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Since the Tarot Club began meeting in the gray fog to do activities from the pre-Epoch, they had already tried out a lot of things. From board games to charades, one night a month some of the world's strongest Beyonders would cast away their statuses to have fun without worries.
The program they chose this time was a karaoke night, with plenty of food and drinks that each member had prepared.
Klein and Franca were quite familiar with the music of their time, but the same could not be said for the rest of the participants.
To remedy this and avoid people getting bored, Klein decided to add some songs from the current era to the available catalog, as well as prepare card games and a Jenga tower to entertain those who weren't singing.
Fors and Audrey really liked the karaoke idea, and even Leonard went to sing a song or two that he knew. Everyone seemed to be having fun.
Franca wasn't going to miss out on it and used the opportunity to sing several songs she'd missed.
First it was "Warriors" by Imagine Dragons, and then "Legends Never Die" from League of Legends. Of course Klein, ever worrying about including everyone, added not only the original lyrics to sing along, but also translations of the songs into the languages the group were familiar with.
The epic lyrics, combined with the lively and catchy beats, made the pre-Epoch songs a total hit within the Tarot Club. Klein didn't want to admit, but he too was singing softly in his corner as they were playing Jenga, while letting his fellow transmigrator be in charge of the passionate performances.
Overcome by nostalgia, Franca also chose some anime songs she liked when she was a young boy. At the moment she had just finished singing "Cruel Angel's Thesis".
“Wow, the acoustics here are amazing!” She praised, sitting down at the low table to grab some expensive-looking sweets.
“Yeah, too amazing for my taste. It made me drop the tower.” Leonard complained.
“Not my fault if you’re a bad loser.” Klein shrugged.
“By the way, this song was so cool!” Fors complimented Franca’s choice.
“Thanks! It’s actually the opening theme from a series called Evangelion.”
“Oh, what’s it about?” Fors had paid attention to the lyrics, and thought it must be quite an exciting story.
"Trauma, depression, and battles with giant robots." Klein provided a brief explanation.
"What...?"
"It was the masterpiece of the century!" Franca added.
"Yeah, a masterpiece for sad, bitter teenagers who thought they were misunderstood by the world” Klein teased.
"Humph. That's what people who didn't understand the story say."
"What, are you going to tell me you understood that ending?"
"It was a very profound ending, okay? Besides, the movie explained better what happened there!" She was willing to defend the work to the end.
“Even the director said the show isn’t that deep, just pretentious. For the most part, he just thought the aesthetic was cool.” Mr. Fool could relate very much, but that’s beside the point.
“He’s done his job. We’ll take it from here.” She waved dismissively.
"Right, if you say so."
Fors had already given up trying to understand. It's not the first time these two transmigrators have gotten lost in their own references, and the others have decided to just let them have their fun. If anything, they thought it was nice seeing Klein actually opening up so much to someone.
She grabbed a cup of beer and turned her attention to the card game happening beside her. They had put Jenga aside for a while and decided to play a more familiar game, provided by Emperor Roselle.
Meanwhile, Franca had already dropped the topic and was taking another look at the music catalog.
“Hey, if you think Evangelion is too much, how about this one? Wanna sing with me?”
Klein glanced at the suggestion and chuckled.
“Fine, I'm in.”
And so, they made a duet with Butter-fly from Digimon.
Klein started, singing the first verse.
“Gokigen na chou ni natte~ kirameku kaze ni notte~
(By turning into a happy butterfly and riding on a sparkling wind)
Ima sugu~ kimi ni ai ni yukou
(Now, I’m on my way to see you)”
He pointed at Franca at the last line. Now it was her turn.
“Yokei na koto nante~ wasureta hou ga mashi sa~
(We’re better off forgetting what’s unnecessary)
Kore ijou~ shareteru jikan wa nai
(There’s no more time left to play it cool)”
Seeing the lyrics, everyone thought this song really matched what they were doing now. It really was a time for them to forget all their problems and just be themselves.
Both: “Nani ga- Wow wow wow wow wow (What-)”
Klein: “Kono sora ni todoku no darou?
(Will reach these skies?)”
Both: “Dakedo- Wow wow wow wow wow (But-)”
Franca: “Ashita no yotei mo wakaranai~
(We don’t even know what tomorrow brings)”
Then they sang the chorus with the strongest voices they could muster.
Both: “Mugendai na yume no ato no~ nanimo nai yo no naka ja~
(In an empty world, after the end of an endless dream)”
Klein: “Sou sa, itoshii~ omoi mo makesou ni naru kedo!
(That’s right, these endearing feelings seem to falter, but)”
Both: “Stay shigachi na imeeji darake no~ tayorinai tsubasa demo~
(Even these fragile wings filled with images that still stay)”
Franca: “Kitto toberu sa~
(Surely can fly)”
Both: “ON~~ MY~~ LOOOVE~~”
It really was a bright and cheerful melody and by the middle everyone was already dancing in their seats or clapping along with the rhythm.
The second part of the song only made them relate even more with it. Some even tried to sing along at the easier parts.
By the last chorus, they had already been overwhelmed by the contagious energy.
Even the singers gave up taking turns and sang everything at the top of their lungs.
“Mugendai na yume no ato no~ yarusenai yo no naka ja~
(In an disheartening world, after the end of an endless dream)
Sou sa joushiki~ hazure mo waruku wa nai ka na!
(That’s right, being unconventional isn’t so bad)
Stay shisou na imeeji wo someta~ gikochinai tsubasa demo~
(Even these awkward wings stained by images that still stay)
Kitto toberu sa~
(Surely can fly)
ON~~ MY~~ LOOOVE~~”
At that last line, they turned the mics to the audience. Fors, Leonard and Audrey were the ones bold enough to sing along. Even if they didn’t know the languages, they could still somewhat mimic the tune and pronunciation from the many repetitions.
When the music ended, everyone clapped and cheered. It was a superb performance.
Afterwards, a few others sang more recent songs, but though still beautiful, they couldn't even compare with the powerful melodies and lyrics from the ancient civilization.
After a while, Klein decided to show his friends something a bit less bright, to show that old music wasn't just about cheerful and dancey beats. And so, he chose another song he liked when he was younger.
Before starting the presentation, he dimmed the lights in the room. The darkness drew the attention of everyone who was still playing cards.
If he was going to do it, he would do it well.
“Oshiete, oshiete yo~ sono shikumi wo
(Tell me, tell me how this all works)”
“No way,” Franca was baffled. After lashing out at Evangelion, this guy was really going to sing Tokyo Ghoul's opening theme?
Everyone watched as a colorful light show discreetly appeared and the music began to play.
“Boku no naka ni~ dare ga iru no?
(Who’s inside of me?)”
Klein perfectly reproduced the breathy voice from the original song.
“Kowareta, kowareta yo~ kono sekai de
(I’m broken, broken in this world)
Kimi ga warau~ nani mo miezu ni
(But you’re smiling, blind to it all)”
And he was really into it too. When the intro ended, the light display went wild, a real pyrotechnic spectacle. The other participants seemed quite impressed.
“Kowareta, boku nante sa~ iki wo tomete
(I’m broken, holding my breath)
Hodokenai~ mou hodokenai yo
(I can’t unravel, can’t unravel anymore)
Shinjitsu sae~ Freeze
(Even the truth freeze)”
They all could see the lyrics on the huge TV hanging in front of the large sofa and thought that this song really seemed to suit Klein.
He really had come a long way, first suddenly finding himself into this mad world, then speedrunning the road to divinity. Even when he became a god and went into slumber for years, he still couldn’t catch his breath, as he was constantly trying to win the fight against Celestial Worthy.
And right after that was the Apocalypse, draining his energy once more.
“Kowaseru, kowasenai,
(I’ll break, I can’t break)
Kurueru, kuruenai
(I’ll go insane, I can’t go insane)”
Audrey was starting to be concerned about how many times the song had mentioned being broken in just the first minute. She knew very well that art, such as music or painting, could be a way to reflect the rawest emotions of the artist.
“Anata wo mitsukete
(Then I found you)”
Klein pointed at the audience, which caught everyone off guard.
“Yureta yuganda sekai ni dandan boku wa~
(In this twisted world, I’m becoming)
Sukitotte, mienakunatte
(Transparent and invisible)”
…Should she worry?
“Mitsukenaide boku no koto wo~
(Don’t find me out)
Mitsumenaide
(Don’t look at me)”
Leonard also knew how elusive his friend could be and seemed to share Audrey's thoughts.
From the time they had reunited after that dreadful day in Tingen, he had always considered Klein his best friend, the one who shared the pain and burden of losing what was most important to them. He believed the feeling was reciprocated, even if only a little.
It was only when Mr. Fool fell into slumber that Leonard discovered who "Klein Moretti" really was. Only then, after years of searching for clues, did Leonard have a glimpse into all the unimaginable things his so-called best friend had gone through behind his back.
For quite some time it made him think they being friends was just his own wishful thinking. Klein had lost far more, and still was always one step ahead of him, until he became impossible to reach.
“Dareka ga egaita sekai no naka de
(In this world that someone else imagined)
Anata wo kizutsuketaku wa nai yo!
(I don’t want to hurt you)
Oboeteite~ boku no koto wo
(Please, remember me)”
“Wow, he really went all out in this chorus.” Franca was leisurely eating some dried meat by the low table in front of the sofa while sitting on the plush carpet.
Sniff
‘Huh?’
She looked around and was stunned to see everyone emotional and holding back tears.
Audrey had already put a hand to her mouth to stifle a sob.
Leonard was biting his lips, but fat tears streamed down his cheeks.
Fors and Derrick were trying to wipe the waterfall coming out of their eyes without success.
Xio and Emlyn were at least managing to hold it back somewhat.
Even Cattleya and Alger seemed to have unshed tears in their eyes…
The only one who seemed unfazed was Sharron, who was just staring at the performance with a fixed, doll-like gaze.
‘Zhou-ge, what the hell have you done…?’
The guy performing in front of the audience simply continued to sing with a fiery passion, oblivious to the damage he dealt to the rest of the group.
“UNRAVELLING THE WORLD”
He really poured his soul out in this part, with the play of lights and the sound of the guitar mixing together to form an epic performance.
Too bad that “epic” couldn’t really describe the feelings he was provoking, as the rest of the members barely seemed to have registered everything that was happening beyond their tears…
“Kawatte shimatta
(Something changed)
Kaerarenakatta
(I couldn’t change it back)
Futatsu ga karamaru
(Those two versions of myself intertwine)
Futari ga horobiru
(Both facing destruction)”
Sob
The room had really turned into a well of tears.
Franca decided to just dissociate and watch the presentation with a blank stare while drinking her beer. Truly, the Tarot Club's beer selection was top-notch. It’s not everyday she can come across such a good brand.
“Warurenaide! Warurenaide! Warurenaide! Warurenaide!
(Don’t forget me! Don’t forget me! Don’t forget me! Don’t forget me!)”
Each time this phrase was repeated, it felt like a punch in the gut to the veteran members of the Tarot Club.
They had never forgotten the pain of saying goodbye to Mr. Fool when he was about to fall into a deep sleep.
They had never forgotten the tasks he gave each of them to prepare for the Apocalypse.
They had never forgotten their mission to spread The Fool’s name throughout the world so that He could wake up sooner.
This pain was what fueled them for years, and now they were finally back beside their god and friend once more.
“Oboeteite, boku no koto wo…
(Please, remember me…)”
The phrase was whispered, as if it were a silent plea.
“Oshiete… Oshiete…
(Tell me… Tell me…)
Boku no naka ni~ dare ga iru no?
(Who’s inside of me?)”
And with that, the sound of the piano announced the end of the song, until all the lights went out.
When they lit up once more, Klein bowed to the audience as Franca led the applause. Somehow the others automatically followed.
However, when Klein looked up again, the first thing he saw was Leonard coming towards him with tears in his eyes.
“Klein, you know you can always count on me, don’t you?” Leonard hugged his friend as if his life depended on it.
“Huh?” That’s not the reaction Klein was expecting.
“I know I can't do much, but please, at least know that I'm here.” He broke the hug to look at Klein with eyes filled with determination “You don’t have to bottle everything up anymore, okay?”
“Hm, okay?” Klein was really lost.
He could only watch as Leonard went to the bathroom to recompose himself. Really, did something happen that he wasn’t aware?
He didn’t have much time to delve into it, as Audrey arrived soon after. Her eyes were still red from crying.
“Klein, if you ever need someone to talk to, you can also come to me. Even if you have to use a song or something to tell us what you are feeling.” She said, holding his hand firmly.
“Ah?” Where did this come from?
“You heard me? I don’t want to see you about to lose control from keeping everything to yourself again.” Her tone was resolute.
“Yes, ma’am…” He could only wield in front of her. Audrey had been his therapist and helped him a lot in his worst moments so she knew what she was saying.
Hearing his response, she nodded, satisfied, and went back to her seat.
Seriously, was the song really that bad for them to worry so much? Did he really seem like he was about to lose control?
He was the Lord of Mysteries, the embodiment of the Sephirah Castle, and they were precisely in his divine realm. Usually, he tried to tune it down to preserve everyone’s privacy, but of course he did faintly register the audience emotions fluctuating when he was singing.
‘But wasn’t it just because they were really moved by my presentation? Is there something more to it?’
‘Wait, could it be that they actually hated it? Were they crying at how bad it was?’ Klein couldn’t help but lampoon.
He was still baffled with the reactions of his closest friends when Fors came to him, steadfast.
“That’s right! I’ll also do my best!” She cried out, clenching her fists as if committing to something.
‘With what??’
She went away just as fast, leaving only Klein and Xio behind.
“She meant to say we’ll always be here for you.” Xio provided an explanation, smiling slightly at Klein.
“Oh. Thanks.” Good. At least it seemed he wasn't the one going crazy here.
“Mr. Fo- Mr. Klein!” Little Sun called as he went up to him.
‘What now…’ Klein was starting to feel tired.
“As your Blessed I chose to follow you until I draw my last breath. Please let me repay you for everything you've done for me and the City of Silver!” He vowed devoutly.
Really, Klein could almost see fire in his eyes.
“Ah. Sure, I’ll let you know when the time comes.” He wasn't about to throw away such sincerity.
Derrick beamed at the response.
‘So bright…’
Alger was the next to step up.
“I’ll forever be your loyal follower. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you ever need anything.” Alger bowed with his right hand to his left chest.
“…Okay.” Klein could faintly hear Franca laughing in the distance at his dismay.
Then came Cattleya.
“One of the most important things for a deity is its anchors. Please feel free to use me as your follower and anchor as you see fit. I’m sure everyone think so as well.” She bowed lightly.
“Ah… got it. Thank you.” Klein replied with a slight smile. Finally, some sensible advice.
Even Emlyn came to him, but seeing he was at a loss about what to say, Klein suspected that he only went with the flow after watching everyone.
“Well… Right. If you think it’s too awkward talking to us, I can offer you one of my dolls.” Emlyn finally thought of something.
‘No, I think it would be way more awkward talking to a doll.’
“…You talk to your dolls?” Klein asked blankly.
“Ah” Emlyn seemed to have just realized it “Cough. They can be great listeners, okay?”
‘Yeah, I even know you have a voice for each of them.’
Klein couldn’t help himself and patted Emlyn’s shoulder.
“Hey, I know I like to tease you sometimes but we still are friends, you know? You can talk to me too if you want.”
‘So no need to vent to your dolls.’ He added internally. Klein was also pitying Emlyn a little right now. Just a little.
“…” Emlyn didn’t know how he should react. He thought maybe he just dug his own grave there.
The only one who was still normal was Sharron, though it was expected of her.
But even she had come to him, staring deep into his eyes and only gave two pats on his shoulder.
And left.
“…”
Okay, now he must have felt a little like Emlyn had just now.
Klein finally managed to get to Franca, the only one who seemed completely unaffected. Well, for the most part.
“Hey, welcome back. Nice show there.” She said with an amused smile.
“Xiao Fu, what’s up with them?” Klein sat by her side on the corner of the sofa.
"You tell me. They were like that since the first chorus.”
“Was the music really so sad for them to overreact like this? I feel like they think I could kill myself anytime now.” Okay, maybe he knew where they were coming from considering his previous rendezvous with death. But still.
“Beats me. Guess they took your performance a little too seriously” She resumed that teasing smile “So, even our Honorable Mr. Fool had his emo phase, huh?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. The song is just nice, that’s all.” Klein played dumb.
“Suuure.” Franca pretended to believe it, then sighed dramatically “But still, I can’t believe someone who said Evangelion was for bitter teenagers was singing Unravel so passionately.”
“Oshiete, oshiete yo~~~” She copied, singing dramatically while toppling over to his side.
“One thing has nothing to do with the other.” Klein stayed upright while she was leaning onto him. Actually, he liked Evangelion too, but was past the age of considering it a masterpiece.
“Dude, have you read those lyrics? How emo is that?” Franca was laughing again.
“It’s called emotional art.”
"Right, and where do you think this emotional art would fall on the Emo Scale? I bet it would be an 11/10”
“What’s emo?” Leonard had already returned from the bathroom and went to pour himself some soda that was on the table near them.
The two stopped playing around to look at him.
Well, what they saw was partially Klein’s fault. When coming up above the fog, he took the liberty of changing the participants’ clothes to match the environment. Of course, if anyone didn’t feel comfortable, they could change it back freely.
The fact was that, right now, Leonard was there, running his fingers through his messed-up long, dark hair, wearing a band shirt and skinny black jeans.
“Pffff” The two transmigrators couldn’t help but laugh.
“Total emo.”
“I know, right?”
"What? What does this mean?" Leonard was looking at them, utterly confused. "Klein? Klein!"
Klein had already hid in the kitchen. Franca also refused to elaborate and went to choose another song.
A while later, she decided to introduce the others to Vocaloid.
They were all watching Hatsune Miku’s “World Is Mine” on the TV. Somehow Klein got internet working there, though limited to the things actually released by the time the old world collapsed.
“So you’re saying that's a doll capable of singing and dancing?” Emlyn asked, astonished.
“Well, something like that, yeah.” Franca replied.
He didn’t hide his amazement. Normally, Emlyn preferred that dolls remained dolls. When something that was seemingly inanimate suddenly showed signs of being alive, it was as if it lost its charm.
However, the image on the screen was clearly not real, but it had features and traits that resembled those of a human. The voice, the movements, the hair swaying with it, it was all so perfectly artificial, so artificially human-like, that he felt his worldview turning upside down right at that moment.
“Those green lights are all people?” Xio was not believing that such a crowd was there knowing they were witnessing something that wasn’t real.
“Yeah” Franca said, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
“And they actually paid to see this?” Fors asked the real question.
“Quite a lot, actually.” It was Klein who replied.
Everyone was shocked.
“How does she manage to perform?” Cattleya didn’t refrain her curiosity.
“Huh, I think they use holograms for the images?” Franca wasn’t sure.
“To be exact, they used 3D projections on a transparent screen. The voices are created from a voice synthesizer software and synced with the images with a computer. Only the band is real.” Klein explained as he grabbed a piece of apple pie.
“Wow, you really know a lot.” Franca was surprised by how easy he dropped the info.
“Thanks.” He shrugged. It was in moments like this that he could finally show off all his knowledge as a keyboard warrior.
“What’s with those lyrics? She keeps saying she’s not selfish then asks for the most unreasonable things.” Fors complained.
“That's exactly the point. You’d be surprised by how many people would think it’s cute.” Franca explained with a chuckle.
Fors was outraged. She wanted to be treated that way too.
Emlyn would never admit he would definitely do all of those requests for the virtual idol.
“Though, if you think about it, this actually looks quite impressive.” Leonard commented while watching the video of the live concert.
“Right? The song is lively and the audience seems to be having fun. I can even hear them singing along.” Audrey tried to analyse the real people in the screen.
“The best part are the dances! I will grab you guys to join me one of these days.” Franca proposed excitedly.
‘Is that a threat…?’ Is what everyone thought.
“But does she have to cry out so much? I have a feeling even I can sing better than this.” Alger made a bold statement, wincing at the shrill voice.
‘Apologize to Miku right this instant.’ Klein didn’t want to expose his friend as an appalling singer so he didn't say it out loud, but still gave Alger the most disbelieving gaze he could muster.
His message must have come across, because the sailor lightly coughed and sank further into his seat, as if trying to become invisible.
“Now that I think about it, I’ve never heard you sing, Mr. Alger.” Derrick says, curiously.
“That’s right, aren’t you an Ocean Songster? I remember you spent a good amount of time searching for the formula back then.” Emlyn thought back to their earliest days.
“Yes…”
“Each Ocean Songster has a specific way of using their singing.” Cattleya briefly said as she sipped her tea.
“How so?”
“Their voice can either be used to seduce the enemy or to attack.” She didn’t elaborate further.
“What kind of horrible singing can be used to attack?” Fors laughed at the idea.
“Cough. Indeed.” Alger agreed as if it had nothing to do with him.
“…”
‘Oh.’ Everyone looked at him in an awkward silence.
“Wait, so the wailing sea monster who always accompanies your ship…Ouch!” She stopped mid-sentence after Xio elbowed her sharply.
Franca had to cover her mouth not to laugh out loud.
“That’s right, Xiao Fu, didn’t you say you were dying to sing a Vocaloid song?” Klein found an excuse to end the topic.
“Wha? I never said-”
“No, you did. Come, let’s choose one for you” He dragged her to pick the song catalogue next to the TV.
“Yes, sir…”
The rest stayed in their seats. Leonard cleared his throat, awkwardly grabbing some milk candy. The others followed, picking food and drinks while the next presentation didn’t start.
“Sorry” Fors whispered to Alger, not daring to look him in the eye before pouring herself more wine.
“…” Alger decided to resign himself and just sighed.
Klein and Franca were talking about picking a Chinese song this time.
“Do you know any Chinese Vocaloid music though?”
“I know a great one. I just have to find…There!” She finally found the one she was searching for.
Klein looked at where she was pointing.
“And you actually know how to sing it?” He raised an eyebrow. He knew this song because a famous musician sang it and was praised a lot because of how difficult it was.
“Heh. Never underestimate the escapism hyperfocus of a tired student.”
“Alright…” Relatable enough.
Franca went to the front to sing the Vocaloid song Dalabengba.
As per usual, Klein included Loenese and Jotun subtitles along with the karaoke lyrics. Not that it would help much, since about half of the song was not really translatable.
‘Oh well, let’s go then’ Klein thought resignedly. On second thought, it might even be fun to see how the others will react.
The song started and everyone thought the tune was nice.
“Hěnjiǔ hěnjiǔ yǐqián
(A long, long time ago)
Jù lóng túrán chūxiàn
(A huge dragon suddenly appeared)
Dài lái zāinàn
(Bringing chaos and disaster)
Dài zǒule gōngzhǔ yòu xiāoshī bùjiàn
(As it kidnapped the princess and disappeared)”
The Chinese language was both foreign and familiar. It made the Tarot Club think back of the time they first entered Mr. Fool’s dream.
Klein was oblivious to their thought, only contemplating how Franca was really putting enthusiasm into it. She wasn’t even looking at the lyrics properly and was dancing and gesturing to show what was happening at every line.
That beginning also reminded Cattleya of Roselle’s fairytales that Bernadette used to read to her when she was little. It already made her like the song a bit more.
Fors also had an attachment for this type of story, so her interest was picked right from the start.
They were thrilled when a hero appeared, willing to do the impossible to save the princess.
“Guówáng fēicháng gāoxìng
(The king was very delighted)
Máng wèn tā de xìngmíng
(And desperately asked for his name)
Niánqīng rén xiǎngle xiǎng
(The young man thought about it)
Tā shuō bìxià wǒ jiào
(And said, ‘Your majesty, I'm)”
It really seemed like Franca had practiced. She even made sure to change her voice every time it shifted to the narrator or to a character.
“Dálābēngba (Dalabengba)
Bāndebèidí (Bandebeidi)
Bǔduōbǐlǔwēng (Buduobiluweng’)”
“Huh?”
“What is this?”
Everyone exchanged confused glances.
“Did you have any problem with the translation?” Audrey asked, looking at Klein.
“No.” Klein shrugged and resumed drinking his iced tea.
Even more confused by the answer, they just gave up and went back to paying attention to the lyrics. It wasn't long before the subtitles returned to something they could understand.
“Yīngxióng dálābēngba
(Dalabengba the Hero)
Qí shàng zuì kuài de mǎ
(Rode the fastest horse)”
Dàizhe dàjiā de xīwàng
(With everyone's hope)
Cóng chéngbǎo lǐ chūfā
(He set off from the castle)”
“So that Dala-something was his name?” Alger came to an realization.
“That’s right.” Klein confirmed.
“Oh, so all those names after were actually his surname?” Xio seemed to have understood what had happened.
“You could say that.”
Finally having an answer, they could focus on the lyrics again.
“Zhànshèng guàishòu lái xí
(He defeated the attacking monsters)
Huòdé shí'èr jīnbì
(And earned 12 gold coins.)
Wúshù shānghén jiànzhèng
(With countless scars)
Tā mànmàn shēngjí
(he leveled up gradually)”
“Only 12 coins for slaying monsters?” Fors blurted out.
“That's what you pay attention to?” Klein was caught off guard by the comment.
“Klein, you’re the last person with the right to say that.” Leonard said, looking at him with a judgmental look.
“What does that mean?” Klein nudged him with his elbow.
“Piānyuǎn měilì cūnzhuāng
(In a beautiful, remote village)
Dǎkāi suǒyǒu bǎoxiāng
(he opened all the treasure chests)”
“That’s what I mean. This sounds more like something you would do.” Leonard teased with a smile.
“Just focus on the song or you’ll miss out on something.” Klein seemed offended at the remark but didn’t let it show on his face.
“Chuǎng rù yīzuò shāndòng
(He broke into the cave where)
Gōngzhǔ hàn kěpà jù lóng
(The princess and the horrifying dragon were)
Yīngxióng bá chū bǎojiàn
(The hero pulled out his sword)
Jù lóng shuō
(And the huge dragon said)”
They finally arrived at the exciting part, where the hero would fight the dragon and save the princess.
“Wǒ shì kūntúkùtǎ (’I’m Kuntukuta)
Kǎtíkǎotè (Katikaote)
Sūwǎxilāsōng (Suwaxilasong’)”
“Were all the names in your land like this…?” Cattleya looked at Klein suspiciously.
“This is a joke, right?” Emlyn was also baffled.
“Yeah, you could say so.” Klein agreed.
“Wait, are you just messing with us, then?” Leonard seemed aggrieved.
“Not me, the creator of this song was.” He said innocently.
“What do you mean?” Audrey requested a clarification.
“The names are deliberately long and difficult to pronounce. It’s like a tongue twister, not exactly meant to be sung by humans. Don’t ask me how Xiao Fu is singing it so well.” He finally explained.
“Whats up with Madam Fors?” Derrick looked at the woman by his side, which had an stagnant look and seemingly smoke coming out of her head.
“Oh, her brain just crashed. Don't worry about it.” Xio simply said.
“Shì bùshì (’Is it)
Kūntèpái tíqín (Gwent brand violin)
Kǎodàntà sūdǎ (Baked egg tarts soda)
Mǎlāsōng (Marathon?’)”
Fors practically had “loading” written all over her face. She still seemed to be trying to make sense of the names.
“What does this even mean…?” She asked dazedly to herself.
“Yúshì (So,)
Dálābēngba bāndebèidí bǔduōbǐlǔwēng
(Dalabengba Bandebeidi Buduobiluweng)
Kǎn xiàng (swung his sword at)
Kūntúkùtǎkǎtíkǎotè sūwǎxilāsōng
(Kuntukutakatikaote Suwaxilasong)
Ránhòu (And then,)
Kūntúkùtǎkǎtíkǎotè sūwǎxilāsōng
(Kuntukutakatikaote Suwaxilasong)
Yǎole (bit)
Dálābēngba bāndebèidí bǔduōbǐlǔwēng
(Dalabengba Bandebeidi Buduobiluweng)”
"Wait, what happened? I could only see the names." Leonard really got lost in the middle.
“The dragon bit the hero.” Xio summarized.
“Oh. Thanks.”
“Zuìhòu (In the end,)
Dálābēngba bāndebèidí bǔduōbǐlǔwēng
(Dalabengba Bandebeidi Buduobiluweng)
Tā zhànshèngle (defeated)
Kūntúkùtǎkǎtíkǎotè sūwǎxilāsōng
(Kuntukutakatikaote Suwaxilasong)
Jiùchūle (and saved)
Gōngzhǔ mǐyàmòlā sūnàdānnī xièlìhóng
(Princess Miyamola Sunadanni Xielihong)”
“Wait, there’s more??” Fors couldn't take it anymore.
“Does everyone in this town have long names!?” Emlyn was starting to get irritated.
“Huí dàole (They went back to)
Méngdálǔkè liúsībógǔ bǐqíbālè chéng
(Mengdaluke Liusibogu Biqibale Town)”
“…”
“I guess there’s your answer” Derrick replied with a sneering remark.
Klein was already trembling from holding back laughter in the corner.
Inside the song, the hero and the princess with the impossible names eventually got married and gave birth to a child.
“Wèile bìmiǎn yǐhòu máfan
(To avoid any inconvenience in the future)
Háizi chēng zuò wáng hàorán
(The child will be nicknamed Wang Haoran)
Tā de quán míng shífēn nán niàn
(His full name is too hard to pronounce)
Wǒ bùxiǎng shuō yībiàn
(And I don't want to say it even once)”
Then the song finally ended.
They were kind of grateful that the child’s full name wasn’t disclosed. If even the one who had recited all those challenging names on repeat thought it was too hard, they really feared seeing it once.
“Wow, it’s been so long since I sang this!” Franca was already panting from all the energy she put into it, but she really seemed to have enjoyed herself.
“Guys?” She looked back at the audience and was startled to see everyone seemed worn out.
“I suddenly feel like a hundred years of my life span were just taken away.” Emlyn mumbled while rubbing his temples.
“Tell me about it.” Fors couldn’t agree more. When the song ended she slumped her back against the sofa and was gazing lifelessly at the ceiling till now.
“Somehow ‘Zhou Mingrui’ doen’t seem like such a strange name anymore” Leonard had to admit.
“It’s a pretty normal name, okay?” Klein simply said, not minding much. Of course for someone used to Loenese names, a Chinese one would feel very different.
“But really, you were incredible there! You even imitated the characters voices.” Audrey was the first to praise Franca.
“Yeah, how did you manage to sing all of that without slipping!?” Fors woke up from her daze to look at her.
“Humph. I have learned it all way before I became a Beyonder. This is nothing," Franca said proudly.
This seemed to have slightly shaken the egos of some of the angels.
And soon, Franca was slowly going over the lyrics, especially the parts with the names, so the others could memorize them too.
"Dalababababa…" Fors tried.
"No, wait, there's 'baby' somewhere in this, isn't there?" Emlyn recalled.
"I think so, too." Cattleya was also trying to make sense of it.
"There's 'bamboo' right before the 'baby', right?" Leonard thought back, analyzing how it sounded.
"No no, you're all wrong. It's ‘Bān-De-Bèi-Dí’. No babys or bamboos here.” Franca was trying not lose her patience with her veterans.
"The dragon's name has 'song' in it, doesn't it?" Derrick searched his memory.
"Oh, you got that right. Very well." She praised with a smile. Finally someone taking this seriously.
"Heh." Derrick looked pleased with himself, even blushing a little.
Klein watched from his seat with a smile as the group tried to get the song right. Even those who didn't sing still paid attention to the explanation.
‘Wait, they're really going to learn Chinese from Dalabengba?’ Klein was speechless at the realization.
It wasn't a bad thing, though. The main reasons he didn’t teach his language to the Tarot Club before was to not expose himself as a transmigrator and for them not to get the chance to read Emperor Rosele’s diary.
But one secret was already out and the other was also busted long ago by the other transmigrators. So he didn't have much to lose.
The rest of the night was just Franca teaching the Chinese pronunciation to everyone. It turns out it gets easier with a melody to accompany.
Even Klein also joined eventually.
It was a peaceful night.