Palace of Demeter - 5th Floor (Aeterna)
Astral Keep - Asriel's Suite
Day 2 - 12:14 PM
Asriel sat on his comfortable bed, taking inventory of what he had in his Item Box, with Savina sitting beside him, eager to be of assistance. As he was the one who got to go on a trip, he had to make sure he had absolutely everything he could possibly need.
Healing potions... some suits of armor... a couple of swords... stamina potions... hmm...
Which to take, and which to leave here. I mean, I shouldn't actually take anything out from my Item Box. If I do, I'll probably forget it here and then regret it when the need to use 'em comes.
In the end, he decided to not remove anything from his Item Box, but to instead reorganize everything to make it easier to find.
He pulled out several Infinite Haversacks - each with built-in magical labels - and had Savina place only items of the same type into each one. Swords into one, potions into another, and so on.
While she did that, Asriel looked over himself in the standing mirror in the corner of the suite. He examined himself, pondering what he should wear for his trip.
I could wear what I always do, but this is an opportunity for variety. Then again, what I usually wear is best suited to protecting me. A hostile player could show up and wreck my shit if my armor isn't there to take the hit.
He scratched an itch on his chin, then ran his fingers through his hair.
But then again, there might not be any players in this world. Just because the so-called 'Six Great Gods' and 'Eight Greed Kings' were powerful, does not mean they were players.
He took out a comb and ran it through his hair. He checked himself, before combing again.
But if the information he gathered is correct, then they probably were. There might be hundreds or even thousands of players out there. None of them seem to be nearby, judging by James' experiment with 「Creation」, so we're not yet in trouble.
Removing the comb from his hair, he looked over his hair and smiled. It looked good.
"Master, I have finished organizing your items," Savina said from behind him.
He turned away from the mirror and went back over to his bed. He looked into each of the Infinite Haversacks and nodded.
"Good work, Savina. You did good," He said, giving her a small smile.
Savina beamed, "Thank you so much, master! I'm glad you're satisfied."
He nodded at her, "You're welcome."
Asriel tightened the string on each of the Infinite Haversacks and placed them back into his Item Box. The extradimensional portal vanished, and he took a deep breath.
"Now, then. I want you to get into your combat gear. We'll be leaving for the Throne Hall immediately once you're done," He said.
Savina nodded, "Yes, Lord-Senpai." She used magic to instantly change into her suit of armor, a white and gold set of Legendary-class chainmail. She nodded to her master once she had checked herself over.
"Let's go, Savina. Come with me," he said, grabbing her by the elbow. She complied, his Ring of Chiaroscuro instantly transporting him to their destination.
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It was time for him to leave. He ordered Malacus and Zuriel to prepare themselves for the trip, as they would be his bodyguards for the occasion. All three of them were excited to spend time with their creator, and to personally keep him from harm. They were all packed up and ready, standing in the Throne Hall, waiting for a Gate to appear.
He checked over his armor one final time, before a thought came to him.
I shouldn't leave Demeter with my Ring of Chiaroscuro on me. If it gets stolen, the thief will have an easy time bypassing our defenses. I need to leave it here.
He looked around and found Kleran approaching.
Perfect timing.
"Kleran," Asriel said, "I need you to hold onto this item for me. I can't take it with me, lest it fall into enemy hands. Give it back to me once I return."
Kleran bowed his head, accepting the ring with a small smile on his face. "Thank you for entrusting me with your property, Lord Asriel. I shall keep it safe, so it may once again adorn your glorious figure."
Asriel nodded, "Good. I shall leave you to it," He said, before a Gate appeared in the room.
Just as he was about to enter it, Kleran spoke up.
“My Lord, please postpone your trip for just a little while. I would like to send stealth units into the city to clear it of hostiles first. Your safety is our top concern.”
Asriel rolled his eyes.
“Kleran, I do not want everyone to do all of my work for me. I want to do some for myself!”
Kleran nodded, still kneeling.
“I understand, my Lord. However, that does not change the fact that you could be ambushed by potential hostiles, ones that might be difficult to notice in time.”
Asriel shook his head.
“I’m not afraid of hostiles. Sitting back and watching others fight on my behalf gets boring after a while. I would feel like I have contributed nothing at all if that was all I ever did.”
Kleran shook his head.
“Do not let it bother you, my Lord. You do so much for us already, we would be lost without your guidance. As a Supreme Being, your mere existence is enough for all of us.”
Asriel took a breath to calm himself.
“Fine, prepare the stealth units. However, I will go along with them to the city, and I will explore it at my leisure with Savina, Malacus, and Zuriel as my bodyguards. That part is non-negotiable.”
Kleran bowed his head.
“Understood, my Lord. Thank you for taking my worries into consideration. Who shall be leading the stealth units?”
Asriel thought about it.
“Have Pero de Tiedra report here, ready to depart with us to Inveria. I appoint him the commander of the troops for this mission.”
Kleran nodded.
“Understood, Lord Asriel. One moment,” He said, bringing a hand to his ear. After two minutes of silence, Kleran lowered his hand.
“Pero de Tiedra has been informed of your decision and is readying himself as we speak. He shall arrive here within the hour.”
Asriel nodded.
“Good. I want to leave as soon as possible. Ready the stealth units in the meantime.”
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The portal closed behind the group. They were on a hill that overlooked the city.
Asriel had his bodyguards set up a tent for himself, to be his home-away-from-home, while Pero had a command tent set up for himself.
Communicating with the Elder Lich in the Map Room using「Message」, he had the undead give him details as to what the inhabitants of the city were like and what they were up to.
『Skeleton Mages, Skeleton Warriors, Death Knights, and Elder Liches comprise the city’s inhabitants, my Lord.』 The Elder Lich said.
『Are there any zombies? Undead humans or giants?』
『None, Supreme One.』
『I see. Good work. Inform me if anything more dangerous appears in the city.』
『Understood, Lord Asriel. I shall inform you at once.』
Ending the「Message」, Asriel shifted his attention back to his surroundings.
Savina, Malacus, and Zuriel had finished setting up his tent and were standing guard nearby. The setup of Pero’s tent had been concluded as well.
Pero stood at attention, saluting his creator.
“Master, base camp has been set up and the troops are ready. What are your orders?” The Forest Elf asked, his eyes focused on the form of his master.
Asriel nodded.
“Excellent work, Pero. Your orders are to send the stealth units into the city of Inveria and gather information. If they encounter hostile undead, put an end to them. If there are any intelligent undead beings that do not initiate hostilities, then they are to refrain from harming them so that I may personally speak with them. I would like to learn as much as possible about this new world we find ourselves in.”
Pero nodded vigorously, grinning.
“I understand, master. Your orders are sound, and your reasoning is flawless. I will carry out your orders to the utmost of my ability, my Lord.”
The Forest Elf bowed his head, placing a hand on his chest as he did so.
Asriel smiled, satisfied.
“Excellent. Dismissed.”
With that, Pero went back to his command tent to coordinate his troops.
Another Gate appeared behind Asriel, and out from it emerged Onus, carrying a tray of milkshakes. He approached Asriel and bowed his head.
“I apologize for interrupting your trip, Lord Asriel, but Lord Goren had asked me to come over here to deliver some milkshakes for you and the others here. He asked the Five Gourmands to make one for him and myself, but thought it would be unfair if you and your party were deprived of them,” Onus said with a big smile on his face.
Asriel smiled in turn.
“How thoughtful of him. Are all of those chocolate?”
Onus nodded.
“Yes, my Lord. He told me that you like chocolate milkshakes and that the rest of your group likely would as well.”
Asriel grabbed a shake for himself, then gestured for the others to grab one as well. All of them did so, including Pero.
“Thank you so much,” Asriel said.
“Thank Lord Goren for us!” The NPCs added.
Onus bowed his head, still smiling.
“You’re very welcome. I shall pass along your thanks to my creator. I hope all of you enjoy this sweet treat from my Lord. Good luck to you on your journey.”
“Thank you.”
With that, Onus disappeared through the portal and it blinked out of existence.
Asriel sucked on the straw with gusto, tasting the sweet chocolatey beverage as it flowed down his throat.
This was sweet of James to do. I should do something nice for him in return.
Thinking about his best friend made him feel warm inside, in spite of the chilliness of the shake. He is the only person in Asriel’s life that had never betrayed him, the only person from his old world that cares about him and loves him like family.
Coming from a home that didn’t love him, Goren was basically the brother he never had. It was nice to have someone in his life he could count on, a shoulder to lean on. Someone he could speak his mind to and lay out all of his worries, without being judged for any of it. Someone he could entrust with his darkest secrets, worst insecurities, and deepest fears, and not have to worry about any of them getting leaked or used against him. It was something he hoped would never change.
I’ll definitely do something nice for you when I get back. I want you to know just how much you mean to me.
Curious to see how the others were doing, Asriel looked up to observe each of the NPCs he had brought along with him.
Savina was chugging her shake as fast as possible, like an addict snorting crack after not having some for a few days. She really liked chocolate shakes, it seems.
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Malacus and Zuriel, on the other hand, were not in a rush to finish. They were contentedly slurping away at their beverages, enjoying the rich chocolatey flavor on their tongues. They were clearly ecstatic to be drinking beverages that a Supreme Being had so thoughtfully provided for them.
Pero was sipping his shake while he studied the map of the city that his scouts were drawing for him. He had a smile on his face, happy, too, that Goren had been so generous to give him a beverage. He took his time with his shake, making sure to savor it while he gave out orders here and there to his troops.
Asriel was happy to see them enjoying themselves. It surprised him, how quickly he was starting to feel attached to these beings, who only yesterday had become real people.
Finishing the last of his shake, Asriel put the empty cup and straw into his Item Box. He would return it to the Dining Hall once the trip was over. Looking around, he saw that the others had finished their own and had put their cups away as well. None of them wanted to make their creator wait.
You could’ve taken your time. I won’t get mad at you for taking a bit longer to finish your shakes. The city won’t be going anywhere.
Sighing internally, Asriel cleared his throat.
“Is everyone finished?” He asked.
They all nodded vigorously.
Asriel nodded in turn. He pointed towards the city.
"We'll be heading into the city once Pero comes over with an update. I want all of you to remain combat ready until then. I don't want any of you slacking off, we could be attacked at any moment."
The NPCs nodded, getting into combat stances. Their weapons were raised, ready to be used at a moment's notice.
A small smile formed on his lips.
"Excellent. Keep an eye out for hostiles, I'll be in my tent."
The NPCs gave affirmatives and carried out their creator's orders.
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With a chocolate milkshake in hand, Goren strolled down the central avenue of Aeterna, with Onus following right behind. As he had depowered the strength of his Fire Breath ability, his tongue did not evaporate the chocolatey liquid when he drank it, much to his relief. It did still warm the cold beverage, but not enough to ruin the experience.
I have to keep that skill in mind, next time I eat. I don't want a repeat of that embarrassment.
Shaking the embarrassment from his mind, Goren made his way down the paved road. Aeterna, the island with a small town built upon its surface, was the most populated section of the 5th Floor, as well as the entire guild base. Designed by Goren because of his love for city builder games, it made the 5th Floor livelier than it otherwise would be. Being a floor that was designed to look like one was in a realm deep in space, it would have felt empty and dead had it not existed.
Taking in his surroundings, Goren took a deep breath and exhaled. Now that this was all real, the locations in Demeter now had their own scents. Back in Yggdrasil, smell was not a sense that was enabled, as the developers did not want to make it difficult for players to distinguish reality from virtual reality. Even touch was greatly diminished. But here and now, those limitations did not exist. He could smell the grass, the trees, the flowers, and all the other plants that were planted around the town. They smelt wonderful, making him want to take additional breaths.
Looking up, he watched as the stars and galaxies above slowly made their way across the sky. These were animated images Goren had downloaded into the guild base's systems and imported to the skybox of the 5th Floor. He added lighting to the images and implemented a day-night cycle, in which the stars and galaxies would slowly orbit the 5th Floor and dim over the course of a day, until they were visible but provided little light. Once they dimmed, they would slowly grow in brightness until the middle of the day, the cycle continuing indefinitely. He scoured the internet for the most high-quality images of stars and galaxies he could find, and was glad that he did. Looking up at them right at that moment made him feel a sense of wonder.
What is space like, in this new world of ours? Are there any habitable worlds out there, inhabited by beings too alien for us to comprehend? Or do they look almost identical to humans, like in those old sci-fi shows? Has anyone ever been to space, in this world?
He was lost in thought for several minutes, long enough for Onus to notice. The sound of his voice brought Goren back to reality.
"Is everything alright, my Lord?" Onus said from behind, confusion audible in his voice.
Goren nodded, not turning around, "Yes. I'm taking in the scents and scenery around us. It pleases me."
"Ah, very good, Lord Goren," The Shadow Demon replied.
Goren did not turn to look, but he was sure Onus was bowing.
He frowned, an unpleasant thought wiping away his wonder.
I wish mom and dad were here with me. I'd be able to enjoy it way more with the two of them here.
Goren shook his head.
It's so fucking unfair. I get to live in luxury now, while they're rotting somewhere back on Earth. Maybe they've already been blended up into nutrient paste, fed to the next wave of workers desperate enough to take the job. Ugh, the thought of that turns my stomach. At least neither they nor I have to deal with our loudmouth boss anymore. He seriously has no concept of patience. It's impossible to satisfy him.
Pushing those unpleasant thoughts aside, Goren refocused himself on what he was doing. As he was stuck in Demeter for the duration of Asriel's expedition to the outside world, Goren decided it would be interesting to take a look around and see how the NPCs were doing, especially the ones he hasn't yet talked to. That said, it did make him feel anxious. Introverted as he was, the thought of having to interact with so many people in one day - even people he created or was around when they were created - made him want to pound his head into a brick wall. None of them were expecting him to such up right at this moment, so he wasn't actually on a tight schedule. But still, he felt obligated to visit them at least once.
I can already imagine how exhausting the encounters will be. They're all gonna stretch my visits out as much as possible, because I'm a 'Supreme Being'.
But he knew he couldn't avoid it. He knew that most of the NPCs hadn't met him nor Asriel yet, and with this being their second day in this New World, they'd likely be chomping at the bit to meet their masters. Though he had only met them recently, he and Asriel had spent years with all of them in Yggdrasil, so he already felt a bit of affection for the NPCs. The thought of upsetting the NPCs made him feel guilty enough to set aside his discomfort.
The least I can do is say 'Hi' to them. One visit each won't kill me.
"Let's continue," Goren finally said, once more progressing down the paved street.
"Understood, master," Onus replied.
Having just been at the Dining Hall in Paradise Inn, Goren decided that the next place he was going to visit was the Amphitheater. It was a roofless circular structure with red leather seats (like that of a movie theater, but much more luxurious) with white marble walls and a tiled floor of various colors. Moss, vines, and leaves adorned the walls, allowing the audience to enjoy the flora around them while also enjoying whatever play or musical performance the Grey Orchestra - a band of 10 NPCs each with 15 levels in Bard - decided to put on.
Arriving at the entrance to the Amphitheater, Goren could hear musical instruments being played from inside. Bass, violins, trumpets, drums, acoustic guitars, and piano were all the instruments producing notes. Stopping for a moment to listen to the notes, Goren realized it wasn't a song he was familiar with. In fact, it didn't really sound like a song, more like improv.
Shrugging, Goren stepped into the building, sipping on his milkshake. He was nearly finished.
As he descended the steps to the bottom floor where the stage was located, he was greeted by the eyes of everyone present immediately turning towards his direction. Their faces brightened at the sight of a Supreme Being.
"Sup, boss! Sup, Onus!"
The words were spoken by DJ Malstrom, the leader of the Grey Orchestra. A level 30 homunculus, he wore a black night club suit with LEDs attached to it, lit up in the colors of the rainbow. On his head, he wore a space age visor (with LEDs on it as well) and stereo headphones. He bowed to Goren, the being who created not only him, but half of the Grey Orchestra's members. The other half were created by Asriel.
"Sup," Onus replied, a small smile on his face.
How do you know each other? Onus has never met this guy before. I'll have to ask Onus later.
Goren took one last sip from his shake, then put the empty cup into his Item Box. He smiled, trying not to let his confusion be visible.
"Good to see you, everyone. I'm sorry I haven't spoken with you guys up until now."
The entire group bowed their heads, wearing grateful expressions. Most of them are of races other than Humanoid, but all of them were level 30. The members of the Grey Orchestra are as follows:
Apollo, a Birdman, he has the appearance of a youthful athletic humanoid raven with golden eyes. He wore a pure white toga, and his themed instrument is the lyre, though he also used a silver shortbow that fired silver arrows in combat.
Bes, a Dwarf, he has the appearance of a copper-skinned man with a white beard and dark brown eyes. He wore a crown of ostrich feathers atop his head, a lion skin tunic, and green trousers. His themed instrument is the sistrum and he uses a dagger in combat.
Canens, a Dryad, she has the appearance of a default Dryad, except she had golden leaves. She wore an olive elvish cloak, her themed instrument is a woodpecker-shaped wooden flute, and she uses her voice in combat.
Cerridwen, an Orc, she has the appearance of a pig-like humanoid with white skin. She wore a loose-fitting red dress, her themed instrument is a drum (rather than a cauldron), and she can use her drum as a weapon in combat by producing sonic attacks with it.
Hathor, a Minotaur, she has the appearance of a bull-like humanoid with yellow fur and blue eyes. She wore a loose-fitting orange-brown dress and an orange sun hat, her themed instrument is the sistrum, and she uses a sharpened Was-sceptre in combat.
Kulitta, a Leonin, she has the appearance of a leopard-like humanoid with black fur and brown eyes. She wore a bright blue shawl that covered her chest but left her stomach and lower back exposed, her themed instrument is the arkammi drum, and she uses a sickle sword in battle. She is the sister of Ninatta.
Macuiltonaleque (or Macuil as they usually called him), a Harengon, he has the appearance of a rabbit-like humanoid with light brown and white fur and dark brown eyes. Named after the combination of all the Aztec gods of excess, he was made a Harengon because of Mācuīltōchtli (Five Rabbit), the god of drunkenness. As he is named after that collection of Aztec gods, he has some of their traits as well. He sported a small round belly as a result of his indulgent nature, but the rest of his body was slim, and he continuously imbibed alcohol and smoked. He also enjoyed gambling and, as one would expect, music, the reason why he was designed to be a Bard and a member of the Grey Orchestra. He wore Aztec-styled green scaled shorts and top, with a gold and silver ring which hung from his golden collar on red straps, simple sandals on his feet, a thin wrap around his head that kept two red-tipped vulture feathers standing erect, and square silver earrings with dark grey flaps hanging from them. His themed instrument is a clay flute, and he uses an obsidian dagger in battle.
Ninatta, a Minotaur, she had the appearance of a bull-like humanoid with brown fur and brown eyes. She wore a bright purple shawl that covered her chest but left her stomach and lower back exposed, her themed instrument is the galgalturi cymbal, and like her sister, she uses a sickle sword in battle. She is the sister of Kulitta.
Pan, a level 15 Satyr, he had the appearance of a male Satyr with brown fur and brown eyes. Like Macuil, he had a chubby belly, though Pan's was bigger. He wore red overalls with black suspenders attached to golden rings on the front and back, and nothing else. Like all Satyrs, he enjoys dancing, singing, playing music, and engaging in hedonistic activities, such as feasting, which is why he was designed to have a pot belly in the first place. According to his character settings, he enjoys hanging out with Macuil the most out of everyone in the orchestra (not that he hates or dislikes the others), as the two NPCs are the most alike. His themed instrument is the pan flute, and he uses a shortbow in combat.
And finally, Vainamonen, a level 15 Sea Elf, he had the appearance of a blue-skinned elderly male elf with white hair and a white beard, golden eyes, and aquatic features such as webbed hands and feet, and gills. He wore a flowing dark blue robe decorated with white patterns of sea animals. His themed instrument is his potent magical voice, and he uses a longsword in combat.
"Thanks for thinkin’ of us, boss, but don’t sweat it! Just seein’ you right now is what really counts!" Replied DJ. The others nodded enthusiastically.
Goren chuckled, "I suppose so," he said, pausing for a few moments before continuing again, his lips curling downwards into a small frown, "I'm sorry you guys weren't invited to the party yesterday. For whatever reason, only the Floor Guardians were invited by the Nonagon."
They shook their heads, small smiles on their faces.
"Hey, we appreciate the offer, but it’s all good. What's done is done."
"Are you sure, DJ? If it upset any of you, you can tell me. I won't hold it against you."
They again shook their heads, their eyes watering a bit. Goren felt a bit of panic rise inside him at the sight, the anxiety visible on his face for only a moment before he noticed it and forcibly changed his expression.
"Thank ya so much, boss," DJ answered, smiling, "for bein' so considerate."
Goren nodded, his panic dissipating, "You're welcome. Thanks for saying so."
They wiped the tears from their eyes and straightened their backs. "Let’s pump some tunes or maybe hit the dance floor, just for you, boss!" DJ said excitedly.
Goren chuckled, "Do you really want to do such a thing?"
The entire orchestra nodded enthusiastically. "For sure, boss! Whatever you pick, it’s gonna be dope!" Replied DJ. His eyes were sparkling with anticipation.
"I...guess I have time for some music. What songs do you guys know?" Goren asked.
"All kinds, boss! Whatever you can think of!"
Goren tapped a finger on his chin, browsing through the selection of songs in his mind, ones he had listened to at one point or another. Many of them were songs from the previous two centuries, periods that he found far more pleasant than the one he was born into. There were so many great ones to choose from!
"Play me 'Paint it Black' by The Rolling Stones," Goren said.
The members of the Grey Orchestra nodded, getting themselves and their instruments ready.
"You got it, boss!" DJ replied, before getting on stage to lead the orchestra.
I'm surprised they actually know that song, and who the artist is, Goren thought just before they began to play the song.
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"That was great!" Goren cheered, a big smile on his face as he clapped, "You guys were great!"
Though he said he had time for 'some' music, it turned out he had all the time in the world. One song turned into two, then three, then four, until Goren had sat through fifteen different songs, each performance filling him with greater and greater joy. He bobbed his head along to each song as they played, tapping his foot as well. He couldn't stop smiling, it was simply impossible.
The entire orchestra lowered their heads in a bow, eyes sparkling as they basked in the appreciation and praise of a Supreme Being. They were euphoric.
"We ain't got any right to this, but big ups for the kind words, chief." Said DJ, bowing his head again, but only slightly.
"You're welcome. Now, that's enough music for the time being. I'd like to ask each of you some questions regarding how you've been doing since we arrived to this world," Goren said, pointing at the floor before him, "Form a line, starting from here."
"Yes, sir," the members of the Grey Orchestra said in unison.
'Sir'. Heh. It's still weird being called something like that.
They lined up as Goren ordered, deciding to do so by age, with the oldest at the front and youngest at the back. At the front stood DJ Malstrom, the first member of the orchestra to be created. Goren shrugged internally.
If that's how you guys want to organize it, then it's fine by me.
DJ descended on one knee, bowing once before raising his head, his gaze meeting Goren's.
"You may begin," Goren said.
DJ nodded, "I’ve been holdin’ up, boss. As usual, it’s a real nice day in Aeterna on the 5th Floor."
Goren stayed silent for a few moments, waiting for him to continue. When the time didn't come, he realized he had to respond.
"Is that all? You don't have any complaints, worries, suggestions, or problems that your fellow bards have that you'd like to share with me?"
DJ's eyes grew wide.
"I’d never give ya any lip, boss! Ain't nothin' you or boss Asriel doin' that I ain't satisfied with!"
Goren nodded.
"I see. What about worries, suggestions, or problems? Anything on those fronts?"
DJ shook his head.
"They ain’t worth the talk, boss. I ain't lookin' to waste your time."
It was Goren's turn to shake his head.
"It's not a waste of time. If you have something to say, then say it. Don't bottle up these things."
DJ fidgeted with his fingers for a few seconds before speaking.
"We'd really like for us to pull in an audience every once in a while. It’s been dead around here 'til you rolled in. Let’s put on some shows at least once a week. It’ll give us somethin’ to do, ya know? We gotta show what we got."
Goren nodded. "If that's what you want, then I'll try to make it happen," he said with a small smile.
"Thanks, boss. We appreciate your consideration," DJ said, tapping his chest twice with his fist.
"You're welcome," Goren replied. He was about to dismiss DJ, but then another question came to mind.
"Before you go, I'd like to ask you one last question: What kind of person am I to you?"
DJ blinked, his mouth opening and closing multiple times as he tried to find the words. Finally, he did, and spoke.
"You're the best of the best, boss. You're amazin' at everythin' you do, the coolest cat around. You listen to my worries and do the best you can to address 'em, and that puts a smile on my face."
Goren nearly laughed out loud at those words. He found his choice of words hilarious, but also sweet at the same time.
It would be fun to see what kind of mixtape this guy would drop if he made one. Maybe we should host a talent show.
Quickly composing himself, Goren nodded. "Thanks for that. You made my day brighter."
DJ's face lit up, tears of joy welling up in his eyes. "You're the best, boss. I won't forget your words."
Goren nodded once more and gestured to DJ that his time was up.
DJ quickly got to his feet and stepped aside, allowing for the next person in line to take his place. Goren asked that person, and every person after them, the same questions: How has your day been? Are there any problems that you need to be addressed? Anything else you want to say before I ask the next person?
The whole thing took about an hour and forty minutes and by the end of it, Goren was mentally exhausted. He felt guilty for feeling such a thing, but he couldn't help it. When he finally exited the Amphitheater, he felt very attracted to the idea of taking a nap.
I would love to, but I can't. I should at least visit one more place before I do.