The Pianist Dekan: The Vanishing Clay
Even though the golden hues of dusk have long since faded, the Royal Capital's nightscape, illuminated by lights, still reveals a beauty no less stunning than before.
Beside the ancient buildings on both sides, pedestrians dressed in various clothes wore peaceful smiles.
On this straight and long street.
That figure strolled along, seemingly oblivious to the chaos around him.
Aside from occasionally glancing at the silent girl beside him.
He seemed to want to say something.
But whenever I'm about to speak, my thoughts become a little jumbled.
Then, incredibly embarrassingly, he swallowed his words back.
This made the black cat in the girl's arms look both annoyed and disdainful, and it even began to give him a mocking look.
Dekan's expression was, frankly, so funny it was almost comical.
He seemed to think he was the one who made Cornelia cry.
I saw Cornelia with red eyes in the courtyard earlier.
It's true that it was because of him.
Neither Delois in the past nor Dekan in the present has experience dealing with this situation.
How could a demon be at a loss because of a crying girl?
"I was wrong..."
I don't know why I said that.
And whether I was wrong or not, and where I went wrong.
After much deliberation, Dekan finally uttered those words.
However, Cornelia, who had long since stopped shedding tears, couldn't help but laugh when she heard Dekan's sudden remark.
Why are you apologizing?
Cornelia turned her head and looked at Dekan, asking him a question.
"Have no idea."
Dekan remained as honest as ever.
Dekan, who wasn't stubborn, was as fragile as a sheet of paper.
"Make sure you think carefully about the reason before apologizing, otherwise people will think you're just going through the motions."
Cornelia walked on, continuing to stare straight ahead at the road.
She actually knew everything in Dekan's heart.
He did nothing wrong.
I just feel a little guilty for no reason.
I just don't know how to express it.
However, since Dekan has actually apologized, it's quite unusual for him to do so.
It would be a shame not to tease him a little.
Dekan walked on in silence.
He genuinely believed Cornelia was angry.
After much contemplation and racking my brains to organize my thoughts, I finally managed to squeeze out a few words:
"I'm sorry to have worried you. I'll never run away alone again."
Whether it was defeating the Pope last time or not.
This ninth-tier Shadow World is also good.
Both can be referred to as force majeure.
Dekan couldn't think of any other solution.
Or, if I were to face it again, how would I have done it better?
But it's also true that Cornelia is worried.
"What if we encounter a situation where we have no other choice again?"
Cornelia asked again.
"I'll figure something out."
Dekan stated definitively.
He was not without options at this moment.
All the gains from this long journey.
It must all be for the sake of having more options.
Seeing Dekan's earnest answer, Cornelia couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't force yourself, this is fine."
Cornelia replied with her usual smile.
She knew people as determined as Dekan.
They are often able to identify what is most important and what is most urgent in the first instance.
Correspondingly.
It will also be because it is as free and unrestrained as the wind.
When I looked back, I realized I had already left the people around me behind.
Even though, many times, Dekan was right.
But the feeling of being abandoned by him was not pleasant.
To support someone like that, one or two heartbreaks are perhaps unavoidable.
Cornelia had already thought it through.
Moreover, Dekan is no longer the dim-witted Delois from the dream.
He will apologize and feel guilty for abandoning those who love him.
That's enough.
"However, I still hope you are a more family-oriented man."
Cornelia whispered a lie that was easily detected.
I don't know if it's a lie or not.
It might be a joke, but it also contains a hint of the truth.
In truth, she was extremely curious to see what Dekan would be like after he had dealt with all his enemies, but this had to be kept a secret.
So, to cover her embarrassment, she coughed softly a few times.
"Now that you've apologized to me, Dekan, does that mean you feel guilty?"
That's true.
"Then try to make me happy!"
Cornelia gave a mischievous smile, casually quickened her pace slightly, and then suddenly turned around.
"Like, give me an unforgettable date?"
Her long hair, tied with ribbons, swayed gently like a tail.
Although she would dress up more carefully before going out if she planned to go on a date with Dekan in advance.
But on these rare occasions, both parties are dressed casually, as if they were just bumping into each other while taking a walk, creating an exceptionally relaxed atmosphere.
She knew it very well.
Whether or not he deliberately dresses up in a fashionable and cute way, Dekan will praise himself endlessly.
So keeping things normal is fine too.
Let's save Dekan's new words of praise for next time.
"Um."
After a brief moment of surprise, Dekan nodded firmly.
Dating usually requires preparation in advance.
Otherwise, aimless dating might be okay, but it's also very likely to become boring.
Faced with Cornelia's test, Dekan, who needs to improvise, will have to put his brain to work.
However, as long as the mistake can be made up for.
A simple date? That's a piece of cake for him!
Dekan immediately regained his high spirits.
"Let's go!"
A voice seemed to ring in Dekan's mind, instantly conceiving several plans.
But if we're talking about Cornelia will never forget...
Perhaps it's meant to be a little surreal, something she wouldn't expect.
At the same time, it also maintains a degree of stability.
Therefore, there is only one answer!
Dekan's steps became steady, as if he had determined his direction.
Cornelia followed beside him, turning her head to look up at him, gazing at his face from below.
Dekan regained his usual cheerful expression.
He calculated the time with his fingers.
He then took Cornelia's hand and strode away.
Cornelia, carrying Cat Teacher in one arm, hurriedly followed in a few steps.
He never shifted his gaze to either side at intersections.
He was already very familiar with this Royal Capital.
They might deliberately step on a manhole cover, perhaps just to hear that slightly different sound.
Very relaxing.
They crossed roads and passed through rows of buildings, heading towards the border of the Royal Capital...
Several tens of minutes later.
The night sky was as clear as black satin, and the Magic Airship glided through the faintly visible sea of clouds.
Two leisurely figures stood on the deck of the night-shift Magic Airship high in the sky.
This location is like the eye of a typhoon.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of the streets, this is a tranquil place in a lively world.
The moonlight shone down, casting their shadows on the railing.
Just before.
Dekan took Cornelia and the cat to the Magic Airship transportation center located on the border of the Royal Capital.
After purchasing tickets, we boarded the magic ship that hovered over the spacious open space.
"So, we're leaving the Royal Capital?"
Cornelia leaned against the railing, looking down.
The scattered golden lights dotting the dark ground filled the entire field of vision.
As the night view of the Royal Capital city gradually fades into the distance, it seems as if shimmering flames are burning and rising, creating a dazzling, luminous world.
Whether it's city walls, rivers, hills, forests, streets, schools, temples, or bell towers.
Everything was on full display.
From here—on the ever-rising decks of the Magic Airship —one can have an exceptionally clear view of the entire Royal Capital.
Vast and boundless, stretching as far as the eye can see.
This is the last Magic Airship, and also the Royal Capital passes through the Magic Airship city of Tristin.
The vast majority of passengers had already disembarked in the Royal Capital.
So when Dekan and Cornelia boarded the VIP cabin, they found that they were the only two people there.
The upper decks also seemed to have become their exclusive domain.
He accomplished an important task, and she ended a long wait.
That's why they can look around at all this with such calm composure.
Of course, perhaps not many people would be willing to climb onto this slightly dangerous deck while driving at high speed at night.
Except for those who wouldn't get seriously injured even if they jumped off the ship.
"Why are we taking the Magic Airship to Tristin City, meow?"
The Cat Teacher climbed all over Dekan and Cornelia, then lay down on Dekan's arms, still puzzled, and looked up at him, asking.
Although Tristin was the second most familiar town to them after the Royal Capital.
The previous winter, whether it was the snow park or the fireworks festival, left them with many wonderful memories.
But it didn't immediately understand why Dekan would choose to take a spontaneous trip.
--Of course, it's because I can cause all sorts of trouble there. No matter how surreal the event I plan, Lord Viscount Lampard will not only not get angry, but will also give me all the help I need.
Dekan instinctively wanted to answer in that way.
But then he met Cornelia's gaze.
For some reason, Dekan felt he should tell the truth.
Finally.
"Because I'm afraid of Clay."
Dekan stopped being stubborn and openly admitted his fear.
If you're going on a date in the Royal Capital.
The more meticulously planned a date is, the more likely it is to go wrong unexpectedly.
Who knows, Clay might suddenly pop up with something huge, causing everything to take a sharp turn for the worse!
All past experience has taught Dekan a lesson.
Some things are indeed unpredictable and unavoidable.
So this time, Dekan chose to run away! Dude, if I can't afford to mess with them, can't I at least avoid them?
"Aren't you afraid of Clay in Tristin City?"
Cornelia turned her head and asked.
"Absolutely impossible."
Dekan immediately pointed to the floor with certainty and said.
He also answered Cornelia regarding the reliable information and current situation Croix had given him.
Clay went to the Southern Kingdom to investigate Adair early this morning, and he might not be able to return to Royal Capital Norton early this morning.
So there's absolutely no need to worry that Clay will teleport to Tristin City in the north before them!
"We'll be safe once we escape from King Norton tonight."
Although escaping is shameful, it can also be useful.
"I actually felt like I was on the run."
Cornelia was surprisingly engrossed in Dekan's analysis.
"Actually, back when I was waiting for you in the Vihart Kingdom for a year, I wondered if one day you would suddenly appear and take me away."
The breeze that brushed against her cheeks brought coolness, Cornelia couldn't help but squint her eyes contentedly.
However, at the time, she was just fantasizing.
In reality, it was known that Dekan would never be the knight who rescued the princess from the castle, but rather the demon king who would wipe out all enemies for the princess.
I never thought even the Demon King needed to run away.
Cornelia leaned out boldly, bracing herself against the railing of the deck, seemingly unable to resist wanting to experience this feeling of freedom further.
"You'll fall."
This casual warning is also evidence that he cares about himself.
Don't worry!
Cornelia responded, then turned around.
She still braced herself against the railing with both hands, leaning back and facing the sky.
Her long hair, which had been tied up, was now loosened, dancing and flowing smoothly in the air.
The Magic Airship seemed to be rising higher and higher, while a patch of dark clouds loomed faintly in the distance from the Royal Capital.
It might get unusually cold and rainy on the deck later.
"My Duke, where shall we go next?"
Upon realizing this, Cornelia quickly moved away from the railing and slid to his side.
"..."
Dekan paused for a second to think.
Indeed, the journey to Tristin still takes more than two hours – under normal driving conditions.
This journey is a bit long for a typical date.
Of course, this would be different if Dekan were to consider hijacking the plane right now.
The journey can be shortened by about an hour.
However, he is no longer young and impetuous.
It's impossible for someone to do something so outrageous.
Besides, he never hijacked a plane; back then, he only hijacked the ruthless hijackers.
"Then please follow me."
Dekan wasn't sure if there was anything interesting on the Magic Airship that would keep Cornelia entertained for two hours.
But if you want to kill time...
He knew of a good place.
A few minutes later.
A hall that looked incredibly luxurious.
A huge golden chandelier hangs from the top, illuminating the gold and brown classic floor tiles that cover the entire floor.
The warm-toned decor and gentle brown window sills in the lobby make it impossible to feel that the outside world is a cold, foggy place.
The wind howled outside the Magic Airship, and the waves made the cabin rock slightly, but it did not affect the melody inside the hall at all.
It's this melody that makes the journey less boring.
You melt into the sunset.
I disappeared at dawn.
"If our paths never cross again in the future"
That is fate.
Only Dekan was playing the grand piano, his eyes lowered and his voice soft.
In the spacious and magnificent golden hall, only Cornelia was listening while holding her Cat Teacher.
The wound is still painful.
That thirst remains unquenched.
But it doesn't matter anymore.
Let the wind scatter them all...
That's all.
Dekan and Cornelia were like two teenagers who secretly pried open the doors of the grand theater in the dead of night.
They held their own concert in this now-closed concert hall.
They still have the Spell Card [Witch's Compensation] to break the barrier, which allows them to open the hall, which is normally only open to VIPs during the day, without anyone noticing or damaging public property.
Dekan had originally planned to sell the card.
Later, they still kept the commemorative card they had obtained in the Wild Mountain Ancient Mansion.
It makes Cornelia's unlocking skills look more ladylike.
Until Dekan's performance ended.
Finally Cornelia's hands clapping rang out.
"Although the melody of this song is clearly melancholic, it also gives a sense of relief and letting go of everything."
Just listening to this melody evokes the image of a thin, brittle, withered leaf, drifting helplessly and aimlessly in the wind, only to be mercilessly swept up from time to time.
But at the end of its journey, it finally received timely rain, allowing it to be nourished and return to its roots.
"Actually, I've learned many other songs as well."
Dekan closed the keyboard cover, shrugged, and smiled.
In his previous life, when the Goddess Tike was sent to that magical world for further studies, he also learned many of his favorite tunes.
However, he doesn't plan to continue playing.
There are other interesting places on this Magic Airship, like Demon Academy, waiting for them to explore.
"You're so good at playing, why do you always like to ruin it, meow?"
The Cat Teacher jumped onto Dekan's head, puzzled, and asked.
"What do you mean by destruction? I've never destroyed any musical instruments!"
Dekan hummed, straightening his collar as he spoke.
"Is that so, meow?"
Cat Teacher lowered her cat head until her entire face was almost touching Dekan's eyes.
It remembers clearly.
They had just arrived in this hall and discovered this valuable piano.
The label on the piano reads, "This is a magical, mechanical-grade piano, said to be indestructible."
This immediately caught Dekan's attention!
But Cat Teacher was absolutely certain that, in Dekan's eyes at that time...
The raging flames that ignite immediately are not the soul of music.
Rather, it is the spirit of craftsmanship!
As a born master craftsman, he possesses an innate tendency to trample on art; he only pursues the art he desires, while other forms of art remain...
Disdainful.
Perhaps Dekan still holds a certain reverence for music.
But not many.
"Right now... don't you really want to turn it into kitchenware?"
Cat Teacher knows that Dekan still can't forget his teacher, Mr. Batchel.
The teacher who first let Delois experience the joy of being a demon.
Therefore, Cat Teacher understands why Dekan still has a special fondness for kitchenware in this life.
"No."
Dekan disdainfully removed the Cat Teacher from his head and stared at it as he spoke.
"..."
Cat Teacher then carefully observed Dekan's eyes again.
It remembered that Cornelia had told it stories.
When the two were in the Shadow World of the Demon Academy, they left the original examination hall and accidentally met Demon Student in the academy corridor, leading them to the Cooking Classroom.
Dekan was quite shocked when he learned that the end of the road led to Cooking Classroom.
He had assumed it was Music Classroom.
So Cat Teacher had suspected it long ago.
Does Dekan have some kind of cognitive impairment?
He couldn't distinguish between musical instruments and kitchen utensils, or even the boundaries between them!
"Then tell me, meow, is it a musical instrument or a kitchen utensil?"
The Cat Teacher raised its paw, pointed at the piano, and asked Dekan.
"This is a piano, a musical instrument! Do you think I'm stupid?"
Dekan retorted with utter disdain.
"Meow meow meow?!"
The Cat Teacher was deeply shocked.
Based on its understanding.
In Dekan's eyes, this should be a half-finished baking set!
How did this guy suddenly come to correctly recognize the artistic sanctity inherent in musical instruments?
But very soon.
Cat Teacher caught a fleeting flicker of excitement in Dekan's eyes.
They realized the problem wasn't so simple.
Dekan's serious illness probably isn't fully cured yet.
If this were an ordinary piano, Dekan might have really let it go.
But the indestructible plaque on this piano seems to be a direct challenge to Dekan!
If we weren't still dating...
Cat Teacher suspects that Dekan may have already taken out the modification tools and begun to add the piano to a sacred evolution!
"I don't believe you, Meow! Dekan, you're faking it!"
Cat Teacher felt it was necessary to completely cure Dekan.
This is its responsibility as a teacher.
It knew that the most terrifying thing about mental patients was that everyone expected them to act like normal people, and this patient successfully met everyone's expectations.
"What are you talking about? Oh, I get it, you're doubting my ability to distinguish between musical instruments and kitchen utensils, right? I'm really hurt."
Dekan said innocently,
"The most painful thing for a normal person is being suspected of being mentally ill, even if they say they have no problems, no one will believe them."
Cat Teacher: "???"
It now has some doubts: if Dekan really does have a mental illness, will talking to a doctor for half an hour turn the doctor into a patient as well?
"Then how about we make a bet? I'm questioning whether you can properly recognize this musical instrument, meow!"
The Cat Teacher became furious.
Is it necessary?
Dekan was about to stand up from the piano bench and lead Cornelia out of the hall.
But then she saw a hint of expectation in Cornelia's eyes.
She seemed to have never seen Dekan and Cat Teacher make a bet.
The main reason is that their skill levels are too different, so generally neither of them would take the initiative to propose a bet.
"Then tell us, Cat Teacher."
Dekan, somewhat lazily, rested one hand on the keyboard cover and looked at Cat Teacher, asking a question.
"Meow! If this piano only functions as a piano within a month, meow, then I'll find a way to get all the little Sprite Cat in the back mountain to go play with Cornelia!"
Cat Teacher was certain that Dekan had wicked intentions.
Even if we let this piano go today.
Within a month, he too will buy this piano and challenge the claim of "indestructible".
"Of course, you can't modify it, and you can't do anything fancy either, like making the piano smoke and then using it to grill meat. That's absolutely not allowed!"
It understands Dekan so well.
"Hmm, a good bet. What about the other scenario?"
Dekan calmly rested his chin on his hand, pondered, and nodded.
"What if this piano was modified, like ending up as some weird oven or something, or it took on a function that a piano should never have..."
Cat Teacher defined the scenario in which Dekan would be judged to have lost, and continued...
"Then you'll have to turn into Little Gray and spend a whole day experiencing cat life in the back mountains of the Havenlit Academy, meow! And you're only allowed to meow, meow meow, and you're not allowed to speak human language!"
Cornelia, who was sitting to the side, immediately brightened up.
Why is there a bet that's good for me no matter what?
Hehehehehe.
Dekan sneered.
The costs and risks are disregarded for now.
Why would someone as insignificant Cat Teacher dare to make a bet with me?
It also used its cleverness to set a bet that would please Cornelia was a positive or negative outcome, thus ensuring that Dekan would agree.
It's like Dekan is afraid to gamble!
"Then those little Sprite Cat will surely suffer."
Dekan extended his hand.
I gently tap my cat paw against Cat Teacher's, and with that I pledge my vow.
It's wrong to bully the silly cat, but there's nothing I can do if it brings it itself.
"Yay!"
Cornelia, as a witness to the bet, happily clapped her hands.
On the surface, Dekan remained calm and composed.
Actually, I was still slightly agitated.
But in the end, he just sneered.
He knew what Cat Teacher was planning.
He also knew that Cat Teacher had seen through his weakness!
He admitted that he had indeed planned to buy the piano Royal Capital returning to Norton and give it a super upgrade.
However, Dekan was also certain.
There is an information gap between myself and Cat Teacher.
Cat Teacher had no idea that Delois had already learned how to properly use baking utensils during the late Holy Kingdom period!
Dekan personally experienced several key moments in Delois's life, felt the same way.
A piano is a piano, and a stove is a stove!
This time, the Cat Teacher was completely out of luck.
If Dekan can just hold off on moving the piano for a month, he'll win.
Then.
Dekan seemed to be Taunt Cat Teacher.
He opened the keyboard cover on the piano again and placed his hands on the keys.
She closed her eyes.
Like a tranquil pianist.
Cornelia, would you like to hear another song?
He asked softly.
The best way to deal with criticism is to refute it.
Moreover, he felt that the increasingly fierce winds and waves outside the ship seemed to be the perfect setting for a performance that Cornelia would never forget.
"Um!"
Cornelia sat back down in the only remaining seat in the audience.
The Cat Teacher, full of doubt, jumped onto Dekan's lap and slipped out from between his hands.
Is this thing really okay, meow?
Cat Teacher thought to herself.
Before Cornelia could even settle into her seat...
"Could you please turn off the piano brake for me?"
Dekan spoke calmly as he gently stroked the piano keys.
Then he started playing on his own.
"Dekan, are you crazy, meow?!"
Upon hearing Dekan's insane remarks, the Cat Teacher turned around and realized that Dekan wasn't joking, so she clung tightly to his clothes with her paws.
Cat Teacher immediately sensed something was wrong and quickly jumped onto Cornelia, who was not far away.
It only remembered that Dekan had a minor illness.
Forgot he has a serious illness!
Cornelia did as Dekan said without thinking.
In the swaying cabin, she maintained her balance, leaned over the piano, and turned off the piano brake.
Then he quickly took small, quick steps to catch up with the piano, which had begun to slide.
She naturally sat down on the piano bench, next to Dekan.
It seemed like he had rediscovered the feeling of playing with Dekan back in the Demon Academy.
Dekan turned his head and smiled at the Cat Teacher expression was panicked:
Trust me, it'll be fine.
Next, Dekan's long, slender fingers moved slowly across the piano keys.
The tumultuous, captivating sound flowed slowly from the piano, gradually sublimating in the air.
The seemingly intoxicating main melody gradually becomes more cheerful with the support of the chorus, and as the rhythm gets faster, it becomes lighter and brighter.
Finally, the piano music began to fall like raindrops, echoing and lingering on the stage that belonged only to them.
The piano, like a kite no longer bound by a string, enjoyed its freedom on the smooth tiles of the hall.
They couldn't control the direction; they didn't know where the piano would slide off to in the next second.
Yet, strangely, I found a sense of peace amidst the slight dizziness.
It was as if the musical notes, carried by the wind and waves outside the window, would guide them in their direction!
"Yahoo!"
"Yahoo meow!"
Not Cornelia, but even the Cat Teacher was initially a little scared cheered.
They rediscovered the joy they had felt riding sleds outside the Wild Mountain Ancient Mansion in the snow-covered mountains!
And it's different from back then.
It felt as if the sky and the sea were competing with them.
As they let the piano slide around and circle with the decorative lights.
I also felt that they were actually dancers in the sky.
No! They have transformed into the most frenzied dancers in this sea of clouds!
It slowly rotated in the golden hall at night, accompanied by a light and cheerful melody.
As Dekan played, he started playing with one hand, not even looking at the keys, and used his free hand to casually grab a bottle of wine from the wine cabinet he passed.
"Cornelia me ask you a question. If Zhang San is playing the piano and then takes a sip of alcohol and hits someone, would he be considered driving under the influence?"
"This..."
Cornelia suddenly felt a bit overloaded by CPU.
This question seems like a no-brainer at first glance.
But a closer analysis reveals that everything about it is quite strange.
These are questions that a mentally sound person wouldn't ask.
Cornelia quickly realized that Dekan was playing a trick on her.
Then he snatched the bottle from Dekan's hand.
"No drinking!"
The best way to solve a problem is to eliminate the possibility of it occurring in the first place!
After all, the only person in the world who could possibly be involved in a traffic accident while driving a piano is Dekan.
"..."
Because of Dekan's question, Cat Teacher immediately activated the cat's analysis of the universe in his mind.
It knew that Dekan's question was actually meant for it as well.
Is Dekan now using the piano as a vehicle for his own purposes?
This situation is difficult to define.
It could be said that Dekan was deliberately mocking it.
Dekan appears to have violated the rules.
However, it is actually very difficult to provide convincing evidence to prove that Dekan violated the rules!
Cat Teacher's poor little head seemed to be completely confused by Dekan's words.
The wind and waves were sometimes fierce, and sometimes they subsided.
It seemed that as soon as the Magic Airship left this stormy area with its unstable air currents, the piano would stop playing.
But none of the three of them want it to end so soon.
"Hey, Dekan, did you hear any fighting sounds?"
Cornelia hearing was most acute, suddenly awoke from her reverie, turned to look at Dekan, and asked.
"Is there?"
Dekan softened the music slightly and listened attentively.
"Wow, there really is one?"
He heard it too, it seemed to be right downstairs from them!
Although the commotion wasn't huge, it must have been a duel between experts!
Both sides were rather restrained, or rather, they fought with restraint, seemingly both wary.
"Dekan, don't take me with you next time you ride the Magic Airship, meow! The accident rate is too high, meow!"
The Cat Teacher realized something was wrong and immediately started meowing.
It remembered that the last time Dekan took the Magic Airship to Tristin City, it was also hijacked!
"Calm down. With our current skill level, even if we fall, we won't die."
Cornelia, is protecting Dekan, who is at the seventh tier, so they are actually quite safe.
"Hold me tight, meow!!"
The Cat Teacher snuggled right into Cornelia's arms.
"Actually, there aren't many people who dare to cause trouble in the Norton Kingdom, so there's no need to worry too much."
Dekan analyzed it.
The bishops of the Resurrection Church have now all been apprehended.
Even if there are any eighth-tier fugitives who escaped the net, they are either remnants of the Church of Calamity or other scattered criminals.
Everything was within their easy control.
"Wait, don't you guys notice that the ship is tilting more and more?"
Cornelia suddenly asked again.
Generally, you can't see the view outside the window from the air, and changes in tilt are not always easily noticeable.
"... hiss."
Dekan gasped.
He couldn't sense anything else.
But he definitely felt the piano was playing faster and faster!
Until the piano sped towards the door!
Even now, it's obvious without observation.
The Magic Airship's tilt angle has probably suddenly exceeded forty-five degrees!
Accompanied by a crisp and loud cracking sound.
The heavy solid wood door was smashed through by their piano as if it were cardboard!
Then the piano drove faster and faster through the aisle, which wasn't particularly wide or narrow!
"Meow meow meow!! Cornelia, make it stop meow!"
"Cat Teacher exclaimed in alarm, 'Only Cornelia can control this piano now!'"
Cornelia intended to stomp on the ground to stop the piano.
However, the ground was too slippery, and at this speed, unless you stomped through the ground, you simply couldn't stop!
She knew she couldn't stomp down too hard, lest she damage the entire floor of this level and fall to the next level, potentially injuring the smaller passengers!
Fortunately, they were already certain that there were no other passengers on this floor!
"Don't be afraid, we'll soon crash through the wall at the very back of the Magic Airship, and then land high in the sky on a piano!"
After understanding the situation, Dekan quickly made a judgment.
Even if they jump off the piano now, their current speed will not change.
It's highly probable that the piano would crash into the ship's cabin.
Considering the absurd tilt of the Magic Airship, which is now so unstable it can barely stand, abandoning the piano and fleeing would not only be dangerous, but would also make it impossible to regain control of its course in an emergency.
What if the airship suddenly tilts in another direction and the piano slides to the next level? That would be terrible!
The Magic Airship is currently facing a wilderness area without pastures or farms.
So, to be responsible, why not just ride the piano and fall from a great height!
"Dekan Meow! You've broken the rules!!"
The Cat Teacher shouted at the top of her lungs.
There should never be a piano in this world used as a flying prop!!
Even the Wind Swordsman would have to admit that his Wind Wall technique wasn't up to par!
"What are you saying?! I can't hear you!"
As Dekan feigned ignorance, he played the piano with even greater immersion!
"We've come a longway from wherewebegan!♫"
As long as he keeps playing, no matter how outrageous it is, the sky is still the sky, the earth is still the earth, and the piano is ultimately a musical instrument, not a vehicle!
"Stop it, meow! This isn't a piano at all!!"
"OhI'lltellyouallaboutitwhenIseeyouagain!!♫"
Now.
Just close your eyes and feel the speed and passion!
However.
Just as the speeding piano was about to burst out of the ship's cabin.
Suddenly, the Magic Airship began to tilt to one side as if drifting!
"I'm awesome!"
The sudden turn of events made Dekan wonder if the pilot was flying a fighter jet.
After all, even at his most despicable moment, he wouldn't have piloted the Magic Airship like this!
What kind of beast drives like that?!
And coincidentally—
The ship's cabin tilted just as the piano was about to reach the passageway connecting to the next level!
Then, the piano began to drift, precisely gliding into the aisle!
Sizzle!
Sparks flew as the piano's casing scraped against the aisle wall.
Despite the violent jolting, the piano slowed down but showed no signs of stopping!
"Cornelia, we need to find a way to stop it!"
Now that things had come to this, Dekan could no longer allow the piano to run rampant in the cabin like a wild beast.
Because he had discovered that the two figures who were fighting downstairs were now getting closer and closer to them!
The situation was already chaotic, and if they collided and caused even greater chaos, then even Dekan might not be able to control the situation.
"No, ram them! Fully armed! Dekan!"
Cornelia she had discovered something.
She held the piano with one hand and hugged Dekan with the other.
After a moment of surprise, Dekan chose to unconditionally obey the commands his body was giving him.
He equipped himself with anti-pain gear as Cornelia ordered and summoned [Ruined Poet] and [Dirge Mermaid]!
The next second.
The moment the piano appeared at the exit, it struck someone hard.
It sent the man flying more than ten meters away, bouncing up and down several times against the ceiling and his side.
Dekan and Cornelia, who were driving the piano which had turned into a dump truck, also felt dizzy from the shock.
Cornelia's pain was transmitted to Dekan because of her [Demon's Oath Across Worlds].
The pain that Dekan himself had suffered was also fed back to the figure that had been blasted away, multiplied by the amount of the pain.
The figure twitched on the ground and then completely lost consciousness.
He never seemed to understand what was going on until the very end.
Dekan was equally bewildered.
Although the victim's steel body forcibly slowed them down, and Cornelia applied the emergency brakes, the piano finally came to a stop.
But setting aside the facts, all Dekan knew was that something terrible had happened.
He's really messed up his piano playing!!
Thus, from any perspective...
This piano has performed functions that it shouldn't even have a million times over!
"Dekan? Cornelia? And Cat Teacher? What are you doing here?"
One of the two figures who had been fighting, the one who was still standing, looked in surprise toward the piano and asked.
She quickly dropped her disguise and returned to her original self.
It was none other than Mie.
"Wait, you're Mie? Then who is he?"
Dekan was still somewhat stunned.
He turned his head stiffly and looked at the person who had been injured and collapsed on the ground in the distance.
Despite the disguise, the red and black demonic sword in his hand was a clear indication of his true nature.
It was clearly Adair, the Imperial Sword Saint, whom the three bishops were hunting!
"This...! How could Adair be here?"
Dekan felt it was all too surreal.
He wasn't even in a hurry to execute Adair anymore; instead, he wanted to wait until Adair woke up and interview him about Adair feelings.
"Sigh, I know you're confused right now, but it all started with that troublesome spell Adair obtained in the eighth-tier Shadow World..."
Mie walked up to the piano and spoke to Dekan and Cornelia.
She knew that Cornelia had identified her and Adair by sensing their martial arts auras, which was why she helped her.
Although Mie also had some doubts--
Let's set aside the question of why these two were on the ship in the first place.
Mie was completely baffled as to why, halfway through his fight with Adair was suddenly knocked unconscious by the two of them playing the piano.
Piano?
Mie took a deep breath; even her usually sharp mind was starting to overload.
"Tell me about your situation first."
Dekan covered his forehead and said that the dizziness he had just felt seemed to have become even more severe because of reality.
He knew everyone was completely bewildered.
But his situation with Cornelia was more abstract and couldn't be explained in a few words.
Let Mie explain first.
"Actually, Adair obtained an eighth-tier self-destruct spell in the Shadow World, and after returning from the Shadow World, Adair's escape route has been intentionally or unintentionally passing through the city."
Mie nodded, quickly regaining his composure from the confusion, and said,
"It was only when Clay was trying to capture Adair that he discovered this, pushing Adair into a corner. Adair used the lives of a group of civilians as leverage, forcing Clay, who lacked the ability to control him, to let him go."
Mie then began to tell the story of Clay's wondrous adventures.
Then Clay made Adair believe that he had shaken off the kingdom's spies.
But the intelligence capabilities that even Clay could track down were beyond Adair's comprehension.
Meanwhile, to ensure that no innocent civilians were harmed, Clay contacted Mie for help in subduing Adair and discovered that Adair's route was heading north.
So Clay sneaked onto Adair's Magic Airship, intending to trap him with Mie.
Clay had taken control of the Magic Airship's cockpit early on, slightly deviating its course and taking Adair to a location far from the city and farms to carry out his plan.
As it turned out, Adair had planned to jump off the airship halfway through the journey and stay overnight near a farmer's house to resupply.
Next, as soon as Adair stepped out of the passenger cabin, Clay and Mie made their move. Clay steered the airship sharply to break Adair's balance, while Mie launched a sneak attack.
Unfortunately, they couldn't succeed completely because the distance was too great; they only managed to poison Adair, significantly reducing his combat effectiveness.
Then the two started fighting.
"Please wait a moment!"
Dekan suddenly discovered a key point in the story Mie was telling.
He stared intently at Mie, his expression unreadable, neither joy nor anger.
"You just said that Clay was sailing the boat?!"
"Yes."
Mie nodded.
"I'm so lucky today!"
Just as he finished answering, accompanied by a cheerful sound, a Clay whizzed past.
He rushed from the driver's seat to meet up with his partner!
The three bishops reunited after three months, and their biggest worry was also resolved. He believed Dekan must be very happy.
"Don't worry, I've already returned the Magic Airship to the pilot."
Clay added another sentence.
Even though he was still wearing a driver's uniform, he looked exactly like a criminal with over a decade of experience.
"Did you sail like that by accident, or on purpose?"
Dekan asked, his voice trembling.
There was none of the emotion and joy I felt when I met my friend again not long ago.
Why can the emotions evoked by reuniting with close friends be so different?
"I think you'll only know you're on Magic Airship if the Magic Airship tilts slightly."
Clay answered smugly.
He also noticed the masks on Dekan and Cornelia's waists.
Normal people, even acquaintances, wouldn't recognize Dekan and Cornelia unless they were looking closely.
However, Clay's [Heart's Eye] can ignore the [Cognitive Interference] of Dekan and Cornelia's masks.
When Clay realized that Mie was struggling and had little control over his situation, he also discovered that Dekan was doing something funny on the top floor.
So he simply controlled the Magic Airship to rock it from side to side, and swayed Dekan's piano over there.
In the end, it turned out to be an outcome that no one had anticipated.
"..."
Dekan sat on the piano bench for a long time without saying a word; he seemed to have something to say but couldn't express it.
In fact, if you damage public property, you just need to pay compensation.
After all, they were apprehending the most heinous criminals.
But he...
There was a bet...
It was a bet that couldn't be lost... a humiliating defeat that would be the greatest disgrace of one's life if lost...
However, at this moment...
The Cat Teacher has climbed onto the piano, and the whole cat is standing upright like a lucky cat.
It looked down at Dekan from its high vantage point.
Its lips curled into a smug, cat-like smile.
"Dekan Meow, what do you mean?"
It believes.
Even if Dekan is stubborn, he shouldn't be able to utter a rebuttal in this situation.
Dekan seemed to have lost his vocal cords; he opened his mouth several times but couldn't utter a single word.
Cornelia seemed to be suppressing a laugh.
Regardless, it was definitely an unforgettable date for her.
"It's me..."
Finally.
"It was I who knocked Adair unconscious."
Dekan tearfully admitted that he had caused the accident with the piano.
******
Author's Note:
In addition, the first piece Dekan played was called "Kairou" (Return by the Wind), the second piece was the classic "Magic Waltz" from "The Legend of 1900," and the third piece was "See You Again" from "Furious 7."
PS2: If, and I mean if, everyone has any of the monthly tickets and free razor blades that the system gave out at the beginning of the month that you could use to feed Xi Gouzi (the author), Xi Zhi would be very grateful... Monthly tickets are no longer useful for this book, but if you have a lot, it might get some exposure on the charts, and razor blades can be turned into a little money...