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Episode 38: Shadows in the Demon World
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Scene 1: News from the Demon World
The episode begins with Tanji sitting in his chamber, eyes closed in meditation. Suddenly, a black crow, an envoy from the Demon World, lands on the windowsill, cawing loudly.
Crow: "Lord Tanji, urgent news from the Demon World! Many demons have disappeared—seventeen in just one week! There are whispers of a terrible force in the shadows."
Tanji opens his eyes, his expression darkening.
Tanji: "Seventeen in one week... This isn't coincidence."
Zai, still in his bracelet form, overhears the news and transforms into his human form, his usual sleepy demeanor replaced with shock.
Zai: "Master, this sounds serious. Do you suspect anyone?"
Tanji: "I don't suspect. I'll confirm. Zai, I need you to investigate. Uncover what force is behind this and report back immediately."
Zai bows reluctantly, grumbling.
Zai: "Why is it always me? Can't someone else play detective for once?"
Tanji: (stern) "Because you're the only one I trust for this."
Zai: (mocking) "Oh, flattery. That makes it so much better."
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Scene 2: The Ryu and Kai Dynamic
Meanwhile, in the training courtyard, Kai and Ryu spar as part of their daily practice. Or, more accurately, Kai runs in circles trying to avoid Ryu's strikes.
Kai: (yelling) "Ryu, take it easy! I'm your friend, not your punching bag!"
Ryu: (laughing) "Then stop running and fight like a warrior!"
Kai stumbles and accidentally grabs a nearby stick to defend himself. However, the stick is weak and snaps in half on Ryu's next strike.
Kai: (dramatically) "This is it! My heroic end! Tell my family I was brave!"
Ryu stops, rolling her eyes.
Ryu: (sarcastic) "Brave? More like the Academy clown."
Kai takes a deep breath, then smirks.
Kai: "Fine, fine. How about we settle this with something I'm actually good at?"
Ryu: (crossing her arms) "Oh, and what's that? Eating?"
Kai: "Ha! No. A race to the top of that hill."
Ryu: (grinning) "You're on."
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Scene 3: The Race
Kai and Ryu sprint toward the hill, with Kai using every trick in the book—pushing Ryu into bushes, distracting her with random comments—to stay ahead.
Kai: (panting) "Look! A snake behind you!"
Ryu: (unfazed) "Nice try, Kai."
However, when Kai trips on a root and tumbles downhill, he yells dramatically again.
Kai: "I'm going to haunt you, Ryu!"
Ryu laughs uncontrollably but still helps him up.
Ryu: (teasing) "You should stick to sparring. At least there you lose with dignity."
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Scene 4: Zai's Report and the Twist
Later, Zai returns to Tanji with an initial report.
Zai: (serious) "Master, I've confirmed the disappearances were caused by a shadow-like entity. It leaves no trace except faint scorch marks on the ground."
Tanji: (thinking aloud) "A shadow entity... That narrows it down. I need to see it for myself."
Before they can discuss further, Kai and Ryu burst into the chamber.
Kai: (grinning) "Tanji! Ryu pushed me down a hill!"
Ryu: (exasperated) "Oh, stop being dramatic, Kai."
Zai: (to Kai) "You're still alive, unfortunately. Why are you here?"
Kai: "For moral support, obviously."
Tanji shakes his head, his calm demeanor intact.
Tanji: "Kai, Ryu, prepare yourselves. We're heading to the Demon World tomorrow. If there's an enemy, I want you both sharp."
Kai: (mock horror) "The Demon World? You mean with actual demons?"
Ryu: (teasing) "Don't worry, Kai. If they eat you, it'll be a quick m
eal."
Kai glares at Ryu, muttering under his breath as everyone else laughs.
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End of Episode 36