Saik Ken's eyes burned with an inner fire as he contemplated the situation. After a few tense moments, his anger reached a boiling point, and with a murderous look on his face that clearly conveyed his fury, he finally broke the silence.
"Hmmm, then speak," Saik Ken's voice resonated with an edge of menace, "but it would be wise for you to choose your words very, very carefully."
The room seemed to quiver as his words reverberated through it. The suffocating tension weighed upon everyone present, and the very atmosphere seemed to respond to the ominous aura Saik Ken exuded. Overwhelmed by the appalling presence of their lord, the second judge faltered. His voice trembled as he began to respond, only to be abruptly cut off by Saik Ken's ruthless interruption.
Before the second judge could utter another word, Saik Ken's expression shifted, his rage lessening slightly, and he addressed the situation with a touch of elegance.
Saik Ken sighed, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction. "You may already be aware, but I do not comprehend the language of goats. I suggest you communicate in Mitoni."
****In the sprawling expanse of this realm, four distinct tongues echo through its many corners, each bearing its own profound significance.
**Mitoni**, the language of humanity and the demi-humans, flows like the lifeblood of the realm, connecting its mortal inhabitants with a rich tapestry of words and expressions. It is the heartbeat of the common folk, threading stories through generations and offering a shared voice to those who call this realm home.
**Shioni**, shrouded in the mystical aura of prevolve and midvolve species, whispers secrets that transcend ordinary understanding. It is the voice of creatures marked by evolution's hand, a language not just spoken but chanted in an eerie, harmonic chorus that hints at the ancient mysteries locked within the veins of the realm.
**Beaoni**, the primal tongue of beastmen, roars with the essence of the untamed. It channels the primal instincts of these creatures, forging connections with the wilderness and unlocking the spirit of the animal kingdom. In their exchanges, the realm's fauna and flora respond to Beaoni's call.
**Dioni**, the language of Gods and god-like entities, resounds as the celestial song of the highest beings. Each utterance carries the weight of the divine, shaping destinies and weaving the very fabric of reality itself. Dioni is the symphony of the cosmos, understood only by those who have ascended to the divine realms.
And beyond these four languages, the realm holds secrets inscribed in an ancient text, cryptic and obscure. These enigmatic scripts are known to only a select few, if any at all, shrouding the realm in a sense of mystique and hidden knowledge.
The oppressive weight that had previously silenced the second judge seemed to dissipate, as if a malevolent curse had finally released its grip on his tongue.
The second judge smiled with gratitude and uttered, "Many thanks to the lord... many thanks to the lord..."
Saik Ken's expression shifted, a hint of mirth dancing in his eyes. "So, are you still feeling stiff?" he inquired.
The second judge, realizing the signal, hastened to respond, "Oh, no, not at all, my lord."
Saik Ken, however, had more in mind. "I meant that as a sign for you to speak now..."
The second judge, understanding the unspoken request, quickly complied, "Oh, certainly, my lord."
With deep reverence, the second judge explained the situation to Saik Ken, detailing the circumstances that had led to the tragic outcome. The conversation continued at length, delving into the complexities of the matter.
Saik Ken's features displayed a subtle sadness as he spoke, "This child of a fellow man was filled with ambition, undeniably talented. If only fortune had favored him..."
He turned his gaze toward Tatsuki with a look of profound pity, delivering his condolences, "Child, led by your own arrogance, you met your demise. My deepest condolences."
The second judge, unable to remain silent, interjected, "My lord, I do not wish to speak ill of the departed, but there is no need to overly praise this imprudent child simply because he has passed. All across the continent, many young talents meet their untimely end due to reckless behavior. If other participants were to hear your words, they might perceive you as inconsiderate toward those with genuine talent."
Saik Ken's gaze bore into the second judge with an expression of profound pity, and he tilted his head slightly.
"I wonder," Saik Ken mused, "who the fool is in this scenario..."
The second judge, baffled by Saik Ken's words, stammered, "My lord..."
Saik Ken continued, his voice dripping with condescension, "From what you've shared with me thus far, there appears to be only one plausible explanation."
The second judge bowed his head with humility and beseeched Saik Ken, "My lord, I would be deeply honored if you would enlighten me."
Saik Ken adopted an arrogant posture and pointed toward Tatsuki. "This young boy, despite his injuries, must have fought valiantly to vanquish the Unihorn Lily. However, his wounds caught up with him before he could reach this place. That is how this child met his end. Now, reflect on your own youth. Would you have been capable of such a feat?"
The second judge clenched his teeth before responding, "Yes, my lord, it seems I was gravely inconsiderate of the immense potential harbored by this child."
Saik Ken shifted his attention to the announcer and commanded, "Summon everyone currently present here so that we may provide solace to this child's departed soul. Take these young participants with you to assist in the proceedings."
The announcer acted swiftly, arranging a white cloth adorned with essence sticks to pay tribute, while the other participants gathered around, yearning to understand the unfolding situation. In a matter of minutes, a solemn gathering formed within the examination grounds, summoned to partake in a modest ceremony dedicated to the deceased.
Despite the chaos that had befallen the stage, everyone somehow managed to find their place within a circle surrounding the lifeless body. With reverence, they clasped each other's hands and closed their eyes, embarking on a collective chant that resonated with solemnity.
As the minutes passed, the unified chant continued, its tempo deliberate and heartrending. The air was thick with grief, and faint, murmured words began to intertwine with the chorus, Someone switch on the ac it said , creating a gentle hum that provided a backdrop for the somber gathering.
Amidst the sorrowful ceremony, Saik Ken leaned in and whispered, "Children, let your voices be heard in unity, and do not disrupt the moment with strange noise. Continue your chant." His words carried a weight of authority and reverence, guiding the participants through this poignant ritual.
Amidst the participants, a sudden, piercing scream shattered the solemn silence, prompting everyone to open their eyes and stand abruptly. Saik Ken, his countenance marked by a potent blend of anger and concern, demanded to know, "What happened? Who among you dares to display such brazen disrespect to the departed?"
The girl who had screamed, not too far from Saik Ken, stepped forward and spoke with a trembling voice, "Lord Mayor... it was me."
Saik Ken's visible displeasure intensified as he responded with frustration, "Foolish girl, do you not comprehend the significance of what we are doing here?"
The girl interjected quickly, stammering, "Bu...bu...but, Lord Mayor, someone just splattered blood over me."
Saik Ken examined the girl's attire and indeed found blood droplets splattered on her clothing. Enraged by this audacity, he raised his voice in a bellow, "Who dares to jest during such a pivotal moment?"
Saik Ken scanned the assembled participants, but none seemed to possess knowledge of the culprit. Suddenly, amidst the commotion, Tatsuki awakened with a shout, adding to the unfolding confusion.
Tatsuki's temper flared as the stifling heat made sleep elusive.
The sudden awakening of the deceased sent shivers down everyone's spine, and they couldn't help but scream in unison.
Dread-filled thoughts raced through their minds, and they spoke collectively, "He has turned into the undead."
Tatsuki struggled to move his body, clearly vexed. He demanded, "Why in the world are there so many people gathered here? No wonder I couldn't sleep."
Frustration and anger marked his tone as he continued, "You people better take responsibility. If I can't go back to sleep, I'll burn every single pillow in each of your houses."
Tatsuki's unexpected revival had shaken the solemn gathering into a state of confusion and apprehension..
The entire assembly remained in a state of shock, struggling to process the bewildering sight of Tatsuki's sudden return from the dead. No one could fathom how a blood-drenched corpse could nonchalantly come back to life, moving and talking as if nothing had occurred.
Tatsuki, seemingly unfazed by the crowd's astonishment, let out a casual yawn. "Yo, Bao, help me up. I reckon it'll take a few days before I can regain my strength and move around on my own."
However, Bao Chi remained unconscious, and his inability to respond left Tatsuki muttering to himself, "Where does this fool run off to whenever I need his assistance?"
With great effort, Tatsuki managed to position himself flat on his stomach, chuckling as he proclaimed, "If I can't walk, I'll just have to crawl my way out, hehehe."
Tatsuki moved with astonishing swiftness, creating a soft, scuttling noise as he traversed the area. The eerie similarity to a human-sized scuttle bug sent shivers down the spines of girls, boys, and old folks alike. Tatsuki's menacing laughter accompanied his rapid ascent, leaving everyone in awe of the spectacle unfolding before them.
Suddenly, an imposing figure blocked Tatsuki's path, casting a shadow over his face. The legs of this mysterious person obstructed his way, and Tatsuki was compelled to halt.
Saik Ken's commanding voice broke the silence, "I apologize for impeding your ascent, child, but I believe it would be best if we spoke first."
Tatsuki, recognizing the familiar voice, rolled onto his back and gazed up at Saik Ken. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he exclaimed, "Pervy Gramps, is that really you?" Before continuing, Tatsuki's expression shifted to one of contemplation, and he inquired further.
Tatsuki couldn't resist a jest, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he quipped, "Have you grown tired of housemaids, Gramps? Now you're after young boys?"
It was clear to Saik Ken what Tatsuki was alluding to, as he carried Bao Chi on his shoulder. The notion of Saik Ken being a "maid connoisseur" was a hidden secret known to only a few, or so he believed.
Saik Ken swiftly responded, his tone laced with exasperation, "Child, have you lost your mind from all your injuries? I was merely looking after your brother, who was causing a scene due to your supposed demise."
Tatsuki, seemingly uninterested in any explanation, requested that Saik Ken place Bao Chi beside him. Saik Ken complied, and within moments, Tatsuki resumed his prior scuttling posture, unfazed by the exchange.
Tatsuki exhibited an unusual affection as he climbed atop Saik Ken, much like a kitten would do. He hugged the older man, and together, they tumbled to the ground. Tatsuki peered up at Saik Ken's face and uttered, "I missed you so, so, so, so much, Pervy Gramps."
Saik Ken couldn't hide his exasperation and protested, "Brat, what on earth do you think you're doing? You're ruining my clothes, and my love picked them out for me."
Tatsuki, undeterred by the rebuke, replied with a teasing grin, "Come on, do you have to be so grumpy? Oh, wait, is she here too?"
Tatsuki swiftly disengaged from Saik Ken and turned around to check for Aiko's presence. However, upon spotting her, his elation shifted to shock.
With an expressionless face and cold eyes, Tatsuki inquired, "Hey, Bao, have you ever killed someone...?" His question was charged with an intensity that hung heavily in the air.
A hushed murmur swept through the crowd as they collectively pondered, "The unruly beast has lost it. No other explanation seems plausible anymore."
Tatsuki, undeterred, continued, his words laced with an eerie determination, "Because today, I'll teach you how to kill someone in the most brutal ways."
Saik Ken reached for Tatsuki's shoulder, a mix of concern and confusion etched across his face. He inquired, "Brat, what are you saying?"
Tatsuki, consumed by his inner turmoil, shouted, "Die!" As he moved towards Aiko, Saik Ken attempted to restrain him, but Tatsuki slipped through his grasp.
Saik Ken, still bewildered, implored, "Brat, what's gotten into you all of a sudden?"
However, Tatsuki seemed impervious to any rational communication, pressing onward with his singular focus. He bellowed, "Bastard, I haven't had the chance to hold her hand. Who the hell are you to be so fortunate..."
' all the unexpected turn of events left Aiko and the person standing beside her momentarily stunned due to which they failed to withdraw their entwined hands, which led to the surge of intense emotions driving Tatsuki's outburst.
Saik Ken's expression shifted from confusion to surprise as he paused in his tracks. He couldn't fathom what had shaken Tatsuki so profoundly.
Tatsuki, shouting with fervor, rushed forward, exclaiming, "Die! She is my wife!"
However, before Tatsuki could make contact, a red-faced and embarrassed Aiko intervened, delivering a forceful kick to Tatsuki's head and admonishing him, "Stop saying things like that, you... you debauchee..."
Tatsuki crouched, holding his head with a pained expression, and quipped, "Ouchie! Why'd you hit me so hard... Oh, wait, my status got updated. Now I'm a debauchee...?"
Unfazed by Tatsuki's words, Aiko couldn't help but think to herself with a sly smile, "Whoa, for some reason, hitting him this time feels strangely good..."