The air was electric.
The music made your foot tap.
The crowd’s cheers filled you with energy.
After the final chords of the performance faded, Albus’ voice rang out clearly into the hush. “For us, music is a reflection of history, spirituality, and communal bond. These musical performances are a celebration of our journey as a species, from simple underground dwellers to the sophisticated society that we’ve developed.”
“Well, your music is truly exceptional!” Kaito said.
“Sir, then I promise you this next group won’t disappoint you,”
“Who’s up next?” Jogid asked.
“The Beetles are performing. They’re considered the best band in Megnaxia.”
“Oh yes! They’re my favorite band,” Jogid said, a little too excited.
Kaito was taken aback. “You’ve heard them before?”
“I got a chance to see them when I came down the first time. Master Kaito, you won’t be disappointed, they’re a true spectacle.”
“Well, then I’m looking forward to quite the show.”
I never imagined Jogid listening to music…and beetle music? I’ve seen a lot of weird shit across many worlds, and this might make it onto the weird list.
[Beetle Music Trivia #101] - Beetles consider off-key singing a delicacy. It’s like their version of abstract art but for the ears. If you think this sounds bad, you should hear them on purpose.
Off-key as a delicacy? What in the world are you on about? The last group was perfectly in tune. No off-key ‘delicacies’ there.
Fuck…well…that’s how you know they’re bad. Stay tuned!
“Sheesh,” he mouthed.
The Echoing Chamber was a true work of art. It was without a doubt an underground chamber, but it felt as if they were outdoors with its tranquil ponds and strategically placed stones that enhanced natural acoustics, creating a traditional garden aesthetic. A gentle hill, standing right in the middle of the room, was the perfect space for musical performances.
The last musicians came down the mound.
And the Beetles went up the mound.
Each member carried an instrument even more unique than their appearance, and watching their chitinous exoskeletons glinting in the bioluminescent crystals that decorated the Echoing Chamber’s walls was fun.
The guitarist tuned a violin made from enchanted wood collected from ancient sorta trees on the surface—orange bark covered in red polka dots. Its strings revealed the notes in a burst of pale blue sparks when plucked. The drummer sat behind a kit crafted from giant crystals, each one emitting a different tone as it was struck with their various mallets. And sticks.
Enchanted wood? Never thought of using sorta trees, interesting. I wonder if it can be used for any instrument.
[Obscure Instrument Lore #202] - Ah, the legendary sorta tree violin! Let me weave you a tale, Kaito. This violin’s wood comes from the rarest tree in the beetle world, the sorta tree. Why ‘sorta’? Because it’s sorta there and sorta not – a tree that phases in and out of reality. Legend has it, a beetle once hugged the tree during a full moon while singing love songs and, bam, polka dots! But that’s not even the half of it. The wood is enchanted to resonate with the player’s soul. Feeling sad? The violin cries in D minor. Overjoyed? It practically jigs in G major. And rumor has it, if you’re constipated, it plays the blues. But the real kicker? Each note played on this violin is said to echo in an alternate dimension. So somewhere, in some other world, there’s a confused alien listening to ‘Beetle’s Greatest Hits’. Talk about interdimensional piracy, huh?
That’s so much bullshit. Also, your messages are getting lengthy, and you know I hate it when your system messes with my vision.
Gosh, so sensitive.
“Master Kaito, it honors me that you’re pleased,” Albus said, noticing Kaito’s interest. “The Beetles pioneered a genre they coined ’Rock and Scroll’—a fusion of our traditional cavern songs and chants with the wisdom found in scrolls and tomes.”
As the band did their final checks, Kaito saw several approach the edge of the stage to greet fans seated in the front row.
One small beetle child extended their violin expectantly to the guitarist, who plucked a few notes to their delight. The scene slowed down Kaito’s breaths.
This is worth protecting.
But suddenly, a startled gasp arose from the crowd. One of the guitar strings had snapped and broken just minutes before their set was to begin.
“Pity. It appears there won’t be time to re-string the instrument given our tight schedule today. We want to show you everything our city offers. Master Kaito, as the leader of Megnaxia, I apologize for the subpar performance.”
“It’s alright, don’t worry about it.”
Kaito looked around while the guitarist examined the snapped string between hard gasps.
His eyes landed on a broom leaning against the wall. In a flash. He grabbed it and broke off the stiff bristles. Holding the broom handle like a guitar, he began strumming the bristles.
And with a bit of mana…
It produced a bright, almost glassy tone.
The crowd stared at the awkward sight.
And the band wasn’t far off. The violinist’s fingers froze on the strings, his bow hovering mid-air, and the drummer leaned in, listening close.
Soon, note after note cascaded across the Echoing Chamber.
And with a slight tilt of his head, the violinist echoed back a higher-pitched reply while the drummer brushed the cymbals with delicate taps that gave space for the broom’s crisp sound.
In the audience, toes began tapping along and hands clapped to the unexpected musical addition. Faces lit up after each surprise ripple from Kaito’s makeshift harp.
With the last note of the prelude fading into the crowd’s ovation, the guitarist came forward, accepted the broom from Kaito, and brought it to his face, paying close attention to the bristles.
He then looked back at Kaito and smiled. With a nod, he rejoined the other musicians, seamlessly continuing the show and incorporating the broom’s unique sound into the band’s music.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The wooden door slid open revealing a small area to remove their shoes. The inside was lined with tatami mats and plain lacquered tables, save for a beetle plucking at an impossibly long two-string guitar in the back corner.
The place smelled like grass, but in a good way.
This is nice.
[Beetle Interior Design #204] - This teahouse’s design is inspired by ancient beetle philosophy: ‘If it’s not green, it’s not fucking serene.’ They once tried a red theme but everyone kept getting angry. Turns out, beetles are interior design color therapists too.
He tried to ignore the system-like notification comment.
HELLO?
Green works, Karen. Did you know most organisms can see green the best?
Ugh.
They followed the server—a slender female beetle with an earthy green colored carapace, who looked more humanoid than Albus—to one of the mini gardens. Then sat down and placed their orders according to her suggestion.
The sweet scent of crahalée flowers drew his attention. He thought it was the smell of the tea he ordered, but a smile formed on his face when he realized he’d guessed wrong.
“Zenith, this is a pleasant surprise.”
“I couldn’t miss exploring this with you,” she replied, taking a seat next to him. “Sorry for being late, just wrapped up some trade agreements with Plago City.”
“I thought it’d be nice for Mayor Zenith to tour the city with us. I hope that’s okay, Master Kaito.”
“Of course, it is, Jogid. I appreciate it.”
“This is actually my favorite teahouse. Excuse me.” Zenith gestured to her choice on the menu as she spoke to the server. “I would like this one.”
“Zee, you don’t seem surprised that there is a giant city under your small little town.”
“Oh I was really surprised when I first found out, trust me.”
“Wait, what? Was I the only one who didn’t know?”
Their drinks made it to their table.
“I’m truly sorry, Master Kaito. You were so busy with your trip to Plago City, and then the festival that I couldn’t find an opportune moment to tell you. And also, I wanted to plan this tour perfectly to ensure your time wasn't wasted.”
“It’s alright I guess.”
After a moment, Jogid finished his drink and glanced at his timepiece. “I should head to the Arena of Antennae now, there’s a meeting I need to attend. Enjoy your time here, I’ll meet up with you both later at the arena.”
With Jogid heading for the door, Zenith wrapped her hands around her warm cup of tea. “So, how’s the tea? Did you go with the epeder blend?”
“Yeah.” Kaito took another sip. “It’s very smooth and creamy. This may be my new favorite drink.”
“I know what you mean. I had that one last time, but I really wanted to try this vicrury tea. I didn’t know this plant existed in Daiyudura.”
She leaned forward over the table and gave him a little peck on the lips.
“Oh, thanks, Zenith. That was nice—”
Zenith giggled.
“What did I do?”
“Oh nothing. Maybe you’re speaking differently from when my dad summoned you in the throne room. You seem…more real. I like you better this way.”
“Ah, yes, well, kings prefer certain…” He waved his hand, searching for the right words, “speech patterns—but hey, you’re doing it too.”
She giggled again. “Guess I’ve picked it up from you. Spending time with someone does that, I suppose.”
A voice cut over from the next table. “That’s how the beetlejuice is supposed to be drunk,” said an older, brown-colored female beetle. She stood at no more than four feet tall and had a rounder frame, a complete opposite from the server. “Best shared with someone special.”
Kaito raised his cup. “Wise words.”
“Everything the megnac do, including brewing beetlejuice, is a representation of our species, an expression of our history, and a way to connect our past, the present, and each other.”
“It’s a beautiful tradition, keeping your history alive through art,” said Zenith, whose cheeks were returning back to normal.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Flechas generated a blast of air that kicked up a cloud of dust. Her opponent Arcos anchored his white bulk against the gust.
The crowd cheered.
Unable to withstand the strong air current, Arcos beat his wings and vaulted into the air. He flung out an arm, and a searing bolt of light lanced from his palm.
Flechas then crossed her arms and a slab of stone erupted to intercept the blast in a shower of sparks that rained over the Arena of Antennae’s tile flooring.
She continued raising stone barriers and flinging rocky projectiles—none connected with her opponent’s large frame—while Arcos tumbled and wove through the air.
Flechas, how are you going to get him? Jogid thought from the sidelines.
The megnacus alatus landed on the arena. Under his feet, tiles showed beetles fighting in old duels. Past battles carved in stone.
He went for a counteroffensive. He multiplied into four identical attackers, confounding Flechas’ aim. But Flechas stamped a leg onto the arena’s floor and read the tremors through the rock to identify the true Arcos.
I see Arcos’s still having trouble combining light IDM and wind IDM.
A spear of stone grazed the big beetle’s abdomen. He stopped his fall with his wings and sent out a bright flash. Flechas blocked it with a granite shield, but the stone broke into pieces from the flash’s force.
Flechas lifted the broken ground to form a barrier around herself. But her winged opponent used wind and light to attack her defense. Yet still it held. She held even as sweat and dirt surrounded rips in the fabric of her uniform that showed her red shell.
In the middle, up in the official’s stand, Terga gave a commanding head nod.
And the duel stopped. Flechas turned the barrier into a statue of them fighting and Arcos added to the show by spreading light through his wings, illuminating the arena with colors.
The crowd cheered loudly.
They still have much to learn, but their skills are progressing, Jogid thought as he climbed onto the arena and approached Terga, who was already giving Flechas and Arcos an earful.
“They’re improving, but there’s room for growth, don’t you think, Terga?”
As if startled, Flechas and Arcos bowed their heads.
“Indeed. Flechas relies too much on her strength, and Arcos must learn to better integrate his light and wind IDM.”
“Those were my thoughts exactly. You may rise,” Jogid said. “But overall, Arcos, your speed has increased a lot, I noticed you have improved the use of wind-alignement with your tattoo dynamics.”
“It was all thanks to your instruction Master—”
“Great Master Kaito! Mayor Zenith! I’m glad you made it.
“Hi Jogid.”
“You two! show respect to the Great Master Kaito!” Terga said. Immediately, Flechas and Arcos dropped to one knee before the Great Master.
“Ah…please, stand up. There’s no need for formalities.”
Jogid kept a stern eye on Flechas and Arcos. They didn’t stand. Good.
“What did you think of their martial arts, Master Kaito, Mayor Zenith?” Jogid asked. “The beetle fist technique is quite unique.”
“Their teacher must be extraordinary,” Kaito chuckled. “Jogid, your students are talented.”
Jogid froze momentarily; a short gasp was his only response.
“It’s certainly different from the magical arts taught by the four mages at the castle. Fascinating!”
“Thank you for such kind words,” Jogid said, finding his voice.
“You two, Terga. Keep up the good work. Though we’ve never met, Jogid speaks highly of you.”
“Thank you, Master Kaito, but they still have much to learn.”
At that moment, Arcos, probably the largest megnac beetle in Megnaxia, rose—Flechas remained on one knee. “Master Kaito, I, Arcos, vow to train hard, and one day match you in strength—”
Terga flicked her wrist.
The air crackled.
And a brutal blast of storm IDM crashed onto Arcos. In an instant his entire body was pressing against the stone tiles next to an unflinching Flechas.
“IDIOT! You could die and be reborn a thousand times, and you still won’t reach Master Kaito’s tarsi.” Terga dipped her head. “Great Master Kaito, I am truly sorry for this insubordination. Rest assured, his conduct will be rectified.”
“It’s fine really…if anything, I admire his conviction. Arcos, it’s not about strength, what matters is how you use it.”
The megnac beetles suddenly stepped back when their leader walked onto the arena. “Terga, Flechas, Arcos, you’re dismissed.” With a nod, the three warriors proceeded to exit the arena.
“Mayor Zenith, I’m honored to have you in Megnaxia again,” Albus said. “Master Kaito, are you enjoying the Entertainment District?”
“Absolutely. I’m almost tempted to move down here.”
Albus chuckled through his mandibles. “Well, next on our schedule is the Agricultural District.”
“Master Kaito, may I be excused from the next part of the tour? I’d like to provide some additional instruction to my students.”
I’m sure the Great Master will enjoy touring the next district with the mayor.
The air was electric.
The music made your foot tap.
The crowd’s cheers filled you with energy.
After the final chords of the performance faded, Albus’ voice rang out clearly into the hush. “For us, music is a reflection of history, spirituality, and communal bond. These musical performances are a celebration of our journey as a species, from simple underground dwellers to the sophisticated society that we’ve developed.”
“Well, your music is truly exceptional!” Kaito said.
“Sir, then I promise you this next group won’t disappoint you,”
“Who’s up next?” Jogid asked.
“The Beetles are performing. They’re considered the best band in Megnaxia.”
“Oh yes! They’re my favorite band,” Jogid said, a little too excited.
Kaito was taken aback. “You’ve heard them before?”
“I got a chance to see them when I came down the first time. Master Kaito, you won’t be disappointed, they’re a true spectacle.”
“Well, then I’m looking forward to quite the show.”
I never imagined Jogid listening to music…and beetle music? I’ve seen a lot of weird shit across many worlds, and this might make it onto the weird list.
[Beetle Music Trivia #101] - Beetles consider off-key singing a delicacy. It’s like their version of abstract art but for the ears. If you think this sounds bad, you should hear them on purpose.
Off-key as a delicacy? What in the world are you on about? The last group was perfectly in tune. No off-key ‘delicacies’ there.
Fuck…well…that’s how you know they’re bad. Stay tuned!
“Sheesh,” he mouthed.
The Echoing Chamber was a true work of art. It was without a doubt an underground chamber, but it felt as if they were outdoors with its tranquil ponds and strategically placed stones that enhanced natural acoustics, creating a traditional garden aesthetic. A gentle hill, standing right in the middle of the room, was the perfect space for musical performances.
The last musicians came down the mound.
And the Beetles went up the mound.
Each member carried an instrument even more unique than their appearance, and watching their chitinous exoskeletons glinting in the bioluminescent crystals that decorated the Echoing Chamber’s walls was fun.
The guitarist tuned a violin made from enchanted wood collected from ancient sorta trees on the surface—orange bark covered in red polka dots. Its strings revealed the notes in a burst of pale blue sparks when plucked. The drummer sat behind a kit crafted from giant crystals, each one emitting a different tone as it was struck with their various mallets. And sticks.
Enchanted wood? Never thought of using sorta trees, interesting. I wonder if it can be used for any instrument.
[Obscure Instrument Lore #202] - Ah, the legendary sorta tree violin! Let me weave you a tale, Kaito. This violin’s wood comes from the rarest tree in the beetle world, the sorta tree. Why ‘sorta’? Because it’s sorta there and sorta not – a tree that phases in and out of reality. Legend has it, a beetle once hugged the tree during a full moon while singing love songs and, bam, polka dots! But that’s not even the half of it. The wood is enchanted to resonate with the player’s soul. Feeling sad? The violin cries in D minor. Overjoyed? It practically jigs in G major. And rumor has it, if you’re constipated, it plays the blues. But the real kicker? Each note played on this violin is said to echo in an alternate dimension. So somewhere, in some other world, there’s a confused alien listening to ‘Beetle’s Greatest Hits’. Talk about interdimensional piracy, huh?
That’s so much bullshit. Also, your messages are getting lengthy, and you know I hate it when your system messes with my vision.
Gosh, so sensitive.
“Master Kaito, it honors me that you’re pleased,” Albus said, noticing Kaito’s interest. “The Beetles pioneered a genre they coined ’Rock and Scroll’—a fusion of our traditional cavern songs and chants with the wisdom found in scrolls and tomes.”
As the band did their final checks, Kaito saw several approach the edge of the stage to greet fans seated in the front row.
One small beetle child extended their violin expectantly to the guitarist, who plucked a few notes to their delight. The scene slowed down Kaito’s breaths.
This is worth protecting.
But suddenly, a startled gasp arose from the crowd. One of the guitar strings had snapped and broken just minutes before their set was to begin.
“Pity. It appears there won’t be time to re-string the instrument given our tight schedule today. We want to show you everything our city offers. Master Kaito, as the leader of Megnaxia, I apologize for the subpar performance.”
“It’s alright, don’t worry about it.”
Kaito looked around while the guitarist examined the snapped string between hard gasps.
His eyes landed on a broom leaning against the wall. In a flash. He grabbed it and broke off the stiff bristles. Holding the broom handle like a guitar, he began strumming the bristles.
And with a bit of mana…
It produced a bright, almost glassy tone.
The crowd stared at the awkward sight.
And the band wasn’t far off. The violinist’s fingers froze on the strings, his bow hovering mid-air, and the drummer leaned in, listening close.
Soon, note after note cascaded across the Echoing Chamber.
And with a slight tilt of his head, the violinist echoed back a higher-pitched reply while the drummer brushed the cymbals with delicate taps that gave space for the broom’s crisp sound.
In the audience, toes began tapping along and hands clapped to the unexpected musical addition. Faces lit up after each surprise ripple from Kaito’s makeshift harp.
With the last note of the prelude fading into the crowd’s ovation, the guitarist came forward, accepted the broom from Kaito, and brought it to his face, paying close attention to the bristles.
He then looked back at Kaito and smiled. With a nod, he rejoined the other musicians, seamlessly continuing the show and incorporating the broom’s unique sound into the band’s music.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
The wooden door slid open revealing a small area to remove their shoes. The inside was lined with tatami mats and plain lacquered tables, save for a beetle plucking at an impossibly long two-string guitar in the back corner.
The place smelled like grass, but in a good way.
This is nice.
[Beetle Interior Design #204] - This teahouse’s design is inspired by ancient beetle philosophy: ‘If it’s not green, it’s not fucking serene.’ They once tried a red theme but everyone kept getting angry. Turns out, beetles are interior design color therapists too.
He tried to ignore the system-like notification comment.
HELLO?
Green works, Karen. Did you know most organisms can see green the best?
Ugh.
They followed the server—a slender female beetle with an earthy green colored carapace, who looked more humanoid than Albus—to one of the mini gardens. Then sat down and placed their orders according to her suggestion.
The sweet scent of crahalée flowers drew his attention. He thought it was the smell of the tea he ordered, but a smile formed on his face when he realized he’d guessed wrong.
“Zenith, this is a pleasant surprise.”
“I couldn’t miss exploring this with you,” she replied, taking a seat next to him. “Sorry for being late, just wrapped up some trade agreements with Plago City.”
“I thought it’d be nice for Mayor Zenith to tour the city with us. I hope that’s okay, Master Kaito.”
“Of course, it is, Jogid. I appreciate it.”
“This is actually my favorite teahouse. Excuse me.” Zenith gestured to her choice on the menu as she spoke to the server. “I would like this one.”
“Zee, you don’t seem surprised that there is a giant city under your small little town.”
“Oh I was really surprised when I first found out, trust me.”
“Wait, what? Was I the only one who didn’t know?”
Their drinks made it to their table.
“I’m truly sorry, Master Kaito. You were so busy with your trip to Plago City, and then the festival that I couldn’t find an opportune moment to tell you. And also, I wanted to plan this tour perfectly to ensure your time wasn't wasted.”
“It’s alright I guess.”
After a moment, Jogid finished his drink and glanced at his timepiece. “I should head to the Arena of Antennae now, there’s a meeting I need to attend. Enjoy your time here, I’ll meet up with you both later at the arena.”
With Jogid heading for the door, Zenith wrapped her hands around her warm cup of tea. “So, how’s the tea? Did you go with the epeder blend?”
“Yeah.” Kaito took another sip. “It’s very smooth and creamy. This may be my new favorite drink.”
“I know what you mean. I had that one last time, but I really wanted to try this vicrury tea. I didn’t know this plant existed in Daiyudura.”
She leaned forward over the table and gave him a little peck on the lips.
“Oh, thanks, Zenith. That was nice—”
Zenith giggled.
“What did I do?”
“Oh nothing. Maybe you’re speaking differently from when my dad summoned you in the throne room. You seem…more real. I like you better this way.”
“Ah, yes, well, kings prefer certain…” He waved his hand, searching for the right words, “speech patterns—but hey, you’re doing it too.”
She giggled again. “Guess I’ve picked it up from you. Spending time with someone does that, I suppose.”
A voice cut over from the next table. “That’s how the beetlejuice is supposed to be drunk,” said an older, brown-colored female beetle. She stood at no more than four feet tall and had a rounder frame, a complete opposite from the server. “Best shared with someone special.”
Kaito raised his cup. “Wise words.”
“Everything the megnac do, including brewing beetlejuice, is a representation of our species, an expression of our history, and a way to connect our past, the present, and each other.”
“It’s a beautiful tradition, keeping your history alive through art,” said Zenith, whose cheeks were returning back to normal.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Flechas generated a blast of air that kicked up a cloud of dust. Her opponent Arcos anchored his white bulk against the gust.
The crowd cheered.
Unable to withstand the strong air current, Arcos beat his wings and vaulted into the air. He flung out an arm, and a searing bolt of light lanced from his palm.
Flechas then crossed her arms and a slab of stone erupted to intercept the blast in a shower of sparks that rained over the Arena of Antennae’s tile flooring.
She continued raising stone barriers and flinging rocky projectiles—none connected with her opponent’s large frame—while Arcos tumbled and wove through the air.
Flechas, how are you going to get him? Jogid thought from the sidelines.
The megnacus alatus landed on the arena. Under his feet, tiles showed beetles fighting in old duels. Past battles carved in stone.
He went for a counteroffensive. He multiplied into four identical attackers, confounding Flechas’ aim. But Flechas stamped a leg onto the arena’s floor and read the tremors through the rock to identify the true Arcos.
I see Arcos’s still having trouble combining light IDM and wind IDM.
A spear of stone grazed the big beetle’s abdomen. He stopped his fall with his wings and sent out a bright flash. Flechas blocked it with a granite shield, but the stone broke into pieces from the flash’s force.
Flechas lifted the broken ground to form a barrier around herself. But her winged opponent used wind and light to attack her defense. Yet still it held. She held even as sweat and dirt surrounded rips in the fabric of her uniform that showed her red shell.
In the middle, up in the official’s stand, Terga gave a commanding head nod.
And the duel stopped. Flechas turned the barrier into a statue of them fighting and Arcos added to the show by spreading light through his wings, illuminating the arena with colors.
The crowd cheered loudly.
They still have much to learn, but their skills are progressing, Jogid thought as he climbed onto the arena and approached Terga, who was already giving Flechas and Arcos an earful.
“They’re improving, but there’s room for growth, don’t you think, Terga?”
As if startled, Flechas and Arcos bowed their heads.
“Indeed. Flechas relies too much on her strength, and Arcos must learn to better integrate his light and wind IDM.”
“Those were my thoughts exactly. You may rise,” Jogid said. “But overall, Arcos, your speed has increased a lot, I noticed you have improved the use of wind-alignement with your tattoo dynamics.”
“It was all thanks to your instruction Master—”
“Great Master Kaito! Mayor Zenith! I’m glad you made it.
“Hi Jogid.”
“You two! show respect to the Great Master Kaito!” Terga said. Immediately, Flechas and Arcos dropped to one knee before the Great Master.
“Ah…please, stand up. There’s no need for formalities.”
Jogid kept a stern eye on Flechas and Arcos. They didn’t stand. Good.
“What did you think of their martial arts, Master Kaito, Mayor Zenith?” Jogid asked. “The beetle fist technique is quite unique.”
“Their teacher must be extraordinary,” Kaito chuckled. “Jogid, your students are talented.”
Jogid froze momentarily; a short gasp was his only response.
“It’s certainly different from the magical arts taught by the four mages at the castle. Fascinating!”
“Thank you for such kind words,” Jogid said, finding his voice.
“You two, Terga. Keep up the good work. Though we’ve never met, Jogid speaks highly of you.”
“Thank you, Master Kaito, but they still have much to learn.”
At that moment, Arcos, probably the largest megnac beetle in Megnaxia, rose—Flechas remained on one knee. “Master Kaito, I, Arcos, vow to train hard, and one day match you in strength—”
Terga flicked her wrist.
The air crackled.
And a brutal blast of storm IDM crashed onto Arcos. In an instant his entire body was pressing against the stone tiles next to an unflinching Flechas.
“IDIOT! You could die and be reborn a thousand times, and you still won’t reach Master Kaito’s tarsi.” Terga dipped her head. “Great Master Kaito, I am truly sorry for this insubordination. Rest assured, his conduct will be rectified.”
“It’s fine really…if anything, I admire his conviction. Arcos, it’s not about strength, what matters is how you use it.”
The megnac beetles suddenly stepped back when their leader walked onto the arena. “Terga, Flechas, Arcos, you’re dismissed.” With a nod, the three warriors proceeded to exit the arena.
“Mayor Zenith, I’m honored to have you in Megnaxia again,” Albus said. “Master Kaito, are you enjoying the Entertainment District?”
“Absolutely. I’m almost tempted to move down here.”
Albus chuckled through his mandibles. “Well, next on our schedule is the Agricultural District.”
“Master Kaito, may I be excused from the next part of the tour? I’d like to provide some additional instruction to my students.”
I’m sure the Great Master will enjoy touring the next district with the mayor.
