Taikyoku Denki Drama CD - Chapter 2.1

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Tsukiuta. Tale – Taikyoku Denki

Chapter 2 – Jinzoku and Gokuzoku and

Shun: Hmm~ It’s been a while since I last heard the wind and smelled the earth.

 

[An animal skitters across his path and chirps.]

 

Shun: Why, good evening. It’s a nice night out, isn’t it?

*chuckles* No need to be so on edge. I’m just a kind Demon Lord who’s woken up after a long sleep. Come here?

 

[The animal trills.]

 

Shun: Greeting me, are you? Thank you.

 

[It runs off into the bushes.]

 

Shun: Fufu. Bye-bye!

...This presence is... Arata!

Arata~!

 

Arata: Yeees?

Ah, Shun-san! You woke up?

 

Shun: Yep, just now. I felt a premonition that something would be happening.

 

Arata: A premonition? There we... go!

 

[Arata jumps to a distance within talking range.]

 

Arata: Anyway, Shun-san, it’s been a long time. How many years were you sleeping this time?

 

Shun: Mm, I believe around twenty years?

 

Arata: Not that much when you think about it. You slept around a hundred years before, right? You spook me sometimes. When you’re seriously sleeping, you never wake up.

 

Shun: I get sleepy when it’s peaceful around~

Did any changes take place while I was asleep?

 

Arata: Uh, not sure... I’m not all that concerned with my surroundings, either.

Ah. Wait, remembered.

 

Shun: Hm?

 

Arata: A fresh newcomer came drifting into the area.

 

Shun: Ooh. How old?

 

Arata: I don’t think he’s a hundred yet. His name’s You.

He’s got a nasty tongue and acts tough and cool when he doesn’t need to... but for some reason, you can’t really hate him.

Looks like he wants to get stronger, so he’s always bugging me and demanding fights.

 

Shun: Hmm~? Sounds like quite the aggressive youngster.

I suppose he’s an ideal Gokuzoku in that respect.

 

Arata: Less that he’s aggressive and more... hates losing?

He’s prideful but actually has the strength to back it up. So I’m always running away from him to avoid things turning into a full-blown battle.

 

Shun: That is what makes Gokuzoku the species we are.

Though we may have intelligence, once we get too fired up about something, we act following our demonic nature.

We start pursuing our instincts instead of obeying our reason.

Our urge to battle is yet another instinct.

...You, hmm? He must be strong, considering you attest to his skill in fighting. Quite the impressive young’un.

 

Arata: I don’t think I should be hearing those words come from the mouth of the strongest of the strong, Shun-san.

 

Shun: I’m a pacifist, so I don’t fight. Thus, I’m neither strong nor weak.

 

Arata: That’s so shameless of you. This, coming from the guy who breaks an opponent’s heart with by just pressuring them when a battle’s over the horizon? You’re scary~

 

Shun: Fufu! I’m the Demon Lord, after all!

 

Arata: Ooh, ‘kay! Shun-san, wanna spar? It’s been a long time since we did so.

 

Shun: Goodness, that’s a rare suggestion coming from you.

 

Arata: I gotta move sometimes, at least. Or else I’ll get weaker.

Shouldn’t you do some wake-up exercises? How ‘bout you show me what the strongest of the strong looks like now and then?

 

Shun: Hope you know what you’re getting yourself into. Then, just for a while...

 

Arata: All right. ‘Kay... I’m coming.

Prepare yourself!

 

[They spar, and though Arata puts up a good fight, Shun easily handles his attacks. They converse while fighting.]

 

Arata: Oh, yeah, Shun-san?

 

Shun: Mm? Yes, what is it?

 

Arata: He’s totally taking it easy... Meh, whatever.

Do you know what that thing you mentioned before is?

 

Shun: Before?

 

Arata: The one where you said something would be happening.

 

Shun: Ah... Hmph, take that—

 

Arata: Gah! *falls* ...Ow.

 

Shun: It’s probably over there, into the distance. There’s an interesting presence existing beyond the mountain range there.

 

Arata: Ugh, I knew it. This guy’s too strong... I thought I could hold on a little longer, though.

Anyway, uh. An interesting presence?

 

Shun: Yep. Seems something fascinating was born in the years I was asleep.

 

Arata: Ooh? By in the distance, that’s... Ah. The direction where Kakerun went to go look for food.

 

Shun: Kakeru? What a nostalgic name to hear. Is he doing well?

I’d like to meet him~ I wonder if he’s hungry as always?

 

Arata: As usual, he’s a starving lil’ dude. So basically, as always, he’s doing well.

 

Shun: That’s nice to hear! While we’re on the topic of nostalgic names... is Haru doing okay?

 

Arata: I haven’t seen Haru-san around, but last time I saw him, he was the same old guy as usual. Was bored.

 

Shun: He can do everything, so he doesn’t feel like doing anything. That apathy remains unchanged, I guess?

He’d be better off just sleeping like me.

 

Arata: Unlike Shun-san, Haru-san’s a diligent guy.

 

Shun: Oho?

 

Arata: I suppose he wants to feel alive his whole life. Doing something, seeing something, feeling something... He’s always been looking for something that will help him achieve that.

 

Shun: Feeling something, you say...? ...Hey, Arata?

 

Arata: Yes? What is it, Shun-san?

 

Shun: How about you and I go on a journey once in a while?

 

Arata: A journey?

 

Shun: You got it! Let’s go together and unearth the true identity of the interesting presence I mentioned before. Two heads make the journey more fun than one!

 

Arata: A journey...? Mm. Sounds nice.

 

Shun: All righty! Now that’s settled.

Hmph!

 

Arata: Whoop!

 

[They leave the area.]

 

You: ...Arata! Yo, Arata! Not here!?

Dammit... that piece of... Where’d he even go? I was totally planning to make him grovel on the ground for sure today.

...Tch, who’s there!?

 

Haru: ...Goodness. You’re not Arata.

 

You: The hell? Another Gokuzoku?

 

Haru: It’s nice to meet you. Never seen you around before. I’m Haru. And you... still seem rather young.

 

You: I’m You. ...sir.

 

Haru: Nice to meet you, You.

 

You: *stiff* ...Likewise.

 

Doutaku: Haru. It appears Shun and Arata aren’t here. ...Hm? A fellow member of our species?

 

Haru: You, this is Doutaku. I’m currently working alongside him.

 

You: Huh, weird. Gokuzoku ganging up? That’s rare. –Wait, didn’tcha say Shun just now?

 

Haru: ...

 

You: Urk... Er, did you say Shun just now?

 

Haru: I did. Judging by that, you know of Shun?

 

You: Of course I do. Even though we don’t have a kingdom or any hierarchies, he’s the only one referred to as “King” by us Gokuzoku.

He’s already lived for thousands of years, and he’s incredibly terrifying... He actually exists?

 

Doutaku: I had the same perception of him. I know I requested you to guide me there, Haru, but... does he truly exist? That Demon Lord, or what have you?

 

Haru: Yeah, he does. I don’t know if he’s that Demon Lord you’re talking about, but I’m acquainted with Shun.

Long, long ago, I once sparred with him. With just the tips of his fingers, he dealt with me, ending the fight then and there.

 

Doutaku: I can’t even imagine you being taken out that easily.

 

Haru: It was ages ago, back when I had just been born. As for now... I don’t suppose I could fight on par with him, but I think I could make him get serious, at least.

 

Doutaku: What reliable words to hear.

 

You: What’re you two trying to achieve by looking for that Shun guy? Get him to spar with you?

 

Doutaku: No. We came to talk with him regarding the thing we’ll be setting out to do, to ask him if he could lend a hand... or rather, observe us.

 

Haru: I predicted that Shun would somehow dislike the idea of doing so. In my opinion, it’s actually better off for us that he’s unavailable.

 

Doutaku: However, there’s no doubt that making the situation happen will cause a bit of a stir. I just thought it polite to abide by proper virtue

Regardless, we’re talking about the Demon Lord here.

 

Haru: Polite, you say...? I’m aware that I’m an oddity myself, but Doutaku, you’re an oddball among Gokuzoku as well.

Normal Gokuzoku wouldn’t concern themselves in the slightest with their surroundings.

 

Doutaku: This simply shows how much I aspire to make this plan a success for certain.

 

You: Ooh... A plan that could entice the Demon Lord? What’s up with that? Sounds like fun!

 

Doutaku: Hm? You’re interested? It’s a plan that could change the world.

 

You: Change the world...! Mm! Lemme hear more about that.

 

-

 

[Koi is training.]

 

Koi: Haah! Hmph! Hoh! Daah!

 

Rui: Mm. You’re doing well.

 

Iku: Yeah, doing good! Let’s go for ten more sets!

 

Koi: Eek~! Haah, this is tough!

 

Iku: Ahaha! Hang in there!

 

Koi: All right! I’ll—

 

Kakeru: *pops up* Yoohoo!

 

Koi: Gwahh! *falls over* Ack! Gah, that hurts... Kakeru!

 

Rui: It’s Kakeru. Is it all right for you to be outside right now?

 

Kakeru: It’s totes fines! The sun’s pretty much sunk already, anyway.

See, night’s coming. We demons are in our element now.

 

Iku: Ah, you’re right. Looks like we were really into training.

 

Kakeru: Training?

 

Rui: Yep. We do it when we’re free. I mainly focus on spellcasting, and Ikkun and Koi tend to train with martial arts or fighting techniques as a whole.

 

Koi: Daily training will make up a reliable man of tomorrow!

 

Kakeru: Ooh~ Sounds interesting! All righty, then! I’ll lend you a hand!

 

Koi: Wat.

 

[Kakeru and Koi are training together.]

 

Kakeru: Whoop, there it goes!

 

Koi: Gah... You took that like it was the easiest thing ever, too...?

 

Kakeru: Mm... But you’re doing well! Heh, you’re pretty strong, Koi!

 

Koi: Wha... Whoa! So what you’re saying is that you’re starting to see me in a new light?

 

Kakeru: Yep! You’re on a good path. Not bad.

 

Koi: Just “not bad,” huh...? Got the leeway to say that, don’t you?

But I might want you to get serious a little. So...! I’m gonna get serious, too!

Haah!

 

Kakeru: Oop!

 

[They train.]

 

Kakeru: Hh...? He suddenly got stronger?

 

Iku: Gokuzoku and Jinzoku have a similar physique, but the former are overwhelmingly stronger. Apparently, it’s because they’re constantly shrouding their bodies in Yin energy.

So that means, if Jinzoku shroud their bodies in Yang energy...?

 

Kakeru: Oh, I see... That’s why...

 

Koi: Back then, there was less Yang energy because it was the new moon, so I struggled against monsters. I won’t get taken down so easily this time, though!

 

Kakeru: Hmm~? Sounds fun!

 

Koi: Brace yourself, Kakeru!

 

Kakeru: Bring it!

 

[They fight, more aggressively than before.]

 

Koi: HRAAAAH!

 

Kakeru: Tahh! *knocks Koi down*

 

Koi: DWEH!

 

Kakeru: I won~!

 

Koi: I looost...! I’m so upset!

 

Rui: You put up a good fight, Koi.

 

Iku: You hung in there pretty well.

 

Kakeru: For sure! You’re pretty strong when it comes to Jinzoku.

 

Koi: Ngghrgh...! I can’t just be “pretty strong,” you know! I wanna become good enough to just be strong. Definitely!

 

Iku: I understand how you feel. And it feels even more that way when you see people near you who are just so strong...

 

Koi: Exactly!!

 

Rui: Strong... you mean Hajime and Kai, right?

 

Iku: Yeah. Those two are on, like, a completely different level of strength. They’re not just strong, either.

They’re sturdy and dignified, like they’ll never waver. You feel reassured with them just being there.

I want to be someone like that.

 

Koi: Same, same! Yeah, I call myself Hajime-san’s guard... but it’s more like he’s protecting me. And I screwed up during that situation before, so I caused him to worry about me...

“I know you’ll be fine. I’m counting on you.” I wanna get good enough so that one day, he’ll say that to me.

 

Rui: The two of you admire them, huh?

 

Iku: Yeah! I want to be like Kai-san someday.

 

Koi: Me too. I want to be someone whom Hajime-san can rely on!

 

Kakeru: Dream’s so big, you’re shooting for the stars, aren’tcha?

 

Koi: Ghhngh... Well, yeah. Because it’s my dream! Having a little bit of impossibility in it is fine!

 

Kakeru: You’re right~! But in my eyes, as a Gokuzoku, I think Iku’s firmly set on that route. There’s not many people who’re that composed when they’re as young as you.

 

Rui: *clapping* Kakeru knows where it’s at~. Good taste.

 

Iku: Eh? You really think so? I hope that’s the case... *bashful*

 

Koi: Ooh! Kakeru, what about me? Me?

 

Kakeru: Koi, you’re... not as composed as Iku. Mm. You’re sorta unreliable.

 

Koi: I’m aware of it, but that was so ruthless...!

 

Kakeru: Ahaha! But y’know? I feel tons of sincerity from you! Also, you’re dedicated. You’ve got this positive power to you, where you’ve swept in everyone to join you without anyone noticing.

Making your surroundings take action... It’s a power that not even Gokuzoku have!

 

Koi: Oh—Ohh... I-I suddenly got praised... Thanks.

 

Rui, Iku: *clapping* Kakeru knows where it’s at~.

 

Kakeru: Well, uh, we Gokuzoku are strong enough that we don’t have to influence our surroundings...

 

Koi: Hey, you.

 

Kakeru: Ehehe.

 

Koi: But... mm. All right! I’m motivated now! Breaktime over!

I’m gonna work a little harder to get closer to my goal! This time... Iku, could you spar with me?

 

Iku: I was just about to ask! Seeing you two fight got me itching to train, too~

Okay, let’s do this, Koi!

 

Koi: Yoh!

 

Iku: Hah!

 

Koi: Haah! Yah!

 

Iku: Not yet!

 

[They take their battle out of earshot.]

 

Kakeru: Hmm... Wanting to become stronger...? I’ve never even considered that.

 

Rui: It’s because you’re a Gokuzoku, so you’ve been strong since birth.

 

Kakeru: I guess so, but I’ve never been all that aware of how strong I am.

 

Rui: ...The things we’re born with, whether they’re good or bad... are things we have to handle for the rest of our lives. Wouldn’t you want to handle them well?

 

Kakeru: Rui... ...Hey, listen. Sorry if I’m wrong, but...

I’ve been thinking this ever since we met. The energy around you is sorta mysterious...

 

Rui: Yeah. I knew you could tell. I have mixed blood.

 

Kakeru: Mixed?

 

Rui: I have mixed origins of both Jinzoku and Gokuzoku. My dad’s the Gokuzoku, and my mom was the Jinzoku.

 

Kakeru: HWEH!? Kids can be born between Jinzoku and Gokuzoku!?

Gokuzoku have no parents or siblings, since we’re born from natural energy! Yet like a Jinzoku, you were...!?

 

Rui: Born, it seems. I’m here now, after all.

 

Kakeru: O-oh, I see now... Haah, that was a surprise!

 

Rui: Sorry I shocked you. But I thought it’d be better if I were to inform you early on.

 

Kakeru: Ah, that’s not it. I was just surprised, but that’s all there is. Mixed blood, huh...?

Must be rare. I suppose you have your own struggles and stuff, right?

 

Rui: Among Jinzoku, yes. In a sense.

They think that demons are scary, so there are times people clearly avoid me.

 

Kakeru: ...Gotcha...

 

Rui: Yeah. Still, I can’t do anything about it. There have been lots of people who were victims of demon attacks, after all.

If their perception of demons can’t be changed, I have no choice but to acknowledge that and get them to know me for myself. Eventually, they’ll be able to become accustomed to me.

 

Kakeru: I see...

... *sighs*

...Am I actually strong...?

 

Rui: Kakeru?

 

Kakeru: Just now, when I heard what you had to say, I thought that you’re stronger than me.

 

Rui: I’m... strong?

 

Kakeru: Yeah. You’re strong. That’s what I thought in that moment.

Strange thought to have, right? I’ve never sparred with you.

 

Rui: Fufu... You’re right.

 

Kakeru: Hmm... Strong. Strong. Strength... right?

What even is strength...?

 

Rui: Mm... I don’t have an answer for that.

What someone has to have in order to be strong differs depending on the person.

We can’t see strength with our eyes. That’s why it’s so difficult.

Strength... right?

 

Kakeru, Rui, Arata, Shun: Hmm...

 

Kakeru: Hm?

 

Arata: Hm?

 

Shun: Hm?

 

Rui: Hm.

 

Kakeru, Rui: WAHHH!

 

Arata: Ooh.

 

Shun: Now that’s what I call a nice reaction!

 

[Iku and Koi run in.]

 

Iku: Rui! Kakeru!

 

Koi: What happe—

There’s more Gokuzoku now!?

 

Kakeru: Shun-san? Arata-san!?

 

Iku: Eh! You know these two?

 

Koi: Heh!? Hweh!?

 

Kakeru: Um, uh! They’re like... my seniors? Er, uh... They taught me lots of stuff, and...

  Previous Chapter - Chapter 1「Cultural Exchange」 Next Chapter - Chapter 2.2「Jinzoku and Gokuzoku and」