Akatsuki Translations

“We won—” -Ur

At the bottom of a deep hole created by the explosion,

A massive skull hid beneath the ground, reminiscent of a mole. After making sure that he had thrust his Dragonfang Spear into the glowing “core” of the hollow-eyed part of the Gashadokuro, Ur declared their victory with a trembling voice. It was hard to believe unless he said it aloud.

A victory was a victory, even if it was by the skin of their teeth.

Realizing at the last moment that the treants were a decoy was the turning point of the battle.

He had investigated using Shizuku’s 【Footprints】 tome. Instead of focusing on the Giant Treant, he checked if there was anything hiding around it.

And then, he found the skull and its core hidden in the underground dungeon from which the treants emerged.

“【Footprints】 was the best purchase…”  -Ur

Descending into the hole and pulling out his spear from the shattered bone, Ur genuinely thanked Shizuku’s purchase. Shizuku’s ability combined with the magic tome played a significant role in the battle.

“Money, preparation, strategy… are crucial.” -Ur

Climbing out of the hole, Ur mulled it over.

He thought he had realized it fully during his battle with the Crystal Golem, but this incident reaffirmed his belief. Neglecting even one aspect would undoubtedly have meant death. This understanding was vital for Ur’s survival.

“Well, before, that…!” -Ur

He reached out from the hole, looked around, and grimaced.

『SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII！！！！！』

“…You guys sure are lively.” -Ur

In front of him, a horde of treants, forcibly yanked out from the ground, raged in anger. The “core” was destroyed and they were freed from control, but they weren’t soul-possessed puppets like the undead soldiers. Killing the necromancer didn’t mean they would die.

“…Guess we have to run.” -Ur

Ur had fulfilled Diz’s order and destroyed the necromancer’s core. Anything more was impossible. He had exhausted his physical and magical energies, as well as his tools. Staying on this battlefield was suicide. He had to escape.

Luckily, treants naturally were creatures that burrow underground. Having been dragged to the surface, they were disoriented and had lost sight of him. He should be able to escape.

“Ur-sama, are you alright?” -Shizuku

Shizuku greeted Ur as he crawled out. Though still pale, it seemed the healing potion was taking effect. She was slightly better but still wobbly, being supported by Nina and Laura. Still, she didn’t collapse.

“Shizuku, can you continue without resting?” -Ur

“I’m sleepy. But before that, we need to move before the treants notice.” -Shizuku

Saying that, she staggered towards the remains of the collapsed Canaan Fortress. On top of the debris, “he” was sitting.

『Hey, lad, you’re alive. 』-Skeleton Knight

The Skeleton Knight raised his hand.

He looked exhausted, even though it was just a skeletal figure. Ur realized that the necromancer who supplied him with magic was dead, and he was running out of magical energy. Perhaps he hadn’t collapsed immediately because he was special.

Shizuku approached the Skeleton Knight and bowed deeply.

“Thank you for keeping your promise, Sir Knight.” -Shizuku

The Skeleton Knight lazily waved his hand in response.

『Thank ya for pulling me back from damnation, busty girl. 』-Skeleton Knight

“My name is Shizuku.” -Shizuku

『Call me Locke. Now, what will you do? 』-Skeleton Knight

“In that case, Locke-sama,” Shizuku stood in front of him.

“Let’s form a contract.” -Shizuku

『You can use necromancy? 』-Skeleton Knight

“I’ve heard the basics of simple contract magic, so I’ll adapt it.” -Shizuku

While saying this casually, she began weaving the spell.

Singing, dancing, making countless adjustments, and creating a new magic. Gradually, a line of light formed between Shizuku and the Skeleton Knight, which would break and re-form. It was clear she was struggling to set up the spell.

『You seem to be having a hard time. 』-Skeleton Knight

“I’m, a bit… tired.” -Shizuku

『Well, if it’s too much, I don’t mind. 』-Skeleton Knight

With a weary sigh, all the vitality that had characterized him in the midst of battle seemed to have vanished into thin air. The Skeleton Knight exhaled, as if drained, a sigh that escaped from his nonexistent lungs, and drifted away from him.

『I remember nothing. In this world or the next, I have no attachments. Whether I disappear or not is of no consequence. 』-Skeleton Knight

As the Skeleton Knight, Locke, uttered these words despite the inscrutability of his skull-like visage, a glimpse of profound loneliness could be seen within him. Ur began to understand the reason behind the knight’s indifferent demeanor until Shizuku had extended her invitation.

It was a self-abandonment born from being a lone soul awakened in an era where no one else knew him. The void of having lost both attachment and contentment now enshrouded him.

With this realization, he wondered if escaping termination here would hold any meaning at all…

“Then, shall we become family?” -Shizuku

『Huh? 』-Skeleton Knight

The Skeleton Knight uttered in surprise. Ur made a puzzled face, though he didn’t voice anything out loud.

“If you have no reason to live, why not create one?” -Shizuku

『So becoming family is the solution? Are you suggesting you’ll become something like my mother? 』-Skeleton Knight

“My, it seems I’ve just gained a big son.” -Shizuku

『Something like a  daughter? 』-Skeleton Knight

“You seem like a reliable father figure.” -Shizuku

『A lover? 』-Skeleton Knight

“A wonderful husband, indeed.” -Shizuku

The Skeleton Knight turned to Ur, pointing at Shizuku.

『Hey, lad, this girl is dangerous. 』-Skeleton Knight

“I’ll scold her later.” -Ur

“My…” -Shizuku

Shizuku seemed troubled.

“I thought by establishing a new relationship it could give you a new reason to live.” -Shizuku

It seemed like a jest, but she appeared genuinely serious, which made the situation even more awkward. Although she might be breaking her promise to Ur to care for herself, she seemed to think that this minor act wasn’t neglecting herself. Ur wondered if it might be better to teach her some common sense. While he was tormented by this thought, Shizuku was gradually completing her spell. The Skeleton Knight observed the scene and responded to Shizuku’s earlier words.

『I can’t think of any reason why you’d go to such lengths for me. Why are you being so nice? Is there a catch? 』-Skeleton Knight

The Skeleton Knight’s skeletal head, devoid of flesh, rattled eerily.

『Do you desire to control me that much? 』-Skeleton Knight

His hollow eye sockets, which lacked eyeballs just like the previous necromancer, glared at Shizuku.

“Yes, I do indeed” -Shizuku

Shizuku then showcased a radiant smile that could even captivate spirits.

Locke’s pride and emotions, which seemed to brim with a rage-like intensity, were completely consumed by that smile. That’s how it looked to Ur.

“You have endless stamina as long as you have magic, a body that can regenerate even when pulverized, and the skills and insight of a master swordsman. You are truly wonderful, Locke-sama.” -Shizuku

Shizuku began chanting her spell. With just a few trials and errors, she had perfected her new spell for her purposes—【Necromancy】. Magic energy from the surroundings sparkled, creating a mesmerizing sight, enchanting both Nina and Laura.

“Please become my servant, Locke-sama. In return, I’ll be the master you desire.” -Shizuku

Still smiling enchantingly, Shizuku extended the back of her hand, her gesture both bewitching and regal. Locke seemed stunned for a moment but then rattled his bones, laughing.

『Hey, lad, this girl is dangerous. 』-Skeleton Knight

“I’ll scold her later.” -Ur

“My…” -Shizuku

Shizuku looked troubled again.

『I see? I’m not sure if it gives me a reason to live, but it sure seems… interesting to become your servant. 』-Skeleton Knight

Rather than any fake familial ties, she herself seemed much more interesting and alluring.

With that, he laughed again.

The Skeleton Knight knelt before Shizuku and took her hand. Suddenly, a line of silver magic illuminated, connecting Shizuku and the Skeleton Knight.

“【 O Wind, Sing and Guide, Weave the Path for the One Who Wishes to Devote Thine Soul to Me】.” -Shizuku

The spell was complete. The once feeble Skeleton Knight was now revitalized with Shizuku’s magic. Without changing his posture, he looked up and rattled his bones again.

『HAHA, I look forward to serving you, my master. 』-Skeleton Knight

“It’s a pleasure, my knight.” -Shizuku

In the dark night, amidst the raging treants and the ruins of the once-protective fortress, stood a breathtakingly beautiful woman with long, shimmering silver hair, and her loyal, fleshless Skeleton Knight.

The scene was as beautiful as a masterful painting—chillingly so.

It felt like a pivotal moment was being witnessed.

Ur shook off the eerie feeling. Ridiculous. His exhausted mind was just being paranoid. He took a deep breath to expel his anxiety, gathering his strength. After all, it wasn’t over yet.

“…wait, Shit! Ur! The treants are coming this way!” -Laura

“Nina, Laura, head to the barrier Shizuku set up to protect the hostages. You remember the place, right?” -Ur

“We’re fine! Let’s run, Nina!” -Laura

“Both of you, hurry!” -Ur

The treants were still raging. And there was still no word from Diz and Akane. Contact had been lost. He had tried to communicate several times after defeating the necromancer, but there was still no response.

Retreat was the only option. Leaving Akane behind was a bitter pill to swallow bu—

“Shizuku, if you have any magic replenishing potions left, drink them. Locke, carry Shizuku. We’re retreating. We’ll regroup with the hostages outside the fortress walls.” -Ur

“Under, stood.” -Shizuku

『HAHA! Leave it to me! 』-Skeleton Knight

As Ur gave his orders, both Locke and Shizuku began to move. Ur took one last look at the still-standing command tower of the crumbling Canaan Fortress and groaned.

“You two better be alright.” -Ur

The moment after he murmured that, the command tower exploded.

“…It doesn’t seem like they’re alright.” -Ur

Ur felt faint.

“What!? What happened!?” -Laura

From a distance, Laura’s scream echoed. Ur wanted to scream too. The command tower, which was miraculously intact just moments ago, had now shattered. The timing was so uncanny that Ur almost laughed, but his face just twitched.

『ＳＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩＩ！！！』

The rampaging treants, which had been causing indiscriminate destruction, all turned their attention to that spot. From the debris and dust, two figures emerged.

One was a large, dark shadow. Massive.

The other, a small, crimson humanoid figure—a girl.

“Diz! Akane!” -Ur

Ur involuntarily shouted.

Another battle was about to be settled.