Chapter 28: Performance That Moves Emotions

Chapter 28: Performance That Moves Emotions

After that, I alternated between training and resting, recounting my experiences one by one to Merilyn.

Most of the stories were unpleasant.

Given the state of the world, stories involving death had inevitably crept in at some point.

From what Ive heard, it seems youve experienced quite a lot of harsh situations. Did you often witness people you were with dying?

Yes, well. Its that kind of world, after all.

As I responded, I charged forward.

My spear swiftly pierced through the center of a straw dummy, scattering fragments everywhere and showcasing its might.

It was the moment that my newfound familiarity with the spearman No, the lancer class shone through.

But what stood out more was the performance of the spear.

Its durabilityunscathed even after multiple usesand the power to easily slaughter a straw dummy made of wood and straw were impressive.

With a bit more practice swinging the spear, it seemed possible to easily strike down enemies by thrusting this mighty weapon at the desired spot.

So it feels a bit unfair. I just chose tasks with high rewards, but everyone talks about me being a hero killer and such.

Pondering these personal assessments, I continued responding to Merilyns comments, but she just stared at me silently, not uttering another word.

Her eyes still seemed to smile, but that also appeared to be out of habit.

The fact that the corners of her mouth were not raised indicated that she was not enjoying the stories I had shared thus far.

Ahaha, are these stories not very good?

Its not that I think theyre bad. I just dont think theyre the kind of stories to be shared with a smile.

A serious voice matched my ambiguous smile.

As she sat there, the way she caressed the lute in her hand was tinged with a significant amount of bitterness.

I am but a humble jester.

Her fingers moved in time with the rhythm of the verse that followed.

-Ding-a-ling~

With that, the music began.

It was also an answer to my question.

The duty of a jester is to wander the world, fabricating stories heard, and to be judged by new acquaintances And the stories thus conveyed cant always be pleasant.

Yes, the atmosphere was very melancholic, unlike the continuous flow until now.

If its sad, then let it be sad. If its funny, then let it be funny. That is also an expression of one aspect of the world So I just listen. No matter how much survival has turned into a cheap joke in this era, for those who have come to this land seeking salvation, life feels far more precious than death.

-Ding-a-ling

At that moment, the refreshing sound of the lute plucked at a slow tempo.

Just listening to it conveyed the loneliness embedded in her voice.

Yes, thats right. Not every story has to be cheerful.

Even a dirge sung at a funeral was meant to release sorrow, so how could a singer always seek only joy?

Holding a spear before a dummy, I felt a simple gratitude toward her as she played, voicing those words.

Even her typically playful demeanor was set aside in this moment because I felt she was affirming my acceptance of this harsh world.

-Whoosh!

Realizing that I had found another person who understood me, the motion of wielding my spear became even more dynamic.

It was stronger and faster than before.

-Ding-a-ling

Amid these actions, the lutes sound gently spread, and soon, her lips parted, emitting a faint breath.

La Laila~

A melody as beautiful as her pure white appearance.

With that song flowing smoothly, my actions also became more decisive and vigorous.

It was no illusion.

From the moment I heard the song, something changed within me.

-Swish, slash!

With that realization, my swift strikes cleanly sliced through the straw of the dummy.

I was surprised at my own achievements, but I felt a strong desire not to stop there.

With that thought, my distracting thoughts dissipated, and my spear thrusts began to unerringly aim toward a point in my vision.

-Whoosh!

It was a point, indeed.

Until that moment, I had wielded my spear haphazardly.

Suddenly, it pierced exactly where I intended.

-Swish, slash!

As it happened, just as I had imagined, a surge of desire welled up within me.

Had she been so absorbed in her thoughts about him that she ended up here without noticing?

No, it was the same as always.

Her journey was guided by her whims, and if the mood struck her, shed boldly enter trash heaps or monster lairs.

Kekeke! This is going to be fun!

Dont blame us too much. Once you take this drug, youll start enjoying it too~

Yet she never considered her reckless behavior to be wrong.

In fact, she always anticipated such moments with excitement.

I feel a strong desire.

A jesters performance.

The more genuine the emotions of the audience watching her, the more powerful her performance became.

Being true to ones desires is good. Could you please enlighten me here? What is the greatest desire you feel at this moment?

-Ding-a-ling~

As the lutes strings vibrated under the touch of her hands, the flowing melody heightened the emotions of the people and inspired their ensuing actions.

This was the only skill perfected by the humble jester, who had journeyed through various worlds

Haha, the greatest desire? That would be to spend quality time with the lady here~

The ruffian leader, driven further by the jesters skill, began to be consumed by lust.

His gaze, fixed on her, showed he was oblivious to everything else.

As though, as the ruler of this alley, nothing mattered to him but fulfilling his own desires.

Just wanting to spend time with a woman youve just met. Is that truly your greatest desire?

She wouldnt dispute that if that was truly his desire. Everyone had their own personal wants.

Then, what about you?

However, those observing the performance werent limited to a single person.

Her presentation was not restricted to just one spectator.

Are you content with merely scavenging what others have discarded?

At that moment, her gaze locked onto the advancing leader and the cold blade aimed at her.

-Thump!

A flash of light pierced the backdrop. The leaders face, twisted in shock, snapped backward.

You, what the hell?

Shut up, you bastard. Ive always despised you!

-Thump, thump!

The resentful subordinate relentlessly continued his assault on the leader.

The leader, who was orchestrating the ambush, lost his composure and swung his fist, smashing his subordinates head into the wall.

A sickening crunch of skull and brain being crushed together resonated loudly through the alley.

Even as he fell into a pitiful state and his consciousness dimmed, hatred for her still marred his face.

-Thump!

Then, the subordinates plunged their knives as well.

You you guys, why?

If you die, Ill be the boss!

Now that I think about it, you broke my nose last time because I was ugly, right?

I never liked you from the start. Just die right here!

Thud, thud, thud.

The leaders body was mutilated by the blades in their hands.

He managed to take a few down in resistance, but that was not enough to overcome the numerical disadvantage.

-Ding-a-ling~

The sound of a performance could be heard as life ebbed away.

But it was far from a requiem.

Those present were true to their desires, and a scene true to desire did not necessitate the solemnity of a funeral.

Your desire for me and your hatred towards those youve lived together with in this filth Which way is your desire directed right now?

Even as splatters of blood stained her white clothes, the jester did not halt.

Among the blades dripping with blood and pointed at one another, she maintained her bright smile and softly whispered her mission.

Whichever it is, dont hold back. Worry, concern cast aside everything that brings vague anxiety, at least for this moment.

Even if irreversible consequences stem from this moment, my performance will make you forget even that fear

With restraint cast aside, the audience, craving a cathartic release of their desires, surged.

How could the jester, whose role was to amplify the intensity of this moment, turn away and withdraw from this festival?