KON POV
We’re inside a Karaoke Bar on the third floor of Konbeki Mall. Zack booked a room for us beforehand, along with a bunch of food that will be cooked and prepared on arrival. The marvel of technology.
Inside the bar, the atmosphere pulsates with energy, with its walls adorned in neon hues that dance to the rhythm of music. Elizabeth feels out of her element here as she walks closer to us. I can understand how she feels. This place has a similar vibe to a dance club.
Come to think of it, my first experience in the dance club was something else. I was feeling awkward most of the time and I never once danced on the floor. I just drank until I puked in the club bathroom. The funny thing is, the lady who invited me spiked my alcohol.
That was the day when I learned the hard way that my intent reading is not omnipotent. My mind can be overwhelmed with various distractions and useless information such as her…..ahem.
Now, I’m thankful for my Arcanum that blesses me with an intent mask that can filter out those distractions and improve my thought clarity. However, I need to be careful; the more I filter out, the more blind spots I create.
Back at the Karaoke bar, Zack finally finished talking with the receptionist, and a hostess guided us into a room for four. The karaoke room is spacious enough that two people can dance side by side. There is comfortable seating on an L-shaped sofa, a large table, and a Holo projector complete with lighting effects and a surround sound system. Inside, the food has already been prepared on the table, and most of them are steaming hot.
The karaoke hostess warmly wished us an enjoyable time and gracefully exited the room, leaving us to our devices.
The moment the door is closed, I beeline to my Kahlua Milk and Dark chocolate set. I have been waiting for this. My shriveled brain (no thanks to Zack) has been waiting for this. I want to mix them both until I get the concoction that pleases my tongue.
“Ahem, Test, test, one two three. Alright guys, take a seat and grab yourself a drink. Here’s to our SpeedGear Team Creation! And also, to the special occasion for Me, Kon and Venti.
Cheers to the team and Happy 18th birthday to us!” Zack announced.
““Cheers and happy birthday!”“
“Cheers desuwa! And happy- EH!? It’s your birthday desuno!?” Exclaimed Elizabeth.
Oh shoot, I thought Zack explained it to her already. Now I feel bad for not telling her myself. I better explain it to her before she feels left out.
“Not exactly, Me and Zack’s birthday passed a couple of weeks ago. Today is Venti’s birthday. When’s yours Elizabeth?” I elaborated then asked in return.
“Mine past 2 months ago desuwa. Oh no, I should have prepared presents desune.”
“Don’t worry about it Eliz, just sing with us and have fun.”
“Yep, that’s right Ojou-chan. Just sing out your presents.”
“Ok desuno! I will sing you my best song desuwa!” She pumped herself up. While Elizabeth was preparing herself by warming up her vocal, I was busy perfecting my concoctions.
LinLin’s dark chocolate ball imparts a distinctive mature aroma as it melts. Adding a few into my Kahlua Milk and gently stirring, I took a sip, finding it nearly perfect. However, the richness felt a tad overwhelming, prompting me to drop in a couple of ice cubes. This not only slowed down the melting chocolate but also tempered the bitterness to just the right level.
“You still like Kahlua Milk huh? Can’t forget about that lady?” Venti said while handing the other microphone to Elizabeth.
“It has nothing to do with that lady.” I denied it instantly.
“Haha, you say that but your face is getting red.”
“It’s the alcohol. The lady was scary. One dance club is enough, thank you very much.”
As I uttered those words, I sensed the orange flame within me, pulsating erratically. It struck me as peculiar since I hadn’t tapped into any prana at all. Why was it oscillating in such a manner? Could it possess a sentience of its own?
Yet soon, my focus shifted from my core as the first strains of music filled the air, heralding Elizabeth’s performance. It was a timeless classic, one that resonated with memories of eras long past. What truly astonished me, however, was the way Elizabeth wielded her voice. It surpassed mere vocalization, delving into the profound depths of emotion with each note she sang.
She has a strong operatic voice. For this song, I thought she would be singing it high with a soprano, but she sang it lower with mezzo-sopranos instead.
Follow your heart
Let your love lead through the darkness
Back to a place you once knew
I believe I believe I believe in you
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I was completely entranced. Elizabeth’s passion and her unique approach to those challenging high soprano notes, blending them seamlessly with her preferred lower tones, had me hooked instantly. With both hands cradling my Kahlua Milk, I savored each sip, relishing the experience as I immersed myself in the depth of emotion in Elizabeth’s performance.
The resonance of the words she conveyed, stemming from her recent enlightenment, struck a chord within me. To follow your heart beyond the darkness and stand steadfast, embracing the memories of your past that mold your present aspirations. It nearly brought tears to my eyes. I’m getting sentimental now, haha.
“I KNEW YOU HAVE A GREAT VOICE! BRAVA! BRAVAAA!!”
“WOOOO, ENCORE ENCORE!!”
“It’s beyond amazing, Elizabeth! You are a great singer.”
The Karaoke score came out and it’s a full score of 100/100. We showered her with claps and hoots while she was standing there doing her Ojou-sama laugh. ”Ohohoho, leave the Diva role to me desuwa! I will sing this next one even better desuno!”
So, it seems she’s susceptible to praise. I noticed her cheeks flushing even deeper when Zack complimented her reliability.
For her next song, she opts for one that suits her vocal range more comfortably. Another classic from the previous era fills the air, but this time, the mood shifts instantly from its previous romantic and tender ambiance to a livelier, more carefree atmosphere.
L’un parle bien, l’autre se tait.
Et c’est l’autre que je préfère.
Il n’a rien dit mais il me plait.
L’amour! L’amour! L’amour! L’amour!
It’s very upbeat and fun, with a hint of seduction in her voice. Wait, is she……
No.
I shut off my intent reading. It’s none of my business. Lalalala, I hear nothing, I see nothing, and I wish you all the best. Let’s just immerse ourselves in the song, swaying our heads left and right to the notes. I’ll take a sip every time the background vocals chime in with their chorus.
Together, Venti, Zack, and I raised our glasses, cheering and shouting “La-La-La-La” in unison. The atmosphere had shifted, resembling less of an opera and more of a lively tavern-drinking song. Are we going to sing a sea shanty next?
“Not bad at all, Elizabeth! My turn next, come Venti! Let’s show her how real men do Opera.” Zack began to tinker with the remote control.
“Hahah, what’s this? An Opera singing battle now? Fine, make sure you match me properly.”
“Elizabeth, I need to go to the toilet for a bit, Lookout for my chocolate set would you?” I tapped on her shoulder.
“Ok desuwa.”
Before excusing myself to the bathroom, I entrusted the only reliable person in the room to safeguard my one joy in life. Despite my desire to linger and enjoy their Opera Pop songs a bit longer, it seemed trouble had a knack for finding us and would soon come knocking.
Closing the door behind me, I began a walk to a mall restroom, aware that the three guys who had been milling around outside of our room were now following me.
Even with them trailing behind, I sensed no malice. I even tapped into a bit of prana to check, and they seemed harmless. Though things could shift later, for now, I figured I’d ease the tension by trying to figure out what they were up to.
Entering the bathroom, I found it empty.
The mall bathroom greeted me with an atmosphere of pristine cleanliness and hygiene, permeated by the refreshing scents of air cleaner, lilac, and mint herbs. I couldn’t help but give props to Konbeki for maintaining such a pleasant environment. Of course, much credit also goes to the Falconer Roomba tirelessly gliding across the floor, swiftly sweeping away any spills or messes from the toilets.
Now that I was inside, I took my time approaching the bathroom sink, indulging in a moment to wash my hands thoroughly.
A guy entered and joined me at the sink to wash his hands. Throughout the whole interaction, neither of us exchanged a glance. However, thanks to my ability to focus solely on one person with my intent, I could already guess the contour and general features of his body and face. He appeared tall, though in fairness, most people towered over me. His slicked-back grey hair and small round-lens sunglasses adorned his face.
His eyes held a subtle upward curve, giving him a perpetually squinting and scheming appearance, reminiscent of a fox. Yet, it seemed to be just a quirk of his facial features, rather than any deliberate expression. Despite this, there was no hint of a smile or happiness in his demeanor at the moment.
“Kon Caspier is it? I’m Benji Botani. Nice to meet you.” He retrieved a stylish mini retractable comb, effortlessly flicking it open with a snap. Gazing into the mirror, he began to gently brush his hair, each stroke executed with precision.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Benji Botani, is there anything I can help you with?” Not to be outdone, I removed my hair tie and meticulously groomed my loose strands, securing them into a neat tie once again.
“Hmm. Before I say anything else, let me thank you for your effort in Suanka District. The completion rate bumped up and our guild managed to stave off the worst of the paperwork. Still can’t believe how you managed to do all that. Alone.”
“I worked as a Danger Zone Courier once. Is this what this is? A Talent Recruitment?”
“Yes and More.”
I quirked my eyebrows in response. So, he had motives beyond just recruiting a capable courier? As I finished tying up my hair, he concluded brushing his slicked-back locks, and finally turned to face me.
“Aside from your stellar record in courier work, you also have a connection with various capable individuals. One of them is from a Tinker Clan no less.”
“Are you talking about Dongu Tinker? This is the first time I have met him. To say I have a connection to him might be a little far-fetched there.” I tried to downplay it.
“And yet the Tinker deemed it fit to outfit you and your entire team with his produce, instead of kicking you out. You must know how strict the Clan rule is compared to a normal Guild. Let alone joining one, they rarely ever set out a commission to outsiders other than their own. You have caught his Tinker ’Eye’ to say the least. Am I wrong?”
Benji Botani isn’t mistaken, and that’s precisely what adds to my hesitation regarding accepting that commission. Earning the favor of a Tinker Eye is akin to being told you have the potential to achieve great things. It’s a massive compliment indeed, and those who have gained such favor have ascended to the pinnacle and beyond. The number of individuals the Tinker Clan can proudly tout as their own can be counted on both hands.
While most people would have been overjoyed beyond measure, for me, the prospect of such attention spells nothing but trouble, to put it mildly. Fortunately, Benji remains unaware. He doesn’t possess the full picture of what unfolded inside the store, which explains his current line of questioning, merely poking and prodding at the surface.
I don’t have to entertain this.
“You sure it’s not someone else? Like your ex-guild leader Venti?” I shot.
“!!”
Heh, Bingo. I’ve observed the way he moves as he tails our group to the Karaoke Bar, deliberately shifting his body to avoid Venti’s line of sight and remain concealed. I even conducted a few tests by engaging Venti in conversation. Whenever Benji catches a clear glimpse of Venti’s face, I notice a subtle fluctuation in his intent and heartbeat.
“You are shrewd one, aren’t you? Very well. Let’s cut the crap and let me tell you the whole story.”
Thus far, his intent remains mild, devoid of any malicious undertones. His genuine desire to recruit me persists, and it’s apparent that his interest in me has only deepened. While I might have inadvertently stoked the flame a bit too vigorously, I’m not overly concerned.
I hold all the bargaining power here, so I will just listen for now.