33 Chapter 33: Cultural Exchange

The pungent smell of alcohol drifted to my nose. Orario has a wide range of alcohol after the Age of Gods—cold mead, beer, wine, cocktails, etc.

"Cheers."

I saw many bulky dwarves drink everything in their cups in one go. Some of them have fresh wounds on their arms. They might have been summoned by the Loki Familia at the last minute, but their battles had been very intense. The dying resistance of Evilus is still strong even with their remaining executives busy on the twenty-seventh floor.

Even so, they came out on top. They cleaned up Evilus' remnants.

After the battle in the surface, they also rushed to the twenty-seventh floor and saved adventurers. They prevented further casualties.

While we were escaping, I fired off many spells. My distraction is enough to save the ones I came across. Perhaps that's why quite a number of adventurers survived. Nevertheless, it is still an actual nightmare.

Many people died, thus the feast's purpose turned to honoring them instead of celebrating victory over Evilus. Though, there are attempts on highlighting the positive events as well.

Maybe it is also a way of continuing the city's cheerful mood; they wanted to reduce the twenty-seventh floor incident's negative impact. They wanted to retain the morale of Orario itself. Having a lowered morale could negatively impact the entirety of Orario. They need to 'overcome' this and turn into a new leaf.

As for me? I am not affected much. I helped the best I could. My conscience is clean. Evilus were the ones who caused everything. At least, I gave justice to the ones who died by killing two of their executives.

A sweet and cold feeling traced down my throat. It is a fruit juice.

Beer… I quite miss it already. Now I am treated as a kid, I am stuck at mango juice.

I downed a tower of canned beer as entertainment back then. I might not be 19 just like that time, but my mind is...

I picked some salted peas to serve as a snack. The right amount of saltiness completely removes the bitter aftertaste of a beer.

"Ye don't wanna drink?" Brontes-san asked.

"It's alright. This is enough for me."

"If you say so."

With a pat on my shoulder, he socialized with the other combat smiths. I saw them talk about something solemnly.

"Frost."

The coldness of the juice increased with my spell. It briefly froze the mug before melting down. When I downed it again—

"Ah…"

Mango juice is truly the best. No other fruit juice could defeat it!

This time, my chopsticks reached out to a roasted bacon strip. A flavor bomb exploded in my mouth. It has the right ratio of fat, spices, and herbs. Everything is complimenting each other.

"Yo~! You up for a drink?"

Tsubaki-nee placed her arms on my neck. To be honest, this close contact is quite uncomfortable, given her way of dressing. She dresses minimally, barely covering her well-endowed chest with a sarashi. She reminded me of those Amazons, to be honest.

"I'm still a kid."

"A sip or two wouldn't kill!"

"...Fine."

Tempted by the idea to drink beer, I uncapped one of the beer bottles before pouring it into mine.

After pouring it in, I didn't place it in some ice cubes and froze it with my spell instead.

"Whoa. Do that to me too!"

"Alright, alright."

I cast my spell on Tsubaki-nee's beer mug. A few moments later, a frosty mist appeared on top of the beer mug.

"Fuuuuaa..!"

She wore a huge smile as she drank it.

"That was refreshing!"

"Glad you liked it."

Gulp.

The familiar rough feeling traced down my throat. Its coldness made it the best drink ever.

A bitter aftertaste settled in my tongue but was lessened by the roasted pork strip.

"Fu…."

As I drank, a thought went past my mind.

Adventurers are supposedly stronger than normal humans. Meaning, their alcohol tolerance should be better.

Yes, that's it..!

"I will re-enact that beer tower, then."

*****

Ten minutes later, Nobu's face was on the table. He's in a daze, as if figuring what to do next. His cheeks have a tinge of red in them.

"Mu… Drinking without socializing sucks."

He was getting bored with the small talks here and there. Sure, his fellow familia members know him. But, he feels that something is missing. Like a missing puzzle piece to complete the night.

Since the mood is quite dark, he wanted to improve it even by a little. At the same time, he needs to honor the deceased and not disrespect them.

A brilliant idea flashed in his mind.

"It's time to bring out the big gun."

With a smile, he brought out two unidentified things. The others who have a sharp eye noticed him immediately.

"What's that..?"

"A guitar? But it looks different…"

"A metallic guitar?"

Tsubaki had prepared the entire place not only for them but also the other familias like the Loki Familia and Ganesha Familia. Hence, they occupied the entire Benevolent Mistress.

More and more people, be it from Hephaestus, Loki Familia, or the others, they became intrigued by the instrument on his hand. Nobu did not notice this as he is busy tuning the electric guitar.

"Bolt."

A surge of electricity ran through the portable amplifier. It is enough to power it up and not overload its capacitors.

"Alright, everyone." He shouted. "Here's a special performance for tonight."

Hum-!

"A song for the brave ones. I present to you... Brave Shine."

An electrifying sound was created by the guitar as soon as Nobu struck it. While the other customers of the tavern became curious as to what instrument that was, his performance began.

The start of the chord progression was strong. It immediately elicited the attention of everyone in this place. When it proceeded to the two-minute mark, everyone immersed to it.

By the end of the performance, they could easily visualize a heroic tale. It embodied a hero who fought against all ideals; a hero who went against all odds.

"What... was that?"

"A guitar..?

"Is that even a guitar? That's way too soft compared to the bard's..."

"Awesome..."

Everyone appreciated his performance. It perfectly highlighted the traits adventurers admired. It also paid homage to the ones who fought to survive until now.

"Can you play another?"

"Yes. Do you have something else?"

"One more!"

Soon, the entire tavern was filled with a single request. The dark and stark mood became filled with hope for a better future. Adventurers might be practical beings, but they dream of a heroic tale deep within.

Unfortunately, most did not have the courage to accomplish it.

"One more! Nya!"

Even some of their waitresses are swept with the mood.

"Another one, you say?"

Surprisingly, Nobu's voice came out on top despite the noise.

"One more, it is!"

""Yes!!""

This time, he stood on top of a high chair. His core training made it easy for him to retain balance. He could even stand on a tree branch without it breaking, what's more if it's this?

He brought out his smartphone and looked for a certain mp3 file. It has the other instrumental that he pre-recorded back on Earth. That was how he played his guitar inside his laboratory.

"This time, it's a song from the soldiers who went against all odds... The Last Stand."

Nobu began playing. When the people became used to the rhythm as well as his cue, they were swept by the song's vibe.

Nobu's professional stage player skills were used at this moment. Ensuring enjoyment and controlling their vibe was something that he exhibited at this moment.

After that performance, he moved on to a variety of modern songs. Each of them was unique to their ears. It possessed the will of the modern era—a culture that culminated over several centuries.

For Orario, it is something spectacular, more so when the performer is hailed as a prodigy of his generation. He's none other than "Shichi" (Seven) who popularized and spearheaded vocaloid itself.

(A/N: It's a reference to Kenshi Yonezu's "Hachi" when he was creating Hatsune Miku masterpieces like Donut Hole, Matryoshka, and Sand Planet.)

He never showed his face on camera. Still, his talents speaks for itself. Even if he is drunk, the muscle memory would not fail him.

While he is in the midst of selecting another song, the main characters for today's feast arrived.

"Ho..? Things are lookin' lively?"

"Seems like it." The pallum replied to the dwarf. "I didn't expect this kind of atmosphere."

Finn was expecting a solemn atmosphere at first due to the deaths in the dungeon. It was inevitable since he decided to attack Evilus' bases. He utilized their absence to succeed. He felt heavy about it but chose to shoulder them silently. Sometimes, a victory in a war cost the lives of others.

Finn saw Raul and others shouting with others.

"Ano—captain?!"

"Everyone's enjoying this night."

"Well… I think you should listen to his performance." He pointed out to the drunk boy standing on top of an ice table. "Everyone's rocking it right now."

Their goddess narrowed her eyes until they lit up in realization.

"No doubt… It's an electric guitar! Someone invented it already..?!"

"Electric guitar?"

Their ears perked up as Loki began explaining the 'electric guitar' to them.

"It's similar to a bard's harp, but much better! A god created it and went rock 'n rollin' back in Tenkai!" She said. "Ahem. As Raul said, it's better to experience it yourself."

"Hm… Aiz. He looks familiar."

"No doubt. He's that knight."

Their meeting within that single second was not forgotten by her.

"That's why! But… what is he doing right now?"

Contrary to others' expectations, Nobu blurted out another 'special song' of his. His golden pupils shone as he scanned the audience.

"It's… well… a special song. You sure you want to hear it?"

""YES!""

All this time, his special songs did not disappoint them. Tsubaki even participated, leaving him with no choice but to play it.

"Then… I hope everyone enjoys it." He said. "Here is 'Deathly Loneliness Attacks'."

Tapping his strange magic tool, an instrumental began. Though, his electric guitar stood above them.

The first few notes dropped. It was quite calm, a setter for its following rhythm and theme. His fingers danced as he strum the guitar's strings. Then his voice began singing.

tekitou ni ikite mo iki wa tsuzuku.

(You'll breathe on, even if you just live just doing whatever works.)

dareka ni yorikakari ikite iru;

(Living depending on someone else;)

sasae ga kiete mo iki ga tsuzuku—

(Even if your support disappears, you'll continue to breathe—)

—tsugi no yoridokoro ni mi o yoseru.

(—becoming dependent on the the next thing.)

Every song has a cultural context. There are some modern songs that would not be fully appreciated by people in Gekai, thus Nobu carefully chose what he would play. He chose songs that has a universal meaning—that even the adventurers of Orario could empathize with it.

He manifested the emotions contained within this song through his masterful playing; the rest is up for others to understand.

…

The younger sister who was ruthlessly abandoned by her big brother as soon as she could not catch up to his steps. He acted as if she was not his family, his receptor of love and care changing to the incarnation of beauty.

"What..?"

Her tail became slightly lifeless as she continued to listen.

…

The talented blacksmith hails from the bloodline of those blessed by spirits. Due to his ancestors' wrongdoings, their family's blessings were cut off. His existence was the sole miracle that was produced after centuries—an anomaly, perhaps.

His final friend sacrificed herself during his escape from his country. As a result, he got nothing but himself until Hephaestus herself brought him in.

"..."

In the corner, he continued isolating himself… yet he could not bring his attention away from that song.

…

The one who abandoned justice, leaving wrath and revenge to dominate her mind. The infamous adventurer-turned-criminal who single-handedly obliterated many Evilus bases and executed their gods—a crime heavy for mortals. Nevertheless, a single question remained inside her.

Was it worth it?

For the life that her comrades saved with their lives… is she living a worthy life, her ideals remaining the same?

'No…'

At the end of her revenge, she felt nothing but emptiness. It did not change her dearest friends' deaths. Her current self was "repulsed" by her goddess—her hands stained with blood.

Her revenge did not save her friends nor did it make her heart lighter. It only added another entry to her list of sins.

The song talked about cutting off bonds and straining herself due to the said act. Something that perfectly describes her current situation.

'How ironic.'

…

A weakling gets everything taken away from them. Struggle as they might, they will lose everything. They cry whenever something bad occurs. They whine when their strength is insufficient in the face of their hurdle.

They simply… despair.

Only the strong has the authority to take from others. They protect what's theirs and not end up in a crying mess. Their power could prevent any form of regrets holding them back in the future.

If they do end up being lonely due to strength, then so be it. There's no need for them to socialize with the weak, for they would just abandon him one day.

Just like what happened in the past.

"...Tsk. Comparing loneliness to poison is outright stupid."

The werewolf would not admit it—

"Only the weak admit weakness to others."

—that he is resonating with this song.

…

"Everyone."

The sword princess is surrounded by many people. They came from varying races, but they have one thing in common—they use their strengths to protect others. In other words—

A Hero.

Standing at the forefront was a black-haired man. He practiced his sword while she and her mother is watching. He seemed quite embarrassed whenever someone watches him do so, but her mother's coaxing is powerful enough for him to concede.

It is the days she felt at ease. Everyone is still here.

She was with her parents as they spent the day peacefully.

Unfortunately, it ended badly. The looming darkness took everyone dear from her. She was the only one left behind.

When she woke up, she found herself in a strange place—the dungeon. She was all alone until the Loki Familia found her. Even with that, she could not bring herself to form emotional connections as she sought for one thing that might bring them back—power.

'What… is that…?'

Briefly, her golden pupils met with the boy's own. It is extremely similar to hers yet different at the same time.

If her loneliness almost caused her to break, his was enough to drive him crazy. It's as if he saw his beloved people dying in front of him over and over again. He was helpless to change their fate.

This short encounter was cut short as Nobu focused on the guitar once more. Though, it fueled his performance further as he incorporated his own experience with this song.

In the end, his performance ended with another round of applause.

*****

The smell of gunpowder assaulted my nose. Burnt corpses littered Tokyo's desolate streets.

"This..?"

My head ached for a moment. I remembered myself playing my electric guitar inside Benevolent Mistress. Then… I don't remember anything else. Did I black out?

How the hell did I arrive in this place?

{Target M located. He is currently hiding inside one of the enclosed voids.}

"Inside the venue itself? What a clever plan."

I heard someone familiar speak. When I looked at him, I was stunned.

"That… was me?"

Memories of this scene entered my mind. I also went inside my memory palace to better recall it.

This is one week before the Culling Game? I remember it..!

The Shinjuku incident settled down. Satoru Gojo was sealed inside a cube in the hands of Kenjaku. This is my third round, hence I knew some specifics. For once—

"I need to visit Tengen along with them." I heard the armored man speak.

If I did not come with Itadori's group, Tengen would not entrust the back seal to others. In the last round, Tsukumo Yuki and Choso were left behind to guard Tengen. Meanwhile, Itadori, Megumi, and Yuta left for the Culling Game.

It ended with Tsukumo-san dying in Kenjaku's hands. Sukuna utilized the binding vow he has with Itadori and turned Megumi into his vessel instead. That was how he gained access to Megumi's terrifying summon, Mahoraga.

"...There's no other choice but to enter honestly." He made his decision. "Please."

{Affirmative. Tracking Itadori Yuuji's signature…}

I looked upwards and saw a small star glimmer. Of course, I knew its true identity more than anyone else.

The orbital satellite, <Judgement>. It is directly operated by her.

{Coordinates locked. The target is mobile in the Ginza district.}

Abruptly, my vision was twisted. It changed into a scene where the armored man was killed. In his dying moments, he saw the visage of the man who could turn everything over. He might've fell under Kenjaku's strength, but the others succeeded in freeing the 'strongest' form the Prison Realm.

The scene froze. It turned into a sea of gray until it became his laboratory's room. The white-haired man looks dazzling if not for his unkempt hair and dull eyes. He held a handgun in his right hand and was about to aim it at his jaw.

I remember it.

My fourth life.

"...You came."

"Huh..?"

Am I too drunk to dream of my future memories?

The man—my future self—made eye contact with me.

"Having a cheat is really different. You still have your future ahead of you. The opportunities to reverse our mistakes."

"Huh..?"

Why am I dreaming of a dramatic version of myself?

"Anyways, you seem to experience a cultural shock in this world."

"Uh… yeah."

"You placed yourself in a presumably difficult situation."

He suddenly shifted the topic of our conversation… or at least that's how it was to me.

"Remember Filvis' emblem? The wine cup with grapes around it. Whose god do you think it belongs to?"

The image of the emblem flashed on top of his hand.

"...Dionysus."

Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure. In the original myths, he was a banished son of Zeus. His other noticeable fields included… insanity and madness.

Many times, the correlation between my world's myths and this world's deusdea proved to be true. Hephaestus is an honest god of smithing, Loki is the god of trickery, and Freya is the goddess of beauty.

Meaning, Dionysus' personality ought to be troublesome.

"I got his attention?"

"Most likely, you did. However, you would have been in a dangerous spot nevertheless." He casually said. "Meddling with Evilus, going after the cause of Astraea Familia's deaths… One slip-up and you're dead. You understand how many interests are intermingled in that matter."

Astraea Familia's death is a piece of classified information inside the guild. That alone is a huge red flag. There's also Evilus whom the top familias of Orario took twelve years to defeat.

"Wake up."

"..!"

"You're no longer in the future… where you're constantly in danger. You have to remove that bad habit."

While I received the memories of my future self, I could not say that we're the same. In the end, I can only empathize with those memories as they did not happen to me personally.

This mirror image of myself… is my ideal self, yet it is not. I want to undo the mistakes and regrets he has.

"Make use of this god-given opportunity. Become stronger to change our futures."

…

"I will."

To shape the future myself and change that bad ending.

"Good luck." He paused for a moment before he added, "You're in for a surprise after the status update."

Bang-!

The moment the loud sound of the handgun resounded, I found myself staring at an empty ceiling.