The Illicitor's Code #1

016: The Tragedy in the Venator Test

When they returned to the balcony and sat back in their seats, Dim-Dim was surprised to see that Icaros Alexandrovich and his wife had moved to the front, taking the seats those previously occupied by Amma and her mother. They seemed to be engaged in a serious discussion, but quickly halted as Dim-Dim and Edel sat down beside them.

Dim-Dim and Edel tried to keep straight faces to avoid being accused of eavesdropping, then awkwardly unwrapped the enticing brownie packages, barely paying attention to the Venator test unfolding before them.

They were earnestly listening to the host's elaborate commentary on the rolling Venator stunts being tested below when the monsterbot arrived next to the man and jabbed him with its rubber needle mouth. The host exclaimed, "Unfortunately, you've failed, Mr. Taka. Please try again next month. The juries awarded you four points for accuracy, five points for tactics, and deducted three points for agility."

Enthusiastic applause erupted as the failed part