Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
It would behoove him to start researching his background, obviously. Otherwise, all he'd do was create further complications. That would almost certainly guarantee his disqualification and getting an early death again.
This is not something that Tae-Jun desired, especially not right now. He'd been allowed to put his footwear back on, and it was for the safety of those who had to interact with him during the shoot. "Okay, let's get this started." The director clapped his hands. "I need all of you to go to the different colors of x's." His gaze rested on Tae-Jun with slight bemusement. "Mr. Thera, head to the gray one, please." There had been some distinct hesitation before he included Tae-Jun in the scene.
The last thing Tae-Jun wanted to do was harm someone, even accidentally. "Yes, sir, director." He headed to where he had to stand.
He observed the formation and sighed. So, they were just randomly walking?
Once they were all in place, the director gave more directions. "Think of this as an expedition party," he suggested. "If any of you have scouting experience, you can go ahead first." He paused to check if everyone was ready with the various cameras and lightning.
When he got the go-ahead, the director said, "1st run-through, the opening cut 1."
Silence settled over the set.
Since Tae-Jun did have some experience, he started off first, much to the disbelieving shock of others. He ignored them and carefully examined the surroundings. He would take this seriously since no one else was. He made it to the end of the outlined route. For a lasting impression, Tae-Jun jumped into a nest of tree branches and vanished from sight.
*
Now, Tae-Jun could prowl around to his satisfaction. Whoever created this set knew precisely how that forest was made. It did occur to Tae-Jun that someone consulted experts when recreating some of that forest's safer parts. However, it didn't take Tae-Jun long to realize that many other people involved were not above creating disturbances through other means.
When he reappeared near the cold boxes that stored water, Tae-Jun spotted someone doing something suspicious to a few water bottles that had been color-coded once again. He noticed that it wasn't his own bottles that were being tainted but those who'd defended him. In other words, now Shamus, Delilah, and Daz were getting involved. A sigh escaped Tae-Jun; it was loud enough to make the meddler drop all the bottles and spill their contents.
The water looked ugly. The culprit fled the scene, cursing Tae-Jun under his breath.
Tae-Jun squatted by the fallen bottles. He surveyed them carefully and then tested the contents that remained in them. "Hmm, this doesn't look good." Tae-Jun frowned at what came of the results and shook his head. He selected other bottles that matched the color code that hadn't been touched. "I'd better return before things get ugly." He quietly exited without another word from the water area.
*
There were startled yells of shock from the others, who immediately halted in confusion. Until they realized they'd reached the end of the route safely.
"Damn you, Thera."
"Get down here, jerk."
"That's not fair!"
The boors and complainers were immediately alerted that their antics weren't tolerated—none other than Shamus, Delilah, and Daz, who weren't impressed.
Others who remained neutral just watched the commotion with disgust.
"What makes you think he's going to help losers like you spoiled brats?" Shamus, Delilah, and Daz laughed.
"Oh, and you're not new to this thing yourself, Lilah, Shamus, and Daz?" Casio sneered. "Don't give me that crap when you're no different from us."
Shellu heaved a loud sigh. "I do regular patrols, Casio," she told him coldly. "It is something my people require of me." Shellu still didn't join them, though.
"As for me," Delilah shrugged. "I'll learn as I go." She smirked. "I did pick up some useful hints while observing Thera and the others." Her eyes turned icy when glaring at the others who'd complained. "There's no need for me to worry too much." She sighed. "Besides, I was going to go on a training camp to learn the basics." Her calm acceptance of becoming an adult made the others grimace in distaste. "I'm of an age that I have to begin doing more than dancing and stuff."
That silenced Casio. Although he could've said more, another male elbowed him. "Wait until later, Cas. We can make them look like fools in a more opportune location." With their word, they established how uninterested they were in teaming up with anyone who defended Thera Tae-Jun.
Delilah, Shamus, and Daz didn't care to remain with the others who were acting like idiots. They clustered around the foot of the tree and sat down to rest.
At last, Daz called. "Please join us, Thera."
Tae-Jun came back, but now he was without his vest and chains. "Sure, but I don't think this is the wisest choice." He handed them water bottles while keeping a small distance from them.
"What's with this caution?" Daz was displeased.
Shamus warned him with a frown and a shake of his head. He was watching Tae-Jun with concern.
"There are watchers," Tae-Jun muttered. "I don't think it is friendly reconnaissance, either." He'd seen familiar faces, and they'd been twisted with hatred.
Shamus nodded calmly. "Appreciate the warning. Take care of yourself as well." He told Tae-Jun.
After prowling around, Tae-Jun acknowledged his reality: He had more enemies than friendly acquaintances. Until the enemies were neutralized, he couldn't begin having good relationships with anyone other than supremely superficial people.
"I will," Tae-Jun sighed. "I had overheard something that made me realize that anyone who hangs around me for too long will inevitably get attacked." He wanted no part of that and figured they should know what they were getting into if they tried helping him further.
Daz, Shamus, and Delilah frowned at what he'd told them. Clearly, they had yet to realize just what he was up against. "We'll keep that in mind," Daz mentioned. "For now, let's just enjoy the water." He grinned at Tae-Jun. "Thanks for this; I was getting parched."
Tae-Jun nodded. "No problem." He'd tested them for anything illegal before bringing them over. Luckily, Tae-Jun had found the tainted ones and replaced them with pure, safe water. He remembered that that was one of the most basic ways of disqualifying candidates.
The scouting scenario began with the surprises he'd endure in that day's marathon.
Towards the end of the successive alternating interviews and filmed scenarios, Tae-Jun wasn't sure how much more he could put up with, especially without his temper shredding if someone attempted to touch him without his permission under the guise of adjusting a pillow or some such nonsense.