern."
The crowd laughed.
They probably thought I was joking.
However, I was serious.
-Flame Emperor, you son of a bitch. Like this?
"Yes. Thank you."
-Flame Emperor you son of a bitch!
"Thank you."
-Flame Emperor you motherfucker!
"Aigo, you even said something like that. You're awesome."
The crowd laughed even louder while exchanging jokes with me and the other actors. And everyone left with satisfied expressions after receiving patterns on their shoulders, chests and backs.
For reference, the pattern I drew was a dog.
While also promoting Dog Sound Theater Company, it would also imprint the image that the Flame Emperor was a son of a bitch, truly killing two birds with one stone.
-Zombie… you really….
'Huh? What is it?'
-……it's nothing. Right. There's nothing I could say to a psycho.
Bae Hu-ryeong sighed again.
The ghost was definitely going senile. I was certain of it now. Poor thing.
[The influence of the Heretic Cult weakens in the Goblin Race!]
I heard the Tower's voice in my head.
['Returning to Ancient Times' is starting to gain popularity in the Goblin Race.]
[The possibility of renaissance opens up for the Goblin Race.]
[The quest 'The Warring Theaters Period: The Crisis of Classics progresses.]
[Current heretic erosion rate is 86%.]
Now then.
It seemed that the Tower was also cheering me on.
I smiled at the theater owner and the seniors.
"Everyone, are you ready to become an awesome theater company?"
Even if we couldn't do it now.
When I started something, I made sure to see it through to the end.
(TL: The different swears in this chapter are more diverse than my translations, but I couldn't think of good equivalents for some of them and chose the next best thing. But let's just say that my Korean swear vocabulary is much more… comprehensive now.)
~~~
Chapter 189. Prima Donna (1)
Translator: Seven
1.
-Sold out! All seats were sold out again!
The reaction to the dance plays was explosive.
-First the legendary Fire Sword Dance that was so realistic that even the security force was called! Followed by the Burning Grave! And even Demon King Estelle! The legend of all seats being sold out continues!
-The dance plays unfold with the actors expressions and dance moves!
-Everyone should also get on board with the new trend!
The size of the Dog Sound Theater Company grew rapidly.
We hired separate ticket clerks and also increased the number of actors.
Nevertheless, it still wasn't enough to keep up with the demand.
-Welcome!
[Current heretic erosion rate is 44%.]
-A stage where every hand gesture causes excitement and every arm gesture caused temptation!
-Where every life becomes a dance!
[Current heretic erosion rate is 32%.]
-Look at the flames of aura and cheer!
I trained the actors even more passionately.
"Keep your chin up! Your body should always be relaxed and ready. When you're angry, you clench your fists. If you see something you don't like, you frown. Your body has to react to your emotions. The more your emotions and bodies connect, the more natural the aura you create! Now!"
Pak!
When I clapped my hands, the members of the theater company began to move in unison.
"Good! Next!"
Pak!
The actors moved their limbs according to the choreography I created. Huff, their hot breath flew across the stage. Huff, drops of sweat fell from their foreheads.
"Next!"
Body movements that the goblins performed in the primitive era.
The basic movements that the Infernal Heavens Demonic Art had accumulated over the years.
Mixing the two together, I taught the actors the choreography.
"Okay! Next!"
Thud!
With the most primitive rhythm, the deadliest gestures, the hobgoblins moved their feet.
The three original members were at the head, and the newly joined actors supported them. A total of 24 members danced together in perfect timing.
[Current heretic erosion rate is 28%.]
I smiled.
"Good job. Get some rest."
-Ugor!
-I really thought I was going to die!
-So tired… the junior's training is too hard….
The hobgoblin actors all collapsed. There were complaints coming from all over, but the actor's faces didn't match their words.
Their expressions seemed to say that they were happily letting the sweat flow.
'Mm.'
I wondered if this was enough.
'I think I should retire soon.'
-Huh?
Ssonia turned to look at me in surprise.
After being possessed by me, Ssonia had become a mental body and wandered around all day. He was made happy every day as he watched his body become a famous great actor.
-Lord Kekekker? R-, retirement?
'I meant retire from your body. I came down to this era to handle a certain mission. I think the mission will be completed soon. I'll have to give you your body back.'
-You can't! No, you can't!
Ssonia jumped up.
-You made it this far and now you're going to retire?! It doesn't make sense! They're now called Kekerkker the greatest actor in Guru…! The Prima Donna, the greatest actor in the history of the goblin race and the first elf to experience such success in Fire Plays! You can't retire! It's impossible!
'It's a good thing.'
I laughed softly.
'Didn't you say that it was your dream to become a successful actor? Now, you've succeeded. You can enjoy a life of success.'
-B-, but!
'Are you scared?'
-…….
Ssonia immediately shut up.
I shrugged.
'You're scared. Even though this is what you wanted, it was all done on my own, without your skills. You're wondering what will happen if I leave now. Aren't you?'
-Uk… guk….
'You can retire too.'
I gave him the simplest option.
'The legendary actor appeared like a comet and disappeared like a comet! If you say [I'm not interested in being the top, it will only cause a ripple. In fact, they might admire you even more.'
-…….
'Isn't that cool?'
At least on the surface.
'If you don't go on the stage, no one will know you changed. I also made a lot of money. Your reputation has skyrocketed. You would enjoy a splendid retirement life.'
-I… would.
Ssonia pursed his lips.
-However…. Kekerkker is right. I guess I was just thinking too much.
'Huh. Then it's fine if I invite your parents to the next concert?'
-Huh? …Huh?
'I'm talking about your family. To show them that even after they kicked you out of the house, you became this successful without their help. It's to brag, show off. They said that one of the best feelings in the world is showing off to your family.'
-Ah….
'Why? You don't want to show off to your parents?'
-N-, no. That's not… it at all….
'Then I'll invite them.'
I took out an invitation and handed it to a nearby ticket clerk. This ticket clerk was also a young elf. When elves reached adulthood and entered society, they would usually run around looking for a job to make money.
"Please deliver this to the three story green roofed building built on fallen leaf hillside."
-Chief choreographer.
The young elf, a newbie to society, had a pale face.
-I'm sorry, but I"m not an errand boy. I am a ticket clerk for the Dog Sound Theater Company. I don't know about others, but I'm proud of my job and my company.
"That's cool. How about one gold coin for your pride?"
-You said it was fallen leaf hill? I'll be right back!
The elf quickly ran away with the invitation and the gold coin.
-Ah.
Ssonia made a soft 'ah' sound.
That was all.
Ssonia raised his arm awkwardly. It was as if even he didn't know why he was lifting his arm.
'I gave them invitations for special seats. The price will be equal to the food you had before you left the house. It's a price with symbolic meaning. What do you think?'
-…Yes. I think that's fine….
Ssonia looked in the direction the ticket clerk ran off in.
And time passed.
[The Black Dragon Master has successfully completed the quest!]
News of my companions, who had been silent for a while, finally came in.
Unlike the previous stage, we were required to complete a quest for this stage.
'The Black Dragon Master was the first to beat it.'
Although she had been pushed out of her rank by me, she was still the hunter who reigned on top of the top guild.
'She has the experience.'
I couldn't help but admire inwardly.
The very next day, a well dressed vampire came to visit.
"Hi."
I was practicing with the members as usual.
The theater should have been closed because it was practice time, but somehow the old vampire was able to enter. He smiled when he saw me.
'Is he a crazy fan?'
Something like this had also occurred some time ago.
However, the old vampire's outfit was very grandiose. He stood out too much to be a crazy fan. A black suit. Leather boots. He even had a gold tipped cane and a silver ring on the hand holding it.
"Uh, customer. I'm sorry but it's not yet time for the performance. If you want to see the actors' training, you need to make a separate reservation with the owner first…."
"Hmph."
A long grunt came out of the old man's mouth.
"With our relationship, I still need a reservation to meet you. I didn't know that. Should I apologize now?"
Huh.
His voice was low and carried an old fashioned, but why was speech… so familiar?
"……."
Subconsciously, I called on my aura and wrapped it around the old man. However, with a 'tuk!' my aura stopped as if it had collided with an invisible barrier.
This was impossible if the other's aura hadn't reached a mature level.
Black aura flowed gently out of the old man's cane.
"Erk, wait a minute. No way…."
"Huhu."
An old man with an unfamiliar face let out a familiar sound.
I opened my mouth and thoughtlessly pointed at the old man with my finger.
"Black Dragon Master…!?"
"As expected. I knew it was you."
The vampire laughed like a little kid who had successfully played a prank.
"No, why? Why do you look like…."
"It definitely is you. People will definitely be interested to know that the Death King possessed an elf."
The members who were focused on practice turned to look at them. I thought it would be dangerous. I took the vampire to a dark corner of the theater.
"H-, how did you know it was me? Also, didn't you complete your quest already?"
"Yeah. I cleared the quest but I haven't declared stage clear yet. If I go out of the stage now, I'll have nothing to do but to wait until you guys are finished. I thought that would be too boring so I decided to see what the others are doing."
"Wow…."
Amazed, I couldn't help but look at the vampire, no, the Black Dragon Master.
For some reason, even though I thought this outfit was flashy before, I felt that it suited the Black Dragon Master.
"You look awesome…."
"Thanks."
The Black Dragon Master smiled brightly.
It was a smile that looked exactly like the one I was taught.
"If you took a picture and showed it to the Duke, I'm sure she would like it."
"I miss Raviel so much these days I feel like I'm going to die…."
"Someone would think differently if they heard 'these days'. Ah. By the way, the way I knew it was you was simple. After moving to the largest goblin city, I simply asked if there was any name that was always popping up lately."
"And you were able to infer it was me from just that?"
"I just wondered who it would be if not you, Death King. You're the type who takes over all the craziness that happens in the world, aren't you?"
"Those words will get an innocent man in trouble."
"In any case, I came to see you."
The Black Dragon Master peeped out and looked at the stage.
"Heh. You really became the leader of a theater company. Dancing?"
"Yes. Why?"
"I never knew you were good at dancing."
"It's only a dance in name, it's more like a martial dance. I copied the moves from martial arts to make the choreography. It's a bit difficult, but I can hold on with aura."
"Your humility…."
The Black Dragon Master spoke while watching the members practice.
"I missed it."
The vampire's eyes twinkled with curiosity.
"Is this a Fire Play?"
"Yeah. There are a lot of rumors around the city. I wonder how amazing it is to drive the entire city crazy. When is the next concert?"
"I haven't scheduled it yet…."
"Tsk."
"We have quite a few in our repertoire. Mm. This is a bit embarrassing. Would you like to watch the first part of a play called [Burning Grave]? We made the Tower's tenth floor as the background."
"I'd be more than happy to."
"Okay. Sit wherever you like."
I went onto the stage and clapped my hands.
The hobgoblins who were practicing the choreography turned to me.
"Now then. Let's begin the final practice for the day. We'll do the group choreography at the beginning of Burning Grave. Did anyone forget it? Good. Begin when I start the music."
I slowly started the background music with my music.
The members started displaying the movements of the choreography they were familiar with.
The children playing in the Burning Grave, in other words, the [Fiery Mansion].
Sometimes flashy.
But their movements were unique to the goblin race.
The beginning of the Fire Play ended with the children running away in order to avoid being caught by slave traders.
"Great job everyone! You're dismissed! You guys can stay in the theater and practice on your own. Let me know which members want to practice. Yes yes, thank you for your hard work. Yes. See you tomorrow!"
I said goodbye to each member before heading towards the seats.
In the middle sat the Black Dragon Master in the shape of an old vampire.
"How was it?"
"……."
The Black Dragon Master was speechless.
She was lost in thought.
With her hand on her chin, her gaze was locked on the now empty stage.
"……it's amazing. Why did no one think of this before?"
"Huh?"
"I'll come back tomorrow."
The Black Dragon Master jumped to her feet.
"Black Dragon Master?"
"Wait. Death King. Even if you complete the quest, don't declare clear! No matter what! Oh, if possible, sleep here tonight. It would be annoying if I came back here for nothing… Transfer!"
The Black Dragon Master disappeared. I felt the presence above me, and when I looked up, I could see the Black Dragon Master's figure appear for a moment before disappearing again.
I was suddenly left alone.
"What the hell was that…?"
The answer was revealed the next day.
[The Crusader has successfully completed the quest!]
About thirty minutes after I heard the Tower's voice.
Paht-
The signature of Black Dragon Master's teleportation appeared once again.
And the scene that unfolded before me was surreal.
"You! Why did you move so quickly!"
Splash.
A strange sound appeared in a theater made of mud, stone and wood. The sound of water. Splash. And in the place where the water sound was coming from… was a bathtub.
As in bathtub you used to take a bath.
"The mermaid race loses energy without water! How many times have I told you that?! If you put me in a fishbowl and transfer…!"
A mermaid covered in gills was splashing around in the bathtub. The Black Dragon Master was comforting the mermaid in the bathtub by saying 'yes, I'm sorry, I was wrong.', with a very not sorry expression.
A mermaid.
0
By chance.
"Crusader……?"
Freeze.
The mermaid slowly turned her head and we made eye contact.
"Huh. Crusader, is that really you?"
"……."
The mermaid's tail swayed restlessly in the water.
Since it was the water in a bathtub, I was able to see everything.
The mermaid's tail, which was fluttering helplessly… right. It reminded me of a flatfish swimming around helplessly in the aquarium of a sushi restaurant.
"Sorry."
While a heavy silence descended upon the theater, the Black Dragon Master spoke casually.
"I know you don't want the others to see you like this, but there's something I wanted to show you. You'll probably wonder why you didn't think of this in the first place. Crusader, you went to a music school. Out of all of us, you are the expert…."
"Black Dragon Master."
"Huh?"
"Die."
Splash!
In an instant, the Black Dragon Master was splashed with bathwater.
Chapter 190. Prima Donna (2)
Translator: Seven
2.
"So."
The movements of mermaids in water were quite intense.
The water in the bathtub spilled out, and the Black Dragon Master had fill it up again under the Crusader's orders.
"Whoever saw this would think I did something wrong. I helped you clear your quest." The Black Dragon Master mumbled.
0
The Crusader sighed as though she was already used to the Black Dragon Master's shamelessness.
"Why did you bring me here? Is it because you need [Lie Detector]?"
"It's not. I don't need your skill. I need your musical talent."
"…my musical talent?"
The Crusader frowned.
The Black Dragon Master nodded.
"Mhm. You used to play a lot before you joined the Civil Militia. You even earned a lot more than your salary didn't you? Without my exaggeration, wouldn't that mean that it was a waste of money?"
"I don't know why the hell you're talking about that… That's an old story from before I got my title."
Listening to the conversation of the two in front of me, I felt a bit bewildered.
The Crusader. Ranked 7th.
Deputy Head of the Civil Militia in charge of maintaining security in Deungcheon City.
After the Sword Saint announced his retirement, the position of Head of the Civil Militia became vacant, so the Crusader was basically the acting Head.
I knew that she was a Venezuelan refugee and a graduate of a music school, but that was it.
Like my other companions, the Crusader didn't talk about her original past, so I knew very little about the Deputy Head.
"What do you mean earned a lot of money? What are you two talking about?"
"It's nothing. A useless past……."
"It's something that most don't know. This person made a lot of money doing jazz concerts."
Despite the Crusader's efforts to avoid the topic, the Black Dragon Master spoke plainly. The Crusader gave her a deathly glare, but the Black Dragon Master simply shrugged.
"When we first entered the tower, there weren't many interesting things to do. There were a lot of people who got into drinking, doing drugs or other things like that. But whenever the Crusader held a concert, hunters would flock to…."
"Black Dragon Master!"
"I don't know why, but everything we mention that time, she gets angry. So fussy. Ah, at that time, the Crusader's nickname was Night Sky…."
"If you say anything else it'll be declaration of war!"
"Aright. Sorry."
Heh.
This was something I hadn't known before.
Before my return, although it wasn't as much as the Flame Emperor, I had been a big fan of the famous hunters. I collected all the magazines that had the Black Dragon Master, Saintess, or Heretic Questionner as the cover models. However….
'There was very little information on the early days in the tower.'
Like now, there were still many stories that I didn't know.
I delved into my memories.
'Come to think of it, did I have any pictures of the Crusader…?'
She'd never pampered as the cover model for a magazine.
She was a hunter who was responsible for the Tower's consciousness together with the Saintess and the Lord of the Alchemy Castle.
'Was there some kind of hidden secret? Does she cover her face not just for style, but also for a secret reason?'
The fan spirit in me fluttered after a long time.
But I held it in because I didn't want to accidentally violate their privacy.
"……."
When our eyes met, the Crusader coughed slightly.
"…you still haven't told me why you brought me here. Black Dragon Master. If your goal was just to show the Death King that I'd taken the form of a mermaid, I will also expose your dark history."
"Oh my. What kind of dark history do I have?"
"Something you write and publish anonymously whenever you have time……."
"Death King! Show the Crusader that performance from before."
The Black Dragon Master spoke hurriedly.
What was that? Why were there so many secrets that only I didn't know even though we were all comrades? I was really curious.
"What do you write anonymously?"
"Mr. Gong-ja."
The Black Dragon Master grabbed my shoulders.
A dark aura also began to rise up from the Black Dragon Master's body. There was even a strange smile on her lips.
"Everyone has one secret they absolutely wouldn't let others find out about. Don't you agree? Even the Death King sometimes comes up with ridiculous stories about prophets and such."
"Eh."
Did this person know that I was lying!?
"However, I wouldn't question you more than that. Because you are my colleague and my comrade. True friendship isn't about what you say to each other, but about what you don't say to each other."
"Th-, that's good."
"Mr. Gong-ja. Are you our friend?"
I nodded my head with difficulty. The fingers that held my shoulders in a death grip made something as easy s nodding difficult.
"Ye-, Yes. Of course I am your friend."
"Yeah. My best friend."
Somehow, I ended up becoming the Black Dragon Master's best friend.
"I'd be really happy if the Death King showed the Fire Play to the Crusader."
That made me happy.
I couldn't refuse my best friend's request.
"……."
The Crusader was silent the entire time as she watched the fire play.
Early in the morning, the actors were surprised to find a vampire and a mermaid watching their practice. They couldn't help but glance at the large bathtub in the center of the seating area with a mermaid in it
"……indeed."
The Crusader murmured to herself without paying attention to their gazes.
"Amazing. Death King, did you come up with this on your own?"
"No. Fire Plays have always been a thing."
"Really? What about the music and dance that was mixed in?"
"Ah. Not those. I thought it would be nice to introduce choreography and music…."
The Crusader's eyes gleamed.
"Why did you think that?"
"Fire plays were birthed from aura. If they learn choreography based on martial arts techniques, they would become more familiar with utilizing their aura, and if they learn to use their aura to make music, they would become more creative…."
"Ahh, I see. It's a completely different perspective!"
The Crusader's tail fluttered above the surface of the water.
She was probably excited because she'd gotten her own understanding because of it.
"Death King. Do you know how interesting your discovery is?"
The Crusader's eyes sparkled as she looked at me.
It was my first time seeing her like this.
"Wh-, what do you mean?"
"You have created a composite art with aura."
The Crusader excitedly took a deep breath.
"Usually, operas and musicals are viewed as composite arts. However, [music] has always been an unresolved factor. No matter how natural it sounds, no matter how much heart and soul was put in it, music was the one component that had always been separate from the actor."
"Uh…."
What was she talking about?
"There is a saying that actors cannot directly interfere with music."
The Crusader became more excited the more she talked.
"Whether it is background music or an in-house orchestra, the music that played in the theater was not done by the actors. They could sing in musicals, but they were limited to just that."
"Mm…."
I lowered my head in thought.
"The audience is forced to accept the illusion that it was [music unfolding from the story] even though they knew what they were hearing was just [music from the speakers]. It was a basic understanding. But in the fire play you created… the actors can even play the music themselves! With aura!"
The Crusader raised her hand.
"This is an amazing step forward!"
The Crusader flicked her fingers.
Then her aura created a melody in the air.
It was more melodious and soothing than anything I'd ever played.
"Wow."
I was honestly amazed.
Was this what experts were like?
"Ah, right. I want to learn music from the Crusader. So I can play for Raviel…."
"No! That doesn't matter right now!"
The Crusader hit her chest in frustration.
[Something like that].
It was too harsh.
"You need to understand how amazing your discovery is, Death King! Dancing and acting in the music created by someone has its meaning. But being able to supply the music, dance and act, with just one person! It's innovative! Imagine a figure skating athlete not only performing smoothly but also using aura to create music…!"
"I'm sorry, but can you summarize it?"
"Dammit! Now isn't the time!"
After all, if it was just a compliment.
He should've just complimented me.
"Thank you. I wasn't much."
I smiled brightly and scratched the back of my head.
"…unbelievable."
The Crusader couldn't help but lift her head and wonder as she suddenly felt bitter inside.
"I can't believe that the person who made the discovery doesn't know anything… Death King. This might develop into a trend known as [Aura Art] in the future. It's truly incredible."
"What did you say?"
I thought the Crusader was exaggerating too much.
"Isn't it common to strengthen your voice with aura?"
"I'm not saying you created something that was never seen in this world before. It's better to say that you uncovered something that was already in the world but no one noticed"
The Crusader sighed.
"When all the hunters only thought of aura for [combat] or [strengthening the body, you found that it could also be used as an [invisible instrument]. Actors can now raise their inner music as much as they want without needing to rely on props or gadgets. It's not just actors either. Musicians, dancers, singers, everyone……."
"And."
The Black Dragon Master naturally grabbed the Crusader's shoulders and joined the conversation.
"It'll be something to brag about to the outside world."
The Black Dragon Master smiled.
"The outside world badmouths us every day. Saying we're savages who only know how to fight. When we didn't make money, they called us beggars, but the moment we started making money, they only knew how to say vulgar things. Now I want to see what those bastards will say since we've made such an amazing achievement in art. Artists who only know how to make money well? Is that going to become the new insult?"
"Black Dragon Master…."
I felt mixed emotions.
"I don't think I need to say this, but the Black Dragon Master is very competitive when it comes to the outside world. Sometimes, it's a bit sad."
"So noisy. You're only saying that because you don't know how badly our Tower is mistreated."
Her words were harsh but her tone was soft.
The Black Dragon Master turned to look at me… it was as though she was looking at a good luck charm.
With a happy smile, she put her hands on the Crusader and my shoulders at the same time.
"Death King."
"Yeah?"
"Crusader."
"……What is it? I have a bad feeling."
"I… want to promote this on a national level."
The Black Dragon Master smiled angelically.
It was a smile she never showed to her friends. It was the smile she used while doing interviews or taking photos for magazines.
"I thought about it for a while and realized that the Death King, this child, had adapted what he'd been through into the fire play. Isn't the Death King or Tower's beloved rookie and most popular star?"
"……."
"I think it would be good if we took this, performed it back at the Tower of Babel, recorded it, then spread it across the world. Wouldn't the artists outside be so shocked that they would rush over here to learn aura?"
"Umm……."
The expression of the Crusader, who didn't understand at first, changed.
"I got several movie offers but I turned them all down. I think it would ruin the Death King's image if we make a strange adaptation."
Movie offers?
There was something like that too?
"From what I can see, the fire play would be better than a movie. Yeah. It's an art form created by our Tower, showing the story of our top star. How could it not be amazing?"
I was confused.
Why was the scale of this conversation getting even higher than I expected!
"No, wait a minute. I don't…."
"Without a doubt."
The Crusader held her chin as she nodded.
Her flatfish-like tail also moved smoothly in the water.
"Our Tower doesn't have very much in the way of art. There are many who do things like jazz performances or novels, but we have very few large performances."
"That's what I'm saying. I've tried to encourage it a few times but it failed every time. Every time, I can only take movies from the outside and perform them here, but the royalties are enormous. They only pay us more when we make deals on behalf of the Tower. Seriously. Isn't it disgusting?"
"Mm."
"Let's give it a shot. Aura is something only we hunters in the Tower have. Now, we too will move away from being cultural importers and become cultural exporters instead."
"That's not bad…."
Uhh.
The Black Dragon Master and the Crusader both turned to look at me.
"……."
"……."
The two then smiled and nodded.
"Death King, you really are amazing."
"Right. It's clear that the Death King is a genius."
Uhh.
What was this?
Something didn't seem right.
"Wh-, what are you talking about all of a sudden? Are you trying to embarrass me…."
"No. We're serious. You know martial arts, swordsmanship, and aura, don't you? And now you've even touched art. I was ranked second for a long time, but I really can't beat you, Death King."
"Death King… I wonder just how far can go with your talent!"
No.
"The Tower's greatest genius! The greatest rookie of all time! Ahh, talent might be a word created just for the Death King. I can't help but think that whenever I see you…"
"Dammit. Why did the heavens have to put me in the same era as the Death King…!"
I was getting dizzy.
"Wait a minute, everyone… wait…."
"If it weren't for the Death King, we might not have even been able to defeat the 10th floor by now!"
"Seriously… it was the worst… But thanks to the Death King, we were able to skip over the 30th floor without a hitch."
"My words exactly! No wonder I lost my place as second in the rankings. There's no point to someone like me being second."
"As one of the original members of the Tower, I'm a bit ashamed… Death King, you are the one who makes me feel ashamed. If you are the sun then I am a shadow that had no choice but to hide behind something when you started to rise…."
Crazy.
"No…… guys, wait……."
I was really dizzy.
"He's really cool. Our Death King. I can't believe he's our comrade. !'m so moved that I can't help but make it a pride of my life"
"Mm. By climbing the Tower with the Death King, I will remain as a legend even if I die, drawing the envy of countless people. It gives me such joy."
"Shit……."
"Awesome!"
"Amazing."
"Colossal!"
"Death King. He is a legend…."
"It's hard to believe!"
"I really can't believe it!"
I had difficulty breathing.
"Th-, thank you. Thanks for the compliments… but that much is…."
"Then should we create an art guild and put the Death King as the leader? Can we borrow the Death King's revered name for a while?"
"Yeah…. Since that's the case, please stop… I feel like I'm going to die…."
"I also plan to be the Vice Leader. You don't have to worry. All the Death King needs to do is give his name. We'll handle the rest on our own. We can't cause trouble for a great person like the Death King."
"I'm dying……."
"Right. Please accept this seal."
Guild Leader.
I didn't know what it was, but I accepted the seal the Black Dragon Master gave to me.
"Thanks, Death King. A lot of money might suddenly appear in your bank account. So don't be too surprised."
"Use it well."
In the midst of my dizziness, I heard a sigh in the background.
-Tch. Such an easy bastard….
-…….
And Ssonia stared at us with an incomprehensible expression.
:)
