A chance to learn what living life means.
A journey to conquer the great sea of stars.
The king who liberated me from my inevitable deletion brought me to another Spiritron World and declared that we would be at the forefront of humanity.
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...Or so I thought.
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Here we are, taking a short break under a tree after a long time of walking around, hopping from hotel to hotel to find a room to stay in. Five towers visited, and all were disapproved by him. I sprawl onto the grass while Gilgamesh sits on a bench.
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"Weary so soon, Hakuno? Am I to assume you dropped your stamina unknowingly in SERAPH?" he mocks. He then leans his left elbow on the bench's steel arm, rests his chin onto his palm, and places his left foot on his right thigh. "No matter. The ambience of this spot welcomes leisure and slack alike. However, do not revolt when a mongrel sees your underwear after a gust blows."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliHqRnp9Ig
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"I'll be fine. I learned to wear shorts under my skirt. It would be a waste not to enjoy this."
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He scoffs with a grin, and no remark follows. He must be agreeing with me.
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All I ever saw back in Moon Cell are the school hallway, my room, the shop, the clinic, the arena, and the labyrinth. As far as my memory goes, this is my first time to be surrounded with greenery and trees, hear birds chirping and children playing from a distance, and feel a comforting breeze brush onto my skin. I can tell Gilgamesh enjoys the calm with how he sits so relaxed on that bench. The leaves rustle to add to the tranquility as the wind washes over my fatigue. Wherever this star is, this would be the perfect reproduction of a countryside area I have read in a few books back in the school library.
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Gilgamesh clicks his tongue, and I suddenly become attentive. "Those fools call their rooms the best. They fit nary a king nor a champion but a wealthy wannabe!"
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Seems like it would be him to complain first about his royal standards and not me. No, he is disappointed with all the hotels we visited thus far despite priding themselves being a four-star establishment. To be fair, all those rooms are leagues better than my room in Moon Cell. They all have a great view of the city to boot, but somehow, Gilgamesh finds them lacking, and I must discover why.
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I sit up, leaving my legs stretched out on the grass, and comment, "I would be satisfied staying in any of those. They are stunning and sparkling neat, and have two comfortable beds and state-of-the-art amenities. I don't understand why you don't like any of them."
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With one brow raised, he replies, "Hoh? We are three hours in this city, yet, you learned how to be bold? Astounding."
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I tilt my head. "You're making me more confused."
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He bursts out laughing, its volume attracting eyes of everyone within ten meter radius around us. "Have you been intoxicated with my glory, Hakuno? If that were true, prolonging your privilege to share quarters with me is unavoidable.
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"However, in the war we have fought together, the Moon Cell bestowed you nothing but destruction after it granted your wish. If I, who watched your tale unfold, do not reward such feats, then who will? Or are you saying you're content with escaping your end and walk aimlessly on the face of this celestial body until your sight turn black? I can permit you do that, but it would be a boring sight. Improving your ability to enjoy life is also part of my work. We can say it is your reward for successfully aiding my rehabilitation.
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He changes to a proper posture, the regal sitting pose I have grown accustomed to. "It is just to occupy a room for each of us. While sleep is not necessary for Servants, a room to call one's own is essential to be lost in thought, formulate strategies, or entertain oneself. It follows that my Master deserves one as well. But, leasing two rooms of equal size is impractical, and the presence of strangers, whose motives we cannot discern, poses a threat to our security. I can purchase the whole floor for myself, but what am I to do with multiple enclosures with the same contents? Obviously, whoever owns the tower would not permit a visitor without prior records to renovate a whole floor."
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All I can do is stare at him as he explains. I am used to his snarky remarks and proud attitude, but not when he shows his benevolence in his own manner, and when he expounds more on his ideas. I only become aware of my mouth slightly open when it is my turn to express my thoughts.
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"I...didn't expect your discontent would be because of that. I thought this is all because you have grown tired of sleeping on a chair with someone else inside the room, or that you are expecting a mansion, or a room as large as a palace's hall."
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"Do not set your shallowness onto me. Stupidity, but that is part of why you are entertaining," he answers with a smirk. He then raises his hand dismissively. "I am no king of this virtual planet. Thus, I do not require a residence like my ziggurat, and I do not expect a similar one prepared for me."
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Now you're being too humble I would think you're sick. I wasn't able to recover half of your treasury when the Grail War concluded, so we're starting small, is what I want to say, but I wouldn't want to ruin his good mood and disturb this laid-back conversation. I am not expecting something grand anyway -- a comfortable bed in a secure room will do -- but Gilgamesh is the type that anyone would expect to demand a mansion, and he would take out stacks of cash out of his pocket or a chest of diamonds as if it isn't a big deal. His golden armor and dignified aura emit that kind of impression. So, it is surprising to hear that he wants something a bit modest, smaller than what I imagine.
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"But, upon reading some records in my treasury before, this spacious abode on the top floor of a skyscraper captured my attention. To be enveloped by the view of the whole vicinity would give us a vantage point to locate any intruder and to strategize when the need arises," he adds.
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I guess this is the baseline of humility for the King of Heroes: owning a penthouse. The word itself connotes luxury and being unreachable, qualities that blend well with him. With us out of the Holy Grail War, I don't think he needs to worry about being ambushed or sniped. Maybe it is natural for him to prepare to prevent rather than to ready a cure.
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"I think you're talking about a penthouse. Then, we should visit a five-star hotel or condominium tower. Let me search--"
As I talk, I slide my hand into my pocket to take out my portable terminal. I tap on the screen, but it does not respond. I try pressing any button, still nothing. I try accessing my Inventory, but no screen pops up. Could it be...
"--No way... Everything I have cannot be used here. Is it because they can only work in Moon Cell? That would mean all of our change of clothes... All of our food--!"
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"You worry yourself about food and clothes, but not the currency you saved up? How selfish can you be, Hakuno?!" he exclaims. "And why didn't you check your systems upon arriving here?"
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"I never would have thought it will be exclusive to SERAPH , nor I will be brought to another celestial body!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIa7IL4vWL
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Gilgamesh brings a hand to his forehead and lets out a sigh. "I should have guessed. It troubles me that we are near to poverty at this point."
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"Wha-- Are you thinking the Funds in SERAPH is a common currency within the whole universe? That only happens in video games!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyslRbCHLMw
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"Of course not! I am upset that you concern yourself with food scarcity but not lack of money." His sigh deepens, then he stands. "Very well. Let us continue our exploration. Locating our new base is postponed until we find someone who buys gold for a reasonable price."
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"Do you mean you'll--" I point at his armor.
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"You must be joking, and I am not liking it one bit! I have a few gold bars left in my treasury to spare. Hurry and stand! We must not remain homeless by nighttime."
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By his order, I stand up and dust my clothes off. Shortly after, we set out to another round of walking, and I lead the way once again as the his spokesperson to the 'mongrels' of this city.
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Where can gold be sold? My initial answer would be a pawnshop or a jeweler's shop. If we add video game mechanics, a blacksmith would accept gold as a weapon material. But, we end up in a seven storey building situated in a vast plot of land enclosed by red walls with green roofs, which Gilgamesh describes as a replica of the Chinese Forbidden City sans the empress's palace.
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My Moon Cell systems were unusable, so I navigated around the city the old-fashioned way: talking to roaming residents, guards on duty, and policemen; and following directions we receive from them. We stopped by jewelers and banks, taking note of their rates, until a silver haired man in a suit approached us in the third bank we stepped into. He introduced himself as Lanling, secretary of a company president, and was looking for gold at his boss's orders. With Gilgamesh's approval, we agreed to his invitation to meet his boss and talk about the deal.
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The guest waiting area, as I heard the man call this room, is a combination of modernity and oriental roots. The large light gray sofa we sit on is adorned with pillows in red covers, its backrest appropriate for Gilgamesh's sitting height. In contrast to that, the wooden coffee table at the center and the side tables are dark-colored, their legs having elaborate carvings of dragons. Our tea sits on the center table where a backward flowing incense in the shape of a phoenix stands, calming us with the scent of jasmine, illuminated by an elegant crystal chandelier hanging from the off-white ceiling. The calligraphy scroll and wooden lattice panels on the walls convince me that this is a Chinese-inspired home. I wonder if this company president wants gold to add to his decor.
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The metal door across the room slides open. Lanling walks into the room first, stays beside the door, and bows as a slim tall man in suit with long flowing hair enters. I automatically rise from my seat and lean forward for a bow as respect. I could hear Gilgamesh standing as well but he does not bow, and I don't expect him to do so.
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I couldn't take my eyes off the man. His hair reminds me of a waterfall -- light and dark blue locks swaying majestically as he struts -- but his aura feels condescending, something I can point out immediately thanks to my Servant being similar. The door slides back, and Lanling stations himself beside the couch across ours.
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The long-haired man halts by the other side of the coffee table, scans me from head to toe, then speaks, "Oh, what a refreshing presence! Full of vigor and well-mannered. A stranger who is not a server nor a maid nor a company employee bowing to us is a blue moon."
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He then pans his sight to Gilgamesh. "Hmm... We can tell you are of high stature. If so, we would have caught wind about you. Alas, we do not. You must be a new resident of this nation?"
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"Indeed. We set foot onto this city not long ago." Gilgamesh affirms. I can see him eyeing the man from head to foot as well. "A king would recognize another king with one look. Are you the leader of this land?"
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The man scoffs, "No way! We would be dead achieving such a goal. We rule a company at most, one that focuses on research and development of communication devices. We go by many names, but we have grown fond of being called Qin Shi Huang, the name we have declared in the prime of our rule!
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His head turns to me, and he gives me a soft smile. "But for you, young lady, we allow you to call us 'Shikoutei'. We think you are Japanese, thus, that translation of our name would allow you to address us properly without mistake."
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I cover my mouth with my left hand out of surprise. "Shikoutei? Then you must be..."
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"Hmm?" Shikoutei leans forward, his eyes glued to my hand that is now hovering in front of my chin. With the emperor's face half foot away from mine, I clearly see how the markings on his forehead are, in fact, real gems and not face paint. He retreats with a satisfied smile and takes a seat. "Please be seated. Our talk will be long. We are fascinated with your existence in this nation."
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His reaction is odd, but we sit anyway.
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I glance at the back of my left hand. There burns a crimson mark, two strokes of which are faded like old scars. If he is able to see it, then the rule where only Magi and Servants can identify Masters hold true in this place. If he is a Servant, then he must have a Master, right?
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A Grail War... It happens here too...
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"Fret not, child. We are interested if that mark is genuine. Whatever your answer is, we have no intentions to harm you. We think the ink does not match your personality," Shikoutei explains calmly. It seems he sensed my nervousness.
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My forehead becomes covered in cold sweat. My fight or flight response is alarmed. If he is truly the first emperor of China, he can only walk around freely like the living by becoming a Servant. Taking note of his position as a president, either he could be alive for a long time or it was given to him by his Master as a cover. He can see my Command Seal, and he might be trying to make me admit to being a Master by being interested with it. I should be smart with what I'll answer, and that is--
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"Ah, this? Before we left our city, the... children we often hang around with were playing with paint, and one of them decided to use it on my hand. When it was time to board the... express, the security wanted me to cover the 'tattoo', so I... showed them it's fake by removing the paint. D-Did it make you uncomfor--"
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"Hahahaha! No no, not at all. If it is the children's fault, let them express their artistry," Shikoutei laughs again.
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I'm glad my excuse worked. This also means Gilgamesh can be ruled out as a Servant with a Master too. Just...a normal man full of ego, wearing an armor, or a roaming Servant.
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"We do not have all day for pleasantries, Qin Shi Huang," Gilgamesh interrupts. "How much gold do you want? What will you offer in exchange? For your secretary to bring us here must mean your demands need to be met immediately."
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Right... We are here to talk about the buy. Now I can calm down knowing that the president won't ask me further.
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"Very well." Shikoutei puffs his chest out. "We need a tonne of gold for our new device model, one that would be encased in pure gold. In exchange, we provide you the metal's monetary value and the first successful prototype of our new device."
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"The prototype? Surely, you jest--"
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He's refusing? That's a good deal already!
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"--For I am the only one dazzlingly bright in all heaven and earth, there cannot be replicas of what I own. Therefore, I must be the only one who owns this gold encased device you pledge!"
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...I'm at a loss for words. Gilgamesh is blowing up the deal all because of his near-narcissistic attitude. I feel like not listening now. Maybe I should just enjoy this tea in front of-- No, I don't even know if this is safe for me to drink. I don't know if I can consume anything here... Might as well try and see how my body would react.
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Shikoutei suddenly falls silent for a few seconds. Then, he holds up three fingers and counters Gilgamesh's terms, "How about this: first, yours shall be of pure gold while the models in the elite market are in gold-coated alloy; second, we will create a gold-cased version of our latest tablet and provide you with lifetime services for all your gadgets, given that they are under our brand; third, we will pay you double of the current market price for your gold bars."
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"Are you certain you can spend double the price? The bank offers a mere 20 million for 250 kilograms."
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"Hoh? Then it must be true that banks profit tremendously. If they possess your gold and subsequently sell it to us, you would be earning less than if you were to directly sell it to us. It was fortunate our secretary brought you here for our audience. Without a doubt, we shall compensate you as promised."
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I hear Gilgamesh huff beside me as I take a sip of the warm tea. From the sides of my eyes, I check if he will accept the offer or demand again. His head is facing to the large window panes, seemingly watching the view they hold.
"This is the third floor, correct? Hah, and you delight yourself with this sorry scenery?"
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The president stands and approaches the window pane. The glass reflects his majestic form, and I gaze at the image which presents a melancholic expression of the former emperor.
"In a far away time, a human who fought for their own world demonstrated strong convictions on facing the challenges of the future. Observing their tenacity, we have learned to be truly human, and to blend with our people. This roofscape is the daily reminder of our newly found purpose: to assist the progress of humankind through technological advancement!
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He turns on his heel, now with a gleeful face, and stretches his arm to his side. "All humans in every roof we see here must have a communication device whether stationary or mobile. When we spot any human who holds a model we made, we are delighted for we have touched their lives and helped them enrich themselves through our creation!
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After his arduous declaration, he finally relaxes and strides back to the sofa. "Well, we own a few residences about one to two li above ground with beautiful cityscape. As this is not our dominion, we cannot observe the people with our Great Wall. We found it necessary to watch from lower ground."
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One to two li... In today's measurement, a Chinese li would be around 500 meters. That sounds like a high skyscraper!
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--!!
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Now it makes sense why Gilgamesh's lips stretch to a grin for a split second. His probing question worked in his favor. With a pompous smirk, he begins to speak again, "My, you adore humans passionately, Former Emperor. Then that changes the value of the precious metal I possess.
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Four ripples of golden light cracks the empty space around us, and each has a thick ingot of gold crawling out. "Behold! These are the fruits of my garden which the people of my city harvested, the purest quality one could never find on the face of Earth. Ah, but this land is not Earth. Then, these would be an extremely rare resource to seek, would they not? Those fools in banks are manipulating the prices with the little amount of metals passed onto several hands. Mine were held by the miners and me alone."
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Shikoutei's eyes sparkle from the sight of treasure right before him. "You have an excellent point. Let us hear your demands, king of a distant city."
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"Your highest residence with the most spectacular view of the whole city and tightest security. Place its ownership under my name. That is in addition to your proposed terms."
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Keh-!! Gilgamesh is not letting this opportunity slip to hoard wealth. His demands... It's literally sky high that I nearly choked on my tea! Even Lanling is surprised that he suddenly yelps.
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"President, this is absurd! You'd be spending less buying from banks. I highly suggest to refuse this deal!" Lanling's refusal is too strong that it sounds more of a plea than a suggestion to me.
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"It is as you say," the president calmly replies, his eyes not wavering from his gaze upon Gilgamesh and me as he sits. "But then, we shall accept the terms--"
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"Your Majesty!"
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"--under one condition that would make this fair for us."
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The development is quick that I am lost for words again. I can't believe he will accept the arrangement, and we're one step closer to making this deal. I gulp down the remaining drink in my cup and set the ceramic down onto the table, anticipating the context of his condition.
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"We shall take your gold for assessment of its purity. Until then, we shall allow you to occupy the best residence you demand of. If these are proven to be 99.99% pure, we shall deliver all four that we have agreed thus far. Otherwise, only the three items we have proposed earlier shall be given and you shall leave the premises immediately."
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It's nothing detestable but-
"Umm... How many days will the tests take?"
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"A day is all it takes to allot for the entire process from safekeeping and transportation to the testing phase. However, we shall permit you to rest for two nights starting tonight. On the second sunrise, our secretary shall enter and announce the conclusion of this pact. Do you accept our terms?"
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"Of course!" "Very well."
Gilgamesh and I agree in unison.
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He glares at me. "Fool! This is MY treasure. I alone have the right to confirm this contract."
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I can't debate with that, so I press my lips shut and turn away with my head down in silent agreement.
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"But you have merit for being on the same page with me on this. I will excuse your selfishness," he adds.
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"This settles our preliminary discussion," Shikoutei butts in. He then swings his hand to Lanling's direction. "Secretary! Bring the carts here this instant. We must secure these metals immediately."
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"Ye-- Yes sir!" I could hear Lanling's hesitation under his affirmation, but he exits the room at his boss's instructions.
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Gilgamesh glances at the table and the sofa before commenting, "No furniture here can carry my bars without breaking, thus, I must place these back to my treasury while we await your secretary's return."
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The ingots redact themselves back to the gold ripples, the latter disappearing as soon as the metals are nowhere to be seen.
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"We have yet to know the name of our two-night tenants to advise the administrator of your arrival with our secretary," Shikoutei requests.
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"I am the first and absolute king who ruled Uruk. I am the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh." The king's hand hovers above my head. "This soul beside me is my attendant. Well, this woman was appointed to me without a name, but I call her-- Hmm... What was it again... Ah, yes, I named her Francis Xavier."
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A loud laugh from the president ambushes my eardrums and shakes me to the core.
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"Now we must say you jest. To bequeath a female of Asian descent a European male's name!" Shikoutei stops laughing. "No matter. We have encountered a few who possess names contradicting their being. And why have you relocated?"
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"I delight myself with novelties, tangible and not." I feel Gilgamesh's hand rest on the top of my head as he continues, "While this woman... I brought her along as she is most suitable to accompany me, the one and only mongrel to survive and adapt to a king's whims."
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Did he praise me in front of a stranger just now? To be branded as most suitable to be by this powerful Servant's side makes feel giddy and flustered at the same time.
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A smile overlooks us both as Shikoutei crosses his arms. "It appears to us that your demands are for your own needs, King of Heroes. Your subtle display of strong bond has placed us in a good mood. Then, we shall grant your attendant one wish for her own." He turns to my direction, waiting for an answer.
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I don't have anything to ask for at the moment. I don't think asking for a certain sum of money would be appropriate because he would pull out a humongous amount from his pocket for Gilgamesh, and I don't know the prevailing prices here.
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Ah, but there is one problem: navigation. By their discussion earlier, it might take a long time before we obtain those devices Shikoutei promises. That would leave us with no map or device to use to check the whole area... Except for my terminal. Maybe it isn't working because it ran out of juice?
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I pull out my portable terminal from my pocket and show it to him. "You mentioned you run a communications device company, so maybe you can help me out with my device. I'm not sure why its screen wouldn't respond."
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"If you don't mind, we would like to inspect that." Shikoutei extends his hand to me, and I pass him my terminal.
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He taps on the screen twice, pushes and holds a button, then turns the gadget all around. He reaches down to the coffee table, and I hear the sound of a drawer opening. His hand pulls out a circular panel from the drawer, places it on the table and rests my terminal onto it. Soon after, the screen displays a shape of a battery with a bolt and "2%" underneath. He beams at me with satisfaction after that response. "It simply ran out of energy. We do not recognize the model you have, but thankfully, it has magnetic charging feature."
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I heave a sigh of relief. There's no hope for my Inventory and Formal Wear Collection to be restored because they might have been Moon Cell-exclusive features. At least with my terminal, I can gather information. "Once I can boot up my phone, could you give us a map of the city?"
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"Haha! That is not necessary. We will allow you to connect to our network to enable you to download the app called ALNavi. It contains the map of this whole nation, and anything related to travel, food, and leisure," Shikoutei answers.
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The metal door slides open, and four robots burly in form, pushing one cart each, enter the room followed by Lanling holding a tablet. Atop each cart waits an open briefcase with cushioned lining inside. Without a word or an order, Gilgamesh summons the gates to his treasury once again, now above the briefcases, and slowly lays the heavy-looking gold bars into them. Lanling approaches Shikoutei, shares his tablet with him, and discusses something in a whisper's volume that I couldn't perceive.
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Shortly, the president stands. "As pledged, we allow you to occupy our residence farthest from the ground, a whole floor for your repose. You may also exercise our privileges in the building, but any food and refreshment shall be charged to your name. Our secretary shall take you there.
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"One last thing," Shikoutei leans down and takes a metal brick out of the drawer. He picks my device up and places it on top of the brick, nodding, before he hands both to me. "Francis Xavier, your request is, as they call it, down to Earth compared to your king. Thus, we bestow this onto you --a magnetic powerbank that has the ability to charge your device wherever you go. As you can see, the adjustable harness locks your phone in place to remain in contact for charging.
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As he explains, I gaze at the two devices I'm holding. Hard plastic clamps with rubber pads grip onto the sides of my terminal. Five tiny LED dots are lit on the top side of the polymer brick he called powerbank, and my terminal's screen now tells me it is 10% charged. I express my gratitude with words and a bow.
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"We are needed somewhere else, thus, we adjourn our meeting here. May we have a leisurely talk next time we meet." He gestures to the mechanical crew. They make way for the president but immediately follows him in a line as he leaves.
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After rising from his bow, Lanling steps to the open door and invites us to leave. "I will escort you to your temporary shelter. And Miss... Xavier? I heard you need ALNavi. We will set that up in the penthouse. Now please follow me."
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I give him a nod, then Gilgamesh and I vacate the room as well. Lanling accompanies us to an elevator going down to the ground floor. Once we exit it and the lobby, Lanling approaches a black van waiting by the curb and opens its door for us. He hops in after we are seated, and when the door shuts, stiffening silence envelops us. Only the engine of the van reaches my ears, and I can feel Lanling's sharp glare at us.
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Gilgamesh doesn't seem to be bothered. Why would he be when he had closed a deal highly favorable for us? Even if I want to compliment him for it and complain about it, I can't do it in front of Lanling. It would sound like we are taking full leverage of his boss's riches. Well, Gilgamesh did, but as I am his Master, it follows that I took advantage of them too despite Gilgamesh stating it was his call alone.
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The tension grasps my body as if I am tied up. I couldn't muster the courage to break the ice and clear Lanling's suspicions of us. Maybe somewhere in the middle of the ride, I would be brave enough to take action and make the mood friendly.
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~~~~~~ TO BE CONTINUED ~~~~~~
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