The Music Speaks

Finally, the cooking process comes to an end. Both of our chefs retreat with the cooked meat, claiming they will offer it properly presented, and divide into plates for each of us

After what seems to be an eternity due to my incessantly growling stomach, they come back with five plates made of wood alongside five sets of wooden utensils.

“I present to you one of my specialties, stir-fried [echo-blessed] wild dog meat with a side of bell peppers, onions, broccoli and cabbage grown by my excellent co-chef, Camille!” Ray exclaimed with pride.

Camille, slightly panting due to overusing her [melody] to make this meal, offers a thumbs up and an awkward smile. “H-he did most of the preparation, I really just grew the ingredients for him…”

“You must be joking Camille. Your expertise in culinary plants is impressive to say the least! It’s thanks to you that I could make something this well put together! Have a taste guys, you’ll see what i’m talking about!”

“Don’t mind if I do.” I say as I snatch a plate from Ray’s grasp, nearly salivating at the mouth.

Before I use my fingers to devour this meal like a wild animal, he tosses a set of utensils my way, a fork and a knife. Using the work, I puncture one piece of meat and rapidly bring it to my mouth. Its flavor rapidly hits my taste buds.

“My god, this is good?!” I exclaim

“Hey, why does that sound like a question? Of course it’s good, Camille and I made it!” Ray retorts

“No, sorry, but I mean, you didn't have a lot to work with. This is literally melting in my mouth… and is that salt…wait, this is seasoned isn’t it!? Where did you even get all this??”

Camille raises her finger in the air, signaling that she wants to speak. “I-I grew them. Ray was the one to make the requests but I also made some inputs and gave my opinion. We used some basil and oregano to elevate the taste. The salt was a bit more tricky, but then I remembered that I have the blueprint for the seed of the saltbush, a plant that when burned, gives salt! I needed it in the past because I didn't like not being able to salt my food at will. Salt is important! Anyways, For the tenderness, you should mostly thank Ray, he’s the one who made it like that, I couldn’t fully understand what he was doing. As for the sides, as he said it wa- Wait, I’m talking too much aren’t I? Just enjoy the food!” She hands plates over to Sophia and Ugo as well, who have intently been watching us.

Surprised that Camille was able to stop herself so quickly, I hastily go for the next bite, before being interrupted by Ray. “Wait, give it a second, you haven’t even seen the best part!”

I give him a confused look. ‘What is he-....Hold on… Why do I feel energized…?’

I point to the food while looking at Ray. “No, seriously, what did you put in this!? Why am I feeling more energized after this bite” I say, baffled.

“My [melody] considers meat as an ‘object’ because it’s already dead, so I infused it with some pureflow hehe. A revitalizing meal if I dare say so myself.” He says with a wide grin.

At this point, I am awestruck. I would never have thought they’d make something so incredible out of so little. Perhaps I should get closer to them after this event?

“You really went all out huh? Don’t mind if I dig in” Sophia says with an expression of disbelief.

Ugo, for his part, begins eating in silence, but I can tell from the slight change in his facial expression that he also finds the food to be quite tasty. With each bite, his naturally sour mood seems to improve and the speed at which he eats grows faster and faster.

It doesn’t take long, however, for Camille to make a poignant remark. “A-are we really going to eat in the dark?”

Since the sun has now set, we are indeed eating in total darkness. Ugo grunts and Camille immediately gets the message. She grows some wood, chops it up with her sharpsong and Ugo lights it on fire.

“There, happy?” He says with a grumble.

‘So grumpy’

“Y-yes thanks!” Camille answers sheepishly.

“Wait, are we not afraid the [echoed] will find us?” Ray utters, concerned.

“That would be ideal, actually. That’s also why I haven’t stopped you from making so much noise.” Sophia replies.

Ray sighs. “Ah, no rest for us, I see.”

“Indeed!”

We all sit side by side, eating around the campfire, not uttering a word. If it wasn’t for the fact that this food is nearly divine, I would have found this situation a bit awkward. Fortunately, I’m too focused on my meal to care.

When all of us, besides Camille, who eats a tad bit slower, have finished our plates, and a plate of seconds, and even thirds for some, Sophia finally speaks up.

“Well, who’s going first?”

We all look at her, a look of confusion in our eyes.

Realization seems to dawn upon Ugo. “Ah, you’re talking about that aren’t you.” Ugo says.

“What, what are we talking about?” Ray asks.

‘How come Ugo, of all people, knows what she’s talking about?’

“Yes, indeed, that! Five young adults around a campfire, it can only mean that, right?” Sophia exclaims with a grin.

“Oh, that” Camille finally adds.

“Wait, is this some noble thing we’re too poor to understand?” I ask, perplexed.

The raven-haired girl chuckles at my confusion. “Haha! No, not at all! Well, sure it might be a great family tradition, but you can participate as well! Essentially, It’s customary when we meet new people that we play a game called ‘tell your story’.”

I frown. “...How do you play?”

Ugo answers me this time. “It’s simple. When it’s your turn, you tell us ‘your story’ in three words or less. The purpose is to bond with your peers. It’s not necessary to reveal deep dark secrets, but it should be something meaningful. To tell us your sob story in some sense… I hate that game…”

“Yep, and if your peers are still curious after your three words or less, they’ll raise their hands, and you’ll have to say more, until everyone’s hand has fallen, either by respect for your privacy or by lack of interest!”

"Huh, so the great families have fun sometimes too…?”

Sophia decides to break the ice immediately. “Okay, I’ll start! Bastard child!” She says with a smile.

My eyes expand wide, I didn’t think we were really going that far into telling our sob stories. I know Ugo just said that it wasn’t meant to be lighthearted but I am genuinely shocked by the words Sophia just uttered.

She looks back at us. “What, no one wants to know more?”

It seems I am not the only shocked one, as all of us clumsily raise our hands high into the air.

“That’s more like it!” She exclaims.

She breathes in, her smile still unwavering, but hinting at a deep, repressed emotion. “Basically, it’s just as I’ve said. My father couldn’t keep it in his pants, so I’m technically not in the direct descendent line of the Thunderblade. I’m impure, if you will. Truth be told, no one will ever accept my ascension to matriarch, even if I surpass my older siblings in all aspects. The Thunderblades are very old school, you see?!”

Our hands are still raised, too curious to be lowered. I slightly shift my posture, positioning myself to listen better.

She leans back in shock. “My, are you all that interested? This is going better than the last time I played this game. Well, this one’s the last part because there isn’t that much more to say. Basically, it’s exactly what you think. As a bastard child, I’m offered less resources, less attention, and I have yet to even have a proper conversation with my father, though I’m sure that’s bound to change soon… Oh, and also my siblings may or may not have tried to have me mysteriously pass away in ‘accidents’ haha!”

‘How can she say this with a smile…’

This time, Sophia doesn’t remedy the pause. Instead, she just chooses to say nothing else. Understanding that she’s done speaking, we gradually lower our hands, signaling the end of this round. The next to speak up is the meek, red-haired girl sitting to my right.

“I-I guess I’ll go next…”

Team

Zeta

Purchases

The Bassline - 70 points

4L filtered water container - 5 points

2x booster vials with injection apparatus- 10 points

Special events conquered

Current zone

Grasslands

Active members

Sophia Thunderbalde

Alden Thorne

Ugo Brightscar

Camille Starforge

Ray Burst

Eliminated members

Points

270