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Chapter 368: Monotone Reading, Right? This Is Definitely Monotone Reading!
Chapter 368: Monotone Reading, Right? This Is Definitely Monotone Reading!
"This town is called 'Absurd Town'—it used to be the birthplace of Twin-Horse Kingdom's operas."
After cleansing the streets of gore and carrying away the fallen, Luo Ke led Kuro and the others into the town.
The town wasn't exactly bustling. Though not empty, its streets felt oversized for its population, making everything strangely spacious.
Kuro noticed many shuttered opera houses lining the town's edges. Some had been closed for ages, their doors rotted and veiled in cobwebs.
"This was also Wulang's hometown", Luo Ke murmured, staring at a grand plaza ahead. "Two years ago, this place was alive with music."
"So what exactly was Wulang? You haven't explained yet", Kuro asked.
"Wulang... was a person. An opera actor."
Luo Ke's voice darkened. "This town used to thrive with performers. Even during war, our love for opera never faded. It was tradition—so sacred, even His Highness the Prince cherished it."
He lowered his head, shoulders slumping. "Perhaps the Prince loved opera too much. He summoned every actor to his palace, banning all public performances. Except for one—Wulang. He was different."
"Wulang's talent never caught the Prince's eye, but he adored performing. Even when forbidden, he defied the ban to entertain us. His shows... were terrible, though."
Luo Ke chuckled softly, memories of happier days flickering across his face.
Shaking off the nostalgia, he continued:
"A year ago, the Prince discovered Wulang. Right here, in this plaza, he had him executed."
He pointed to an inverted cross at the plaza's center. Dark stains—long-dried blood—spotted its base.
"Wulang must've died with unbearable resentment. He became a wronged soul, possessing beasts. The day he died, I heard a monstrous roar. That's when the nightmares began."
"Since then, beasts have plagued the town, snatching people. Lately, the attacks worsened. Today's ambush was the deadliest. Perhaps because... today's his anniversary. Without you, Navyofficer, we'd all be victims of Wulang's vengeance."
"But..."
Luo Ke stepped to the plaza's center, pulling a black cloth off an object on the cross's reverse side. A statue stood revealed—a grotesque figure with Noh-style white-faced makeup, grinning lewdly. One hand clutched a nitoryu, the other splayed all five fingers. A bent knee struck the classic Noh pose.
Kuro recognized it instantly—it resembled CP9's infamous lewd stance.
"Mr. Kuro..."
Klah's pupils contracted as he approached the statue. "The Lion Ape I fought used this exact pose."
"You don't say?" Kuro studied the statue, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Could this wronged soul be a Devil Fruit user?"
Luo Ke inhaled sharply. "Navyofficer, hear our plea. If you encounter Wulang's wronged soul, capture it and bring it back. If not... at least tell him we're sorry."
He bowed deeply. "Please!"
The gathered townsfolk exchanged glances before bowing in unison, ninety-degree angles trembling with desperation.
Kuro exhaled a smoke ring. "Klah, direction?"
"It's moving."
Klah sniffed the air, pointing northeast. "Toward Benma Castle! Mr. Kuro, the Lion Ape heads for Benma Castle!"
Kuro narrowed his eyes. "Analyze it, Klah."
"Yes." Adjusting his glasses, Klah continued: "It fought me intelligently—too human. If this beast is Wulang's soul, it should recognize its humanity. Yet it inhabits beasts, understanding their instincts. It likely guessed my werewolf nose would track blood—hence using it to scatter Benma Castle's forces. Whether we came or not, this tactic weakens the castle. Its target... King Alexander Francis."
"Smart guy", Kuro muttered, biting his cigar. "Wasted time chasing circles, but now you're cornered."
Lida frowned. "Help that selfish King? He hoarded all Kabuki performers!"
Kuro ignored the bowing crowd, staring at bloodstained ground. "Vengeance is one thing. Taking it out on innocents? Pathetic."
A breeze stirred. The townsfolk blinked against the wind, watching the navy officers' Justice-emblazoned cloaks ripple—a sight that stirred uneasy calm.
...
Benma Castle, the throne room.
A tomb-like silence gripped the palace.
King Alexander Francis sat lifeless, his eyes vacant. Below him stood Donald, Kai Si Lin, and others. Kai Si Lin mirrored the king's expression—both staring opposite directions.
"Your Majesty, I brought your fiancée back!" Donald shoved Kai Si Lin forward. "Here's your bride! Ugly, yes, but undeniably your betrothed!"
He pushed her closer. "Don't worry—though he's old, he's your groom. Go on, brave girl!"
Sazil covered his face, muttering curses.
The king stood robotically. "Welcome to my palace, my fiancée. Your wedding gown awaits. Change soon."
Monotone reading, definitely.
"Of course, Your Majesty", Kai Si Lin droned.
Not once did their eyes meet.
"Perfect couple!" Donald grinned.
Sazil bit his lip, swallowing sarcastic laughter. That guy’ll die laughing one day.
(End of Chapter)
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