bakaomi | (no subject)

[ he nods ]

So whoever we go for should be someone we genuinely want to win.

Six weeks don't seem nearly enough to be deciding something like that . . .

There's a chance it might be longer than that. When I asked, I was told that six is what they're going for, but it ultimately depends on what we do.

[ no. please, no. ]

Having more time on our hands to decide would be beneficial—but if it means more participants will die, this one must refuse.

Mm. So let's hope it won't have to come to that.

[ especially if it keeps being four bodies a week........... chill ]

[ well, one of them is very chilled right now. speaking of, they're nearly upon the door to the private study. ]

. . . Young man, are you a friend of Nito Senri's?

... we're classmates.

[ why does senri know so many people ]

Classmates?

[ he nods in approval. ]

Even better. How is he doing?

He's fine. He has a lot of people here who are looking after him.

What about you?

... I'm also fine.

[ he looks at takaomi, swaddled in layers upon layers of jackets and blankets, with what can be described as a fond smile. ]

I believe you. Since you're a junior, though, this elder offers you his time, should you ever be in need of it.

[ why is the octopus man so nice.... ]

Don't you have other things to do?

[ because takaomi didn’t turn him into an octopus.

or did he? if he did, shang qinghua takes every kind thing he said back— ]

In my world, I look after disciples around your age. I won’t be qualified to call myself a teacher if I don’t see to a student in need.

[ you will never know :/ ]

... what do you teach?

The art of cultivation, and logistics. An Ding Peak, where my disciples and I reside, manages the sect's daily operations.

[ his disciples also hate their jobs and bully each other. shang qinghua is well aware of this, but let's not say that to takaomi. ]

Huh.

What's that like?

There are twelve peaks in Cang Qiong Mountain. Feeding, clothing, and making necessary arrangements for our sect brothers and sisters while managing the sect's finances is busy work. Even I don't stay in one place for too long, and I'm the Peak Lord.

[ huh ]

What's a Peak Lord?

The cultivation master who presides over his or her assigned peak. Our specific role is determined by the peak in question, and it's expected that we nurture the future generation of cultivators.

. . . But, recently, many of those young cultivators were lost in a demon invasion. This teacher wasn't able to save everyone. Young life is precious, and that's why I can't stand by and let a young man suffer in front of me.

[ ... god this is so different from takaomi's normal life. every time he thinks he's getting used to things, he's reminded of how much he was not prepared to be thrown into this. ]

Oh. You... probably did your best.

[ that's exactly how shang qinghua feels around computers. join the club, takaomi. ]

Unfortunately, my best wasn't sufficient during the invasion. But, ultimately, the responsibility for this tragedy lies in the demons who attacked.

[ and here's the study! he gestures to the door. ]

My skills aren't so helpful in a holy place like this. Still, I'm here to help if you need it. Now go and warm yourself by the fire.

[ ...

he glances at shang before quickly looking at the door. ]

... yeah. I will. Thanks.