Aurora: Around 100 years ago, my consciousness awakened inside a lawyer's mind. He showed me everything there was about law.
Polish: So, what are you saying?
Aurora: I am saying that I will be... your lawyer.
Polish: You will be... our lawyer?
Aurora: I sure will. Talk to the Mayor of Yeten about it. Tell him that you want to settle who gets the fountain in court.
Polish: ...Are you sure?
Aurora: Of course.
Polish: Well... If you say so. I am trusting you...
Aurora: Okay then. We need to get ready.
On the floor, right in front of Polish, there's a reflection of somebody. It's a spy. He gives a smirk after listening to the conversation.
Specule: So, this is what they are planning... I didn't think the history books were right... He really is Demon King Aurora. I thought it was just a fairy tale. How does the Mayor of Sinville know him? I gotta report this...
Aurora sighs.
Vanish...
Specule appears inside a house.
Specule: My lord...
Mayor of Jeten: Like, how many times have I told you? You don't have to call me that.
Specule: Well, gotta pay respect to the Mayor, don't I?
Mayor of Jeten: Calling me by my name is more than enough. [Says in an annoyed voice]
Specule: I will consider that from next time. Is that fine, Thalas?
Thalas: What were you here for? Just spit it out!
Specule: Chill chill... so, I was just lurking in Sinville... when I found out something... interesting.
Thalas: Interesting?...
Specule: Pretty interesting... The Mayor of Sinville wants to take the Fountain Of Youth for themselves, "legally".
Thalas: Legally? So he wants to fight in court? That's... very stupid of him.
Specule: They even got a lawyer.
Thalas: Well, that's okay. Cause, they have no money. So, it must be just a cheap lawyer. What's his name?
Specule: His name is Aurora...
Thalas: See? Even his name is po—
Specule: —Jin'Uz... Jin'Uz Aurora...
Thalas's eyes widen in disbelief. Specule is still giving that teasing smirk.
Thalas: You are playing with me, aren't you?
Specule: Am I? I don't care if you believe me or not. But, looks like the legends from the past have returned.
Thalas: How can that be possible? There's no way he could still be alive... according to history, he died two thousand years ago— Did you say... 'legends'?!
Specule: Yes, sir.
Thalas: Who are the others!?
Specule: Flaming Phoenix...
Thalas: They even got the Flaming Phoenix on their team?
Specule: Actually, no. Flaming Phoenix is not on their team... But his son is.
Thalas: You are telling me that... Flaming Phoenix has a son?
Specule: Yes. And his name is Auralis Kayushi.
Thalas: A- Auralis... You are saying something unexpected every five seconds.
Specule: If the history is true, if Aurora is as intelligent as they say, then he will definitely win the case and the Fountain Of Youth will be in Sinville's hand. Do you want that?
Thalas: Of course I don't.
Specule: Then, let's prepare immediately.
Thalas: Let's go give them a visit first.
The scene switches to the Hall Of Arkeas.
Aurora: Understood?
Polish: Very much.
Troov: Nice plan.
Poly: There's a problem.
Aurora: Problem...? what is it?
Poly: There's currently a bounty on Kayushi, remember? If anyone sees him, they will definitely try to kill him. So... you can't walk around looking like him.
Aurora: You are right... But, how do I solve that?
Poly: Simply, don't look like him.
Polish: Poly, can you explain what you are trying to say?
Poly: Are you kidding me? Use transformation magic...
Troov: Right. You should transform into somebody else.
Polish: Oh, yeah... You should transform into your own body.
Aurora: I cannot.
Polish: W-why can't you? You know how to use transformation magic. I have seen you use it tons of times.
Aurora: That's right... I know how to use it but... Kayushi doesn't. I am currently in his body. Not in my own. Our minds could be one but, our mana crystal isn't. I still don't know how his mana crystal works. I don't want to accidentally kill him. I need time to know his body better.
Polish: Then, why don't you teach him?
Aurora: Transformation isn't a technique which can be taught by only talking. It needs a physical trainer.
Polish: Umm... well then, I will teach him! [Says in a very confident voice while confidently pointing at himself with his thumb]
Aurora: No.
Polish makes a sad face at Aurora's reply.
Polish: Why...?😢 [Says in a sad voice]
Aurora: From my experience, I can tell, you are not a decent teacher. So, someone else has to teach him... But who?
Poly: I don't know how to use it either.
Troov: Fine... I will teach him. Can you switch?
Aurora: Swit—
Aurora stops and closes his eyes to sense something.
Troov: Why did you stop?
Aurora: I can sense a lot of mana from outside...
Polish: Might be the civilians. They often gather in the middle of the city.
Aurora: No. It can't be the civilians. All of that mana is inside of one body—
Now it's gone!
Someone knocks on the door. After like 5 seconds, the door opens... Specule gets inside with a smirk.
Specule: Nobody answered. So I decided to just open the door.
Thalas: It's been a while... Scopus Polish...
Polish: Mayor of Jeten, what brings you here?
Thalas: I got news that the son of Flaming Phoenix is here. there he is.
Aurora doesn't look at him. He is still facing his back. He slowly moves around.
Thalas: So, are you ready to fight us?
Polish: Actually... We decided to settle it in court.
Thalas (thinking): So, Spec was right... But, I don't see the Demon King...
Specule: So, have you gotten a lawyer yet? I don't think you are in the state for hiring one... [Says mockingly]
Aren't you in debt?
Kayushi: Sinville is in debt?
Aurora: Seems like it.
Thalas: Why are you talking to yourself, Kayushi?
Specule whispers to Thalas.
Specule: Thalas, that's not Kayushi. It's his body but, the person who is in control right now... is the Demon King. His consciousness is currently in Kayushi's body.
Thalas: You didn't tell me that earlier.
Specule: I know, I forgot.
Polish: What are you two whispering?
Specule: N-nothing.
Thalas: So, you are Kayushi?
Aurora: Actually... I am his uncle, Aurora.
Thalas: Demon King Aurora... I have read stories about you. So, you will be their lawyer?
Aurora: Yes...
Specule: I heard that Kayushi currently has a bounty on his head... How much is it?
Polish throws the bounty poster towards Specule. Specule catches it.
Specule: 5,000 Magicoins is a lot, for a kid. And the fact that it's produced by his dad is more sad. Why would he wanna kill him?
Polish: Don't you think you are asking a lot of questions? [Says in a slightly angry tone] You are being a bit too annoying, you know that? And you just got inside without my permission. Do you wanna be in jail for breaking into private property without consent before you can even prepare for court? Poly, how about you take your stance?
Poly: As you say...
Poly begins to take her fighting stance.
Specule: WO WO. chill out, man... I was just a little curious. [Says nervously]
Thalas: No need to be angry. We are leaving. See you later in court...
Thalas and Specule leave.
Scene again changes to Jeten...
Thalas: They have Jin'Uz Aurora as their lawyer... We are doomed... Unless... we hire a better lawyer than him.
Specule: Which is...
Thalas: ...impossible
Specule: So, what should we do?
Thalas: I can't think of anything at this moment... Looks like we are gonna have to hand the fountain to the—
Thalas remembers something. His eyes open wide.
Thalas: Yes... How can I forget...
Specule: You got a plan?
Thalas: Quick, go and send a letter... To sir Hemenor.
Specule: Why—oh! It will be done in no time!
Specule leaves...
A sweet lady who seems to be in her late 60s, calls Thalas inside her shop.
Shop lady: Oh, mister Mayor! Please come inside my shop, the sun is very hot today.
Thalas: Right, thank you...
Shop lady: Oh, no need for thank you. Here, please eat these oranges.
Thalas: Mmm... How are they so juicy? I like that...
Shop lady: I am glad you liked it. If you don't mind... may I ask something?
Thalas: Sure...
Shop lady: Did any of the soldiers return?
An orange piece drops from Thalas's hand. His face quickly turns blank...
Shop lady: I was just asking because my son was also in the 8th JMG. It's been 2 years and he still hasn't returned yet. [Says nervously]
The lady is now concerned. Also, a little scared.
Shop lady: Mister Mayor... d-did s-something happen? He is a very brave man! His name is Coolid Fengo...
Thalas's eyes widen in surprise...
Thalas (thinking): C- Coolid?
A bunch of memories flash before his eyes. Thalas snaps into reality. He stands up.
Thalas: Don't worry! The search is still going. We will definitely find them!
Shop lady: Thank you... thank you mister Mayor...
The lady starts to cry. Thalas comforts her...
Thalas (thinking): That... was a lie. But, if a lie is beneficial for everyone then it's not a lie.
Thalas: We will be fighting in court for the Fountain Of Youth. After we claim it, no one will ever die... I promise you... I will bring back your son...
Thalas forces a fake smile but a hint of guilt can be seen on his face.
10 minutes later...
Specule: Thalas!! Sir Hemenor is here!
Thalas: I am coming! I will be leaving then.
Shop lady: Have a good day...
Thalas: You too...
Thalas and Specule goes to Thalas's house. Sir Hemenor is sitting in the living room.
Hemenor: It's been a while, Thalas.
Thalas: Indeed... We need your help, sir Hemenor.
Hemenor: Specule told me everything. I accept to be your lawyer.
Thalas: Thank you...
Thalas bows down.
Hemenor: Hey hey! You don't have to bow to me! We are like friends, aren't we?
Thalas: Ugghh... right!
Hemenor: Okay. So, Jin'Uz Aurora is their lawyer...
Thalas: That's the biggest problem sir. In the books, Aurora was the literal definition of intelligence.
Hemenor: Then we are done... We can defeat him neither with words nor ability. It's like standing on a spot surrounded by obstacles.
Thalas: Then what should we do? I don't want the fountain to go in Sinville's hands. They will probably make an army with it and attack us.
Hemenor: An army of soldiers who can't die... That would be bizarre.
Thalas: I am pretty sure, he will strike us as soon as he claims it.
Hemenor: But, I don't get one thing.
Thalas: W-what is it?
Hemenor: Jin'Uz Aurora is a man with good deeds. Why would he help someone such as Scopus Polish, who wants to kill innocent people? Did Polish manipulate him?
Thalas: That can't be possible. Jin'Uz Aurora doesn't get manipulated that easily. You know the book Rorus Amplima?
Hemenor: Yes, I do. It was written by Helon Thelious—the first writer in history.
Thalas: The last page of it was written in the year 3628. It starts with the story of the 105th demon king, Aurora's father, Jin'Uz Roral. There starts a story from page 564 about Aurora, where he once faced a wizard who was said to be the most powerful wizard of that time. But he was evil. He wanted to destroy Scarveth and rule over it. When Aurora got this news, he went to fight him. Aurora defeated him but the wizard had one last trick up his sleeves, mind control. He tried to manipulate Aurora's mind. But he failed. Nobody has ever been unaffected by his technique. After he failed to control Aurora's mind, he gave up and accepted his defeat. That shows how powerful Aurora's mind really is. There's no way that they could have possibly ever manipulated him... But then there is Scopus Polish. We don't know anything about him, except that he is the mayor of Sinville for over 40 years now. We don't know the full extent of his capabilities yet.
Hemenor: Isn't there a rumour that he is also from Aurora's time?
Thalas: Yes there is. But that's still a rumour...
Thalas and Hemenor sit down to think.
Hemenor: Then I will prepare the documents... and submit them to the court.
Thalas: Yes, that would be great. Thank you...
Hemenor: No need to thank me😁
Hemenor goes away...
1 hour later...
Specule: Dang, it's almost night.
Sir Hemenor comes running.
Hemenor: Thalas!! I filed the case! The court will occur tomorrow at 7am.
Thalas: That's great! Now we wait till morning.
Specule: Are we gonna wait by standing here? [Says in an annoyed tone]
Thalas: Of course not—
Grrr...
Hemenor looks embarrassed. Thalas gives a smile.
Thalas: Let's have dinner.
Hemenor: That would be great🤤 what's on the menu😆?
Thalas: I don't know. Let's see it for ourselves...
They ate good...
Hemenor: Burp... that was good... My stomach is completely full! Your chefs are talented... Can I take one home with me?
Thalas: Sure. But please don't take Timothy.
...
Hemenor: So, where's my room?
Thalas: Here it is.
Hemenor is amazed. He can't take his eyes off the beauty.
Hemenor: Your house is like a mansion...
Thalas: Isn't yours too?
Hemenor: Yes it is. but your house is much more beautiful than mine...
Thalas: Anyway, have a good night.
Hemenor: Good night.
...
It's 5am... Everyone wakes up. They are starting their daily works. Thalas opens the door of his house and goes to the dining table. Specule and Sir Hemenor are already waiting for him.
Hemenor: You finally woke up... Sit down.
Thalas sits down. They have their breakfast. All three of them finish and go to their room to put on their uniforms. All of them get out with their usual uniforms. They head for the stage.
Thalas: Let's go...
Thalas stands at the edge of the stage, just enough so that the soldiers could see him.
Soldiers: Mister Mayor! Are we going for battle?
He clears his voice and starts to speak.
Thalas: No! Scopus Polish and I have decided to settle it in court! So, we don't have to fight today! But there's one thing you all need to know!
Soldiers: What is it!!?
Thalas: The 106th demon king, Jin'Uz Aurora has returned! We don't know how but his consciousness has awakened inside a boy's body and that boy is the son of Flaming Phoenix!!
The soldiers gasp.
Thalas takes a deep breath.
Thalas: While I am gone, can you look after the city!?
Soldiers: Yes!
Thalas: While I am gone, can you keep the civilians safe!?
Soldiers: Yes!!
Thalas: While I am gone, can you protect this land!!?
Soldiers: YES!
Thalas: CAN I TRUST YOU?!!!
Soldiers: YES!!!!!!
Specule: They have the energy to fight a whole city on their own. You don't have to worry.
Specule notices something.
Specule: Your face looks pale. Did something happen?
Thalas: I met Coolid's mother yesterday. She doesn't know that he is no longer with us..
Specule understands...
Specule: Oh, so that's the reason...
Specule goes back to his playful mood.
Specule: Man... don't worry about past things! Think about the present! It's not time to get sentimental! And also... it's embarrassing to see my elder brother get all emotional!
Hemenor: It's almost 7am... We should head out.
Specule: Let's go!!
Thalas, Specule and Sir Hemenor reach the court. They go inside the room.
Hemenor: Scopus Polish hasn't come yet?
Thalas: Seems like they will be late.
Specule: There are a lot of people in here—
The judge walks in... Everyone stops talking and stands up.
Silence...
Court staff: All rise. Court is now in session. Please be seated.
Everyone sits down...
Court staff: Case No. 386/5658 — Jeten versus Sinville, Fountain of Youth dispute.
Judge: Are the two parties present?
Hemenor: Yes. We are present, your honour.
Court staff: The respondents are not present yet, your honour.
Judge: When are they expected to arrive?
Court staff: Your Honour, no update has been received.
Silence fills the courtroom. No one speaks. Hemenor quietly adjusts the papers on the table. Thalas glances toward the empty side of the courtroom. Specule's eyes move slowly, scanning the entrance.
Specule: Why do we have to be so quiet?
Thalas shuts him quietly.
Thalas: Shut up, this is a court room.
The judge remains still, waiting...
Judge: How about you introduce yourself?
Sir Hemenor stands up. He adjusts his coat and looks toward the judge.
Hemenor: I am Logos Hemenor, counsel for the petitioner, representing the Mayor of Jeten, Thalas Altero.
A brief pause fills the room. The judge watches him silently for a moment.
Judge: Do you have any information regarding the respondent's arrival?
Hemenor: No, Your Honour. I have no information regarding their arrival.
Specule: Why aren't they coming?
Thalas: Don't ask me...
Specule: Where even are they...? man... where are they? Are they even gonna come or not—?
Specule realises something. He holds his head with both his hands.
Hemenor: They are wasting a lot of time. It's 7:18. They are 18 minutes late...
Thalas: Did they even get the notice?
Hemenor: They sure did... I saw Belhama Troov taking it.
Thalas: Then why haven't they arrived yet? It's not like they are avoiding us, right— Spec, why are you making such a face?
Specule is devastated.
Specule: I- I think I... messed up...
Scene switches to Aurora and the others.
Aurora: What's the time?
Polish: 7:30
Aurora: They must be waiting for us.
Poly: So, where is it?
Troov: It's right this way.
Kayushi: Are we really going there?
Aurora: Yes...
Polish: Only 400 meters now and then we will reach... The Fountain Of Youth...
To be continued...