Main Story 2 | Chapter 22 | Days Spent With Wizards

[healingbonds]

MahoYaku Masterpost & Translator's Notes

Chapter 21 << | index |


Chapter 22: Days Spent With Wizards
22.1 If I Could Turn Back Time
22.2 The Child Awakens
22.3 Something This Way Comes
22.4 After a Dream Come True
22.5 Facing the Miasma
22.6 To Give You Value
22.7 Amidst the Cheers
22.8 Final Words, Perpetual Rain
22.9 The Final Battle in Unison
22.10 Let’s Work Together
22.11 What I Saw on That Night

22.1 If I Could Turn Back Time

(Door opens)

Rutile: Mister Mithra...... Did something happen to Mitile?
They told me that you were holding Mitile’s limp body.......

Mithra: Rutile.......

Rutile: Is Mitile asleep.......?

Mithra: In a sense.......

Rutile: .......He’s burning up....... It’s like he caught a sudden cold. How has Mitile been doing?

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

Rutile: Thank you for bringing Mitile all the way here.
I’ll step out for a second to call for Dr. Figaro.

Mithra: I fed him a mana stone.

Rutile: ............

Mithra: I didn’t force him into eating it: Mitile said he wanted to.
But.......
..............

Rutile: .....Do people fall into a deep sleep after eating mana stones?

Mithra: I didn’t.

Rutile: .......Thank you for worrying over Mitile.

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

Rutile: This is the first time I’ve seen you this dejected, Mister Mithra.
Giving up such a priceless mana stone for Mitile, and looking out for him with so much concern......
I can see you care deeply about Mitile.

Mithra: What are you saying? You’re wrong. I’ve only been thinking about myself.
If Mitile turns into stone tonight, I’ll lose my magic. That’s the only thing I’m thinking about.

Rutile: If Mitile turns into stone.......?

Mithra: ..............
Right now, you–.......
Are you still thinking of Mitile, and not about yourself?
Is that the Southern way of thinking? Did Tiretta readily turn to stone because she became that kind of woman?
I hate that.
What’s the whole deal with the promise? She must have known that I'd be in trouble the moment I made that kind of deal.
She should have just refused my offer. So what did Tiretta want me to do?
Is she telling me to sacrifice my power to protect her children? She just dragged me along with her own priorities.
She made me an afterthought.

Rutile: Mister Mithra...... Why are you angry?

Mithra: You should talk. You’re always angry, all the time.......

Rutile: I’m not angry....... I’m really not. I just want to talk to you, Mister Mithra.

Mithra: We’re talking right now.

Rutile: Yes. Thank you....... I can never express myself very well, but I’m happy to get to talk to you, Mister Mithra.
I might get confused or surprised, but...... I want to spend more time talking with you.

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

Rutile: Can we continue talking like this?

Mithra: ............. No.

Rutile: ............

Mithra: For now, please stay here in silence.
And hold hands.

Rutile: .......Like this?

Mithra: .......... What are you holding my hand for?

Rutile: Ah, I’m sorry.......

Mithra: Hold Mitile’s hand, and call his name.

Rutile: His name? Is that what you do after someone eats a mana stone?

Mithra: Well, I guess so. If you need Figaro or Lennox, I’ll go get them.

Rutile: Mitile, Mitile.

Mithra: .............
Tomorrow, if I–......

Rutile: Mitile. ......Huh? What did you say?

Mithra: ..........
It’s nothing. ......On second thought, hold my hand too.

Rutile: Yours, Mister Mithra?

Mithra: That’s right.
Maybe...... I’m a little scared.

Rutile: ............
I might not be able to do anything......
But I will stay by your side. No matter what happens.

Mithra: ......Haha......
It’s amusing, because you really are useless.

Rutile: Geez, you’re so mean...... I guess you’re right, but.......

Mithra: Fufu......
Still, it’s fine because it was funny.

Rutile: Haha, you’re welcome then.

Mithra: Thank you.

Rutile: It’s my pleasure.

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: Dr. Figaro.

Figaro: Leno.

Lennox: Did you hear about Mitile....

Figaro: I did. I also just went to check in on him.
He’s been shaken up quite a number of times, but he’s calmed down a bit now.
I don’t think it’ll leave a mark on Mitile’s heart or body.

Lennox: I see.... I’m glad to hear that.....
But I never thought Mithra would feed Mitile a mana stone.....
I should have considered what was going on in Mithra’s mind and let him know in advance.
That powerful stones are typically an overwhelming drug for regular wizards.
Mithra is just trying to protect the brothers....

Figaro: ......Yes.....
...........

Lennox: .......Mitile is going to be all right, right?

Figaro: He is. But absorbing a powerful stone when he’s still young, while his magic is still weak and developing....
It might cause an alteration in nature.

Lennox: Alteration... You mean Mitile’s nature?

Figaro: Yes. The same way you became a Southern wizard.
....But we can’t turn back the hands of time.

Lennox: ..........Turning back.....

Figaro: Leno?

Lennox: ....During our battle the other day.... I witnessed the sight of Sir Faust’s legs.

Figaro: I saw them too — the burn scars.

Lennox: ....Yes. I had always wished for him to erase those scars.
Because I didn’t want Sir Faust to forgo his own happiness in bearing the deaths of our former comrades.

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

Lennox: But... When I spoke to Sir Faust, I realized:
To heal those scars would mean to rob him of his very soul.
Sir Faust has no intention of attaining salvation in this lifetime.

Figaro: ....Leno.....

Lennox: Why didn’t I make Sir Faust escape from his cell, four hundred years ago.....

Figaro: ....From my point of view, you and Faust are still young.
You are pure; you are earnest. You can still fix things.

Lennox: No. His feelings will not change. I know this.

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

Lennox: If I could turn back time.....

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Now, Sir Sage. Let’s practice for your speech.

Akira: I-I’m giving a speech? Are you sure.......?

Arthur: That’s what I heard from Murr’s soul shard...... He also said you’d be asked to take part in discussions with important persons in front of the general public.

Akira: This just keeps blowing up..... Can I really do this......

Arthur: I’m sure you can, Sir Sage. It’s strange, but your words have the power to put my heart at ease.
It’s all a matter of getting used to it. I was also nervous about standing in front of a crowd at first.
But as you grow accustomed to it, you’ll start reading the crowd’s reaction, like, "Oh, that got them really fired up," or, "Oh, that wasn’t too well received," and so on.

Akira: (A prince who can read the vibes of the crowd.......)

Arthur: In any case, the key is practicing over and over again until you’ve mastered it. Well then, let us start–.......

Mithra: << Arthim >>

(Woosh)

Mithra: Hah...... I’m so glad.......
Sir Sage, it’s time to sleep.

Akira: I-I’m not sleeping though!?

Lennox: Mithra. Sir Sage has a packed schedule.

Mithra: Not my problem. Ah, I’m seriously so relieved.......

Arthur: Seems like something big happened.

Lennox: You see, Mitile–.......

✦✧☾✧✦

(In Mitile’s room)

Akira: .......He ate a mana stone.......?

Mithra: Zz....... Zzz........

Lennox: Yes. He spent all of last night fast asleep, but he’s completely recovered now.

Arthur: I see. I remember how hard it was when I ate a mana stone for the first time.
I lost consciousness and fell asleep for a few days.......

Lennox: Sir Oz might have acted the same way Mithra did, then.......

Akira: So Mithra stayed by Mitile’s side the entire time.

Lennox: Yes.

Akira: (Mitile.......)
(I heard that mana stones can increase your magic. I wonder how it went for Mitile........)
(He’s always wanted to become stronger, so I hope it worked out....... I’ll go and check on him later.)

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22.2 The Child Awakens

Mitile: .............

Riquet: Mitile!

Mitile: Riquet.

Riquet: I’m so glad. You were passed out yesterday.
Rutile came to ask me to call out your name while you were asleep.
Did you hear me?

Mitile: Heheh......
Riquet, try making a tornado.

Riquet: A tornado? Like this?
<< Sunrotea Edif >>

(Woosh)

Riquet: There you go, Mitile.

Mitile: Heheheh.
<< Alltinic Sealsispilce >>!

(Woosh)

Riquet: Wow........!
............! Amazing.......

Mitile: What do you think!?

Riquet: That’s amazing, Mitile! How did you do it?

Mitile: I ate a mana stone Mister Mithra gave me!
I can use my magic so freely now! Here, look!

Riquet: Wow, that’s amazing! You became stronger, Mitile!

Mitile: Ahahaha! I’m so happy!
I should have eaten one sooner! You should too, Riquet!

Riquet: You’re right! Let’s become way, way stronger together!

Mitile: Yes! Let’s do it together!
(............ But........)

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: << Alltinic Sealsispilce >>!

(Woosh)

Mitile: Hmm.......
I feel like my magic could be bigger and feel more "wow~!" than this.
How do I say it...... It’s like I’m wearing clothes that are too small for me.
Like I’m being constrained....

Figaro: Mitile.

Mitile: Dr. Figaro.....

Figaro: You should ride your broom when flying through the sky. Otherwise....

Mitile: As long as I can tie the image of the broom to the idea of flying through the sky, I won’t fall. I know.
But Mister Mithra and the others sometimes fly without their brooms.

Figaro: Those guys are used to using magic.

Mitile: I want to be like them. Dr. Figaro, will you take a look at my magic?

Figaro: I just saw. You’ve gotten stronger, Mitile.
But your magic is just one of many wonderful traits you have....

Mitile: Dr. Figaro, you were the one who came up with my spell.
Because the first spell I chanted was too strong — you said it was a bad word, so I shouldn’t use it.

Figaro: Yes.
So instead, I did what I did for Rutile: I mixed in your mother’s spell to get yours.
Words and objects that you feel deeply connected to will help keep your heart in order. The purpose was to make it easier for you to control your magic.

Mitile: I don’t want you to get mad or anything, but it’s kind of hard to use. Can I change it?

Figaro: Of course. But that’s for a day in the future. Not right now.

Mitile: But.....

Figaro: Not right now. You’re a little too excited right now. It might be the influence of the stone.
Powerful stones can exert their influence on younger, weaker wizards.....

Mitile: You’re still saying things like that? You saw my tornado!
<< Alltinic Sealsispilce >>

(Boom)

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

Mitile: << Alltinic Sealsispilce >>

(Boom)

Mitile: See! Look at that!

Figaro: ....Calm down. You really are getting carried away now. You’re not your usual self.

Mitile: This is me! I always tried my best to be a good boy — but this is also me!
Look! Look at me!
<< Alltinic Sealsispilce >>

(Boom)

Figaro: Mitile....

Mitile: << Alltinic Seau.... >> .....!
I hate this spell!

Figaro: ............
<< Possideo >>

Mitile: ...........

Figaro: ....Sorry for forcing you to sleep, Mitile.
.............The child of the prophecy......

✦✧☾✧✦

(Knock knock)

Chloe: Excuse me!

Oz: .............

Chloe: I have a request, Sir Oz. Do you think you could take me to Shylock’s bar in the entertainment district of the Town of Nectar?
Murr and Shylock didn’t return to the Western magic headquarters last night, and I have to speak to them right away......

Oz: Understood.

Chloe: Yay, thank you!

Oz: << Vox Nox >>

✦✧☾✧✦

Oz: .............

(Knock knock)

Lennox: Sorry for the interruption.

Oz: Lennox. Rutile and Mitile too.......

Rutile: Sir Oz, how rare to see you holding a bottle of wine during the daytime.

Oz: I only just received this.

Mitile: We were talking about how we’d like to give the Eastern wizards a hand! Could you take us to Cortese?
I want to get used to my new level of magic while helping out.

Oz: Did you eat a mana stone?

Mitile: Y....... Yes.

Oz: Are you well?

Mitile: Yes! Um...... I became stronger!

Oz: Is that so? That’s reassuring.

Mitile: Ehehe......

Oz: Take heed. Some find it hard to adjust their limits when they have newly consumed a stone.

Mitile: Yes...... I heard that Prince Arthur lost control of his speed and flew right into the castle window......

Lennox: We’ll keep a close eye on him. Well then, if you don’t mind.

Oz: Understood.
<< Vox Nox >>

✦✧☾✧✦

Oz: .............

(Knock knock)

Cain: Excuse us, Oz.

Oz: Cain, Riquet.

Cain: Can you take us to Borda Island? You just have to drop us off.

Riquet: Mitile’s working hard, so I also want to do as much as I can to help. I’ll do my best to assist Cain.

Oz: Got it.

Cain: Thanks. By the way, do you think you can come back to get us around evening?

Oz: I do not mind.

Cain: Thanks! I’m going to become a guy you can rely on someday too!

Oz: I have never once thought of you as a useless person.

Cain: Oz.......
You’re a good guy. Give me a hug.

Oz: That would be unnecessary.

Riquet: I’ll hug you too.

Oz: I just said it was unnecessary.......

Riquet: Okay, you can take us there now.

Oz: Understood.
<< Vox Nox >>

✦✧☾✧✦

Oz: .............

(Door opens)

Snow: Oz. It would appear that the young wizards are absent from the Western magic headquarters.

White: Arthur seems busy too, so there’s no one to play with us. What’s with those seashells?

Oz: I picked them up from the beach on Borda Island.

Snow: Don’t tell me you have been ferrying the young wizards all around?

White: Dear Figaro was just saying that it’d be troublesome if any of us left without permission.

Oz: They did not leave. What is the Sage doing?

Snow: He’s making preparations to go out with the queen.

White: He’s in the midst of his final lesson.

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: You researched Queen Liliana’s personality and nature, and prepared proper answers to any potential forthcoming questions?

Akira: Yes... Well, in my own way.

Murr: Magnificent... As expected of the dear Sage who will guide us forward.
You see, I had a habit of navigating such social niceties by means of bluffing and rhetorical flourish, but....
Your subtle earnestness must be the sort of thing that earns people's trust.

Akira: Ahaha.... You’re making me blush.

Murr: Now then, Sir Sage. Let us make our final touches.

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22.3 Something This Way Comes

Murr: They said there was a monster sighting, but the entertainment district seems the same as ever!

Shylock: Indeed. I suppose they really must have dispatched us to keep us away from the palace?

Murr: I dunno, but I’m bored, so it’s fun~!

Shylock: ..........

Murr: What’s going on, Shylock? What’s that ancient book you’re reading?

Shylock: I was researching the so-called "Wandering Hell" that Cain had asked me about.
You mentioned that you didn’t know of it.

Murr: Yup! Never heard of it!

Shylock: It has quite a terrifying name. Apparently Nicholas mentioned it while he was investigating Adams Island.

Murr: Adams Island!

Shylock: That’s right.

Murr: If we’re talking about Adams Island, don’t you think he might be involved? Creatures loved him, if nothing else!

Shylock: I mean, I suppose you could call it a creature....

Murr: Halitus Mortifer!

Shylock: Huh?

Murr: The "Hell" with ties to Adams Island. I think it must be Halitus Mortifer — which was sealed away under the ocean floor.
A creature that existed in ancient times — according to some texts, it might’ve been called the Wandering Hell.

Shylock: Are you certain?

Murr: Maybe?

Chloe: Shylock! Murr!

Shylock & Murr: Chloe!

Chloe: I need to ask you guys a favor: can you check again whether the Queen is a human or a witch?
They’re hosting an illumination ceremony in the City of Wealth’s town square with the goddess statue!
It’s supposed to be a festival where everyone prays for peace — and Sir Sage and the Queen will both be there! Can you come with me?
The general won’t be in attendance, so maybe we’d be able to tell.....

Shylock: Chloe. Could you please explain the situation from the beginning, with as much detail as possible?
I’ll prepare your favorite drink for you.

Chloe: Yes......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Borda Island)

Riquet: We can’t see the island that is said to have sunk to the ocean floor, right?

Cain: Yeah. We might catch a glimpse of it if we dive all the way to the bottom......

Riquet: Cain. What were you talking about with Bradley this morning?

Cain: When I said we were going to Borda Island, he passed on a message he heard from a Northern witch.
"Something terrifying has awakened." "Stay away from Western Country." Apparently that was the warning he got.

Riquet: Something terrifying...... But the sea looks so beautiful.

Cain: Yeah. ......Hmm?
(Could her warning be referring to the Wandering Hell that Nicholas asked Gil about.......?)
(Nah, no way...... Nicholas was only in the West up until the < Great Catastrophe > attacked.)
(Magical creatures only started resurrecting after the < Great Catastrophe > drew closer. )

Sylves: Hey, Central wizards.

Cain: (............! That voice......)
Is that you, Sylves?

Riquet: It’s the Western witch we met in the Town of Wealth the other day...... It’s been a while.

Sylves: Sure has. Cain, Riquet. What brings you here?

Cain: We’re here to investigate. What about you?

Sylves: I almost died recently. I wanted to cheer myself up so I came here to vacation.

Cain: I heard. That must have been rough.

Riquet: Please enjoy your vacation.

Sylves: Thanks. If you like, I’ll help out with your investigation. I’m pretty friendly with the wizards around these parts.

Cain: That’d be great! Can you ask if anyone’s heard anything about a Wandering Hell, or something terrifying awakening?

Sylves: What’s with that scary sounding name...... That’s a far cry from cheerful. I’ll still help out, though.

Riquet: We’re truly grateful. May blessings come your way.

Sylves: Fufufu. You’re a sweet child.

Riquet: Yes! I am.

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: This is awful....

Rutile: It’s as if the < Great Catastrophe > ravaged the area....

Heathcliff: Rutile!

Rutile: Heath!

Heathcliff: Mitile, Lennox. Thank you for coming to help.
We really needed it — people and animals have collapsed all around town.

Mitile: What kind of monster was it?

Heathcliff: We don’t know..... We heard someone spotted a purple shadow the size of a dog, but that’s all we know.
Mr. Faust suggested it might be a monster that emits miasma.

Lennox: Miasma....

Rutile: Miasma — is that the toxic gas that corrupts animals and plants....?

Lennox: That’s right. It sucks up life and magic from living things while emitting its toxic gas.

Heathcliff: We just came across someone who collapsed from the miasma, but they looked very weak.
It was a close call, but when we used purifying magic, they recovered just a bit.

Lennox: I see.... This sounds like an incident that’ll affect many lives. We might need as much help as we can get.

Rutile: Should I let Sir Sage and the others know?

Lennox: That sounds like a good idea.

Heathcliff: Rutile, you’re good at healing magic, so I think it would be helpful if you stayed here.
I’ll report to Sir Sage. Shino and the others actually told me to stay away from the town.

Rutile: Ah, right. You’re a little sensitive.

Mitile: You don’t look very well. Maybe you should rest before you go....

Heathcliff: I’m all right. I think I’ll recover once I distance myself from the town. Thanks, Mitile.
I’ll let Mr. Faust know, and then I’ll head to the City of Wealth.

Lennox: We’ll catch up with you soon.

Mitile: Mister Heathcliff! Don’t worry. We’ll take care of things here!

Heathcliff: Thanks!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cortese resident: .......Uu.... I feel dizzy.....
I can’t get up.... Why.....

Nero: ..........Looks like more and more of them are feeling sick.......

Faust: We need to take preventative measures instead of taking care of people after they’ve fallen sick.... Shino.

Shino: Yeah.

Faust: Please deliver this message throughout town:
"A mysterious monster has appeared. We are going to erect a barrier, so find a place to take cover."
Don’t panic: hold steady, so that your audience won’t be overtaken with fear, anxiety, or panic.

Shino: Got it. Leave it to me.

Faust: If you sense any miasma, don’t use your magic. Some beasts out there will take in your magic and convert it to toxic gas.

Shino: I’ll be fine.

Faust: ........... You’ve become so reliable.

Nero: .......! Mr. Faust, someone’s coming this way.....

Cortese resident: Sage’s wizards....!
The children living in the house over there have suddenly gone limp....!

Faust: ..........! It’s here.

Nero: I’ll go. You take care of the area around here.

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22.4 After a Dream Come True

Lennox: It might be hiding in the rubble. Be careful: if it looks like there’s a spot for a monster to hide, don’t get any closer.

Mitile: Got it!
.............
(Wow... This feels completely different from before.)
(The air feels crisp and clear. I just have to focus for one moment, and I can catch on to all kinds of different things....)
(Mister Lennox’s presence.... Mister Shino’s presence.... Mister Nero’s presence.....)
............
I heard something coming from over there.... .....I shouldn’t approach it.
....Let me use a little bit of magic to move the rubble.
<< Alltinic Sealsispilce >>
........
Huh.... Nothing. I guess it was just my imagination.....
(This spell really keeps tripping me up.....)
(I want a phrase with a bit more of a "wow" factor to it.....)
(.....Oh.)
(Nii-sama once told me.)
(My mother’s.... The Great Tiretta’s spell.)
........
<< Scintilla >>

(Woosh)

Mitile: Ah.....!
Woah.....!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cortese resident: So we just need to evacuate that way? I can’t believe there’s a monster in our midst....

Shino: It’ll be all right. The barrier will protect you. Believe in the Sage’s wizards.

(Rustle)

Shino: Hm....? What’s that cloud of dust in the air.....
Is that.... Mitile.....?

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: (Wow! Wow.....!)
(Are you watching me, mother!)
(My dear mother; my pride. I guess it’s weird that she’s my pride, even though I’ve never met her, but...)
(I never feel more excited than when I introduce myself as the son of the great witch Tiretta.)
(Tiretta, who gave birth to me and departed to heaven.)
(Right now, she and I are connected.)
(Ahh — I could change my name to this spell!)
(I am Scintilla!)
(How wonderful!)
<< Scintilla >>!

(Boom)

(Woosh)

Mitile: << Scintilla >>!

(Boom)

Mitile: << Scintilla >>!

(Boom)

Mitile: Ahahaha! This is the best....
My dream came true!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cortese resident: ....Uu......

Rutile: It’s okay. You’ll be all right.
....Huh..... Is that.... Mitile, flying through the sky....?
....Wow.... He’s flying so fast.
That’s wonderful, Mitile.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cortese resident: My son.... My son.....!

Nero: Are these collapsed kids yours?

Cortese resident: No.... My dear child was dragged away into the woods by a monster I’d never seen before.
I need to save him.....!

Nero: Stay back! That forest is wilting insanely fast. If you get close.....

Cortese resident: But my son......!

Isaac: I’ll go. I’ll save him.

Cortese resident: ....Mister Isaac......

Nero: .....You’re a wizard.

Cortese resident: ...Huh.....?

Isaac: That’s right.
..........You.....

Nero: What. Don’t touch me.

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

Nero: Hey, wait!


Nero: .....You’re a Northern wizard. Why are you in the West?

Isaac: And so are you. You’re one of Bradley’s guys.

Nero: .........

Isaac: This is some miasma.....

Nero: .....Yeah.

Isaac: It was a strange beast. Like a purple lizard the size of a dog... You could see bones in parts of its body.

Nero: Bones.....?

Isaac: Given this level of miasma, the kid’s probably dead.

Nero: .....Then why’d you say you’d save him?

Isaac: I wanted to save him. But when I got closer, I realized it was impossible.
But I figured it would be better to at least bring back his body.

Nero: You.....

Isaac: Are you scared?

Nero: ..........

Isaac: I am stronger, after all. I just ate a quality stone.

Nero: ....Quality stone.....

Isaac: Eva of the North. You must’ve heard of her, right?

Nero: Eva!? No way... .......

Isaac: Looks like the miasma has gotten to you. It’s not like before — I could probably easily eat you now.
Each time I try to choose to live properly, seduction lies in my path......

Nero: .....Stay away from me. .....We’re gonna look for the kid. We need to hurry.....

Isaac: .........

Cortese child: .....Uu.....

Nero: .......There he is!

Isaac: ....Ah.... You’re right.....

Cortese child: Uu.... Mister Isaac.....

Nero: Your wounds are terrible.... Have some sugar. It’s gonna be all right....

Cortese child: .....Ah.....

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

Nero: .....Don’t move, fucker! One step and I’ll turn you to stone.

Isaac: You think you can defeat me?

Nero: ....Listen here. I’ll take you to mommy. So keep your eyes closed.

Cortese child: Mister Isaac......

Isaac: ....What’s the difference.
What’s the difference between you and me?

Nero: I can’t fucking die right now — that’s what!

(Roar)

Isaac: .........!?
....Uaaagh.....!

Nero: .........! The hell is this thing....!?
We can deal with it later! .....Let’s go....!

Cortese child: ........Uu.......

Isaac: Hold it! .....Shit.....!
<< Animum Vexat >> !

✦✧☾✧✦

Borda Island wizard: I don’t know what the deal is with this Wandering Hell, but I did see something strange out at sea.

Cain: Out at sea.......

Riquet: Something strange!

Borda Island wizard: Yes. If I recall, it was a few days after the < Great Catastrophe > approached......
It was an awfully stormy night. The sea got really choppy, and the wind was howling. It was that kind of night......
Over in that direction...... Out that way where people say there used to be an island, the sea was roiling and bubbling over viciously.
The surface glowed golden, and before long a giant pillar of water shot up from the sea.
I’ve never seen a sight like that before. After a moment, a wizard showed up.
A wizard with long, white hair.
He scooped something up from the glowing sea with magic...... It looked like a lizard.
Then he just vanished. Before I knew it, the sea had calmed down.
I swear I’m telling the truth, but everyone thought I must have been drunk. No one would believe my story.
Will you believe me?

Cain: Yeah. I believe you. Thanks for telling us.

Borda Island wizard: Sure thing.

Cain: (A wizard with long, white hair...... Was that Nova?)
(What’s with the lizard pulled out from the sea......?)

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: << Satillquinart Mulcreed >>
Come to this side of the magic circle.

Cortese resident: Come on, this way.

Cortese resident: This is horrifying... What in the world is going on?

(Miasma fills the air)

Faust: .........!
The miasma is growing thicker....
Did the beast show itself?

back to top


22.5 Facing the Miasma

Cortese child: Uu.... Mother.....

Cortese resident: My son, my son....! ....Thank you for saving him!
Where is Mister Isaac!?

Nero: He’ll be back soon. Get out of here quickly!
.........!
(Something darted out of the woods. Is that a cow!? A wizard!? A giant-ass lizard...!?)
(I gotta let them know!)

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: ....Kuh......
(There’s a weight on my heart... I can’t breathe..... Is this the miasma Heath was talking about? It’s draining all my energy....)

Cortese resident: Uu.... I’m so dizzy all of a sudden......

Cortese resident: I can’t stand..... Are we going to die.....?

Rutile: (....Everyone’s terrified.... I need to keep it together.....)
(I wonder if I can purify.....)
<< Alltinic Setamaogue >>
(No good. I don’t have enough power....)

Cortese resident: Let’s stay close to the Sage’s wizards! The closer we are, the better our chances of survival, right?

Cortese resident: You might be right. Let’s have the children and the elderly stay by the wizards....

Cortese resident: Please take care of my child, dear Sage’s wizard!

Rutile: ....Y-yes.....

Cortese child: Mister.... Are we going to die....?

Rutile: ....No.... Come over here. It’s going to be okay.
(....Did I just lie....? What can I do, all alone?)
(I don’t have enough power to purify the air or put up a barrier that can protect this many people....)
(Should I use magic to carry everyone away from here? How many can I take at once? If I collapse midway, it’ll confuse everyone even more.)
(....Should I have eaten a stone the same way Mitile did....?)
(What would you have wanted from me, Mother....?)

Cortese resident: ....It’s okay. It’s okay. Don’t let fear make you panic - you’re going to hurt yourself.
Remember what Mister Gregory at the castle said? During times like these, uh... we’re supposed to do a roll call.

Cortese resident: Right. Right, a roll call.... Who are we missing? ....Where’s our senior counselor?

Cortese resident: I’m here.....

Cortese resident: Thank goodness. We’re residents of the Queen’s hometown.... Someone will come to save us soon.

Cortese resident: You’re right.... Her Majesty Liliana will save us.

Rutile: (Everyone looks better already....)
(I see.... This is the town where the Queen herself was born and raised. That is their joy; their hope and pride.)
(Their words — and her existence — give their hearts more strength than magic alone.)
(And I was the same. Uncle Mithra’s name was my source of pride; it was what supported me all these years.)
(And I want to support everyone the same way.)
It’ll be all right.... I’ll make sure that it is!
<< Alltinic Setamaogue >>
....Ah.... Please give these sugars to everyone.

Cortese resident: .....Thank you, kind wizard.... ....What is your name?

Rutile: ....It’s Rutile.....

Carla: Mister Rutile. I’m Carla. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help....
I want to help everyone too......

Rutile: ....Thank you, Carla.....

(Roar)

Rutile: .......!

Carla: What was that roar....!?

Cortese resident: Look! That way....! A purple monster surrounded by a sea of green haze....!
It’s coming this way.....! ....I can’t breathe....!

Rutile: Stand back, everyone......!

Carla: Mister Rutile, watch out.....!

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: << Scintilla >>!

(Boom)

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: ........!
Mitile....!

Cortese resident: The monster froze....!
Those emerald sparks are holding the monster in place....!
Is the boy in the sky casting that magic....!?
Those embers are like stardust.... Scary but pretty....!

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: Nii-sama, are you all right.....!?

Rutile: .......Mitile....

Mitile: How dare you attack my brother.....!
Don’t worry! I’ll protect you all!

Cortese resident: But what about you!? You’re still a child!

Mitile: I’m Mitile! I’m the son of the great witch Tiretta!

(Roar)

Mitile: ....Here we go.
<< Scintilla >> !

(Boom)

✦✧☾✧✦

Cortese resident: He did it.....!

Cortese resident: The monster is recoiling....!

Rutile: (Mitile! You’re amazing.....!)

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: I did it!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: (Huh?)
(Is that how Mitile usually laughs?)

Cortese resident: The monster is on its knees....! We’re almost there....!

Cortese resident: No.... Wait.... Look at its mouth and between its nails.... There’s green fog seeping out and....
........! ....Miasma.....!
It unleashed more miasma......!

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile: ........One more time.....!

Rutile: ....Mitile....! Can you conjure a barrier to protect everyone!?

Mitile: Ah!
(I was so focused on fighting the monster. I need to save everyone!)
I’ll give it a go!
<< Scintilla >>!
.....Huh? It’s not working.......
(I’ve never even managed to conjure a small barrier before.....)
<< Scintilla >>!
<< Alltinic Sealsispilce >>!
(Oh no, it’s not working.....)
(I have to defeat it with magic, after all....!)
<< Scinti.... >>

Lennox: Hold it, Mitile!

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: Mitile, don’t attack it.

Rutile: Mister Leno.....!

Mitile: .....Mister Leno.....

Lennox: I was watching your battle. You did great, Mitile!

Mitile: ....Thank you....

Lennox: But there’s a good chance that the monster is absorbing the magic from your attacks and converting it to miasma in its body.

Mitile: Huh.....!?

Rutile: No way.... Then how are we supposed to defeat it....?

Lennox: ..........
Stand back, everyone.
I’ll get it.

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: Rutile....!

Rutile: .......Shino.....

Shino: .......The miasma’s really thick around here.... Is that Lennox?
What the hell is that beast.....!?

(Roar)

Rutile: ..........

Shino: Rutile!

Mitile: Nii-sama....! Oh no, he collapsed.....!
If you attack that monster using magic, it emits this green poison! That’s why we can’t attack it.....
But I don’t know how to conjure a barrier, so I couldn’t protect nii-sama or anyone here, and, and......

Shino: Calm down, Mitile.

Mitile: What am I supposed to do!? I finally got stronger.....! But I still can’t do anything.....!

Shino: You can. Stay calm. Look at me.

Mitile: .....Ah.....

Shino: You can fly on your broom, right? It’ll take time, but let’s carry everyone to a safe place, one at a time.

Mitile: Y... Yes.....

Shino: Let’s start with the ones who look the sickest.

Carla: ....I’ll help too!

Shino: Got it. Come with us.

back to top


22.6 To Give You Value

Shino: Can you guide the guys who made it to safety over to that magic circle shining in the distance?
Mitile, you take care of Rutile! He’s used too much magic in this miasma. You need to get him out of here quick.

Mitile: ....Got it! I’ll save you, nii-sama....!

Rutile: .....Uu.....

Shino: (The miasma is growing thicker by the minute.... I can see the vegetation wilting away before my eyes.)
(I’m impressed you can move so swiftly given the circumstances — Lennox...!)

(Thud)

Lennox: Hah.....!

(Crash) (Roar)

Shino: Lennox! Should I lend a hand!?

(Thud)

Lennox: ....No need!
This thing reacts to magic!
You reflexively use magic whenever you’re swinging your scythe around!

Shino: ....True.....

(Roar)

Lennox: (But it’s going to be difficult finishing this thing off with my bare hands....)
Do we have any long objects!?

Shino: Do you guys have any spears or rods that we could use as a weapon!?

Cortese resident: I have a sledgehammer....!

Shino: Lend it to me! ....Leno, I’m tossing this to you.....!

Lennox: .....Thanks!
.........

(Roar)

Lennox: Come.

Cortese resident: Aah.... No way he can take that thing down with just a sledgehammer.....

Lennox: Hah.....!

(Thud) (Crash)

Cortese resident: W-wow....! He evaded the monster and brought the sledgehammer down on its head.....!

(Roar)

Lennox: ........!

(Thud)

Cortese resident: Look....! The monster is toppling over.....!

(Thud)

Cortese resident: Amazing....! We might be able to defeat it....!

(Thud)

Cortese resident: What a hero! A hero, fighting with just one sledgehammer....!

(Thud)

Cortese resident: Yeahhh, he’s so reliable....!!

(Thud)

Cortese resident: .........
.......Th.... That’s a lot of blood..........

(Thud)

Cortese resident: Y-yeah.......

Shino: (They’re taken aback by how Lennox is getting covered in the monster’s blood so coolly....)
Lennox, how’s it going....!?

Lennox: ....I feel like I can crush its head with a couple more blows, but this thing’s bodily fluids have ruined my hands and face.

Shino: Are you okay!?

Lennox: Probably. This thing is really poisonous.... ....And....
(....Its half-crushed head is healing.....?)
(Something is glowing inside its ribcage....)
(Someone is approaching. Is that Shino? He’s going to get sprayed by the noxious bodily fluids.)
Shino! Stay away!

Issac: That beast is mine.

Lennox: ........
Isaac....!?

Isaac: Stay away. Or I’ll turn you to stone along with him.

Lennox: Stop....! This thing reacts to magic.....

Isaac: Do not order me around!
<< Animum Vexat >> !

Shino: Lennox! Run......!

Lennox: ..........!
......Aaagh......!

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: .........
Leno....?
(I sensed Leno’s presence up until seconds ago, but now it’s gone.....?)
(....What happened? I want to rush to his side, but I can’t leave these people alone....)

Mitile: Mister Faust!

Faust: Mitile! Rutile, are you all right.......!?

Mitile: The miasma got to him! And there are lots more people at the bottom of the hill who are also suffering.....
I’m going to bring them all here! So please protect everyone!

Faust: .......Got it. Heath is delivering a message to the Western magic headquarters. Reinforcements should be coming.

Mitile: Yes.....!

Faust: Don’t push yourself too hard. If something comes up, come to me. What is Lennox up to?

Mitile: Mister Leno is fighting the monster emitting this miasma!
When you use magic, it emits miasma! So Mister Leno is attacking without using magic....

Faust: .......... I see......
.....All right. I will fulfill my duty as well.
(I’ll spread the barrier over as much land as possible.)
<< Satillquinart Mulcreed >>

✦✧☾✧✦

Tonight, they’re holding an illumination ceremony in the City of Wealth’s square before the goddess statue, to pray for Western Country’s peace and prosperity.
She’s not here yet, but the queen is scheduled to make an appearance too.
In preparation, I’ve been practicing with Figaro, Murr’s soul shard, and Arthur.
Right now, I’m at the square, along with Arthur, Oz, Figaro, and Murr’s shrunken soul shard.

Murr: I trust Her Majesty the Queen will put all the authority she can muster up on display. We must counter her with–......
The prince of Central Country, Prince Arthur.
The strongest wizard in the world, Sir Oz.
A doctor from Southern Country who happens to be well-versed in the art of politics, Sir Figaro.
If possible, I’d have loved for Shylock to attend, but he blew me off with smoke in my face.

Figaro: Shylock does detest being involved in political machinations. For all that, I like him.

Murr: I requested the Northern wizards join the lineup, but......

Figaro: The situation will simply descend into chaos if you add them to the mix.

Akira: (That’s true. It’s a relief to be surrounded by amazing people......)
(But I thought Oz was bad at handling crowds......)

Oz: (So many people......)

Arthur: (He’s thinking, "There are so many people.")

Akira: Oz.

Oz: What is it?

Akira: Everyone has helped me practice a lot, so I’ll be fine here.
Right now, the Eastern wizards are investigating the strange incidents happening at Cortese Castle.
They were caught in such a harrowing situation last time, so I’m really worried......
If you don’t mind, could you go and check on them for me?

Oz: I do not mind, but......

Arthur: I’m asking you as well, Sir Oz.

Figaro: That task might suit you better.

Murr: It would be ideal to have you present here, but given the circumstances, that makes sense. Do send my regards to the Eastern wizards.

Oz casts his magic and vanishes from the spot.
The clamor of the crowd gathered at the square rises.
Along the road, a conspicuously extravagant horse slowly approaches.
It’s Queen Liliana’s carriage.

(Clopping of carriage)

Chloe: Ah... This way, guys.

Murr: Yaaay! So many peopl.....mghgh.

Shylock: Shh, Murr. We need to be on our best behavior so the Queen won’t take notice of us.

Chloe: Murr, Shylock. Please investigate one more time whether Her Majesty is a human or a wizard.

Shylock: Will do.

Murr: Got it!

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: (What strong winds..... Looks like it’ll take quite a while to return to the City of Wealth.)
(There has to be a better way to make urgent contact.)
(For example, if we could link everyone together through some crystal ball that showed us the state of people far away.......)

Oz: Heathcliff.

Heathcliff: .......Woaaaah!
Y-You surprised me. What’s the matter, Sir Oz?

Oz: I was just on my way to check on the Eastern wizards per the Sage’s request.
You were the only presence that strayed from the group.

Heathcliff: Sir Sage....... Thank you, Sir Oz.
We arrived at Cortese Castle, but the situation that greeted us was much more severe than anticipated; I was hurrying back to inform Sir Sage of the matter.

Oz: What severe situation?

Heathcliff: A magical creature shrouded in miasma has appeared, and the townspeople are greatly weakened.

Oz: I understand. I will bring it down.

Heathcliff: Thank you!

Oz: ..............

Heathcliff: Is something the matter?

Oz: It will be nightfall soon.
<< Vox Nox >>

Heathcliff: Eh?


Akira: I’m getting nervous.......

Figaro: Don’t worry, just relax.

Murr: To put it the Western way: just have fun.

Arthur: It’s you, so I’m sure it’ll go well, Sir Sage!

Akira: Okay, thank–......

(Woosh)

Murr: Sir Sage!?

Figaro: He disappeared!?

Arthur: Was that flash of magic Sir Oz.......!?


Akira: .......--you.
Eh?
Eh? W-Woah!! The sky!?

Heathcliff: Sir Sage!?

Akira: Heath! Oz!?

Oz: Heathcliff, repeat your explanation.

Heathcliff: Oh, um....... We arrived at Cortese Castle, but the situation that greeted us was much more severe than anticipated.

Akira: Eh........!?

Oz: It’s a magical creature that emits miasma. I will head to Cortese Castle too, and I am taking you along in preparation for nightfall.

Akira: H-hang on!
I want to rush there with you guys too. But there is another task I have to carry out.......

Oz: Is it more important than rescuing the Sage’s wizards?

Akira: ..............

Oz: I am not reproaching you. If that is what you decide, I will act accordingly. I simply have to resolve the situation before night falls.

Akira: .......I want to rush there too. I care about everyone’s safety more than anything else. .......But what should I do........
(If I report the emergency situation, I should be able to get out of the illumination ceremony. But.......)
(I won’t be able to carry out Murr’s strategy. That means we won’t regain our freedom......)

Heathcliff: ...............
Um, can I make a suggestion?

Akira: Yes, of course.

Heathcliff: Instead of the Sage, why don’t you take the Northern wizards along?

Akira: The Northern wizards?

Oz: They will not listen.

Heathcliff: T....... That’s not true.
When we were injured, both Mithra and Bradley tried to protect us.
I asked Cain too, and he said even Owen showed a little bit of kindness.......

Oz: ................

Heathcliff: Once night falls, Sir Oz won’t be able to use his magic. But if we have the Northern wizards.......

Akira: Heath...... You used to be so scared of the Northern wizards, and yet.......

Heathcliff: Haha....... I’m scared of them even now. Really.
But...... How do I put it.......
I want to rely on them.

Akira: I feel the same way........
Oz, what about you?

Oz: ...............
If that is what the sage wishes.
<< Vox Nox >>

(Woosh)

Mithra: Hah!?

Owen: What the–!?

Bradley: Are you for real!?

Snow: Oz dear!?

White: Isn’t this too sudden!?

Oz: I get it, Sage.

Bradley: Nope, I got nothing.

Oz: I will take them along.

Owen: No way.

Mithra: There’s no way I’m going with you.

Heathcliff: The situation at Cortese Castle is much more severe than we anticipated.
A magical creature emitting miasma appeared, and many, many people collapsed. The Eastern and Southern wizards are handling the situation for now, but.......

Mithra: The South?

Heathcliff: Yes........

Mithra: Hah....... Not again........
I got it. I’ll go.

Owen: I’m not going.

Snow: Darling Owen.

White: Come now, Owen.

Owen: Don’t try to subdue me.

Akira: Owen.

Owen: ............

Akira: Mithra, Bradley, Snow, White.
We aren’t trying to subdue any of you. Please, I’m begging you.

Heathcliff: I’m asking as well!

Oz: ...........
I am counting on you.



Bradley & Owen & Mithra: ............

Mithra: Can you say that again?

Owen: Say it again.

Bradley: Go on, one more time.

Oz: Absolutely not.

Bradley: Guess there’s no choice. I’ll do it as a favor to you, Sage.

Akira: Thank you.
Bradley....... Um, I don’t know if I’m saying it right, but to give you your worth–.......

Bradley: Hmm?

Akira: .......I have faith in you — I know that I can count on you.

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

Akira: I can say that now, because I’ve been watching you all this time — and I know you.
I know that you’re someone who will rise to the occasion; even if it’s the smallest wish or effort from a tiny speck of existence like me.
That’s what I believe. Bradley. I’m counting on you to rise to the occasion of my faith in you.

Bradley: Haha...... That’s more like it.
Now I really have to push myself to look good.

Oz: .......It is evening.
<< Vox Nox >>

Cain: Woah.......!

Riquet: Huh? The sea? Is this the sky?

Heathcliff: I’ll explain to you two later!

Mithra: Well then, let’s hurry.
<< Arthim >>

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: If truly necessary, Arthur or I can transform ourselves using Sir Sage’s appearance.......

Murr: If the crowd gets suspicious, I can divert their attention with misleading chatter.

Arthur: However, we need the Sage’s heartfelt sincerity in his speech to truly move the people’s hearts.......

Akira: Wah.......!

Murr & Arthur & Figaro: Sir Sage!

Arthur: I’m so glad that you returned.

Akira: Once the lighting ceremony is over, we’re heading straight to Cortese Castle.

Arthur: Is there an emergency at Cortese Castle?

Akira: Apparently some miasma-emitting magical creature appeared. Oz and the Northern wizards are rushing over as we speak.

Figaro: The Northern wizards?

Akira: Yes.

Arthur: They’re being really dependable.

Akira: Yes.......

✦✧☾✧✦

Lennox: ....Guh.... Uugh.....

Shino: Leno! Lennox.....! He’s injured all over.....
I need to use the protective ashes....! And the herbs.... I don’t have enough!

Lennox: ........These ashes.... Are his.....
.............

Shino: Lennox! Leno!

Cortese resident: .........Uugh.....
...It’s over......
I can’t move........

Nero: .....Everyone’s collapsing one after another......!

Isaac: << Animum Vexat >>!

(Bam) (Roar)

Nero: Stop attacking it.....!
.....It keeps spitting out more and more miasma.....!
Fucker! Stop attacking the thing! You’re gonna ruin these guys.......

Isaac: Silence.
Want me to eat you first?

Nero: Bring it on, you sack of shit.....!

Isaac: << Animum Vexat >> !

Nero: << Adnodus Omnis >> !

(Bam)

Nero: .....Aaagh.....!

Isaac: I will eat you and defeat him.

Nero: ....Kuh..... Did you really finish off Eva!?

Isaac: I did.

Nero: You’ve made him all alone again!

Isaac: << Animum Vexat >> !

Shino: << Matztzāh Sudipas >> !

(Clash)

Shino: ....Aagh....!

Nero: Shino! Shino....!

Isaac: Ahaha.....

(Roar)

Nero: ........!
.....The monster’s running off.... Where’s it going......

(Roar)

Isaac: It leapt into the sky.........!?
Something is in the sky. But what.....
Mana stones.....?

Nero: A flying ship!?

Shino: .....No, that’s.....
I’ve heard of it before. It’s a feat of Western magical technology....
The flying battleship.

✦✧☾✧✦

Elderly butler: My Lord, the people are seeking our protection!

Lord of Cortese: Come into the castle, my people. I don’t know how we’re supposed to protect you all, but....
Where is Gregory?

Maid: We haven’t seen him in days. We suspect that he’s been heartbroken because he can no longer marry Liliana, and may have.....

Lord of Cortese: He shouldn’t have rushed to conclusions.... Goodness, we’re in a pickle! What should we do!?

Elderly butler: Ah.... Take a look, my lord!
A giant flying ship.....!

Lord of Cortese: How incredible.....!

Elderly butler: Right.... There were rumors at the capital that the army was using its magical technology to create a flying ship.
Perhaps they received notice of that foggy green mass on the ground and came to assist.....!

Lord of Cortese: Amazing....! The wonders of magical technology! It will save our people!
Long live the queen!

✦✧☾✧✦

Captain of the warship: Is this all because of that monster....? All vegetation has wilted away, and I can barely have any visibility with all this green fog. I’ll need to report the situation to the palace.

Navigator: Captain, captain.....!

Captain: .....We’re sinking.... What’s going on?

Navigator: The rudder’s no good! We’re getting pulled down to earth!

Captain: What’s the cause?

Navigator: I don’t know! The ship itself doesn’t appear to be malfunctioning....
Captain....! We’re being pulled towards the green fog at 12 o’clock!

Captain: Might be a monster hiding in its midst. Prepare the Langrenus cannon. Ready, aim!

Navigator: We won’t make it in time........!
Uaaagh.....!!

Mithra: << Arthim >>

Navigator: Wh-who is that.....!?
A... a wizard!?

Cain: All units, retreat! This way, now!

Mithra: I opened a portal in space.
Please escape this way.

✦✧☾✧✦

Faust: ...........
(I spread the barrier too thin.... How long will my magic last?)

Snow & White: << Noscomnia >>

Faust: Snow! White!

Snow: Ohoho. Well done, Faust.

White: You can leave the rest to us.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Hey.

Nero: .......Brad.......

Bradley: Nero, you can still stand, right?

Nero: .......Of course.

Bradley: Take Shino and Lennox away from here.

Nero: ................

Bradley: Go now, Eastern wizards.

Shino: ........Let’s go, Nero! You need treatment too!

Nero: (Did I want him to let me go?)
(Did I want to be on the receiving end of his help?)
(No.)
(I wanted to stand by your side, and yet.)

Bradley: All right. Who’s that guy up ahead?

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

Bradley: He smells of the North.

Nero: He’s the wizard who did Eva in.

Bradley: ................
.......You sure?

Isaac: She was a strong woman, but she died a pathetic death.
I bet she must’ve been happy to reunite with her Sophie inside of me.

Bradley: ...............
Haha....... So that’s how it is.
Nero. Go.

Nero: ..............
............!

(Running footsteps)

Isaac: What are you smiling for........ Hey, boss.
I’m glad I didn’t bow down to you back then.
Because I’m better than you.

Bradley: Howl all you want.
You’ll be sentenced to eternal silence soon enough.

Isaac: << Animum Vexat >>

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>!

(Gunshot)

back to top


22.7 Amidst the Cheers

Oz: << Vox Nox >>

Navigator: Woah......! I could’ve sworn I was in the airship a second ago.......!?
That was a really close call.......!

Mithra: See? Just my door in space was sufficient.

Oz: It was not.

Riquet: I can’t purify this entire area, but I can cast a spell to purify everyone.
<< Sunrotea Edif >>

Cortese resident: .......It’s easier to breathe now.......

Cortese resident: Thank you.........

Cain: That ship......
(Is that the same flying warship as the one Benjamin, the mechanic we met on our mission in the West, built?)
(He said that his creation, which ended up destroyed after going on a rampage, was the only one of its kind........)
(I can’t rule out the possibility that they’ve been building more like it without his knowledge. Maybe there are others out there....)
(Weapons of magical science technology....... I don’t think they’d stop at just making flying warships......)

Oz: If we do not hurry, night will fall.
The source of the miasma lies over there.

(Crash) (Boom)

Cain: .............! The flying warship fell to earth........!

Owen: Huh, did you say that’s a flying warship? It’s carrying a whole load of mana stones.

Cain: It’s powered by mana stones.
..........!?
The warship is being sucked into the green mist.......!

Owen: If the creature consumes all those mana stones–.......

(Crash) (Rumble)

Cortese resident: Aaaahhhhhh.............!

Cortese resident: Earthquake......! The ground is shaking.......!

Cain: No...... This is.......
The sound of footsteps........

The sun sinks soundlessly, giving way to the luminous brilliance of the huge moon against the darkness.......



Bathed in moonlight, a monster every bit as large as the castle......
Glowers down at us.

Cain: ............
.....Wandering Hell......

✦✧☾✧✦

The goddess statue in the square of the City of Wealth has been decorated with an array of candle stands, illuminated to pray for the peace and development of Western Country.
It is time for me to commence the ceremony.
The square is thronging with people, all gathered for the chance to catch a glimpse of the new young queen everyone’s been talking about.
I can feel my heart pounding from nerves, inadvertently caught in the crowd’s line of vision by standing next to the queen.
But thanks to all the practice I did with Arthur in front of the Sage’s Lattice, I find myself keeping my cool.

Arthur: It’s normal to be uneasy and get flustered the first time you stand before a crowd.
But it’s really fun once you get used to it, like you’re having an enjoyable conversation with everyone.

Akira: Conversation....... But you can’t actually chat with them.

Arthur: That’s true. But you can read the crowd from where you stand.
You’ll learn to sense when they’re bored, when they’re feeling warm and receptive, or when they’re all riled up.
And you can’t miss the pull of the crowd responding when you spread your hands out before you.
I love the sense of unity — the way it feels like we’re all friends.

Akira: (I don’t know if I have the nerves to spare for that.......)

Murr: Shylock, this way!

Shylock: Shh, Murr. They’ll notice us.

Chloe: What do you say? Looks like General Barnett isn’t here with her today.....

Shylock: ..........
........I sense a human. If she were truly a wizard, I’d be thoroughly impressed by her ability to hide her presence.....
She must have practiced pretending to be human for a very, very long time.

Chloe: Murr, what do you say...?

Murr: Agree!
But if she’s in disguise — that means there has to be something off about her.

Chloe: Gregory told me about her curls, but your hair can change from day to day.....

Shylock: Let us observe closely. Passionately. As if we’re watching over someone dear to us.


Western dignitary: ......And that concludes the gracious speech from Her Majesty Queen Liliana.

(Cheering)

At Queen Liliana’s composed half-bow, the square erupts into thunderous applause.

Western citizen: Long live Queen Liliana!

Western citizen: Long live the Queen!

Western dignitary: Order, please! Next, I present the Sage, who has kindly agreed to honor us with a few lines on this occasion.

Hushed silence falls over the crowd as every pair of eyes turns toward me.
I’m overwhelmed by the scene.
A swift gush of blood rushes to my head, flooding my cheeks with heat. I’m all too aware of the staccato rhythm of my pounding heart.
Easy, easy, I need to calm down. Before I can freak out, I catch sight of Arthur winking at me from the corner of my eye.
You’re doing great. The piece of Murr’s soul tucked inside my pocket whispers to me.
Figaro nods, his smile unfailingly calm.
I find myself smiling back, and take a deep breath.

Akira: It is my honor to stand before Her Majesty — the greatly esteemed Queen Liliana — and the beloved people of Western Country to partake in the illumination ceremony.

I feel myself relaxing little by little as I talk.
I’m still nervous, but not so much that I can’t think straight.
The people of Western Country are brimming with curiosity and full of goodwill towards me, so they respond warmly to my greeting with smiles and laughter all around.
Oh, I do so like the people of Western Country — as much as I do the people of Central.

Akira: Her Majesty Queen Liliana is a sovereign who truly loves and cherishes her people. Furthermore, I’ve learnt that she has some surprising pastimes.

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

Akira: I’d like to share some stories of Queen Liliana’s girlhood back in Cortese Castle; I believe they’ll speak richly of her character.

I launch into stories of Princess Liliana that I’ve heard from Gregory.
Her skill at singing. The incident when she tagged along to collect fruit with the castle retainers.
With every shared anecdote, the crowd’s gaze towards Queen Liliana softens and gains an almost familial warmth.

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

Maybe I’m only imagining it. But slowly, Queen Liliana’s regal smile.......
Transforms into the sunny smile of a young girl raised in the laidback countryside.


Shylock: ......She’s a wizard.

Chloe: Huh?

Shylock: Queen Liliana is a wizard. It was a brief, momentary lapse — but we just witnessed a transformation.
Transfiguration is the art of establishing an image. You take the illusions contained in your mind and materialize them in your own body.
That witch who stands there was influenced by Sir Sage’s story; the image of "Liliana" must have undergone a change within her mind.
It was a brief and minor transformation, but it’s been fully established now. She is a wizard.

Chloe: Then she’s.....

Shylock: I can’t say. But if what Kelvin said was true, you’d best not mention her name.
For if anyone discovers her secret....

Chloe: ......We can’t leave Rustica behind in a place like this. We should head back to our magic headquarters.

Murr: But Rustica will turn into feathers if he leaves the tower. I mean, he’s turning into feathers even inside the tower, but.

Chloe: I’ll speak to Rustica.
I’m going to steal him away from that tower — just as he did for me.
Can I go to the tower? Murr, Shylock?

Murr: Sure!

Shylock: Of course. Let us get out of here.


Akira: .......That’s all I have to share. Thank you for letting me speak to all of you.

(Cheering)

Western citizen: Long live the Sage!

Western citizen: Long live Sir Akira!

Western citizen: I came to see the Queen, but I’ve fallen for the Sage too!

Western citizen: Me too! He’s given so much praise for our Queen and our people!

Western citizen: Besides, I heard that he’s had a hand in solving the mysterious incidents happening all over Western Country!

Western citizen: Wow, I really want to hear all about those incidents!

Western citizen: Me too! I’m so curious! How wonderful both the Queen and the Sage are!

Western citizen: Look at the Central prince cheerfully waving at us! I’m so pleased!

Western citizen: I took the Southern doctor for a country bumpkin, but he seems pretty wise too!

Western citizen: I thought all wizards were nothing more than nuisances.......

Western citizen: But the wizards led by the Great Sage, Sir Akira, must be special!


Akira: Hah....... ......That was so stressful.........

Arthur: That was incredible, Sir Sage. You were wonderful out there!

Akira: Thank you. Do you think it was enough?

Figaro: I’m sure it’ll go well. We might not see the effects right away, but the changes will slowly but surely make themselves known.
Should they try to paint you as a villain, people will step forward to shield you — people from today who have seen you and gotten to know you.
That should play a considerable part in tying the Queen’s hands.
You’ve managed to take the bonds that plagued and chain them around the Queen’s ankles. That was a brilliant move.

Akira: Can we return to the Central magic headquarters?

Murr: We certainly shall.
Should an incident occur that causes your popularity to skyrocket — we’ll return even sooner than you think.
Which, by the way. I hear that the situation at Cortese is quite dire?

Akira: That’s right! I have to report the situation to Queen Liliana.

Figaro: Report to the Queen?

Akira: I’m sure she’d want to know about something this awful happening in her country. Besides......
If we work together to settle this incident, we might appear to be closer.

Figaro: Ahaha! You’re really interesting: you have just the right balance of virtue and calculation.

Murr: Then off we go. We’ll prepare some lovely stage props to boot.

Arthur: Stage props......?

Murr: Props that will make the Sage’s wizards appear all the more dashing, gorgeous, and alluring.....
Outfits tailored by Chloe Collins himself.

Arthur: I see! So we’ll have everyone dressed in the formal outfits that Chloe made for us.
Ah....... Speaking of Chloe, here come the Western wizards.

Figaro: They were watching the ceremony from the sidelines until halfway through. Seems like they’re flying towards the castle. Let’s catch up to them.

✦✧☾✧✦

(Monster roaring)

Cain: Mithra! Can you help me get the unconscious people out of here!?

Mithra: Not now! I’m going to look for Rutile and Mitile.
<< Arthim >>

Riquet: I’ll help you, Cain. Please go wait someplace safe, Oz.

Oz: It’s a monster which emits miasma. You two aren’t enough to–.......

Riquet: Don’t worry. Cain. There are people in identical clothes headed this way from your upper right corner.
They’re the same people that Oz brought here earlier.

Cain: The flying warship’s crew? Riquet, please take Oz far away from here.

Riquet: Oz? Understood.

(Footsteps)

Navigator: What on earth is happening!?
What business did that freaking monster have with our flying warship...... Is there anything we can help with!?

Cain: I’m Cain, a Central wizard. Thanks for the offer.

Pilot of the warship: You’re the guy who helped us out back there! We owe you one...... Wait, I’ve seen your portrait before!

Cain: (I see his face now. I was right about it being the Western military.......)
(If they’ve seen the portraits, it means they should know of Oz.)
(It’d be real bad if they realized Oz can’t use magic.)
That monster emits miasma; it’ll drain your strength if you’re exposed to the mist. Some people can’t even stand on their own afterward.
Can you take everyone to the top of that hill over there? Make sure you’re keeping an eye out too.

Pilot: Roger that. You guys too.

(Footsteps)

Cain: ............
Oz, Riquet!

Riquet: Are you finished? We should hurry to the people’s rescue.

Cain: Yeah. But listen up, Oz: we can’t let anyone find out about your condition at night.
Go stand somewhere and try to look like you’re a mentor who’s keeping his eye on us. Make sure you put on a convincing act.

Oz: I have never done such a thing before.

Riquet: You have. 　
Remember that time with Prince Arthur? Cain taught us how to conduct ourselves in a friendly manner to fit in on the street.
You were rather good, Oz. I think you can do it this time too.

Oz: Is that so?

Cain: How do we defeat that thing?

Oz: It emits miasma with every attack. The best way is to overwhelm it with magic before you succumb to the miasma and collapse yourself.

Cain: But that method will flood this place with miasma and turn everyone living here into collateral damage.

Oz: It is an unavoidable course of action. That is the cost of taking down a monster that has grown so massive.

Cain: There’s no other choice than to leave land barren?

Oz: After a few hundred years, plants will sprout again.

Cain: ............
If we lead it to a deserted spot....... I’ll see if I can act as a decoy.

Oz: Just leave it to the Northern wizards.

Cain: Attacking the monster is as good as scorching the earth. The pain and grief of losing your home is beyond measure.
I want to do something! I’m going ahead!

Oz: Cain!

(Footsteps)

Riquet: I’ll lead the way for the others! Stay away from dangerous places, okay, Oz!

(Footsteps)

Oz: ............

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: Shino! Lennox.....!

Shino: .....Heath.... You stay there.

Heathcliff: You look awful.... You must’ve taken in the miasma.
.....I’ll take you to Mr. Faust. Where’s Nero?

Shino: He’s carrying the collapsed individuals....

(Rumble)

Heathcliff: .....It’s awful that a massive monster emerged in a populated area......

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: Rutile! Mitile!
......The miasma is too strong. I can’t sense their presence.......
Rutile! Mitile!

Mitile: << Scintilla >>!

(Crash)

Mithra: ............
......I haven’t heard that in a while......

Mitile: I’ve moved the fallen tree out of the way! Come this way, everyone!

Cortese resident: ......Agh........ Thanks, Mister Wizard.......

Mithra: Mitile.

Mitile: Mister Mithra......

Mithra: Say her spell again.

Mitile: ......Okay......!
<< Scintilla >>!

Mithra: .......Haha......

Mitile: Hehe.......

Mithra: That makes me feel a little better. Where’s Rutile?

Mitile: Nii-sama...... You reminded me! He’s terribly hurt!

Mithra: Rutile is!?

Mitile: Yes! Mister Faust is taking care of him now!

Mithra: Let’s go to them now.
<< Arthim >>

✦✧☾✧✦

(Roar)

Owen: << Cure Memini >>

(Cerberus roaring)

Owen: Will this work?

(Roar)

Owen: ......cough.
With enough time, my dogs can finish off the job.
Though they might burn this place to the ground. Not sure if that’s okay?
Well, who cares.
<< Cuare Mori–...... >>

Cain: Owen!

Owen: ............
Hey, Sir Knight. You should stay away if you know what’s good for you.

Cain: That’s not going to work. That thing just spews out miasma when you attack it.

Owen: But of course.

Cain: Do you think we can lure it away from the town and attack it there? I’ll be the decoy.

Owen: How? It’s not going to come after you.
It won’t follow me either. Shouldn’t this be a job for the Western wizards?
They’re the ones with a gift for enticement.

Cain: True...... But the Western wizards aren’t in this town right now.

Owen: Oh yeah? What a shame.

(Roar)

Cain: ............! It’s moving strangely......

Owen: Is it going to attack us?
That’s not it.......
The monster’s flesh is melting.....?

✦✧☾✧✦

Officer: General Barnett!

Gil: Yes?

Officer: We just received notice that the flying warship came crashing down in the territory of Cortese....!

Gil: Crashing down? Was it an accident? Or were they attacked? Has the crew survived?

Officer: We’re still collecting information — we need to investigate the cause and confirm the victims.

Gil: All right, no need to collect any more intel. That’s a massive incident right there: it’ll bring harm to both the lord and the people.
Dispatch the rescue team immediately. I’ll head out with them. We need to jump on these things right away. And if they’re all safe — all the better.

Officer: Yes, sir....!

Gil: I certainly hope there weren’t many sacrifices.

Nova: Gil.

Gil: Nova. What business do you have with me?

Nova: I shall accompany you to Cortese. I’d like to take a few individuals along to help gather intel.

Gil: Intel?

Nova: The crash was triggered by a variant of the man-made wizards, you see.
Halitus Mortifer. I created it using a revived ancient magical beast as a base.
It was still a work in progress, but it escaped from the lab and triggered some fascinating results.

Gil: ....Fascinating results? My subordinates might be dead.

Nova: And have accordingly proven that my experiments are of greater use than your subordinates.

Gil: .........
You will not be boarding the flying warship. My subordinates do not exist to support your data collection.

Nova: The Queen herself commanded you to cooperate with my research.

Liliana: He is right, Gil.

Gil: Queen Liliana......

Liliana: I shall be boarding that flight as well. Let us head to Cortese immediately.

Gil: Yes, your Highness.

Liliana: Nova. I will have you take responsibility for this mess when we return.

Nova: Yes, Your Majesty.

back to top


22.8 Final Words, Perpetual Rain

Snow in the painting: The sun has set.....

White in the painting: I suppose we’ll still be able to leave this frame for a short while, but....

Lennox: .......uugh.....

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

Snow in the painting: Oh my goodness, he’s in awful shape!

White in the painting: Faust! Leave the barrier to us! Stay by his side for now!

Snow in the painting: Shino, Nero! Lend us a hand.

Nero: Got it!

Shino: Leave it to me! I did my homework.

Snow & White: Here we go. << Noscomnia >>

Faust: ....Thank you.
<< Satillquinart Mullcreed >>
Leno, hang in there. I’ll heal you now....

Lennox: ....No need. Please conserve your energy for more important matters.....

Faust: But....!

Lennox: .......I attacked the head of the beast and managed to deal some damage. But it recovered after some time.
It appears.... To be difficult to land a finishing blow.... Even by attacking the head....
.....But I did notice something bizarre in its stomach. Near the bottom of its ribcage.....
I caught sight of a faint gleam, something like a mana stone, under its purple skin.....

Faust: A mana stone in its lower ribcage....
Just like the man-made wizards....?

Lennox: If we attack that core, we might land a crucial blow on that monster.....
When I attacked the creature without magic, it didn’t give off any toxic fumes from the surface of its body.....
But notably, it still emitted significant gusts of miasma from in between its nails and skin, and its mouth.....
So long as we can evade those and destroy the mana stone within.....
We may.... Stand a chance......

Faust: ....The mana stone in its stomach. Got it. I will let everyone know. Say no more, Leno....

Lennox: ......Sir Faust, I beseech you.....

Faust: Shh.... If you have a request for me, save it for later. You’re going to open your eyes and tell me to my face.

Lennox: Haha.... That’s too bad. I felt like you’d listen to me if I asked now.....

Faust: I’ll hear you out later. No matter what your request is.

Lennox: ........No.....
.............

Faust: Leno? Lennox.....!
......Snow, White!

Snow: What is it!?

White: What’s wrong!?

Faust: Keep an eye on Lennox for me. I’m going to relay the monster’s weakness to the Northern wizards.....

Mithra: Rutile.... Rutile.....!

Mitile: Nii-sama.....! .....! Not Mister Leno too......!

Faust: Mithra..... Mitile!

Mithra: Is he going to die? How long has he been unconscious?

Mitile: No..... Nii-sama! Mister Leno......!

Snow: Calm down, both of you! We’re doing everything we can!

White: If their conditions hold like this, they’ll be able to recover. But another whiff of miasma will do them in.....

Mithra: ....Ah.....
<< Arthim >>

Snow & White: Where are you headed!?

Mithra: I’m going to get Figaro. Faust.

Faust: What.

Mithra: He’s in danger too, right?

Snow: (My goodness?)

White: (Mithra is concerned for Lennox as well?)

Faust: .....That’s right. Can I count on you?

Mithra: I will be back soon. Please don’t let Rutile die.

✦✧☾✧✦

Isaac: << Animum Vexat >>!

(Flash)

Bradley: Tsk......!
<< Adnopotensum >>!

(Flash) (Bang)

Isaac: ......Aaaghh......!

Bradley: Bring it on.
Eva would scoff at you. You ate her stone but this is still all you got?

Isaac: ......Damn.......!
<< Adnopotensum >>!

(Flash)

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>!

(Flash) (Bang)

Isaac: ......Auuugh.......!
Impossible! I ate Eva’s stone -- no way I’d lose to the likes of you.......!

Bradley: Oh yeah?
Then tell me — why are you dying?
<< Adnopotensum >>!

(Flash) (Bang)

Isaac: Aaaaagh......!
G........ Guh......!

Bradley: Don’t croak on me yet. I missed your vitals on purpose.
Take back what you said about Eva.

Isaac: ......hh......ugh........

Bradley: Don’t you dare disgrace death. I’ll make sure even you die with honor.

Isaac: Pant....... pant......
......Haha......
......Got it...... I give up, Bradley.

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

Isaac: Come closer...... I’ll tell you what Eva’s last words were. You see, Eva–......

Bradley: I don’t need to hear it.

Isaac: Wai–.......!

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>

(Flash) (Bang)

Isaac: Gah......!

(Shattering)

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

Cortese resident: ......Mister Isaac......!

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

Cortese resident: How could you.......! What did he ever do to you!?
He saved my son...... He was such a gentle person.......!

Bradley: That’s why he died.

Cortese resident: ............

Bradley: Hold your hand out.

Cortese resident: Wha-......

Bradley: This is his stone: it’s a choice stone of great worth. He was a strong Northern wizard.
It’s yours.

Cortese resident: ............

Bradley: Don’t hang around here. Get to the magic circle on top of the hill.

Cortese resident: ............ You’ll never be forgiven.......!

(Footsteps)

Bradley: .............
I never asked to be.

✦✧☾✧✦

The door opened.
The visitor was Chloe.
Chloe.
I think he is someone I loved very much. But I can’t really remember clearly.
Chloe mumbles a word. "Rustica."
"Rustica. Let’s go outside."
I take a look across the room. I wanted to find this Rustica whom Chloe was looking for.

Chloe: Rustica — you’re Rustica. My precious master of magic.
The one who stole me away from the solitude of my home — into the outside world.
All the beautiful scenery I’ve witnessed, and all the cherished words I’ve received since then....
I can’t even begin to count them, Rustica.

Rustica did not respond. So I made a suggestion to Chloe.
Maybe he’ll emerge if you leave out his favorite food?
Chloe laughs.

Chloe: Rustica’s favorite food? Maybe a savarin cake, soaked in syrup?

Rustica: That is quite delicious.

Chloe: I’m not quite mature enough to fully enjoy it. But I don’t think savarin is the answer.
There’s another way to draw Rustica out of this room.

Rustica: How intriguing. What are you thinking?

His violet eyes are locked with mine.
Conjuring the image of the same boy in his childhood.
When he was tucked away in the depths of the tailor’s shop. When his eyes sparkled at the sight of the multicolored displays throughout the market. When he was thrilled by the night sky lit up by the meteor shower.

Chloe: Cry, Rustica.

Rustica: ...........

I froze.
I had never even considered that before.
I was always surrounded by happiness.
I’m not familiar with crying. I feared that once I spilled a single tear....
They would continue to fall like an endless rain.

Rustica: I can’t agree to that. Can’t we have savarin instead? With a cup of delicious, warm tea?

Chloe shakes his head. He grabs my hands with his own — artistic hands, ever-so-wonderful with needlework.
I was really shocked during the early days I spent with Chloe. Because Chloe cried all the time.
His gorgeous eyes looked as if they were about to melt; like a window pane gently streaked by rain.

Rustica: Thank you, Chloe. But I don’t need that.

Chloe: I need it, Rustica. Show me your tears.
Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side until your tears stop falling like rain. And I’ll wipe your tears as many times as it takes.
Using your favorite embroidered scarf, Rustica. You were the one who told me:
That my blue bird can fly freely into the sky, no matter how many times its wings are torn.

Rustica: ............

My throat trembles; my sight goes blurry.
I panic and shake my head, pretending not to feel the pang of sadness striking my chest.
Because I’ve only ever known the sunlight.
Yet an endless rain is encroaching.
What am I supposed to do.....?

Chloe: Don’t worry. There’s nothing to be afraid of.
Think about all the days when it stormed. There were huge downpours that left puddles all throughout town.
But the next day, we were greeted with the bluest of skies, full of fluffy white clouds.

I like that. I think about the lovely blue sky.

✦✧☾✧✦

The precious, beloved things that I’ve lost.
The wonderful tomorrows that were cut off in error.
The wishes that were supposed to come true.
The people that I meant to bring happiness to.

✦✧☾✧✦

Before I know it, Chloe is touching my cheeks.
His palms are so warm; it makes me happy and sad.
My heart trembles.
It hurts so much; I can’t stand this dismal pain.
I’m terrified that if I could see my own heart, I would find cracks running all through it.
But........

Chloe: Don’t worry, Rustica. I’m very good at needlework....
So I’ll give you the sun and the moon. I’ll give you everything. I’ll fix everything up with my needle and a thread, and give it to you like brand new, Rustica.

His gentle voice soothes me into opening my eyes — I didn’t even realize they were closed.
The moment I blink, tears overflow from my eyes.



Rustica: ..........h....

I am crying.

Chloe: It’s okay.... It’s okay.
You must’ve been so sad.... It must’ve been so hard for you, Rustica.
But it’ll be all right now.

Rustica: ....uu........

Chloe: Because I know.

Rustica: ....Uu.... Waaah.......!
.....waaaah.........!

✦✧☾✧✦

And so I cried very much and escaped from the room.
I don’t really recall what happened these past few days, but....

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: I kind of feel refreshed.

Chloe: Right? You feel refreshed after you cry.
I know, because I’m a crybaby.

Rustica: I see.

Shylock: Rustica. I’m so glad to see you’re safe. Please hug me.

Rustica: Of course. I’m glad you’re safe as well.

Shylock: You recall what happened?

Rustica: Not really, but it’s always good to be in one piece.

Murr: True! I’m happy you look good, Rustica!

Rustica: I feel the same, Murr.

The Western wizards aren’t the only ones who are glad to see me doing well.
The bird, Gregory, and.....

Gregory: Murr, Shylock! I saw you guys flying back on your brooms. Oh? Is there some cause for celebration?

Murr: Rustica was safe!

Gregory: Fantastic! It’s always good to be safe. The most important thing.

Sir Sage, Prince Arthur. Dr. Figaro, and Murr’s shard — everyone was delighted to see me doing well.

Akira: I’m really.... So glad.

Rustica: I agree. It looks like everyone here feels that way.

Arthur: Ahaha! That’s a classic Rustica line for you.

Figaro: If anything seems off, let me know right away. The great doctor Figaro will.....

Mithra: << Arthim >>

(Bam)

Figaro: Mithra.

Mithra: Figaro. Come with me now.
Rutile and Lennox are going to die.

Akira: ..........!?

Figaro: What happened?

Arthur: They were at Cortese, right? Let’s hurry, Sir Sage!

Oh my goodness.
While everyone was kindly celebrating my safety — someone else was in grave danger.
We all follow Mithra through the door in space.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Melting flesh......? Did you say flesh?

Owen: Look at the meat around the stomach. See, it’s almost falling off.

Cain: My stomach?

Owen: ............
......Oh my god, you made me check for a second right there!? Why would your stomach be melting and falling off!?

Cain: Sorry, my bad. Wait, why am I apologizing too?
You mean the monster? Oh...... You’re right......!

Owen: Look at the flesh oozing down the sides of its body like globs of cream; it’s going to fall off with a plop any moment now.

Cain: Is it injured after taking all those hits?

Owen: It’s moving, but it’s practically a corpse.

Cain: ............
......A...... A corpse.......

Owen: You’re so weak...... Seems like the miasma already got to you.

Cain: ......I’m fine.

Owen: Stand back.

Bradley: Owen, Cain!

Cain: Bradley.

Bradley: Time for take two. The Western wizards have arrived.

Owen: Huh?

Bradley: Just get over here.

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: << Possideo >>

Rutile: ....uugh..... .......

Mitile: Nii-sama.........!

Rutile: Mitile... Dr. Figaro.... Mister Mithra......

Mithra: ......Thank goodness.......

Rutile: ......I’m sorry..... For making you worry........
If something happened to me.... I would’ve caused you so much trouble, Mister Mithra.......

Mithra: Well, that is true, but........

Figaro: That has nothing to do with you, Rutile. You don’t need to apologize when you’re so badly injured.

Rutile: Thank you.........

Mithra: .........
That thing is the one who put you in this miserable state, right?
I’ll go defeat it now.

Rutile: ...........

Mithra: That’s where you’re supposed to thank me.....?

Rutile: I just don’t want you to get hurt the way Mister Leno did........
.....But you being Mister Mithra, I’m sure you’ll defeat it.

Mithra: I will. Wait for me here.

Mitile: ....I-I’ll go too!

Rutile: Mitile.....

Mitile: Please take me with you, Mister Mithra! I can go too, right?

Figaro: Mitile. I know you’ve gotten stronger, but you’re still.....

Mithra: Sure.

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

Mithra: I’ll be with him, and if it looks like things are getting dangerous, I’ll send him right back. Let’s go.

Mitile: Yay!

(They Arthim away)

Rutile: Mitile! ....Will they really be ok?

Figaro: Well, probably.

Rutile: .....Dr. Figaro, I feel a lot better thanks to you.....

Figaro: Don’t push yourself. Are you really okay?

Rutile: Yes.... I’m just going to do what I can.

Lennox: ......Me too.

Figaro: Leno.

Lennox: I’m okay.... I know my limits.
Let’s head to where everyone else is.

back to top


22.9 The Final Battle in Unison

(Roar)

Akira: What a huge monster....... ........Ah–........

Bradley: Hey, you all right?

Akira: .......Sorry, I got dizzy.......

Bradley: Stay close to me. We’ve set up a barrier around here.

Nodding, I take a step closer and lean into him, trying to hold out against my blurring vision.
The miasma-emitting monster staggers, its frame so huge that I have to crane my neck up to take it all in.

Bradley: Wait and watch.

Akira: .............! It’s spewing out green haze...... Is that the miasma?

Bradley: Yeah. But......

Bradley puts down his rifle and holds a hand out towards the Halitus Mortifer.

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>
Mithra and Mitile were the ones who noticed: that thing can’t spew any miasma when it’s frozen.
That said, you won’t deal it any damage either. But at least we can stop it in its tracks.
According to the curseworker, there’s no point aiming for its head.
It’s got something like a mana stone in its stomach. That means we just have to take out its core.
So if we freeze the monster, one of us can hone in with a physical attack and crush the mana stone while it’s out of action.
Not a bad plan, huh?

Akira: Bradley......

Bradley: Oh? Did you fall for me all over again?

Akira: Honestly, yes!
I couldn’t imagine going up against a huge monster spewing out deadly miasma.
But after hearing your plan, I feel like we have a chance at beating it! Let’s do it!

Bradley: Good. Let’s get this party started.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Listen up, Western wizards. That monster–.......

Murr: Halitus Mortifer!

Bradley: When you attack that thing with magic, it just absorbs the magic and spits it out as miasma.
What that means is we’ll make everyone and everything around here into casualties if we attack too aggressively.

Akira: So, our plan is to lure it towards the Royal Botanical Garden and away from the castle.
The Western wizards will be in charge of guiding it there. It’s a dangerous role, but I’m counting on you.

Rustica: What a wonderful strategy. Leave it to us, Sir Sage.

Shylock: We shall put on a most alluring act to lure that creature away from any populated areas.

Chloe: But...... Will such a huge monster really notice us and follow us?

Shylock: A monster born in the West will naturally be drawn to the presence of Western magic, and fixate onto us Western wizards.

Rustica: I’m sure it enjoys a touch of danger in the thrill of the chase, just as the rest of us in the West do.

Murr: Let’s dance with the Halitus Mortifer!

Chloe: We’ll give it our best shot! But first, can I get everyone’s attention?

Heathcliff: What is it?

Chloe: << Suispicibo Voitengok >>!

Riquet: Wow......!

Arthur: The outfits from the inauguration ceremony!

Cain: Yeah! We also wore these the night we saved the Central capital.

Oz: We put these on the other day too.

Shylock: I do enjoy being enveloped in this cloth; it really makes one feel like he is a Sage’s wizard.

Rustica: I’m especially fond of the jacket’s material and the epaulets. They're exquisite, Chloe.

Chloe: Thanks! He requested that everyone fight in these clothes!

Murr: That’s coming from the me who’s not here!

Faust: Who would’ve thought we’d be fighting in these clothes again.......

Nero: They’re our tailor’s masterpiece. I need to make sure I keep it real clean this time.

Shino: Let’s finish this thing off in a flash so we can show Western Country how cool we are.

Heathcliff: Agreed. We need to stop it before it causes any more harm.

Figaro: The three of you better not overdo things.

Rutile: Got it, Dr. Figaro. I will make every effort to support everyone thoroughly.

Mitile: Don’t worry about it! I’ll work twice as hard to cover for the two of them!

Lennox: How reliable. But I’m a pretty sturdy guy myself, so let’s try our best together.

Snow: Oh, yes! These were our very first full matching set of clothes; we do so love to be matching.

White: When our feelings are in concert with each other, it feels like we’re united and ready to take on the battle before us.

Mithra: Is that so?

Owen: Not really.

Bradley: I guess that only works for the twins. ......Hey Sage, looks like you finally bounced back after changing into those clothes.

Akira: Yes.......! Thank you!
I’ll get back to the plan.
The Western wizards will lure out the Halitus Mortifer......
Then the Northern wizards will step in and use glacial magic to freeze and immobilize the monster.
Assuming we manage to land a physical attack and destroy the mana stone-like mass within its stomach......

Oz: We can subdue the Halitus Mortifer.

Akira: Precisely. That seems like the best way to take it down with the least amount of collateral damage.

Faust: How do we pull off a physical attack? It would be difficult to fight your way to the monster’s waist without resorting to magic.

Akira: That’s a good point......

Arthur: I think Cain should do it.

Cain: .............

Cain’s eyes widen in surprise.
Before he can say anything, Bradley cuts in.

Bradley: I’d second Mister Knight. You spent a long time pretending to be a human knight without using any magic, right?

Cain: Yeah.

Bradley: That makes you perfect for the job. Most of us can’t help calling up magic in the heat of battle because we’re used to having it at our fingertips.

Shino: Leno told me the same thing. I also think Cain should do it.

Lennox: ......Me too.

Arthur: Can you do it, Cain? It’s a perilous mission. I don’t want to force you into it. Please give me your honest answer.

Cain blinks rapidly. Riquet folds his hands together, looking torn between impatience and delight.
Cain takes a deep breath, schooling his features.

Cain: Hah......
Certainly. I swear it upon my honor as a knight.

Riquet: What an incredible responsibility, Cain! As a fellow Central wizard, I feel so proud!

Cain smiles at Riquet’s praise.
It is in no way a naive, innocent smile, free from the shadow of pain.
The burden of hiding his identity as a wizard and playing the part of a human when he served as the captain of the Order of Knights......
For all of Cain’s honesty and brightness, he must have been wrecked with guilt.
It set him back greatly too. Cain has been using magic for fewer years than even Mitile.
But the time has come when his very inexperience makes him the perfect person for the job.

Cain: I can do it. Watch me – I’ll give it all I have.

Cain balls his hands into tight fists. Beside him, Oz sinks his teeth into his own finger.
Wordlessly, he takes Cain’s hand and draws a magic circle on his open palm.
Cain gapes, his eyes going back and forth between his own palm and Oz’s face.

Oz: I am not in the habit of doing this.
There are many who seek to use my blood or hair as a medium.
But I trust you.

Cain: Oz.......

Bradley shrugs, plucking out a few strands of his own hair.

Bradley: You heard him. For some reason, it feels like you can trust this guy.
I’ll give you something that works as a medium. But I don’t want it getting stolen or absorbed into that monster.
If that happens, I’ll shoot you to prevent my own doom, got it?
If you can accept those terms, then give me your hand.

Cain: Ah.......

Steeling himself, Cain holds out his hand.
Owen laughs and slaps his outstretched hand.

Cain: ............!?

Owen: Bradley, you’re taking way too long to get to the point.

Cain: Owen.

Owen: Guess you don’t have a choice, Sir Knight.
Well, nothing would be worse than losing after being stuck with such a troublesome mission. You heard Bradley: I can kill you anytime, no matter what you think you’re plotting.
But if it’s just to help raise your chance of success by a little.......

Mithra: You’re also taking waaay too long to get to the point. I’ll give you something too. Hold out your hand; the one without Oz’s magic circle.

Cain: Woah...... I can feel myself filling up with power......

Mithra: I haven’t done anything yet.

Owen: Hey, don’t get in my way, Mithra.

Snow: We, too, shall grant you our protection.

White: May it carry you to triumph.

Faust: Cain. May fortune smile on you.

Shylock: Put on a spirited show for us.

Figaro: Hmm... let’s see. I suppose I can lend you a pair of gloves.

All the young and long-lived wizards alike spur Cain on with words of encouragement.
Cain beams, nodding vigorously; in fleeting moments, it looks like he’s smiling through tears.

Cain: Thanks, guys...... I’m really happy.
I want to live up to your expectations. I...... I will carry this through to the end.

Bradley: That’s it.

Arthur: I know you can do it. I’m counting on you.

Cain: Arthur......

Riquet: Please do your best!

Oz: You have us at your back.

Cain: Thanks! Ah.......

Owen: What?

Cain: Weren’t you going to give me something?

Owen: It was just a whim. I’m not giving you anything anymore.

Cain: Oh? Well, I guess it’s fine since I got so much from Oz, Mithra, and the others.

Owen: Uh huh.

Cain: But.......

Owen: ........

Cain: You know, you’re the one who taught me how spells work and so on.

Owen: Hmph.......
Are you an idiot? I’m still not giving you anything.

Cain: I see. Then........
I’ll wait for the next time.

✦✧☾✧✦

And thus our strategy unfolds.

Shylock: Shall we set off?
It’s your stage, Rustica.

Rustica: Gladly. Leave it to me.
<< Amorest Viesse >>

Rustica chants his spell and a violin appears in his hands.
Melodious music flows as he draws the bow across the strings.
Shylock lifts his pipe to his lips, taking a deep draw before exhaling white smoke.
Tendrils of smoke coil around Rustica’s violin like long-tailed comets.

Shylock: << Invibelle >>

In the next heartbeat, Rustica’s music resonates across the night sky, beguilement and enchantment suffused in the timbre of each note.
The gigantic monster looks up.

Murr: Come on! Let’s play!
<< Eanul Rambul >>

Murr chants his spell, flying ahead to take the lead. Rustica follows in his wake, then Chloe, with Shylock bringing up the rear.
A procession of the four Western wizards flying through the sky on their brooms.
There could be nothing merrier or more delightful. They careen ahead, twisting and turning and whirling freely as they weave between the stars.

Chloe: << Suispicibo Voitengok >>

Chloe chants his spell and the path their brooms have traced in the sky starts glittering, looking as if they’ve left trails of ribbon behind them.

(Crash)

The Halitus Mortifer sways and stumbles after them.
Heading away from the castle at the heart of the town.
Some of the other wizards also trail the Halitus Mortifer.
The Central wizards, except Oz and Cain. Mitile, and Figaro as well.
The Eastern wizards stay behind to keep the barrier up and protect those who have collapsed.
Rutile and Lennox, having sustained injuries, remain with them.
And Oz, exuding an air of stern dignity as he watches over the whole group.

Figaro: It looks like the Halitus Mortifer can spit out miasma whether it’s being attacked or not.
Let’s extricate any victims we come across.

Arthur & Mitile & Riquet: Yes!

I take in their swift movements from my perch on the back of Arthur’s broom.
With impeccable teamwork, they waste no time in finding and rescuing people before they can fall into further danger.
The volley of communication and activity between them.......
Would definitely not have been possible when they first met each other.
It wasn’t something they could pull off simply by having one powerful person in the group, or by someone else holding back to accommodate the others......
But something they’ve earned because of the time they’ve spent together, learning about each other.
By now, I know all too well: I know whether your smile is concealing some concern, or if it’s a true grin of pride. I know, because I know you.
Even on a night like this when the immense golden moon overhead threatens to swallow us into its oblivion, slowly but surely......
We’ve bound our hearts closer to each other.

✦✧☾✧✦

Kelvin: Something’s coming closer.......
What is that giant monster.......!?
Ah....... Sir Rustica........!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Monstrous roar)

Rustica: This should be far enough.
The next act is yours, Northern gentlemen.

The instant the music stops, five stars appear in the sky over the Halitus Mortifer’s head.
No, not stars — they’re the most troublesome, charismatic wizards in the whole world.

Snow: Well then, shall we start?

White: Naturally. Are you all ready?

Bradley: I should be the one asking. None of you better use any spell other than ice magic. Otherwise, you’re going to turn Mister Knight to stone.

Owen: Hmph. He’s heaped with amulets; it’d be some bad joke if he still managed to get himself turned into stone.

Mithra: Look. The flesh is falling off the thing’s stomach.
I guess it fell off as it was walking over here.
I can see something that looks like a mana stone inside its ribcage.

Bradley: Goddamn. It’s no better than an artificial wizard.
Let’s get moving and clean up this mess.
<< Adnopotensum >>

Snow & White: << Noscomnia >>

Mithra: << Arthim >>

Owen: << Cuare Morito >>

The Northern wizards cast their spells, freezing the monster in its tracks.
As frost steals over its limbs and spine, the giant lizard shudders and attempts to spit out more green haze.
But the ice magic enshrouds it entirely, entrapping the haze within its body.
At that moment, Bradley shoots a gaze beneath his feet and yells out.

Bradley: Now, Cain!
Get it!

Cain: Got it........!

(Running footsteps)

Cain: (I need to get onto the monster’s body.)
(I better watch out. They did say the entire thing might be covered in poison.)
(I should be fully protected by all the charms I’ve received, but........)
(.......Hah....... Hah.........)

(Roar)

Cain: Woah.........!

Owen: << Cure Memini >>

(Flash)

Cain: ........That was close.......
(Now that I’ve slowly learned more about magic, I know just how valuable a wizard’s blood or hair is.)
(And still everyone entrusted themselves to me — someone so weak and unfamiliar with wielding magic.)
(No victory or medal could make me feel prouder or more grateful.)
(It’s not about myself attaining victory........)
(It’s that they saw my soul for what it is.)
(I was so desperate for recognition that I drove myself into doing things I would normally never do.)
(But they've recognized me all along.)
(They’ve found me worthy of their judgment, and chose to place their trust in me.)
(Nothing could make me happier than that.)
(Please, please let me live up to their expectations.)
(I have to pull this off!)

(Roar)

Cain: ................!
.......Ugh.......!

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>!

(Flash)

Cain: (I only breathed in the fumes for a split second, but I’m already dizzy and nauseous........)
(This is bad. My heart is pounding. I can feel my limbs shaking.......)
(I have to get over there........!)

(Roar)

Cain: ................!

Mithra: << Arthim >>

(Flash)

Cain: .......Now’s my chance........!

(Running footsteps)

back to top


22.10 Let’s Work Together

Cain: ......Hah......
I got into its ribcage......! Now I just have to smash this stone.......!


Owen: Cain made it inside its ribcage!

Mithra: Once he smashes that mana stone, we don’t have to go easy on attacking that monster anymore, right?

Bradley: Yeah. Knock yourself out.

Akira: Cain.......

Arthur: You got this, Cain!

Riquet: Cain, do your best!

Mitile: Please do your best.......!

Figaro: Good luck.
......Ah...... There’s a flying battleship in the distance.......


Shino: Huh, is that a flying battleship.......?

Heathcliff: Western technology is truly incredible.......

Oz: .............

Nero: You think Mister Knight is hanging in there?

Faust: I’m sure Cain will accomplish his task.

Lennox: Yes.......

Rutile: Absolutely.......


Cain: .......Here I go.......
I’ll finish it off in one blow........!
.......Hah........!

(Clang of sword) (Monstrous roar)

Cain: ............
Did I get it.......!?


Snow: He crushed the stone......!

White: Now’s the moment! Let’s go.......!

Snow & White: << Noscomnia >>

Mithra: << Arthim >>

Owen: << Cuare Morito >>

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>

(Flash) (Loud crashing) (Roar)

Shards of shattered mana stones rain down over the land.
The Northern wizards exchange pleased glances between themselves.
Cain waves his arm in a broad arc, having narrowly escaped their collective attack.
Arthur and the others join in, whooping in delight.

Arthur: You did it, Cain! The Northern wizards too!

Riquet: What a spectacular performance! That was truly befitting of a disciple of God!

Mitile: I’m so glad everyone is safe!

Figaro: Well done.

The Western wizards, too, rejoice in the victory as they glide through the sky.

Shylock: Congratulations!

Murr: Congrats!

Rustica: Wonderful work.

Chloe: Good job, everyone~!

The luminous blue hue of dawn spills over the line of the horizon.
The flying battleship soars along the expanse where the sky meets the earth.

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

Navigator: They did it.......! Long live the Sage!

Navigator: The Sage’s wizards are incredible!

Navigator: With the combined powers of our magical science army and the Sage’s wizards, we have nothing to fear from the < Great Catastrophe >!

Navigator: Woohoo............!

(Loud cheering)

Cortese resident: Sorry, have you seen my family?

Lennox: Did you get lost? Come with me.

Shino: Is there anyone here who can’t move? I’ll lend you a hand.

Cortese resident: Please....... I’m so dizzy I can barely stand........

Faust: I will purify you. Turn this way and close your eyes.

Cortese resident: I don’t hear the monster anymore...... Did the Sage and his wizards really defeat it........
Or–......

Nero: It’s almost dawn. I’m sure they’ll be back soon.

Heathcliff: .......Mister Faust! Sir Sage and the others have returned.

Faust: I see........

Rutile: I see their brooms...... Thank goodness, there’s Mitile!

Shino: They brought a flying warship with them.......

Oz: ................

Cortese resident: Over here, Sir Sage!

Cortese resident: Thank you so much, Sir Sage!

Cortese resident: Ah, he waved at me!

Cortese resident: The Sage is so kind!

Cortese resident: Sir Sage! Sir Sage!

Kelvin: Sir Rustica...... Looks like Chloe found you.
......I’m so glad...... I got to hear your music after such a long time......
......Ah.......
......It’s dawn.......

✦✧☾✧✦

Castle lord: Sir Sage, and all the Sage’s wizards. I must thank you for all you’ve done to save Cortese from the danger that befell our land.

Akira: It was the least we could do. I’m glad everyone is safe.

Castle lord: It is thanks to you that all of us — my people, myself, and daughter Liliana — were able to remain safe and unharmed.
Right, Liliana.......?

Liliana: Sir Sage.

Akira: ..........

Liliana: As we have borne witness, there is the constant threat of catastrophe lurking in the shadows of our world.
We must unite our efforts and protect the people of the West.

Akira: It would be my pleasure.

Cortese citizen: Yay.......!

Cortese citizen: Long live the Queen!

Cortese citizen: Long live the Sage!

Liliana: Do you hear that, everyone?
The Sage and his wizards will continue to work hand in hand with Western Country and–.......

Akira: I would be honored to do my best alongside the people of Western Country.

Cortese citizen: Hurray.........!

Akira: Likewise, I also want to give my best to the people of Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Country.

Cortese citizen: ...............

Akira: (I’m sorry I can’t devote myself to just the West........)
(I need to do better than an apology — I’ll give them a reward.)
(Time to hype them up!)
To the people of the West: all of you have been so bright, cheerful, optimistic, and warmly welcoming to anyone you meet!
I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done, not least of all today!

Arthur: (Sir Sage thrust his fist into the air.)
(I’ll do the same!)
............

Gil: (Sir Sage and Prince Arthur are raising their hands. Is this an otherworldly greeting?)
(If so, I should follow suit.......)
.............

Castle lord: (General Barnett raised his fist as well!?)
(Then I shall too.......)
............

Cortese citizen: (Both the sage and our lord are raising their fists?!)
(That means we should too........)

Heathcliff: (Eh...... What’s happening....... Should we do the same........?)

Shino: (Guess we should.)

Riquet: (Naturally.)

Cain: (Isn’t it a little early in the speech for a "Yeaaah!" moment?)

Rutile: (Yeaaah!)

Lennox: (Yeaaah!)

Mitile: (Ah, everyone’s doing it. Yeaah!)

Figaro: (Is this a rural ritual?)

Nero: (Mister Sage, you’ve gone and missed the timing to lower your fist.......)

Faust: (I am not doing it.......)

Chloe: (What’s this~! It looks fun! I’m joining in!)

Rustica: (I shall join in too.)

Shylock: (I refuse to.)

Murr: (I’ll raise an index finger!)

Liliana: (..............! Sir Rustica raised his fist too.)
(Then I suppose I will........)

Cortese citizen: (Even the Queen!? Then we simply must follow!)

Cortese citizen: (We have to!)

Mithra: (What’s all this?)

Owen: (What’s this?)

Bradley: (What the hell is this?)

Snow & White: (How fascinating~!)

Oz: (.......Huh?)

Akira: (I started this strange phenomena. What do I do now?)
I want to learn from how everyone in the West welcomed us.......
And do my best to forge warm relationships with all of the other countries too.
We will be returning to the Central magic headquarters, but......
I hope you won’t be a stranger if we chance upon each other in the streets of Western Country in the future.

Cortese citizen: Yeaaah......!

Cortese citizen: Come visit again, okay!

Cortese citizen: I have relatives in Central! Please visit them if you get the chance!

Akira: Thank you. Queen Liliana. I look forward to working with you.

Liliana: .............
The West can offer you more safety and far more comfortable accommodations.

Arthur: Queen Liliana. Do not worry yourself.
I will protect Sir Sage, both as a Sage’s wizard and the prince of Central Country.

Cortese citizen: The prince!?

Cortese citizen: He called himself the Central prince!

Liliana: ............
.......I understand.
Very well. I hope you will make free use of the Western headquarters whenever you find yourself in Western Country.
You shall find it waiting for you, along with the Sage’s Lattice.

Figaro: Thank you for preparing such wonderful accommodations for us, Your Majesty.
We absolutely will if the opportunity arises.

Liliana: ............
All. I pray for your safety.

✦✧☾✧✦

Maybe the true identity of Queen Liliana really is the witch Zara.
The relationship between the Western queen and Nova. The question of Murr’s soul shard and the man-made wizards. The mystery of where the real Liliana went.
There are still so many unanswered questions.
We might be able to get to the bottom of the mystery, if only we could press Queen Liliana for answers and expose her true identity.......
But a single misstep could result in many people getting dragged into our mess and ending up in dire situations, just like this round of events.
I only hope Central Country and Western Country remain on friendly terms and that no further disastrous disputes arise, but........
I wonder what the Queen thinks?

✦✧☾✧✦

Gregory said he would remain in the City of Wealth.

Akira: Will you be all right? The Queen nearly murdered you....

Gregory: I’ll figure out a way to keep her from finding me.
I need to find Liliana. She’s a scaredy-cat, after all.

Akira: We’re going to return to the Central magic headquarters for now, but please let us assist you going forward.

Gregory: Thank you. Please feel free to visit me whenever you’re in Western Country.
Wishing you the best, Sir Sage.

✦✧☾✧✦

And so, we return to the magic headquarters.

Akira: Yay! We’re back! It feels like it’s been forever!

Canary: Welcome back, Sir Sage!

Akira: Miss Canary!

Canary: You must be exhausted! Should I prepare some food? Or would you prefer to rest in your room?

Cock Robin: Sir Sage!

Drummond: Sir Sage! Prince Arthur!

Akira: Mister Cock Robin! Mister Drummond!

Drummond: Welcome back! We were really worried for you over the turn of events!

Cock Robin: We heard you all fought off a giant magical monster! We’d love to hear the whole story.

Canary: Cock Robin. We can save that for later – right now we have to make sure everyone gets some proper rest first.

Miss Canary’s words put a smile on my face, and I take a moment to listen more carefully.
I can hear comfortable chatter and familiar sounds coming from all different corners of the building.
The sound of footsteps running up the stairs. The careful thud of a door being closed. The faint glow that signals the use of magic.
I hear laughter and people calling out to each other. I hear voices exchanging easy banter and provocation, exclamations and words of thanks.
I’ve returned to the same place we left, yet it feels like coming home to an ever so slightly different scenery.

Akira: Whew, it feels so good to be back.......
Sakitty, come snuggle on the bed with me~...... I’ve always wanted to do that.
Oh...... Everything feels perfect; lying in bed with the breeze and sunshine pouring in.......
......I love this place.......

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: You know, I was really happy when you vouched for me, Arthur.
It made me realize that I was really craving your acknowledgement.

Arthur: What a cute thing to say. I put your name forward because I knew you could do it, Cain.
You possess both the ability and courage needed to accomplish the mission.

Riquet: Yes. You were really cool! It felt like a scene straight from the pages of a storybook!

Arthur: Yes, you were so cool!

Riquet: Don’t you agree, Oz?

Oz: .............
Yes.

Cain: Ahaha. Thanks!
After this incident, I feel like I’ve been saved a little....... From the lies I told in the past, and what happened with Nicholas.......
I want to — I need to — become stronger before our fight against the < Great Catastrophe >.
I’ll prove myself to you!

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: I see. Issac passed away....

Lennox: Yes. I’m sure Bradley can give you the details if you ask him....

Figaro: No.... There’s no need for that.
Because I still don’t know the right answer to his question.
How could I have made him happy....?

Mitile: << Scintilla >>

(Bam)

Rutile: Wow, that’s amazing!

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

Rutile: You’ve gotten so much better at magic! Are you going to stick with mother’s spell?

Mitile: This is... Well....

Figaro: .........

Mitile: .....I’m still thinking about it!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: We finally made it back. Now we can get down to training for real.

Heathcliff: Did you call us to the classroom so we could pick up our lessons, Mr. Faust?

Faust: No......... ..........

Nero: You don’t have to force yourself to tell us anything if you don’t wanna.

Faust: It’s not that I don’t want to. I already told Shino. And you two may already know.
My name is Faust Lavinia.
I’m a former Central wizard, and I knew Alec, the founding king of Central Country....
....He was my friend.

Heathcliff: ......Mr. Faust.......

Nero: ...........

Faust: And I have not achieved the sort of glory that the legends in my name speak of. I’m a failed leader who led many of his troops to death.
But...... I will not let you die.

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Rustica, you really don’t remember anything?

Rustica: That’s right. I’m sorry for being so forgetful.
But I do recall Chloe bringing me some savarin.

Chloe: Hehe. I actually didn’t bring you any savarin. But you really wanted some.

Shylock: It’s only natural to crave sweets when you’re exhausted.

Murr (shard): Like a sweet cocktail infused with powerful liquor.

Murr: Hang on, why is this me here~!?

Chloe: Sir Sage asked me to sew this soul shard to his chest pocket.

Rustica: The little Murr is lovely too.

Murr (shard): Thank you. You’re quite lovely yourself, even without the feathers. It was well worth trying to flirt with you that one time.

Rustica: What a unique, fantastic expression.... You must be my bride.
<< Amorest Viesse >>

Murr (shard): Wai.....

(Chirping)

Chloe: And he’s a bird.

Shylock: I didn’t realize soul shards could turn into birds as well.

Chloe: What else? What else do you remember....?

Rustica: Hmm.....
I recall watching the meteor shower with you, Chloe. You were this small — and so excited....

Chloe: .........
Ahaha.......
Thank you. Thank you for remembering. I love you, Rustica.

Rustica: I love you too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: All of you were splendid!

White: That was wonderful work from all of you! We’ll go down as legends in Western Country!

Mithra: Sigh.

Owen: So what?

Bradley: Who cares.

Snow: You’re killing the mood~!

White: You should get a little more excited at our praise~!

Mithra: But think about it......
Weren’t we acting kind of strange?

Bradley & Owen: ............

Mithra: I don’t know, but I feel so pent up..... Like there’s something askew......

Snow: Do you need to work off idle energy?

White: We’ve spent too much time in the West. Perhaps you’re simply thrown off balance by the temperament of the land there.

Owen: Is that all?

Mithra: I should’ve killed those guys prowling around Sir Sage.......
Why didn’t I do anything....... I want to do something that feels Northern.
Owen, can I kill you?

Owen: Why me......? Take Bradley if you must.

Mithra: Ugh, Bradley can only die once.

Snow: Huh..... How kind of you.

White: My, my, what a wonderful gesture.

Bradley: ............
Not sure I’d call it that.

✦✧☾✧✦

(In the kitchen) (Footsteps)

Bradley: Nero.

Nero: ............

Bradley: We have to talk. Come with me.

Bradley: (Allowing for the existence of something irreplaceable only paves the way for death.)
(I need to punish those who betray me, if only for the sake of the guys who stuck by my side.)
(That’s the code that the Northern wizard Bradley should live and swear by.)
(I know that, Eva.)
(But that same belief I’ve treasured for so long is what’s tying me down.)
(I can die if it’s my pride on the line. But I refuse to be shackled.)
(I’m the one in control of my own fate; my soul is my own.)
(I’ll break free from any chains holding me back — even if I’m the one standing in my own way.)
(I’ll play this game.)
(Even if I’m dancing in step with destruction herself.)

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Here, take this.

Nero: A mana stone......
Is this Eva’s?

Bradley: No, it’s the guy who ate Eva. ......Haha, I guess you don’t need this worthless thing.

Nero: No...... I’ll take it.

Bradley: Sure. Do as you want. Eva was always fond of you.

Nero: (You’re the one she liked.......)
(Eva was a stickler about proper manners, so she was always glaring at me.)
(This guy can be so sharp, but he’s a total blockhead about some things......)
She’ll be missed....... You guys were close, right?

Bradley: I’m used to saying goodbye.

Nero: ............
(You’re clearly upset.......)

Bradley: Hey, Nero.

Nero: Yeah......

Bradley: Why did you run away?

Nero: ............
It was too painful to stay by your side.
I couldn’t be what you wanted me to be.

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

Nero: But it wasn’t your fault...... There’s something wrong with me.
I couldn’t live the life of the North.

Bradley: That’s not true.

Nero: It is. Anyone could tell just by looking at me. You’re the only one who couldn’t.

Bradley: Haha, that was harsh.

Nero: I loved you. I bet you won’t believe me — but I would die for you, even now.

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

Nero: I’ve been all over, but I’ve never found anyone else like you.

Bradley: You shoulda swung by to visit me in jail.

Nero: ......When do you get to go free?

Bradley: Who knows.

Nero: ......I see......
You know, after living at the headquarters with guys like Oz and Mithra.......

Bradley: Yeah?

Nero: They’re scary, but they’re not the kind of bad guys I thought they would be.
So why are you the only one in prison?

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

Nero: .......But.......
(He’ll kill me if I say I prefer him locked up in prison.....)
(He loves his freedom.)

Bradley: Nero.

Nero: Hmm?

Bradley: You said I could execute you after we defeat the < Great Catastrophe >.

Nero: ............ Yeah.

Bradley: If I’m going to turn you into stone anyway, then you might as well let me use your life however I want.

Nero: ......What do you mean?

Bradley: Once we defeat the < Great Catastrophe >, I’m taking down Figaro and the twins.
Come with me, partner.

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

✦✧☾✧✦

The moon looms outside my window, as large and eerily beautiful as always.
I cast my mind back to that fateful day: my arrival to this world, on a night when the wind was strong and the cats were on edge.
In this world where wizards and humans exist alongside each other, I’ve built bridges of trust and emotional ties with all the wizards......
As invisible, fragile, and ephemeral as those bonds might be, I know in my heart that they exist.
My dear wizards — my brave, proud, whimsical, careful, kind wizards.
My precious, irreplaceable friends.
We’ve shared tears and we’ve shared laughter. As time goes by, I’ve come to think of this magic headquarters as a place to call home.
But the thought still crosses my mind.
That this isn’t going to last forever.
My days of living alongside the wizards....
How much longer do I have left?

back to top


22.11 What I Saw on That Night

(Akira’s room)

Akira: Yawn...... I’m tired, I better sleep early.
Sakitty, come here—.

Sakitty:............

(Assumes attack kitty stance)

Sakitty: ............!

Akira: Sakitty?

✦✧☾✧✦

(Oz’s room)

Oz: ............

(Nova appears)

Nova: Oz.

Oz: ............!
<< Vox Nox >>!

(Flash)

Oz: ............hk!

(Mithra appears)

Mithra: Ha?

Oz: ......h, ...............

Mithra: Hold on, you summoned me out of nowhere, and now you’re just going to pass out......

Oz: ............

Mithra: ......Oz......?
......Is that a pool of Oz’s blood......?

Nova: It’s been a while, Mithra.

Mithra: ............!
<< Arthim >>!
............!?
I can’t connect my door to the outside of the magic headquarters!?

(Three automata appear)

Mithra: ............kh.
Please wake up, Oz!
<< Arthim >>

✦✧☾✧✦

(Rutile’s room)

Rutile: Huh? Mister Mithra? He just disappeared all of the sudden.

Riquet: Did he decide he was tired of the game?

Mitile: Maybe he drew a bad card?

(CRASH)

Rutile: Wah.......!

Mitile: There’s debris falling from the ceiling!

Riquet: Oz’s room is above us, and so is Owen’s. Shall I tell them to quiet down?

Rutile: It looks like Mister Mithra might have gone out to play. I wonder if we can see him from the window......

(Door opens)

Figaro: All of you, get down......!

Mitile: Dr. Figaro!?

Figaro: << Possideo >>......!

Riquet: Wah......!

Rutile: What’s outside the window...!?

(Three automata appear)

Figaro: Man-made wizards......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Chloe’s room)

(Crash)

Rustica: Whoa......

Chloe: Wah...... That made me jump.
That was from the floor above us, right?
Are the Northern wizards fighting again?

Rustica: ............

Chloe: ......Rustica?
Should we go upstairs and check it out?

Rustica: Chloe, stay right by me.

(Door opens)

Lennox: You two, run......!

Chloe: Eh......!?

(Shaking, crashing)

Chloe: Waugh......!?

Rustica: << Amorest Viesse >>

Lennox: << Forsettao Meiuvat >>

(Spark) (Three automata appear)

Lennox: They’re coming from southward!
Get out to the courtyard through the window......!

(Automata readying for attack)

✦✧☾✧✦

(Shylock’s room)

(Crash)

Shylock: Oh, my. Wasn’t that quite the tremor. What are naughty boys getting up to at this hour?

Murr: Fireworks! Fireworks?

Shylock: A lively suggestion. We’ve only just returned, so let’s save that for......

Shylock & Murr: ............!

Murr: << Eanul Rambul >>!

Shylock: << Invibelle >> !

(Spark, crumble)

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

Shylock: Faust!?

Faust: ......kh, get out through the window!
Hurry.........!

Murr: What sent you through the wall?

Faust: ......h, something I never wanted to see again!

(Three automata)

Faust: << Satillquinart Mullcreed >> !

(Flash)

✦✧☾✧✦

(Akira’s room)

Arthur: Sir Sage......!

Cain: Are you okay!?
That was a crazy loud crash......

Akira: Arthur, Cain!
Sakitty is on edge! He’s not acting like he usually does......

(Nova appears)

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

Arthur: ............! Who are you? State your name.
Long white hair and a scar over his left eye...... Don’t tell me......

Cain: ......White hair......

Nova: You.

Akira: ............h!

Nova: So you must be the new sage.

Akira: ......Ah......

Shino: Sage! Are you safe!?

Heathcliff: ............!
Nova......!

Akira: ............!
He’s......!?

Nova: It’s an honor to meet you, my beloved Sir Sage.

(Flash)

Akira: Waaaugh......!

Arthur: Watch out! Sir Sage......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Oz’s room)

(Automaton attacks)

Mithra: << Arthim >>

(Flash)

Mithra: ....That was the third one. Just how many of them are there!?

(Automaton attacks)

Mithra: Tch......! They’re still coming!

Owen: << Cure Memini >>

(Flash)

Mithra: Owen!

Bradley: What’s going on!?

Nero: Oz......!

Snow in the painting: My goodness!?

White in the painting: They’re after Oz!

Nero: Brad, Mithra, Owen! Can I leave Oz to you guys?

Mithra: Ha!?

Nero: If all the tough guys are gathered up here, we’re leaving the kids in danger!
Snow, White, I’m taking you with me!

Bradley: Looks like the tinies are in the courtyard! I’ve got your back — I’ll snipe from the window!

Nero: I’m counting on you!

Snow in the painting: Let’s make haste! Faust’s victory against those man-made wizards was nothing short of hard-won!

White in the painting: They’ll turn the young wizards into stone......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Akira’s room, sparks and ash flying)

Akira: Augh......h!

Shino: Sage!

Heathcliff: Prince Arthur! Cain! Bring Sir Sage along with you to the courtyard!

Arthur: Understood! Nova has disappeared — you two should take care, too!

Shino: Got it! We’re leaving the Sage to you!

Cain: Akira, I’m picking you up!

Akira: ............h!

(Three automata attack)

Heathcliff: << Repsevaivulp Sonus >>

Shino: << Matztzāh Sudipas >>

(Flash, fade to black)

✦✧☾✧✦

(Courtyard in flames)

Arthur: They’re appearing from over there too......!

Cain: Just how many of them are there!?

Arthur: ......kh, Cain, let’s go! I’ll take them on!
<< Pernoctant Nixzo >>

Cain: ......guh, Sir Sage! Hold on tight!

Shylock: Cain, Sir Sage! Are you all right!?

Lennox: Don’t stop......! The burst of light is coming from its ribcage!
Duck!

(Automaton attacks)

Cain: ...Ah, augh......!

Akira: ......ah, ......Cain......!

Lennox: There’s more coming from the other side!

Faust: They’ll fence us in at this rate! I’ll hold them off! You all head towards the dining hall!

Cain: ......h, I’ll stay back too! Shylock! Murr! Take Sir Sage and run!

Shylock: Of course! Sir Sage, this way......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Dining hall, destroyed and in flames)

Chloe: Shylock, Murr!

Rustica: Sir Sage, I’ll conceal you with magic. Please hide yourself in the bar on the second story.

Akira: Chloe, Rustica......!

Rustica: There’s no need for concern. Shylock, Murr, we leave the rest up to you.

Murr: Got it......!

Shylock: Let’s go......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Courtyard in flames)

Figaro: << Possideo >>......!

Mitile: Dr. Figaro, you’re strong......
I’m going to protect everyone, too!
<< Scintilla >> !

(Flash)

Riquet: Mitile, be careful!

Mitile: Eh!?

Rutile & Figaro: ......Mitile......!

Snow & White: << Noscomnia >> !

Rutile: Sir Snow, Sir White!

Nero: << Adnodus Omnis >> !

(Flash)

Riquet: Nero! Nero......!

Nero: Are you okay, Riquet!?

(Automaton attacks)

Riquet: Nero, behind you......!

Nero: ............! << Adno...... >>

Bradley: << Adnopotensum >> !

(Bang)

Bradley: Don’t freeze up! They’re boxing us in! Scatter......!

Figaro: Take care of Riquet! Mitile, Rutile, this way!

Nero: Got it! Riquet, come on......!

Riquet: Yes......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Dining hall)

Chloe: ......ah, the fire is spreading......

Rustica: Chloe, don’t leave my side.

Nova: That won’t do.

(Flash)

Rustica: ......ha, aaaah......!

Chloe: Rustica, Rustica!
Why are you doing this!?

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

Murr: << Eanul Rambul >> !

(Flash)

Nova: ............ Haha......

(Flash)

Murr: ......a, auugh......!

✦✧☾✧✦

(Bar, destroyed and in flames)

The sound of everyone screaming reaches me from a distance.
Cloaked with invisibility magic, I crouch in a corner of the bar.
Shylock holds his pipe at the ready, wearing a tense expression.
What appears in front of him is Nova, and.........
Murr, tossed aside and covered head to toe in injuries.

Shylock: ......Murr......!

Shylock’s face goes stiff.
But when he catches my gaze, he gives me a reassuring smile.
As he stares down Nova, his smile remains composed.

Shylock: Well...... All right, then
I will entertain you.

I’m hit with the feeling that every sound is coming from far away.
Suddenly, Shylock crumples in on himself, pressing against his chest.
It’s his bizarre injury from the < Great Catastrophe >.
Like a mirror of the magic headquarters itself, his heart goes up in blazing red flames.

Shylock: ......hh, ......kh......

Shylock’s face contorts with anguish as he collapses to his knees.
Like harbingers of destruction and disorder, sparks flutter and scatter through the air.
Slowly, certainly, and wordlessly, Nova approaches Shylock.
His footsteps fall like the grim reaper’s.
I strain to reach Shylock and help, but I can’t find the strength.
Without even being able to scream, all I can do is hide my transparent body.

Akira: (Shylock......!)

Crouching down, Nova extends a hand toward Shylock.
He’s going to kill him.
That’s what I think, but......
Instead, Nova touches the flames enveloping Shylock’s chest.
He regards Shylock with a remarkably tender gaze.
There’s something left unsaid in his softly lidded eyes.
Nova cups the flames from Shylock’s heart — little by little, they flicker out within his palms.
As if he’s gently tending to a wound.

Shylock: ......huh......?

I couldn’t stop Shylock’s flames — even as the man called the Sage. Oz couldn’t either — even as the wizard called the strongest in the world.
But Nova did.
And then, he disappears.

Akira: ......huh......?

✦✧☾✧✦

Before we know it, both Nova and the man-made wizards are gone.
Oz, in spite of suffering a severe loss, still narrowly clings onto life.
Arthur laments his injuries; the Northern wizards reel in shock.
We can only guess what motives they were trying to accomplish.

(Dining hall, burned down)

Snow: What a dreadful state of affairs. In the morning, after Oz rises, we should get this place tidied up.

White: He’s a resilient child, after all. He’ll be back to tip-top condition tomorrow.

Arthur: ......Sir Oz......

Heathcliff: Prince Arthur......
You must be incredibly worried......

Owen: But that was so half-baked. They almost got Oz, and they almost killed the Sage, and then they just disappeared into thin air?
What were they even trying to do?

Snow: A good question......

Snow & White: Ah......!

(Footsteps)

Akira: Snow, White!?

Arthur: Where did they run off to!?

✦✧☾✧✦

(Library, intact)

Snow: It’s not here......!

White: It disappeared somewhere......!

Lennox: Something disappeared......? Did something get stolen?

Riquet: They left the magic headquarters in shambles, and they’re thieves on top of that? I will never forgive them.

Akira: Snow, White. What in the world are you looking for?

Snow: You should know it well.

White: The Goblet of Judgment.

The Goblet of Judgment.
That was...
What I used to summon my wizards as the new Sage.

Akira: ............
Why......

✦✧☾✧✦

(Akira’s bedroom, burned down)

Murr: ............

Murr (shard): You’re a naughty child, aren’t you. Sneaking into rooms in the middle of the night.

Murr: Shh. I’m stealing the Sage’s coat.

Murr (shard): It will weigh on him, you know.
Such a tragedy unfolding right before his eyes, while he could do nothing to prevent it.

Murr: It’s not a tragedy.

Murr (shard): Mu......

Murr: Ahh—
Gulp.
............
It was just a skin-deep comedy.

back to top

Chapter 21 << | index |