Chapter 31 - Life Hacks or Just Bad Timing
Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
The discussions Tae-Jun and Cilin had about society, taboos, and certain kinds of etiquette necessary to avoid pissing off office workers and other staff proved very beneficial to Tae-Jun. He'd been fortunate in his interactions with Cade Odin and other individuals.
However, the peaceful time was coming to an end. From this point onwards, Tae-Jun's practice and Cilin's extra duties would soon devour their precious free time.
Cilin frowned slightly. "It is odd that we haven't heard anything yet." He muttered.
"Oh, I'm sure we'll get something soon," Tae-Jun yawned. "I'm ready for a nap," he muttered, even though he knew that wasn't optimal.
"Don't nap right now," Cilin warned. "Otherwise, you'll be sluggish for the rest of the day." He hadn't heard Tae-Jun hint that he could sing, dance, or act.
From what Cilin could tell, Tae-Jun was short-tempered and brutally honest. That could have bode better for future teamwork. He sighed. This was going to be an eventful program if he was any judge.
Another hour passed, and it came to 7 a.m.
Their communicators went off as they finished eating and cleaning up after making the food for a second miniature meal, as they'd both still been hungry.
"Oh, that just figures." Tae-Jun rolled his eyes as he looked at the information he had received. "An assembly arena?" He'd never heard of anything like that.
Cilin smirked when he took in the names of the performers for that day. "Mmmhmm, that'll be where some of our well-known idol groups and soloists will be performing." he glanced at Tae-Jun. "I did tell you that we do have our form of entertainment and idols we follow, sometimes revere, or revile depending on our tastes."
So, he had, but Tae-Jun had been skeptical, to put it bluntly. "My bad, but I'll still reserve my opinion." He recalled the types of idols back in his world and sighed. "I hope they're better than the scandal-generating trash and scum that I had to pretend to like back in my former life."
Cilin grimaced because that didn't sound appealing at all. "So, what was good about your world?" He finally inquired as they headed for the door. After all, they had to scram if they wanted to arrive before the airing began.
Anyone late was automatically disqualified, no matter what excuse was offered. The trainees and newcomers were goners. If they found somewhere, they shouldn't be hanging out.
Tae-Jun shrugged. "Hmm, freedom of speech? We didn't have a single religion we followed." Now that he thought about it, there was much to be thankful for. "Although with those privileges, we had to deal with loan sharks, con-artists, and criminals that toted guns in the name of freedom and terrorized schools of all kinds, from grammar to university level."
They walked to the elevators and went into the one that would take them through the seventh, fourth, and third floors before reaching the first floor.
Cilin grunted. "Yet people were able to find worthwhile idols?" He shook his head. "That doesn't sound like paradise to me." He grimaced. "While we have laws and etiquette and conservative elders watching over us...we at least know what we can get away with and not."
After the doors closed, they leaned against the walls and waited for it to descend.
Tae-Jun shrugged. "There are always pros and cons to all ways of life, Cilin." He sighed. The best one can hope for is something somewhere in between that can become a tolerable medium."
Soft humming noises and a slight jolt made them aware it was moving as programmed.
Cilin frowned when he heard that. "I suppose so."
Although they didn't have any problems with the elevator. Trouble slammed into them when reaching the fourth floor.
When they paused, a horrible grinding noise greeted them. The door didn't open, and more grinding, shrieking, and tearing noises deafened them.
Cilin muttered. "That isn't good."
"We're stuck," Tae-Jun frowned. He looked up and opened the hatch. "I'm going to see if I can find the emergency exit," he said.
"All right." Cilin tapped his communicator device and frowned. "Signal's jammed," he muttered in consternation. "We've got more problems, Thera." Cilin pitched his voice slightly louder. "What have you managed to find?"
There were a few curses, and finally, Tae-Jun reappeared. "Nothing good," he stated flatly. "We're going to have to find another way out." A sigh escaped him. "I climbed the ladder to the fifth-floor door. It isn't jammed." He shrugged. "I can't open it without help, though." A scowl crossed his face. "Someone did this intentionally."
Cilin nodded. "So, it seems." He put away anything that wasn't necessary to have out and reached up for Tae-Jun to help him through the hatch. "Now, where do we have to go?"
After discovering what stopped their progress below the fourth floor, Tae-Jun revealed his mighty strength and expressed his anger at the sabotage.
Cilin cautioned him. "Hey, leave some of them intact. We need the evidence." He took the bars from Tae-Jun and frowned.
"We'll have to go down the stairs," Tae-Jun grunted. "I can hover and lower us down using my wings." He surprised Cilin with the offer. "Then, when we reach the second floor, we can go down the stairs." That would save them time, and they could still make it to the lobby.
After following Tae-Jun's suggestion somewhat warily, Cilin discovered that he must've practiced at some point. The trip down the staircase was fast and as promised. They were able to run down the last four staircases. Fortunately, the signal was restored to Cilin's communication device. He requested a separate transportation vehicle. He didn't want to witness homicide that early in the morning if they were jammed in with the other trainees.
With plenty of time to spare, they reached the main lobby to find other trainees redirected to the same building.