Demo, Ten, and Orja make their way into a bustling market street. The people are covered in rags and dirt. Food and clothing stalls line both sides of the road.
Demo accepts the sight as it is, but Ten feels this is rather primitive for what he knows to be possible using Higher Reasoning. The thought prompts him to ask a question.
"Why don't they just make new stuff instead of buying it?"
Orja looks at him, confused.
"What do you mean?"
Ten stares back, slightly baffled that Orja doesn't understand immediately.
"Why don't you use Higher Reasoning to just transform things into what you need? You have all these resources you can turn into whatever you want."
Orja stops walking and looks at Ten seriously. From the corner of his eye, he notices several people turning their heads toward them. Slowly, he steps closer to Ten and whispers in his ear,
"Don't ever speak those words in public again."
Ten now sees the angry stares fixed on him. Demo notices too and smiles back at them. Ten nods, realizing he's said something wrong.
Orja turns back around, forcing a cheerful tone.
"Have you guys ever tried Ufumu food before?"
Ten answers nervously, feeling the eyes still locked on him.
"No, I haven't. Demo?"
Demo shakes his head as he walks, listening to the noise of the crowd. Everyone seems busy and focused.
They soon arrive at a restaurant called Ufulu. Orja stands proudly in front of it, as if he owns the place, and welcomes them inside. The restaurant is completely empty.
"Please, have a seat. I'll bring you the menus."
Demo sits facing the window, while Ten sits opposite him. Demo nods toward the window, motioning for Ten to look. Several men and women are walking past the shop, glancing in with expressions of distrust and anger. Ten quickly turns back.
"What do they have against Higher Reasoning?"
Suddenly, a burst of energy ripples through the floor, walls, and ceiling. Moments later, strange-looking gadgets fall to the ground. One of them lands on Demo and Ten's table. Demo picks it up and examines it.
"What is this?"
Orja reappears from the back, placing two menus in front of them. His voice is low.
"I can assume you two weren't instructed on the rules of this place. What you said in the market made all the King's spies target us. I disabled the listening devices they installed, so we don't have long. Who are you two?"
Demo looks up calmly.
"You know MyTy? We came here with him, but he left before we landed, saying he had some business to take care of."
Orja's eyes widen in surprise, and tears nearly fall from his eyes.
"He came back…"
Ten takes the chance to ask,
"What did I say that was so wrong?"
Orja lifts his head, aware they're short on time.
"In Ufumu, only royalty is taught Higher Reasoning. Just saying that word can get you thrown in jail. Suggesting that regular people should use it is the same as treason."
Ten is shocked.
"WHAT? That's insane."
Orja nods.
"That's why we rebelled. But keep your voice down. Demo, do you know where MyTy is now?"
Demo shakes his head and shrugs.
Right then, a knock sounds at the restaurant door. Three men in official suits walk in.
"Excuse me, we're here for your regular check."
Orja forces a wide smile and adjusts his posture to appear friendly.
"Oh, yes, of course. We'll wait outside while you do your business."
The three men smile back and nod.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
Orja turns to Demo and Ten, gesturing for them to follow.
"Gentlemen, please, if you will."
Demo and Ten exchange a look of confusion but comply, stepping outside with Orja.
They stand silently in front of the restaurant. Demo starts tossing his pebble again. Ten looks around, the people are busy, but their faces are heavy with worry. He sees no smiles. He can't hear any laughter. He thinks to himself that something is clearly off about this place.
Orja has his head down as he thinks about where MyTy could have gone and what his next step should be.
End of Chapter 85