Main Story 2 | Chapter 18 | Nova’s Testing Grounds

[healingbonds]

MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes

Chapter 17 << | index | >> Chapter 19


Chapter 18: Nova’s Testing Grounds
18.1 A Lonely Pit
18.2 What the Inquiring Mind Discovered
18.3 The Demon of the Underground Waterway
18.4 And One More
18.5 Just the Way You Are
18.6 The Last Trick Up His Sleeve
18.7 Before It Reaches Him
18.8 A Question Under the Moonlight
18.9 My Parting Words to You
18.10 Endless Solitude

18.1 A Lonely Pit

(Splash)

Nero: Heath, are you okay....!?

Heathcliff: Yes! What about her!?

Nero: She passed out. What was she doing in a place like this....?

Heathcliff: .....Nero, did you notice? All around our feet, there are many, many...

Nero: Yeah. Mana stones.
A ton of wizards turned to stone here.

Nova: Precisely.

Heathcliff & Nero: .........!

Nova: These are testing grounds.
For these beings.



(Woosh)

Nero: What the hell is this....!?

Heathcliff: .......! That’s....!?

(Automata attacking)

Nero: Heath, watch out....!

(Gushing sounds)

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: .....I’m seeing fewer and fewer people around.

Isaac: ........Is that so?

Rutile: I don’t think this is the kind of place Dr. Figaro would take Mitile....

Isaac: ..........

Rutile: But Dr. Figaro did make Mitile mad, so maybe he took a winding path so they could talk for longer.

Isaac: Yes. That’s what it looked like.

Rutile: Mister Issac, do you mind if I ask you a strange question?

Isaac: ....Go ahead.

Rutile: Have you ever eaten a mana stone?

Isaac: ........

Rutile: I-I’m sorry. So it was a strange question. I didn’t think you’d look so surprised.....

Isaac: So you realized.

Rutile: Hm?

Isaac: You realized, but you still followed me obligingly?

Rutile: Um.... I apologize. I don’t think I do realize. Because I’m not sure what you mean.
Before you elaborate, would you mind if I talk about myself for a bit?

Isaac: .....Go ahead.

Rutile: My brother and I got into a disagreement over whether or not we should eat mana stones. So I wanted to hear your opinion, Mister Isaac.

Isaac: ....Why.

Rutile: Because you’re a wizard....

Isaac: .....I have eaten mana stones before.

Rutile: I see.... Would you mind my asking a few more questions? Of course, feel free to say no if you’re uncomfortable.

Isaac: All right.

Rutile: How... How does it feel?

Isaac: ........

Rutile: I.... I can’t really explain it, but it seems horrible — like I would be doing something terrible....
But I feel like Mister Mithra sees it the other way around. ....Which would make me the cold and cruel one....
....Ah, this must be a sensitive topic.... This is a sensitive topic, right? I apologize if I’m making you upset.

Isaac: No........
I don’t dislike it. I don’t dislike when people ask me things.

Rutile: That’s good... I’m relieved.

Isaac: ..........Haha.....
Ask me anything. I’ll answer.

Rutile: Then let me ask again: how did it feel?

Issac: Let’s see..... It feels good. Having it.... Makes me feel relieved.

Rutile: Relieved.... So it’s less like, "Yay, I’m happy," and more like, "Ah, what a relief"?

Issac: Sometimes I feel proud. But I would say.... I feel relieved.

Rutile: Why?

Isaac: Because I feel like I’ve become the thing I wanted to be....?

Rutile: I see.....?

Isaac: But..... After that relief passes, I start feeling irritated again.
Because it’s not enough.....

Rutile: ....Not enough....? Not enough of what....

Issac: ....I don’t know. Maybe I haven’t stolen enough....?

Rutile: .....Stolen?

Isaac: Yes.

Rutile: Why do you steal?

Isaac: ........Because I have nothing.

Rutile: .........

Issac: I have nothing.
So if I want to feel good, I have to steal good things from others.
But I am empty.... So when good things come to me, they just disappear.
Good things disappear in the blink of an eye. So I get irritated, and I want more.
I am a pit.
I am a lonely pit — things fall into it and disappear. That’s why.....
I’ll fill it with you tonight.

Rutile: ........You’ll fill it with me?

Issac: That’s right.

Rutile: Are you saying you want to hang out?

Issac: .......

Rutile: Like, let’s play to kill some time? What a strange way to put it. It’s so lonely, and yet....
It drew me in.

Issac: .......

Rutile: Thank you. For teaching me the words of loneliness that describe your solitude — words that belong only to you.....
A lonely pit, where all the things you steal and gain will disappear.....
I don’t think I can forget that.

Isaac: I.....
I cannot teach you anything. Because I am a fool..... And you are a teacher.

Rutile: That’s not true! I might be a schoolteacher, but I see the whole world as my teacher.
People who have experienced things that I have not; people who sense and feel things that I cannot; animals, nature, everything and everyone....
They all teach me many, many things — and you are one of my teachers, Mister Isaac.
So tell me your story.

Isaac: ........

Lennox: Rutile!

Rutile: Ah.... It’s Mister Leno! Mister Leno!

Lennox: I’m glad I found you. Mitile and Dr. Figaro are back at the magic headquarters.

Rutile: I see. I’m glad they made it back.

Lennox: And we need to hurry home. Let’s go.

Rutile: So are we going to Eastern Country?

Lennox: Yes. And who is he.....?

Rutile: Mister Isaac. He’s an acquaintance of Dr. Figaro and Mister Mithra.

Lennox: Dr. Figaro and Mithra.... I’m Lennox. Nice to meet you.

Isaac: I’m Isaac.

Rutile: Mister Isaac. Thank you for searching with me.

Isaac: Did something happen?

Rutile: Yes, we’re in a bit of a pinch. We need to head back to the magic headquarters and get ready to depart right away.....

Isaac: Want me to lend you a hand?

Rutile & Lennox: .............

Isaac: I...... Have more magical power than you two. I can be of help to Sir Figaro.

Lennox: But........

Rutile: Is that really all right?

Isaac: Of course.

Rutile: Mister Leno......

Lennox: .........
(This man..... Has the eyes of a killer.)
(But he did kneel to Sir Figaro. Perhaps he will follow Sir Figaro’s command.)
(If Sir Faust and the others have run into Nova, we need to pad our forces as much as possible.)
All right. Please come with us.

Isaac: Yes.

Rutile: Please take care of us, Mister Isaac!

✦✧☾✧✦

The golden moon glitters above our heads.
Sakitty, perched atop my shoulder, peers into the face of the man standing in front of us, its eyes full of curiosity.
I don’t think Sakitty is being cautious — rather, it’s trying to ignore him, but failing to contain its interest.
In this young man who looks exactly like Murr.
His expression is quite different from what we’re used to seeing on the Murr we know.
Cat-like eyes that seem to have witnessed every corner of the universe; an intelligent, gentlemanly smile....
He is the materialization of a shard of Murr’s soul, given human form under the influence of the < Great Catastrophe >.

Murr: Good evening, Sir Sage.

It was a huge surprise when I first met one of Murr’s soul shards. But I’ve come across several of them now.
Each shard is different, so it’s not like meeting the same person every time.
I realize this, and yet it feels like I’m meeting the same person and saying goodbye to him over and over again.
Maybe that’s why I feel so relieved tonight — because I feel like I’m seeing an old friend for the first time in a while....
Like I’ve caught up to a traveler who took off before I did.
Murr, who got too close to the < Great Catastrophe > which shattered his soul.
That might make him the person closest to the mysteries of this world.

Akira: ....I felt like I would meet you tonight.
Murr — you were the one writing in the research notebook, weren’t you?

He nods, and begins to stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens. I follow him slowly.
The leaves and flowers seem to welcome us as they sway to and fro in the night breeze.

Murr: You are correct. I recorded critical observations that the researchers were missing.
Discoveries and realizations are strange things indeed.
The moment you notice any one particular truth, it utterly transforms your perception of the world.
You may still exist in the same world, but by changing your perspective on it, you’ve now crossed a bridge into another world.
As you did, Sir Sage.

Murr spins around to look at me, and smoothly offers me his hand.
I look down, and spot a tree root stretching across the ground; it’s broken through the brick to create an obstruction the height of a single step.

Murr: May I? Do watch your step.

I take Murr’s hand. For an instant, I fear he’s going to disappear into thin air, leaving me with just his glove, but....
He supports me, keeping his kind, gentlemanly smile the whole way.

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18.2 What the Inquiring Mind Discovered

(Owl hooting)

Nocturnal birds hoot from a corner of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
We step over the giant root. The white, pink, and purple flowers dancing in the darkness smell striking and mysterious.
I also catch a whiff of cold iron and stone — it feels like we’re strolling through a perfume of the blue cosmos, containing countless galaxies of stars.

Akira: Um.....

Murr: What is it?

Akira: ....Where is everyone?

Murr: Right beside you. Once they decipher the critical shift that has taken place, they’ll catch up in no time.

Akira: Critical shift?

Murr: I conjured a bit of a distraction, you see. They’ve been hypnotized by my magic; they’re currently traveling with an illusion of you.
Once they notice how the world around them has changed, they should realize that the Royal Botanical Garden they’re investigating is an illusion.

Once we make it past the bumpy path riddled with roots, Murr tenderly releases my hand.

Akira: And where.... Is the soul shard that you originated from?
It should be a beautiful purple shard — I’ve seen several of them before.

Murr flashes me a mischievous grin and points to the tall tree behind me.

Murr: It lies in the cavity of that great round tree. I used to reside elsewhere, but a chipmunk carried me there.
Now that was the first time I’d traveled in a chipmunk’s cheek pouch; I plan to write and publish a book about the experience.

Murr’s quip makes me giggle. When Murr sees me smiling, he narrows his glass-like eyes and smiles in return.
That’s when — perhaps I’m being presumptuous here — but I become certain of Murr’s affection.
His smile is usually more smug. But here, for just an instant....
I catch sight of pure joy in his carefree expression: he is happy he made me smile.
Or, at least I think he is.

Murr: Haha....

And with that, his usual smug expression returns. Maybe I really was just imagining things.
Well, this is embarrassing. I feel a little awkward; it’s strange.
It’s the same way I felt when I couldn’t hug Sakitty, even though it looks like my favorite animal.

Akira: Wh... Why did you cast a spell on everyone?

Murr: Because I wanted us to be alone together.

Akira: Do you want to tell me a secret that you’d like to keep from the others....?

Murr: Of course — I have plenty of those. But that isn’t really related to why I want to keep you to myself.
This botanical garden is one of my favorite places in the world. Isn’t it lovely? Approximately five thousand species of plant have been cultivated here for observation.
Do you like plants, Sir Sage?

Akira: ....Hmm.... I’m not knowledgeable about them in any way, but greenery makes my heart feel at ease.

Murr: Glad to hear it. You see, I wanted to show off these plants to you.
Plants embody the world itself, just as stones and minerals do. Welcome to my precious world, Sir Sage.

As Murr bows, the trees behind him murmur. The flowers and grasses, carried by the wind and nourished by the same rain that built the history of these lands....
It makes me think they’re similar to wizards, who are loved by the spirits of their respective lands.
What are wizards?
What is the < Great Catastrophe >?

Akira: Murr... There are many, many things I’d like to ask you, but.....

Murr: Go on. Fire away.

Suddenly I realize that this is a once in a lifetime chance, and frantically try to recall all the important questions I wanted to ask him.
But then, Murr shrugs.

Murr: That’s what I’d like to say, but when my soul shattered, my knowledge also seemed to splinter into fragments.
So what I know currently is not necessarily what the former Murr knew.
I don’t even know where Murr’s laboratories lie, you see.

Akira: Murr’s laboratories?

Murr: Indeed. I’m talking about the numerous labs that Murr hid in various locations across the world.
Did you know this, Sir Sage? Murr once infuriated a Northern wizard, who in turn destroyed his precious laboratory.

Akira: He destroyed his laboratory....!? ....That’s terrible.......

I do feel bad for him, but I don’t find myself wondering why it happened.
Murr’s personality and word choice are rather... acute. Even if he harbors no malice. Even if those words stem from affection.
Even to his dear, longtime friend Shylock, Murr likes to offer biting sarcasm and piercing questions.
So I assume pissing people off was just part of his daily life. But I still feel bad for him.
Because he loves his research.

Murr: Thank you for your kindness, Sir Sage. But Murr was the cause of his own woes: he simply reaped what he had sowed.
The incident taught Murr to practice precaution, though — he did lose many, many years of his precious work, after all.
Since then, Murr made sure to build his laboratories in concealed locations, known to no one, and further sealed them with multiple protective spells.
In addition, he split his research by time period or subject matter, and scattered these fragments across different labs.
That way, he wouldn’t lose all his data at once.

Akira: He scattered his research so he wouldn’t lose everything at once....

Murr: Indeed.

Akira: Kind of like you.

Murr blinks in surprise. His gaze asks, "What do you mean?"
My heart throbs from the thrill of having caught the genius of the ages off-guard, and the anxiety of his anticipation of my response.

Akira: Uh... Um, I mean.... Your soul also shattered and scattered into many pieces.
I feel like all the shards I meet are ever-so-slightly different from one another. So it reminded me of you.

Murr brings a finger to his lips and turns his eyes downward, seemingly lost in thought.

Murr: I see... That’s an interesting thought.

Akira: (He praised me. That makes me kind of happy.)

It feels kind of good. Murr seems to be lost in his mind: he’s frozen in place.
The night breeze rushes by us, and the trees bristle. I consider waiting for him to go on, but instead, I speak up timidly.

Akira: Um.....

Murr: Pardon me. We were in the middle of a conversation.

Akira: No, I apologize for interrupting your thoughts. May I ask a question?

Murr: Go on, Sir Sage.

Akira: What exactly do Murr’s laboratories contain?
If we discover Murr’s laboratories, will we be able to figure out why the < Great Catastrophe > grew as powerful as it did, and how we can fix everyone’s bizarre injuries?

Murr: You’re speaking of the strange occurrences such as my shards gaining physical form?

Akira: That’s correct. Everyone is going through a lot of pain, so I’m looking for a cure....

Murr: And Murr’s laboratories may contain the secrets of the < Great Catastrophe >.
I think it’s highly likely that they do, but I must warn you of at least three possible dangers.

Akira: Three possible dangers?

Murr: First. I cannot imagine Murr would establish a laboratory anywhere that would be easy to access. So you would likely run into hazards on your journey there.
Second. Each laboratory is likely protected by spells that will either attack trespassers or induce its own self-destruction.
Id est, if someone forced themself into the lab, either the individual who opened the lab, or the object of interest within the lab would be destroyed.
Third. The most concerning issue of them all: the things that lie in Murr’s labs are not all harmless.

Akira: What do you mean?

Murr: Murr turned his inquisitive fascination towards many, many targets.
He would be researching one subject and make a discovery in a completely different area. And, in the process of one discovery compiling on top of another....
At times, he produced incredibly dangerous things.

I feel a chill shoot down my spine. The magical technology that Murr created transformed this world.
And he might have produced other stuff like that?

Murr: To top it off, he would create something, get bored of it, abandon it, and then forget about it.

I’m about to hold my head. So even if we can find one of Murr’s laboratories, we have no idea what could come flying out of it?
It’s basically Pandora’s box.

Akira: Of the dangerous creations that Murr abandoned.... Can you think of anything specific to watch out for?

Murr: I can.

Akira: So you can....

Murr: There was a project that had to be shut down midway because it presented such deeply disturbing ethical complications — threatening the power balance of this world.
Murr couldn’t even tell Shylock about it. For the subject matter would have incurred Shylock’s absolute scorn.

This lead-in is already making the blood drain from my face. I’m terrified of what he’ll say next.

Akira: .....And what was that.....?

In the garden soaked by the light of the moon, Murr responds without a smile.

Murr: Man-made wizards.
Wizards created by Murr Hart himself.

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18.3 The Demon of the Underground Waterway

Shino: ....What the hell is this thing!?

An eerie something that I have never before witnessed in my life.
Neither human nor wizard nor spirit — an existence that does not belong in this world.

Faust: (Is this a wizard!? Or a magical tool!? I’ve never encountered a presence like this one!)

A demonic thing that looms in the darkness.
Its crooked, skeletal structure trembles and chatters as (what appears to be) its ribcage expands.
I recall Nero’s words. He’s currently passed out on my broom, but in his last conscious breath, he said:
—The light attacks when its ribcage opens.
A split second later, the center of the thing... its ribcage begins to glow with an eerie blue light.

(Crash)

Faust: Run, Shino.....!

A flashing light, colder and more brilliant than the light born from my magic tool.....
Spills out of the thing’s body.
At the center of its twisted ribcage, where a heart might belong, a ball of light begins to pulsate, growing bigger and bigger by the second....
And in the next instant, the demon unleashes narrow rays of light like blue spears of lightning.

Faust: << Satillquinart Mullcreed >>

Shino: << Matztzāh Sudipas >>

We chant our spells in unison, dodging the pale-blue beams of light while trying to protect the individuals passed out on our brooms.
But the light is fast, and its strength endures for longer than I anticipated.
It claws through the walls of the waterway with ease, as if cutting through paper, and chases after Shino and the girl he’s protecting.

Faust: Shino......!

Shino: ........!

Just as the light slices Shino’s fluttering cape—
A roar thunders across the waterway.

Faust: .........!

(Crash)

The beam that was about to cut Shino in half changes course and shoots upward into the ceiling before disappearing.
I hold my breath and spin around.

(Roar)

Something is bounding towards the demon lurking in the darkness.
A slender, dark beast.
Its vibrant, piercing blue eyes shine through the darkness as it sinks its teeth into the demon’s back.

Shino: Heath........!

That is what Shino calls the beast.
The demon raises its giant claws and swings them down before I can utter a word.
The black beast slams against the floor of the waterway. But he immediately picks himself up, and splashes through the corridor to attack the demon again.
He is fearless.

Shino: Heath......!

Faust: Shino! Secure Heath with your magic and head onwards!

Shino: What about you!?

Faust: I’ll buy us as much time as possible, and block off the path to keep this thing from chasing you. Can you take care of Nero too!?

Shino: Got it. ......Heath!?

The black beast slams into the ground once more, but he continues to attack the demon.
I don’t know why I’m smiling.

Faust: Your master is very brave.

Shino: .........

Shino’s breath trembles for a moment, and he bites his lip. He nods quietly, looking down to conceal his face.
When he looks back up again, his scythe is ready for battle; his gaze belongs to the Shino we all know.

Shino: Heath, I’m taking you with me.
<< Matztzāh Sudipas >>

Shino’s spell lifts the black beast into the air, as if he’s been picked up by an invisible hand.
But the beast puts up a fight: he breaks through Shino’s spell and lands on the floor.
Then, he launches back into attacking the demon.

Shino: It’s nothing new, but you are so stubborn.....!

Shino desperately tries to capture Heath with his magic.
The proud black beast seems to be caught in an enraged fit — he won’t be satisfied until he defeats the demon himself.
I raise my mirror and place myself in between the demon and the dark beast.

Faust: Sorry. But this one’s mine.

The demon begins to generate another ball of blue light at its core.

Faust: Hurry, Shino!
<< Satillquinart Mullcreed >>!

Shino: I’m begging you, Heath......!
......Heath.....!

Maybe Shino’s voice has reached him: the black beast stops resisting.
Though he hasn’t been confined by a spell, he changes course to depart with Shino.

Shino: Let’s go!

I listen to their footsteps grow fainter and fainter as I raise my mirror in front of my body.
I will die if I take that light head-on.
I realize this as I size up the demon reflected in my mirror.

Faust: (I can’t defeat this thing while protecting Shino and the others.)
(I need to temporarily stop it in its tracks, find the distortion in space, and get us out of here.)
(In order to find the distortion, I need to focus. I need to buy some time....)

I close my eyes and chant my spell.

Faust: << Satillquinart Mullcreed >>

(Flash)

✦✧☾✧✦

???: Help! Someone help.......!

Bradley: It’s coming from this building. Let’s head in.

Mithra: I’ll go.

(Door creaks open)

Bradley: ......Is this it? The place where the screams were coming from.......

Snow in the painting: That appears to be the case. Somehow, there is an ominous aura about the interior......

White in the painting: It is quite the mess inside here...... It looks like a grand mansion, but.......

Bradley: You think.......? Doesn’t it look more like a theater?

White in the painting: A theater...... Ah, look over there.

Snow in the painting: What is it? ......"Theater —"......There’s our sign.

Mithra: What is that? Ah...... There’s a human head on the ground.

Snow & White in the painting: Huh!?

Mithra: ......I was wrong. It looks like it’s just a doll’s head.

Snow & White in the painting: You scared us......

Bradley: This the guy’s torso? It’s holding a sign that says "Welcome."

Mithra: Hard to feel welcome when we’re being greeted by a severed head.

Snow in the painting: There’s something scary about this......

White in the painting: There’s something creepy about this......

Bradley: Don’t worry. Nothing much out there is scarier or creepier than you two.

Snow in the painting: That’s not true!

White in the painting: We’re so cute!

(Crumble)

Bradley: .............!

Snow & White in the painting: Kya—!

Mithra: It’s coming from that direction. Let’s check it out.

Bradley: Yeah.
Hmm......? At the back of the first floor stalls...... Looks like someone’s being chased.

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18.4 And One More

Sylves: ......Haaah, hh......!
I don’t get what’s happening!? I only came to this crumbling theater in search of Dorothea’s whereabouts, but.......

(Automata appears)

Sylves: Eeek.......!
Wh...... What the hell are you guys?
Are you wizards......? If you are, then I’m also–.......
.......No, that’s not it.......

(Flash)

Sylves: Aaaaaahh.............!

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>

Snow in the painting: Mithra! Bring that thing down!

Mithra: I don’t need you telling me what to do.

White in the painting: Bradley, she’s yours to handle!

Bradley: Tsk.......!

Sylves: ......Guh...... Ugh......

Bradley: Hey, you all right!?

Sylves: ......Yes...... Wh.....Who are you......?

Bradley: I’m Bradley Bain. You?

Sylves: My name is Sylves......

Bradley: Sylves. Looks like you walked into trouble tonight.

Sylves: I only got away with my life because of your bullets..... If you hadn’t shot that thing, I would have turned into stone by now.
......Uu....... Thank you, Bradley.......

Bradley: Don’t thank me just yet. You might’ve dodged a fatal blow, but those are still pretty serious injuries.
I’ll take you to get those wounds treated once we take care of that thing. What is it? Some wizard’s magic tool?

Sylves: ......I-I don’t really know..... Automata..... It was like a puppet.

Bradley: ......A puppet.........

Sylves: ......Guh, hh......
Agh...... The rest of you should escape too.....That thing is terrifying.......

Bradley: Haha. Don’t worry about us. Once Mithra of the North chooses his prey, there’s no puppet sturdy enough to–.......

(Flash)

Mithra: .......Agh........!

Snow in the painting: Mithra!

White in the painting: Mithra.......!

Bradley: .............

Mithra: ......Guh.......

Bradley: No way.......

✦✧☾✧✦

With some agitation, I readjust my grip on my rifle.
I stare ahead — at the Northern wizard Mithra, who wears a shocked expression as he brings a hand to his shoulder.
Crimson blood drips between his long fingertips.
The entity that wounded Mithra is neither human nor wizard, but something else entirely — a hulking puppet-like thing hanging suspended in the air.
The puppet has a head twice Mithra’s size, and its colossal, talon-tipped hands could probably snap up his body easily.
But we’ve never cared about anything as trivial as size. There are magical beings that dwarf mountains out there.
Mithra has easily slaughtered countless giants like those. And yet, this thing managed to wound Mithra: that fact alone is enough to send shivers down my spine.
Seems like I’m not alone in the feeling. From inside their frame, the twins look on, wide-eyed and breathless.

Mithra: .............

Mithra himself simply blinks wordlessly at the blood staining his palms from pressing against his gash on his shoulder.
Then, he dismisses it with a brush of his shoulder.

Mithra: Ah...... Looks like there’s a stain.

All traces of blood vanish instantaneously. As if he’s unwilling to admit that he got hurt.
Normally, I’d be more tactful about the whole Northern pride thing, but I’m so shocked I forget to go easy on him.

Bradley: No way, you totally took that hit just now. You weren’t fighting seriously, right? It just got lucky and caught you off guard?

Mithra: Obviously.

Mithra looks pissed. He conjures his magic skull, levitating it above his palm.

Mithra: Stay out of this fight.
I’ll end this before you can count to five.

The twins and I nod gravely. We fix our gazes on Mithra’s back as he faces off against the monstrously huge puppet.

Mithra: << Arthim >>

As he chants his spell, Mithra gallantly extends one arm.
The skull sails through the air, as if responding to his gesture. It hovers in mid-air right above Mithra, its entire jaw unhinged and bared wide.
Bluish white sparks gather in the skull’s oral cavity before erupting into cold flames.
The monstrous puppet’s ribcage also unfurls, amassing blazing blue light.
Mithra makes the first move.

(Flames) (Sparks)

The skull spits out raging blue flames: a blazing inferno and a fearsome blizzard at once.
An attack like that at close range shouldn’t even leave ashes behind.
But the puppet simply hops out of range of the flames, its movements keen and swift.
It nimbly vaults over Mithra’s head, the expanding ball of blue light still nestled within its ribcage.
As blue light continues to expand within its ribcage, it lightly steps on Mithra’s head.
It takes up position behind Mithra. My fingers close reflexively around my rifle’s trigger.

Mithra: I told you to stay out of this.

(Thud)

Does he have extra eyes laying around somewhere? Mithra growls, kicking his long legs into the puppet the second he whips around.
Frost spreads from the point of impact, snaking through the damn puppet.
Staggering, the puppet’s upper body arches backwards. Sharp flashes of bluish-white light spill out from its ribcage, piercing through the theater ceiling.

(Crash)

The vast ceiling splinters, raining tiles down on us. Covered in dust, the twins wail.

Snow & White in the painting: Huff! Huff!

Mithra plunges his hand into the puppet’s hood, but his expression is puzzled.

Mithra: What? There’s nothing inside?
............!

The second the words leave his mouth, huge claws close in a vicious grip around Mithra’s face.
His cool, impassive green eyes distort in pain as he flinches visibly.
It’s been a while since I saw that expression on Mithra.
This time, I take aim, ready to shoot.

Mithra: ......Bradley!

Bradley: Sorry, brother. It’s past the count of five. You’re gonna have to let me cover you!

At that moment, I sense a treacherous presence behind me.
I immediately throw myself to the ground, tucking and rolling.
Streaks of blue-white light cleave through the spot I’d been standing in just seconds ago.
I sprawl flat on the ground, cocking my rifle as my eyes widen at the sight before me.
Another one of those monstrously huge puppets.
I can’t help but laugh. My fighting spirit blazes, stoking the flames of my elation with it.
I push myself to my feet, eyes fixed on the puppet.

Bradley: Now we’re talking.......

Behind me, I sense Mithra; it seems like he broke free from those talons.
We stand back to back, facing off against our respective opponents.

Mithra: I couldn’t kill it before the count of five......
But I’ll take mine down first.

Bradley: Yeah? Let’s bet on it.

It’s been a while since I’ve faced prey worthy enough to make me work for it. I feel adrenaline and tense apprehension coursing through my whole body.
I don’t know what might happen: the unknown threat sets my blood on fire.
In unison, we kick off the ground and launch ourselves into the fight.

✦✧☾✧✦

(Door opens)

Mitile: They’re back!

Figaro: ......I’m sensing another presence. Could this be......

Rutile: We’re back! I’m sorry, Mitile. Looks like we missed each other.

Mitile: Nii-sama! Welcome back. I.... Um.....

Rutile: It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. We can talk about it later, when we have more time. Is everyone ready to go?

Mitile: Yes! But let me double-check just in case.

Rutile: Sounds good. Let’s head to our rooms!

Figaro: .....Looks like they made up with each other. Leno.

Lennox: Yes.

Figaro: You brought a guest.

Lennox: He said he knew you. And that he would lend us a hand.

Isaac: Sir Figaro......

Figaro: ..........

Isaac: Dr. Figaro. Figaro.

Figaro: Welcome, Isaac. Please, take a seat.

Isaac: Here?

Figaro: Yes, that’s perfect. We’ll prepare some tea. Lend me a hand, Leno.

Lennox: .....All right.

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18.5 Just the Way You Are

Figaro: Why did you bring Isaac to the magic headquarters? You can tell how strong he is, right?

Lennox: It wasn’t an easy decision. But he said he knew you.

Figaro: If he knows me, then he’s obviously not safe to be around. That’s some sense of caution you’ve got there. Are you really a former soldier?

Lennox: .............

Figaro: The notice we received from the East is dulling your decision-making capability. Clear your mind. Isaac is a dangerous wizard.

Lennox: Then why do you treat him like a friend?

Figaro: Because he’s dangerous. I do the same with Oz.

Lennox: You think Sir Oz and Isaac are the same? Do you really think that?

Figaro: Leno.

Lennox: They are not. And that’s what gets you confused. You confuse yourself with your own words.....

Figaro: What are you talking about? In any event, we need to figure out how to get rid of Isaac.....

Lennox: He said he wanted to help you. He intends to follow your orders.
Let him do so. If you had no intention of letting him follow you, then you should never have offered him your compassion!

Figaro: Le.....

Lennox: You are always like this! You acted like you were his master of magic, only to abandon him.
You come to these decisions on your own, one-sidedly cutting your ties. That’s how you hurt yourself and others.......

Figaro: I want to save Isaac! I felt the same way about Faust, too!
But......

Isaac: Sir Figaro.

Figaro & Lennox: .............

Isaac: Are you getting mad because of me?

Figaro: No, this is......

Lennox: You may have been what sparked it, but this is more like the culmination of our many disagreements over the years.....

Figaro: Lennox.

Lennox: Yes. I will shut up.

Isaac: I apologize for showing up out of the blue.

Figaro: It’s fine.... I’m sorry as well.

Isaac: I will be of use. It makes me happy to be useful to you.

Figaro: Thank you...... ......But why?
Why would you do that for someone like me?

Isaac: Because you praise me.
Because you were the only person who smiled and told me that what I wanted to do was good.
I want to be with you all the time, but I can also more or less tell that you find me repugnant.
And at times, I found you annoying as well; it made me frustrated and bitter, but.....
But in truth, all I wanted was to be of use to you, and make you happy.

Figaro: ......I see......
Thank you, Isaac. I don’t think you’re repugnant. I know it sounds like a lie, but I mean it.
I just can’t figure out what I can do for you.... And that makes me despair in myself, and I become a horrible creature.
Lennox, I need to apologize to you too. I was too harsh.

Lennox: I apologize as well.

Figaro: .........
I was going to wait for daybreak before heading over to Eastern Country, but......
If that means we’ll just be waiting around in anxiety, I guess it’s better for us to head over now and get yelled at later.

Lennox: I agree.

Isaac: What should I do?

Figaro: .........
Come with us.

Isaac: All right.

✦✧☾✧✦

I’m not fully convinced of my decision.
It’s common for any one of us to spend the night in another country when we’re traveling on a mission.
He might be frustrated if I rush to his side just because we received notice from his familiar.
He might be apologetic; he might feel like a disappointment. He might be furious because I’ve embarrassed him by treating him like an incompetent individual.
But Isaac’s words resound in the back of my heart.
"Because you praise me." What a simple line; how pure. How earnest.
Perhaps all I needed to do was express the feelings in my heart just the way they are.
Lennox was worried about you. And Mitile gets along with the Eastern students, so.....
No. I need to tell him — I was worried about you.
"That’s a lie. I can’t believe you. What are you saying after all these years?" I anticipate the barbs that might come my way; it makes me feel like coming up with a list of excuses.
Maybe I should go in empty-handed and express my feelings, fully prepared to let him claw scars into my heart.
I don’t have much time left. That’s why I wanted to minimize the number of unhappy memories I made going forward.
Because I don’t want to feel any regret in my final moments.
But my reluctance to create unhappy memories....
Might be what kept me from reaching for happiness.
The palms of my hands are still warm.

Figaro: Okay, so.... Mitile and Rutile, are you sure you want to come along as well?

Rutile: Yes! I’m sure there’s something that we can do to help.

Lennox: It’s already midnight, though. Will you be okay?

Mitile: I’ll be fine!

Isaac: Me too.

Mitile: L-let’s get along, Mr. Isaac.

Isaac: Yes, let’s.

Figaro: All right. Let’s go.

✦✧☾✧✦

And so I head to Eastern Country with the Southern wizards and Isaac.
Mitile’s cheeks are stiff; he’s not used to excursions past midnight.
We’re mostly silent, save for Isaac and Rutile who exchange a few words every now and then.
It’s just as I thought: Isaac is fond of Rutile. Anxiety creeps into my chest.
Anxiety. What is anxiety? I feel anxious about Faust, about Isaac, and about Mitile.
If I could just believe in them — would this anxiety go away?
Just like this man, who, for four hundred years, believed he would once again meet the man he was searching for?

This morning, I told Mitile that intellect was strength.
But now I want to correct myself. For now I think strength lies in foolishness.
If I could blindly, foolishly believe in the brilliant future ahead of me, I would never have felt any anxiety.
When Faust became my disciple, my days of salvation began.
But the same moment they began, I recalled what Oz had done to me: the curse of insignificance.
If you get bored of me, you’ll cast me aside. A change of heart signifies the end of the line.
Because nobody loves me as much as I think they do.

Figaro: (But now I realize I should’ve been a fool: I should’ve allowed myself to enjoy that intoxication, instead of worrying about this and that.....)

Lennox: Dr. Figaro.

Lennox catches me off-guard with a whisper.

Figaro: Hm?

Lennox: Please don’t look so glum. You’re making the children worry.

Figaro: Ah, sorry. Did I look that gloomy?

Lennox: Yes. Is it my fault?

"Is it my fault?" I look up at Lennox, impressed by his gall. He must be such a happy guy.

Figaro: What goes on in your mind, usually?

Lennox: Uh....? You’re asking me this now.....?

Lennox looks confused. Upon closer observation, he’s actually clearly uneasy.
He must be stressed because he’s worried about Faust. That’s why he’s acting harsher than usual.

Lennox: More importantly, can we discuss our next steps for when we reach the City of Rain?
I recall they had very strict ordinances; I’m sure there were laws governing leaving the house past midnight.....

Figaro: I have those rules tucked away in my mind, so no worries. If they ask, we just have to show them proof of exemption.

Mitile: Dr. Figaro.......

Figaro: What is it, Mitile?

Mitile: If we run into a really powerful opponent, or the wizard Nova, I’ll use this flute that Mister Mithra gave us.
Mister Mithra is stronger than anyone else, right?

This is an example of trust. Mitile trusts Mithra. I hold Mitile’s shoulder and smile.

Figaro: That’s right.

I can see the palpable relief on Mitile’s face. Rutile, meanwhile, is lost in thought.
Isaac stares at me.

(Ding)

Rutile: Ah.... We’ve arrived in Eastern Country.

✦✧☾✧✦

We get on our brooms to fly into the City of Rain.
Light from the ground hardly reaches the night sky; the stars are our only guide.
I wonder if Faust and the others are all right.

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18.6 The Last Trick Up His Sleeve

Faust: << Satillquinart Mullcreed >>

The mirror emits an aura that makes the atmosphere quake, vibrations rippling across the water.
I conjure a dimly glowing magic circle with the mirror at its center.
The next moment, the magic circle emits a light brighter than the sun.
The ruthless, blinding light illuminates the demon of the underground waterway.
Its luminosity makes the demon’s dark shadow even more striking — a shadow that sticks to the surface of the water like a curse.
I shackle the shadow, pinning it in place.
This is an advanced spell that Figaro once taught me.
The demon is trapped by its own shadow.
Its massive body creaks in resistance.

Faust: (The spell won’t last for long.)
(Ideally, I should’ve illuminated it with my magic tool for longer. If I move my mirror, the spell will grow weaker.)
(But I can’t leave my mirror when I don’t know what might happen next.)

I pull my mirror from the center of the magic circle, taking it with me as I dart down the waterway.
As the magic circle slowly grows dimmer and dimmer, the shadow shackling the demon grows proportionately weaker.
The underground waterway is a labyrinth: turns and corners criss-cross to create a complex map.
I close my eyes as I run and scan for any sign of the exit, shutting out the sounds of my own breath and the splashing water surrounding me.
In order to unearth mysteries invisible to the eye, one must let go of their own senses — sight, sound, and even touch — and become akin to a wandering soul.
I find myself flying through the narrow waterway.

Faust: (This waterway is isolated. Which means there must be a distortion somewhere. I need to find it and get us out of here....)

Is the enemy behind me moving? Are Shino and the others all right?
I swat away the countless concerns that pop into my mind and focus on the space before me.
Then, I catch wind of the presence I’m grasping for.

Faust: .....Found it!

I open my eyes — and the senses that I had shut off come flooding back to me.
A strange sound echoes down the waterway. It’s not the sound of air or water.

Faust: (What is this sound?)
(Voices.... I’m hearing people’s voices.)

Several humans.... No, several wizards are trapped in this waterway.
I sense their presence near Shino’s. Are they friend or foe? Is everyone all right?
My heart pounds like a ringing bell. As I sense their presence grow closer, I begin to hear their conversation.

Curly-haired woman: .....Save us.....

Skinny youth: Please, can you at least save her......

Shino: I hear you. Where’s the exit!?

Short gentleman: There is no exit! There’s no escape! That thing has been chasing us for days....

Lean old man: It’s hunting...... It’s hunting us! That thing is neither human nor wizard!
It’s hunting us for mana stones!

Faust: Shino!

Shino: Faust!

After turning several corners, I run into Shino and his company again.
There’s more of them now: he’s with four additional wizards, who are all injured.

Faust: And who are they....?

Shino: ....Western wizards. They said they were kidnapped and taken here.

Shino responds, hugging the black beast's mouth with both his arms as the beast opens and shuts his jaw, ready to bite.
The black beast... Heath is restless. The fear and anxiety is making him aggressive.
Heath's body is also marred with countless wounds. I can see that Shino desperately tried to tend to them, but the medicinal herbs are falling off his body.
Nero's face is devoid of color. The girl that Shino carried on his broom looks like she’s slowly regaining consciousness.
Of the Western wizards, the woman with the red hair has the worst injuries. She's breathing heavily.

Curly-haired woman: ....Save me.... I'll do anything it takes.....
I don't want to die in a place like this....

Her voice is weak.

Faust: You’ll be all right. I’m going to touch your wounds.

There’s a deep wound on her shoulder — it must've been gouged by a talon. She's also bleeding from her thigh.
Her injuries are awful, but considering the circumstances, someone has applied near-perfect first aid.

Shino: This old man took care of her wounds. He can't use healing magic, but apparently he knows a lot about medicine.

Lean old man: She came here three days ago. I've been here for ten. But no matter how good my first aid is, I can't save anyone's life....
This is the labyrinth from hell.... There is no exit.

Faust: There is an exit.

Lean old man: What!?

Shino: You found it!?

Faust: It lies north of here. I might be tucked away with magic, but I found the distortion in space.
We need to use it to get out of here. Before that thing....

(Woosh)

Faust: .....!

Short gentleman: Here it comes....!

Curly-haired woman: ....No.....

Skinny youth: Shh... Quiet. If it finds us, we're dead.....!

The wizards' faces stiffen in fear as they huddle together in the darkness.
Nero and the woman have no time left. I wipe the sweat from my brow, and exhale slowly.

Faust: Shino.

Shino: ...........

Faust: Go ahead of me, and take them with you. I'll stop that thing and buy you time.

Shino: ......I don't want to.

Faust: Follow my orders. Take this token with you. It'll guide you to the distortion in space.
Once you find the distortion.....

Shino: No! You’re planning on dying!

Faust: I will not die. My name is Faust Lavinia.
Just as you said — I'm a great commander when it comes to tactical withdrawal.

Shino: ....Faust.....

Shino’s eyes — akin to a nostalgic sunset — waver.

Lean old man: ....Good lord.... Are you perhaps a great general...?

Faust: Once upon a time. .....No, that’s a lie. I never made it that far.

I take the talisman from around my neck and place it around Shino's.
Then, I put my arm around his shoulder and smile at him.

Faust: But this boy is different. He will be a general one day.

Skinny old man: My god....!

Curly-haired woman: .....Thank goodness....

Shino's eyes are brimming with tears as he gazes up at me.
He tries to stifle his sobs, his breath trembling as he inhales before slowly shaking his head.

Shino: .......I can't do this.......

Faust: You're the only one who can. Remember....
You're a man who can become a hero. I told you that before, right?

Shino: ...........

Shino covers his mouth with the back of his hand. He clutches the growling Heath by the neck, trying to keep his sobbing at bay.

Faust: Raise your head.
Listen, Shino. Everyone here is anxious. That fear gives way to unnecessary confusion.
So you must guide them while proclaiming: "Follow me. Don't leave my side."

Shino: ......Yes, sir......

Faust: Good boy. Grant them your courage and tranquility. I'm counting on you.

Shino nods wordlessly. I stroke Heath's back and bring my cheek close to his.

Faust: Take care of Shino and Nero for me, Heath.

The fierce anger seems to withdraw from his blue eyes for just a split second.
I take a deep breath and brace myself for what's to come. I steal a glance at Nero; his eyes are still closed.

Faust: (You need to survive.)
(Take care of them for me, Nero.)
Shino. Take my magic tool.

Shino: .....Your mirror....? No, I can’t.

Faust: Once you find the distortion, use my mirror as a medium to escape from this place.

Shino: Hell no! How are you going to fight without it!?

Faust: I have one last trick up my sleeve.

Shino: One last trick!? Seriously?
(Woosh)

Curly-haired woman: ....Here it comes.....!

Faust: Hurry. We're out of time.

Shino glares at me with tearful eyes. He bites his lip in frustration before taking the mirror from my hands.

Shino: ......Please be safe. .....Please don't die.......

I smile, my brows turned downward. This is the cutest I've ever found Shino.
I should've praised him with many more kind words.
The protective charm still works. Even if we're far apart, I should be able to protect Shino by sustaining any damage in his stead.

Faust: Yes.

Shino wipes his tears and glares straight down the underground waterway.
With a gaze that will strike open a path to the future.

Shino: .....Let's go! Everyone follow me!
Don't leave my side! Here we go.....!

Short gentleman: All right.....!

Skinny old man: We'll all go together.....!

Curly-haired woman: .....Yes....!

I listen to their footsteps grow distant.
In turn, the presence of the demon grows closer and closer.
I've given up my magic tool, so there's nothing to fiddle with; instead, I pull down the rim of my hat.

Faust: (Sorry, Shino. If I were clever enough to have an extra trick up my sleeve, I wouldn't have been burned at the stake.)
(So I'll just do whatever I can to stop this thing in its tracks.)



Faust: Bring it on.

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18.7 Before It Reaches Him

Isaac: ...Where are we?

Figaro: The City of Rain.

Isaac: Rain...? But it’s not raining.

Figaro: Legend has it that rain clouds were brought forth in the midst of a drought here. Don’t say another word.

Isaac: Wh...... .......

Figaro: If you have to speak, make it a whisper. We’ll be arrested for making noise in the middle of the night. Leno, where’s the inn that houses the guild remains?

Lennox: This way.

✦✧☾✧✦

The winds are all we hear in the midnight City of Rain.
We arrive at the inn that houses the guild remains.
And I realize that my fearful instinct was spot-on. I don’t sense Faust’s presence at all.

Figaro: .......

Lennox: Sir Figaro....

Mitile: What’s wrong? We need to head inside and search for the Eastern wizards....

Figaro: No.....

I’m about to explain the situation, but then I catch sight of the unease in everyone’s eyes. So I start with a warning.

Figaro: What I’m about to say might surprise you, but please don’t raise your voices. Got it?

Rutile and Mitile nod. I then proceed to explain the worst case scenario in the least alarming way possible.

Figaro: I don’t sense the Eastern wizards’ presences here. But I sense a disruption within that building.
Thank goodness we didn’t wait till morning. With time, the traces of warped space would have become undetectable.

My voice trembles a little. I’m surprised. Looks like I’m pretty shaken.
I glance at Isaac, and subtly grip my own wrist so that he can’t see.
If he sees my fingertips trembling, he will look down on me. And if he does, he’ll attack.

Figaro: A distortion in space indicates that there was most likely a wizard here capable of magic that cuts through dimensions.
Any kind of magic that connects dimensions is highly sophisticated. Oz and Mithra are the only ones capable of such feats at the magic headquarters. Which means Nova was probably here.

Lennox: Nova....!? Even Mithra didn’t stand a chance against him....

Rutile: Does that mean Heath and the others were kidnapped!?

Figaro: I can’t say. Maybe....

Maybe Faust and the others are already dead.
My heart tries to process the possibility so that it’s over and done with; so that there’s no use worrying about it.
But my fingertips grow ice-cold. I feel my vision going dark — and it’s not because of the night.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, before putting on a smile to reassure the young wizards.

Figaro: It’s not over yet. If we can find the remnants of the twist in space, we might be able to trace their whereabouts.
Mitile, can you use the flute you got from Mithra... The tool to summon him?

Mitile: ....So we should call Mister Mithra and ask him to use his door in space to trace everyone!

Figaro: Correct.

Mitile: Got it! I’ll give it a go!

Mitile makes eye contact with Rutile before pulling what looks like a taxidermied bird out of his bag.
He gingerly tries to place his mouth on the tip of the whistle that’s been stuck into the rear end of the bird.

Rutile: Want me to do it?

Mitile: ....It’s fine. I’ll do it!

Lennox: Please do.

Mitile puffs his cheeks full and blows the flute with all his might.
The seemingly-taxidermied bird is enveloped in light and regains its life force.
It spreads its wings wide and opens its beak towards the night sky, ready to unleash its pitched cry.
But then.....
Isaac crushes the bird with his fist.

Mitile: Aaah.....!

Rutile: Mister Isaac!?

Isaac: ............

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: << Arthim >>

(Bam)

Mithra: ....It disappeared again. What a pest........
..........!

(Bam)

Bradley: Dude! Don’t just stand there! I was about to shoot you!

Mithra: Bradley. Where were the Southern wizards headed today?

Bradley: The Southern wizards!? They said they were checking out some house in the Central marketplace!

Mithra: Well, that’s not dangerous at all.
Maybe he crushed it with his butt? He’s surprisingly rough. Just like his mother.....

Bradley: Save the chit-chat for later, Mithra!

Mithra: I know. Did you finish yours off already!?

Bradley: Shut up, I’m about to!

Mithra: Well so am I!

Sylves: Eeeeek.....! Here it comes.....!

(Bam)

Mithra: .....What a pain.

Bradley: This thing is a real handful!

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18.8 A Question Under the Moonlight

The bird-flute withers in Isaac’s palm like a wilted flower.
Then, it bursts into magical flames and disappears.
I stare at Isaac, lost for words.
The breeze is all we hear on this starry night. Lennox stands there dumbfounded, covering his mouth.
Isaac turns around with blue eyes colder than ice.

Isaac: ....You don’t need to call Mithra. I will help you.

Then, he says to Rutile.

Isaac: You don’t need to call Mithra. I will protect you.

Rutile: Eh... Um.... Th... Thanks....?

Mitile: No, you’re not supposed to thank him! How is Mister Mithra going to come here!

I feel a cold fury piercing through my body.
But I sense no hostility in Isaac’s eyes.
Rather, he seems to be silently begging me for affection like a pouting child.
He just doesn’t want to lose this role which gives him comfort.

Isaac: I should be enough, right, Sir Figaro?

I cover my forehead and furrow my brows. I was the one who chose to bring Isaac here.
I knew that he was dangerous, yet I offered him sympathy — but not enough affection to satisfy him.

Lennox: I’ll search for Mithra.

Figaro: You don’t even know where he is.

Lennox: Or I’ll head to Western Country and get O....

Figaro: He’ll be useless until daybreak.

Lennox: ....Then I’ll bring him here at the crack of dawn.....

Rutile: I’ll search for Mister Mithra too! Maybe he’s back at the magic headquarters!

Figaro: I’ll give it a shot.

Rutile: Can you, Dr. Figaro....?

Mitile: I thought you said magic that connects dimensions is really advanced.....?

Figaro: You’re right. My magic isn’t strong enough to connect dimensions.
But I might be able to force open an existing crack in space.
If all goes well, we can trace their footsteps and locate them.

I hold back the words: "And if I mess up, I’ll get lost and wander among the dimensions forever."

Figaro: Lennox. Take care of Rutile and Mitile. Isaac. You come with me.

Isaac: Yes, sir!

Lennox: Wait! I’m coming too....

Figaro: I can’t guarantee any success. So you should go and find that guy as backup.
When the sun rises, please ask him to trace the distortions in space to find us. I know he can do it.

I tear a button off my sleeve and hand it to Lennox. He glares at me, visibly furious.

Lennox: What are you thinking? Don’t tell me this is your parting gift.....!

Figaro: You’re making a terrifying expression. I’d give you something nicer as a parting gift.

Lennox: ....Then.....

Figaro: If I don’t make it back, hand this to Oz. He’ll use it to figure out where I am.

Or rather, I hope he can, but I choose to sound certain.
Lennox grips the button with a solemn and deferential look on his face.

Lennox: ....All right. I will take care of this.

Rutile: Will you be all right, Dr. Figaro....?

Figaro: I’ll be fine. I have Isaac, after all.

Isaac: You can count on me.

Figaro: See you later, Mitile.

Mitile looks up at me with anxious eyes. I smile, and stroke his soft, babyish cheeks.
I know what the prophecy says about you: you’re the wizard who will end all Southern wizards.
I wanted to keep that ominous future from coming to pass for as long as possible.
Was there anything I could’ve done for you?
I withdraw my hand from Mitile’s cheek and turn around. Isaac and I start walking towards the guild remains.

Mitile: .......Why can you use magic that connects dimensions?

I spin around.
My coat flutters in the night breeze. Illuminated by the blue light of the moon, it looks like the spindrift of the ocean waves.
On the other side of the waves stands a young boy.

Mitile: You said it was something that only Sir Oz and Mister Mithra were capable of. Why.....

Figaro: ..........

I remain silent. I can’t find the right words to respond to him in that moment — words that won’t hurt him.
Suddenly, I feel like laughing.

Figaro: (Imagine if Faust and the Eastern wizards were safe, and I end up dying for no reason at all. That would be a rich joke.)
(But I can’t abandon him again.)
(I won’t abandon him again.)

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: ............

Rutile: I wonder if he’ll be all right.... Dr. Figaro was acting strange back there.

Lennox: ....Yes.

Mitile: .........

Rutile: Mister Leno. Mitile and I can handle finding Sir Oz by ourselves.
So if you’d like to follow Dr. Figaro, please......

Lennox: Yes — I think I will. Rutile, please take care of this button.

Rutile: Will do.

Lennox: And here are mana stones for the elevator. It’s past midnight, so watch out for thieves.

Rutile: You too, Mister Leno.

Lennox: Thank you. Mitile — are you okay?

Mitile: ......Yes.
Mister Leno, Dr. Figaro — I hope you two come back safe and sound. Please don’t push yourselves past your limits, or do anything too dangerous.

Lennox: I’ll do my best.

Mitile: Um, Mister Leno......
Why do you occasionally call Dr. Figaro "Sir Figaro"?

Lennox: ...........

Mitile: Mister Isaac and... Prince Arthur also call him that.
Prince Arthur said it was because he was close to Sir Oz, but.......
But.... Dr. Figaro.... Mister Figaro Garcia......
What kind of person is he?

Lennox: ...........
He’s the local doctor of a town in Southern Country, and your teacher of magic, Mitile.

Mitile: .........

Lennox: See you later.

Rutile: Take care!

Mitile: ......Please come back safe! Mister Leno! Dr. Figaro!

Lennox: Yes.

Rutile: Mitile. We should go too.

Mitile: .....Yes!

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18.9 My Parting Words to You

Gil: Princess Liliana, what brings you here in the middle of the night.....

Liliana: I’m heading back to the royal palace.

Gil: ....A proper lady does not depart her home so late at night.
Are you going all the way to the Royal Botanical Gardens to meet him....?

Liliana: No. The next time I meet him, it will be at the royal palace.
When the crown is bestowed upon me.

Gregory: Liliana!

Liliana: .........

Gregory: Liliana, it’s me! Gregory!
I came to save you!

Gil: A talking bird. How strange. Shall I slice it down?

Liliana: No need.
....You came to save me?

Gregory: That’s right. You were so scared of heading to the royal palace, remember!?
But I let you go — because I wasn’t confident that I could make you happy. I thought you’d be happier living at the palace....

Liliana: ..........

Gregory: But I never wanted to let you go! I’ll show you my true love and courage. I won’t let you go anywhere!
I love you, Liliana.

Liliana: ...........Hah.....

Gregory: General, please hear me out! Liliana was enchanted by a white-haired wizard.

Gil: Oh? A white-haired wizard....

Gregory: Yes! I’m sure he’s the one who turned me into a bird....!

Gil: Did that wizard look like him?

Gregory: Huh....?

Nova: ..........

Gregory: You......!
(Rustle)

Gregory: .......!? .....Liliana......!

Liliana: ...........

(Fluttering sounds)

Gregory: .....L... Let go of me....! I can’t breathe.....! I’m suffocating......

Liliana: I apologize, but I do not love thee.

Gregory: ......Guh.... Lili...... ana......

Liliana: Goodbye, Gregory.

(Fluttering sounds)

Gregory: .........!
...........

Liliana: ...........

Gil: He stopped moving.......

Nova: How cruel.

Liliana: It’s on you for turning him into a bird.

Nova: I was simply remaining true to the spirit of your tragedy. Or perhaps it’s a comedy?
Of star-crossed, bird-turned lovers.

Liliana: Silence.

Nova: Haha.....

Liliana: He disappeared.... What a creepy man.
Gil, we’re leaving. Dispose of its body.

Gil: Will do...
...........
Sigh. You poor thing........
I love animals; I never wanted to witness such a tragedy.
How should I dispose of you? Burn you into embers.....
............
I guess I can just bury him. Bird-man. Your words of love rung true in my heart.
I was captivated; it was like watching a dramatic scene in a story. I hope you find happiness in your next life.

(Digging sounds)

Gil: There we go. Time to head on out.

(Digging out of the dirt sounds)

Gregory: .....Phew.....!
Bleh... phew, phew.....!
....I thought I was gonna die.....!
What the hell was up with those guys!? And what happened to Liliana!?
"When the crown is bestowed upon me"..... The king is still alive, you know!?
.........Ugh, I hate to be a burden, but I guess I need to rely on Sir Sage.
Time to head to the Royal Botanical Gardens....!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: Pant.... Pant.....!
How’s Nero doing!?

Lean old man: Still breathing!

Shino: .....Where the hell is the distortion in space.....
.........! Faust’s magic tool is reacting to something!

(Roar)

Shino: What’s wrong, Heath!? Is there something inside that wall!?
.........!
That wall.... It’s slightly transparent......!
Well done, Heath! You’re amazing.......!

Curly-haired woman: ......Does that mean we can get out of here.....?

Shino: Yes!

Curly-haired woman: ....Thank god....!

Skinny youth: We’ll make it out alive....!

Shino: Stand back. I’ll use Faust’s mirror as a medium to conjure a magic circle.
<< Matztzāh Sudipas >>

Lean old man: Ooh.... The crack in space was the size of a finger....!
But it’s growing bigger and bigger!

Shino: .....Not enough..... It has to be big enough for us to pass through......
<< Matztzāh Sudipas >>

(Roar)

Shino: ......!? Where are you going, Heath....!?

Curly-haired woman: Eeeeeek.....!

Shino: .......!

Short gentleman: It’s.... It’s coming after us!

Shino: No way.....! Where’s Faust.....!?
......No....
This is a different one.......!

(Sound of big cat Heath roaring and attacking the automata)

Shino: The opening is big enough now! Heath, come back....!
You guys need to escape through there!

Short gentleman: Where does it go!?

Shino: No clue! But anywhere’s better than here! Hurry!

Skinny youth: Got it! Give me your hand.....

Curly-haired woman: ......Thank you.....

Shino: ......Hurry up! I can’t keep this open for long.....!

Short gentleman: You come with us too.....!

Shino: Take Nero and Heath with you first!

(Automata attacking)

Lean old man: ......! Watch out.....!

(Crash)

Shino: .......!
(If I dodge this now, the crevice in space is going to disappear!)
(I have to take the hit!)

(Glow)

Shino: .......!?
I’m not hurt anywhere....? But I took a blow from that lightning.....

(Roar)

Short gentleman: I can’t approach that beast....! It’s going to bite me....

Shino: Heath, go through the crevice! I’m begging you!
Go, Heath! Before that thing attacks again......!

(Automata swinging)

Shino: Heath......!

Nero: ....gh.... Ah.....
<< Adnodis Omnis >> !

Shino: Heath fell asleep.... .....Nero....!

Nero: .....I’ll stay behind.... You go first.....

Shino: Shut up! You idiot! Look after Heath. Take him with you!

Nero: This is Faust’s broom.....

Shino: Just go.....!

Nero: .....Got it....

Shino: ....Hah......

(Automata attacking)

Shino: << Matztzāh Sudipas >>!

(Crash)

Shino: ......It happened again.... I swear I took that hit....

Short gentleman: I’m the last one! You need to get out of here too!

Shino: Got it!
.....Hey! Faust’s mirror!
You have to head back to Faust’s side. I won’t let you say you can’t!
I’ve seen lots of sentient objects on missions and the like! Use your guts and willpower!
I’m counting on you.... Run back to Faust’s side!
<< Matztzāh Sudipas >>
The mirror started moving.....! Now I just need to pass through this crevice......
.......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Blizzard)

Shino: .........
.....Uugh.... It’s so cold.....
.....Where are we....?
.....A world of silver...... And spirits like hawks.....
.....Are we in Northern Country...?

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18.10 Endless Solitude

Figaro: Time to head off.

Isaac: Yes.

Figaro: << Possideo >>

(Glow)

(Running)

Lennox: .......!

Figaro: Leno!?

Lennox: I will join you.

(Flash)

Dimensions twist; the place where we stood loses its stability, and various scenes flash before our eyes.
Deep, dark, blue woodlands.
A cramped room covered in dust.
And....
I spot what appears to be a corpse, sprawled out on the floor of a dark underground waterway.
A gushing wound left by a giant talon, engraved upon the back of the body.
I catch sight of a familiar emblem on the skinny, blood-stained back, and feel myself go cold.
Is that Faust?
I need to hurry and save him.
He’s going to turn to stone before I do.
I try to reach out, but the scene grows distant before I can reach him.
The next scene I witness...

✦✧☾✧✦

Is a sight much akin to my lost homeland.

Figaro: ......hh.... Ah......

The first thing I feel is the biting cold that mercilessly robs me of my bodily warmth.
The atmosphere of the proud, distinctive, needle-sharp lands.
We are in Northern Country. Immediately, I try to cast a spell to warm myself.
Humans cannot survive in these frigid lands without magic.

Figaro: .......

But for some reason, I can’t use my magic. My fingertips grow frozen, and I can feel the depths of my lungs getting colder and colder.
I can’t see anything in this blizzard.
It’s a whiteout.

Figaro: Hah.... ah.....
<< Possideo >>

I utter my familiar spell. But the spirits do not respond.

Figaro: .....Hah.....

With my finger, I begin to draw a magic circle atop the wintry planes, ready to let them rob me of my remaining warmth.

Figaro: << Possideo >>

No response.
The spirits are so distant.
An endless solitude engulfs me.
And revives an old memory of similar despair and similar snow-white planes.
That’s when I see someone approaching. It must be Lennox, I think, because of his height. I look up in relief.

Isaac: Sir Figaro.

It’s Isaac. He’s not trembling from the cold, despite the fact that he’s dressed lightly.
But of course: he’s a Northern wizard. Isaac is surprised by the fact that I’m freezing.

Isaac: What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to shield yourself with magic?

Figaro: .....Hah.... ah.....

I try to respond, but can’t. My whole body won't stop trembling.
I grab Isaac’s arm. We need to get back to that space we just passed through.
Faust was gravely injured. We need to hurry. His life is in danger.
I can’t see Lennox either. Without my magic — who’s going to protect him in the Northern lands?
Isaac touches my face. I try to shove him away, but my body is lifeless.
He’s smiling. He utters, with a peaceful, gentle voice:

Isaac: Ah, I see.....
.....You can’t use magic......
.....I understand.... It happened to me a few times as well.....
.....Right now.....
I can turn you to stone.

My eyes open wide.
I feel an explosive anger at Isaac’s cold-hearted disrespect.
But I can’t even conjure my orb in my open palm.
Isaac isn’t even ridiculing me: his giant back trembles, as if he’s grateful to god from the bottom of his heart.

Isaac: .....Ah, Rutile. I understand now.
We cannot make promises......
So we need to steal in order to be together.

Isaac’s hulking fingers reach for my neck. I think of the many ways to resist in that split instant.
But I realize that they are all futile.
There’s simply no way a mere human who cannot use magic could stand a chance against a Northern wizard.
Even silver-tongued persuasion will be beat down by Isaac’s magic.
The humans who stood before Oz must’ve been even more terrified than I am now.
They must’ve despaired in their own weakness and cursed the world and its ways.
But.....
I still can’t give up.
On Faust’s life. On Lennox’s life.
On Mitile and Rutile’s future, as they await for my return.
And I’m sure Oz would be troubled if I turned to stone in a place like this.
So I resist, and desperately search every avenue of my mind.

Figaro: I.... Isaac... Hold on. Listen to me.

Isaac: Do not worry, Sir Figaro. I will keep you in my stomach and protect you.

Figaro: ....I can’t praise you if I turn to stone. Be a good boy, Isaac.

Isaac: That’s okay.... Because if I turn you to stone, it means I can be with you, and I’ll feel relief.

Figaro: Is that really the same as being together?

I despair at my own words.
That’s right. I knew this already. We can consume the stones of those we’ve lost, but it doesn’t mean we become one together.
Tiretta no longer exists in this world. And the same goes for the other wizards I’ve lost.

Isaac: It does. You and I will be together.
The same way I became one with the Northern witch I turned to stone.

That’s when a proud, dignified voice rings down from above.

Eva: —What did you just say?

On the other side of the snowy veil, over Isaac’s shoulder, I spot a Northern witch on her broom.
I know her.
She’s a proud Northern witch who has lived for as long as Tiretta.....
Eva.
Eva glares at Isaac, lifting her gorgeous eyes with untamed hatred.

Eva: I gave that blue stone to Sophie. What did you do to Sophie?

Isaac grins and releases his grip on my neck before spinning around to look up at Eva.
He has the face of a Northern wizard now.

Isaac: I turned her to stone and ate her! I’ll put you in my stomach as well!

Eva: Bastard.....!

A bloodthirsty light flashes across the pure-white darkness.
Signaling the start of a battle to the death between two Northern wizards.

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Chapter 17 << | index | >> Chapter 19