Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
How should he mention the fact that using psychic powers to intimidate people was taboo and almost treasonous in their society? Talk about even more of an awkward topic. Cilin sighed wearily. Well, getting it out of the way now is better than having an even more problematic issue arise.
After his brief but impactful conversation with the guide who was giving Tae-Jun much-needed information, Cilin realized that maybe that was secondary to everything else happening so far. All Cilin could do was reflect on how horrible the other man's life had been.
Come to think of it, Tae-Jun was actually handling everything very well when he'd less than twenty-four hours to come to terms with how much his life had altered.
"I hear your stomach growling." The timing couldn't have been better.
Tae-Jun grunted. "Eh, I've been smelling what you've cooked. Of course, it is going to growl." He sounded wryly amused. "I've made a cleaner copy of the information for you to read."
"I hear you." The food was done. "This should be edible, but I figure it also depends on what cuisine you're used to." Cilin dished up two steaming bowls. He put one in front of Tae-Jun before sitting down with his own.
Tae-Jun grunted. "I wasn't picky in my former life." He sounded exhausted, which bothered Cilin a bit.
"It is a tad hot, so I suggest you let it cool off first." Hmm, he might find the food easy to consume then. "That's good to hear you've made a second copy."
If there was one thing Cilin learned from everything, it was better to have backup plans to handle future situations that might impact relationships and reputation. He picked up the spare piece of paper and studied the information.
Immediately, Cilin winced. "You've already encountered at least two of them, all right." He shook his head with unease. "When a table full of trainees err, soiled their clothing." Cilin glanced at Tae-Jun. "You did the mental intimidation thing. I should warn you that is considered treason under most circumstances." Though this case might be an exception to the rule, he would have to carefully word his report to Director Midda and Galleon.
"I fear you'll get to know the members of the Tribunal far too soon for comfort." Cilin had a feeling that the Tribunal would visit them as well. "You could say that they're our version of a courthouse." No doubt, a few of the trainees reported the previous night's incident to at least one of the anonymous tip lines.
"Oh man, I felt I did something terminally stupid yesterday." Tae-Jun whitened. "I suppose I shouldn't have done that." His shoulders hunched. "I didn't even know I could do it, honestly."
Cilin knew that Tae-Jun had told the truth. "That will be the only thing saving your hide." Even the original persona didn't know anything about that type of skill.
He frowned, thinking about other things they should discuss before the remainder of the day was packed tight beyond belief. Oh, right. There was another thing he hadn't expressed.
Cilin was concerned about Tae-Jun's ability to use mental intimidation. It was unpleasant to even think about, but it did have to be addressed. "Do you need help learning how to suppress that ability?" Ugh, this was so embarrassing. Cilin exhaled when Tae-Jun shrugged.
"I might need a few pointers," Tae-Jun admitted. "I don't even know how I did in the first place. I mean, I just stared at them, nothing else." He looked baffled.
Cilin listened, registered what he had to say, and couldn't help but smile. "Just giving you a heads-up. Your entire appearance can scare anyone when you're impassive. When you're scowling, you can be even more terrifying." He hunched a shoulder. "From what I can tell, your expression was a combination of both."
He found it funny when thinking about it but could tell that Tae-Jun wasn't pleased with the information.
"Ah well, I guess I'll have to work on my expressions a bit better," Tae-Jun murmured with a sigh. He smiled wanly. "At least I know what to do now." He rubbed his jaw. "So, I've encountered at least two of them already, huh?"
Cilin could tell that Tae-Jun wasn't sure how to digest the news. "Mmmhmm, in the second photoshoot, you all had to do the scouting run through the forest." He did remember seeing the name of the producer. "Though I could've sworn his focus was songwriting."
Tae-Jun tapped his jaw and frowned. "Donner Atkins, I'll have to watch out for him."
Cilin nodded and glanced over the other names. "I'll keep an eye out for the rest of these," he tapped the paper. "Keep your copy hidden but within easy reach to refer to if you're ever in doubt of whom you encounter in the future." For now, that was the best advice Cilin could offer Tae-Jun until he created a more comprehensive plan.
Tae-Jun was silent. "It just occurred to me that I might have encountered Silas or Tygris already." His mouth flattened. "When I think of it, I'm pretty sure they might've changed their names already."
Cilin's blood ran cold. "Not to mention they can use artifacts to change their outer appearance." Why hadn't he considered that possibility?
"Tate," They said unanimously.
Cilin scowled. "I thought there was something off about him." He frowned. "Not only that, but he was with that group that had made a mess."
Tae-Jun grimaced. "Could be that something was planted on me and might be recording everything we're speaking of right now." He vaguely recalled that Beom-Su had a knack for electronics. It wouldn't surprise him if that transferred over as well. "He was sneaky when not singing, dancing, and acting in small plays."
Cilin grunted. "True, but magic doesn't work quite the same way..." He trailed off and sighed. "Do you mean that because magic works through formulas and sigils, replicating anything wouldn't be too difficult?"
Tae-Jun shrugged. "It is possible," he admitted with a sigh.