Dislyte story · Esper Stories
Esper Story: Cang Ji
5 scenes, 301 lines
1. Live Adventure
59 linesDebia: Noba Ruins
Hi, everyone! Welcome to Q's channel! We're live streaming today and it's going to be a very special episode.
I'm going to be the interim host for the "Live Adventure" show for the Science Discovery channel.
Next to me is our illustrious guest - the renowned archaeologist and explorer, Dr. Cang Ji.
Hello everyone, I'm Cang Ji. Currently doing archaeological research around the world.
(Cang Ji gives a polite smile toward the camera.)
Wow, doesn't Dr. Cang Ji seem like the friendliest guy ever? What is our audience's impression of him? Please don't forget to cast your vote!
What vote?
Heheheh... Hello, and welcome to my "Ideal Man" online popularity contest!
There are eight different categories, and viewers can vote for their "Ideal Man" within each of those lists!
Alright, enough about that. Let's get back to our adventure.
As you can see, we're far out in a desolate area.
This is the Noba Ruins. We'll be exploring this region today and taking some notes.
(As Cang Ji takes a map out from his bag, the camera focuses on what's in his hands.)
This small circle is where we'll go today.
It's the only place where we'll be relatively safe. Let me remind our audience one more time...
Going on excursions can be quite dangerous. As the natural environment is ever-changing, there's no place that's absolutely safe. Please leave this to the professionals.
If we take one wrong step, we're dead, right?
Precisely. Of course, I'll be paying extra attention to our surroundings. You're safe on my watch.
Debia: Deep inside the Noba Ruins
(After walking for a while, members of the group are getting tired.)
This is... killing me... I need a break...
(Q walks over to the side, but before he can sit down, Cang Ji already has him back up.)
Wait! The surface temperature here is terribly high. I'd advise against sitting down.
Also, areas in the region have quicksand. Staying here for too long is dangerous.
Dr. Cang Ji. You're incredible!
(Q glances at his phone and exclaims in a low voice.)
Whoa, your votes are going up far more than I thought!
(Cang Ji isn't paying attention to what Q is saying. He puts up his hand and the others to stop.)
The sand below us is moving.
There could be incoming Miramon... lots of them.
?!
Q, you stay here. Take care of the crew.
What about you?
(Cang Ji doesn't reply. He is focusing on the movements of possible Miramon.)
(Dozens of Miramon rush toward them. Cang Ji diverts their attention on him and runs to a small sand dune not far away.)
*ROAR*
(He dodges their attacks just in time and slides to the center.)
It's quicksand! Cang Ji!
(The Miramon follow him and are swallowed by the quicksand. The more they struggle, the deeper they sink.)
(Soon, the Miramon vanish under the sands.)
Great, that was so close!
Dr. Cang Ji, how did you manage to lure the Miramon into the quicksand without sinking in yourself?
Just stretch your limbs out and imagine yourself lying on a bed. You'll stay on the sand's surface if the force is evenly distributed.
(Cang Ji's voice is warm and calm. Time goes on quickly as he explains the details.)
Alright, that wraps up our live show.
Let's take a look at Dr. Cang Ji's rank in our "Hottest Man Alive" competition!
As the 392nd guest on my channel, congratulations to you, Dr. Cang Ji, for being the 8th hottest man alive on our show!
Well, well, it seems my audience really likes reliable archaeologists.
Just so you know, I'm 5th on the "Most Adorable Men" list...
(As Q continues talking, Cang Ji doesn't seem to be paying any attention. He is anxiously checking his pockets for something.)
The stone... the stone I just pick up. It's missing...
What does it look like?
It's a wind-carved stone. It looked like a petrified rose... It was extraordinary so I picked it up.
Did I lose it when I pulled my communicator out?
(Cang Ji desperately looks about and searches the area.)
No, I've gotta go back! I must've dropped it somewhere!
(Cang Ji leaves in a hurry, leaving Q holding his communicator in frustration.)
(As just a few moments ago, he lost his 5th place position on the "Most Adorable Man" list to Cang Ji.)
2. The Magician
58 linesGraywater: Alice's Home
Nice to meet you, Miss Alice. I hope I'm not interrupting your work.
(The simple cabin is filled with all sorts of crystal balls of various sizes.)
Ah, so you've come.
Yes, I came today to ask you something...
Um... I was told that you're an expert on magic, witchcraft, and divination. Is that correct?
(Cang Ji's excitement level seems to slowly rise. Out of curiosity, he reaches his hand out to the crystal ball closest to him.)
Seidhr Soito Wicca!
(Startled by Alice's sudden words, Cang Ji pulls his hand back at once.)
My dear, do not touch that. That path leads to alternative destiny.
...I-I'm sorry.
Was that... an incantation?
(Alice nods solemnly. Cang Ji straightens his back and speaks formally.)
Miss Alice, I actually came to ask you to instruct me in divination.
(Alice nods again.)
Yes, but I do not know how.
I know this must be an abrupt request from me but... what did you just say?
I said I am unable to help because I don't know divination.
... What? But all these crystal balls and the spell you cast just now, Seidhr something... Surely you must know...
These are just props I use when I dress up as the "Witch of Blessings."
You should know my abilities from my Esper powers, not from sorcery or witchcraft.
......
Can you tell me why you want to learn divination?
It'll allow me to predict dangers and good fortune.
That would be a huge advantage for an archaeologist.
I see. Well, I'm sorry to tell you that I don't possess the power you seek.
......
Still... perhaps I can help you discover a special use for your powers.
Special use?
I hear that you have the ability to turn what you write into reality.
Yes, but I can't use it frequently and it doesn't last that long.
I only use this power when I have tough opponents.
It has a practical use as well though! While you cannot predict dangers or things that may benefit you, it could solve some problems you have at the moment.
Let's say... you use it to temporarily boost your speed. It would save you a lot of time while digging in the dirt.
(Realizing what his powers may be capable of, he decides to go out and verify the theory.)
Graywater: Outdoor
"Haste!"
(As Cang Ji writes "Haste" in the air, his actions are sped up 4 times his normal speed.)
Whoaaaaa!
(Upon hearing an excited shout, Cang Ji looks in the direction of the source and sees a boy running away like a fleeing rabbit.)
(However, he returns soon accompanied by his friends.)
That's him! He knows magic!
(At the moment, Cang Ji is trying to make himself float in the air. Seeing this, the children are in awe.)
......
... He must be the witch's apprentice! He's so young.
Ha... the magician's apprentice indeed...
(Alice is trying to not laugh as she knows Cang Ji's actual age. The children, however, have surrounded Cang Ji in their excitement.)
Hey apprentice, I can't find my baseball. Can you find it for me?
My kite is stuck in that tree. I can't reach it. Can you help me, please?
(Unable to refuse the children's pleas and wanting to test the limits of his powers, Cang Ji agrees to help. )
Here's your baseball. Don't lose it next time.
Here's your kite. Be careful next time.
Here's your...
(Cang Ji uses his "magic" to solve many of the children's problems, earning their adoration and respect.)
How are you feeling, apprentice?
I never thought my powers could help my archaeological work, never mind helping people in need.
This has been a pleasant development for sure.
I may not have learned divination, but this new trick is not bad at all.
3. Lectures
63 linesUtgard: Auditorium
Hello, students. I'm Dr. Cang Ji, your instructor for this lecture. Today, we'll review "100 Wilderness Survival Tips."
(The projector displays Cang Ji's photo and the title of the lecture.)
It's an honor to be invited to share my knowledge with everyone here.
Dr. Cang Ji, I have a question...
Please go ahead.
Dr. Cang Ji. How old are you? You look the same age as us. Explorers can be of any age?
Well... I'm already 30 years old... There is indeed no age restriction, but one's experience is far more important to be a professional explorer.
I don't believe you. You're probably the same age as me! How are you more experienced?
(Cang Ji takes out his handkerchief and wipes the sweat from his brow.)
Um... My age doesn't matter. Why don't we move on to the topic of today's lecture?
Most people have become accustomed to the amenities of modern life. Outdoor activities or going out into nature are only done occasionally on weekends or on vacation.
Even when done for entertainment purposes, such activities aren't risk-free.
Therefore, we must learn basic survival skills to be safe in case of emergencies.
(As Cang Ji continues the lecture, the topic has moved from how to light a fire to how to determine directions using the sun.)
(The student who asked the question earlier raises his hand again, interrupting Cang Ji mid-sentence.)
Dr. Cang Ji, I have a question...
...please, go ahead.
What should we do if we encounter a snake in the wilderness?
(Cang Ji's heart skips a beat on hearing the word "snake.")
This is a very good question and it certainly deserves a good answer.
(Cang Ji has already prepared for this. He takes out his notebook.)
Should you encounter a snake in the wilderness, you should slowly back away from it. Try not to alarm it in any way.
If it's very close to you, don't move. Generally speaking, snakes don't bite for no reason.
I, myself, have actually encountered snakes multiple times...
(Suddenly, there is a commotion from the back of the classroom.)
Snake! There's a snake!
(A silver-blue serpent suddenly appears in the back row of the classroom. Chaos erupts as students scramble away.)
Calm down! Everyone! We've got a seasoned explorer with us!
It's just a serpent, surely our instructor can handle it... Dr. Cang Ji? Dr. Cang Ji?
(Cang Ji is standing still before the desk, staring right at the serpent.)
DR. CANG JI!!!
(Cang Ji is unaware that the students are yelling his name. His mind is locked in fear.)
(HELP! HEEEEEEEELP!)
(Why is there a snake in the city?! I wasn't prepared for this at all!)
(It's not even a normal snake. It's huge! I think it's a new species. I need to add it to my notebook!)
(These are the though rushing through Cang Ji's mind right now. His body remains still, not moving an inch.)
Oh, I see! Our instructor is testing us. He wants to see if we can utilize his teachings in practice.
Well, just you watch. I remember everything you taught us earlier. It's a good distance from me. I just need to step back... slowly...
STAY CALM WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER A SNAKE!!!
(The moment Cang Ji regains control over his body, he shouts out the first line he wrote in his notebook. Unfortunately, because he's panicking, he yells too loud.)
(The shout startles almost everyone. Even the serpent moves slightly, triggered by the sound.)
......
(He immediately covers his mouth, not daring to utter a sound. He takes a deep breath to calm down and points at the back door, signaling the students out the door silently.)
Oh!
(Jenny recognizes the situation. She tiptoes to the back door, grabs a broom, and cautiously hands it to Cang Ji.)
Dr. Cang ji, you're gonna deal with this, right? We'll cheer for you!
......
(Cang Ji holds the broom in front of the serpent, not daring to move an inch.)
......
(The serpent seems to have noticed it. Its eyes open wider, casting a warily look at Cang Ji.)
(He discards the broom at once and raises his hands.)
I-I mean you no harm. Please go back to sleep, Mr. Snake.
(The serpent sticks out its forked tongue and uncurls itself, revealing a blue-haired boy resting at its center.)
(Jacob yawns sleepily and looks at Cang Ji blankly for a moment.)
......
......
(Then, without saying a word, Jacob leads the serpent away. After the two leave, the students rush up and surround Cang Ji.)
You drove away the serpent just like that!
You're so awesome!
Everyone, remember this.
Never use a broom against a snake, and never hand a broom over to someone in such a situation!
It's too dangerous.
4. Glasses
63 linesShackled Miracle: No Man's Land
Ouch!
(On a desolate trail near the Shackled Miracle, Meredith runs face-first into a tree.)
Hello, miss. Are you alight?
Oh, yes. I'm fine.
(Meredith squints and tries to look at the tree on her left.)
I'm alright. Thank you, kind sir.
Um... I'm on your right.
Oh! Good gracious! Sorry about that.
You don't have to apologize.
I suppose you can't see the road clearly. That can be quite dangerous. Please allow me to accompany you to your destination.
It's okay. My research center is nearby. I'll be there soon.
I broke my glasses the other day so I'm just wearing the empty frames now.
So that's what happened.
This place is too close to a Miracle, not many people here to repair my glasses.
I have to wait for my colleague to bring me a new pair.
When will your colleague arrive?
Pretty soon. In about 3 or 4 more days.
...I'm glad you're not in a rush.
Oh, but where are my manners? I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Cang Ji, an archaeologist.
Cang Ji? If my memory serves me right, I think I've read some of your papers on the Miracles.
(Seeing Cang Ji's surprised expression, Meredith stretches out her hand in a friendly manner.)
Hi, I'm Meredith, a Union researcher on Miracle Waves.
Our research topics overlap a little.
(Cang Ji shakes Meredith's hand joyfully.)
What a coincidence! A fellow colleague in need. I got just the thing for you, Miss Meredith.
(He takes off his backpack and pulls out a dozen lenses for eyeglasses.)
A-Are those lenses?
Dr. Cang Ji, why do you have so many? Is this your part-time job or something?
Oh, as it happens, these are my spare lenses.
...?
Perhaps you can't see me clearly, but I'm also wearing glasses.
Possibly due to my Esper transformation, my eyesight fluctuates.
To ensure I always have clear vision, I keep different types of lenses with me.
Another thing is... I'm quite forgetful. I've already lost several pairs of glasses.
(Meredith narrows her eyes and takes a closer look at the lenses.)
Wow... That's quite the collection you have.
Yes, I'm assuming that at least one of these should suit you.
(With Cang Ji's help, Meredith puts the new lenses on her glasses. Everything suddenly becomes as clear as day.)
(She expresses her gratitude to Cang Ji and the two exchange contact information.)
Utgard: Cang Ji's House
(A month later, Cang Ji receives a delivery from Meredith.)
"Dr. Cang Ji. Here's a token of my thanks."
(Cang Ji unfolds the box and finds a pair of glasses.)
"This is my best work. I've made some special changes based on your profession."
"Please put these on and you'll understand."
(Cang Ji observes the glasses for a bit and puts them on hesitantly.)
Amazing, they auto-change diopters based on my current eyesight.
Miss Meredith is not only an outstanding scholar, but she's also an exceptional inventor. Truly a wonder.
(Several days later, during the night)
Hm...? The lights don't work. Is this a blackout?
Cang Ji, the power is out.
I'll go get some candles...
(Before Narmer finishes his words, he sees two dazzling white lights beaming right at him. It's disorienting.)
?!
(Cang Ji's glasses are glaring brightly like searchlights in the darkness.)
(Like a lighthouse at night, one cannot look directly at it.)
......
......
Those new glasses on you are nice. Now we don't even need candles.
(The glasses return to normal as soon as the power returns.)
(Cang Ji takes them off in silence.)
Good for archaeology, but not for daily usage. Thank you very much.
5. Guests
58 linesUtgard: Cang Ji's House
(Cang Ji often starts a nice afternoon with his favorite type of classical music.)
(Occasionally though, an afternoon starts with him looking for something...)
Where could it be...?
(He turns off the record player and sits on a pile of books in frustration.)
(Suddenly, the doorbell rings, and a young male voice can be heard.)
Dr. Cang Ji, it's me.
(Cang Ji tries to make space for the visitor, but as Jackson steps in, he nearly trips over the mess on the floor.)
*Chuckle*... how's it going?
I'm sorry. My place is always so messy whenever you stop by.
There are two types of scholars, those with OCD, and others like you. It's totally understandable.
I'm here to return your papers.
Ah, the archaeological research from before, right?
Yes, my apologies for borrowing them for this long.
They actually helped a lot with my paper.
After learning I quoted from your work, my teacher proudly declared:
"Dr. Cang Ji is one of our school's great treasures!"
(Cang Ji laughs, hearing Jackson imitating his teacher in an exaggerated manner.)
(Jackson laughs along and hands the papers over to Cang Ji. He then says sincerely...)
You're such an amazing archaeologist.
The report I borrowed... They couldn't have been completed without all the risks you took in person to scrutinize and verify the theories you've speculated on.
I hope I can become as passionate and practical an archaeologist as you.
(Cang Ji blushes at the compliments.)
I'm doing what any archaeologist would do. I'm sure you will do the same, given how exceptional you are.
M-Me? I... I think I'm more suitable for academic research. Though I really want to...
Oh!
(Jackson seems to have recalled something.)
I found a notebook among the research I borrowed.
(Cang Ji is surprised.)
Could this be one of your students? There are some views and theoretical inferences on history and historic sites written down in it.
I could tell this person takes these matters as seriously as you.
But this person seemed to be afraid of doing field research. I can sense their fear from the wording they use.
(Jackson slightly lowers his eyes, an unreadable expression on his face.)
We know clearly that theories are verified through practice. A person like them wouldn't be suitable for archaeological work.
Maybe you can have this person contact me and we could conduct academic research together.
......
(Cang Ji takes out the notebook Jackson mentioned from his documents.)
Hahaha... actually this notebook is mine. I was having a hard time finding it just now.
...?
(Cang Ji returns an embarrassed smile to Jackson's shocked expression.)
What? I-It belongs to you?
(Cang Ji flips open the notebook and touches the dried handwriting gently with his fingers.)
I used to be afraid of anything unknown, anything outside of my control.
So I could only write about my speculations and theories. I simply didn't have the courage to verify them myself.
The more I learned from books, the more theories I had, and the more I yearned for the unknown world.
In the end, I mustered up the courage and took my first steps.
(Jackson's mouth hangs slightly open, completely drawn in by Cang Ji's story.)
Well, how should I say this? That unknown world is far more interesting than I thought.
...Sorry, I was being too pretentious earlier...
I only saw myself mirrored in the notebook.
I also lack the courage to face the dangers that come with field research.
I understand... but didn't you just say you want to become an archaeologist like me?
(Jackson scratches his head in embarrassment.)
Then I suppose you now know clearly what your first steps should be.
My archaeological study next Wednesday needs the company of an expert in ancient Debian history.
Will you be so kind as to join me, Jackson?
(Jackson stands in a daze for a second. Then his eyes brighten, and he slowly nods in firm resolution.)
Yes, I will!