Akatsuki Translations

Poison Omen Bird Subjugation Day 14

Today we were supposed to continue exploring with Lynne, but that plan fell through because her family member is critically ill. There’s no choice but to earn money today. The money from the bandit subjugation is still plentiful, but there’s a high chance that it could all be spent depending on the situation. After all, there’s no such thing as having too much money.

If I’m going to deal with the Poison Omen Bird, I absolutely want to stock up on a lot of antidotes.

I also want a bunch of high potions.

And I need food for Rock.

In other words, I don’t have enough money. I have no choice but to earn it.

Why the hell don’t I have a bunch of money saved up even though I’m always risking my life?

To earn money, I definitely need to hunt monsters in the dungeon. As efficiently as possible in a short period of time. I need to think about the monsters and choose my weapon accordingly.

Rank Twelve – Enemies worth 10 to 30 copper coins

Great Bladed Rhinoceros Beetle

Poison Claw Bird

Treant

Vampire Flower

Beetle- an exception, they’re tough, numerous, and each one takes time to defeat.

Poison Claw Bird –  I’m getting used to fighting them, but the poison is dangerous, and the omen birds that come along make them unsuitable for earning money.

Treant – large and troublesome, and it’s difficult to defeat since the main body is sometimes in the roots.

Vampire Flower – indiscriminately attacks approaching animals. It’s the same with monsters. The vines that stretch out are as sharp as spears and very dangerous if they pierce through. However, its movements are monotonous and easy to predict. Most importantly, thankfully, this creature hoards magic stones from other monsters it defeats. It can yield more than a silver coin per creature.

If I learn how to defeat it, hunting it alone could be very profitable. Let’s target this one.

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Poison Omen Bird Subjugation Day 15

The Vampire Flower is nowhere to be found.

I understand why. Monsters that are known to be delicious when hunted are hunted by everyone. And the adventurers who make this city their base naturally have learned the most efficient way to hunt the Vampire Flowers. They hunt faster than us. That’s for sure. And they absolutely won’t teach you their hunting method, not even if you offer them a drink. That makes sense. No one is stupid enough to teach others how to poach their own livelihood.

This dungeon is also a fluctuating one. There might be similar terrains, but never the exact same. It subtly changes and expands. Markers change. So, why can they still hunt so efficiently?

I open the Monster Encyclopedia. Checking the entry.

It only contained information I already knew. But someone had added notes to that page.

It’s probably Glen. The delicate handwriting is incongruous with his usual roughness, but it’s familiar.

—The Vampire Flower is always luring prey in its quest for food. Be aware of the scent of blood and monsters.

Luring. Blood. Monsters.

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Poison Omen Bird Subjugation Day 17

The marker turned out to be a monster.

To be precise, the Vampire Flower emits a scent similar to human blood to lure monsters and make them its prey. The monsters approach. The Vampire Flower targets these monsters.

This dungeon is indeed a dungeon that, despite being inside, has undergone the same naturalization as the monsters that have gone outside. Therefore, if I eliminate our scent, or if Rock, who doesn’t smell like humans, tracks the monsters, they will lead us straight to the Vampire Flowers. We hunt them.

The problem is that there’s an increased chance of encountering other parties, and careless contact could result in a clash, leading to an overflow of monsters (though the probability isn’t too high since it’s just Rock and me).

Anyway, monster hunting has become quite efficient. Today, I gathered about three days’ worth of magic stones in one day. The net income after expenses is also very good. If I continue this, I should be able to live a reasonably luxurious life. Why am I trying to hunt for a bounty? I want to continue living this life. Damn it.

Lynne hasn’t returned yet.

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Poison Omen Bird Subjugation Day 18

Adventurer’s Guild, At the Lust Branch Tavern

『Hey, what are you eating there? 』-Rock

“It’s the innkeeper Ronro’s new creation. It’s apparently called Stew of Tomalato. A stew made with black-haired pork developed in the food city.” -Ur

『Is it good? 』-Rock

“Decent enough.” -Ur

『There’s no need to be considerate of me, I can’t eat. 』-Rock

“The heat of the soup melds the spiciness of the Togara with the tartness of the Tomalato, warming the body to the core, and the melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s been stewed slowly stimulates and shakes up the taste buds—what are you doing, old man!” -Ur

『Who asked for a food report!! 』-Rock

Ur and Rock were energetically quarreling. They had enough leeway to be able to fight.

The recent dungeon explorations are going well. Ever since the method for subduing the Vampire Flowers was established, their earnings have increased dramatically. Things are really going smoothly, except that Lynne has not returned and they’re still groping for a way to deal with the Poison Omen Bird.

“Looks like you’re having fun, Ur.” -Diz

“Diz. You’re back from work?” -Ur

Since arriving in this city, Ur has been busy with daily dungeon visits. His employer, the woman in question, has also been busy every day. Ur’s duty as a bodyguard is only during city transfers, so after arriving in the city, they’re completely on separate paths. According to Akane, who accompanies them, her work seems to be “super black.”[1]

“All ‘that’ work is done, so I’m back to working for Fenex. That’s almost over too, so once that’s done, we’ll be departing again as planned.” -Diz

Hearing that, Ur promptly stood up from his chair and bowed deeply.

“Can we delay the move a little longer?” -Ur

Diz smiled sweetly.

“Another twelve days.” -Diz

“A little more.” -Ur

“No~~pe.” -Diz

He was adorably rejected. Ur groaned.

Information on the Poison Omen Bird is being collected. The path is visible, but with Lynne’s uncertain situation, the remaining one-week deadline is tough. They’ve already started to rethink their tactics for fighting without her, in case Lynne is a “no-go,” but of course, it would be nicer if she were there. They were already struggling with a shortage of hands and options.

『By the way, what happened to little Akane? Is she with master again? 』-Rock

“Yeah, well, it’s fine since she always comes back when I’m working.” -Diz

“… She’s okay, right?” -Ur

“I’ve told her not to get involved with bad things, so probably.” -Diz

Believe in your sister, Diz laughs. She doesn’t say to believe in Shizuku, which seems to show she knows her limits.

『Did you just come today to talk about the deadline, Miss Diz? 』-Rock

“You guys are just coincidental, old man Rock. Today, I’m here to greet the Guild Master.” -Diz

As she says this, a clattering noise comes from the second floor of the Adventurer’s Guild. Guild Master Aransa appears at the top of the stairs as if jumping out. Seeing Diz, her face turns into an incredibly bothered expression.

“――Geh… 【Hero】-sama. If you had let me known, I would have welcomed you.” -Aransa

“Wow, what a face, Aransa. I’m happy to see you again.” -Diz

Guild Master Aransa, still with a crushed, unwilling face, bows politely. The adventurers belonging to the guild nearby are staring as if they’ve seen something extraordinarily rare.

“Do you know each other?” -Ur

Asked this, Aransa nods with a thoroughly fed-up face.

“She saved us near the Dungeon of Sin when a dungeon overflow occurred. I can’t thank her enough… Wait, is Diz your employer?” -Aransa

“That’s right.” -Ur

“… My condolences.” -Aransa

Those might have been the kindest words Ur has heard since he started showing his face at this guild.

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Guild, the Golden Hammer

In the City of Sin, Greed, they were taken care of by the Blacksmith’s guild. Likewise, this guild existed in the City of Sin, Lust as well. The world’s largest dungeon cities, the Cities of Sin, are important places for the Blacksmith’s Guild because they can acquire customers of both the highest quality and quantity, so it was natural for a large-scale blacksmith craftsmen’s guilds like the Golden Hammer to exist there.

Ur was introduced to them through connections from Greed. Even without an introduction letter, the craftsmen here would have been glad to lend their strength to Ur, who was currently in high demand.

“Ur-kun! You’re the rising star, aren’t you! A helmet that fits your braveness has been made!!”

“Ur, your face looks gallant today. It’s wonderful. Want to buy a dagger?”

“Oh, aren’t you handsome? How much money do you have in your wallet right now?”

“The flattery is clumsy.” -Ur

The people of the Golden Hammer were the same in every city. They are avaricious for gold.

Ur, while appropriately dismissing those clinging around him, made his way to the craftsman he had commissioned.

“You’ve arrived, Ur, hand over the money.” -Dangan

“First, hand over the finished product, Dangan.” -Ur

The dwarf Dangan was a young man slightly older than Ur. His experience as a craftsman was not deep, but his skills were not bad, and he was willing to take on work for cheap for the experience, which was valuable to Ur (although he was still greedy for money).

The job he had entrusted to him was to adjust his equipment. For the Dungeon of Sin, Lust.

“Here, it’s done. This is it.” -Dangan

The equipment handed over was the armor and helmet of fire-consuming Stone. This armor, which had been equipped from Greed, was not at all suited to the tropical climate of the City of Sin, Lust, so Ur reluctantly took it off and asked if he could make it wearable again. Ur honestly believed it be an impossible request, but Dangan agreed quite readily.

“Similar requests come in droves. There are various countermeasures.” -Dangan

Ur left various adjustments to him. However, at first glance, the adjusted armor and helmet did not seem to have significantly changed characteristics.

“Has this changed?” -Ur

“It’s hard to tell at a glance, but my work is certain.” -Dangan

He snorts through his nose. The Golden Hammer would not carry out such underhanded tactics. Ur silently puts on the gear. The fit has not changed. If anything, the parts that were damaged from the battle with the thieves in Alto have been repaired. The main countermeasure against the heat is not quite clear. It doesn’t seem like the ventilation has improved.

Opening the surface of the helmet, Ur tilts his head towards Dangan.

“So, how does this protect against the heat of Lust?” -Ur

“The order was to avoid using an enchantment that consumes magical capacity. Instead, I enhanced the properties of the 【Armor of Fire Consuming. 】” -Dangan

“Property enhancement…” -Ur

At the word “properties,” Ur remembers the explanation given when he bought this armor in Greed. An armor that consumes magic. It has the property of mitigating magical impacts to some extent. To Ur, the only image that came to mind was that it was very “sturdy,” but how does enhancing that property relate to the heat of Lust?

“To put it simply, the heat of the Dungeon of Sin, Lust is caused by magic.” -Dangan

“The dungeon’s magic?” -Ur

Magic is a force that fills this world. It flows and affects everything. Temperature, climate, geography, humidity, seasons—all these factors mix with magic. There is almost nothing in this world that is not affected by magic.

And the influence of magic in the Dungeon of Sin, Lust is greater than usual.

“In the first place, the climate of the Isralia continent is stable throughout. The intense heat and humidity are maintained by the influence of Lust’s magic. Conversely, if one were to take away the magic, the surrounding temperature will stabilize.” -Dangan

“I see… So, it’s been enhanced.” -Ur

“I removed impurities and increased the purity layer by layer. I should have been able to improve the quality without changing the strength. Though, I did use up a fair amount of materials.” -Dangan

Nothing is sure until Ur actually tries it, but if Dangan’s skills are reliable, it might be possible to solve the dungeon’s heat issue. Ideally, it would have been nice to have the problems for all the party to be solved, but compared to Ur, the rest of the party is still lightly equipped. Rock is just a skeleton, after all. It should still be manageable to an extent.

The biggest issue was Ur’s equipment. It should be considered resolved for now.

“Thank you, Dangan.” -Ur

“Including the repair costs, that’ll be 15 silver coins.” Dangan

“…” -Ur

Ur reluctantly hands over the silver coins. Dangan, normally stoic, grins broadly as he receives the money. These guild members really do love their money.

“Well, it’s good that there was no need to get new equipment…” -Ur

“By the way, Ur.” -Dangan

“What is it?” -Ur

“Who is that woman?” -Dangan

Ur looks in the direction Dangan is pointing to. A crowd has formed. It’s a common sight at this Golden Hammer to see customers flocking around the craftsmen, but something was a little different this time.

“How about this! The freezing blade, White Ice Sword!! 10 gold coins!!”

“The enchantment is fixed perfectly onto the sword, which is impressive, but that neglects the refinement of the blade itself. Rejected.” -Diz

“What about my armor helm!! A magic silver helm that repels all attacks! 15 gold coins!!!”

“The purity of the mithril is low. It can be tempered at least two more grades. Rejected.” -Diz

“The Flowing Crimson Blade!! 26 gold coins!!!!”

“Hmm… Not bad. The blade is beautiful. I’ll buy this one.” -Diz

Cheers and roars erupt as the craftsman who sold the item raises his arms and bellows victoriously. The person they are dealing with is Diz. Around her, craftsmen hold their own works, presenting them to her one after another.

“What kind of product review is that?” -Ur

“The woman you brought has attracted the craftsmen, and before I knew it, this happened.” -Dangan

At first, as usual, the greedy craftsmen were pushing their products on Diz, but her unusual discernment in scrutinizing the details of the products, along with her appropriate and merciless advice, resulted in the products being rejected. This, in turn, seemed to ignite the pride of the craftsmen, challenging her with their finest works to see if they met her standards.

“What’s with that woman?” -Dangan

“She’s my master.” -Ur

“You have peculiar taste… Oh, the boss herself has shown up.” -Dangan

Before meeting up with Shizuku, Diz joined Ur after finishing some sort of discussion with the guild master, intending to shop in preparation for the full-scale battle against the Poison Omen Bird. To be honest, Ur wondered what fun there was in it for him…

“Well, at least the shopping seems fulfilling, which is good.” -Ur

Ur took a moment to refocus on his own shopping needs. He considered what was necessary: weapons, armor, consumables, healing potions, and the capacity of his current equipment and enchantments. He also needed to take into account the magic Shizuku had acquired during their last consultation.

『Hey, Ur. Look at this cloak, it’s pretty cool, huh? Buy it for me. 』-Rock

“Explain what it does first.” -Ur

『【Green Wings of the Wind】. Apparently, it makes one’s movements lighter and more agile! 』-Rock

“What are you going to do if you get any lighter, old man?” -Ur

When Ur knocked on Rock’s head, a dry, bony sound echoed, and Rock began to sulk like a child. Of course, Ur has no particular reluctance to improve Rock’s equipment, but in his case, his current equipment—or rather his body—is already of quite high quality. A body impervious to poison and heat, capable of regenerating as long as there’s magic power, and the armor that covers it is the same. He already wears equipment that allows for endless regeneration. It would be pointless to layer subpar equipment on top of that.

Funds are not infinite. There are places where it would be wise to be frugal.

“I don’t think it’s bad. A lightweight Skeleton Knight.” -Diz

“Diz.” -Ur

And there was Diz. Behind her, craftsmen who had met her standards were wrapping weapons, while those who hadn’t were running back to their workshops in tears. The appraisal seemed to be over.

“Did you find anything good, master?” -Ur

“Here and there.” -Diz

“Well done.” -Ur

Since she had come along, at least it wasn’t in vain.

“So, what do you mean a ‘lightweight knight’ is good?” -Ur

“It’s simple. The body of a Skeleton Knight moves with magic power. It consumes magic just by moving. If the cloak can assist with movement, it reduces the consumption of magic power.” -Diz

“Does he have enough capacity for enchantments? That cloak, it endows magic to its wearer, doesn’t it?” -Ur

While slightly annoyed by Rock, who was glancing over at us while flipping his cloak, Ur asked Diz.

“Rock’s body is a ‘vessel’ chosen by that necromancer. It looks like it has the capacity for five enchantments, with three occupied by the soul of Rock, sealed by necromancy. So, there are two slots left.” -Diz

“Two, huh?” -Ur

“Of course, it’s also fine to choose other enchantments.” -Diz

Ur pondered for a while. He considered Rock’s usual magic consumption, the rate of use during combat, the average duration of battles with the Poison Omen Bird, and he didn’t intend to skimp on the use of magic stones. However, if Rock’s magic ran out during a fierce battle without a chance for resupply, it would be a significant vulnerability. But first of all, how much could that cloak actually reduce the consumption…?

“……Let’s put it on hold.” -Ur

『What the hell, so boring.』-Rock

“Shut up.” -Ur

At least, Ur must try using a similar kind of magic on Rock to check it.

“Aren’t you going shopping, Ur?” -Diz

“Honestly, I’ve been avoiding serious combat because of poison countermeasures, so I don’t have a basis for deciding on updating my equipment.” -Ur

“That so…” -Diz

Saying that, she looked Ur up and down. Ur intended to go directly to the Dungeon of Sin after meeting up with Shizuku, so it was still the gear prepared for heading to the dungeon. She examined him from the top of his head to the tips of his toes and nodded.

“The handle of the Dragonfang Spear might need to be replaced.” -Diz

“The handle.” -Ur

“The Dragonfang Spear is a weapon that can be disassembled and updated, except for the ‘Magic Core.’ Aside from its function as a long-range firearm, its basic structure is that of a spear. You seem to have replaced the blade, but it might be better to replace the handle as well.” -Diz

Even just as a spear, gripping, thrusting, bending, striking—all these actions start from the handle. Since it cannot repeatedly perform the ‘Roar,’ close combat skills are essential. In Ur’s case, while he is acquiring throwing techniques and nearing long-range attack capabilities, dealing with durable and agile monsters in combat using only long-range attacks is almost impossible.

Ur’s Dragonfang Spear handle is not obviously worn out yet. He maintains it himself every day. However, since purchasing the spear, he has continued to defeat a considerable number of monsters. His body has strengthened, and his power has changed significantly compared to when he first bought it. Given the forced march of monster subjugation and growth, an urgent update to match this might be necessary.

“I see… Dangan, do you have parts for the Dragonfang Spear?” -Ur

“For a spear handle, with your funds, how about one made from ‘Red Monkey Tree’?” -Dangan

“A tree, wood?” -Ur

“It’s quite sturdy, dense, and has a corresponding weight, so the balance with the blade isn’t bad. Being wooden, it has flexibility and is resistant to impact.” -Dangan

“Interesting.” -Ur

“Twenty silver coins.” -Dangan

“Okay…” -Ur

Ur made a painfully reluctant face while handing over the money, and then handed the Dragonfang Spear over to Dangan. Dangan, with a pleased look on his face, went down to the workshop to disassemble the Dragonfang Spear.

“The money… it just keeps disappearing.” -Ur

“Wasteful spending is the real pleasure of shopping, right?” -Dangan

With that, the shopping for the battle against the Poison Omen Bird was complete.

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City of Sin, Lust, in front of the Great Clock, Grand Hall

This place, with the highest flow of people in the city, is dominated by the Great Clock, created by the knowledge of the magicians of Lust. Towering even higher than the four towers of the Lautaro Magic Academy, this clock tower is one of the tourist attractions of City of Sin, Lust. It displays not only the precise time but also the temperature, hours of sunlight, and even the concentration of magic in the air and the forecast for the active period of the Dungeon of Sin, Lust. The hall, which originally served as the headquarters for managing the Dungeon of Sin, Lust, has also become a guideline for action.

Centered around this Great Clock, people set up stalls to sell sweets and entertainers liven up the place. There are magicians who show off their magic for tourists (although, magicians who showcase their magic in such places are often not very skilled).

In front of the entrance to the hall, there is a large, old fountain. In City of Sin, Lust, which once operated on the most advanced magic tools and formulas, this slightly outdated fountain was apparently a resting place for the White Witch who once protected and saved this land. Because it has been preserved as it is, it has become quite old-fashioned. Still, the magitech engineers continue to carefully maintain the fountain, and the city’s people cherish it as a place of relaxation.

In front of this fountain, Ur, Rock, and Diz were waiting for Shizuku. With some time still left before their appointment, they were taking a break in the pleasant sunshine, recovering from the exhaustion of shopping.

“Hehe, not a bad shopping trip.” -Diz

“The one who said they’d accompany us shopping to kill time ended up spending the most, Ms. Moneybags.” -Ur

『We ended up being baggage carriers. 』-Rock

Ur and the others were walking along the main street, carrying several pieces of armor and weapons (each worth dozens of gold coins) purchased by Diz. They were wrapped carefully in cloth and not visible, but they were honestly anxious. Not only were they expensive, but each piece of equipment was incredibly powerful.

“The Golden Hammer is a relatively young guild. I had heard the name, but couldn’t see their faces. Turns out, they’re not half bad. They’ve nurtured a group of fine craftsmen.” -Diz

“Are you really going to use all that stuff you bought?” -Ur

“Of course, I’ll use everything, without exception.” -Diz

She stated this firmly. Ur remembered her fighting style from the past and nodded in agreement. Well, if she said so, she would surely use everything to its fullest. For the craftsmen, and for the equipment itself, this might be the best outcome.

“I hope they continue to improve like this. The growth of good craftsmen is a significant development for a City of Sin” -Diz

She said this with a narrowed gaze. Her tone and look were not those of an ordinary girl. Her perspective seemed almost like…

『Sort of like a the eyes of a parent? 』-Rock

“You think so?” -Diz

『You’re quite impressive for your age. Unlike Ur, ha. 』-Rock

“You’re pretty childish for your age too, Rock.” -Ur

Rock’s words echoed in his head. A parental viewpoint, yes, that’s what it felt like. Maybe that’s how one sees things as part of the ‘Seven Heavens’. Or maybe that’s just the kind of person she was.

“So, we’re meeting Shizuku next, right?” -DIz

“Yeah, it’s almost time. Once we meet Shizuku, we’ll check her equipment and head to the dungeon. Sorry, but I can’t accompany you shopping after that, Diz.”-Ur

“That’s fine. I just wanted to try shopping with someone.” -Diz

He looked at her questioningly. Indeed, she seemed satisfied already. He had thought she was happy because the shopping went well, but it seems the act of shopping itself was the goal. However, the desire to go shopping with someone is typical for a girl her age, but her choice of shopping destination is questionable.

『…Maybe you should have gone to a more fashionable clothing store? 』-Rock

“Eh? Why?” -Diz

“Why, you ask?” -Ur

“I leave choosing clothes that look beautiful to others to my subordinates, so it’s not a problem. Like this.” -Diz

Diz picks up her skirt elegantly and smiles gracefully. She certainly looked beautiful, but Ur made a strange face. This woman, she’s not on the same page.

No, it’s not just that she’s not on the same page, but she herself is disastrously different from the average young woman of her age. And from that fact, Ur realized the meaning behind her earlier words.

『By ‘wanted to try it,’ do you mean you’ve never gone shopping with anyone before? 』-Rock

“If you don’t count my subordinates, then yes.” -Diz

“Why did you suddenly decide to try something you’ve never done before?” -Ur

“Well, I heard that people my age are all doing it, so I thought I might give it a try.” -Diz

So, for her trial run, she headed to a forge guild where sweat and sparks fly, and the smell of rust and curses fill the air… Ur again couldn’t quite find the words for his expression.

“…So, did you enjoy it?” -Ur

“Huh, so this is what normal kids find fun. I thought it was interesting.” -Diz

“…I see.” ­-Ur

That didn’t sound like the reaction of someone who had fun.

But Diz looked content. She didn’t seem to care about what Ur was thinking at all. She didn’t realize at all that it was strange. As Ur fell silent, not sure what to do, Rock stood up.

『I’m a bit curious about the street magician over there; I’ll go have a look. 』-Rock

“Hey, Rock.” -Ur

『What? I’ll make sure to return by the time we’re supposed to meet with master. 』-Rock

With a thump, Rock hit Ur’s armor with the back of his hand. Ur understood it meant “do something about it,” but before he could protest the unreasonable request, Rock had already slipped away toward the hall.

While various thoughts swirled in Ur’s head about whether it was alright to leave her satisfied like that or what he should do to show he cared, Diz, after checking the clock tower’s hands, stretched.

“Well, it’s about time for me to get back to work, so I should be heading back.” -Diz

“Wait.” -Ur

“Hm?” -Diz

Ur called out to her. He had said “wait,” but what was he going to do? He himself doubted his action. But to simply send her off with a “good job” would be too lackluster for a man.

Ur stood up, quickly dove into a nearby stall, purchased something, and hurried back to stand in front of her.

Facing the puzzled Diz, Ur held out what he had bought.

“Please take this.” -Ur

“……Hmm?” -Diz

What he handed her on impulse was a popular treat in this city known as “Sweet Grilled Amochi,” a simple concoction involving polishing, kneading, and hardening the fruit of Amochi from the food city, then applying a sauce and grilling it. The simplicity belied its depth, and especially the sauce—each shop had its own secret recipe, which made the flavors distinctly different (according to the City of Sin, Lust tourist guide).

In front of this signature dish, Diz tilted her head.

“I’m not really hungry, you know?” -Diz

“Is that so?” -Ur

“Besides, I have more money, should I have paid?” -Diz

“No need.” -Ur

“So, what’s the point of offering this to me?” -Diz

“Can’t you just accept it without saying anything? I’m trying to look cool here despite my face contorting.” -Ur

“Is this supposed to be cool?” -Diz

“I might die of embarrassment.” -Ur

Despite almost suffocating from embarrassment, Ur accepted it as Diz, with an air of ‘whatever,’ took the offered grilled Amochi and bit into it. She seemed to have eaten it before, as she wasn’t particularly surprised by its fluffy texture, and she smiled.

“Mmm, it’s delicious.” -Diz

“Is it?” -Ur

“Hasn’t Ur eaten it before? You should eat it quickly. It’s best when hot.” -Diz

So he did, taking a bite. The soft, scalding-hot texture was a bit of a challenge, but as he chewed, the sweet sauce mingled with the soft Amochi. The inherent mild sweetness of the Amochi, combined with the slightly charred flavor of the sauce, tantalized his stomach.

“I see, it’s good.” -Ur

“This shop’s is sweet-based. Not bad.” -Diz

“I knew there were different kinds, but what flavors are there?” -Ur

“There are ones with sweet and spicy sauce, or ones without sauce but sprinkled with sweet powder. There are also chilled ones.” -Diz

“…Are they good?” -Ur

“Decent enough. They’re all attempts to satisfy customers who have grown tired of the same thing.” -Diz

As they chewed and enjoyed the stretchy texture, they talked about the competitive conditions of the city’s specialties. Ur, a wanderer, knew very little, and she had much more to say.

“So, what’s this all about?” -Diz

“It’s nothing special. You said you wanted to try what other young people do, so I just did it.” -Ur

Hmm? She still didn’t seem to quite understand the question she was asked.

“But we didn’t actually go shopping together, did we? You just bought me food.” -Diz

“You don’t have to go shopping. The point is, I want to enjoy time together.” -Ur

Shopping itself isn’t necessarily the aim. While it might truly be the goal sometimes, when young people invite friends to shop, it’s not just about the shopping.

“It’s about having experiences that allow us to share emotions, to enjoy, and to create memories.” -Ur

Of course, not everyone thinks this way when hanging out with someone. But if it had to be put into words to convince Diz, that’s how it would be explained.

“So, is that why you suggest grilled Amochi?” -Diz

“Eating the same thing together and sharing the feelings, that becomes a memory for the two of us… probably.” -Ur

“Probably?” -Diz

“I haven’t had many friends myself.” -Ur

A wanderer who couldn’t become a city dweller, a person who moved from city to city since childhood didn’t have the luxury to make friends. Even if he was lucky enough to find children of the same age to play with, soon it would be time to part ways. The difference between the status of a city dweller and a rootless weed, and the sadness of parting, eventually made him stop seeking playmates. He would only ever play with his younger sister, Akane. There were exceptions, but mostly it was just the two of them.

“Poor Ur.” -Diz

“Quiet. You’re one to talk. Besides, I have friends now.” -Ur

“Shizuku and Rock?” -Diz

“You too.” -Ur

Diz made a strange face.

“…What?” -Ur

“We were friends?” -Diz

“Stop it, you’ll really kill me.” -Ur

“No, but seriously.” -Diz

Diz finished eating her Amochi skewer and fiddled with the stick. Her actions betrayed boredom, or rather, a sense of bewilderment. She frowned and tilted her head as if she didn’t understand.

“But, I mean, I’m trying to kill your sister, right?” -Diz

“Oh…” -Ur

Of course, he hadn’t forgotten that. For Ur now, Akane was the top priority. And Diz still held Akane’s fate in her hands. It was only Ur’s intervention that had stopped her, and if Ur gave up the challenge to become “Gold Rank ” and Akane proved to be of no value, then without a doubt, Diz would promptly dismantle Akane. That’s why her expression was as it was.

Ur understood that. He understood, and with a grimace, he opened his mouth and said,

“Really, you’re a terrible friend.” -Ur

A friend who would take a sister as repayment for a parent’s debt, attempt to kill her, laugh at his desperate pleas, impose terrible trials, yet also grant chances, save people, protect the city from dragon disasters, and even today, kindly offer advice—

A terrible friend indeed. He would prefer to keep a proper distance if possible. But, well, a friend is a friend.

“We’re friends?” -Diz

“I thought so, but if you don’t think we’re friends, then I’m just a pathetic and pitiful guy.” -Ur

Thinking of someone who’s trying to kill his sister as a friend must mean his head is messed up. Ur objectively looked at his own behavior and felt dejected.

On the other hand, Diz pondered over Ur’s words for a while. It was unusual for her, who normally responded to any situation effortlessly and nonchalantly, as if she had encountered something entirely unexpected.

Then, after the hands of the Great Clock had advanced a bit, she suddenly looked up and said,

“So that’s it! Then we are friends!!” -Diz

She laughed. Although she was always smiling, it was only now that Ur truly saw her smile. Her cheeks flushed slightly, her joy unabashedly on display, her smile directed straight at him was, frankly, adorable.

“…If only you were always this charming.” -Ur

“Come on, Ur! My friend! What shall we do next? Let’s do something!!” -Diz

“This friend doesn’t know how to properly close the distance.” -Ur

She seemed very happy. She had completely forgotten that they were supposed to meet Shizuku and go to work in the dungeon.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Shizuku will be here soon.” -Ur

“Aw, but let’s hang out a bit more. Look, that performer over there is about to do a great magic trick of the century.” -Diz

“You could probably do much better magic than that performer.” -Ur

“Should I show you?” -Diz

“Stop it, don’t take away the performer’s livelihood like that.” -Ur

She kept nagging and seeking physical closeness, which as a man, he didn’t mind, but it also made him anxious. Was she too easy-going, and could this be a scam? He thought about keeping his distance—

“Ah!” -Ur

“My.” -Ur

Before he knew it, Shizuku was there. Having come from the academy, she was already dressed as an adventurer. She looked at Ur and Diz and then smiled gently.

“Ur-sama, Diz-sama, if you’re looking for a place for a rendezvous, there are better places available.” -Shizuku

“It’s not what it looks like.” -Ur

This woman was unwavering.

TL Note(s)

[1] In reference to Japanese “black companies”